bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seroepidemiology of human Toxoplasma gondii infection in China
Authors: Xiao Yue , Yin Jigang , Jiang Ning , Xiang Mei , Hao Lili , Lu Huijun , Sang Hong , Liu Xianying , Xu Huiji , Ankarklev Johan , Lindh Johan , Chen Qijun
Published: January 2010

Background

Toxoplasmosis is an important zoonotic parasitic disease worldwide. In immune competent individuals, Toxoplasma gondii preferentially infects tissues of central nervous systems, which might be an adding factor of certain psychiatric disorders. Congenital transmission of T. gondii during pregnancy has been regarded as a risk factor for the health of newborn infants. While in immune-compromised individuals, the parasite can cause life-threatening infections. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of T. gondii infection among clinically healthy individuals and patients with psychiatric disorders in China and to identify the potential risk factors related to the vulnerability of infection in the population.

Methods

Serum samples from 2634 healthy individuals and 547 patients with certain psychiatric disorders in Changchun and Daqing in the northeast, and in Shanghai in the south of China were examined respectively for the levels of anti-T. gondii IgG by indirect ELISA and a direct agglutination assay. Prevalence of T. gondii infection in the Chinese population in respect of gender, age, residence and health status was systematically analyzed.

Results

The overall anti-T. gondii IgG prevalence in the study population was 12.3%. In the clinically healthy population 12.5% was sero-positive and in the group with psychiatric disorders 11.3% of these patients were positive with anti-T. gondii IgG. A significant difference (P = 0.004) was found between male and female in the healthy population, the seroprevalence was 10.5% in men versus 14.3% in women. Furthermore, the difference of T. gondii infection rate between male and female in the 20-19 year's group was more obvious, with 6.4% in male population and 14.6% in female population.

Conclusion

A significant higher prevalence of T. gondii infection was observed in female in the clinically healthy population. No correlation was found between T. gondii infection and psychiatric disorders in this study. Results suggest that women are more exposed to T. gondii infection than men in China. The data argue for deeper investigations for the potential risk factors that threat the female populations.
What "best practice" could be in Palliative Care: an analysis of statements on practice and ethics expressed by the main Health Organizations
Authors: Barazzetti Gaia , Borreani Claudia , Miccinesi Guido , Toscani Franco
Published: January 2010

Background

In palliative care it would be necessary to refer to a model. Nevertheless it seems that there are no official statements which state and describe that model. We carried out an analysis of the statements on practice and ethics of palliative care expressed by the main health organizations to show which dimensions of end-of-life care are taken into consideration.

Methods

The official documents by the most representative health organisations committed to the definition of policies and guidelines for palliative and end-of-life care had been considered. The documents were analysed through a framework of the components of end-of-life care derived from literature, which was composed of 4 main "areas" and of 12 "sub-areas".

Results

Overall, 34 organizations were identified, 7 international organisations, and 27 organisations operating on the national level in four different countries (Australia, Canada, UK and United States). Up to 56 documents were selected and analysed. Most of them (38) are position statements. Relevant quotations from the documents were presented by "areas" and "sub-areas". In general, the "sub-areas" of symptoms control as well as those referring to relational and social issues are more widely covered by the documents than the "sub-areas" related to "preparation" and to "existential condition". Indeed, the consistency of end-of-life choices with the patient's wishes, as well as completion and meaningfulness at the end of life is given only a minor relevance.

Conclusions

An integrated model of the best palliative care practice is generally lacking in the documents. It might be argued that the lack of a fixed and coherent model is due to the relevance of unavoidable context issues in palliative care, such as specific cultural settings, patient-centred variables, and family specificity. The implication is that palliative care staff have continuously to adapt their model of caring to the specific needs and values of each patient, more than applying a fixed, although maybe comprehensive, care model.
Does the process map influence the outcome of quality improvement work? A comparison of a sequential flow diagram and a hierarchical task analysis diagram
Authors: Colligan Lacey , Anderson Janet E , Potts Henry WW , Berman Jonathan
Published: January 2010

Background

Many quality and safety improvement methods in healthcare rely on a complete and accurate map of the process. Process mapping in healthcare is often achieved using a sequential flow diagram, but there is little guidance available in the literature about the most effective type of process map to use. Moreover there is evidence that the organisation of information in an external representation affects reasoning and decision making. This exploratory study examined whether the type of process map - sequential or hierarchical - affects healthcare practitioners' judgments.

Methods

A sequential and a hierarchical process map of a community-based anti coagulation clinic were produced based on data obtained from interviews, talk-throughs, attendance at a training session and examination of protocols and policies. Clinic practitioners were asked to specify the parts of the process that they judged to contain quality and safety concerns. The process maps were then shown to them in counter-balanced order and they were asked to circle on the diagrams the parts of the process where they had the greatest quality and safety concerns. A structured interview was then conducted, in which they were asked about various aspects of the diagrams.

Results

Quality and safety concerns cited by practitioners differed depending on whether they were or were not looking at a process map, and whether they were looking at a sequential diagram or a hierarchical diagram. More concerns were identified using the hierarchical diagram compared with the sequential diagram and more concerns were identified in relation to clinical work than administrative work. Participants' preference for the sequential or hierarchical diagram depended on the context in which they would be using it. The difficulties of determining the boundaries for the analysis and the granularity required were highlighted.

Conclusions

The results indicated that the layout of a process map does influence perceptions of quality and safety problems in a process. In quality improvement work it is important to carefully consider the type of process map to be used and to consider using more than one map to ensure that different aspects of the process are captured.
Frequent aberrant DNA methylation of ABCB1, FOXC1, PPP2R2B and PTEN in ductal carcinoma in situ and early invasive breast cancer
Authors: Muggerud Aslaug Aa , Rønneberg Jo Anders , Wärnberg Fredrik , Botling Johan , Busato Florence , Jovanovic Jovana , Solvang Hiroko , Bukholm Ida , Børresen-Dale Anne-Lise , Kristensen Vessela N , Sørlie Therese , Tost Jörg
Published: January 2010

Introduction

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a non-invasive lesion of the breast that is frequently detected by mammography and subsequently removed by surgery. However, it is estimated that about half of the detected lesions would never have progressed into invasive cancer. Identifying DCIS and invasive cancer specific epigenetic lesions and understanding how these epigenetic changes are involved in triggering tumour progression is important for a better understanding of which lesions are at risk of becoming invasive.

Methods

Quantitative DNA methylation analysis of ABCB1, CDKN2A/p16
INK4a
, ESR1, FOXC1, GSTP1, IGF2, MGMT, MLH1, PPP2R2B, PTEN and RASSF1A was performed by pyrosequencing in a series of 27 pure DCIS, 28 small invasive ductal carcinomas (IDCs), 34 IDCs with a DCIS component and 5 normal breast tissue samples. FOXC1, ABCB1, PPP2R2B and PTEN were analyzed in 23 additional normal breast tissue samples. Real-Time PCR expression analysis was performed for FOXC1.

Results

Aberrant DNA methylation was observed in all three diagnosis groups for the following genes: ABCB1, FOXC1, GSTP1, MGMT, MLH1, PPP2R2B, PTEN and RASSF1A. For most of these genes, methylation was already present at the DCIS level with the same frequency as within IDCs. For FOXC1 significant differences in methylation levels were observed between normal breast tissue and invasive tumours (P < 0.001). The average DNA methylation levels were significantly higher in the pure IDCs and IDCs with DCIS compared to pure DCIS (P = 0.007 and P = 0.001, respectively). Real-time PCR analysis of FOXC1 expression from 25 DCIS, 23 IDCs and 28 normal tissue samples showed lower gene expression levels of FOXC1 in both methylated and unmethylated tumours compared to normal tissue (P < 0.001). DNA methylation levels of FOXC1, GSTP1, ABCB1 and RASSF1A were higher in oestrogen receptor (ER) positive vs. ER negative tumours; whereas methylation levels of FOXC1, ABCB1, PPP2R2B and PTEN were lower in tumours with a TP53 mutation.

Conclusions

Quantitative methylation analysis identified ABCB1, FOXC1, PPP2R2B and PTEN as novel genes to be methylated in DCIS. In particular, FOXC1 showed a significant increase in the methylation frequency in invasive tumours. Low FOXC1 gene expression in both methylated and unmethylated DCIS and IDCs indicates that the loss of its expression is an early event during breast cancer progression.
The Estrogen Receptor-α in Osteoclasts Mediates the Protective Effects of Estrogens on Cancellous But Not Cortical Bone
Authors: Martin-Millan Marta , Almeida Maria , Ambrogini Elena , Han Li , Zhao Haibo , Weinstein Robert S. , Jilka Robert L. , O'Brien Charles A. , Manolagas Stavros C.
Published: January 2010

Estrogens attenuate osteoclastogenesis and stimulate osteoclast apoptosis, but the molecular mechanism and contribution of these effects to the overall antiosteoporotic efficacy of estrogens remain controversial. We selectively deleted the estrogen receptor (ER)α from the monocyte/macrophage cell lineage in mice (ERαLysM−/−) and found a 2-fold increase in osteoclast progenitors in the marrow and the number of osteoclasts in cancellous bone, along with a decrease in cancellous bone mass. After loss of estrogens these mice failed to exhibit the expected increase in osteoclast progenitors, the number of osteoclasts in bone, and further loss of cancellous bone. However, they lost cortical bone indistinguishably from their littermate controls. Mature osteoclasts from ERαLysM−/− were resistant to the proapoptotic effect of 17β-estradiol. Nonetheless, the effects of estrogens on osteoclasts were unhindered in mice bearing an ERα knock-in mutation that prevented binding to DNA. Moreover, a polymeric form of estrogen that is not capable of stimulating the nuclear-initiated actions of ERα was as effective as 17β-estradiol in inducing osteoclast apoptosis in cells with the wild-type ERα. We conclude that estrogens attenuate osteoclast generation and life span via cell autonomous effects mediated by DNA-binding-independent actions of ERα. Elimination of these effects is sufficient for loss of bone in the cancellous compartment in which complete perforation of trabeculae by osteoclastic resorption precludes subsequent refilling of the cavities by the bone-forming osteoblasts. However, additional effects of estrogens on osteoblasts, osteocytes, and perhaps other cell types are required for their protective effects on the cortical compartment, which constitutes 80% of the skeleton.
Where in the World Did Kamala Markandaya Go?
Authors: George Rosemary Marangoly
Published: January 2010

This essay argues that tracking Kamala Markandaya's literary career enables us to see, in retrospect, some of the blind spots of the postcolonial literary critical frame within which we have situated novels produced by third-world writers in the twentieth century. Primarily, this essay examines the literary consequences of placing nationhood and nationalism at the very center of the postcolonial literary critical framework that was collaboratively created from the 1980s onward by scholars from/in different parts of the globe to serve as an analytical tool for third-world literatures in the twentieth century. Markandaya's career, with its demonstrably spectacular beginning and dismal end, helps us see the kind of nationalist postures that were tacitly or explicitly expected (by those in the western and the Indian literary, academic, and publishing worlds) of the Indian writer in the second half of the twentieth century. The issue at hand is much more complicated than is usually represented as the chasm between the India-based and the Indian diasporic writer. All through the twentieth century, novels written by writers of Indian origin from either location can and do partake of an “Indianness” that is deemed authentic and powerful as long as they are understood to be committed to the Indian nation and her people from within or from afar. In Markandaya's case, I argue that after the global success of her first novel, Nectar in a Sieve (1954), her refusal to put any kind of national(ist) investment at the heart of her fiction resulted in this writer of formidable talent losing her place in the roster of critically acclaimed Indian writers.
Unorthodox Chronologies, Secret Histories: The Novel and the Critique of Historicism
Authors: Glover David
Published: January 2010

In the immediate aftermath of World War II, the roman fleuve underwent an unexpected revival in Britain, reaching a new peak of popularity in the work of Anthony Powell, C. P. Snow, Lawrence Durrell, and Doris Lessing (among others). Its success raises the question of the relationship between the novel and history in a peculiarly sharp form, a point emphasized by Perry Anderson during a 1983 conference commemorating the centenary of Marx's death when he described Powell's avowedly anti-Marxist series A Dance to the Music of Time as “the most important piece of postwar fiction in the English language for the metropolitan world.” Anderson's judgment, based on the claim that a masterpiece can be identified in terms of its historical coordinates, ignores the extent to which the postwar roman fleuve incorporated secret histories, occult ironies, irrational or pathological episodes, and coincidental indeterminacies as part of a fascination with unorthodox causal structures and the breakup of secular time. Today these contingent textual incidents seem to foreshadow a wider set of uncertainties regarding the true scope of historical narrative: the place of the event in cultural analysis, the interruption of “homogeneous, empty time,” the attempt to introduce a poetics of history, and the interrogation of secular models of explanation. Since these questions also intrude upon the world of fiction, we might ask: to what extent does the novel now depend upon the critique of historicism?
The Doctrine of Survivals, the Great Mutiny, and Lady Audley's Secret
Authors: Herbert Christopher
Published: January 2010

The key principle of Victorian cultural anthropology, the doctrine of obsolescent “survivals,” had as its Gothic counterpart the implication that atavistic residues of early human stages could persist in modernity and might at any moment unexpectedly resurface. One crystallizing event in the evolutionary history of this theme was the Indian Mutiny of 1857, and one text that translated this lesson of the Mutiny most powerfully for popular thinking was Mary Elizabeth Braddon's famous sensation novel Lady Audley's Secret (1861-62).
Law, Parody, and the Politics of African American Literary History
Authors: Jarrett Gene Andrew
Published: January 2010

I examine the political value of The Wind Done Gone (2001), Alice Randall's parody of Margaret Mitchell's Gone with the Wind (1936), according to the 2001 court case SunTrust Bank v. Houghton Mifflin Company. Houghton Mifflin's defense of Randall's novel from the Stephens Mitchell Trust's accusation of copyright infringement took advantage of the fair use doctrine in US copyright law, which protects the literary communication of free, political speech. While Houghton Mifflin was ultimately successful—insofar as it won a favorable verdict from a court of appeals, settled out of court, and then published Randall's novel—it misstated the political nature of parody to achieve a legal benefit. By sharpening the definition of parody to include the trope of irony, I demarcate the fine line separating African American literature's historic attacks on racial stereotypes from violations of the copyright law used to protect them.
Some Body's Story: The Novel as Instrument
Authors: Kennedy Meegan
Published: January 2010

Literary critics' work on the sensation novel has often focused on these novels' purported ability to create affect—specifically suspense, shock, and fear—in their readers. This critical emphasis on how novels reproduce affect in the reader overlooks how they record affect, particularly the originary symptoms of affect in a character or narrator, as opposed to the secondary response in a reader. Why is it necessary for the novel to record these originary symptoms at all when affect could be produced in the reader by other means? The textual record of the sensation novel, which like the medical graphing instruments of the 1860s creates a continuous record of bodily sensation attending to scale, timing, and source, helps not just to construct a subjectivity through emotion but to assert the materiality of the fictional world supporting that subjectivity. More important, it parses out important distinctions between novel time and historical, biological, or evolutionary time, between the affect of an individual character and that of the human body more generally, which grounds and enables the commonality of bodily experience between a fictional character and the diverse community of readers.
LRP6 is internalized by Dkk1 to suppress its phosphorylation in the lipid raft and is recycled for reuse
Authors: Sakane Hiroshi , Yamamoto Hideki , Kikuchi Akira
Published: January 2010

β-catenin-mediated Wnt signaling is crucial in animal development and tumor progression. The phosphorylation of low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 (LRP6), a single-span transmembrane Wnt receptor, plays a vital role in this signaling. Dickkopf1 (Dkk1) has been shown to inhibit the Wnt— β-catenin pathway, but the mechanism is not yet clear. Here, evidence is presented that Wnt3a-dependent phosphorylation of LRP6 occurs in the lipid raft and that Dkk1 inhibits the formation of a complex between LRP6 and casein kinase 1γ (CK1γ) by removing LRP6 from the lipid raft. Dkk1 internalized LRP6 in a Rab5-dependent mechanism to prevent phosphorylation mediated by CK1γ. The internalized LRP6 was recycled back in a Rab11-dependent mechanism to the cell-surface membrane, and the recycled LRP6 again responded to Wnt3a and Dkk1. Internalized Dkk1 was trafficked in a Rab7-mediated route and degraded in the lysosome. These results suggest that Dkk1 induces the internalization of LRP6 to suppress its phosphorylation in the lipid raft and allows subsequent recycling of LRP6 so that it can be reused for signaling.
An audit of the precipitating factors for haemolytic crisis among glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase-deficient paediatric patients
Authors: Al-Azzam Sayer I , Al-Ajlony Mohammad J , Al-Khateeb Taqwa , Alzoubi Karem H , Mhaidat Nizar , Ayoub Abeer
Published: January 2010

Background

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is one of the most common genetic enzyme deficiencies leading to haemolytic anaemia. This study aimed to investigate the precipitating factors for haemolytic crisis in G6PD-deficient paediatric patients in Jordan.

Method

A retrospective study of data from the records of 258 paediatric patients admitted to a major paediatric hospital in North Jordan from January 2001 until April 2007. Patients included were G6PD-deficient children who were admitted to the hospital secondary to an episode of haemolytic anaemia.

Results

Of 258 paediatric patients, 244 (94.2%) had developed a haemolytic episode secondary to ingestion of fava beans. The remaining 14 children (5.8%) developed a haemolytic episode triggered by other factors, such as drugs and upper respiratory infections.

Conclusion

Fava bean ingestion is the major precipitating factor for haemolytic anaemia episodes among G6PD-deficient children in Jordan.
The profile of newborn screening coverage in China
Authors: Cao Y , Yuan P , Wang Y P , Mao M , Zhu J
Published: January 2010

Objective

To estimate provincial, regional and national newborn screening coverage throughout China.

Method

Information about newborn screening was collected using a survey questionnaire from neonatal screening laboratories in China in 2006–2007. The total number of live births at the provincial and national levels was obtained from the Maternal and Child Health Information System (MCHIS) and the State Statistics Bureau (SSB), respectively, and was used to calculate the neonatal screening coverage at the provincial, regional and national levels.

Results

There were 185 laboratories providing neonatal screening services in China in 2007. The rates of national screening coverage in 2006 and 2007 were 31.27% and 39.96%, respectively, based on live birth numbers reported by the SSB. Both of these estimates are lower than those calculated from live birth numbers reported by the MCHIS. The rates of coverage in the Eastern, Middle and Western regions were about 84.90%, 30.41% and 19.82%, respectively, based on the live birth numbers reported by the MCHIS.

Conclusion

There are disparities in screening coverage between regions and between provinces throughout China, but the extent of this is difficult to ascertain because of the different systems of reporting live births. To calculate nationwide screening coverage it is probably appropriate to use the SSB data on live births. However, for provincial screening coverage the calculation is probably best based on the number of live births reported by the MCHIS once the validity of the MCHIS data is verified.
Precession electron diffraction and its advantages for structural fingerprinting in the transmission electron microscope
Authors: Moeck Peter , Rouvimov Sergei
Published: January 2010

The foundations of precession electron diffraction in a transmission electron microscope are outlined. A brief illustration of the fact that laboratory-based powder X-ray diffraction fingerprinting is not feasible for nanocrystals is given. A procedure for structural fingerprinting of nanocrystals on the basis of structural data that can be extracted from precession electron diffraction spot patterns is proposed.
Structure determination of the intermediate tin oxide Sn3O4 by precession electron diffraction
Authors: White Thomas A. , Moreno M. Sergio , Midgley Paul A.
Published: January 2010

The structure of an intermediate form of tin oxide was investigated by precession electron diffraction. The results support a revised version of a layered, vacancy-ordered structure for Sn3O4 proposed in the preceding literature. The lattice parameters were found to be consistent with a monoclinic cell which is a distorted superlattice of the cassiterite structure. Zero-order Laue zone (ZOLZ) Patterson maps, phased projections and phases measured from a [001] first-order Laue zone (FOLZ) conditional Patterson map all support the proposed modification to the tin coordinates over the unmodified form. The results of kinematical refinement were not satisfactory, although weak features found in the Patterson maps were consistent with the oxygen atoms being located close to the previously proposed positions.
Vitaminas e minerais com propriedades antioxidantes e risco cardiometabólico: controvérsias e perspectivas
Authors: Catania Antonela Siqueira , Barros Camila Risso de , Ferreira Sandra Roberta G.
Published: January 2010

No processo celular de obtenção de energia, são gerados compostos chamados espécies reativas de oxigênio (ERO) que, em excesso, podem causar danos celulares. Estresse oxidativo resulta do desequilíbrio no estado de óxido-redução a favor da oxidação. Dos mecanismos de defesa antioxidante, participam enzimas endógenas e algumas vitaminas e minerais. A vitamina E encontra-se no plasma e na partícula de LDL, protegendo lipídeos da oxidação. Estudos observacionais relataram associação inversa entre ingestão de vitamina E e risco cardiometabólico (RCM). Entretanto, ensaios clínicos não comprovaram a eficácia de sua suplementação nos desfechos cardiometabólicos. A vitamina C participa do sistema de regeneração da vitamina E, mantendo o potencial antioxidante plasmático. Dados sobre os benefícios de sua suplementação na redução do risco cardiometabólico são inconclusivos. A atividade antioxidante dos carotenoides é responsável, em parte, por seu papel protetor contra doenças cardiovasculares e cânceres. A suplementação desse nutriente também não trouxe resultados consistentes no que se refere à redução do RCM. A participação do zinco e do selênio na defesa antioxidante vem sendo estudada mais recentemente, mas a sua suplementação em indivíduos com níveis séricos normais e ingestão adequada na dieta desses minerais não parece ser necessária. De um modo geral, há muita controvérsia sobre o papel desses micronutrientes no RCM. Estudos epidemiológicos sugerem que o consumo de substâncias antioxidantes provenientes da dieta ou dietas ricas em frutas e hortaliças diminui o RCM. Mais estudos são necessários antes de se recomendar o uso de antioxidantes isolados na forma de suplementos para tal finalidade.
Levels of carcinoembryonic antigen and CA 19-9 in the sera and peritoneal washing of patients undergoing surgical treatment for gastric carcinoma
Authors: Crepaldi-Filho René , Palma Rogério Tadeu , Giusti Marcelo Franchini , Bueno Marina de Assis Galvão , Silva Paulo Sérgio Lucas da , Waisberg Jaques
Published: January 2010

BACKGROUND: Early peritoneal recurrence of gastric carcinoma following curative resection remains a great challenge in the treatment and prevention of this disease. AIM: To analyze the relationship between levels of tumor markers, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and CA 19-9 in the sera and peritoneal washing, and anatomopathological aspects of the gastric carcinoma. METHODS: Of the 46 patients in the study, 29 (63.0%) were males and 17 (37.0%) females. Mean age was 63.6 ± 11.7 years (31 to 91 years). Peripheral venous blood samples were collected from the upper limb vein from both patient groups after anesthetic induction, in order to determine serum levels of CEA and CA 19-9. After the end of the procedure, 50 mL of physiologic solution was introduced into the bottom of the Douglas sack and a portion aspirated to determine CEA and CA 19-9 levels in the peritoneal washing. Levels of CEA and CA 19-9 in the sera and peritoneal washing were compared to the following variables: lesion diameter ≤4 cm or >4 cm, lymph node involvement, angiolymphatic invasion, depth of invasion into gastric wall, and initial or late stage. RESULTS: Sera CEA levels were significantly higher in patients with lesions >5 cm. CEA levels in the sera and peritoneal washing were significantly greater in patients with signet ring cell gastric carcinoma. In addition, levels of CEA in peripheral blood and peritoneal washing showed significant association with the degree of carcinoma penetration into the gastric wall, while sera CEA was significantly higher in patients at more advanced stages. There was no significant difference between sera and peritoneal CEA values regarding grade of differentiation. Patients with gastric lesions measuring > 5cm and more differentiated lesions had significantly higher sera CA 19-9 values. In patients with lymph nodes invasion by gastric carcinoma, CA 19-9 levels in peritoneal washing were significantly higher than in peripheral blood. Levels of CA 19-9 in peritoneal washing were significantly greater at advanced stages than the initial stage of the gastric carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated levels of CA 19-9 in peritoneal washing were significantly associated with more advance stages of gastric carcinoma and was more reliable predictive factor for staging than sera CA 19-9 levels. CEA levels in the sera more accurately reflected neoplasia stage than levels in peritoneal washing.
Protector mechanisms of the association between gastroesophageal reflux disease and asthma: experimental study in rats
Authors: Kanikadan Paula Yuri Sugishita , Sertié Jayme Antonio Aboin , Oliveira-Filho Ricardo Martins , Lima Wothan Tavares de
Published: January 2010

BACKGROUND: It is well known the association between gastroesophageal reflux disease and asthma. The hyperreactivity of the airways is a characteristic of an asthmatic. Many studies associate the increase of the airways reactivity with gastroesophageal reflux disease. AIM: In this study we have evaluated the effect of the intraluminal exposition to gastric juice of trachea on the reactivity to methacholine from rats submitted to a pulmonary allergic inflammation. METHODS: Group of rats were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin. After 24 hours the animals were sacrificed, and their tracheae were removed to be cultured with gastric juice. The gastric juice was obtained from a donor rat. Subsequently the segments were placed into plastic plates with RPMI-1640 for incubation, under suitable atmosphere and time. After the period of incubation the segments were put into chambers for the analysis of the contractile response to methacholine. RESULTS: We observed reduction in the contractile response of trachea cultured with gastric juice from allergic rats. This result was confirmed by the pharmacological treatments with compound 48/80 and dissodium cromoglicate (mast cells blockade), L-NAME (nitric oxide inhibitor, NO), capsaicin (neuropeptides depletion) and indomethacin (ciclooxigenase inhibitor). CONCLUSIONS: Our results highlight to the existence of a complex interaction between pulmonary allergy and gastric juice in the airways. The involvement of the non-adrenergic non-cholinergic system, NO, prostanoids and mast cells are directly related to this interaction. We suggest that the reduced contractile response observed in vitro may represent a protector mechanism of the airways. Despite its presence in the human body it can not be observed due to the predominant effects of excitatory the non-adrenergic non-cholinergic system.
Expressão de p53, p16 E COX-2 em carcinoma escamoso de esôfago e associação histopatológica
Authors: Felin Izabella Paz Danezi , Grivicich Ivana , Felin Carlos Roberto , Regner Andrea , Rocha Adriana Brondani da
Published: January 2010

RACIONAL: O câncer de esôfago representa cerca de 2% dos tumores malignos e a terceira causa mais comum de câncer do trato gastrointestinal. A associação do prognóstico do câncer de esôfago com alguns marcadores imunoistoquímicos, como as proteínas p53, p16 e a ciclooxigenase 2 (COX-2) tem sido relatada. A detecção de marcadores moleculares através de imunoistoquímica pode ser utilizada para avaliação prognóstica. OBJETIVOS: Investigar a associação entre a expressão das proteínas p53, p16 e a COX-2 com o estádio do carcinoma escamoso de esôfago. MÉTODOS: Foram analisadas 31 amostras de ressecção cirúrgica por esofagectomia diagnosticadas como carcinoma de células escamosas de esôfago e 31 amostras não-tumorais referentes a cada caso. Realizou-se a revisão histopatológica e o estádio pTNM. Amostras tumorais e não-tumorais adjacentes foram submetidas a análise imunoistoquímica para avaliar o conteúdo das proteínas p53, p16 e COX-2. Foi considerada positiva a expressão nuclear para p53 em quantidade igual ou superior a 10,00% das células e presença da expressão citoplasmática de acordo com três escores (1, 2, 3) de intensidade (leve, moderada, acentuada) de imunocoloração para COX-2. RESULTADOS: Em área tumoral, as análises revelaram 48,38% de positividade para p53, 16,12% de positividade para p16, e 100,00% de positividade escores 1+, 2+ ou 3+ para COX-2. No entanto, quando se avaliou possível relação da expressão destes marcadores com o estádio, apenas a COX-2, escore 3+ intensidade acentuada mostraram associação significativa. CONCLUSÃO: O presente estudo demonstrou que existe relação positiva entre a expressão de COX-2, escore 3+ e estádio mais avançado no carcinoma de esôfago.
Comparative study of hand sewn single layer anastomosis of dog's bowel
Authors: Azevedo João Luiz Moreira Coutinho , Hypólito Octávio , Azevedo Otávio Cansanção , Becker Jr. Otávio Monteiro , Freire Dalmer Faria
Published: January 2010

BACKGROUND: Two-layer intestinal anastomosis increases the inflammatory response while single-layer anastomosis results in a better wound healing. However the four main kinds of stitches which may be chosen in performing single layer intestinal sutures never before had been comparatively studied. AIM: To compare the four more commonly used types of single layer surgical anastomosis sutures of the digestive tract. METHODS: Six mongrel dogs were operated, each one receiving two anastomosis: one at 30 cm from de Treitz angle - sero-submucosal technique, and the other at 60 cm - total technique. This placement was alternatively inverted. The four more commonly used types of single layer surgical anastomosis sutures of the digestive tract, namely: sero-submucosal stitches tied in the lumen, over the submucosa; sero-submucosal stitches tied in the exterior of the organ, over the serosa; total stitches tied in the lumen, over the mucosa; and total sutures tied in the exterior, over the serosa (Gambee's stitches) were tested. After euthanasia (7th post-operative day) macro and microscopic features were evaluated. Friedman's test was applied for morphometry and for evaluation of the peritoneal adhesions. RESULTS: Statistical significance was demonstrated through major residual acute inflammation and proliferation in total sutures and more profuse adhesions with the sero-submucosal stitches tied in the lumen. The sero-submucosal stitches tied in the exterior over the serosa, had excellent realignment and regeneration of the layers. CONCLUSION: The sero-submucosal stitches tied in the exterior, over the serosa, were the best ones.
Topographical disorientation in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Guariglia Carla Cristina , Nitrini Ricardo
Published: January 2010

Topographical disorientation (TD) has not been as extensively studied as other frequent manifestations of Alzheimer's disease (AD). OBJECTIVE: To verify the occurrence of TD and to identify the neuropsychological dysfunctions associated with TD in AD. METHOD: Thirty patients with probable AD, their caregivers and 30 subjects without dementia (controls) were interviewed with a questionnaire and evaluated with tests related to topographical orientation. RESULTS: AD patients, even those with mild dementia, differ from controls in the questionnaire on topographical orientation and in most neuropsychological tests except for tests of spatial working memory, point localization, three dimension and nonsense figure copy. When the performances in the neuropsychological tests of patients with mild or moderate dementia were compared, only landmark recognition and route description were more impaired in moderate dementia. CONCLUSION: TD occurs even in mild dementia of AD, a finding apparently not explained by the impairments of more elementary spatial functions.
A double-blind randomized controlled trial of low doses of propranolol, nortriptyline, and the combination of propranolol and nortriptyline for the preventive treatment of migraine
Authors: Domingues Renan B. , Silva André L. Pirajá da , Domingues Simone A. , Aquino Camila Catherine H. , Kuster Gustavo W.
Published: January 2010

Few trials have evaluated combination of two or more drugs in the preventive treatment of migraine. In this study three therapeutic regimens were compared: (a) propranolol, at a dose of 40 mg per day, (b) nortriptyline, at a dose of 20 mg per day, and (c) the combination of these two drugs in these dosages. The groups were matched according to age, gender, and frequency of migraine attacks prior to treatment. The period of treatment was two months and the frequency and intensity of headache attacks of the 30 days pre-treatment period were compared with the frequency of headaches in the treatment period. Fourteen patients in groups A and B and sixteen patients in group C have completed the study. Treatment with propranolol, alone or in combination, was shown to be effective. Treatment with nortriptyline alone was not effective. All three therapeutic regimens were safe and side effects were minimal. The frequency of discontinuation of the study was the same in the 3 groups but no patient left the study due to adverse reactions. The combined therapy proved to be as safe as the monotherapy. Further studies evaluating this and other possible combinations of drugs in higher doses and for longer periods, should more clearly elucidate the role of combined therapy in the treatment of migraine.
Clinical description of hemodialysis headache in end-stage renal disease patients
Authors: Jesus Alan Chester Feitosa de , Oliveira Hélio Araújo , Paixão Marcelo Oliveira Ribeiro , Fraga Thalyta Porto , Barreto Felipe José N. , Valença Marcelo Moraes
Published: January 2010

BACKGROUND: Hemodialysis (HD)-related headaches are a common complaint of patients undergoing this procedure. OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency and clinical characteristics of headache in patients undergoing HD and to discuss their diagnostic criteria. METHOD: The present study assessed, in a prospective manner, a series of patients consulting at a HD center in Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil, from November 2007 to January 2008. Only patients with HD-related headaches without previous history of primary headache were diagnosed as isolated HD headache (HDH). RESULTS: Headache was reported by 76.1% of the patients studied. Prior to beginning dialysis, 47.9% had migraine without aura, 6.7% migraine with aura, 0.6% hemiplegic migraine, 5% episodic tension-type headache, and 2.5% migraine and tension-type headache. HDH was diagnosed in 6.7% of the patients, the most prevalent features being diffuse or temporal region location, bilateral headache, throbbing nature, and moderate severity. Seven patients with headaches between the sessions were not classified. CONCLUSION: While the pathophysiology of HDH is unknown, to diagnose patients with HDH or other possible HD-related headaches remains a challenge.
Study of oligoclonal bands restricted to the cerebrospinal fluid in multiple sclerosis patients in the city of São Paulo
Authors: Gama Paulo Diniz da , Machado Luís dos Ramos , Livramento José Antonio , Gomes Hélio Rodrigues , Adoni Tarso , Lino Angelina Maria Martins , Marchiori Paulo Eurípedes , Morales Rogério de Rizo , Lana-Peixoto Marco Aurélio , Callegaro Dagoberto
Published: January 2010

The frequency of oligoclonal bands (OCB) restricted to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) varies widely in different populations. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of these OCB in a group of MS patients in the city of São Paulo. Techniques used to detect OCB consisted of isoelectric focusing followed by immunoblotting. Oligoclonal bands were found in 49 (54.4%) out of 90 patients with clinically definite MS; in (31.2%) of the 16 patients with clinically isolated syndrome; in 7 (17.9%) of 39 patients with inflammatory disorders of the central nervous system (IDCNS), and in none of the individuals with no neurological condition (control group). The specificity of the method was 100% when compared to the control group and 82.1% when compared to the IDCNS group. These results suggest that the frequency of CSF OCB is much lower in Brazilian MS patients from São Paulo city than that reported in MS series from Caucasian populations.
Predictive factors for spasticity among ischemic stroke patients
Authors: Moura Rita de Cássia dos Reis , Fukujima Márcia Maiumi , Aguiar Alexandre Santos , Fontes Sissy Veloso , Dauar Rafi Felício Bauab , Prado Gilmar Fernandes do
Published: January 2010

Spasticity is a determining for functional loss following ischemic stroke. OBJECTIVE: To detect possible predictive factors for its occurrence. METHOD: Demographic, clinical and tomographic data on 146 stroke patients were analyzed. RESULTS: Spasticity was noted more frequently among patients who underwent physiotherapy (p<0.0001; OR=19.4; 95% CI: 4.4-84.5), those who underwent such treatment for long periods (p=0.028; OR=4.80; 95% CI: 1.1-8.3) and those with manual work (p=0.041; OR=2.2; 95% CI: 1.02-4.6), lower income (p=0.038), pain complaints (p<0.0001; OR=107.0; 95% CI: 13.5-847.3), appearance of pain at the same time as spasticity (p<0.0001), previous vascular disease (p=0.001; OR=4.2; 95% CI: 1.7-10.3), muscle weakness (p<0.0001; OR=91.9; 95% CI: 12.0-699.4), extensive lesions as seen on tomography (p=0.01) and lesions affecting more than one cerebral lobe (p=0.018). Manual work had a relative risk of 2.9; previous stroke 3.9, and extensive lesion 3.6. CONCLUSION: Spasticity affected 25% of the patients, and was associated with: manual work, previous stroke, extensive lesions, decrease in individual income, underwent physiotherapy, underwent physiotherapy for longer period, pain complaints, the pain started simultaneously with the spasticity, presented changes in strength.
Spinocerebellar ataxias: microsatellite and allele frequency in unaffected and affected individuals
Authors: Freund Aline Andrade , Scola Rosana Hermínia , Teive Hélio A.G. , Arndt Raquel Cristina , Costa-Ribeiro Magda Clara Vieira da , Alle Lupe Furtado , Werneck Lineu Cesar
Published: January 2010

The diagnosis and incidence of spinocerebelar ataxias (SCA) is sometimes difficult to analyze due the overlap of phenotypes subtypes and are disorders of mutations caused by CAG trinucleotide repeat expansion. To investigate the incidence of the SCA in Southern Brazil, we analyzed the trinucleotide repeats (CAG)n at the SCA1, SCA2, SCA3, SCA6 and SCA7 loci to identify allele size ranges and frequencies. We examined blood sample from 154 asymptomatic blood donors and 115 individuals with progressive ataxias. PCR products were submitted to capillary electrophoresis. In the blood donors, the ranges of the five loci were: SCA1, 19 to 36 (CAG)n; SCA2, 6 to 28 (CAG)n; SCA3, 12 to 34 (CAG)n; SCA6, 2 to 13 (CAG)n; and SCA7, 2 to 10 (CAG)n. No deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were detected. In the ataxia group, we found (CAG)n above the range of the asymptomatic blood donors in SCA3 (21.74%) followed by SCA2 (5.22%), SCA7 (2.61%), SCA6 (0.87%), and no cases of SCA1. The remaining 80 cases (69.56%) have different diagnoses from the type here studied. These data defined the alleles and their frequencies, as well as demonstrated their stability in the population not affected. The molecular diagnosis test confirmed the clinical diagnosis in 28/45 cases and classified another 7/70 from the clinical unclassified ataxias group.
Autosomal recessive ataxias: 20 types, and counting
Authors: Embiruçu Emília Katiane , Martyn Marcília Lima , Schlesinger David , Kok Fernando
Published: January 2010

More than 140 years after the first description of Friedreich ataxia, autosomal recessive ataxias have become one of the more complex fields in Neurogenetics. Currently this group of diseases contains more than 20 clinical entities and an even larger number of associated genes. Some disorders are very rare, restricted to isolated populations, and others are found worldwide. An expressive number of recessive ataxias are treatable, and responsibility for an accurate diagnosis is high. The purpose of this review is to update the practitioner on clinical and pathophysiological aspects of these disorders and to present an algorithm to guide the diagnosis.
Microscopia electrônica de inclusões citoplas máticas e alterações celulares associadas ao vírus do mosaico da cenoura
Authors: Camargo I. J. B. , Kitajima E. W. , Costa A. S.
Published: January 2010

Exames electrono-microscópicos de secções ultrafinas de tecidos foliares de cenoura (Daucus carota L.) e coentro (Coriandrum sativumL.) infetados pelo vírus do mosaico da cenoura (VMC) revelaram a ocorrência de inclusões em forma de bandas densas no citoplasma. Exames mais detalhados dessas bandas revelaram serem elas constituídas pela justaposição de lamelas delgadas (10-15m¼ de espessura), as quais parecem eventualmente desprender-se e formar outros tipos de inclusão, como as de perfil circular e em forma de catavento, comumente associadas à infecção provocada por vírus do grupo Y da batata. Ocasionalmente, partículas do VMC foram observadas nas proximidades dessas inclusões. As dimensões das bandas densas atingiram até 0,l-0,2¼ x 3-4¼, visíveis mesmo em exames ao microscópio convencional. Além da ocorrência dessas inclusões, pôde também ser observada a presença de grande número de vesículas no citoplasma, aparentemente associadas a uma atividade do complexo de Golgi.
Efeito de diferentes fertilizantes nitrogenados na produção do trigo em vasos
Authors: Gargantini Hermano , Oliveira Filho Francisco Solano de
Published: January 2010

Estudou-se a influência do sulfato de amônio, do salitre-do-chile e da uréia no desenvolvimento e na produção do trigo, em vasos, em casa de vegetação, empregando-se um Latossolo Vermelho Escuro orto, do município de Itapetininga, Estado de São Paulo. Os resultados indicaram que, para produção de matéria seca, não houve diferença entre os fertilizantes utilizados, porém para produção de grãos o sulfato de amônio foi o mais eficiente.
Efeitos da colquicina em Arachís hypogaea L.
Authors: Conagin Cândida H. T. M.
Published: January 2010

A aplicação da colquicina no amendoim comum (Arachis hypogaea L.) foi realizada com a finalidade de obter mutações, das quais as favoráveis seriam utilizadas no programa de melhoramento. Observações sobre o número de cromossomos revelaram que houve duplicação em algumas células das raízes, sendo estas polissomáticas, do nível tetraplóide-octoplóide; houve também formação de grãos de pólen maiores e desiguais em algumas plantas; a parte aérea não apresentou nenhuma evidência de poliploidia. Independentemente da variação dos grãos de pólen e da polissomatia das raízes, modificações fenotípicas foram observadas, das quais destacam-se as plantas de fenótipo semelhante ao Arachis monticola,pelo interesse científico, e as sementes maiores e mais regulares, pelo interesse agronômico que apresentam.
Tratamento das sementes com inseticidas, visando ao controle de pragas em culturas de arroz-de-sequeiro
Authors: Souza Derly Machado de , Ramiro Cleufas
Published: January 2010

Com o intuito de testar a eficiência dos inseticidas Birlane 25% PM, nas dosagens de 400 e 600 g/60 kg de sementes, Aldrin 40% PM, na dosagem de 400 g/60 kg de sementes, e a mistura de Aldrin 27°/o PM + Birlane 25% PM, na dosagem de 400 g/ 60 kg de sementes, aplicados em mistura prévia com as sementes, visando ao controle das pragas de solo em cultura de arroz de sequeiro, foram instalados três experimentos em municípios paulistas e dois em municípios mineiros. Os esquemas estatísticos utilizados foram o quadrado latino 5x5 e blocos ao acaso com cinco tratamentos e cinco repetições. Os resultados mostraram eficiência dos produtos, isolados ou em mistura, nas dosagens empregadas, no controle do cupim e Elasmopalpus,durante o período inicial de desenvolvimento das plantinhas de arroz, que não apresentaram sintomas de fitotoxicidade. Embora a produção de arroz em casca não tenha mostrado diferença estatística significativa, entre os diferentes tratamentos e a testemunha, notou-se uma tendência de maior produção em todos canteiros tratados.