bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conversion of genomic imprinting by reprogramming and redifferentiation
Authors: Kim Min Jung , Choi Hyun Woo , Jang Hyo Jin , Chung Hyung Min , Arauzo-Bravo Marcos J. , Schöler Hans R. , Tae Do Jeong
Published: March 2013

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), generated from somatic cells by overexpression of transcription factors, Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc, have the same characteristics as pluripotent embryonic stem cells (ESCs). iPSCs reprogrammed from differentiated cells undergo epigenetic modification during reprogramming, and ultimately acquire a similar epigenetic state to that of ESCs. In this study, these epigenetic changes were observed in reprogramming of uniparental parthenogenetic somatic cells. The parthenogenetic pattern of imprinted genes changes during the generation of parthenogenetic maternal iPSCs (miPSCs), a process referred to as pluripotent reprogramming. Here, we determined whether altered imprinted genes are maintained or reverted to the parthenogenetic state when the reprogrammed cells are redifferentiated into specialized cell types. To address this question, we redifferentiated miPSCs into neural stem cells (miPS-NSCs) and compared them with biparental female NSCs (fNSCs) and parthenogenetic NSCs (pNSCs). We found that pluripotent reprogramming of parthenogenetic somatic cells could reset parthenogenetic DNA methylation patterns in imprinted genes, and that alterations in DNA methylation were maintained even after miPSCs were redifferentiated into miPS-NSCs. Notably, maternally methylated imprinted genes (Peg1, Peg3, Igf2r, Snrpn, and Ndn) whose differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were fully methylated in pNSCs, were demethylated, and their expression levels were found to be close to the levels in normal biparental fNSCs after reprogramming and redifferentiation. Our findings suggest that pluripotent reprogramming of parthenogenetic somatic cells followed by redifferentiation leads to changes in DNA methylation of imprinted genes and the reestablishment of gene expression levels to those of normal biparental cells.
The GEF Vav regulates guided cell migration by coupling guidance receptor signalling to local Rac activation
Authors: Fernández-Espartero Cecilia H. , Ramel Damien , Farago Marganit , Malartre Marianne , Luque Carlos M. , Limanovich Shiran , Katzav Shulamit , Emery Gregory , Martín-Bermudo María D.
Published: March 2013

Guided cell migration is a key mechanism for cell positioning in morphogenesis. The current model suggests that the spatially controlled activation of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) by guidance cues would limit Rac activity at the leading edge, which is critical for establishing and maintaining polarized cell protrusions at the front. However, little is known about the mechanisms by which RTKs control the local activation of Rac. Here, using a multidisciplinary approach, we identify the GTP exchange factor (GEF) vav as a key regulator of Rac activity downstream of RTKs in a developmentally regulated cell migration event, that of the Drosophila border cells (BCs). We show that elimination of vav impairs BC migration. Live imaging analysis reveals that vav is required for the stabilization and maintenance of protrusions at the front of the BC cluster. In addition, activation of the PDGF/VEGF-related receptor (PVR) by its ligand the PDGF/PVF1 factor brings about Vav activation by direct interaction with the intracellular domain of PVR. Finally, FRET analyses demonstrate that Vav is required in BCs for the asymmetric distribution of Rac activity at the front. Our results unravel an important role for the Vav proteins as signal transducers that couple signalling downstream of RTKs with local Rac activation during morphogenetic movements.
A short bifunctional element operates to positively or negatively regulateESAG9expression in different developmental forms ofTrypanosoma brucei
Authors: Monk Stephanie L. , Simmonds Peter , Matthews Keith R.
Published: March 2013

In their mammalian host trypanosomes generate ‘stumpy’ forms from proliferative ‘slender’ forms as an adaptation for transmission to their tsetse fly vector. This transition is characterised by the repression of many genes as quiescent stumpy forms accumulate during each wave of parasitaemia. However, a subset of genes are up-regulated either as an adaptation for transmission or to sustain infection chronicity. Among this group are ESAG9 proteins, whose genes were originally identified as a component of some telomeric variant surface glycoprotein gene expression sites, although many family members are also transcribed elsewhere in the genome. ESAG9 genes are among the most highly regulated genes in transmissible stumpy forms, this diverse gene family encoding a group of secreted proteins of cryptic function. To understand their developmental silencing in slender forms and activation in stumpy forms, the post-transcriptional control signals for a well conserved ESAG9 gene have been mapped. This identified a precise RNA sequence element of 34 nt that contributes to gene expression silencing in slender forms but also acts positively, activating gene expression in stumpy forms. We predict that this bifunctional RNA sequence element is targeted by competing negative and positive regulatory factors in distinct developmental forms of the parasite. Analysis of the 3′UTR regulatory regions flanking the highly diverse ESAG9 family reveals that the linear regulatory sequence is not highly conserved, suggesting that RNA structure will be important for interactions with regulatory proteins.
Cyclic AMP directs IP3-evoked Ca2+ signalling to different intracellular Ca2+ stores
Authors: Tovey Stephen C. , Taylor Colin W.
Published: March 2013

Cholesterol depletion reversibly abolishes carbachol-evoked Ca2+ release from IP3-sensitive stores, without affecting the distribution of IP3 receptors (IP3R) or ER, IP3 formation or responses to photolysis of caged IP3. Receptors that stimulate cAMP formation do not alone evoke Ca2+ signals, but they potentiate those evoked by carbachol. We show that these potentiated signals are entirely unaffected by cholesterol depletion, and that within individual cells different IP3-sensitive Ca2+ stores are released by carbachol alone and by carbachol combined with receptors that stimulate cAMP formation. We suggest that muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in lipid rafts deliver IP3 at high concentration to associated IP3R, stimulating them to release Ca2+. Muscarinic receptors outside rafts are less closely associated with IP3R and provide insufficient local IP3 to activate IP3R directly. These IP3R, probably type 2 IP3R within a discrete Ca2+ store, are activated only when their sensitivity is increased by cAMP. Sensitization of IP3R by cAMP extends the effective range of signalling by phospholipase C, allowing muscarinic receptors that are otherwise ineffective to recruit additional IP3-sensitive Ca2+ stores.
The domain-3a of Munc18-1 plays a crucial role at the priming stage of exocytosis
Authors: Han Gayoung Anna , Bin Na-Ryum , Kang Soo-Young Ann , Han Liping , Sugita Shuzo
Published: March 2013

Munc18-1 is believed to prime or stimulate SNARE-mediated membrane fusion/exocytosis through binding to the SNARE complex in addition to chaperoning its cognate syntaxins. Nevertheless a Munc18-1 mutant that selectively loses the priming function while retaining the syntaxin chaperoning activity has not been identified. As a consequence, the mechanism that mediates Munc18-1-dependent priming remains unclear. In the course of analyzing the functional outcomes of a variety of point mutations in domain-3a of Munc18-1, we discovered insertion mutants (K332E/K333E with insertions of 5 or 39 residues). These mutants completely lose their ability to rescue secretion whereas they effectively restore syntaxin-1 expression at the plasma membrane as well as dense-core vesicle docking in Munc18-1/2 double knockdown PC12 cells. The mutant can bind syntaxin-1A in a stoichiometric manner. However, it impairs binding to the SNARE complex compared to the wild-type or the hydrophobic pocket mutant (F115E). Our results advocate that the domain-3a of Munc18-1 plays a crucial role in priming of exocytosis which is independent of its syntaxin-1 chaperoning and is downstream of dense-core vesicle docking. We also suggest that the priming mechanism of Munc18-1 involves its domain-3a-dependent SNARE complex interaction.
Protein with tau-like repeats regulates neuronal integrity and lifespan inC. elegans
Authors: CHEW Yee Lian , FAN Xiaochen , GöTZ Jürgen , NICHOLAS Hannah R.
Published: March 2013

Protein with tau-like repeats (PTL-1) is the sole Caenorhabditis elegans homolog of tau and MAP2, which are members of the mammalian family of microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs). In mammalian neurons, tau and MAP2 are segregated, with tau being mainly localised to the axon and MAP2 mainly to the dendrite. In particular, tau plays a crucial role in pathology, as elevated levels lead to the formation of tau aggregates in many neurodegenerative conditions including Alzheimer's disease. We used PTL-1 in C. elegans to model the biological functions of a tau-like protein without the complication of functional redundancy which is observed among the mammalian MAPs. Our findings indicate that PTL-1 is important for the maintenance of neuronal health as animals age, as well as in the regulation of whole organism lifespan. In addition, gene dosage of PTL-1 is critical, as variations from wild-type levels are detrimental. We also observed that human tau is unable to robustly compensate for loss of PTL-1, although phenotypes observed in tau transgenic worms are dependent on the presence of endogenous PTL-1. Our data suggest that some of the effects of tau pathology may result from the loss of physiological tau function, and not solely from a toxic gain-of-function due to accumulation of tau.
Identification of extracellular miRNA in human cerebrospinal fluid by next-generation sequencing
Authors: Burgos Kasandra Lovette , Javaherian Ashkan , Bomprezzi Roberto , Ghaffari Layla , Rhodes Susan , Courtright Amanda , Tembe Waibhav , Kim Seungchan , Metpally Raghu , Van Keuren-Jensen Kendall
Published: March 2013

There has been a growing interest in using next-generation sequencing (NGS) to profile extracellular small RNAs from the blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with neurological diseases, CNS tumors, or traumatic brain injury for biomarker discovery. Small sample volumes and samples with low RNA abundance create challenges for downstream small RNA sequencing assays. Plasma, serum, and CSF contain low amounts of total RNA, of which small RNAs make up a fraction. The purpose of this study was to maximize RNA isolation from RNA-limited samples and apply these methods to profile the miRNA in human CSF by small RNA deep sequencing. We systematically tested RNA isolation efficiency using ten commercially available kits and compared their performance on human plasma samples. We used RiboGreen to quantify total RNA yield and custom TaqMan assays to determine the efficiency of small RNA isolation for each of the kits. We significantly increased the recovery of small RNA by repeating the aqueous extraction during the phenol-chloroform purification in the top performing kits. We subsequently used the methods with the highest small RNA yield to purify RNA from CSF and serum samples from the same individual. We then prepared small RNA sequencing libraries using Illumina’s TruSeq sample preparation kit and sequenced the samples on the HiSeq 2000. Not surprisingly, we found that the miRNA expression profile of CSF is substantially different from that of serum. To our knowledge, this is the first time that the small RNA fraction from CSF has been profiled using next-generation sequencing.
Crlz-1 Is Prominently Expressed in Spermatogonia and Sertoli Cells during Early Testis Development and in Spermatids during Late Spermatogenesis
Authors: Lim Jung-Hyun , Choi Seong-Young , Yoo Han-Woong , Cho Sun-Jung , Son Youngsook , Kang Chang-Joong
Published: March 2013

The expression of the Crlz-1 gene in mouse testis, where it was found to be expressed most highly among the tested mouse organs, was analyzed spatiotemporally by employing RT-PCR and in situ hybridization techniques with the aid of immunohistochemistry and/or immunofluorescence methods. In 1-week-old neonatal testis, Crlz-1 was strongly expressed in the spermatogonia and Sertoli cells in its seminiferous cord. In 2- to 3-week-old prepubertal testis, where Sertoli cells cease to proliferate, Crlz-1 expression dropped and remained weakly at the rim layer of seminiferous cords and/or tubules, where spermatogonia are present. In the adult testis at 12 weeks after birth, Crlz-1 was expressed mainly in the spermatids near the lumen of seminiferous tubules. In a further in situ hybridization of Crlz-1 in the 12-week-old adult testis with hematoxylin nuclear counterstaining, Crlz-1 was mainly expressed at step 16 of spermatids between stages VII and VIII of seminiferous tubules as well as in their residual bodies at stage IX of seminiferous tubules.
A Novel Strategy for Cell-Autonomous Gene Knockdown in Caenorhabditis elegans Defines a Cell-Specific Function for the G-Protein Subunit GOA-1
Authors: Maher Kathryn N , Swaminathan Aishwarya , Patel Parth , Chase Daniel L
Published: March 2013

We developed a novel knockdown strategy to examine cell-specific gene function in Caenorhabditis elegans. In this strategy a null mutation in any gene is replaced with a genetically stable transgene that contains a wild-type copy of the gene fused to a 3′ tag that targets the mRNA transcript for degradation by the host nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) machinery. In NMD-defective animals, tagged transgene mRNA is expressed at levels similar to the endogenous gene it replaced and is translated into wild-type protein that fully rescues gene function. Cell-specific activation of NMD cell autonomously knocks down transgene expression in specific cell types without affecting its expression or function in other cells of the organism. To demonstrate the utility of this system, we replaced the goa-1 gene, encoding the pan-neuronally expressed G-protein subunit GOA-1, with a degradation-tagged transgene. We then knocked down expression of the transgene from only two neurons, the hermaphrodite-specific neurons (HSNs), and showed that GOA-1 acts cell autonomously in the HSNs to inhibit egg-laying behavior.
A dinâmica inovativa do subsistema de base mecânica, eletrônica e de materiais
Authors: Maldonado José , Gadelha Carlos Augusto Grabois , Costa Laís Silveira , Vargas Marco
Published: March 2013

O subsistema de base mecânica, eletrônica e de materiais, um dos subsistemas do complexo produtivo da saúde, reúne diferentes atividades, usualmente agregadas na designada indústria de equipamentos e materiais médico-hospitalares e odontológicos, uma área estratégica para a saúde por representar uma fonte contínua de mudanças nas práticas assistenciais. Além de exercer influência na prestação de serviços de saúde, possui potencial de promover o adensamento do sistema nacional de inovação e de ampliar a competitividade da indústria como um todo, dado que articula tecnologias portadoras de futuro. Apesar do crescimento significativo dessa indústria no Brasil nos últimos anos, esses equipamentos e materiais têm apresentado um crescente déficit na balança comercial. Essa incompatibilidade entre as necessidades nacionais de saúde e a base produtiva e inovativa da indústria aponta fragilidades estruturais do subsistema. Utilizando o arcabouço da economia política, o objetivo do artigo foi discutir o desenvolvimento dessa indústria no Brasil e seus desafios.
Inovação na indústria química e biotecnológica em saúde: em busca de uma agenda virtuosa
Authors: Vargas Marco , Gadelha Carlos Augusto Grabois , Costa Laís Silveira , Maldonado José
Published: March 2013

As indústrias de base química e biotecnológica compõem um dos subsistemas produtivos do Complexo Produtivo da Saúde, que se destaca tanto pela sua relevância econômica como pela sua importância no domínio de novas tecnologias em áreas estratégicas. A consolidação do segmento de produção de medicamentos genéricos na última década proporcionou um aumento significativo da participação de empresas nacionais no mercado farmacêutico e representou um importante ponto de inflexão na trajetória de crescimento do setor. Entretanto, ainda há importantes gargalos estruturais tanto na base produtiva como em termos de seu dinamismo inovativo. Tais gargalos revelam a elevada vulnerabilidade do Sistema Nacional de Saúde e apontam para a importância da criação e implementação de políticas públicas que articulem o desenvolvimento da base produtiva e da inovação na indústria farmacêutica com o atendimento das demandas sociais relativas à saúde no País.
Competências científico- tecnológicas e cooperação universidade-empresa na saúde
Authors: Britto Jorge , Vargas Marco Antônio , Gadelha Carlos Augusto Grabois , Costa Laís Silveira
Published: March 2013

OBJETIVO: Analisar a evolução recente das competências científicas na área de saúde, o efeito das linhas de fomento na redução dos desequilíbrios científicos regionais e a interação universidade-empresas entre os grupos de pesquisa em saúde no Brasil. MÉTODOS: As informações utilizadas foram provenientes das bases de dados do Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, referentes aos anos de 2000 a 2010. Foram calculados indicadores relativos à mobilização de recursos, à estruturação de grupos de pesquisa e à realização de esforços para transferência de conhecimentos entre a esfera científica e o setor empresarial. RESULTADOS: Com base no mapa da distribuição regional das competências técnico-científicas na área de saúde, foram identificados possíveis padrões de especialização científica e os padrões de interação entre a comunidade científica e o setor empresarial. Houve relativa desconcentração espacial dos grupos de pesquisa em saúde e seis áreas de conhecimento eram responsáveis por mais de 6% dos grupos de pesquisa em saúde, pela ordem: Medicina, Saúde Coletiva, Odontologia, Medicina Veterinária, Ecologia e Educação Física. Os incentivos representados pelas linhas de fomento no período 2000-2009 contribuíram para reduzir os desequilíbrios científicos regionais, induzindo o aprofundamento de competências pré-existentes ou, alternativamente, estimulando a descentralização espacial dessas competências. CONCLUSÕES: Ainda persiste uma concentração espacial elevada das competências técnico-científicas em saúde e os incentivos de política têm contribuído apenas parcialmente para reduzir esses desequilíbrios.
A dinâmica inovativa para a reestruturação dos serviços de saúde
Authors: Costa Laís Silveira , Gadelha Carlos Augusto Grabois , Borges Taís Raiher , Burd Paula , Maldonado José , Vargas Marco
Published: March 2013

Desafios postos pelas mudanças demográficas e epidemiológicas e pela necessidade de redução dos custos têm exigido a reestruturação dos serviços de saúde. Nesse processo, as inovações em saúde aparecem como importantes protagonistas, uma vez que as tecnologias podem desempenhar papel fundamental tanto no que tange à expansão do acesso quanto à adequação do sistema às necessidades da população. Entretanto, a geração de inovação em saúde não se pauta exclusivamente por demandas e condicionantes sanitários; ao contrário, frequentemente reflete uma trajetória de desenvolvimento e pode ser cativa de interesses de grupos restritos da sociedade. Essas questões precisam ser consideradas tanto na análise da complexidade das dimensões da saúde quanto na investigação da potencialidade e dos desafios para o estabelecimento de uma dinâmica inovativa virtuosa para a reestruturação dos serviços em saúde.
Doenças crônicas não transmissíveis no Brasil: prioridade para enfrentamento e investigação
Authors: Duncan Bruce Bartholow , Chor Dóra , Aquino Estela M L , Bensenor Isabela M , Mill José Geraldo , Schmidt Maria Inês , Lotufo Paulo Andrade , Vigo Álvaro , Barreto Sandhi Maria
Published: March 2013

As Doenças Crônicas Não Transmissíveis representam a maior carga de morbimortalidade no Brasil. Em 2011, o Ministério da Saúde lançou seu Plano de Ações Estratégicas para o Enfrentamento das Doenças Crônicas Não Transmissíveis, enfatizando ações populacionais para controlar as doenças cardiovasculares, diabetes, câncer e doença respiratória crônica, predominantemente pelo controle do fumo, inatividade física, alimentação inadequada e uso prejudicial de álcool. Apesar da produção científica significativa sobre essas doenças e seus fatores de risco no Brasil, poucos são os estudos de coorte nessa temática. Nesse contexto, o Estudo Longitudinal da Saúde do Adulto (ELSA-Brasil) acompanha 15.105 servidores públicos do País. Seus dados espelham a realidade brasileira de altas prevalências de diabetes e hipertensão e dos fatores de risco. A diversidade das informações produzidas permitirá aprofundar o entendimento causal dessas doenças e subsidiar políticas públicas para seu enfrentamento.
Encapsulated specialty oils commercialized in São Paulo state, Brazil: evaluation of identity (fatty acid profile) and compliance of fatty acids and Vitamin E contents with nutrition labeling
Authors: Hirashima Karen , Silva Simone Alves da , Caruso Miriam Solange Fernandes , Aued-Pimentel Sabria
Published: March 2013

Encapsulated specialty oils commercialized in São Paulo state, Brazil, were evaluated for their identity (fatty acids profile) and compliance with nutrition labeling (fatty acids and Vitamin E (alpha tocopherol) contents). Twenty one samples [flaxseed oil (6), evening primrose (5), safflower (8), borage (1), and black currant (1)] purchased from local markets or collected by the health surveillance agency were analyzed. The fatty acids and vitamin E contents were analyzed by gas chromatography with flame ionization detector and liquid chromatography with UV detector, respectively. Nine samples were adulterated (5 samples of safflower oil, 3 of flaxseed oil, and one of evening primrose). Among them, 3 flaxseed and 2 safflower oil samples were probably adulterated by the addition of soybean oil. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) was found in two safflower oils samples although the sale of oils with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is not permitted by the National Health Surveillance Agency in Brazil (ANVISA). Only two samples presented all values in compliance with nutrition labeling (one safflower oil sample and one borage oil sample). The results show that a continuous monitoring of encapsulated specialty oils commercialized in Brazil is necessary including a greater number of samples and sanitary surveillance.
Antioxidant potential of barley extract in rats subjected to a high-fat diet
Authors: Zimmermann Alice Mesquita , Rivero Alessandra Coelho , Bezerra Aline Sobreira , Ruviaro Amanda Roggia , Novack Mariana Moura Ercolani , Nörnberg José Laerte
Published: March 2013

Antioxidants have the ability to neutralize free radicals produced in the body during lipid oxidation. The objective in this article was to study the effect of the barley extract on lipid oxidation in rats subjected to a high-fat diet. The experiment lasted 67 days. The animals were separated into three experimental groups: standard (P), high-fat diet group (L), and group with high-fat diet supplemented with barley extract (C). The feed intake of L and C groups was the lowest (p < 0.05). The treatments did not influence weight gain, organ weight, and the blood parameters measured. However, the levels of malondialdehyde present in the liver tissue were higher in the L group and lower in the P and C groups. Therefore, the results indicated an increased level of lipid peroxidation in the liver of rats subjected to high-fat diet, which was reduced by the consumption of barley.
Stability of cassava flour-based food bars
Authors: Silva Erica Caroline da , Santos Sobrinho Viviane dos , Cereda Marney Pascoli
Published: March 2013

The consumption of Brazilian cassava has been reduced due to a lack of adjustment to the modern lifestyle. To reverse this trend, new products could be developed specifically targeted to high-value niche markets. Cereal bars stand out as fast food high in nutritional value. A bar formula mimicking cereal bars was prepared using a mixture of Brazilian cassava flour, hydrogenated vegetable fat, dried bananas, ground cashew nuts, and glucose syrup. After being pressed, the bars were dried for 1 hour at 65 °C, packaged in films, and stored under ambient conditions. Its stability was continuously monitored for 210 days in order to ensure its safety and enable its introduction to the market. Texture loss was observed in the packed bars after 90 days of storage, but the sensory characteristics allowed the testers to perceive this tendency after only 30 days of storage. However, chemical, physical, and microbial analyses confirmed that the bars were safe for consumption for 180 days. The results showed that a 45 g cassava flour-based bar enriched with nuts and dried fruits can meet 6% of the recommended daily fiber intake with a caloric value between that of the common cereal bar and that of an energy bar. Adapting the formula with ingredients (fruits, nuts) from different regions of Brazil may add value to this traditional product as a fast food.
Isolation and recovery of glycomacropeptide from milk whey by means of thermal treatment
Authors: Rojas Evelin , Torres Gabriel
Published: March 2013

During enzymatic process of cheese manufacturing, rennin cleaves κ-casein releasing two fractions: para-κ-casein and glycomacropeptide (GMP), which remains soluble in milk whey. GMP is a peptide with structural particularities such as chain carbohydrates linked to specific threonine residues, to which a great variety of biological activities is attributed. Worldwide cheese production has increased generating high volumes of milk whey that could be efficiently used as an alternative source of high quality peptide or protein in foodstuff formulations. In order to evaluate isolation and recovery on whey GMP by means of thermal treatment (90 °C), 18 samples (2 L each) of sweet whey, resuspended commercial whey (positive control) and acid whey (negative control) were processed. Indirect presence of GMP was verified using chemical tests and PAGE-SDS 15%. At 90 °C treated sweet whey, 14, 20 and 41 kDa bands were observed. These bands may correspond to olygomers of GMP. Peptide recovery showed an average of 1.5 g/L (34.08%). The results indicate that industrial scale GMP production is feasible; however, further research must be carried out for the biological and nutritional evaluation of GMP's incorporation to foodstuff as a supplement.
Physicochemical properties and mineral and protein content of honey samples from Ceará state, Northeastern Brazil
Authors: Liberato Maria da Conceição Tavares Cavalcanti , Morais Selene Maia de , Magalhães Carlos Emanuel de Carvalho , Magalhães Islay Lima , Cavalcanti Daniel Bomfim , Silva Marina Maciel de Oliveira
Published: March 2013

This study evaluated the physicochemical properties and protein and mineral content of honey samples from Ceará State, Northeastern Brazil, one of the major honey exporters in the country. Nutritional importance of the minerals detected was also analyzed. Physicochemical properties were examined according to the AOAC and CAC official methods; the protein content was determined using the Bradford method, and the minerals were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry. All analyses were performed in triplicate. The levels of macrominerals sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) varied from 1.80-47.20, 21.30-1513.30, 14.58-304.82, and 2.48-28.33 mg/kg, respectively, and the trace elements iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), and chromium (Cr) varied from 0.12-8.76, 0.07-1.29, 0.06-1.96, 0.07-1.85 mg/kg, 0.36 × 10-3-62.00 × 10-3 and 22.50 × 10-3-170.33 × 10-3 µg/kg, respectively. Myracrodruon urundeuva honey sample had high contents of macrominerals (Na, K, Ca, and Mg). Protein content of the Anacardium occidentale honey sample was the highest (1121.00 µg/g) among the samples analyzed. Among the minerals detected in the honey samples, K showed the highest concentration, followed by Ca, Na, and Mg. The presence of trace elements can show environmental contamination. The honey samples studied were free of trace elements contamination, except for Mn; the Piptadenia moniliformis was the only honey sample that was in compliance with the law requirements. The variations of the chemical constituents in the honey samples are probably related to differences in the floral origin and mineral and protein contents and confirm the nutritional importance of Ceará State honey.
Thermodynamic properties of water sorption of jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) as a function of moisture content
Authors: Prette Ana Paula , Almeida Francisco de Assis Cardoso , Villa-vélez Harvey Alexander , Telis-Romero Javier
Published: March 2013

The Jackfruit tree is one of the most significant trees in tropical home gardens and perhaps the most widespread and useful tree in the important genus Artocarpus. The fruit is susceptible to mechanical and biological damage in the mature state, and some people find the aroma of the fruit objectionable, particularly in confined spaces. The dehydration process could be an alternative for the exploitation of this product, and the relationship between moisture content and water activity provides useful information for its processing and storage. The aim of this study was to determine the thermodynamic properties of the water sorption of jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) as a function of moisture content. Desorption isotherms of the different parts of the jackfruit (pulp, peduncle, mesocarp, peel, and seed) were determined at four different temperatures (313.15, 323.15, 333.15, and 343.15 K) in a water activity range of 0.02-0.753 using the static gravimetric method. Theoretical and empirical models were used to model the desorption isotherms. An analytical solution of the Clausius-Clapeyron equation was proposed to calculate the isosteric heat of sorption, the differential entropy, and Gibbs' free energy using the Guggenhein-Anderson-de Boer and Oswin models considering the effect of temperature on the hygroscopic equilibrium.
O uso de escalas de silhuetas na avaliação da satisfação corporal de adolescentes: revisão sistemática da literatura
Authors: Côrtes Marcela Guimarães , Meireles Adriana Lúcia , Friche Amélia Augusta de Lima , Caiaffa Waleska Teixeira , Xavier César Coelho
Published: March 2013

O objetivo foi sintetizar estudos sobre satisfação corporal de adolescentes, com foco no uso da escala de silhuetas. Realizaram-se buscas nas bases de dados MEDLINE, LILACS e SciELO, além de teses e dissertações. Foram consideradas 36 publicações nacionais e internacionais. A escala mais utilizada foi a de Stunkard et al., e as imagens foram apresentadas em ordem ascendente, em folha única e autoaplicada. A maioria comparou satisfação versus insatisfação, pelo teste qui-quadrado, e não considerou possíveis variáveis de confusão. Dentre os 18 estudos incluídos na meta-análise, a prevalência de insatisfação variou de 32,2% a 83%, sendo observada não só grande heterogeneidade entre eles (valor de p = 0,000; I² = 87,39), mesmo estratificando-se em subgrupos, como também ausência de informações metodológicas relevantes. Recomenda-se maior rigor na aplicação das escalas e na apresentação dos métodos de estudos sobre a satisfação corporal avaliada pela escala de silhuetas, além da condução de novas investigações metodológicas assim como aqueles que elucidem os fatores relacionados à satisfação corporal.
Revisão sistemática dos estudos epidemiológicos sobre discriminação interpessoal e saúde mental
Authors: Goto Janaina Brugnera , Couto Paulo Francisco Mastella , Bastos João Luiz
Published: March 2013

Foram caracterizados estudos epidemiológicos que avaliaram a relação entre discriminação interpessoal e condições de saúde mental, atualizando revisões prévias sobre o tema. Identificaram-se 34 artigos publicados entre 2000 e 2010 no PubMed, dos quais 68% utilizaram amostras de conveniência e 82% o delineamento transversal. Observaram-se associações positivas e estatisticamente significativas entre discriminação e condições adversas de saúde mental, especialmente uso de substâncias, depressão e transtornos associados ao uso de álcool. Somente um terço dos estudos explicitou um referencial teórico para interpretar as relações examinadas. Similarmente às revisões anteriores, pode-se afirmar que as experiências discriminatórias se associam positiva e consistentemente com desfechos adversos de saúde mental. Entretanto, investigações futuras deverão empregar delineamentos mais robustos para a inferência causal, utilizar instrumentos de discriminação com boas propriedades psicométricas e adotar referencial teórico específico para interpretar os resultados produzidos.
Epidemiologists working together with anthropologists: lessons from a study to evaluate the epidemiological impact of a city-wide sanitation program
Authors: Larrea-Killinger Cristina , Rego Rita Franco , Strina Agostino , Barreto Mauricio L.
Published: March 2013

This paper discusses the role of qualitative approaches in epidemiological studies, beginning with a general discussion of epidemiological and anthropological methods. It focuses on a case study of the health impact of an environmental intervention carried out in Salvador, Bahia State, Brazil. Most of the precedent studies fields, based on primary date, use to devote little attention to the methodological and theorethical questions attached to long-term studies. Four specific aspects of this experience are highlighted: (a) drawing up epidemiological study; (b) construction of an observational instrument to measure hygiene habits; (c) an ethnographic study that was carried out before the epidemiological study; (d) observation of the effects of health intervention on health inequalities. Finally, the report details how the findings of qualitative and quantitative studies might be synthesized. It provides a critical overview of follow-up strategies, illustrated with proper examples whenever possible.
Understanding the relationship between socioeconomic status, smoking cessation services provided by the health system and smoking cessation behavior in Brazil
Authors: Szklo André Salem , Thrasher James F. , Perez Cristina , Figueiredo Valeska Carvalho , Fong Geoffrey , Almeida Liz Maria de
Published: March 2013

Increasing the effectiveness of smoking cessation policies requires greater consideration of the cultural and socioeconomic complexities of smoking. The purpose of this paper is to explore the association between socioeconomic status and "selected midpoints" linked to smoking cessation in Brazil. Data was collected from a representative sample of urban adult smokers as part of the ITC-Brazil Survey (2009, N = 1,215). After controlling for age and gender, there were no statistically significant differences quit attempts in the last six months between individuals with different socioeconomic status. However, smokers with high socioeconomic status visited a doctor 1.54 times more often than those with low socioeconomic status (p-value = 0.017), and were also 1.65 times more likely to receive advice to quit smoking (p-value = 0.025). Our results demonstrate that disparities in health and socioeconomic status are still a major challenge for policymakers to increase the population impact of tabacco control actions worldwide.
Fatores associados à recorrência da gravidez na adolescência em uma maternidade escola: estudo caso-controle
Authors: Silva Andréa de Albuquerque Arruda , Coutinho Isabela C. , Katz Leila , Souza Alex Sandro Rolland
Published: March 2013

Recorrência da gravidez na adolescência é uma situação frequente, sendo considerada como um fator agravante tanto para o aumento da morbidade materna e fetal quanto para aumento de problemas sociais. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi identificar fatores associados à recorrência de gravidez em adolescentes. Realizou-se estudo caso-controle com puérperas, incluindo 90 adolescentes com mais de uma gravidez (caso) e 90 adultas, mulheres que tiveram uma gestação na adolescência, mas que não recorreram (controle). Para análise estatística, utilizou-se regressão logística hierarquizada, com nível de significância de 5%. Os fatores que permaneceram associados à recorrência da gravidez na adolescência foram: coitarca < 15 anos, idade da primeira gestação < 16 anos, mudança de parceiro, não cuidar dos filhos e renda familiar < um salário mínimo. A recorrência de gravidez na adolescência foi associada especialmente a fatores reprodutivos e socioeconômicos. A mudança de parceiro foi fator de proteção. No puerpério de adolescentes, devem ser intensificados os cuidados para que seja evitada a recorrência.
Cobertura vacinal e fatores associados ao esquema vacinal básico incompleto aos 12 meses de idade, São Luís, Maranhão, Brasil, 2006
Authors: Yokokura Ana Valéria Carvalho Pires , Silva Antônio Augusto Moura da , Bernardes Ariane Cristina Ferreira , Lamy Filho Fernando , Alves Maria Tereza Seabra Soares de Brito , Cabra Nayra Anielly Lima , Alves Rosângela Fernandes Lucena Batista
Published: March 2013

O estudo objetivou avaliar a cobertura vacinal e os fatores associados ao esquema vacinal básico incompleto aos 12 meses de idade, em 427 crianças de 12 a 59 meses, em São Luís, Maranhão, Brasil, 2006. Trata-se de inquérito domiciliar transversal, de base populacional, com amostragem complexa por conglomerados. Empregou-se regressão de Poisson com ajuste robusto da variância. A cobertura para o esquema básico completo foi de 71,9% segundo doses aplicadas, 61,8% para doses válidas e 23,6% para doses corretas. As vacinas contra hepatite B e tetravalente apresentaram maiores percentuais de doses aplicadas em datas ou intervalos inferiores aos recomendados. Os percentuais de atraso vacinal foram elevados, exceto para a BCG. Percentuais mais elevados de esquema vacinal básico incompleto foram encontrados em crianças das classes econômicas D e E, do sexo feminino e de chefes de família de cor da pele preta. As desigualdades raciais, de gênero e socioeconômicas representaram barreiras à vacinação completa, indicando necessidade de reforçar as políticas equitativas que eliminem essas desigualdades.
Associação entre sintomas de insônia, cochilo diurno e quedas em idosos da comunidade
Authors: Pereira Alexandre Alves , Ceolim Maria Filomena , Neri Anita Liberalesso
Published: March 2013

Essa pesquisa investigou associações entre sintomas de insônia, cochilo diurno, e quedas em idosos da comunidade. Estudo transversal de base populacional e amostra probabilística envolvendo 689 idosos da comunidade. O protocolo continha variáveis de autorrelato e de desempenho físico. Foi utilizada a análise de regressão logística univariada e multivariada, e o nível de significância estatística adotado foi de p < 0,05. A prevalência de sintomas de insônia e cochilo diurno foi de 49,9% (n = 339) e 62,8% (n = 432), respectivamente. Quatorze vírgula quatro porcento relataram uma única queda e 11,9% relataram quedas recorrentes. A ocorrência de quedas associou-se com sexo feminino (OR = 7,73; IC95%: 3,03-19,72), idade > 80 anos (OR = 3,48; IC95%: 1,54-7,85), cochilo diurno (OR = 2,24; IC95%: 1,24-4,05) e sintomas depressivos (OR = 1,98; IC95%: 1,11-3,53). A associação entre cochilo diurno e quedas replicam dados de pesquisa internacional. Identificar fatores de risco modificáveis pode auxiliar programas de prevenção de quedas.
Validade, confiabilidade e evitabilidade da causa básica dos óbitos neonatais ocorridos em unidade de cuidados intensivos da Rede Norte-Nordeste de Saúde Perinatal
Authors: Silva Carla Maria de Castro Dias e , Gomes Keila R. O. , Rocha Oneide Angélica Monteiro Santos , Almeida Isabel Marlúcia Lopes Moreira de , Moita Neto José Machado
Published: March 2013

Analisar a validade e confiabilidade da causa básica e a evitabilidade dos óbitos neonatais ocorridos em unidade de cuidados intensivos da Rede Norte-Nordeste de Saúde Perinatal (RENOSPE). A amostra foi de 53 óbitos neonatais contidos no banco de dados da RENOSPE e ocorridos em maternidade de Teresina, Piauí, Brasil. A validade foi feita comparando-se as causas da Rede com as obtidas dos prontuários, sendo calculado kappa, sensibilidade e valor preditivo positivo (VPP). Na análise da evitabilidade, foi utilizada a Lista Brasileira de Causas de Mortes Evitáveis. Quando comparadas as causas de óbitos entre RENOSPE e prontuários, o kappa foi de 47,6% para causas maternas e 73,9% para malformações congênitas, sensibilidade de 95% e 83,3%, e VPP de 88,9% e 85,7%, respectivamente. O percentual de óbitos evitáveis na RENOSPE foi elevado, sendo por adequada atenção à mulher na gestação em 72% dos casos. As causas classificadas como malformações congênitas foram válidas, e os óbitos evitáveis apontam para necessidade do controle da gravidez.
Descrição metodológica do uso de acelerometria para mensurar a prática de atividade física nas coortes de nascimentos de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, 1993 e 2004
Authors: Knuth Alan Goularte , Assunção Maria Cecília F. , Gonçalves Helen , Menezes Ana Maria B. , Santos Iná S. , Barros Aluísio J. D. , Matijasevich Alicia , Ramires Virgílio Viana , Silva Inácio Crochemore Mohnsam da , Hallal Pedro Curi
Published: March 2013

O objetivo deste trabalho é caracterizar a metodologia de coleta de atividade física por meio de acelerometria nas coortes de nascidos em 2004 e 1993 em Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, nos acompanhamentos dos 6-7 e 18 anos, respectivamente. Ao visitarem a sede para um amplo estudo de saúde, esses indivíduos receberam o acelerômetro e a posterior busca foi realizada no domicílio por meio de motociclistas da equipe de pesquisa. Os modelos utilizados foram o GENEA e GENEActiv, estimadores triaxiais da aceleração da gravidade (g), utilizados no punho de crianças e adolescentes por um período de 5 a 8 dias. O número de indivíduos com dados de acelerometria nas coortes foi de 3.331 crianças (93,7% do acompanhamento) e 3.816 jovens (92,9% do acompanhamento). Ao caracterizarmos a coleta de acelerometria em mais de 7.000 indivíduos, apresenta-se um arcabouço metodológico para o planejamento de novos estudos populacionais no tema, descrevendo situações específicas dessa experiência e qualificando a compreensão da atividade física no contexto de estudos epidemiológicos.
Associação entre mortalidade e estado marital: uma análise para idosos residentes no Município de São Paulo, Brasil, Estudo SABE, 2000 e 2006
Authors: Gomes Marília Miranda Forte , Turra Cássio M. , Fígoli Moema Gonçalves Bueno , Duarte Yeda A. O. , Lebrão Maria Lúcia
Published: March 2013

Este trabalho tem como objetivo analisar, para a população com 60 anos e mais, residente no Município de São Paulo, Brasil, a associação entre mortalidade e estado marital. Para atingir o objetivo proposto, foram utilizados os dados do Estudo SABE: Saúde, Bem-estar e Envelhecimento (SABE), realizado nos anos 2000 e 2006, e modelos de Regressão de Poisson foram estimados, levando-se, em consideração, a variação do tempo de risco de morte. No geral, os resultados indicam que, entre os idosos paulistanos do sexo masculino, a taxa de mortalidade dos solteiros é 61% maior que a taxa de mortalidade observada para os casados. Por sua vez, a separação/divórcio ou a viuvez parece elevar a chance de morte das mulheres idosas analisadas. No geral, idosas separadas e viúvas apresentaram taxas de mortalidade 82% e 35% maiores que a observada para as casadas. Espera-se que este trabalho possa contribuir para um melhor entendimento dos fatores associados à sobrevivência dos idosos, além de subsidiar políticas de saúde voltadas para esse contingente populacional.
Circulatory disease mortality rates in the elderly and exposure to PM2.5 generated by biomass burning in the Brazilian Amazon in 2005
Authors: Nunes Karine Vila Real , Ignotti Eliane , Hacon Sandra de Souza
Published: March 2013

The aim of this study was to analyze the association between the exposure to fine particulate matter and circulatory disease mortality rates in the elderly living in the Brazilian Amazon. An ecological study of circulatory disease, acute myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular disease mortality rates in micro areas of the Brazilian Amazon was carried out. The environmental exposure indicator used was percentage hours of PM2.5 concentrations > 25µg/m³ divided by the total number of estimated hours of PM2.5 in 2005. The association between exposure and circulatory disease mortality rates was strongest in the oldest age group. No significant statistical association was found between cerebrovascular disease mortality rates and exposure. Circulatory disease mortality rates in the elderly living in the Amazon have been influenced by atmospheric pollution from emissions caused by forest fires.
Cervical cancer mortality trends in Brazil: 1980-2009
Authors: Gonzaga Carolina Maciel Reis , Freitas-Junior Ruffo , Barbaresco Aline Almeida , Martins Edesio , Bernardes Bruno Teixeira , Resende Ana Paula Magalhães
Published: March 2013

The objective was to describe time trends in cervical cancer mortality rates in Brazil as a whole and in the country's major geographic regions and States from 1980 to 2009. This was an ecological time series study using data recorded in the Mortality Information System (SIM) and census data collected by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). Analysis of mortality trends was performed using Poisson regression. Cervical cancer mortality rates in Brazil tended to stabilize. In the geographic regions, a downward trend was observed in the South (-4.1%), Southeast (-3.3%), and Central-West (-1%) and an upward trend in the Northeast (3.5%) and North (2.7%). The largest decreases were observed in the States of São Paulo (5.1%), Rio Grande do Sul, Espírito Santo, and Paraná (-4.0%). The largest increases in mortality trends occurred in Paraíba (12.4%), Maranhão (9.8%), and Tocantins (8.9%). Cervical cancer mortality rates stabilized in the country as a whole, but there was a downward trend in three geographic regions and 10 States, while two geographic regions and another 10 States showed increasing rates.
Primeira etapa da adaptação transcultural do instrumento The Vulnerable Elders Survey (VES-13) para o Português
Authors: Luz Laércio Lima , Santiago Lívia Maria , Silva João Francisco Santos da , Mattos Inês Echenique
Published: March 2013

O objetivo do estudo foi descrever as etapas iniciais de adaptação transcultural do instrumento The Vulnerable Elders Survey (VES-13) para utilização no contexto da assistência oncológica no Brasil. Foram realizadas, de modo independente, traduções para o português e retraduções para o inglês. Procedeu-se a avaliação formal dos significados geral e referencial chegando-se a uma versão síntese. A compreensão da versão síntese foi avaliada em pré-teste aplicado a 33 pacientes em um hospital de oncologia habilitado pelo Sistema Único de Saúde. Observou-se facilidade de aplicação no contexto pretendido e boa aceitação entre os idosos. Considerou-se que a versão em português do VES-13 foi bem compreendida e se mostrou adequada para ser testada em suas qualidades psicométricas. Essa etapa encontra-se atualmente em fase de conclusão.