bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A tarefa do cuidar e as expectativas sociais diante de um envelhecimento demográfico: a importância de ressignificar o papel da família
Authors: Mafra Simone Caldas Tavares
Published: September 2012

No Brasil, como nos demais países, o processo de envelhecimento da população é crescente, trazendo consequências na (re)organização familiar e do indivíduo, interferindo no estilo de vida - comprometendo a qualidade de vida familiar e individual - quanto no bem-estar social dos envolvidos. Estudos como o SABE sinalizam a realidade vivenciada por famílias do município de São Paulo quanto à necessidade de se organizarem para suprir as demandas assistenciais de seus idosos, considerando aqueles que apresentam comprometimento funcional. Esta pode ser a realidade do Brasil, que pode ter maior número de famílias em situações de maior constrangimento se comparadas à realidade estudada. Para tanto, buscou-se discutir o envelhecimento populacional e as relações de cuidado no âmbito da família, considerando os conflitos vivenciados pelas famílias nesse processo. Os estudos evidenciaram a necessidade de garantir o processo de empoderamento das famílias que vivenciam tal realidade para que estas possam administrar melhor os processos decisórios, na atividade de cuidar e ser cuidado, de maneira a garantir melhor qualidade de vida para os envolvidos.
Treinamento com pesos, modelo de programa sistematizado para a terceira idade
Authors: Jambassi Filho José Claudio , Gurjão André Luiz Demantova , Costa Júnior Marcelo , Gallo Luiza Herminia , Gonçalves Raquel , Costa José Luiz Riani , Gobbi Lilian Teresa Bucken , Gobbi Sebastião
Published: September 2012

Evidências têm demonstrado que a manutenção de um estilo de vida fisicamente ativo pode atenuar as perdas associadas ao processo de envelhecimento. Dentre as práticas recomendadas para a população idosa, o treinamento com pesos (TP) tem recebido destaque, revelando benefícios na realização das atividades da vida diária e na qualidade de vida, entre outros. Assim, programas para pessoas idosas devem descrever suas experiências na tentativa de impulsionar e aperfeiçoar as atividades relacionadas com TP. Desta forma, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo descrever o funcionamento do TP, que é umas das modalidades do Programa de Atividade Física para a Terceira Idade (PROFIT). Atualmente, a modalidade TP conta com 45 participantes, sendo que 80% são mulheres e 20% homens. A maior parte dos participantes (84%) possui idade igual ou superior a 60 anos, ao passo que 16% possuem idade entre 54 e 59 anos. As aulas são ministradas três vezes por semana, em dias não consecutivos, com duração de 45 minutos. Os participantes realizam oito exercícios alternados por segmentos corporais, sendo realizadas três séries em cada exercício. Neste sentido, a modalidade TP busca proporcionar melhorias na qualidade de vida da população idosa, bem como auxiliar na formação de graduandos e pós-graduandos e, consequentemente, aprofundar o entendimento da atividade física em idosos.
Concentrado protéico de soro como substituto de gordura em pão de queijo
Authors: Zambrano Francy , Silva Marina Costa da , Ormenese Rita de Cássia Celeste , Yotsuyanagi Katumy
Published: September 2012

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da adição de concentrado proteico de soro (CPS) como substituto de gordura, além de determinar os melhores níveis de adição em pão de queijo elaborado por meio de dois processos de fabricação e comparar o efeito da substituição durante a estocagem. O efeito da substituição foi avaliado sensorialmente por meio de aparência, aparência da casca, textura e sabor e pela avaliação geral por uma equipe de cinco especialistas em tecnologia de pão de queijo, selecionados quanto à acuidade sensorial. Também foram determinados a textura em texturômetro TA-XT2i e o volume específico pelo método de deslocamento de sementes. A análise estatística dos resultados foi realizada por meio da análise de variância (ANOVA) e do teste de Tukey no nível de 5% de significância, utilizando-se o programa estatístico SAS (Statistical Analysis System, versão 8.0 - The SAS Institute, Cary, N.C.). As características sensoriais do pão de queijo escaldado (PQE) e do pão de queijo sem escaldamento (PQSE) estocados por até três meses não apresentaram diferença significativa (p > 0,05) em relação a cada padrão, quando a gordura foi substituída em níveis de 50 e 100%, respectivamente. O pão de queijo sem escaldamento (PQSE) com 50% de substituição de gordura, estocado durante quatro meses, apresentou diferença significativa (p < 0,05) apenas na textura e na aparência da casca. Das características avaliadas no pão de queijo escaldado (PQE) e no pão de queijo sem escaldamento (PQSE) com substituição de gordura, a que apresentou maiores diferenças significativas (p < 0,05) foi a textura instrumental. Os melhores níveis de substituição foram 50% e 100% de gordura no pão de queijo escaldado (PQE) e no pão de queijo sem escaldamento (PQSE), respectivamente.
Cladocerans from gut contents of fishes associated to macrophytes from Taquari River Basin, MS, Brazil
Authors: Güntzel Adriana Maria , Melo Ilze Katsue Morita , Roche Kennedy Francis , Silva Valéria Flávia Batista da , Pompiani Priscila Gusmão
Published: September 2012

AIM: The aim of this study was to identify the cladocerans species from the gut contents of fishes sampled in an oxbow lake from Taquari River Basin, MS, with the specific view of investigating the importance of these crustaceans in the fishes diets; METHODS: Sampling was carried out in April and August of 2005 (dry season) and January of 2006 (wet season). The fish were captured with a sieve. In the laboratory, individuals were identified and stomachs were removed and weighed. The stomach contents were identified, and a Feeding Index calculated; RESULTS: The items most consumed by fishes were filamentous algae, Cladocera and detritus. The Cladocera were especially important in the August and January samples, and consisted primarily of Chydoridae; cladocerans were most consumed by species of Serrapinnus and by Mesonauta festivus. Fish fed more in April, with decreases occurring in stomach fullness on the other two sampling dates. CONCLUSIONS: Cladocerans associated with macrophytes may be an important food source for small fish individuals in marginal lakes from Taquari River Basin. The relative importance of the Chydoridae in the guts may have been due to the high relative abundance and species richness of this group in the environment. A short discussion on fish feeding habits was included in the text.
Aquatic systems in semi-arid Brazil: limnology and management
Authors: Barbosa José Etham de Lucena , Medeiros Elvio Sérgio Figueredo , Brasil Jandeson , Cordeiro Raquel da Silva , Crispim Maria Cristina Basilio , Silva Gustavo Henrique Gonzaga da
Published: September 2012

Aquatic systems in semi-arid Brazil include natural shallow lakes, artificial reservoirs and intermittent streams and rivers. These systems are distinctive features in the semi-arid landscape and comprise a range of associated systems functioning as an ever-changing mosaic of dry/wet patches. Lakes and reservoirs in semi-arid Brazil are subject to important periods of water shortages, whereas rivers and streams are characterized as highly variable and driven by the extremes of water flow and its absence. Within this view a catchment-scale approach must be used to create a holistic model to conceptualize and comprehend these aquatic systems, since the aquatic environment types in the semi-arid region of Brazil incorporate broader aspects within the catchment scale such as geomorphology, vegetation, climate and land use. This paper summarizes some of the information on the aquatic systems of the Brazilian semi-arid region and shows the importance of limnological studies in this region. It also attempts to establish perspectives for future research considering the catchment as a scale for surveying biological processes and limnological characteristics of the various aquatic systems. It is presented information on their overall structure and functioning, as well as characteristics of some biological communities, such as phytoplankton, periphyton, aquatic macrophytes, benthic invertebrates and fish. The importance of the understanding of eutrophication in reservoirs and the role of the dry phase in streams is emphasized, and information on possible actions of planning and management to improve water quality of reservoirs are presented.
Restoration of masonry arch bridges
Authors: Wilmers Wilhelm
Published: September 2012

Experience with the study of more than 30 masonry arch bridges and their repair is presented. The oldest of these bridges date back to the thirteenth century, while the most recent were constructed in the 1930s; they form an important part of the cultural and historical fabric of the region. Many of these bridges required restoration to make them fit for current and future traffic, using methods, modern materials and techniques that are compatible with stone masonry. This paper describes the procedures for inspecting and assessing arch bridges including foundations, stone and mortar, pavements and waterway hydraulics. Means of repairing masonry, such as the use of specialised mortar and impregnating masonry with stabilising chemicals, are discussed. The strengthening of stone arch bridges by adding internal arches of lightweight concrete is described. Methods of reconstructing roadway pavements and sealing the entire bridge against excessive moisture intrusion are also covered. Examples are given of recently completed projects intended to extend the service life of masonry arch bridges by many decades.
Predicting ground movements in London Clay
Authors: Jurečič Nina , Zdravković Lidija , Jovičić Vojkan
Published: September 2012

The necessity of accounting for small-strain behaviour of soils in numerical analyses of the serviceability limit states of geotechnical structures is well established both nationally and internationally. This has led to further development of appropriate soil constitutive models, as well as to further advances in accurate laboratory measurements of small-strain stiffness. The current paper considers recent laboratory research into the behaviour of London Clay, performed at Imperial College in conjunction with the major ground works for Heathrow Terminal 5 in London, UK. This research has shown the small-strain response of London Clay to be different to that assumed previously and in particular to that determined from good-quality commercial experiments. Both sets of small-strain stiffness data are applied in this paper in finite-element analyses of a deep excavation and a tunnel construction in London Clay, with the objective of investigating their effect on predicted ground movements.
RESISTANCE TO CHANGE AND RELAPSE OF OBSERVING
Authors: Thrailkill Eric A. , Shahan Timothy A.
Published: August 2012

Four experiments examined relapse of extinguished observing behavior of pigeons using a two‐component multiple schedule of observing‐response procedures. In both components, unsignaled periods of variable‐interval (VI) food reinforcement alternated with extinction and observing responses produced stimuli associated with the availability of the VI schedule (i.e., S+). The components differed in the rate of food arranged (Rich =VI 30 s; Lean = VI 120 s). In Experiment 1, following baseline training, extinction of observing involved removal of both food and S+ deliveries, and reinstatement was examined by presenting either response‐independent food or S+ deliveries. In Experiment 2, extinction involved removal of only food deliveries while observing responses continued to produce S+. Reinstatement was examined by delivering food contingent upon the first two food‐key responses occurring in the presence of the S+. Experiment 3 assessed ABA renewal of observing by extinguishing food‐key and observing responses in the presence of one contextual stimulus (i.e., B) and then returning to the original training context (i.e., A) during continued extinction. Experiment 4 examined resurgence by introducing food reinforcement for an alternative response during extinction, and subsequently removing that alternative source of food. Across experiments, relative resistance to extinction and relapse of observing tended to be greater in the component previously associated with the higher rate of primary reinforcement. Relapse of observing or attending to stimuli associated with primary reinforcement appears to be impacted by frequency of primary reinforcement in a manner similar to responding maintained directly by primary reinforcement.
Quantitative Structure Activity Relationships (QSAR) for Binary Mixtures at Non-Equitoxic Ratios Based on Toxic Ratios-Effects Curves
Authors: Tian Dayong , Lin Zhifen , Yin Daqiang
Published: August 2012

The present study proposed a QSAR model to predict joint effects at non-equitoxic ratios for binary mixtures containing reactive toxicants, cyanogenic compounds and aldehydes. Toxicity of single and binary mixtures was measured by quantifying the decrease in light emission from the Photobacterium phosphoreum for 15 min. The joint effects of binary mixtures ( TUsum) can thus be obtained. The results showed that the relationships between toxic ratios of the individual chemicals and their joint effects can be described by normal distribution function. Based on normal distribution equations, the joint effects of binary mixtures at non-equitoxic ratios ( TUn:msum) can be predicted quantitatively using the joint effects at equitoxic ratios ( TU1:1sum). Combined with a QSAR model of TU1:1sum in our previous work, a novel QSAR model can be proposed to predict the joint effects of mixtures at non-equitoxic ratios ( TUn:msum). The proposed model has been validated using additional mixtures other than the one used for the development of the model. Predicted and observed results were similar ( p>0.05). This study provides an approach to the prediction of joint effects for binary mixtures at non-equitoxic ratios.
Changes in Maternal Weight 5–10 Years after a First Delivery
Authors: Britz Sarah E , McDermott Kelly C , Pierce Christopher B , Blomquist Joan L , Handa Victoria L
Published: August 2012

Aim: The objective of this study was to identify maternal, obstetrical and reproductive factors associated with long-term changes in maternal weight after delivery. Materials & methods: Participants were enrolled in a longitudinal cohort study of maternal health 5–10 years after childbirth. Data were obtained from obstetrical records and a self-administered questionnaire. Weight at the time of first delivery (5–10 years prior) was obtained retrospectively and each woman's weight at the time of her first delivery was compared with her current weight. Results: Among 948 women, obesity was associated with race, parity, education, history of diabetes and history of cesarean at the time of first delivery. On average, the difference between weight at the time of first delivery and weight 5–10 years later was −11 kg (11 kg weight loss). In a multivariate model, black race and diabetes were associated with significantly less weight loss. Cesarean delivery, parity and breastfeeding were not associated with changes in maternal weight. Conclusion: Black women and those with a history of diabetes may be appropriate targets for interventions that promote a long-term healthy weight after childbirth.
Surgical Options for Apical Prolapse Repair
Authors: Le Ngoc-Bich , Rogo-Gupta Lisa , Raz Shlomo
Published: August 2012

Pelvic organ prolapse is a common medical condition that affects the quality of life of many women. Approximately 50% of parous women have pelvic organ prolapse and the lifetime risk for surgical intervention is 6.7% at the age of 80 years. In the USA, the number of women at risk for symptomatic prolapse is increasing, which is consistent with the recent increase in the overall number of prolapse and incontinence procedures being performed. Although prolapse is usually multicompartmental and isolated defects are rare, the apical compartment deserves special attention because apical support is integral to a durable prolapse repair. Since many women may initially present to their primary care physicians, all members of the medical community should have a basic understanding of the diagnosis and treatment for apical prolapse.
Resistin Gene Expression in Visceral Adipose Tissue of Postmenopausal Women and its Association with Insulin Resistance
Authors: Sadashiv  , Tiwari Sunita , Paul Bhola Nath , Kumar Sandeep , Chandra Abhijit , Dhananjai S , Negi Mahendra Pal Singh
Published: August 2012

Aim: The present study evaluates resistin mRNA expression in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and its correlation with insulin resistance (homeostatic model assessment) in postmenopausal obese women. Materials & methods: A total of 68 (nonobese = 34 and obese = 34) age-matched (49–70 years) postmenopausal women were recruited for the study. Fasting blood samples were collected at admission and abdominal VAT were obtained during surgery for gall bladder stones or hysterectomy. Physical parameters (age, height, weight and BMI) were measured. Biochemical parameters (plasma insulin, plasma glucose and serum resistin) were estimated by enzymatic methods. The VAT resistin mRNA expression was evaluated by real-time PCR. Results: The relative mean (± standard deviation) VAT resistin mRNA expression in postmenopausal obese women lowered significantly by 20.4% compared with postmenopausal nonobese women (0.029 ± 0.011 vs 0.023 ± 0.013; p = 0.047). Furthermore, VAT resistin mRNA expression in postmenopausal obese women was downregulated by 0.69-fold when compared with age-matched postmenopausal nonobese women. Furthermore, the relative VAT resistin mRNA expression in postmenopausal obese women showed significant inverse association with insulin resistance (r = −0.48; p < 0.01) and serum resistin (r = −0.84; p < 0.001), while in postmenopausal nonobese women it did not show any association with both insulin resistance (r = 0.03; p > 0.05) and serum resistin (r = −0.03; p > 0.05). Conclusion: The VAT resistin mRNA expression in postmenopausal obese women is associated to insulin resistance.
Discrimination as a Contextualized Obstacle to the Preschool Teaching of Young Latino Children of Immigrants
Authors: Adair Jennifer Keys
Published: September 2012

This article explores how discrimination acts as a barrier to providing the highest quality education to young Latino children of immigrants. Preschool teachers' concerns emerged from focus group data with 40 teachers in four US cities, collected as part of the international Children Crossing Borders study of immigration and early childhood education. Using focus group data as well as a multi-sited comparative analytic model, this study details teachers' concerns about discrimination in terms of negative discourses and harsh education and immigration policies, and explains how these forms of discrimination affect preschool teachers' efforts to teach. The findings demonstrate why and how local and national forms of discrimination can prevent teachers from reaching their full capacity to teach young Latino children of immigrants successfully, while suggesting that educational inequities facing Latino immigrant families cannot be resolved by teacher education alone, but must include cultural, societal and political changes to how Latino families are treated in the USA.
The Social Organisation of Help during Young Children's Use of the Computer
Authors: Davidson Christina
Published: September 2012

This article examines some of the ways that young children seek and provide help through social interaction during use of the computer in the home. Although social interaction is considered an important aspect of young children's use of computers, there are still few studies that provide detailed analysis of how young children accomplish that social interaction. Conversation analysis of two young children's social interactions during help provides descriptions of the methods and resources used by them to mutually accomplish their activity. Discussion of specific ways of helping establishes how talk and interaction between children may contribute to computer use and acquisition of on-screen reading and writing practices.
Rethinking the Idea/Ideal of Pedagogical Control: Assemblages of De/Stabilisation
Authors: Sandvik Ninni
Published: September 2012

Inspired by a Deleuzian focus on a-personal machineries, this discussion focuses on a challenge to conventional pedagogical relationships and presents the possibility to think about pedagogical control differently. The work of Deleuze also underpins the methodological approach. Drawing on an extract constructed from the author's doctoral project and a painting by the Norwegian artist Lars Elling, the article features assemblages of control and silence that fold and unfold in the resonance of each other, working through destabilising and stabilising elements. The movement between these assemblages challenges the idea/ideal of teachers as the ones in control and command, as it opens to a shifting in between the subjects involved, regardless of their age or status. The article concludes by presenting some of the ethical implications involved when pedagogy is pulled into uncertain and unstable terrains.
Early Childhood Development Policy Advances in Uganda
Authors: Ejuu Godfrey
Published: September 2012

Knowledge of the history and development of early childhood development in Uganda is paramount if we are to know how far we have come and where we are going. This article explores the introduction of early childhood development in Ugandan policy and government interventions from 1960 to 2011. Data was obtained from a review of available early childhood development policy documents, conference papers and tutorial handouts, and interviews with early childhood development professionals who were involved in the developments. The results indicate trends of events that have not been given full attention by young professionals, policy makers and academics in the field of early childhood development in Uganda.
‘Tuning’ Education for the Market in ‘Europe’? Qualifications, Competences and Learning Outcomes: Reform and Action on the Shop Floor
Authors: Antunes Fátima
Published: September 2012

This article examines issues relating to governance and the reform of public policies in the European Union and suggests that a managerial agenda for change is developing, seeking to amplify the space for marketisation and control in the educational sphere. It is argued that, between the 1990s and 2010, world-ambitious educational models have been fostered in ‘Europe’, proposing curricular organisation and regulation principles, such as competences and learning outcomes, as well as regulatory frameworks based on political-technical instruments (qualification frameworks, credit transfer and accumulation systems, quality assurance systems); that is, an unstable and controversial educational language and universe has developed, populated by entities such as active pedagogy, indicators, targets or benchmarks. In order to substantiate the argument, the author briefly analyses, first, the emergence of the curricular dimension in the agenda for educational change; second, she tries to interpret how and why the category ‘learning outcomes (and competence[s])’ has acquired importance in the confluence of the Bologna and Copenhagen Processes and the Education & Training 2010 Programme in this ‘silent revolution in the field of education’. After considering some of these developments in ‘Europe’ and Portugal, she proposes a few tentative reflections regarding this educational paradigm change and the action of teachers and students.
Private and Public Relative Performance Information under Different Compensation Contracts
Authors: Tafkov Ivo D.
Published: September 2012

This study investigates the conditions under which providing relative performance information to employees has a positive effect on performance when compensation is not tied to peer performance. Specifically, I investigate, via an experiment, the effect of relative performance information (present or absent) on performance under two compensation contracts (flat-wage or individual performance-based). Given the presence of relative performance information, I examine the effect of the type of relative performance information (private or public) on performance. Using theory from psychology, I predict and find that relative performance information positively affects performance under the two compensation contracts and that this positive effect is greater under an individual performance-based contract than under a flat-wage contract. I also predict and find that, although both public and private relative performance information have a positive effect on performance, the effect is greater when relative performance information is public.

Data Availability: Data are available from the author on request.
Notes on tiled incompressible tori
Authors: Plachta Leonid
Published: September 2012

Let Θ denote the class of essential tori in a closed braid complement which admit a standard tiling in the sense of Birman and Menasco [Birman J.S., Menasco W.W., Special positions for essential tori in link complements, Topology, 1994, 33(3), 525–556]. Moreover, let R denote the class of thin tiled tori in the sense of Ng [Ng K.Y., Essential tori in link complements, J. Knot Theory Ramifications, 1998, 7(2), 205–216]. We define the subclass B ⊂ Θ of typical tiled tori and show that R ⊂ B. We also describe a method allowing to construct new examples of tiled essential tori T which are outside the class B in the strong sense.

In [Kazantsev A., Essential tori in link complements: detecting the satellite structure by monotonic simplification, preprint available at http://arxiv.org/abs/1005.5263], Kazantsev showed that the inclusion R ⊂ Θ is proper by giving the corresponding example of a nonthin tiled torus T. It turns out this torus T is inside the class B. We show that the inclusion B ⊂ Θ is proper. It follows that the tori from the class B do not provide the complete geometric description of the class Θ. The main results of the paper are Theorems 2.1 and 2.2 which give a constructive procedure for obtaining examples of nontypical tiled essential tori.
System size dependence of the non-monotonous pion freeze-out volume excitation function
Authors: Li Qingfeng , Shen Caiwan , Bleicher Marcus
Published: September 2012

Hanburry-Brown-Twiss (HBT) correlation functions and radii of negatively charged pions from C+C, Si+Si, Cu+Cu, and In+In at lower RHIC/SPS energies are calculated with the UrQMD transport model and the CRAB analyzing program. We find a minimum in the excitation function of the pion freeze-out volume at low transverse momenta and around E
lab ∼ 20–30AGeV which can be related to the change from initial string emission to bulk emission from the created resonance matter. For small systems, we predict a local minimum in the excitation function of the HBT (freeze-out) volume which is explained by the competition of two mechanisms of the particle production, namely resonance decays and string formation/fragmentation.
The role of selected risk factors for development of oesophageal cancer
Authors: Kollárová Helena , Azeem Kateřina , Magnusková Silvie , Tomášková Hana , Ševčíková Jarmila , Horáková Dagmar , Kamarád Vojtěch , Janout Vladimír
Published: September 2012

A hospital-based analytical observational case-control study of 88 oesophageal cancer cases and 200 controls was conducted in the University Hospital Olomouc. A standardized questionnaire was used. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) are calculated by logistic regression. The adjusted odds ratios for tobacco smoking were 6.20 (95% CI 2.78–13.83), 10.64 (95% CI 3.46–32.72) and 3.53 (95% CI 1.26–9.88) for oesophageal cancer, for oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma, and oesophageal adenocarcinoma, respectively. An inverse association with overweight and obesity was found in both histological types. In adenocarcinoma, there was a relatively strong positive association with a statistically significant result for alcohol consumption only in a group consuming more than 300 g of alcohol weekly; the OR was 5.81 (95% CI 1.17–28.84). The strong, statistically significant association was found in alcohol consumption regardless of histological type: the OR was 4.41 (95% CI 1.09–17.84). In a group with 20 or more X-ray exposures, there was a very strong statistically significant positive association. In vegetable consumption, an inverse association was found that was statistically significant only if more than 8 portions of vegetables were eaten weekly, ORs were 0.02–0.11.
New evidence for vascular interactions between aldosterone, angiotensin II and antioxidants in isolated smooth muscle cells of rats
Authors: Popescu Raducu , Bild Walther , Ciobica Alin , Bild Veronica
Published: September 2012

Accumulating evidence suggests that the nongenomic cardiovascular actions of aldosterone are produced by varied cellular pathways and mediated by a multitude of messenger systems including the reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Considering the involvement of the oxidative and nitrosative stress in the pathways leading to the activation of the angiotensin — aldosterone system, in the current study we tried to evaluate the functional interactions between aldosterone, angiotensin II and antioxidants in isolated vascular smooth muscle of aortic rings from rats. Our data provide additional arguments that the nongenomic actions of aldosterone on aortic smooth muscle cells of rats are a question of cross-talk and balance between its rapid vasoconstrictor and vasodilator effects, as result of the activation of reactive oxygen species in the first case and of nitrogen species in the second. In this way, it seems that at low ambient oxidative stress, aldosterone promotes nitric oxide (NO) production and vasodilatation, while in situations with increased oxidative stress the endothelial dysfunction and detrimental effects induced by vasoconstriction will prevail. Thus, aldosterone could be considered both “friend and foe”. This could be relevant for the ways in which aldosterone damages cardiovascular functions and could lead to significant therapeutic improvements.
The human telomerase catalytic subunit and viral telomerase RNA reconstitute a functional telomerase complex in a cell-free system, but not in human cells
Authors: Trapp-Fragnet Laetitia , Marie-Egyptienne Delphine , Fakhoury Johans , Rasschaert Denis , Autexier Chantal
Published: September 2012

The minimal vertebrate telomerase enzyme is composed of a protein component (telomerase reverse transcriptase, TERT) and an RNA component (telomerase RNA, TR). Expression of these two subunits is sufficient to reconstitute telomerase activity in vitro, while the formation of a holoenzyme comprising telomerase-associated proteins is necessary for proper telomere length maintenance. Previous reports demonstrated the high processivity of the human telomerase complex and the interspecies compatibility of human TERT (hTERT). In this study, we tested the function of the only known viral telomerase RNA subunit (vTR) in association with human telomerase, both in a cell-free system and in human cells. When vTR is assembled with hTERT in a cell-free environment, it is able to interact with hTERT and to reconstitute telomerase activity. However, in human cells, vTR does not reconstitute telomerase activity and could not be detected in the human telomerase complex, suggesting that vTR is not able to interact properly with the proteins constituting the human telomerase holoenzyme.
Cathaemasia Hians (Digenea, Cathaemasiidae) from Planorbis Planorbis (Mollusca, Gastropoda) in Reservoirs of Central Polissya
Authors: Zhytova O. , Korol E.
Published: August 2012

Cathaemasia Hians(Digenea, Cathaemasiidae) fromPlanorbis Planorbis(Mollusca, Gastropoda) in Reservoirs of Central Polissya

The paper presents the description ofCathaemasia hiansRudolphi, 1809 trematode found on the territory of Ukraine in an intermediate host, fresh-water molluscsPlanorbis planorbis.We present also a comparison of metrical characters of the studiedC. hianscercariae and those described by other researchers.
The costs of forest management to provide non-productive functions, as exemplified by the Regional Directorate of State Forests in Katowice
Authors: Gołos Piotr
Published: August 2012

Koszty świadczenia pozaprodukcyjnych funkcji gospodarki leśnej na przykładzie Regionalnej Dyrekcji Lasów Państwowych w Katowicach
Infection of European eel, Anguilla anguilla (L.), with the nematode Anguillicoloides crassus (Kuwahara, Niimi et Itagaki, 1974) in Polish waters
Authors: Popielarczyk R. , Robak S. , Siwicki K.
Published: August 2012

Infection of European eel, Anguilla anguilla (L.), with the nematode Anguillicoloides crassus (Kuwahara, Niimi et Itagaki, 1974) in Polish waters

The aim of this study was to determine the degree of Anguillicoloides crassus infection in European eel inhabiting Polish waters based on selected parasitic descriptors and on anatomical pathology of the swimbladder using macroscopic methods. In all, 154 European eel specimens were sampled from eleven sites in Poland and A. crassus was present in the swimbladder of 114 fish. The intensity of A. crassus infection in all the eel specimens ranged from 1 to 62 parasites at a mean value of 7.5. High values of mean infection intensity were noted in samples from Pomeranian lakes Bukowo, Łebsko, and Jamno. The health of the swimbladder was evaluated using the swimbladder degenerative index (SDI). The mean value of the SDI for all of the eel examined was 3.3, and extensively degenerated swimbladders were observed mainly in samples in the Szczecin Lagoon and from lakes. According to the individual SDI ratings, 9.1% of the eel specimens did not exhibit pathological symptoms of the swimbladder (SDI-0) and an extremely damaged (SDI-6) swimbladder was noted in 11.7% of the fish examined. In the case of eel infected with A. crassus, higher SDI values were reflected in initially increasing shares in subsequent categories. In fish that were not infected with the nematode, only 20% (8 individuals) of the swimbladders showed no symptoms of pathology (SDI-0).
Risk Identification and Estimation in Wood Branch
Authors: Purvgalis Aivars
Published: August 2012

Risku identificēšana un novērtēšana meža nozarē
Researches on Morphofunctional Status of the Digestive Tract of Red Deer (Cervus elaphus L.) Bred in Latvia
Authors: Zītare Inese , Jemeļjanovs Aleksandrs , Proškina Līga , Pilmane Māra
Published: August 2012

Latvijā audzētu briežu (Cervus elaphus L.) gremošanas trakta morfofunkcionālā stāvokļa pētījumi:
The newly diagnosed vestibular schwannoma: radiosurgery, resection, or observation?
Authors: Kondziolka Douglas , Mousavi Seyed H. , Kano Hideyuki , Flickinger John C. , Lunsford L. Dade
Published: September 2012

Object

Management recommendations for patients with smaller-volume or newly diagnosed vestibular schwannomas (< 4 cm3) need to be based on an understanding of the anticipated natural history of the tumor and the side effects it produces. The natural history can then be compared with the risks and benefits of therapeutic intervention using a minimally invasive strategy such as stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS).

Methods

The authors reviewed the emerging literature stemming from recent recommendations to “wait and scan” (observation) and compared this strategy with published outcomes after early intervention using SRS or results from matched cohort studies of resection and SRS.

Results

Various retrospective studies indicate that vestibular schwannomas grow at a rate of 0–3.9 mm per year and double in volume between 1.65 and 4.4 years. Stereotactic radiosurgery arrests growth in up to 98% of patients when studied at intervals of 10–15 years. Most patients who select “wait and scan” note gradually decreasing hearing function leading to the loss of useful hearing by 5 years. In contrast, current studies indicate that 3–5 years after Gamma Knife surgery, 61%–80% of patients maintain useful hearing (speech discrimination score > 50%, pure tone average < 50).

Conclusions

Based on published data on both volume and hearing preservation for both strategies, the authors devised a management recommendation for patients with small vestibular schwannomas. When resection is not chosen by the patient, the authors believe that early SRS intervention, in contrast to observation, results in long-term tumor control and improved rates of hearing preservation.
The approach to the patient with incidentally diagnosed vestibular schwannoma
Authors: Hoa Michael , Drazin Doniel , Hanna George , Schwartz Marc S. , Lekovic Gregory P.
Published: September 2012

With the increasing prevalence and decreasing cost of MRI scans, incidental discovery of vestibular schwannoma (VS) has become more common. Scarce literature exists regarding management of the tumors in those patients with incidentally discovered VSs, and clear guidelines for management do not exist. In this review, the authors examine the available literature for insights into management of incidentally diagnosed VS and provide an algorithm for their management.
Incidental vestibular schwannomas: a review of prevalence, growth rate, and management challenges
Authors: Schmidt Richard F. , Boghani Zain , Choudhry Osamah J. , Eloy Jean Anderson , Jyung Robert W. , Liu James K.
Published: September 2012

With the relatively recent increase in the use of MRI techniques, there has been a concurrent rise in the number of vestibular schwannomas (VSs) detected as incidental findings. These incidental VSs may be prevalent in up to 0.02%–0.07% of individuals undergoing MRI and represent a significant portion of all diagnosed VSs. The management of these lesions poses a significant challenge for practitioners. Most incidental VSs tend to be small and associated with minimal symptoms, permitting them to be managed conservatively at the time of diagnosis. However, relatively few indicators consistently predict tumor growth and patient outcomes. Furthermore, growth rates have been shown to vary significantly over time with a large variety of long-term growth patterns. Thus, early MRI screening for continued tumor growth followed by repeated MRI studies and clinical assessments throughout the patient's life is an essential component in a conservative management strategy. Note that tumor growth is typically associated with a worsening of symptoms in patients who undergo conservative management, and many of these symptoms have been shown to significantly impact the patient's quality of life. Specific indications for the termination of conservative management vary across studies, but secondary intervention has been shown to be a relatively safe option in most patients with progressive disease. Patients with incidental VSs will probably qualify for a course of conservative management at diagnosis, and regular imaging combined with the expectation that the tumor and symptoms may change at any interval is crucial to ensuring positive long-term outcomes in these patients. In this report, the authors discuss the current literature pertaining to the prevalence of incidental VSs and various considerations in the management of these lesions. It is hoped that by incorporating an understanding of tumor growth, patient outcomes, and management strategies, practitioners will be able to effectively address this challenging disease entity.
Effect of pregnancy on hemangioblastoma development and progression in von Hippel-Lindau disease
Authors: Ye Donald Y. , Bakhtian Kamran D. , Asthagiri Ashok R. , Lonser Russell R.
Published: September 2012

Object

Prior cases suggest that pregnancy increases the development and progression of CNS hemangioblastomas and/or peritumoral cysts. To determine the effect of pregnancy on CNS hemangioblastomas and peritumoral cysts, the authors prospectively evaluated serial clinical and imaging findings in patients with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease who became pregnant and compared findings during pregnancy to findings in the same patients when they were not pregnant as well as to findings from a cohort of VHL patients who did not become pregnant.

Methods

Female VHL disease patients enrolled in a prospective natural history study who were of reproductive age (16–35 years at study entrance) were included. Analysis of serial clinical and imaging findings was performed.

Results

Thirty-six consecutive female VHL disease patients harboring 177 hemangioblastomas were included (mean follow-up [± SD] 7.5 ± 2.3 years). Nine patients (25%) became pregnant (pregnancy cohort). The mean rates of development of new hemangioblastomas and peritumoral cysts in these women during pregnancy (0.4 ± 0.4 tumors/year; 0.1 ± 0.2 cysts/year) did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) from the mean rates in the same group during nonpregnant periods (0.3 ± 0.4 tumors/year; 0.1 ± −0.1 cysts/year) or from the rate in the 27 patients who did not become pregnant (the no-pregnancy cohort: 0.3 ± 0.5 tumors/year; 0.1 ± 0.2 cysts/year). Hemangioblastoma growth rates were similar (p > 0.05) during pregnancy (mean 29.8% ± 42.7% increase in volume per year) compared with during nonpregnant periods (41.4% ± 51.4%) in the pregnancy cohort and the no-pregnancy cohort (34.3% ± 55.3%). Peritumoral cyst growth rates during pregnancy (571.0% ± 887.4%) were similar (p > 0.05) to those of the no-pregnancy cohort (483.9% ± 493.9%), but the rates were significantly higher for women in the pregnancy cohort during nonpregnant periods (2373.6% ± 3392.9%; p < 0.05 for comparison with no-pregnancy cohort). There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the need for resection or the mean age at resection between the pregnancy (28% of hemangioblastomas in cohort; mean patient age at resection 30.2 ± 2.6 years) and no-pregnancy cohorts (19%; 32.3 ± 5.6 years).

Conclusions

Pregnancy is not associated with increased hemangioblastoma or peritumoral cyst development or progression in patients with VHL disease.
Clinical features and treatment of World Health Organization Grade II and III meningiomas in childhood: report of 23 cases
Authors: Wang Xiao-Qiang , Jiang Cheng-Chuan , Zhao Lin , Gong Ye , Hu Jie , Chen Hong
Published: September 2012

Object

High-grade meningiomas in childhood are rare, and their clinical features are unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the clinical characteristics and prognosis of childhood high-grade meningiomas.

Methods

Twenty-three patients with childhood high-grade meningiomas were treated at the Huashan Hospital. Clinical data were collected, tumor samples were reexamined, and prognoses were attained through follow-up visits and telephone interviews. Survival probability was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. A 2-sided probability level of 0.05 was chosen for statistical significance.

Results

The series included 18 males and 5 females (mean age 12.1 years). The most common symptoms were headache and vomiting (43%). Three patients had accompanying neurofibromatosis Type II (NF2). The high-grade meningioma cases with NF2 had larger tumor diameters than those without NF2 (p = 0.010). The skull base was the most common tumor site (39%). Complete resections were achieved in 11 patients after their initial operations. Adjuvant radiation therapy was performed in 9 cases. Follow-up evaluations were performed for 20 patients (mean follow-up 70 months). Ten patients experienced recurrences, 2 patients had lung metastases, and 7 patients died of the recurrence. The extent of surgery was significantly related to progression-free survival (PFS; p = 0.038). A negative progesterone receptor combined with strongly positive Bcl-2 immunoreactivity was significantly related to PFS (p = 0.001) and overall survival (p = 0.002). The MIB-1 labeling index was significantly related to overall survival (p = 0.018), whereas postoperative radiation therapy was not significantly related to PFS (p = 0.087) and overall survival (p = 0.40).

Conclusions

Childhood high-grade meningioma is a rare tumor type. Childhood high-grade meningioma has a male predominance and the basilar region is the most common tumor location. Patients with these tumors have high recurrence and mortality rates. The extent of resection is an important prognosis factor. A negative progesterone receptor combined with a strongly positive Bcl-2 immunoreaction might predict cancer recurrence. The MIB-1 labeling index correlates with the prognosis, and an MIB-1 labeling index > 3% increases the risk of recurrence in childhood high-grade meningioma. More cases should be collected, and longer follow-up periods should be obtained, to evaluate the effects of postoperative radiation therapy in childhood high-grade meningioma.
Surgical management of Charcot spinal arthropathy: a single-center retrospective series highlighting the evolution of management
Authors: Jacobs W. Bradley , Bransford Richard J. , Bellabarba Carlo , Chapman Jens R.
Published: September 2012

Object

Charcot spinal arthropathy (CSA) is an uncommon disorder that occurs in the setting of conditions with decreased protective sensation of the vertebral column, resulting in vertebral joint degeneration, pain, and deformity. Historically, CSA treatment has been fraught with high failure rates. Over time, the authors' institution has trended toward a CSA treatment paradigm of intralesional debridement, circumferential fusion, and four-rod lumbopelvic fixation. As such, the overall objectives of this study were to define the specific clinical characteristics of this rare condition and to determine whether the authors' treatment paradigm has decreased the incidence of revision due to hardware failure/presumed pseudarthrosis or the development of a new CSA over the course of the study and in comparison with historical controls.

Methods

The authors performed a retrospective review of the clinical and radiographic records for all patients with CSA treated by the Spine Service at the University of Washington between 1997 and 2009.

Results

Twenty-three patients with CSA were identified. The mean age at presentation was 43.1 years, and the mean latency between spinal cord injury and CSA diagnosis was 19.6 years. The mean follow-up was 33.1 months. Pain and progressive deformity were the major presenting symptoms. Concomitant infection was identified in 17% of patients. Patients with CSA were noted to have long initial fusion constructs spanning an average of 8.4 vertebral levels. Charcot spinal arthropathy did not occur above the level of neurological injury. The vast majority of CSA cases occurred caudally along the spinal axis, with 65% occurring within 1 level of the caudal end of the index fusion construct and 35% occurring even farther distally. Revision due to hardware failure or the development of a new CSA level occurred in 35% of patients. Rates of treatment failure requiring revision significantly decreased over the course of the study, with revision occurring in 6 (66%) of 9 patients who underwent surgery before 2002, in comparison with only 2 (14%) of 14 treated between 2002 and 2009. During a mean follow-up period of 34 months, no treatment revision occurred in the subgroup of 9 patients who underwent four-rod lumbopelvic fixation.

Conclusions

This study represents the largest reported modern surgical series of CSA patients. While revision rates were initially high and comparable to previous reports, the authors' multimodal treatment paradigm, which includes the use of bone morphogenetic protein and four-rod lumbopelvic fixation, dramatically reduced the incidence of treatment failure requiring revision over the course of the study period and represents a significant improvement in the treatment of CSA.