bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Situação vacinal da população discente da Universidade de São Paulo
Authors: Gonçalves Ernesto Lima , Salles Gláucia Pereira , Quaglia Sérgio Reis
Published: May 2006

São apresentados aspectos da situação vacinal dos alunos dos Institutos da Universidade de São Paulo, situados na capital e nos "campi" do interior em Ribeirão Preto, São Carlos, Bauru e Piracicaba, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Foi realizado inquérito preliminar mediante a aplicação de questionário especial a uma amostra de 13.139 alunos (42,3% do total de matriculados), sendo 1.707 alunos no interior (38,3% dos matriculados) e 11.432 na capital (43% dos matriculados). Os principais dados sobre vacinação antivariólica foram: 20% dos alunos do interior e 30% dos da capital informaram não ter a cicatriz ou não saber de sua existência; 50% dos alunos do interior e 75% dos da capital informaram ter sido vacinados há menos de 5 anos; 35% do total de alunos afirmaram que o resultado da última vacina recebida foi positivo. Não foram vacinados contra o tétano ou não receberam a vacina de acordo com o esquema preconizado pela Secretaria de Estado da Saúde, 2/3 dos alunos. Os dados sobre vacinação antimeningocócica revelaram que 17% dos alunos do interior e 80% dos da capital declaravam ter sido vacinados. Foram examinados 3.113 estudantes, definindo-se pela vacinação antivariólica de 405 deles (13% do total); destes, 253 (62,5%) retornaram para leitura, que foi positiva em 221 (87,3) deles. Em relação à vacina antitetânica, 1 .118 alunos da USP receberam as duas doses programadas, o que dá um índice de 66,9%; considerados separadamente os alunos de graduação e de pós-graduação, esse índice foi respectivamente de 66,1% e 80,2%.
Aplicação do método de Bhattacharya na análise de resultados do teste tuberculínico
Authors: Ruffino-Netto Antonio , Sanches Odécio , Arantes Gilberto Ribeiro
Published: May 2006

Aplicou-se o método de Bhattacharya (método gráfico para decomposição de uma distribuição de freqüências) a 35.680 resultados de testes tuberculínicos obtidos na população que demandou o Centro de Saúde Polivalente de Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil, durante 12 meses consecutivos, entre maio de 1973 e abril de 1974. Foi possível evidenciar, caracterizar e quantificar os diferentes componentes (não infectados, provavelmente infectados com germes atípicos e infectados com germes típicos) em diferentes grupos etários. Os achados sugerem a possibilidade de um menor poder discriminador do teste tuberculínico padronizado, nessa região, com prováveis erros de classificação se forem obedecidos os critérios em vigor.
A classificação antropométrica como instrumento de investigação epidemiológica da desnutrição protéico-calórica
Authors: Monteiro Carlos Augusto , Réa Marina Ferreira
Published: May 2006

Descreve-se a aplicação de várias classificações antropométricas a duas populações de crianças. A classificação exclusiva do déficit ponderal não discrimina diferenças no estado nutricional de crianças de zona urbana e de zona rural. Classificações mais abrangentes apontam contrastes e sugerem diferentes linhas de investigação epidemiológica para o contexto urbano e rural.
Risco de intoxicação profissional por tricloroetileno em processos de desengraxamento no município de São Paulo, Brasil
Authors: Stettiner Herbert M. A. , Gomes Jorge da Rocha , Colacioppo Sérgio
Published: May 2006

A toxicidade de vapores de tricloroetileno (TRI) em locais de trabalho é posta em evidência. Determinou-se a concentração de vapores de TRI no ar em fábricas e oficinas onde o líquido serve para desengraxar peças metálicas. Os metabólitos do TRI, o ácido tricloroacético e o tricloroetanol foram determinados em urina de pessoas expostas. Os resultados destas determinações permitem ver a periculosidade potencial que o uso do TRI apresenta.
Seroepidemiological and clinical study of Chagas' disease in Nicaragua
Authors: Rivera B Teresa , Palma-Guzman Rosario , Morales G William
Published: May 2006

With the aim of determining the prevalence, immunological profile, and knowing the electrocardiographic alterations, a clinical and Seroepidemiological study of Chagas' disease was performed in three rural settlements located at the North, East and West of Nicaragua. Anti T. cruzi antibodies were searched by indirect immunofluorescence (IFI) and hemagglutination (IHA) in a total of 803 subjects. Seropositives and the same number of seronegatives, matched by age and sex, were included in a case-control design for the electrocardiographic assessment. Antibody prevalence was 13.1, 4.3 and 3.2% in the respective settlements. In the first two the immunological profile corresponds to that of an endemic zone of long standing, were transmission has decreased, and in the third the pattern is of a zone under control. Electrocardiographic changes compatible with Chagas' disease were found in seropositive individuals, but difference with control group was not statistically significant. It is concluded that the disease is endemic in the three settlements and the clinical aspect requires further evaluation, including additional cardiologic techniques.
Cyclophosphamide effect on paracoccidioidomycosis in the rat
Authors: Blejer J. L. , Godio C. M. , Negroni R , Nejamkis M. R.
Published: May 2006

Paracoccidioidomycosis is an endemic fungal disease widely distributed throughout Latin America. The potent immunosuppressor cyclophosphamide (CY) has been used to modulate host immune response to Paracoccidioides brasiliensis in an experimental model. Inbred male Buffalo/Sim rats weighing 250-300 g were inoculated with 5 x 10(6) P. brasiliensis cells of the yeast phase form by intracardiac route. One group of animals was treated with 20 mg/kg body weight at days +4, +5, +6, +7, +11 and +12 post-infection (pi.), while a control group was infected alone. No mortality was recorded in either group. Treated rats presented: a) a decrease in granuloma size, which contained less fungal cells; b) a lack of specific antibodies up to 35 days pi., and c) a significant increase in the footpad swelling test (DTH) against paracoccidioidin. Splenic cell transfer from CY-treated P. brasiliensis-infected donors to recipients infected alone led to a significant increase in DTH response in the latter versus untreated infected controls. Likewise, in treated infected recipients transferred with untreated infected donor spleen cells, footpad swelling proved greater than in controls. Thus, it would seem that each successive suppressor T lymphocyte subset belonging to the respective cascade may be sensitive to repeated CY doses administered up to 12 days pi.. Alternatively, such CY schedule may induce the appearance of a T cell population capable of amplifying DTH response.
Desigualdades nas condições de controle de infecção em consultórios odontológicos em município brasileiro
Authors: Frazão Paulo , Bortolotti Marcia Gabriella L. de Barros
Published: May 2006

Analisar as condições de controle de infecção dos estabelecimentos de assistência odontológica do Município de Cariacica, Espírito Santo, Brasil. Dados relativos ao respondente, localização e tipo de estabelecimento, bem como às condições do ambiente, equipamentos e materiais, foram recolhidos mediante observação direta em todos os serviços odontológicos e em vinte estabelecimentos operados por "dentistas práticos". Para efetuar a análise, foi construído Índice de Controle de Infecção (ICI) composto de 19 variáveis, e quanto menor o seu valor, melhores as condições de controle. Foram observados 113 estabelecimentos. A condição nos estabelecimentos mantidos por dentistas não licenciados (médiaICI = 23,05, dp = 11,86) foi quatro vezes pior em relação ao melhor valor observado nos estabelecimentos particulares. Em condição intermediária, localizaram-se os serviços públicos (médiaICI = 16,27; dp = 6,96). Os serviços localizados nas regiões periféricas apresentaram condição quatro vezes pior. Observou-se profunda divisão nas condições sanitárias da assistência odontológica. Uma parcela significativa da população, que depende de assistência odontológica oferecida por estabelecimentos operados por "dentistas práticos", estava exposta a condições sanitárias de elevado risco à infecção cruzada.
Declínio da cárie em um município da região noroeste do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, no período de 1998 a 2004
Authors: Martins Ronald Jefferson , Garbin Cléa Adas Saliba , Garbin Artênio José Ísper , Moimaz Suzely Adas Saliba , Saliba Orlando
Published: May 2006

O objetivo do estudo foi analisar os índices CPOD, ceod, SiC Index e a porcentagem de crianças livres de cárie, em escolares de 5 a 12 anos da rede pública do Município de Bilac, São Paulo, Brasil, em estudos realizados nos anos de 1998, 2000, 2002 e 2004. Utilizou-se a mesma metodologia (OMS-1997) em todos os levantamentos. O teste estatístico kappa foi calculado a cada estudo, obtendo-se o valor de concordância interexaminadores mínimo de 0,86 e máximo de 0,89, e intra-examinador mínimo de 0,91. O índice ceod diminuiu pouco nos anos de 1998 e 2004. Houve uma redução contínua do índice CPOD aos 12 anos, passando de 5,28 em 1998 para 4,11 em 2000, 3,47 em 2002 e 2,62 em 2004, e o fenômeno da polarização. Na proporção inversa, a porcentagem de crianças com 5 anos livres de cárie aumentou de 37,9% em 1998 para 40% em 2000 e 2002, e 45,3% em 2004. Conclui-se que está ocorrendo a redução da cárie dentária na faixa etária de 12 anos entre escolares do ensino público do município.
A sublimação jurídica da função social da propriedade
Authors: Simioni Rafael Lazzarotto
Published: May 2006

O sentido sociológico da função social da propriedade oscila sobre um paradoxo que as teorias jurídicas e políticas do pós-guerra escondem através da idéia do Estado de Direito e do Estado Benfeitor. A função social da propriedade ilustra esse estágio de desenvolvimento das relações comunicativas entre a Política e o Direito, onde a primeira não tem alternativa senão transferir seus conflitos para o segundo, transformando os conflitos políticos em conflitos jurídicos. Como será visto neste artigo, o resultado dessa sublimação jurídica dos conflitos políticos é a generalização simbólica das expectativas políticas na forma de expectativas normativas, que nessas condições podem ser tranqüilizadas artificialmente pela programação condicional do Direito.
Da raça à doença em Casa-grande e senzala
Authors: Teixeira Luiz Antonio
Published: May 2006

O artigo analisa como Gilberto Freyre trata das questões de saúde na obra Casa-grande e senzala: formação da família brasileira sob o regime de economia matriarcal. A análise volta-se inicialmente para a influência do movimento pelo saneamento dos sertões, surgido no final da década de 1910. Em seguida, observa a relação que o autor atribui ao problema da sífilis no Brasil, procurando compreender a relação dessa valorização com as questões de raça e miscigenação sempre presentes em sua obra. Por fim, procura situar as idéias de Freyre no ideário eugênico em voga no Brasil, período de elaboração de sua obra.
Obtenção e caracterização de blendas de asfalto CAP 20, modificado com poliestireno reciclado, resíduos de pneu e lignina organossolve
Authors: Botaro Vagner Roberto , Castro Samuel Rodrigues , Rodrigues Junior Fausto , Cerantola Andrea E.
Published: May 2006

O presente trabalho trata da obtenção e caracterização de blendas envolvendo matrizes asfálticas (CAP 20), em misturas com poliestireno reciclável (PS), pó de pneu (PPN) e lignina organossolve (LIG). Quando se adicionam polímeros à matriz asfáltica, pretende-se, principalmente, aumentar a impermeabilidade, impedindo a deterioração pela água, diminuir a fragilidade a baixas temperaturas e diminuir o desgaste por abrasão. As propriedades físicas, incluindo índice de penetração, ponto de amolecimento e índice de susceptibilidade térmica do CAP 20 modificado, foram analisadas e comparadas com o CAP 20 não modificado. Os resultados obtidos mostram que a adição de PPN, PS e LIG afeta as propriedades mecânicas das blendas formadas com o CAP 20, diminuindo os índices de penetração e aumentando os pontos de amolecimento de uma maneira geral.
Dental development of Didelphis albiventris (Marsupialia): I - incisors and canines
Authors: Fonseca C. T. , Alves J. B.
Published: May 2006

The formation of incisors and canines in marsupials of D. albiventris was studied at various stages of development. Seventy-six specimens, with ages varying from 0 to 100 days, were used in this investigation. Serial sections of the maxilla were obtained in the transverse plane and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Histological analyses were made to verify the pattern of teeth development, as well as their chronology of eruption. The period of time from birth to 100 days comprised the entire process of teeth development, from epithelial bud formation to early eruption of the teeth. Oral epithelium thickening gave rise to the functional incisors and canines. In addition, a secondary dental lamina emerged in different phases of development in the outer epithelium of incisors and canines, which degenerated when it reached the bud stage. No evidence of deciduous dentition was observed. The results of this investigation suggest that secondary dental lamina represents remnants of a primitive condition in which secondary dentition used to be present.
Avaliação in vitro de um novo filtro de veia cava
Authors: Braile Domingo Marcolino , Godoy José Maria Pereira de , Centola Marco
Published: May 2006

OBJETIVO: O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a eficácia de um novo filtro de veia cava, de baixo perfil, na retenção de coágulos em modelo in vitro. MÉTODO: O filtro consiste em dois cones opostos pelo ápice. O cone distal é formado por oito hastes de aço inoxidável, que têm a função de retenção dos êmbolos. O cone proximal é constituído de quatro hastes, cuja função é ancorar e centralizar. Os filtros foram introduzidos e fixados no interior de um tubo de PVC transparente de 25, 30 e 35 mm de diâmetro interno, em posição vertical, e conectados com um sistema pulsátil de fluxo (bomba peristáltica). Foi utilizado, para veículo, um reservatório com solução salina (0,9%) com 40% de glicerina, mantido em temperatura ambiente. Confeccionaram-se trombos com sangue bovino em tubos plásticos de 3, 4,5 e 6 mm de diâmetro e, posteriormente, foram segmentados nas medidas de 10, 15, 20 e 30 mm de comprimento, totalizando 12 diferentes tamanhos. Realizaram-se 100 liberações para cada tipo de êmbolo e tamanho das cânulas, totalizando 3.600 eventos. Foram feitos lançamentos seqüenciais com cinco êmbolos, sendo 10 para cada tamanho de êmbolo e cânulas, totalizando 360 eventos. Fez-se avaliação da capacidade de retenção dinâmica utilizando os três diferentes tamanhos de cânulas com 100 eventos cada, totalizando 300 eventos. RESULTADOS: Detectou-se que o diâmetro e comprimento dos êmbolos, assim como diâmetros da cânula, podem comprometer a eficácia do filtro. A média de captura de êmbolos pelos filtros foi de 80,5% nas cânulas de 35 mm, 88,7% para cânulas de 30 mm e 86,6% para cânulas de 25 mm. CONCLUSÃO: Conclui-se que a eficácia desse filtro sofre interferência relacionada ao tamanho dos êmbolos e diâmetro da cânula.
Connective Tissue Graft for Gingival Recession Treatment: Assessment of the Maximum Graft Dimensions at the Palatal Vault as a Donor Site
Authors: Monnet‐Corti Virginie , Santini Alain , Glise Jean‐Marc , Fouque‐Deruelle Caroline , Dillier François‐Laurent , Liébart Marie‐Françoise , Borghetti Alain
Published: May 2006

Background: The palatal masticatory mucosa is widely used as a connective tissue donor site in gingival recession treatment. However, concern has been raised regarding the potential risk of damaging the greater palatine artery (GPA) due to anatomical variations in the palatal vault. The anatomy of the palatal vault in terms of size and shape may affect the maximum dimensions of the graft that can be safely taken from the palatal vault. In a cohort of patients free of periodontal disease, the purpose of this study was to assess the maximum dimensions of the graft, particularly the height and length, that could be safely taken from the palatal vault.

Methods: Plaster impressions were made from 198 patients free of periodontal disease. Because the connective tissue graft is usually taken from an area extending from the mid‐palatal aspect of the canine to the mid‐palatal aspect of the second molar, this interval was measured and represented the maximum length dimension. The emergence of the GPA was assumed to be localized at the junction of the vertical and horizontal palatal walls of vault, and its course was marked on the plaster casts. The maximum height of the graft corresponded to the distances measured from the gingival margin to the marked course of the GPA of each tooth at its interproximal and mid‐palatal aspects.

Results: The length of the maximum available tissue graft was 31.7 ± 4.0 mm. The distance extending from the gingival margin to the greater palatine artery ranged from 12.07 ± 2.9 mm at the canine level to 14.7 ± 2.9 mm at the mid‐palatal aspect of the second molar level. Therefore, in the premolar area, it was possible to harvest a connective tissue graft measuring 5 mm in height in all cases and 8 mm in height in 93% of cases.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the maximum available tissue graft as measured in the palatal vault was large enough to allow a safe withdrawal from this donor site in a high percentage of our patient population free of periodontal disease.
Effects of Enamel Matrix Derivative on Bone‐Related mRNA Expression in Human Periodontal Ligament Cells In Vitro
Authors: Takayanagi Kazuaki , Osawa Ginko , Nakaya Hiroshi , Cochran David L. , Kamoi Kyuich , Oates Thomas W.
Published: May 2006

Background: Enamel matrix derivative (EMD) has demonstrated the potential to stimulate periodontal regeneration with mineralized tissue formation. Molecular regulators of bone metabolism include osteoprotegrin (OPG), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2), and core binding factor alpha 1 (Cbfa1). The role of these regulatory molecules within the context of EMD stimulation of mineralized tissue formation is unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to explore the effects of EMD on these bone‐related molecules in human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells.

Methods: Human PDL‐cell cultures were treated with EMD (5 to 100 μg/ml) for 24 hours. Total RNA was isolated using phenolchloroform, and reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) was performed using primers specific for OPG, RANKL, COX2, Cbfa1, and aldolase, with amplification in the exponential range for each molecule studied.

Results: The results of this study show that there is a significant (P <0.05) increase in COX2 mRNA levels with EMD treatment, and no effects were noted on mRNA levels for Cbfa1. RANKL mRNA levels were significantly decreased (P <0.01) up to 50% with EMD treatment ≥25 μg/ml. OPG levels showed minimal effects with EMD treatment. However, the RANKL/OPG ratio showed a 40% to 55% reduction with EMD ≥25 μg/ml.

Conclusion: This study supports a role for EMD stimulation of mineralized tissue formation consistent with periodontal regeneration by modulating regulatory molecules critical to bone metabolism at the RNA level.
Highly Efficient Electroluminescence from Green‐Light‐Emitting Electrochemical Cells Based on CuI Complexes
Authors: Zhang Q. , Zhou Q. , Cheng Y. , Wang L. , Ma D. , Jing X. , Wang F.
Published: May 2006

The complexes [Cu(dnbp)(DPEphos)]+(X–) (dnbp and DPEphos are 2,9‐di‐n‐butyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline and bis[2‐(diphenylphosphino)phenyl]ether, respectively, and X– is BF4–, ClO4–, or PF6–) can form high‐quality films with photoluminescence quantum yields of up to 71 ± 7 %. Their electroluminescent properties are studied using the device structure indium tin oxide (ITO)/complex/metal cathode. The devices emit green light efficiently, with an emission maximum of 523 nm, and work in the mode of light‐emitting electrochemical cells. The response time of the devices greatly depends on the driving voltage, the counterions, and the thickness of the complex film. After pre‐biasing at 25 V for 40 s, the devices turn on instantly, with a turn‐on voltage of ca. 2.9 V. A current efficiency of 56 cd A–1 and an external quantum efficiency of 16 % are realized with Al as the cathode. Using a low‐work‐function metal as the cathode can significantly enhance the brightness of the device almost without affecting the turn‐on voltage and current efficiency. With a Ca cathode, a brightness of 150 cd m–2 at 6 V and 4100 cd m–2 at 25 V is demonstrated. The electroluminescent performance of these types of complexes is among the best so far for transition metal complexes with counterions.
Effect of copolymer mixing on elongation property of as‐spun PET fibers
Authors: Oh Tae Hwan
Published: May 2006

The change of elongation property in the melt spinning process of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers, mixed with small amount of additive copolymer less than 5% by weight, was studied. The additive polymer was synthesized to improve the extensibility of matrix PET in the spinning process. The amount, molecular weight of additive polymer, and spinning conditions were changed to investigate the extensibility of as‐spun fibers. Experimental results show that the blend of copolymer improves the extensibility of as‐spun PET fibers. The elongation at break of as‐spun fibers increases with molecular weight and amount of additive polymer. The additive polymer prevents the fiber orientation and this causes the increase of extensibility of as‐spun fibers. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 1426–1431, 2006
Raman Spectroscopy of Short‐Lived Terthiophene Radical Cations Generated by Photochemical and Chemical Oxidation
Authors: Clarke Tracey M. , Gordon Keith C. , Chan Wing Sum , Phillips David Lee , Wagner Pawel , Officer David L.
Published: May 2006

The Raman spectra of various terthiophene radical cations are investigated; namely those of unsubstituted terthiophene and two styryl‐substituted terthiophenes. Transient pump–probe resonance Raman spectroscopy is used to measure the short‐lived radical cation spectra of non‐end‐capped 2,2′:5′,2′′‐terthiophene (3T) and 3′‐[(E)‐2‐(4‐nitrophenyl)ethenyl]‐2,2′:5′,2′′‐terthiophene (NO2‐pe3T). For these two compounds, the radical cations are generated via either direct photogeneration or photochemically using the electron acceptor tetracyanoethylene. The radical cation of 5,5′′‐dimethyl‐3′‐[(E)‐2‐phenylethenyl]‐2,2′:5′,2′′‐terthiophene (DM‐pe3T) is stable for up to five minutes as a result of the two α end caps and continuous‐wave resonance Raman spectroscopy and chemical oxidation is used to obtain the spectrum of this radical cation. The resonance Raman spectra of all three terthiophene radical cations are dominated by a group of very intense bands in the low‐frequency region. These bands have been assigned, by density functional theory methods, to CS stretching modes coupled to thiophene ring deformations. These modes are significantly less intense in the σ‐dimer of NO2‐pe3T [i.e. the corresponding styryl sexithiophene (NO2‐pe3T)2]. This observation is attributed to a smaller change in the CS bond order in the sexithiophene compared to the analogous terthiophene. This bond order difference may be rationalised by consideration of the singly occupied molecular orbital and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital, which are involved in the electronic transition probed by the laser excitation wavelength.
Overexpression of RGPR‐p117 enhances regucalcin gene promoter activity in cloned normal rat kidney proximal tubular epithelial cells: Involvement of TTGGC motif
Authors: Sawada Natsumi , Yamaguchi Masayoshi
Published: May 2006

A novel protein RGPR‐p117 was discovered as regucalcin gene promoter region‐related protein that binds to the TTGGC motif using a yeast one‐hybrid system. RGPR‐p117 is localized in the nucleus of kidney cells, and overexpression of RGPR‐p117 can modulate regucalcin protein and its mRNA expression in the cloned normal rat kidney proximal tubular epithelial NRK52E cells. This study was undertaken to determine whether overexpression of RGPR‐p117 enhances the regucalcin promoter activity using the −710/+18 LUC construct (wild‐type) or −710/+18 LUC construct (mutant) with deletion of −523/−435 including TTGGC motif. NRK52E cells (wild‐type) or stable HA‐RGPR‐p117/phCMV2‐transfected cells (transfectant) were cultured in Dulbecco's minimum essential medium (DMEM) containing 5% bovine serum (BS). Wild‐type cells or transfectants were transfected with the −710/+18 LUC construct vector or the −710/+18 LUC construct with deletion of −523/−435. Wild‐type cells or transfectants with subconfluency were cultured for 48 h in a DMEM medium containing either vehicle, BS (5%), or parathyroid hormone (1–34) (PTH; 10−7 M). Luciferase activity in wild‐type cells was significantly increased with culture of BS or PTH. This increase was significantly blocked in the presence of various protein kinase inhibitors (staurosporine and PD 98059). Luciferase activity in transfectants was significantly increased as compared with that of wild‐type cells in the absence of BS or PTH. The increase in luciferase activity in transfectants was completely decreased in mutant with deletion of −523/−435 sequence of regucalcin promoter. This was also seen using the −710/+18 LUC construct with deletion of −523/−503 sequence containing TTGGC motif. The increase in luciferase activity in transfectants was not significantly enhanced with culture of BS (5%), PTH (10−7 M), Bay K 8644 (10−6 M), phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA; 10−6 M), or N6, 2′‐dibutyryl cyclic adenosine 3′, 5′‐monophosphate (DcAMP; 10−4 M). The increase in luciferase activity in transfectants was completely inhibited with culture of dibucaine (10−6 M), staurosporine (10−9 M), PD 98059 (10−8 M), wortmannin (10−8 M), genistein (10−6 M), vanadate (10−6 M), or okadaic acid (10−6 M) which are inhibitors of various kinases and protein phosphatases. This study demonstrates that RGPR‐p117 can enhance the regucalcin promoter activity which is related to the NF‐1 consensus sequences including TTGGC motif, and that its enhancing effect is partly mediated through phosphorylation and dephosphorylation in NRK52E cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 99: 589–597, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Doubly transitive 2‐factorizations
Authors: Bonisoli Arrigo , Buratti Marco , Mazzuoccolo Giuseppe
Published: May 2006

Let $\cal F$ be a 2‐factorization of the complete graph Kv admitting an automorphism group G acting doubly transitively on the set of vertices. The vertex‐set V(Kv) can then be identified with the point‐set of AG(n, p) and each 2‐factor of $\cal F$ is the union of p‐cycles which are obtained from a parallel class of lines of AG(n, p) in a suitable manner, the group G being a subgroup of A G L(n, p) in this case. The proof relies on the classification of 2‐(v, k, 1) designs admitting a doubly transitive automorphism group. The same conclusion holds even if G is only assumed to act doubly homogeneously. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Combin Designs
Identification of a plasma proteomic signature to distinguish pediatric osteosarcoma from benign osteochondroma
Authors: Li Yiting , Dang Tu Anh , Shen Jianhe , Perlaky Laszlo , Hicks John , Murray Jeffrey , Meyer William , Chintagumpala Murali , Lau Ching C. , Man Tsz‐Kwong
Published: May 2006

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common malignant bone tumor in children. To identify a plasma proteomic signature that can detect OS, we used SELDI MS to perform proteomic profiling on plasma specimens from 29 OS and 20 age‐matched osteochondroma (OC) patients. Nineteen statistically significant ion peaks that were differentially expressed in OS when compared with OC patients were identified (p < 0.001 and false discovery rate < 10%). Using the proteomic profiles, we constructed a multivariate 3‐nearest neighbors classifier to distinguish OS from OC patients with a sensitivity of 97% and a specificity of 80% based on external leave‐one‐out crossvalidation. Permutation test showed that the classification result was statistically significant (p < 0.00005). One of the proteins (m/z 11 704) in the proteomic signature was identified as serum amyloid protein A (SAA) by PMF. The higher plasma level of SAA in OS patients was further validated by Western blotting when compared to that of osteochrondroma patients and normal subjects as reference. The classifier based on this plasma proteomic signature may be useful to differentiate malignant bone cancer from benign bone tumors and for early detection of OS in high‐risk individuals.
Simultaneous quantification of CTN986 and its deglycosylation products in rat serum using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Guo Jifen , Zhao Yimin , Zhao Ling , Zhang Weiqiang , Zhang Aijun , Xu Bin
Published: May 2006

A quantitative method for the simultaneous determination of CTN986, a flavonol triglycoside, and its two deglycosylation products rutin and hirsutin in rat serum was developed and validated for the investigation of the pharmacokinetics of CTN986. Analytes were isolated from the serum samples (200 µL) prior to analysis by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) using C18 solid‐phase extraction, and were separated on a Zorbax C8 reversed‐phase column with an isocratic mobile phase consisting of methanol/isopropanol/water/formic acid (20:10:70:0.1, v/v/v/v). The protonated analytes generated in the positive ion mode were monitored through multiple reaction monitoring in an eletrospray ionization source. Calibration was performed by internal standardization with CTN987, a flavonoid structurally similar to CTN986, and regression curves were constructed ranging from 2 to 1000 ng/mL in 200 µL serum samples. The intra‐ and inter‐day precision values were below 11% and accuracy was between −2.37 and 1.4% for all quality control samples. This quantitation method was successfully applied to pharmacokinetic studies of CTN986 in rats following oral and intravenous administration. Rutin and hirsutin were not detected in rat serum. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The transformation of traditional Chinese guilds in modern times
Authors: Ying Zhu
Published: May 2006

As traditional business organizations that played an important role in China’s economy, guilds have faced unprecedented challenges in modern times due to the invasion of Western capitalism and the changes of the traditional Chinese economic structure. It was difficult to maintain the old guild rules, such as limitations on opening new workshops, recruiting new apprentices, etc. Thus, some guilds that insisted on maintaining the old rules fell into decline, while other guilds, either willingly or unwillingly, made reforms in their organization and structural function to adjust themselves to the new situations. The latter gradually transformed into the modern trade association. The different fates of traditional guilds proved that guilds had to reform properly and adapt themselves to new economic and social environments in order to survive in modern times.
SIZE OF NEWBORN AND CAESAREAN SECTION DELIVERIES AMONG TEENAGERS IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA: EVIDENCE FROM DHS
Authors: MAGADI MONICA , AGWANDA ALFRED , OBARE FRANCIS , TAFFA NEGUSSIE
Published: May 2006

This paper uses DHS data from 20 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, collected in the late 1990s and early 2000s, to examine perceived size of newborn and Caesarean section deliveries among teenagers in the region. A comparison between teenagers and older women, based on logistic regression analyses for individual countries, as well as multilevel logistic analyses applied to pooled data across countries, and controlling for the effects of important socioeconomic and demographic factors, shows that in general, births to teenagers are more likely to be small in size but are less likely to be delivered by Caesarean section compared with births among older women. An examination of the country-level variations shows significant differences in perceived size of newborn and Caesarean section deliveries between countries. However, the observed pattern by maternal age does not vary significantly between countries, suggesting that these patterns are generalizable for the region. For teenagers with characteristics associated with higher odds of Caesarean section, being in a country with an overall higher rate particularly amplifies their individual probability.
Melting of a sphere in hot fluid
Authors: Mcleod Paul , Riley David S. , Sparks R. Stephen. J.
Published: May 2006

Solid bodies immersed in hot fluids may melt. The molten material produced can then mix with, and be assimilated into, the fluid influencing its compositional and thermal states. Compositional convection of melt and thermal convection of cooled fluid around the solid determine the heat flux from the fluid to the solid's surface. This, together with the thermal properties of the solid, controls the rate of melting. Experiments on melting wax spheres into water are described; these have shown how variations in the nature of melt flow round the sphere cause differing melting rates and hence the development of a distinctive melting morphology. Melting rates are calculated by a simple theoretical analysis which estimates melt layer thickness and the heat flux from the fluid. Melting rate predictions agree well with the experimental data. A geological application occurs when magma incorporates blocks of its surrounding wall rock. Relatively rapid melting rates are estimated, typically in the order of a half metre per day. Such fast rates indicate that this method of contamination may be an important influence on magmatic evolution in continental environments.
Protease specificity determination by using cellular libraries of peptide substrates (CLiPS)
Authors: Boulware Kevin T. , Daugherty Patrick S.
Published: May 2006

We report a general combinatorial approach to identify optimal substrates of a given protease by using quantitative kinetic screening of cellular libraries of peptide substrates (CLiPS). A whole-cell protease activity assay was developed by displaying fluorescent reporter substrates on the surface of
Escherichia coli
as N-terminal fusions. This approach enabled generation of substrate libraries of arbitrary amino acid composition and length that are self-renewing. Substrate hydrolysis by a target protease was measured quantitatively via changes in whole-cell fluorescence by using FACS. FACS enabled efficient screening to identify optimal substrates for a given protease and characterize their cleavage kinetics. The utility of CLiPS was demonstrated by determining the substrate specificity of two unrelated proteases, caspase-3 and enteropeptidase (or enterokinase). CLiPS unambiguously identified the caspase-3 consensus cleavage sequence DXVDG. Enteropeptidase was unexpectedly promiscuous, but exhibited a preference for substrates with the motif
D
/
E
RM, which were cleaved substantially faster than the canonical DDDDK recognition sequence, widely used for protein purification. CLiPS provides a straightforward and versatile approach to determine protease specificity and discover optimal substrates on the basis of cleavage kinetics.
Ordered assembly of the duplicating Golgi in
Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Ho Helen H. , He Cynthia Y. , de Graffenried Christopher L. , Murrells Lindsay J. , Warren Graham
Published: May 2006

The new Golgi in the protozoan parasite
Trypanosoma brucei
grows near to the old and adjacent to the growing new endoplasmic reticulum exit site. Growth is now shown to be at least a two-stage process, in which a representative matrix marker (GRASP) and enzyme (GntB) are delivered to the site of assembly, followed ≈10 min later by a COPI component (ε-COP) and a trans-Golgi network (TGN) marker (GRIP70). A secretory cargo marker (signal sequence-YFP) appeared early near the new endoplasmic reticulum exit site but did not enter the Golgi until the second stage. Together these data suggest that structural and enzymatic components of the new Golgi stack are laid down first, followed by those needed to move and sort the cargo passing through it.
Distinct Mechanisms of Clathrin-independent Endocytosis Have Unique Sphingolipid Requirements
Authors: Cheng Zhi-Jie , Singh Raman Deep , Sharma Deepak K. , Holicky Eileen L. , Hanada Kentaro , Marks David L. , Pagano Richard E.
Published: May 2006

Sphingolipids (SLs) play important roles in membrane structure and cell function. Here, we examine the SL requirements of various endocytic mechanisms using a mutant cell line and pharmacological inhibitors to disrupt SL biosynthesis. First, we demonstrated that in Chinese hamster ovary cells we could distinguish three distinct mechanisms of clathrin-independent endocytosis (caveolar, RhoA, and Cdc42 dependent) which differed in cargo, sensitivity to pharmacological agents, and dominant negative proteins. General depletion of SLs inhibited endocytosis by each clathrin-independent mechanism, whereas clathrin-dependent uptake was unaffected. Depletion of glycosphingolipids (GSLs; a subgroup of SLs) selectively blocked caveolar endocytosis and decreased caveolin-1 and caveolae at the plasma membrane. Caveolar endocytosis and PM caveolae could be restored in GSL-depleted cells by acute addition of exogenous GSLs. Disruption of RhoA- and Cdc42-regulated endocytosis by SL depletion was shown to be related to decreased targeting of these Rho proteins to the plasma membrane and could be partially restored by exogenous sphingomyelin but not GSLs. Both the in vivo membrane targeting and in vitro binding to artificial lipid vesicles of RhoA and Cdc42 were shown to be dependent upon sphingomyelin. These results provide the first evidence that SLs are differentially required for distinct mechanisms of clathrin-independent endocytosis.
A Unique Fungal Two-Component System Regulates Stress Responses, Drug Sensitivity, Sexual Development, and Virulence ofCryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Bahn Yong-Sun , Kojima Kaihei , Cox Gary M. , Heitman Joseph
Published: May 2006

The stress-activated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is widely used by eukaryotic organisms as a central conduit via which cellular responses to the environment effect growth and differentiation. The basidiomycetous human fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans uniquely uses the stress-activated Pbs2-Hog1 MAPK system to govern a plethora of cellular events, including stress responses, drug sensitivity, sexual reproduction, and virulence. Here, we characterized a fungal “two-component” system that controls these fundamental cellular functions via the Pbs2-Hog1 MAPK cascade. A typical response regulator, Ssk1, modulated all Hog1-dependent phenotypes by controlling Hog1 phosphorylation, indicating that Ssk1 is the major upstream signaling component of the Pbs2-Hog1 pathway. A second response regulator, Skn7, governs sensitivity to Na+ions and the antifungal agent fludioxonil, negatively controls melanin production, and functions independently of Hog1 regulation. To control these response regulators, C. neoformans uses multiple sensor kinases, including two-component–like (Tco) 1 and Tco2. Tco1 and Tco2 play shared and distinct roles in stress responses and drug sensitivity through the Hog1 MAPK system. Furthermore, each sensor kinase mediates unique cellular functions for virulence and morphological differentiation. Our findings highlight unique adaptations of this global two-component MAPK signaling cascade in a ubiquitous human fungal pathogen.
TopoICE-R: 3D visualization modeling the topology of DNA recombination
Authors: Darcy Isabel K. , Scharein Robert G.
Published: May 2006

TopoICE-R is a three-dimensional visualization and manipulation software for solving 2-string tangle equations and can be used to model the topology of DNA bound by proteins such as recombinases and topoisomerases.

Availability: This software, manual and example files are available at for Linux, Windows and Mac.

Contact:  idarcy@math.uiowa.edu
SHARP2: protein–protein interaction predictions using patch analysis
Authors: Murakami Yoichi , Jones Susan
Published: May 2006

Summary: SHARP2 is a flexible web-based bioinformatics tool for predicting potential protein–protein interaction sites on protein structures. It implements a predictive algorithm that calculates multiple parameters for overlapping patches of residues on the surface of a protein. Six parameters are calculated: solvation potential, hydrophobicity, accessible surface area, residue interface propensity, planarity and protrusion (SHARP2). Parameter scores for each patch are combined, and the patch with the highest combined score is predicted as a potential interaction site. SHARP2 enables users to upload 3D protein structure files in PDB format, to obtain information on potential interaction sites as downloadable HTML tables and to view the location of the sites on the 3D structure using Jmol. The server allows for the input of multiple structures and multiple combinations of parameters. Therefore predictions can be made for complete datasets, as well as individual structures.

Availability:  

Contact:  s.jones@sussex.ac.uk
ELKS, a protein structurally related to the active zone protein CAST, is involved in Ca2+‐dependent exocytosis from PC12 cells
Authors: Inoue Eiji , Deguchi‐Tawarada Maki , Takao‐Rikitsu Etsuko , Inoue Marie , Kitajima Isao , Ohtsuka Toshihisa , Takai Yoshimi
Published: May 2006

The active zone protein CAST binds directly to the other active zone proteins RIM, Bassoon and Piccolo, and it has been suggested that these protein–protein interactions play an important role in neurotransmitter release. To further elucidate the molecular mechanism, we attempted to examine the function of CAST using PC12 cells as a model system. Although PC12 cells do not express CAST, they do express ELKS, a protein structurally related to CAST. Endogenous and exogenously expressed ELKS, RIM2 and Bassoon were colocalized in punctate signals in PC12 cells. Over‐expression of full‐length ELKS resulted in a significant increase in stimulated exocytosis of human growth hormone (hGH) from PC12 cells, similar to the effect of full‐length RIM2. This increase was not observed following over‐expression of deletion constructs of ELKS that lacked either the last three amino acids (IWA) required for binding to RIM2 or a central region necessary for binding to Bassoon. Moreover, over‐expression of the NH2‐terminal RIM2‐binding domain of Munc13‐1, which is known to inhibit the binding between RIM and Munc13‐1, inhibited the stimulated increase in hGH secretion by full‐length RIM2. Furthermore, this construct also inhibited the stimulated increase in hGH secretion induced by full‐length ELKS. These results suggest that ELKS is involved in Ca2+‐dependent exocytosis from PC12 cells at least partly via the RIM2‐Munc13‐1 pathway.
Transgenic rescue of erythroid 5‐aminolevulinate synthase‐deficient mice results in the formation of ring sideroblasts and siderocytes
Authors: Nakajima Osamu , Okano Satoshi , Harada Hiroko , Kusaka Toshimasa , Gao Xu , Hosoya Tomonori , Suzuki Norio , Takahashi Satoru , Yamamoto Masayuki
Published: May 2006

Molecular defects in erythroid 5‐aminolevulinate synthase (ALAS‐E), the first enzyme in the heme biosynthetic pathway, cause X‐linked sideroblastic anemia (XLSA). However, ring sideroblasts, the hallmark of XLSA, were not found in ALAS‐E‐deficient mouse embryos, indicating that simple ALAS‐E‐deficiency is not sufficient for ring sideroblast formation. To investigate the developmental stage‐specific pathogenesis caused by heme‐depletion, we attempted a complementation rescue of ALAS‐E‐deficiency. We exploited transgenic mouse lines expressing human ALAS‐E at approximately half that of wild‐type levels. In these hypomorphic embryos, most of the primitive erythroid cells were transformed into ring sideroblasts. The majority of the circulating definitive erythroid cells became siderocytes, enucleated erythrocytes containing iron deposits, and definitive ring sideroblasts were also observed. These iron‐overloaded cells suffered from an α/β globin chain imbalance. Despite the iron overload, transferrin receptors were highly expressed in the erythroid cells, suggesting they contribute to the formation of ring sideroblasts and siderocytes. These results indicate that a partially depleted heme supply provokes ring sideroblast formation. The experimental generation of ring sideroblasts in animals would contribute to our understanding of the iron metabolism and its disorder in erythroid cells.
A postal survey of continence advisers in England and Wales
Authors: Rhodes Penny
Published: May 2006

Improved continence services have been identified as a purchasing priority for 1994–1995 A key figure in the continence team is the nurse continence adviser However, although the Association for Continence Advice in the United Kingdom offers a set of guidelines for the role of continence adviser, the extent to which these were implemented across the country was unknown In 1991, the Department of Health commissioned the Social Policy Research Unit of the University of York, England, to carry out a postal survey of all known continence advisers in England and Wales in order to provide basic quantitative information about the number of advisers in post, their professional qualifications, the structures in which they worked, and the nature of current practice In this paper a brief resumé of some of the main findings from the survey, which included both quantitative and qualitative data, is presented The role of the continence adviser as a clinical nurse specialist and some of the implications for current practice are also discussed
Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy in health care workers
Authors: Repper Julie
Published: May 2006

The literature on Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy (MSP) is reviewed to assess the extent of existing knowledge and the incidence of this syndrome among health care workers Although use of this diagnosis appears to be increasing and broadening, it was not until the Beverly Allitt case in the United Kingdom in 1993 that this syndrome was used to explain the behaviour of a health care worker who harmed people in his/her care However, a review of available details of previous health care workers accused of murder reveals that five shared some of the distinctive features of MSP Although care must be taken when applying diagnoses, in view of the risk of morbidity and mortality which MSP poses for the people involved, it is important that health care workers become more informed and involved in understanding and detecting MSP