bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Tobacco Smoking Cessation on Stable Clozapine or Olanzapine Treatment
Authors: Lowe Erin J , Ackman Margaret L
Published: March 2010

Objective

To examine the pharmacokinetic implications and potential clinical effects of tobacco smoking cessation in patients on stable clozapine or olanzapine treatment.

Data sources

A literature search of MEDLINE (1950–November 2009) and EMBASE (1980–November 2009) was conducted using the search terms smoking, tobacco, cigarette, cannabis, smoking cessation, cytochrome P450, antipsychotic, clozapine, and olanzapine. In addition, reference lists from publications identified were searched manually.

Study selection and data extraction

English-language articles and human studies were identified, yielding 111 returns. Articles that reported clinical outcomes following smoking cessation were selected. Pharmacokinetic data for these drugs were reviewed and articles that provided relevant background information were also included.

Data synthesis

Pharmacokinetic studies have demonstrated more rapid clearance of olanzapine and lower clozapine and norclozapine (desmethylclozapine) concentrations in smokers compared to nonsmokers. These studies also found that smokers require higher doses of these agents than nonsmokers. There are case reports of adverse clinical outcomes following smoking cessation in patients being treated with olanzapine and clozapine. Reports that included serum concentrations consistently found elevations following smoking cessation, and dosage reductions of 30–40% were required to achieve pre-cessation concentrations. Worsening psychiatric symptoms, somnolence, hypersalivation, extreme fatigue, extrapyramidal effects, and seizures have all been reported following smoking cessation in this patient group.

Conclusions

Pharmacists need to be aware of potential risks associated with smoking cessation in patients stabilized on clozapine or olanzapine. Toxicity as a result of recent smoking reduction or cessation may be a reason for hospital admission. For hospitalized patients, pharmacists should obtain information concerning smoking status, including cessation attempts. Nonspecific signs and symptoms of elevated clozapine or olanzapine concentrations should be considered in relation to clinical status while the patient is hospitalized. Measurement of baseline serum clozapine concentrations and/or empiric dosage adjustment in patients expected to have a prolonged hospital stay with forced smoking cessation may be appropriate.
Recombinant Factor VIIa to Manage Major Bleeding from Newer Parenteral Anticoagulants
Authors: Vavra Kellie A , Lutz Mark F , Smythe Maureen A
Published: March 2010

Objective

To evaluate the use of recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) to reverse major bleeding from newer parenteral anticoagulant therapy.

Data sources

MEDLINE/PubMed was searched from January 2000 through December 2009 using the terms recombinant factor VIIa, rFVIIa, NovoSeven, enoxaparin, argatroban, fondaparinux, lepirudin, bivalirudin, idraparinux, nadroparin, hirudin, and desirudin. References of identified articles were reviewed.

Data synthesis

Data evaluating the role of rFVIIa to reverse major bleeding from newer parenteral anticoagulant therapy is limited to case reports and small laboratory investigations. Laboratory investigations suggest that rFVIIa may be effective in reversing the hemostatic effects of newer parenteral anticoagulants. In most case reports analyzed, standard interventions for bleeding (eg, fresh frozen plasma, packed red blood cells) were attempted prior to using rFVIIa. Sixteen published cases describe the use of rFVIIa to reverse major bleeding from low-molecular-weight heparins, synthetic pentasaccharides, and direct thrombin inhibitors. Initial doses ranged from 20 to 120 μg/kg. rFVIIa was considered effective or partially effective based upon clinical response in 13 cases. Use was not effective in 3 cases because of a thrombotic event, no change in hemostasis, and death from bleeding complications. As thrombosis is the major safety concern, an individualized risk-benefit assessment is required prior to the use of rFVIIa therapy to restore hemostasis.

Conclusions

rFVIIa may be considered to manage major refractory bleeding from newer parenteral anticoagulant agents when the benefit is thought to outweigh the thrombotic risk.
Immediate Hypersensitivity to Moxifloxacin with Tolerance to Ciprofloxacin: Report of Three Cases and Review of the Literature
Authors: Chang Brenda , Knowles Sandra R , Weber Elizabeth
Published: March 2010

Objective

To report 3 cases of immediate hypersensitivity reactions to moxifloxacin in patients who tolerated ciprofloxacin.

Case summaries

A 71-year-old man, a 44-year-old woman, and a 70-year-old woman with a history of a moxifloxacin reaction developed an immediate hypersensitivity reaction upon oral challenge with moxifloxacin in our Drug Safety Clinic. The reaction was mainly characterized by pruritus and urticaria, although dyspnea and hypotension were noted in the first and second patient, respectively. Two of the patients had negative oral challenge tests with ciprofloxacin and all 3 patients tolerated full treatment courses of oral ciprofloxacin. In all 3 cases, use of the Naranjo probability scale indicated a highly probable adverse drug reaction.

Discussion

Moxiffoxacin, similar to other fluoroquinolones, can cause immediate hypersensitivity reactions. Previous publications have reported both cross-reactivity and a lack of cross-reactivity among various fluoroquinolones. The 3 patients discussed demonstrated a lack of cross-reactivity between moxifloxacin and ciprofloxacin since they tolerated oral challenge tests and full treatment courses of ciprofloxacin. Moxifloxacin has unique side chains at positions 7 and 8 on its bicyclic ring structure. Antigenic specificity to particular side chains at positions 7 and 8 on the bicyclic ring structure of moxifloxacin may explain this lack of cross-reactivity. Higher reporting rates of anaphylaxis to moxifloxacin compared to other fluoroquinolones may also be related to side chain specificity, although definitive evidence for this is lacking.

Conclusions

Based on our experience, patients who develop immediate hypersensitivity reactions to moxifloxacin may receive ciprofloxacin therapy in an appropriately monitored setting if they have previously tolerated full treatment courses of ciprofloxacin. Research into whether there is a specific side chain reaction unique to moxifloxacin is warranted.
Autofluorescent Flavoprotein Imaging of Spinal Nociceptive Activity
Authors: Jongen Joost L. M. , Pederzani Tiziana , Koekkoek Sebastiaan K. , Shapiro Joël , van der Burg Johannes , De Zeeuw Chris I. , Huygen Frank J. , Holstege Jan C.
Published: March 2010

Pain arises from activation of peripheral nociceptors, and strong noxious stimuli may cause an increase in spinal excitability called central sensitization, which is likely involved in many pathological pain states. So far, it has not been achieved to simultaneously visualizein vivoboth the temporal and spatial aspects of spinal activity, including central sensitization. Using autofluorescent flavoprotein imaging (AFI), an optical technique suitable for mapping activity in nervous tissue, we demonstrate a close temporal and spatial correlation of electrically evoked nociceptive input with the spinal AFI signal, representing spinal neuronal activity. The AFI signal increases linearly with stimulation intensity. Furthermore, we found that the AFI signal was much larger in intensity and size when the same electrical stimulation was applied after the induction of central sensitization by a subcutaneous capsaicin injection. Finally, innocuous palpation of the hindpaw did not evoke an AFI response in naive animals, but after capsaicin injection a strong response was obtained. This is the first report demonstrating simultaneously the temporal and spatial propagation of spinal nociceptive activityin vivo.
Loss of HRD1-Mediated Protein Degradation Causes Amyloid Precursor Protein Accumulation and Amyloid-β Generation
Authors: Kaneko Masayuki , Koike Hiroshi , Saito Ryo , Kitamura Yoshihisa , Okuma Yasunobu , Nomura Yasuyuki
Published: March 2010

Endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD) is a system by which proteins accumulated in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are retrotranslocated to the cytosol and degraded by the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway. HRD1 is expressed in brain neurons and acts as an ERAD ubiquitin ligase. Amyloid precursor protein (APP) is processed into amyloid-β peptides (Aβs) that form plaque deposits in the brains of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. We found significantly decreased HRD1 protein levels in the cerebral cortex of AD patients. HRD1 colocalized with APP in brain neurons and interacted with APP through the proline-rich region of HRD1. HRD1 promoted APP ubiquitination and degradation, resulting in decreased generation of Aβ. Furthermore, suppression of HRD1 expression induced APP accumulation that led to increased production of Aβ associated with ER stress. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that suppression of HRD1 expression inhibited APP aggresome formation, resulting in apoptosis. In addition, we found that the ATF6- and XBP1-induced upregulation of ERAD led to APP degradation and reduced Aβ production. These results suggest that the breakdown of HRD1-mediated ERAD causes Aβ generation and ER stress, possibly linked to AD.
Identification of a Smad4/YY1-Recognizedand BMP2-Responsive Transcriptional RegulatoryModule in the Promoter of Mouse GABA Transporter Subtype I (Gat1) Gene
Authors: Yao Minghui , Niu Gang , Sheng Zhejin , Wang Zhugang , Fei Jian
Published: March 2010

GABAergic dysfunction is implicated in a variety of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. The mechanisms underlying GABAergic differentiation, however, are not well understood. GABA transporter 1 (Gat1;Slc6a1) is an essential component of the GABAergic system, and its ectopic mRNA expression may be responsible for GABAergic malfunction under different pathological conditions. Thus, monitoring the transcriptional regulation ofgat1may help to elucidate the mechanisms that govern the differentiation of GABAergic neurons. In this study, we identified a promoter region that is sufficient to recapitulate endogenousgat1expression in transgenic mice. A 46 bpcis-regulator in the promoter sequence was responsible for the stimulation of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2) ongat1expression in cortical cortex. Furthermore, our study demonstrated that Smad4 and YY1 are physically bound to the element and mediate both the negative and positive regulatory effects in which BMP2 can affect the balance. In summary, we have identified a Smad4/YY1-based bidirectional regulation model for GABAergic gene transcription and demonstrated a molecular cue important for the differentiation of GABAergic neurons.
Unconscious Activation of the Prefrontal No-Go Network
Authors: van Gaal Simon , Ridderinkhof K. Richard , Scholte H. Steven , Lamme Victor A. F.
Published: March 2010

Cognitive control processes involving prefrontal cortex allow humans to overrule and inhibit habitual responses to optimize performance in new and challenging situations, and traditional views hold that cognitive control is tightly linked with consciousness. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate to what extent unconscious “no-go” stimuli are capable of reaching cortical areas involved in inhibitory control, particularly the inferior frontal cortex (IFC) and the pre-supplementary motor area (pre-SMA). Participants performed a go/no-go task that included conscious (weakly masked) no-go trials, unconscious (strongly masked) no-go trials, as well as go trials. Replicating typical neuroimaging findings, response inhibition on conscious no-go stimuli was associated with a (mostly right-lateralized) frontoparietal “inhibition network.” Here, we demonstrate, however, that an unconscious no-go stimulus also can activate prefrontal control networks, most prominently the IFC and the pre-SMA. Moreover, if it does so, it brings about a substantial slowdown in the speed of responding, as if participants attempted to inhibit their response but just failed to withhold it completely. Interestingly, overall activation in this “unconscious inhibition network” correlated positively with the amount of slowdown triggered by unconscious no-go stimuli. In addition, neural differences between conscious and unconscious control are revealed. These results expand our understanding of the limits and depths of unconscious information processing in the human brain and demonstrate that prefrontal cognitive control functions are not exclusively influenced by conscious information.
Calmodulin Controls Synaptic Strength via Presynaptic Activation of Calmodulin Kinase II
Authors: Pang Zhiping P. , Cao Peng , Xu Wei , Südhof Thomas C.
Published: March 2010

Calmodulin regulates multifarious cellular processes via a panoply of target interactions. However, the central role, multiple isoforms, and complex target interactions of calmodulin make it difficult to examine its precise functions. Here, we analyzed calmodulin function in neurons using lentivirally delivered short-hairpin RNAs that suppressed expression of all calmodulin isoforms by ∼70%. Calmodulin knockdown did not significantly alter neuronal survival or synapse formation but depressed spontaneous neuronal network activity. Strikingly, calmodulin knockdown decreased the presynaptic release probability almost twofold, without altering the presynaptic readily-releasable vesicle pool or postsynaptic neurotransmitter reception. In calmodulin knockdown neurons, presynaptic release was restored to wild-type levels by expression of constitutively active calmodulin-dependent kinase-IIα (CaMKIIα); in contrast, in control neurons, expression of constitutively active CaMKIIα had no effect on presynaptic release. Viewed together, these data suggest that calmodulin performs a major function in boosting synaptic strength via direct activation of presynaptic calmodulin-dependent kinase II.
Dendritically Localized Transcripts Are Sorted into Distinct Ribonucleoprotein Particles That Display Fast Directional Motility along Dendrites of Hippocampal Neurons
Authors: Tübing Fabian , Vendra Georgia , Mikl Martin , Macchi Paolo , Thomas Sabine , Kiebler Michael A.
Published: March 2010

Localization of mRNAs to postsynaptic sites and their subsequent translation is thought to contribute to synapse-specific plasticity. However, the direct visualization of dendritic RNA transport in living neurons remains a major challenge. Here, we analyze the transport of Alexa-labeled RNAs microinjected into mature hippocampal neurons. We show that microinjectedMAP2andCaMKIIα RNAs form particles that localize into dendrites as their endogenous counterparts. In contrast, nonlocalizing RNAs or truncatedCaMKIIα, lacking the dendritic targeting element, remain in the cell body. Furthermore, our microinjection approach allowed us to identify a novel dendritically localized RNA,Septin7. Time-lapse videomicroscopy of neurons injected withCaMKIIα andSeptin7RNAs demonstrates fast directional movement along the dendrites of hippocampal neurons, with similar kinetics to Staufen1 ribonucleoprotein particles (RNPs). Coinjection and simultaneous visualization of two RNAs, as well as double detection of the corresponding endogenous RNAs, reveal that neuronal transcripts are differentially sorted in dendritic RNPs.
Temporal Requirement of the Protein TyrosinePhosphatase Shp2 in Establishing the Neuronal Fatein Early Retinal Development
Authors: Cai Zhigang , Feng Gen-Sheng , Zhang Xin
Published: March 2010

FGF signaling is critical in the development of the vertebrate retina, which differentiates in a wave-like pattern similar to that found in theDrosophilaeye. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of FGF signaling in vertebrate eye development by identifying Shp2, a protein tyrosine phosphatase, as a novel factor in orchestrating retinal morphogenesis. Using a series ofShp2conditional mutants, we have shown thatShp2is specifically required for the initiation of retinal neurogenesis but not for the maintenance of the retinal differentiation program. By mosaic deletion ofShp2, we further demonstrated thatShp2ablation did not prevent the spreading of the retinal differentiation wave. Shp2 instead controls the patterning of the optic vesicle by regulating the retinal progenitor factors and cell proliferation. Inex vivoculture models and genetic rescue experiments, we showed thatShp2acts downstream to FGF signaling in retinal development and that it can be functionally substituted by activated Ras signaling. Together, these results demonstrate that Shp2 mediates FGF–Ras signaling to control retinal progenitor cell fate.
Removal of Polysialic Acid Triggers Dispersion of Subventricularly Derived Neuroblasts into SurroundingCNS Tissues
Authors: Battista Daniela , Rutishauser Urs
Published: March 2010

Cells generated in the subventricular zone give rise to neuroblasts that migrate to the olfactory bulb (OB) along the rostral migratory stream (RMS). The polysialylated form of neural cell adhesion molecule (PSA-NCAM) is expressed by these cells, and has been shown to both promote their migration and suppress differentiation induced by NCAM. In the present study, enzymatic removal of PSA from these neuroblasts using PSA-specific endoneuraminidase has been found not only to disrupt the tangential migration and cellular organization of the RMS, but also to cause a massive dispersion of BrdU (5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine)-labeled neuroblasts into surrounding brain regions, including cortex and striatum. These dispersed cells are capable of differentiation, some into mature neurons, and could potentially be of value in the repair of CNS injury. Although the removal of PSA by genetic deletion of NCAM also results in a smaller OB and a swollen RMS, the cells do not escape the RMS in large numbers. These findings suggest that the presence of NCAM without PSA plays a role in the dispersion process, possibly by inducing a new pattern of migration associated with NCAM-dependent differentiation.
Differentiating Prenatal Exposure to Methamphetamine and Alcohol versus Alcohol and Not Methamphetamine using Tensor-Based Brain Morphometry and Discriminant Analysis
Authors: Sowell Elizabeth R. , Leow Alex D. , Bookheimer Susan Y. , Smith Lynne M. , O'Connor Mary J. , Kan Eric , Rosso Carly , Houston Suzanne , Dinov Ivo D. , Thompson Paul M.
Published: March 2010

Here we investigate the effects of prenatal exposure to methamphetamine (MA) on local brain volume using magnetic resonance imaging. Because many who use MA during pregnancy also use alcohol, a known teratogen, we examined whether local brain volumes differed among 61 children (ages 5–15 years), 21 with prenatal MA exposure, 18 with concomitant prenatal alcohol exposure (the MAA group), 13 with heavy prenatal alcohol but not MA exposure (ALC group), and 27 unexposed controls. Volume reductions were observed in both exposure groups relative to controls in striatal and thalamic regions bilaterally and in right prefrontal and left occipitoparietal cortices. Striatal volume reductions were more severe in the MAA group than in the ALC group, and, within the MAA group, a negative correlation between full-scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ) scores and caudate volume was observed. Limbic structures, including the anterior and posterior cingulate, the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), and ventral and lateral temporal lobes bilaterally, were increased in volume in both exposure groups. Furthermore, cingulate and right IFG volume increases were more pronounced in the MAA than ALC group. Discriminant function analyses using local volume measurements and FSIQ were used to predict group membership, yielding factor scores that correctly classified 72% of participants in jackknife analyses. These findings suggest that striatal and limbic structures, known to be sites of neurotoxicity in adult MA abusers, may be more vulnerable to prenatal MA exposure than alcohol exposure and that more severe striatal damage is associated with more severe cognitive deficit.
Anticipatory Attentional Suppression of Visual Features Indexed by Oscillatory Alpha-Band Power Increases:A High-Density Electrical Mapping Study
Authors: Snyder Adam C. , Foxe John J.
Published: March 2010

Retinotopically specific increases in alpha-band (∼10 Hz) oscillatory power have been strongly implicated in the suppression of processing for irrelevant parts of the visual field during the deployment of visuospatial attention. Here, we asked whether this alpha suppression mechanism also plays a role in the nonspatial anticipatory biasing of feature-based attention. Visual word cues informed subjects what the task-relevant feature of an upcoming visual stimulus (S2) was, while high-density electroencephalographic recordings were acquired. We examined anticipatory oscillatory activity in the Cue-to-S2 interval (∼2 s). Subjects were cued on a trial-by-trial basis to attend to either the color or direction of motion of an upcoming dot field array, and to respond when they detected that a subset of the dots differed from the majority along the target feature dimension. We used the features of color and motion, expressly because they have well known, spatially separated cortical processing areas, to distinguish shifts in alpha power over areas processing each feature. Alpha power from dorsal regions increased when motion was the irrelevant feature (i.e., color was cued), and alpha power from ventral regions increased when color was irrelevant. Thus, alpha-suppression mechanisms appear to operate during feature-based selection in much the same manner as has been shown for space-based attention.
Roles of NADPH Oxidases in Cisplatin-Induced Reactive Oxygen Species Generation and Ototoxicity
Authors: Kim Hyung-Jin , Lee Jeong-Han , Kim Se-Jin , Oh Gi Su , Moon Hae-Dalma , Kwon Kang-Beom , Park Channy , Park Byung Hyun , Lee Ho-Kyun , Chung Sang-Young , Park Raekil , So Hong-Seob
Published: March 2010

In our previous study, we clearly demonstrated the roles of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-6, and subsequent reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation on the pathogenesis of cisplatin ototoxicityin vitroandin vivo. ROS generation in cisplatin-treated HEI-OC1 auditory cells was also correlated with changing mitochondrial membrane potential. However, the roles of NADPH oxidase in cisplatin-induced ROS generation and ototoxicity have not been fully elucidated. Herein, immunohistochemical studies demonstrated that treatment of cisplatin induced the expression of NADPH oxidase isoforms NOX-1 and NOX-4 in HEI-OC1 auditory cells. Expression of mRNA for NOX-1, NOX-4, NOXO1, NOXA1, p47phox, and p67phoxwas also increased. Inhibition of NADPH oxidase with diphenyleniodonium chloride or apocynin abolished ROS production and the subsequent apoptotic cell death in cisplatin-treated cells. Furthermore, suppression of NOX1 and NOX4 expression by small interfering RNA transfection markedly abolished the cytotoxicity and ROS generation by cisplatin. Together, our data suggest that ROS generated, in part, through the activation of NADPH oxidase plays an essential role in cisplatin ototoxicity.
DiurnalIn Vivoand RapidIn VitroEffects of Estradiol on Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels in Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Neurons
Authors: Sun Jianli , Chu Zhiguo , Moenter Suzanne M.
Published: March 2010

A robust surge of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) release triggers the luteinizing hormone surge that induces ovulation. The GnRH surge is attributable to estradiol feedback, but the mechanisms are incompletely understood. Voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) regulate hormone release and neuronal excitability, and may be part of the surge-generating mechanism. We examined VGCCs of GnRH neurons in brain slices from a model exhibiting daily luteinizing hormone surges. Mice were ovariectomized (OVX), and a subset was treated with estradiol implants (OVX+E). OVX+E mice exhibit negative feedback in the A.M. and positive feedback in the P.M. GnRH neurons express prominent high-voltage-activated (HVA) and small low-voltage-activated (LVA) macroscopic (whole-cell) Ca currents (ICa). LVA-mediated currents were not altered by estradiol or time of day. In contrast, in OVX+E mice, HVA-mediated currents varied with time of day; HVA currents in cells from OVX+E mice were lower than those in cells from OVX mice in the A.M. but were higher in the P.M. These changes were attributable to diurnal alternations in L- and N-type components. There were no diurnal changes in any aspect of HVA-mediatedICain OVX mice. Acutein vitrotreatment of cells from OVX and OVX+E mice with estradiol rapidly increased HVA currents primarily through L- and R-type VGCCs by activating estrogen receptor β and GPR30, respectively. These results suggest multiple mechanisms contribute to the overall feedback regulation of HVA-mediatedICaby estradiol. In combination with changes in synaptic inputs to GnRH neurons, these intrinsic changes in GnRH neurons may play critical roles in estradiol feedback.
Impaired Ganglioside Metabolism in Huntington's Disease and Neuroprotective Role of GM1
Authors: Maglione Vittorio , Marchi Paolo , Di Pardo Alba , Lingrell Susanne , Horkey Melanie , Tidmarsh Emily , Sipione Simonetta
Published: March 2010

Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by the expansion of a polyglutamine stretch in the protein huntingtin (Htt). HD neurons are dysfunctional at multiple levels and have increased susceptibility to stress and apoptotic stimuli. We have discovered that synthesis of the ganglioside GM1 is reduced in fibroblasts from HD patients and in cell and animal models of HD, and that decreased GM1 levels contribute to heighten HD cell susceptibility to apoptosis. The apoptotic susceptibility is recapitulated through inhibition of ganglioside synthesis in wild-type striatal cells, suggesting that decreased GM1 levels might be one of the key events leading to HD pathogenesis and progression. Administration of GM1 restores ganglioside levels in HD cells and promotes activation of AKT and phosphorylation of mutant Htt, leading to decreased mutant Htt toxicity and increased survival of HD cells. Our data identify GM1 as a potential treatment for HD.
Measurement of excitation functions for production of cerium radioisotopes by deuteron induced reactions on natural cerium for nanobioscience applications
Authors: Simonelli Federica , Abbas Kamel , Chau Huu-tai P. , Holzwarth Uwe , Cydzik I.
Published: March 2010

Cerium based nanoparticles would play an important role in the field of nanotechnology ranging from fuel additives to sun creams, and to various medical applications. Radiolabelled cerium can be accurately and precisely traced during each step of their applications, thanks to the sensitivity of nuclear measurement techniques. This work is focused on the study of the production of cerium radioisotopes and more precisely, as few data are available, on the determination of the excitation functions for production of cerium radioisotopes by deuteron induced nuclear reactions on natural cerium. We measured the excitation functions for the nuclear reactions natCe(d, x)139g,141,143Ce and also for natCe(d, x)142gPr in the energy range of 5 to 18.5 MeV. Theoretical simulations of these excitation functions were performed using the TALYS calculation code. We have shown that with deuteron beam irradiation, several radioisotopes of cerium can be activated and the cross section data of the relevant nuclear reactions are produced for the first time. Thick target yields of 0.1, 1.1 and 3.2 MBq/μA h were reached for 139gCe, 141Ce and 143Ce, respectively, which are sufficient for various biological studies such as cellular uptake of cerium based nanoparticles.
Hypobaric hypoxia causes deleterious effects on spermatogenesis in rats
Authors: Liao Weigong , Cai Mingchun , Chen Jian , Huang Jian , Liu Fuyu , Jiang Chunhua , Gao Yuqi
Published: March 2010

The study was conducted to explore the effects of hypobaric hypoxia on spermatogenesis in rats. Adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: three hypoxia-exposed groups and one normoxic control group. Rats in the normoxic control group were raised at an altitude of 300 m, while rats in the 5-, 15-, and 30-day hypoxic groups were raised in a hypobaric chamber simulating a high altitude of 5000 m for 5, 15, and 30 days respectively. Flow cytometry was used to detect the DNA content of testicular spermatogenic cells in rats. The apoptosis of germ cells in testis was analyzed by using TUNEL assay. Spermatogenesis was also evaluated by morphology. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that 5–30 days of hypobaric hypoxia exposure significantly reduced the percentage of tetraploid cell population in rat testis. After rats were exposed to hypobaric hypoxia for 30 days, the ratio of haploid and diploid cell populations in testis reduced significantly. Seminiferous tubules with apoptotic germ cell increased after exposure to hypoxia. Most apoptotic germ cells were spermatogonia and spermatocytes. Hypoxia also caused decrease of cellularity of seminiferous epithelium, degeneration and sloughing of seminiferous epithelial cells occasionally. The data suggest that hypobaric hypoxia inhibits the spermatogenesis in rats. Decrease of tetraploid spermatogenic cells (primary spermatocytes) induced by hypoxia is an important approach to suppress spermatogenesis. The apoptosis of primary spermatocytes and spermatogonia may contribute to the loss of tetraploid cell populations.
Seroprevalence of human toxocariasis in Andean communities from the Northeast of Lima, Peru
Authors: Espinoza Yrma A. , Huapaya Pedro E. , Roldán William H. , Jiménez Susana , Abanto Enma P. , Rojas Carlos A. , Cavero Yuri A. , Gutiérrez César A.
Published: March 2010

The aim of this study was to assess the seroprevalence of human toxocariasis in three Andean communities from the Northeast of Lima, Peru. A total of 303 subjects including children and adults were studied and blood samples were collected to detect anti-Toxocara antibodies by ELISA-IgG test and by hematological examination; stool samples were collected also for parasitological examination. The overall seroprevalence of toxocariasis observed in the total population was 20.46%, with a significant high proportion in children from one to 10 years old (p = 0.034). Among the subjects with positive serology, 32.26% of them had respiratory disturbances, 22.58% hepatomegaly, 17.74% ocular signs or symptoms, 14.51% abdominal pain, 9.68% neurological involvement, and 4.84% cutaneous signs, but none of these clinical features were associated to a positive serology by multivariate analysis. Furthermore, 79.03% of seropositive subjects also harbored at least one intestinal parasite, which was associated to a positive serology (p < 0.05). The presence of pets within the houses, a previous history of pica or geophagia and the use of public places were also present in this population, but only the latter was associated to the serology (p < 0.05). In conclusion, clinical, serological, and epidemiological evidences for larval Toxocara infection were found in the studied population.
Clinical and epidemiological study of 27 poisonings caused by ingesting puffer fish (Tetrodontidae) in the states of Santa Catarina and Bahia, Brazil
Authors: Silva Claudia Carvalho Pestana , Zannin Marlene , Rodrigues Daisy Schwab , Santos Claudia Regina dos , Correa Ieda Ana , Haddad Junior Vidal
Published: March 2010

Puffer fish can be poisonous due to the presence of the potent neurotoxins such as Tetrodotoxin (TTX) and Saxitoxin (STX) found in its tissues. The authors report 27 human poisonings from ingestion of puffer fish in patients treated at Toxicology Centers in the states of Santa Catarina and Bahia, Brazil, between 1984 and January 2009. Poisonings were classified as moderate (52%) and severe (33%), two deaths were observed. Early diagnosis is very important to ensure respiratory support.
Influência da resposta inflamatória de fase aguda nos níveis séricos de retinol e da proteína de ligação do retinol em pacientes com AIDS
Authors: Neves Fábio Fernandes , Figueiredo José Fernando de Castro , Jordão Júnior Alceu Afonso , Vannucchi Hélio
Published: March 2010

INTRODUÇÃO: a hiporretinolemia constitui fator prognóstico independente em pacientes com AIDS, e a atividade inflamatória causa redução dos níveis séricos deste nutriente na população em geral. Entretanto, faltam estudos que avaliem o impacto da atividade inflamatória sobre o nível sérico do retinol em pacientes com AIDS. MÉTODOS: foram avaliados transversalmente 41 pacientes internados por complicações da AIDS, que tiveram quantificados alguns marcadores de inflamação (proteína C reativa e fator de necrose tumoral alfa) e concentrações séricas de retinol e da proteína de ligação do retinol. RESULTADOS: apesar da baixa (14,6%) prevalência de hiporretinolemia evidenciou-se correlação negativa dos marcadores de inflamação com os níveis séricos de retinol e de sua proteína de ligação nos pacientes com AIDS. CONCLUSÕES: a atividade inflamatória de fase aguda está associada a baixos níveis séricos de retinol em indivíduos com AIDS.
Prevalência de anticorpos antileishmania spp em cães de Garanhuns, Agreste de Pernambuco
Authors: Santos Jessica Maria Leite dos , Dantas-Torres Filipe , Mattos Marcos Renato Franzosi , Lino Felipe Ragner Lima , Andrade Lílian Sabrina Silvestre , Souza Rute Chamié Alves de , Brito Fábio Luiz da Cunha , Brito Maria Edileuza Felinto de , Brandão-Filho Sinval Pinto , Simões-Mattos Lucilene
Published: March 2010

INTRODUÇÃO: Desconhecida a realidade da leishmaniose visceral canina em Garanhuns, objetivou-se investigar a ocorrência de anticorpos antileishmania spp em cães domiciliados e semidomiciliados e os possíveis fatores de risco envolvidos. MÉTODOS: Em uma primeira etapa foram coletadas 256 amostras de sangue de cães que foram submetidas à reação de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI) na diluição 1:40. Adicionalmente, 23 amostras positivas na RIFI foram testadas com um teste rápido imunocromatográfico. Em uma segunda etapa, novas amostras de sangue de 18 cães positivos na RIFI na primeira fase do estudo foram coletadas, retestadas pela RIFI (1:40 e 1:80) e, adicionalmente, pela reação em cadeia da polimerase para pesquisa de DNA de Leishmania infantum. Ademais, 16 dessas amostras foram retestadas pelo teste rápido imunocromatográfico. RESULTADOS: Na primeira etapa, 16% das amostras foram positivas na RIFI (1:40) e apenas três (13%) foram positivas no teste rápido imunocromatográfico. Na segunda etapa, 12 amostras foram positivas na RIFI na diluição 1:40 e sete também na diluição 1:80. Nenhuma amostra foi positiva na reação em cadeia da polimerase e no teste rápido imunocromatográfico. Sinais clínicos de leishmaniose visceral ocorreram em 4,9% dos cães positivos. Não houve diferença estatística entre idade, sexo e status clínico dos cães, porém entre seus locais de origem. CONCLUSÕES: Os cães domiciliados e semidomiciliados de Garanhuns apresentam anticorpos antileishmania spp, sendo, em sua grande maioria, assintomáticos.
Fatores relacionados à ocorrência de leishmaniose tegumentar no Vale do Ribeira
Authors: Silva Alessandra Ferreira da , Latorre Maria do Rosário Dias de Oliveira , Galati Eunice Aparecida Bianchi
Published: March 2010

INTRODUÇÃO: este estudo teve como objetivo identificar fatores ambientais e sociais determinantes na incidência da leishmaniose tegumentar americana no Vale do Ribeira no período de 1998 a 2006. MÉTODOS: foram utilizados dados secundários de domínio público dos 23 municípios que integram a região. O intervalo de tempo foi dividido em três períodos, pelas características gráficas dos coeficientes de incidência, os quais foram submetidos à análise por regressão linear múltipla. RESULTADOS: para o período de 1998 a 2000, as variáveis correlacionadas com a LTA foram índice de desenvolvimento humano médio (p = 0,007), renda per capita (p =0,390) e grau de urbanização (p = 0,079). No período de 2001 a 2003 e 2004 a 2006 as variáveis correlacionadas com LTA foram: a existência de flebotomíneos (p = 0,000 e p = 0,001) e a população urbana média (p = 0,007 e p = 0,001). CONCLUSÕES: esses dados demonstram a tendência de pauperização e urbanização da doença.
Perfil de prescrições e uso de antibióticos em infecções comunitárias
Authors: Del Fiol Fernando de Sá , Lopes Luciane Cruz , Toledo Maria Inês de , Barberato-Filho Silvio
Published: March 2010

INTRODUÇÃO: O objetivo deste estudo foi conhecer os padrões de utilização de antibióticos no município de Sorocaba, avaliando o diagnóstico referido, a terapêutica empregada e sua utilização. MÉTODOS: Utilizou-se um instrumento de avaliação aplicado por 12 meses em usuários de antibióticos. Foram coletados dados de 403 usuários e referiram-se à: informações sociodemográficas e de saúde, diagnóstico e terapêutica. RESULTADOS: Encontrou-se grande utilização e a maior utilização prévia na faixa etária de 0-10 anos (p<0,05). As infecções com envolvimento pulmonar foram as mais citadas (p<0,05) e as penicilinas, os fármacos mais utilizados, presentes em 45,1% das prescrições. Tempo médio de terapêutica (8,9 dias) esteve abaixo do preconizado para otites. Em sinusites, 22% das prescrições não orientaram para o uso recomendado (10 dias). CONCLUSÕES: A inexistência e não utilização de protocolos terapêuticos têm resultado em grande diferença nos padrões de prescrição, levando a insucesso terapêutico e recidiva de infecções - situações frequentemente encontradas neste estudo.
Destruição de ovos de Toxocara canis pelo fungo nematófago Pochonia chlamydosporia
Authors: Frassy Luiza Neme , Braga Fabio Ribeiro , Silva André Ricardo e , Araújo Jackson Victor de , Ferreira Sebastião Rodrigo , Freitas Leandro Grassi de
Published: March 2010

INTRODUÇÃO: Toxocara canis é um ascarídeo parasita do intestino delgado de cães, causador da larva migrans visceral em seres humanos. MÉTODOS: Com o objetivo de demonstrar a eficácia do fungo Pochonia chlamydosporia sobre ovos de Toxocara canis em condições laboratoriais, foi montado ensaio experimental em placas de Petri com ágar-água 2%. RESULTADOS: Houve atividade ovicida de 43,8% (p<0,01) do grupo tratado em relação ao grupo controle durante os intervalos estudados. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados demonstrados no presente trabalho sugerem a empregabilidade de Pochonia chlamydosporia como uma alternativa de controle biológico dos ovos embrionados de Toxocara canis.
Ergonomia e as atividades ocupacionais da equipe de enfermagem
Authors: Alexandre Neusa Maria Costa
Published: March 2010

Esse trabalho discute determinadas condições ergonômicas do trabalho que causam lesões no sistema músculo-esquelético da coluna vertebral, relacionando-as com as atividades ocupacionais da equipe de enfermagem.
A vivência de alunos de graduação em enfermagem na assistência à saúde da mulher em uma comunidade de baixa renda: uma abordagem fenomenológica
Authors: Merighi Miriam Aparecida Barbosa , Bonadio Isabel Cristina
Published: March 2010

Neste estudo nossa trajetória dirigiu-se para a compreensão da experiência vivida pelos alunos do Curso de Graduação em Enfermagem, da EEUSP, na assistência à mulher em uma comunidade de baixa renda da cidade de São Paulo. Obtivemos descrições dos alunos e os dados foram analisados seguindo os passos da fenomenologia. Identificamos cinco temas: experiência gratificante, estimulante e valiosa; experiência de vida, de crescimento pessoal e de quebra de preconceito; atividade que permite conhecer o outro lado da assistência; atividade prática que possibilita sedimentação do conhecimento adquirido teoricamente; experiência importante e necessária. A experiência vivenciada pelos alunos mostrou-se satisfatória favorecendo o processo de ensino-aprendizagem.
A enfermagem frente a acidentes de trabalho com material potencialmente contaminado na era do HIV
Authors: Gir Elucir , Costa Fabiana Prado Potiens , Silva Adriana Maria da
Published: March 2010

Realizou-se esta investigação, com os objetivos de identificar a ocorrência de acidentes de trabalho com material pérfuro-cortante potencialmente contaminado, entre enfermeiros e auxiliares de enfermagem de um Hospital de ensino geral do interior do Estado de São Paulo; relacionar a ocorrência destes acidentes com a categoria profissional e anos de trabalho na instituição; identificar o tipo de material pérfuro-cortante causador do acidente e identificar as condutas tomadas após o acidente, pelo acidentado. Para a coleta de dados, através de entrevista individual, utilizou-se um formulário estruturado onde registrava-se, a causa atribuída ao acidente, o período de atuação do profissional acidentado, o objeto causador, a conduta tomada após o acidente. Evidenciou-se que as Precauções Padrão ou as antigas Precauções Universais não são utilizadas como deveriam, conferindo portanto, risco à equipe de enfermagem. Considera-se que esta equipe necessita de orientações específicas através de educação continuada sobre o assunto.
AIDS entre a população nipo-brasileira residente no município de São Paulo: dimensão e perfil do grupo estudado
Authors: Shima Hisako , Afuso Daisy Satiko , Nichiata Lúcia Yasuko Izumi
Published: March 2010

O estudo teve como finalidade avaliar o avanço da epidemia da Aids entre os japoneses e seus descendentes, residentes no Município de São Paulo. Dimensionou-se o número de pessoas notificadas com a doença desde o início da epidemia até julho de 1994, identificando o perfil do grupo estudado em termos de idade, faixa etária, escolaridade, profissão/ ocupação, tipo de orientação sexual, forma de exposição ao vírus e tempo de sobreviria
Repercussões do transtorno disfórico pré-menstrual entre universitárias
Authors: Carvalho Valéria Conceição Passos de , Cantilino Amaury , Carreiro Nathália Machado Porto , Sá Luciene Fontes de , Sougey Everton Botelho
Published: March 2010

INTRODUÇÃO: O transtorno disfórico pré-menstrual (TDPM) é uma variante mais grave da síndrome pré-menstrual que apresenta a oscilação do humor como fator mais perturbador e debilitante, repercutindo na qualidade de vida das mulheres em idade reprodutiva. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar as principais repercussões físicas e emocionais causadas pela TDPM entre universitárias de Fisioterapia. MÉTODO: Estudo do tipo corte transversal, descritivo e analítico, realizado no período de agosto a dezembro de 2008 em 259 universitárias. Os instrumentos utilizados para a realização desta pesquisa foram: um questionário contendo questões socioeconômicas, o Questionário de Sintomas Menstruais (Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire, MSQ), a escala de autoavaliação de síndrome de transtorno pré-menstrual de Steiner e o Questionário de Autoavaliação da Escala de Hamilton para Depressão. A análise estatística foi descritiva e analítica, sendo utilizado o teste qui-quadrado ou o teste exato de Fisher, sendo que todas as conclusões foram tomadas ao nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: Encontramos alta prevalência de repercussões somáticas e emocionais. Através dos sinais e sintomas pesquisados pelo MSQ entre as portadoras de TDPM, observou-se uma associação do transtorno com os sintomas depressivos (p = 0,048). Os demais sintomas como ansiedade, labilidade de humor, sintomas somáticos, habilidade para realizar tarefas e dor não apresentaram correlação. CONCLUSÃO: O TDPM provocou desconforto físico e emocional e revelou uma correlação significativa com os sintomas depressivos, sugerindo tratar-se de uma expressão clínica de transtorno de humor.
Human values and consumer choice in Australia and Brazil
Authors: Torres Claudio V. , Allen Michael W.
Published: March 2010

The present study aimed to determine the effect of cultural differences on consumer behavior. A total of 793 participants (both Brazilians and Australians) were exposed to the Values Scale, the Meaning and Judgment Scale, and measures of car attributes and consumer behavior. There was a main effect of country on cultural patterns such that Australians scored higher on individualism than on collectivism. Australians preferred piecemeal judgment and placed more importance on the product's tangible attributes, whereas Brazilians preferred affective judgment. As predicted, the direct route was stronger for Brazilians than for Australians, who preferred the indirect route. Results are discussed in terms of the ethic validity of the model for individuals who endorse cultural values other than individualism.
Burnout em professores universitários: impacto de percepções de justiça e comprometimento afetivo
Authors: Sousa Ivone Félix de , Mendonça Helenides
Published: March 2010

Esta pesquisa objetivou analisar o poder mediacional do comprometimento organizacional afetivo na relação entre as percepções de justiça distributiva, processual e interacional e o burnout. Participaram da pesquisa 233 professores universitários. Foram aplicados os instrumentos avaliativos Maslach Burnout Inventory, Escala de Percepção de Justiça Organizacional e Organizational Commitment Questionnaire. Analisou-se o poder mediacional do comprometimento na relação entre a percepção de justiça e o burnout, a partir da regressão hierárquica. O poder mediacional do comprometimento se confirmou na relação entre percepção de justiça distributiva e exaustão. Concluiu-se que a percepção de injustiça na forma de distribuição de recursos pode levar o professor universitário à exaustão, o que pode ter probabilidade aumentada diante da falta de comprometimento.
Avaliação de discriminação contra idosos em contexto brasileiro - ageismo
Authors: Couto Maria Clara P. de Paula , Koller Sílvia Helena , Novo Rosa , Soares Pedro Sanchez
Published: March 2010

Buscou-se identificar os tipos predominantes de discriminação contra idosos que ocorrem no Brasil, bem como o nível de estresse que lhes está associado. Compararam-se também os resultados da amostra brasileira aos de duas amostras de referência, uma americana e uma portuguesa. Participaram 111 indivíduos, os quais responderam a um questionário biosociodemográfico e ao Ageism Survey, que integra itens relativos a estereótipos negativos, atitudes e comportamentos de discriminação face ao idoso. Os resultados revelaram que os tipos de discriminação predominantes foram os relativos aos contextos sociais e de saúde. Quanto ao nível de estresse, a maior parte dos itens apresentou uma baixa média de estresse. Isso pode indicar que a vivência de discriminação nem sempre se associa explicitamente ao estresse.
Normas brasileiras para listas de palavras associadas: associação semântica, concretude, frequência e emocionalidade
Authors: Stein Lilian Milnitsky , Gomes Carlos Falcão de Azevedo
Published: March 2010

O presente estudo fornece medidas normatizadas para 44 listas de palavras semanticamente associadas em português, de acordo com as seguintes dimensões: concretude, frequência, emocionalidade e associação semântica. Cada lista de palavras é composta por uma palavra-tema e 15 palavras semanticamente associadas a ela. As medidas de cada dimensão foram selecionadas de bancos de dados encontrados na literatura brasileira ou coletadas com universitários. Os resultados indicaram que os valores referentes à concretude, frequência e emocionalidade das palavras-tema tendem a covariar positivamente com os valores médios das suas respectivas listas. Além disso, o tamanho do conjunto de diferentes palavras associadas semanticamente à palavra-tema apresentou uma correlação inversa com a força associativa média das listas, mas não com a concretude da palavra-tema.