bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Von willebrand factor increases endothelial cell adhesiveness for human mesenchymal stem cells by activating p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase
Authors: Potapova Irina A , Cohen Ira S , Doronin Sergey V
Published: November 2010

Introduction

Delivered systemically or natively circulating mesenchymal stem cells accumulate in injured tissues. During homing mesenchymal stem cells adhere to endothelial cells and infiltrate underlying tissue. Previously we have shown that adhesiveness of endothelial cells for mesenchymal stem cells correlates with the inhibition of mitochondrial function of endothelial cells and secretion of von Willebrand factor. We hypothesized that von Willebrand factor is an auto/paracrine regulator of endothelial cell adhesiveness and studied the effect of von Willebrand factor on adhesion of mesenchymal stem cells to endothelial cells.

Methods

We used Affymetrix DNA microarrays, human protein phospho-MAPK array, Western blot, cell-based ELISA and flow cytometry analysis to study the activation of endothelial cells by von Willebrand factor. Cell adhesion assay and protein kinase inhibitors were used to evaluate the role of mitogen-activated protein kinases in the regulation of endothelial cell adhesiveness for mesenchymal stem cell.

Results

Treatment of endothelial cells with von Willebrand factor stimulated the mesenchymal stem cell adhesion in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Mesenchymal stem cells did not adhere to immobilized von Willebrand factor and did not express receptors for von Willebrand factor suggesting that the stimulation of the mesenchymal stem cell adhesion is a result of endothelial cell activation with von Willebrand factor. Treatment of endothelial cells with von Willebrand factor activated ERK-1,2 and p38 MAPK without an effect on gene or cell surface expression of E-selectin, P-selectin, VCAM1 and ICAM1. Inhibition of p38 MAPK, but not ERK-1,2, in endothelial cells completely abrogated the stimulation of the mesenchymal stem cell adhesion by von Willebrand factor.

Conclusions

Von Willebrand factor is an auto/paracrine regulator of endothelial cells. Activation of p38 MAPK in endothelial cells by von Willebrand factor is responsible for the regulation of endothelial cell adhesiveness for mesenchymal stem cells.
Identification and Functional Analysis of Novel Human Growth Hormone Secretagogue Receptor (GHSR) Gene Mutations in Japanese Subjects with Short Stature
Authors: Inoue Hiroshi , Kangawa Natsumi , Kinouchi Atsuko , Sakamoto Yukiko , Kimura Chizuko , Horikawa Reiko , Shigematsu Yosuke , Itakura Mitsuo , Ogata Tsutomu , Fujieda Kenji ,   on behalf of the Japan Growth Genome Consortium
Published: November 2010

abstract

Context:

Short stature (SS) is a multifactorial developmental condition with a significant genetic component. Recent studies have revealed that rare deleterious mutations in the GH-secretagogue receptor type 1A (GHSR1A) gene could be a cause of familial SS or GH deficiency.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of GHSR1A mutations to the molecular mechanism underlying SS in Japanese subjects.

Methods:

We performed mutational screening of the GHSR1A gene in 127 unrelated Japanese SS patients diagnosed with either isolated GH deficiency or idiopathic SS. Identified mutations were analyzed in 188 control subjects, and their functional properties were examined in a heterologous expression system.

Results:

Four novel heterozygous GHSR1A mutations were identified (ΔQ36, P108L, C173R, and D246A). Expression studies demonstrated that these mutations had varying functional consequences: 1) all mutations showed a loss-of-function effect on the constitutive signaling activity of GHSR1A, but the degree of loss varied widely; 2) C173R caused intracellular retention of the mutated protein, resulting in total loss of receptor function; 3) P108L resulted in a large decrease in binding affinity to ghrelin, without affecting its surface expression; 4) D246A uniquely impaired agonist- and inverse agonist-stimulated receptor signaling; and 5) ΔQ36 showed only a subtle reduction in constitutive activity. The cumulative frequency of these putative functional mutations was significantly higher in the patient group than in controls (4.72 vs. 0.53%; P = 0.019; odds ratio = 9.28; 95% confidence interval, 1.10–78.0).

Conclusions:

Our results suggest that GHSR1A mutations contribute to the genetic etiology of SS in the Japanese population.
Belimumab: A BLyS-Specific Inhibitor for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Wiglesworth Amy K , Ennis Kelly M , Kockler Denise R
Published: November 2010

Objective:

To review the efficacy, safety, dosing, drug interactions, as well as economic and therapeutic considerations of belimumab, an investigational B-lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) inhibitor.

Data Sources:

A systematic, English-language MEDLINE search (1966-August 2010) was conducted using the search terms belimumab, Benlysta, B-lymphocyte stimulators, BLyS-specific inhibitors, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Press releases and bibliographies were reviewed for additional information and citations.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

Belimumab was first identified and studied as a human protein target in 1999. Therefore, all published clinical trials and abstracts evaluating the safety and efficacy of belimumab for treatment of SLE as well as review articles from 1999 to present were evaluated for inclusion. Additional data were extracted from the manufacturer's Web site and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) documents.

Data Synthesis:

Current therapies for SLE target nonspecific sites for inflammatory reduction and immune system suppression. Belimumab is a target-specific, human lgG1λ monoclonal B-lymphocyte stimulator inhibitor currently in late stage investigation for the treatment of SLE. Unpublished Phase 3 trials have reported statistically significant results for primary endpoints when belimumab 10 mg/kg plus standard of care was compared to placebo plus standard of care in seropositive patients with SLE. Overall, belimumab has been relatively well tolerated with discontinuation rates and adverse events similar to those of placebo. If belimumab is approved by the FDA, its US market launch would be expected in 2011.

Conclusions:

Belimumab has shown significant benefits for patients with SLE in the few Phase 3 trials that have been published. However, questions remain regarding optimal patient population, duration of treatment, place in therapy, and long-term adverse effects.
When do Chief Marketing Officers Affect Firm Value? A Customer Power Explanation
Authors: Boyd D. Eric , Chandy Rajesh K. , Cunha Marcus
Published: November 2010

Recent discussions in academic literature and the business press often paint an unflattering picture of the contributions of chief marketing officers (CMOs) to the financial value of their firms. Some even suggest that CMOs, despite being the marketing leaders in firms, have little or no effect on firm performance. However, formal empirical research on the impact of CMOs on financial performance is scarce. This article presents conceptual arguments and empirical evidence about this controversial issue. The authors suggest that CMOs are far from irrelevant to the financial performance of firms. However, the impact of CMOs on financial performance is highly contingent on the managerial discretion available to them. Focusing on the role of customer power in limiting the managerial discretion available to CMOs, this study identifies individual and firm-specific conditions in which CMOs contribute more or less to firm value. Analyses of abnormal stock returns associated with the appointment of CMOs provide support for the hypothesized effects of customer power and managerial discretion.
Decision Processes in Human Performance Monitoring
Authors: Steinhauser Marco , Yeung Nick
Published: November 2010

The ability to detect and compensate for errors is crucial in producing effective, goal-directed behavior. Human error processing is reflected in two event-related brain potential components, the error-related negativity (Ne/ERN) and error positivity (Pe), but the functional significance of both components remains unclear. Our approach was to consider error detection as a decision process involving an evaluation of available evidence that an error has occurred against an internal criterion. This framework distinguishes two fundamental stages of error detection—accumulating evidence (input), and reaching a decision (output)—that should be differentially affected by changes in internal criterion. Predictions from this model were tested in a brightness discrimination task that required human participants to signal their errors, with incentives varied to encourage participants to adopt a high or low criterion for signaling their errors. Whereas the Ne/ERN was unaffected by this manipulation, the Pe varied consistently with criterion: A higher criterion was associated with larger Pe amplitude for signaled errors, suggesting that the Pe reflects the strength of accumulated evidence. Across participants, Pe amplitude was predictive of changes in behavioral criterion as estimated through signal detection theory analysis. Within participants, Pe amplitude could be estimated robustly with multivariate machine learning techniques and used to predict error signaling behavior both at the level of error signaling frequencies and at the level of individual signaling responses. These results suggest that the Pe, rather than the Ne/ERN, is closely related to error detection, and specifically reflects the accumulated evidence that an error has been committed.
Deletion of CD14 Attenuates Alzheimer's Disease Pathology by Influencing the Brain's Inflammatory Milieu
Authors: Reed-Geaghan Erin G. , Reed Quillan W. , Cramer Paige E. , Landreth Gary E.
Published: November 2010

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the deposition of β-amyloid (Aβ)-containing plaques within the brain that is accompanied by a robust microglial-mediated inflammatory response. This inflammatory response is reliant upon engagement of innate immune signaling pathways involving the toll-like receptors (TLRs). Studies assessing the roles of TLRs in AD pathogenesis have yielded conflicting results. We have assessed the roles of the TLRs through genetic inactivation of the TLR2/4 coreceptor, CD14, in a transgenic murine model of AD. Transgenic mice lacking CD14 exhibited reduced insoluble, but not soluble, levels of Aβ at 7 months of age. This corresponded with decreased plaque burden resulting from a reduction in number and size of both diffuse and thioflavin S-positive plaques and an overall reduction in the number of microglia. These findings are inconsistent with the established actions of these receptors. Moreover, loss of CD14 expression was associated with increased expression of genes encoding the proinflammatory cytokinesTnfα andIfnγ, decreased levels of the microglial/macrophage alternative activation markersFizz1andYm1, and increased expression of the anti-inflammatory geneIl-10. Thus, the loss of CD14 resulted in a significant change in the inflammatory environment of the brain, likely reflecting a more heterogeneous population of microglia within the brains of the animals. The reduction in plaque burden was not a result of changes in the expression of various Aβ degrading enzymes or proteins associated with Aβ clearance. These data suggest that CD14 is a critical regulator of the microglial inflammatory response that acts to modulate Aβ deposition.
Orexin/Hypocretin Modulates Response of Ventral Tegmental Dopamine Neurons to Prefrontal Activation: Diurnal Influences
Authors: Moorman David E. , Aston-Jones Gary
Published: November 2010

Recent studies show that glutamate and orexin (ORX, also known as hypocretin) inputs to the ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine (DA) cell region are essential for conditioned behavioral responses to reward-associated stimuli.In vitroexperiments showed that ORX inputs to VTA potentiate responses of DA neurons to glutamate inputs, but it has remained unclear which glutamate inputs are modulated by ORX. The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is a good candidate, given its role in processing complex stimulus–response information and its reciprocal connections with VTA DA neurons. Here we usedin vivorecordings in anesthetized rats to investigate the responses of VTA DA neurons to mPFC stimulation, and how these responses are modulated by ORX. We demonstrate that mPFC stimulation evokes short- and long-latency excitation and inhibition in DA neurons. Maximal short-latency excitatory responses originated from stimulation sites in ventral prelimbic/infralimbic cortex, and were significantly more frequent during the active than during the rest period of the diurnal cycle. Application of ORX onto VTA DA neurons increased baseline activity and augmented or revealed excitatory responses to mPFC stimulation independent of changes in baseline activity, and without consistently affecting inhibitory responses. Moreover, orexin-1 receptor antagonism decreased tonic DA cell activity in active- but not rest-period animals, confirming a diurnal influence of ORX. These results indicate that ORX potently influences DA neuron activity, in part by modulating responses to mPFC inputs. By regulating prefrontal control of DA release, ORX projections to VTA may shape motivated behaviors in response to conditioned stimuli.
Phosphorylation Dynamics Regulate Hsp27-Mediated Rescue of Neuronal Plasticity Deficits in Tau Transgenic Mice
Authors: Abisambra Jose F. , Blair Laura J. , Hill Shannon E. , Jones Jeffrey R. , Kraft Clara , Rogers Justin , Koren John , Jinwal Umesh K. , Lawson Lisa , Johnson Amelia G. , Wilcock Donna , O'Leary John C. , Jansen-West Karen , Muschol Martin , Golde Todd E. , Weeber Edwin J. , Banko Jessica , Dickey Chad A.
Published: November 2010

Molecular chaperones regulate the aggregation of a number of proteins that pathologically misfold and accumulate in neurodegenerative diseases. Identifying ways to manipulate these proteins in disease models is an area of intense investigation; however, the translation of these results to the mammalian brain has progressed more slowly. In this study, we investigated the ability of one of these chaperones, heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27), to modulate tau dynamics. Recombinant wild-type Hsp27 and a genetically altered version of Hsp27 that is perpetually pseudo-phosphorylated (3×S/D) were generated. Both Hsp27 variants interacted with tau, and atomic force microscopy and dynamic light scattering showed that both variants also prevented tau filament formation. However, extrinsic genetic delivery of these two Hsp27 variants to tau transgenic mice using adeno-associated viral particles showed that wild-type Hsp27 reduced neuronal tau levels, whereas 3×S/D Hsp27 was associated with increased tau levels. Moreover, rapid decay in hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) intrinsic to this tau transgenic model was rescued by wild-type Hsp27 overexpression but not by 3×S/D Hsp27. Because the 3×S/D Hsp27 mutant cannot cycle between phosphorylated and dephosphorylated states, we can conclude that Hsp27 must be functionally dynamic to facilitate tau clearance from the brain and rescue LTP; however, when this property is compromised, Hsp27 may actually facilitate accumulation of soluble tau intermediates.
Hypersensitivity to mGluR5 and ERK1/2 Leads to Excessive Protein Synthesis in the Hippocampus of a Mouse Model of Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Osterweil Emily K. , Krueger Dilja D. , Reinhold Kimberly , Bear Mark F.
Published: November 2010

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is caused by loss of theFMR1gene product FMRP (fragile X mental retardation protein), a repressor of mRNA translation. According to the metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) theory of FXS, excessive protein synthesis downstream of mGluR5 activation causes the synaptic pathophysiology that underlies multiple aspects of FXS. Here, we use anin vitroassay of protein synthesis in the hippocampus of maleFmr1knock-out (KO) mice to explore the molecular mechanisms involved in this core biochemical phenotype under conditions where aberrant synaptic physiology has been observed. We find that elevated basal protein synthesis inFmr1KO mice is selectively reduced to wild-type levels by acute inhibition of mGluR5 or ERK1/2, but not by inhibition of mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin). The mGluR5-ERK1/2 pathway is not constitutively overactive in theFmr1KO, however, suggesting that mRNA translation is hypersensitive to basal ERK1/2 activation in the absence of FMRP. We find that hypersensitivity to ERK1/2 pathway activation also contributes to audiogenic seizure susceptibility in theFmr1KO. These results suggest that the ERK1/2 pathway, and other neurotransmitter systems that stimulate protein synthesis via ERK1/2, represent additional therapeutic targets for FXS.
Lithium-Transition Metal-Tetrelides – Structure and Lithium Mobility
Authors: Pöttgen Rainer , Dinges Tim , Eckert Hellmut , Sreeraj Puravankara , Wiemhöfer Hans-Dieter
Published: November 2010

Lithium-transition metal (T)-tetrelides (tetr.= C, Si, Ge, Sn, Pb) are an interesting class of materials with greatly differing crystal structures. The transition metal and tetrel atoms build up covalently bonded networks which leave cavities or channels for the lithium atoms. Depending on the bonding of the lithium atoms to the polyanionic network one observes mobility of the lithium atoms. The crystal chemistry, chemical bonding, 7Li solid state NMR, and the electrochemical behavior of the tetrelides are reviewed herein.
NMR Multi-Time Correlation Functions of Ion Dynamics in Solids
Authors: Brinkmann Christian , Faske Sandra , Koch Barbara , Vogel Michael
Published: November 2010

We show that NMR multi-time correlation functions provide interesting new insights into the nature of lithium and silver ion dynamics in solids. For solid ion conductors, they usually probe the elementary jumps of the long-range charge transport. NMR two-time correlation functions yield rates and activation energies of the ionic hopping motion. Moreover, they reveal that the ionic relaxation exhibits a strong nonexponentiality in the studied crystals and glasses. NMR three-time correlation functions enable quantitative determination of the origin of the nonexponentiality. For various solid-state electrolytes, the analysis shows that pronounced dynamical heterogeneities govern the ionic hopping motion. If dynamical heterogeneities exist, NMR four-time correlation functions allow one to measure the time scale of exchange processes within the rate distributions. For silver ion dynamics in a crystalline and a glassy material, the results indicate that initially slow ions exhibit random new rates from broad rate distributions after very few jump events.
The Use of Radiotracer Diffusion to Investigate Ionic Transport in Polymer Electrolytes: Examples, Effects, and Their Evaluation
Authors: Stolwijk Nico , Wiencierz M. , Fögeling J. , Bastek J. , Obeidi Sh.
Published: November 2010

The paper highlights some remarkable results obtained by applying the radiotracer diffusion (RTD) technique to the study of ionic transport in salt-in-polymer electrolytes. The technique is based on the determination of a radiotracer depth profile by serial sectioning following isothermal diffusion annealing. Unlike alternative methods, RTD is able to measure the self-cation and self-anion diffusivity even for systems dilute in salt. Another unique feature is the capability to investigate foreign-ion diffusion at extremely low concentration levels. Combined with DC conductivity data, RTD may provide a virtually complete picture of mass and charge transport in solid-like polymer electrolytes (SPEs). The paper describes the special SPE-related procedures used in the RTD experiments and their analysis. The advantages of the method will be demonstrated with selected examples of self- and foreign-ion diffusion in prototype SPE systems. We also present prominent examples of RTD dealing with the effects of salt precipitation and oxide nano-particles used as dispersed filler material.
Nonlinear DC and Dispersive Conductivity of Ion Conducting Glasses and Glass Ceramics
Authors: Staesche Halgard , Roling Bernhard
Published: November 2010

Frequency-dependent third-order conductivity spectra σ
3
´(ν) of various ion conducting glasses and glass ceramics were obtained by applying sinusoidal electric fields with high amplitudes and by analysing the resulting higher-harmonic currents. In the DC conductivity regime, the third-order conductivity σ
3, dc was found to be positive for all materials and at all temperatures. From the ratio of the third-order conductivity to the low-field conductivity, σ
3, dc/σ
1, dc, apparent jump distances were calculated. These apparent jump distances are much larger than jump distances between neighbouring sites in the glasses and decrease with increasing temperature. In (Li2O)1-x
·(Na2O)
x
·Al2O3·(SiO2)4 glasses, the mixed alkali effect leads to a minimum in the apparent jump distance, while partial crystallisation of Li2O·Al2O3·(SiO2)2 glasses leads to an increase of the apparent jump distance. In the dispersive regime, the third-order conductivity σ
3
´(ν) of all glasses and glass ceramics is negative and exhibits an approximate power-law dependence, however with a larger exponent than the dispersive low-field conductivity σ
1
´(ν). For a given material, the third-order conductivity spectra σ
3
´(ν) obey the time–temperature superposition principle and can be superimposed by using the Summerfield scaling. Remarkably, the shift between the σ
3
´(ν) master curves of different materials is much stronger than the shift between the σ
1
´(ν) master curves. In order to rationalize this effect, we calculate the nonlinear dispersive hopping conductivity in a double minimum potential approximation.
Transport Mechanisms of Ions in Graft-Copolymer Based Salt-in-Polymer Electrolytes
Authors: Kunze Miriam , Schulz Alexander , Wiemhöfer Hans-Dieter , Eckert Hellmut , Schönhoff Monika
Published: November 2010

Salt-in-polymer electrolytes based on graft copolymers with oligoether side chains and added LiCF3SO3 (LiTf) are investigated concerning the transport and dynamics of the ionic species with respect to applications as Li ion conductors. Polymer architectures are based on polysiloxane or polyphosphazene backbones with one or two side chains per monomer, respectively. NMR methods provide information about molecular dynamics on different length scales: The mechanisms governing local dynamics and long range mass transport are studied on the basis of temperature dependent spin-lattice relaxation rates and pulsed field gradient diffusion measurements for 7Li, 19F and 1H, respectively. The correlation times characterizing local ion dynamics reflect the complexation of the cations by the oligoether side chains of the polymer. 7Li and 19F diffusion coefficients and their activation energies are rather similar, suggesting the formation of ion pairs and clusters with similar activation barriers for cation and/or anion long-range transport. Activation energies of local reorientations are generally significantly smaller than activation energies of long range diffusion. Long range transport is affected by (1) the coupling of conformational side chain reorientations to the cation movement, and (2) the correlated diffusion of cations and anions within ion pairs. Ion pairs and their dissociation play a major role in controlling the resulting conductivity of the material. Guidelines for material optimization in terms of a maximized conductivity can thus be derived by identifying a compromise between high ionic mobility and good Li complexation by the coordinating side chains.
DFT Study on the Complexation of Cs+ with Benzo-18-crown-6
Authors: Toman Petr , Makrlík E. , Vanura Petr , Kasicka Vaclav
Published: November 2010

By using quantum mechanical DFT calculations, the most probable structures of free benzo-18-crown-6 ligand (abbrev. L) and the cationic complex species CsL+ and CsL2
+ were derived. In the CsL+ and CsL2
+ complexes, the “central” cation Cs+ is bound by strong bond interactions to the corresponding ethereal oxygen atoms of the parent crown ligand L. The interaction energies of the CsL+ and CsL2
+ complex species were found to be -272.5 and -385.0kJ/mol, respectively, confirming the formations of the considered complexes.
Determination of Steric Effect on the Esterification of Different Alcohols with Propanoic Acid over Cation-exchange Resin Catalyst Dowex 50Wx4
Authors: Erdem Beyhan , Cebe Mustafa
Published: November 2010

This paper describes the application of LFER in the form of Taft correlation to understand the mechanism of the esterification of propanoic acid with different alcohols over heterogeneous catalyst, Dowex 50Wx4. The rate constant (k1) in the rate equation decreases with change of alcohols in the order methanol, ethanol, n-propyl, n-butyl, n-pentyl, iso-butyl, iso-propyl and sec-butyl (2-buthanol). The reaction of propanoic acid with alcohols fits the Taft equation, log k1/kCH3= 1.0061 Es- 0.0012, which implies that the steric effect of the substituent governs that reaction and the mechanism is similar between the different alcohols. The experimental results were modelled according to a simple second-order model. It was found that the equilibrium constant of this reaction does not depend on the structure of the organic alcohols, and has for 333 K the value 4.04.
Early Life Stage Mortality Rates of Lake Sturgeon in the Peshtigo River, Wisconsin
Authors: Caroffino David C. , Sutton Trent M. , Elliott Robert F. , Donofrio Michael C.
Published: November 2010

A thorough understanding of the early life history of lake sturgeon Acipenser fulvescens is critical for rehabilitation of this species. Recruitment of lake sturgeon is known to be variable, but the extent of that variation and mortality rates experienced by early life stages are unclear. The objective of this study was to quantify early life stage mortality and explore the variability in year-class strength by estimating total egg deposition and abundance of larval and age-0 juvenile lake sturgeon from the 2006 and 2007 year-classes in the Peshtigo River, Wisconsin. Egg mats, drift nets, and visual surveys were used to collect lake sturgeon eggs, larvae, and age-0 juveniles, respectively. Total egg deposition, larval abundance, and age-0 juvenile abundance were higher in 2007 than in 2006. The magnitude of difference ranged from 2 times for eggs to 11 times for age-0 juveniles. The rate of mortality from the larval stage to the age-0 juvenile stage was higher in 2006 (98.26%) than in 2007 (90.46%); overall mortality from the egg stage to the age-0 juvenile stage was also higher in 2006 (99.98%) than 2007 (99.93%). These results suggest that mortality rates for these life stages of lake sturgeon are high, and large variation in early life stage abundance may be common. Management strategies to reduce these mortality rates may increase recruitment and aid population recovery.
Instrumento para avaliação do nível de conhecimento da prescrição na atenção primária
Authors: Fröhlich Samanta Etges , Dal Pizzol Tatiane da Silva , Mengue Sotero Serrate
Published: November 2010

OBJETIVO: Desenvolver e testar um instrumento para avaliação do nível de conhecimento do paciente sobre a prescrição de medicamentos. MÉTODOS: O estudo foi realizado com usuários cadastrados nas Unidades de Estratégia de Saúde da Família de Santa Cruz do Sul, RS, recrutados por amostragem consecutiva. Foram considerados nome do medicamento, indicação terapêutica, dose, horários de administração, forma de utilização, duração do tratamento, atitude no caso de esquecimento de doses, possíveis efeitos adversos e interações. Cada item da escala foi ponderado segundo importância para a utilização segura do medicamento prescrito. O questionário foi testado por meio de entrevistas com os usuários em 2006 e pela análise de 320 prescrições. Foram calculadas estatísticas descritivas, razões de prevalências e qui-quadrado para variáveis categóricas e teste de Tukey para comparação de médias. RESULTADOS: O nível de conhecimento da terapia medicamentosa foi considerado bom para 11,3% dos entrevistados, regular para 42,5% e insuficiente para 46,3%. Os maiores níveis de conhecimento foram observados nos horários de administração, indicação terapêutica e duração do tratamento. Os menores níveis ocorreram em dose, efeitos adversos e o que fazer no caso de esquecimento de uma ou mais doses do medicamento. CONCLUSÕES: O instrumento proposto permitiu examinar a magnitude da lacuna existente entre o que o paciente deve saber e o que ele realmente sabe sobre seus medicamentos. Assim, é possível detectar focos de prevenção, educação e acompanhamento para evitar problemas relacionados à utilização não segura dos medicamentos.
Auto-relato e relato de informante secundário na avaliação da saúde em idosos
Authors: Jardim Renata , Barreto Sandhi Maria , Giatti Luana
Published: November 2010

OBJETIVO: Analisar se o modelo explicativo para a avaliação da saúde do idoso com base no auto-relato é comparável com o modelo de relato do informante secundário e se a auto-avaliação de saúde do informante secundário influencia a avaliação da saúde do idoso. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com 230 pares idoso-informante secundário realizado em Belo Horizonte, MG, em 2007. Foram investigadas variáveis sociodemográficas e de saúde dos idosos por meio de entrevista estruturada. Utilizou-se regressão logística múltipla para analisar associação com auto-avaliação da saúde do idoso como ruim e com as informações prestadas pelo informante secundário. RESULTADOS: No modelo com base no auto-relato, a variável mais fortemente associada à avaliação da saúde do idoso como ruim foi a presença de restrições ou incapacidade para realizar atividades relacionadas à vida diária e/ou à mobilidade. No modelo baseado no informante secundário, a variável explicativa mais relevante foi o número de doenças crônicas apresentadas pelo idoso. Além disso, a chance de o informante secundário avaliar a saúde do idoso como ruim foi três vezes maior quando ele auto-avaliou sua saúde da mesma forma. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados mostram diferenças importantes entre o modelo da avaliação da saúde do idoso com base nas respostas do próprio indivíduo e nas do informante secundário. O idoso tende a valorizar suas restrições ou incapacidade de realizar atividades da vida diária/mobilidade, enquanto o informante secundário tende a valorizar o diagnóstico de doenças crônicas. O informante secundário com pior auto-avaliação da saúde apresenta chance quase três vezes maior de relatar a saúde do idoso da mesma forma. Assim, informações auto-relatadas refletem melhor a condição de saúde do indivíduo do que se relatadas por informantes secundários.
Distúrbios psíquicos menores e condições de trabalho em motoristas de caminhão
Authors: Ulhôa Melissa Araújo , Marqueze Elaine Cristina , Lemos Lúcia Castro , Silva Luna Gonçalves da , Silva Amanda Aparecida , Nehme Patrícia , Fischer Frida Marina , Moreno Claudia Roberta de Castro
Published: November 2010

OBJETIVO: Estimar a prevalência de distúrbios psíquicos menores e identificar estressores associados entre motoristas de caminhão. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal conduzido com 460 motoristas de caminhão de uma transportadora de cargas das regiões Sul e Sudeste do Brasil, em 2007. Os trabalhadores preencheram questionário com dados sociodemográficos, estilos de vida e condições de trabalho. As variáveis independentes foram condições de trabalho, incluindo estressores ocupacionais, satisfação e demanda-controle no trabalho. O desfecho avaliado foi a ocorrência de distúrbios psíquicos menores. Foram realizadas análises de regressão logística univariada e múltipla. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de distúrbios psíquicos menores foi de 6,1%. Os estressores mais citados foram congestionamentos, controle de rastreamento e jornada extensa de trabalho. A alta demanda no trabalho, o baixo apoio social e a jornada extensa diária referidos pelos motoristas estiveram associados aos distúrbios psíquicos menores. CONCLUSÕES: O trabalho em jornadas extensas foi associado à ocorrência de distúrbios psíquicos menores, tanto na análise das condições gerais de trabalho quanto como fator referido como estressor pelos motoristas. A regulamentação da jornada de trabalho com limitação de horas de trabalho diário é, portanto, uma medida necessária para a redução da chance de desenvolvimento de distúrbios psíquicos menores em motoristas.
Use of generalized extreme value covariates to improve estimation of trends and return frequencies for lake levels
Authors: Paynter Shayne , Nachabe Mahmood
Published: November 2010

One of the most important tools in water management is the accurate forecast of long-term and short-term extreme values for flood and drought conditions. Traditional methods of trend detection are not suited for hydrologic systems while traditional methods of predicting extreme frequencies may be highly inaccurate in lakes. Traditional frequency estimates assume independence from trend or initial stage. However, due to autocorrelation of lake levels, initial stage can greatly influence the severity of an event. This research utilizes the generalized extreme value (GEV) distribution with time and starting stage covariates to more accurately identify trend direction and magnitude and provide improved predictions of flood and drought stages. Traditional methods of predicting flood or drought stages significantly overpredict or underpredict stages depending on the initial stage. Prediction differences can exceed one meter, a substantial amount in regions with flat topography; these differences could result in significant alterations in evacuation plans or other management decisions such as how much lake water to release in preparation for an approaching hurricane, appropriate lake levels to maintain, minimum structure floor elevations and more accurate forecasting of future water supply or impacts to tourism. The methods utilized in this research can be applied globally.
A European Space for Education Looking for its Public
Authors: Wahlström Ninni
Published: November 2010

The open method of coordination (OMC) within the Lisbon strategy is discussed in terms of a European Space for Education and ‘programme ontology’. The focus is on indicators and the European dimension, and how they ‘work’ in the forming of contents and identities in this European Space for Education. The OMC is analyzed in relation to Nancy Fraser's theoretical public-sphere approach of discourses about needs, instead of inquiry from needs. Central to the article is the problematization of the shift from national theories and methodologies to theories that might be better suited to an international European educational arena. Hence, in the final part of the article, the public-sphere theory is discussed from the point of view of globalization and within a transnational frame for education.
Clinical efficacy of mifepristone and misoprostol in second trimester pregnancy termination
Authors: Joensuu‐Manninen Heini , Kuvaja Paula , Talvensaari‐Mattila Anne
Published: November 2010

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate factors affecting clinical effectiveness of 2nd trimester medical terminations using mifepristone and misoprostol combination. Design. A retrospective observational study. Population. Ninety consecutive women who had undergone medical termination of pregnancy after 12–24 weeks of gestation. Methods. Clinical data were collected from Oulu University Hospital patient records for the period between February 2003 and August 2005. The associations between patient characteristics and different outcomes were evaluated using standard statistical tests for correlation. Main outcome measures. The time elapsed from induction to successful abortion. Results. The majority (94%) of women aborted successfully within 24 hours. Those who were considered day cases (no overnight hospitalization) were more likely to have a successful termination (p = 0.004), while those who were hospitalized for three or more days were more likely to have a complication (p = 0.046). Women with no previous live births or women with gestation ≥17 weeks required opiate analgesia more often (p = 0.019, p = 0.02, respectively). Induction to abortion time was shorter (p < 0.001) when pregnancy had lasted <17 weeks. Nulliparous women were more likely to have a longer induction‐to‐abortion interval (p < 0.001) than uni‐ and multiparous women. Women with previous live births aborted more often within 8 hours than women with no previous births (p = 0.032). Conclusions. Multiparous women and women with early gestation complete medical termination faster. Multiparity and shorter gestation time are also associated with lesser need for opiate analgesia, compared to nulliparous women or longer gestation time (≥17 weeks).
Introduction
Authors: Turda Marius
Published: November 2010

Although research on the history of physical anthropology in Central and Southeastern Europe has increased significantly since the 1990s the impact race had on the discipline's conceptual maturity has yet to be fully addressed. Once physical anthropology is recognized as having preserved inter-war racial tropes within scientific discourses about national communities, new insights on how nationalism developed during the 1970s and 1980s will emerge, both in countries belonging to the communist East—Hungary, Bulgaria, and Romania, and in those belonging to the West—Austria and Greece. By looking at the relationship between race and physical anthropology in these countries after 1945 it becomes clear what enabled the recurrent themes of ethnic primordiality, racial continuity, and de-nationalizing of ethnic minorities not only to flourish during the 1980s but also to re-emerge overtly during political changes characterizing the last two decades.
My long 1989
Authors: Holmes Douglas R.
Published: November 2010

Interviews with the leadership of the Movimento Friuli (MF) were the last task, almost a postscript, of a study that preoccupied me during the 1980s. After a decade of research in the Friuli region of northeast Italy I was reasonably satisfied that I had achieved something like closure on the project. I was reluctant in the summer of 1987 to open any new lines of inquiry that might disturb my contentment.
Survey on postharvest practices and losses of litchi in selected areas of Banglades
Authors: Molla MM , Islam MN , Nasrin TAA , Bhuyan MAJ
Published: November 2010

A survey was conducted to assess the postharvest practices and lossess of litchi during May to June 2008. Three litchi growing areas viz., Dinajpur, Ishurdi, and Natore, two urban areas, namely, Dhaka and Gazipur were selected for this study. Some indigenous postharvest practices were observed to follow in all the growing areas mostly by the growers and/or beparies those are involved in harvesting. These practices were as pre-cooling by keeping the harvested fruits under the shade of the trees, sorting based on damaged, pest infested, and disease infected fruits and so called believed cooling with litchi leaves during transportation. Nobody practices the grading of fruits. The usual packaging practices were observed mainly with bamboo baskets lining with litchi leaves and covering with gunny sheets. None of the aradthdars involved in packaging .The postharvest losses were reported mainly at harvesting (8.0%), handling from orchard to selling point by the growers and beparies involved in harvesting (4.61%) and after buying to consumption by the consumers (7.5%). Considering the channels involved in litchi marketing, the growers and/or beparies engaged in harvesting had the highest percent of losses (16% in Dinajpur, 12% in Ishurdi, and 11 % in Natore) followed by the consumers (7.5%). Keywords: Litchi; harvesting practices; mode of packaging and transportation and postharvest losses. DOI: 10.3329/bjar.v35i3.6451Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 35(3) : 439-451
Challenges of potato cultivation in Bangladesh and developing digital databases of potato
Authors: Uddin MA , Yasmin S , Rahman ML , Hossain SMB , Chowdhury RU
Published: November 2010

The study was conducted to build the union level digital database and maps of potato during 2008-09. Both primary and secondary data were used in the study. Data were collected from all blocks of four upazilas of four districts and farmers’ level. Union, upazila, district, and country level digitized maps of Bangladesh were used in the programme. GIS, GPS, and MIS related IT were used in the study. Out of total cultivable land (1,00611 ha) in four upazilas, potato cultivated area and production were 27,414 ha and 3,32,424 t, respectively. Eighteen (18) varieties of potato were cultivated in the study areas, among them 13 were HYVs and 5 were local varieties. Out of 41 HYVs of potato developed by BARI upto 2008, 13 were cultivated in the study areas. Maximum (89.7%) area of HYV potato was covered by Diamant, Cardinal, Granola and Multa. At Chandina and Gozaria, potato area was only cultivated by HYVs. Shibganj and Pirganj shared 64 and 61% potato areas, respectively under HYVs. Average potato yields of these upazilas and Gozaria were 14.34 and 24.36 t/ha, respectively, during 2008-09. Production cost and selling price were Tk. 8.73 and 11.56 per kg, respectively at the time of harvest in 2009. Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) of potato was 1.32 and maximum was 1.37 at Pirganj. Besides adopting high yielding and hybrid varieties, management practices should be improved. It is possible to increase potato production by vertical and horizontal expression (Uddin, 2009). Keywords: Union level digital database; maps; area; production; adoption; potatoDOI: 10.3329/bjar.v35i3.6452Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 35(3) : 453-463
Inheritance of tip sterility in relation to auricle pigmentation and waxy bloom in three crosses of hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Parveen R , Ud-Deen MM , Kabir G
Published: November 2010

Two Bangladeshi varieties, Aghrani and Ananda were found with normal spikes, pink auricle and non-waxy blooms. The variety Akbar resembled these characters except the auricle colour, where it was white. On the contrary, the selected line FM-147 was found with tip sterile, white auricle, and waxy bloom characters. The F1s in three different crosses (AG × FM-147, AN × FM-147) were found with normal spikes, white auricle, and non-waxy bloom. The F1 population of three crosses were found to segregate in the proportion of 3:1 with normal and tip sterile plants. Backcross progenies were found to segregate into 1:1 ratio with normal and tip sterile plants. These results indicated that a recessive gene controls the tip sterility. The auricle pigmentation in F2s of the crosses between AG × FM-147 and AN × FM- 147 was found to show the ratio 3:1 with auricle of pink and white pigmentation. Backcross progenies showed also the ratio 1:1. The inheritance of auricle pigmentation was also found to be governed by a single recessive gene. The F2s in three crosses showed the ratio 3:1 with waxy bloom and non- waxy bloom. Backcross progenies showed also the ratio 1:1 for these two characters. The F2 populations for two characters at a time were found to segregate into a dihybrid ratio of 9:3:3:1 indicating the absence of any linkage between these two characters. Keywords: Inheritance; tip sterility; hexaploid wheat. DOI: 10.3329/bjar.v35i3.6460Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 35(3) : 535-541
Patent Foramen Ovale and Cryptogenic Stroke
Authors: Ahmed J
Published: November 2010

DOI: 10.3329/cardio.v3i1.6430Cardiovasc. j. 2010; 3(1): 81-84
Liquid-Diet with Alcohol Alters Maternal, Fetal and Placental Weights and the Expression of Molecules Involved in Integrin Signaling in the Fetal Cerebral Cortex
Authors: Rout Ujjwal K. , Dhossche Julie M.
Published: November 2010

Maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy causes wide range of behavioral and structural deficits in children, commonly known as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). Children with FAS may suffer behavioral deficits in the absence of obvious malformations. In rodents, the exposure to alcohol during gestation changes brain structures and weights of offspring. The mechanism of FAS is not completely understood. In the present study, an established rat (Long-Evans) model of FAS was used. The litter size and the weights of mothers, fetuses and placentas were examined on gestation days 18 or 20. On gestation day 18, the effects of chronic alcohol on the expression levels of integrin receptor subunits, phospholipase-Cγ and N-cadherin were examined in the fetal cerebral cortices. Presence of alcohol in the liquid-diet reduced the consumption and decreased weights of mothers and fetuses but increased the placental weights. Expression levels of β1 and α3 integrin subunits and phospholipase-Cγ2 were significantly altered in the fetal cerebral cortices of mothers on alcohol containing diet. Results show that alcohol consumption during pregnancy even with protein, mineral and vitamin enriched diet may affect maternal and fetal health, and alter integrin receptor signaling pathways in the fetal cerebral cortex disturbing the development of fetal brains.
N,N'-(1,2-Phenylene)-bis[4-(azidomethyl)benzamide]
Authors: Bachl Jürgen , Díaz David D.
Published: November 2010

The synthesis of N,N''-(1,2-phenylene)-bis[4-(azidomethyl)benzamide] (2) by direct nucleophilic disubstitution of the suitable dihalogen precursor 1 with NaN3 is reported. The structure of the title compound was fully characterized by FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, EI-MS, elemental analysis and melting point determination.
Sorption Speciation of Lanthanides/Actinides on Minerals by TRLFS, EXAFS and DFT Studies: A Review
Authors: Tan Xiaoli , Fang Ming , Wang Xiangke
Published: November 2010

Lanthanides/actinides sorption speciation on minerals and oxides by means of time resolved laser fluorescence spectroscopy (TRLFS), extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (EXAFS) and density functional theory (DFT) is reviewed in the field of nuclear disposal safety research. The theoretical aspects of the methods are concisely presented. Examples of recent research results of lanthanide/actinide speciation and local atomic structures using TRLFS, EXAFS and DFT are discussed. The interaction of lanthanides/actinides with oxides and minerals as well as their uptake are also of common interest in radionuclide chemistry. Especially the sorption and inclusion of radionuclides into several minerals lead to an improvement in knowledge of minor components in solids. In the solid-liquid interface, the speciation and local atomic structures of Eu(III), Cm(III), U(VI), and Np(IV/VI) in several natural and synthetic minerals and oxides are also reviewed and discussed. The review is important to understand the physicochemical behavior of lanthanides/actinides at a molecular level in the natural environment.
Education for a Sustainable Future: Strategies of the New Hindu Religious Movements
Authors: Haigh Martin
Published: November 2010

Increasingly, sustainability is conceived as a crisis of the human mind and the key challenge for pro-sustainability education is developing sufficient motivation in learners. The spiritual aspirations of religious communities contain sufficient motivational force, which may be deployed for effective sustainability education. This paper explores the approaches to sustainability and sustainability education of some internationally-oriented Hindu religious movements. These include the rural education initiatives of Gandhian Sarvodaya, which emphasizes non-harming, self-reliance and personal ethics, ISKCON, which emphasizes devotional service, P.R. Sarkar’s Ananda Marg, which emphasizes cooperative enterprise, the Tantric body re-imagined at the social scale, and Swami Vivekananda’s Sri Ramakrishna Order, which emphasizes karma yoga, spiritual development through service to the God in each human. It also describes the British Hindu contribution to the UNDP/ARC’s multi-faith sustainability initiative “Many Heavens, One Earth”; which is the “Bhumi Project” and its two main campaigns, Green Temples and Compassionate Living.