bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stable multi-infection of splenocytes during SIV infection - the basis for continuous recombination
Authors: Schultz Anke , Sopper Sieghart , Sauermann Ulrike , Meyerhans Andreas , Suspène Rodolphe
Published: April 2012

Background

Recombination is an important mechanism in the generation of genetic diversity of the human (HIV) and simian (SIV) immunodeficiency viruses. It requires the co-packaging of divergent RNA genomes into the same retroviral capsid and subsequent template switching during the reverse transcription reaction. By HIV-specific fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), we have previously shown that the splenocytes from 2 chronically infected patients with Castelman's disease were multi-infected and thus fulfill the in vivo requirements to generate genetic diversity by recombination. In order to analyze when multi-infection first occurs during a lentivirus infection and how the distribution of multi-infection evolves during the disease course, we now determined the SIV copy numbers from splenocytes of 11 SIVmac251-infected rhesus macaques cross-sectionally covering the time span of primary infection throughout to end-stage immunodeficiency.

Results

SIV multi-infection of single splenocytes was readily detected in all monkeys and all stages of the infection. Single-infected cells were more frequent than double- or triple- infected cells. There was no strong trend linking the copy number distribution to plasma viral load, disease stage, or CD4 cell counts.

Conclusions

SIV multi-infection of single cells is already established during the primary infection phase thus enabling recombination to affect viral evolution in vivo throughout the disease course.
An exclusive human milk-based diet in extremely premature infants reduces the probability of remaining on total parenteral nutrition: a reanalysis of the data
Authors: Ghandehari Heli , Lee Martin L , Rechtman David J ,   for the H2MF Study Group
Published: April 2012

Background

We have previously shown that an exclusively human milk-based diet is beneficial for extremely premature infants who are at risk for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). However, no significant difference in the other primary study endpoint, the length of time on total parenteral nutrition (TPN), was found. The current analysis re-evaluates these data from a different statistical perspective considering the probability or likelihood of needing TPN on any given day rather than the number of days on TPN. This study consisted of 207 premature infants randomized into three groups: one group receiving a control diet of human milk, formula and bovine-based fortifier (“control diet”), and the other two groups receiving only human milk and human milk-based fortifier starting at different times in the enteral feeding process (at feeding volumes of 40 or 100 mL/kg/day; “HM40” and “HM100”, respectively). The counting process Cox proportional hazards survival model was used to determine the likelihood of needing TPN in each group.

Results

The two groups on the completely human-based diet had an 11-14 % reduction in the likelihood of needing nutrition via TPN when compared to infants on the control diet (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.001, respectively for the HM40 and HM100 groups, respectively). This was even more pronounced if the initial period of TPN was excluded (p < 0.0001 for both the HM40 and HM100 groups).

Conclusions

A completely human milk-based diet significantly reduces the likelihood of TPN use for extremely premature infants when compared to a diet including cow-based products. This likelihood may be reduced even further when the human milk fortifier is initiated earlier in the feeding process.

Trial registration

This study was registered at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov reg. # NCT00506584
The mitotic spindle protein SPAG5/Astrin connects to the Usher protein network postmitotically
Authors: Kersten Ferry FJ , van Wijk Erwin , Hetterschijt Lisette , Bauβ Katharina , Peters Theo A , Aslanyan Mariam G , van der Zwaag Bert , Wolfrum Uwe , Keunen Jan EE , Roepman Ronald , Kremer Hannie
Published: April 2012

Background

Mutations in the gene for Usher syndrome 2A (USH2A) are causative for non-syndromic retinitis pigmentosa and Usher syndrome, a condition that is the most common cause of combined deaf-blindness. To gain insight into the molecular pathology underlying USH2A-associated retinal degeneration, we aimed to identify interacting proteins of USH2A isoform B (USH2AisoB) in the retina.

Results

We identified the centrosomal and microtubule-associated protein sperm-associated antigen (SPAG)5 in the retina. SPAG5 was also found to interact with another previously described USH2AisoB interaction partner: the centrosomal ninein-like protein NINLisoB. Using In situ hybridization, we found that Spag5 was widely expressed during murine embryonic development, with prominent signals in the eye, cochlea, brain, kidney and liver. SPAG5 expression in adult human tissues was detected by quantitative PCR, which identified expression in the retina, brain, intestine, kidney and testis. In the retina, Spag5, Ush2aisoB and NinlisoB were present at several subcellular structures of photoreceptor cells, and colocalized at the basal bodies.

Conclusions

Based on these results and on the suggested roles for USH proteins in vesicle transport and providing structural support to both the inner ear and the retina, we hypothesize that SPAG5, USH2AisoB and NINLisoB may function together in microtubule-based cytoplasmic trafficking of proteins that are essential for cilium formation, maintenance and/or function.
Control of luminescence from pygmy shark (Squaliolus aliae) photophores
Authors: Claes Julien M. , Ho Hsuan-Ching , Mallefet Jérôme
Published: April 2012

The smalleye pygmy shark (Squaliolus aliae) is a dwarf pelagic shark from the Dalatiidae family that harbours thousands of tiny photophores. In this work, we studied the organisation and physiological control of these photogenic organs. Results show that they are mainly situated on the ventral side of the shark, forming a homogeneous ventral photogenic area that appears well suited for counterillumination, a well-known camouflage technique of pelagic organisms. Isolated ventral skin patches containing photophores did not respond to classical neurotransmitters and nitric oxide but produced light after melatonin (MT) application. Prolactin and α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone inhibited this hormonally induced luminescence as well as the spontaneous luminescence from the photogenic tissue. The action of MT seems to be mediated by binding to the MT2 receptor subtype, as the MT2 receptor agonist 4P-PDOT inhibited the luminescence induced by this hormone. Binding to this receptor probably decreases the intracellular cAMP concentration because forskolin inhibited spontaneous and MT-induced luminescence. In addition, a GABA inhibitory tonus seems to be present in the photogenic tissue as well, as GABA inhibited MT-induced luminescence and the application of bicuculline provoked luminescence from S. aliae photophores. Similarly to what has been found in Etmopteridae, the other luminous shark family, the main target of the luminescence control appears to be the melanophores covering the photocytes. Results suggest that bioluminescence first appeared in Dalatiidae when they adopted a pelagic style at the Cretaceous/Tertiary boundary, and was modified by Etmopteridae when they started to colonize deep-water niches and rely on this light for intraspecific behaviours.
From ZnO Microrods to ZnS Microspheres by a Hydrothermal Treatment: The Case of Thiourea
Authors: Zhang Yidong , Li Qingyu
Published: April 2012

Zinc oxide microrods (MRs) were successfully prepared without the addition of template and additive by a simple hydrothermal route using only Zn(CH3COO)2·2H2O as a precursor at 160 °C for 3 h. Interestingly, the ZnO MRs can be transformed to ZnS microspheres (MSs) with the sulfur source of thiourea under the same conditions. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive spectrum (EDS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results show that the obtained ZnO MRs and ZnS MSs belonged to hexagonal phase and cubic phase, respectively. A possible reaction mechanism is proposed and discussed.
Wide Spectral Tuning of Gel-immobilized Colloidal Crystals Preserving High Uniformity
Authors: Yamamoto Seiji , Sawada Tsutomu , Kanai Toshimitsu
Published: April 2012

We evaluated the spectral uniformity of a widely tunable gel-immobilized colloidal crystal film containing an ionic liquid. Transmission spectral characterization by imaging spectroscopy indicated that the film preserved high uniformity over the entire sample area, in spite of the great volume change during tuning. The standard deviation of the transmittance and Bragg diffraction wavelength of the film were less than 7% and 5 nm, respectively.
Design and Synthesis of a Chemiluminescent Solvatochromic Dye
Authors: Yamagishi Yutaka , Son Sang-Hyun , Yuasa Maiko , Yamada Koji
Published: April 2012

Chemiluminescent solvatochromic dye has been synthesized by the condensation of a chemiluminescent moiety into a fluorescent solvatochromic dye via the Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling. The chemiluminescent wavelength is shifted by solvent polarity, and ratiometric measurement enables the accurate determination of the proportion of water in an aqueous acetone solution.
A randomised controlled clinical trial and gait analysis of fixed- and mobile-bearing total knee replacements with a five-year follow-up
Authors: Jolles B. M. , Grzesiak A. , Eudier A. , Dejnabadi H. , Voracek C. , Pichonnaz C. , Aminian K. , Martin E.
Published: April 2012

This study compared the outcome of total knee replacement (TKR) in adult patients with fixed- and mobile-bearing prostheses during the first post-operative year and at five years’ follow-up, using gait parameters as a new objective measure. This double-blind randomised controlled clinical trial included 55 patients with mobile-bearing (n = 26) and fixed-bearing (n = 29) prostheses of the same design, evaluated pre-operatively and post-operatively at six weeks, three months, six months, one year and five years. Each participant undertook two walking trials of 30 m and completed the EuroQol questionnaire, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index, Knee Society score, and visual analogue scales for pain and stiffness. Gait analysis was performed using five miniature angular rate sensors mounted on the trunk (sacrum), each thigh and calf. The study population was divided into two groups according to age (≤ 70 years versus > 70 years).

Improvements in most gait parameters at five years’ follow-up were greater for fixed-bearing TKRs in older patients (> 70 years), and greater for mobile-bearing TKRs in younger patients (≤ 70 years). These findings should be confirmed by an extended age controlled study, as the ideal choice of prosthesis might depend on the age of the patient at the time of surgery.
The correctness of fit of current total knee prostheses compared with intra-operative anthropometric measurements in Korean knees
Authors: Ha C-W. , Na S-E.
Published: April 2012

We aimed to obtain anthropometric data on Korean knees and to compare these with data on commonly available total knee arthroplasties (TKAs). The dimensions of the femora and tibiae of 1168 knees were measured intra-operatively. The femoral components were found to show a tendency toward mediolateral (ML) under-coverage in small femurs and ML overhang in the large femurs. The ML under-coverage was most prominent for the small prostheses. The ML/anteroposterior (ML/AP) ratio of Korean tibiae was greater than that of tibial components.

This study shows that, for different reasons, current TKAs do not provide a reasonable fit for small or large Korean knees, and that the ‘gender-specific’ and ‘stature-specific’ components help for large Korean femurs but offer less satisfactory fits for small femurs. Specific modifications of prostheses are needed for Asian knees.
NMDA Receptor-Dependent Synaptic Activation of TRPC Channels in Olfactory Bulb Granule Cells
Authors: Stroh Olga , Freichel Marc , Kretz Oliver , Birnbaumer Lutz , Hartmann Jana , Egger Veronica
Published: April 2012

Canonical transient receptor potential (TRPC) channels are widely expressed throughout the nervous system including the olfactory bulb where their function is largely unknown. Here, we describe their contribution to central synaptic processing at the reciprocal mitral and tufted cell–granule cell microcircuit, the most abundant synapse of the mammalian olfactory bulb. Suprathreshold activation of the synapse causes sodium action potentials in mouse granule cells and a subsequent long-lasting depolarization (LLD) linked to a global dendritic postsynaptic calcium signal recorded with two-photon laser-scanning microscopy. These signals are not observed after action potentials evoked by current injection in the same cells. The LLD persists in the presence of group I metabotropic glutamate receptor antagonists but is entirely absent from granule cells deficient for the NMDA receptor subunit NR1. Moreover, both depolarization and Ca2+rise are sensitive to the blockade of NMDA receptors. The LLD and the accompanying Ca2+rise are also absent in granule cells from mice deficient for both TRPC channel subtypes 1 and 4, whereas the deletion of either TRPC1 or TRPC4 results in only a partial reduction of the LLD. Recordings from mitral cells in the absence of both subunits reveal a reduction of asynchronous neurotransmitter release from the granule cells during recurrent inhibition. We conclude that TRPC1 and TRPC4 can be activated downstream of NMDA receptor activation and contribute to slow synaptic transmission in the olfactory bulb, including the calcium dynamics required for asynchronous release from the granule cell spine.
Relationship of a Variant in theNTRK1Gene to White Matter Microstructure in Young Adults
Authors: Braskie Meredith N. , Jahanshad Neda , Stein Jason L. , Barysheva Marina , Johnson Kori , McMahon Katie L. , de Zubicaray Greig I. , Martin Nicholas G. , Wright Margaret J. , Ringman John M. , Toga Arthur W. , Thompson Paul M.
Published: April 2012

TheNTRK1gene (also known asTRKA) encodes a high-affinity receptor forNGF, a neurotrophin involved in nervous system development and myelination.NTRK1has been implicated in neurological function via links between the T allele at rs6336 (NTRK1-T) and schizophrenia risk. A variant in the neurotrophin gene,BDNF, was previously associated with white matter integrity in young adults, highlighting the importance of neurotrophins to white matter development. We hypothesized thatNTRK1-T would relate to lower fractional anisotropy in healthy adults.

We scanned 391 healthy adult human twins and their siblings (mean age: 23.6 ± 2.2 years; 31NTRK1-T carriers, 360 non-carriers) using 105-gradient diffusion tensor imaging at 4 tesla. We evaluated in brain white matter howNTRK1-T andNTRK1rs4661063 allele A (rs4661063-A, which is in moderate linkage disequilibrium with rs6336) related to voxelwise fractional anisotropy—a common diffusion tensor imaging measure of white matter microstructure. We used mixed-model regression to control for family relatedness, age, and sex. The sample was split in half to test reproducibility of results. The false discovery rate method corrected for voxelwise multiple comparisons.

NTRK1-T and rs4661063-A correlated with lower white matter fractional anisotropy, independent of age and sex (multiple-comparisons corrected: false discovery rate criticalp= 0.038 forNTRK1-T and 0.013 for rs4661063-A). In each half-sample, theNTRK1-T effect was replicated in the cingulum, corpus callosum, superior and inferior longitudinal fasciculi, inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus, superior corona radiata, and uncinate fasciculus. Our results suggest thatNTRK1-T is important for developing white matter microstructure.
Diffusion of ion implanted indium and silver in ZnO crystals
Authors: Yaqoob Faisal , Huang Mengbing
Published: April 2012

We report on diffusion behavior for ion implanted indium and silver atoms in ZnO crystals. Both In and Ag ions were implanted at room temperature at 7-10° relative to c-axis to avoid channeling effects during implantation. In ions were implanted at four different energies (40, 100, 200, and 350 keV, respectively) and doses (4.20×1013, 6.70×1013, 8.10×1013 and 3.10×1014 /cm2, respectively), resulting in a total dose of 5 ×1014 /cm2. For another set of ZnO samples, Ag ions were implanted at energies 30, 75, 150, and 350 keV at doses 3.3×1013, 4.2×1013, 8.3×1013 and 3.4×1014 /cm2, respectively, to reach a total dose of 5×1014 /cm2. Both In and Ag implants resulted in a uniform concentration profile of the implanted dopants from surface to depth ~ 150 nm. The samples were annealed for 30 minutes at temperatures between 850-1050 °C in an oxygen gas flow. The distributions of In and Ag atoms, either aligned or nonaligned along the crystalline directions, were measured by Rutherford backscattering combined with ion channeling. The diffusivities for nonaligned (interstitial) and aligned (substitutional) dopants atoms were determined to vary with annealing temperature via the Arrhenius relationship. The diffusion activation energies (Ea) along the <10-11> direction for substitutional impurity atoms were lower than those for interstitial dopants atoms e.g., in the case of In, Ea ~ 1.52 eV for <10-11> aligned In atoms and Ea ~ 2.61 eV for interstitial In atoms between <10-11> atomic rows and in the case of Ag, Ea ~ 1.77 eV for the interstitial Ag atoms between the <10-11> atomic rows and 1.11 eV for <10-11> aligned Ag atoms. The diffusion activation energies showed a different trend for the two dopants as measured along the <0001> crystalline direction. For Ag implanted in ZnO, the activation energy of Ea ~ 0.91 eV for the aligned Ag atoms along <0001> direction and Ea ~ 1.55 eV were found for the interstitial Ag atoms, whereas in the case of In along the <0001> direction, the interstitial In was found to migrate with a higher activation energy (Ea ~ 1.78 eV) than the substitutional In (Ea ~1.42 eV). These results will be compared with first-principle calculations for understanding the energetics of defect formation and migration in both n- and p-type doping cases.
Tailoring of CdS Nano Films Through CBD-Isochronal Synthesis For PV Applications
Authors: Fatehmulla Amanullah , Aldhafiri Abdullah M , Albrithen Hamad , Al-Dossari Omar , Hassib Adil M , Hussein Mohammad L , Ambekar Jalinder D , Amalnerkar Dinesh P , Aslam Mohammed
Published: April 2012

Cadmium Sulphide (CdS) thin films have been prepared on ultrasonicated glass substrates using a specially designed chemical bath deposition technique via isochronal synthesis. The structural properties have been determined through XRD. The nanostructures have been identified in FE-SEM images. The chemical analysis has been carried out through EDAX. Optical analysis and PL studies were carried out on these films. The growth conditions and the characterization results exhibit strong dependence on the pH of the precursor solution as well as the temperature of the bath. Cu doping has been employed on the tailored films to make them low resistive and efficient for window layer applications.
Low Stress, High Reflectivity Thin Films for MEMS Mirrors
Authors: Picard Yoosuf N. , Adams David P. , Spahn Olga B. , Yalisove Steven M. , Dagel Daryl J. , Sobczak Joseph
Published: April 2012

Au/Cr and Au/Ti films were deposited on Si (100) substrates using DC planar magnetron sputtering to assess residual stress in high reflectivity coatings. The dependence of stress on argon sputter pressure, component materials, and film thickness is discussed. Stress evolution as a function of thickness for individual Cr, Ti and Au films is also investigated to identify high-stress components of these two-layer coatings. Near-zero stress Au/Ti films were achieved with a particular set of sputtering parameters. Using the same process conditions, films were deposited onto pre-released MEMS mirrors having a number of different shapes and sizes. Optical interferometry demonstrates minimal change in the bow of 500, 250, and 125 μm diameter mirrors, consistent with a λ/40 flatness (λ = 1319 nm).
Detection of Dientamoeba fragilis in patients with HIV/AIDS by using a simplified iron hematoxylin technique
Authors: Garcia Juliana Alves , Cimerman Sergio
Published: April 2012

INTRODUCTION: Studies strongly indicate Dientamoeba fragilis as one of the causes of diarrhea in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients. METHODS: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of D. fragilis associated with the causes of diarrhea in 82 HIV/ AIDS patients hospitalized at the Instituto de Infectologia Emílio Ribas from September 2006 to November 2008. RESULTS: In total, 105 samples were collected from 82 patients. Unprotected sex was the most frequent cause of HIV infection (46.3%), followed by the use of injectable or non-injectable drugs (14.6%). Patients presented with viral loads of 49-750,000 copies/ mL (average: 73,849 ± 124,850 copies/mL) and CD4 counts ranging of 2-1,306 cells/mm³ (average: 159 ± 250 cells/mm³). On an average, the odds of obtaining a positive result by using the other techniques (Hoffman, Pons and Janer or Lutz; Ritchie) were 2.7 times higher than the chance of obtaining a positive result by using the simplified iron hematoxylin method. Significant differences were found between the methods (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: The other techniques can detect a significantly greater amount of parasites than the simplified iron hematoxylin method, especially with respect to Isospora belli, Cryptosporidium sp., Schistosoma mansoni, and Strongyloides stercoralis, which were not detected using hematoxylin. Endolimax nana and D. fragilis were detected more frequently on using hematoxylin, and the only parasite not found by the other methods was D. fragilis.
Violência contra pessoa idosa: representações sociais entre adolescentes do arquipélago de Fernando de Noronha-PE
Authors: Araújo Ludgleydson Fernandes de , Amaral Edna de Brito , Sá Elba Celestina do Nascimento , Azevedo Regina Ligia W. de , Lobo Filho Jorgeano Gregório
Published: April 2012

Este estudo objetivou identificar e verificar as representações sociais (RS) da violência contra as pessoas idosas entre estudantes do Arquipélago de Fernando de Noronha-PE. A amostra foi composta por 100 estudantes de ambos os sexos, do ensino médio, com média de idade de 20,3 anos. Foram utilizados como instrumentos: entrevistas semiestruturadas e o Teste de Associação Livre de Palavras (TALP). As entrevistas foram categorizadas pela Análise de Conteúdo (Bardin, 2002) e a TALP pela técnica de redes semânticas (Reyes-Lagunes, 1993). Os dados obtidos no TALP revelaram RS atreladas à intolerância (100%), covardia (57,2%), desumano (40,7%), ignorância (25,7%) e violência (10%). No que tange aos dados da entrevista as subcategorias mais significativas foram desrespeito, maus tratos, indignação e segurança. Conclui-se da necessidade de prevenção no âmbito informativo, bem como de conscientização da população com prioridade para detecção e prevenção de casos de violência contra os idosos.
Produção de subjetividade frente ao mercado de trabalho no contexto da organização estudantil
Authors: Wilhelm Fernanda , Perrone Cláudia Maria
Published: April 2012

Há um interesse crescente dos jovens universitários em participar de organizações estudantis como estratégia de preparação para o mercado de trabalho. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar uma pesquisa exploratória dessas experiências e seus resultados para os alunos que delas participaram. Foi utilizado como método de pesquisa o estudo de caso, e os resultados indicam que o papel que a organização estudantil desempenhou na vida desses jovens centrou-se muito mais em uma tentativa de suprir a angústia frente ao sentimento constante de insuficiência e às demandas do mercado de trabalho na atualidade que em uma vivência que de fato tenha incrementado a sua empregabilidade.
Tribos urbanas: os processos coletivos de criação no graffiti
Authors: Furtado Janaina Rocha
Published: April 2012

O graffiti urbano se caracteriza como movimento de intervenção na cidade, por meio do qual diversos grupos expressam novas formas de viver nos espaços urbanos. Este trabalho visa refletir sobre os processos de criação coletiva no graffiti urbano de Florianópolis. Realizou-se entrevistas com seis grafiteiros da cidade de Florianópolis, pertencentes a crews diferentes, observações, registros fotográficos e filmagens de suas atividades criadoras na cidade. Percebeu-se que a formação dos grupos de grafiteiros depende de relações de afinidade e proximidade a partir das quais partilham suas experiências e emoções. Nos processos de criação dos graffitis participam grafiteiros de diferentes crews, as quais trocam entre si técnicas e sugestões. As relações na crew e entre crews dos grafiteiros investigados se caracterizam por certa volaticidade e flexibilidade em suas relações. A re-qualificação do espaço urbano ocorre por meio destas intervenções conjuntas, reinventando a cidade e a si mesmos.
Evaluation of the donor site after liposuction with a syringe in rabbits
Authors: Felzemburgh Victor Araujo , Nunes Victor Luiz Correia , Campos José Humberto Oliveira
Published: April 2012

PURPOSE: To evaluate the donor site of adipocytes as well as histopathological alterations secondary to liposuction. METHODS: All animals underwent liposuction with a syringe on the right side of the back. While the left side of the back was used as control and did not undergo intervention. The 10 rabbits were divided into two groups A and B according the postoperative day which were submitted to euthanasia: 90 and 120 days. All adipose tissue from the donor site was analyzed and compared with the control macroscopic and light microscopy. Tissues were weighed and analyzed searching for histological changes and late inflammatory response to trauma such as fibrosis, fat necrosis and inflammation and macrophage infiltration. RESULTS: There was wide variation in adipose tissue volume between the experimental and the control on macroscopic analysis. The presence of histopathological changes was found in two samples at 90 days. CONCLUSIONS: There was a relationship between the presence of fibrosis with the weight and number of days after liposuction surgery in rabbits. The study show macroscopic difference between control and experiment sides in all rabbits.
The influence of simvastatin in induced peritoneal fibrosis in rats by peritoneal dialysis solution with glucosis 4.25%
Authors: Baroni Gilberto , Schuinski Adriana Fátima Menegat , Berticelli Poliana Turmena , Silva Maria Angélica Alexandre da , Gouveia Denise Sbrissia e Silva , Pecoits Filho Roberto , Meyer Fernando
Published: April 2012

PURPOSE: To investigate the influence of using simvastatin on the peritoneal fibrosis induced in rats using peritoneal dialysis solution with glucoses 4.25%. METHODS: Prospective controlled study in 20 non-uremic Wistar rats. The animals received a peritoneal infusion of 10 ml/100 g of peritoneal dialysis solution glucose 4.25% on a daily basis. The animals were divided in two groups: experimental and control. The experimental group received simvastatin 4 mg/kg/d, by a gastric tube. The control group did not receive any drug. The follow-up was 21 and 49 days. At the end, one surgical procedure was performed to get histological samples of visceral and parietal peritoneum. The samples were analyzed using Hematoxylin Eosin and Sirius Red, to evaluate the severity of the fibrosis. RESULTS: The analysis showed that the intensity of the fibrosis, the peritoneal thickness and the cell number in experimental and control groups were not statistically significant different in experimental and control groups. CONCLUSION: The simvastatin do not decrease the intensity of fibrosis on the peritoneal membrane that happens on rats on peritoneal dialysis.
The application of percutaneous lysis of epidural adhesions in patients with failed back surgery syndrome
Authors: Chun-jing He , Hao-xiong Nie , jia-xiang Ni
Published: April 2012

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy and the feasibility of application of percutaneous lysis of epidural adhesions in failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) using a stiff type guide wire and 4F vascular catheter. METHODS: Ninety two patients with FBSS were randomly divided into two groups, the control group (treated by injection dexamethasone only) and percutaneous lysis of epidural adhesions group. Visual analog scale scores (VAS) and therapeutic evaluation were observed in the preoperative, seven days postoperative, one month and six months postoperative. RESULTS: VAS scores for pain were significantly reduced in both groups at seven days. The VAS scores were in controlled group at one month, six months was significantly higher than that in epidural lysis group. However, there was no statistical difference in VAS scores of one month and six months when respectively compared to that of before operation in controlled group. Patients on epidural lysis reported clinical effectiveness rate was 50%. Patients on control was 5.26%, there was a statistical difference between two groups. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous lysis of epidural adhesions by using a stiff type guide wire and 4F vascular catheter is an effective method in the treatment of FBSS and it has a value in clinical application.
Classificação multivariada de curvas de progresso da requeima do tomateiro entre acessos do banco de germaplasma de hortaliças da UFV
Authors: Azevedo Camila Ferreira , Silva Fabyano Fonseca e , Ribeiro Natália Barbosa , Silva Derly Jose Henriques da , Cecon Paulo Roberto , Barili Leiri Daiane , Pinheiro Valeria Rosado
Published: April 2012

O objetivo deste trabalho foi apresentar uma metodologia de análise de experimentos em fitopatologia que considera a comparação de curvas de progressos de doenças na presença de um grande número de tratamentos por meio da análise de cluster. Foram cultivados 42 acessos do Banco de Germoplasma de Hortaliças (BGH) da Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFV). Ajustou-se o modelo exponencial aos dados de percentagem de severidade de requeima, e as estimativas obtidas quanto à incidência inicial da doença (y o) e taxa de progresso da doença (r) foram submetidas à análise de variância multivariada (Manova), seguindo o delineamento de blocos casualizados. As médias ajustadas foram submetidas à análise de agrupamento hierárquico, o método centroide. Observou-se um número ótimo de seis grupos distintos.
A temperatura no desenvolvimento da atividade das enzimas (1-3, 1-4)- β-glucanases e degradação de β-glucanos durante a malteação
Authors: Beleti Marcos Antônio , Duarte Felipe , Georg-Kraemer Janaína Endres
Published: April 2012

Algumas características relacionadas à qualidade do malte podem ser trabalhadas não só ao nível genético e/ou como respostas de interações ambientais, mas também ao nível de processo industrial. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da temperatura sobre a atividade das β-glucanases e degradacão de β-glucanos durante os quatro dias finais de germinação do processo de malteação. Quatro cultivares de boa qualidade de malteação ('N721', 'N743', 'Scarlett' e 'Sebastian') foram analisadas e os resultados obtidos demonstraram que elas tiveram desempenho diferente quanto à atividade enzimática e à degradação de β-glucanos nas diferentes temperaturas testadas. A utilização de temperatura um pouco mais elevada no início da germinação (22°C) foi a mais efetiva na produção das variáveis estudadas. Para a cultivar 'N721', constatou-se o melhor desempenho comparativamente às demais, indicando um padrão mais homogêneo de degradação de β-glucanos durante a germinação e também maior eficiência na degradação desde as 96 horas do processo. Alta atividade das β-glucanases e redução no tempo de malteação são de extremo interesse para a indústria malteira, pois representa uma otimização no volume de malte produzido e consequentemente uma redução de custos para a sua produção.
Qualidade da alimentação: percepções de participantes do programa bolsa família
Authors: Uchimura Kátia Yumi , Bosi Maria Lúcia Magalhães , Lima Flávia Emília Leite de , Dobrykopf Vanessa França
Published: April 2012

INTRODUÇÃO: Este estudo versa sobre percepções de beneficiários do Programa Bolsa Família no Município de Curitiba, região Sul do Brasil, acerca da sua alimentação. OBJETIVO: compreender as percepções de participantes do Programa Bolsa Família sobre a qualidade de sua alimentação. MÉTODO: Pesquisa qualitativa, baseada na tradição crítico-interpretativa, que utilizou entrevistas individuais como técnica para a apreensão dos dados empíricos junto aos informantes. Participaram do estudo 38 indivíduos, integrantes de famílias atendidas pelo programa. O conteúdo discursivo foi gravado em meio digital e, em momento posterior, transcrito e submetido à interpretação. RESULTADO: Após a categorização, três temas centrais emergiram: "descrição da alimentação; qualidade da alimentação; e sentimentos e vivências dos indivíduos atendidos pelo programa". CONCLUSÃO: destaca-se o reconhecimento da vulnerabilidade social e consequente insegurança alimentar a que tais grupos estão submetidos, bem como sentimentos de resignação.
Effect of the granulometric characteristics of monensin sodium on controlling experimental coccidiosis in broiler chickens
Authors: Rambozzi Luisa , Renna Manuela , Cornale Paolo , Perona Giovanni , Malfatto Vanda , Mimosi Antonio
Published: April 2012

The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of monensin sodium grain size on controlling coccidiosis in broiler chickens. Three hundred and fifty Cobb 700 chicks were infected experimentally with 8 × 10(4) sporulated oocysts of Eimeria spp. The birds were fed with diets supplemented with powdered (n = 150) or granulated (n = 150) monensin, with particle sizes of ≤100 µm and 450-650 µm, respectively. The remaining chicks (n = 50) were used as an unmedicated control group. The birds’ weights and number of oocysts per gram of litter in each group were recorded weekly. A total of 96 birds were randomly selected and culled during the trial. Their intestinal oocyst counts and lesion scores were determined. No significant differences in body weights were found between the groups at the end of the study. The percentages of infected animals, oocyst counts and lesion scores were significantly higher in the control group than in the other two groups; the two treated groups did not show any appreciable differences to each other. Enteritis was observed in 14 birds, all in the group supplemented with granulated monensin. These results suggest that powdered and granulated monensin have comparable efficacy in controlling coccidiosis in broiler chickens. However, treatments with monensin sodium of high grain size may be subject to contraindications relating to enteritis.
Gastrointestinal parasites of sheep, municipality of Lajes, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
Authors: Souza Maria de Fátima de , Pimentel-Neto Manoel , Silva Rízia Maria da , Farias Albeísa Cleyse Batista , Guimarães Marcos Pezzi
Published: April 2012

This study investigated the gastrointestinal parasitism by helminths and protozoa in sheep (Ovis aries) Santa Inês breed, municipality of Lajes, Rio Grande do Norte. Monthly, from April 2005 to August 2007, stool samples were collected from two tracer lambs in the first day of the experiment and performed a necropsy of these animals in 44th day. A total of 64 lambs were sampled, but only 62 lambs were slaughtered. The fecal samples were examined by sedimentation in water. The contents of the abomasum, small intestine and large intestine were examined for the recovery of helminths. The parasitological examination revealed eggs of the following groups of helminths: Strongyloidea, Strongyloides sp., Trichuris sp., and Moniezia sp. Also were found oocysts of Eimeria spp., cysts of Entamoeba ovis and Giardia duodenalis. The helminths identified from examining the contents were: Haemonchus contortus, Cooperia pectinata, Cooperia punctata, Trichostrongylus colubriformis, Moniezia expansa, Oesophagostomum sp. Skrjabinema ovis and Trichuris sp.
Spatial Corrections of Unreplicated Trials using a Two‐dimensional Spline
Authors: Robbins K. R. , Backlund J. E. , Schnelle K. D.
Published: April 2012

For trials exhibiting within‐field spatial variability, good predictions of genetic merit require models that accurately estimate and partition spatial effects from genetic sources of variation. Ideally such models should be robust, providing good solutions across a range of spatial patterns. To achieve this, a new method for spatial corrections is proposed, which utilizes two‐dimensional spline (2DS) interpolation to estimate spatial effects. Simulation experiments were used to compare this method with two‐dimensional separable autoregressive models (AR1) and mixed models containing marginal pass and range effects (PRM). Models were evaluated based on accuracy in partitioning genetic and spatial sources of variation as well as robustness across different spatial and genetic effect structures. Results showed the 2DS method to be the most robust of the three methods, yielding accurate spatial corrections across all simulation scenarios, whereas the AR1 model showed indications of over‐fitting in the presence of genotype × environment interactions and the PRM model performed poorly in the presence of pass × range interactions. Applications using maize (Zea maysL.) hybrid yield and moisture data confirmed the effectiveness of the 2DS method at reducing the error variance by accounting for spatial trends. This new model provides breeders with a robust method to model within‐field spatial variability across a range of experimental designs and spatial effect distributions.
Lipophilicity assessment of some 5,5-disubstituted hydantoins by the means of reversed phase liquid chromatography
Authors: Despotovic Vesna , Trisovic Nemanja , Mandic Anamarija , Uscumlic Gordana , Djakovic-Sekulic Tatjana
Published: April 2012

The retention of some 5,5-disubstituted hydantoins was investigated by
reversed phase high performance thin-layer chromatography (RP HPTLC) and
reversed phase high-pressure liquid chromatography (RP HPLC). The mobile
phases were mixtures of methanol-water and acetonitrile-water in various
volume fractions. In order to explore and visualize similarities and
differences among the investigated compounds and chromatographic system
Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used. Results show that the
experimental lipophilicity indices estimated from retention data (RM,W,
logkw) and PC1 are directly correlated with logP values at a high significant
statistical level.
Husserl's phenomenological philosophy in Russia
Authors: Djordjevic Radomir
Published: April 2012

The paper reviews phaenomenological influences on Russian philosophical thought. Before the bolyshevique revolution of 1917, Husserl's ideas had attracted the attention of many Russian theoreticians, and during the last two decades effects of this impact are closely investigated. First of all there were several philosophers under very direct influence of phenomenology: N. O. Lossky, the author of numerous books, in his work on logic; S. L. Frank, who had developed an intuitionistic theory of knowledge Gustav Spet, logician, aesthetician, linguist etc, who accepted Husserl's conceptions in his books on interpretation, philosophy of history and philosophy of language; Alexiy Lossev, who wrote some thirty books, and in his early period (works on ancient dialectics, philosophy of language and logics) was phenomenologically oriented; etc. Husserl's philosophy has traced or affected the ideas of several other Russian thinkers, so in USSR as in exile throughout Europe (for instance, Georges Gurvitch).
Why Rosenberg and Kaplan's attempt to reconcile physicalism and antireductionism concerning biology is unsatisfactory
Authors: Perovic Slobodan
Published: April 2012

A. Rosenberg and D. Kaplan argue that their account of the Principle of Natural Selection (PNS), as a law of physical systems (including those systems studied by biology) underived from familiar physical laws, provides the precisely explanatory autonomy of biology sought after by antireductionists, without violating the principles of reductive physicalism. I argue, however, that the possibility of the PNS being an underived law of physical systems may be neutral to the explanatory autonomy of biology. In fact, if wedded with reductive physicalism (the possibility considered by these authors), it may yield only a very limited explanatory autonomy of biology, no stronger than the quasi-autonomy generally ascribed to it by reductionists. In the physicalist world, the PNS is operational and thus discoverable at the higher ontological levels (those concerning living cells, individuals, groups, populations and species), because the operation of a law concerning higher-level systems is grounded in its operation at the lower levels (atoms and molecules). Consequently, in terms of the explanatory criterion, a generalization discovered by biologists may be established as a law only if its status is confirmed in the form of its applicability to molecular and other systems studied by chemistry and physics. Otherwise, there is a danger that it could be a 'just so story.' The authors' narrow understanding both of antireductionism and biological laws as reducible to those concerning molecular systems provides only an illusory vindication of the explanatory autonomy: in the case of the PNS, although biologists happened to be the first to utilize it, their research concerning cells, individuals, populations and species could not possibly have established it as a law. This results, at best, in the inter-theoretic irreducibility of molecular biology as a discipline of physical science. I argue that a substantial explanatory autonomy of biology concerns the causal powers of biological systems at multiple levels, where the PNS, or any other biological law, is a basic law of nature in that it is concerned with the entities whose causal power is irreducible to that of the lower-level entities. Thus, only if confirmable at the levels higher than the molecular, could the generalizations discovered by biologists reflect such autonomy.
A dogmatic presentation of four fundamental concepts of Badiou's philosophical project
Authors: Klepec Peter
Published: April 2012

The text is rather a dogmatic presentation of four fundamental concepts of Badiou's philosophy - being, event, truth, subject - it presents their inner link and their inner consistently, outlines the specificity and originality of Badiou's project in relation to contemporary philosophy, shows the consequences of Badiou's insistence on the possibility of philosophy today, outlines the relationship between philosophy and its conditions (four generic procedures: mathem, poem, political invention, love), the relationship between these truths and the Truth, and, finally, outlines some consequences of this position regarding the desire of philosophy.
Die Intelligibilität des Alltäglichen: die Berührungspunkte des frühen Heidegger und des späten Husserl
Authors: Koprivica Caslav
Published: April 2012

(nemacki) In diesem Aufsatz werden wir versuchen die Beziehungen zwischen der husserlschen Krisis der europ?ischen Wissenschaften und des fr?hen Heidegger zu untersuchen - und zwar anhand der Lebenswelt, genauer der Intelligibilit?t des Faktischen, der Auffassung von Doxa und der Philosophiegeschichte. Die Grundannahme lautet dass Husserl - sei es mittelbar, sei unmittelbar - eine kr?ftige Einflussnahme von seinem Sch?ler erfahren musste, vorwiegend aus seiner Fr?hphase, und dies im Moment als Heidegger selbst seine fr?he ?berzeugungen gr??tenteils einer Wiederpr?fung unterzogen hatte. Dennoch, trotz den auffallenden ?hnlichkeiten zwischen beiden Denkern bleibt ein wesentlicher Unterschied bestehen, der sich daraus besteht, die Intelligibilit?t der Lebenswelt bis zur transzendentalen Begr?ndung zu ?berf?hren, w?hrend bei Heidegger die Intelligibilit?t des Anfangs eine endliche, kontingente und nur einigermassen durchsichtige sei.
Animal spirits: Keynes' theory of rational investment decision-making under conditions of fundamental uncertainty
Authors: Radonjic Ognjen
Published: April 2012

Keynes's term, animal spirits, has been mistakenly confused with irrational decision-making. However, if we accept Keynes' assumption that future is fundamentally uncertain and nonergodic, animal spirits become key factor that makes continual process of investment decision-making possible. On the other hand, if animal spirits blunt, investment activity dwindles and makes emergence of deep economic crisis likely.
From the traditional philosophy of science towards the contemporary philosophy of science
Authors: Sindjelic Svetozar
Published: April 2012

The aim of this paper is to present the character and reason of the drastic change in the understanding of science that happened in the twentieth century. To do this, author describes the main points of the traditional philosophy of science: then, he argues that reason of the revolution in the philosophy of science used to be the careful philosophical analysis of the great scientific revolutions from 1905. Finally, he concludes that the consequence of mentioned analysis was a number of antagonistic views being the contemporary philosophy of science. To give a monolitic and integral presentment of this philosophy, author enumerated and explained the points shared by the majority of contemporary philosophers of science. In brief, he describes the traditional philosophy of science, the reasons of its fall, and the main tenets of the contemporary philosophy of science.
Critique of the reflexive-referential analysis of phenomenal knowledge
Authors: Milojevic Miljana
Published: April 2012

The main concern of this paper is John Perry's attempt to analyze phenomenal knowledge in a way that avoids the objection which states that the non-deducibility of this kind of knowledge leads to the ontological conclusion that physicalism must be false. The attempt in question determines the content of phenomenal knowledge with a help of the reflexive-referential semantic theory which enables us to explain a growth in knowledge without introducing new (non-physical) facts on the subject matter level as the object of this new knowledge. I will argue that even on the assumption that the case of phenomenal knowledge is just another case of recognition knowledge, as Perry argues, the end result of the analysis suffers from unavoidable inconsistencies and the given analysis of the content of phenomenal knowledge proves to be incompatible with the basic assumptions of the central argumentation.
Authenticity and inauthenticity of religion from Heideger's standpoint
Authors: Cesarone Virgilio
Published: April 2012

This work aims to investigate the possibility of critiquing a religion with regard to its authenticity/inauthenticity. Where this possibility is found to exist, Heiddeger's existential analytic will be employed to understand the phenomenon of religion. Ultimately, the criteria of existential analytic themselves will be put under scrutiny.