bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Another Dangerous Practice in the SCUBA Diving Community
Authors: Ciscato Walter , Binder Christian , Hesse Olaf , Lehné Siegfried , Tillack Thomas
Published: January 2013

The widely held incorrect belief in the self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) diving community, that oxygen-enriched gas mixtures, so-called NITROX, with an oxygen content of up to 40 vol. % can be considered as regular air, has already been refuted in many papers. Now, another dangerous practice has drawn the attention. In a market study, more than 60 representative SCUBA cylinder valves were examined. Sales offices claim that all of those valves can be used for oxygen-enriched gas mixtures. The fact is that some of these cylinder valves are for air use only. By exchanging the nonmetallic materials and applying additional cleaning procedures, these air valves become so-called “oxygen clean.” Then, the valves are on sale for oxygen-enriched service. This procedure is dangerous because the labeling pretends a pseudo-safety. All of the 60 SCUBA cylinder valves were tested applying the standardized oxygen pressure surge tester at BAM. As suspected, many of the cylinder valves are not burn-out safe. In addition, different test results were received for actual new valves, for so-called new but temporarily stored valves, and for used valves. This paper reveals another dangerous practice and wants to alert the SCUBA diving community.
Flow Friction or Spontaneous Ignition?
Authors: Stoltzfus Joel M. , Gallus Timothy D. , Sparks Kyle
Published: January 2013

“Flow friction,” a proposed ignition mechanism in oxygen systems, has proved elusive in attempts at experimental verification. In this paper, the literature regarding flow friction is reviewed and the experimental verification attempts are briefly discussed. Another ignition mechanism, a form of spontaneous combustion, is proposed as an explanation for at least some of the fire events that have been attributed to flow friction in the literature. In addition, the results of a failure analysis performed at NASA Johnson Space Center White Sands Test Facility are presented, and the observations indicate that spontaneous combustion was the most likely cause of the fire in this 2000 psig (14 MPa) oxygen-enriched system.
Development of Burn Curves to Assist With Metals Selection in Oxygen
Authors: Forsyth Elliot T. , Linley Nicholas , Chiffoleau Gwenael J. A. , Hooser Jared , Newton Barry E.
Published: January 2013

Promoted ignition data from ASTM G124 have been of great value to the industry, as they provide a fundamental basis for comparing the relative flammability of metal alloys in oxygen. An industry-sponsored metals test and analysis program was performed with the goal of applying statistical analysis methods to ASTM G124 data to create burn curves that plot the estimated average burn length versus pressure for a given alloy. These burn curves provide a more thorough characterization of the relative flammability of metal alloys in oxygen and, as such, allow greater understanding of the risk of self-sustained combustion (i.e., burning) if an alloy is ignited at a given pressure in oxygen. This paper presents the results of the industry-sponsored test and analysis program, including the burn curves and corresponding statistical confidence curves that were developed for five alloys: 316 stainless steel, 304 stainless steel, Inconel 625, Inconel 600, and Hastelloy C-276.
The Development, Implementation, and Use of ASTM C1701 Field Infiltration of In Place Pervious Concrete
Authors: Brown Heather J. , Sparkman Alan
Published: January 2013

In place pervious concrete begins its design life with an initial infiltration rate that is in part determined by the mixture proportions and compactive effort. This means that both the producer and the contractor influence the final infiltration rate of the pervious concrete. It was this fact that led to the development of a field based ASTM method to determine what pervious concrete infiltration rate was being constructed. Other researchers have investigated field infiltration to determine pollutant removal, hydrological performance, clogging potential, and water quality. It was necessary to have a test that could monitor a pervious concrete pavement over time in relation to maintenance, because so many pervious projects had already been placed across the United States. ASTM C1701 was adopted in June 2009, and engineers are beginning to understand the usefulness of such a test method. This paper focuses on the methodology, showcasing projects that have used the test method and correlating existing pervious placements with current infiltration data to determine a best practices design infiltration rate. Additionally, an investigation into possible maintenance techniques is discussed for situations in which a clogged placement is encountered.
Involvement of Insulin-Like Peptide in Long-Term Synaptic Plasticity and Long-Term Memory of the Pond SnailLymnaea stagnalis
Authors: Murakami Jun , Okada Ryuichi , Sadamoto Hisayo , Kobayashi Suguru , Mita Koichi , Sakamoto Yuki , Yamagishi Miki , Hatakeyama Dai , Otsuka Emi , Okuta Akiko , Sunada Hiroshi , Takigami Satoshi , Sakakibara Manabu , Fujito Yutaka , Awaji Masahiko , Moriyama Shunsuke , Lukowiak Ken , Ito Etsuro
Published: January 2013

The pond snailLymnaea stagnalisis capable of learning taste aversion and consolidating this learning into long-term memory (LTM) that is called conditioned taste aversion (CTA). Previous studies showed that some molluscan insulin-related peptides (MIPs) were upregulated in snails exhibiting CTA. We thus hypothesized that MIPs play an important role in neurons underlying the CTA–LTM consolidation process. To examine this hypothesis, we first observed the distribution of MIP II, a major peptide of MIPs, and MIP receptor and determined the amounts of their mRNAs in the CNS. MIP II was only observed in the light green cells in the cerebral ganglia, but the MIP receptor was distributed throughout the entire CNS, including the buccal ganglia. Next, when we applied exogenous mammalian insulin, secretions from MIP-containing cells or partially purified MIPs, to the isolated CNS, we observed a long-term change in synaptic efficacy (i.e., enhancement) of the synaptic connection between the cerebral giant cell (a key interneuron for CTA) and the B1 motor neuron (a buccal motor neuron). This synaptic enhancement was blocked by application of an insulin receptor antibody to the isolated CNS. Finally, injection of the insulin receptor antibody into the snail before CTA training, while not blocking the acquisition of taste aversion learning, blocked the memory consolidation process; thus, LTM was not observed. These data suggest that MIPs trigger changes in synaptic connectivity that may be correlated with the consolidation of taste aversion learning into CTA–LTM in theLymnaeaCNS.
The Pro-Neurotrophin Receptor Sortilin Is a Major Neuronal Apolipoprotein E Receptor for Catabolism of Amyloid-β Peptide in the Brain
Authors: Carlo Anne-Sophie , Gustafsen Camilla , Mastrobuoni Guido , Nielsen Morten S. , Burgert Tilman , Hartl Daniela , Rohe Michael , Nykjaer Anders , Herz Joachim , Heeren Joerg , Kempa Stefan , Petersen Claus Munck , Willnow Thomas E.
Published: January 2013

Apolipoprotein E (APOE) is the major risk factor for sporadic Alzheimer's disease. Among other functions, APOE is proposed to sequester neurotoxic amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides in the brain, delivering them to cellular catabolism via neuronal APOE receptors. Still, the receptors involved in this process remain controversial. Here, we identified the pro-neurotrophin receptor sortilin as major endocytic pathway for clearance of APOE/Aβ complexes in neurons. Sortilin binds APOE with high affinity. Lack of receptor expression in mice results in accumulation of APOE and of Aβ in the brain and in aggravated plaque burden. Also, primary neurons lacking sortilin exhibit significantly impaired uptake of APOE/Aβ complexes despite proper expression of other APOE receptors. Despite higher than normal brain APOE levels, sortilin-deficient animals display anomalies in brain lipid metabolism (e.g., accumulation of sulfatides) seen in APOE-deficient mice, indicating functional deficiency in cellular APOE uptake pathways. Together, our findings identified sortilin as an essential neuronal pathway for APOE-containing lipoproteinsin vivoand suggest an intriguing link between Aβ catabolism and pro-neurotrophin signaling converging on this receptor.
Src Inhibits Midline Axon Crossing Independent of Frazzled/Deleted in Colorectal Carcinoma (DCC) Receptor Tyrosine Phosphorylation
Authors: O'Donnell Michael P. , Bashaw Greg J.
Published: January 2013

The phylogenetically conserved Netrin family of chemoattractants signal outgrowth and attractive turning of commissural axons through the Deleted in Colorectal Carcinoma (DCC) family of receptors. Src family kinases are thought to be major signaling effectors of Netrin/DCC. In vertebrates, Src and the closely related Fyn kinases phosphorylate DCC and form a receptor-bound signaling complex leading to activation of downstream effectors. Here we show that, in theDrosophilaembryonic CNS,Srckinases are dispensable for midline attraction of commissural axons. Consistent with this observation, tyrosine phosphorylation of the Netrin receptor DCC or itsDrosophilaortholog, Frazzled, is not necessary for attraction to Netrin. Moreover, we uncover an unexpected function of Src kinases: inhibition of midline axon crossing through a novel mechanism. We propose that distinct signaling outputs must exist for midline axon crossing independent of Src kinases in commissural neurons.
Specific Inhibition of p25/Cdk5 Activity by the Cdk5 Inhibitory Peptide Reduces NeurodegenerationIn Vivo
Authors: Sundaram Jeyapriya Raja , Poore Charlene Priscilla , Sulaimee Noor Hazim Bin , Pareek Tej , Asad A.B.M.A. , Rajkumar Ramamoorthy , Cheong Wei Fun , Wenk Markus R. , Dawe Gavin Stewart , Chuang Kai-Hsiang , Pant Harish C. , Kesavapany Sashi
Published: January 2013

The aberrant hyperactivation of Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5), by the production of its truncated activator p25, results in the formation of hyperphosphorylated tau, neuroinflammation, amyloid deposition, and neuronal deathin vitroandin vivo. Mechanistically, this occurs as a result of a neurotoxic insult that invokes the intracellular elevation of calcium to activate calpain, which cleaves the Cdk5 activator p35 into p25. It has been shown previously that the p25 transgenic mouse as a model to investigate the mechanistic implications of p25 production in the brain, which recapitulates deregulated Cdk5-mediated neuropathological changes, such as hyperphosphorylated tau and neuronal death. To date, strategies to inhibit Cdk5 activity have not been successful in targeting selectively aberrant activity without affecting normal Cdk5 activity. Here we show that the selective inhibition of p25/Cdk5 hyperactivationin vivo, through overexpression of the Cdk5 inhibitory peptide (CIP), rescues against the neurodegenerative pathologies caused by p25/Cdk5 hyperactivation without affecting normal neurodevelopment afforded by normal p35/Cdk5 activity. Tau and amyloid pathologies as well as neuroinflammation are significantly reduced in the CIP–p25 tetra transgenic mice, whereas brain atrophy and subsequent cognitive decline are reversed in these mice. The findings reported here represent an important breakthrough in elucidating approaches to selectively inhibit the p25/Cdk5 hyperactivation as a potential therapeutic target to reduce neurodegeneration.
Perceiving Threat In the Face of Safety: Excitation and Inhibition of Conditioned Fear in Human Visual Cortex
Authors: Miskovic Vladimir , Keil Andreas
Published: January 2013

Previous findings have established that cortical sensory systems exhibit experience-dependent biases toward stimuli consistently associated with threat. It remains unclear whether safety cues also facilitate perceptual engagement or how competition between learned threat and safety cues is resolved within visual cortex. Here, we used classical discrimination conditioning with simple luminance modulated visual stimuli that predicted the presence or absence of an aversive sound to examine visuocortical competition between features signaling threat versus safety. We tracked steady-state visual evoked potentials to label distinct visual cortical responses in humans to conditioned and control stimuli. Trial-by-trial expectancy ratings collected online confirmed that participants discriminated between threat and safety cues. Conditioning was associated with heightened activation of the extended visual cortex in response to the threat, but not the safety, stimulus. Cortical facilitation for the threatening stimulus was selective and not decreased by simultaneously presenting safe and associatively novel cues. Our findings shed light on the sensory brain dynamics associated with experience-dependent acquisition of perceptual biases for danger and safety signals.
Civic Inequalities? Immigrant Incorporation and Latina Mothers' Participation in Their Children's Schools
Authors: Terriquez Veronica
Published: January 2013

Researchers often find that Latinos' racial/ethnic and immigrant background characteristics are associated with barriers to their incorporation and acceptance into mainstream civic institutions. Using survey data from Los Angeles, this article identifies correlates of mothers' school-based civic engagement. Findings suggest that Latina mothers are just as involved as white mothers, after accounting for differences in educational attainment and other nonethnic factors. Results also show that after Latina immigrants have lived in the United States for a decade, their participation in their children's schools resembles that of their U.S.-born counterparts. Although Latinas' English-speaking abilities predict their parental school engagement, their citizenship and legal statuses do not. Evidence suggests that Central American immigrants participate at modestly higher rates than do Mexicans. Findings challenge assumptions about Latina parents' disengagement from their children's formal education, while highlighting sources of variation in school-based civic participation among this diverse group.
THERAPY IN ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Etomidate in the management of hypercortisolaemia in Cushing's syndrome: a review
Authors: Preda Veronica A , Sen Jonathan , Karavitaki Niki , Grossman Ashley B
Published: January 2013

The authors apologise for the publication of an error in Table 2 of this article published in the European Journal of Endocrinology 167 137–143. They wish to make clear in Table 2 that they are stipulating the dose of etomidate and that the corresponding dose of hydrocortisone for complete blockade should be 0.5–1.0 mg/h. The correct table is published in full below.Table 2

Treatment of hypercorticolism with etomidate: Recommendations.

Infusion rate optionsBlockadeCortisol levelBiochemical monitoringOtherEtomidate (IV) 0.04–0.05 m/kg per h=2.5–3.0 mg/hPartial to complete depending on clinical circumstance of the patientTitrate to serum cortisol 500–800 nmol/l in physiologically stressed patient, 150–300 nmol/l in non-physiologically stressed patientPotassium level Cortisol levelSedation scoring initially every two hours then every 12 hours after first 24 hoursHydrocortisone IV 0.5–1.0 mg/hComplete (will need steroid replacement)<150 nmol/lPotassium level Cortisol level

This table could now be used as a practical guide for clinicians commencing infusions on the ward of etomidate and required hydrocortisone replacement.
Embryonic stem cell-derived trophoblast differentiation: a comparative review of the biology, function, and signaling mechanisms
Authors: Giakoumopoulos M , Golos T G
Published: January 2013

The development of the placenta is imperative for successful pregnancy establishment, yet the earliest differentiation events of the blastocyst-derived trophectoderm that forms the placenta remain difficult to study in humans. Human embryonic stem cells (hESC) display a unique ability to form trophoblast cells when induced to differentiate either by the addition of exogenous BMP4 or by the formation of cellular aggregates called embryoid bodies. While mouse trophoblast stem cells (TSC) have been isolated from blastocyst outgrowths, mouse ESC do not spontaneously differentiate into trophoblast cells. In this review, we focus on addressing the similarities and differences between mouse TSC differentiation and hESC-derived trophoblast differentiation. We discuss the functional and mechanistic diversity that is found in different species models. Of central importance are the unique signaling events that trigger downstream gene expression that create specific cellular fate decisions. We support the idea that we must understand the nuances that hESC differentiation models display so that investigators can choose the appropriate model system to fit experimental needs.
Intrapartum Asphyxia, Neonatal Encephalopathy, Cerebral Palsy, and Obstetric Interventions in the Term and Near-Term Infant
Authors: Clark Shannon M. , Basraon Sanmaan K. , Hankins Gary D.V.
Published: January 2013

Intrapartum asphyxia (IA) as a cause of neonatal encephalopathy (NE) and cerebral palsy (CP) is a concern for obstetric providers due to the significant neonatal sequelae that ensue. CP is a nonprogressive static neuromuscular disorder appearing early after birth that occurs in 2 per 1,000 births. NE is a clinical syndrome of disturbed neurologic function in the first week after birth, and it occurs in 6 per 1,000 live births. Only ∼6% of all term infants diagnosed with CP have a history of NE, and without the development of NE, IA cannot be considered as the sole cause of CP. There are various preconceptional, antepartum, and intrapartum risk factors associated with CP. Obstetric interventions, including various modalities of fetal monitoring and cesarean delivery, have not led to improvement in outcomes or a reduction in the incidence of CP. The goal of this review was to discuss the association of IA with NE and CP in term and near-term infants, with a focus on the diagnosis and risk factors for IA and potential obstetric interventions.
Pain and Sedation in the NICU
Authors: Mayock Dennis E. , Gleason Christine A.
Published: January 2013

Recognition and treatment of procedural pain and discomfort in the neonate remain a challenge. Procedural sedation and control of pain and discomfort are frequently managed together, often by using the same intervention. Therefore, although this article focuses on sedation, separating sedation from pain control is not always possible or wise. Despite significant progress in the understanding of human neurodevelopment, pharmacology, and more careful attention to how we care for sick infants, we still have much to learn. Protecting and comforting our fragile patients requires us to use poorly validated tools to assess and intervene to minimize distress, often applying data derived from adult patients to infants. Our first priority should be to minimize pain and distress. Further exploration of nonpharmacologic methods of procedural pain and distress control are needed. When pharmacologic intervention is necessary for procedural pain control and sedation, we need to use the least amount of drug that controls the pain and distress for the shortest period of time. As newer techniques and medications are introduced to clinical practice, we must demonstrate that such additions achieve their goal of sedation or pain control, and are safe over the lifetimes of our patients. Clinicians should identify appropriately the need for and use of sedatives and analgesics in the neonate.
Preeclampsia: Pathophysiology, Management, and Maternal and Fetal Sequelae
Authors: McDonnold Mollie , Olson Gayle
Published: January 2013

Preeclampsia is a unique, complicated problem of pregnancy that is prevalent worldwide. The maternal effects of severe disease may involve multiple organ systems. Consequences of disease for the infant include possible prematurity, fetal growth restriction, placental abruption, or intrauterine fetal demise. In addition, long-term effects of disease have been studied in both mothers and children. Although the exact cause of preeclampsia is not fully understood, increasing evidence points to abnormal placentation and an imbalance of antiangiogenic factors. Specifically, soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 has been investigated as the link between poor placental invasion and maternal disease. Clinically, maternal disease is defined as the presence of elevated blood pressure after 20 weeks’ gestation and proteinuria. The presence of severe symptoms or abnormal laboratory test results separate mild and severe disease. Studies have shown that delivery should occur at 37 weeks’ gestation with mild disease and 34 weeks’ gestation with severe disease. In early-onset severe disease, expectant management with close monitoring is possible if maternal and fetal status remain stable. Pathophysiology, diagnosis criteria, management, and possible maternal and fetal complications are reviewed.
An Agenda for Children for the 113th Congress: Recommendations From the Pediatric Academic Societies
Authors: Block Robert W. , Dreyer Benard P. , Cohen Alan R. , Stapleton F. Bruder , Furth Susan L. , Bucciarelli Richard L.
Published: January 2013

The 113th Congress of the United States begins in January 2013. With each new Congress, there are many changes, not only in the faces of the newly elected, but also in the membership of committees and the staff serving the members. As agendas for the session are set, there is a resurgence of conflicting priorities. In the past, when these conflicts were resolved, children were rarely at the top of the list. Given the numerous pressing national issues, both domestic and foreign, the same trend will likely occur.
The Crucial Role of Recess in School
Authors:   COUNCIL ON SCHOOL HEALTH, Murray Robert , Ramstetter Catherine , Devore Cynthia , Allison Mandy , Ancona Richard , Barnett Stephen , Gunther Robert , Holmes Breena Welch , Lamont Jeffrey , Minier Mark , Okamoto Jeffery , Wheeler Lani , Young Thomas
Published: January 2013

This Policy Statement was reaffirmed April 2023.

Recess is at the heart of a vigorous debate over the role of schools in promoting the optimal development of the whole child. A growing trend toward reallocating time in school to accentuate the more academic subjects has put this important facet of a child’s school day at risk. Recess serves as a necessary break from the rigors of concentrated, academic challenges in the classroom. But equally important is the fact that safe and well-supervised recess offers cognitive, social, emotional, and physical benefits that may not be fully appreciated when a decision is made to diminish it. Recess is unique from, and a complement to, physical education—not a substitute for it. The American Academy of Pediatrics believes that recess is a crucial and necessary component of a child’s development and, as such, it should not be withheld for punitive or academic reasons.
Role of the School Physician
Authors:   COUNCIL ON SCHOOL HEALTH, Devore Cynthia DiLaura , Wheeler Lani S.M. , Allison Mandy , Ancona Richard , Barnett Stephen , Gunther Robert , Holmes Breena Welch , Lamont Jeffrey , Minier Mark , Okamoto Jeffery , Young Thomas
Published: January 2013

This Policy Statement was reaffirmed January 2019.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recognizes the important role physicians play in promoting the optimal biopsychosocial well-being of children in the school setting. Although the concept of a school physician has existed for more than a century, uniformity among states and school districts regarding physicians in schools and the laws governing it are lacking. By understanding the roles and contributions physicians can make to schools, pediatricians can support and promote school physicians in their communities and improve health and safety for children.
Screening Examination of Premature Infants for Retinopathy of Prematurity
Authors:   AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS Section on Ophthalmology,   AMERICAN ACADEMY OF OPHTHALMOLOGY,   AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR PEDIATRIC OPHTHALMOLOGY AND STRABISMUS,   AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF CERTIFIED ORTHOPTISTS, Fierson Walter M. , Saunders Richard A. , Good William , Palmer Earl A. , Phelps Dale , Reynolds James , Chiang Michael F. , Ruben James B. , Granet David B. , Blocker Richard J. , Bradford Geoffrey E. , Karr Daniel J. , Lueder Gregg T. , Lehman Sharon S. , Siatkowski R. Michael
Published: January 2013

This statement revises a previous statement on screening of preterm infants for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) that was published in 2006. ROP is a pathologic process that occurs only in immature retinal tissue and can progress to a tractional retinal detachment, which can result in functional or complete blindness. Use of peripheral retinal ablative therapy by using laser photocoagulation for nearly 2 decades has resulted in a high probability of markedly decreasing the incidence of this poor visual outcome, but the sequential nature of ROP creates a requirement that at-risk preterm infants be examined at proper times and intervals to detect the changes of ROP before they become permanently destructive. This statement presents the attributes on which an effective program for detecting and treating ROP could be based, including the timing of initial examination and subsequent reexamination intervals.
Clinical follow-up of two Brazilian subjects with glucokinase-MODY (MODY2) with description of a novel mutation
Authors: DellaManna Thais , Silva Magnus R. da , Chacra Antonio Roberto , Kunii Ilda S. , Rolim Ana Luiza , Furuzawa Gilberto , Maciel Rui Monteiro de Barros , Reis André Fernandes
Published: January 2013

Mutations in the glucokinase gene (GCK) account for many cases of monogenic diabetes featuring maturity-onset diabetes of the young type 2 (MODY2). The clinical pattern of this form of hyperglycemia is rather stable, with a slight elevation in blood glucose, which is usually not progressive. Patients rarely require pharmacological interventions and microvascular complications related to diabetes are unusual. We describe the clinical follow-up of two cases of MODY2 with two different mutations in GCK gene, one in exon 7, p.Glu265Lys (c.793 G> A), which has been previously described, and a novel one, in exon 2, p.Ser69Stop (c. 206C> G). The clinical course of both cases shows similarity in metabolic control of this form of diabetes over the years. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2012;56(8):490-5
Resistance to octreotide LAR in acromegalic patients with high SSTR2 expression: analysis of AIP expression
Authors: Kasuki Leandro , Colli Leandro M. , Elias Paula C. L. , Castro Margaret de , Gadelha Mônica R.
Published: January 2013

We present here the clinical and molecular data of two patients with acromegaly treated with octreotide LAR after non-curative surgery, and who presented different responses to therapy. Somatostatin receptor type 2 and 5 (SSTR2 and SSTR5), and aryl hydrocarbon receptor-interacting protein (AIP) expression levels were analyzed by qPCR. In both cases, high SSTR2 and low SSTR5 expression levels were detected; however, only one of the patients achieved disease control after octreotide LAR therapy. When we analyzed AIP expression levels of both cases, the patient whose disease was controlled after therapy exhibited AIP expression levels that were two times higher than the patient whose disease was still active. These two cases illustrate that, although the currently available somatostatin analogs bind preferentially to SSTR2, some patients are not responsive to therapy despite high expression of this receptor. This difference could be explained by differences in post-receptor signaling pathways, including the recently described involvement of AIP. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2012;56(8):501-6
Type IA isolated growth hormone deficiency (IGHD) consistent with compound heterozygous deletions of 6.7 and 7.6 Kb at the GH1 gene locus
Authors: Keselman Ana , Scaglia Paula A. , Rodríguez Prieto María Soledad , Ballerini María Gabriela , Rodríguez María Eugenia , Ropelato María Gabriela , Bergadá Ignacio , Jasper Héctor G. , Domené Horacio M.
Published: January 2013

Isolated growth hormone deficiency (IGHD) may result from deletions/mutations in either GH1 or GHRHR genes. The objective of this study was to characterize the molecular defect in a girl presenting IGHD. The patient was born at 41 weeks of gestation from non-consanguineous parents. Clinical and biochemical evaluation included anthropometric measurements, evaluation of pituitary function, IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels. Molecular characterization was performed by PCR amplification of GH1 gene and SmaI digestion of two homologous fragments flanking the gene, using genomic DNA from the patient and her parents as templates. At 1.8 years of age the patient presented severe growth retardation (height 61.2 cm, -7.4 SDS), truncal obesity, frontal bossing, doll face, and acromicria. MRI showed pituitary hypoplasia. Laboratory findings confirmed IGHD. GH1 gene could not be amplified in samples from the patient while her parents yielded one fragment of the expected size. SmaI digestion was consistent with the patient being compound heterozygous for 6.7 and 7.6 Kb deletions, while her parents appear to be heterozygous carriers for either the 6.7 or the 7.6 Kb deletions. We have characterized type IA IGHD caused by two different GH1 gene deletions, suggesting that this condition should be considered in severe IGHD, even in non-consanguineous families. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2012;56(8):558-63
New mutation in the PTEN gene in a Brazilian patient with Cowden's syndrome
Authors: Lima Erika U. de , Soares Iberê C. , Danilovic Debora L. S. , Marui Suemi
Published: January 2013

Cowden syndrome is characterized by hamartomatous polyps, trichilemmomas, increased risk of developing neoplasms, and is associated with germline mutations in the PTEN gene. We searched for germline mutations in PTEN in a 49-year-old female patient who presented trichilemmoma with previous history of breast carcinoma, and thyroidectomy for a thyroid nodule. We also searched for somatic mutations in breast and thyroid tumoral tissues. DNA was extracted from peripheral leukocytes, paraffin samples of breast carcinoma, and cytological smears of thyroid nodule fine-needle aspiration biopsy, whose final histopathological diagnosis was adenomatous goiter. PTEN was amplified and sequenced. We identified a novel mutation, due to a T>A inversion at position 159 and A>T inversion at position 160, leading to valine-to-aspartic acid substitution at position 53. The p.Val53Asp was also found in homozygous state in samples obtained from adenocarcinoma breast and thyroid biopsy, denoting loss of heterozygosity. Here, we demonstrated a novel germline mutation in PTEN, as well as somatic loss of the wild-type PTEN allele in breast and thyroid tumors in a patient with Cowden syndrome. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2012;56(8):592-6
Carotid siphon geometry and variants of the circle of Willis in the origin of carotid aneurysms
Authors: Silva Neto Ângelo Raimundo , Câmara Ródio Luis Brandão , Valença Marcelo Moraes
Published: January 2013

This study evaluated anatomical variants in the carotid siphon and of the circle of Willis in patients with aneurysms. We performed a retrospective analysis of cerebral angiographies. The Control Group was composed of patients without aneurysms. Posterior communicating artery (PcomA) aneurysms were more common in women (p<0.05), and the anterior communicating artery (AcomA) aneurysms in men (p<0.1). The incidence of fetal-type PcomA was higher in cases with co-occurring PcomA aneurysm (24 versus 8%, p<0.05). Patients with AcomA aneurysm had higher incidence of A1 hypoplasia (p<0.0001, OR=32.13, 95%CI 12.95-79.71) and lower frequency of fetal-type PcomA compared to their control counterparts (p=0.0125). The angle of carotid siphon was narrower in patients with PcomA aneurysm (27.3±19.1 versus 34.8±22.6, p=0.028). In conclusion, a narrower carotid siphon or the presence of fetal-type PcomA or A1 hypoplasia may cause hemodynamic stress, thereby promoting the formation of aneurysms in susceptible individuals.
Is the population properly informed about sleep disorders?
Authors: Camargo Eleida Pereira , Carvalho Luciane Bizari Coin , Prado Lucila Bizari Fernandes , Prado Gilmar Fernandes
Published: January 2013

OBJECTIVE: To measure the prior knowledge about sleep disorders and patient's ability to report their problems adequately to health professionals. METHODS: We analyzed 208 patient's records and extracted the following information: date of birth, gender, medical diagnostic hypotheses, patient's primary complaint in their words, considering the most appropriated semantic approximation to the perceptual phenomena, either by their own or by reasoning information from the partner. We compared the agreement (Kappa's test) between patient's complaint and medical diagnosis. The 95% confidence interval was used to analyze proportions. RESULTS: We found strong correlations for bruxism; moderate for snoring, insomnia, nightmares, somniloquy, and restless legs syndrome; fair for excessive movement during sleep (EMDS) and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA). CONCLUSIONS: The observed correlations were heterogeneous, but important diseases such as OSA and EMDS in children showed fair and weak correlations. This suggests an unsatisfactory knowledge level among the population about these disorders, despite their high prevalence and impact on patient's overall health.
Cognitive impairment is correlated with reduced quality of life in patients with clinically isolated syndrome
Authors: Anhoque Carolina Fiorin , Biccas-Neto Laurentino , Domingues Simone Cristina A. , Teixeira Antônio Lúcio , Domingues Renan Barros
Published: January 2013

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the quality of life (QoL) and potential QoL determinants in patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). METHODS: Eighteen CIS patients and eighteen controls were submitted to QoL evaluation with Functional Assessment of Multiple Sclerosis QoL instrument (FAMS). Cognition was evaluated with specific battery tests; Anxiety and depression with Beck Anxiety (BAI) and Depression (BDI) Inventories and Neurological disability with Guy's Neurological Disability Scale (GNDS). RESULTS: There was a significant difference in QoL between CIS patients and controls. CIS patients had worse performance in Paced Auditory Serial Addition 2 seconds (p=0.009) and fluency tests (p=0.0038). There was a significant difference in BAI (p=0.003), but no significant difference in BDI between patients and controls. There were significant correlations between QoL measure and verbal fluency and Stroop's test. CONCLUSIONS: Cognition, but not anxiety, depression and disability, was associated with reduced quality of life.
A importância das áreas ripárias para a sustentabilidade hidrológica do uso da terra em microbacias hidrográficas
Authors: Attanasio Cláudia Mira , Gandolfi Sergius , Zakia Maria José B. , Veniziani Junior José Carlos Toledo , Lima Walter de Paula
Published: January 2013

Zonas ripárias são áreas de saturação hídrica, permanente ou temporária, cuja principal função é a proteção dos recursos hídricos de uma microbacia. Essa pesquisa comparou a adequação do uso do solo de dois cenários de planejamento agrícola de uma microbacia: o cenário convencional, representando o método usualmente empregado, que apenas considera as classes de capacidade de uso da terra, e o cenário hidrológico, que inclui a delimitação e avaliação das zonas ripárias. Um estudo de caso foi realizado na Microbacia do Ribeirão São João (3.656 ha), no município de Mineiros do Tietê (São Paulo, Brasil). Mapas de Classe de Capacidade de Uso da Terra e de Adequação do Uso do Solo foram elaborados, utilizando o Sistema de Informação Geográfica (SIG), para a construção dos cenários convencional e do proposto. Excluindo a Área de Preservação Permanente (APP), o cenário convencional indicou que 59,0% da área destinada à agricultura está adequadamente utilizada, 28,2% está subutilizada e 2,6% está sobreutilizada. O cenário proposto ou hidrológico, com inclusão da identificação da zona ripária (24,9% da microbacia) mostrou que muitas áreas que, no cenário convencional, possuem pouca restrição para o cultivo intensivo, como as classes II e III, são zonas ripárias, de sensibilidade hidrológica. Existem dentro dos limites da zona ripária 38,9% de classe de capacidade de uso III e 49,5% de classe IV. O planejador, desconsiderando a zona ripária, pode colocar em risco áreas vitais que, se degradadas, representam danos para a saúde e resiliência da microbacia.
Compactação de um latossolo vermelho distroférrico com diferentes quantidades e manejos de palha em superfície
Authors: Rosim Daniel Coelho , De Maria Isabella Clerici , Silva Renato Lemos e , Silva Álvaro Pires da
Published: January 2013

A compactação do solo em áreas agrícolas manejadas em sistema plantio direto tem sido apontada como um problema enfrentado por produtores, em especial nas áreas com solos argilosos. A compactação é causada principalmente pelo tráfego de máquinas, quando não são respeitadas faixas adequadas de umidade do solo. A palha na superfície do solo, por criar uma barreira física entre o pneu das máquinas e o solo, pode ser um fator de minimização da compactação. Assim, o objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o efeito da palha de milheto em superfície na redução da compactação do solo causada pelo rodado de um trator. O experimento constou de quatro tratamentos de quantidade de palha (sem palha, 5, 10 e 15 Mg ha-1) e três de manejo da palha (em pé, tombada e fragmentada). Após a passagem do trator determinou-se a resistência à penetração, umidade, densidade e porosidade total do solo na área trafegada. A densidade e porosidade total não foram afetadas pela passagem do tráfego. Nos tratamentos com palha, obteve-se maior umidade e, consequentemente, menor resistência. Entre os tratamentos de manejo da palha não houve diferença para umidade e resistência. Para a mesma umidade do solo, maiores quantidades de palha resultaram em menores valores de resistência à penetração, evidenciando menor compactação.
Método de dissipação térmica para determinação do fluxo de seiva em coqueiro anão-verde
Authors: Araújo Marilaine Campanati , Esteves Barbara dos Santos , Sousa Elias Fernandes de
Published: January 2013

O conhecimento da demanda hídrica das culturas é uma informação básica para o manejo de irrigação. O método de dissipação térmica (MDT) vem recebendo atenção nos últimos tempos para esta finalidade, em virtude de utilizar princípios físicos relativamente simples e poder ser aplicado diretamente no campo. Este trabalho objetivou realizar a calibração do método de sonda de dissipação térmica na determinação do fluxo de seiva em coqueiro anão-verde. Para a calibração, a sonda foi inserida em um segmento de pecíolo da folha do coqueiro-anão verde. Um fluxo estável de água foi estabelecido no segmento do pecíolo. Foram feitas medidas de vazão, volume por unidade de tempo, e temperatura, dada pela sonda. Após a calibração em laboratório foram realizados experimentos de campo na Região Norte Fluminense, Brasil, nos quais o modelo calibrado foi capaz de acompanhar a demanda atmosférica. Conclui-se que modelo matemático obtido da calibração do MDT é satisfatório para a obtenção da transpiração no coqueiro anão-verde.
O Sistema Único de Assistência Social: resultados da implementação da política nos municípios brasileiros
Authors: Cavalcante Pedro , Ribeiro Beatriz Bernardes
Published: January 2013

O artigo tem como objetivo desenvolver uma avaliação dos resultados da implementação do Sistema Único de Assistência Social (Suas) após quatro anos da criação. Logo, algumas questões centrais são objeto de avaliação: i) o novo modelo teve impacto na melhoria da gestão municipal? ii) o Suas surtiu resultados positivos do ponto de vista da equidade entre as prefeituras? iii) quais os determinantes de eventuais incrementos na execução local da Assistência Social (AS) após essa mudança institucional? Para tanto, o trabalho emprega os métodos de desenho quase experimental, de análise exploratória de dados e regressão múltipla com base nas informações das pesquisas sobre o Perfil dos Municípios Brasileiros (Munic) do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE) de 2005 e 2009. Como resultado, o estudo demonstra que o Suas foi bem-sucedido no incremento da política, redução da disparidade entre os municípios e, principalmente, o processo foi afetado por fatores relativos à dinâmica política eleitoral.
Ação comunicativa na gestão de um serviço privatizado de água e esgotos: uma avaliação em Cachoeiro de Itapemirim (ES)
Authors: Aguiar Marluce Martins de , Heller Léo , Melo Elza Machado de
Published: January 2013

Este artigo discute o processo de participação social na gestão do serviço de abastecimento de água e esgotamento sanitário do município de Cachoeiro de Itapemirim (ES). Para tanto, apoia-se no conceito de democracia deliberativa de Jürgen Habermas, entendido como a institucionalização dos processos discursivos de formação da opinião e da vontade. Foram realizadas pesquisas documentais, entrevistas com atores-chave e grupos focais com a população. Constatou-se que, na atuação do Conselho Municipal de Saneamento e das audiências públicas da agência municipal de regulação, prevalecem os imperativos sistêmicos mediados pelo dinheiro e pelo poder administrativo em detrimento da possibilidade de formação política da vontade e da opinião, próprios do mundo da vida. Conclui-se que as formas de gestão ainda são distantes do ideal da democracia deliberativa, produzindo-se o que Habermas denomina de "colonização do mundo da vida".
Burocratas da linha de frente: executores e fazedores das políticas públicas
Authors: Oliveira Antonio
Published: January 2013

A relação entre implementação das políticas, organização e burocracia é relevante porque ela ilumina a face de um problema crucial: o porquê de políticas serem bem-sucedidas ou fracassarem. As análises dessa relação indicam que o poder discricionário dos burocratas do nível da rua é um fator decisivo na distribuição de bens e serviços públicos; portanto, a ação desses agentes é uma variável relevante para o sucesso das políticas. Este artigo pretende discutir a discricionariedade dos burocratas do baixo escalão na aplicação das políticas públicas, usando como referência os argumentos apresentados na literatura especializada da implementação, da burocracia e da organização. A conclusão assinala questões que são importantes para o controle do poder discricionário dos agentes públicos, sublinhando que essa discrição é condição necessária à execução das políticas, mas que ela ameaça a accountability e a responsiveness.
Clinical and hepatic evaluation in adult dengue patients: a prospective two-month cohort study
Authors: Tristão-Sá Ricardo , Kubelka Claire Fernandes , Zandonade Eliana , Zagne Sônia Maria Oliveira , Rocha Natally de Souza Maciel , Zagne Luiza Oliveira , Araújo Nathália Félix , Amin Beatriz , Fazoli Flávia , Souza Luiz José de , Cruz Oswaldo Gonçalves , Cunha Rivaldo Venâncio da , Nascimento Delso do , Froes Íris Bucher , Nogueira Rita Maria Ribeiro
Published: January 2013

INTRODUCTION: To analyze the liver dysfunction and evolution of signs and symptoms in adult dengue patients during a two-month follow-up period. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted in Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from January to July, 2008. The evolution of laboratory and clinical manifestations of 90 adult dengue patients was evaluated in five scheduled visits within a two-month follow-up period. Twenty controls were enrolled for the analysis of liver function. Patients with hepatitis B, hepatitis C, those known to be human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seropositive and pregnant women were excluded from the study. RESULTS: At the end of the second month following diagnosis, we observed that symptoms persisted in 33.3% (30/90) of dengue patients. We also observed that, 57.7% (15/26) of the symptoms persisted at the end of the second month. The most persistent symptoms were arthralgia, fatigue, weakness, adynamia, anorexia, taste alteration, and hair loss. Prior dengue virus (DENV) infection did not predispose patients to a longer duration of symptoms. Among hepatic functions, transaminases had the most remarkable elevation and in some cases remained elevated up to the second month after the disease onset. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels overcame aspartate aminotransferase (AST) during the convalescent period. Male patients were more severely affected than females. CONCLUSIONS: Dengue fever may present a wide number of symptoms and elevated liver transaminases at the end of the second month.
Ecology of phlebotomines (Diptera, Psychodidae) in rural foci of leishmaniasis in tropical Brazil
Authors: Silva Clara Maria Lima , Moraes Leandro Santos , Brito Gustavo Almeida , Santos Ciro Libio Caldas dos , Rebêlo José Manuel Macário
Published: January 2013

INTRODUCTION: This work aimed to study the community structure of sandflies, with regard to the richness, constancy, abundance, and monthly frequency of the species with a focus on the transmission of leishmaniasis. METHODS: The study was conducted in the rural villages of Bom Jardim and Santa Maria, situated on the edge of a tropical rain forest in the municipality of São Jose de Ribamar, Maranhão, Brazil. The phlebotomines were captured in the intradomiciles and peridomiciles of each village, with Centers for Disease Control (CDC) light traps set in 10 homes in each village, for 1 year, once a month, from 18h to 6h. RESULTS: We collected 1,378 individuals of 16 sandfly species. The capture success rate was higher in Bom Jardim (0.61 specimens/hour/trap) than that of Santa Maria (0.35/specimens/hour/trap). The sandflies were more abundant in the peridomiciles (86.1%) and in the rainy season (77%). Five species were considered constants (occurring in more than 50% of samples), 5 accessory (25%-50%), and 6 accidental (<25%). The most abundant species were Lutzomyia longipalpis (59.7%) and L whitmani (28%). The permutation analysis showed differences between the species composition of the villages and no separation between the intradomicile and peridomicile of each village. The species that most contributed to the dissimilarity between the light traps of the 2 villages were L. longipalpis, L. whitmani, and L. evandroi, contributing to 80.8% of the variation among groups. CONCLUSIONS: The high level of richness and abundance of species and the presence of competent vectors throughout the year and around houses justify the occurrence of leishmaniasis cases reported in the area.