bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical Investigations of the Electronic and Nuclear Dynamics of Molecules in Intense Laser Fields: Quantum Mechanical Wave Packet Approaches
Authors: Kono Hirohiko , Sato Yukio , Kanno Manabu , Nakai Katsunori , Kato Tsuyoshi
Published: February 2006

We have developed a method for describing the reaction dynamics of a polyatomic molecule in intense laser fields. First, the dynamical behavior of H2+ and H2 in near-infrared, intense laser fields (I > 1013 W cm−2 and λ > 700 nm) was examined; accurate evaluation of the electronic and nuclear wave packet was achieved by the dual transformation method that we developed. Using “field-following” time-dependent adiabatic states defined as eigenfunctions of the “instantaneous” electronic Hamiltonian, we have clarified the dynamics of bound electrons, ionization processes, Coulomb explosion processes, and molecular vibrations of H2+ and H2. The analyses indicate that the multielectron dynamics and nuclear dynamics of polyatomic molecules in intense fields can be described by using the potential surfaces of time-dependent adiabatic states and the nonadiabatic coupling elements between those states. To obtain time-dependent adiabatic states of a molecule, one can diagonalize the electronic Hamiltonian including the interaction with the instantaneous laser electric field by ab initio molecular orbital (MO) methods. The time-dependent adiabatic potentials obtained are used to evaluate the multichannel nuclear dynamics until the next ionization process. We have applied the time-dependent adiabatic state approach to reveal the characteristic features of the dynamics of structural deformations of CO2 and its cations in a near-infrared intense laser field. The experimentally observed stretched and bent structure of CO23+ just before Coulomb explosions originates from the structural deformation of CO22+. We also revealed the mechanism of the experimentally observed bond dissociation of C2H5OH; we found that the relative probability of C–O bond cleavage to that of C–C bond cleavage becomes smaller with decreases in the pulse length. This example clearly shows that field-induced nonadiabatic transitions play a decisive role in the reaction dynamics of molecules in an intense laser field.
Structure of Highly Concentrated Aqueous Lithium Alaninate Solutions Studied by Neutron Diffraction with 14N/15N, 6Li/7Li, and H/D Isotopic Substitution Methods
Authors: Kameda Yasuo , Sasaki Motoya , Amo Yuko , Usuki Takeshi
Published: February 2006

Neutron diffraction measurements have been carried out at 25 °C for aqueous 18 mol % lithium alaninate heavy water solutions, [C*H3C*H(*ND2)COO*Li]0.18(D2O)0.82, in which the isotopic compositions 14N/15N, HM/DM (HM: methyl-hydrogen atom), and HM′/DM′ (HM′: methine-hydrogen atom) within the alaninate ion, and 6Li/7Li for the lithium ion were changed. The hydration structures of both alaninate and lithium ions were derived from the least squares fitting analysis of observed first-order difference functions, ΔN(Q), ΔHM(Q), ΔHM′(Q), and ΔLi(Q). It was revealed that the amino group of the alaninate ion forms a hydrogen bond of the N···Dw1–OwDw2 type (Ow and Dw denote water–oxygen and water–deuterium atoms, respectively) with ca. one D2O molecule (rNDw1 = 2.00(1) Å, ∠N···Dw1–Ow = 165(10)°), and simultaneously forms hydrogen bonds of the N···OD2 type with 1.4(1) D2O molecules (rNO = 2.95(5) Å, rND = 3.35(5) Å). The numbers of water molecules neighboring hydrogen atoms within the methyl- and methine-group of the alaninate ion were determined to be 0.62(1) and 0.86(9), respectively. The first coordination shell of Li+ was found to consist of 2.42(5) D2O molecules and 2.3(2) alaninate ions. The bond angle ∠Li+···Oc–C (Oc: carboxyl-oxygen atom) and the dihedral angle between the plane involving atoms Li+···Oc–C and the plane of the carboxyl group of the alaninate ion were determined to be 101(1) and 74(1)°, respectively.
Peroxodiiron Complexes of Polypyridine Ligands: Syntheses, Physicochemical Properties, and Thermal Stability Markedly Enhanced by Hexapyridine Dinucleating Ligand
Authors: Kodera Masahito , Itoh Motoharu , Kano Koji , Funabiki Takuzo
Published: February 2006

The peroxodiiron(III) complexes [Fe2(O)(O2)(OAc)(hexpy)](CF3SO3) (2) and [Fe2(O)(O2)(OAc)(tripy)2](ClO4) (4) (hexpy = 1,2-di[6-bis(2-pyridyl)methyl-2-pyridyl]ethane and tripy = 2-di(2-pyridyl)methyl-6-methylpyridine) were prepared by addition of H2O2 to the di(μ-acetato)-μ-oxodiiron(III) complexes [Fe2(O)(OAc)2(hexpy)](CF3SO3)2 (1c) and [Fe2(O)(OAc)2(tripy)2](ClO4)2 (3) in MeCN, respectively. The peroxo complex 2 was isolated as a purple solid, but 4 could not be due to its instability. Detailed spectral studies of 2 and 4 revealed the unique triply bridged μ-acetato-μ-oxo-μ-1,2-peroxodiiron(III) core structures. The spontaneous decomposition of 2 and 4 in various solvent systems was kinetically investigated. The half-life of 2 and 4 in dry MeCN was 8.7 h at 300 K and 10 min at 263 K, respectively, clearly showing that the thermal stability of 2 is markedly enhanced by the hexpy ligand.
Characterization by Simultaneous X-ray Diffractometry and Differential Scanning Calorimetry of the Exothermic Change of Dimethyl-β-cyclodextrin Prepared by Drying after Solvent Dissolution
Authors: Kohata Susumu , Hamabe Yuko , Jyodoi Kouki , Kurihara Masahiko , Kubo Tomikatsu
Published: February 2006

Heptakis(2,6-di-O-methyl)-β-cyclodextrin (DM-β-CD), prepared by dissolution in either pure water or acetone and dried at 40 °C, showed a characteristic exothermic change in the range 160–185 °C. Simultaneous X-ray diffractometry and differential scanning calorimetry (XRD-DSC) clearly showed the transition of DM-β-CD from an amorphous to a crystalline state during exothermic reactions.
Hydrolysis of Phosphoric Acid Ester across an Enzyme Membrane: Potato Acid Phosphatase Immobilized on a Na–Perfluorocarboxylate Ionomer Membrane for Recovery of Reaction Product
Authors: Nomura Kazuo , Liu Mo
Published: February 2006

Acid phosphatase from potato was immobilized onto the surface of the external solution side of a perfluorocarboxylate ionomer membrane using a cross-linking reagent. Based on the distinct difference in membrane permeabilities to 4-nitrophenol and 4-nitrophenyl phosphate, a membrane reactor system using the immobilized enzyme has been designed for the recovery of the reaction product of enzymatic hydrolysis. To observe the recovery rate for the hydrolysis product, the flux from the external solution side to the internal solution side crossing the membrane was measured in the substrate concentration range below 1 × 10−2 mol dm−3. The recovery rate was found to obey a Michaelis–Menten type equation. The Michaelis constant for the immobilized enzyme was smaller than that for the free enzyme obtained from the kinetic properties in the bulk solution. The optimum pH value for the immobilized enzyme membrane was investigated.
Strong Chemical Structure Dependence for Individual Dissolution of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes in Aqueous Micelles of Biosurfactants
Authors: Ishibashi Ayumi , Nakashima Naotoshi
Published: February 2006

We report a strong chemical structure dependence for the individual dissolution of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) in aqueous micelles of six steroid biosurfactants including sodium cholate (SC), sodium deoxycholate (SDC), sodium taurodeoxycholate (STDC), sodium glycocholate (SGC), 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]propane-1-sulfonic acid (CHAPS), and sucrose monocholate (SMC) and two sugar surfactants, n-octyl β-d-glucoside (OG) and n-decyl β-d-maltoside (DM).
The uptake of HIV testing among patients with chlamydial or gonococcal infections attending a genitourinary medicine clinic
Authors: Manavi K , McMillan A
Published: February 2006

Bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) may be markers of high-risk sexual activity. Counselling for these infections provides an opportunity for promoting HIV testing.

The aim of the present study was to compare the uptake of HIV testing between patients with gonorrhoea or chlamydial infections and those without a bacterial STI. A study on patients screened for chlamydial or gonococcal infections in the Department of Genitourinary (GU) Medicine, Edinburgh between 1 July 2002 and 30 June 2003. The overall uptake of HIV testing among patients screened for chlamydial and gonococcal infections was 2263 (37%) of 6184 and 2012 (44%) of 4583, respectively ( P < 0.0002). Uptake of HIV testing was significantly higher among uninfected patients: for chlamydial infection, 17% of 1857 infected patients versus 45% of 4327 uninfected patients ( P < 0.0002); and for gonococcal infection, 24% of 256 infected patients versus 45% of 4327 uninfected patients ( P < 0.0002).

The policy of pre-test counselling needs to be redesigned in order to improve the uptake of HIV testing among patients with high-risk sexual activity.
Will sexual risk behaviour increase after being vaccinated for AIDS?
Authors: Crosby Richard A , Holtgrave David R
Published: February 2006

The question of whether people will engage in greater levels of HIV-associated risk behaviour after receiving an AIDS vaccine has not been sufficiently investigated. Three objectives were: (1) assess the likelihood that people will engage in greater levels of HIV-risk behaviour after receiving an AIDS vaccine; (2) determine the association of increases with vaccination intent; and (3) identify differences between people who would and would not increase their HIV-risk behaviour after vaccination.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted of 278 adults from three populations: gay men, African-American women, and persons who used illicit drugs.

Nearly one-quarter of the sample indicated a likelihood that their HIV-risk behaviour would increase after vaccination. This increase was positively associated ( r = 0.24) with increased intent to be vaccinated. Previous worry about having HIV (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.4, P = 0.004), being 32 years of age or older (AOR = 2.9, P = 0.0007), and having less than a high school education (AOR = 2.3, P = 0.027) were each associated with a post-vaccination increase in HIV risk.

With the seemingly real potential for increased HIV-risk behaviours after being vaccinated against AIDS, intervention studies are warranted to identify strategies with potential to minimize this phenomenon.
An emerging severe leukoencephalopathy: is it due to HIV disease or highly active antiretroviral therapy?
Authors: Rackstraw Simon , Meadway Jeanette , Bingham James , Al-Sarraj Safa , Everall Ian
Published: February 2006

We report an individual who had HIV-associated dementia, but a good clinical response to antiretroviral therapy, with a rising CD4 count and undetectable viral load. A severe leukoencephalopathy was noted at postmortem; however, no HIV immunopositive cells were found in the brain, suggesting that this new severe leukoencephalopathy is associated with immune reconstitution.
Providing written information on HIV testing improves patient knowledge but does not affect test uptake
Authors: Ivens D , Sabin C
Published: February 2006

The objective of this study is to determine the effect of providing written information about HIV testing on patient knowledge and test uptake.

Patients attending our genitourinary medicine clinic in July 2003 were offered written information about HIV and the test. They were asked to complete a questionnaire which elicited knowledge provided on the leaflet. A control group of individuals were offered verbal discussion only.

A total of 382 questionnaires were completed. Individuals given written information were more likely to believe that HIV could not be transmitted by insect bites ( P = 0.01), more aware of current treatments and that a negative test would not affect a future mortgage application ( P = 0.001). There was no difference in test uptake or reasons for declining a test in both groups.

Providing written information on HIV testing increases patient knowledge, but does not affect test uptake.
Adenoviral non-gonococcal urethritis
Authors: O'Mahony C
Published: February 2006

Adenoviruses infect mucous membranes, including – on rare occasions – the urethra. Adenoviruses should therefore be considered as yet another cause of chlamydia-negative non-gonococcal urethritis. The following case illustrates the dilemma posed in a patient with conjunctivitis and urethritis.
Antiprimer Quenching-Based Real-Time PCR and Its Application to the Analysis of Clinical Cancer Samples
Authors: Li Jin , Wang Fengfei , Mamon Harvey , Kulke Matthew H , Harris Lyndsay , Maher Elizabeth , Wang Lilin , Makrigiorgos G Mike
Published: February 2006

Background: Nucleic acid amplification plays an increasingly important role in genetic analysis of clinical samples, medical diagnostics, and drug discovery. We present a novel quantitative PCR technology that combines the advantages of existing methods and allows versatile and flexible nucleic acid target quantification in clinical samples of widely different origin and quality.

Methods: We modified one of the 2 PCR primers by use of an oligonucleotide “tail” fluorescently labeled at the 5′ end. An oligonucleotide complementary to this tail, carrying a 3′ quenching molecule (antiprimer), was included in the reaction along with 2 primers. After primer extension, the reaction temperature was lowered such that the antiprimer hybridizes and quenches the fluorescence of the free primer but not the fluorescence of the double-stranded PCR product. The latter provides real-time fluorescent product quantification. This antiprimer-based quantitative real-time PCR method (aQRT-PCR) was used to amplify and quantify minute amounts of input DNA for genes important to cancer.

Results: Simplex and multiplex aQRT-PCR demonstrated linear correlation (r2 >0.995) down to a DNA input equivalent to 20 cells. Multiplex aQRT-PCR reliably identified the HER-2 gene in microdissected breast cancer samples; in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens; and in plasma circulating DNA from cancer patients. Adaptation to multiplex single-nucleotide polymorphism detection via allele-specific aQRT-PCR allowed correct identification of apolipoprotein B polymorphisms in 51 of 51 human specimens.

Conclusion: The simplicity, versatility, reliability, and low cost of aQRT-PCR make it suitable for genetic analysis of clinical specimens.
Utility of Thrombin-Generation Assay in the Screening of Factor V G1691A (Leiden) and Prothrombin G20210A Mutations and Protein S Deficiency
Authors: Hézard Nathalie , Bouaziz-Borgi Lobna , Remy Marie-Geneviève , Nguyen Philippe
Published: February 2006

Background: The thrombin-generation assay has a variety of clinical uses, including diagnosis of thromboembolism-related disease, and particular profiles are associated with thrombophilic risk factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of this assay in screening and identifying patients who require specific thrombophilic testing.

Methods: We used a 2-step approach to perform specific thrombophilic testing and thrombin-generation assays on 169 consecutive patients. The first step was to identify particular profiles of thrombin generation corresponding to each type of thrombophilic risk factor and to determine the pertinent variables related to thrombin generation. We then performed ROC curve analysis for each predefined variable to determine the relevant cutoffs for identification of patients in need of further testing (negative predictive value, 100%).

Results: Suggestive profiles were seen in factor V Leiden (n = 49) and prothrombin (n = 12) mutations and in protein S deficiency (n = 12). ROC curves showed that factor V Leiden may be excluded when the difference between lag times obtained in the absence and presence of activated protein C (APC) is >1.5 min and that prothrombin G20210A may also be excluded when the peak thrombin concentration is ≤426 nmol/L. In addition, protein S deficiency may be excluded when the percentage of APC-induced endogenous thrombin potential inhibition is >63%.

Conclusion: The thrombin-generation assay represents a promising tool for screening thrombophilic risk factors, particularly in patients who are carriers of factor V Leiden or prothrombin G20210A mutations and patients with protein S deficiency.
Influence of Imprecision on ROC Curve Analysis for Cardiac Markers
Authors: Kupchak Peter , Wu Alan HB , Ghani Farooq , Newby L Kristen , Ohman E Magnus , Christenson Robert H
Published: February 2006

Background: There has been considerable debate regarding the impact of assay imprecision on the performance of cardiac biomarkers for diagnosis of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and risk stratification for future adverse cardiac events.

Methods: Using existing data from 2 published clinical trials, we used a resampling method to statistically introduce 5%, 10%, and 20% imprecision to results for B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and examined its impact on ROC curve analysis.

Results: Superimposition of artificial imprecision produced no significant difference in the area under the ROC curve observed for BNP for diagnosis of heart failure or for cTnI for 30-day risk stratification of patients with ACS.

Conclusion: Assay imprecision does not appear to be a critical determinant in the interpretation of cardiac marker results for patients with heart disease.
Allergy testing: the role of recombinant allergens
Authors: Mothes Nadine , Valenta Rudolf , Spitzauer Susanne
Published: February 2006

Currently, diagnosis of type I allergy is performed using crude allergen extracts, which allow the identification of the allergen-containing source responsible for type I allergic symptoms (e.g., allergic rhino-conjunctivitis, asthma) but not the disease-eliciting molecules. With the introduction of recombinant allergens produced by molecular biology techniques, a large panel of allergenic molecules has become available. The application of these recombinant allergens for in vitro tests has led to new forms of component-resolved diagnosis (CRD) and allows the establishment of a patient's individual reactivity profile. The increasing number of recombinant allergens characterized during the last decade has allowed the development of chip-based allergy tests for simultaneous detection of up to 5000 different allergens and epitopes. The introduction of these recombinant allergen-based tests into clinical practice improves the selection of patients for traditional specific immunotherapy and allows monitoring of the immunological efficacy of specific immunotherapy by measuring allergen-specific IgG antibodies. Besides their diagnostic application, recombinant allergens and hypoallergenic derivatives thereof have also been used as vaccines in clinical trials, and recent results have shown their usefulness for the treatment of type I allergy.
Autoimmune diagnostics in diabetes mellitus
Authors: Seissler Jochen , Scherbaum Werner A.
Published: February 2006

Type 1 diabetes results from a specific destruction of the insulin-producing β-cells of the pancreas. The disease is characterized by the appearance of specific autoantibodies against islet cell antigens. Autoantibodies to insulin, glutamic acid decarboxylase, tyrosine phosphatase IA-2 and cytoplasmic islet cell antibodies are useful markers for the differential diagnosis of type 1 diabetes when clinical and metabolic criteria alone do not allow definite classification. Autoimmune diagnostics is of particular importance in adults to discriminate between type 1 and type 2 diabetes and to assess the diagnosis of latent autoimmune diabetes in adults.
CYP2C8 polymorphism among the Portuguese
Authors: Cavaco Isa , Piedade Rita , Gil J. Pedro , Ribeiro Vera
Published: February 2006

Cytochrome P450 2C8 (CYP2C8) is a polymorphic phase I drug-metabolising enzyme involved in the metabolism of a wide variety of xenobiotics, as well as a proposed player in the regulation of vascular tone. Polymorphisms in this gene may have an impact on the metabolism of therapeutic drugs such as paclitaxel and verapamil. In this report we have determined the frequencies of the main non-synonymous
Establishment of an indocyanine green test using an automatic chemistry analyzer
Authors: Seong Moon-Woo , Song Sang-Hoon , Oh Joo-Young , Park Joong-Won , Lee Do-Hoon
Published: February 2006

The indocyanine green (ICG) clearance test has been used to assess the reserve of hepatic function. This method is based on the spectrometric measurement of its plasma concentration at maximum wavelength of 805nm, which requires a spectrophotometer and associated maintenance. We established an ICG clearance test using a Toshiba 200FR automatic chemistry analyzer that can be tuned to a wavelength of approximately 805nm. Five pooled sera spiked from 0 to 4.0mg/dL were analyzed for linearity test and precision was determined at five levels in the range 0.1–2.0mg/dL. The ICG retention rate at 15min (R15) was determined for 38 patients using a conventional method and our method. The ICG clearance test using the automatic chemistry analyzer showed good linearity, and precision ranged from 0.3% to 1.0% for within-run CVs and from 0.6% to 4.7% for total CVs. The degree of agreement between the two methods was also acceptable (mean difference of 1.5%). It is expected that the ICG test using the automatic chemistry analyzer can replace the conventional ICG clearance test, considering the excellent agreement, good precision and linearity over a clinically relevant range.
How the Irish Became Protestant in America
Authors: Carroll Michael P.
Published: February 2006

It often comes as a surprise to learn that most contemporary Americans who think of themselves as “Irish” are, in fact, Protestant, not Catholic. While commentators generally agree that these Protestant Irish-Americans are descended mainly from the Irish who settled in the United States prior to the Famine, the story of how theybecamethe Protestants they are is—this article argues—more complicated than first appears. To understand that story, however, one must correct for two historiographical biases. The first has to do with the presumed religiosity of the so-called “Scotch-Irish” in the pre-Famine period; the second involves taking “being Irish” into account in the post-Famine periodonlywith dealing with Catholics, not Protestants. Once these biases are corrected, however, it becomes possible to develop an argument that simultaneously does two things: it provides a new perspective on the contribution made by the Irish (generally) to the rise of the Methodists and Baptists in the early nineteenth century, and it helps us to understand why so many American Protestants continue to retain an Irish identity despite the fact that their link to Ireland is now almost two centuries in the past.
The Preacher Paradigm: Promotional Biographies and the Modern-Made Evangelist
Authors: Lofton Kathryn E.
Published: February 2006

Between 1886 and 1931, Christian publishing houses in the United States offered an unprecedented biographical profile of the contemporary American evangelist as an unambiguously modern figure. Sold at tabernacle tents, Christian bookshops, and church fund-raisers, these texts simultaneously document concerns with the modern landscape as they regale readers with the styles and stories of headlining American Protestants, including Dwight Moody (1837–1899), Sam Jones (1847–1906), Reuben Archer Torrey (1856–1928), J. Wilbur Chapman (1859–1918), Rodney “Gipsy” Smith (1860–1947), Billy Sunday (1862–1935), and Baxter “Cyclone Mac” McClendon (1879–1935). Although it is not difficult to discern distinguishing marks and regional inflections within the anecdotal particularities of these men, the overarching structure and themes of their chronologies is consistent. The purpose of this essay is to produce the beginning of a collective biography of the turn-of-the-century preacher, highlighting the persistent paradigm represented in the promotional products of these preachers. Whereas previous historians have described these men as antiquated proponents of an “old time” religion, this article argues that their narratives reveal a strikingly modern man, poised in an engaged and contradictory conflict with his contemporary moment.
Work–Family Arrangements and Parenting: Are “Family-Friendly” Arrangements Related to Mothers' Involvement in Children's Lives?
Authors: Estes Sarah Beth
Published: February 2006

Previous research has examined the impact of work—family incompatibility and policies designed to address this incompatibility on both organizational and employee outcomes, including productivity and distress; yet no research has systematically related “family-responsive” arrangements to parenting to assess how these arrangements may be “friendly” to the family. In this article, data is used from a regional sample of employed mothers to investigate this question. Mothers almost uniformly reported that work—family arrangements facilitated their parenting abilities, yet results from a multivariate analysis show that associations between work—family arrangements and parenting are neither large nor widespread. Quantitative findings are augmented by qualitative data on mothers' perceptions of how arrangements affect various aspects of family life. An analysis of mothers' responses to open-ended questions indicates why quantitative analyses might fail at locating relationships between work—family arrangements and standard parenting measures and illuminates aspects of parenting that are facilitated by work—family arrangements.
Ultraviolet Radiation Attenuates Thrombospondin 1 Expression via PI3K‐Akt Activation in Human Keratinocytes
Authors: Kim Mi‐Sun , Oh Youn Jin , Lee SeRah , Kim Ji Eun , Kim Kyu Han , Chung Jin Ho
Published: February 2006

Thrombospondin 1 (TSP1) is an extracellular glycoprotein and a recognized inhibitor of angiogenesis. Recent studies have demonstrated that UV radiation induces an angiogenic switch, by which it alters the balance between pro‐ and anti‐angiogenic factors in the skin. Here we describe the effects of acute UV exposure on TSP1 expression in human skin epidermis, primary keratinocytes and the epidermal cell line HaCaT. We found that protein and mRNA expressions of TSP1 are significantly reduced in human skin in vivo and in keratinocytes in vitro by a single UV exposure. In human skin and keratinocytes, UV exposure induced the phosphorylation of Akt, a downstream target of the PI3K pathways. Specific inhibitors of PI3K, wortmannin and LY294002, completely blocked Akt activation and UV‐induced TSP1 downregulation in keratinocytes. We showed that a specific Akt phosphorylation inhibitor and small interfering RNA‐mediated Akt depletion were also blocked by UV‐induced TSP1 downregulation in keratinocytes. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that acute UV exposure downregulates TSP1 expression via PI3K‐Akt activation in human keratinocytes. These novel findings may help us understand the regulatory mechanisms of UV‐induced skin angiogenesis.
Density Responses of Subarctic Coastal Marine Fish and Crabs to Artificial Reefs
Authors: Sargent Philip S. , Gregory Robert S. , Schneider David C.
Published: February 2006

Structurally complex habitats provide refuge from predators and higher invertebrate prey density—and therefore have higher densities of young fish—than do noncomplex (or barren) sea floors. Artificial reefs are used worldwide to increase seabed complexity in an attempt to increase fish and invertebrate densities and biomass. We employed small‐scale tetrahedral reefs to test three hypotheses: (1) that increased habitat complexity increases the density of individual demersal and epibenthic fish and crab species; (2) that association of affected species will be stronger during the day than at night; and (3) that the density of affected species will attenuate with distance from reefs. We deployed reefs with transects in Newman Sound, Newfoundland, Canada. Each reef transect was paired with a control transect and additional distant control transects along the 15‐m isobath. We estimated the densities of prevalent fish and crab species by means of scuba diving during the autumn of 1999 and summer of 2000. We observed a total of 722 fish and 362 crabs during this study. The densities of cunners Tautogolabrus adspersus in both years and winter flounder Pseudopleuronectes americanus and toad crabs Hyas araneus in 1999 significantly increased near artificial reefs during the day. Atlantic cod Gadus morhua and Greenland cod G. ogac showed some association with artificial reefs but not significantly so due to low daytime observations. For those species that showed an association with reefs, densities attenuated to baseline levels within 20 m from the reefs. None of the species examined were significantly associated with artificial reefs during the night. Yellowtail flounder Limanda ferruginea and rock crabs Cancer irroratus did not associate with reefs at any time.
Neoplasia endócrina múltipla tipo 2
Authors: Maia Ana Luiza , Gross Jorge Luiz , Puñales Marcia Khaled
Published: February 2006

O termo neoplasia endócrina múltipla tipo 2 (NEM 2) foi sugerido em 1968, por Steiner e cols., para diferenciar a síndrome clínica caracterizada pela presença de carcinoma medular de tireóide (CMT), feocromocitoma e hiperparatireoidismo, então denominada síndrome de Sipple, da síndrome de Wermer ou NEM tipo 1, que acomete as glândulas paratireóides, pâncreas e hipófise. Sizemore e cols. (1974) complementaram a diferenciação através da classificação da NEM 2 em 2 subgupos: pacientes com CMT, feocromocitoma, hiperparatireoidismo e aparência normal (NEM 2A) e pacientes sem acometimento das paratireóides e fenótipo caracterizado por ganglioneuromatose intestinal e hábitos marfanóides (NEM 2B). CMT é usualmente o primeiro tumor a ser diagnosticado. O diagnóstico do CMT determina que seja avaliada a extensão da doença e rastreamento do feocromocitoma e hiperparatireoidismo. O diagnóstico de CMT esporádico ou hereditário é realizado através da análise molecular do proto-oncogene RET. Neste artigo são discutidos os aspectos fisiopatológicos, as anormalidades genéticas e os aspectos clínicos da NEM 2. A abordagem diagnóstica e terapêutica nos indivíduos afetados, carreadores assintomáticos e familiares em risco também são discutidos. Os avanços relacionados ao rastreamento genético e intervenção precoce permitiram uma melhoria no prognóstico a longo prazo. No entanto, ainda não dispomos de tratamento eficaz para doença metastática.
Neoplasia endócrina múltipla tipo 1: diagnóstico clínico, laboratorial e molecular e tratamento das doenças associadas
Authors: Hoff Ana Oliveira , Hauache Omar Magid
Published: February 2006

As síndromes de neoplasias endócrinas múltiplas (NEM) incluem as do tipo 1 (MEN 1) e 2 (MEN 2), a síndrome de von Hippel-Lindau, neurofibromatose tipo 1 e o complexo de Carney. Estas são síndromes genéticas complexas decorrentes de ativação ou inativação de diferentes tipos de genes envolvidos na regulação da proliferação celular. Nesta revisão, discutiremos as manifestações clínicas e o acompanhamento da MEN 1, assim como o rastreamento genético de potenciais portadores de alterações no gene MEN 1. A MEN 1 inclui o desenvolvimento de hiperparatiroidismo primário multifocal, tumores de ilhotas pancreáticas e adenomas de hipófise. Além disso, alguns pacientes podem apresentar manifestações cutâneas como angiofibromas e colagenomas e ainda podem desenvolver outras neoplasias como tumores carcinóides, tumores de tiróide, adenomas de adrenal, lipomas, feocromocitomas e meningiomas. A MEN 1 é uma síndrome hereditária, transmitida de forma autossômica dominante e causada por mutação inativadora do gene MEN 1. O gene MEN 1 codifica uma proteína denominada "menin", que é um gene supressor tumoral. Vários estudos demonstraram sua importância na regulação da proliferação celular e confirmaram seu papel na patogênese da MEN 1. A identificação do gene MEN 1 e sua análise genética resultaram na possibilidade de monitoração de pacientes que ainda não apresentam manifestações clínicas associadas a esta síndrome e diagnóstico precoce e tratamento dos pacientes afetados. Tais medidas poderão implicar em sobrevida maior para estes pacientes. Estudos adicionais visando uma melhor compreensão da função e dos mecanismos de sinalização da proteína "menin" poderão propiciar alternativas terapêuticas para os pacientes que evoluem com malignização de tumores relacionados à MEN 1, podendo resultar em maior sobrevida.
Puberdade precoce associada a tumor misto ovariano (células germinativas- estroma-cordão sexual): aspectos clínicos, diagnósticos e manejo de um caso
Authors: Paula Leila C.P. de , Zen Vanessa L. , Czepielewski Mauro A.
Published: February 2006

Os tumores de estroma ovariano são responsáveis por 5 a 8% dos tumores ovarianos. Sua manifestação clínica inicial mais comum em meninas pré-puberais é o desenvolvimento de puberdade precoce. Neste artigo discutimos o caso de uma menina de 7 anos e 2 meses com tumor de estroma ovariano do tipo misto - cordões-sexuais-células germinativas -, cuja manifestação inicial foi puberdade precoce isossexual, de evolução rápida e progressiva. Os níveis séricos de testosterona, estradiol e 17alfaOH-progesterona encontravam-se elevados. A ecografia pélvica-abdominal demonstrou massa anexal direita. Salpingo-ooforectomia unilateral foi realizada com completa ressecção tumoral. A paciente encontra-se bem 7 anos após a cirurgia com crescimento e desenvolvimento puberal normal, sem evidência de recidiva tumoral. São revistas as principais manifestações clínicas dos tumores ovarianos, sua classificação e o estadiamento dos tumores de estroma ovariano/cordão sexual, seu seguimento empregando diversos marcadores tumorais e hormonais. Finalmente é analisado o tratamento e prognóstico destes pacientes.
High serum laminin and type IV collagen levels in schistosomiasis mansoni
Authors: Wyszomirska Rozangela Maria de Almeida Fernandes , Nishimura Nancy Fusae , Almeida Jazon Romilson Souza , Yamanaka Ademar , Soares Elza Cotrim
Published: February 2006

BACKGROUND: Fibrosis is the process of excessive deposition of collagen and other extra cellular matrix components and large amounts of these components have been shown in periovular schistosomal granulomas, especially in the liver. Laminin and type IV collagen have been investigated in various hepatic disorders but their accuracy in fibrosis detection and in the evaluation of its progression in schistosomiasis have not been fully explained. AIM: To measure the serum levels of two markers of fibrosis, laminin and type IV collagen in schistosomiasis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-four patients with different clinical forms of schistosomiasis mansoni: intestinal (group I), hepatointestinal (group II), compensated (group III) and decompensated hepatosplenic (group IV) and 18 healthy volunteers were included. RESULTS: Serum type IV collagen and laminin levels were significantly increased in patients compared to controls. At about clinical forms, serum type IV collagen was increased in groups II and IV, compared to controls and was significantly higher in group IV than in group I. Serum laminin was significantly increased in groups II, III and IV and was significantly higher in group IV than in group II. Serum type IV collagen was closely correlated with serum laminin in groups II and IV. CONCLUSIONS: Connective tissue marker levels did not correlate with periportal thickness. In schistosomiasis mansoni there is an increase of type IV collagen and laminin levels at the initial stage of the disease, as well as in advanced forms. We also suggest that these markers may be a useful predictor of disease progression.
Importância do ultra-som tridimensional na avaliação anorretal
Authors: Regadas Sthela Maria Murad , Regadas Francisco Sergio P. , Rodrigues Lusmar Veras , Silva Flavio Roberto , Lima Doryane Maria dos Reis , Regadas-Filho Francisco Sergio Pinheiro
Published: February 2006

RACIONAL: A endosonografia anorretal constitui-se atualmente no principal exame de imagem para avaliar algumas das afecções anorretais. OBJETIVO: Demonstrar a importância do ultra-som tridimensional na avaliação anatômica do canal anal e no diagnóstico de afecções anorretais. MÉTODO: Foram realizados 74 exames, sendo 23 pacientes normais (13 mulheres) e 51 com afecções benignas e malignas (33 mulheres). Foi utilizado um aparelho de ultra-som com transdutor tridimensional 360°. Os indivíduos normais foram avaliados em plano sagital mediano, com relação ao comprimento do canal anal, do esfíncter anal interno, do esfíncter anal externo e do defeito anatômico, no quadrante anterior. RESULTADOS: Comparando homens normais com as mulheres, não houve diferenças no comprimento médio do canal anal e do esfíncter anal interno. Já o comprimento médio do esfíncter anal externo é maior no homem e o defeito anatômico anterior é maior na mulher. Nos doentes com afecções anorretais, foram diagnosticadas 11 lesões esfincterianas, 8 fístulas anais, 7 abscessos, 1 endometriose perirretal, 1 cisto pré-sacral, 3 tumores no canal anal e 10 no reto. Houve coincidência entre os achados cirúrgicos e ultra-sonográficos em todos os pacientes operados. CONCLUSÃO: A avaliação ultra-sonográfica tridimensional evidenciou as diferenças anatômicas entre os sexos, justificando a maior freqüência de distúrbios do assoalho pélvico no sexo feminino. Diagnosticou as afecções anorretais em múltiplos planos com elevada resolução espacial, adicionando informações importantes para a decisão terapêutica, assemelhando-se à ressonância nuclear magnética com bobina intra-retal, com a vantagem de ser mais fácil, mais rápido, de baixo custo e com melhor tolerância.
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole versus norfloxacin in the prophylaxis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in cirrhosis
Authors: Alvarez Roberto Fiolic , Mattos Angelo Alves de , Corrêa Esther Buzaglo Dantas , Cotrim Helma Pinchemel , Nascimento Tereza Virginia S. B.
Published: February 2006

BACKGROUND: The prognosis of patients with chronic liver disease and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is poor, being of great importance its prevention. AIM: To compare the effectiveness of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole versus norfloxacin for prevention of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in patients with cirrhosis and ascites. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty seven patients with cirrhosis and ascites were evaluated between March 1999 and March 2001. All of them had a previous episode of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis or had ascitic fluid protein concentration <1 g/dL and/or serum bilirubin > 2.5 mg/dL. The patients were randomly assigned to receive either 800/160 mg/day of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole 5 days a week or 400 mg of norfloxacin daily. The mean time of observation was 163 days for the norfloxacin group and 182 days for the trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole group. In the statistical analysis, differences were considered significant at the level of 0.05. RESULTS: According to the inclusion criteria, 32 patients (56%) were treated with norfloxacin and 25 (44%) with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis occurred in three patients receiving norfloxacin (9.4%) and in four patients receiving trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (16.0%). Extraperitoneal infections occurred in 10 patients receiving norfloxacin (31.3%) and in 6 patients receiving trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (24.0%). Death occurred in seven patients (21.9%) who received norfloxacin and in five (20.0%) who received trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Side effects occurred only in the trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole group. CONCLUSION: In spite of the reduced number of patients and time of observation, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and norfloxacin were equally effective in spontaneous bacterial peritonitis prophylaxis, suggesting that trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is a valid alternative to norfloxacin.
Peso ao nascer, índice ponderal de Röhrer e crescimento pós-natal
Authors: Siqueira Arnaldo Augusto Franco de , Almeida Pedro Augusto Marcondes de , Andrade Januário de , Tanaka Ana Cristina d'Andretta
Published: February 2006

Foi estudada a relação entre peso ao nascer, índice ponderal de Röhrer e o crescimento de crianças no primeiro ano de vida, em 2 grupos de crianças. Verificou-se que crianças que nasceram com índice ponderal baixo (2,50 e menos) e peso igual ou inferior a 3.000 g. apresentaram um retardo no crescimento, medido pelo peso, pois aos 12 meses pesaram cerca de 1.500 g. a menos que as que nasceram com índice ponderal normal (2,51 e mais). Crianças que nasceram com índice ponderal normal, qualquer que tivesse sido o peso ao nascer, no final do primeiro ano de vida apresentavam, nos 2 grupos, o mesmo peso. Concluiu-se que crianças que nasceram com índice ponderal igual ou menor que 2,50 e, ao mesmo tempo, com peso igual ou inferior a 3.000 g. apresentaram um retardo do crescimento, medido pelo peso. A grande vantagem da técnica utilizada foi o fato de que não houve necessidade da determinação da idade gestacional.
Estudo sobre credenciamento de internatos para pessoas idosas
Authors: Bastian Ernestine Maurer
Published: February 2006

Estuda-se internatos para pessoas idosas com o objetivo de verificar se internatos com maior capacidade física, em termos de número de leitos, oferecem assistência mais completa aos seus residentes, do que estabelecimentos pequenos. Foram estudados os seguintes aspectos: planta física, instalações e equipamentos, programação de atividades e pessoal técnico a disposição. Os resultados da pesquisa respondem a pergunta formulada positivamente para a maioria dos itens examinados.
Esquistossomosse em trabalhadores da Usina Catende, Pernambuco, Brasil
Authors: Costa Dirceu P. Pereira da , Barbosa Frederico Simões
Published: February 2006

Foi realizado estudo transversal sobre a esquistossomose mansônica em nove engenhos da usina Catende localizada na Zona da Mata sul do Estado de Pernambuco (Brasil). A prevalência foi 43,8% para a população geral dos engenhos e 64,6% para os trabalhadores de campo. A prevalência das formas hepato-esplênicas foi 4,1% sendo que em dois engenhos chegou a 8,7% e 9,1%. Biomphalaria straminea foi o único molusco transmissor encontrado na área; sua taxa de infecção natural por S. Mansoni foi 0,07%. Á esquistossomose pode ser considerada como doença grave na região estudada.
Prioridades no setor saúde: análise com base em estatísticas de mortalidade de Brasília, Distrito Federal (Brasil), 1977-1978
Authors: Pereira Maurício Gomes
Published: February 2006

Foi observado, em Brasília (Brasil), no período de 1977-1978, grande número de óbitos em crianças, maior mortalidade no sexo masculino e predominância de mortes, cujas principais causas foram: a) perinatais e infecciosas em crianças pré-escolares, b) acidentes nos escolares, adolescentes e adultos jovens e c) doenças cardiovasculares e tumores após os 45 anos de idade. Esses resultados são valiosos para orientar a aplicação de recursos por parte dos serviços oficiais de saúde.
Crescimento e diferenciação "In vitro" de cepas de Trypanosoma cruzi, isoladas de animais silvestres
Authors: Mello Dalva A. , Borges Monamaris M. , Chiarini Lúcia Helena
Published: February 2006

Foram estudadas três cepas de T. cruzi isoladas de Didelphis albiventris (R52, R64 e R65) e uma isolada de Calomys callosus (M226), quanto ao comportamento "In vitro" no meio LIT. A evolução da população dos tripanossomas com relação ao crescimento e morfogênese foi acompanhada por um período de 13 dias (312 horas), em intervalos regulares. As contagens diferenciais, separando-se formas amastigotas, epimastigotas e tripomastigotas, foram realizadas na câmara de Neubauer. Os resultados obtidos levaram à conclusão de que as 4 cepas estudadas têm comportamento distintos. O melhor crescimento obtido ocorreu para a cepa M226, seguindo-se por ordem decrescente a R65, R52 e R64. Os picos das populações ocorreram como segue: M226, entre 192-264 horas; R65 entre 168-240 horas; R52 às 240 horas e R64 entre 264-312 horas.
Crescimento de mudas e produtividade de minijardins clonais de eucalipto tratados com rizobactérias selecionadas
Authors: Mafia Reginaldo Gonçalves , Alfenas Acelino Couto , Ferreira Eraclides Maria , Zarpelon Talyta Galafazzi , Siqueira Leandro de
Published: February 2006

O efeito de rizobactérias promotoras do crescimento foi avaliado sobre a produção de biomassa radicular, número de miniestacas por minicepa e produtividade de minijardins clonais (número de miniestacas x porcentagem de enraizamento) de eucalipto, em viveiro. Com exceção do clone 57, em todos os demais testados foi observado incremento da biomassa radicular, com média igual a 53, 52 e 69%, respectivamente, nos clones 129, 1274 e 7074. Em geral, verificaram-se diferenças significativas em produção de miniestacas, mas não no índice de produtividade. O isolado S1 destacou-se quanto à produção de miniestacas, com incrementos que variaram de 11 a 23% para os clones 129 e 1274, respectivamente. Para o clone 7074, o incremento médio foi de 15%. Os resultados indicam claramente que rizobactérias podem ser utilizadas para maximizar a propagação vegetativa do eucalipto, por estaquia.
Imazapyr root exudation from eucalypt seedlings cultivated in nutritive solution
Authors: Silva Carlos Magno Magalhães da , Ferreira Lino Roberto , Ferreira Francisco Affonso , Miranda Glauco Vieira
Published: February 2006

Imazapyr has been used in Brazilian eucalypt cultivation for the maintenance of clearings and coppicing control in areas undergoing stand reform. However, inquiries have been made as to the final fate of the molecule. Imazapyr root exudation in eucalypt plants was evaluated through a bioassay under greenhouse conditions, by applying different herbicide doses (0.000, 0.375, 0.750, 1.125, and 1.500 kg ha-1 a.i.) on Eucalyptus grandis seedlings derived from vegetative propagation, hydroponically cultivated in 2.500 ml vases. Forty-day-old seedlings of the same clone were used as bioindicators, transplanted to the vases two days after herbicide application. After a period of 13 days of coexistence, the sprayed plants were removed and discarded; ten days later, the visual symptoms of toxicity were evaluated and the total dry biomass (aerial part and roots) of the bioindicators were determined. The lowest herbicide dose (0.375 kg ha-1 a.i.) affected the total biomass and growth, being most evident in the aerial part, with larger I50 for root dry biomass. The E. grandis seedlings exuded imazapyr, and/or its metabolites, in concentrations capable of affecting the growth of plants of the same species.
Influência do ácido indolbutírico e ds miniestaquia seriada no enraizamento e vigor de miniestacas de clones de Eucalyptus grandis
Authors: Wendling Ivar , Xavier Aloisio
Published: February 2006

O presente estudo objetivou avaliar a eficiência da miniestaquia seriada e o efeito da aplicação do regulador de crescimento ácido indolbutírico (AIB), nas concentrações de 0, 500, 1.500 e 3.000 mg L-1, em relação à sobrevivência, ao enraizamento e vigor da parte aérea e do sistema radicular de miniestacas em quatro clones de Eucalyptus grandis. Com base nos resultados, a aplicação do AIB não resultou em aumento do enraizamento e sobrevivência das miniestacas e no vigor geral das mudas, sendo em algumas características e clones observados certos níveis de toxidez nas concentrações acima de 500 mg L-1. Em relação à miniestaquia seriada, esta proporcionou maior eficiência na propagação vegetativa dos clones de Eucalyptus grandis com menor grau de juvenilidade.