bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross talk between the bone and immune systems: osteoclasts function as antigen-presenting cells and activate CD4+ and CD8+ T cells
Authors: Li Haiyan , Hong Sungyoul , Qian Jianfei , Zheng Yuhuan , Yang Jing , Yi Qing
Published: March 2010

The bone and immune systems are closely related through cellular and molecular interactions. Because bone-resorbing osteoclasts (OCs) are derived from the monocyte/macrophage lineage, similar to dendritic cells (DCs), we hypothesized that OCs could serve as antigen-presenting cells (APCs) to activate T cells. In this study, OCs were generated from human monocytes with stimulation by receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF). Results showed that, similar to DCs, OCs express major histocompatibility complex (MHC) classes I and II, and CD80, CD86, and CD40; and uptake soluble antigens. OCs secrete interleukin-10 (IL-10), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), but not IL-12p70. OCs present allogeneic antigens and activate both CD4+ and CD8+ alloreactive T cells in an MHC-restricted fashion. OCs also present soluble protein tetanus toxoid to activate autologous CD4+ T cells. These findings indicate that OCs can function as APCs and activate both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Thus, our study provides new insight into the effect of OCs on the immune system and may help develop novel strategies for treating diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple myeloma, which affect both the bone and immune systems.
Activated protein C cofactor function of protein S: a critical role for Asp95 in the EGF1-like domain
Authors: Andersson Helena M. , Arantes Márcia J. , Crawley James T. B. , Luken Brenda M. , Tran Sinh , Dahlbäck Björn , Lane David A. , Rezende Suely M.
Published: March 2010

Protein S has an established role in the protein C anticoagulant pathway, where it enhances the factor Va (FVa) and factor VIIIa (FVIIIa) inactivating property of activated protein C (APC). Despite its physiological role and clinical importance, the molecular basis of its action is not fully understood. To clarify the mechanism of the protein S interaction with APC, we have constructed and expressed a library of composite or point variants of human protein S, with residue substitutions introduced into the Gla, thrombin-sensitive region (TSR), epidermal growth factor 1 (EGF1), and EGF2 domains. Cofactor activity for APC was evaluated by calibrated automated thrombography (CAT) using protein S–deficient plasma. Of 27 variants tested initially, only one, protein S D95A (within the EGF1 domain), was largely devoid of functional APC cofactor activity. Protein S D95A was, however, γ-carboxylated and bound phospholipids with an apparent dissociation constant (Kdapp) similar to that of wild-type (WT) protein S. In a purified assay using FVa R506Q/R679Q, purified protein S D95A was shown to have greatly reduced ability to enhance APC-induced cleavage of FVa Arg306. It is concluded that residue Asp95 within EGF1 is critical for APC cofactor function of protein S and could define a principal functional interaction site for APC.
Effects of external irradiation of the neck region on intima media thickness of the common carotid artery
Authors: Gianicolo Maria Elena , Gianicolo Emilio Antonio Luca , Tramacere Francesco , Andreassi Maria Grazia , Portaluri Maurizio
Published: March 2010

Background

Several studies have shown that common carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) is increased after radiotherapy (RT) to the head and neck. However, further studies are needed to define the exact mechanism of radiation-induced injury in large vessels, investigate the relationship between radiation dose and large vessel injury and evaluate the rate of progress of atherosclerosis in irradiated vessels.

Objectives

To investigate whether external irradiation to the carotid area has any effect on IMT of the common carotid artery in a group of patients who received RT vs control group matched for age, gender and race.

Methods

We studied 19 patients (10 male; 47.8 ± 17.4 years) during a 5-month period (January 2009-July 2009); they had completed RT with a mean of 2.9 years before (range: 1 month-6 years) The mean radiation dose to the neck in the irradiated patients was 41.2 ± 15.6 Gy (range: 25-70 Gy). Common carotid IMT was measured with echo-color Doppler. Nineteen healthy adult patients (10 male; 47.8 ± 17.6) were recruited as a control group.

Results

IMT was not significantly higher in patients when compared to the control group (0.59 ± 0.16 vs 0.56 ± 0.16 mm, p = 0.4). There was no significant difference between the two groups in relation to the absence (p = 0.7) or presence (p = 0.6) of vascular risk factors. Although the difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.1), the irradiated young patients (age ≤ 52 years) had IMT measurements higher (0.54 ± 0.08 mm) than the non-irradiated young patients (0.49 ± 0.14 mm). The mean carotid IMT increased with increasing doses of radiation to the neck (p = 0.04).

Conclusion

This study shows that increased IMT of the common carotid artery after RT is radiation-dose-related. Therefore it is important to monitor IMT, which can be used as an imaging biomarker for early diagnosis of cerebrovascular disease in patients who have had radiotherapy for treatment of cancer of the head and neck and who are at increased risk for accelerated atherosclerosis in carotid arteries.
Genotypes and haplotypes in the insulin-like growth factors, their receptors and binding proteins in relation to plasma metabolic levels and mammographic density
Authors: Biong Margarethe , Gram Inger T , Brill Ilene , Johansen Fredrik , Solvang Hiroko K , Alnaes Grethe IG , Fagerheim Toril , Bremnes Yngve , Chanock Stephen J , Burdett Laurie , Yeager Meredith , Ursin Giske , Kristensen Vessela N
Published: March 2010

Background

Increased mammographic density is one of the strongest independent risk factors for breast cancer. It is believed that one third of breast cancers are derived from breasts with more than 50% density. Mammographic density is affected by age, BMI, parity, and genetic predisposition. It is also greatly influenced by hormonal and growth factor changes in a woman's life cycle, spanning from puberty through adult to menopause. Genetic variations in genes coding for hormones and growth factors involved in development of the breast are therefore of great interest. The associations between genetic polymorphisms in genes from the IGF pathway on mammographic density and circulating levels of IGF1, its binding protein IGFBP3, and their ratio in postmenopausal women are reported here.

Methods

Samples from 964 postmenopausal Norwegian women aged 55-71 years were collected as a part of the Tromsø Mammography and Breast Cancer Study. All samples were genotyped for 25 SNPs in IGF1, IGF2, IGF1R, IGF2R, IGFALS and IGFBP3 using Taqman (ABI). The main statistical analyses were conducted with the PROC HAPLOTYPE procedure within SAS/GENETICS™ (SAS 9.1.3).

Results

The haplotype analysis revealed six haploblocks within the studied genes. Of those, four had significant associations with circulating levels of IGF1 or IGFBP3 and/or mammographic density. One haplotype variant in the IGF1 gene was found to be associated with mammographic density. Within the IGF2 gene one haplotype variant was associated with levels of both IGF1 and IGFBP3. Two haplotype variants in the IGF2R were associated with the level of IGF1. Both variants of the IGFBP3 haplotype were associated with the IGFBP3 level and indicate regulation in cis.

Conclusion

Polymorphisms within the IGF1 gene and related genes were associated with plasma levels of IGF1, IGFBP3 and mammographic density in this study of postmenopausal women.
Identification of a Novel Estrogen Receptor-α Variant and Its Upstream Splicing Regulator
Authors: Ohshiro Kazufumi , Mudvari Prakriti , Meng Qing-chang , Rayala Suresh K. , Sahin Aysegul A. , Fuqua Suzanne A. W. , Kumar Rakesh
Published: March 2010

Alternative splicing of precursor mRNA is a fundamental mechanism to generate multiple proteins from a single gene. Although constitutive and alternative mRNA splicing is temporally and spatially regulated, deregulation of mRNA splicing could cause development, progression, and metastasis of tumors. Through yeast two-hybrid screening of a human breast cDNA library using estrogen receptor-α (ERα) as bait, we identified a novel nuclear receptor box containing full-length protein, nuclear protein E3-3 (NPE3-3). Our results revealed that NPE3-3 associates with not only ERα but also with splicing factors, serine/arginine-rich protein (SRp)-30c, SRp40, and splicing factor SC-35, suggesting that NPE3-3 is likely to be involved in regulation of mRNA splicing. Accordingly, transient expression of NPE3-3 in cells resulted in expected splicing of the CD44 control minigene. We also discovered that NPE3-3-overexpressing clones produced a novel, previously unrecognized, alternatively spliced variant of ERα (termed ERαV), which had a molecular size of 37 kDa composed of only exons 1, 2, 7, and 8. ERαV was expressed and sequestered in the cytoplasm in MCF-7 cells stably overexpressing NPE3-3, suggesting its involvement in nongenomic hormone signaling. NPE3-3 clones exhibited up-regulation of ERK1/2 signaling, cyclin D1, and cathepsin D and enhanced tumor cell proliferation, migration, and tumorigenicity. Moreover, direct expression of the ERαV in breast cancer cells stimulated ERK1/2 up-regulation and cyclin D1 expression. We found that ERαV physically interacted with MAPK kinase (MEK)-1/2, and thus, an ERαV and MEK1/2 complex could lead to the activation of the ERK1/2 pathway. Interestingly, NPE3-3 was up-regulated in human breast tumors. These findings revealed a role for NPE3-3 in alternative splicing and suggest that ERα is a physiological target of NPE3-3, leading to a constitutive nongenomic signaling pathway in breast cancer cells.
An optimized parameter estimation method for creep data processing and its application in creep tests for nickel-based superalloy GH4049
Authors: Gang T , Chen L
Published: March 2010

Some issues on parameter estimation methods are considered for the Dorn power law constitutive equation (simplified as the Dorn law). In terms of general characteristic analysis of the Dorn law, the optimized parameter estimation method is suggested and correspondingly two optimal objectives are given to obtain the material constants. The validity of the optimal method is then demonstrated by creep data processing of three typical materials. Based on the optimal method, a creep test scheme is prepared for the nickel-based superalloy GH4049 and the tensile creep behaviour is studied in detail. Through computations, the results of material constants by using the optical method show favourable agreement with those of the traditional method and multiple regression method. The optimal method has the advantages of that (a) material constants can be obtained within a relatively larger temperature and stress ranges than the traditional method and the creep test conditions are more relaxed, and (b) when the test data are quantitatively not enough or poorly dispersing, the optimal method can give a possible range of the creep activation energy, which also helps to determine if it is necessary to remedy the test data.
Focal adhesions in osteoneogenesis
Authors: Biggs M J P , Dalby M J
Published: March 2010

As materials technology and the field of tissue engineering advance, the role of cellular adhesive mechanisms, in particular, interactions with implantable devices, becomes more relevant in both research and clinical practice. A key tenet of medical device technology is to use the exquisite ability of biological systems to respond to the material surface or chemical stimuli in order to help to develop next-generation biomaterials. The focus of this review is on recent studies and developments concerning focal adhesion formation in osteoneogenesis, with an emphasis on the influence of synthetic constructs on integrin-mediated cellular adhesion and function.
The Equator Principles and Social Rights: Incomplete Protection in a Self-Regulatory World
Authors: Clayton Nigel
Published: March 2010

The new Equator Principles (EP2) now require lending banks that have signed up to EP2, and also the borrower, to take account of the social rights of affected communities as provided by the rules in EP2. However, there continue to be criticisms by NGOs of individual EP2 banks, in particular, relating to the monitoring by the banks of the covenants entered into by the borrower. There are also ongoing concerns by NGOs as to the transparency of certain actions of individual EP2 banks, with allegations that some banks are not complying with the provisions in EP2. A statutory system of regulation might address these issues, although such a system is unlikely to be introduced on a worldwide basis. It is also unclear whether a statutory system would provide better protection for affected communities. EP2 requires affected communities to be consulted, but the affected community is not required to agree to the project in order for it to go ahead. It is suggested that this is a fundamental weakness of EP2: the balance is tilted so as to enable such projects to be carried out even if the affected community does not want the particular project to take place.
Liability for Manslaughter by Omission: Don't Let the Baby Drown!
Authors: Elliott Catherine
Published: March 2010

By removing the common law rules on a duty to act from liability for manslaughter by omission, the law would more accurately reflect the intention of the House of Lords in R v Adomako (1995). The current duplicitous requirement of both a duty to act and a duty of care appears to be confusing both the trial judge and the jury. The causing of a harm by an omission does not automatically mean the conduct was less morally reprehensible than where harm is caused by an act and this reform would therefore potentially bring the law more closely into line with society's moral values. The law would be rendered clearer and simpler and injustices would be avoided due to the other requirements of the Law Commission's proposed offence of killing by gross carelessness, including causation and gross carelessness. Through this reform justice could at last be offered should a stranger choose to walk by a drowning baby.
Interdependence of kallikrein-related peptidases in proteolytic networks
Authors: Beaufort Nathalie , Plaza Karolina , Utzschneider Daniel , Schwarz Amelie , Burkhart Julia M. , Creutzburg Sabine , Debela Mekdes , Schmitt Manfred , Ries Christian , Magdolen Viktor
Published: March 2010

Human kallikrein-related peptidases (KLKs) are 15 homologous serine proteases involved in several (patho)physiological processes, including cancer. Secreted as precursors, they are activated upon proteolytic release of a short pro-peptide. We searched for interconnection of KLKs within extracellular proteolytic networks leading to activation of protease zymogens and found that (i) pro-KLK activation by other KLKs is scarce, with the exception of pro-KLK11, which is efficiently activated by KLK4 and 5; (ii) pro-KLK4 is activated by matrix metalloproteinase 3; and (iii) trypsin-like KLKs efficiently activate the serine protease urokinase. Our observations provide new insights into the regulation of these important tumor-associated proteases.
Kallikrein-related peptidase genes as promising biomarkers for prognosis and monitoring of human malignancies
Authors: Avgeris Margaritis , Mavridis Konstantinos , Scorilas Andreas
Published: March 2010

Tissue kallikrein (KLK1) and the kallikrein-related peptidase (KLK2–15) genes encode for a subgroup of 15 homologous secreted serine proteases possessing numerous physiological roles, such as the regulation of blood pressure, hormone processing and tissue remodeling. The expression ofKLKsis detected in a broad spectrum of human tissues where it has been found to be regulated mainly by steroids hormones. The aberrant expression ofKLKs, presented in many human malignancies, highlights the significance of this gene family for early diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of cancer patients, as it is strongly emphasized by the routine use of PSA (KLK3) for prostate cancer management. Here, we review the presently known data regarding the role ofKLKsas cancer biomarkers, giving emphasis on novel information about the subject.
The role of salivary histatin and the human cathelicidin LL-37 in wound healing and innate immunity
Authors: Oudhoff Menno J. , Blaauboer Marjolein E. , Nazmi Kamran , Scheres Nina , Bolscher Jan G.M. , Veerman Enno C.I.
Published: March 2010

Antimicrobial peptides are multifunctional in innate immunity and wound repair of multicellular organisms. We were the first to discover that histatins, a family of salivary antimicrobial peptides, enhance epithelial cell migration, suggesting a role in oral wound healing. It is unknown whether histatins display innate-immunity activities, similar to other antimicrobial peptides such as LL-37. Therefore, we compared the effect of Histatin-2 and LL-37 on several activities within the context of wound healing and innate immunity. We found that Histatin-2 enhances fibroblast migration, but only weakly induces proliferation. LL-37 enhances both fibroblast migration and proliferation, but only at a narrow concentration optimum (approximately 1 μm). At higher concentrations LL-37 causes cell death, whereas Histatin-2 is not cytotoxic. Both peptides do not alter fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation. Histatin-2 does not alter interleukin-8 (IL-8) expression and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-elevated cytokine and chemokine expression. In contrast, LL-37 induces IL-8 expression, but dampens the LPS-induced immune response. Neither Histatin-2 nor LL-37 affects human-neutrophil migration. Histatins are, unlike other antimicrobial peptides, not cytotoxic or proinflammatory. It seems that they are important for the initial stage of wound healing in which fast wound coverage is important for healing without infection, inflammation, or fibrosis development. Interestingly, these characteristics are more typical for the mouth than for skin.
Growth Hormone: Health Considerations Beyond Height Gain
Authors: Ross Judith , Czernichow Paul , Biller Beverly M. K. , Colao Annamaria , Reiter Ed , Kiess Wieland ,   on behalf of the participants in the advisory panel meeting on the effects of growth hormone
Published: March 2010

The therapeutic benefit of growth hormone (GH) therapy in improving height in short children is widely recognized; however, GH therapy is associated with other metabolic actions that may be of benefit in these children. Beneficial effects of GH on body composition have been documented in several different patient populations as well as improvements in lipid profile. Marked augmentation of bone mineral density also seems evident in many pediatric populations. Some of these benefits may require continued therapy past the acquisition of adult height. With long-term therapy of any kind, the adverse consequences of treatment should also be considered. Fortunately, long-term GH treatment seems to be safe and well-tolerated. This review describes the long-term metabolic effects of GH treatment in the pediatric population and considers how these may benefit children who are treated with GH.
Type 1 diabetes mellitus: pathogenesis, symptoms and therapy
Authors: Gerő László
Published: March 2010

Az 1-es típusú diabetes mellitus az összes diabeteses betegségnek mintegy 10%-át képezi. Kialakulásának oka a béta-sejtek ellen irányuló autoimmun folyamat, amely e sejtek folyamatos és irreverzíbilis pusztulásához, és így az endogén inzulintermelés teljes és végleges megszűnéséhez vezet. Emiatt e betegeknek a betegség kezdetétől inzulinkezelést kell kapniuk. A szerző a betegség patogenezisét, epidemiológiáját, tünettanát, valamint a terápia és gondozás lehetséges módjait foglalja össze.
Efetividade superior do esquema diário de suplementação de ferro em lactentes
Authors: Azeredo Catarina Machado , Cotta Rosângela Minardi Mitre , Sant'Ana Luciana Ferreira da Rocha , Franceschini Sylvia do Carmo Castro , Ribeiro Rita de Cássia Lanes , Lamounier Joel Alves , Pedron Flávia Araújo
Published: March 2010

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a efetividade de esquemas, diário e semanal, de suplementação profilática de ferro medicamentoso na prevenção da anemia ferropriva em lactentes não anêmicos. MÉTODOS: Estudo populacional, prospectivo, de abordagem quantitativa com intervenção profilática, realizado no município de Viçosa, MG, em 2007/8. Foram selecionadas 103 crianças não anêmicas, entre seis e 18 meses de idade, correspondendo a 20,2% das crianças cadastradas e atendidas pelas Equipes de Saúde da Família. As crianças foram divididas em dois grupos de suplementação: dosagem diária recomendada pela Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria (grupo 1, n=34) e dosagem semanal preconizada pelo Ministério da Saúde (grupo 2, n=69). As avaliações ocorreram no início do estudo e após seis meses, sendo realizadas dosagem de hemoglobina (ß-hemoglobinômetro portátil), avaliação antropométrica e dietética, e aplicação de questionário socioeconômico. Os indicadores de impacto utilizados foram a prevalência de anemia, variação de hemoglobina, adesão e efeitos adversos aos suplementos. RESULTADOS: Os grupos se mostraram homogêneos quanto às variáveis socioeconômicas, biológicas e de saúde anteriores à intervenção. Após seis meses de suplementação, observaram-se maiores médias de hemoglobina no grupo 1 em relação ao grupo 2, (11,66; DP=1,25 e 10,95; DP=1,41, respectivamente, p=0,015); além de menores prevalências de anemia (20,6% e 43,5%, respectivamente, p=0,04). Apenas o tempo de suplementação influenciou na anemia grave (p=0,009). Não foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significantes para as variáveis adesão ao suplemento e efeitos adversos. CONCLUSÕES: A dosagem diária recomendada pela Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria mostrou-se mais efetiva na prevenção da anemia em lactentes, quando comparada à dosagem utilizada pelo Ministério da Saúde. A dosagem semanal recomendada pelo programa do governo brasileiro precisa ser reavaliada para aumentar sua efetividade na prevenção de anemia em crianças atendidas em serviços públicos de saúde.
Fatores associados ao uso pesado de álcool entre estudantes das capitais brasileiras
Authors: Galduróz José Carlos F , Sanchez Zila van der Meer , Opaleye Emérita Sátiro , Noto Ana Regina , Fonseca Arilton Martins , Gomes Paulo Leonardo Sirimarco , Carlini Elisaldo Araújo
Published: March 2010

OBJETIVO: Analisar a associação entre o uso pesado de álcool entre estudantes e os fatores familiares, pessoais e sociais. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal realizado com estudantes de dez a 18 anos de escolas públicas de 27 capitais brasileiras, em 2004. Os dados foram coletados por meio de questionário anônimo, de autopreenchimento, adaptado de instrumento desenvolvido pela Organização Mundial da Saúde. A amostra representativa, composta por 48.155 estudantes, foi estratificada por setores censitários e por conglomerados (escolas). Associações entre o uso pesado de álcool e os fatores estudados foram analisadas por meio de regressão logística, considerando nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: Do total de estudantes, 4.286 (8,9%) fizeram uso pesado de álcool no mês anterior à entrevista. A análise por regressão logística mostrou associação entre relações ruins ou regulares com pai (OR=1,46) e mãe (OR=1,61) e uso pesado de álcool. Seguir uma religião (OR=0,83) mostrou-se inversamente associado a este tipo de consumo de álcool. A prática de esportes e o fato de a mãe se percebida como liberal não mostraram significância no modelo. Houve maior prevalência de uso pesado de álcool entre os estudantes que trabalhavam. CONCLUSÕES: Ligações familiares mais coesas e seguir uma religião podem prevenir o uso abusivo de álcool entre estudantes.
Vivências de enfermeiros na assistência à mulher vítima de violência sexual
Authors: Reis Maria José dos , Lopes Maria Helena Baena de Moraes , Higa Rosângela , Turato Egberto Ribeiro , Chvatal Vera Lucia Soares , Bedone Aloísio José
Published: March 2010

OBJETIVO: Compreender as vivências de enfermeiros no atendimento a mulheres que sofreram violência sexual. PROCEDIMENTOS METODOLÓGICOS: Estudo clínico-qualitativo em que foram entrevistados seis enfermeiros de um serviço de assistência a mulheres vítimas de violência sexual em Campinas, SP, no período de abril a maio de 2007. Utilizou-se a técnica da entrevista semidirigida de questões abertas. Os dados foram analisados pela técnica de análise de conteúdo com base no referencial psicodinâmico. Foram produzidas categorias analíticas: o que pensam, o que sentem, como agem e como reagem ao trabalho com vítimas de violência sexual. ANÁLISE DOS RESULTADOS: Os entrevistados indicaram o acolhimento como fundamental na assistência humanizada e no estabelecimento de vínculo com a cliente. Foram relatados sentimentos como medo, insegurança, impotência, ambivalência, angústia e ansiedade, que acarretam alterações de comportamento e interferem na vida pessoal, como também sentimentos de satisfação e realização profissionais. A capacitação técnica e atividades que visam o apoio psicológico foram citadas como estratégias que podem ajudar nesse tipo de atendimento. CONCLUSÕES: Mesmo diante de sentimentos como impotência, medo e revolta, a percepção de alívio pelo dever cumprido e a satisfação pessoal dos enfermeiros em ter ajudado essas mulheres parecem se sobrepor aos demais sentimentos, como forma de gratificação. O desejo de "fugir" do atendimento e a vontade de dar o melhor de si ocorrem simultaneamente e são utilizados mecanismos internos no sentido de minimizar a dor e o sofrimento.
Risco de infecção tuberculosa em agentes comunitários de saúde
Authors: Moreira Tiago Ricardo , Zandonade Eliana , Maciel Ethel Leonor Noia
Published: March 2010

OBJETIVO: Estimar o risco de infecção tuberculosa em agentes comunitários de saúde envolvidos no controle da doença. MÉTODOS: Foi seguida uma coorte prospectiva, de abril de 2007 a maio de 2008, no município de Cachoeiro de Itapemirim, ES. A coorte foi composta por 61 agentes comunitários, divididos em não-expostos (n=37) e expostos (que acompanharam pacientes com tuberculose, n=24). Durante os 12 meses de seguimento, foi realizado teste tuberculínico, utilizando a tuberculina PPD RT23. Foi calculado o risco relativo e intervalo com 95% de confiança e foi avaliada a correlação entre a viragem tuberculínica e a história ocupacional dos agentes por meio do coeficiente de correlação de Pearson. RESULTADOS: A incidência da viragem foi de 41,7% no grupo dos expostos e 13,5% no grupo dos não expostos. O risco anual de infecção foi de 52,8% no grupo dos expostos e de 14,4% no grupo dos não expostos (p= 0,013). Observou-se associação entre viragem tuberculínica e exposição a paciente com tuberculose (RR= 3,08; IC 95%: 1,201;7,914). CONCLUSÕES: Os agentes que acompanharam pacientes com tuberculose em suas rotinas de serviço apresentaram risco de infecção maior que aqueles que não acompanharam pacientes com essa doença. A implementação de medidas administrativas de biossegurança de rotina, entre as quais a prova tuberculínica, devem ser priorizadas, considerando o alto risco de infecção tuberculosa entre os agentes comunitários de saúde.
Index of drinking water adequacy for the Asian economies
Authors: Kallidaikurichi Seetharam , Rao Bhanoji
Published: March 2010

An Index of Drinking Water Adequacy (referred to as IDWA-I in this paper) was first proposed in 2007 for 23 member countries of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and formed part of the Asian Water and Development Outlook (AWDO), 2007 brought out by the ADB. IDWA-I was obtained by averaging 5 separate component indicators referring to capacity to buy water, extent of resource availability, amount of water used, water quality (indicated by a proxy variable, namely the death rate due to diarrhoea) and the percentage of people with access. This paper reports the main results of IDWA-I and IDWA-II, in which we replace general access with specific access via home connection, after discovering the relatively weak correlation between the two types of access. Because of the dominating influence of the other common components, IDWA-I and IDWA-II are highly correlated indicators. The two, however, bring out diverse relative ranks for different countries.
Turning the tide: informal institutional change in water reuse
Authors: Ching Leong , Yu David J. H.
Published: March 2010

This paper examines the impact of public opinion, time, and the ‘yuck’ factor in influencing the formation of water reuse norms based on an analysis of newspaper content observed in two locations: Singapore and Queensland, Australia. A simple regression analysis shows that time and the ‘yuck’ factor were significant factors in norm formation but, surprisingly, public opinion was not found to be a significant factor. The results show that public opinion, long held to be an important factor, may not be significant in the sense in which it is commonly conceived. It also shows how perception can be shaped to promote water reuse policies in the urban sector. The formation of water norms was found to be crucial in determining the different outcomes in the implementation of water reuse policies in the two countries.
Antitrust Evaluation of Horizontal Mergers: An Economic Alternative to Market Definition
Authors: Farrell Joseph , Shapiro Carl
Published: March 2010

We describe a simple initial indicator of whether a proposed merger between rivals in a differentiated product industry is likely to raise prices through unilateral effects. Our diagnostic calibrates upward pricing pressure (UPP) resulting from the merger, based on the price/cost margins of the merging firms' products and the extent of direct substitution between them. As a screen for likely unilateral effects, this approach is practical, more transparent, and better grounded in economics than are concentration-based methods.
Information Content of Insider Trades before and after the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
Authors: Brochet Francois
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT: This study examines the information content of Form 4 filings under the more timely disclosure regime introduced by Section 403 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX). Abnormal returns and trading volumes around filings of insider stock purchases are significantly greater after SOX than before. Abnormal trading volumes around filings of insider sales are also greater post-SOX, on average, but stock returns are not more negative. However, once controlling for pre-planned transactions, reporting lag, litigation risk, and news following insider trades, I find a negative association between returns around filings of insider sales and SOX. Overall, the evidence suggests that the prompt public disclosures about insider transactions mandated by the new rule are relevant to the pricing of securities. The results are also consistent with SOX and regulatory actions reducing the incentives to sell ahead of privately known negative news.
Discretionary Revenues as a Measure of Earnings Management
Authors: Stubben Stephen R.
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT: This study examines the ability of revenue and accrual models to detect simulated and actual earnings management. The results indicate that revenue models are less biased, better specified, and more powerful than commonly used accrual models. Using a simulation procedure, I find that revenue models are more likely than accrual models to detect a combination of revenue and expense manipulation. Using a sample of firms subject to SEC enforcement actions for a mix of revenue- and expense-related misstatements, I find that, although revenue models detect manipulation, accrual models do not. These findings provide support for using measures of discretionary revenues to study earnings management.
Adsorption of triton X-100 on silica gel: effects of temperature and alcohols
Authors: Samiey Babak , Golestan Somayeh
Published: March 2010

Adsorption of Triton X-100 (TX-100) on silica gel has been studied as a function of temperature (308–328 K) and composition for mixtures of water with ethanol or t-butanol. The adsorption capacity of silica gel for TX-100 decreases with increase in alcohol content. Adsorption isotherms of TX-100 on silica gel are four-region and were analyzed using the ARIAN (adsorption isotherm regional analysis) model. Data in regions 2, 3 and 4 were fitted to the Temkin, bilayer and reverse desorption isotherms, respectively. The results show that adsorption of TX-100 on silica gel in water and alcohol-water binary mixtures occurs mainly through formation of monolayer surface aggregates or low bilayer coverage.
Ionic liquid promoted Diels-Alder Reaction between anthrone and maleimides
Authors: Mirgane Nitin , Kotwal Sandip , Karnik Anil
Published: March 2010

Ionic liquids (IL) are gaining importance as green solvents. Imidazolium ionic liquid [bmim]+[Cl]−, an environmentally benign solvent, was found to promote the Diels-Alder reaction between anthrone and maleimides at room temperature with excellent yields. The ionic liquid played a dual role as solvent and catalyst.
A new specific mechanism for thioacid/azide amidation: electronic and solvent effects
Authors: Gao Yunling
Published: March 2010

Detailed theoretical studies of azide/thioacid amidation are performed using density functional theory. The calculated results indicate that electronic properties of azide have significant effects on reaction pathways, which result in two distinct mechanisms for electron-rich and electron-poor azide coupling in the base-promoted amidation. For electron-rich azide amidation, after the concerted [3+2] cycloaddition of azide/thiocarboxylate, a new reaction channel is found challenging that recently mentioned, which follows two consecutive, unimolecular reactions with very low activation barriers (−1) to give an anionic amide and a nitrous sulfide (N2S). Distinct from electron-rich azide amidation, electron-poor azide first couples with thiocarboxylate to form a linear stable adduct, and then passes through the transition state of the rate-controlling step to afford the anionic amide, rather than the thiatrazoline. The free energy barrier of this step is 4.2 kcal mol−1 lower than that previously proposed. Comparatively, the azide/thioacid amidations undergo the concerted [3+2] cycloaddition and the subsequent retro-[3+2] cycloaddition process to give cis-enol form of the amide, which have higher activation barriers than those in the based-promoted amidation. Solvent effects investigated indicate that non-polar solvents, such as chloroform, are more preferable for the base-promoted thioacid/azide amidation.
Organic/inorganic bioactive materials part IV: In vitro assessment of bioactivity of gelatin-calcium phosphate silicate/wollastonite hybrids
Authors: Radev Lachezar , Hristov Vladimir , Fernandes Maria , Salvado Isabel
Published: March 2010

Biohybrids consisting of gelatin (G) and calcium phosphate silicate/wollastonite (CPS/W) have not been prepared so far. In this work our results are focused on the possibility of obtaining G-CPS/W bioactive hybrids in vitro. XRD, FTIR, SEM/EDS techniques were employed to characterize the synthesized hybrid materials. FTIR shows that before immersion in 1.5 SBF the “red shift” of COO- band for pure G is observed. The presence of this bond could be attributed to the formation of COO-Ca2+ via non-biomimetic route. After immersion in 1.5 SBF, FTIR shows the presence of A- and B-type carbonate containing hydroxyapatite (A/B-CO3HA). ESD and FTIR show that small amount of calcite (CaCO3) are present after in vitro test in 1.5 SBF for 3 days. XRD reveals that CO3HA and small amounts of CaCO3 can be detected after in vitro test. SEM results obtained for immersed samples show that hydroxyapatite (HA) particles fully covered the surface of the hybrids by a layer composed of spherulites. At higher magnification, very small elongated crystallites could be observed.
QSAR studies of a number of triazole antifungal alcohols
Authors: Nowaczyk Alicja , Modzelewska-Banachiewicz Bożena
Published: March 2010

The activity of fungicide agents containing a quinazolinone ring was described using the quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) model by applying it to data taken from literature. The title compounds exhibit two important types of activity against certain fungal pathogens, i.e. activity against yeast and activity against filamentous fungi. A correlation between both antifungal activities (e.g. FA(yst) and FA(ff)) and physicochemical parameters such as the logarithm of the n-octanol/water partition coefficient (log P), the polarizability (P), the global minimum energy (TE), the energy difference between the frontier molecular orbital (DELH) and the molar refractivity (MR), was established using multiple linear regression. The molecular descriptors of the antifungal agents were obtained by quantum chemical calculations combined with molecular modeling calculations. Statistical analysis shows that the antifungal activity depends mainly on the calculated partition coefficients, log P, of the compounds. Bi-parametric models reveal that antifungal activity relates linearly to log P and P.
Structural properties and magnetic interactions in Al3+ and Cr3+ co-substituted CoFe2O4 ferrite
Authors: More Surendra , Kadam Ram , Kadam Ankush , Mane Dhanraj , Bichile Govind
Published: March 2010

A series of CoAlxCrxFe2−2xO4 systems (x = 0.1 to 0.5 in steps of x = 0.1) spinel ferrites have been synthesized successfully using wet chemical co-precipitation technique. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (IR) and magnetization measurements. The powder XRD patterns confirm the single phase spinel structure for the materials synthesized. X -ray diffraction measurements were performed to yield the lattice constant as function of the amount x corresponding to Al-Cr substitution. Lattice parameters, X-ray density, bulk density and particle size decrease whereas porosity increases with the increase in Al-Cr content, ‘x’. Infrared studies show two absorption bands at about 400 cm−1 and 600 cm−1 for octahedral and tetrahedral sites, respectively. Saturation magnetization decreases with the increase in Al-Cr content x. AC magnetic susceptibility measurements were carried out as a function of temperature to measure the Curie temperature, which was found to decrease with Al-Cr content x. The decrease of Curie temperature has been explained by A-B interaction.
Supercritical fluid extraction as a tool for isolation of monoterpenes from coniferous needles and walnut-tree leaves
Authors: Fojtová Jitka , Lojková Lea , Kubáň Vlastimil
Published: March 2010

Several monoterpenes, i.e., (+)-α-pinene, (−)-camphene, sabinene, (−)-β-pinene, myrcene, R-(+)-limonene, (−)-bornylacetate, (−)-trans-caryophyllene and a-humulene were identified and determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in needles of Pinaceae (Picea abies, P. omorika, P. pungens, P. Breweriana, Pinus nigra, P. mungo turra, P. black, P. sylvestris, Abies pinsapo, A. holophylla, A. Bronmuelleris, A. alba, Larix Kaempferi L. decidua) and tree-leaves of Juglandaceae (Juglans regia, J. nigra, J. sieboldiana var. Cordiformis) families. Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) was found to be very useful for their isolation at optimised conditions (needles/leaves: pressure 20/30 MPa, temperature 80/130°C, time of extraction 60/60 min, modifier chloroform/chloroform). Their seasonal distribution, evaluation of differences in concentrations and relative amounts in different trees and their varieties grown in different localities were evaluated.
Novel modification of elemental silver formed in Ag4[Fe(CN)6]-gelatin-immobilized matrix Implants
Authors: Mikhailov Oleg , Naumkina Natal’ya
Published: March 2010

Ag4[Fe(CN)6]→Ag reduction process occurring in Ag4[Fe(CN)6]- gelatin-immobilized matrices, has been studied. In the course of reduction, these matrices are in a contact with water-alkaline solu-tion containing tin(II) dichloride along with an organic or inorganic compound capable of forming a stable soluble complex with Ag(I). It has been found that the substance formed in the gelatin matrix, is almost pure elemental silver, which consists two various phases which are distinguished by their optical and X-ray diffraction parameters.
A fast determination of yohimbine in pharmaceuticals by micellar electrokinetic chromatography
Authors: Vítková Kateřina , Pechová Markéta , Petr Jan , Znaleziona Joanna , Ranc Václav , Maier Vítězslav , Ševčík Juraj
Published: March 2010

A method for the fast determination of yohimbine, a potent adrenoreceptor antagonist used for the treatment of sexual dysfunctions, is proposed in this article. MEKC under basic and acidic conditions (sodium borate, pH 9.5 and sodium phosphate, pH 2.5) with SDS was developed. The effect of the experimental parameters, e.g. pH, SDS concentration and injection time, on yohimbine migration was also studied. Both methods were validated in terms of linearity, limits of detection and quantification, accuracy, and precision using caffeine as an internal standard. The application for the determination of yohimbine in hand-made medicaments is also investigated in this study.
Simultaneous displacement of a nitro group during coupling of diazotized o-nitroaniline with phenols
Authors: Farkas Renata , Törincsi Mercedesz , Kolonits Pal , Fekete Jenö , Alonso Oscar , Novak Lajos
Published: March 2010

During the diazo-coupling reaction, nucleophilic displacement of a nitro group was also observed. This was the main reaction (1→7) when the starting amine bore either a chlorine or methoxy group at the para position (1b–c). The newly prepared compounds (7) might serve as convenient building blocks in synthesis of some heterocycles.
An overview on the application of ultrasound in extraction, separation and purification of plant polysaccharides
Authors: Ebringerová Anna , Hromádková Zdenka
Published: March 2010

In view of the recent emphasis on non-conventional chemistry, application of ultrasound in isolation of plant polysaccharides represents a viable alternative to traditional extraction processes. This review presents an extensive literature survey of ultrasound-assisted extraction of polysaccharides from different plant materials, particularly herbal plants and secondary agricultural plant sources. Targeted, multistep methods were applied with respect to differences in the types of polysaccharides and their location in plant cell walls. The effectiveness of the methods was evaluated according to yield and properties of the isolated polysaccharides in comparison to classical extraction methods. Substantial shortening of extraction time, reduction of reagent consumption and/or extraction temperature are the most important advantages of the ultrasonic treatment. In combination with sequential extraction steps using different solvents, sonication was shown to be effective in separation and/or purification of polysaccharides. The disadvantages of the sonication treatment, such as degradation and compositional changes of the polysaccharide preparations are discussed as well.
Analysis of possible shipbuilding application of friction stir welding (FSW) method to joining elements made of AlZn5Mg1 alloy
Authors: Dudzik Krzysztof , Czechowski Mirosław
Published: March 2010

Analysis of possible shipbuilding application of friction stir welding (FSW) method to joining elements made of AlZn5Mg1 alloy

In industrial practice the welding of Al- alloys is usually performed under pure argon shielding by means of MIG or TIG methods. In recent years new joining techniques such as friction stir welding (FSW) have appeared. Joints of EN AW-7020 T6 alloy elements welded by using FSW method have been tested. Results of static tensile tests, transverse bending tests as well as tests on stress corrosion susceptibility are presented. Parameters of friction welding (FSW) applied to joints of plates made of AlZn5Mg1[7020] alloy are given. Stress corrosion tests have been performed by using slow-strain-rate testing method (SSRT) in compliance with PN-EN ISO 7539-7 standard. The tests were conducted in air and 3.5% NaCl water solution. The following parameters have been measured during the tests: time to failure - T [h], maximum failure load - F [N], fracture energy (area under stress-elongation curve) - E [MJ/m3], relative elongation of specimen - A10 [%], maximum tensile stress - R [MPa], as well as percentage reduction of area - Z [%]. On the basis of the obtained test results it was concluded that the joints welded by means of FSW method show good resistance to stress corrosion at satsifactory strength properties, which indicates that application of friction welding by using FSW method in shipbuilding industry is purposeful.
On the adaptation of CAN BUS network for use in the ship electronic systems
Authors: Piętak Andrzej , Mikulski Maciej
Published: March 2010

On the adaptation of CAN BUS network for use in the ship electronic systems

This paper presents an analysis of application of the CAN - based marine electronics standard NMEA 2000, recently developed one, on board sea-going vessels, especially in the context of small, recreational, sailing and motor craft. The idea and development of the system has been briefly presented. The properties of the CAN network has been described and the use of its functions by the NMEA system, discussed. The discussion has been performed for all layers of the communication protocol, according to the Open Systems Interconnection Reference Model worked out by ISO. All the features have been summarized and analyzed in the context of their possible use in various shipboard systems.
Disentangling Privacy and Intimacy: Intimate Citizenship, Private Boundaries and Public Transgressions
Authors: Reynolds Paul
Published: March 2010

Disentangling Privacy and Intimacy: Intimate Citizenship, Private Boundaries and Public Transgressions

Recent theorisations of transformations of intimacy—like Ken Plummer's (2003) Intimate Citizenship project—concentrate on social and cultural transformations that erode the containment of intimacy within the private sphere. They have less to say about the character of and oppositions to that erosion, and specifically how far the idea of the private stands in opposition to intimacy transgressing into the public. In this essay, the private is explored through its constitutive features—liberal codifications of rights, liberty and property, medico-moral discourses and conservative values and legal and political regulation—to give a more political and critical reading. This reading suggests that an explicit disentangling of the private and the intimate is necessary if tendencies toward public and emancipated intimacies are to become meaningful transformations, and this involves a dissembling of and critical engagement with the powerful historically entrenched idea of privacy in western societies.
Intimacy, Admirability, and Virtue: An Examination of Michael Slote's View
Authors: Talukder Munir
Published: March 2010

Intimacy, Admirability, and Virtue: An Examination of Michael Slote's View

Virtues, according to Michael Slote, are our inner traits or dispositions. Slote defends "balanced caring" as an admirable character trait. He believes that caring more for intimates than others is admirable. A virtuous person attains balanced caring between intimates and others. This account of virtue conceived "balanced caring" as "fundamentally admirable" and it is the basic virtue. All other virtues, such as honesty, kindness, generosity, truthfulness, and so forth, are "derivatively admirable". This paper examines Slote's view and argues that Slote should explore the opposite situation because his idea of "balanced caring" and "admirability" is so vague and misleading. In contrast to his ideas, a reverse formulation that is caring for others more than for intimates seems plausible.
On Social Trust and Transitions
Authors: Malová Darina
Published: March 2010

On Social Trust and Transitions