bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms of acquired resistance to EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor in Korean patients with lung cancer
Authors: Ji Wonjun , Choi Chang-Min , Rho Jin Kyung , Jang Se Jin , Park Young Soo , Chun Sung-Min , Kim Woo Sung , Lee Jung-Shin , Kim Sang-We , Lee Dae Ho , Lee Jae Cheol
Published: December 2013

Background

Despite an initial good response to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), resistance to treatment eventually develops. Although several resistance mechanisms have been discovered, little data exist regarding Asian patient populations.

Methods

Among patients at a tertiary referral hospital in Korea who initially responded well to gefitinib and later acquired resistance to treatment, we selected those with enough tissues obtained before EGFR-TKI treatment and after the onset of resistance to examine mutations by mass spectrometric genotyping technology (Asan-Panel), MET amplification by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and analysis of AXL status, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and neuroendocrine markers by immunohistochemistry.

Results

Twenty-six patients were enrolled, all of whom were diagnosed with adenocarcinoma with EGFR mutations (19del: 16, L858R: 10) except one (squamous cell carcinoma with 19del). Secondary T790M mutation was detected in 11 subjects (42.3%) and four of these patients had other co-existing resistance mechanisms; increased AXL expression was observed in 5/26 patients (19.2%), MET gene amplification was noted in 3/26 (11.5%), and one patient acquired a mutation in the phosphatidylinositol-4, 5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha isoform (PIK3CA) gene. None of the patients exhibited EMT; however, increased CD56 expression suggesting neuroendocrine differentiation was observed in two patients. Interestingly, conversion from L858R-mutant to wild-type EGFR occurred in one patient. Seven patients (26.9%) did not exhibit any known resistance mechanisms. Patients with a T790M mutation showed a more favorable prognosis.

Conclusion

The mechanisms and frequency of acquired EGFR-TKI resistance in Koreans are comparable to those observed in Western populations; however, more data regarding the mechanisms that drive EGFR-TKI resistance are necessary.
Bifractionated CPT-11 with LV5FU2 infusion (FOLFIRI-3) in combination with bevacizumab: clinical outcomes in first-line metastatic colorectal cancers according to plasma angiopoietin-2 levels
Authors: Kim Stefano , Dobi Erion , Jary Marine , Monnien Franck , Curtit Elsa , NGuyen Thierry , Lakkis Zaher , Heyd Bruno , Fratte Serge , Cléau Denis , Lamfichekh Najib , Nerich Virginie , Guiu Boris , Demarchi Martin , Borg Christophe
Published: December 2013

Background

Optimization of chemotherapy effectiveness in metastatic colorectal cancers (mCRC) is a major endpoint to enhance the possibility of curative intent surgery. FOLFIRI3 has shown promising results as second-line chemotherapy for mCRC patients previously exposed to oxaliplatin. The clinical efficacy of FOLFIRI3 was never determined in association with bevacizumab in non-previously treated mCRC patients.

Methods

We conducted a phase II clinical trial to characterize the response rate and toxicity profile of FOLFIRI3-bevacizumab as initial treatment for mCRC. Sixty-one patients enrolled in 3 investigation centers were treated with FOLFIRI3-bevacizumab (median of 10 cycles) followed by a maintenance therapy combining bevacizumab and capecitabine. Levels of plasma angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at baseline.

Results

Overall response rate (ORR) was 66.7% (8% of complete and 58% of partial responses). The disease control rate was 91.7%. After a median time of follow-up of 46.7 months, 56 patients (92%) had progressed or died. The median progression free survival (PFS) was 12.7 months (95% confidence interval (CI) 9.7-15.8 months). The median overall survival (OS) was 24.5 months (95% CI: 10.6-38.3 months). Twenty-one patients underwent curative intent-surgery including 4 patients with disease initially classified as unresectable. Most common grade III-IV toxicities were diarrhea (15%), neutropenia (13%), asthenia (10%), and infections (4%). Hypertension-related medications needed to be increased in 3 patients. In multivariate analysis, surgery of metastases and Ang-2 levels were the only independent prognostic factors for PFS and OS. Indeed, baseline level of Ang-2 above 5 ng/mL was confirmed as an independent prognostic factor for progression free survival (HR = 0.357; 95% CI: 0.168-0.76, p = 0.005) and overall survival (HR = 0.226; 95% CI: 0.098-0.53, p = 0.0002).

Conclusions

As front-line therapy, FOLFIRI-3-bevacizumab is associated with an acceptable toxicity and induced promising objective response rates. However, unfavorable clinical outcomes were observed in patients with high levels of angiopoietin-2.
Patterns and trends of medical student research
Authors: Wickramasinghe Dakshitha Praneeth , Perera Chamila Sudarshi , Senarathna Supun , Samarasekera Dharmabandhu Nandadeva
Published: December 2013

Background

Our study describes the change in the research output, trends and content of published research involving medical students over the last century.

Methods

Pubmed® and Scopus® were searched for keywords ‘Medical Student’ in the affiliation field. The search results were combined in Endnote® and duplicate entries removed and the multiple variables described below were assessed.

Results

The combined searches after excluding duplicates yielded 416 results and 66 articles were excluded. There was an exponential increase in medical student research from 1980–2010. Medical student was the first author in 170 (48.6%) studies and 55 studies were authored by a single medical student. The 3 most common areas of research in descending order were Psychiatry (n = 26, 7.4%), General Medicine (n = 24, 6.9%) and Medical Education (n = 21, 6%). The commonest type of articles, in descending order were review articles (n = 48, 13.7%), Cross sectional studies (n = 47, 13.4%) and Case reports (n = 43, 12.3. The majority of these articles (n = 207, 59.1%) have never been cited subsequently. The trend of increasing number of articles was seen equally among all article types, fields and countries.

Conclusions

There is an exponential increase in articles by medical students but the majority of articles have not been cited. The numbers of medical student authors per publication have remained static while the total numbers of authors have increased. The proportions in the type of articles, fields of study and country of origin have largely remained static. Publishers and authors should strive to enhance the quality and quantity of data available in indexing services.
Patterns, determinants and barriers of health and social service utilization among young urban crack users in Brazil
Authors: Santos Cruz Marcelo , Andrade Tarcisio , Bastos Francisco I , Leal Erotildes , Bertoni Neilane , Lipman Lara , Burnett Chantal , Fischer Benedikt
Published: December 2013

Background

Crack use is prevalent across the Americas, and specifically among marginalized urban street drug users in Brazil. Crack users commonly feature multiple physical and mental health problems, while low rates of and distinct barriers to help service use have been observed in these populations. This study examined profiles and determinants of social and health service utilization, and unmet service needs, in a two-city sample of young (18–24 years), marginalized crack users in Brazil.

Methods

N = 160 study participants were recruited by community-based methods from impoverished neighborhoods in the cities of Rio de Janeiro (n = 81) and Salvador (n = 79). A mixed methods protocol was used. Participants’ drug use, health, and social and health service utilization characteristics were assessed by an anonymous interviewer-administered questionnaire completed in a community setting; descriptive statistics on variables of interest were computed. Service needs and barriers were further assessed by way of several focus groups with the study population; narrative data were qualitatively analyzed. The study protocol was approved by institutional ethics review boards; data were collected between November 2010 and June 2011.

Results

The majority of the sample was male, without stable housing, and used other drugs (e.g., alcohol, marijuana). About half the sample reported physical and mental health problems, yet most had not received medical attention for these problems. Only small minorities had utilized locally available social or health services; utilization appeared to be influenced by sex, race and housing characteristics in both sites. Participants cited limited service resources, lack of needs-specific professional skills, bureaucratic barriers and stigma as obstacles to better service access. However, most respondents stated strong interest and need for general social, health and treatment services designed for the study population, for which various key features were emphasized as important.

Conclusions

The study contributes substantive evidence to current discussions about the development and utilization of health and treatment interventions for crack use in Brazil. Based on our data, crack users’ social, service needs are largely unmet; these gaps appear to partly root in systemic barriers of access to existing services, while improved targeted service offers for the target population seem to be needed also.
Lavender (Lavandula stoechas L.) essential oils attenuate hyperglycemia and protect against oxidative stress in alloxan-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Sebai Hichem , Selmi Slimen , Rtibi Kais , Souli Abdelaziz , Gharbi Najoua , Sakly Mohsen
Published: December 2013

Background

The present study described the phytochemical profile of Lavandula stoechas essential oils, collected in the area of Ain-Draham (North-West of Tunisia), as well as their protective effects against alloxan-induced diabetes and oxidative stress in rat.

Methods

Essential oils samples were obtained from the aerial parts of the plant by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC–MS. Rats were divided into four groups: Healthy Control (HC); Diabetic Control (DC); Healthy + Essential Oils (H + EO) and Diabetic + Essential Oils (D + EO).

Antidiabetic and antioxidant activities were evaluated after subacute intraperitoneally injection of Lavandula stoechas essential oils (50 mg/kg b.w., i.p.) to rats during 15 days.

Results

The principal compounds detected are: D-Fenchone (29.28%), α-pinene (23.18%), Camphor (15.97%), Camphene (7.83%), Eucapur (3.29%), Limonene, (2.71%) Linalool, (2.01%) Endobornyl Acetate (1.03%). The essential oils also contained smaller percentages of Tricyclene, Cymene, Delta-Cadinene, Selina-3,7(11)-diene. Furthermore, we found that Lavandula stoechas essential oils significantly protected against the increase of blood glucose as well as the decrease of antioxidant enzyme activities induced by aloxan treatment. Subacute essential oils treatment induced a decrease of lipoperoxidation as well as an increase of antioxidant enzyme activities.

Conclusions

These findings suggested that lavandula stoechas essential oils protected against diabetes and oxidative stress induced by alloxan treatment. These effects are in partly due to its potent antioxidant properties.
Distinct DNA methylation patterns of cognitive impairment and trisomy 21 in down syndrome
Authors: Jones Meaghan J , Farré Pau , McEwen Lisa M , MacIsaac Julia L , Watt Kim , Neumann Sarah M , Emberly Eldon , Cynader Max S , Virji-Babul Naznin , Kobor Michael S
Published: December 2013

Background

The presence of an extra whole or part of chromosome 21 in people with Down syndrome (DS) is associated with multiple neurological changes, including pathological aging that often meets the criteria for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). In addition, trisomies have been shown to disrupt normal epigenetic marks across the genome, perhaps in response to changes in gene dosage. We hypothesized that trisomy 21 would result in global epigenetic changes across all participants, and that DS patients with cognitive impairment would show an additional epigenetic signature.

Methods

We therefore examined whole-genome DNA methylation in buccal epithelial cells of 10 adults with DS and 10 controls to determine whether patterns of DNA methylation were correlated with DS and/or cognitive impairment. In addition we examined DNA methylation at the APP gene itself, to see whether there were changes in DNA methylation in this population. Using the Illumina Infinium 450 K Human Methylation Array, we examined more than 485,000 CpG sites distributed across the genome in buccal epithelial cells.

Results

We found 3300 CpGs to be differentially methylated between the groups, including 495 CpGs that overlap with clusters of differentially methylated probes. In addition, we found 5 probes that were correlated with cognitive function including two probes in the TSC2 gene that has previously been associated with Alzheimer’s disease pathology. We found no enrichment on chromosome 21 in either case, and targeted analysis of the APP gene revealed weak evidence for epigenetic impacts related to the AD phenotype.

Conclusions

Overall, our results indicated that both Trisomy 21 and cognitive impairment were associated with distinct patterns of DNA methylation.
Evaluation of six different DNA extraction methods for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by means of PCR-IS6110: preliminary study
Authors: de Almeida Isabela Neves , da Silva Carvalho Wânia , Rossetti Maria Lúcia , Costa Elis Regina Dalla , de Miranda Silvana Spindola
Published: December 2013

Background

Developments in molecular detection and strain differentiation of members of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex have proved to be useful. The DNA extraction method influences the amplification efficiency, causing interference on the sensitivity and respective inhibitors. The aim of this study was to standardize a simple and fast DNA extraction method, providing DNA amplification by IS6110-PCR effectively free from undue interferences.

Findings

The efficiency of the six different protocols tested in M. tuberculosis cultures has varied from 75% to 92.5%. This preliminary study evaluating the IS6110 PCR sensitivity and specificity was developed in DNA extracted from microscope slides, and achieved 100% of efficiency.

Conclusions

DNA extraction by Chelex + NP-40 method from both, cultures of M. tuberculosis and smear slides, resulted in good quantity of interference free DNA, especially in samples with low concentrations of genetic material; therefore, such technique may be used for the molecular diagnosis of tuberculosis.
Optimizing Ventana chromogenic dual in-situ hybridization for mucinous epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Li Xinyun , Chew Sung-Hock , Chay Wen-Yee , Lim-Tan Soo-Kim , Goh Liang-Kee
Published: December 2013

Background

Dual in-situ hybridization (DISH) assay is a relatively new assay for evaluating Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) genomic amplification. Optimization protocol for the assay is not yet well established, especially for archival tissues. Although there is a recommended nominal protocol, it is not suited for formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples that were archived for long periods.

Findings

In a study on local population of mucinous epithelial ovarian cancer, we developed a series of optimization protocols based on the age of samples to improve success of the DISH assay. A decision workflow was generated to facilitate individualization of further optimization protocols. The optimizations were evaluated on 92 whole tissue sections of FFPE mucinous ovarian tumors dating from 1990 to 2011. Overall, 79 samples were successfully assayed for DISH using the series of optimization protocols. We found samples older than 1 year required further optimization beyond the nominal protocol recommended. Thirteen samples were not further assayed after first DISH assay due to inadequately preserved nuclear morphology with no ISH signals throughout the tissue section.

Conclusion

The study revealed age of samples and storage conditions were major factors in successful DISH assays. Samples that were ten years or less in age, and archived in-house were successfully optimized, whereas older samples, which were also archived off-site, have a higher frequency of unsuccessful optimizations. The study provides practical and important guidelines for the new DISH assay which can facilitate successful HER2 evaluation in ovarian cancers and possibly other cancers as well.
How to explain exercise-induced phenotype from molecular data: rethink and reconstruction based on AMPK and mTOR signaling
Authors: Qi Zhengtang , Zhai Xiaofeng , Ding Shuzhe
Published: December 2013

During endurance and resistance exercise training, AMPK and mTOR signaling were known as selective pathways implicating the differentiation of exercise-induced phenotype in skeletal muscle. Among the previous studies, however, the differences in exercise protocol, the individuality and the genetic heterogeneity within species make it difficult to reach a consistent conclusion in the roles of AMPK and mTOR signaling. In this review, we aim not to reanalyze the previous articles and present the research progress of AMPK and mTOR signaling in exercise, but to propose an abstract general hypothesis for exercise-induced phenotype. Generally, exercise- induced skeletal muscle phenotype is independent of one and a few genes, proteins and signaling pathways. Convergent adaptation will better summarize the specificity of skeletal muscle phenotype in response to a single mode of exercise. Backward adaptation will open a new concept to illustrate the process of exercise-induced adaptation, such as mitochondrial quality control and muscle mass homeostasis.
Stability and prognostic value of Slug, Sox9 and Sox10 expression in breast cancers treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Riemenschnitter Cosima , Teleki Ivett , Tischler Verena , Guo Wenjun , Varga Zsuzsanna
Published: December 2013

Background

Expression of transcription-factors as Slug and Sox9 was recently described to determine mammary stem-cell state. Sox10 was previously shown to be present also in breast cancer. Protein overexpression of Slug, Sox9 and Sox10 were associated with poor overall survival and with triple-negative phenotype in breast cancer. In this study we tested the stability of Slug, Sox9 and Sox10 expression during chemotherapy and addressed their prognostic role of in neoadjuvant treated primary breast-cancer and their correlation to pathological-response and overall survival.

Methods

We analyzed immunohistochemical expression of Slug, Sox9 and Sox10 in tissue microarrays of 96 breast cancers prior to and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Expression was evaluated in invasive tumor cells and in tumor stroma and scored as 0, 1+, 2+ 3+. Expression-profile prior to and after chemotherapy was correlated to overall survival (Kaplan Meier) and with established clinico-pathological parameter.

Results

Sox9, Sox10 and Slug were expressed in 82–96% of the tumor cells prior to chemotherapy. Slug was expressed in 97% of the cases in tumor stroma before therapy. Change in expression-profile after chemotherapy occurred only in Slug expression in tumor-cells (decreased from 82 to 51%, p = 0.0001, Fisher’s exact test). The other markers showed no significant change after chemotherapy. Stromal Sox9 expression (0 to 2+) correlated to better overall survival after chemotherapy (p = 0.004) and reached almost statistical significance prior to chemotherapy (p = 0.065). There was no correlation between Sox9 and hormone-receptor expression. In multivariate-analysis, the stromal Sox9 expression after chemotherapy proved to be an independent and better prognostic marker than hormone-receptor status. Other clinico-pathological parameter (as HER2-status or pathological-stage) showed no correlation to the analyzed markers.

Conclusion

Strong stromal Sox9 expression in breast cancer after chemotherapy was found to bear negative prognostic information and was associated with shortened overall survival. Slug expression was significantly changed (reduced) in samples after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Histone deacetylase isoforms regulate innate immune responses by deacetylating mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1
Authors: Jeong Youngtae , Du Ronghui , Zhu Xiaolei , Yin Shasha , Wang Jian , Cui Hengmi , Cao Wangsen , Lowenstein Charles J
Published: December 2013

The MAPK pathway mediates TLR signaling during innate immune responses. We discovered previously that MKP-1 is acetylated, enhancing its interaction with its MAPK substrates and deactivating TLR signaling. As HDACs modulate inflammation by deacetylating histone and nonhistone proteins, we hypothesized that HDACs may regulate LPS-induced inflammation by deacetylating MKP-1. We found that mouse macrophages expressed a subset of HDAC isoforms (HDAC1, HDAC2, and HDAC3), which all interacted with MKP-1. Genetic silencing or pharmacologic inhibition of HDAC1, −2, and −3 increased MKP-1 acetylation in cells. Furthermore, knockdown or pharmacologic inhibition of HDAC1, −2, and −3 decreased LPS-induced phosphorylation of the MAPK member p38. Also, pharmacologic inhibition of HDAC did not decrease MAPK signaling in MKP-1 null cells. Finally, inhibition of HDAC1, −2, and −3 decreased LPS-induced expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, iNOS (NOS2), and nitrite synthesis. Taken together, our results show that HDAC1, −2, and −3 deacetylate MKP-1 and that this post-translational modification increases MAPK signaling and innate immune signaling. Thus, HDAC1, −2, and −3 isoforms are potential therapeutic targets in inflammatory diseases.
Language Self-Identification of Informal Communication Sphere
Authors: Ларионова  , Larionova Alla
Published: December 2013

The paper is devoted to informal communication as a specific part of modern communicative space. This part significantly extends subjective-author’s sphere and local and quantitative representation in different areas of human activities. Informal communication is observed as a system that

possesses language self-identification determined by linguo-creative thinking respective to language and reality.
Indirect Speech Acts in the Russians’ Everyday Communication
Authors: Нестерова  , Nesterova T.
Published: December 2013

The phenomena of indirect communication (namely contextual-situational

indirect speech acts) which are typical for the situations of the Russians’

everyday communication: situations of addressing, attention attracting;

acquaintance; greeting; farewell; congratulation; wish; gratitude; apology;

request; consent, permission; disagreement, objection, refusal; invitation;

offer; council; consolation, sympathy, condolence; compliment, approval,

praise have been described in this paper. Direct and conventional indirect

speech acts, realizing the aforementioned intensions, have been specified

from the speech etiquette point of view. The system research of indirect,

contextual-situational oblique speech acts in the given situations of communication has not been practically carried out.

Considering the cooperativity zone (zone of communicators’ benevolent relations), the author has picked out and described the main types of contextual-situational indirect speech acts (including hints and manipulation; syncretic and transposed forms), demonstrated their combinatory peculiarities

in the structure of indirect speech genres. Creation of typology related to

contextual- situational indirect speech acts (as well as other phenomena of

indirect communication) in cooperative situations of the Russians’ everyday

communication makes a certain contribution to the development of indirect

communication theory and has also a culturological value.

The use of given research results can be valuable both for further study of

everyday converse, cross-cultural communication, speech genres, speech

etiquette and in practical activities of teachers who are taking up the problems of communication and language teaching (including Russian as a foreign language). The ability related to indirect realization of communicative

meanings, their operation and correct decoding promotes effective com-

munication and is necessary for comprehension and interpretation of texts

from fiction and publicistic literature, as well as for translation activities.
Modeling of Project Management Systems Dynamics
Authors: ������  , Zuykov Kirill
Published: December 2013

Publications on modeling of project management systems dynamics are reviewed. Studies analyzed mainly consider dynamics of project management systems in the organizational environment of projects implementation. History of project management dynamics modeling is presented as well as classification of existing dynamic models. The review includes papers on the following groups of modeling methods: for optimal and sustainable project scheduling, for discrete event simulation and for macro-modeling based on system dynamics. Also analyzed are current trends of modeling methods development in reference to research of dynamics of project management systems.
Model Of Creating Project Portfolio For A Construction Company In The Environment of Uncertainty
Authors: �������  , Gergert Dmitriy , �����  , Ezhova Daria
Published: December 2013

Issues related to creation of projects portfolio under conditions of uncertainty are explored. The authors present the model designed to create project portfolios based on complex approach to projects selection and evaluation.
DEFINITION OF LEVEL OF ABSTRACTNESS, COMPLEXITY AND INFORMATIONAL CONTENT OF VARIOUS SUBJECTS SCHOOL TEXTBOOK OF PHYSICS
Authors: �����  , Mayer Robert
Published: December 2013

The technique and results of the content analysis of school textbooks

of physics for 10 and the 11th class, carried out for the purpose of an assessment

of speed of receipt of educational information, and also complexity

and abstractness of various subjects is described. The used method consists in

calculation of number of elements of the training material containing empirical

and theoretical knowledge, formulas and drawings. The following tasks are

solved: 1) the technique of an assessment of number of empirical and theoretical

information in the educational text is developed; 2) in various subjects of

textbooks frequencies of the appeal to theoretical and empirical knowledge,

and also frequencies of use of formulas are determined; 3) speeds of receipt

of empirical and theoretical information are estimated when studying various

subjects of a course of physics; 4) information complexity of a statement of

a training material in various subjects of textbooks is defined; 5) the content

analysis of textbooks taking into account levels of abstractness of empirical

and theoretical knowledge is carried out. Results of the content analysis are

presented on 9 histograms.
CONTRADICTIONS OF SUBJECTS GREENING IN GENERAL EDUCATION
Authors: �����������  , Dzyatkovskaya Elena
Published: December 2013

Didactic problems which face researchers of education for sustainable

development (ESD) are described. Identification of these problems and

the analysis of trends of their decision is one of deposits of Russian academy of

science in results of Decade of the ESD. In article the characteristic of subjects

greening phenomenon as main form of realization of ESD at comprehensive

school is given. Evolution of approaches to greening of school subjects in Russia

is considered for the last twenty years, in connection with essential changes

in the contents and structure of ecological education. We differentiated rather

independent directions of ecological education at comprehensive school

which were created at different times, but today coexist and supplement

each other: nature protection, classical (scientific), conceptual (in interests of

ESD) ecological education. We prove that formation of ecological education

for SD aggravates a number of former problems of greening and generates

the new. According to the experts of UNESCO, these problems excite also our

foreign colleagues. The conclusion is drawn: external power impacts on subjects

if they contradict internal tendencies of their development, can lead to

ESD imitation, its substitution by education about (not for) SD or to irreparable

changes of systemacity, structure, logic of the subject contents. Trends of development

of the ESD technology are allocated.
Registro de Pachymerus nucleorum (Fabricius) (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Bruchinae) predando sementes de Licuri em Caetés, Pernambuco, Brasil
Authors: Andrade Marcelo Bezerra , Esteves Filho Alberto Belo , Siqueira Izabelle Taynã Dourado de , Giorgi José Adriano
Published: December 2013

O objetivo deste trabalho foi registrar a predação de sementes de Syagrus coronata (Martius) (Arecaceae) por larvas de Pachymerus nucleorum (Fabricius), no município de Caetés, Pernambuco nordeste do Brasil. Os frutos foram coletadas de 10 plantas adultas de Syagrus coronata (Arecaceae) no entorno da usina experimental de biodiesel de Caetés-PE, após a definição de um raio de 1,5m ao redor da copa, esta foi dividida em quatro quadrantes, e através de sorteio, foi colocado um coletor no quadrante vencedor a 1m da estipe. Na análise os frutos com orifício de saída e/ou pela presença da larva no processo de liberação da amêndoa, o nível de infestação alcançou 80% dos frutos analisados.Em outra situação amêndoas aparentemente sadias, ou seja, sem danos superficiais foram observadas diariamente por 60 dias as quais, ocorreram 18% de emergência de larvas até os 41dias, atingindo o pico da predação entre o décimo e o décimo oitavo dia, com 48% de toda predação.

Record of Pachymerus nucleorum (Fabricius) (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Bruchinae) preying seeds of Licuri in Caetés, Pernambuco, Brazil.

Abstract. The aim of the present study was to observe seed predation by larvae of Pachymerus nucleorum (Fabricius) on seeds of Syagrus coronata (Martius) (Arecaceae) in Caetés, Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil. Fruits of 10 adult plants of S. coronata were collected in the surroundings of the experimental biodiesel plant of Caetés. The projection of the crown within 1,5m from the stipe was devided into four quadrants, one of which was randomly selected for sampling. In the first analysis of the larvae presence or their holes of emergence, the infestation level reached 80% of the analyzed fruits. In an another situation, apparently uninfested fruits (without superficial damage) were daily observed for 60 days, occurring 18% of larvae emergence within 41 days, with the peak of predation between the tenth and the eighteenth day, period in which 48% of total predation was observed.
Ocorrência da Cochonilha Negra Saissetia oleae (Olivier) (Hemiptera: Coccidae) em Oliveiras Olea europaea L. (Oleaceae) cv. Ascolano em Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brasil
Authors: Soares Marcus Alvarenga , Da Cruz Maria do Céu Monteiro , Martins Larissa Madureira , De Carvalho Raoni Pereira , Pires Evaldo Martins , Mendes de Sá Veríssimo Gibran
Published: December 2013

Plantas de oliveira Olea europaea L. (Oleaceae) foram introduzidas no município de Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brasil devido ao potencial local para produzir azeitonas e azeite, fruto e processado com mercado mundial em expansão. O objetivo deste trabalho foi registrar, pela primeira vez, a presença da cochonilha negra, Saissetia oleae (Olivier) (Hemiptera: Coccidae), em oliveiras (cv. Ascolano) em Diamantina. O presente registro mostra que S. oleae precisa ser monitorada, quando da implantação de viveiros de mudas e áreas de cultivo nesta região, por ter potencial para causar danos severos nas plantas e perdas na produção.

Occurrence of Black Scale Saissetia oleae (Hemiptera: Coccidae) in Olive Olea europaea (Oleaceae) cv. Ascolano in Diamantina, Minas Gerais State, Brazil.

Abstract. Olive plants Olea europaea L. (Oleaceae) were introduced in the Diamantina region, Minas Gerais State, Brazil mainly because it is a potential place to produce olives and olive oil, with growing global market. The aim of this study was to record the presence of black scale Saissetia oleae (Olivier) (Hemiptera: Coccidae) on olive (cv. Ascolano) in Diamantina. This record shows that S. oleae needs to be monitored when deploying nurseries and crop areas for its potential to cause severe damage in plants and production losses.
First Records of Mantodea (Insecta, Dictyoptera) from the Serra das Confusões National Park, Piauí State, Brazil
Authors: Menezes Eliomar Cruz , Silva Neto Alberto Moreira , Bravo Quijano Freddy Ruben
Published: December 2013

We present the first inventory of species of the order Mantodea in the Serra das Confusões National Park, in the semiarid state of Piauí, Brazil. The specimens were collected on 11 consecutive days using light traps and active collecting. Two hundred specimens were collected, distributed among five families, 15 genera, and 17 species (of which nine were identified). These results are all first records for the Serra das Confusões National Park, 14 new records for Caatinga vegetation areas, and one new record for Brazil.

Primeiros Registros de Mantodea (Insecta, Dictyoptera) para o Parque Nacional da Serra das Confusões, Piauí, Brasil

Resumo. Neste trabalho são apresentados os resultados do primeiro inventário para espécies da ordem Mantodea no Parque Nacional da Serra das Confusões, uma unidade de conservação inserida no semiárido brasileiro no estado do Piauí. Os espécimes foram coletados durante 11 dias consecutivos utilizando-se armadilha luminosa e coleta ativa. Foram capturados 200 espécimes distribuídos em cinco famílias, 15 gêneros e 17 espécies, das quais nove foram identificadas. Além dos registros inéditos de Mantodea para o Parque Nacional da Serra das Confusões, estes são também inéditos para o estado do Piauí, assim como 14 novos registros para a Caatinga e um novo registro para o Brasil.
What is the Ideal Weather for Social Wasp Polistes versicolor (Olivier) go to Forage?
Authors: Elisei Thiago , Nunes Juliana , Ribeiro Junior Cleber , Fernandes Junior Aluisio , Prezoto Fabio
Published: December 2013

The objective of this work was to describe the pattern forage of Polistes versicolor (Olivier) waps, verifying the influence of environmental variables on foraging activity. From January to December of 2007, 24 observations of P. versicolor foraging activity in a eucalypt plantation were accomplished.  During 10 hours, the intensity of light, wind speed, air humidity and temperature were registered close to the colony. The P. versicolor foraging activity began at 7:30 a.m. and extended to 6:00 p.m. The average departure of workers per hour was 9.62 ±16.67 (0-84), and arrivals per hour were 9.76 ±18.14 (0-87). The most intense activities of the colonies occurred in the period between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. The Spearman´s correlation test revealed that the workers’ departures of P. versicolor were stimulated by the increase of light intensity (p< 0.0001) and air temperature p< 0.0001) and the decrease of the humidity (p< 0.0004). The wind speed, however, did not present representative index correlation with the daily activity of the species (p= 0.54). The multivariate linear regression analysis showed that air temperature is the most influential on the P. versicolor foraging activity (p< 0.0001).This study demonstrated that the best weather for P. versicolor departure to forage is a sunshine day, hot temperature and low humidity. In tropical areas these days are common in the summer.

Qual o Clima Ideal para Vespa Social Polistes versicolor (Olivier) Sair para Forragear?

Resumo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever o padrão de forrageio de Polistes versicolor (Olivier), analisando a influência das variáveis ambientais no forrageio diário. Entre janeiro a dezembro de 2007, foram realizadas 24 observações de colônias de P. versicolor no município de Juiz de Fora, MG, totalizando 240 horas. Durante 10 horas foram registradas, a cada 30 minutos, a intensidade de luz, velocidade do vento, umidade do ar e a temperatura nas proximidades da colônia. A atividade forrageadora de P. versicolor começou às 7h e se estendeu até às 18h.  A média de saída para o forrageio por hora foi de 9,62 ± 16,67 (0-84), e a chegada/hora foi de 9,76± 18,14 (0-87).  A atividade foi mais intensa no período compreendido entre 10 e 15h. O teste de correlação de Spearman revelou que as trabalhadoras de P. versicolor foram estimuladas a sair pelo aumento da intensidade da luz (p <0,0001), da temperatura do ar (p < 0,0001) e a diminuição da umidade (p <0,0004).  Já a velocidade do vento não apresentou índice significativo com a atividade diária da espécie (p = 0,54). A análise de regressão linear múltipla mostrou que a temperatura do ar é a mais influente sobre a atividade forrageadora de P. versicolor (p < 0,0001). O presente estudo revelou que o melhor clima para as operárias de P. versicolor saírem para forragear é com forte intensidade de luz do sol, temperatura elevada e baixa umidade.
Clinical and Seasonal Variations of Nutritional Risk Screening in Patients Scheduled for Rehabilitation after Heart Surgery
Authors: Boban Marko , Persic Viktor , Jovanovic Zeljko , Drinkovic Niksa , Milosevic Milan , Laviano Alessandro
Published: December 2013

Background: Current knowledge on the pervasiveness of increased nutritional risk in cardiovascular diseases is limited. Our aim was to analyze the characteristics of nutritional risk screening in patients scheduled for rehabilitation after heart surgery. Prevalence and extent of nutritional risk were studied in connection with patients' characteristics and seasonal climate effects on weight loss dynamics.

Methods: The cohort included 65 consecutive patients with an age range of 25-84 years, 2-6 months after surgical treatment for ischemic or valvular heart disease. Nutritional risk screening was appraised using a standardized NRS-2002 questionnaire. Groups were analyzed according to a timeline of rehabilitation according to the "cold" and "warm" seasons of the moderate Mediterranean climate in Opatija, Croatia.

Results: Increased nutritional risk scores (NRS-2002) of >3 were found in 96% of studied patients. Mean NRS-2002 of patients was 5.0 � 1.0, with a percentage weight loss history of 11.7% � 2.2% (4.6-19.0). Risk was found to be more pronounced during the warmer season, with NRS-2002 scores of 5.3 � 0.7 versus 4.8 � 1.1 (P = 0.136) and greater loss of weight of 13.0% � 3.2% versus 10.6% � 3% (P = 0.005), respectively. Increased nutritional risk correlated significantly with creatinine concentrations (rho = 0.359; P = 0.034 versus 0.584; P = 0.001, respectively). Significant discordance in correlations was found between NRS-2002 and the decrease in left ventricle systolic function (rho correlation coefficient [rho-cc] = -0.428; P = 0.009), the increase in glucose concentrations (cc = 0.600; P < 0.001), and the decrease in erythrocyte counts (cc = -0.520; P = 0.001) during the colder season.

Conclusion: Increased nutritional risk was found to be frequently expressed in the course of rehabilitation after heart surgery. Although seasonal climate effects influenced the weight loss dynamics, the impact on reproducibility of NRS-2002 was clinically less important. Further studies on the connection of nutritional risk with composited end points might offer improvements in overall quality of treatment.
Large-Scale Mapping of Transposable Element Insertion Sites Using Digital Encoding of Sample Identity
Authors: Gohl Daryl M , Freifeld Limor , Silies Marion , Hwa Jennifer J , Horowitz Mark , Clandinin Thomas R
Published: December 2013

Determining the genomic locations of transposable elements is a common experimental goal. When mapping large collections of transposon insertions, individualized amplification and sequencing is both time consuming and costly. We describe an approach in which large numbers of insertion lines can be simultaneously mapped in a single DNA sequencing reaction by using digital error-correcting codes to encode line identity in a unique set of barcoded pools.
Genetic Control of Specificity to Steroid-Triggered Responses in Drosophila
Authors: Ihry Robert J , Bashirullah Arash
Published: December 2013

Steroid hormones trigger a wide variety of biological responses through stage- and tissue-specific activation of target gene expression. The mechanisms that provide specificity to systemically released pulses of steroids, however, remain poorly understood. We previously completed a forward genetic screen for mutations that disrupt the destruction of larval salivary glands during metamorphosis in Drosophila melanogaster, a process triggered by the steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone (ecdysone). Here, we characterize 10 complementation groups mapped to genes from this screen. Most of these mutations disrupt the ecdysone-induced expression of death activators, thereby failing to initiate tissue destruction. However, other responses to ecdysone, even within salivary glands, occur normally in mutant animals. Many of these newly identified regulators of ecdysone signaling, including brwd3, med12, med24, pak, and psg2, represent novel components of the ecdysone-triggered transcriptional hierarchy. These genes function combinatorially to provide specificity to ecdysone pulses, amplifying the hormonal cue in a stage-, tissue-, and target gene-specific manner. Most of the ecdysone response genes identified in this screen encode homologs of mammalian nuclear receptor coregulators, demonstrating an unexpected degree of functional conservation in the mechanisms that regulate steroid signaling between insects and mammals.
An Evaluation of High-Throughput Approaches to QTL Mapping in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Wilkening Stefan , Lin Gen , Fritsch Emilie S , Tekkedil Manu M , Anders Simon , Kuehn Raquel , Nguyen Michelle , Aiyar Raeka S , Proctor Michael , Sakhanenko Nikita A , Galas David J , Gagneur Julien , Deutschbauer Adam , Steinmetz Lars M
Published: December 2013

Dissecting the molecular basis of quantitative traits is a significant challenge and is essential for understanding complex diseases. Even in model organisms, precisely determining causative genes and their interactions has remained elusive, due in part to difficulty in narrowing intervals to single genes and in detecting epistasis or linked quantitative trait loci. These difficulties are exacerbated by limitations in experimental design, such as low numbers of analyzed individuals or of polymorphisms between parental genomes. We address these challenges by applying three independent high-throughput approaches for QTL mapping to map the genetic variants underlying 11 phenotypes in two genetically distant Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains, namely (1) individual analysis of >700 meiotic segregants, (2) bulk segregant analysis, and (3) reciprocal hemizygosity scanning, a new genome-wide method that we developed. We reveal differences in the performance of each approach and, by combining them, identify eight polymorphic genes that affect eight different phenotypes: colony shape, flocculation, growth on two nonfermentable carbon sources, and resistance to two drugs, salt, and high temperature. Our results demonstrate the power of individual segregant analysis to dissect QTL and address the underestimated contribution of interactions between variants. We also reveal confounding factors like mutations and aneuploidy in pooled approaches, providing valuable lessons for future designs of complex trait mapping studies.
Epigenetic Variation, Inheritance, and Parent-of-Origin Effects of Cytosine Methylation in Maize (Zea mays)
Authors: Lauria Massimiliano , Piccinini Sara , Pirona Raul , Lund Gertrud , Viotti Angelo , Motto Mario
Published: December 2013

Pure epigenetic variation, or epigenetic variation that is independent of genetic context, may provide a mechanism for phenotypic variation in the absence of DNA mutations. To estimate the extent of pure epigenetic variation within and across generations and to identify the DNA regions targeted, a group of eight plants derived from a highly inbred line of maize (Zea mays) was analyzed by the methylation-sensitive amplified polymorphism (MSAP) technique. We found that cytosine methylation (mC) differences among individuals accounted for up to 7.4% of CCGG sites investigated by MSAP. Of the differentially methylated fragments (DMFs) identified in the S0 generation, ∼12% were meiotically inherited for at least six generations. We show that meiotically heritable mC variation was consistently generated for an average of 0.5% CCGG sites per generation and that it largely occurred somatically. We provide evidence that mC variation can be established and inherited in a parent-of-origin manner, given that the paternal lineage is more prone to both forward and reverse mC changes. The molecular characterization of selected DMFs revealed that the variation was largely determined by CG methylation changes that map within gene regions. The expression analysis of genes overlapping with DMFs did not reveal an obvious correlation between mC variation and transcription, reinforcing the idea that the primary function of gene-body methylation is not to control gene expression. Because this study focuses on epigenetic variation in field-grown plants, the data presented herein pertain to spontaneous epigenetic changes of the maize genome in a natural context.
Serogrouping and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis of Listeria monocytogenes isolates from cases of human infection In Hungary 2004–2012
Authors: Pászti Judit , Király Józsefné , Füzi Miklós
Published: December 2013

Eighty isolates of Listeria monocytogenes cultured from human infections in Hungary between 2004 and 2012 were serotyped by the PCR technique of Doumith et al. [9] and characterised by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Most of the isolates belonged to two serogroups: 53 isolates (66.3%) to serovar group 4b,4d,4e and 21 isolates (25.8%) to serogroup 1/2a,3a. Although many pulsotypes were identified a particular pulsotype proved highly excelling comprising of 31 isolates after digestion by both ApaI and AscI restriction enzymes. All strains from this pulsotype belonged to serovar group 4b,4d,4e. Interestingly 24% of isolates from invasive samples (cerebrospinal fluid, blood) belonged to two distinct pulsotypes in the less common serovar group 1/2a,3a. Several small clusters of cases caused by isolates with identical pulsotypes were identified.
Ophthalmologic manifestations of Bardet–Biedl syndrome
Authors: Sohár Nicolette , Jánossy Ágnes , Janáky Márta , Facskó Andrea
Published: December 2013

Introduction: Bardet–Biedl syndrome is characterised by retinal dystrophy, polydactily, obesity and slow mental development. Aim: The aim of the authors was to present ophthalmologic signs and symptoms of the syndrome. Method: Between 1980 and 2010, 4 children with Bardet–Biedl syndrome were evaluated at the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary. Their age at the first visit was between 1 and 10 years. Basic ophthalmological and electrophysiological evaluation, as well as orthoptic examinations were performed. Results: In two cases the electroretinographic curves were subnormal, and in two cases the electroretinographic curves showed no elevation. In the 4 children abnormal electroretinographic curves appeared at the ages of 1, 5, 10, and 18 years. Pigmentary changes on the periphery of the retina were detected in two cases. Conclusions: The different signs and symptoms of Bardet–Biedl syndrome may manifest at different ages. Electrophysiological changes failed to correlate with retinal alterations is these patients. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154(52), 2071–2077.