bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lead (II) Pollution Enhances the Binding of Transgenic Toxin in Brown and Red Soils: Equilibrium and Kinetics
Authors: Zhou Xueyong , Liu Huifen , Lu Xianzhi , Shi Lili , Hao Jianchao
Published: September 2013

Genetically modified crops, which produce insecticidal toxins fromBacillus thuringiensis(Bt), release the toxins into soils. Although the phenomena of persistence and degradation ofBttoxins have been documented, the effect of heavy metals on the fate of these toxins in soil has not yet been elucidated. The effect of Pb(II) on the adsorption behaviors ofBttoxin in brown and red soil was investigated. With the increase of Pb(II) concentration, the adsorption ofBttoxin in brown and red soil increased. The Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin–Radushkevich (D–R) isotherm models gave better fitting to the experimental equilibrium data. Values ofKL,KFandnincreased butRLdecreased with the increase of Pb(II) concentration, showing that the Pb(II) promoted the adsorption ofBttoxin in soils. The mean free energy of adsorption (E) ranged from 10.43 to 16.44 kJ mol−1may correspond to a chemical ion-exchange mechanism. Three kinds of kinetic models, the pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and intraparticle diffusion model, were used to test the experimental data. The results showed that the adsorption ofBttoxin by brown and red soil followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The addition of Pb(II) during the adsorption led to a decrease of the desorption ofBttoxin from soils, indicating that the residual risk ofBttoxin may become larger if soil is polluted by lead.
Preparation and characterization of modified chitosan for in vitro controlled release of vitamin B12
Authors: Awadallah-F Ahmed , Mostafa Tahia B.
Published: September 2013

Graft copolymerization of acrylonitrile and acryloyl chloride on to chitosan was prepared by γ-rays. Optimization of the grafting (%) was studied. The grafting (%) was observed to increase with increase in the irradiation dose and monomer concentration. The grafting percentages were about 52% and 36% from polyacrylonitrile and poly(acryloyl chloride), respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the specimens. The modified chitosan was loaded with vitamin B12, demonstrated nearly 5.0±2.3% and 50.1±4.5% release in the media of pH 1.2 and 6.8, respectively, for amidoximated chitosan-grafted polyacrylonitrile and 3.6±1.1% and 36±2.4% in pH 1.2 and 6.8, respectively, for chitosan-grafted poly(acryloyl chloride), as determined by a traditional dissolution model. The modified chitosan specimens that uploaded with vitamin B12 displayed a more decremental release in the acidic medium than the neutral one. However, in order to incorporate in vivo gastrointestinal conditions, such as acidic pH and high water content in the stomach, low water content, and the presence of semi-solid mass in the large intestine, a new model, called flow through diffusion cell, was also used to study the drug release. The results of the two approaches produced different release profiles at the same pH values.
Synaptic Input Correlations Leading to Membrane Potential Decorrelation of Spontaneous Activity in Cortex
Authors: Graupner Michael , Reyes Alex D.
Published: September 2013

Correlations in the spiking activity of neurons have been found in many regions of the cortex under multiple experimental conditions and are postulated to have important consequences for neural population coding. While there is a large body of extracellular data reporting correlations of various strengths, the subthreshold events underlying the origin and magnitude of signal-independent correlations (called noise or spike count correlations) are unknown. Here we investigate, using intracellular recordings, how synaptic input correlations from shared presynaptic neurons translate into membrane potential and spike-output correlations. Using a pharmacologically activated thalamocortical slice preparation, we perform simultaneous recordings from pairs of layer IV neurons in the auditory cortex of mice and measure synaptic potentials/currents, membrane potentials, and spiking outputs. We calculate cross-correlations between excitatory and inhibitory inputs to investigate correlations emerging from the network. We furthermore evaluate membrane potential correlations near resting potential to study how excitation and inhibition combine and affect spike-output correlations. We demonstrate directly that excitation is correlated with inhibition thereby partially canceling each other and resulting in weak membrane potential and spiking correlations between neurons. Our data suggest that cortical networks are set up to partially cancel correlations emerging from the connections between neurons. This active decorrelation is achieved because excitation and inhibition closely track each other. Our results suggest that the numerous shared presynaptic inputs do not automatically lead to increased spiking correlations.
Large-Scale, High-Resolution Neurophysiological Maps Underlying fMRI of Macaque Temporal Lobe
Authors: Issa Elias B. , Papanastassiou Alex M. , DiCarlo James J.
Published: September 2013

Maps obtained by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) are thought to reflect the underlying spatial layout of neural activity. However, previous studies have not been able to directly compare fMRI maps to high-resolution neurophysiological maps, particularly in higher level visual areas. Here, we used a novel stereo microfocal x-ray system to localize thousands of neural recordings across monkey inferior temporal cortex (IT), construct large-scale maps of neuronal object selectivity at subvoxel resolution, and compare those neurophysiology maps with fMRI maps from the same subjects. While neurophysiology maps contained reliable structure at the sub-millimeter scale, fMRI maps of object selectivity contained information at larger scales (>2.5 mm) and were only partly correlated with raw neurophysiology maps collected in the same subjects. However, spatial smoothing of neurophysiology maps more than doubled that correlation, while a variety of alternative transforms led to no significant improvement. Furthermore, raw spiking signals, once spatially smoothed, were as predictive of fMRI maps as local field potential signals. Thus, fMRI of the inferior temporal lobe reflects a spatially low-passed version of neurophysiology signals. These findings strongly validate the widespread use of fMRI for detecting large (>2.5 mm) neuronal domains of object selectivity but show that a complete understanding of even the most pure domains (e.g., faces vs nonface objects) requires investigation at fine scales that can currently only be obtained with invasive neurophysiological methods.
Transgene Expression in Target-Defined Neuron Populations Mediated by Retrograde Infection with Adeno-Associated Viral Vectors
Authors: Rothermel Markus , Brunert Daniela , Zabawa Christine , Díaz-Quesada Marta , Wachowiak Matt
Published: September 2013

Tools enabling the manipulation of well defined neuronal subpopulations are critical for probing complex neuronal networks. Cre recombinase (Cre) mouse driver lines in combination with the Cre-dependent expression of proteins using viral vectors—in particular, recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors (rAAVs)—have emerged as a widely used platform for achieving transgene expression in specified neural populations. However, the ability of rAAVs to further specify neuronal subsets on the basis of their anatomical connectivity has been reported as limited or inconsistent. Here, we systematically tested a variety of widely used neurotropic rAAVs for their ability to mediate retrograde gene transduction in the mouse brain. We tested pseudotyped rAAVs of several common serotypes (rAAV 2/1, 2/5, and 2/9) as well as constructs both with and without Cre-dependent expression switches. Many of the rAAVs tested—in particular, though not exclusively, Cre-dependent vectors—showed a robust capacity for retrograde infection and transgene expression. Retrograde expression was successful over distances as large as 6 mm and in multiple neuron types, including olfactory projection neurons, neocortical pyramidal cells projecting to distinct targets, and corticofugal and modulatory projection neurons. Retrograde infection using transgenes such as ChR2 allowed for optical control or optically assisted electrophysiological identification of neurons defined genetically as well as by their projection target. These results establish a widely accessible tool for achieving combinatorial specificity and stable, long-term transgene expression to isolate precisely defined neuron populations in the intact animal.
The Memory-Enhancing Effects of Hippocampal Estrogen Receptor Activation Involve Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor Signaling
Authors: Boulware Marissa I. , Heisler John D. , Frick Karyn M.
Published: September 2013

Our laboratory has demonstrated that 17β-estradiol (E2) enhances hippocampal memory consolidation via rapid activation of multiple intracellular signaling cascades, including the ERK/MAPK cascade (Fernandez et al., 2008; Fan et al., 2010). However, the receptor mechanisms responsible for these effects of E2remain unclear.In vitro, estrogen receptor α (ERα) signaling through metabotropic glutamate receptor 1a (mGluR1a) leads to ERK-dependent CREB phosphorylation (Boulware et al., 2005), suggesting that interactions between ERs and mGluR1a may be vital to the memory-enhancing effects of E2. As such, the present study tested the roles of classical estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ) and mGluR1a in mediating the effects of E2on hippocampal memory consolidation. Dorsal hippocampal (DH) infusion of ERα (PPT) or ERβ (DPN) agonists enhanced novel object recognition and object placement memory in ovariectomized female mice in an ERK-dependent manner, suggesting that these receptors influence memory by rapidly activating hippocampal cell signaling. Next, DH infusion of the mGluR1a antagonist LY367385 blocked the object and spatial memory facilitation induced by E2, PPT, and DPN, demonstrating that ER/mGluR1a signaling is critical for the memory-enhancing effects of E2. Finally, we show that ERα, ERβ, mGluR1, and ERK all reside within specialized membrane microdomains of the DH, and that ERα and ERβ physically interact with mGluR1, providing a means through which ERs may activate mGluRs and downstream signaling. Together, these findings provide the firstin vivoevidence demonstrating that ER/mGluR signaling can mediate the beneficial effects of E2on hippocampal memory consolidation.
Enhanced Excitability of Thalamic Sensory Neurons and Slow-Wave EEG Pattern after Stimuli That Induce Spinal Long-Term Potentiation
Authors: Sanoja Raul , Taepavarapruk Niwat , Benda Elke , Tadavarty Ramakrishna , Soja Peter J.
Published: September 2013

Spinal nociceptive neurons are well known to undergo a process of long-term potentiation (LTP) following conditioning by high-frequency sciatic nerve stimulation (HFS) at intensities recruiting C-fibers. However, little if any information exists as to whether such HFS conditioning that produces spinal LTP affects sensory transmission at supraspinal levels. The present study explored this possibility. Conventional extracellular recording methods were used to examine the consequences of HFS versus sham HFS conditioning on individual wide-dynamic range thalamic neurons located in the ventro-postero-lateral (VPL) nucleus in isoflurane-anesthetized rats. Following HFS, the ongoing firing rate and stimulus-evoked (brush, pinch, sciatic nerve) responses were markedly enhanced as were responses to juxtacellular, microiontophoretic applications of glutamate. These HFS-induced enhancements lasted throughout the recording period. Sham stimuli had no effect on VPL neuron excitability. Cortical electroencephalographic (EEG) wave activities were also measured around HFS in conjunction with VPL neuron recordings. The cortical EEG pattern under baseline conditions consisted of recurring short duration bursts of high-amplitude slow waves followed by longer periods of flat EEG. Following HFS, the EEG shifted to a continuous large-amplitude, slow-wave pattern within the 0.5–8.0 Hz bandwidth lasting throughout the recording period. Sham HFS did not alter EEG activity. Sciatic nerve conditioning at A-δ fiber strength, known to reverse spinal LTP, did not alter enhanced neuronal excitability or the EEG slow-wave pattern induced by HFS. These data support the concept that HFS conditioning of the sciatic nerve, which leads to spinal LTP, is associated with distinct, long-lasting changes in the excitability of neurons comprising thalamocortical networks.
Hippocampal Hyperexcitability Underlies Enhanced Fear Memories in TgNTRK3, a Panic Disorder Mouse Model
Authors: Santos Mónica , D'Amico Davide , Spadoni Ornella , Amador-Arjona Alejandro , Stork Oliver , Dierssen Mara
Published: September 2013

Panic attacks are a hallmark in panic disorder (PAND). During the panic attack, a strong association with the surrounding context is established suggesting that the hippocampus may be critically involved in the pathophysiology of PAND, given its role in contextual processing. We previously showed that variation in the expression of the neurotrophin tyrosine kinase receptor type 3 (NTRK3) in both PAND patients and a transgenic mouse model (TgNTRK3) may have a role in PAND pathophysiology.

Our study examines hippocampal function and activation of the brain fear network in TgNTRK3mice. TgNTRK3mice showed increased fear memories accompanied by impaired extinction, congruent with an altered activation pattern of the amygdala—hippocampus—medial prefrontal cortex fear circuit. Moreover, TgNTRK3mice also showed an unbalanced excitation-to-inhibition ratio in the hippocampal cornu ammonis 3 (CA3)–CA1 subcircuit toward hyperexcitability. The resulting hippocampal hyperexcitability underlies the enhanced fear memories, as supported by the efficacy of tiagabine, a GABA reuptake inhibitor, to rescue fear response.

The fearful phenotype appears to be the result of hippocampal hyperexcitability and aberrant fear circuit activation. We conclude thatNTRK3plays a role in PAND by regulating hippocampus-dependent fear memories.
Death Receptor 6 Regulates Adult Experience-Dependent Cortical Plasticity
Authors: Marik Sally A. , Olsen Olav , Tessier-Lavigne Marc , Gilbert Charles D.
Published: September 2013

Sensory experience alters cortical circuitry by parallel processes of axon outgrowth and pruning, but the mechanisms that control these rearrangements are poorly understood. Usingin vivo2-photon longitudinal imaging, we found a marked reduction in axonal pruning in somatosensory cortex of mice with a knock-out of theDR6gene, which codes for Death Receptor 6. This effect was seen for both long-range horizontal excitatory connections and for the axons of inhibitory neurons. These results identify a new pathway governing axonal plasticity associated with experience-dependent changes in cortical maps.
Lateralized Odor Preference Training in Rat Pups Reveals an Enhanced Network Response in Anterior Piriform Cortex to Olfactory Input That Parallels Extended Memory
Authors: Fontaine Christine J. , Harley Carolyn W. , Yuan Qi
Published: September 2013

The present study examines synaptic plasticity in the anterior piriform cortex (aPC) usingex vivoslices from rat pups given lateralized odor preference training. In the early odor preference learning model, a brief 10 min training session yields 24 h memory, while four daily sessions yield 48 h memory. Odor preference memory can be lateralized through naris occlusion as the anterior commissure is not yet functional. AMPA receptor-mediated postsynaptic responses in the aPC to lateral olfactory tract input, shown to be enhanced at 24 h, are no longer enhanced 48 h after a single training session. Following four spaced lateralized trials, the AMPA receptor-mediated fEPSP is enhanced in the trained aPC at 48 h. Calcium imaging of aPC pyramidal cells within 48 h revealed decreased firing thresholds in the pyramidal cell network. Thus multiday odor preference training induced increased odor input responsiveness in previously weakly activated aPC cells. These results support the hypothesis that increased synaptic strength in olfactory input networks mediates odor preference memory. The increase in aPC network activation parallels behavioral memory.
Sound Localization Ability and Glycinergic Innervation of the Superior Olivary Complex Persist after Genetic Deletion of the Medial Nucleus of the Trapezoid Body
Authors: Jalabi Walid , Kopp-Scheinpflug Cornelia , Allen Paul D. , Schiavon Emanuele , DiGiacomo Rita R. , Forsythe Ian D. , Maricich Stephen M.
Published: September 2013

The medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB) in the superior olivary complex (SOC) is an inhibitory hub considered critical for binaural sound localization. We show that genetic ablation of MNTB neurons in mice only subtly affects this ability by prolonging the minimum time required to detect shifts in sound location. Furthermore, glycinergic innervation of the SOC is maintained without an MNTB, consistent with the existence of parallel inhibitory inputs. These findings redefine the role of MNTB in sound localization and suggest that the inhibitory network is more complex than previously thought.
MEK1/2 Inhibition Suppresses Tamoxifen Toxicity on CNS Glial Progenitor Cells
Authors: Chen Hsing-Yu , Yang Yin Miranda , Han Ruolan , Noble Mark
Published: September 2013

It is increasingly apparent that treatment with a variety of anticancer agents often is associated with adverse neurological consequences. Clinical studies indicate that exposure even to tamoxifen (TMX), a putatively benign antihormonal agent widely used in breast cancer treatment, causes cognitive dysfunction and changes in CNS metabolism, hippocampal volume, and brain structure. We found that TMX is toxic for a variety of CNS cell populationsin vitroand also increased cell death in the corpus callosum and reduced cell division in the mouse subventricular zone, the hippocampal dentate gyrus, and the corpus callosum. We further discovered that MEK1/2 inhibition selectively rescued primary glial progenitors from TMX toxicityin vitrowhile enhancing TMX effects on MCF7 luminal human breast cancer cells.In vivo, MEK1/2 inhibition prevented TMX-induced cell death in systemically treated mice. Our results demonstrate unexpected cytotoxicity of this putatively benign antihormonal agent and offer a potential strategy for rescuing CNS cells from adverse effects of TMX.
Individual Differences in Frontal Cortical Thickness Correlate with the d-Amphetamine-Induced Striatal Dopamine Response in Humans
Authors: Casey Kevin F. , Cherkasova Mariya V. , Larcher Kevin , Evans Alan C. , Baker Glen B. , Dagher Alain , Benkelfat Chawki , Leyton Marco
Published: September 2013

The meso-striatal dopamine system influences responses to rewards and the motivation to seek them out. Marked individual differences in these responses are seen in laboratory animals, related in part to input from the prefrontal cortex. Here we measured the relation between cortical morphology and drug-induced striatal dopamine release in healthy young people. Participants were 24 (17 male, 7 female; age 23.0 ± 6.2 years) stimulant drug-naive subjects who underwent PET [11C]raclopride scans with 0.3 mg/kg d-amphetamine orally and placebo, and an anatomical MRI scan for measuring cortical thickness. As expected, d-amphetamine produced significant reductions in [11C]raclopride binding potential in the striatum as a percentage of the value in the placebo condition. There was substantial individual variability in this response, which was correlated with cortical thickness in the frontal lobe as a whole. The association was strongest in the anterior part of the right lateral prefrontal cortex and bilateral supplementary motor area. A thicker cortex was correlated with a smaller dopamine response. Together, this work demonstrates in humans an association between cortical thickness and the striatal dopamine response to drugs of abuse. Although prefrontal regulation of striatal function has been well studied, it was unclear whether the thickness of the prefrontal cortex was an acceptable proxy to the function of that region. These results suggest it is.
Cyclooxygenase-1-Dependent Prostaglandins Mediate Susceptibility to Systemic Inflammation-Induced Acute Cognitive Dysfunction
Authors: Griffin Éadaoin W. , Skelly Donal T. , Murray Carol L. , Cunningham Colm
Published: September 2013

Systemic inflammatory events often precipitate acute cognitive dysfunction in elderly and demented populations. Delirium is a highly prevalent neuropsychiatric syndrome that is characterized by acute inattention and cognitive dysfunction, for which prior dementia is the major predisposing factor and systemic inflammation is a frequent trigger. Inflammatory mechanisms of delirium remain unclear. We have modeled aspects of delirium during dementia by exploiting progressive neurodegeneration in the ME7 mouse model of prion disease and by superimposing systemic inflammation induced by the bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Here, we have used this model to demonstrate that the progression of underlying disease increases the incidence, severity, and duration of acute cognitive dysfunction. This increasing susceptibility is associated with increased CNS expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 in microglia and perivascular macrophages. The COX-1-specific inhibitor SC-560 provided significant protection against LPS-induced cognitive deficits, and attenuated the disease-induced increase in hippocampal and thalamic prostaglandin E2, while the COX-2-specific inhibitor NS-398 was ineffective. SC-560 treatment did not alter levels of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-6, or C-X-C chemokine ligand 1 in blood or brain, but systemic IL-1RA blocked LPS-induced cognitive deficits, and systemic IL-1β was sufficient to induce similar deficits in the absence of LPS. Furthermore, the well tolerated COX inhibitor ibuprofen was protective against IL-1β-induced deficits. These data demonstrate that progressive microglial COX-1 expression and prostaglandin synthesis can underpin susceptibility to cognitive deficits, which can be triggered by systemic LPS-induced IL-1β. These data contribute to our understanding of how systemic inflammation and ongoing neurodegeneration interact to induce cognitive dysfunction and episodes of delirium.
Focusing illusion in satisfaction with life among college students living in Brazil
Authors: Mendes-da-Silva Wesley , Onusic Luciana Massaro , Norvilitis Jill M. , Moura Gilnei L.
Published: September 2013

Literature shows that there are significant associations between health and happiness. Various countries are considering, contemplating or formally incorporating the happiness variable into their public health policies. Moreover, the private sector has shown interest in the topic. Based on that This article examines the biases in the perception of satisfaction with life among young adults in two Brazilian cities. The study explores the associations between aspects of life and perception of happiness because public policies associated with happiness require an improved understanding of the subjectivity of the sense of well-being. A survey conducted among 368 college students enabled analysis through Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA) and linear regression. The results suggest that, although there were no significant differences in general satisfaction with life between the two cities, there were indications of focusing illusion in the perception of happiness caused by expectations arising from the feeling of personal insecurity in a metropolis.
Avaliação lectino-histoquímica de fígado e rim de ovinos com fotossensibilização causada por Brachiaria decumbens
Authors: Costa Samay Z.R. , Nespoli Pedro B. , Bezerra Júnior Pedro S. , Nogueira Vivian A. , Driemeier David , Boabaid Fabiana M. , Peixoto Paulo V. , Armién Aníbal M. , França Ticiana N.
Published: September 2013

Embora sejam as forrageiras mais importantes para a pecuária de corte (bovinocultura de corte) no Brasil, em certas épocas ou condições, Brachiaria spp. podem ser tóxicas e causar surtos de fotossensibilização hepatógena que determinam significativas perdas econômicas. Animais que se alimentam em pastos de Brachiaria spp. comumente apresentam macrófagos espumosos isolados ou agrupados, além de cristais no interior de ductos biliares. Saponinas esteroidais têm sido identificadas nestes cristais e são responsabilizadas por lesar o fígado levando ao acúmulo de filoeritrina. Por vezes, imagens negativas desses cristais podem estar presentes no citoplasma de macrófagos espumosos. A patogênese de formação e o tipo de material armazenado nas células espumosas ainda são desconhecidos. A técnica de lectino-histoquímica visa auxiliar na detecção desses macrófagos e, consequentemente, no diagnóstico, além de identificar quais os resíduos de açúcares específicos que estão presentes no citoplasma das células espumosas. Assim, este trabalho teve por objetivo identificar quais lectinas são mais indicadas na detecção de saponinas esteroidais no fígado e rim de ovinos com fotossensibilização causada por Brachiaria decumbens. Fragmentos de fígado e rim de quinze ovinos, de ambos os sexos e idade variável, oriundos de Conceição do Mato Dentro, Minas Gerais, e um ovino mantido em pastagem livre de Brachiaria spp. foram avaliados pela técnica de lectino-histoquímica. Quatorze lectinas foram utilizadas (Con-A, DBA, SBA, PNA, SJA, RCA-I, UEA-I, WGA, SWGA, GSL, PSA, PHA-L, PHA-E e LCA). Verificou-se que, no fígado de ovinos com fotossensibilização provocada pela ingestão de Brachiaria decumbens, a lectina PNA apresentou especificidade e acentuada reatividade aos macrófagos espumosos, bem como especificidade e leve reatividade aos hepatócitos; a lectina WGA teve especificidade e moderada reatividade aos macrófagos espumosos do fígado e especificidade e leve reatividade aos hepatócitos; e as lectinas SBA, GSL e LCA apresentaram especificidade e moderada reatividade aos macrófagos espumosos, entretanto, não foram específicas para hepatócitos. No rim dos ovinos, a lectina PNA foi a que apresentou maior reatividade. Avaliações lectino-histoquímicas ainda não haviam sido realizadas em fígado e rim de ovinos com fotossensibilização provocada por Brachiaria spp.
Desempenho reprodutivo entre receptoras bovinas não contaminadas e naturalmente infectadas por Neospora caninum, após a transferência de embriões
Authors: Sturaro Luís G.R. , Zanenga Carlos A. , Pedroso Merlison F. , Palazzi Eduardo G. , Queiroz Roberta K.R. , D'Angelo Magali
Published: September 2013

O uso do conhecimento de biotécnicas para a melhoria da produção de bens e serviços tem avançado significativamente. O controle de doenças infecciosas continua a representar o maior obstáculo para a saúde dos animais. A perda embrionária pode ser responsável pelo aumento de prejuízos econômicos isolados para os produtores de bovinos. A infecção por Neospora caninum tem emergido como uma importante doença reprodutiva e, em vários países, tem sido diagnosticada como principal causa de aborto. O objetivo desse trabalho foi comparar o desempenho reprodutivo em receptoras bovinas não contaminadas e naturalmente infectadas por Neospora caninum após a transferência de embriões (TE). A escolha dos animais (n=395) para o experimento foi realizada através de avaliação ginecológica, via palpação transretal. As vacinações seguiram protocolo sanitário recomendado para a TE. O manejo nutricional foi baseado no National Research Council (NRC, 1999). A TE de embriões descongelados foi feita após a sincronização do ciclo estral das receptoras. Para a avaliação do desempenho reprodutivo se utilizou de ultrassonografia transretal. A identificação das receptoras positivas para Neospora caninum realizou-se através do teste de ELISA e, para as amostras reagentes, confirmação através de imunofluorescência indireta (IFI). Os dados foram analisados utilizando Past® e foram considerados estatisticamente significantes (P<0,01). Os resultados mostram uma taxa de prenhes (n=191) de 48,35%, seguida de uma taxa de abortos aos 60 dias de gestação (n=14) de 3,5% e abortos ao sexto mês de gestação (n=12) de 3,04%. Esses resultados tornam-se relevantes quando se leva em consideração que, receptoras infectadas pelo protozoário não apresentaram uma taxa elevada de perdas gestacionais. A insignificância estatística dos dados obtidos nesse estudo confere a segurança em sugerir que não há necessidade em implantar o diagnóstico ou controle prévios para Neosporose em rebanhos aptos a TE.
Surto de salmonelose pelo sorovar Dublin em bezerros no Maranhão
Authors: Marques Ana L.A. , Simões Sara V.D. , Garino Jr. Felício , Maia Lisanka A. , Silva Tatiane R. da , Riet-Correa Beatriz , Lima Everton F. , Riet-Correa Franklin
Published: September 2013

Um surto de salmonelose em bezerros causado pela Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica sorovar Dublin é relatado em uma fazenda no município de Timon, Maranhão. De um total de 62 bezerros, 22 (35,5%) adoeceram e destes nove (40,9%) morreram. Os sinais clínicos incluíram febre, depressão, anorexia e, em alguns casos, sinais respiratórios, neurológicos, entéricos ou artrites, com curso clínico hiperagudo ou subagudo. As principais lesões macroscópicas foram hepatomegalia com áreas pálidas multifocais a coalescentes, esplenomegalia e líquido nas cavidades torácica e abdominal. Histologicamente foram observados granulomas paratifoides no fígado, rim e baço, além de trombos e agregados bacterianos em vasos sanguíneos de diversos órgãos. O surto foi controlado com a adoção de antibioticoterapia adequada aliada a correção de algumas medidas sanitárias na propriedade.
Detecção de Toxoplasma gondii em órgãos do sistema reprodutivo de carneiros naturalmente infectados no Brasil
Authors: Bezerra Mauro José Gonçalves , Cruz Jefferson Ayrton Leite de Oliveira , Kung Eugênio de Souza , Melo Renata Pimentel Bandeira de , Gomes Ana Lisa do Vale , Moraes Érica Paes Barreto Xavier de , Pinheiro Junior José Wilton , Mota Rinaldo Aparecido
Published: September 2013

Objetivou-se com esse estudo detectar o DNA genômico de T. gondii em amostras de testículo e epidídimo de ovinos comercializados em abatedouros do Estado de Pernambuco Região Nordeste do Brasil. Foram coletadas 50 amostras de soro sanguíneo, 50 amostras de testículos e 50 de epidídimos. Para a triagem dos animais foi utilizada a técnica de Imunofluorescência Indireta (RIFI) e posteriormente empregou-se a Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase (PCR) nos animais positivos na sorologia. Observou-se 24% (12/50) dos animais positivos na RIFI e o DNA genômico foi detectado no epidídimo em 8,3% (1/12) das amostras. A identidade molecular dos produtos amplificados foi confirmada por sequenciamento. Relata-se a primeira ocorrência da presença do DNA de T. gondii em órgãos do sistema reprodutivo de carneiros naturalmente infectados no Brasil.
Dinâmica da inversão do saco vitelino em preás (Galea spixii Wagler, 1831)
Authors: Vale André M. , Oliveira Gleidson B. , Favaron Phelipe O. , Miglino Maria A. , Paula Valeria V. , Silva Alexandre R. , Oliveira Moacir F.
Published: September 2013

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar o período de inversão do saco vitelino bem como a dinâmica resultante deste processo na gestação inicial em preás, utilizando-se microscopia de luz, microscopia eletrônica de varredura e de transmissão. No décimo segundo dia de gestação observou-se o desenvolvimento dos endodermas parietal e visceral delimitando a cavidade do saco vitelino. O endoderma parietal foi evidenciado revestindo a superfície fetal da placenta corioalantoidea bem como contornando o espaço delimitado pela decídua capsular. Estes endodermas apresentaram formato prismático e encontraram-se separados do trofoblasto por uma desenvolvida membrana de Reichert. Já o endoderma visceral continha vasos vitelínicos e possuía vilosidades apenas em determinadas áreas. No décimo quarto dia de gestação verificou-se a inversão do saco vitelino, caracterizada pela degeneração do endoderma parietal e trofoblasto mural, associado ao desaparecimento gradual da membrana de Reichert. Como consequência deste fenômeno, o endoderma visceral passou a constituir uma interface com o epitélio uterino. Após a inversão, o endoderma parietal que permaneceu íntegro foi aquele que se apoiava na superfície da placenta corioalantóidea, apresentando células em formato colunar alto e característica de epitélio pseudoestratificado. O endoderma visceral apresentou numerosas vilosidades apicais principalmente em regiões próximas a placenta corioalantóidea. Com o contínuo desenvolvimento do embrião e placenta corioalantóidea, observou-se o surgimento de importante área de aposição entre os endodermas visceral e parietal. A inversão do saco vitelino representou uma disposição anatômica favorável ao desenvolvimento embrionário, além de ser uma característica evolutiva nesta espécie de roedor.
Ativismo Judicial?: Jurisprudência constitucional e política no STF pós-88
Authors: Koerner Andrei
Published: September 2013

O artigo analisa o debate acadêmico sobre o ativismo judicial. Critica o seu enfoque no problema da autonomia individual do juiz na tomada de decisão e seu propósito normativo de definir o modelo apropriado para o Judiciário numa ordem constitucional democrática. O debate coloca em segundo plano o caráter institucionalmente inserido dos tribunais e simplifica as relações entre a prática judicial e o contexto político. Em seguida, propõe um quadro para a análise das relações entre jurisprudência e política, baseado nos conceitos de regime governamental e regime jurisprudencial. Enfim, é apresentada uma análise preliminar das mudanças no controle da constitucionalidade pelo STF após 1988.
O lugar da Antropologia na formação docente: um olhar a partir das Escolas Normais
Authors: Oliveira Amurabi de
Published: September 2013

O presente trabalho busca problematizar a relação entre Antropologia e Educação, a partir de uma discussão histórica, envolvendo a fundação dos primeiros gabinetes de Antropologia Pedagógica na primeira metade do século XX, almejando, desse modo, repensar a própria história da Antropologia brasileira, destacando o lugar que ela ocupou no processo de formação de professores no Brasil. Destaca-se ainda a relação entre o movimento da "Escola Nova", a perspectiva higienista e esta Antropologia Pedagógica aqui desenvolvida.
A propagação de novos modos de regulação no sistema educacional brasileiro: o Plano de Ações Articuladas e as relações entre as escolas e a União
Authors: Duarte Marisa Ribeiro Teixeira , Junqueira Déborah Saib
Published: September 2013

A investigação analisou as relações intergovernamentais - conhecidas como regime de colaboração entre os entes federados - pela via do mecanismo de planejamento educacional presente no sistema educacional brasileiro o "Plano de Ações Articuladas" (PAR), elaborado pelo Ministério da Educação. A abordagem acha-se associada à chamada sociologia das regulações sociais e constituiu chave de leitura do Plano de Ações Articuladas de Prefeitura Municipal e de 93 Planos de Desenvolvimento, construídos por escolas de redepública municipal. Os resultados obtidos indicam a associação do planejamento desenvolvido no âmbito de cada escola e do município com os projetos educacionais formulados e financiados pela União. Expõem, também, tensões existentes na articulação das demandas formuladas pelos atores situados nas escolas e as diretrizes de políticas públicas. O estudo conclui que o PAR constitui importante mecanismo de efetivação do regime de colaboração, mediante a associação da regulação por desempenho e burocrático-profissional do sistema educacional brasileiro.
No exercício da arte: o professor criador. Diálogo entre o fazer artístico e a prática pedagógica
Authors: Peric Thereza
Published: September 2013

A partir de relatos de experiência e da reflexão artístico pedagógica, o texto integra forma e conteúdo no espaço do pensamento poético. Trata-se da narrativa de um percurso pessoal de busca, de amplitude estética, onde o inventar, o fazer junto com as crianças da EMIA, Escola Municipal de Educação Artística, constituem as metas educacionais prioritárias. A música é a estrutura básica que possibilita a aproximação com a linguagem plástica e com o teatro. A "Oficina de Fazer Livros" e os jogos dramáticos tornam-se novas vertentes no espaço da Escola. O impulso espontâneo do brincar e a invenção em sala de aula andam de mãos dadas, constroem o processo da expressão artística que ganha concretude e significado.
Desconstrução do mito e sucessão do fundador em empresas familiares
Authors: Pereira Antonio Carlos Soares , Vieira Adriane , Garcia Fernando Coutinho , Roscoe Maria Teresa de Azeredo
Published: September 2013

Mitos funcionais promovem a estruturação da empresa e dos relacionamentos interpessoais; no entanto, tornam-se disfuncionais quando dificultam o processo sucessório. O objetivo geral da pesquisa consistiu em identificar os fatores que contribuem para a desconstrução de um mito em uma empresa familiar que passa pelo processo de sucessão do fundador, e em analisar como o estágio do mito se relaciona com o desenvolvimento sistêmico da organização. O método de pesquisa utilizado foi o estudo de caso. A análise dos dados revela que os fatores que mais contribuíram para a desconstrução do mito foram: a sua recusa em abordar temas relacionados a conflitos familiares; o comportamento de centralização e autoritarismo do mito; e a não transmissão do empreendedorismo para a geração sucessora. Na dimensão propriedade, o Grupo encontra-se no estágio inicial, de proprietário controlador, mas o desejo de substituir o fundador-mito tem levado à transição para o estágio de sociedade entre irmãos; na dimensão família, o Grupo está na fase de passagem do bastão, mesmo com a resistência do fundador-mito; e, por fim, na dimensão empresa, encontra-se em expansão/formalização, apesar da existência de conflitos latentes entre os membros da família.
Estratégia em contextos complexos e pluralísticos
Authors: Pascucci Lucilaine , Meyer Jr. Victor
Published: September 2013

Hospitais são organizações complexas, pluralistas e paradoxais. Dois aspectos críticos da abordagem estratégica nessas organizações têm sido a formação de estratégias e a complexidade organizacional, influenciando uma dicotomia entre intenção e ação. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar como ocorre o processo de formação de estratégias em hospitais, como sistemas complexos. Para tanto, examinou-se de que forma elementos da complexidade e elementos cognitivos influenciam a transformação de intenções em ações. O estudo se fundamentou na teoria estratégica em organizações e nas teorias da complexidade, com ênfase no processo de strategizing e sensemaking. Trata-se de um estudo comparativo de natureza qualitativa com abordagem multimetódica. Os dados foram analisados mediante técnicas de análise de narrativa e análise documental. Resultados demonstraram que o processo de formação de estratégias em hospitais é iterativo e criativo, e combina sensemaking e práxis, identificando-se um padrão de formação de estratégias.
Wittgenstein e a administração: potencialidades da pragmática da linguagem aos estudos organizacionais e à estratégia
Authors: Oliveira Samir Adamoglu de , Bulgacov Yára Lúcia Mazziotti
Published: September 2013

Motivado pelos trabalhos de Mantere (2010), Mattos (2003a), e Schatzki (1996), o ensaio visa discutir quais as potencialidades que a noção wittgensteiniana de jogos de linguagem oferece para os Estudos Organizacionais (EOs) e para os estudos em Estratégia Organizacional (particularmente na vertente da Estratégia como Prática). Para isso: (a) explica-se a noção de jogos de linguagem, central na pragmática da linguagem do período maduro da filosofia de Wittgenstein; (b) analisam-se ideias dessa pragmática já versadas para a Administração, com ênfase particular a temas dos EOs e ao strategizing organizacional; e (c) enunciam-se as possibilidades analíticas e explicativas vislumbradas às áreas.
Gestão de pessoas como fator de sucesso na incorporação da Nossa Caixa pelo Banco do Brasil
Authors: Brandão Hugo Pena , Silva Rafael Almeida Costa Dutra da , Freitas Isa Aparecida de , Pereira Stella Cristina Moraes , Santos Wagner Soares Fernandes dos
Published: September 2013

Apesar do crescente número de fusões e aquisições, observa-se que aspectos relacionados à gestão de pessoas e à integração cultural são frequentemente negligenciados nessas operações, prejudicando o desempenho individual e organizacional. Considerando a importância de compreender as variáveis que influenciam o êxito desses processos, esta pesquisa teve o objetivo principal de avaliar práticas de gestão de pessoas adotadas para facilitar a incorporação do Banco Nossa Caixa (BNC) pelo Banco do Brasil (BB). Buscou-se identificar a percepção dos funcionários incorporados sobre ações adotadas para promover sua alocação, integração, orientação, capacitação e adaptação. Os dados foram coletados por meio de questionário estruturado, disponibilizado na intranet da empresa. A amostra foi constituída por 781 funcionários egressos do BNC (respostas válidas ao questionário). Para análise dos dados, utilizou-se estatística descritiva e multivariada (análise fatorial, teste t e análise de variância). Os resultados revelam que, em geral, os participantes perceberam positivamente o processo de incorporação, sugerindo que as ações empreendidas pelo BB foram eficazes e denotaram consideração pelas pessoas e pela cultura da empresa incorporada, embora existam diferenças de percepção entre segmentos de funcionários. Espera-se que este estudo tenha contribuído para a compreensão de variáveis que condicionam o sucesso de fusões e aquisições, bem como para o debate teórico e prático sobre o tema.
Cross-cultural adaptation and preliminary psychometric properties of the Affective Reactivity Index in Brazilian Youth: implications for DSM-5 measured irritability
Authors: DeSousa Diogo Araújo , Stringaris Argyris , Leibenluft Ellen , Koller Silvia Helena , Manfro Gisele Gus , Salum Giovanni Abrahão
Published: September 2013

Objective: To describe the cross-cultural adaptation of the Affective Reactivity Index (ARI) to Brazilian Portuguese and to investigate preliminary psychometric properties of the adapted version. Methods: Cross-cultural adaptation was based on the investigation of the theoretical and operational equivalences of the original ARI in the Brazilian context, followed by a process of translation, back-translation, and review by a committee of experts. Data analysis was carried out in a community sample of 133 schoolchildren aged 8 to 17 years to investigate the following characteristics of the ARI: 1) factor structure; 2) internal consistency; 3) construct validity comparing differential relationships between irritability and anxiety dimensions and impairment; and 4) item response theory (IRT) parameters. Results: A final Brazilian Portuguese version of the instrument was defined and is presented. Internal consistency was good, and our analysis supported the original single-factor structure of the ARI. Correlations of the ARI with distress-related anxiety dimensions were higher than with phobic-related anxiety dimensions, supporting its construct validity. In addition, higher ARI scores were associated with higher irritability-related impairment. IRT analysis underscored frequency of loss of temper as essential to inform about pathological states of irritability. Conclusion: The Brazilian Portuguese version of the ARI seems to be very similar to the original instrument in terms of conceptual, item, semantic, and operational equivalence. Our preliminary analysis replicates and extends previous evidence confirming promising psychometric properties for the ARI.
Cultural aspects in dementia: differences in the awareness of Brazilian caregivers
Authors: Santos Raquel L. , Sousa Maria F. B. de , Ganem Ana C. , Silva Thais V. , Dourado Marcia C. N.
Published: September 2013

Objective: To explore differences in disease awareness in participants of a psychoeducational group designed for Latin American caregivers of people with dementia. Method: We assessed participants of a group developed at an outpatient unit for Alzheimer's disease. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to analyze differences in the caregivers' reports. Results and Discussion: The participants, mostly spouses and daughters, presented moderate caregiver burden and different levels of awareness (aware, partially aware, or unaware). Disease awareness and the development of coping strategies were influenced by familism, religiosity, and duty. Becoming a caregiver was considered positive in some cases, due to religious convictions and beliefs related to the importance of caregiving. Caregiver unawareness may reflect an attempt to maintain integrity of the patient's identity. Conclusions: Our data allow some comparisons across cultures, which may be valuable in assessing the influence of different psychosocial environments on the knowledge about dementia.
Assessment of changes in nicotine dependence, motivation, and symptoms of anxiety and depression among smokers in the initial process of smoking reduction or cessation: a short-term follow-up study
Authors: Figueiró Luciana Rizzieri , Bortolon Cassandra Borges , Benchaya Mariana Canellas , Bisch Nadia Krubskaya , Ferigolo Maristela , Barros Helena Maria Tannhauser , Dantas Denise Conceição Mesquita
Published: September 2013

Introduction: The first days of a quit attempt represent an important challenge to long-term abstinence, especially because of the changes that take place over this period. Objective: To examine whether smokers who have recently changed their smoking behavior show changes in the intensity of nicotine dependence, motivational stage, or symptoms of anxiety and depression relative to smokers without recent changes in smoking behavior. Methods: Smokers attending a support group for smoking cessation in Porto Alegre, southern Brazil, were invited to participate. The program consisted of four weekly sessions. Smokers answered questionnaires covering intensity of nicotine dependence, stage of motivation, and symptoms of anxiety and depression at baseline and in the fourth week. Urine was collected at both time points, tested for cotinine concentration, and used to determine the final status of smokers. Results: Of the 54 smokers included in the study, 20 (37%) stopped smoking or decreased tobacco use. Both smokers who stopped or reduced tobacco use and those who did not change their behavior presented a decrease in nicotine dependence scores (p = 0.001). Conversely, only the smokers who changed behavior presented an increase in scores in the maintenance stage (p < 0.001). Conclusion: When modifying tobacco use, smokers face a difficult process, marked by several changes. A better understanding of these changes and their implications for treatment are discussed.