bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GαolfMutation Allows Parsing the Role of cAMP-Dependent and Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase-Dependent Signaling in l-3,4-Dihydroxyphenylalanine-Induced Dyskinesia
Authors: Alcacer Cristina , Santini Emanuela , Valjent Emmanuel , Gaven Florence , Girault Jean-Antoine , Hervé Denis
Published: April 2012

Althoughl-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (l-DOPA) remains the reference treatment of Parkinson's disease, its long-term beneficial effects are hindered byl-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID). In the dopamine (DA)-denervated striatum,l-DOPA activates DA D1receptor (D1R) signaling, including cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), two responses associated with LID. However, the cause of PKA and ERK activation, their respective contribution to LID, and their relationship are not known. In striatal neurons, D1R activates adenylyl-cyclase through Gαolf, a protein upregulated after lesion of DA neurons in rats and in patients. We report here that increased Gαolflevels in hemiparkinsonian mice are correlated with LID after chronicl-DOPA treatment. To determine the role of this upregulation, we performed unilateral lesion in mice lacking one allele of theGnalgene coding for Gαolf(Gnal+/−). Despite an increase in the lesioned striatum, Gαolflevels remained below those of unlesioned wild-type mice. InGnal+/−mice, the lesion-inducedl-DOPA stimulation of cAMP/PKA-mediated phosphorylation of GluA1 Ser845 and DARPP-32 (32 kDa DA- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein) Thr34 was dramatically reduced, whereas ERK activation was preserved. LID occurrence was similar inGnal+/+andGnal+/−mice after a 10-dl-DOPA (20 mg/kg) treatment. Thus, in lesioned animals, Gαolfupregulation is critical for the activation byl-DOPA of D1R-stimulated cAMP/PKA but not ERK signaling. Although the cAMP/PKA pathway appears to be required for LID development, our results indicate that its activation is unlikely to be the main source of LID. In contrast, the persistence ofl-DOPA-induced ERK activation inGnal+/−mice supports its causal role in LID development.
Intrinsic and Extrinsic Mechanisms Control the Termination of Cortical Interneuron Migration
Authors: Inamura Naoko , Kimura Toshiya , Tada Satoshi , Kurahashi Takashi , Yanagida Mitsutoshi , Yanagawa Yuchio , Ikenaka Kazuhiro , Murakami Fujio
Published: April 2012

During development, neurons migrate from their site of origin to their final destinations. Upon reaching this destination, the termination of their migration is crucial for building functional architectures such as laminated structures and nuclei. How this termination is regulated, however, is not clear. Here, we investigated the contribution of cell-intrinsic mechanisms and extrinsic factors. Using GAD67-GFP knock-in mice andin uteroelectroporation cell labeling, we visualized GABAergic neurons and analyzed their motilityin vitro. We find that the motility of GABAergic neurons in cortical slices gradually decreases as development proceeds and is almost abolished by the end of the first postnatal week. Consistent with this, a reduction of embryonic interneuron motility occurred in dissociated cultures. This is in part due to cell-intrinsic mechanisms, as a reduction in motility is observed during long-term culturing on glial feeder cells. Cell-intrinsic regulation is further supported by observations that interneurons labeled in early stages migrated more actively than those labeled in late stages in the same cortical explant. We found evidence suggesting that upregulation of the potassium-chloride cotransporter KCC2 underlies this intrinsic regulation. Reduced motility is also observed when embryonic interneurons are plated on postnatal cortical feeder cells, suggesting extrinsic factors derived from the postnatal cortex too contribute to termination. These factors should include secreted molecules, as cultured postnatal cortical cells could exercise this effect without directly contacting the interneuron. These findings suggest that intrinsic mechanisms and extrinsic factors coordinate to reduce the motility of migrating neurons, thereby leading to the termination of migration.
The Native Serotonin 5-HT5AReceptor: Electrophysiological Characterization in Rodent Cortex and 5-HT1A-Mediated Compensatory Plasticity in the Knock-Out Mouse
Authors: Goodfellow Nathalie M. , Bailey Craig D. C. , Lambe Evelyn K.
Published: April 2012

The 5-HT5Areceptor is the least understood serotonin (5-HT) receptor. Here, we electrophysiologically identify and characterize a native 5-HT5Areceptor current in acuteex vivobrain slices of adult rodent prefrontal cortex. In the presence of antagonists for the previously characterized 5-HT1Aand 5-HT2receptors, a proportion of layer V pyramidal neurons continue to show 5-HT-elicited outward currents in both rats and mice. These 5-HT currents are suppressed by the selective 5-HT5Aantagonist, SB-699551, and are not observed in 5-HT5Areceptor knock-out mice. Further characterization reveals that the 5-HT5Acurrent is activated by submicromolar concentrations of 5-HT, is inwardly rectifying with a reversal potential near the equilibrium potential for K+ions, and is suppressed by blockers of Kir3 channels. Finally, we observe that genetic deletion of the inhibitory 5-HT5Areceptor results in an unexpected, large increase in the inhibitory 5-HT1Areceptor currents. The presence of functional prefrontal 5-HT5Areceptors in normal rodents along with compensatory plasticity in 5-HT5Areceptor knock-out mice testifies to the significance of this receptor in the healthy prefrontal cortex.
Benzodiazepines Modulate GABAAReceptors by Regulating the Preactivation Step after GABA Binding
Authors: Gielen Marc C. , Lumb Michael J. , Smart Trevor G.
Published: April 2012

GABAAreceptors (GABAARs) composed of αβγ subunits are allosterically modulated by the benzodiazepines (BDZs). Agonists at the BDZ binding site potentiate submaximal GABA responses by increasing the apparent affinity of GABAARs for GABA. Although BDZs were initially thought to affect the binding of GABA agonists, recent studies suggest an effect on receptor gating; however, the involvement of preactivation steps in the modulation by BDZs has not been considered. Consequently, we examined whether BDZ agonists could exert their modulatory effect by displacing the equilibrium between resting and preactivated states of recombinant α1β2γ2 GABAARs expressed inXenopusoocytes. For GABA and the partial agonists 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxazolo[5,4-c]pyridin-3-ol and piperidine-4-sulfonic acid, we examined BDZ modulation using a simple three-step model incorporating agonist binding, receptor preactivation, and channel opening. The model accounted for diazepam modulation simply by increasing the preactivation constant by approximately fourfold. To assess whether BDZs preferentially affected a specific GABA binding site, pentameric concatamers were used. This demonstrated that single GABA-binding site mutant receptors were equally sensitive to modulation by BDZs compared with wild-type counterparts. Overall, our results suggest that BDZs affect the preactivation step to cause a global conformational rearrangement of GABAARs, thereby modulating receptor function.
Social Interaction Enhances Motor Resonance for Observed Human Actions
Authors: Hogeveen Jeremy , Obhi Sukhvinder S.
Published: April 2012

Understanding the neural basis of social behavior has become an important goal for cognitive neuroscience and a key aim is to link neural processes observed in the laboratory to more naturalistic social behaviors in real-world contexts. Although it is accepted that mirror mechanisms contribute to the occurrence of motor resonance (MR) and are common to action execution, observation, and imitation, questions remain about mirror (and MR) involvement in real social behavior and in processing nonhuman actions. To determine whether social interaction primes the MR system, groups of participants engaged or did not engage in a social interaction before observing human or robotic actions. During observation, MR was assessed via motor-evoked potentials elicited with transcranial magnetic stimulation. Compared with participants who did not engage in a prior social interaction, participants who engaged in the social interaction showed a significant increase in MR for human actions. In contrast, social interaction did not increase MR for robot actions. Thus, naturalistic social interaction and laboratory action observation tasks appear to involve common MR mechanisms, and recent experience tunes the system to particular agent types.
Effective Sensory Modality Activating an Escape Triggering Neuron Switches during Early Development in Zebrafish
Authors: Kohashi Tsunehiko , Nakata Natsuyo , Oda Yoichi
Published: April 2012

Developing nervous systems grow to integrate sensory signals from different modalities and to respond through various behaviors. Here, we examined the development of escape behavior in zebrafish [45–170 h postfertilization (hpf)] to study how developing sensory inputs are integrated into sensorimotor circuits. Mature fish exhibit fast escape upon both auditory/vestibular (AV) and head-tactile stimuli. Newly hatched larvae, however, do not respond to AV stimuli before 75 hpf. Because AV-induced fast escape in mature fish is triggered by a pair of hindbrain neurons known as Mauthner (M) cells, we studied functional development of the M-cell circuit accounting for late acquisition of AV-induced escape. In fast escape elicited by head-directed water jet, minimum onset latency decreased throughout development (5 ms at 45–59 hpf, 3 ms after 75 hpf). After 75 hpf, lesioning the otic vesicle (OV) to eliminate AV input resulted in loss of short-latency (<5 ms) fast escape, whereas ablation of the sensory trigeminal ganglion (gV) to block head-tactile input did not. Before 75 hpf, however, fast escape persisted after OV lesion but disappeared after gV ablation. Laser ablation of the M-cell and Ca2+imaging of the M-cell during escape demonstrated that M-cell firing is required to initiate short-latency fast escapes at every developmental stage and further suggest that head-tactile input activates the M-cell before 75 hpf, but that after this point AV input activates the M-cell instead. Thus, a switch in the effective sensory input to the M-cells mediates the acquisition of a novel modality for initiating fast escape.
Setting the Time Course of Inhibitory Synaptic Currents by Mixing Multiple GABAAReceptor α Subunit Isoforms
Authors: Eyre Mark D. , Renzi Massimiliano , Farrant Mark , Nusser Zoltan
Published: April 2012

The kinetics of IPSCs influence many neuronal processes, such as the frequencies of oscillations and the duration of shunting inhibition. The subunit composition of recombinant GABAAreceptors (GABAARs) strongly affects the deactivation kinetics of GABA-evoked currents. However, for GABAergic synapses, the relationship between subunit composition and IPSC decay is less clear. Here we addressed this by combining whole-cell recordings of miniature IPSCs (mIPSCs) and quantitative immunolocalization of synaptic GABAAR subunits. In cerebellar stellate, thalamic relay, and main olfactory bulb (MOB) deep short-axon cells of Wistar rats, the only synaptic α subunit was α1, and zolpidem-sensitive mIPSCs had weighted decay time constants (τw) of 4–6 ms. Nucleus reticularis thalami neurons expressed only α3 as the synaptic α subunit and exhibited slow (τw= 28 ms), zolpidem-insensitive mIPSCs. By contrast, MOB external tufted cells contained two α subunit types (α1 and α3) at their synapses. Quantitative analysis of multiple immunolabeled images revealed small within-cell, but large between-cell, variability in synaptic α1/α3 ratios. This corresponded to large cell-to-cell variability in the decay (τw= 3–30 ms) and zolpidem sensitivity of mIPSCs. Currents evoked by rapid application of GABA to patches excised from HEK cells expressing different mixtures of α1 and α3 subunits displayed highly variable deactivation times that correlated with the α1/α3 cDNA ratio. Our results demonstrate that diversity in the decay of IPSCs can be generated by varying the expression of different GABAAR subunits that alone confer different decay kinetics, allowing the time course of inhibition to be tuned to individual cellular requirements.
Mixed Message: The Korean Armistice Negotiations at Kaesong
Authors: Matray James I.
Published: April 2012

This article reexamines negotiations to end the Korean War starting on July 10, 1951, and continuing through late November. It presents a new explanation for why reaching an agreement required two years. U.S. leaders publicly had endorsed a demarcation line at the 38th parallel, but the initial U.S. proposal provided for a demilitarized zone extending deep into North Korea. Gen. Matthew B. Ridgway, commander of the United Nations Command, was responsible for delivering this mixed message and sought to humiliate the Communists, demonstrate his personal toughness, and placate South Korea. In response, the Communist side became hostile and inflexible. POW repatriation became the main issue delaying peace, but Ridgway's proposal established a pattern of mistrust and acrimony prolonging a war that otherwise would have ended months before July 1953.
The Trial for High Treason of the “Burma Surgeon,” Gordon S. Seagrave
Authors: Clymer Kenton
Published: April 2012

This article explores the trial in Burma for high treason in 1950–1951 of a saintly American figure, Gordon Seagrave, who operated a remote mission hospital. Neither Seagrave nor the trial has received adequate scholarly attention. The trial provides a window into the revolutionary conditions then existing in newly independent Burma and into Burmese views of American missionaries who they thought supported the ethnic minorities who were in rebellion. The trial reveals much about early American Cold War attitudes at home and abroad, as well as about justice in non-white countries that had recently been colonies. Seagrave's trial also complicated U.S. diplomatic relations with Burma. Finally, an examination of the trial allows some preliminary judgments about Seagrave's own iconic reputation.
Expression of estrogen and androgen receptors in differentiated thyroid cancer: an additional criterion to assess the patient's risk
Authors: Magri Flavia , Capelli Valentina , Rotondi Mario , Leporati Paola , La Manna Luigi , Ruggiero Rubina , Malovini Alberto , Bellazzi Riccardo , Villani Laura , Chiovato Luca
Published: April 2012

Estrogen receptor (ER) and androgen receptor (AR) may be expressed in thyroid tumors, but their prognostic role is controversial. We investigated whether ER and AR expressions could confer a more aggressive phenotype to thyroid tumors. We enrolled 91 patients (13 males and 78 females, mean age 49.3±14.8 years) bearing small (T1 in the 2006 TNM system) differentiated thyroid cancers (DTC). Thirty-eight tumors were incidental histological findings. Using immunohistochemistry, we evaluated ERα, ERβ, and AR expressions in tumors and in its correspondent extra-tumor parenchyma. In tumors, 13 (16.7%) women and one (7.7%) man expressed ERα; 42 (53.8%) women and six (46%) men expressed ERβ; and 16 (20.5%) women and three (23.1%) men expressed AR. In normal thyroid parenchymas, ERβ was expressed in 52 (66.7%) women and nine (69.2%) men, ERα in three (3.8%) women, and AR in 13 (16.7%) women. Compared with normal thyroid parenchyma, tumors gained ERα and lost ERβ expressions. Incidental cancers were more commonly ERα(−) than ERα(+) (47.7 vs 14.3%,P=0.037). Postsurgical serum thyroglobulin was higher in ERα(+) tumors than in the ERα(−) tumors (P=0.04). ERβ(−) tumors showed vascular invasion more frequently than the ERβ(+) tumors (26.2 vs 4.1%,P=0.005). AR(+) tumors showed capsular invasion more frequently than the AR(−) tumors (77.8 vs 46.6%,P=0.014). In conclusion, ERα positivity, ERβ negativity, and AR expressions are associated with a more aggressive phenotype of small T1-DTC. ER and AR expressions may represent an additional criterion in deciding whether to perform radioiodine ablation in these tumors.
Thin Film Coil Design Considerations for Wireless Power Transfer in Flat Panel Display
Authors: Yu Jun , Ying Kai , Hasko David , Lee Sungsik , Ahnood Arman , Milne W. I. , Nathan Arokia
Published: April 2012

Wireless power transfer is experimentally demonstrated by transmission between an AC power transmitter and receiver, both realised using thin film technology. The transmitter and receiver thin film coils are chosen to be identical in order to promote resonant coupling. Planar spiral coils are used because of the ease of fabrication and to reduce the metal layer thickness. The energy transfer efficiency as a function of transfer distance is analysed along with a comparison between the theoretical and the experimental results.
High prevalence of HTLV-1 and 2 viruses in pregnant women in São Luis, state of Maranhão, Brazil
Authors: Souza Verônica Guimarães de , Martins Marina Lobato , Carneiro-Proietti Anna Bárbara de Freitas , Januário José Nélio , Ladeira Roberto Vagner Puglia , Silva Camila Moreira Serra , Pires Claudyene , Gomes Samea Cristina , Martins Christiane de Souza , Mochel Elba Gomide
Published: April 2012

INTRODUCTION: Human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is endemic in the Caribbean, Japan, South America and regions of Africa. HTLV-2 is present in Native American populations and associated with IV drug use in Europe and North America. In Brazil, it is estimated that 1.5 million people are infected with HTLV-1/2. The study objective was to determine HTLV-1/2 prevalence in pregnant women in the prenatal care from three public services in São Luis, State of Maranhão, Brazil, and to counsel seropositive women to reduce viral transmission. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to December 2008; women with age of 18 to 45 years, with low risk for sexually transmitted disease (STD) were invited to participate. Blood samples were collected in filter paper, and HTLV-1/2 immunoenzymatic test (ELISA) was performed as a screening test. Women with reactive results were submitted to peripheral venous blood collection for ELISA repetition, followed by Western blot (WB) and real-time PCR to confirm and discriminate the infection between virus types 1 and 2. RESULTS: Of the 2,044 women tested, seven (0.3%) were ELISA reactive and confirmed positive (four were HTLV-1, and three were HTLV-2). All positive women were oriented not to breastfeed their newborns. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the virus is present in high prevalence in that population. Further studies covering other segments of the population are necessary to better characterize the presence of HTLV-1/2 in Maranhão and to elicit measures to prevent its spread.
Variation in Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) (Diptera, Culicidae) infestation in artificial containers in Caxias, state of Maranhão, Brazil
Authors: Soares-da-Silva Joelma , Ibiapina Sebastiana Silva , Bezerra Juliana Maria Trindade , Tadei Wanderli Pedro , Pinheiro Valéria Cristina Soares
Published: April 2012

INTRODUCTION: Dengue is a serious public health problem worldwide, with cases reported annually in tropical and subtropical regions. Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762), the main vector of dengue, is a domiciliary species with high dispersal and survival capacities and can use various artificial containers as breeding sites. We assessed potential container breeding sites of A. aegypti in the municipality of Caxias, Maranhão, Brazil. METHODS: In the initial phase, we analyzed 900 properties in 3 neighborhoods during the dry and rainy seasons (August-October 2005 and February-April 2006, respectively). During the second sampling period, September 2006-August 2007, we used 5 assessment cycles for 300 properties in a single neighborhood. RESULTS: During the dry and rainy seasons, water-storage containers comprised 55.7% (n = 1,970) and 48.5% (n = 1,836) of the total containers inspected, and showed the highest productivity of immature A. aegypti; we found 23.7 and 106.1 individuals/container, respectively, in peridomicile sites. In intradomicile sites, water-storage containers were also the most important breeding sites with 86.4% (n = 973) and 85.6% (n = 900) of all containers and a mean of 7.9 and 108.3 individuals/container in the dry and rainy seaso-October 2006 (1,342). The highest number of positives (70) was recorded in May, mostly (94%) in storage containers. CONCLUSIONS: Storage containers are the principal and most productive A. aegypti breeding sites and are a major contributing factor to the maintenance of this vector in Caxias.
Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in chagasic and nonchagasic patients from the same geographical region of Brazil
Authors: Fonseca Fernanda Machado , Queiroz Dulciene Maria de Magalhães , Rocha Andreia Maria Camargos , Prata Aluízio , Crema Eduardo , Rodrigues Junior Virmondes , Ramirez Luiz Eduardo , Oliveira Adriana Gonçalves de
Published: April 2012

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we evaluated the seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among chagasic and non-chagasic subjects as well as among the subgroups of chagasic patients with the indeterminate, cardiac, digestive, and cardiodigestive clinical forms. METHODS: The evaluated subjects were from the Triângulo Mineiro region, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Chagasic patients showed positive reactions to the conventional serological tests used and were classified according to the clinical form of their disease. Immunoglobulin G antibodies specific to H. pylori were measured using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. RESULTS: The overall H. pylori prevalence was 77.1% (239/310) in chagasic and 69.1% (168/243) in non-chagasic patients. This difference was statistically significant even after adjustment for age and sex (odds ratio = 1.57; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-2.42; p = 0.04) in multivariate analysis. The prevalence of infection increased with age in the non-chagasic group (p = 0.007, χ2 for trend), but not in the chagasic group (p = 0.15, χ2 for trend). H. pylori infection was not associated with digestive or other clinical forms of Chagas disease (p = 0.27). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that chagasic patients have a higher prevalence of H. pylori compared to non-chagasic subjects; a similar prevalence was found among the diverse clinical forms of the disease. The factors contributing to the frequent co-infection with H. pylori and Trypanosoma cruzi as well as its effects on the clinical outcome deserve further study.
Leprosy in Buriticupu, state of Maranhão: active search in the general population
Authors: Silva Antonio Rafael da , Santos Ana Raquel Ribeiro dos , Santos Gisele Maria Campelo dos , Silva Vitor Emmanuel Bouças , Gonçalves Eloisa da Graça do Rosário
Published: April 2012

INTRODUCTION: This study was developed to evaluate the situation of leprosy in the general population of the municipality of Buriticupu, State of Maranhão, Brazil. METHODS: We used the method of active search to identify new cases from 2008 to 2010. Bacilloscopy of intradermal scrapings was performed in all patients with skin lesions compatible with leprosy, and histopathological examination in those who had doubts on the definition of the clinical form. RESULTS: The study included 19,104 individuals, with 42 patients diagnosed with leprosy after clinical examination, representing a detection rate of 219.84 per 100,000 inhabitants. The predominant clinical presentation was tuberculoid with 24 (57.1%) cases, followed by borderline with 11, indeterminate with four, and lepromatous with three cases. The study also allowed the identification of 81 patients with a history of leprosy and other skin diseases, such as pityriasis versicolor, dermatophytosis, scabies, vitiligo, and skin carcinoma. The binomial test showed that the proportion of cases in the headquarters was significantly higher than that in the villages (p = 0.04), and the generalized exact test showed that there was no association between age and clinical form (p = 0.438) and between age and gender (p = 0.083). CONCLUSIONS: The elevated detection rate defines the city as hyperendemic for leprosy; the active search for cases, as well as the organization of health services, is an important method for disease control.
Echocardiographic parameters associated with pulmonary congestion in outpatients with Chagas' cardiomyopathy and non-chagasic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Barral Marselha Marques , Nunes Maria do Carmo Pereira , Barbosa Marcia Melo , Ferreira Cid Sérgio , Tavares Júnior Wilson Campos , Rocha Manoel Otávio da Costa
Published: April 2012

INTRODUCTION: Despite significant left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction and cardiomegaly, pulmonary congestion does not seem to be a major finding in Chagas' cardiomyopathy (CC). This study sought to identify echocardiographic parameters associated with pulmonary congestion in CC and in dilated cardiomyopathy of other etiologies, such as non-CC (NCC), and to compare pulmonary venous hypertension between the two entities. METHODS: A total of 130 consecutive patients with CC and NCC, with similar echocardiographic characteristics, were assessed using Doppler echocardiography and chest radiography. Pulmonary venous vessel abnormalities were graded using a previously described pulmonary congestion score, and this score was compared with Doppler echocardiographic parameters. RESULTS: NCC patients were older than CC patients (62.4 ± 13.5 × 47.8 ± 11.2, p = 0.00), and there were more male subjects in the CC group (66.2% × 58.5%, p = 0.4). Pulmonary venous hypertension was present in 41 patients in the CC group (63.1%) and in 63 (96.9%) in the NCC group (p = 0.0), the mean lung congestion score being 3.2 ± 2.3 and 5.9 ± 2.6 (p = 0.0), respectively. On linear regression multivariate analysis, the E/e' ratio (β = 0.13; p = 0.0), LV diastolic diameter (β = 0.06; p = 0.06), left atrial diameter (β = 0.51; p = 0.08), and right ventricular (RV) end-diastolic diameter (β = 0.02; p = 0.48) were the variables that correlated with pulmonary congestion in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary congestion was less significant in patients with CC. The degree of LV of systolic and diastolic dysfunction and the RV diameter correlated with pulmonary congestion in both groups. The E/e' ratio was the hallmark of pulmonary congestion in both groups.
Candida spp. isolated from inpatients, the environment, and health practitioners in the pediatric unit at the Universitary Hospital of the Jundiaí Medical College, state of São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Storti Lucas Ruiz , Pasquale Giuliano , Scomparim Rogério , Galastri Ana Lúcia , Alterthum Flávio , Gambale Walderez , Paula Claudete Rodrigues
Published: April 2012

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to isolate and identify Candida spp. from the environment, health practitioners, and patients with the presumptive diagnosis of candidiasis in the Pediatric Unit at the Universitary Hospital of the Jundiaí Medical College, to verify the production of enzymes regarded as virulence factors, and to determine how susceptible the isolated samples from patients with candidiasis are to antifungal agents. METHODS: Between March and November of 2008 a total of 283 samples were taken randomly from the environment and from the hands of health staff, and samples of all the suspected cases of Candida spp. hospital-acquired infection were collected and selected by the Infection Control Committee. The material was processed and the yeast genus Candida was isolated and identified by physiological, microscopic, and macroscopic attributes. RESULTS: The incidence of Candida spp. in the environment and employees was 19.2%. The most frequent species were C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis among the workers, C. guilliermondii and C. tropicalis in the air, C. lusitanae on the contact surfaces, and C. tropicalis and C. guilliermondii in the climate control equipment. The college hospital had 320 admissions, of which 13 (4%) presented Candida spp. infections; three of them died, two being victims of a C. tropicalis infection and the remaining one of C. albicans. All the Candida spp. in the isolates evidenced sensitivity to amphotericin B, nystatin, and fluconazole. CONCLUSIONS: The increase in the rate of hospital-acquired infections caused by Candida spp. indicates the need to take larger measures regarding recurrent control of the environment.
Cat infected by a variant of bat rabies virus in a 29-year disease-free urban area of southern Brazil
Authors: Morikawa Vivien Midori , Ribeiro Juliano , Biondo Alexander Welker , Fellini Anaclete , Bier Daniele , Molento Marcelo Beltrão
Published: April 2012

INTRODUCTION: After 29 years, rabies was detected in a cat in Curitiba, southern Brazil. METHODS: The fluorescent antibody test (FAT) and mouse inoculation test (MIT) were performed on central nervous system (CNS) samples. RESULTS: Direct immunofluorescence was negative, but the biological test was positive and rabies virus was characterized as variant 4 (from Tadarida brasiliensis). CONCLUSIONS: Reappearance of rabies in domestic animals warns of sylvatic-aerial risk of infection and the necessity of monitoring bats in historically rabies-free areas.
Bruns' syndrome and racemose neurocysticercosis: a case report
Authors: Rodriquez Roberta Diehl , Crestani Denise Neme da Silva , Soares José Otávio Dworzecki , Franceshini Paulo Roberto , Alves Ronnie Petersen , Zimerman Ricardo , Ferreira Nelson , Barea Liselotte Menke
Published: April 2012

Cysticercosis is an infection caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Taenia solium. The parasite may infect the central nervous system, causing neurocysticercosis (NCC). The clinical manifestations depend on load, type, size, location, stage of development of the cysticerci, and the host's immune response against the parasite. The racemose variety occurs in the ventricles or basal cisterns and is a malignant form. Mobile ventricular mass can produce episodic hydrocephalus on changing head posture with attacks of headache, vomiting, and vertigo, triggered by abrupt movement of the head, a phenomenon called Bruns' syndrome (BS). We report a patient with racemose NCC and BS.
Segregação socioespacial, constituição do sujeito e significação do cotidiano
Authors: Castro Elton André Silva de
Published: April 2012

Este trabalho pretende refletir sobre o processo de segregação socioespacial estabelecendo um foco na constituição de sujeitos humanos num território de degradação ambiental que atinge as cidades: os depósitos de lixo e as relações de produção de materiais recicláveis em estreita comunicação com uma indústria que deles se serve como fonte de riqueza. Tem-se como referência o pensamento de alguns autores que se dedicaram ao entendimento da condição humana, com interesse particular pelo estabelecimento das sociabilidades no cotidiano. As reflexões apresentadas, ilustradas por pesquisa empírica, focalizam as significações atribuídas às experiências vividas no cotidiano, emergindo das análises o par eu-outro como unidades de significação, processando sentidos subjetivos no percurso elaborado pelo sujeito nos espaços da vida privada e da descoberta da vida pública.
Corpos, heteronormatividade e performances híbridas
Authors: Méllo Ricardo Pimentel
Published: April 2012

Maneiras de viver, muitas vezes, são naturalizadas como se houvesse uma forma predeterminada de corpo feminino ou masculino, nos remetendo vivência de nossos corpos como inertes, em oposição à alma imortal e ativa. Os corpos são qualificados como materialidades biológicas, sendo experimentados como provas de nossa sexualidade e da existência de gêneros e aqueles que não se acomodam a essas normalizações são tratados como "abjetos". O movimento feminista se opôs as pressupostas diferenças biológicas entre homens e mulheres utilizando o conceito de gênero, mas o sexo permaneceu como categoria básica e o corpo como matéria inerte. Como não sucumbir a perspectivas binárias e dicotômicas? Como fazer de nossas vidas experimentações que ousem transbordar as normalizações histórico-culturais? A partir de estudos queer propõem-se corpos como vibráteis, estranhos, formados e dobrados em redes, uma instigação de resistência à ação de isolamento do que se considera abjeto como consequência da biopolítica.
Influence of local or systemic corticosteroids on skin wound healing resistance
Authors: Alberti Luiz Ronaldo , Vasconcellos Leonardo de Souza , Petroianu Andy
Published: April 2012

PURPOSE: To compare the resistance of skin wound healing of mice submitted to local or systemic hydrocortisone administration, in different postoperative periods. METHODS: An incision and suture was performed on the thoracic skin of 130 male mice: Group 1 (n = 10) resistance of the integer skin; Group 2 (n = 30) submitted only to skin incision and suture; Group 3 (n = 30) skin incision and suture followed by administration of saline fluid; Group 4 (n = 30) skin incision and suture followed by administration of local hydrocortisone; Group 5 (n = 30) skin incision and suture followed by administration of systemic hydrocortisone. The resistance of the wound healing and the weight of the animals were studied on the seventh, 14th and 21st postoperative days. Histological examination was also performed. RESULTS: The mice that received corticoid (groups 4 and 5) presented significant decreasing on their weight (p = 0.02). The Groups 3, 4 and 5 showed lower scar resistance than Group 2 on the seventh postoperative day (p < 0.05). On the 14th and 21st days, there was no difference on the skin would healing resistance (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Administration of hydrocortisone in mice is responsible for weight decreasing and reduction of the skin wound healing resistance during the first postoperative week.
Effect of N-acetylcysteine in liver ischemia-reperfusion injury after 30% hepatectomy in mice
Authors: Lee Edwin Jin Su , Silva Sonia Maria da , Simões Manuel de Jesus , Montero Edna Frasson de Souza
Published: April 2012

PURPOSE: Evaluate the effect of N-acetylcysteine in liver remnant after hepatectomy associated to ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice. METHODS: Male adult BALB/c mice, weighing 20-22g were used. Animals were anesthetized with ketamine (70 mg/kg) and xylazine (10 mg/kg); received N-acetylcysteine (150 mg/kg, H-IR-NAC group) or vehicle (H-IR group). Surgical procedures were performed under 10X magnification. Partial hepatectomy (30%) was followed by ischemia-reperfusion injury (30 minutes of ischemia and 60 minutes of reperfusion). Blood sample and liver tissue were removed before animal was euthanized. AST and ALT were evaluated in blood samples and histomorphological analyses were performed in remnant liver. Groups were compared by Mann-Whitney test, and it was considered significant when p<0.05. RESULTS: Biochemical evaluations showed reduced levels of ALT in NAC group (H-IR-NAC=376±127U/l vs H-IR=636±39U/l, p=0.023). AST was similar (p=0.456). H-IR group showed hepatic tissue with preserved architecture, large area of steatosis, vascular congestion and rare mitogenic activity. NAC group showed hepatic tissue with small area of steatosis, vascular congestion and elevated mitogenic activity, evidenced by increased binuclear cells (H-IR-NAC=15.88±0.52 vs H-IR=7.4±0.37, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: N-acetylcysteine promotes enzymatic and morphological protection against hepatectomy and ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Validação brasileira do questionário de esquemas de Young: forma breve
Authors: Cazassa Milton José , Oliveira Margareth da Silva
Published: April 2012

Esta pesquisa objetivou estudar as propriedades psicométricas da versão brasileira do questionário de esquemas de Young, forma reduzida, e mapear os esquemas cognitivos na amostra, buscando estabelecer correlações entre os níveis de ansiedade, depressão, desajustamento psicossocial e vulnerabilidade com os esquemas iniciais desadaptativos. A metodologia utilizada foi quantitativa, sendo a amostra da pesquisa constituída por 372 participantes. Os instrumentos utilizados foram um Questionário de Dados Sociodemográficos, o Questionário de Esquemas de Young - versão breve - e a Escala Fatorial de Ajustamento Emocional/Neuroticismo. Os resultados achados demonstraram a existência de validade na versão brasileira do Questionário de Esquemas de Young (forma breve) com relação à amostra estudada. Os resultados apontaram para o satisfatório grau de confiabilidade (a=0,955) e para a capacidade de discriminação do questionário, assim como para a validade concorrente com relação à escala fatorial de ajustamento emocional/neuroticismo.
Extrativismo vegetal ou plantio: qual a opção para a Amazônia?
Authors: Homma Alfredo Kingo Oyama
Published: April 2012

O crescimento do mercado de produtos extrativos tem conduzido a domesticação de plantas e a descoberta de substitutos sintéticos. Outras variáveis como o crescimento populacional, a mudança nos preços relativos, a baixa produtividade da terra e da mão de obra da atividade extrativa conflitam com o aumento dos níveis salariais afetando a sustentabilidade em médio e longo prazos. A criação de mercados verdes e de certificação pode prolongar a existência da economia extrativa, mas fatalmente terá dificuldades de sua manutenção no longo prazo, com o crescimento do mercado. A insistência na manutenção do extrativismo leva a prejuízos para os produtores e consumidores.
Adaptação às mudanças climáticas no Brasil: o papel do investimento privado
Authors: May Peter H , Vinha Valéria da
Published: April 2012

Em face da intensificação dos efeitos das mudanças climáticas, e das limitações das estratégias de mitigação em enfrentá-los, a temática da adaptação vem ganhando crescente importância. Este artigo apresenta parte dos resultados de uma ampla pesquisa que mapeou as iniciativas e os projetos em adaptação implementados pelo setor público, por organizações não governamentais e pelo setor privado, em todos os segmentos da atividade econômica e em todas as regiões do país, analisando em particular o destino dos investimentos do sistema financeiro privado. Aponta os principais vetores dos projetos de adaptação, concluindo que o binômio água-clima concentra a maior parte dos financiamentos desse segmento, e que os desafios colocados requerem uma coordenação articulada entre financiamento, governo e comunidade acadêmica.
O espaço da energia nuclear no Brasil
Authors: Carvalho Joaquim Francisco de
Published: April 2012

Este artigo repassa a história e descreve a experiência acumulada em energia nuclear no Brasil, mostrando que as aplicações biomédicas, industriais e agrícolas desenvolveram-se bem no país, a partir dos anos 1950. Em seguida, o artigo demonstra que o país pode cobrir seu consumo de energia elétrica apenas com fontes renováveis de energia, sem recorrer a usinas nucleares de potência. Por fim, são analisados os argumentos comuns na imprensa, a favor e contrários às centrais nucleares, e são discutidos alguns aspectos comerciais e políticos do problema. São também examinadas as estratégias de vendas da indústria nuclear no Brasil.
Variações anatômicas de Laelia purpurata var. cárnea cultivada in vitro sob diferentes intensidades e qualidade spectral de luz
Authors: Silva Júnior Jessé Marques da , Castro Evaristo Mauro de , Rodrigues Marcelo , Pasqual Moacir , Bertolucci Suzan Kelly Vilela
Published: April 2012

Plantas de Laelia purpurata var. cárnea propagadas in vitro e mantidas em sala de crescimento e em casa de vegetação foram submetidas a diferentes intensidades e qualidade espectral de luz, envolvidas com diferentes malhas coloridas: azul, vermelha e preta. Foi observado que a intensidade e qualidade espectral de luz interferiram de forma significativa em todos os parâmetros analisados, aos 120 dias de cultivo. Plantas cultivadas sob malha azul em sala de crescimento e casa de vegetação apresentaram maior espessamento da epiderme na face adaxial (31,73 e 35,46µm), respectivamente, diferindo estatisticamente quando comparado com os demais tratamentos. Foi observado aumento significativo no número de camadas de células do velame em raízes de plantas cultivadas em casa de vegetação, independente da malha de sombreamento, quando comparadas com as de sala de crescimento. Em secções transversais de raízes de plantas cultivadas em casa de vegetação sob malha azul, foi observada maior diferenciação dos tecidos (velame, exoderme, córtex e cilindro vascular).
Ensaio biomecânico da túnica albugínea bovina conservada em glicerina 98% para utilização como membrana biológica
Authors: Queiroz Fábio Ferreira de , Cordeiro Guilherme Chagas , Rodrigues Ana Bárbara Freitas , Silveira Leonardo Serafim da
Published: April 2012

As membranas biológicas são biomateriais de origem orgânica, geralmente constituídas por colágeno. São utilizadas em diversos fins, dependendo da característica de cada material conservado. A túnica albugínea está sendo mais utilizada atualmente como uma membrana biológica e suas características ainda precisam ser estudadas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as características estruturais relacionadas à biomecânica da túnica albugínea bovina conservada em glicerina 98% para utilização como membrana biológica. Para a análise da influência da idade do animal doador sobre a resistência da membrana, foram separados dois grupos. Foram testadas 34 amostras, sendo 17 amostras de membranas oriundas de animais com até um ano e onze meses de idade e o mesmo número de amostras oriundas de animais com idade entre dois e quatro anos. Sendo assim, formou-se um subgrupo com corpos de prova testados a partir de um corte transversal ao sentido longitudinal da membrana com 12 amostras, e outro constituído por corpos de prova testados a partir de cortes feitos na direção longitudinal da membrana, também com 12 amostras. Os resultados de resistência à tração não mostraram diferenças entre os grupos em nenhuma das comparações.
Narrativas de violências praticadas por parceiros íntimos contra mulheres
Authors: Moura Leides Barroso Azevedo , Lefevre Fernando , Moura Valter
Published: April 2012

Foi realizada uma pesquisa com mulheres de 15 a 49 anos moradoras de uma área de vulnerabilidade social da capital brasileira para conhecer os discursos femininos sobre suas vivências de violências praticadas por parceiros íntimos. Foi utilizada uma abordagem qualitativa e técnica do Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo. Durante entrevistas realizadas em seus domicílios no período de fevereiro a julho de 2007, 195 mulheres narraram, episódios de violências sofridas ao longo da vida. As entrevistas geraram 32 Discursos do Sujeito Coletivo que foram construídos a partir de 395 expressões-chaves agrupadas em sete blocos temáticos: i) Engenharia das VPI (N = 114; 58,5%); ii) Histórias de estupro de vulneráveis (N = 77; 39,5%); iii) Violências silenciosas ou silenciadas (N = 43; 22%); iv) Anos potenciais de vida sofrida (N = 43; 22%); v) Um novo tempo, apesar dos pesares (N = 39; 20%); vi) E por falar em violências (N = 35; 18%); vii) A violência é uma linguagem (N = 34; 17,4%). Três discursos do bloco de maior prevalência, intitulado "A engenharia das VPI", são apresentados integralmente neste trabalho. As narrativas das violências reveladas mostram a intensidade da vulnerabilidade e das agressões sofridas pelas mulheres e a existência de múltiplas dinâmicas violentas nos relacionamentos íntimo-afetivos.
Intimate partner violence against women and healthcare in Australia: charting the scene
Authors: Signorelli Marcos Claudio , Taft Angela , Pereira Pedro Paulo Gomes
Published: April 2012

Intimate partner violence against women is a common problem in all countries and generates a challenging agenda for the health sector. Exchanging experiences between different countries, specifically strategies to respond to this problem, can constitute a tool for stimulating debate and promoting reflection. The scope of this article is to present and reflect on aspects of the Australian health sector response to intimate partner violence, and chart the scenario that surrounds this issue. We draw on a range of methods, combining a literature review and a dialogue with different stakeholders and site visits. We describe historical, contemporary and conceptual aspects of healthcare responses to intimate partner violence in Australia. Further we present some of the strategies, public policies and innovative projects that have been developed in this field in Australia. Some of the strategies include: screening vs. case-finding; primary care approaches for dealing with all family members; respect for diversity; and new randomized trials aiming for sustainable health system change for enhanced health professional care of people experiencing intimate partner violence. Despite the limitations of this approach to such a complex theme, we hope to stimulate thinking and discussion.
Bioética e saúde coletiva: convergências epistemológicas
Authors: Junges Jose Roque , Zoboli Elma Lourdes Campos Pavone
Published: April 2012

Trata-se de uma discussão teórica sobre o estatuto da bioética a partir de suas convergências epistemológicas com a saúde coletiva, campos científicos inter-relacionados, surgidos no contexto da segunda ruptura epistemológica, questionadora da crítica ao senso comum própria da ciência moderna. A reaproximação com o senso comum na segunda ruptura significa considerar na metodologia os determinantes do ambiente e da subjetividade. Assim, em meio a esta segunda ruptura, a saúde coletiva e a bioética incluem os determinantes sociais e subjetivos em suas análises. Caracterizam-se por uma visão ampliada e complexa da saúde e das ações humanas envolvendo o ambiente, a vida e a saúde, com enfoque transdisciplinar em suas abordagens. Qual o significado dessas premissas para o estatuto epistemológico da bioética em sua convergência com a saúde coletiva? Enquanto ética, a bioética precisa ser crítica, mas não como na primeira ruptura da filosofia moral. Necessita ser crítica a partir da facticidade dos determinantes sociais que se manifestam nas iniquidades em saúde. Para integrar crítica e facticidade, o caminho é a hermenêutica que interpreta os significados construídos no real e a partir deles torna-se crítica. Esse seria o estatuto epistemológico apropriado para a bioética na interface com a saúde coletiva.