bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Researching Mental Health in Minority Ethnic Communities: Reflections on Recruitment
Authors: Rugkåsa Jorun , Canvin Krysia
Published: August 2010

In this article we reflect on the recruitment of research participants to two related studies of experiences of mental health problems in Black and minority ethnic communities in the United Kingdom. A total of 65 people were recruited via three main strategies: the employment of bicultural recruiters, intensive information sharing about the studies, and work through local community groups. Three main issues seemed to affect recruitment: gatekeepers’ attitudes, the (non)payment of participants, and reciprocal arrangements with local community groups. The type of strategy employed resulted in recruits with differing characteristics (although our sample was too small to draw generalizable conclusions). We conclude that to ensure that research participation is accessible to all, researchers must employ flexible recruitment methods that permit adaptation to specific needs arising out of health status, level of involvement with services, culture, and socioeconomic status. Systematic research into this part of the research process is needed.
The Mutuality of Emotions and Learning in Organizations
Authors: Simpson Barbara , Marshall Nick
Published: August 2010

The interplay between emotion and learning is a continuing source of debate and inquiry in organization studies, attracting an increasing number of important contributions. However, a detailed understanding of the interaction between emotion and learning remains elusive. In an effort to extend the existing debate, this article offers an alternative approach that draws on the tradition of pragmatist philosophy, where emotion and learning can both be defined as dynamic processes that emerge in the relational context of social transactions. The mutually constructing interplay between these two processes is then illustrated with an example of a collaborative project in which anxiety, love, guilt, and hostility are all entangled in the learning process.
Families Suffering With HIV/AIDS: What Family Nursing Interventions Are Useful to Promote Healing?
Authors: Wacharasin Chintana
Published: August 2010

The purpose of this clinical research project was to examine the usefulness of a family nursing intervention program offered to families experiencing illness suffering related to HIV/AIDS. The interventions were based on the Family Caregiving Model and the Illness Beliefs Model. Sixteen Thai families with one or more family members living with HIV/AIDS were offered three to four family clinical sessions by an advanced practice family nurse. The audiotaped family clinical sessions and field notes were analyzed using thematic analysis. The outcomes reported by families included a competence to manage illness care of family members experiencing HIV/AIDS, new meaning and purpose, improved family interaction, embraced facilitating beliefs and changed constraining beliefs, and a recognition of the family’s strengths.
Different Effects of Enoxaparin, Nadroparin, and Dalteparin on Plasma TFPI During Hemodialysis
Authors: Naumnik Beata , Rydzewska-Rosołowska Alicja , Myśliwiec Michał
Published: August 2010

Background. Low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) are an alternative to unfractionated heparin (UFH) for anticoagulation during hemodialysis (HD). We performed a prospective randomized crossover study of the effect of enoxaparin, nadroparin, and dalteparin on some hemostatic factors, including tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), in patients with maintenance HD. Methods. Plasma levels (immunoassays) of total TFPI, platelet-derived growth factor-AB (PDGF-AB), and prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 (PF 1 + 2) were evaluated pre-HD, after 10 (T10) and 180 (T180) minutes of HD in 21 patients, who completed a 3-period (for 2 months each) crossover study in 6 groups (Latin-square design). Results. The baseline TFPI, PDGF-AB, and PF 1 + 2 levels were comparable under all LMWH treatments. Tissue factor pathway inhibitor levels, compared with the baseline, significantly increased (all P < 10−4), whereas PDGF-AB levels remained stable at each interval during enoxaparin, nadroparin, and dalteparin anticoagulated HD. Interestingly, TFPI increment at T10 was the highest, dose-dependent, and accompanied by PF 1 + 2 decrease under enoxaparin administration. Conclusion. The switch from enoxaparin to nadroparin and dalteparin used as anticoagulants had no long-term effect on the baseline total TFPI and PF 1 + 2 levels in chronically HD patients. Only short-term, overdialytic differences were noticed, indicating a single bolus of enoxaparin (0.75 mg/kg) as the most potent stimulus for endothelial TFPI
Concurrent Celiac Disease, Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura and Autoimmune Thyroiditis: A Case Report
Authors: Dogan Murat , Sal Ertan , Akbayram Sinan , Peker Erdal , Cesur Yasar , Oner Ahmet F.
Published: August 2010

Celiac disease (CD) is a disease of the small intestine caused by an immune response to ingested gluten. Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a common acquired bleeding disorder of childhood. It may follow a viral infection or immunization and is caused by an inappropriate response of the immune system. Autoimmune thyroiditis (AT) is a disease that occurs due to autoimmune mechanisms. Celiac disease associated with autoimmune thyroid disease is well known, but the association of CD, autoimmune thyroid disease, and ITP has been reported very rarely in the literature. In the current report, we have presented a case with CD, AT, and acute ITP, because this association is rarely seen, and to emphasize that CD and AT should be kept in mind in patients with ITP.
Activation of cytokine-producing and antitumor activities of natural killer cells and macrophages by engagement of Toll-like and NOD-like receptors
Authors: Fu Qiu  , Maniar Amudhan , Quevedo Diaz Marco , Chapoval Andrei I , Medvedev Andrei E
Published: August 2010

Macrophages and natural killer (NK) cells are important antitumor effectors by virtue of their ability to produce cytokines, chemokines and interferons (IFNs) and to mediate tumor cytotoxicity. Little is known about the impact of Toll-like receptor (TLR) and nucleotide binding and oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor (NLR) pathways on NK cell functions, and the role of TLRs and NLRs in macrophage activation is incompletely understood. In this study, we examined the capacities of expressed TLRs and NLRs to elicit cytokine production in human NK cells and THP1 macrophages, and to activate NK cytotoxicity against the squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck cell line Tu167 and erythroleukemia K562 cells. We found that NK cells express high levels of NOD2, NLRP3, TLR3, TLR7, and TLR9, while NOD1 was expressed at low levels. All tested NLR and TLR agonists potentiated NK cytotoxicity against Tu167 cells, whereas only poly (I:C) increased NK cytotoxicity against K562 cells. Poly (I:C) and Escherichia coli RNA markedly up-regulated TNF-α and IFN-γ expression in the NK92 cell line and human CD56+CD3— primary NK cells. High levels of NOD2, TLR7 and TLR9 proteins were observed in human THP1 cells, followed by TLR3, NOD1, and NLRP3. Stimulation of NLRP3 with E. coli RNA led to the highest induction of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-12p40, RANTES and IFN-β, whereas TLR7, TLR3, TLR9, NOD1 and NOD2 agonists had lower effects. Our data reveal involvement of TLRs and NLRs in potentiation of antitumor cytotoxicity and cytokine-producing activities of human NK cells and macrophages.
What is the role of endotherapy in chronic pancreatitis?
Authors: Avula Haritha , Sherman Stuart
Published: August 2010

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) can have debilitating clinical course due to chronic abdominal pain, malnutrition and related complications. Medical, endoscopic and surgical treatment of CP should aim at control of symptoms, prevention of progression of the disease and correction of complications. Endoscopic management plays a specific role in carefully selected patients as primary interventional therapy when medical measures fail or in high-risk surgical candidates. Endotherapy for CP is utilized also as a bridge to surgery or to assess potential response to pancreatic surgery. In this review we address the role of endotherapy for the relief of obstruction of the pancreatic duct (PD) and bile duct, closure of PD leaks and drainage of pseudocysts in the setting of CP. In addition, endotherapy for relief of pancreatic pain by endoscopic ultrasound-guided celiac plexus block for CP is discussed.
Finding Ideal Menu Items Assortments: An Empirical Application of Market Basket Analysis
Authors: Ting Ping-Ho , Pan Steve , Chou Shuo-Shiung
Published: August 2010

This article applies a simplified version of market basket analysis (MBA) principles to explore menu items assortments, which are defined as the sets of most frequently ordered menu item pairs of an entrée and each of five side dishes in a prix fixe restaurant. Using the PivotTable in Excel, the authors demonstrate the analysis of 3,727 transactions for meal combinations of 24 entrées and 49 side dishes, resulting in twenty-four association rules, which suggested that guests ordering a given entrée would most likely then choose a particular side dish to go with it. Applying these association rules, guests responded favorably to servers’ menu suggestions in roughly two out of three cases when the guest was “undecided” or “without preference.” This article’s chief purpose is to introduce the application of Excel that would otherwise require tedious computation if a restaurateur were to attempt it.
Perioperative Rehabilitation Using a Knee Extension Device and Arthroscopic Debridement in the Treatment of Arthrofibrosis
Authors: Biggs-Kinzer Angie , Murphy Brian , Shelbourne K. Donald , Urch Scott
Published: August 2010

Background:

Arthrofibrosis is a postoperative complication of intra-articular knee surgery that can be difficult to treat. Evidence suggests that maximizing knee range of motion may improve outcomes in patients with arthrofibrosis who undergo arthroscopic debridement.

Hypothesis:

Patients who achieve greater knee range of motion will have better subjective scores.

Study Design:

Retrospective case series analysis.

Methods:

A review of records was performed for 33 patients with arthrofibrosis who underwent knee arthroscopy and scar resection coupled with perioperative rehabilitation to maximize knee range of motion. Patient demographics and preoperative and postoperative range of motion measurements were extracted from the records. The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective Knee Form was administered to assess pain, activity, and knee function. Patients performed a preoperative and postoperative rehabilitation program utilizing a knee extension device to maximize knee extension.

Results:

According to the IKDC range of motion criteria, 27 of 33 patients achieved normal knee extension, and 14 of 33 achieved normal knee flexion at a mean of 8.6 months after surgery. Patients with normal knee motion had a mean IKDC Subjective Knee Form score of 72.6 ± 13.6, which was significantly higher than patients who did not achieve normal motion ( P = .04). Overall, mean IKDC Subjective Knee Form scores improved from 45.3 ± 16.7 preoperatively to 67.1 ± 18.0 postoperatively ( P < .01) at a mean of 14.7 months after surgery.

Conclusions:

Perioperative rehabilitation that emphasizes restoration of normal knee range of motion appears to improve outcomes in patients with arthrofibrosis who undergo arthroscopic scar resection. In support of our hypothesis, patients who achieved greater knee range of motion had better subjective knee scores.
Short rare hTERT-VNTR2-2nd alleles are associated with prostate cancer susceptibility and influence gene expression
Authors: Yoon Se-Lyun , Jung Se-Il , Do Eun-Ju , Lee Se-Ra , Lee Sang-Yeop , Chu In-Sun , Kim Wun-Jae , Jung Jaeil , Kim Choung Soo , Cheon Sang-Hyeon , Leem Sun-Hee
Published: August 2010

Background

The hTERT (human telomerase reverse transcriptase) gene contains five variable number tandem repeats (VNTR) and previous studies have described polymorphisms for hTERT-VNTR2-2nd. We investigated how allelic variation in hTERT-VNTR2-2nd may affect susceptibility to prostate cancer.

Methods

A case-control study was performed using DNA from 421 cancer-free male controls and 329 patients with prostate cancer. In addition, to determine whether the VNTR polymorphisms have a functional consequence, we examined the transcriptional levels of a reporter gene linked to these VNTRs and driven by the hTERT promoter in cell lines.

Results

Three new rare alleles were detected from this study, two of which were identified only in cancer subjects. A statistically significant association between rare hTERT-VNTR2-2nd alleles and risk of prostate cancer was observed [OR, 5.17; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.09-24.43; P = 0.021]. Furthermore, the results indicated that these VNTRs inserted in the enhancer region could influence the expression of hTERT in prostate cancer cell lines.

Conclusions

This is the first study to report that rare hTERT VNTRs are associated with prostate cancer predisposition and that the VNTRs can induce enhanced levels of hTERT promoter activity in prostate cancer cell lines. Thus, the hTERT-VNTR2-2nd locus may function as a modifier of prostate cancer risk by affecting gene expression.
The impact of universal National Health Insurance on population health: the experience of Taiwan
Authors: Lee Yue-Chune , Huang Yu-Tung , Tsai Yi-Wen , Huang Shiuh-Ming , Kuo Ken N , McKee Martin , Nolte Ellen
Published: August 2010

Background

Taiwan established a system of universal National Health Insurance (NHI) in March, 1995. Today, the NHI covers more than 98% of Taiwan's population and enrollees enjoy almost free access to healthcare with small co-payment by most clinics and hospitals. Yet while this expansion of coverage will almost inevitably have improved access to health care, however, it cannot be assumed that it will necessarily have improved the health of the population. The aim of this study was to determine whether the introduction of National Health Insurance (NHI) in Taiwan in 1995 was associated with a change in deaths from causes amenable to health care.

Methods

Identification of discontinuities in trends in mortality considered amenable to health care and all other conditions (non-amenable mortality) using joinpoint regression analysis from 1981 to 2005.

Results

Deaths from amenable causes declined between 1981 and 1993 but slowed between 1993 and 1996. Once NHI was implemented, the decline accelerated significantly, falling at 5.83% per year between 1996 and 1999. In contrast, there was little change in non-amenable causes (0.64% per year between 1981 and 1999). The effect of NHI was highest among the young and old, and lowest among those of working age, consistent with changes in the pattern of coverage. NHI was associated with substantial reductions in deaths from circulatory disorders and, for men, infections, whilst an earlier upward trend in female cancer deaths was reversed.

Conclusions

NHI was associated in a reduction in deaths considered amenable to health care; particularly among those age groups least likely to have been insured previously.
Decreased expression of GRAF1/OPHN-1-L in the X-linked alpha thalassemia mental retardation syndrome
Authors: Barresi Vincenza , Ragusa Angela , Fichera Marco , Musso Nicolò , Castiglia Lucia , Rappazzo Giancarlo , Travali Salvatore , Mattina Teresa , Romano Corrado , Cocchi Guido , Condorelli Daniele F
Published: August 2010

Background

ATRX is a severe X-linked disorder characterized by mental retardation, facial dysmorphism, urogenital abnormalities and alpha-thalassemia. The disease is caused by mutations in ATRX gene, which encodes a protein belonging to the SWI/SNF DNA helicase family, a group of proteins involved in the regulation of gene transcription at the chromatin level. In order to identify specific genes involved in the pathogenesis of the disease, we compared, by cDNA microarray, the expression levels of approximately 8500 transcripts between ATRX and normal males of comparable age.

Methods

cDNA microarray was performed using total RNA from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of ATRX and normal males. Microarray results were validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

cDNA microarray analysis showed that 35 genes had a lower expression (30-35% of controls) while 25 transcripts had a two-fold higher expression in comparison to controls. In the microarray results the probe for oligophrenin-1, a gene known for its involvement in mental retardation, showed a decreased hybridization signal. However, such gene was poorly expressed in blood mononuclear cells and its decrease was not confirmed in the quantitative real-time RT-PCR assay. On the other hand, the expression of an homologous gene, the GTPase regulator associated with the focal adhesion kinase 1/Oligophrenin-1-like (GRAF1/OPHN-1-L), was relatively high in blood mononuclear cells and significantly decreased in ATRX patients. The analysis of the expression pattern of the GRAF1/OPHN-1-L gene in human tissues and organs revealed the predominant brain expression of a novel splicing isoform, called variant-3.

Conclusions

Our data support the hypothesis of a primary role for altered gene expression in ATRX syndrome and suggest that the GRAF1/OPHN-1-L gene might be involved in the pathogenesis of the mental retardation. Moreover a novel alternative splicing transcript of such gene, predominantly expressed in brain tissues, was identified.
Detection and prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Rickettsia helvetica in Ixodes ricinus ticks in seven study areas in Sweden
Authors: Severinsson Kristofer , Jaenson Thomas G , Pettersson John , Falk Kerstin , Nilsson Kenneth
Published: August 2010

Background

Tick-borne Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Rickettsia spp. are considered to be emerging human pathogens, but only limited data are available on their occurrence in Sweden. Two real-time PCR assays followed by nested PCR and sequence analysis were carried out to investigate the prevalence of A. phagocytophilum and spotted fever rickettsiae in ticks from seven areas in Sweden.

Results

In 139 pooled samples, representing a total of 1245 Ixodes ricinus ticks (204 larvae, 963 nymphs, 38 males, 40 females), the overall positive mean infection prevalence was 1.3-15.0% for A. phagocytophilum and 1.5-17.3% for R. helvetica. A. phagocytophilum was only detected in nymphs (1.7-19.4%), whereas R. helvetica was detected in all three tick stages. Support for vertical and transstadial transmission was only obtained for R. helvetica. Both agents showed similar infection rates across study areas, although infection rates were greater in coastal areas.

Conclusions

The results show that both pathogens occurred in all seven locations, indicating that they are prevalent in Sweden and should be considered etiological agents in patients recently bitten by ticks.
Pancytopenia associated with clonazepam
Authors: Bautista-Quach Marnelli A , Liao Yu-Min , Hsueh Chung-Tsen
Published: August 2010

We report a case of a 48-year-old Chinese female with end-stage renal disease and chronic anemia on hemodialysis. Clonazepam was prescribed for myoclonus disorder two weeks prior to her hospitalization. Subsequently, she was hospitalized for neutropenic fever with thrombocytopenia and worsening anemia. Bone marrow examination demonstrated a markedly hypocellular marrow (10-20% total cellularity). Clonazepam was discontinued, with gradual improvement of thrombocytopenia, and neutropenia in 1-2 weeks. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of pancytopenia associated with clonazepam. We recommend patients taking clonazepam to be monitored with regular complete blood count to check for clinically significant pancytopenia or thrombocytopenia.
Fragile X syndrome and model organisms: identifying potential routes of therapeutic intervention
Authors: Bhogal Balpreet , Jongens Thomas A.
Published: August 2010

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a cognitive disorder caused by silencing of the fragile X mental retardation 1 gene (FMR1). Since the discovery of the gene almost two decades ago, most scientific contributions have focused on identifying the molecular function of the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) and understanding how absence of FMR1 gene expression gives rise to the disease phenotypes. The use of model organisms has allowed rapid progression in the FXS field and has given insight into the molecular basis of the disease. The mouse and fly FXS models have enabled studies to identify potential targets and pathways for pharmacological treatment. Here, we briefly review the two primary FXS model systems and describe how studies in these organisms have led us closer to therapeutic treatments for patients afflicted with FXS.
Helicobacter pylori CagA inhibits endocytosis of cytotoxin VacA in host cells
Authors: Akada Junko K. , Aoki Hiroki , Torigoe Yuji , Kitagawa Takao , Kurazono Hisao , Hoshida Hisashi , Nishikawa Jun , Terai Shuji , Matsuzaki Masunori , Hirayama Toshiya , Nakazawa Teruko , Akada Rinji , Nakamura Kazuyuki
Published: August 2010

Helicobacter pylori, a common pathogen that causes chronic gastritis and cancer, has evolved to establish persistent infections in the human stomach. Epidemiological evidence suggests that H. pylori with both highly active vacuolating cytotoxin A (VacA) and cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA), the major virulence factors, has an advantage in adapting to the host environment. However, the mechanistic relationship between VacA and CagA remains obscure. Here, we report that CagA interferes with eukaryotic endocytosis, as revealed by genome-wide screening in yeast. Moreover, CagA suppresses pinocytic endocytosis and the cytotoxicity of VacA in gastric epithelial cells without affecting clathrin-dependent endocytosis. Our data suggest that H. pylori secretes VacA to attack distant host cells while injecting CagA into the gastric epithelial cells to which the bacteria are directly attached, thereby protecting these attached host cells from the cytotoxicity of VacA and creating a local ecological niche. This mechanism might allow H. pylori to balance damage to one population of host cells with the preservation of another, allowing for persistent infection.
Decoupling diffusional from dimensional control of signaling in 3D culture reveals a role for myosin in tubulogenesis
Authors: Raghavan Srivatsan , Shen Colette J. , Desai Ravi A. , Sniadecki Nathan J. , Nelson Celeste M. , Chen Christopher S.
Published: August 2010

We present a novel microfabricated platform to culture cells within arrays of micrometer-scale three-dimensional (3D) extracellular matrix scaffolds (microgels). These microscale cultures eliminate diffusion barriers that are intrinsic to traditional 3D culture systems (macrogels) and enable uniform cytokine stimulation of the entire culture population, as well as allow immunolabeling, imaging and population-based biochemical assays across the relatively coplanar microgels. Examining early signaling associated with hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-mediated scattering and tubulogenesis of MDCK cells revealed that 3D culture modulates cellular responses both through dimensionality and altered stimulation rates. Comparing responses in 2D culture, microgels and macrogels demonstrated that HGF-induced ERK signaling was driven by the dynamics of stimulation and not by whether cells were in a 2D or 3D environment, and that this ERK signaling was equally important for HGF-induced cell scattering on 2D substrates and tubulogenesis in 3D. By contrast, we discovered a specific HGF-induced increase in myosin expression leading to sustained downregulation of myosin activity that occurred only within 3D contexts and was required for 3D tubulogenesis but not 2D scattering. Interestingly, although absent in cells on collagen-coated plates, downregulation of myosin activity also occurred for cells on collagen gels, but was transient and mediated by a combination of myosin dephosphorylation and enhanced myosin expression. Furthermore, upregulating myosin activity via siRNA targeted to a myosin phosphatase did not attenuate scattering in 2D but did inhibit tubulogenesis in 3D. Together, these results demonstrate that cellular responses to soluble cues in 3D culture are regulated by both rates of stimulation and by matrix dimensionality, and highlight the importance of decoupling these effects to identify early signals relevant to cellular function in 3D environments.
Group III Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors Inhibit Startle-Mediating Giant Neurons in the Caudal Pontine Reticular Nucleus But Do Not Mediate Synaptic Depression/Short-Term Habituation of Startle
Authors: Schmid Susanne , Brown Tyler , Simons-Weidenmaier Nadine , Weber Maruschka , Fendt Markus
Published: August 2010

Short-term habituation is a basic form of learning that is analyzed in different species and using different behavioral models. Previous studies on mechanisms of short-term habituation yielded evidence for a potential role of group III metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRIIIs). Here we tested the hypothesis that mGluRIII mediate short-term habituation of startle in rats, combining electrophysiological experimentsin vitrowith behavioral studiesin vivo. We applied different mGluRIII agonists and antagonists on rat brainstem slices while recording from startle-mediating neurons in the caudal pontine reticular nucleus (PnC) and monitoring synaptic depression presumably underlying habituation. Furthermore, we injected the mGluRIII antagonist (RS)-α-phosphonophenylglycine (MPPG) and the agonistl-(+)-2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid (l-AP4) into the PnC of ratsin vivoand measured its effect on startle habituation. Our results show that activation of mGluRIIIs in the PnC strongly inhibits startle-mediating giant neuronsin vitro. Accordingly,l-AP4 reduced startle responsesin vivo. However, synaptic depression in the slice was not disrupted by mGluRIII antagonists or agonists. Correspondingly, thein vivoapplication of the mGluRIII antagonist MPPG failed to show any effect on short-term habituation of startle responses. We therefore conclude that mGluRs are expressed within the primary startle pathway and that they inhibit startle responses upon activation; however, this inhibition does not play any role in synaptic depression and short-term habituation of startle. This is in contrast to the role of mGluRIIIs in other forms of habituation and supports the notion that there are different mechanisms involved in habituation of sensory-evoked behaviors.
Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein Is Required for Rapid Experience-Dependent Regulation of the Potassium Channel Kv3.1b
Authors: Strumbos John G. , Brown Maile R. , Kronengold Jack , Polley Daniel B. , Kaczmarek Leonard K.
Published: August 2010

Fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) is an RNA-binding protein that regulates synaptic plasticity by repressing translation of specific mRNAs. We found that FMRP binds mRNA encoding the voltage-gated potassium channel Kv3.1b in brainstem synaptosomes. To explore the regulation of Kv3.1b by FMRP, we investigated Kv3.1b immunoreactivity and potassium currents in the auditory brainstem sound localization circuit of male mice. The unique features of this circuit allowed us to control neuronal activityin vivoby exposing animals to high-frequency, amplitude-modulated stimuli, which elicit predictable and stereotyped patterns of input to the anterior ventral cochlear nucleus (AVCN) and medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB). In wild-type (WT) animals, Kv3.1b is expressed along a tonotopic gradient in the MNTB, with highest levels in neurons at the medial, high-frequency end. At baseline,Fmr1−/−mice, which lack FMRP, displayed dramatically flattened tonotopicity in Kv3.1b immunoreactivity and K+currents relative to WT controls. Moreover, after 30 min of acoustic stimulation, levels of Kv3.1b immunoreactivity were significantly elevated in both the MNTB and AVCN of WT, but notFmr1−/−, mice. These results suggest that FMRP is necessary for maintenance of the gradient in Kv3.1b protein levels across the tonotopic axis of the MNTB, and are consistent with a role for FMRP as a repressor of protein translation. Using numerical simulations, we demonstrate that Kv3.1b tonotopicity may be required for accurate encoding of stimulus features such as modulation rate, and that disruption of this gradient, as occurs inFmr1−/−animals, degrades processing of this information.
Attentional Facilitation throughout Human Visual Cortex Lingers in Retinotopic Coordinates after Eye Movements
Authors: Golomb Julie D. , Nguyen-Phuc Alyssa Y. , Mazer James A. , McCarthy Gregory , Chun Marvin M.
Published: August 2010

With each eye movement, the image of the world received by the visual system changes dramatically. To maintain stable spatiotopic (world-centered) visual representations, the retinotopic (eye-centered) coordinates of visual stimuli are continually remapped, even before the eye movement is completed. Recent psychophysical work has suggested that updating of attended locations occurs as well, although on a slower timescale, such that sustained attention lingers in retinotopic coordinates for several hundred milliseconds after each saccade. To explore where and when this “retinotopic attentional trace” resides in the cortical visual processing hierarchy, we conducted complementary functional magnetic resonance imaging and event-related potential (ERP) experiments using a novel gaze-contingent task. Human subjects executed visually guided saccades while covertly monitoring a fixed spatiotopic target location. Although subjects responded only to stimuli appearing at the attended spatiotopic location, blood oxygen level-dependent responses to stimuli appearing after the eye movement at the previously, but no longer, attended retinotopic location were enhanced in visual cortical area V4 and throughout visual cortex. This retinotopic attentional trace was also detectable with higher temporal resolution in the anterior N1 component of the ERP data, a well established signature of attentional modulation. Together, these results demonstrate that, when top-down spatiotopic signals act to redirect visuospatial attention to new retinotopic locations after eye movements, facilitation transiently persists in the cortical regions representing the previously relevant retinotopic location.
d-Cycloserine Reduces the Context Specificity of Pavlovian Extinction of Cocaine Cues through Actions in the Nucleus Accumbens
Authors: Torregrossa Mary M. , Sanchez Hayde , Taylor Jane R.
Published: August 2010

Extinction therapy has been proposed as a method to reduce the motivational impact of drug-associated cues to prevent relapse. Cue extinction therapy, however, takes place in a novel context (e.g., treatment facility), and is unlikely to be effective due to the context specificity of extinction. We tested the hypothesis thatd-cycloserine (DCS), which enhances extinction in other procedures, would enhance extinction of cocaine-associated cues in a novel context to reduce cue-induced reinstatement. Male Sprague Dawley rats were trained to self-administer cocaine associated with a cue. The cue was later extinguished in the drug-taking context (context A) or a novel context (context B) using a Pavlovian cue extinction procedure designed to mimic human cue exposure therapy. DCS was administered systemically or into a specific brain region immediately following the cue extinction sessions to enhance the consolidation of extinction learning. We demonstrate that DCS given postextinction session in context B reduces reinstatement in context A, indicating a reduction in the context specificity of extinction learning. The effect of systemic DCS was recapitulated by administration of DCS into the nucleus accumbens core, but not in the basolateral amygdala, dorsal hippocampus, infralimbic or prelimbic prefrontal cortex. DCS treatment caused a reduction in cue-induced reinstatement only when it was given after cue extinction sessions, and not when given 1) in the absence of extinction or 2) after a brief memory reactivation session. A pharmacological method that can render extinction context independent may provide an innovative method to reduce cue-induced relapse in addicts and to study the neurobiology of addiction.
In VivoActivation of Channelrhodopsin-2 Reveals That Normal Patterns of Spontaneous Activity Are Required for Motoneuron Guidance and Maintenance of Guidance Molecules
Authors: Kastanenka Ksenia V. , Landmesser Lynn T.
Published: August 2010

Spontaneous, highly rhythmic episodes of propagating bursting activity are present early during the development of chick and mouse spinal cords. Acetylcholine, and GABA and glycine, which are both excitatory at this stage, provide the excitatory drive. It was previously shown that a moderate decrease in the frequency of bursting activity, caused byin ovoapplication of the GABAAreceptor blocker, picrotoxin, resulted in motoneurons making dorsal–ventral (D-V) pathfinding errors in the limb and in the altered expression of guidance molecules associated with this decision. To distinguish whether the pathfinding errors were caused by perturbation of the normal frequency of bursting activity or interference with GABAAreceptor signaling, chick embryos were chronically treatedin ovowith picrotoxin to block GABAAreceptors, while light activation by channelrhodopsin-2 was used to restore bursting activity to the control frequency. The restoration of normal patterns of neural activity in the presence of picrotoxin prevented the D-V pathfinding errors in the limb and maintained the normal expression levels of EphA4, EphB1, and polysialic acid on neural cell adhesion molecule, three molecules previously shown to be necessary for this pathfinding choice. These observations demonstrate that developing spinal motor circuits are highly sensitive to the precise frequency and pattern of spontaneous activity, and that any drugs that alter this activity could result in developmental defects.
LIM-Homeobox GeneLhx5Is Required for Normal Development of Cajal–Retzius Cells
Authors: Miquelajáuregui Amaya , Varela-Echavarría Alfredo , Ceci M. Laura , García-Moreno Fernando , Ricaño Itzel , Hoang Kimmi , Frade-Pérez Daniela , Portera-Cailliau Carlos , Tamariz Elisa , De Carlos Juan A. , Westphal Heiner , Zhao Yangu
Published: August 2010

Cajal–Retzius (C-R) cells play important roles in the lamination of the mammalian cortex via reelin secretion. The genetic mechanisms underlying the development of these neurons have just begun to be unraveled. Here, we show that two closely related LIM-homeobox genesLhx1andLhx5are expressed inreelin+cells in various regions in the mouse telencephalon at or adjacent to sites where the C-R cells are generated, including the cortical hem, the mantle region of the septal/retrobulbar area, and the ventral pallium. WhereasLhx5is expressed in all of these reelin-expressing domains,Lhx1is preferentially expressed in the septal area and in a continuous domain spanning from lateral olfactory region to caudomedial territories. Genetic ablation ofLhx5results in decreasedreelin+andp73+cells in the neocortical anlage, in the cortical hem, and in the septal, olfactory, and caudomedial telencephalic regions. The overall reduction in number of C-R cells inLhx5mutants is accompanied by formation of ectopicreelin+cell clusters at the caudal telencephalon. Based on differential expression of molecular markers and by fluorescent cell tracing in cultured embryos, we located the origin of reelin+ectopic cell clusters at the caudomedial telencephalic region. We also confirmed the existence of a normal migration stream of reelin+cells from the caudomedial area to telencephalic olfactory territories in wild-type embryos. These results reveal a complex role forLhx5in regulating the development and normal distribution of C-R cells in the developing forebrain.
Pedotransfer functions related to spatial variability of water retention attributes for lowland soils
Authors: Nebel Álvaro Luiz Carvalho , Timm Luís Carlos , Cornelis Wim , Gabriels Donald , Reichardt Klaus , Aquino Leandro Sanzi , Pauletto Eloy Antonio , Reinert Dalvan José
Published: August 2010

The estimation of non available soil variables through the knowledge of other related measured variables can be achieved through pedotransfer functions (PTF) mainly saving time and reducing cost. Great differences among soils, however, can yield non desirable results when applying this method. This study discusses the application of developed PTFs by several authors using a variety of soils of different characteristics, to evaluate soil water contents of two Brazilian lowland soils. Comparisons are made between PTF evaluated data and field measured data, using statistical and geostatistical tools, like mean error, root mean square error, semivariogram, cross-validation, and regression coefficient. The eight tested PTFs to evaluate gravimetric soil water contents (Ug) at the tensions of 33 kPa and 1,500 kPa presented a tendency to overestimate Ug 33 kPa and underestimate Ug1,500 kPa. The PTFs were ranked according to their performance and also with respect to their potential in describing the structure of the spatial variability of the set of measured values. Although none of the PTFs have changed the distribution pattern of the data, all resulted in mean and variance statistically different from those observed for all measured values. The PTFs that presented the best predictive values of Ug33 kPa and Ug1,500 kPa were not the same that had the best performance to reproduce the structure of spatial variability of these variables.
Effects of different management systems on porosity of oxisols in Paraná, Brazil
Authors: Tavares Filho João , Tessier Daniel
Published: August 2010

Soils play a fundamental role in the production of human foods. The Oxisols in the state of Paraná are among the richest and most productive soils in Brazil, but degradation and low porosity are frequently documented, due to intensive farming involving various management strategies and the application of high-tech solutions. This study aims to investigate changes in the porosity of two Red Oxisols (Latossolos Vermelhos), denoted LVef (eutroferric) and LVdf (dystroferric) under conventional and no-tillage soil management, with a succession of annual crops of soybean, maize and wheat over a continuous period of more than 20 years. After describing the soil profiles under native forest, no-tillage management and conventional tillage using the crop profile method, deformed and non-deformed soil samples were collected from the volumes most compacted by human intervention and the physical, chemical and mineralogical properties analyzed. The various porosity classes (total pore volume, inter-aggregate porosity between channels and biological cavities) and intra-aggregate porosity (determined in 10 cm³ saturated clods subjected to a pressure of -10 kPa to obtain a pore volume with a radius (r eq), > 15 μm and < 15 μm). The results showed that the effects of no-tillage farming on porosity are more pronounced in both soil types. Porosity of the LVdf was higher than pf the LVef soil, whatever the management type. In the LVdf soil, only pores with a radius of > 15 μm were affected by farming whereas in the LVef soil, pores with a radius of < 15 μm were affected as well.
Soil and nutrient losses in erosion gullies at different degrees of restoration
Authors: Machado Roriz Luciano , Resende Alexander Silva de , Campello Eduardo Francia Carneiro , Oliveira José Arimathéa , Franco Avílio Antônio
Published: August 2010

The most advanced stage of water erosion, the gully, represents severe problems in different contexts, both in rural and urban environments. In the search for a stabilization of the process in a viable manner it is of utmost importance to assess the efficiency of evaluation methodologies. For this purpose, the efficiency of low-cost conservation practices were tested for the reduction of soil and nutrient losses caused by erosion from gullies in Pinheiral, state of Rio de Janeiro. The following areas were studied: gully recovered by means of physical and biological strategies; gullies in recovering stage, by means of physical strategies only, and gullies under no restoration treatment. During the summer of 2005/2006, the following data sets were collected for this study: soil classification of each of the eroded gully areas; planimetric and altimetric survey; determination of rain erosivity indexes; determination of amount of soil sediment; sediment grain size characteristics; natural amounts of nutrients Ca, Mg, K and P, as well as total C and N concentrations. The results for the three first measurements were 52.5, 20.5, and 29.0 Mg in the sediments from the gully without intervention, and of 1.0, 1.7 and 1.8 Mg from the gully with physical interventions, indicating an average reduction of 95 %. The fully recovered gully produced no sediment during the period. The data of total nutrient loss from the three gullies under investigation showed reductions of 98 % for the recovering gully, and 99 % for the fully recovered one. As for the loss of nutrients, the data indicate a nutrient loss of 1,811 kg from for the non-treated gully. The use of physical and biological interventions made it possible to reduce overall nutrient loss by more than 96 %, over the entire rainy season, as compared to the non-treated gully. Results show that the methods used were effective in reducing soil and nutrient losses from gullies.
Acúmulo e formas de cobre e zinco no solo após aplicações sucessivas de dejeto líquido de suínos
Authors: Girotto Eduardo , Ceretta Carlos Alberto , Brunetto Gustavo , Santos Danilo Rheinheimer dos , Silva Leandro Souza da , Lourenzi Cledimar Rogério , Lorensini Felipe , Vieira Renan Costa Beber , Schmatz Roberta
Published: August 2010

As aplicações sucessivas de dejeto líquido de suínos no solo podem aumentar os teores e alterar as formas de Cu e Zn no solo. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo estimar o acúmulo de Cu e Zn e suas formas em solo submetido a aplicações sucessivas de dejeto líquido de suínos, em sistema plantio direto com rotação de culturas. O trabalho foi desenvolvido em um Argissolo Vermelho distrófico arênico na área experimental do Departamento de Engenharia Agrícola da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (RS). Os tratamentos consistiram na aplicação de 0, 20, 40 e 80 m³ ha-1 de dejeto líquido de suínos. Foram realizadas 17 aplicações de dejetos de maio de 2000 até o momento da coleta do solo, em outubro de 2006. Amostras de solo foram coletadas nas camadas de 0-2, 2-4, 4-6, 6-8, 8-10, 10-12, 12-14, 14-16, 16-18, 18-20, 20-25, 25-30, 30-35, 35-40, 40-50 e 50-60 cm, secas ao ar, passadas em peneiras de 2 mm e moídas em grau de ágata. Em seguida, foram preparadas e analisados os teores pseudototais após extração pelo método 3050B da EPA, disponíveis por meio da extração com HCl 0,1 mol L-1, além do fracionamento químico do Cu e do Zn. Nos dejetos de suínos foram determinados os teores pseudototais de Cu e Zn. As aplicações sucessivas de dejeto líquido de suínos no solo aumentaram os teores de Cu e Zn das camadas superficiais, com migração até 12 e 10 cm de profundidade, respectivamente. O Cu e Zn adicionados são acumulados no solo em formas biodisponíveis, sendo preferencialmente ligados às frações orgânica e mineral, respectivamente.
Herança de caracteres associados à eficiência de utilização do fósforo em milho
Authors: Fritsche-Neto Roberto , Miranda Glauco Vieira , DeLima Rodrigo Oliveira , Souza Leandro Vagno de , Silva Jaeveson da
Published: August 2010

O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar os efeitos genéticos que controlam a herança de caracteres associados à eficiência de utilização do fósforo (EUP) em milho e determinar as relações entre esses caracteres. Foi realizado um dialelo entre seis cultivares de milho do qual foram obtidas 15 combinações híbridas. Estas cultivares foram avaliadas em alta e baixa disponibilidade de fósforo, em casa de vegetação e campo. Foram medidas a resposta das plantas à disponibilidade de fósforo (RU) e as características associadas às eficiências de utilização e translocação do nutriente. As combinações híbridas apresentaram interação significativa com a disponibilidade de P, para os caracteres massa de matéria seca da planta (MSP), teor de P na planta (PAP) e razão entre as massas de matéria seca da parte aérea e da raiz (RMS). A interação entre capacidade geral de combinação e RU foi significativa para PAP e RMS e, entre capacidade específica de combinação e RU, para MSP e PAP. As EUP em baixa e alta disponibilidade do nutriente estiveram correlacionadas entre si e com RU. A EUP em baixa disponibilidade de P não se correlacionou com a produtividade de grãos. Contudo, sob alta disponibilidade do nutriente, esses parâmetros se correlacionaram. Os efeitos não aditivos têm maior importância para caracteres relacionados à EUP, de modo que a seleção deve ser realizada nas combinações híbridas.
Reparo pela técnica de shouldice modificada nas hérnias inguinais primárias
Authors: Melo Renato Miranda de , Cozadi Artur de Oliveira , Matias Isamara de Souza , Moreira Clímaco Cesar
Published: August 2010

Os autores apresentam a taxa de recidiva com o reparo de hérnias inguinais primárias, empregando a técnica de Shouldice em três planos, modificada pela inclusão isolada do trato iliopúbico no 2º plano de sutura. A média de idade dos pacientes foi de 43 anos (16-88), com predominância da doença no sexo masculino (88,4%), do lado direito (57,4%) e da modalidade indireta (59,1 %). O seguimento pós-operatório foi de um a oito anos completos, tendo sido revistos pessoalmente pelos autores 112 pacientes, totalizando 115 hérnias, objeto deste trabalho. Houve a ocorrência de um hematoma (0,9%) e de uma infecção da ferida operatória (0,9%). As duas únicas recidivas (1,7%) ocorreram nos primeiros dois anos de pós-operatório, em pacientes do sexo masculino operados no início da série, sendo originalmente uma indireta e a outra direta. Dos resultados aferidos, os autores concluíram que a técnica adotada no reparo das hérnias inguinais primárias, com as modificações propostas neste trabalho, apresentou um índice baixo de recidiva, embora ainda maior se comparado ao procedimento de Shouldice clássico. Mesmo assim, é preciso que o cirurgião saiba executar outras técnicas, sobretudo as que utilizam próteses (telas), no tratamento das hérnias inguinais complexas ou multi-recidivadas.
Ultra-sonografia intra-operatória durante colecistectomia laparoscópica
Authors: Tinoco Augusto Claudio de Almeida , Tinoco Renam Catharina , El-Kadre Luciana Janene , Tinoco Luiz Antônio , Thomé José Newton , Oliveira Alexandre Cardoso de
Published: August 2010

Durante um período de sete meses, em noventa pacientes submetidos à colecistectomia laparoscópica foi realizada ultra-sonografia intra-operatória e, em 81 pacientes, a colangiografia intra-operatória foi possível. A ultra-sonografia laparoscópica (USL) foi realizada através dos trocartes umbilical e epigástrico, sem mobilização duodenal e após a colangiografia sistemática. A USL detectou coledocolitíase em 11 pacientes (12,2%), embora apenas seis (6,6%) destes pacientes tivessem este diagnóstico antes da cirurgia. A colangiografia diagnosticou coledocolitíase em 8,8% dos casos. As vias biliares foram visualizadas pela USL em todos os casos. Durante a colecistectomia laparoscópica, a ultra-sonografia intra-operatória é uma técnica simples e eficiente na detecção de cálculos na via biliar principal.