bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimierter Laserspeckle-basierter Rauheitsmessprozess für bewegte, spiegelnde Oberflächen
Authors: Patzelt Stefan , Stehno Christian , Tausendfreund Andreas , Ströbel Gerald
Published: September 2016

Der vorliegende Beitrag beschreibt die geplante Entwicklung eines parametrisch-optischen Laser-Messsystems für die
Charakterisierung von spiegelnden Oberflächen in laufenden Fertigungsprozessen. Das Messverfahren beruht auf bekannten
Ansätzen der Oberflächen-Charakterisierung mit kohärentem Licht und der Auswertung resultierender
Streulichtspeckle-Intensitätsverteilungen mittels Korrelationsverfahren. Die Industrietauglichkeit erfordert eine
deutliche höhere Messrate im Vergleich zu existierenden Speckle-Messsystemen. Dies soll durch Messprozess-Modifikationen,
den Einsatz leistungsfähiger Hardware für die Bilderfassung und Auswertung sowie dadurch erforderliche Anpassungen der
Algorithmen erreicht werden.
Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of Caralluma tuberculata and its safety on liver and kidneys of diabetic rats / Diyabetik sıçanların karaciğer ve böbrekleri üzerinde Caralluma tuberculata’nın hipoglisemik ve hipolipidemik etkisi ve güvenliği
Authors: Poodineh Jafar , Nakhaee Alireza
Published: September 2016

Objective: Caralluma tuberculata is a succulent plant that grows in some regions of Baluchestan province in Iran, and is widely used by natives as antidiabetic agent. This study evaluates the antidiabetic effects of aerial part suspension of Caralluma tuberculata (SCT) at two doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg and its safety on liver and kidneys of Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

Methods: Diabetes was rendered via single dose of STZ (60 mg/kg, injected intraperitoneally). Forty eight rats were classified into 6 groups as follow; (I): Normal control, (II): Normal + SCT (200 mg/kg), (III): STZ Diabetic, (IV): STZ + vehicle, (V): STZ + SCT (100 mg/kg), (VI) STZ + SCT (200 mg/kg). The effects of 45 days of treatment with the SCT on oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), lipid profile, hematological and biochemical parameters evaluated.

Results: SCT treated groups exhibited a significant (p<0.05) improvement in abnormalities of OGTT, biochemical and hematological parameters compared with the diabetic control group. Furthermore, SCT at both doses, returned significantly (p<0.01) diabetes-induced changes in lipid profile except HDL-C levels that only, were significantly (p<0.05) increased at dose of 200 mg/kg. There was no significant difference in hematological, liver and kidney parameters between normal control and normal animals receiving SCT.

Conclusion: The present results revealed that Caralluma tuberculata could be beneficial for amending hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and hematological changes induced by diabetes. It may also protect the liver and kidneys against complications caused by diabetes without any toxic effects.
Comparison of the efficiency and relevancy of reference genes in crayfish tissue samples / Kerevit doku örneklerinde referans genlerin geçerlilik ve etkinliğinin karşılaştırılması
Authors: Ergin Bora , Purali Nuhan
Published: September 2016

Objective: Relevancy of the reference genes have not been investigated in crayfish tissue samples. Various genes have been proposed for establishing a reference level to analyze qPCR results obtained in different tissue samples. However, majority of those genes have been investigated solely in mammalian species. There is no report related to the relevancy and the efficiency of those common reference genes in crayfish tissue samples yet. The primary aim of the present work is to compare the expression level of a set of reference genes in various crayfish tissue samples to establish a reliable reference gene for quantitative expression level comparisons.

Methods: cDNA copies were synthesized by RT-PCR from equalised total RNA samples of nine different tissue samples. qPCR were performed on cDNA samples by using four different primer pairs specific for β-actin, Peptidylprolyl Isomerase B, Sarcoplasmic Calcium Binding Protein and 18S ribosomal RNA genes.

Results: qActin2 amplified gene fragments for β-actin in all samples. Cycle time of the amplification reaction differed substantially between the investigated tissue types. A similar difference was observed between the melting curves of the products. The primer pair PPIB amplified gene fragments for Peptidylprolyl Isomerase B only in heart, muscle and intestine samples but not in the rest of the tissue samples. Further, both amplification and melting curves for heart, muscle and intestine were different. qSCP amplified some gene fragments for Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Binding Protein only in muscle, heart and ganglion samples. The 18S_1 amplified fragments for 18S. Amplification curves the samples superimposed on each other. Melting curves of the products were very similar. Variance of the obtained data was the lowest for 18S ribosomal RNA.

Conclusion: In refer to present results; it is conceivable to propose that among all the genes investigated in the present study, expression level of ribosomal 18S RNA is the most homogeneously distributed one within the body parts of the crayfish. Further, it is minimally affected by extreme biological changes such as molting. Thus, 18S Ribosomal RNA would be suggested as a reference gene to be used when investigating tissue specific expression level of a gene in the crayfish.
Comparison of lipid contents and fatty acid profiles of freshwater fish from the Atatürk Dam Lake / Atatürk Baraj Gölü’ndeki tatlısu balıklarının lipid içeriği ve yağ asidi profilinin karşılaştırılması
Authors: Kaçar Semra , Başhan Mehmet
Published: September 2016

Objective: The objective of the study was to examine the lipid levels, fatty acid profiles (especially EPA and DHA which play an important role in the prevention of a wide variety disorders such as; coronary heart disease, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, breast and colon cancer, Alzheimer disease, inflammation and autoimmune disorders) and n-3/n-6 ratio of some freshwater fish in Ataturk Dam Lake.

Methods: Samples of 12 fish species from the Ataturk Dam Lake (Turkey) were investigated for their fat content and fatty acid composition (Aspius vorax, Carasobarbus luteus, Carassius gibelio, Liza abu, Acanthobrama marmid, Barbus xanthopterus, Cyprinion macrostomum, Carassius auratus, Calcalburnus mossulensis, Capoeta trutta, Mastacembelus simack, Chondrostoma regium). Total lipids were extracted with 10 ml of chloroform-methanol (2/1v/v). Samples containing muscle lipid were transesterified with acidified methanol. The fatty acid methyl esters were extracted with hexane. Fatty acids were detected by gas chromatography (GC).

Results: The lipid content of species ranged from 0.78% to 2.51%. The highest lipid content was found in female C. trutta (2.51%). The major SFAs were myristic acid (C14:0), palmitic acid (C16:0) and stearic acid (C18:0). Oleic acid (C18:1 n-9) and palmitoleic acid (C16:1 n-7) were the prominent MUFA. The dominant PUFAs were linoleic acid (LA, C18:2 n-6), linolenic acid (ALA, C18:3 n-3), arachidonic acid (AA, C20:4 n-6), eicoesapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5 n-3) and docoesahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6 n-3). The ratio of n-3/n-6 PUFAs ranged from 1.22 to 4.71.

Conclusion: In this study, the fatty acid composition varied between different species In addition, the highest n-3/n-6 ratios were observed in female C. trutta, C. mossulensis, C. regium and A. vorax. Therefore, these species are economically important fish considering n-3 fatty acids and n-3/n-6 ratios.
The evaluation of hemolysis index thresholds for significant hemolysis interference on routine biochemistry analytes / Rutin biyokimya testlerine hemolizin anlamlı interferansının tespiti için hemoliz indeksi eşik değerlerinin belirlenmesi
Authors: Ercan Şerif
Published: September 2016

Objective: The hemolysis index (HI) is an objective, easy and inexpensive method for detection hemolysis. However, the clinical laboratories fully rely on the manufacturers of analytical systems for test-specific the HI thresholds at which the hemolysis significantly interferes with the analyte. In the present study, it was aimed to determine test-specific the HI thresholds for significant interference in hemolyzed specimens produced by shearing method that closely mimics actual hemolysis occurs during blood collection.

Methods: Whole anticoagulated bloods obtained from 34 healthy volunteers were repeatedly passed through a blood collection needle to produce hemolysis. 29 routine biochemistry analytes were assayed on the Roche Cobas 6000 c501 analyzer.

Results: The bias values determined for antistreptolysin- O, total bilirubin, chloride, C-reactive protein, gamma- glutamyltransferase, glucose, high-density lipoprotein, urea and uric acid did not achieve the allowable total error, even at the highest HI value (1550). In contrast to, HI thresholds for aspartate aminotransferase, direct bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase, and potassium were observed as 50. Our data were generally in good agreement with what gave the list of test-specific HI thresholds by the manufacturer. However, some assays including magnesium, total protein, rheumatoid factor, and sodium had lower the HI thresholds than those of recommended by the manufacturer.

Conclusion: We concluded that hemolysis is differently influence routine biochemistry tests and the HI can provide a data of which analyte is to be affected. The analyte-dependent rejection according to the HI thresholds may prevent prolongation of turnaround time for analyte unaffected by hemolysis.In addition, it was concluded that the HI thresholds might be different according to tolerable error limits selected to determine significant interference. Therefore, before the HI thresholds recommended by manufacturer is applied in laboratory, it should be noted the total allowable error limits used by manufacturer during determination of HI thresholds.
The Range Expansion of Ovalisia festiva (Linnaeus, 1767) (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) in Eastern Europe and Its Damaging Potential for Cupressaceae
Authors: Nitzu Eugen , Dobrin Ionela , Dumbravă Marin , Gutue Minodora
Published: September 2016

Ovalisia festiva (Linnaeus, 1767), previously considered a very rare and localised (accidental) species in Eastern Europe (Hungary, Romania), is recorded as a real pest for Cupressaceae in the Romanian Plain − the Easternmost site, out of the species’ previously known range. In comparison with the annual life cycle of the species in the Mediterranean region, in Romania the adults emerged between the second and the eighth year after the trees were planted, causing an attack of over 50% per cultivar. New data on intraspecific variability, distribution, and duration of the life cycle of this jewel beetle in Romania are presented.
Distribution and Habitat Selection of Wintering Birds in the Special Protection Area ROSPA0071 ”Lower Siret Meadow” (Eastern Romania)
Authors: Dragomir Matei–Ionuţ , Stîngă Adrian Cosmin , Dragomir Alina
Published: September 2016

The ecosystems from the Special Protection Area ROSPA0071 „Lower Siret Meadow” (36492 ha, between Adjud city, Vrancea County and Şendreni village, Galaţi County) in the analysed sector (sixteen sample surfaces) present a scientific interest because of the geographical, ecological and biological characteristics. The paper treats details such as the number of individuals, the spatial distribution, availability of suitable habitats and threats, necessary data for the evaluation of the conservation status. We present the data obtained in the period 2010–2014 from 64 field visits in the Special Protection Area ROSPA0071 „Lower Siret Meadow”, all made in the hiemal season. The observations were made as an activity of monitoring the protected bird species distribution and habitat selection of wintering populations. Five important sites were identified as being used by wintering birds here. During the monitoring actions, eighty–one bird species were identified. The paper brings new data about the way birds use their range and existing habitats for wintering.
Picturing pathogen infection in plants
Authors: Barón Matilde , Pineda Mónica , Pérez-Bueno María Luisa
Published: September 2016

Several imaging techniques have provided valuable tools to evaluate the impact of biotic stress on host plants. The use of these techniques enables the study of plant-pathogen interactions by analysing the spatial and temporal heterogeneity of foliar metabolism during pathogenesis. In this work we review the use of imaging techniques based on chlorophyll fluorescence, multicolour fluorescence and thermography for the study of virus, bacteria and fungi-infected plants. These studies have revealed the impact of pathogen challenge on photosynthetic performance, secondary metabolism, as well as leaf transpiration as a promising tool for field and greenhouse management of diseases. Images of standard chlorophyll fluorescence (Chl-F) parameters obtained during Chl-F induction kinetics related to photochemical processes and those involved in energy dissipation, could be good stress indicators to monitor pathogenesis. Changes on UV-induced blue (F440) and green fluorescence (F520) measured by multicolour fluorescence imaging in pathogen-challenged plants seem to be related with the up-regulation of the plant secondary metabolism and with an increase in phenolic compounds involved in plant defence, such as scopoletin, chlorogenic or ferulic acids. Thermal imaging visualizes the leaf transpiration map during pathogenesis and emphasizes the key role of stomata on innate plant immunity. Using several imaging techniques in parallel could allow obtaining disease signatures for a specific pathogen. These techniques have also turned out to be very useful for presymptomatic pathogen detection, and powerful non-destructive tools for precision agriculture. Their applicability at lab-scale, in the field by remote sensing, and in high-throughput plant phenotyping, makes them particularly useful. Thermal sensors are widely used in crop fields to detect early changes in leaf transpiration induced by both air-borne and soil-borne pathogens. The limitations of measuring photosynthesis by Chl-F at the canopy level are being solved, while the use of multispectral fluorescence imaging is very challenging due to the type of light excitation that is used.
Spatiotopic Adaptation in Visual Areas
Authors: Zimmermann Eckart , Weidner Ralph , Abdollahi Rouhollah O. , Fink Gereon R.
Published: September 2016

The ability to perceive the visual world around us as spatially stable despite frequent eye movements is one of the long-standing mysteries of neuroscience. The existence of neural mechanisms processing spatiotopic information is indispensable for a successful interaction with the external world. However, how the brain handles spatiotopic information remains a matter of debate. We here combined behavioral and fMRI adaptation to investigate the coding of spatiotopic information in the human brain. Subjects were adapted by a prolonged presentation of a tilted grating. Thereafter, they performed a saccade followed by the brief presentation of a probe. This procedure allowed dissociating adaptation aftereffects at retinal and spatiotopic positions. We found significant behavioral and functional adaptation in both retinal and spatiotopic positions, indicating information transfer into a spatiotopic coordinate system. The brain regions involved were located in ventral visual areas V3, V4, and VO. Our findings suggest that spatiotopic representations involved in maintaining visual stability are constructed by dynamically remapping visual feature information between retinotopic regions within early visual areas.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTWhy do we perceive the visual world as stable, although we constantly perform saccadic eye movements? We investigated how the visual system codes object locations in spatiotopic (i.e., external world) coordinates. We combined visual adaptation, in which the prolonged exposure to a specific visual feature alters perception, with fMRI adaptation, where the repeated presentation of a stimulus leads to a reduction in the BOLD amplitude. Functionally, adaptation was found in visual areas representing the retinal location of an adaptor but also at representations corresponding to its spatiotopic position. The results suggest that an active dynamic shift transports information in visual cortex to counteract the retinal displacement associated with saccade eye movements.
Coxsackievirus Adenovirus Receptor Loss Impairs Adult Neurogenesis, Synapse Content, and Hippocampus Plasticity
Authors: Zussy Charleine , Loustalot Fabien , Junyent Felix , Gardoni Fabrizio , Bories Cyril , Valero Jorge , Desarménien Michel G. , Bernex Florence , Henaff Daniel , Bayo-Puxan Neus , Chen Jin-Wen , Lonjon Nicolas , de Koninck Yves , Malva João O. , Bergelson Jeffrey M. , di Luca Monica , Schiavo Giampietro , Salinas Sara , Kremer Eric J.
Published: September 2016

Although we are beginning to understand the late stage of neurodegenerative diseases, the molecular defects associated with the initiation of impaired cognition are poorly characterized. Here, we demonstrate that in the adult brain, the coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor (CAR) is located on neuron projections, at the presynapse in mature neurons, and on the soma of immature neurons in the hippocampus. In a proinflammatory or diseased environment, CAR is lost from immature neurons in the hippocampus. Strikingly, in hippocampi of patients at early stages of late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD), CAR levels are significantly reduced. Similarly, in triple-transgenic AD mice, CAR levels in hippocampi are low and further reduced after systemic inflammation. Genetic deletion of CAR from the mouse brain triggers deficits in adult neurogenesis and synapse homeostasis that lead to impaired hippocampal plasticity and cognitive deficits. We propose that post-translational CAR loss of function contributes to cognitive defects in healthy and diseased-primed brains.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThis study addressed the role of the coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor (CAR), a single-pass cell adhesion molecule, in the adult brain. Our results demonstrate that CAR is expressed by mature neurons throughout the brain. In addition, we propose divergent roles for CAR in immature neurons, during neurogenesis, and at the mature synapse. Notably, CAR loss of function also affects hippocampal plasticity.
Prefrontal Cortex Networks Shift from External to Internal Modes during Learning
Authors: Brincat Scott L. , Miller Earl K.
Published: September 2016

As we learn about items in our environment, their neural representations become increasingly enriched with our acquired knowledge. But there is little understanding of how network dynamics and neural processing related to external information changes as it becomes laden with “internal” memories. We sampled spiking and local field potential activity simultaneously from multiple sites in the lateral prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the hippocampus (HPC)—regions critical for sensory associations—of monkeys performing an object paired-associate learning task. We found that in the PFC, evoked potentials to, and neural information about, external sensory stimulation decreased while induced beta-band (∼11–27 Hz) oscillatory power and synchrony associated with “top-down” or internal processing increased. By contrast, the HPC showed little evidence of learning-related changes in either spiking activity or network dynamics. The results suggest that during associative learning, PFC networks shift their resources from external to internal processing.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTAs we learn about items in our environment, their representations in our brain become increasingly enriched with our acquired “top-down” knowledge. We found that in the prefrontal cortex, but not the hippocampus, processing of external sensory inputs decreased while internal network dynamics related to top-down processing increased. The results suggest that during learning, prefrontal cortex networks shift their resources from external (sensory) to internal (memory) processing.
The Core Molecular Machinery Used for Engulfment of Apoptotic Cells Regulates the JNK Pathway Mediating Axon Regeneration inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Pastuhov Strahil Iv. , Fujiki Kota , Tsuge Anna , Asai Kazuma , Ishikawa Sho , Hirose Kazuya , Matsumoto Kunihiro , Hisamoto Naoki
Published: September 2016

The mechanisms that govern the ability of specific neurons to regenerate their axons after injury are not well understood. InCaenorhabditis elegans, the initiation of axon regeneration is positively regulated by the JNK–MAPK pathway. In this study, we identify two components functioning upstream of the JNK pathway: the Ste20-related protein kinase MAX-2 and the Rac-type GTPase CED-10. CED-10, when bound by GTP, interacts with MAX-2 and functions as its upstream regulator in axon regeneration. CED-10, in turn, is activated by axon injury via signals initiated from the integrin α-subunit INA-1 and the nonreceptor tyrosine kinase SRC-1 and transmitted via the signaling module CED-2/CrkII–CED-5/Dock180–CED-12/ELMO. This module is also known to regulate the engulfment of apoptotic cells during development. Our findings thus reveal that the molecular machinery used for engulfment of apoptotic cells also promotes axon regeneration through activation of the JNK pathway.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe molecular mechanisms of axon regeneration after injury remain poorly understood. InCaenorhabditis elegans, the initiation of axon regeneration is positively regulated by the JNK–MAPK pathway. In this study, we show that integrin, Rac-GTPase, and several other molecules, all of which are known to regulate engulfment of apoptotic cells during development, also regulate axon regeneration. This signaling module activates the JNK–MAPK cascade via MAX-2, a PAK-like protein kinase that binds Rac. Our findings thus reveal that the molecular machinery used for engulfment of apoptotic cells also promotes axon regeneration through activation of the JNK pathway.
Schwann Cell O-GlcNAc Glycosylation Is Required for Myelin Maintenance and Axon Integrity
Authors: Kim Sungsu , Maynard Jason C. , Sasaki Yo , Strickland Amy , Sherman Diane L. , Brophy Peter J. , Burlingame Alma L. , Milbrandt Jeffrey
Published: September 2016

Schwann cells (SCs), ensheathing glia of the peripheral nervous system, support axonal survival and function. Abnormalities in SC metabolism affect their ability to provide this support and maintain axon integrity. To further interrogate this metabolic influence on axon–glial interactions, we generated OGT-SCKO mice with SC-specific deletion of the metabolic/nutrient sensing protein O-GlcNAc transferase that mediates the O-linked addition ofN-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) moieties to Ser and Thr residues. The OGT-SCKO mice develop tomaculous demyelinating neuropathy characterized by focal thickenings of the myelin sheath (tomacula), progressive demyelination, axonal loss, and motor and sensory nerve dysfunction. Proteomic analysis identified more than 100 O-GlcNAcylated proteins in rat sciatic nerve, including Periaxin (PRX), a myelin protein whose mutation causes inherited neuropathy in humans. PRX lacking O-GlcNAcylation is mislocalized within the myelin sheath of these mutant animals. Furthermore, phenotypes of OGT-SCKO andPrx-deficient mice are very similar, suggesting that metabolic control of PRX O-GlcNAcylation is crucial for myelin maintenance and axonal integrity.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe nutrient sensing protein O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) mediates post-translational O-linkedN-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) modification. Here we find that OGT functions in Schwann cells (SCs) to maintain normal myelin and prevent axonal loss. SC-specific deletion of OGT (OGT-SCKO mice) causes a tomaculous demyelinating neuropathy accompanied with progressive axon degeneration and motor and sensory nerve dysfunction. We also found Periaxin (PRX), a myelin protein whose mutation causes inherited neuropathy in humans, is O-GlcNAcylated. Importantly, phenotypes of OGT-SCKO andPrxmutant mice are very similar, implying that compromised PRX function contributes to the neuropathy of OGT-SCKO mice. This study will be useful in understanding how SC metabolism contributes to PNS function and in developing new strategies for treating peripheral neuropathy by targeting SC function.
Methylphenidate Modulates Functional Network Connectivity to Enhance Attention
Authors: Rosenberg Monica D. , Zhang Sheng , Hsu Wei-Ting , Scheinost Dustin , Finn Emily S. , Shen Xilin , Constable R. Todd , Li Chiang-Shan R. , Chun Marvin M.
Published: September 2016

Recent work has demonstrated that human whole-brain functional connectivity patterns measured with fMRI contain information about cognitive abilities, including sustained attention. To derive behavioral predictions from connectivity patterns, our group developed a connectome-based predictive modeling (CPM) approach (Finn et al., 2015; Rosenberg et al., 2016). Previously using CPM, we defined a high-attention network, comprising connections positively correlated with performance on a sustained attention task, and a low-attention network, comprising connections negatively correlated with performance. Validating the networks as generalizable biomarkers of attention, models based on network strength at rest predicted attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in an independent group of individuals (Rosenberg et al., 2016). To investigate whether these networks play a causal role in attention, here we examined their strength in healthy adults given methylphenidate (Ritalin), a common ADHD treatment, compared with unmedicated controls. As predicted, individuals given methylphenidate showed patterns of connectivity associated with better sustained attention: higher high-attention and lower low-attention network strength than controls. There was significant overlap between the high-attention network and a network with greater strength in the methylphenidate group, and between the low-attention network and a network with greater strength in the control group. Network strength also predicted behavior on a stop-signal task, such that participants with higher go response rates showed higher high-attention and lower low-attention network strength. These results suggest that methylphenidate acts by modulating functional brain networks related to sustained attention, and that changing whole-brain connectivity patterns may help improve attention.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTRecent work identified a promising neuromarker of sustained attention based on whole-brain functional connectivity networks. To investigate the causal role of these networks in attention, we examined their response to a dose of methylphenidate, a common and effective treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, in healthy adults. As predicted, individuals on methylphenidate showed connectivity signatures of better sustained attention: higher high-attention and lower low-attention network strength than controls. These results suggest that methylphenidate acts by modulating strength in functional brain networks related to attention, and that changing whole-brain connectivity patterns may improve attention.
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutation revealed cytoplasmic tail is dispensable for IZUMO1 function and male fertility
Authors: Young Samantha A M , Miyata Haruhiko , Satouh Yuhkoh , Muto Masanaga , Larsen Martin R , Aitken R John , Baker Mark A , Ikawa Masahito
Published: September 2016

IZUMO1 is a protein found in the head of spermatozoa that has been identified as essential for sperm–egg fusion. Its binding partner in the egg has been discovered (JUNO); however, the roles of several domains within IZUMO1 remain unexplored. One such domain is the C-terminus, which undergoes major phosphorylation changes in the cytoplasmic portion of the protein during rat epididymal transit. However, the cytoplasmic tail of IZUMO1 in many species is highly variable, ranging from 55 to one amino acid. Therefore, to understand the role of the cytoplasmic tail of IZUMO1 in mouse, we utilised the gene manipulation system of CRISPR/Cas9 to generate a point mutation resulting in a premature stop codon, producing mice with truncated IZUMO1. Mice without the cytoplasmic tail of IZUMO1 showed normal fertility but decreased the amount of protein, indicating that whilst this region is important for the expression level of IZUMO1, it is dispensable for fertilisation in the mouse.
Macrophages promote the growth and invasion of endometrial stromal cells by downregulating IL-24 in endometriosis
Authors: Shao Jun , Zhang Bing , Yu Jia-Jun , Wei Chun-Yan , Zhou Wen-Jie , Chang Kai-Kai , Yang Hui-Li , Jin Li-Ping , Zhu Xiao-Yong , Li Ming-Qing
Published: September 2016

Macrophages play an important role in the origin and development of endometriosis. Estrogen promoted the growth of decidual stromal cells (DSCs) by downregulating the level of interleukin (IL)-24. The aim of this study was to clarify the role and mechanism of IL-24 and its receptors in the regulation of biological functions of endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) during endometriosis. The level of IL-24 and its receptors in endometrium was measured by immunohistochemistry.In vitroanalysis was used to measure the level of IL-24 and receptors and the biological behaviors of ESCs. Here, we found that the expression of IL-24 and its receptors (IL-20R1 and IL-20R2) in control endometrium was significantly higher than that in eutopic and ectopic endometrium of women with endometriosis. Recombinant human IL-24 (rhIL-24) significantly inhibited the viability of ESCs in a dosage-dependent manner. Conversely, blocking IL-24 with anti-IL-24 neutralizing antibody promoted ESCs viability. In addition, rhIL-24 could downregulate the invasiveness of ESCsin vitro. After co-culture, macrophages markedly reduced the expression of IL-24 and IL-20R1 in ESCs, but not IL-22R1. Moreover, macrophages significantly restricted the inhibitory effect of IL-24 on the viability, invasion, the proliferation relative gene Ki-67, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and cyclooxygenase2 (COX-2), and the stimulatory effect on the tumor metastasis suppressor gene CD82 in ESCs. These results indicate that the abnormally low level of IL-24 in ESCs possibly induced by macrophages may lead to the enhancement of ESCs’ proliferation and invasiveness and contribute to the development of endometriosis.
The EASE Quality Improvement Project: Improving Safe Sleep Practices in Ohio Children’s Hospitals
Authors: Macklin Jamie R. , Gittelman Michael A. , Denny Sarah A. , Southworth Hayley , Arnold Melissa Wervey
Published: September 2016

BACKGROUND:

Despite American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations, many hospitalized infants are not observed in the appropriate safe sleep environment. Caregivers tend to model sleep patterns observed in a hospital setting. This project assessed the change in infant safe sleep practices within 6 children's hospitals after the implementation of a statewide quality improvement program.

METHODS:

The AAP recruited hospitalists from each of the state’s children’s hospitals and asked them to form “safe sleep teams” within their institutions. Teams used a standardized data tool to collect information on the infant's age and sleep position/environment. They collected baseline data and then weekly for the duration of the 12-month project. Teams were required to implement at least 3 Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles. We calculated changes in safe sleep practices over time. Providers received Maintenance of Certification Part IV credit for participation.

RESULTS:

Teams collected 5343 audits at all participating sites. At baseline, only 279 (32.6%) of 856 of the sleeping infants were observed to follow AAP recommendations, compared with 110 (58.2%) of 189 (P < .001) at the project’s conclusion. The presence of empty cribs was the greatest improvement (38.1% to 67.2%) (P < .001). Removing loose blankets (77.8% to 50.0%) (P < .001) was the most common change made. Audits also showed an increase in education of families about safe sleep practices from 48.2% to 75.4% (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Multifactorial interventions by hospitalist teams in a multi-institutional program within 1 state’s children's hospitals improved observed infant safe sleep behaviors and family report of safe sleep education. These behavior changes may lead to more appropriate safe sleep practices at home.
BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF PINEAPPLE FRUIT OF DIFFERENT CULTIVARS
Authors: FERREIRA ESTER ALICE , SIQUEIRA HELOISA ELIAS , BOAS EDUARDO VALERIO VILAS , HERMES VANESSA STAHL , RIOS ALESSANDRO DE OLIVEIRA
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT Pineapple is widely consumed and appreciated not only due to its taste and aroma, and also to its nutritional, functional and antioxidant properties, including its vitamin C and carotenoid contents. Brazil is one of the largest world’ pineapple producer, and Pérola and Smooth Cayenne cultivars are the most commonly grown and marketed, but their susceptibility to fusariosis can compromise cultivation. New cultivars resistant to this pathogen are available to meet the demands of pineapple producers and consumers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the content of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of pineapple fruits of Imperial, Victoria, IAC Fantástico and Gomo de Mel cultivars, as well as traditional Pérola and Smooth Cayenne cultivars. Fruits grown in the Triângulo Mineiro region were evaluated by colorimetry, determination of ascorbic acid and phenolic compounds by spectrometry, antioxidant activity by ABTS and carotenoid profile by HPLC. Regarding color, Gomo de Mel cultivar showed lower brightness and higher value of parameter b*, indicating a more intense yellow color in this fruit. This result is consistent with the highest carotenoid concentration in this cultivar. Another cultivar that stood out was Imperial, which, while maintaining high carotenoid levels, also showed high concentrations of vitamin C and phenolic compounds, and higher antioxidant activity. Victoria cultivar showed low levels of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity, even lower than IAC Fantástico cultivar, which showed levels of bioactive compounds similar to traditional Pérola and Smooth Cayenne cultivars.
Plantas daninhas como hospedeiras alternativas para Pratylenchus brachyurus
Authors: Braz Guilherme Braga Pereira , Oliveira Jr. Rubem Silvério de , Constantin Jamil , Raimondi Ricardo Travasso , Ribeiro Lilianne Martins , Gemelli Alexandre , Takano Hudson Kagueyama
Published: September 2016

RESUMO Uma das ações indiretas exercidas pelas plantas daninhas na interferência sob espécies cultivadas é o potencial de hospedar agentes causadores de enfermidades. O nematoide das lesões radiculares (Pratylenchus brachyurus) vem causando uma série de danos em diversas culturas no Brasil. Para o manejo deste fitoparasita, o cultivo de diferentes espécies de crotalárias tem sido empregado. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a hospedabilidade de plantas daninhas para P. brachyurus, bem como o efeito de supressão de diferentes espécies de crotalária. Para isso, foi instalado um experimento em casa de vegetação no delineamento inteiramente casualizado em arranjo fatorial (2x17), com seis repetições. O primeiro fator consistiu na presença ou ausência da inoculação do nematoide. O segundo correspondeu a dezessete espécies vegetais, sendo onze plantas daninhas, quatro crotalárias (C. breviflora, C. juncea, C. ochroleuca e C spectabilis) e duas variedades de soja, as quais serviram como testemunha sendo hospedeiras de P. brachyurus. A inoculação do nematoide das lesões radiculares não influenciou a altura de plantas e massa seca de parte aérea das diferentes espécies avaliadas. Portulaca oleracea, Amaranthus viridis e Sida rhombifolia foram as espécies com maior número de nematoides por sistema radicular, e apenas a S. rhombifolia apresentou comportamento semelhante a testemunha (variedade de soja BMX Potência RR®). Com relação ao número de nematoides por grama de raiz, os maiores valores foram observados para A. viridis, seguido por P. oleracea. Excluindo-se a C. juncea, todas as demais espécies de crotalária apresentaram-se como boas opções para o manejo em áreas infestadas com P. brachyurus.
Effect of temperature on mycelial growth of Trichoderma, Sclerotinia minor and S. sclerotiorum, as well as on mycoparasitism
Authors: Domingues Manuel Victor Pessoni Fernandes , Moura Karina Elaine de , Salomão Denise , Elias Luciana Mecatti , Patricio Flávia Rodrigues Alves
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT Environmental conditions are very important for the biological control of plant diseases. In a previous study, isolates of Trichoderma asperellum (IBLF 897, IBLF 904 and IBLF 914) and T. asperelloides (IBLF 908) were selected as antagonists of S. minor and S. sclerotiorum, causal agents of lettuce drop, one of the most relevant diseases affecting the lettuce crop. In this subsequent study, the mycelial growth of these isolates and pathogens, as well as the mycoparasitism of isolate IBLF 914, was evaluated at different temperatures. The mycelial growth of the isolates of T. asperellum and T. asperelloides, as well as of S. minor and S. sclerotiorum, was evaluated at temperatures ranging from 7 to 42oC. The parasitism of propagules of S. minor and S. sclerotiorum by the isolate IBLF 914, as well as the number of lettuce seedlings surviving drop, was evaluated at 12, 17, 22, 27 and 32oC, in gerboxes containing substrate. S. minor and S. sclerotiorum showed mycelial growth at temperatures ranging from 7 to 27°C, but no growth occurred at 32 °C, and both pathogens had greater mycelial growth at 22°C. The isolates of Trichoderma grew at temperatures ranging from 12 to 37°C, with maximum growth at 27°C. The isolate IBLF 914 had mycoparasitism and reduced the disease in lettuce seedlings at temperatures ranging from 22 to 32°C. Since lettuce drop occurs when mild temperatures and high humidity prevail and the antagonist was more effective at higher temperatures, it is recommended that Trichoderma is applied in lettuce fields in Brazil also during warmer months of the year to reduce the inoculum remaining in the soil before planting the winter crop, which is more affected by the disease.
Reemerging of natural infection by Trypanosoma evansi in horses in Arari, Marajó Island, Brazil
Authors: Silva Josileide Araújo da , Domiciano Tarcísio Oliveira , Montão Daniele Pina , Sousa Paulo Geovani Silva , Ramos Leandro Lopes , Paredes Laura Jamille Argolo , Monteiro Silvia Gonzalez , Rivero Gabriela Riet Correa , Scofield Alessandra , Bezerra Júnior Pedro , Bezerra Isis Abel , Cerqueira Valíria Duarte
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT: Two outbreaks of trypanosomiasis by Trypanosoma evansi in horses in the municipality of Chaves, Marajó Island, Pará State, Brazil are reported. The first outbreak occurred in April 2011 in a farm with 147 horses; of these, 47 (31.97%) got sick, and 40 (27.21%) died. The second outbreak occurred in May 2012 and involved nine properties. Of a total of 679 horses, 209 (30.07%) got sick, and 183 (26.97%) died. The main clinical signs observed in these horses were weight loss, abdominal edema, toe dragging, and pelvic muscle atrophy. Necropsy was performed in two horses, one from each outbreak. Macroscopic alterations were not seen in the horse from the first outbreak; however, the horse from the second outbreak exhibited emaciation, pallor and icterus, as well as enlarged spleen with prominent white pulp at cut surface. Histopathology of the central nervous system of both animals revealed mild to severe, diffuse lymphoplasmacytic encephalitis, with presence of Mott cells. Immunohistochemistry for T. evansi revealed structures similar to intralesional trypomastigote forms. Between November and December of 2013, an epidemiological survey was carried out in the municipalities of Cachoeira do Arari, Santa Cruz do Arari, Salvaterra, Soure, and Chaves. Only Santa Cruz do Arari and Chaves had reported cases of the disease. Blood samples were collected from 243 horses for detection of T. evansi DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and 20 were positive.
Correlation between chronic inflammation, immunostaining and parasite load in the genital system of female dogs naturally infected with Leishmania infantum
Authors: Oliveira Vinícius Vasconcelos Gomes de , Macedo Simone Regina Barros de , Araújo Flábio Ribeiro de , Ramos Carlos Alberto do Nascimento , Ramos Rafael Antonio Nascimento , Maia Frederico Celso Lyra , Alves Leucio Câmara , Silva Junior Valdemiro Amaro da
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT: The aim of the present study was to investigate the correlations among chronic inflammatory reaction, immunostaining and parasite load in the genital system of female dogs naturally infected with Leishmania infantum . Animals (n = 10) used in this study were from the Department of Vector Control and Animal Surveillance of the municipality of Caruaru, state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Fragments of the vulva, vagina, cervix, uterine body, uterine horns and ovaries were submitted to histopathological analysis, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and DNA detection of amastigotes by qPCR. Correlations were found between the IHC findings and chronic inflammatory infiltrate related to L. Infantum only in the vulva and vagina; whereas, the same inflammatory reactions without immunostaining were observed in all organs, except the ovaries. L. Infantum DNA was detected in all organs of genital system, with no difference in parasite load observed among the different organs. No correlation was reported between parasite load and inflammatory lesions in the organs evaluated, except for the uterine body, in which an inverse correlation was detected. In conclusion, the vulva and vagina were the major sites of lesions and immunostaining for L. Infantum amastigotes in the genital system of female dogs. Moreover, parasite load exerted no influence on the intensity of the lesions in the organs evaluated.
Uma contribuição da educação ambiental crítica para (des)construção do olhar sobre a seca no semiárido baiano
Authors: Hofstatter Lakshmi Juliane Vallim , Oliveira Haydée Torres de , Souto Francisco José Bezerra
Published: September 2016

Resumo: A seca nordestina vem produzindo, ao longo de séculos, muitos estereótipos que se plasmam em diferentes percepções, que nos motivaram a buscar uma melhor compreensão sobre este fenômeno. Trabalhamos com professoras/es de uma escola municipal localizada na comunidade de Brejo dos Olhos d´Água, semiárido baiano. Os dados foram coletados durante um processo de formação em educação ambiental, na perspectiva crítica, pautados em metodologias participativas. Utilizamos questionários, grupo focal e o método de foto-elicitação, ancorando a análise na hermenêutica. Traçamos um panorama do processo social na constituição da percepção sobre a seca, constatando algumas heranças históricas que influenciam na forma como as pessoas vivem e percebem seu meio. Evidenciou-se a necessidade de investimento na formação continuada e contextualizada de professoras/es, pois muitas/os ainda reproduzem discursos propagados historicamente pela mídia e literatura, às vezes equivocados. Constatamos que a interação educacional contribui para a compreensão deste fenômeno e pode criar condições para a (re)construção destes olhares.
"Chuva, como te queremos!": representações sociais da água através dos desenhos de crianças pertencentes a uma região rural semiárida do México
Authors: Schwarz Maria Luiza , Herrmann Thora Martina , Torri Maria Costanza , Goldberg Luciane
Published: September 2016

Resumo: Desenhos infantis são instrumentos muito importantes na análise dos conhecimentos e valores sobre os recursos naturais, como a água, que é um recurso essencial para a vida humana. Este trabalho avalia desenhos de crianças e adolescentes da comunidade rural de Francisco Medrano-México. O enunciado de chamada para a atividade foi: "Desenhe tudo que lhe vem em mente quando falamos em água". Após a execução, houve diálogos sobre o problema entre estudantes, professores e pesquisadores e a exposição dos trabalhos em sala de aula. Em seguida, fez-se um exame detalhado sobre o contexto dessas obras, qual foi a mensagem que a criança quis transmitir quando a palavra "água" lhe veio em mente. O estudo revela que muitos conhecimentos dos jovens sobre a água podem fluir através do desenho e que este é instrumento muito importante na construção de Temas Geradores, na perspectiva freiriana.
Evolução biológica e os estudantes: um estudo comparativo Brasil e Itália
Authors: Oliveira Graciela Silva , Bizzo Nelio , Pellegrini Giuseppe
Published: September 2016

Resumo: Neste trabalho, buscou-se apresentar algumas relações dos jovens com a teoria da evolução biológica encontrados no Brasil e na Itália, caracterizando as principais similaridades e divergências identificadas nas respostas dos estudantes. Os dados foram coletados por meio do questionário intitulado Barômetro e analisados com auxílio do software Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS), versão 18.0. Os resultados apontam que os italianos reconhecem com maior frequência a validade de tópicos relacionados à teoria evolutiva. Além disso, há diferentes fatores socioculturais associados às respostas dos jovens dos dois países, que aumentam ou reduzem a proximidade dos estudantes com explicações científicas para os fenômenos naturais.
Matematização e ensino de Física: uma discussão de noções docentes
Authors: Mendes Gabriela Helena Geraldo Issa , Batista Irinéa de Lourdes
Published: September 2016

Resumo Este artigo é resultado de uma pesquisa que teve por objetivo investigar o papel da matematização na Física e no seu ensino, segundo professores de Física. Tendo em vista os estudos que evidenciam os benefícios da História e Filosofia da Ciência no ensino e na formação de professores, procuramos estabelecer alguns elementos que demonstram a presença de noções de História e Filosofia da Ciência na estruturação do conceito de matematização. Para tanto, elaboramos um questionário aberto que foi respondido por dez professores que lecionam disciplinas de Física. Para análise dos dados, adotamos a Análise de Conteúdo; a análise desses questionários resultou na estruturação de unidades temáticas que evidenciam as noções dos professores a respeito da matematização.
Algumas experiências, perspectivas e desafios da Medievalística no Brasil frente às demandas atuais
Authors: Silveira Aline Dias da
Published: September 2016

RESUMO Neste artigo são evidenciadas e discutidas algumas experiências, perspectivas e desafios das pesquisas desenvolvidas na área de História Medieval no Brasil perante a necessidade de responder a demandas e articular-se a movimentos mundiais. Metodologicamente, dividiu-se a exposição em temáticas: a) os estudos da transculturalidade e do espaço social; b) o posicionamento acadêmico, tendo em vista que essas temáticas estão inter-relacionadas em um mesmo movimento que aproxima a pesquisa sobre Idade Média às reflexões sobre as experiências cotidianas. Teoricamente, as reflexões desenvolvidas neste artigo dialogam com o pensamento do historiador alemão Reinhart Kosellek. Ressalta-se a contribuição de medievalistas brasileiros em apresentar um novo olhar, o olhar do "outro", sobre a historiografia europeia e a importância da divulgação crítica e renovação do conhecimento histórico.