bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Particular characteristics of allergic symptoms in tropical environments: follow up to 24 months in the FRAAT birth cohort study
Authors: Acevedo Nathalie , Sánchez Jorge , Zakzuk Josefina , Bornacelly Adriana , Quiróz Carlos , Alvarez Álvaro , Puello Marta , Mendoza Ketty , Martínez Dalgys , Mercado Dilia , Jiménez Silvia , Caraballo Luis
Published: March 2012

Background

Early wheezing and asthma are relevant health problems in the tropics. Mite sensitization is an important risk factor, but the roles of others, inherent in poverty, are unknown. We designed a birth-cohort study in Cartagena (Colombia) to investigate genetic and environmental risk factors for asthma and atopy, considering as particular features perennial exposure to mites, parasite infections and poor living conditions.

Methods

Pregnant women representative of the low-income suburbs of the city were randomly screened for eligibility at delivery; 326 mother-infant pairs were included at baseline and biological samples were collected from birth to 24 months for immunological testing, molecular genetics and gene expression analysis. Pre and post-natal information was collected using questionnaires.

Results

94% of families were from the poorest communes of the city, 40% lacked sewage and 11% tap-water. Intestinal parasites were found as early as 3 months; by the second year, 37.9% of children have had parasites and 5.22% detectable eggs ofAscaris lumbricoidesin stools (Median 3458 epg, IQR 975-9256). The prevalence of "wheezing ever" was 17.5% at 6 months, 31.1% at 12 months and 38.3% at 24 months; and recurrent wheezing (3 or more episodes) 7.1% at 12 months and 14.2% at 24 months. Maternal rhinitis [aOR 3.03 (95%CI 1.60-5.74),p =0.001] and male gender [aOR 2.09 (95%CI 1.09 - 4.01),p =0.026], increased risk for wheezing at 6 months. At 24 months, maternal asthma was the main predisposing factor for wheezing [aOR 3.65 (95%CI 1.23-10.8),p =0.01]. Clinical symptoms of milk/egg allergy or other food-induced allergies were scarce (1.8%) and no case of atopic eczema was observed.

Conclusions

Wheezing is the most frequent phenotype during the first 24 months of life and is strongly associated with maternal asthma. At 24 months, the natural history of allergic symptoms is different to the "atopic march" described in some industrialized countries. This cohort is representative of socially deprived urban areas of underdeveloped tropical countries. The collection of biological samples, data on exposure and defined phenotypes, will contribute to understand the gene/environment interactions leading to allergy inception and evolution.
Effect of local zoledronate on implant osseointegration in a rat model
Authors: Back David A , Pauly Stephan , Rommel Lisa , Haas Norbert P , Schmidmaier Gerhard , Wildemann Britt , Greiner Stefan H
Published: March 2012

Background

An implant coating with poly(D, L-lactide) (PDLLA) releasing incorporated Zoledronic acid (ZOL) has already proven to positively effect osteoblasts, to inhibit osteoclasts and to accelerate fracture healing. Aim of this study was to investigate the release kinetics of the chosen coating and the effect of different concentrations of ZOL locally released from this coating on the osseointegration of implants.

Methods

For release kinetics the release of C14-labled ZOL out of the coating was monitored over a period of six weeks in vitro. For testing the osseointegration, titanium Kirschner wires were implanted into the medullary canal of right femurs of 100 Sprague Dawley rats. The animals were divided into five groups receiving implants either uncoated or coated with PDLLA, PDLLA/ZOL low (1.2% w/w) or PDLLA/ZOL high (2% w/w). Additionally, a group with uncoated implants received ZOL intravenously (i.v.). After 56 days animals were sacrificed, femurs dissected and either strength of fixation or histological bone/implant contacts and newly formed bone around the implants were determined.

Results

Release kinetics revealed an initial peak in the release of C14-ZOL with a slight further progression over the following weeks. There was no significant enhancement of osseointegration for both groups who received ZOL-coated implants or ZOL i.v. compared to the controls in biomechanical or histological analyses, except for a significant raise in strength of fixation of ZOL i.v. versus PDLLA.

Conclusions

Even though the investigated local ZOL application did not enhance the osseointegration of the implant, the findings might support its application in fracture treatment, since fracture stabilization devices are often explanted after consolidation.
c-Myb regulates matrix metalloproteinases 1/9, and cathepsin D: implications for matrix-dependent breast cancer cell invasion and metastasis
Authors: Knopfová Lucia , Beneš Petr , Pekarčíková Lucie , Hermanová Markéta , Masařík Michal , Pernicová Zuzana , Souček Karel , Šmarda Jan
Published: March 2012

Background

The c-Myb transcription factor is essential for the maintenance of stem-progenitor cells in bone marrow, colon epithelia, and neurogenic niches. c-Myb malfunction contributes to several types of malignancies including breast cancer. However, the function of c-Myb in the metastatic spread of breast tumors remains unexplored. In this study, we report a novel role of c-Myb in the control of specific proteases that regulate the matrix-dependent invasion of breast cancer cells.

Results

Ectopically expressed c-Myb enhanced migration and ability of human MDA-MB-231 and mouse 4T1 mammary cancer cells to invade Matrigel but not the collagen I matrix in vitro. c-Myb strongly increased the expression/activity of cathepsin D and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 9 and significantly downregulated MMP1. The gene coding for cathepsin D was suggested as the c-Myb-responsive gene and downstream effector of the migration-promoting function of c-Myb. Finally, we demonstrated that c-Myb delayed the growth of mammary tumors in BALB/c mice and affected the metastatic potential of breast cancer cells in an organ-specific manner.

Conclusions

This study identified c-Myb as a matrix-dependent regulator of invasive behavior of breast cancer cells.
Relationship between quantity of IFNT estimated by IFN-stimulated gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and bovine embryonic mortality after AI or ET
Authors: Matsuyama Shuichi , Kojima Takatoshi , Kato Satoru , Kimura Koji
Published: March 2012

Background

Interferon tau (IFNT), which is secreted into the uterine cavity during the maternal recognition period (MRP), is a key factor for establishment of pregnancy. The present study aims to clarify the relationship between the ability of a bovine conceptus to produce IFNT during the MRP and the conceptus's ability to establish pregnancy.

Methods

In the first experiment, IFNT (0, 500, or 1000 micrograms) was administered into the uterine horn ipsilateral to the CL 16 or 17 d after standing estrus, and mRNA levels of IFN-stimulated gene 15-kDa protein (ISG15) and Mx2 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were determined. In the second experiment, we investigated ISG15 mRNA expression in PBMCs during the MRP in cattle after either artificial insemination (AI) or embryo transfer (ET).

Results

Intrauterine administration of IFNT stimulated ISG15 and Mx2 gene expressions in PBMCs in cattle, and there was a positive correlation between the expressions of peripheral markers and the quantity of IFNT administered. In pregnant and normal interestrous interval (< 25 d) cattle (nIEI cattle), expression levels of the ISG15 gene showed similar patterns after AI and ET, and ISG15 mRNA expression was increased in pregnant cattle but unchanged in nIEI cattle. In contrast, ISG15 gene expression in extended interestrous interval (greater than or equal to 25 d) cattle (eIEI cattle) differed after ET compared with AI. In eIEI cattle after ET, ISG15 gene expression increased, such that the value on day 18 was intermediate between those of pregnant and nIEI cattle. In eIEI cattle after AI, ISG15 gene expression did not increase throughout the observation period.

Conclusions

The results of the current study indicate that the quantity of conceptus-derived IFNT can be estimated by measuring ISG15 mRNA levels in PBMCs from cattle. Using this approach, we demonstrate that ISG15 gene expression during the MRP in eIEI cattle differed after ET compared with AI. In addition, the modest increase in ISG15 gene expression in eIEI cattle after ET suggests that late embryo losses were due to delayed or insufficient growth of the conceptus during the MRP in cattle.
Strong convergence of a new general iterative method for variational inequality problems in Hilbert spaces
Authors: Song Yan-Lai , Hu Hui-Ying , Wang Ya-Qin , Zeng Lu-Chuan , Hu Chang-Song
Published: March 2012

In this article, we introduce a new iterative scheme with Meir-Keeler contractions for strict pseudo-contractions in Hilbert spaces. We also discuss the strong convergence theorems of the new iterative scheme for variational inequality problems in Hilbert spaces. The methods in this article are interesting and are different from those given in many other articles. Our results improve and extend the corresponding results announced by many others.

MR(2000) Subject Classification: 47H09; 47H10.
Hyers-ulam stability of exact second-order linear differential equations
Authors: Ghaemi Mohammad Bagher , Gordji Madjid Eshaghi , Alizadeh Badrkhan , Park Choonkil
Published: March 2012

In this article, we prove the Hyers-Ulam stability of exact second-order linear differential equations. As a consequence, we show the Hyers-Ulam stability of the following equations: second-order linear differential equation with constant coefficients, Euler differential equation, Hermite's differential equation, Cheybyshev's differential equation, and Legendre's differential equation. The result generalizes the main results of Jung and Min, and Li and Shen.

Mathematics Subject Classification (2010): 26D10; 34K20; 39B52; 39B82; 46B99.
NeuroD2 regulates the development of hippocampal mossy fiber synapses
Authors: Wilke Scott A , Hall Benjamin J , Antonios Joseph K , DeNardo Laura A , Otto Stefanie , Yuan Bo , Chen Fading , Robbins Elissa M , Tiglio Katie , Williams Megan E , Qiu Zilong , Biederer Thomas , Ghosh Anirvan
Published: March 2012

Background

The assembly of neural circuits requires the concerted action of both genetically determined and activity-dependent mechanisms. Calcium-regulated transcription may link these processes, but the influence of specific transcription factors on the differentiation of synapse-specific properties is poorly understood. Here we characterize the influence of NeuroD2, a calcium-dependent transcription factor, in regulating the structural and functional maturation of the hippocampal mossy fiber (MF) synapse.

Results

Using NeuroD2 null mice and in vivo lentivirus-mediated gene knockdown, we demonstrate a critical role for NeuroD2 in the formation of CA3 dendritic spines receiving MF inputs. We also use electrophysiological recordings from CA3 neurons while stimulating MF axons to show that NeuroD2 regulates the differentiation of functional properties at the MF synapse. Finally, we find that NeuroD2 regulates PSD95 expression in hippocampal neurons and that PSD95 loss of function in vivo reproduces CA3 neuron spine defects observed in NeuroD2 null mice.

Conclusion

These experiments identify NeuroD2 as a key transcription factor that regulates the structural and functional differentiation of MF synapses in vivo.
Short-term anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment elicits vasculogenic mimicry formation of tumors to accelerate metastasis
Authors: Xu Yuan , Li Qin , Li Xiao-Yu , Yang Qiu-Ya , Xu Wei-Wei , Liu Gao-Lin
Published: March 2012

Background

Antiangiogenic therapy is one of the most significant advances in anticancer treatment. The benefits of antiangiogenic therapies of late-stage cancers have been investigated but are still too limited.

Methods

We used an ovarian cancer model to test the effect of short-term bevacizumab treatment on metastasis as measured by bioluminescence. Western blotting and CD34-PAS dual staining were performed to assess hypoxia-inducible transcription factor-1α (HIF-1α) expression and vasculogenic mimicry(VM) formation. Cell viability was examined by a CCK8 assay.

Results

Bevacizumab demonstrated antitumor effects in models of ovarian cancer, but also accelerated metastasis together, with marked hypoxia and VM formation in mice receiving short-term therapy. Bevacizumab treatment did not affect SKOV3 cell viability and the amount of VM in three-dimensional culture.

Conclusion

These results suggest that antiangiogenic therapy may potentially influence the progression of metastatic disease, which has been linked to the hypoxic response and VM formation.
The fine-scale architecture of structural variants in 17 mouse genomes
Authors: Yalcin Binnaz , Wong Kim , Bhomra Amarjit , Goodson Martin , Keane Thomas M , Adams David J , Flint Jonathan
Published: March 2012

Background

Accurate catalogs of structural variants (SVs) in mammalian genomes are necessary to elucidate the potential mechanisms that drive SV formation and to assess their functional impact. Next generation sequencing methods for SV detection are an advance on array-based methods, but are almost exclusively limited to four basic types: deletions, insertions, inversions and copy number gains.

Results

By visual inspection of 100 Mbp of genome to which next generation sequence data from 17 inbred mouse strains had been aligned, we identify and interpret 21 paired-end mapping patterns, which we validate by PCR. These paired-end mapping patterns reveal a greater diversity and complexity in SVs than previously recognized. In addition, Sanger-based sequence analysis of 4,176 breakpoints at 261 SV sites reveal additional complexity at approximately a quarter of structural variants analyzed. We find micro-deletions and micro-insertions at SV breakpoints, ranging from 1 to 107 bp, and SNPs that extend breakpoint micro-homology and may catalyze SV formation.

Conclusions

An integrative approach using experimental analyses to train computational SV calling is essential for the accurate resolution of the architecture of SVs. We find considerable complexity in SV formation; about a quarter of SVs in the mouse are composed of a complex mixture of deletion, insertion, inversion and copy number gain. Computational methods can be adapted to identify most paired-end mapping patterns.
Defining the molecular profile of planarian pluripotent stem cells using a combinatorial RNA-seq, RNA interference and irradiation approach
Authors: Solana Jordi , Kao Damian , Mihaylova Yuliana , Jaber-Hijazi Farah , Malla Sunir , Wilson Ray , Aboobaker Aziz
Published: March 2012

Background

Planarian stem cells, or neoblasts, drive the almost unlimited regeneration capacities of freshwater planarians. Neoblasts are traditionally described by their morphological features and by the fact that they are the only proliferative cell type in asexual planarians. Therefore, they can be specifically eliminated by irradiation. Irradiation, however, is likely to induce transcriptome-wide changes in gene expression that are not associated with neoblast ablation. This has affected the accurate description of their specific transcriptomic profile.

Results

We introduce the use of Smed-histone-2B RNA interference (RNAi) for genetic ablation of neoblast cells in Schmidtea mediterranea as an alternative to irradiation. We characterize the rapid, neoblast-specific phenotype induced by Smed-histone-2B RNAi, resulting in neoblast ablation. We compare and triangulate RNA-seq data after using both irradiation and Smed-histone-2B RNAi over a time course as means of neoblast ablation. Our analyses show that Smed-histone-2B RNAi eliminates neoblast gene expression with high specificity and discrimination from gene expression in other cellular compartments. We compile a high confidence list of genes downregulated by both irradiation and Smed-histone-2B RNAi and validate their expression in neoblast cells. Lastly, we analyze the overall expression profile of neoblast cells.

Conclusions

Our list of neoblast genes parallels their morphological features and is highly enriched for nuclear components, chromatin remodeling factors, RNA splicing factors, RNA granule components and the machinery of cell division. Our data reveal that the regulation of planarian stem cells relies on posttranscriptional regulatory mechanisms and suggest that planarians are an ideal model for this understudied aspect of stem cell biology.
Secreted virulence factors and immune evasion in visceral leishmaniasis
Authors: Lambertz Ulrike , Silverman Judith Maxwell , Nandan Devki , McMaster W Robert , Clos Joachim , Foster Leonard J , Reiner Neil E
Published: March 2012

Evasion or subversion of host immune responses is a well-established paradigm in infection with visceralizing leishmania. In this review, we summarize current findings supporting a model in which leishmania target host regulatory molecules and pathways, such as the PTP SHP-1 and the PI3K/Akt signaling cascade, to prevent effective macrophage activation. Furthermore, we describe how virulence factors, secreted by leishmania, interfere with macrophage intracellular signaling. Finally, we discuss mechanisms of secretion and provide evidence that leishmania use a remarkably adept, exosome-based secretion mechanism to export and deliver effector molecules to host cells. In addition to representing a novel mechanism for trafficking of virulence factors across membranes, recent findings indicate that leishmania exosomes may have potential as vaccine candidates.
The multiple facets of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) during allergic inflammation and beyond
Authors: Roan Florence , Bell Bryan D , Stoklasek Thomas A , Kitajima Masayuki , Han Hongwei , Ziegler Steven F
Published: March 2012

Originally shown to promote the growth and activation of B cells, TSLP is now known to have wide-ranging impacts on hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic cell lineages, including DCs, basophils, eosinophils, mast cells, CD4+, CD8+, and NK T cells, B cells, and epithelial cells. Whereas the role of TSLP in the promotion of TH2 responses has been studied extensively in the context of lung- and skin-specific allergic disorders, it is becoming increasingly clear that TSLP may impact multiple disease states within multiple organ systems, including the blockade of TH1/TH17 responses and the promotion of cancer and autoimmunity. This review will highlight recent advances in the understanding of TSLP signal transduction, as well as the role of TSLP in allergy, autoimmunity, and cancer. Importantly, these insights into the multifaceted roles of TSLP could potentially allow for novel, therapeutic manipulations of these disorders.
Fusion of gravity gradient and magnetic field data for discrimination of anomalies using deformation analysis
Authors: Erkan Kamil , Jekeli Christopher , Shum C. K.
Published: March 2012

Gravity gradiometry and magnetometry methods are powerful noninvasive techniques for near-surface detection problems. Efficient integration of data from these techniques decreases the degree of nonuniqueness in geophysical interpretations. Deformation analysis is a powerful tool for comparison of two fields, which aids in this respect. We propose a fully quantitative approach, which uses the generalized theory of deformation for the geometric comparison of gravimetric and magnetic fields. The resulting deformation maps delineate regions where Poisson’s relation is violated between the two data sets and thus discriminate between air-filled cavities and other similar low-density/susceptibility geophysical sources. We present a practical corresponding algorithm that is robust in the sense that no prior knowledge of the physical properties of the subsurface is needed.
One-Pot Synthesis of Furans from Various Saccharides Using a Combination of Solid Acid and Base Catalysts
Authors: Tuteja Jaya , Nishimura Shun , Ebitani Kohki
Published: March 2012

One-pot synthesis of furans from various saccharides such as arabinose, rhamnose, and lactose were performed over solid acid and base catalysts. The combination of Amberlyst-15 and hydrotalcite catalysts showed successful activity for corresponding furans formation such as 2-furaldehyde (furfural), 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furaldehyde (HMF), and 5-methyl-2-furaldehyde (MF) via one-pot synthesis including isomerization and dehydration reactions. Moreover, the acid–base pair catalysts were also found to display excellent activity for the transformation from mixed-sources of sugars to furans. It was indicated that the isomerization of saccharides and successive dehydration in the one-pot synthesis of furans will be a great approach in a biorefinery.
Mechanism of copper transport at the blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier: influence of iron deficiency in an in vitro model
Authors: Monnot Andrew D , Zheng Gang , Zheng Wei
Published: March 2012

Copper (Cu) is an essential trace element that requires tight homeostatic regulation to ensure appropriate supply while not causing cytotoxicity due to its strong redox potential. Our previous in vivo study has shown that iron deficiency (FeD) increases Cu levels in brain tissues, particularly in the choroid plexus, where the blood–cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barrier resides. This study was designed to elucidate the mechanism by which FeD results in excess Cu accumulation at the blood–CSF barrier. The effect of FeD on cellular Cu retention and transporters Cu transporter-1 (Ctr1), divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1), antioxidant protein-1 (ATOX1) and ATP7A was examined in choroidal epithelial Z310 cells. The results revealed that deferoximine treatment (FeD) resulted in 70% increase in cellular Cu retention ( P < 0.05). A significant increase in the mRNA levels of DMT1, but not Ctr1, was also observed after FeD treatment, suggesting a critical role of DMT1 in cellular Cu regulation during FeD. Knocking down Ctr1 or DMT1 resulted in significantly lower Cu uptake by Z310 cells, whereas the knocking down of ATOX1 or ATP7A led to substantial increases of cellular retention of Cu. Taken together, these results suggest that Ctr1, DMT1, ATOX1 and ATP7A contribute to Cu transport at the blood–CSF barrier, and that the accumulation of intracellular Cu found in the Z310 cells during FeD appears to be mediated, at least in part, via the upregulation of DMT1 after FeD treatment.
Oxidative stress and redox signaling mechanisms of inflammatory bowel disease: updated experimental and clinical evidence
Authors: Zhu Hong , Li Y Robert
Published: March 2012

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) comprises primarily the chronic relapsing inflammatory disorders, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, with the former affecting any part of the gastrointestinal tract and the latter mainly afflicting the colon. The precise etiology of IBD remains unclear, and it is thought that interactions among various factors, including genetic factors, the host immune system and environmental factors, cause disruption of intestinal homeostasis, leading to dysregulated inflammatory responses of the gut. As inflammation is intimately related to formation of reactive intermediates, including reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS), oxidative stress has been proposed as a mechanism underlying the pathophysiology of IBD. This review is intended to summarize succinctly recent new experimental and clinical evidence supporting oxidative stress as a pathophysiological component of IBD and point to the potential of using antioxidant compounds as promising therapeutic modalities of human IBD. The sources of ROS/RNS and the redox signaling mechanism underlying oxidative stress and inflammation in IBD are discussed to provide insight into the molecular basis of oxidative stress as a pathophysiological factor in IBD.
Advanced Finite Element Modelling of Flexible End-Plate Beam-to-Column Joints in Fire
Authors: Al-Jabri Khalifa , Al-Jahwari Farooq
Published: March 2012

This paper presents a finite element analysis procedure developed to study the behavior of a flexible end-plate connection between steel beams and a column at elevated temperatures and generates temperature-rotation diagrams that describe the behavior of the connection. The analysis used a highly detailed three dimensional finite element model that is created using the commercial ABAQUS software. The steel connection properties are selected in a way that reflects commonly used connections in steel framed buildings.

The results of the finite element model are calibrated and compared to the results of experimental fire tests conducted on similar connections. The results show that the predicted behavior of the joints is in a good agreement with actual behavior of the joints. A regression model is developed to describe the behavior of flexible end-plate joints in fire.
The Solid Solution CeAg
x
Zn11–x
(x ≤ 2.5)
Authors: Eul Matthias , Pöttgen Rainer
Published: March 2012

Samples of the solid solution CeAg
x
Zn11–x
were prepared from the elements by high-frequency melting in sealed tantalum ampoules. The solid solution extends to about x ≈ 2.5. The samples crystallize with the tetragonal BaCd11 type structure, space group I41/amd. The structure of CeAg2.03Zn8.97 was refined from single crystal X-ray diffractometer data: a = 1079.5(2), c = 694.5(1) pm, wR2 = 0.0226, 385F
2 values, and 21 variables. Two of the three crystallographically independent zinc sites of the CeZn11 structure show Zn/Ag mixing: 73(2)% Ag + 27(2)% Zn on 4b and 16.2(8)% Ag + 83.8(8)% Zn on 32i. Temperature dependent susceptibility data on the CeAg1.5Zn9.5 sample showed Curie-Weiss paramagnetism and an experimental magnetic moment of 2.58 μ
B/Ce atom, indicating stable trivalent cerium. No magnetic ordering was evident down to 3 K.
Cave of Forgotten Dreams: Meditations on 3D
Authors: Klinger Barbara
Published: March 2012

Werner Herzog's Cave of Forgotten Dreams features the oldest known art in the world—Paleolithic-era paintings in France's Chauvet Cave. His documentary not only reveals the cave's wonders, but offers a subtle commentary on 3D and its relationship to cinematic space, spectacle, science, art, and older media techniques and forms.
Carnage and All: A Discussion
Authors: Isenberg Noah , White Rob
Published: March 2012

Dialogue about Roman Polanski's Carnage, discussing the politics of the film: to what extent does it critique the affluent New York world it depicts?
Chemical composition fluctuations in roots of Plumbago scandens L. in relation to floral development
Authors: Paiva Selma R. , Lima Lucilene A. , Figueiredo Maria Raquel , Kaplan Maria Auxiliadora C.
Published: March 2012

Plumbago scandens L. is a Brazilian tropical/subtropical species that occurs along the coast. Chemically it is mainly represented by naphthoquinones, flavonoids, terpenoids and steroids. The aim of the present work is to study quantitative changes in the root metabolic production of Plumbago scandens during different physiologic developmental stages relative to floration. The results indicated the presence of four substances in the extracts: plumbagin, epi-isoshinanolone, palmitic acid and sitosterol, independent on developmental stage. The naphthoquinone plumbagin has always showed to be the major component of all extracts. Naphthoquinones exhibited their highest content during floration, while the content of the two others components decreased during this stage, revealing an inverse profile. The chemical composition changed depending on the plant requirements.
Treatment of fear memories: interactions between extinction and reconsolidation
Authors: Fiorenza Natália G. , Sartor Dagieli , Myskiw Jociane C. , Izquierdo Iván
Published: March 2012

Retrieval labilizes memory traces and these gates two protein synthesis-dependent processes in the brain: extinction, which inhibits further retrieval, and reconsolidation, which may enhance retrieval or change its content. Extinction may itself suffer reconsolidation. Interactions among these processes may be applied to treatments of fear memories, such as those underlying post-traumatic stress disorders.
The impacts of land use changes in the mercury flux in the Madeira River, Western Amazon
Authors: Lacerda Luiz D. , Bastos Wanderley R. , Almeida Marcelo D.
Published: March 2012

Changes in hydrochemistry and Hg distribution in the Madeira River from Porto Velho to the confluence with the Amazon River were studied in two cruises in 1997 and 2002. Water conductivity was similar in both periods, but the pH was significantly higher in 2002, in particular along the middle reaches of the river. Total suspended matter concentrations also increased from 1997 to 2002 along the same river portion, which is a result of forest conversion to other land uses, in particular pastures and agriculture accelerated during the interval between the cruises. Dissolved Hg concentrations were similar along the river in both cruises, but particulate Hg concentrations increased significantly along the middle portion of the river, although the suspended matter from 2002 was relatively poorer in Hg compared to that from 1997. Since particulate Hg represents more than 90% of the total Hg present in the river water, there was a significant increase in the total Hg transport in the Madeira River. Although gold mining has nearly ceased to exist in the region, the remobilization of Hg from forest soils through conversion to other land uses is responsible for maintaining relatively high Hg content in the Madeira River environment.
Monthly values of the standardized precipitation index in the State of São Paulo, Brazil: trends and spectral features under the normality assumption
Authors: Blain Gabriel Constantino
Published: March 2012

The aim of this study was to describe monthly series of the Standardized Precipitation Index obtained from four weather stations of the State of São Paulo, Brazil. The analyses were carried out by evaluating the normality assumption of the SPI distributions, the spectral features of these series and, the presence of climatic trends in these datasets. It was observed that the Pearson type III distribution was better than the gamma 2-parameter distribution in providing monthly SPI series closer to the normality assumption inherent to the use of this standardized index. The spectral analyses carried out in the time-frequency domain did not allow us to establish a dominant mode in the analyzed series. In general, the Mann-Kendall and the Pettitt tests indicated the presence of no significant trend in the SPI series. However, both trend tests have indicated that the temporal variability of this index, observed at the months of October over the last 60 years, cannot be seen as the result of a purely random process. This last inference is due to the concentration of decreasing trends, with a common beginning (1983/84) in the four locations of the study.
Enraizamento de estacas em cultivares de oliveiras promissores para a Serra da Mantiqueira
Authors: Oliveira Marcelo Caetano de , Ramos José Darlan , Pio Rafael , Santos Verônica Andrade dos , Silva Fábio Oséias dos Reis
Published: March 2012

O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar o enraizamento de estacas de diferentes cultivares de oliveiras, utilizando, como substratos, perlita e areia. Estacas semilenhosas de oliveira dos cultivares Maria da Fé, Mission, Penafiel, Grappolo 575, Galega, Ascolano 315 e Grappolo 541 foram coletadas em janeiro e preparadas, com aproximadamente 12 cm de comprimento, quatro milímetros de diâmetro e com quatro entrenós, mantendo-se, nos dois primeiros, quatro folhas. Todas as estacas foram imersas por cinco segundos em solução contendo 3 g L-1 de AIB. As estacas foram colocadas para enraizar em bandejas plásticas, com perlita ou areia como substrato, em estufas com sistema de nebulização intermitente. Aos substratos, foi adicionado o fertilizante Nippoterra® (diluição de 25 g L-1), na dosagem de 62 mL de solução por litro de substrato. Após 61 dias do estaqueamento, foi mensurada a percentagem de estacas enraizadas, de estacas calejadas e número médio de raízes. Concluiu-se que as estacas dos cultivares Ascolano 315 e Maria da Fé apresentaram os melhores resultados. A areia como substrato propiciou aumento da capacidade de enraizamento das estacas de oliveira.
Cuidando do recém-nascido em UTIN: convivendo com a fragilidade do viver/sobreviver à luz da complexidade
Authors: Klock Patrícia , Erdmann Alacoque Lorenzini
Published: March 2012

Este estudo objetivou compreender o significado do ser e do fazer o cuidado para os enfermeiros em uma Unidade de Tratamento Intensivo Neonatal (UTIN) de um hospital geral do sul do Brasil, construindo um modelo teórico explicativo. Utilizou-se a Teoria Fundamentada nos Dados e o Paradigma da Complexidade na construção do Modelo Teórico: Cuidando do recém-nascido em UTIN: Convivendo com a fragilidade do viver/sobreviver à luz da complexidade. Participaram 11 sujeitos. Os dados foram coletados mediante entrevista aberta e organizados no software NVIVO. Identificou-se a categoria central: Convivendo com a fragilidade do viver/sobreviver: cuidado altamente complexo, sensível, singular e compartilhado. O cuidado em UTIN, valorizando as inter-relações cotidianas, busca atuar em todas as esferas do cuidado complexo em saúde, integrando e aplicando conhecimentos científicos. É necessário exercitar as potencialidades já inatas dos profissionais de enfermagem e caminhar rumo ao encontro de novas, um convite a novos modos de cuidar do neonato, sua família e os membros deste sistema complexo.
Práticas alimentares e situação social de famílias de crianças desnutridas
Authors: Chuproski Paula , Tsupa Priscila Antunes , Fujimori Elizabeth , Ribeiro Rosane Pilot Pessa , Mello Débora Falleiros de
Published: March 2012

Objetivou-se apreender o cotidiano das práticas alimentares e a situação social das famílias de crianças desnutridas. Estudo de natureza qualitativa envolvendo oito famílias. Os dados foram colhidos por observação participante e entrevistas semiestruturadas. A partir de análise temática, emergiram os temas: alimentação da família; situação social da família e alimentação na infância; e presença de programas e equipamentos sociais. A família não se reunia para as refeições e tinha alimentação baseada em alimentos fonte de carboidrato. Frutas e hortaliças eram escassas e consideradas alimentos que não sustentam. Existia diferença entre alimentação da família e das crianças. Programas e equipamentos sociais constituíam suporte social importante, com destaque para vínculo positivo com instituições e profissionais e acompanhamento da saúde da criança. A situação social não possibilita dispor da quantidade e qualidade adequada dos alimentos durante todo o mês, o que compromete o estado nutricional das crianças, que são privadas de uma alimentação adequada.
Hipotermia em pacientes no período perioperatório
Authors: De Mattia Ana Lúcia , Barbosa Maria Helena , Rocha Adelaide De Mattia , Farias Hisa Lisboa , Santos Cíntia Alves , Santos Danielle Meneses
Published: March 2012

O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar os fatores que desencadeiam a hipotermia em pacientes em sala de operação e as manifestações em sala de recuperação anestésica. O estudo foi realizado em um hospital de grande porte da rede mista da cidade de Santos. A coleta de dados foi realizada em 30 pacientes adultos, com temperatura corpórea entre de 36ºC e 37,2ºC na entrada da sala de operações com procedimentos cirúrgicos eletivos e anestesia geral. Os resultados demonstraram que os métodos preventivos de hipotermia mais utilizados foram a infusão venosa aquecida e a manta térmica. Na saída da sala de operação e até 30 minutos na sala de recuperação anestésica, os pacientes permaneceram hipotérmicos. As manifestações de hipotermia foram demonstradas pela hipoxemia e por tremores. Neste estudo, evidenciou-se que a hipotermia no paciente é desencadeada na sala de operação pela falta de medidas preventivas adequadas, acarretando complicações em período de recuperação anestésica.
Aplicabilidade da auriculoterapia com agulhas ou sementes para diminuição de estresse em profissionais de enfermagem
Authors: Kurebayashi Leonice Fumiko Sato , Gnatta Juliana Rizzo , Borges Talita Pavarini , Belisse Geysa , Coca Suzana , Minami Akemi , Souza Telma Moreira , Silva Maria Júlia Paes da
Published: March 2012

Este estudo clínico randomizado objetivou avaliar os níveis de estresse na equipe de Enfermagem de um hospital e analisar a efetividade da auriculoterapia com agulhas e sementes. 75 pessoas com escores médio (44/58,7%) e alto (31/41,3%) de acordo com a Lista de Sintomas de Estresse foram divididas em grupos (controle, agulhas e sementes), que receberam oito sessões nos pontos Shenmen, Rim e Tronco Cerebral e foram avaliados no início, com quatro, oito sessões e follow-up (15 dias). Na análise de variância (ANOVA), constataram-se diferenças entre os grupos, na 3ª avaliação (F=3,963/P=0,023) e follow-up (F=6,136/P=0,003). Tais diferenças foram entre o grupo controle e agulha. Os grupos de intervenção mostraram diferenças (P<0,05) a partir da segunda avaliação, quando comparados dentro do mesmo grupo. Concluiu-se que a auriculoterapia reduziu o estresse em profissionais de enfermagem, com melhores resultados para agulhas do que sementes, em escores altos, com manutenção de efeitos por 15 dias.
Implicações de um grupo de Psicoeducação no cotidiano de portadores de Transtorno Afetivo Bipolar
Authors: Menezes Sarita Lopes , Souza Maria Conceição Bernardo de Mello e
Published: March 2012

Há evidências crescentes de que o curso Transtorno Afetivo Bipolar (TAB) pode ser modificado por abordagens psicoterápicas, tais como a Psicoeducação. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar as implicações do grupo de Psicoeducação no cotidiano dos portadores. Para tanto, optou-se pelo estudo qualitativo, do tipo Estudo de Caso. Foram incluídos doze portadores de TAB que tiveram pelo menos seis participações no Grupo de Psicoeducação desenvolvido na Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP). Foram realizadas entrevistas semi-estruturadas, gravadas, transcritas e trabalhadas por meio da Análise Temática. Este estudo demonstrou que tal experiência grupal favoreceu a aquisição de conhecimento; a conscientização da doença e adesão ao tratamento; a realização de mudanças positivas na vida; a possibilidade de ajudar outros portadores a se beneficiarem do aprendizado construído no grupo; a descoberta de outras realidades e estratégias de enfrentamento, obtidas por meio da troca de experiências entre os participantes.
Percepção de enfermeiros em relação à implementação da informatização da documentação clínica de enfermagem
Authors: Lima Antonio Fernandes Costa , Melo Talita de Oliveira
Published: March 2012

Este estudo qualitativo e exploratório-descritivo busca compreender a percepção de enfermeiras de unidades clínico-cirúrgicas de um hospital universitário referente às estratégias desenvolvidas para o teste piloto do sistema eletrônico PROCEnf-USP, visando à informatização da documentação clínica de enfermagem. Onze enfermeiras participantes de um programa de capacitação teórico-prático foram entrevistadas e os dados obtidos foram analisados por meio da Técnica de Análise de Conteúdo. As categorias aspectos favoráveis à implementação; aspectos desfavoráveis à implementação e expectativas na implementação foram discutidas na perspectiva dos referenciais da administração participativa e da mudança planejada. Com base na percepção das enfermeiras, o uso preliminar do sistema eletrônico lhes possibilitou evidenciar suas potencialidades e propor melhorias, o que as incentivou a tornarem-se parceiras do grupo gestor na divulgação junto aos demais enfermeiros da instituição.
Ações extensionistas voltadas para a prevenção e o tratamento do câncer ginecológico e de mama: relato de experiência
Authors: Oliveira Andresa Mendonça de , Pozer Marcela Zanardo , Silva Tauana Arcadepani da , Parreira Bibiane Dias Miranda , Silva Sueli Riul da
Published: March 2012

O presente estudo teve como objetivo relatar a experiência de atividades educativas e assistenciais desenvolvidas numa coletividade, sobre câncer ginecológico e de mama e com mulheres portadoras de câncer ginecológico e de mama em tratamento quimioterápico e em pós-operatório e seus familiares/cuidadores, por meio de um projeto de extensão universitária. As atividades foram organizadas de duas formas: ações de prevenção, desenvolvidas com mulheres em unidades básicas de saúde, escolas de ensino médio e praças públicas e ações assistenciais realizadas em enfermarias de um hospital do interior de Minas Gerais e em domicílio. No conjunto das atividades, foram abordados aproximadamente 800 beneficiários. Os temas trabalhados foram: promoção da saúde e fatores de risco para o câncer ginecológico e de mama. A assistência/cuidados de enfermagem focaram o pós-operatório e o tratamento quimioterápico, estendendo-se ao domicílio e aos familiares/cuidadores. Conclui-se que atividades como estas promovem assistência integral e facilitam o aprendizado acadêmico.
Espaço virtual de um grupo de pesquisa: o olhar dos tutores
Authors: Prado Cláudia , Casteli Christiane Pereira Martins , Lopes Tania Oliveira , Kobayashi Rika M. , Peres Heloísa Helena Ciqueto , Leite Maria Madalena Januário
Published: March 2012

O Grupo de Estudos e Pesquisas de Tecnologia da Informação nos Processos de Trabalho em Enfermagem (GEPETE) visa produzir e socializar o conhecimento na área de tecnologia da informação e comunicação na saúde e enfermagem, articular a integração com grupos de pesquisas desta área e propiciar a participação de alunos. O estudo realizado pelos tutores teve como objetivo relatar a construção do ambiente virtual de aprendizagem (AVA) e a experiência dos tutores como mediadores de um grupo de pesquisa na plataforma Moodle. Para tanto, foi construído um AVA, realizada a mediação pedagógica sob a temática tutoria e o diagnóstico inicial em relação às dificuldades na utilização da tecnologia na interatividade e na comunicação, o que permitiu a proposição da continuidade da utilização da plataforma como um recurso para apoiar as atividades de pesquisa, oferecer aos líderes pesquisadores mecanismos para socialização dos projetos e possibilidades de orientação à distância.
Constante de mola de molas cerâmicas injetadas a baixa pressão
Authors: Barbieri R. A. , Zorzi J. E.
Published: March 2012

A dificuldade de usinagem de peças cerâmicas já sinterizadas é muito grande, principalmente devido à dureza e fragilidade destes materiais, o que implica em altos custos de produção. Por isso, grandes esforços tem sido feitos no sentido de melhorar os processos de conformação a verde existentes, ou criar novos processos que permitam a obtenção de peças cada vez mais próximas do formato final desejado. Produzir peças cerâmicas com formatos complexos, livres de defeitos, é uma tarefa que implica em grandes dificuldades. Molas cerâmicas possuem formatos extremamente difíceis de serem moldados e, conseqüentemente, atualmente são produzidas comercialmente molas cerâmicas pelo processo de usinagem, geralmente a um custo elevado. Uma alternativa para a produção de molas cerâmicas é a moldagem por injeção em baixa pressão. Para o desenvolvimento de molas cerâmicas para aplicações tecnológicas, é necessário, além de obter peças íntegras e livres de defeitos, aferir algumas de suas propriedades, como a constante de mola. Uma vez que estas molas encontram aplicação em altas temperaturas, torna-se imprescindível realizar a medida da resistência imposta pela mola à deformação elástica em diferentes temperaturas. Para tanto, este trabalho propõem a montagem de um sistema para a medição da constante de mola de molas cerâmicas injetadas a baixa pressão, tanto à temperatura ambiente como em altas temperaturas, usando o método dinâmico da excitação por impulso para medir a frequência de vibração da mola suspensa no interior de um forno. Para ilustrar a aplicação desta técnica são apresentados resultados obtidos para uma mola helicoidal de alumina, da temperatura ambiente até 1100 ºC.
Género y trabajo: experiencia de las prestadoras de las casas de salud de mujeres indígenas de Guerrero y Oaxaca
Authors: Amaya-Castellanos Claudia Isabel , Pelcastre-Villafuerte Blanca , Márquez-Serrano Margarita , Juárez-Ramírez Clara
Published: March 2012

OBJETIVO: Identificar, a través del discurso de prestadoras de servicio de las Casas de Salud de las Mujeres Indígenas de México en Ometepec, Guerrero y Matías Romero, Oaxaca, el papel de género en el desempeño de su rol como trabajadoras. METODOLOGÍA: Estudio cualitativo, basado en un análisis secundario de las entrevistas realizadas como parte del proyecto "Rescatando la experiencia de la Casa de la Mujer Indígena: sistematización y evaluación del proceso". RESULTADOS: Se identificó un importante valor al trabajo y compromiso hacia la comunidad. La culpa aparece como producto de la tensión entre el trabajo fuera del hogar y las responsabilidades como madres y esposas. La posibilidad de ayudar a otras mujeres es fuente de gratificación que disipa estos conflictos; el prestigio y el reconocimiento se suman a las ganancias de su rol. CONCLUSIONES: La experiencia laboral de las mujeres trabajadoras en la "casa de la mujer indígena" de Matías Romero, Oaxaca, y Ometepec, Guerrero, descrita en este trabajo muestra que tiene características muy específicas de difícil replicación en otras regiones del país. En estudios futuros es necesario considerar los diferentes contextos de vulnerabilidad.
Prevalence of overweight and obesity in elderly people from Vitória-ES, Brazil
Authors: Andrade Fabíola Bof de , Caldas Junior Arnaldo de França , Kitoko Pedro Makumbundu , Batista Jose Edmilson Mazza , Andrade Tania Bof de
Published: March 2012

The scope of this study was to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity and its association with socio-economic status in a sample of non-institutionalized elderly people from Vitória-ES, Brazil. This was a cross-sectional survey with a sample of 882 elderly people aged 60 and over. Obesity and overweight were assessed using the body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). All subjects answered a personal and socio-demographic questionnaire in relation to age, gender, marital status, physical activity, number of children, chronic diseases and smoking. Associations between categorical variables were tested using chi-square analysis with a 5% significance level. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was high (41.8% and 23.4%, respectively) and 50.7% of the elderly had a substantially increased waist circumference. About 4.3% of the individuals had diabetes, 50.4% had hypertension and 14.9% were found to have both diseases. It was observed that both the BMI and WC were significant associated (p<0.05) with sex, marital status, the presence of diseases and with cigarette smoking.
Construção de portfólios coletivos em currículos tradicionais: uma proposta inovadora de ensino-aprendizagem
Authors: Cotta Rosângela Minardi Mitre , Silva Luciana Saraiva da , Lopes Lílian Lelis , Gomes Karine de Oliveira , Cotta Fernanda Mitre , Lugarinho Regina , Mitre Sandra Minardi
Published: March 2012

Tradicionalmente, a educação em saúde se baseia em metodologias de transmissão de conhecimentos. Porém, agora se exige a formação de profissionais com perfil crítico-reflexivo e capazes de trabalhar em equipes. O que requer novas metodologias de ensino-aprendizagem, tendo na problematização um instrumento de transformação. É relatada experiência utilizando a construção de portfólios coletivos na aprendizagem, como mudança de atitudes e na avaliação de alunos de graduação, em contexto de estrutura curricular tradicional e por disciplinas. Estudo exploratório descritivo, com abordagem quali-quantitativa, fundamentado na análise de portfólios coletivos (n= 9), construídos pelos acadêmicos da disciplina Políticas de Saúde, complementado com a aplicação de um questionário aberto aos alunos (n=58) e com a realização de grupos focais (n=3). Os portfólios coletivos mobilizaram o pensamento crítico-reflexivo sobre a política do Sistema Único de Saúde, ampliando a concepção sobre o processo saúde-doença e as práticas relacionadas aos serviços de saúde, valorizando o trabalho em equipe e a busca ativa na construção do conhecimento, destacando-se os exercícios da alteridade, resiliência e empoderamento.