bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA-224 sustains Wnt/β-catenin signaling and promotes aggressive phenotype of colorectal cancer
Authors: Li Tingting , Lai Qiuhua , Wang Shuyang , Cai Juanjuan , Xiao Zhiyuan , Deng Danling , He Liuqing , Jiao Hongli , Ye Yaping , Liang Li , Ding Yanqing , Liao Wenting
Published: January 2016

Background

Growing evidence suggests that Wnt/β-catenin pathway plays an important role in CRC development, progression and metastasis. Aberrant miR-224 expression has been reported in CRC. However, the mechanism of miR-224 promotes both proliferation and metastatic ability largely remains unclear.

Methods

Real-time PCR was used to quantify miR-224 expression. Luciferase reporter assays were conducted to confirm the activity of Wnt/β-catenin pathway and target gene associations, and immunofluorescence staining assay was performed to observe the nuclear translocation of β-catenin. Bioinformatics analysis combined with in vivo and vitro functional assays showed the potential target genes, GSK3β and SFRP2, of miR-224. Specimens from forty patients with CRC were analyzed for the expression of miR-224 and the relationship with GSK3β/SFRP2 by real-time PCR and western blot.

Results

Bioinformatics and cell luciferase function studies verified the direct regulation of miR-224 on the 3’-UTR of the GSK3β and SFRP2 genes, which leads to the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and the nuclear translocation of β-catenin. In addition, knockdown of miR-224 significantly recovered the expression of GSK3β and SFRP2 and attenuated Wnt/β-catenin-mediated cell metastasis and proliferation. The ectopic upregulation of miR-224 dramatically inhibited the expression of GSK3β/SFRP2 and enhanced CRC proliferation and invasion.

Conclusion

Our research showed mechanistic links between miR-224 and Wnt/β-catenin in the pathogenesis of CRC through modulation of GSK3β and SFRP2.
The reproducibility of acquiring three dimensional gait and plantar pressure data using established protocols in participants with and without type 2 diabetes and foot ulcers
Authors: Fernando Malindu , Crowther Robert G , Cunningham Margaret , Lazzarini Peter A , Sangla Kunwarjit S , Buttner Petra , Golledge Jonathan
Published: January 2016

Background

Several prospective studies have suggested that gait and plantar pressure abnormalities secondary to diabetic peripheral neuropathy contributes to foot ulceration. There are many different methods by which gait and plantar pressures are assessed and currently there is no agreed standardised approach. This study aimed to describe the methods and reproducibility of three‐dimensional gait and plantar pressure assessments in a small subset of participants using pre‐existing protocols.

Methods

Fourteen participants were conveniently sampled prior to a planned longitudinal study; four patients with diabetes and plantar foot ulcers, five patients with diabetes but no foot ulcers and five healthy controls. The repeatability of measuring key biomechanical data was assessed including the identification of 16 key anatomical landmarks, the measurement of seven leg dimensions, the processing of 22 three‐dimensional gait parameters and the analysis of four different plantar pressures measures at 20 foot regions.

Results

The mean inter‐observer differences were within the pre‐defined acceptable level (<7 mm) for 100 % (16 of 16) of key anatomical landmarks measured for gait analysis. The intra‐observer assessment concordance correlation coefficients were > 0.9 for 100 % (7 of 7) of leg dimensions. The coefficients of variations (CVs) were within the pre‐defined acceptable level (<10 %) for 100 % (22 of 22) of gait parameters. The CVs were within the pre‐defined acceptable level (<30 %) for 95 % (19 of 20) of the contact area measures, 85 % (17 of 20) of mean plantar pressures, 70 % (14 of 20) of pressure time integrals and 55 % (11 of 20) of maximum sensor plantar pressure measures.

Conclusion

Overall, the findings of this study suggest that important gait and plantar pressure measurements can be reliably acquired. Nearly all measures contributing to three‐dimensional gait parameter assessments were within predefined acceptable limits. Most plantar pressure measurements were also within predefined acceptable limits; however, reproducibility was not as good for assessment of the maximum sensor pressure. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the reproducibility of several biomechanical methods in a heterogeneous cohort.
Muscle mass, strength and functional outcomes in critically ill patients after cardiothoracic surgery: does neuromuscular electrical stimulation help? The Catastim 2 randomized controlled trial
Authors: Fischer Arabella , Spiegl Matthias , Altmann Klaus , Winkler Andreas , Salamon Anna , Themessl-Huber Michael , Mouhieddine Mohamed , Strasser Eva Maria , Schiferer Arno , Paternostro-Sluga Tatjana , Hiesmayr Michael
Published: January 2016

Background

The effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in critically ill patients after cardiothoracic surgery are unknown. The objectives were to investigate whether NMES prevents loss of muscle layer thickness (MLT) and strength and to observe the time variation of MLT and strength from preoperative day to hospital discharge.

Methods

In this randomized controlled trial, 54 critically ill patients were randomized into four strata based on the SAPS II score. Patients were blinded to the intervention. In the intervention group, quadriceps muscles were electrically stimulated bilaterally from the first postoperative day until ICU discharge for a maximum of 14 days. In the control group, the electrodes were applied, but no electricity was delivered. The primary outcomes were MLT measured by ultrasonography and muscle strength evaluated with the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale. The secondary functional outcomes were average mobility level, FIM score, Timed Up and Go Test and SF-12 health survey. Additional variables of interest were grip strength and the relation between fluid balance and MLT. Linear mixed models were used to assess the effect of NMES on MLT, MRC score and grip strength.

Results

NMES had no significant effect on MLT. Patients in the NMES group regained muscle strength 4.5 times faster than patients in the control group. During the first three postoperative days, there was a positive correlation between change in MLT and cumulative fluid balance (r = 0.43,P = 0.01). At hospital discharge, all patients regained preoperative levels of muscle strength, but not of MLT. Patients did not regain their preoperative levels of average mobility (P = 0.04) and FIM score (P = 0.02) at hospital discharge, independent of group allocation.

Conclusions

NMES had no effect on MLT, but was associated with a higher rate in regaining muscle strength during the ICU stay. Regression of intramuscular edema during the ICU stay interfered with measurement of changes in MLT. At hospital discharge patients had regained preoperative levels of muscle strength, but still showed residual functional disability and decreased MLT compared to pre-ICU levels in both groups.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov identifierNCT02391103. Registered on 7 March 2015.
Ligand-dependent serum response factor activation by the human CC chemokine receptors CCR2a and CCR2b is mediated by G proteins of the Gq family
Authors: Vatter Petra , Schuhholz Julia , Koenig Carolin , Pfreimer Mariana , Moepps Barbara
Published: January 2016

Expression of the human CCR2 receptors, CCR2a and CCR2b, in mammalian cells results in ligand-dependent changes in the activity of multiple cellular signal transduction pathways, mediated in most cases by pertussis toxin-sensitive heterotrimeric G proteins of the Gi/o subfamily. In addition, CCR2a and CCR2b receptors have been shown to couple to Gq family members, triggering the canonical activation of phospholipase Cβ isoenzymes. Activation of pertussis toxin-insensitive Gq proteins by cell-surface receptors is not only coupled to activation of phospholipase isoenzymes but also to Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factors, which in turn mediate activation of the Rho GTPases. Activated Rho GTPases regulate numerous cellular functions, including the organization of the actin cytoskeleton and gene transcription, such as the transcription factor serum response factor. These findings prompted us to investigate whether CCR2a and/or CCR2b stimulate serum response factor activity. The results presented herein demonstrate that stimulation of human CCR2a- or CCR2b-expressing COS-7 cells caused a vigorous induction of serum response factor activity. This effect was specifically mediated by Gq and/or G14, as well as Rho A and/or a closely related Rho GTPase. Furthermore, the stimulatory effect of CCR2a and CCR2b and Gαq was sensitive to coexpression of the Gαq-interacting leukemia-associated Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor. The findings of the work indicate a role for Gαq and/or Gα14 and in CCR2a/CCR2b-stimulated Rho A GTPase-mediated serum response factor activation and introduce a noncanonical pathway activated by CCR2 receptors by coupling to Gq proteins.
Estradiol Restrains Prepubertal Gonadotropin Secretion in Female Mice via Activation of ERα in Kisspeptin Neurons
Authors: Dubois Sharon L. , Wolfe Andrew , Radovick Sally , Boehm Ulrich , Levine Jon E.
Published: January 2016

Elimination of estrogen receptorα (ERα) from kisspeptin (Kiss1) neurons results in premature LH release and pubertal onset, implicating these receptors in 17β-estradiol (E2)-mediated negative feedback regulation of GnRH release during the prepubertal period. Here, we tested the dependency of prepubertal negative feedback on ERα in Kiss1 neurons. Prepubertal (postnatal d 14) and peripubertal (postnatal d 34) wild-type (WT) and Kiss1 cell-specific ERα knockout (KERαKO) female mice were sham operated or ovariectomized and treated with either vehicle- or E2-containing capsules. Plasma and tissues were collected 2 days after surgery for analysis. Ovariectomy increased LH and FSH levels, and E2 treatments completely prevented these increases in WT mice of both ages. However, in prepubertal KERαKO mice, basal LH levels were elevated vs WT, and both LH and FSH levels were not further increased by ovariectomy or affected by E2 treatment. Similarly, Kiss1 mRNA levels in the medial basal hypothalamus, which includes the arcuate nucleus, were suppressed with E2 treatment in ovariectomized prepubertal WT mice but remained unaffected by any treatment in KERαKO mice. In peripubertal KERαKO mice, basal LH and FSH levels were not elevated vs WT and were unaffected by ovariectomy or E2. In contrast to our previous findings in adult animals, these results demonstrate that suppression of gonadotropins and Kiss1 mRNA by E2 in prepubertal animals depends upon ERα activation in Kiss1 neurons. Our observations are consistent with the hypothesis that these receptors play a critical role in restraining GnRH release before the onset and completion of puberty.
Common arterial trunk and in Lrp2 knock out mice indicate a crucial role of LRP2 in cardiac development
Authors: Baardman Maria E. , Zwier Mathijs V. , Wisse Lambertus J. , Gittenberger- de Groot Adriana C. , Kerstjens-Frederikse Wilhelmina S. , Hofstra Robert M. W. , Jurdzinski Angelika , Hierck Beerend P. , Jongbloed Monique R. M. , Berger Rolf M. F. , Plösch Torsten , DeRuiter Marco C.
Published: January 2016

Background Lipoprotein-related receptor protein 2 (LRP2) is important for the embryonic neural crest and brain development in both mice and humans. Although a role in cardiovascular development can be expected, the hearts of Lrp2 knock out (ko) mice have not yet been investigated.

Methods We studied the cardiovascular development of Lrp2 ko mice between embryonic day E10.5 and E15.5, applying morphometry and immunohistochemistry, using antibodies against Tfap2α (neural crest cells), Nkx2.5 (second heart field), WT1 (epicardium derived cells), tropomyosin (myocardium) and LRP2.

Results The Lrp2 ko mice display a range of severe cardiovascular abnormalities including aortic arch anomalies, common arterial trunk with coronary anomalies, ventricular septal defects, overriding tricuspid valve and marked thinning of the ventricular myocardium. Both the neural crest cells and second heart field, which are essential for the lengthening and growth of the right ventricular outflow tract, are abnormally positioned in the Lrp2 ko. This explains the absence of the aorto-pulmonary septum leading to common arterial trunk and ventricular septal defects. Severe blebbing of the epicardial cells covering the ventricles is seen. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition does occur, however, there are less WT1 positive epicardium derived cells in the ventricular wall as compared to normal coinciding with the myocardial thinning and deep intertrabecular spaces.

Conclusions LRP2 plays a crucial role in cardiovascular development in mice. This corroborates findings of cardiac anomalies in humans with LRP2 mutations. Future studies should reveal the underlying signaling mechanisms in which LRP2 is involved during cardiogenesis.
Tau excess impairs mitosis and kinesin-5 function, leading to aneuploidy and cell death
Authors: Bougé Anne-Laure , Parmentier Marie-Laure
Published: January 2016

In neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease (AD), cell cycle defects and associated aneuploidy have been described. However, the importance of these defects in the physiopathology of AD and the underlying mechanistic processes are largely unknown in particular with respect to the microtubule-binding protein Tau, which is found in excess in the brain and cerebrospinal fluid of patients. Although it has long been known that Tau is phosphorylated during mitosis to generate a lower affinity for microtubules, there is, to our knowledge, no indication that an excess of this protein could affect mitosis. Here, we studied the effect of an excess of human Tau (hTau) protein on cell mitosis in vivo.

Using the Drosophila developing wing disc epithelium as a model, we show that an excess of hTau induces a mitotic arrest, with the presence of monopolar spindles. This mitotic defect leads to aneuploidy and apoptotic cell death. We studied the mechanism of action of hTau and found that the MT-binding domain of hTau is responsible for these defects. We also demonstrate that hTau effects occur via the inhibition of the function of the kinesin Klp61F, the Drosophila homologue of kinesin-5 (also called Eg5 or KIF11). We finally show that this deleterious effect of hTau is also found in other Drosophila cell types (neuroblasts) and tissues (the developing eye disc) as well as in human Hela cells.

By demonstrating that microtubule-bound Tau inhibits the Eg5/KIF11 kinesin and cell mitosis, our work provides a new framework to consider the role of Tau in neurodegenerative diseases.
Correctors of mutant CFTR enhance subcortical cAMP–PKA signaling through modulating ezrin phosphorylation and cytoskeleton organization
Authors: Abbattiscianni Anna C. , Favia Maria , Mancini Maria T. , Cardone Rosa A. , Guerra Lorenzo , Monterisi Stefania , Castellani Stefano , Laselva Onofrio , Di Sole Francesca , Conese Massimo , Zaccolo Manuela , Casavola Valeria
Published: January 2016

The most common mutation of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) gene, F508del, produces a misfolded protein resulting in its defective trafficking to the cell surface and an impaired chloride secretion. Pharmacological treatments partially rescue F508del CFTR activity either directly by interacting with the mutant protein and/or indirectly by altering the cellular protein homeostasis. Here, we show that the phosphorylation of ezrin together with its binding to phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) tethers the F508del CFTR to the actin cytoskeleton, stabilizing it on the apical membrane and rescuing the sub-membrane compartmentalization of cAMP and activated PKA. Both the small molecules trimethylangelicin (TMA) and VX-809, which act as ‘correctors’ for F508del CFTR by rescuing F508del-CFTR-dependent chloride secretion, also restore the apical expression of phosphorylated ezrin and actin organization and increase cAMP and activated PKA submembrane compartmentalization in both primary and secondary cystic fibrosis airway cells. Latrunculin B treatment or expression of the inactive ezrin mutant T567A reverse the TMA and VX-809-induced effects highlighting the role of corrector-dependent ezrin activation and actin re-organization in creating the conditions to generate a sub-cortical cAMP pool of adequate amplitude to activate the F508del-CFTR-dependent chloride secretion.
The effects of multiple obstacles on the locomotor behavior and performance of a terrestrial lizard
Authors: Parker Seth E. , McBrayer Lance D.
Published: January 2016

Negotiation of variable terrain is important for many small terrestrial vertebrates. Variation in the running surface due to obstacles (woody debris, vegetation, rocks) can alter escape paths and running performance. The ability to navigate obstacles likely influences survivorship via predator evasion success, and other key ecological tasks (finding mates, acquiring food). Earlier work established that running posture and sprint performance are altered when organisms face an obstacle, and yet studies involving multiple obstacles are limited. Indeed, some habitats are cluttered with obstacles, while others are not. For many species, obstacle density may be important in predator escape and/or colonization potential by conspecifics. This study examines how multiple obstacles influence running behavior and locomotor posture in lizards. We predict that an increasing number of obstacles will increase the frequency of pausing and decrease sprint velocity. Furthermore, bipedal running over multiple obstacles is predicted to maintain greater mean sprint velocity compared to quadrupedal running, thereby revealing a potential advantage of bipedalism. Lizards were filmed (300 fps) running through a racetrack with zero, one, or two obstacles. Bipedal running posture over one obstacle was significantly faster than quadrupedal posture. Bipedal running trials contained fewer total strides than quadrupedal ones. But as obstacle number increased, the number of bipedal strides decreased. Increasing obstacle number led to slower and more intermittent locomotion. Bipedalism provided clear advantages for one obstacle, but was not associated with further benefits on additional obstacles. Hence, bipedalism helps mitigate obstacle negotiation, but not when numerous obstacles are encountered in succession.
Proteomic data reveals a physiological basis for costs and benefits associated with thermal acclimation
Authors: Kristensen Torsten N. , Kjeldal Henrik , Schou Mads F. , Nielsen Jeppe Lund
Published: January 2016

Physiological adaptation through acclimation is one way to cope with temperature changes. Biochemical studies on acclimation responses in ectotherms have so far mainly investigated consequences of short-term acclimation at the adult stage and focussed on adaptive responses. Here we assessed the consequences of developmental and adult rearing at low (12°C), benign (25°C) and high (31°C) temperatures in Drosophila melanogaster. We assessed cold and heat tolerance and obtained detailed proteomic profiles of flies from the three temperatures. The proteomic profiles provided a holistic understanding of the underlying biology associated with both adaptive and non-adaptive temperature responses. Results show strong benefits and costs across tolerances: rearing at low temperature increased adult cold tolerance and decreased adult heat tolerance and vice versa with development at high temperatures. In the proteomic analysis we were able to identify and quantify a large number of proteins compared to previous studies on ectotherms (1440 proteins across all replicates and rearing regimes), enabling us to extend the proteomic approach using enrichment analyses. This gave us both detailed information on individual proteins as well as pathways affected by rearing temperature, pinpointing mechanisms likely responsible for the strong costs and benefits of rearing temperature on functional phenotypes. Several well-known heat shock proteins as well as proteins not previously associated with thermal stress were among the differentially expressed proteins. Upregulation of proteasome proteins was found to be an important adaptive process at high stressful rearing temperatures, and occurs at the expense of downregulation of basal metabolic functions.
Profiling and tandem mass spectrometry analysis of aminoacylated phospholipids in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Atila Metin , Luo Yu
Published: January 2016

Cationic modulation of the dominantly negative electrostatic structure of phospholipids plays an important role in bacterial response to changes in the environment. In addition to zwitterionic phosphatidylethanolamine, Gram-positive bacteria are also abundant in positively charged lysyl-phosphatidylglycerol. Increased amounts of both types of lipids render Gram-positive bacterial cells more resistant to cationic antibiotic peptides such as defensins.  Lysyl and alanyl-phosphatidylglycerol as well as alanyl-cardiolipin have also been studied by mass spectroscopy. Phospholipids modified by other amino acids have been discovered by chemical analysis of the lipid lysate but have yet to be studied by mass spectroscopy. We exploited the high sensitivity of modern mass spectroscopy in searching for substructures in complex mixtures to establish a sensitive and thorough screen for aminoacylated phospholipids. The search for deprotonated aminoacyl anions in lipid extracted fromBacillus subtilisstrain 168 yielded strong evidence as well as relative abundance of aminoacyl-phosphatidylglycerols, which serves as a crude measure of the specificity of aminoacyl-phosphatidylglycerol synthase MprF. No aminoacyl-cardiolipin was found. More importantly, the second most abundant species in this category is D-alanyl-phosphatidylglycerol, suggesting a possible role in the D-alanylation pathway of wall- and lipo-teichoic acids.
Steroid response as prognostic factor and its correlation with molecular assessment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Andriastuti Murti , Gatot Djajadiman , Wirawan Riadi , Setiabudy Rianto , Mansyur Muchtaruddin , Ugrasena I Dewa G.
Published: January 2016

Background: Survival rate of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia  (ALL) in Indonesia remains low. Risk stratification accuracy is important to improve survival. In developed countries, risk stratification is determined based on gene fusion that is known related to steroid resistency. Steroid response at day-8 correlates with prognosis. The assessment can be applied in centers that cannot perform molecular assessment. This study aims to evaluate whether steroid response correlated to molecular assessment. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed at Child Health Department, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (January 2013-March 2014), a total of 73 patients were enrolled. Steroid was given for 7 days. Peripheral blast count at day 8 was evaluated, good response if blast count <1000 /µL and poor if  ≥1000 /µL. Fusion gene detection was also performed. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0.Results: Fusion gene was detected in 45 patients. In 1–10 years age group, 26/32 (81%) subjects had good response, while 75% in <1 year age group and 7/9 (78%) in ≥10 years age group had poor response. 5/7 (71%) subjetcs had leukocyte count >100,000 /µL and 7/8 (88%) with T-cell showed poor response. Age, leukocyte count, and T-cell were statistically correlated with steroid response (p<0.05). E2A-PBX1 fusion gene was the most common 19/45 (42%), followed by TEL-AML1 17/45 (38%), BCR-ABL 5/45 (17%), and MLL-AF4 1/45 (3%). Four of five subjects (80%) with BCR-ABL and one subject with MLL-AF4 had poor steroid response. On the other hand, 12/19 (63%) with E2A-PBX1 and 13/17 (77%) with TEL-AML1 had good response. There was no correlation between steroid response and molecular assessment.Conclusion: Steroid response correlates with age, leukocyte count, and T-cell  but  not with molecular assessment.
Changes in peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in chronic glaucoma and non-glaucoma patients after phacoemulsification cataract surgery
Authors: Perdana Olivia P. , Victor Andi A. , Oktarina Virna D. , Prihartono Joedo
Published: January 2016

Background: Phacoemulsification is a common cataract operation nowadays. During phacoemulsification, variation in intraocular pressure (IOP) may occur, which might change the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness. This study was aimed to evaluate the change in peripapillary RNFL thickness and mean deviation (MD) of visual field after phacoemulsification in chronic primary glaucoma and non-glaucoma patients. Methods: Cohort prospective study was done on 26 patients (13 chronic glaucoma eyes and 13 non-glaucoma eyes) who underwent phacoemulsification. The changes in peripapillary RNFL thickness and MD of visual field were measured as the primary outcome. Comparison between pre- and post-surgery was analyzed with paired t-test, while unpaired t-test was used for comparison between groups.Results: There were no significant changes in RNFL thickness on both groups. Average RNFL thickness in glaucoma group before and after phacoemulsification were 94.9±20.0 μm and 99.1±21.3 μm, respectively (p>0.05). Average RNFL thickness in non-glaucoma group were 100.2±11.1 μm and 101.7±6.8 μm, respectively (p>0.05). Glaucoma patients yielded decreasing mean deviation (MD) of visual field, but it was not statistically significant (p=0.071). In contrast, the MD of visual field after surgery was significantly increased in non-glaucoma group (p=0.005).Conclusion: Phacoemulsification tended to increase peripapillary RNFL thickness in glaucoma or non-glaucoma patients. The visual field tended to decrease in glaucoma patients, but was significantly increased in non-glaucoma patients.
Urinary stone characteristics of patients treated with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital Jakarta, 2008–2014: a gender analysis
Authors: Noviandrini Endrika , Birowo Ponco , Rasyid Nur
Published: January 2016

Background: The incidence of urinary stone patient in Indonesia has increased every year in both genders. Data showed that urolithiasis was higher in male rather than female. The aimed of this study was to describe the characteristics of urinary stone found in patient who underwent extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta from 2008–2014. Methods: Data obtained from ESWL medical record Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta from 2008–2014. We obtained 5,174 out of 6,020 data due to incompleteness data record. We sorted data records by gender, age, stone location, stone opacity, size of the stone, and history of ESWL, and analyzed by statistic tools (SPSS v 20 for Mac).Results: From 5,174 records, we found that the incidence of urinary stones was two times higher in male rather than female (66.3%:33.64%), occurred mostly in productive age (65.2% male, 65.9% female). Unilateral kidney stone was most common location found for both gender (50.2% male, 57.2% female), and most frequent site located in calyx inferior (24.8% male, 28.9% female). About 72.9% stone was radiopaque (73.7% male and 71.5% female). The mean size of the stone in male and female was 11.34±7.15 mm and 11.90±7.54 mm, respectively. This study also showed that 79.3% patients came for first ESWL.Conclusion: Urinary stone founds two times higher in male than female, and mostly occurs on their productive ages. Unilateral kidney stone in calyx inferior become the most common stone found in both gender. Most of the stone has radiopaque opacity.
Sunlight–derived vitamin D affects interleukin-4 level, T helper 2 serum cytokines, in patients with Graves’ disease: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Purnamasari Dyah , Soewondo Pradana , Djauzi Samsuridjal
Published: January 2016

Background: Graves’ disease (GD) is the most common autoimmune disease leading to hyperthyroidism. The role of Th1/Th2 pathways balance in GD is still controversial. Vitamin D is reported to have an effect on those pathways. This study aims to examine the effect of sunlight exposure on vitamin D 25(OH) level and Th1 and Th2 pathway-derived cytokines in GD patients. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted on 32 GD patients to compare the effect of sunlight exposure on vitamin D level and cytokines of Th1 and Th2 pathways between exposed and unexposed groups. Exposed group received sunlight exposure three times a week for 30 minutes each between 9–11 a.m for 1 month. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxin (fT4), vitamin D 25(OH), interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) serum levels, were investigated before and after one month of sunlight exposure. Paired t-test or Mann Whitney test were used to analyze the difference between exposed and unexposed GD groups before and after sun exposure.Results: One month of sunlight exposure increased vitamin D 25(OH) level by 27.90% among exposed GD group (15.34 ng/mL to 19.62 ng/mL, p<0.001). Meanwhile, unexposed GD group’s vitamin D 25(OH) level decreased from 20.48 ng/mL to 18.86 ng/mL (p<0.001). Increased vitamin D 25(OH) level in exposed group was not accompanied by the increase of IL-4 level after sunlight exposure.Conclusion: Sunlight exposure increases vitamin D 25(OH) serum level and may affect the level of IL-4, Th2 pathway-derived cytokine, in patients with GD. However, the role of sunlight-derived vitamin D on IFN-γ in GD patients can not be concluded in this study.
Clinical symptoms and related factors of obstructive sleep apnea among overweight and obese taxi drivers
Authors: Susanto Agus D. , Hisyam Barmawi , Maurits Lientje S. , Yunus Faisal
Published: January 2016

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is common condition in commercial drivers while overweight and obesity as the most important risk factors. This study aimed to know the clinical symptoms and risk factors of OSA in overweight and obese taxi drivers in Jakarta, Indonesia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was done in 103 taxi drivers in Jakarta from November 2011–September 2013, by systematic random sampling from 10 taxi stations. Inclusion criteria were taxi drivers with body mass index (BMI) which 23–29.9 and mild or moderate OSA. Portable polysomnography (PSG) test was used to diagnose OSA. Parametric and nonparametric test were used in bivariate analysis. Logistic regression multivariable was used to final evaluate risk factors of OSA.Results: There were 54 (52.4%) of 103 drivers with OSA and 49 (47.6%) without OSA. Clinical symptoms found significantly (p<0.05) were snoring, unrefreshing sleep, occasional sleep while driving, and headache or nausea on waking up in the morning. Risk factors for OSA were increased BMI (OR=0.60, 95% CI=0.45–0.79, p=0.001), snoring history in the family (OR=4.92, 95% CI=1.82–13.31, p=0.002) and sleep duration <7 hours within 24 hours (OR=5.14, 95% CI=1.37–19.23, p=0.015).Conclusion: Clinical symptoms of OSA were snoring, unrefreshing sleep, occasional sleep while driving and headache or nausea on waking up in the morning. Risk factors of OSA were increased BMI, snoring history in the family and sleep duration <7 hours within 24 hours.
Editor's note
Authors: Suryono Isnani A.S. , Nafrialdi Nafrialdi
Published: January 2016

[no abstract available]
The Physical Activity Support Needs and Strategies Scale: Its Development and Use
Authors: Carbó-Carreté Maria , Guàrdia-Olmos Joan , Giné Climent
Published: January 2016

People with intellectual disability (ID) engage in insufficient physical activity which negatively affects their health. In accordance with the present conception of ID and the supports paradigm, the current study aimed to develop and psychometrically assess an instrument examining the support needs and strategies regarding physical activity by using individuals with ID (n = 529), service providers (n = 522), and family members (n = 462) as information sources. The analysis revealed adequate reliability for the proposed instrument, with α values between .70 and .80, and adequate construct validity for the versions of the scale for the 3 information sources, particularly for service providers. The assessment information can be included in Individualized Support Plans and could be used to design and implement the strategies for facilitating a person's physical activity in their community.
Systematic Review of Health Promotion Programs Focused on Behavioral Changes for People With Intellectual Disability
Authors: Scott Haleigh M. , Havercamp Susan M.
Published: January 2016

People with intellectual disability (ID) experience high rates of chronic health problems and poor overall health compared to people without disabilities. Recent attention to health risk behaviors such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, and underuse of health care has led to the development of several programs intended to reduce disparities in this population through health promotion programs. A review of the literature was conducted focusing on programs developed to target behavioral changes in the person with ID. Thirteen studies, evaluating 10 different health promotion programs, were found. Programs varied significantly in design, targeted health change, and demonstrated effectiveness. Components of each program are systematically reviewed and recommendations made for future programs based upon the current evidence.
Poronia radicata Hembrom, A. Parihar & K. Das, A new record from Maharashtra State, India
Authors: Rajendra Patil Anjali , Prakash Patil Ketaki
Published: January 2016

Family Xylariaceae is represented from India by 187 species belonging to 12 genera till date. Genus Poronia Willdenow ex SF Gray was reported for the first time from Kolkata in 2013. During the present mycological exploration, the species Poronia radicata Hembrom, A. Parihar & K. Das, a coprophillous member of family Xylariaceae was collected and studied. This is the second report from the Indian sub-continent and first from state of Maharashtra, India. Thus, it makes a new report to the fungi of Maharashtra.
ALGUMAS DISCUSSÕES SOBRE AS PRODUÇÕES DE FUTUROS PROFESSORES DE MATEMÁTICA NO CONTEXTO DA CULTURA DIGITAL
Authors: De Menezes Douglas Carvalho , De Souza Junior Arlindo José , Marin Douglas
Published: January 2016

O presente trabalho consistiu em identificar, analisar e discutir os recursos tecnológicos que são utilizados para o desenvolvimento da cultura digital dos discentes na disciplina Informática e Ensino da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia – UFU. Para a análise e interpretação dos dados foram utilizados os saberes inerentes da pesquisa de cunho qualitativa, mais especificamente na modalidade do Estudo de Caso. Assim, após a categorização dos dados foi encontrado o seguinte aspecto: a organização de ambiente de aprendizagem e produção de atividades educativas sobre ensinar e aprender Matemática com Tecnologias de Informação e Comunicação – TIC é de extrema relevância para o desenvolvimento da cultura digital desse estudante proporcionando a este uma melhoria na interação com a Tecnologia em seu trabalho como futuro docente da Educação Básica. Nesse sentido a pesquisa proporcionou um embasamento teórico e profícuo a respeito das TIC e da Matemática contribuindo para a cultura digital dos estudantes do curso de Matemática.http://dx.doi.org/10.14572/nuances.v26i2.2879
ENSINO DE GRADUAÇÃO E INCLUSÃO SOCIAL: UMA EXPERIÊNCIA DO PROGRAMA DE MONITORIA DA UFOPA
Authors: Santos Ângela Rocha dos , Sena Poliana Fernandes , Ximenes-Rocha Solange Helena , Aquino José Antonio Oliveira
Published: January 2016

Este trabalho apresenta relato da implementação do Programa de Monitoria Acadêmica da UFOPA. Destaca-se dentre as ações do Programa, a experiência quanto a monitoria para acompanhamento aos discentes indígenas e a monitoria voltada para atendimento as ações de acessibilidade e à discentes com necessidades educacionais especiais. Apresenta dados de avaliação diagnóstica que objetivou entender as percepções dos estudantes acerca da monitoria para sua formação. A metodologia foi descritivo-analítica com abordagem quanti-qualitativa e os sujeitos foram monitores do Programa. Os resultados demonstram que a monitoria permite construir experiências significativas para um processo de inclusão social dos discentes assistidos, pois, ao desenvolver ações do Programa, este visa contribuir para melhoria do ensino de graduação, envolvendo professores orientadores, discentes monitores (bolsistas) e discentes assistidos, para melhoria da aprendizagem, condições de permanência e sucesso acadêmico.http://dx.doi.org/10.14572/nuances.v26i2.3303
O CICLO DE POLÍTICAS NO CONTEXTO DA EDUCAÇÃO ESPECIAL
Authors: Nozu Washington César Shoiti , Bruno Marilda Moraes Garcia
Published: January 2016

O presente artigo utiliza o método de análise intitulado ciclo de políticas, proposto pelos pesquisadores ingleses Stephen J. Ball e Richard Bowe e amplamente divulgado no Brasil por Jefferson Mainardes, aplicando-o no contexto da educação especial. A abordagem do ciclo de políticas prevê a análise de cinco contextos: o de influência, o de produção do texto, o da prática, o dos resultados/efeitos e o de estratégia política. Contudo, este estudo limita-se a compreender o ciclo de políticas da educação especial brasileira em três contextos. No contexto de influência, elucida a configuração do discurso da inclusão no campo da educação especial. Na sequência, o contexto de produção do texto elenca textos político-normativos representativos da atual política de educação especial na perspectiva da educação inclusiva e enfatiza a proposta do atendimento educacional especializado. Por fim, o contexto da prática destaca a atuação do atendimento educacional especializado nas salas de recursos multifuncionais.http://dx.doi.org/10.14572/nuances.v26i2.3342
EDUCAÇÃO INFANTIL NO CAMPO: O ATENDIMENTO EM UM MUNICÍPIO DE MINAS GERAIS-BRASIL
Authors: De Lima Luciana Pereira , Da Silva Ana Paula Soares
Published: January 2016

No Brasil, a Educação Infantil no campo é concebida como direito da criança e da família. No entanto, são escassos os estudos sobre os atendimentos existentes e que possam subsidiar políticas públicas. O artigo apresenta e discute dados de uma pesquisa qualitativa, realizada em 13 escolas rurais de um município de Minas Gerais-Brasil, cujo objetivo foi investigar, por meio de entrevistas com gestoras, o atendimento da Educação Infantil. Os dados foram analisados qualitativamente e sistematizados nos eixos temáticos: 1) estrutura física e funcionamento das instituições; 2) características das famílias e relações com as escolas; 3) formação dos professores. Com o estudo, identificou-se a existência de demanda não atendida de famílias por creches e pré-escolas; desigualdades na oferta, sendo esta mais restrita para crianças de 0 a 3 anos; e precariedades relacionadas com a estrutura escolar e formação docente. Foram evidenciados elementos a serem considerados para melhoria do atendimento.http://dx.doi.org/10.14572/nuances.v26i2.3468
DIVERSIDADE SEXUAL NA ESCOLA: DOCUMENTOS LEGAIS E COMUNIDADE ESCOLAR – UMA ANÁLISE
Authors: Carvalho Manuela Azevedo , Miranda Luciana A. de , Pacheco Lílian Miranda Bastos
Published: January 2016

Neste artigo a ideia é analisar o que preconizam alguns documentos legais que regem a educação brasileira acerca da diversidade sexual, com destaque para a homossexualidade, tendo a opinião da comunidade escolar: alunos, familiares, professores e demais profissionais da educação, como mote para verificar como essa diversidade tem sido abordada no ambiente escolar. São analisados pressupostos das Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais da Educação Básica e do Plano Nacional de Educação, junto à opinião da comunidade escolar, através de pesquisa realizada pela Fundação Instituto de Pesquisas Econômicas, com o intuito de investigar como essa diversidade aparece no dia a dia das escolas brasileiras e como mote para a discussão acerca das políticas até então implementadas neste âmbito na educação do país. A partir das análises, foi possível perceber que a comunidade escolar, em especial diretores e professores, ainda lida de forma problemática com o tema, não auxiliando as discussões necessárias para a promoção de um espaço que contemple as diversidades.http://dx.doi.org/10.14572/nuances.v26i2.3479
TECNOLOGIA E EDUCAÇÃO DE SURDOS: POSSIBILIDADES DE INTERVENÇÃO
Authors: Martins Lívia Maria Ninci , Lins Heloísa Andreia de Matos
Published: January 2016

O presente trabalho dedica-se a uma análise das potencialidades do uso das tecnologias na educação de surdos, tendo em vista os elementos necessários para a efetivação de um projeto de educação bilíngue Libras-Português, a escassa produção nessa área e os desafios cotidianos do chamado processo de inclusão. Para isso, apresentamos recortes de um estudo de caso que teve como objetivo dois projetos distintos e paralelos, embora relacionados: a descrição e análise do uso de tablets, suas implicações nas práticas pedagógicas na área de Português para surdos e ouvintes da Educação de Jovens e Adultos (EJA) e a discussão a respeito dos processos de criação e desenvolvimento de objetos de aprendizagem para alfabetização e letramento de surdos na perspectiva bilíngue. As observações e análises realizadas indicam o predomínio das potencialidades sobre as limitações do uso das tecnologias na educação, inclusive na busca por uma efetiva educação bilíngue para surdos.http://dx.doi.org/10.14572/nuances.v26i2.3481
POLÍTICA EDUCACIONAL, SAÚDE E RESPEITO À DIVERSIDADE SEXUAL
Authors: Fernandes Cleide De Oliveira , Brusse Maria Luísa Pedroso de Lima , Cabrera Alessandra Correa , Araújo Ulisses Ferreira de
Published: January 2016

A escola é o espaço de convivência heterogênea, com possibilidades de reflexão sobre os estereótipos de gênero e sexualidade. O objetivo desse estudo foi investigar se a instituição escolar desenvolve projetos relacionados à diversidade. Participaram 12 docentes da rede de ensino pública e privada do Estado de São Paulo. A metodologia da pesquisa foi qualitativa e quantitativa, por meio de um questionário distribuído aos docentes; 92% das escolas dos entrevistados não realizam projetos pedagógicos relacionados à diversidade sexual, 92% dos docentes consideram relevante dialogar sobre a temática, destes, apenas 50% estão preparados para atuarem num ambiente com diversidade sexual. Concluímos que, a temática sobre diversidade precisa ser inserida nos projetos educacionais transdisciplinares.http://dx.doi.org/10.14572/nuances.v26i2.3483
Torus–Connected Cycles: A Simple and Scalable Topology for Interconnection Networks
Authors: Bossard Antoine , Kaneko Keiichi
Published: January 2016

Supercomputers are today made up of hundreds of thousands of nodes. The interconnection network is responsible for connecting all these nodes to each other. Different interconnection networks have been proposed; high performance topologies have been introduced as a replacement for the conventional topologies of recent decades. A high order, a low degree and a small diameter are the usual properties aimed for by such topologies. However, this is not sufficient to lead to actual hardware implementations. Network scalability and topology simplicity are two critical parameters, and they are two of the reasons why modern supercomputers are often based on torus interconnection networks (e.g., Fujitsu K, IBM Sequoia). In this paper we first describe a new topology, torus-connected cycles (TCCs), realizing a combination of a torus and a ring, thus retaining interesting properties of torus networks in addition to those of hierarchical interconnection networks (HINs). Then, we formally establish the diameter of a TCC, and deduce a point-to-point routing algorithm. Next, we propose routing algorithms solving the Hamiltonian cycle problem, and, in a two dimensional TCC, the Hamiltonian path one. Correctness and complexities are formally proved. The proposed algorithms are time-optimal.
The Give and Take Game: Analysis of a Resource Sharing Game
Authors: Mariano Pedro , Correia Luís
Published: January 2016

We analyse Give and Take, a multi-stage resource sharing game to be played between two players. The payoff is dependent on the possession of an indivisible and durable resource, and in each stage players may either do nothing or, depending on their roles, give the resource or take it. Despite these simple rules, we show that this game has interesting complex dynamics. Unique to Give and Take is the existence of multiple Pareto optimal profiles that can also be Nash equilibria, and a built-in punishment action. This game allows us to study cooperation in sharing an indivisible and durable resource. Since there are multiple strategies to cooperate, Give and Take provides a base to investigate coordination under implicit or explicit agreements. We discuss its position in face of other games and real world situations that are better modelled by it. The paper presents an in-depth analysis of the game for the range of admissible parameter values. We show that, when taking is costly for both players, cooperation emerges as players prefer to give the resource.
The Non–Symmetric s–Step Lanczos Algorithm: Derivation of Efficient Recurrences and Synchronization–Reducing Variants of BiCG and QMR
Authors: Feuerriegel Stefan , Bücker H. Martin
Published: January 2016

The Lanczos algorithm is among the most frequently used iterative techniques for computing a few dominant eigenvalues of a large sparse non-symmetric matrix. At the same time, it serves as a building block within biconjugate gradient (BiCG) and quasi-minimal residual (QMR) methods for solving large sparse non-symmetric systems of linear equations. It is well known that, when implemented on distributed-memory computers with a huge number of processes, the synchronization time spent on computing dot products increasingly limits the parallel scalability. Therefore, we propose synchronization-reducing variants of the Lanczos, as well as BiCG and QMR methods, in an attempt to mitigate these negative performance effects. These so-called s-step algorithms are based on grouping dot products for joint execution and replacing time-consuming matrix operations by efficient vector recurrences. The purpose of this paper is to provide a rigorous derivation of the recurrences for the s-step Lanczos algorithm, introduce s-step BiCG and QMR variants, and compare the parallel performance of these new s-step versions with previous algorithms.
Ergodicity and Perturbation Bounds for Inhomogeneous Birth and Death Processes with Additional Transitions from and to the Origin
Authors: Zeifman Alexander , Korotysheva Anna , Satin Yacov , Korolev Victor , Shorgin Sergey , Razumchik Rostislav
Published: January 2016

Service life of many real-life systems cannot be considered infinite, and thus the systems will be eventually stopped or will break down. Some of them may be re-launched after possible maintenance under likely new initial conditions. In such systems, which are often modelled by birth and death processes, the assumption of stationarity may be too strong and performance characteristics obtained under this assumption may not make much sense. In such circumstances, time-dependent analysis is more meaningful. In this paper, transient analysis of one class of Markov processes defined on non-negative integers, specifically, inhomogeneous birth and death processes allowing special transitions from and to the origin, is carried out. Whenever the process is at the origin, transition can occur to any state, not necessarily a neighbouring one. Being in any other state, besides ordinary transitions to neighbouring states, a transition to the origin can occur. All possible transition intensities are assumed to be non-random functions of time and may depend (except for transition to the origin) on the process state. To the best of our knowledge, first ergodicity and perturbation bounds for this class of processes are obtained. Extensive numerical results are also provided.