bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long noncoding intronic RNAs are differentially expressed in primary and metastatic pancreatic cancer
Authors: Tahira Ana C , Kubrusly Márcia S , Faria Michele F , Dazzani Bianca , Fonseca Rogério S , Maracaja-Coutinho Vinicius , Verjovski-Almeida Sergio , Machado Marcel CC , Reis Eduardo M
Published: November 2011

Background

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is known by its aggressiveness and lack of effective therapeutic options. Thus, improvement in current knowledge of molecular changes associated with pancreatic cancer is urgently needed to explore novel venues of diagnostics and treatment of this dismal disease. While there is mounting evidence that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) transcribed from intronic and intergenic regions of the human genome may play different roles in the regulation of gene expression in normal and cancer cells, their expression pattern and biological relevance in pancreatic cancer is currently unknown. In the present work we investigated the relative abundance of a collection of lncRNAs in patients' pancreatic tissue samples aiming at identifying gene expression profiles correlated to pancreatic cancer and metastasis.

Methods

Custom 3,355-element spotted cDNA microarray interrogating protein-coding genes and putative lncRNA were used to obtain expression profiles from 38 clinical samples of tumor and non-tumor pancreatic tissues. Bioinformatics analyses were performed to characterize structure and conservation of lncRNAs expressed in pancreatic tissues, as well as to identify expression signatures correlated to tissue histology. Strand-specific reverse transcription followed by PCR and qRT-PCR were employed to determine strandedness of lncRNAs and to validate microarray results, respectively.

Results

We show that subsets of intronic/intergenic lncRNAs are expressed across tumor and non-tumor pancreatic tissue samples. Enrichment of promoter-associated chromatin marks and over-representation of conserved DNA elements and stable secondary structure predictions suggest that these transcripts are generated from independent transcriptional units and that at least a fraction is under evolutionary selection, and thus potentially functional.

Statistically significant expression signatures comprising protein-coding mRNAs and lncRNAs that correlate to PDAC or to pancreatic cancer metastasis were identified. Interestingly, loci harboring intronic lncRNAs differentially expressed in PDAC metastases were enriched in genes associated to the MAPK pathway. Orientation-specific RT-PCR documented that intronic transcripts are expressed in sense, antisense or both orientations relative to protein-coding mRNAs. Differential expression of a subset of intronic lncRNAs (PPP3CB, MAP3K14 and DAPK1 loci) in metastatic samples was confirmed by Real-Time PCR.

Conclusion

Our findings reveal sets of intronic lncRNAs expressed in pancreatic tissues whose abundance is correlated to PDAC or metastasis, thus pointing to the potential relevance of this class of transcripts in biological processes related to malignant transformation and metastasis in pancreatic cancer.
Targeting metabolism with arsenic trioxide and dichloroacetate in breast cancer cells
Authors: Sun Ramon C , Board Philip G , Blackburn Anneke C
Published: November 2011

Background

Cancer cells have a different metabolic profile compared to normal cells. The Warburg effect (increased aerobic glycolysis) and glutaminolysis (increased mitochondrial activity from glutamine catabolism) are well known hallmarks of cancer and are accompanied by increased lactate production, hyperpolarized mitochondrial membrane and increased production of reactive oxygen species.

Methods

In this study we target the Warburg effect with dichloroacetate (DCA) and the increased mitochondrial activity of glutaminolysis with arsenic trioxide (ATO) in breast cancer cells, measuring cell proliferation, cell death and mitochondrial characteristics.

Results

The combination of DCA and ATO was more effective at inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing cell death than either drug alone. We examined the effect of these treatments on mitochondrial membrane potential, reactive oxygen species production and ATP levels and have identified new molecular mechanisms within the mitochondria for both ATO and DCA: ATO reduces mitochondrial function through the inhibition of cytochrome C oxidase (complex IV of the electron transport chain) while DCA up-regulates ATP synthase β subunit expression. The potentiation of ATO cytotoxicity by DCA is correlated with strong suppression of the expression of c-Myc and HIF-1α, and decreased expression of the survival protein Bcl-2.

Conclusion

This study is the first to demonstrate that targeting two key metabolic hallmarks of cancer is an effective anti-cancer strategy with therapeutic potential.
In vivo rescue of alveolar macrophages from SP-A knockout mice with exogenous SP-A nearly restores a wild type intracellular proteome; actin involvement
Authors: Phelps David S , Umstead Todd M , Quintero Omar A , Yengo Christopher M , Floros Joanna
Published: November 2011

Background

Mice lacking surfactant protein-A (SP-A-/-; knockout; KO) exhibit increased vulnerability to infection and injury. Although many bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) protein differences between KO and wild-type (WT) are rapidly reversed in KO after infection, their clinical course is still compromised. We studied the impact of SP-A on the alveolar macrophage (AM) proteome under basal conditions. Male SP-A KO mice were SP-A-treated (5 micrograms/mouse) and sacrificed in 6 or 18 hr. The AM proteomes of KO, SP-A-treated KO, and WT mice were studied by 2D-DIGE coupled with MALDI-ToF/ToF and AM actin distribution was examined by phalloidon staining.

Results

We observed: a) significant differences from KO in WT or exogenous SP-A-treated in 45 of 76 identified proteins (both increases and decreases). These included actin-related/cytoskeletal proteins (involved in motility, phagocytosis, endocytosis), proteins of intracellular signaling, cell differentiation/regulation, regulation of inflammation, protease/chaperone function, and proteins related to Nrf2-mediated oxidative stress response pathway; b) SP-A-induced changes causing the AM proteome of the KO to resemble that of WT; and c) that SP-A treatment altered cell size and F-actin distribution.

Conclusions

These differences are likely to enhance AM function. The observations show for the first time that acutein vivoSP-A treatment of KO mice, under basal or unstimulated conditions, affects the expression of multiple AM proteins, alters F-actin distribution, and can restore much of the WT phenotype. We postulate that the SP-A-mediated expression profile of the AM places it in a state of "readiness" to successfully conduct its innate immune functions and ensure lung health.
Availability of a pediatric trauma center in a disaster surge decreases triage time of the pediatric surge population: a population kinetics model
Authors: Barthel Erik R , Pierce James R , Goodhue Catherine J , Ford Henri R , Grikscheit Tracy C , Upperman Jeffrey S
Published: November 2011

Background

The concept of disaster surge has arisen in recent years to describe the phenomenon of severely increased demands on healthcare systems resulting from catastrophic mass casualty events (MCEs) such as natural disasters and terrorist attacks. The major challenge in dealing with a disaster surge is the efficient triage and utilization of the healthcare resources appropriate to the magnitude and character of the affected population in terms of its demographics and the types of injuries that have been sustained.

Results

In this paper a deterministic population kinetics model is used to predict the effect of the availability of a pediatric trauma center (PTC) upon the response to an arbitrary disaster surge as a function of the rates of pediatric patients' admission to adult and pediatric centers and the corresponding discharge rates of these centers. We find that adding a hypothetical pediatric trauma center to the response documented in an historical example (the Israeli Defense Forces field hospital that responded to the Haiti earthquake of 2010) would have allowed for a significant increase in the overall rate of admission of the pediatric surge cohort. This would have reduced the time to treatment in this example by approximately half. The time needed to completely treat all children affected by the disaster would have decreased by slightly more than a third, with the caveat that the PTC would have to have been approximately as fast as the adult center in discharging its patients. Lastly, if disaster death rates from other events reported in the literature are included in the model, availability of a PTC would result in a relative mortality risk reduction of 37%.

Conclusions

Our model provides a mathematical justification for aggressive inclusion of PTCs in planning for disasters by public health agencies.
A putative diacidic motif in the SARS-CoV ORF6 protein influences its subcellular localization and suppression of expression of co-transfected expression constructs
Authors: Gunalan Vithiagaran , Mirazimi Ali , Tan Yee-Joo
Published: November 2011

Background

The ORF6 protein is one of the eight accessory proteins of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV). Numerous properties of ORF6 have been documented and this study focuses on two of these, namely, its ability to suppress the expression of co-transfected expression constructs and its subcellular localization to vesicular structures.

Results

Using a transient transfection system, ORF6's ability to suppress the expression of co-transfected expression constructs was measured in a quantitative manner. While ORF6 does not have a global effect on protein synthesis, quantitative real-time PCR revealed that it down-regulated the mRNA level of the co-transfected myc-nsp8 gene. Furthermore, alanine substitution of a diacidic cluster motif (aa53-56) in the ORF6 gene caused a reduction in the suppression of expression of co-transfected myc-nsp8 gene. Our previous study revealed that ORF6 localized to vesicular structures in SARS-CoV infected Vero E6 cells. Here, ORF6 was observed to be localized to similar vesicular structures in Vero E6 cells which have been transiently transfected with a mammalian expression plasmid encoding for untagged ORF6. ORF6 showed partial colocalization with cellular proteins CD63 and Lamp1, suggesting that the vesicular structures may be a subpopulation of endosomal/lysosomal vesicles. The alanine substitution of the diacidic cluster motif also altered the subcellular localization of the ORF6 protein, indicating a potential relationship between the subcellular localization of the ORF6 protein and its ability to suppress the expression of co-transfected expression constructs.

Conclusions

By combining quantitative real-time PCR and transient transfection system, a simple and safe method is established to measure ORF6's ability to suppress the expression of co-transfected myc-nsp8. In addition, immunofluorescence analysis revealed that the subcellular localization of ORF6 when expressed on its own is similar to that observed in SARS-CoV infected cells. Through the use of these two assays, a putative diacidic motif in the ORF6 protein was found to influence its subcellular localization and ability to suppress the expression of co-transfected expression constructs.
Gβγ signaling controls the polarization of zebrafish primordial germ cells by regulating Rac activity
Authors: Xu Hui , Kardash Elena , Chen Songhai , Raz Erez , Lin Fang
Published: November 2011

During development, primordial germ cells (PGCs) migrate from the sites of their specification towards the region in which the future gonad develops. This cell migration requires polarization of PGCs and their responsiveness to external guidance cues. In zebrafish, the directed migration and polarization of PGCs are regulated independently, by the chemokine Cxcl12a and the Rho GTPase Rac1, respectively. However, the upstream signals controlling Rac activity in this context have not yet been identified. By investigating the role of G proteins in PGC migration, we found that signaling mediated by G protein subunits Gβγ is required to regulate cell polarization. PGCs that are defective for Gβγ signaling failed to polarize, and developed multiple protrusions in random locations, resembling the defects observed in PGCs with decreased Rac activity. These defects render PGCs incapable of migrating actively and responding to directional cues. FRET-based assays showed that PGCs require Gβγ signaling for polarized Rac activation and actin organization at the leading front, as well as for maintaining overall Rac levels in these cells. Conversely, overexpression of Gβγ in PGCs increases Rac activity. Our results indicate that during PGC migration in vivo, Gβγ signaling regulates Rac activity to control cell polarity, which is required for the responsiveness to chemokine signaling.
Assessing the Effects of Removing User Fees in Zambia and Niger
Authors: Lagarde Mylene , Barroy Helene , Palmer Natasha
Published: November 2011

Objectives

This study aims to overcome some of the limitations of previous studies investigating the effects of fee removal, by looking at heterogeneity of effects within countries and over time, as well as the existence of spillover effects on groups not targeted by the policy change.

Methods

Using routine district health services data before and after recent abolitions of user charges in Zambia and Niger, we examine the effects of the policy change on the use of health services by different groups and over time, using an interrupted timeseries design.

Results

Removing user fees for primary health care services in rural districts in Zambia and for children over five years old in Niger increased use of services by the targeted groups. The impact of the policy change differed widely across districts, ranging from 112% and 1194% in Niger to 239% and 1108% in Zambia. Eighteen months after the policy change, some of these effects had been eroded. There was evidence that abolishing user fees can both have positive and negative spillover effects.

Conclusion

These results highlight the importance of paying attention to implementation challenges and monitoring the effects of policy reforms which are often more mixed and complicated that they appear. The comparison of these reforms in two countries also sheds light on the potentially different ways in which free care can be used as a tool to improve access.
Next Steps in Cardiovascular Disease Genomic Research—Sequencing, Epigenetics, and Transcriptomics
Authors: Schnabel Renate B , Baccarelli Andrea , Lin Honghuang , Ellinor Patrick T , Benjamin Emelia J
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND

Genomic research in cardiovascular disease (CVD) has progressed rapidly over the last 5 years. In most cases, however, these groundbreaking observations have not yet been accompanied by clinically applicable tools for risk prediction, diagnosis, or therapeutic interventions.

CONTENT

We reviewed the scientific literature published in English for novel methods and promising genomic targets that would permit large-scale screening and follow-up of recent genomic findings for CVD. We anticipate that advances in 3 key areas will be critical for the success of these projects. First, exome-centered and whole-genome next-generation sequencing will identify rare and novel genetic variants associated with CVD and its risk factors. Improvements in methods will also greatly advance the field of epigenetics and gene expression in humans. Second, research is increasingly acknowledging that static DNA sequence variation explains only a fraction of the inherited phenotype. Therefore, we expect that multiple epigenetic and gene expression signatures will be related to CVD in experimental and clinical settings. Leveraging existing large-scale consortia and clinical biobanks in combination with electronic health records holds promise for integrating epidemiological and clinical genomics data. Finally, a systems biology approach will be needed to integrate the accumulated multidimensional data.

Novel methods in sequencing, epigenetics, and transcriptomics, plus unprecedented large-scale cooperative efforts, promise to generate insights into the complexity of CVD. The rapid accumulation and integration of knowledge will shed light on a considerable proportion of the missing heritability for CVD.
Clean Power from Deserts
Authors: Düren Michael
Published: November 2011

Solar power from deserts can contribute significantly to a future renewable energy system. The technically accessible solar potential in deserts exceeds the global energy demand by a factor of 20. In the DESERTEC concept, a smart super grid based on HVDC technology interconnects wind, solar and other renewable energy sources with distant consumers on a scale of several thousand kilometres. The large grid averages out the natural fluctuations of renewable energy sources to a large extend. Remaining fluctuations have to be compensated by storage systems. Two competing technologies, CSP and PV, are available for large-scale solar power production in desert countries. CSP technology can be combined with thermal energy storage and water desalination. A large-scale production of solar energy in desert countries has important socio-economic implications. The interconnection of continents by large power grids introduces new economical interdependencies, which can help to reduce the North-South gradient of economic wealth.
Comparison of the Laser and Electron Beam Welding of Steel Sheets Treated by Nitro-Oxidation
Authors: Marônek Milan , Bárta Jozef , Bártová Katarína
Published: November 2011

Nitro-oxidized steel specimens welded by a CO2 laser and an electron beam were examined for quality and integrity by visual inspection, microstructure, and microhardness analysis. Visual inspection of the specimens welded by laser revealed the lack of root penetration at maximal welding speed from the selected welding speed range (30 to 60 mm/s) and a neat weld at the welding speed of 40 mm/s. However, in comparison to laser beam welding, the electron beam welding (EBW) process produced the weld joints with a wider heat affected zone, while the weld joints were much more prone to porosity. The microstructure of the weld joints made by both the laser beam welding and EBW methods did not show any abnormalities in phase composition owing to the presence of nitrides in the surface layer of the materials welded after nitro-oxidation.
Fire Pattern Repeatability: A Study in Uncertainty
Authors: Madrzykowski Daniel , Fleischmann Charles
Published: November 2011

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is conducting a multi-year study, with the support of the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and the NIST Office of Law Enforcement Standards (OLES), to examine the repeatability of fire patterns. The primary objective of the study is assessing the repeatability of fire patterns on gypsum board exposed to a limited range of source fires. The focus of this paper is an overview of the uncertainties of the measurements. The study required the use of a variety of measurements to determine the repeatability of the source fires in terms of heat release rate, temperature, heat flux, and flame height. Replicate source fire experiments were conducted in an oxygen consumption calorimeter in order to examine the repeatability of the fires in terms of the heat release rate. The flame movement and height for each fire were recorded with photographs and videos. The fire pattern experiments were conducted in a three-walled structure with a full floor and partial ceiling constructed from wood framing and lined with painted gypsum board. The source fires were positioned against the rear wall, midway along its length. Replicate experiments were conducted with each fuel. The fire patterns were documented and analyzed for repeatability. The fire pattern height results are then compared to the mean flame height results to examine the level of agreement.
Coke Formation in Steam Reforming of Natural Gas over Rhodium/Alumina Catalysts: An Atomic Force Microscopy Study using the Oscillating Friction Mode
Authors: Eßmann Claudia , Weis Frederik , Seipenbusch Martin , Schimmel Thomas , Deutschmann Olaf
Published: November 2011

The initial stage of coke formation in steam reforming of natural gas over rhodium/alumina catalysts was studied microscopically. A well-defined model catalyst prepared by an aerosol technique was placed in a flow reactor to very mildly coke the catalyst sample. Therefore, a natural gas–steam mixture at steam-to-carbon ratios of unity was fed to the reactor operated for thirty minutes at atmospheric pressure and moderate temperatures of 650 ºC. Fresh and used catalyst samples were characterized by SEM-EDX and a recently developed AFM technique, the Oscillating Friction Microscopy (OFM), to analyze the friction characteristics of the sample. OFM combined with SEM-EDX allowed to distinguish between coke depositions, alumina support (Al2O3), and Rh particles and to locate the initial carbon deposition in the process. It was found that coke formation starts on the catalyst particle. The carbonaceous overlayer can be removed from the catalyst and the closely surrounding support by multiples scans with the AFM tip.
Materials for Lithium Ion Batteries: Challenges for Numerical Simulations
Authors: Leoni Stefano , Baldoni Matteo , Craco Luis , Joswig Jan-Ole , Seifert Gotthard
Published: November 2011

We present an overview of numerical challenges in simulating electronic and transport properties of battery assemblies. Li diffusion paths within inorganic materials (olivine phosphates) are investigated using a dedicated accelerated molecular dynamics approach. The need of many-body electronic structure calculations is illustrated for the evaluation of intercalation potentials (LDA/GGA+U) and of transport properties (LDA+DMFT). Steps towards the improvement of silicon based anodic materials are shown. All in all, the framework of an ab initio simulation platform for materials for power storage is sketched.
Sporulation in the Budding Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Neiman Aaron M
Published: November 2011

In response to nitrogen starvation in the presence of a poor carbon source, diploid cells of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae undergo meiosis and package the haploid nuclei produced in meiosis into spores. The formation of spores requires an unusual cell division event in which daughter cells are formed within the cytoplasm of the mother cell. This process involves the de novo generation of two different cellular structures: novel membrane compartments within the cell cytoplasm that give rise to the spore plasma membrane and an extensive spore wall that protects the spore from environmental insults. This article summarizes what is known about the molecular mechanisms controlling spore assembly with particular attention to how constitutive cellular functions are modified to create novel behaviors during this developmental process. Key regulatory points on the sporulation pathway are also discussed as well as the possible role of sporulation in the natural ecology of S. cerevisiae.
Contemporary Ethical Issues in Human Milk-Banking in the United States
Authors: Miracle Donna J. , Szucs Kinga A. , Torke Alexia M. , Helft Paul R.
Published: November 2011

Donor human milk has been used in the United States for >90 years, but recent advances in human milk science and laboratory techniques have led to increasing use of this resource. Pediatricians began using donor human milk in the 1900s in response to anecdotal observation that premature infants had better health outcomes when receiving their own mothers' milk. Since then, a formalized human milk-banking system developed in the mid-1980s and distributed >1 million ounces of pasteurized donor human milk in 2008. Despite growth in the use of pasteurized donor human milk, there is little discussion in the medical literature regarding the ethical considerations of collection and use of this resource. Key ethical considerations include issues surrounding medical decision-making and informed consent, increasing the limited supply of human milk, how ethically to allocate this scarce resource, and concerns linked to the marketing of a human milk.
Leveraging State Immunization Information Systems to Measure the Effectiveness of Rotavirus Vaccine
Authors: Cortese Margaret M. , LeBlanc Julie , White Karen E. , Jerris Robert C. , Stinchfield Patricia , Preston Kenan L. , Meek James , Odofin Lynda , Khizer Saadia , Miller Claudia A. , Buttery Vicki , Mijatovic-Rustempasic Slavica , Lewis Jamie , Parashar Umesh D. , Immergluck Lilly Cheng
Published: November 2011

OBJECTIVE:

Electronic immunization information systems (IISs) are now established in almost all US states. We used the IIS in Minnesota, Georgia, and Connecticut for immunization data and as the source of 1 of 2 control groups to measure pentavalent rotavirus vaccine (RV5) effectiveness (VE) using case-control methodology.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Case-subjects were vaccine-eligible children who presented to 1 of 5 hospitals or emergency departments with gastroenteritis and had rotavirus antigen detected in stool during any of 3 rotavirus seasons (2007–2009). Two control groups were used: children with gastroenteritis who tested negative for rotavirus and children from the IIS matched by zip code and birth date. In Minnesota and Georgia, immunization records for rotavirus-positive and -negative children were also obtained from providers.

RESULTS:

Overall, 402 (96%) rotavirus case-subjects and 825 (97%) rotavirus-negative controls who met eligibility criteria were found in the IISs. Ten IIS controls were identified for each case. VE estimates for RV5 were similar across control groups, immunization data sources, and states. VE point estimates for 3 vs 0 doses were 89% to 94% among children aged 8 months or older and 86% to 92% among those aged 24 months or older. VE for 2 doses was ≥90% among children aged 8 months or older, and VE for 1 dose was 66% among those aged 6 weeks through 5 months.

CONCLUSIONS:

Three RV5 doses confer sustained protection against rotavirus disease during the first 3 years of life in US children. Two RV5 doses also seem to provide good protection. IISs can be valuable tools for assessing the effectiveness of vaccines administered to young children.
Age-dependent competition of porcine enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) with different fimbria genes — Short communication
Authors: Hur Jin , Lee Kyeong , Lee John
Published: November 2011

To investigate the association of pathogenicEscherichia colifimbrial adhesins with the development of diarrhoea in piglets of different age groups and to test their relative competitiveness, piglets were orally inoculated with a mixture ofE. colistrains harbouring F4, F5, F6, F18 and F41 fimbrial genes. A total of 537E. colistrains with haemolytic activity were isolated from 36 diarrhoeic piglets. The F4 fimbrial gene was observed in 98.5%, 97.6% and 80.6% strains carrying fimbrial genes isolated from diarrhoeic piglets that were infected at 1, 3 and 5 weeks of age, respectively. These data demonstrate that F4 fimbriae are highly associated with diarrhoea in piglets of all age groups. Interestingly, the F18 fimbrial gene was observed in 2.4% and 25.4% strains carrying fimbrial genes isolated from the 3- and 5-week-old groups, respectively, which confirms that F18 fimbriae are associated with diarrhoea in piglets from late stages of suckling to post-weaning, and are more related to diarrhoea in weaned than in unweaned piglets.
Plasma progesterone, metabolic hormones and beta-hydroxybutyrate in Holstein-Friesian cows after superovulation
Authors: Bényei Balázs , Komlósi István , Pécsi Anna , Kulcsár Margit , Huzsvai László , Barros C. , Huszenicza Gyula
Published: November 2011

Metabolic hormones [insulin, leptin, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3)], progesterone (P4) and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) serum concentrations were evaluated and their effect on the superovulation results of donor cows was investigated in a semi-arid environment. Body weight, body condition score (BCS) and lactation stage were also included in the analysis. Twenty-three Holstein-Friesian cows were superovulated with 600 IU FSHp following the routine procedure and flushed on day 7 in a Multiple Ovulation and Embryo Transfer Centre in the semi-arid area of Brazil. The corpora lutea (CL) were counted and blood samples were collected for assays. All of the hormones investigated and BHB serum concentrations were within the physiological ranges. There was a positive correlation between hormones, except between BHB and all the others. The leptin level was influenced by feeding status, as indicated by the BCS. Insulin, T4, T3 and BHB levels were affected by milking status. Dry cows had higher levels of all hormones except BHB. An optimum level of leptin resulted in the highest number of CL, while the linear increase of P4, T4 and IGF significantly increased the number of CL.
Profiles of seroconversion to porcine circovirus type 2 in herds affected and not affected by postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome
Authors: Podgórska Katarzyna , Stadejek Tomasz
Published: November 2011

The aim of the present study was to explore the usefulness of serological methods in the diagnosis of postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS). The study was carried out in 4 PMWS-affected and 6 control farms. Based on the serological profiles, infection with porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) was determined to take place at 3–7 weeks of age in the PMWS-affected and at 3–11 weeks of age in the control farms. To compare the dynamics of seroconversion to PCV2 among farms, cross-sectional serological profiles were normalised in relation to the inferred age of infection. The results indicated that the proportion of seropositive pigs increased significantly slower in the affected herds. The most pronounced difference was observed about 4 weeks after infection, when the proportion of seropositive pigs ranged from 0 to 53.3% and from 70 to 100% in PMWS-affected and control herds, respectively. Mean antibody titres at that age were also significantly lower in the affected farms. These observations suggest a delay in the production of PCV2-specific antibodies and indicate that serological methods may be helpful in identifying herds with a high risk of PMWS.
Obstruction of drippers as a result of application of moisturized whitewash in irrigation water
Authors: Barboza Júnior Cícero R. A. , Lelis Neto João A. , Hartwig Marcelo P. , Barros Allan C. , Coelho Rubens D.
Published: November 2011

Plug dynamics of non compensate drip tubes were evaluated, by the precipitation of moisturized whitewash [Ca(OH)2], which is used in the fertigation for the bulb pH control of the trademarks Azud, Amanco, Naandan, Netafim, Petroisa, Queen Gil, with flow rate varying between 0.4 to 3.0 L h-1 usually used in the country. For this matter, increasing doses of Ca(OH)² were applied in the irrigation water, from 0.01 g L-1 to 1.84 g L-1. The flow rate of each drip tube was measured in intervals of time initially of 7 days, later of 15 days of system operation, totaling a time of 100 days of operation, corresponding to nine applications or 432 hours. The coefficient of variation (CV), and relative rate flow (Qr) were evaluated. The results pointed differences among the evaluated emitter regarding the occurrence of the clogging, and the models G2 and G5 presented the smallest levels of flow rate variation comparing to the models G6, G7 and G9.
Mathematical model to estimate of the deterioration of wooden poles in contact with soil used in rural areas
Authors: Molina Julio C. , Calil Júnior Carlito , Freitas Roberto R. de
Published: November 2011

In São Paulo State, mainly in rural areas, the utilization of wooden poles is observed for different purposes. In this context, wood in contact with the ground presents faster deterioration, which is generally associated to environmental factors and, especially to the presence of fungi and insects. With the use of mathematical models, the useful life of wooden structures can be predicted by obtaining "climatic indexes" to indicate, comparatively among the areas studied, which have more or less tendency to fungi and insects attacks. In this work, by using climatological data of several cities at São Paulo State, a simplified mathematical model was obtained to measure the aggressiveness of the wood in contact with the soil.
Interferência de Raphanus sativus na produtividade de cultivares de soja
Authors: Bianchi M.A , Fleck N.G , Agostinetto D , Rizzardi M.A
Published: November 2011

A forte dependência de herbicidas para o controle de plantas daninhas em soja tem como consequência a seleção de espécies daninhas tolerantes e resistentes. O manejo integrado considera, além do uso de herbicidas, técnicas como a habilidade competitiva do cultivar para controlar plantas daninhas. Com os objetivos de avaliar a resposta de cultivares à competição com nabo (Raphanus sativus) e identificar aqueles portadores de habilidade competitiva superior, foi conduzido experimento em campo, em Cruz Alta-RS, na safra 2000/01. Testaram-se duas condições de competição (ausência ou presença de nabo forrageiro durante a fase de desenvolvimento vegetativo da soja), combinadas com 11 cultivares da cultura. O efeito da competição com nabo é variável entre os cultivares, caracterizando variabilidade genética que permite selecionar genótipos portadores de habilidade competitiva superior. A competição com nabo reduz a estatura de planta, o comprimento médio dos ramos e a produtividade de grãos de soja. Entre os genótipos de soja utilizados, o cultivar MSoy 6101 destaca-se quanto à habilidade competitiva pela maior produtividade potencial de grãos na ausência de competição e pela capacidade de mantê-la diante da competição com nabo.
Morphological and physiological alterations induced by lactofen in soybean leaves are reduced with nitric oxide
Authors: Ferreira L.C , Cataneo A.C , Remaeh L.M.R , Búfalo J , Scavroni J , Andréo-Souza Y , Cechin I , Soares B.J.A
Published: November 2011

Lactofen is a diphenylether herbicide recommended to control broad-leaved weeds in soybean (Glycine max) fields and its mechanism of action is the inhibition of protoporphyrinogen-IX oxidase (Protox), which acts in the chlorophyll biosynthesis. This inhibition results in an accumulation of protoporphyrin-IX, which leads to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that cause oxidative stress. Consequently, spots, wrinkling and leaf burn may occur, resulting in a transitory crop growth interruption. However, nitric oxide (NO) acts as an antioxidant in direct ROS scavenging. Thus, the aim of this work was to verify, through phytometric and biochemical evaluations, the protective effect of NO in soybean plants treated with the herbicide lactofen. Soybean plants were pre-treated with different levels of sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a NO-donor substance, and then sprayed with 168 g a.i. ha-1 lactofen. Pre-treatment with SNP was beneficial because NO decreased the injury symptoms caused by lactofen in young leaflets and kept low the soluble sugar levels. Nevertheless, NO caused slower plant growth, which indicates that further studies are needed in order to elucidate the action mechanisms of NO in signaling the stress caused by lactofen in soybean crop.
Integration of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) residues with a pre-plant herbicide enhances weed suppression in broad bean (Vicia faba)
Authors: Alsaadawi I.S , Khaliq A , Al-Temimi A.A , Matloob A
Published: November 2011

Field trial was conducted with the aim of utilizing allelopathic crop residues to reduce the use of synthetic herbicides in broad bean (Vicia faba) fields. Sunflower residue at 600 and 1,400 g m-2 and Treflan (trifluralin) at 50, 75 and 100% of recommended dose were incorporated into the soil alone or in combination with each other. Untreated plots were maintained as a control. Herbicide application in plots amended with sunflower residue had the least total weed count and biomass, which was even better than herbicide used alone. Integration of recommended dose of Treflan with sunflower residue at 1,400 g m-² produced maximum (987.5 g m-2) aboveground biomass of broad bean, which was 74 and 36% higher than control and recommended herbicide dose applied alone, respectively. Combination of herbicide and sunflower residue appeared to better enhance pod number and yield per unit area than herbicide alone. Application of 50% dose of Treflan in plots amended with sunflower residue resulted in similar yield advantage as was noticed with 100% herbicide dose. Chromatographic analysis of residue-infested field soil indicated the presence of several phytotoxic compounds of phenolic nature. Periodic data revealed that maximum suppression in weed density and dry weight synchronized with peak values of phytotoxins observed 4 weeks after incorporation of sunflower residues. Integration of sunflower residues with lower herbicide rates can produce effective weed suppression without compromising yield as a feasible and environmentally sound approach in broad bean fields.
Influência da chuva na eficiência de diquat no controle de Salvinia auriculata, Pistia stratiotes e Eichhornia crassipes
Authors: Souza G.S.F , Campos C.F , Pereira M.R.R , Martins D
Published: November 2011

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influência da ocorrência de chuva em diferentes períodos de tempo após a aplicação do herbicida diquat, em sua eficiência de controle sobre plantas de Salvinia auriculata, Pistia stratiotes e Eichhornia crassipes. Foram estudadas chuvas de 10 mm, aplicadas durante 5min, em diferentes períodos de tempo (0h, 0,25h, 0,5h, 1h, 2h, 4h, 6h, 12h e não simulação de chuva) após a aplicação de diquat, na formulação Reward, a 600 g i.a. ha-1 (2,5 L p.c. ha-1). O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições. As plantas foram avaliadas visualmente aos 3, 5, 7 e 12 dias após a aplicação (DAA), sendo os resultados submetidos à análise de variância pelo teste F, e as médias dos tratamentos, comparadas pelo teste de Tukey (p<0,05). O herbicida diquat proporcionou excelente controle de todas as espécies estudadas, independentemente do período de tempo para ocorrência de chuva depois de sua aplicação, até mesmo com ocorrência de chuva imediatamente após sua aplicação.
Prevalência de transtornos fonológicos em crianças do primeiro ano do ensino fundamental
Authors: Rossi-Barbosa Luiza Augusta Rosa , Caldeira Antônio Prates , Honorato-Marques Rodrigo , Silva Reila Freitas
Published: November 2011

OBJETIVO: Identificar a prevalência de transtornos fonológicos e verificar a sensibilidade e especificidade do Teste de Rastreamento de Distúrbios Articulatórios de Fala (TERDAF), a partir de sua adaptação, em escolares do primeiro ano do ensino fundamental de Montes Claros, MG (Brasil). MÉTODOS: As crianças foram alocadas de forma aleatória em amostragem por conglomerados em 56 escolas públicas no município. Foram avaliadas 587 crianças com média de idade de 6 anos e 6 meses por meio do TERDAF adaptado e, para verificar a sensibilidade e especificidade do teste, 229 delas foram submetidas à Avaliação Diagnóstica da Fala, considerada padrão-ouro. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de transtornos fonológicos foi de 36,2%. O teste apresentou sensibilidade de 94,0%, porém baixa especificidade (41,1%). Ao considerar as variações linguísticas como produção normal, o teste mostrou sensibilidade de 86,7%, especificidade de 75,3%, valor preditivo positivo de 66,7% e valor preditivo negativo de 90,9%. CONCLUSÃO: Encontrou-se alta prevalência de transtornos fonológicos. Dado que maioria dos sujeitos não reconheceu alguma figura e o fato de terem ocorrido produções que refletem condições socioculturais, o teste deverá ser revisado para obter maior acurácia na identificação de transtornos fonológicos.
Modelagem do impacto da ampliação da Avenida Fernando Ferrari (Vitória - ES) na qualidade do ar em sua redondeza
Authors: Santos Alexandre Rosa dos , Varejão André Schwartz , Silva Kmila Gomes da
Published: November 2011

Estudou-se a influência da ampliação da Avenida Fernando Ferrari, Vitória-ES, e consequente aumento no fluxo de veículos, sob a qualidade do ar nos bairros localizados as redondezas do local e o montante populacional sob efeito da poluição. Para detectar e documentar a abrangência, concentração e dispersão desses gases, foram gerados mapas de isoconcentrações de poluentes (NOx e PM10) provenientes de veículos, nos anos de 2004 e 2010 e realizada uma projeção para o ano de 2014. O estudo foi desenvolvido em cinco fases distintas e para tanto, utilizou-se os aplicativos computacionais: EXCEL; RAMMET; WRPLOT; ENVIMAN 2.0.50 (aplicativo computacional AERMOD); SURFER 3.2 e ArcGIS 8.3. Verificou-se aumento da abrangência da isolinha de concentração anual do ponto de máxima para os poluentes NOx e PM10, que afetarão, respectivamente, 4.63 e 4.48 vezes mais habitantes no ano de 2014, quando comparado ao ano de 2004. O maior montante populacional sob efeito da poluição nos anos estudados ocorrerá nos seis primeiros anos após a conclusão da ampliação da avenida, porém, esse aumento não chegará a ser nocivos a saúde humana, segundo os padrões de qualidade do ar da resolução CONAMA nº 003.
Position-Specific HIV Risk in a Large Network of Homeless Youths
Authors: Rice Eric , Barman-Adhikari Anamika , Milburn Norweeta G. , Monro William
Published: November 2011

Objectives. We examined interconnections among runaway and homeless youths (RHYs) and how aggregated network structure position was associated with HIV risk in this population.

Methods. We collected individual and social network data from 136 RHYs. On the basis of these data, we generated a sociomatrix, accomplished network visualization with a “spring embedder,” and examined k-cores. We used multivariate logistic regression models to assess associations between peripheral and nonperipheral network position and recent unprotected sexual intercourse.

Results. Small numbers of nominations at the individual level aggregated into a large social network with a visible core, periphery, and small clusters. Female youths were more likely to be in the core, as were youths who had been homeless for 2 years or more. Youths at the periphery were less likely to report unprotected intercourse and had been homeless for a shorter duration.

Conclusions. HIV risk was a function of risk-taking youths' connections with one another and was associated with position in the overall network structure. Social network–based prevention programs, young women's housing and health programs, and housing-first programs for peripheral youths could be effective strategies for preventing HIV among this population.
Against the Very Idea of the Politicization of Public Health Policy
Authors: Goldberg Daniel S.
Published: November 2011

I criticize the concern over the politicization of public health policy as a justification for preferring a narrow to a broad model of public health.

My critique proceeds along 2 lines. First, the fact that administrative structures and actors are primary sources of public health policy demonstrates its inescapably political and politicized nature. Second, historical evidence shows that public health in Great Britain and the United States has from its very inception been political and politicized.

I conclude by noting legitimate ethical concerns regarding the political nature of public health policy and argue that open deliberation in a democratic social order is best served by acknowledging the constraints of the inescapably politicized process of public health policymaking.
Temporal and Regional Trends in the Prevalence of Healthy Lifestyle Characteristics: United States, 1994–2007
Authors: Troost Jonathan P. , Rafferty Ann P. , Luo Zhehui , Reeves Mathew J.
Published: November 2011

Objectives. We examined temporal and regional trends in the prevalence of health lifestyles in the United States.

Methods. We used 1994 to 2007 data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System to assess 4 healthy lifestyle characteristics: having a healthy weight, not smoking, consuming fruits and vegetables, and engaging in physical activity. The concurrent presence of all 4 characteristics was defined as a healthy overall lifestyle. We used logistic regression to assess temporal and regional trends.

Results. The percentages of individuals who did not smoke (4% increase) and had a healthy weight (10% decrease) showed the strongest temporal changes from 1994 to 2007. There was little change in fruit and vegetable consumption or physical activity. The prevalence of healthy lifestyles increased minimally over time and varied modestly across regions; in 2007, percentages were higher in the Northeast (6%) and West (6%) than in the South (4%) and Midwest (4%).

Conclusions. Because of the large increases in overweight and the declines in smoking, there was little net change in the prevalence of healthy lifestyles. Despite regional differences, the prevalence of healthy lifestyles across the United States remains very low.
The Role of Geomechanical Observation in Continuous Updating of Thermal Recovery Simulations Using the Ensemble Kalman Filter
Authors: Azad A. , Chalaturnyk R. J.
Published: November 2011

In situ thermal methods such as steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) and cyclic steam stimulation (CSS) are widely employed in oil sand reservoirs. The physics of such thermal processes is generally well understood, and it has been shown that rock properties are highly influenced by the geomechanical behaviour of the reservoir during these recovery processes. Geomechanics improves the process dynamically, and its response can depict the progress of production within a reservoir. However, the potential of geomechanical monitoring for application to closed-loop reservoir optimization is not usually practiced. With increased implementation of highly instrumented wells and communication technologies providing real-time monitoring data from different sources, combining available data into reservoir-geomechanical simulations would improve updating numerical models and prediction process. This research explores effective uses of geomechanical observation data for history matching and types of geomechanical observation sources adequate for thermal recovery. The ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF), combined with an iterative geomechanical coupled simulator, has been chosen as the data assimilation algorithm to update the model continuously based on geomechanical observations. The results show that considering geomechanical modelling and observation improves the history matching process when geomechanics is an issue.
Effect of Discontinuous Microfractures on Ultratight Matrix Permeability of a Dual-Porosity Medium
Authors: Apaydin Osman G. , Ozkan E. , Raghavan R.
Published: November 2011

This paper examines the effects of matrix microfractures on effective matrix permeability of a dual-porosity medium. An analytical model is presented with composite matrix blocks consisting of a core where unconnected microfractures do not considerably contribute to flow capacity and a surface layer where the microfractures connected to the matrix surface (resembling wormholes) cause a stimulation effect. The composite matrix flow is coupled with the flow in a network of macrofractures as in the conventional dual-porosity idealizations of fractured media. The paper investigates the effect of matrix-surface stimulation and demonstrates improved fluid transfer from the matrix medium to the fracture network due to matrix microfractures. It is shown that matrix microfractures accelerate production by providing earlier and more effective contribution of matrix into flow rates. This contribution of the matrix due to microfractures cannot be simulated by enhanced matrix permeability as the micro-fractured surface-layer of the matrix causes different flow characteristics than a homogeneous (unfractured) matrix. The effect of the micro-fractured surface-layer of the matrix cannot be taken into account by a triple-porosity model used to incorporate two sets of connected natural fractures or connected fractures and vugs either.