bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Localised axial progenitor cell populations in the avian tail bud are not committed to a posterior Hox identity
Authors: McGrew Michael J. , Sherman Adrian , Lillico Simon G. , Ellard Fiona M. , Radcliffe Pippa A. , Gilhooley Hazel J. , Mitrophanous Kyriacos A. , Cambray Noemí , Wilson Valerie , Sang Helen
Published: May 2008

The outgrowth of the vertebrate tail is thought to involve the proliferation of regionalised stem/progenitor cell populations formed during gastrulation. To follow these populations over extended periods, we used cells from GFP-positive transgenic chick embryos as a source for donor tissue in grafting experiments. We determined that resident progenitor cell populations are localised in the chicken tail bud. One population, which is located in the chordoneural hinge (CNH), contributes descendants to the paraxial mesoderm,notochord and neural tube, and is serially transplantable between embryos. A second population of mesodermal progenitor cells is located in a separate dorsoposterior region of the tail bud, and a corresponding population is present in the mouse tail bud. Using heterotopic transplantations, we show that the fate of CNH cells depends on their environment within the tail bud. Furthermore, we show that the anteroposterior identity of tail bud progenitor cells can be reset by heterochronic transplantation to the node region of gastrula-stage chicken embryos.
A template for reviewing the strength of evidence for obstetric brachial plexus injury in clinical negligence claims
Authors: Draycott Tim , Sanders Carolyn , Crofts Joanna , Lloyd Joanna
Published: May 2008

Obstetric brachial plexus injury (OBPI) is uncommon but accounts for a significant proportion of obstetric clinical negligence claims. There is debate in the medical literature and in legal proceedings regarding the causation of OBPI, particularly whether OBPI is caused by the accoucheur applying excessive traction or simply through the forces of labour itself.

This paper reviews the medical literature and legal case law surrounding OBPI and presents a template for reviewing the strength of evidence for OBPI in clinical negligence claims. The template contains factors more likely to be present if the OBPI was caused by the maternal forces of labour ‘propulsion injury’ (injury to the posterior arm, no documented evidence of shoulder dystocia, up-to-date training, appropriate shoulder dystocia management, no evidence of excessive traction, correct number of birth attendants, precipitous second stage, temporary injury) and factors more likely if the injury is iatrogenic (injury to the anterior arm, shoulder dystocia, no recent training, incorrect shoulder dystocia resolution manoeuvres used, evidence of excessive traction, insufficient birth attendants, fundal pressure, permanent injury). Each factor does not, in itself, establish causation, but the template may provide a useful aid to legal teams reviewing medical notes.
The expert meeting: review of survey data provided by lawyers and medicolegal experts
Authors: Freedland Fiona
Published: May 2008

AvMA undertook the survey in order to examine whether Rule 35 of the Civil Procedure Rules that governs expert meetings was operating effectively. The survey was initially restricted to Claimant lawyers as this is the group that AvMA has most contact and dealings with. However, the survey was subsequently expanded to include some Defendant lawyers as well as medicolegal experts themselves. The scope of the study was to look at issues arising from the expert meeting. Although the survey referred to the expert ‘meeting’, in practice, many discussions between experts take place without the experts meeting at all. The term ‘expert meeting’ was to encompass all forms of discussions between experts. This paper presents a review of the survey returns with particular emphasis placed on problems encountered in the context of the expert meeting. The level of response to the survey from Claimant lawyers was higher than AvMA expected. The response to the survey from Defendant lawyers is less than would be needed for the claims to be considered representative of Defendant lawyers in general. For resource reasons surveys to medicolegal experts were restricted to those for whom AvMA already had e-mail details. This limited the scope of potential medicolegal expert responses. Notwithstanding this, general themes have been picked out throughout this study that AvMA regards as indicative of feelings within both the legal and clinical professional groups. The main findings were as follows: It is rare for lawyers to attend expert meetings; The majority of Claimant lawyers (72%) believe that lawyers should be present at the expert meeting. This contrasted with 33% of experts believing that lawyers should be present and with only 20% of Defendant lawyers agreeing. Less than 2% of Claimant lawyers attend an expert meeting. Less than 60% had ever attended an expert meeting; Less than 50% of lawyers had ever made an application to court in order to be present at an expert meeting; Ninety-eight percent of Claimant respondents reported difficulties in getting Defendant lawyers or the court to permit the presence of lawyers.
The trouble with safety in the National Health Service: a personal view
Authors: Lilleyman John
Published: May 2008

Public interest in NHS safety has been fired by cataclysmic reports of thousands of patients being killed through medical errors. These terrifying but unreliable figures almost certainly overstate the size of the problem, but the matter is complicated since there are presently no reliable data and there is no common definition of what an avoidable medical mishap is. So a very serious matter is somewhat clouded by confusion.

Focusing on death and severe harm through unambiguous human error (a good place to start), the most obvious way to reduce such events is to educate frontline clinical staff about the science of safety – how this has been developed in other fields of human endeavour and how it translates to healthcare. This will take time – a professional generation, probably, as the young are more amenable to new practices than the old. There are other obstacles, including disincentives to report mishaps and a present lack of professional ownership of the safety initiative. But as awareness grows the pace of change will accelerate and better data will give a clearer picture of what is going on.
Human factors in primary care telemedicine encounters
Authors: Bulik Robert J
Published: May 2008

Summary

Traditional delivery of primary care takes place in a face-to-face transaction between provider and patient. In telemedicine, however, the transaction is ‘filtered’ by the distance and technology. The potential problem of filtered communication in a telemedicine encounter was examined from a human factors perspective. Patients with and without experience of telemedicine, and providers who had experience of telemedicine, were asked about patient–provider relationships in interviews and focus groups. Seven themes emerged: initial impressions, style of questions, field of view, physical interaction, social talk, control of encounter and ancillary services. This suggests that communication can be improved and better patient–provider relationships can be developed in a primary care telemedicine encounter if attention is paid to four areas of the interaction: verbal, non-verbal, relational and actions/transactional. The human factors dimension of telemedicine is an important element in delivery of health care at a distance – and is one of few factors over which the provider has direct control.
Communicating textual health information to the mobile phones of visually-impaired users
Authors: Kummervold Per Egil , Holthe Halgeir
Published: May 2008

Summary

We investigated how short messages communicating health information would best be distributed to people with vision difficulties using mobile phones. Twelve visually-impaired persons who were unable to read short message service (SMS) messages directly compared three methods of presenting text messages as speech: (1) ordinary SMS messages were sent to the users and converted into speech by the mobile phone; (2) multimedia messages were sent to the users with prerecorded speech-synthesized information; and (3) mobile phone calls were placed to the users and prerecorded speech-synthesized messages were streamed to them. The latter two approaches used server-generated sound files. Over a three-month trial period, we sent a total of 88 SMS messages to the subjects, 111 multimedia messaging service (MMS) messages and 104 telephone calls. All of the SMS messages, 88% of the MMS messages and 69% of the telephone calls were received. In subsequent interviews, we asked the users which presentation method they preferred. SMS scored significantly better than both MMS ( P = 0.033) and telephones ( P = 0.006). All three methods had serious drawbacks. However, the study suggests that it might be possible to develop suitable technology for communicating with people with vision difficulties by mobile phone.
Teleneurology in patients with multiple sclerosis: EDSS ratings derived remotely and from hands-on examination
Authors: Kane Robert L , Bever Christopher T , Ehrmantraut Mary , Forte Alan , Culpepper William J , Wallin Mitchell T
Published: May 2008

Summary

We compared the telemedicine assessment of 20 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) with the findings of a hands-on examiner. The remote specialist was a neurologist with expertise in MS; the hands-on examination was performed by an experienced mid-level practitioner. We also compared the findings of a second specialist viewing the examination in the room with the patient. The videoconference link operated at a bandwidth of 384 kbit/s. All three examiners independently completed a standardized rating scale for neurological functions. Cronbach's α for the three raters' total expanded disability status scale (EDSS) score was 0.99 with individual correlations ranging from 0.96–0.97. Agreement between raters for individual neurological domain scores was more variable. The most consistent assessments were for optic, bowel and bladder, and cerebral functions. The least consistent were for cerebellar and brain stem functions. Agreement between the remote and local examiners was similar to that reported for different neurological examiners directly assessing the same patient using the EDSS rating system.
Current status and future perspectives in telecare for elderly people suffering from chronic diseases
Authors: Botsis Taxiarchis , Hartvigsen Gunnar
Published: May 2008

Summary

We reviewed the literature on home telecare for elderly patients suffering from chronic diseases. Articles published between 1990 and 2007 were identified via the PubMed database. The literature search yielded 485 papers. After reviewing the title and abstract from each, 54 were selected for closer examination. They were published in 37 different journals. The number of papers increased from one in 1997 to 14 in 2006. The diseases in which home telecare had been used were diabetes (14 studies), heart failure (13 studies), cognitive impairment (dementia and/or Alzheimer's disease, 10 studies), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (5 studies), chronic wounds (4 studies) and mobility disabilities (4 studies). Patients were generally satisfied with home telecare, but they preferred a combination of home telecare with conventional health-care delivery. Health-care professionals were positive about telecare. Users felt that on many occasions telecare led to a reduction in costs due to time savings and avoidance of travelling. Even though there were important benefits from home telecare, there are organizational, ethical, legal, design, usability and other matters that need to be resolved before widespread implementation can occur.
A comparison of telehealth and face-to-face presentation for school professionals supporting students with chronic illness
Authors: Spaulding Ryan J , Davis Kathy , Patterson James
Published: May 2008

Summary

We compared the perceptions of school professionals who received education about students with chronic illness by videoconference (VC) or by face-to-face (FTF) presentation. Forty-five different one-hour presentations were provided by a paediatric educator to a total of 1389 subjects – 919 viewed FTF presentations and 417 viewed VC presentations. Subjects completed a 10-item survey to assess satisfaction and other perceptions, such as access and convenience of the sessions, on a 5-point Likert scale. The results for the two different modalities were compared using analysis of variance. Participants at the FTF presentations (mean 4.6, SD = 0.6) and VC presentations (mean 4.3, SD = 0.7) indicated that they were very satisfied with the instruction they received. The FTF participants were significantly more satisfied than the VC participants ( P < 0.001). Similarly, comfort with the sessions, perceived preparedness, convenience and other items were also highly rated in both groups, although the FTF group rated many of these perceptions significantly higher. Regression analysis showed that the comfort level with the presentations was a predictor of satisfaction, suggesting that people might not be familiar enough with VC sessions to be comfortable and satisfied with this delivery mechanism. Nonetheless, VC delivery appears to be a viable alternative when FTF is not possible, particularly in rural areas.
SERPINA1 Gene Variants in Individuals from the General Population with Reduced α1-Antitrypsin Concentrations
Authors: Zorzetto Michele , Russi Erich , Senn Oliver , Imboden Medea , Ferrarotti Ilaria , Tinelli Carmine , Campo Ilaria , Ottaviani Stefania , Scabini Roberta , von Eckardstein Arnold , Berger Wolfgang , Brändli Otto , Rochat Thierry , Luisetti Maurizio , Probst-Hensch Nicole ,   the SAPALDIA Team
Published: May 2008

Background: Individuals with severe deficiency in serum α1-antitrypsin (AAT) concentrations are at high risk for developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), whereas those carrying the PI*MZ genotype are at slightly increased risk. Testing appropriate subgroups of the population for AAT deficiency (AATD) is therefore an important aspect of COPD prevention and timely treatment. We decided to perform an exhaustive investigation of SERPINA1 gene variants in individuals from the general population with a moderately reduced serum AAT concentration, because such information is currently unavailable.

Methods: We determined the Z and S alleles of 1399 individuals enrolled in the Swiss Cohort Study on Air Pollution and Lung Diseases in Adults (SAPALDIA) with serum AAT concentrations ≤1.13 g/L and submitted 423 of these samples for complete exon 2→5 sequencing.

Results: We found that 900 of 1399 samples (64%), carried the normal PI*MM genotype, whereas 499 samples (36%) carried at least 1 SERPINA1 deficiency variant. In the subpopulations in which AAT concentrations ranged from >1.03 to ≤1.13 and from >0.93 to ≤1.03 g/L, individuals with the PI*MM genotype represented the majority (86.5% and 53.8%, respectively). The PI*MS genotype was predominant (54.9%) in the AAT range of 0.83 to 0.93 g/L, whereas PI*MZ represented 76.4% in the AAT range of >0.73 to ≤0.83 g/L.

Conclusions: This analysis provided a detailed molecular definition of intermediate AATD, which would be helpful in the diagnostic setting.
Interactivity: A review of the concept and a framework for analysis
Authors: Quiring Oliver , Schweiger Wolfgang
Published: May 2008

The terms ‘interactivity’ and ‘interactive media’ became significant buzzwords during the late 1980s and early 1990s when the multi-media euphoria fascinated politicians, economists, and researchers alike. However, right from the beginning of the scientific debate, the inconsistent usage of the term ‘interactivity’ massively complicated the comparability of numerous empirical studies. This is where this article joins the discussion. First, the article sheds light on the terminological origins of ‘interactivity’ and distinguishes the term from cognate expressions. Further, it restructures and extends existing findings on the basis of a new analysis framework which considers three levels of interactive communication (action level, level of subjective situation evaluation, and level of meaning exchange). Finally, it delivers a systematic overview of specific criteria of interactive communication.
Conversations about local media and their role in community integration
Authors: Mahrt Merja
Published: May 2008

For decades, scholars have been interested in the relationship between community integration and local media use. Some have argued that the use of the local media furthers integration. Others have seen integration into a community as a prerequisite for attention to the media. In this study, a survey explored whether a relationship between the two dimensions actually exists and whether personal conversations about media topics could link both phenomena. The results show that social integration is not only related to media use, but also to conversations specifically about media content. Thus, the media's contribution to community integration could be an indirect one, by facilitating conversations and by helping integrate individuals socially through conversational topics.
The digital divide in Flanders: Disappearance or persistence?
Authors: Vandoninck Sofie , Roe Keith
Published: May 2008

Recent empirical evidence suggests that the so-called ‘digital divide’ persists in both Europe and North America. The purpose of this (follow-up) study is to establish whether the digital divide persists in Flanders and, if so, to examine its extent and main contours. The results suggest that, although showing signs of diminishing, the digital divide is still very much in place and is still structured along classic socio-demographic lines such as gender, age, level of education, and occupational status.
Effects of Temperature, Chemical, and Mineral Admixtures on the Electrical Conductivity of Concrete
Authors: Nokken Michelle , Boddy Adam , Wu Xiaorong , Hooton R. Douglas
Published: May 2008

ASTM C1202 has become a very common test method for prequalification purposes and for performance-based specifications in North America. Although the test neither directly determines the permeability or chloride resistance, it has often been shown to have good correlation to those properties since electrical conductivity is also related to the porosity and connectivity of the pore structure. The prevalence of the test is largely based on its ease of execution and its wide acceptance and use by many state and provincial DOTs. More recently, ASTM subcommittee C09.66 has discussed replacing the above test method with a more rapid method measuring conductivity. Several factors affect the conductivity of concrete, mixture design, inclusion of chemical and mineral admixtures, the temperature during testing and the age or maturity at test time. Research was carried out to investigate the magnitude of these variables on measured conductivity. Conductivity was measured using the same equipment as the ASTM C1202 method with changes in the magnitude and duration of the applied voltage as well as the solutions used in the test cell chamber. Conductivity was measured every three hours starting at one day after casting until seven days and weekly until 28 days. Conductivity was found to decrease with hydration as expected. It was determined that mixture design and temperature have significant effects on measured conductivity while chemical admixtures have less influence with the exception of corrosion inhibitors. The developed test method presents potential as a tool for prequalification and quality control that can be directly related to maturity and durability.
A nyelvi relativizmus és az idegrendszeri plaszticitás
Authors: Fekete István , Pléh Csaba
Published: May 2008

A világ nyelvei különféle aspektusokban eltérnek egymástól.
Vajon a nyelvek különbségei gondolkodásbeli különbségekhez vezetnek-e?
Amennyiben igen, akkor a nyelv mely aspektusai okoznak gondolkodá__
A morális döntések neurobiológiai vonatkozásai
Authors: Kéri Szabolcs
Published: May 2008

Jogos-e egyáltalán a morális folyamtok agyi mechanizmusaival
kapcsolatban kérdéseket feltenni?A problémát két irányból közelíthetjük meg.
Egyfelől an__
Az alvás és az alvás alatti emlékezeti konszolidáció
Authors: Clemens Zsófia , Halász Péter
Published: May 2008

A tanulmány áttekinti azokat az érveket, amelyek szerint az
alvás szakaszai sajátos mechanizmust képeznek a tanulási és emlékezeti
konszolidáció számára. A REM-alvás szerepéről számos ellentmondó elképzelés
született. Ugyanakkor az alvási _
Differenciálpszichológia alvásélettani megközelítésben: az egyéni EEG-mintázatok jelentősége
Authors: Bódizs Róbert
Published: May 2008

A neurális rendszerek szinkronizált oszcillációkba
szerveződése az alvás elektrofiziológiailag jól megragadható vonatkozásainak
egyike. Az oszcillációk általános, mindenkire jellemző jegyei mellett egyre
ismertebbé válnak a személyre specifikus vonások is, amelyek az alvás egyéni
topogr_
A magyar vonatkozó mellékmondatok megértése tipikus és zavart nyelvi fejlődésben
Authors: Kas Bence , Lukács Ágnes
Published: May 2008

Az összetett mondatok feldolgozására vonatkozó hipotézisek
egyrészt nem különíthetőek el a hagyományosan vizsgált angolban, másrészt nem
alkalmazhatóak közvetlenül tipológiailag eltérő nyelvekre. Tanulmányunk fő
kérdései 1. a szerkezeti
tényezőkkel összefüggő nyelvfüggetlen vagy specifikus feldolgozási
nehézségekre, 2. a
nyelvfejlődési zavarra jellemző profilbeli eltérésekre, illetve 3. a mondatmegértési teljesítmény
és az általános információfeldolgozási képességek kapcsolatára irányultak. 12
fő iskoláskorú, nyelvfejlődési zavart mutató (NyZ), illetve hozzájuk
receptívszókincs-pontszámban illesztett tipikus fejlődésű (TF) gyereket
vizsgáltunk. A különböző vonatkozósszerkezetek megértését mondatlejátszási
helyzetben teszteltük. A statisztikai elemzés szignifikáns csoport- és
szerkezeti hatásokat jelzett, többek közt a főmondat megszakítottsága, a fej
szerepe és a perspektívaváltáshatását. A mondattípusok viszonylagos nehézsége
az OS > SS > OO > SOsorrendet mutatta. Miután ugyanazok a mondatszerkezetek
bizonyultak nehezebbnek mindkét csoportszámára, eredményeink a nyelvfejlődési
zavar nem reprezentációs elméleteit támogatják.A visszafelé számterjedelmet
mint kovariánst tartalmazó statisztikai elemzés nem jelzett szerkezeti
hatásokat, ami arra utalhat, hogy a szerkezetek közti bonyolultságbeli
eltérések valójában a verbális munkamemória és a végrehajtó funkciók
terhelésében jelentkez'
Támpont és útvonal, téri emlékezet Williams-szindrómában: a Térkép-feladat
Authors: Racsmány Mihály , Lukács Ágnes , Pléh Csaba
Published: May 2008

A Williams-szindróma egy ritka genetikai betegség, amely a
7. kromoszóma egy szakaszának sérülését követően jellegzetes fejlődési
profillal jellemezhető. Hagyományosan a téri-vizuális és verbális képességek
eltérő ütemű fejlőd_
Gyermekkori pszichiátriai kórképek frontostriatális érintettségének neuropszichológiai vizsgálata
Authors: Mészáros Gergely , Tárnok Zsanett , Oláh Szabina , Gádoros Júlia
Published: May 2008

A tanulmány bemutatja a gyermekpszichiátriai kórképekben
megfigyelhető végrehajtó működési zavarok klinikai profilját, majd a funkciók
vizsgálatára készített és adaptált kognitív eljáráskészletet. A több száz
gyermek- és serdül__
Left ventricular morphological and functional characteristics in athletes doing sports at different levels
Authors: Kneffel Zsuzsanna
Published: May 2008

Vizsgálataimban tanulmányoztam az egészséges szív alkalmazkodását az edzésterheléshez, valamint az edzett szív jelentőségét az egészség megőrzésében.
Célkitűzés:
1. Az edzetteknél talált magasabb E/A hányados az edzésbradycardiának tudható-e be, vagy a rendszeres edzés önálló hatásának tekinthető? 2. Mely kardiális mutatókban látszik különbség a más-más intenzitással játszó labdajátékosoknál? 3. Hogyan függenek össze a szívmutatók az állóképességet jellemző legfőbb spiroergometriás mutatóval, a relatív aerob kapacitással?
Módszer:
A kérdések tisztázására nem edzett és edzett emberek nyugalmi, kétdimenzionálisan irányított M-módú és Doppler-echokardiográfiás adatait hasonlítottam össze, valamint az edzett emberek értékeit egymáshoz is viszonyítottam.
Eredmények:
1. A diasztolés funkciót jellemző E/A hányados függ a nyugalmi pulzusszámtól. A fiatal sportolókban talált magasabb E/A hányados nem tekinthető a rendszeres edzés közvetlen hatásának, inkább az edzésbradycardia következménye. 2. Az egyes labdajátékosok szívének adatait vizsgálva a szív morfológiai edzettségi jeleiben és a nyugalmi pulzusszámban a vízilabdázók mutatták a legjobb, a röplabdások a leggyengébb értékeket, de ők is jobbak voltak a fizikailag passzív csoport tagjainál. 3. Nem edzett és különböző sportágcsoportba tartozó edzett férfiak összevont csoportjában a bal kamra testméretre vonatkoztatott falvastagsága, belső átmérője és izomtömege, a pulzusszám és az E/A hányados mutatott szignifikáns korrelációt a maximális oxigénfelvevő képességgel.
Következtetések:
1. Idősebb korban a magasabb E/A hányados független a pulzusszámtól, az edzés önálló hatásának bizonyul, ami arra utal, hogy a rendszeres edzés mérsékelni képes a diasztolés funkció életkorral járó romlását. 2. A hosszan tartó mérkőzésekhez, az egyre megnyúló versenyidőszakhoz, a folyamatos, nagy intenzitású edzésekhez alighanem hasznos, valószínűleg szükséges lenne a röplabdajátékosok speciális állóképességi edzésprogramjának bevezetése. 3. Minél nagyobb volt a sportoló edzés- és versenyprogramjában az állóképességi teljesítmény, annál több mutatóban volt korreláció a relatív aerob kapacitással. A jelenség a sportolók különböző feltételezett izomszerkezetével magyarázható.
Vena portae obstruction as a cause of portal hypertension in a child with Turner syndrome
Authors: Müller Katalin Eszter , Müller Katalin , Dezsőfi Antal , Kis Éva , Máttyus István , Veres Gábor , Arató András , Szőnyi László
Published: May 2008

Turner-szindrómában a cardiovascularis és renalis malformatiók gyakori előfordulása jól ismert. A ritkábban tapasztalt gastrointestinalis vérzés jellemző oka e betegségben az irodalmi adatok szerint intestinalis teleangiectasia, gyulladásos bélbetegség és portalis hypertensio. Hároméves, Turner-szindróma miatt gondozott gyermek súlyos, transzfúziót igénylő gastrointestinalis vérzéssel járó esetét ismertetik a szerzők. A haematochesia hátterében a képalkotó vizsgálat praehepaticus portalis hypertensiót igazolt, amelynek oka a vena portae veleszületett hiánya volt. A máj szövettani vizsgálata az intrahepaticus artériák és vénák anomáliáját írta le. Az eset kapcsán a szerzők a Turner-szindrómához társuló májelváltozásokat, valamint a vena portae elzáródásának gyermekkorban előforduló okait elemzik.
Protocol for DNA extraction of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts in fecal samples
Authors: Gonçalves Elenice M.N. , Araújo Ronalda S. , Orban Magali , Matté Glavur R. , Matté Maria Helena , Corbett Carlos E.P.
Published: May 2008

Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp.oocysts in clinical samples is useful for public health since it allows the study of sources of contamination as well as the transmission in different geographical regions. Although widely used in developed countries, in Brazil it is restricted to academic studies, mostly using commercial kits for the extraction of genomic DNA, or in collaboration with external reference centers, rendering the method expensive and limited. The study proposes the application of the modifications recently introduced in the method improving feasibility with lower cost. This method was efficient for clinical samples preserved at -20 °C for up to six years and the low number of oocysts may be overcomed by repetitions of extraction.
Genotypic identification of Cryptosporidium spp. isolated from hiv-infected patients and immunocompetent children of São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Araújo Ana Julia Urias dos Santos , Kanamura Herminia Yohko , Almeida Marcos Eduardo de , Gomes Aparecida Helena de Souza , Pinto Thais Helena Lemos , Da Silva Alexandre Januário
Published: May 2008

Cryptosporidium isolates identified in fourteen stool samples, collected from five HIV-infected patients and nine immunocompetent children, living in the Sate of São Paulo, Brazil, were submitted to a molecular analysis using a nested PCR followed of restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), for genetic characterization. The analysis was based on digestion with RsaI restriction enzyme of a DNA fragment amplified from the Cryptosporidium oocyst wall protein (COWP) gene. Based on this analysis, four samples were identified as Cryptosporidium parvum, eight as Cryptosporidium hominis and two presented a profile that correspondedto Cryptosporidium meleagridis when compared to the standards used in the analysis. The use of molecular methods can be helpful to identify source of infections and risk factors related to Cryptosporidium infection in our communities.
Nocardiosis: an overview and additional report of 28 cases in cattle and dogs
Authors: Ribeiro Márcio Garcia , Salerno Tatiana , Mattos-Guaraldi Ana Luiza de , Camello Thereza Cristina Ferreira , Langoni Hélio , Siqueira Amanda Keller , Paes Antonio Carlos , Fernandes Marta Catarina , Lara Gustavo Henrique Batista
Published: May 2008

Phenotypic characteristics, antimicrobial susceptibility profile, and clinical-epidemiological features of 28 Nocardia strains isolated from 19 cases of bovine mastitis, eight cutaneous-subcutaneous lesions and one case of pneumonia in dogs were evaluated. Microbiological, biochemical, cytological and scanning electron microscopy methods were used in diagnosis. Nocardia asteroides type IV, Nocardia otitidiscaviarum,Nocardia nova (type III) and Nocardia farcinica (type V) were isolated from bovine milk, bronchial lavage and/or cutaneous-subcutaneous abscesses in dogs. Nocardial bovine mastitis was diagnosed predominantly in clinical cases, in dairy herds with poor environmental hygienic conditions between milking and inappropriate intramammary therapy. Canine nocardiosis was observed commonly in animals co-infected with distemper virus. Sulphamethoxazole-trimethoprim (92.8%), amikacin (92.8%) and ceftiofur (92.8%) were the most effective drugs in 28 isolates. Multiple drug resistance to three or more and five or more antimicrobials was observed in ten (35.7%) and three (10.7%) strains, respectively, predominantly with use of cloxaxillin, cefoperazone and ampicillin. The species (type) classification, clinical-epidemiological characteristics, diagnosis, multiple-drug resistance and public health considerations in Nocardia strains isolated from cattle and dogs in Brazil are discussed, with special reference to report of bovine mastitis by N. otitidiscaviarum by first time in Brazil and the similarity between Nocardia species isolated from human and animal origin.
Thermal decomposition of solid state compounds of lanthanide and yttrium benzoates in CO2 atmosphere
Authors: Locatelli J. R. , Siqueira A. B. , Carvalho C. T. , Ionashiro M.
Published: May 2008

Solid-state Ln-Bz compounds, where Ln stands for trivalent lanthanides and Bz is benzoate have been synthesized. Simultaneous thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis in a CO2 atmosphere were used to study the thermal decomposition of these compounds.
Variabilidade patogênica e efeito de carboidratos no crescimento micelial, esporulação e agressividade de Colletotrichum gloeosporioides da pupunheira
Authors: Mafacioli Rudimar , Tessmann Dauri José , Santos Álvaro Figueredo dos , Vida João Batista
Published: May 2008

A agressividade de 17 isolados de Colletotrichum gloeosporioides associados à antracnose em folhas da pupunheira (Bactris gasipaes), oriundos de estados no Norte, Sudeste e Sul do Brasil, foi avaliada através de bioensaio com folhas de pupunheira destacadas, em três estágios de desenvolvimento: jovem, intermediária e completamente expandida. Diferenças significativas na agressividade dos isolados foram verificadas apenas em folhas completamente expandidas e intermediárias. O emprego de diferentes carboidratos, tais como glicose, maltose ou amido, em suplemento ao meio batata-ágar, influenciou o crescimento micelial e a esporulação de alguns isolados. A agressividade de dois isolados, dentre cinco isolados testados, foi significativamente maior quando os conídios foram produzidos no meio de cultura com amido, em relação aos meios com glicose e maltose.
Caracterização, compatibilidade e ocorrência de reprodução sexual entre isolados de Pyricularia grisea de diferentes hospedeiros
Authors: Galbieri Rafael , Urashima Alfredo Seiiti
Published: May 2008

A brusone, causada por Pyricularia grisea (teleomorfa Magnaphorthe grisea), possui uma ampla gama de hospedeiros. No Brasil, arroz, trigo, triticale e cevada são as culturas que sofrem quedas significativas de produtividade devido ao ataque desse patógeno. Além desses cereais, outras gramíneas também têm apresentado sintomas dessa doença. Os objetivos dessa pesquisa foram: a) caracterizar sexualmente isolados de P. grisea desses hospedeiros baseado na determinação do "mating type", fertilidade, sexualidade, compatibilidade sexual, b) analisar o grau de compatibilidade sexual entre isolados de brusone de trigo e de outras gramíneas, c) estudar a ocorrência da reprodução sexual em isolados de trigo. Os resultados obtidos através de ensaios "in vitro" constataram: 1) compatibilidade sexual de P. grisea do trigo com Bromus catharticus, Phalaris canariensis e X. triticosecal; 2) desbalanço entre porcentagem de MAT1-1 e MAT1-2, com predominância de MAT1-1 na população de P. grisea do trigo; 3) existência de um campo de isolados de trigo com baixa habilidade de cruzamento; 4) baixa possibilidade de ocorrência de reprodução sexual de P. grisea em campos de trigo, mesmo com existência de ambos "mating type" num mesmo campo.
Efeito da temperatura na multiplicação celular, no desenvolvimento embrionário e na eclosão de juvenis do segundo estádio de Meloidogyne javanica
Authors: Campos Hercules Diniz , Campos Vicente Paulo , Pozza Edson Ampélio
Published: May 2008

Fatores abióticos influenciam a multiplicação celular, o desenvolvimento embrionário, bem como a sobrevivência e eclosão de juvenis do segundo estádio (J2) de Meloidogyne spp. O efeito relativo à temperatura constante tem sido estudado com várias espécies e populações de Meloidogyne. Entretanto, tem sido pouco pesquisado a flutuação de temperatura, a qual predomina no campo entre o dia e a noite ou durante períodos de predominância de massas polares. Assim, objetivou-se estudar o efeito da flutuação de temperatura em ovos de M. javanica com estádios de desenvolvimento padronizados. Quando foram usados ovos com juvenis já formados, maior percentual de eclosão ocorreu em temperatura fixa de 28 ºC, mas a redução do tempo de exposição a esta temperatura reduziu a eclosão. A exposição dos ovos por 10 horas a 10 ºC, seguido de 14 horas a 28 ºC, proporcionou maior eclosão dos J2 em relação ao mesmo período de exposição mas a 5 ºC seguido de 14 horas a 28 ºC. Já a incubação em temperatura constante de 10 ºC proporcionou menor taxa de eclosão. Ovos no estádio de duas células incubados em temperatura constante de 28 ºC tiveram a multiplicação celular e o desenvolvimento embrionário acelerado em relação às alternadas. Em temperatura constante de 10 ºC ocorreu apenas a multiplicação celular, após a incubação dos ovos por 12 dias. Entretanto, quando incubados por períodos de 10 horas a 10 ºC seguido de 14 horas a 28 ºC ocorreram a formação de juvenis e eclosão de J2, porém significativamente inferior às observadas em temperatura constante de 28 ºC. Em temperaturas de 5 ºC por 10 horas seguida de 28 ºC por 14 horas, não proporcionou eclosão de juvenis no período de 12 dias. Nos ovos ocorreram apenas os estádios pluricelulares, gástrula e "tadpole". Portanto, a temperatura constante de 10 ºC permite apenas a multiplicação celular, e o intervalo de temperatura entre 5 ºC e 10 ºC afeta drasticamente os processos envolvidos no desenvolvimento embrionário de M. javanica.
Inoculação e sobrevivência de Xanthomonas vesicatoria em sementes de tomateiro
Authors: Corrêa Fábio Mathias , Carvalho Aldir de Oliveira de , Carmo Margarida Goréte Ferreira do
Published: May 2008

Para avaliar o efeito de métodos de inocuação de Xanthomonas vesicatoria (Doidge) (9) em sementes de tomate sobre a qualidade da semente e transmissão da fitobactéria compararam-se os tratamentos: 1) inoculação a vácuo com suspensão de células de X. vesicatoria em STP (0,005M, pH 7,4 e NaCl 0,85%); 2) imersão por 24 horas em suspensão de células de X. vesicatoria em STP; 3) vácuo em solução STP; 4) imersão por 24 horas em STP; 5) imersão por 5 min. em álcool etílico e 6) semente original. As avaliações foram realizadas por testes de germinação e isolamentos em meio Nutriente Agar Modificado (NAM) aos 1, 15, 30 e 45 dias após aplicação dos tratamentos. Em seguida, avaliou-se o efeito da umidade (4% e 8%) e o armazenamento das sementes inoculadas e variações de umidade antes da realização dos testes sobre a sobrevivência e recuperação de X. vesicatoria. Os métodos de inoculação testados podem ser utilizados em trabalhos de rotina, porém, as sementes devem ser utilizadas até 30 dias após a inoculação a partir de quando ocorre uma redução acentuada na taxa de recuperação da fitobactéria. A umidade das sementes interfere na sobrevivência e na transmissão de X. vesicatoria pelas sementes de tomate.
Reação de híbridos de brócolis 'tipo cabeça única' à podridão negra
Authors: Seabra Júnior Santino , Paixão Guilherme de Souza , Maringoni Antonio Carlos , Goto Rumy , Camara Renata de Cássia
Published: May 2008

Conduziu-se simultaneamente dois experimentos, em casa de vegetação, com o objetivo de avaliar a resistência de híbridos de brócolis 'tipo cabeça única' (AF 649, Titleist, Centenário, Green Power, BR068, Magestic Crown, Marathon, Laguna, Legacy, Green Parasol, Packman e Mônaco) à podridão negra, causada por Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris. Foram utilizados os métodos de inoculação no ápice das folhas por cortes com tesoura embebida na suspensão bacteriana e por ferimento provocado no caule com palito de dente umedecido na suspensão bacteriana. A inoculação foi realizada aos 25 dias após transplante (6 a 8 folhas definitivas). Avaliou-se no experimento de inoculação com tesoura, as áreas abaixo da curva de progresso da doença nas folhas inoculadas. No experimento de inoculação por palito de dente, avaliou-se a proporção de altura necrosada do caule, aos 26 dias após inoculação. Verificou-se que, em ambos os experimentos, o híbrido BRO68 apresentou-se mais suscetível à podridão negra e os híbridos Marathon, Legacy e Green Power foram os que apresentaram os maiores níveis de resistência à podridão negra.
Efeito de sanificantes no controle pós-colheita da podridão parda (Monilinia fructicola) e da podridão mole (Rhizopus stolonifer) em pêssegos
Authors: Abreu Fabiana Marchi de , Lourenço Silvia Afonseca , Bassetto Eliane , Gonçalves Fabrício Packer , Martins Marise Cagnim , Amorim Lilian
Published: May 2008

O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar o efeito in vitro e in vivo dos sanificantes cloreto de benzalcônio (Fegatex®), biomassa cítrica (Ecolife40®) e ozônio no controle da podridão parda (Monilinia fructicola) e da podridão mole (Rhizopus stolonifer) em pêssegos das cultivares Aurora, Dourado e Flor da Prince. Cloreto de benzalcônio e biomassa cítrica, aplicados in vitro, ambos na concentração de 1000 mL L-1, inibiram totalmente o crescimento radial (micelial) de M. fructicola, porém nenhum deles foi eficiente no controle de R. stolonifer. Cloreto de benzalcônio aplicado de forma preventiva, na concentração de 3000 mL L-1, reduziu a podridão parda em frutos inoculados sem ferimentos. Quando aplicado de forma curativa em frutos não feridos esse produto foi eficiente em todas as concentrações testadas. Nenhum produto aplicado nos frutos de forma curativa foi eficiente no controle da podridão parda, quando a inoculação do fungo foi realizada através de ferimentos. Nenhum dos produtos foi eficiente no controle da podridão mole. O ozônio (0,1 mL L-1) não foi eficiente no controle das podridões parda e mole.
Efficiency of phylloplane bacteria in controlling aerial tomato diseases under field conditions
Authors: Halfeld-Vieira Bernardo A. , Romeiro Reginaldo S. , Mounteer Ann , Mizubuti Eduardo S.G.
Published: May 2008

The capacity of two bacteria isolated from the tomato phylloplane to control late blight (Phytophthora infestans) was investigated in the field, and compared against the effectiveness of spraying with the fungicide chlorothalonil (1.5 g a.i. L-1) or water (control). A 55% reduction in late blight intensity was observed in the leaves of the middle of the plant and 62% in those of the upper leaves when using the antagonist UFV-STB 6 (Novosphingobium capsulatum) as compared to the control. Isolate UFV-IEA 6 (Bacillus cereus) was able to reduce disease intensity by 55%, but only in the upper leaves of the tomato plants. Treatment with isolate UFV-STB 6 also led to a significant reduction in the percentage of fruits with late blight symptoms. The results demonstrate the potential of these two bacteria in controlling this disease.
Tamanho de amostras para quantificação da podridão-mole da alface e da couve-chinesa
Authors: Silva Adriano Márcio Freire , Michereff Sami Jorge , Mariano Rosa de Lima Ramos , Silva Alessandro José da
Published: May 2008

Os cultivos de alface e couve-chinesa podem ter a produção reduzida devido à ocorrência da podridão-mole, causada por Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar os tamanhos ideais das amostras para quantificação da incidência dessa doença em levantamentos no campo. Foram realizadas amostragens da incidência da podridão-mole em oito áreas de plantio de alface e cinco de couve-chinesa, situadas nos principais municípios produtores do Estado de Pernambuco. Considerando os resultados obtidos e um erro aceitável de 20%, em futuros levantamentos da incidência da podridão-mole em alface recomenda-se a amostragem de 32 parcelas de 4,5 m²/ha e 20 plantas/parcela, enquanto em couve-chinesa a amostragem de 22 parcelas de 10,5 m²/ha e 20 plantas/parcela. Para ambas as culturas não houve correlação significativa (P=0,05) entre os níveis de incidência da doença e os tamanhos das amostras.
Trauma de duodeno: análise de fatores relacionados à morbimortalidade
Authors: Fraga Gustavo Pereira , Biazotto Guilherme , Villaça Marcelo Pinheiro , Andreollo Nelson Adami , Mantovani Mario
Published: May 2008

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os fatores preditivos de morbimortalidade em pacientes com trauma duodenal. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo retrospectivo de 77 pacientes com lesão traumática de duodeno, em um hospital universitário, de janeiro de 1990 a dezembro de 2005. As lesões Grau I foram excluídas. RESULTADOS: O mecanismo de trauma foi penetrante em 87% dos casos e fechado em 13%, sem diferença estatisticamente significativa na mortalidade nestes grupos. Atraso maior que seis horas entre o trauma e a cirurgia foi observado em 7,8% dos casos e não influenciou na evolução dos pacientes. O reparo primário da lesão duodenal foi realizado em 84,4% dos pacientes e os procedimentos complexos em 15,6%, com maior índice de mortalidade no último grupo. A média do ATI foi de 34,5 e a do ISS foi de 22,8. As taxas de morbidade e de mortalidade foram, respectivamente, 61% e 27,3%. A maioria dos pacientes que evoluíram a óbito apresentou-se com choque hipovolêmico na admissão, possuia baixo RTS, elevados ATI e ISS, e baixo TRISS quando comparados aos sobreviventes. Choque hipovolêmico, RTS alterado, lesões associadas e probabilidade de sobrevivência menor que 50% foram considerados fatores independentes associados à mortalidade. CONCLUSÃO: A morbidade associada ao trauma duodenal neste estudo foi dependente de lesões intra-abdominais associadas, contaminação da cavidade peritoneal e reparos complexos da lesão duodenal. A apresentação fisiológica do paciente, gravidade das lesões (ISS > 25) e TRISS foram importantes fatores preditivos de morbidade e mortalidade em traumatizados com lesão duodenal.
Production and marketing of vegetables for the ethnic markets in the United States
Authors: Mangan Francis X , Mendonça Raquel U de , Moreira Maria , Nunes Samanta del Vecchio , Finger Fernando L , Barros Zoraia de Jesus , Galvão Hilton , Almeida Gustavo C , Silva Rachel AN , Anderson Molly D
Published: May 2008

Due to the growing number of immigrants in the United States, made up principally of Latinos, Asians and Africans, there has been a growing demand for products that are popular in their countries of origin. In order to meet this demand, there has been a tremendous increase in imports of agricultural products to the United States. Cassava is a good example. Imports of cassava to the US have increased 370% in the last six years. The University of Massachusetts began to evaluate vegetable crops popular among Puerto Ricans and Dominicans in 1996, and in 2002 began to evaluate crops popular among the large and growing Brazilian population in the state and region. This paper summarizes results of research on crops popular with Brazilian immigrants in the US, in addition to the evaluation of the marketing chain and impact of media outlets to promote and sell these crops. Surveys of Brazilian customers in target markets demonstrated that the majority of Brazilian immigrants in the Northeastern United States are from the state of Minas Gerais. Due to this fact, the crops chosen for research in Massachusetts were ones that were popular in this state: jiló, maxixe, taioba, abóbora and okra. In order to successfully introduce these crops into the marketplace it is critical to devote resources to promotion and marketing. In spite of their popularity among Brazilians, these vegetable crops are not normally found in the market so it is necessary to let the community know that they are available and in what locations. The most effective media outlet evaluated in this work to reach Brazilians was the television station Rede Globo International, available in the United States; however, other avenues evaluated to promote this project to Brazilians, such as Brazilian newspapers and radio programs, were also effective and less expensive. The opportunity to export agricultural products to the United States is a growing opportunity for farmers in Brazil. In order to gain access to this market it is important to understand the distribution system used for fresh produce in the United States.