bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute Morphine Activates Satellite Glial Cells and Up-Regulates IL-1β in Dorsal Root Ganglia in Mice via Matrix Metalloprotease-9
Authors: Berta Temugin , Liu Tong , Liu Yen-Chin , Xu Zhen-Zhong , Ji Ru-Rong
Published: March 2012

Background:

Activation of spinal cord glial cells such as microglia and astrocytes has been shown to regulate chronic opioid-induced antinociceptive tolerance and hyperalgesia, due to spinal up-regulation of the proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β). Matrix metalloprotease-9 (MMP-9) has been implicated in IL-1β activation in neuropathic pain. However, it is unclear whether acute opioid treatment can activate glial cells in the peripheral nervous system. We examined acute morphine-induced activation of satellite glial cells (SGCs) and up-regulation of IL-1β in dorsal root ganglia (DRGs), and further investigated the involvement of MMP-9 in these opioid-induced peripheral changes.

Results:

Subcutaneous morphine injection (10 mg/kg) induced robust peripheral glial responses, as evidenced by increased GFAP expression in DRGs but not in spinal cords. The acute morphine-induced GFAP expression is transient, peaking at 2 h and declining after 3 h. Acute morphine treatment also increased IL-1β immunoreactivity in SGCs and IL-1β activation in DRGs. MMP-9 and GFAP are expressed in DRG neurons and SGCs, respectively. Confocal analysis revealed a close proximity of MMP-9 and GFAP immunostaining. Importantly, morphine-induced DRG up-regulation of GFAP expression and IL-1β activation was abolished after Mmp9 deletion or naloxone pretreatment. Finally, intrathecal injections of IL-1β-selective siRNA not only reduced DRG IL-1β expression but also prolonged acute morphine-induced analgesia.

Conclusions:

Acute morphine induces opioid receptors- and MMP-9-dependent up-regulation of GFAP expression and IL-1β activation in SGCs of DRGs. MMP-9 could mask and shorten morphine analgesia via peripheral neuronglial interactions. Targeting peripheral glial activation might prolong acute opioid analgesia.
Auditory stimulation of opera music induced prolongation of murine cardiac allograft survival and maintained generation of regulatory CD4+CD25+ cells
Authors: Uchiyama Masateru , Jin Xiangyuan , Zhang Qi , Hirai Toshihito , Amano Atsushi , Bashuda Hisashi , Niimi Masanori
Published: March 2012

Background

Interactions between the immune response and brain functions such as olfactory, auditory, and visual sensations are likely. This study investigated the effect of sounds on alloimmune responses in a murine model of cardiac allograft transplantation.

Methods

Naïve CBA mice (H2k) underwent transplantation of a C57BL/6 (B6, H2b) heart and were exposed to one of three types of music--opera (La Traviata), classical (Mozart), and New Age (Enya)--or one of six different single sound frequencies, for 7 days. Additionally, we prepared two groups of CBA recipients with tympanic membrane perforation exposed to opera for 7 days and CBA recipients exposed to opera for 7 days before transplantation (pre-treatment). An adoptive transfer study was performed to determine whether regulatory cells were generated in allograft recipients. Immunohistochemical, cell-proliferation, cytokine, and flow cytometry assessments were also performed.

Results

CBA recipients of a B6 cardiac graft that were exposed to opera music and Mozart had significantly prolonged allograft survival (median survival times [MSTs], 26.5 and 20 days, respectively), whereas those exposed to a single sound frequency (100, 500, 1000, 5000, 10,000, or 20,000 Hz) or Enya did not (MSTs, 7.5, 8, 9, 8, 7.5, 8.5 and 11 days, respectively). Untreated, CBA mice with tympanic membrane perforations and CBA recipients exposed to opera for 7 days before transplantation (pre-treatment) rejected B6 cardiac grafts acutely (MSTs, 7, 8 and 8 days, respectively). Adoptive transfer of whole splenocytes, CD4+cells, or CD4+CD25+cells from opera-exposed primary allograft recipients resulted in significantly prolonged allograft survival in naive secondary recipients (MSTs, 36, 68, and > 100 days, respectively). Proliferation of splenocytes, interleukin (IL)-2 and interferon (IFN)-γ production was suppressed in opera-exposed mice, and production of IL-4 and IL-10 from opera-exposed transplant recipients increased compared to that from splenocytes of untreated recipients. Flow cytometry studies showed an increased CD4+CD25+Forkhead box P3 (Foxp3)+cell population in splenocytes from those mice.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that exposure to opera music, such as La traviata, could affect such aspects of the peripheral immune response as generation of regulatory CD4+CD25+cells and up-regulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines, resulting in prolonged allograft survival.
Cost-effectiveness of cryotherapy versus salicylic acid for the treatment of plantar warts: economic evaluation alongside a randomised controlled trial (EVerT trial)
Authors: Stamuli Eugena , Cockayne Sarah , Hewitt Catherine , Hicks Kate , Jayakody Shalmini , Kang'ombe Arthur Ricky , Turner Gwen , Thomas Kim , Curran Mike , Hashmi Farina , McIntosh Caroline , McLarnon Nichola , Torgerson David J , Watt Ian ,   the EVerT team
Published: March 2012

Background

Plantar warts (verrucae) are extremely common. Although many will spontaneously disappear without treatment, treatment may be sought for a variety of reasons such as discomfort. There are a number of different treatments for cutaneous warts, with salicylic acid and cryotherapy using liquid nitrogen being two of the most common forms of treatment. To date, no full economic evaluation of either salicylic acid or cryotherapy has been conducted based on the use of primary data in a pragmatic setting. This paper describes the cost-effectiveness analysis which was conducted alongside a pragmatic multicentre, randomised trial evaluating the clinical effectiveness of cryotherapy versus 50% salicylic acid of the treatment of plantar warts.

Methods

A cost-effectiveness analysis was undertaken alongside a pragmatic multicentre, randomised controlled trial assessing the clinical effectiveness of 50% salicylic acid and cryotherapy using liquid nitrogen at 12 weeks after randomisation of patients. Cost-effectiveness outcomes were expressed as the additional cost required to completely cure the plantar warts of one additional patient. A NHS perspective was taken for the analysis.

Results

Cryotherapy costs on average £101.17 (bias corrected and accelerated (BCA) 95% CI: 85.09-117.26) more per participant over the 12 week time-frame, while there is no additional benefit, in terms of proportion of patients healed compared with salicylic acid.

Conclusions

Cryotherapy is more costly and no more effective than salicylic acid.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN18994246 [controlled-trials.com] and National Research Register N0484189151.
Struma ovarii associated with Pseudo-Meig's syndrome and high serum level of CA 125; a case report
Authors: Mostaghel Nahid , Enzevaei Anahita , Zare Khandan , Fallahian Masoome
Published: March 2012

Struma ovarii is a rare form of ovarian neoplasm in a form of mature teratoma and is composed predominantly of thyroid tissue. In the literature review, there has only been 10 cases of this tumor, associated with ascites and pleural effusion (Meig's Syndrome) and increased CA125 so far. In such cases, the tumor mimics malignant ovarian tumor. In this article, the case of a 72-year-old symptomatic woman with a pelvic mass, pleural and peritoneal effusion and high level of serum CA125 is presented. Cytological evaluation for the pleural fluid was performed. She underwent hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. The result of pathologic diagnosis is presented in this paper. The patient was well in postoperative period and paraclinical tests including CA 125 were normal as well.
Retinoic acid synthesis and functions in early embryonic development
Authors: Kin Ting Kam Richard , Deng Yi , Chen Yonglong , Zhao Hui
Published: March 2012

Retinoic acid (RA) is a morphogen derived from retinol (vitamin A) that plays important roles in cell growth, differentiation, and organogenesis. The production of RA from retinol requires two consecutive enzymatic reactions catalyzed by different sets of dehydrogenases. The retinol is first oxidized into retinal, which is then oxidized into RA. The RA interacts with retinoic acid receptor (RAR) and retinoic acid X receptor (RXR) which then regulate the target gene expression. In this review, we have discussed the metabolism of RA and the important components of RA signaling pathway, and highlighted current understanding of the functions of RA during early embryonic development.
Genome-wide analysis of plant nat-siRNAs reveals insights into their distribution, biogenesis and function
Authors: Zhang Xiaoming , Xia Jing , Lii Yifan E , Barrera-Figueroa Blanca E , Zhou Xuefeng , Gao Shang , Lu Lu , Niu Dongdong , Chen Zheng , Leung Christy , Wong Timothy , Zhang Huiming , Guo Jianhua , Li Yi , Liu Renyi , Liang Wanqi , Zhu Jian-Kang , Zhang Weixiong , Jin Hailing
Published: March 2012

Background

Many eukaryotic genomes encode cis-natural antisense transcripts (cis-NATs). Sense and antisense transcripts may form double-stranded RNAs that are processed by the RNA interference machinery into small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). A few so-called nat-siRNAs have been reported in plants, mammals, Drosophila, and yeasts. However, many questions remain regarding the features and biogenesis of nat-siRNAs.

Results

Through deep sequencing, we identified more than 17,000 unique siRNAs corresponding to cis-NATs from biotic and abiotic stress-challenged Arabidopsis thaliana and 56,000 from abiotic stress-treated rice. These siRNAs were enriched in the overlapping regions of NATs and exhibited either site-specific or distributed patterns, often with strand bias. Out of 1,439 and 767 cis-NAT pairs identified in Arabidopsis and rice, respectively, 84 and 119 could generate at least 10 siRNAs per million reads from the overlapping regions. Among them, 16 cis-NAT pairs from Arabidopsis and 34 from rice gave rise to nat-siRNAs exclusively in the overlap regions. Genetic analysis showed that the overlapping double-stranded RNAs could be processed by Dicer-like 1 (DCL1) and/or DCL3. The DCL3-dependent nat-siRNAs were also dependent on RNA-dependent RNA polymerase 2 (RDR2) and plant-specific RNA polymerase IV (PolIV), whereas only a fraction of DCL1-dependent nat-siRNAs was RDR- and PolIV-dependent. Furthermore, the levels of some nat-siRNAs were regulated by specific biotic or abiotic stress conditions in Arabidopsis and rice.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that nat-siRNAs display distinct distribution patterns and are generated by DCL1 and/or DCL3. Our analysis further supported the existence of nat-siRNAs in plants and advanced our understanding of their characteristics.
Email-based promotion of self-help for subthreshold depression:
Mood Memos randomised controlled trial
Authors: Morgan Amy J. , Jorm Anthony F. , Mackinnon Andrew J.
Published: March 2012

Background

Subthreshold depression is common, impairs functioning and increases the
risk of major depression. Improving self-help coping strategies could
help subthreshold depression and prevent major depression.

Aims

To test the effectiveness of an automated email-based campaign promoting
self-help behaviours.

Method

A randomised controlled trial was conducted through the website: www.moodmemos.com. Participants received automated emails twice
weekly for 6 weeks containing advice about self-help strategies. Emails
containing general information about depression served as a control. The
principal outcome was depression symptom level on the nine-item Patient
Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) (trial registration:
ACTRN12609000925246).

Results

The study recruited 1326 adults with subthreshold depression. There was a
small significant difference in depression symptoms at post-intervention,
favouring the active group (d = 0.17, 95% CI 0.01–0.34).
There was a lower, although non-significant, risk of major depression in
the active group (number needed to treat (NNT) 25, 95% CI 11 to ∞ to
NNT(harm) 57).

Conclusions

Emails promoting self-help strategies were beneficial. Internet delivery
of self-help messages affords a low-cost, easily disseminated and highly
automated approach for indicated prevention of depression.
Association of Intact Parathyroid Hormone Levels with Subsequent Hip BMD Loss: The Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) Study
Authors: Curtis Jeffrey R. , Ewing Susan K. , Bauer Douglas C. , Cauley Jane A. , Cawthon Peggy M. , Barrett-Connor Elizabeth , Haney Elizabeth M. , Ishani Areef , Cremers Serge , Orwoll Eric
Published: March 2012

Introduction:

There is little information on the association between intact PTH (iPTH) and longitudinal changes in bone mineral density (BMD) in older men. This association was evaluated in relation to conditions related to higher iPTH [e.g. decreased renal function, low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D)].

Methods:

Eligible men were part of a random sample of 1593 community-dwelling individuals aged 65 yr or older participating in the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men study with baseline iPTH data. Of these, 1227 had at least two BMD measurements at the total hip and femoral neck over a mean follow-up of 4.5 yr. Annualized BMD change across iPTH quartiles was estimated using mixed-effects regression models, adjusting for age, serum calcium, serum 25(OH)D, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and other factors. Splines were used to identify more optimal iPTH thresholds associated with less BMD loss.

Results:

Among the cohort of 1138 eligible men, men in the highest quartile of iPTH (≥38 pg/ml) lost 0.46% per year at the total hip compared with men in the lowest iPTH quartile who lost 0.22% per year (P = 0.0004). Results were similar at the femoral neck. The association between iPTH and BMD loss was not modified by baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate or 25(OH)D status. Spline results suggested that iPTH levels below 30 pg/ml were more physiologically optimal than higher iPTH values in reducing BMD loss, although an exact threshold for optimal iPTH was not identified.

Conclusion:

Older men with higher iPTH levels had approximately a 2-fold greater rate of BMD loss compared with men with lower iPTH levels, irrespective of estimated glomerular filtration rate and 25(OH)D.
Islet1 regulates establishment of the posterior hindlimb field upstream of the Hand2-Shh morphoregulatory gene network in mouse embryos
Authors: Itou Junji , Kawakami Hiroko , Quach Thu , Osterwalder Marco , Evans Sylvia M. , Zeller Rolf , Kawakami Yasuhiko
Published: March 2012

How divergent genetic systems regulate a common pathway during the development of two serial structures, forelimbs and hindlimbs, is not well understood. Specifically, HAND2 has been shown to regulate Shh directly to initiate its expression in the posterior margin of the limb mesenchyme. Although the Hand2-Shh morphoregulatory system operates in both the forelimb and hindlimb bud, a recent analysis suggested that its upstream regulation is different in the forelimb and hindlimb bud. A combination of all four Hox9 genes is required for Hand2 expression in the forelimb-forming region; however, it remains elusive what genetic system regulates the Hand2-Shh pathway in the hindlimb-forming region. By conditional inactivation of Islet1 in the hindlimb-forming region using the Hoxb6Cre transgene, we show that Islet1 is required for establishing the posterior hindlimb field, but not the forelimb field, upstream of the Hand2-Shh pathway. Inactivation of Islet1 caused the loss of posterior structures in the distal and proximal regions, specifically in the hindlimb. We found that Hand2 expression was downregulated in the hindlimb field and that Shh expression was severely impaired in the hindlimb bud. In the Hoxb6Cre; Islet1 mutant pelvis, the proximal element that is formed in a Shh-independent manner, displayed complementary defects in comparison with Pitx1–/– hindlimbs. This suggests that Islet1 and Pitx1 function in parallel during girdle development in hindlimbs, which is in contrast with the known requirement for Tbx5 in girdle development in forelimbs. Our studies have identified a role for Islet1 in hindlimb-specific development and have revealed Islet1 functions in two distinct processes: regulation upstream of the Hand2-Shh pathway and contributions to girdle development.
Postpartum maternal death associated with undiagnosed Hodgkin's lymphoma
Authors: Di Pietra Laura , Gardiman Marina , Terranova Claudio
Published: March 2012

The authors describe the case of a 28-year-old patient who died from an extensive intracerebral haemorrhage due to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) which occurred a few days after delivery. Access to an emergency department of gynaecology on three separate occasions in the three days preceding hospitalization made judicial evaluation of the case necessary. The case was studied with a methodological approach based on the following steps: (1) examination of clinical records; (2) autopsy; (3) study of the placenta; (4) anatomo-histopathological observations concerning particular organs and structures potentially involved in postpartum maternal death; and (5) evaluation of physicians’ behaviour, in the light of necroscopic findings and a review of the literature. The causes of death most frequently described in the postpartum period were excluded; a mediastinal nodular sclerosing Hodgkin's lymphoma with transdiaphragmatic diffusion, not diagnosed in life, was demonstrated. The cause of death was identified as intracerebral haemorrhage following DIC, Hodgkin's disease and recent delivery by caesarean section. Analysis of the physicians’ conduct, together with a review of the literature, revealed a medical error. However, no causal relationship between the error and the death of the patient was considered to exist. The interest of the case lies in the unusual cause of DIC discussed in relation to a hypothesis of obstetric–gynaecological liability.
Acute myocardial infarction in the obstetric patient
Authors: Firoz Tabassum , Magee Laura A
Published: March 2012

Acute myocardial infraction (AMI) in the obstetric patient is a rare event, although the incidence is rising due to advancing maternal age and pre-existing cardiac risk factors and medical co-morbidities. While atherosclerotic disease is the leading cause of AMI, coronary artery dissection is an important consideration in pregnancy and in the postpartum period. The physiological changes of pregnancy as well as pregnancy-specific risk factors can predispose the obstetric patient to AMI. Diagnosis of AMI can be challenging as symptoms may be atypical. Furthermore, diagnostic tests must be interpreted in the context of pregnancy. While the overall management of the obstetric patient with AMI is similar to that outside of pregnancy, drug therapy requires modification as some medications may be contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding. There is limited information about prognosis and risk stratification but it is anticipated that future studies will address this issue.
Maturation of mammalian H/ACA box snoRNAs: PAPD5-dependent adenylation and PARN-dependent trimming
Authors: Berndt Heike , Harnisch Christiane , Rammelt Christiane , Stöhr Nadine , Zirkel Anne , Dohm Juliane C. , Himmelbauer Heinz , Tavanez Joao-Paulo , Hüttelmaier Stefan , Wahle Elmar
Published: March 2012

Small nucleolar and small Cajal body RNAs (snoRNAs and scaRNAs) of the H/ACA box and C/D box type are generated by exonucleolytic shortening of longer precursors. Removal of the last few nucleotides at the 3′ end is known to be a distinct step. We report that, in human cells, knock-down of the poly(A) specific ribonuclease (PARN), previously implicated only in mRNA metabolism, causes the accumulation of oligoadenylated processing intermediates of H/ACA box but not C/D box RNAs. In agreement with a role of PARN in snoRNA and scaRNA processing, the enzyme is concentrated in nucleoli and Cajal bodies. Oligo(A) tails are attached to a short stub of intron sequence remaining beyond the mature 3′ end of the snoRNAs. The noncanonical poly(A) polymerase PAPD5 is responsible for addition of the oligo(A) tails. We suggest that deadenylation is coupled to clean 3′ end trimming, which might serve to enhance snoRNA stability.
The influence of pH on the sorption and diffusion of99TcO4−in Beishan granite
Authors: Li Chun , Liu X.Y. , Chen Tao , Tian W. Y. , Zheng Z. , Wang L. H. , Liu C. L.
Published: March 2012

In order to deal with the potential highly increasing amount of high-level radioactive wastes and spent nuclear fuels along with the ambitious development of nuclear power plants, China needs to construct a geologic repository in the middle of the 21stcentury. After about 15 years of basic research, including site survey, radionuclide migration, Beishan area in Northwest China's Gansu Province has been considered as the most promising candidate place. The Beishan granite has been highly considered as one of the potential host rocks, and some geochemical and hydrogeologic work has been carried out with the granite.

In terms of pre-safety assessment of a potential site, the sorption, diffusion and migration of important radionuclides which tend to be released from the potential repository in the rock/water system play an important role and must be thoroughly investigated with the site specific rock/water characteristics. Due to the potential mobility of technetium under repository conditions, the investigation of the diffusion of technetium in different potential rocks has been studied, while few work focused on the rock surface characteristics. Since the diffusion/migration of radionuclides in the potential host rocks of geologic repositories is mainly through the pores/fractures of the host rocks, the surface characteristics of the rocks should play non-negligible role. In this paper, the influence of pH in the rock/water system on the diffusion of99TcO4−in Beishan granite is investigated with through-diffusion experiments and batch sorption experiments. Experimental results indicate that the effective diffusion coefficients (De) of99Tc in Beishan granite varied from 9.7 × 10−13to 1.3 × 10−12 m2/s, and the distribution coefficients (Kd) of99Tc in Beishan granite decreased when the pH of the rock/water system increased which may due to the decreasing of the density of positively charged sites on the granite surface.
Dangerous Methodology: Interview with David Cronenberg
Authors: Ratner Megan
Published: March 2012

An interview with David Cronenberg about A Dangerous Method, in which the director discusses his drama about the history of psychoanalysis in terms of period detail, acting, cinematography, history, and the body.
Timing and Vulnerability in Three Hitchcock Films
Authors: Figlerowicz Marta
Published: March 2012

This essay studies three Hitchcock films to argue that their character construction—especially their construction of characters' vulnerability—is structured around patterns of timing or mistiming. It also asks more broadly what this formal choice can tell us about these films' treatment of ethics.
MECHANISMS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY: The endocrine role of the skeleton: background and clinical evidence
Authors: Schwetz Verena , Pieber Thomas , Obermayer-Pietsch Barbara
Published: March 2012

Based on the observation that diabetes, obesity, and hypogonadism influence bone metabolism, the existence of a feedback loop and a common regulation was postulated and an endocrine role ascribed to the skeleton. In the first part of this review, two pathways are described whereby adipose tissue acts on bone mass. In the first, leptin activates the sympathetic nervous system via serotonin and diminishes bone mass accrual. The second pathway functions via the activation ofCART(CARTPT) and inhibits bone resorption. The first pathway leads to a decrease in bioactivity of the osteoblast-produced hormone osteocalcin (OC) (part 2). In its undercarboxylated form, OC acts on the three targets pancreas, adipose tissue, and gonads (part 3) and thereby causes an increase in insulin secretion and sensitivity, β-cell proliferation, and male fertility. Insulin (part 4) is part of a recently discovered regulatory feedback loop between pancreas and osteoblasts. It is a strong counterplayer of leptin as it causes a decrease in OPG expression and enhances bone resorption and OC decarboxylation. Numerous clinical studies (part 5) have shown associations of total and undercarboxylated OC and markers of energy metabolism. Interventional studies, to date only performed in murine models, have shown positive effects of OC administration on energy metabolism. Whether bone tissue has an even further-reaching endocrine role remains to be elucidated.
Distribution of exogenous [125I]-3-iodothyronamine in mouse in vivo: relationship with trace amine-associated receptors
Authors: Chiellini Grazia , Erba Paola , Carnicelli Vittoria , Manfredi Chiara , Frascarelli Sabina , Ghelardoni Sandra , Mariani Giuliano , Zucchi Riccardo
Published: March 2012

3-Iodothyronamine (T1AM) is a novel chemical messenger, structurally related to thyroid hormone, able to interact with G protein-coupled receptors known as trace amine-associated receptors (TAARs). Little is known about the physiological role of T1AM. In this prospective, we synthesized [125I]-T1AM and explored its distribution in mouse after injecting in the tail vein at a physiological concentration (0.3 nM). The expression of the nine TAAR subtypes was evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR. [125I]-T1AM was taken up by each organ. A significant increase in tissue vs blood concentration occurred in gallbladder, stomach, intestine, liver, and kidney. Tissue radioactivity decreased exponentially over time, consistent with biliary and urinary excretion, and after 24 h, 75% of the residual radioactivity was detected in liver, muscle, and adipose tissue. TAARs were expressed only at trace amounts in most of the tissues, the exceptions being TAAR1 in stomach and testis and TAAR8 in intestine, spleen, and testis. Thus, while T1AM has a systemic distribution, TAARs are only expressed in certain tissues suggesting that other high-affinity molecular targets besides TAARs exist.
Subacute Pulmonary Toxicity of Copper Indium Gallium Diselenide Following Intratracheal Instillations into the Lungs of Rats
Authors: Tanaka Akiyo , Hirata Miyuki , Shiratani Masaharu , Koga Kazunori , Kiyohara Yutaka
Published: March 2012

Subacute Pulmonary Toxicity of Copper Indium Gallium Diselenide Following Intratracheal Instillations into the Lungs of Rats: Akiyo TANAKA, et al. Department of Environmental Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University—

Objectives

The aim of this study was to clarify the pulmonary toxicity of copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) solar cells on 62 8‐wk‐old rats.

Methods

Male Wistar rats were given 0.5, 5 or 50 mg/kg of CIGS particles, intratracheally, 3 times for a week. Control rats were given vehicle, distilled water, only. These rats were euthanized 0, 1 or 3 wk after the final instillation serially, and toxicological effects were determined.

Results

None of the CIGS‐treated groups exhibited suppression of body weight gain compared with the control group. The relative lung weight in the CIGS 5 mg/kg‐treated and 50 mg/kg‐treated groups were significantly increased compared with that in the control group throughout the observation period. Although serum copper (Cu) and selenium (Se) concentrations were not affected by instillations of CIGS particles, the indium (In) levels increased with the passage of time in the CIGS 5 mg/kg‐treated and 50 mg/kg‐treated groups. However, the serum gallium (Ga) levels decreased in the CIGS 50 mg/kg‐treated group from 0 to 3 wk. The content of each metal in the lung increased depending on the dose instilled and was constant during observation periods. Histopathologically, foci of slight to severe pulmonary inflammatory response and exudation were present among all the CIGS‐treated groups, and the severity of these lesions worsened with the passage of time.

Conclusion

The present results clearly demonstrate that CIGS particles caused subacute pulmonary toxicity and that dissolution of CIGS particles in the lung was considerably slow when repeated intratracheal instillations were given to rats.
Effect of Six Months Lifestyle Intervention in Japanese Men with Metabolic Syndrome: Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Nanri Akiko , Tomita Kentaro , Matsushita Yumi , Ichikawa Fumiko , Yamamoto Miki , Nagafuchi Yoshihiro , Kakumoto Yoichiro , Mizoue Tetsuya
Published: March 2012

Effect of Six Months Lifestyle Intervention in Japanese Men with Metabolic Syndrome: Randomized Controlled Trial: Akiko NANRI, et al. Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, International Clinical Research Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine—

Objectives

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) has been remarkably increasing worldwide. However, few studies have examined the effect of lifestyle intervention among subjects with MS. We investigated the effect of a six month lifestyle modification program on the prevalence of MS and its associated biomarkers among Japanese men with MS.

Methods

Subjects were randomly assigned to either the intervention (n=53) or control (n=54) group. Subjects in the intervention group Received a lifestyle modification program focused on exercise and diet behavior from a trained occupational health nurse at the baseline and at one and three months. The effect of intervention was assessed by differences in changes in the prevalence of MS, its components and associated biomarkers between the two groups.

Results

Of the 107 participants, 102 completed the survey at the end of six months (intervention group, n=49; control group, n=53). During the study period, the prevalence of MS decreased to 65.3% and 62.3% in the intervention group and control group, respectively. However, the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (p=0.75). A significant reduction in body weight, waist circumference and glycated hemoglobin was observed in the intervention group compared with the control group. In the intervention group, time spent on physical activity was increased by nearly one hour per week, and the intakes of cereals and sugar and sweeteners were significantly decreased.

Conclusions

Although the tailor‐made lifestyle modification program among men with MS did not provide an additional benefit in decreasing the prevalence of MS, it may help weight control and improve glucose metabolism.
Effect of Dry Oxidation on the Performance of Carbon Nanotube Arrays Electrochemical Capacitors
Authors: Aria Adrianus I. , Gharib Morteza
Published: March 2012

In this study, the effect of dry oxidation on the electrochemical properties of carbon nanotube arrays is investigated. Oxygenated surface functional groups were introduced to the arrays by oxygen plasma treatment, where their surface concentrations were varied by controlling the exposure time. The finding presented herein shows an augmentation of nearly thirty times in term of specific capacitance when the arrays are oxidized. Similar behavior is also observed in the non-aqueous electrolytes where the specific capacitance of the oxidized carbon nanotube arrays is measured more than three times higher than that of the pristine ones. However, overexposure to oxygen plasma treatment reverses this effect. At such high oxidation level, the damage to the graphitic structure becomes more pronounced such that the capacitive behavior of the arrays is overshadowed by their resistive behavior. These findings are important for further development of carbon nanotube based electrochemical capacitors.
Bioinspired Layer-by-Layer Poly(vinyl alcohol) - Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites
Authors: Sellam Charline , Zhai Zhi , Zahabi Hediyeh , Deng Hua , Bilotti Emiliano , Peijs Ton
Published: March 2012

A bottom-up approach for poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) - graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposites using a spraying method is presented. Very simple and versatile, spraying allows to build-up uniform layered composite films with good control on the structure of each layer. 150 bi-layers were deposited to create a transparent film with improved mechanical properties at a loading of 5.4 wt.% GO. The Young’s modulus and strength of these films doubled or nearly doubled which is believed to be due to a synergic effect as a result of the nanoscale organization of the composite by the 2D nanofiller, and hydrogen bonding between the PVA and the GO.
A new genus of dipnoiformes from the Cretaceous of Brazil
Authors: Toledo Carlos E.V. , Sousa Eliane P. de , Medeiros Manuel A.A. , Bertini Reinaldo J.
Published: March 2012

The Alcântara Formation, an important stratigraphic unit from the early Cenomanian of Brazil, was deposited under transitional (estuarine) conditions, and its fossil record includes fragmentary remains of plants, fishes, crocodylomorphs, pterosaurs and dinosaurs, with a noteworthy diversity of dipnoiformes tooth plates. The dipnoiformes material reported here comprises a new taxon, Equinoxiodus alcantarensis, gen. et sp. nov. Most of the identified morphotypes of continental vertebrates collected in the Alcântara Formation are similar to chronocorrelative faunas from Northern Africa, but this new genus of Dipnoiformes indicates some degree of paleogeographic isolation and endemism. This was probably caused by the widening of the equatorial Atlantic Ocean during the early Cenomanian, which may have selectively affected some species.
Sea-land limits: a case study
Authors: Mesquita Afranio R. de , Blitzkow Denizar , França Carlos A. S. , Trabanco Jorge L. A. , Corrêa Marco A. , Monteiro Mauro Q.
Published: March 2012

The limits between sea and land were estimated at "Pulso" beach located in the Southeastern Brazilian shelf (φ = 23°33/17.4886"S; Λ = 045° 13'13.0504"W - WGS84), between the island of São Sebastião and the city of Ubatuba, SP, Brazil. The relative sea level of the year 1831 at "Pulso" beach, as per Brazilian law Number 9760 dated from 1946, was estimated and materialized. The retro-estimation allowed the demarcation of the Legal Sea-Land Limits at "Pulso" beach as per the terms of the law. The accuracy of the procedure for the transference of the long-term sea level from the research station of Ubatuba to "Pulso" beach was assessed by parallel work of geometrical leveling referred to the IBGE (Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics) geodetic network. The motivation, the hypotheses (Brest, Cananeia and IPCC) and the methods here used are described, together with a short history of the Legal Sea-Land Limits. The results indicated that the legal Sea-Land Limits at "Pulso" beach are well within the beach area. They were determined as per law 9760, and there is the need to reactivate the national network of sea level gauge.
A new ctenochasmatid pterosaur from the Lower Cretaceous, western Liaoning, China
Authors: Jiang Shunxing , Wang Xiaolin
Published: March 2012

A nearly complete skull of a new ctenochasmatid pterosaur, Pterofiltus qiui gen. et sp. nov., from the Lower Cretaceous deposits of Liaoning, China, is described here. The specimen (IVPP V12339), was collected from the shale of the lower Yixian Formation (125 Ma) at the Zhangjiagou locality. It has the following combination of characters: about 112 teeth in total (including the upper and lower jaws); the dentition occupies more than 50% of the skull length; the anterior teeth vary in size; the mandibular symphysis is longer than half of the whole mandible length; in ventral view, an apparent symphyseal trough in the median part of the symphysis.
Phytoplankton abundance, dominance and coexistence in an eutrophic reservoir in the state of Pernambuco, Northeast Brazil
Authors: Lira Giulliari A. S. T. , Araújo Elcida L. , Bittencourt-Oliveira Maria Do Carmo , Moura Ariadne N.
Published: March 2012

The present study reports the phytoplankton abundance, dominance and co-existence relationships in the eutrophic Carpina reservoir, Pernambuco, Brazil. Sampling was carried out at six different depths bimonthly at a single reservoir spanning two climatic periods: dry season (January, September, and November 2006) and rainy season (March, May, and July 2006). Density, abundance, dominance, specific diversity and equitability of the community were determined, along with chlorophyll a, and physical and chemical variables of the environment. Eight species were considered abundant, and their densities corresponded to more than 90% of the total phytoplankton community quantified. Cyanobacteria represented more than 80% of this density. Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii was the only dominant taxon in the dry season, and was co-dominant in the rainy season. C. raciborskii, Planktothrix agardhii and Geitlerinema amphibium had the greatest densities and lowest vertical variation coefficients. The statistical analysis indicated relationships with vertical and seasonal variations in the phytoplankton community and the following variables: total dissolved solids, water temperature, electrical conductivity and pH. The changes in the environmental variables were discrete and regulated by the establishment of precipitation however, they were able to promote vertical and seasonal instability in the structure of the phytoplankton community.
Caring about medullary anesthesia in Saimiri sciureus: the conus medullaris topography
Authors: Lima Ana R. , Fioretto emerson T. , Fontes Rodrigo F. , Imbeloni Aline A. , Muniz José A. P. C. , Branco Érrika
Published: March 2012

Saimiri sciureus is a New World non-human primate (NHP) that inhabits Brazilian rain forests. Surgical interventions in wild NHPs can be considered common both for experimental studies procedures and corrective procedures for endangered species. Among various anesthetic procedures, the epidural anesthesia or blockades, depending on the surgical procedure, might be considered elective for wild monkeys, mostly based on its safeness, efficiency and non-time consuming characteristics. However its safeness would be limiting because of the spinal cord arrangement. Notwithstanding the available former studies on New World NHP anatomy, the description of the medullar cone of Saimiri sciureus is still scarce. Therefore, we believe that the better understanding the medullar cone of Saimiri sciureus would contribute to improve the applicability of epidural procedures in the species. Vertebrae architecture of Saimiri sciureus was composed by 9 lumbar, 3 sacral and 18 coccygeal vertebrae, and the medullar cone measured about 3.3 cm. We can conclude that the conus medullaris in Saimiri sciureus is situated more caudally in comparison to other species.
Sporothrix schenckii in a hospital and home environment in the city of Pelotas/RS - Brazil
Authors: Mattei Antonella S. , Madrid Isabel M. , Santin Rosema , Silva Franklin V. , Carapeto Luiz P. , Meireles Mário C.A.
Published: March 2012

This study describes the isolation of S. schenckii in hospital and home environments in Brazil. Samples were collected from surfaces of a veterinary service place and at home. S. schenckii was detected in 1.5% of the samples from the hospital environment. However, this fungus was isolated from all sampled areas in home environments. The isolation of S. schenckii deonstrates that these surfaces could act as infection sources to anials and huans. Therefore, employees and pet owners could be exposed to this agent, and the contamination, through surfaces, could occur through the traumatic inoculation of the fungus or by direct contact with pre-existing lesions.
Hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, and renal-protective effects of organic and conventional grapevine leaf extracts (Vitis labrusca var. Bordo) on Wistar rat tissues
Authors: Oliboni Lívia S. , Dani Caroline , Funchal Cláudia , Henriques João A. , Salvador Mirian
Published: March 2012

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the beneficial effects of organic and conventional grapevine (Vitis labrusca L.) leaf extracts in reducing hydrogen peroxide-induced stress in the liver, heart and kidney of Wistar rats by measuring lipids and proteins damages (carbonyl assay), as well as the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase. The preincubation with 5 mg/mL of organic and conventional grapevine (Vitis labrusca L.) leaf extracts prevented both lipids and proteins oxidative damages in all tissues analyzed. The organic leaf extract was able to restore superoxide dismutase (kidney and liver) and catalase (heart) activities, which were modified by the treatment with H2O2. The conventional extract was able to restore only the catalase activity in liver and heart tissues. The beneficial effects of the V labrusca leaf extract shown in this study could probably be important for formulating dietary supplements, as well as for developing new ingredients with improved antioxidant properties from other plant sources.
New records of mosquito species (Diptera: Culicidae) from Neuquén and La Rioja provinces, Argentina
Authors: Grech Marta , Visintin Andrés , Laurito Magdalena , Estallo Elizabet , Lorenzo Pablo , Roccia Irene , Korin Maximiliano , Goya Facundo , Ludueña-Almeida Francisco , Almirón Walter
Published: March 2012

The presence of Aedes aegypti is reported beyond its current limit of distribution in Argentina, in the city of Neuquén, Neuquén Province. Ovitraps were placed to collect Ae. aegypti eggs between December 2009 and April 2010. The geographical distribution of Culex eduardoi, Psorophora ciliata and Ps. cingulata is extended with new records from two provinces.
Conhecimento de mulheres com diabetes mellitus sobre cuidados pré-concepcionais e riscos materno-fetais
Authors: Moura Escolástica Rejane Ferreira , Evangelista Danielle Rosa , Damasceno Ana Kelve de Castro
Published: March 2012

Objetivou-se descrever o perfil reprodutivo de mulheres com diabetes mellitus (DM) e verificar o nível de conhecimento destas quanto aos riscos maternos e fetais e os cuidados pré-concepcionais. Estudo exploratório, que contou com a participação de 106 mulheres, realizado no Centro Integrado de Hipertensão e Diabetes, de março a julho de 2009. As variáveis reprodutivas foram: número de gestações, partos e abortos e planejamento da gravidez. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevista que seguiu um formulário pré-estabelecido. O perfil reprodutivo de mulheres com DM mostrou-se permeado de riscos e repercussões reprodutivas negativas à saúde materna e fetal. Das 106 (100%) mulheres estudadas, 44 (41,5%) apresentaram conhecimento moderado sobre os cuidados pré-concepcionais e 58 (54,7%) conhecimento limitado sobre os riscos maternos e fetais. Faz-se necessário oferecer informações às mulheres a fim de promover o conhecimento sobre os riscos maternos e fetais e os cuidados pré-concepcionais.
Como os trabalhadores de um Centro Obstétrico justificam a utilização de práticas prejudiciais ao parto normal
Authors: Carvalho Vanessa Franco de , Kerber Nalú Pereira da Costa , Busanello Josefine , Gonçalves Bruna Goulart , Rodrigues Eloisa da Fonseca , Azambuja Eliana Pinho de
Published: March 2012

Este estudo busca entender as justificativas dos trabalhadores de um Centro Obstétrico do Sul do Brasil para a utilização de práticas do parto normal consideradas prejudiciais pela Organização Mundial da Saúde. A pesquisa é do tipo exploratória, desenvolvida em julho de 2009, por meio de entrevista com 23 trabalhadores. Na análise, houve a conformação de três núcleos temáticos: Ações e condutas na dependência do trabalhador de saúde; Práticas rotineiras como facilitadoras do trabalho e Restrição da participação da parturiente no processo decisório. Algumas justificativas para o emprego das práticas: perpetuação de modelos inadequados, facilitação para a assistência no momento do parto e autoritarismo que alguns trabalhadores exercem sobre a parturiente por acreditarem serem detentores do conhecimento.
Colonização pelo Staphylococcus aureus em profissionais de enfermagem de um hospital escola de Pernambuco
Authors: Silva Eduardo Caetano Brandão Ferreira da , Samico Thammy Moura , Cardoso Rodrigo Rosa , Rabelo Marcelle Aquino , Bezerra Neto Armando Monteiro , Melo Fábio Lopes de , Lopes Ana Catarina de Souza , Aca Ivanize da Silva , Maciel Maria Amélia Vieira
Published: March 2012

O presente estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de identificar a prevalência de colonização pelo Staphylococcus aureus em profissionais de enfermagem de um hospital universitário de Pernambuco, bem como avaliar o perfil de resistência deles isoladamente. Para isso, foi realizado um estudo transversal, no qual foram coletadas amostras biológicas das mãos e da cavidade nasal. A identificação do S. aureus foi realizada por meio do semeio em agar-sangue, agar manitol-salgado e através dos testes de catalase e coagulase. O perfil de sensibilidade foi determinado pela técnica de Kirby Bauer e para determinação da resistência à meticilina foi realizado o screening em placa com oxacilina com adição de 4% de NaCl. Dos 151 profissionais avaliados, 39 se encontravam colonizados, o que demonstrou uma prevalência de 25,8%. Dentre as variáveis estudadas, a faixa etária e a quantidade de EPI apresentaram-se associadas à colonização pelo microrganismo. De todas as linhagens isoladas, apenas cinco apresentaram resistência à meticilina.
Ocorrência e prejuízos da cefaleia em estudantes universitárias de enfermagem
Authors: Braga Polyana Cristina Vilela , Souza Layz Alves Ferreira , Evangelista Renata Alessandra , Pereira Lilian Varanda
Published: March 2012

O estudo teve como objetivos verificar a ocorrência de cefaleia como a principal dor e caracterizar essa experiência e o prejuízo causado por ela nas atividades cotidianas de estudantes universitárias de enfermagem. Trata-se de um estudo transversal, realizado na Faculdade de Enfermagem da Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brasil, de maio a junho de 2008, com 203 estudantes, (idade média de 21 anos; d.p.=1,8), 48,5% da classe econômica A. A cefaleia foi a principal dor para 34,5% das universitárias; de forte intensidade; descrita como latejante (74,3%), pontada (62,9%) e enjoada (55,7%); com episódios à tarde (52,9%), com duração de algumas horas do dia (51,4%). Os fatores relacionados ao início da dor foram: os estudos (17,1%) e o estresse (11,4 %) e as atividades mais prejudicadas: a capacidade de concentração (84,3%) e o humor (84,3%) (p<0,05). A cefaleia é menos frequente nesta população comparada a estudos realizados em outros países e prejudica as atividades cotidianas das universitárias.
Desenvolvimento e avaliação de um software que verifica a acurácia diagnóstica
Authors: Jensen Rodrigo , Lopes Maria Helena Baena de Moraes , Silveira Paulo Sérgio Panse , Ortega Neli Regina Siqueira
Published: March 2012

Este artigo descreve o desenvolvimento e avaliação de um software que verifica a acurácia diagnóstica de alunos de enfermagem. O software foi baseado num modelo que utiliza conceitos da lógica fuzzy, em PERL, banco de dados MySQL para acesso pela internet e a classificação NANDA-I 2007-2008. Avaliou-se a qualidade técnica e a usabilidade do software utilizando instrumentos específicos. A atividade proposta no software possui quatro etapas nas quais o aluno estabelece valores de relação entre diagnósticos de enfermagem, características definidoras/fatores de risco e casos clínicos. Os valores de relação determinados pelo aluno são comparados aos de especialistas, gerando escores de desempenho para o aluno. Na avaliação, o software atendeu satisfatoriamente as necessidades de qualidade técnica e, segundo os alunos, trouxe benefícios ao aprendizado, podendo transformar-se em uma ferramenta educacional no ensino do diagnóstico de enfermagem.