bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Separable Mechanisms Underlying Global Feature-Based Attention
Authors: Bondarenko Rowena , Boehler Carsten N. , Stoppel Christian M. , Heinze Hans-Jochen , Schoenfeld Mircea A. , Hopf Jens-Max
Published: October 2012

Feature-based attention is known to operate in a spatially global manner, in that the selection of attended features is not bound to the spatial focus of attention. Here we used electromagnetic recordings in human observers to characterize the spatiotemporal signature of such global selection of an orientation feature. Observers performed a simple orientation-discrimination task while ignoring task-irrelevant orientation probes outside the focus of attention. We observed that global feature-based selection, indexed by the brain response to unattended orientation probes, is composed of separable functional components. One such component reflects global selection based on the similarity of the probe with task-relevant orientation values (“template matching”), which is followed by a component reflecting selection based on the similarity of the probe with the orientation value under discrimination in the focus of attention (“discrimination matching”). Importantly, template matching occurs at ∼150 ms after stimulus onset, ∼80 ms before the onset of discrimination matching. Moreover, source activity underlying template matching and discrimination matching was found to originate from ventral extrastriate cortex, with the former being generated in more anterolateral and the latter in more posteromedial parts, suggesting template matching to occur in visual cortex higher up in the visual processing hierarchy than discrimination matching. We take these observations to indicate that the population-level signature of global feature-based selection reflects a sequence of hierarchically ordered operations in extrastriate visual cortex, in which the selection based on task relevance has temporal priority over the selection based on the sensory similarity between input representations.
Interplay between Sniffing and Odorant Sorptive Properties in the Rat
Authors: Rojas-Líbano Daniel , Kay Leslie M.
Published: October 2012

For decades it has been known that the olfactory sensory epithelium can act like a chromatograph, separating odorants based on their air–mucus sorptive properties (Mozell and Jagodowicz, 1973). It has been hypothesized that animals could take advantage of this property, modulating sniffing behavior to manipulate airflow and thereby directing odorant molecules to the portions of the olfactory epithelium where they are best detected (Schoenfeld and Cleland, 2005). We report here a test of this hypothesis in behaving rats, monitoring respiratory activity through diaphragm electromyogram, which allowed us to estimate nasal airflow. In our test rats had to detect either low-sorption (LS) or high-sorption (HS) monomolecular odorant targets from the same stimulus set of six binary odor mixtures. We found that it is more difficult for rats to detect LS than HS targets. Although sniffing bouts are the same duration for each group (∼500 ms), sniffing longer and using more inhalations results in better performance for rats assigned to detect LS targets. LS-detecting rats also increase the duration of individual inhalations (81 ms for LS- vs 69 ms for HS-detecting rats) and sniff at lower frequencies (7.8 Hz for LS- vs 8.6 Hz for HS-detecting rats) when learning to sense the target. When LS-detecting rats do discriminate well, they do so with lower airflow, more sniffs, and lower frequency of sniffing than HS-detecting counterparts. These data show that rats adjust sniff strategies as a function of odorant sorptiveness and provide support for the chromatographic and zonation hypotheses.
The Signature of Maternal Rearing in the Methylome in Rhesus Macaque Prefrontal Cortex and T Cells
Authors: Provençal Nadine , Suderman Matthew J. , Guillemin Claire , Massart Renaud , Ruggiero Angela , Wang Dongsha , Bennett Allyson J. , Pierre Peter J. , Friedman David P. , Côté Sylvana M. , Hallett Michael , Tremblay Richard E. , Suomi Stephen J. , Szyf Moshe
Published: October 2012

Early-life adversity is associated with a broad scope of life-long health and behavioral disorders. Particularly critical is the role of the mother. A possible mechanism is that these effects are mediated by “epigenetic” mechanisms. Studies in rodents suggest a causal relationship between early-life adversity and changes in DNA methylation in several “candidate genes” in the brain. This study examines whether randomized differential rearing (maternal vs surrogate–peer rearing) of rhesus macaques is associated with differential methylation in early adulthood. The data presented here show that differential rearing leads to differential DNA methylation in both prefrontal cortex and T cells. These differentially methylated promoters tend to cluster by both chromosomal region and gene function. The broad impact of maternal rearing on DNA methylation in both the brain and T cells supports the hypothesis that the response to early-life adversity is system-wide and genome-wide and persists to adulthood. Our data also point to the feasibility of studying the impact of the social environment in peripheral T-cell DNA methylation.
Cortical Sensory Plasticity in a Model of Migraine with Aura
Authors: Theriot Jeremy J. , Toga Arthur W. , Prakash Neal , Ju Y. Sungtaek , Brennan K. C.
Published: October 2012

The migraine attack is characterized by alterations in sensory perception, such as photophobia or allodynia, which have in common an uncomfortable amplification of the percept. It is not known how these changes arise. We evaluated the ability of cortical spreading depression (CSD), the proposed mechanism of the migraine aura, to shape the cortical activity that underlies sensory perception. We measured forepaw- and hindpaw-evoked sensory responses in rat, before and after CSD, using multielectrode array recordings and two-dimensional optical spectroscopy. CSD significantly altered cortical sensory processing on a timescale compatible with the duration of the migraine attack. Both electrophysiological and hemodynamic maps had a reduced surface area (were sharpened) after CSD. Electrophysiological responses were potentiated at the receptive field center but suppressed in surround regions. Finally, the normal adaptation of sensory-evoked responses was attenuated at the receptive field center. In summary, we show that CSD induces changes in the evoked cortical response that are consistent with known mechanisms of cortical plasticity. These mechanisms provide a novel neurobiological substrate to explain the sensory alterations of the migraine attack.
Predictive and Feedback Performance Errors Are Signaled in the Simple Spike Discharge of Individual Purkinje Cells
Authors: Popa Laurentiu S. , Hewitt Angela L. , Ebner Timothy J.
Published: October 2012

The cerebellum has been implicated in processing motor errors required for on-line control of movement and motor learning. The dominant view is that Purkinje cell complex spike discharge signals motor errors. This study investigated whether errors are encoded in the simple spike discharge of Purkinje cells in monkeys trained to manually track a pseudorandomly moving target. Four task error signals were evaluated based on cursor movement relative to target movement. Linear regression analyses based on firing residuals ensured that the modulation with a specific error parameter was independent of the other error parameters and kinematics. The results demonstrate that simple spike firing in lobules IV–VI is significantly correlated with position, distance, and directional errors. Independent of the error signals, the same Purkinje cells encode kinematics. The strongest error modulation occurs at feedback timing. However, in 72% of cells at least one of theR2temporal profiles resulting from regressing firing with individual errors exhibit two peakR2values. For these bimodal profiles, the first peak is at a negative τ (lead) and a second peak at a positive τ (lag), implying that Purkinje cells encode both prediction and feedback about an error. For the majority of the bimodal profiles, the signs of the regression coefficients or preferred directions reverse at the times of the peaks. The sign reversal results in opposing simple spike modulation for the predictive and feedback components. Dual error representations may provide the signals needed to generate sensory prediction errors used to update a forward internal model.
The Anterior Cingulate Cortex May Enhance Inhibition of Lateral Prefrontal Cortex Via m2 Cholinergic Receptors at Dual Synaptic Sites
Authors: Medalla Maria , Barbas Helen
Published: October 2012

The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortices (DLPFC) share robust excitatory connections. However, during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, when cortical activity is dominated by acetylcholine, the ACC is activated but DLPFC is suppressed. Using pathway tracing and electron microscopy in nonhuman primates (Macaca mulatta), we tested the hypothesis that the opposite states may reflect specific modulation by acetylcholine through strategic synaptic localization of muscarinic m2 receptors, which inhibit neurotransmitter release presynaptically, but are thought to be excitatory postsynaptically. In the ACC pathway to DLPFC (area 32 to area 9), m2 receptors predominated in ACC axon terminals and in more than half of the targeted dendrites of presumed inhibitory neurons, suggesting inhibitory cholinergic influence. In contrast, in a pathway linking the DLPFC area 46 to DLPFC area 9, postsynaptic m2 receptors predominated in targeted spines of presumed excitatory neurons, consistent with their mutual activation in working memory. These novel findings suggest that presynaptic and postsynaptic specificity of m2 cholinergic receptors may help explain the differential engagement of ACC and DLPFC areas in REM sleep for memory consolidation and synergism in awake states for cognitive control.
Oxytocin Promotes Long-Term Potentiation by Enhancing Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Mediated Local Translation of Protein Kinase Mζ
Authors: Lin Yu-Ting , Huang Chiung-Chun , Hsu Kuei-Sen
Published: October 2012

In addition to triggering the birthing process and milk release, the hypothalamic neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) plays an important role in the regulation of complex social cognition and behavior. Previous work has shown that OXT can regulate hippocampal synaptic plasticity and improve hippocampus-dependent cognitive functions in the female mice, but the underlying mechanisms remain largely unclear. Here, we demonstrate that OXT promotes the maintenance of long-term potentiation (LTP) induced by one train of tetanic stimulation (TS) in the CA1 region of hippocampal slices from both nulliparous female and male rats through a previously unknown mechanism involving OXT receptor (OXTR)-dependent and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mediated local translation of an atypical protein kinase C isoform, protein kinase Mζ (PKMζ), in dendrites. Using pharmacological and biochemical approaches, we show that both the conventional OXTR-associated signaling pathway (Gq/11-coupled phospholipase C) and the transactivated EGFR downstream signaling pathways (phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2) are involved in the regulation of OXT. In addition, OXT stimulates local dendritic PKMζ mRNA translation via activation of a mammalian target of rapamycin-regulated mechanism. Furthermore, blockade of OXTR results in a modest decrease in the ability to maintain late-phase LTP induced by three trains of TS. These results reveal a novel OXTR-to-EGFR communication to regulate the new synthesis of PKMζ, which functions to promote the maintenance of LTP at hippocampal CA1 synapses.
Regulation of Motor Representation by Phase–Amplitude Coupling in the Sensorimotor Cortex
Authors: Yanagisawa Takufumi , Yamashita Okito , Hirata Masayuki , Kishima Haruhiko , Saitoh Youichi , Goto Tetsu , Yoshimine Toshiki , Kamitani Yukiyasu
Published: October 2012

High-γ amplitude (80–150 Hz) represents motor information, such as movement types, on the sensorimotor cortex. In several cortical areas, high-γ amplitudes are coupled with low-frequency phases, e.g., α and θ (phase–amplitude coupling, PAC). However, such coupling has not been studied in the sensorimotor cortex; thus, its potential functional role has yet to be explored. We investigated PAC of high-γ amplitude in the sensorimotor cortex during waiting for and the execution of movements using electrocorticographic (ECoG) recordings in humans. ECoG signals were recorded from the sensorimotor cortices of 4 epilepsy patients while they performed three different hand movements. A subset of electrodes showed high-γ activity selective to movement type around the timing of motor execution, while the same electrodes showed nonselective high-γ activity during the waiting period (>2 s before execution). Cross frequency coupling analysis revealed that the high-γ amplitude during waiting was strongly coupled with the α phase (10–14 Hz) at the electrodes with movement-selective high-γ amplitudes during execution. This coupling constituted the high-γ amplitude peaking around the trough of the α oscillation, and its strength and phase were not predictive of movement type. As the coupling attenuated toward the timing of motor execution, the high-γ amplitude appeared to be released from the α phase to build a motor representation with phase-independent activity. Our results suggest that PAC modulates motor representation in the sensorimotor cortex by holding and releasing high-γ activity in movement-selective cortical regions.
Loss of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) Signaling during Elevated Activity Causes Vulnerability in Hippocampal Neurons
Authors: Murase Sachiko , Kim Eunyoung , Lin Lin , Hoffman Dax A. , McKay Ronald D.
Published: October 2012

Chronically altered levels of network activity lead to changes in the morphology and functions of neurons. However, little is known of how changes in neuronal activity alter the intracellular signaling pathways mediating neuronal survival. Here, we use primary cultures of rat hippocampal neurons to show that elevated neuronal activity impairs phosphorylation of the serine/threonine kinase, Erk1/2, and the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) by phosphorylation of serine 727. Chronically stimulated neurons go through apoptosis when they fail to activate another serine/threonine kinase, Akt. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments show that STAT3 plays the key role directly downstream from Erk1/2 as the alternative survival pathway. Elevated neuronal activity resulted in increased expression of a tumor suppressor, p53, and its target gene, Bax. These changes are observed in Kv4.2 knock-out mouse hippocampal neurons, which are also sensitive to the blockade of TrkB signaling, confirming that the alteration occursin vivo. Thus, this study provides new insight into a mechanism by which chronic elevation of activity may cause neurodegeneration.
Cognitive-Affective Neural Plasticity following Active-Controlled Mindfulness Intervention
Authors: Allen Micah , Dietz Martin , Blair Karina S. , van Beek Martijn , Rees Geraint , Vestergaard-Poulsen Peter , Lutz Antoine , Roepstorff Andreas
Published: October 2012

Mindfulness meditation is a set of attention-based, regulatory, and self-inquiry training regimes. Although the impact of mindfulness training (MT) on self-regulation is well established, the neural mechanisms supporting such plasticity are poorly understood. MT is thought to act through interoceptive salience and attentional control mechanisms, but until now conflicting evidence from behavioral and neural measures renders difficult distinguishing their respective roles. To resolve this question we conducted a fully randomized 6 week longitudinal trial of MT, explicitly controlling for cognitive and treatment effects with an active-control group. We measured behavioral metacognition and whole-brain blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) signals using functional MRI during an affective Stroop task before and after intervention in healthy human subjects. Although both groups improved significantly on a response-inhibition task, only the MT group showed reduced affective Stroop conflict. Moreover, the MT group displayed greater dorsolateral prefrontal cortex responses during executive processing, consistent with increased recruitment of top-down mechanisms to resolve conflict. In contrast, we did not observe overall group-by-time interactions on negative affect-related reaction times or BOLD responses. However, only participants with the greatest amount of MT practice showed improvements in response inhibition and increased recruitment of dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, medial prefrontal cortex, and right anterior insula during negative valence processing. Our findings highlight the importance of active control in MT research, indicate unique neural mechanisms for progressive stages of mindfulness training, and suggest that optimal application of MT may differ depending on context, contrary to a one-size-fits-all approach.
Seizure-Induced Neuronal Death Is Suppressed in the Absence of the Endogenous Lectin Galectin-1
Authors: Bischoff Vincent , Deogracias Rubén , Poirier Françoise , Barde Yves-Alain
Published: October 2012

Pilocarpine injection induces epileptic seizures in rodents, an experimental paradigm extensively used to model temporal lobe epilepsy in humans. It includes conspicuous neuronal death in the forebrain and previous work has demonstrated an involvement of the neurotrophin receptor p75NTRin this process. Following the identification of Galectin-1 (Gal-1) as a downstream effector of p75NTR, we examine here the role of this endogenous lectin in pilocarpine-induced cell death in adult mice. We found that most somatostatin-positive neurons also express Gal-1 and that in mice lacking the corresponding geneLgals1, pilocarpine-induced neuronal death was essentially abolished in the forebrain. We also found that the related lectin Galectin-3 (Gal-3) was strongly upregulated by pilocarpine in microglial cells. This upregulation was absent inLgals1mutants and our results withLgals3-null animals show that Gal-3 is not required for neuronal death in the hippocampus. These findings provide new insights into the roles and regulation of endogenous lectins in the adult CNS and a surprisingly selective proapoptotic role of Gal-1 for a subpopulation of GABAergic interneurons.
Trk Activation of the ERK1/2 Kinase Pathway Stimulates Intermediate Chain Phosphorylation and Recruits Cytoplasmic Dynein to Signaling Endosomes for Retrograde Axonal Transport
Authors: Mitchell David J. , Blasier Kiev R. , Jeffery Erin D. , Ross Mitchell W. , Pullikuth Ashok K. , Suo Dong , Park Juyeon , Smiley W. Russell , Lo Kevin W.-H. , Shabanowitz Jeffrey , Deppmann Christopher D. , Trinidad Jonathan C. , Hunt Donald F. , Catling Andrew D. , Pfister K. Kevin
Published: October 2012

The retrograde transport of Trk-containing endosomes from the axon to the cell body by cytoplasmic dynein is necessary for axonal and neuronal survival. We investigated the recruitment of dynein to signaling endosomes in rat embryonic neurons and PC12 cells. We identified a novel phosphoserine on the dynein intermediate chains (ICs), and we observed a time-dependent neurotrophin-stimulated increase in intermediate chain phosphorylation on this site in both cell types. Pharmacological studies, overexpression of constitutively active MAP kinase kinase, and anin vitroassay with recombinant proteins demonstrated that the intermediate chains are phosphorylated by the MAP kinase ERK1/2, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, a major downstream effector of Trk. Live cell imaging with fluorescently tagged IC mutants demonstrated that the dephosphomimic mutants had significantly reduced colocalization with Trk and Rab7, but not a mitochondrial marker. The phosphorylated intermediate chains were enriched on immunoaffinity-purified Trk-containing organelles. Inhibition of ERK reduced the amount of phospho-IC and the total amount of dynein that copurified with the signaling endosomes. In addition, inhibition of ERK1/2 reduced the motility of Rab7- and TrkB-containing endosomes and the extent of their colocalization with dynein in axons. NGF-dependent survival of sympathetic neurons was significantly reduced by the overexpression of the dephosphomimic mutant IC-1B-S80A, but not WT IC-1B, further demonstrating the functional significance of phosphorylation on this site. These results demonstrate that neurotrophin binding to Trk initiates the recruitment of cytoplasmic dynein to signaling endosomes through ERK1/2 phosphorylation of intermediate chains for their subsequent retrograde transport in axons.
The Impact of the Posterior Parietal and Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortices on the Optimization of Long-Term versus Immediate Value
Authors: Essex Brian G. , Clinton Sarah A. , Wonderley Lucas R. , Zald David H.
Published: October 2012

fMRI research suggests that both the posterior parietal cortex (PPC) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) help individuals select better long-term monetary gains during intertemporal choice. Previous neuromodulation research has demonstrated that disruption of the DLPFC interferes with this ability. However, it is unclear whether the PPC performs a similarly important function during intertemporal choice, and whether the functions performed by either region impact choices involving losses. In the current study, we used low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation to examine whether the PPC and DLPFC both normally facilitate selection of gains and losses with better long-term value than alternatives during intertemporal choice. We found that disruption of either region in the right hemisphere led to greater selection of both gains and losses that had better immediate, but worse long-term value than alternatives. This indicates that activity in both regions helps individuals optimize long-term value relative to immediate value in general, rather than being specific to choices involving gains. However, there were slightly different patterns of effects following disruption of the right PPC and right DLPFC, suggesting that each region may perform somewhat different functions that help optimize choice.
Breast cancer-associated fibroblasts induce epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer cells
Authors: Soon Patsy S H , Kim Edward , Pon Cindy K , Gill Anthony J , Moore Katrina , Spillane Andrew J , Benn Diana E , Baxter Robert C
Published: October 2012

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a role in tumour initiation and progression, possibly by inducing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a series of cellular changes that is known to underlie the process of metastasis. The aim of this study was to determine whether CAFs and surrounding normal breast fibroblasts (NBFs) are able to induce EMT markers and functional changes in breast epithelial cancer cells. Matched pairs of CAFs and NBFs were established from fresh human breast cancer specimens and characterised by assessment of CXCL12 levels, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) levels and response to doxorubicin. The fibroblasts were then co-cultured with MCF7 cells. Vimentin and E-cadherin expressions were determined in co-cultured MCF7 cells by immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy as well as by western blotting and quantitative PCR. Co-cultured MCF7 cells were also assessed functionally by invasion assay. CAFs secreted higher levels of CXCL12 and expressed higher levels of α-SMA compared with NBFs. CAFs were also less sensitive to doxorubicin as evidenced by less H2AX phosphorylation and reduced apoptosis on flow cytometric analysis of Annexin V compared with NBFs. When co-cultured with MCF7 cells, there was greater vimentin and less E-cadherin expression as well as greater invasiveness in MCF7 cells co-cultured with CAFs compared with those co-cultured with NBFs. CAFs have the ability to induce a greater degree of EMT in MCF7 cell lines, indicating that CAFs contribute to a more malignant breast cancer phenotype and their role in influencing therapy resistance should therefore be considered when treating breast cancer.
Biobreeding rat islets exhibit reduced antioxidative defense and N-acetyl cysteine treatment delays type 1 diabetes
Authors: Bogdani Marika , Henschel Angela M , Kansra Sanjay , Fuller Jessica M , Geoffrey Rhonda , Jia Shuang , Kaldunski Mary L , Pavletich Scott , Prosser Simon , Chen Yi-Guang , Lernmark Åke , Hessner Martin J
Published: October 2012

Islet-level oxidative stress has been proposed as a trigger for type 1 diabetes (T1D), and release of cytokines by infiltrating immune cells further elevates reactive oxygen species (ROS), exacerbating β cell duress. To identify genes/mechanisms involved with diabetogenesis at the β cell level, gene expression profiling and targeted follow-up studies were used to investigate islet activity in the biobreeding (BB) rat. Forty-day-old spontaneously diabetic lymphopenic BB DRlyp/lyprats (before T cell insulitis) as well as nondiabetic BB DR+/+ rats, nondiabetic but lymphopenic F344lyp/lyprats, and healthy Fischer (F344) rats were examined. Gene expression profiles of BB rat islets were highly distinct from F344 islets and under-expressed numerous genes involved in ROS metabolism, including glutathione S-transferase (GST) family members (Gstm2,Gstm4,Gstm7,Gstt1,Gstp1, andGstk1), superoxide dismutases (Sod2andSod3), peroxidases, and peroxiredoxins. This pattern of under-expression was not observed in brain, liver, or muscle. Compared with F344 rats, BB rat pancreata exhibited lower GST protein levels, while plasma GST activity was found significantly lower in BB rats. Systemic administration of the antioxidantN-acetyl cysteine to DRlyp/lyprats altered abundances of peripheral eosinophils, reduced severity of insulitis, and significantly delayed but did not prevent diabetes onset. We find evidence of β cell dysfunction in BB rats independent of T1D progression, which includes lower expression of genes related to antioxidative defense mechanisms during the pre-onset period that may contribute to overall T1D susceptibility.
Splenomegaly in relation to Schistosoma mansoni egg counts: a population based study
Authors: Costa Maria Fernanda Furtado de Lima e , Bocha R. S. , Katz Naftale
Published: October 2012

A cross: sectional survey on schistosomiasis was done in Comercinho (Minas Gerais State, Brazil), a town with 1474 inhabitants. Stool (Kato-Katz method) and physical examinations were done on 90% of the population and on 84% of the individuals over 2 years of age, respectively. The ecological and individual (case-control) analysis were used to investigate the relation between splenomegaly and S. mansoni egg counts in different age groups. In the ecological analysis there was a clearly correspondence between higher geometric mean of eggs and higher percentage of splenomegaly in the age groups 5-9 and 10-12 years. In the individual analysis it was found that only in the youngest individuals (5-8 or 5-9 years old) the splenomegaly was related with higher mean egg counts in the feces, having been a tendency to the decrease of excretion of eggs in patients with splenomegaly as the age increased. These results strongly suggest that the ecological data are' better indicator of the severity of schistosomiasis in endemic areas, as the decrease of the egg excretion in patients with splenomegaly may be a confounding variable for the individual analysis.
Epidemiological aspects of acute viral hepatitis in São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Silva L. C. da , Carrilho F. J. , Di Pietro A. , Boris-Chavez A. , Albornoz P. , Sette Jr. H. , Franco C. F. F. , Antonelli R. , Saez-Alquézar A.
Published: October 2012

As few reports on the prevalence of each type of viral hepatitis have been published in our country, we studied 154 patients with acute viral hepatitis consecutively seen at the Liver Unit from November 1980 to November 1984. The frequency of hepatitis A, B and non-A, non-B was 52.6%, 27.3% and 20.1% respectively. Greater frequency in young people, previous contact with infected patients and ingestion of suspected foods were the predominant epidemiological features in the hepatitis A group. Hepatitis B was characterized by the parenteral, non-transfusional exposure, previous contact and a high occurence in health-care workers. A history of blood transfusion was a significant finding in the hepatitis non-A, non-B group. Finally, the routes of transmission were unknown in 30-40% of the three groups of patients.
Serologic studies on the behaviour of influenza virus type A in persons of greater São Paulo during 1976, 1978 and 1979
Authors: Takimoto S. , Carvalho R. P. de S. , Pereira H. G. , Pannuti C. S. , Pereira M. S. , Salles-Gomes L. F. de
Published: October 2012

Sera of persons of different age groups collected in 1976, 1978 and 1979 were tested for the presence of HI antibodies against various strains of the H3N2 and H1N1 subtypes of influenza virus. The occurrence of infection by H3N2 subtype was recorded during the 1976-1978 period but in 1979, circulation of this subtype of virus was limited. The prevalence of antibody against A/São Paulo/1/78 (H1N1) was significantly higher than that of antibody to A/USSB/90/77 (HIND in 1978. However in 1979 the predominant strain was A/USSR/90/77 (HIND. Persons under 20 years of age were the most affected by H1N1 subtype. Antibodies to H1N1 subtype were detected in sera of individuals older than 20 years in 1976, before the re-emergence of this strain. Serological results indicate that infections by H3N2 subtype in 1978 occurred in 65.4% of young children (0-4 year group). About 47.0% of children from the 0-4 year group had antibodies to H1N1 subtype in 1979. Antibodies to swine influenza virus were detected in 60% of 60+ year old people.
Histopatologia da leishmaniose tegumentar por Leishmania braziliensis braziliensis: 4. Classificação histopatológica
Authors: Magalhães Albino Verçosa de , Moraes Mario A. P. , Raick Alberto N. , Llanos-Cuentas Alejandro , Costa Jackson M. L. , Cuba César C. , Marsden Philip D.
Published: October 2012

Os A A. analisaram as alterações histológicas encontradas em 162 casos de Leishmaniose Tegumentar da localidade de Três Braços, Estado da Bahia, dos quais 131 (80,9%) eram de portadores de lesões cutâneas e 31 (19,1%) de portadores de lesões mucosas. Analisaram, também, o comportamento clínico dos cinco padrões histopatológicos, já antes descritos, em relação à terapêutica. O melhor prognóstico esteve sempre ligado ao padrão de Reação Exsudativa e Granulomatosa, ou seja, a uma fase na qual o organismo, tendo lançado mão de um mecanismo endógeno de lise parasitária, já circunscreveu a área de necrose por uma reação granulomatosa, e esta é agora apenas o elemento residual. A ação terapêutica nessa fase somente acelera a resolução natural do caso. O grupo seguinte é amplo, e compreende os casos em que a lesão pertence aos padrões de Reação Exsudativa Celular (formas cutâneas), Reação Exsudativa e Necrótica e Reação Exsudativa e Necrótico-Granulomatosa. Nesses casos, o mecanismo de auto-controle da lesão encontra-se ainda em curso, e a ação terapêutica encurta o período de evolução natural. Os f.asos do padrão de Reação Exsudativa e Tuberculóide tiveram um prognóstico variável. Houve boa resposta à terapêutica quando o granuloma tuberculóide característico desse padrão surgiu em pacientes jovens, com curto tempo de evolução da doença e intradermorreação não exacerbada. Nos demais casos tuberculóides —. principalmente em pacientes adultos, com longo tempo de evolução da doença e intradermorreação exacerbada —, a resposta foi menos satisfatória. Em último lugar, com prognóstico reservado, ficaram os casos da forma mucosa que apresentaram o padrão de Reação Exsudativa Celular, onde o infiltrado pode estar desempenhando papel de auto-agressão. O presente estudo evoluiu para a proposição de uma classificação da Leishmaniose Tegumentar, baseada nos padrões histopatológicos observados. Esta classificação, estritamente morfológica, deverá ser de fácil aplicação para o Patologista e, como apresenta também uma correspondência clínico-evolutiva poderá constituir auxílio valioso ao médico envolvido no diagnóstico e tratamento da Leishmaniose Tegumentar.
Paralisia diafragmática unilateral reversível associada a envenenamento loxoscélico sistêmico
Authors: Rezende Nllton Alves de , Amaral Carlos Faria Santos , Oliveira José Sabino de
Published: October 2012

Relata-se o caso de um paciente vítima de envenenamento loxoscélico associado a paralisia diafragmática direita reversível. O diagnóstico de envenenamento loxoscélico baseou-se nas informações prestadas pelo paciente de que havia encontrado uma aranha marrom em sua cama no dia seguinte à picada e no quadro clínico típico deste tipo de envenenamento: lesão cutânea necrótica acompanhada de erupção escarlatiniforme e comprometimento sistêmico sob a forma de insuficiência renal aguda, distúrbios da coagulação sangüínea, hemólise intravascular e hemoglobinúria. Estas alterações regrediram completamente com o tratamento conservador. O diagnóstico da paralisia diafragmática baseou-se na elevação da hemicúpula diafragmática direita na radiografia de tórax em inspiração forçada e em sua completa imobilidade no exame radioscópico. A paralisia frênica não existia na radiografia realizada previamente ao acidente e desapareceu completamente trinta dias após o mesmo, o que permitiu associá-la à toxocidade do veneno loxoscélico ou a outras manifestações sistêmicas produzidas por ele.
Distribuição horizontal da macrofauna bentônica na praia do Cassino, extremo sul do Brasil
Authors: Neves Luciano Peyrer das , Silva Pedro de Sá Rodrigues da , Bemvenuti Carlos Emílio
Published: October 2012

A distribuição horizontal da macrofauna bentônica na praia do Cassino, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil foi estudada durante o período de um ano (junho 2004 a maio de 2005) com base em coletas mensais. Foram escolhidos três locais, com 50 m de distância um do outro, sendo que em cada local foram fundeadas três transversais 2 m equidistantes. Cada transversal estendeu-se da base das dunas primárias até aproximadamente 1 m de profundidade no infralitoral. A distância dos níveis de coleta em cada transversal foi de 20 m até o limite superior da zona de varrido, a partir do qual a distância foi de 10 m. Em algumas ocasiões foi evidenciada variação espacial horizontal de alguns dos principais táxons, bem como da comunidade bentônica dentro de uma escala de 50 m e 100 m. Esta variação foi provavelmente reflexo da ação das marés meteorológicas que causam abrupta elevação do nível do mar.
Width-weight relationship and condition factor of Ucides cordatus (Crustacea, Decapoda, Ucididae) at tropical mangroves of Northeast Brazil
Authors: Araújo Marina S.L.C. , Castiglioni Daniela S. , Coelho Petrônio A.
Published: October 2012

The present contribution aims at evaluating the carapace width vs. humid weight relationship and the condition factor of Ucides cordatus (Linnaeus, 1763), in the mangrove forests of the Ariquindá and Mamucabas rivers, state of Pernambuco, Brazil. These two close areas present similar characteristics of vegetation and substrate, but exhibit different degrees of environmental conservation: the Ariquindá River is the preserved area, considered one of the last non-polluted of Pernambuco, while the Mamucabas River suffers impacts from damming, deforestation and deposition of waste. A total of 1,298 individuals of U. cordatus were collected. Males were larger and heavier than females, what is commonly observed in Brachyura. Ucides cordatus showed allometric negative growth (p < 0.05), which is probably related to the dilatation that this species develops in the lateral of the carapace, which stores six pairs of gills. The values of b were within the limit established for aquatic organisms. Despite of the condition factor being considered an important feature to confirm the reproductive period, since it varies with cyclic activities, in the present study it was not correlated to the abundance of ovigerous females. However, it was considered a good parameter to evaluate environmental impacts, being significantly lower at the impacted area.
New species of Eupalaestrus from Argentina (Araneae, Theraphosidae, Theraphosinae)
Authors: Ferretti Nelson , Barneche Jorge
Published: October 2012

A new species of Eupalaestrus Pocock, 1901 from northern Argentina is described and illustrated. Males and females of Eupalaestrus larae sp. nov. differ from those all other species of the genus by the color with distinct two parallel longitudinal stripes on the femora, patellae, tibiae and one longitudinal stripe reaching half of metatarsi; the presence of a thickened femur and tibia IV; a straight embolus of the male palpal bulb and retrolateral keel pronounced. Specimens were captured in Chaco province, inhabiting unflooded flat grasslands open areas inside forest in transitional Chaco eco-region.
Novos táxons de Cerambycidae (Coleoptera) das Américas Central e do Sul
Authors: Martins Ubirajara R. , Galileo Maria Helena M.
Published: October 2012

Novos táxons descritos: em Cerambycinae, Bomarion caudatum sp. nov., da Bolívia (Ectenessini); Nephalius levigatus sp. nov., do Brasil, Paraíba (Elaphidiini); Bothriospila pulcherrima sp. nov., do Brasil, Bahia (Bothriospilini); Cycnidolon rufescens sp. nov., do Brasil, Paraíba (Neoibidionini). Em Lamiinae: Cicatricallia gen. nov., espécie-tipo: C. cicatricosa sp. nov. de Trindade e Tobago (Calliini); Mimasyngenes clarkei sp. nov., de Trinidad e Tobago e Mimasyngenes fonticulus sp. nov., do Brasil, Piauí; Ibypeba gen. nov., espécie-tipo: I. camiri sp. nov., da Bolívia; Micratelodesmis gen. nov., espécie-tipo: M. minor sp. nov. (Desmiphorini); Lycidola affinis sp. nov. de Trinidad e Tobago (Hemilophini). Novos registros: Lycidola beltii Bates, 1872 para a Costa Rica e Alampyris fuscus Martins & Galileo, 2008 para o Panamá (Hemilophini).
Neodrassex, a new genus of the Leptodrassex group (Araneae, Gnaphosidae) from South America
Authors: Ott Ricardo
Published: October 2012

The new genus Neodrassex is proposed to include two new species of Gnaphosidae from Brazil. Neodrassex aureus sp. nov. is described from Amazonas, Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul states, and N. iguatemi sp. nov. is described from Paraná state. Neodrassex gen. nov. is characterized by small size, pale coloration, large anterior median eyes surrounded by black pigmentation, absence of a dorsal abdominal scutum in males and by the cheliceral dentition with 2-3 teeth on the promargin and 2-4 on the retromargin. The new genus is tentatively placed at the Leptodrassex group.
Do trabalho à formação de professores
Authors: Lüdke Menga , Boing Luiz Alberto
Published: October 2012

Focaliza-se o trabalho como via de realização pessoal, no caso do professor da educação básica como ponto de partida para sua formação. O magistério, um trabalho considerado fácil, na verdade envolve muitas dificuldades, que se refletem como desafios à formação de futuros professores. São analisados alguns desses desafios e a contribuição de autores, dedicados ao seu estudo, como Nóvoa, Saviani, Tardif, Lessard, Dubet, Vincent, Labaree, procurando olhar para o trabalho real efetuado pelo professor como inspiração para a sua formação. Hoje, sob a responsabilidade da universidade, ela está marcada por forte acento no aspecto teórico, ficando o da prática bem menos atendido. Atentar ao trabalho realizado pelo professor pode ajudar a aproximá-la das necessidades que o futuro professor irá enfrentar. Para tanto é urgente que se construa uma parceria efetiva entre as duas instituições formadoras do professor, a universidade e a escola.
Educação e colonização no Brasil: as escolas étnicas alemãs
Authors: Santos Ademir Valdir dos
Published: October 2012

Este artigo apresenta dados de pesquisa sobre a organização escolar e curricular de escolas primárias na colônia catarinense Hansa, fundada em 1897. Foi baseado na análise de documentos da Companhia Colonizadora Hamburguesa. Os resultados mostram peculiaridades como o ensino em alemão e o currículo focalizado no Cálculo e na aprendizagem da língua e cultura alemãs nas disciplinas de Leitura, Escrita, Poesia, Canto, Religião e Latim. Porém, havia matérias como Português e História, que abordavam questões brasileiras. Nos seus primeiros anos, as instituições mantiveram aspectos pedagógicos que as caracterizam como típicas expressões do fenômeno das escolas étnicas: as escolas alemãs [Deutsch Schulen]. Elas atenderam a necessidade de escola, embasadas por um conjunto de práticas educativas de cunho étnico que mesclaram aspectos culturais estrangeiros àqueles do contexto brasileiro. O uso da língua alemã constituiu um indicador étnico essencial. A compreensão dessas instituições escolares na história da educação brasileira é parametrizada pelas relações entre currículo e cultura, considerando a questão étnica como fator central na análise dos processos sociais.
Análise de periódicos na história da educação: princípios e procedimentos
Authors: Fernandes Fabiana Silva , Kuhlmann Júnior Moysés
Published: October 2012

O trabalho discorre sobre a elaboração da Base de Dados do "Boletim Interno da Divisão de Educação, Assistência e Recreio", da Secretaria de Educação e Cultura do Município de São Paulo, publicação mensal que circulou nos Parques Infantis paulistanos no período de 1947 a 1957. A criação da base justifica-se pela necessidade de se sistematizarem informações sobre a estrutura e a organização do Boletim Interno e identificar tendências educacionais e temas enfocados. Tornou-se orientação o princípio de que a definição dos campos de registro não deve ocorrer, a priori, sem um exame prévio da publicação. Considera-se a base como um primeiro processo de análise que, para prover elementos para a pesquisa, precisa ser composta por campos analíticos adequados às especificidades da publicação, ultrapassando a formalidade de registros.
Formación técnica y aseguramiento de la calidad: enfoque de desarrollo de competencias
Authors: Sebastián Donoso D , Oscar Corvalán V
Published: October 2012

Se exponen los resultados de un estudio que analiza el aporte de la formación por competencias en el marco de los procesos de aseguramiento de la calidad de la educación y su relación con los fenómenos sociales y económicos vigentes, atendiendo al escenario latinoamericano. Las crisis económicas mundiales presagian un agravamiento de la inestabilidad del trabajo en la región, y para contribuir a la gobernanza de los sistemas políticos se precisa de un pacto social sustentado en una educación de calidad con mayores oportunidades laborales. Ello demanda dispositivos institucionales y financieros que den soporte a la educación técnica y profesional por competencias. El texto enuncia diez proposiciones para resolver nudos estratégicos de la formación técnica y profesional de nivel secundario y superior.
Lipocalina associada à gelatinase de neutrófilos (NGAL) e calprotectina no tecido laminar de equinos após obstrução jejunal, tratados ou não com hidrocortisona
Authors: Laskoski Luciane M. , Valadão Carlos A.A. , Vasconcelos Rosemere O. , Faleiros Rafael R. , Mendes Heloisa M.F. , Ferrucci Danilo , Silva Juliete A.F. , Machado Dagmar D.R.S.
Published: October 2012

A laminite é uma doença podal grave que acomete os equídeos, sendo responsável por intenso sofrimento. Neste estudo foram pesquisadas a presença de calprotectina por meio da imunoistoquímica, e de lipocalina associada à gelatinase de neutrófilos (NGAL), por zimografia, no tecido laminar do casco de equinos após obstrução intestinal. Os animais foram divididos em quatro grupos: Grupo controle (Gc), contendo sete animais normais, sem procedimento cirúrgico; Grupo Instrumentado (Gi), contendo cinco animais, os quais passaram por todo o procedimento cirúrgico sem sofrerem obstrução intestinal; Grupo Não Tratado (Gnt), contendo quatro equinos submetidos a obstrução intestinal do jejuno por distensão de balão intraluminal, sem tratamento; e Grupo Tratado (Gt), contendo quatro equinos submetidos a obstrução intestinal, e tratados preventivamente com hidrocortisona. Houve imunomarcação de calprotectina em todos os grupos experimentais, com aumento nos equinos do grupo distendido em relação ao Gc. Com relação ao NGAL, houve aumento também do Gnt e do Gi em relação ao Gc. O Gt não diferiu dos demais. Conclui-se que a distensão do intestino delgado pode promover acúmulos de leucócitos nos cascos de equinos e que o NGAL é um método viável para se detectar infiltração neutrofílica em equinos. Novos estudos deverão ser realizados para se verificar possível benefício anti-inflamatório da hidrocortisona no casco de equinos com obstrução intestinal.
Ocorrência e caracterização da tuberculose em caprinos leiteiros criados no estado de Pernambuco
Authors: Melo Lúcio E.H. , Mota Rinaldo A. , Maia Frederico C.L. , Fernandes Artur C.C. , Silva Tamyres I.B. , Leite Jacinta E.B. , Baptista Filho Luiz C.F. , Ramos Carlos A.N.
Published: October 2012

Acreditou-se durante muito tempo que a espécie caprina era resistente à infecção por Mycobacterium bovis, porém tal hipótese foi desconsiderada quando relatos da enfermidade surgiram em vários países. No entanto, ainda permanecem desconhecidas certas características da tuberculose em caprinos e suas implicações na saúde pública e caprinocultura nacional. Objetivou-se com este trabalho descrever os aspectos nosológicos, radiológicos, anátomo-histopatológicos, baciloscópicos e biomoleculares da tuberculose em caprinos leiteiros com doença respiratória, naturalmente infectados e procedentes do estado de Pernambuco. Para isso foram tuberculinizadas 442 cabras com sintomas respiratórios e, destas, 3,4% (15/442) foram consideradas positivas ao teste. Dos animais positivos, sete foram monitorados clinicamente durante 12 meses, descrevendo-se os achados obtidos. O agente etiológico foi identificado através da reação em cadeia da polimerase, por amplificação de sequências genômicas do Complexo Mycobacterium tuberculosis e posteriormente de Mycobacterium bovis. Este é o primeiro diagnóstico molecular com caracterização do envolvimento do Mycobacterium bovis na tuberculose caprina no Brasil.