bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identificação de Ameaças relacionadas a Medidores de Glicose
Authors: Costa Fernando Homem da , Bento Lucila Maria de Souza , Rodriguez Noemi
Published: April 2022

O avanço da telemedicina, devido ao cenário de pandemia do COVID-19, demonstra que o uso de tecnologias é indispensável para realização diagnósticos, monitoramento e tratamento remoto de pacientes em locais distantes. Por serem serviços médicos que incluem dispositivos críticos, uma possível violação de segurança desses dispositivos têm consequências extremas e devem, portanto, ser identificadas e evitadas. Apesar da literatura apresentar uma variedade de informações sobre alguns dispositivos inteligentes, o mesmo não ocorre com os medidores de glicose e o processo de avaliação de segurança dessa classe de dispositivos. Neste sentido, o presente trabalho propõe uma metodologia para conhecer a arquitetura e funcionalidades dos medidores de glicose e com essas informações compreender as ameaças às quais os medidores de glicose estão sujeitos e, consequentemente, as vulnerabilidades que podem ser exploradas por agentes maliciosos. O modelo proposto, com o uso dos métodos STRIDE e árvore de ataque, identifica as ameaças vinculadas ao medidor com foco em três tipos de ameaças: física, redes e software.
Detecção de Anomalias: Estudo de Técnicas de Identificação de Ataques em um Ambiente de Contêiner
Authors: Castanhel Gabriel Ruschel , Heinrich Tiago , Ceschin Fabrício , Maziero Carlos A.
Published: April 2022

A execução de aplicações em um ambiente isolado e com manuseio prático é a tecnologia oferecida pelos contêineres. Devido à sua popularidade, questionamentos sobre a segurança da ferramenta e proximidade do contêiner com o host são elencados. A detecção de intrusão por anomalias oferece uma via para o monitoramento do comportamento do sistema, possibilitando a detecção de comportamentos que diferem do que é considerado normal para a aplicação. Este artigo visa analisar e comparar métodos utilizados para a detecção de anomalias em tempo real com uma abordagem voltada a aplicações executando em um ambiente de um contêiner, cujo intuito é identificar o impacto na detecção em um ambiente isolado para um host sem isolamento. Métodos de aprendizado de máquina foram utilizados como detectores para classificar se um comportamento em determinada janela é uma ameaça.
Violência Simbólica e Práticas Escolares: um estudo com crianças indígenas
Authors: Sobrinho Roberto Sanches Mubarac
Published: April 2022

O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar uma reflexão acerca do trabalho de pesquisa etnográfica realizada em uma comunidade indígena na cidade de Manaus/Amazonas/Brasil, e em duas escolas públicas que atendem um grupo de 12 crianças da etnia Sateré-Mawé, residente na zona urbana da cidade. A pesquisa teve no cotidiano das crianças e na observação das práticas pedagógicas dos professores e do currículo escolar seus elementos principais de análise. Como base de fundamentação mais abrangente, procuramos trabalhar com o conceito de Violência Simbólica em Pierre Bourdieu, entrecruzando e relacionando-o com as vozes dos professores e das crianças “geradas” durante o processo da pesquisa de campo, tanto na comunidade indígena quanto na escola, o que nos possibilitou um olhar mais vigilante sobre esse grupo social da infância, e as práticas educativas destinadas a ele, em que a Violência Simbólica se faz bastante presente.
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy can increase the risk of metabolic disorders: A meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Leiying , Tang Chen , Ye Chenlian , Huang Luren , Wu Yan
Published: April 2022

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and preeclampsia (PE) are common complications during pregnancy. Studies indicated that abnormal bile acid metabolism is related to its pathogenesis. Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is the most common pregnancy-specific liver disease, which classic symptoms include generalized pruritus that commonly and biochemical evidence of elevated bile acids. Our study aimed to explore the correlation between the ICP presence and risk of GDM, PE incident in pregnant women. Methods: A meta-analysis, which included 10 eligible studies including 17,688 ICP cases and 1,386,771 controls, was performed to assess the correlation of ICP with preeclampsia (PE) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). There were 7 studies investigating the relationship between ICP and PE, and 9 studies that evaluated the relationship between ICP and GDM. All eligible studies were screened from Pubmed, Web of Science and EBSCO databases. Results: The results of this meta-analysis indicate that ICP significantly increase the risk for both PE (pooled odds ratio OR: 2.56 95%CI: 2.27 2.88, I2 heterogeneity = 35%, p heterogeneity = 0.16) and GDM (pooled OR: 2.28 95%CI: 1.69 3.07, I2 heterogeneity = 81%, p heterogeneity < 0.001). In the sensitivity analysis of GDM, excluding the largest heterogeneity study cannot change the result (pooled OR: 2.86 95%CI: 2.59 3.16, I2 heterogeneity = 0%, p heterogeneity = 0.56). Conclusions: This meta-analysis shows that ICP is closely associated with ICP increased risk of PE and GDM) during pregnancy.
Concentration and quantification of Tilapia tilapinevirus from water using a simple iron flocculation coupled with probe-based RT-qPCR
Authors: Taengphu Suwimon , Kayansamruaj Pattanapon , Kawato Yasuhiko , Delamare-Deboutteville Jerome , Mohan Chadag Vishnumurthy , Dong Ha Thanh , Senapin Saengchan
Published: April 2022

Background

Tilapia tilapinevirus, also known as tilapia lake virus (TiLV), is a significant virus that is responsible for the die-off of farmed tilapia across the globe. The detection and quantification of the virus using environmental RNA (eRNA) from pond water samples represents a potentially non-invasive and routine strategy for monitoring pathogens and early disease forecasting in aquaculture systems.

Methods

Here, we report a simple iron flocculation method for concentrating viruses in water, together with a newly-developed hydrolysis probe quantitative RT-qPCR method for the detection and quantification of TiLV.

Results

The RT-qPCR method designed to target a conserved region of the TiLV genome segment 9 has a detection limit of 10 viral copies per µL of template. The method had a 100% analytical specificity and sensitivity for TiLV. The optimized iron flocculation method was able to recover 16.11 ± 3.3% of the virus from water samples spiked with viral cultures. Tilapia and water samples were collected for use in the detection and quantification of TiLV disease during outbreaks in an open-caged river farming system and two earthen fish farms. TiLV was detected from both clinically sick and asymptomatic fish. Most importantly, the virus was successfully detected from water samples collected from different locations in the affected farms (i.e., river water samples from affected cages (8.50 × 103 to 2.79 × 105 copies/L) and fish-rearing water samples, sewage, and reservoir (4.29 × 103 to 3.53 × 104 copies/L)). By contrast, TiLV was not detected in fish or water samples collected from two farms that had previously experienced TiLV outbreaks and from one farm that had never experienced a TiLV outbreak. In summary, this study suggests that the eRNA detection system using iron flocculation, coupled with probe based-RT-qPCR, is feasible for use in the concentration and quantification of TiLV from water. This approach may be useful for the non-invasive monitoring of TiLV in tilapia aquaculture systems and may support evidence-based decisions on biosecurity interventions needed.
Mitogenomics and phylogenetics of twelve species of African Saturniidae (Lepidoptera)
Authors: Nethavhani Zwannda , Straeuli Rieze , Hiscock Kayleigh , Veldtman Ruan , Morton Andrew , Oberprieler Rolf G. , van Asch Barbara
Published: April 2022

African Saturniidae (Lepidoptera) include numerous species consumed at the caterpillar stage throughout the continent, and their importance to local communities as a source of nutrition and seasonal income cannot be overestimated. However, baseline genetic data with utility for the characterization of their diversity, phylogeography and phylogenetic relationships have remained scarce compared to their Asian counterparts. To bridge this gap, we sequenced the mitochondrial genomes of 12 species found in southern Africa for comparative mitogenomics and phylogenetic reconstruction of the family, including the first representatives of the tribes Eochroini and Micragonini. Mitochondrial gene content and organization were conserved across all Saturniidae included in the analyses. The phylogenetic positions of the 12 species were assessed in the context of publicly available mitogenomes using Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood (ML) methods. The monophyly of the tribes Saturniini, Attacini, Bunaeini and Micragonini, the sister relationship between Saturniini and Attacini, and the placement ofEochroa trimeniiandRhodinia fugaxin the tribes Eochroini and Attacini, respectively, were strongly supported. These results contribute to significantly expanding genetic data available for African Saturniidae and allow for the development of new mitochondrial markers in future studies.
Physical and mechanical properties of C class fly ash based lightweight geopolymer mortar produced with expanded vermiculite aggregate
Authors:   Department of Civil Engineering, Yozgat Bozok University, Yozgat (Turkey), Kaya Mehmet , Köksal Fuat ,   Department of Civil Engineering, Yozgat Bozok University, Yozgat (Turkey)
Published: April 2022

This study presents the physical and the mechanical properties of C class fly ash (FA) based lightweight geopolymer mortars produced with expanded vermiculite (EV) aggregate. The FA was activated with NaOH containing 12%, 14% and 16% sodium by weight. The volumetric ratios of EV/FA in the samples were chosen as 2,4 and 6 in the study. The liquid/solid ratio 0.23, 0.26 and 0.29. Lightweight geopolymer mortar (LGM) samples were produced by mixing FA, EV, NaOH and water in a mixer. The samples placed in molds were exposed to activation temperature of 100°C for 24 hours in the oven. The samples taken out of the oven were demoulded and kept in air curing for 28 days at 20°C±2°C room temperature. After curing, unit weight, apparent porosity, water absorption ratio, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), flexural strength and compressive strength tests were performed on the samples. In addition, the thermal conductivity coefficients of the samples were determined. As a result of the experiment, a compressive strength varying between 0.59 MPa and 3.81 MPa was obtained in lightweight geopolymers samples with a unit weight between 906 kg/m3 and 1477 kg/m3. Expanded vermiculite showed a good performance on thermal conductivity of LGMs and a decrease in thermal conductivity up to the 0.094 W/mK was observed.
Perspectivas sobre a terceirização das funções de Secretariado Executivo em instituições federais de ensino
Authors: Negrão de Lemos Jorge Fernando , Paes Raul Vitor Oliveira
Published: April 2022

O presente artigo tem por objetivo geral analisar as perspectivas reflexivas e práticas que poderão traduzir a terceirização das funções de secretariado executivo nas Instituições Federais de Ensino (IFE). A abordagem teórica foi centrada nos tópicos referentes à terceirização na administração pública e marco legal recente, caracterização do fenômeno da terceirização e interrelações entre secretariado executivo, terceirização e administração pública. Como metodologia, a pesquisa é abordagem qualitativa, sendo desenvolvida pesquisas documental e bibliográfica como procedimentos técnicos, o que incluem um total de dois decretos e uma portaria vigentes, além de uma análise de conteúdo de nove editais de contratação de empresas que oferecem serviços secretariais, além dos respectivos termos de referência utilizados, constantes na Administração Pública Federal Direta e Empresas Públicas. Os resultados apontam que o mercado de trabalho para o profissional de secretariado executivo não sofrerá redução, tendo em vista que os termos de referência utilizados para contratações indiretas em outros órgãos da administração pública têm contemplado a exigência de formação na área para empregar os profissionais terceirizados, assim, haverá na verdade uma reconfiguração dos vínculos empregatícios, exigindo a capacidade do profissional de se adaptar a esta nova realidade.
Análise do plano de gestão urbana da cidade de Tartarugalzinho/AP no período de 2002 a 2018.
Authors: Bena Aguiar Junior Alan , Alberto Tostes José
Published: April 2022

Historicamente, o planejamento urbano brasileiro esteve voltado para uma postura urbanística do ambiente construído, onde priorizou-se a organização territorial, a construção arquitetônica e os equipamentos urbanos, do que a melhoria da qualidade de vida dos habitantes que vivem nas cidades. No Estado do Amapá o planejamento urbano fica aquém do esperado, notou-se que a questão do planejamento urbano não foi levada em consideração por longos anos, até que em 2002, a Secretaria de Estado da Infraestrutura do Amapá-SEINF/AP, realizou o Plano Emergencial de Gestão Urbana para as cidades amapaenses. Esse plano, consistia em um amplo levantamento das condições físicas relacionadas a infraestrutura urbana, econômica, social, cultural e ambiental, tendo como objetivo contribuir com a orientação de um plano de metas a ser desenvolvido em conjunto com as Prefeituras. A pesquisa foi realizada considerando um dos objetivos específicos do projeto inicial que é a análise do Plano de Gestão Urbana da cidade de Tartarugalzinho no período de 2002 a 2018. A presente pesquisa permitiu uma compreensão do que vem sem do sendo realizado no município no período proposto através dos dados coletados. Entre os principais resultados, foi que o município não possui um instrumento norteador para a realização das ações governamentais, existem apenas ações voltadas exclusivamente para as necessidades de curto prazo e médio prazo. A proposta apresentada deste artigo vislumbra contribuir no âmbito das pesquisas futuras que tem como foco a gestão pública através do planejamento urbano voltado para a melhoria e bem-estar dos munícipes.
Critérios para avaliação da presença de estratégias empreendedoras e de inovação: um estudo em instituições financeiras brasileiras
Authors: Teles Firmino Thaís , Gustavo Freire da Silva Allan , Silva Jandeson Dantas da , Cavalcanti Nóbrega Kleber
Published: April 2022

O objetivo da pesquisa foi verificar a presença de estratégias empreendedoras e/ou de inovação nas dez maiores instituições financeiras brasileiras, em termos de ativos totais, de acordo com o Banco Central. Para tanto, criou-se um modelo de cinco critérios, baseados na literatura, que subsidiou a análise de conteúdo realizada por meio dos relatórios administrativos e notas explicativas das instituições selecionadas. Identificou-se que as organizações têm procurado, de maneira unânime, incorporar a tecnologia aos seus processos, produtos e/ou serviços. O compromisso com a transformação digital é um fator transversal aos critérios elencados, uma vez que denota a atuação em oportunidades empreendedoras, sustenta os frameworks empreendedor e inovador, também viabilizando novas ideias, processos, produtos e/ou serviços e a criação de valor a todos os stakeholders. Este artigo contribui ao campo devido à escassez de estudos teórico-empíricos com este tema, além da proposição de critérios para avaliação da presença dessas estratégias, pavimentando caminhos para a pesquisa empírica e argumentações conceituais. Também por sua utilização nesta mesma pesquisa, articulando as abordagens de modo a lançar luz sobre as práticas das maiores instituições financeiras brasileiras.
Efectos cardioprotectores de implantes subcutáneos de liberación crónica de carvedilol en ratas espontáneamente hipertensas
Authors: Allo Miguel Angel , Santander Plantamura Yanina , Bernabeu Ezequiel , Bin Eliana , Moretton Marcela , Carranza Andrea , Chiapetta Diego , Hocht Christian
Published: April 2022

Introducción: En nuestro laboratorio hemos desarrollado implantes subcutáneos de carvedilol capaces de mantener niveles plasmáticos sostenidos del β-bloqueante durante 3 semanas. Objetivo: Evaluación de la liberación in vivo y la eficacia cardioprotectora de implantes subcutáneos de carvedilol desarrollados con poliepsilon- caprolactona (PCL) y Soluplus (SP) en ratas espontáneamente hipertensas (REH). Materiales y métodos: Se utilizaron 12 REH macho (250-300 g), a las cuales se colocó un implante subcutáneo cada 3 semanas de PCL: SP 100:50 mg (control, n = 6) o carvedilol: PCL:SP (100mg:100mg:50mg) (carvedilol, n = 6). Se evaluó el perfil plasmático y el efecto sobre la presión arterial sistólica (PAS) durante 62 días. Al final del tratamiento, se realizaron determinaciones ecocardiográficas y la medición de la PAS y. la presión arterial media (PAM) directas. Resultados: El grupo que recibió el implante conteniendo 100 mg de carvedilol presentó concentraciones plasmáticas del fármaco en el rango de 100- 500 ng/mL a lo largo de 62 días de tratamiento, luego del cual la PAS fue 20 mmHg menor que en el grupo control (217 ± 3 mmHg vs. 237 ± 6 mmHg; p <0,05). Las PAS y PAM directas fueron significativamente menores el grupo tratado que en el control. El implante de carvedilol 100 mg redujo la variabilidad de la presión arterial (VPA) de corto plazo en comparación con el control. Parámetros ecocardiográficos como la fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo (FEVI), fracción de acortamiento, y relación E/A fueron significativamente mayores en las ratas tratadas. El peso del VI fue menor en las ratas que recibieron el implante con carvedilol. Conclusión: Los implantes conteniendo CAR/PCL/SP (100:100:50) mg aportan niveles plasmáticos terapéuticos de carvedilol y estables durante el transcurso del tratamiento, los cuales se correlacionan con una disminución significativa y sostenida de los valores de PA indirecta. El tratamiento con los implantes de carvedilol logró atenuar los valores de PA directa y su variabilidad en las REH. Se demostró que el tratamiento con los implantes ejerció un efecto cardioprotector evidenciado en el ecocardiograma y por una reducción de la hipertrofia ventricular izquierda.
ANÁLISE DE CUSTO-MINIMIZAÇÃO ENTRE CIMENTOS DE IONÔMERO DE VIDRO NO TRATAMENTO RESTAURADOR ATRAUMÁTICO NO CONTEXTO DA SAÚDE PÚBLICA
Authors: Ferreira Caique , Correa Duarte Simões Ana Clara
Published: April 2022

Objetivo: Comparar os custos das alternativas disponíveis de Cimentos de Ionômero de Vidro utilizados na técnica do Tratamento Restaurador Atraumático em crianças com lesões de cárie em dentes posteriores. Materiais e Métodos: Estudo econômico completo do tipo custominimização, com a perspectiva da análise pelo Sistema Único de Saúde com um horizonte temporal de 12 meses. Os dados clínicos foram coletados e sintetizados através de uma revisão bibliográfica em base de dados conceituadas da literatura. Para a mensuração dos custos, utilizouse a técnica de micro custeio e foi realizado uma média de preços de diferentes distribuidoras de produtos odontológicos. Resultados: Foram incluídos 7 estudos, a taxa de sucesso das restaurações usando Ketac Molar, GC Gold, Vitro Molar e Maxxion R ficaram em 79%, 65%, 72% e 59% respectivamente. Ketac Molar e GC Gold apresentam custo maiores por restauração R$ 10,64 e R$ 9,47, em relação ao Vitro Molar e Maxxion R R$ 5,52 e R$ 4,73. Conclusão: Os Cimentos de Ionômero de Vidro de baixo custo apresentam desempenho semelhante aos de alto custo, num período de 12 meses no contexto do Tratamento Restaurador Atraumático, podendo ser uma alternativa mais econômica no tratamento as lesões cariosas em crianças.
FLUXO DIGITAL COM PACIENTES EDÊNTULOS TOTAIS EM IMPLANTODONTIA
Authors: Sampaio Barros de Jesus Matheus , Valadares Oliveira Luciana , Andrade Meyer Guilherme , Evangelista Souza Rabelo Samilly
Published: April 2022

Introdução: Com a evolução dos exames de imagem digitais e o avanço na qualidade e precisão das imagens obtidas, surgiram novas formas de planejar cirurgias de implante através do fluxo digital. Além de permitir um estudo mais aprofundado e planejamento mais preciso, a cirurgia guiada reduz o tempo clínico, proporciona maior conforto e melhor recuperação ao paciente. Entretanto, a etapa de aquisição de dados digitais em pacientes totalmente edêntulos ainda pode ser um desafio. Objetivo: Este trabalho tem como objetivo fazer uma revisão de literatura sobre as principais técnicas utilizadas para reabilitar pacientes edêntulos totais através da instalação de implantes com cirurgia guiada dentro do fluxo digital, além de comparar protocolos de aquisição de dados, suas indicações para cada caso e limitações. Resultados: Após pesquisa nas bases de dados e leitura dos artigos, foram encontradas algumas soluções de como inserir os pacientes edêntulos totais no fluxo digital em implantodontia. Assim, foram selecionadas 5 técnicas que podem ser empregadas em diferentes situações, entre elas a dupla varredura, dupla varredura modificada e completamente digital. Considerações finais: A cirurgia guiada de implantes é uma técnica que proporciona grande precisão, entretanto, em paciente edêntulos torna-se mais laboriosa a etapa de aquisição de imagens. Quanto as técnicas para obtenção das imagens nesses pacientes, apresentam variações a depender do arco reabilitado, presença e condições da prótese total. Porém, todos os protocolos descritos neste trabalho demonstram resultados satisfatórios, mas com limitações na técnica completamente digital.
SÍNDROME DA ARDÊNCIA BUCAL: UMA ABORDAGEM DE INTERESSE CLÍNICO
Authors: Silva Souto Yasmim , Alves Dias Cassiane , Dias Uzêda e Silva Virgínia , Feitosa Thaís , Varela Brown Martins Ana Paula
Published: April 2022

A síndrome da ardência bucal (SAB) é caracterizada por ser uma dor crônica, com sintomas de queimação, ardência ou dor sem nenhuma lesão visível na mucosa oral. Os sintomas ocorrem em mais de uma área da cavidade bucal, sendo a língua a região mais afetada. Objetivo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi apresentar, por meio de uma revisão de literatura, as principais características da SAB, relatar as teorias presentes quanto a fisiopatologia da SAB e identificar as principais opções de tratamento de acordo com os aspectos que o paciente pode apresentar. Materiais e métodos: Foi realizado uma busca, por artigos publicados nos últimos 15 anos, nas bases de dados: PUBMED, MEDLINE, SCIELO, DEDALUS e GOOGLE ACADÊMICO. Para seleção, foram usados os critérios de inclusão: artigos de revisão, relato de caso e pesquisa transversal. Resultados: A literatura propõe vários fatores associados relacionados a fisiopatologia da SAB, o que interfere diretamente no seu diagnóstico e na forma terapêutica. Isto torna a SAB uma condição patológica de difícil manejo. Considerações finais: A SAB é uma condição muito desafiadora para os cirurgiões-dentistas e também para outros profissionais da saúde. Por se tratar de uma patologia com etiologia multifatorial, o seu diagnóstico acaba se tornando difícil e desafiador o que afeta diretamente nos pacientes. O conhecimento sobre a SAB se faz importante na vida profissional dos cirurgiões-dentistas e nos profissionais de saúde em geral, para que, dessa forma, esses pacientes que são acometidos pela síndrome se sintam mais acolhidos e confortados.
Teleost isotocin receptor: structure, functional expression, mRNA distribution and phylogeny
Authors: Hausmann Holger , Meyerhof Wolfgang , Zwiers Henk , Lederis Karl , Richter Dietmar
Published: July 2002

A cDNA encoding a receptor for the oxytocin‐related peptide isotocin has been identified by screening a lambda gt11 library constructed from poly(A)+ RNA of the hypothalamic region of the teleost Catostomus commersoni. The probe used was obtained by PCR amplification of white sucker genomic DNA using degenerate primers based on conserved sequences in the mammalian receptor counterparts. The full‐length cDNA specifies a polypeptide of 390 amino acid residues that displays the typical hydrophobicity profile of a seven transmembrane domain receptor and which exhibits greatest similarity to mammalian oxytocin receptors. Oocytes that express the cloned receptor respond to the application of isotocin by an induction of membrane chloride currents indicating that it is coupled to the inositol phosphate/calcium pathway. The isotocin receptor (ITR) can also be activated by vasotocin, mesotocin, oxytocin and Arg‐vasopressin, although these have lower potencies than isotocin. ITR‐encoding mRNA has been detected in brain, intestine, bladder, skeletal muscle, lateral line, gills and kidney indicating that this receptor may mediate a variety of physiological functions.
Solitary HERV‐K LTRs possess bi‐directional promoter activity and contain a negative regulatory element in the U5 region
Authors: Domansky Andrey N. , Kopantzev Eugene P. , Snezhkov Eugene V. , Lebedev Yuri B. , Leib-Mosch Christine , Sverdlov Eugene D.
Published: July 2002

Reporter gene analysis of HERV‐K solitary long terminal repeats (LTRs) showed that they retain detectable activity in human teratocarcinoma cells, and can direct the transcription in both orientations relative to the reporter gene. Deletion analysis demonstrated the possible existence of alternative promoters within the LTR as well as a silencer‐like element in the U5 region. Our results indicate also that all‐trans‐retinoic acid is capable of modulating expression of the reporter gene directed by a HERV‐K LTR in NT2/D1 cells.
NOS‐II is involved in early differentiation of murine cortical, retinal and ES cell‐derived neurons—an immunocytochemical and functional approach
Authors: Arnhold S. , Faßbender A. , Klinz F.‐J. , Kruttwig K. , Löhnig B. , Andressen C. , Addicks K.
Published: July 2002

Nitric oxide (NO), a cell‐derived highly diffusible and unstable gas is regarded to be involved in inter‐ and intracellular communication in the nervous system. Based on findings about the expression of the inducible NO synthase (NOS) isoform during development of early mouse olfactory as well as vestibulocochlear receptor neurons, we intended to prove a general role of this isoform for neuronal differentiation. Using immunohistochemical techniques, an exclusive expression of the inducible NOS‐II isoform in early post‐mitotic neurons of the developing mouse cortex and retina can be detected. In a pharmacological approach using cultures of the mouse cortex as well as embryonic stem cell‐derived neural precursor cells, we investigated the functional role of NO on initial neuronal differentiation. Effects of NOS inhibitors and NO donors on the morphological differentiation were correlated with developmentally regulated calcium current densities, focusing on the effects of the specific NOS‐II inhibitor GW 274150. Furthermore, involvement of the soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC)/cGMP signaling cascade was pharmacologically investigated. Our data indicate that while a specific block of NOS‐II provokes a clear inhibition of neurite outgrowth formation as well as a decrease of calcium current densities, the inverse is true for exogenous NO donation. In line with lacking immunoreactivity for the sGC and cGMP there are only minor effects of compounds manipulating the sGC/cGMP pathway, suggesting the downstream sGC/cGMP pathway not to be essential in these early differentiation steps.
Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Screening Inventory-Retrospect (CAPSI-R): a questionnaire for adults concerning child and adolescent mental disorders
Authors: Ramklint M. , von Knorring A-L. , von Knorring L. , Ekselius L.
Published: July 2002

This study examines the properties of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Screening Inventory-Retrospect, CAPSI-R, a self-report 146-item questionnaire for adults concerning earlier child psychiatric symptoms, comprising both DSM-IV categories and functional impairment. The instrument was mailed to 359 former child psychiatric patients born between 1951 and 1977 (164 of whom responded) and to a matched control group (193 of whom responded). There was good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha ranged between 0.62–0.93, and between 0.76–0.93 after elimination of one item). The lifetime prevalence of a mental disorder was 87.8% in the former patients' without considering impairment and 76.8% when impairment was considered. The corresponding figures for the control group were 49.7% and 10.4%, respectively. When the former patients' CAPSI-R diagnoses (with incorporation of the impairment criterion) were validated against the DSM-IV diagnoses based on information in their medical records, generally, an acceptable sensitivity and specificity were obtained. The overall kappa between CAPSI-R diagnoses and those from medical records was 0.79. The CAPSI-R shows promise for further evaluation and may be useful in recognising child and adolescent mental disorders in adults.
Unusual Thermal Stability of Soybean Peroxidase
Authors: McEldoon James P. , Dordick Jonathan S.
Published: July 2002

Soybean peroxidase (SBP) has an extremely high melting temperature of 90.5 °C at pH 8.0 in the presence of 1 mM CaCl2. The enzyme is substantially more thermostable than the peroxidases from horseradish (HRP) and Coprinus cinereus (CIP). SBP denaturation does not precisely fit the two‐state denaturation model due to the formation of the apoenzyme upon initial melting. A pseudo‐two‐state denaturation can be assumed, however, and this gives rise to apparent kinetics for irreversible inactivation. The apparent kinetics indicate that irreversible deactivation is comprised primarily of enthalpic contributions, with ΔH‡deact = 22.4 kcal/mol and TΔS‡deact = 0.2 kcal/mol at 95 °C. Heme transfer studies from the peroxidases to apomyoglobin indicate that SBP holds onto its heme much more tightly than does HRP, and this is consistent with a thermodynamically more stable enzyme.
Optimization Considerations for the Purification of α1‐Antitrypsin Using Silica‐Based Ion‐Exchange Adsorbents in Packed and Expanded Beds
Authors: Finette G. M. S. , Baharin B. , Mao Q. M. , Hearn M. T. W.
Published: July 2002

The influences of the fluid superficial velocity, sample concentration, loading volume, and wash cycle on the recovery and corresponding purification factors for α1‐antitrypsin [syn. α1‐proteinase inhibitor (α1‐PI) ] from crude mixtures of human plasma proteins were investigated using packed and expanded beds of DEAE‐Spherodex LS. As part of this study, the effect of fluid superficial velocity on the bed dispersion number (Dv) and dispersion coefficient (D) for this adsorbent in expanded beds was determined with feedstocks containing human serum albumin (HSA), the most abundant of the contaminating proteins in human plasma protein preparations used for the isolation of α1‐PI. When multicomponent protein feedstocks prepared from human plasma were examined with DEAE‐Spherodex LS, reduced chromatographic productivity was observed for α1‐PI as the extent of column utilization and the superficial velocity were increased, yet the opposite trend was evident for HSA. In particular, higher adsorption capacities and recoveries were obtained for α1‐PI at lower fluid superficial velocities with both packed and expanded bed conditions. These findings indicate that for process scale purifications of α1‐PI from multicomponent feedstocks with expanded beds containing this silica‐based ion‐exchange adsorbent, the optimal range of superficial velocities to achieve the highest bed productivity will not be synonymous with maximally fluidized modes of operation. Rather, the results confirm that the adsorbent has an optimum operational performance when fluidization procedures corresponding to plug flow expansion are employed for the capture of α1‐PI. These findings also indicate that advantage can be taken of displacement effects between closely related protein species with packed and expanded bed systems containing the DEAE‐Spherodex LS type of ion‐exchange porous silicas.
Role of azaamino acid residue in β‐turn formation and stability in designed peptide
Authors: Lee H.‐J. , Lee K.‐B. , Ahn I.‐A. , Ro S. , Choi K.‐H. , Choi Y.‐S.
Published: July 2002

Abstract: The structural perturbation induced by CαH→Nα exchange in azaamino acid‐containing peptides was predicted by ab initio calculation of the 6‐31G* and 3‐21G* levels. The global energy‐minimum conformations for model compounds, For‐azaXaa‐NH2 (Xaa = Gly, Ala, Leu) appeared to be the β‐turn motif with a dihedral angle of φ = ± 90°, ψ = 0°. This suggests that incorporation of the azaXaa residue into the i + 2 position of designed peptides could stabilize the β‐turn structure. The model azaLeu‐containing peptide, Boc‐Phe‐azaLeu‐Ala‐OMe, which is predicted to adopt a β‐turn conformation was designed and synthesized in order to experimentally elucidate the role of the azaamino acid residue. Its structural preference in organic solvents was investigated using 1H NMR, molecular modelling and IR spectroscopy. The temperature coefficients of amide protons, the characteristic NOE patterns, the restrained molecular dynamics simulation and IR spectroscopy defined the dihedral angles [ (φi+1, ψi+1) (φi+2, ψi+2)] of the Phe‐azaLeu fragment in the model peptide, Boc‐Phe‐azaLeu‐Ala‐OMe, as [(−59°, 127°) (107°, −4°)]. This solution conformation supports a βII‐turn structural preference in azaLeu‐containing peptides as predicted by the quantum chemical calculation. Therefore, intercalation of the azaamino acid residue into the i + 2 position in synthetic peptides is expected to provide a stable β‐turn formation, and this could be utilized in the design of new peptidomimetics adopting a β‐turn scaffold.
Intrathecal administration of liposomal neostigmine prolongs analgesia in mice
Authors: Grant G. J. , Piskoun B. , Bansinath M.
Published: July 2002

Background: There is substantial evidence that cholinomimetic drugs increase pain threshold. However, the profound side effects of these agents have limited their clinical use either as analgesics or as analgesic adjuncts. A delivery system that would assure a slow and sustained drug release may be of value in ameliorating the problem of untoward effects.

Methods: The acetylcholinesterase inhibitor neostigmine was encapsulated into multilamellar lipid vesicles composed of phosphocholine and cholesterol. Three doses of plain or liposomal neostigmine were administered by the intrathecal route to mice (n=8–10/group), and analgesic duration was quantified by tail flick test. The doses were chosen based on preliminary experiments, which showed the maximum tolerated intrathecal doses of plain and liposomal neostigmine formulation were 0.625 μg and 80 μg, respectively. Two other doses for each formulation were then derived by 1:1 serial dilutions. Results were compared using survival analysis.

Results: The median antinociceptive duration for plain neostigmine was 0.33, 0.99 and 1.0 h for the 0.115, 0.312 and 0.625 μg doses, respectively. For the liposomal formulation, the median antinociceptive duration was 1.0, 1.5 and 6.0 h for the 20, 40 and 80 μg doses, respectively.

Conclusions: Liposomal neostigmine provides prolonged spinal antinociception, and permits the safe administration of a relatively large dose, because drug is gradually released from the liposomal depot. This technology holds promise for the development of a clinically useful neostigmine formulation to provide spinal analgesia.
Granulocytic sarcoma of megakaryoblastic differentiation in the lymph nodes terminating as acute megakaryoblastic leukemia in a case of chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis persisting for 16 years
Authors: Hirose Yuko , Masaki Yasufumi , Shimoyama Kumiko , Sugai Susumu , Nojima Takayuki
Published: July 2002

Abstract: A 43‐yr‐old Japanese woman presented with mild anemia, leukocytosis and splenomegaly in May 1984. Splenomegaly and anemia gradually progressed. Sixteen years later, in October 2000, she developed inguinal lymphadenopathy. Biopsy of the lymph node revealed infiltration of blasts, megakaryocytes, fibroblasts and myeloid cells. Large blasts with basophilic cytoplasm with cytoplasmic projections appeared in the peripheral blood. These blasts were negative in peroxidase stain, positive in acid phosphatase and weakly positive in periodic acid‐Schiff stain. Immunohistochemical staining with monoclonal antibodies revealed that these blasts were positive with anti‐CD41 (glycoprotein IIb/IIIa) and negative with other monoclonal antibodies. So diagnosis of granulocytic sarcoma in megakaryoblastic transformation from chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis was made. A cytogenetic study revealed that bone marrow cells were 46,XX del(13)(q?) initially and additional abnormalities including der(5,5,11)(q11;q13)ins(5;?)(q11;?) were found when she developed megakaryoblastic transformation. Granulocytic sarcoma of megakaryoblastic transformation from chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis is a rare event. Immunophenotyping with monoclonal antibody for CD41(glycoprotein IIb/IIIa) confirmed the diagnosis.
The risk of pregnancy‐related venous thromboembolism in women who are homozygous for factor V Leiden
Authors: Middeldorp Saskia , Libourel Eduard J. , Hamulyák Karly , Van Der Meer Jan , Büller Harry R.
Published: July 2002

The risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is increased in pregnancy and during the post‐partum period. The absolute risk for pregnancy‐related VTE in heterozygous women with the factor V Leiden mutation is approximately 2%, but studies on this risk for homozygous women show conflicting results. In a retrospective family study, we found that the risk of pregnancy‐related VTE in women with a symptomatic first‐degree relative was 17% per pregnancy (95%CI 4·7–37·4). Anticoagulant prophylaxis during the post‐partum period appears to be indicated in asymptomatic homozygous women from symptomatic kindred, whereas this could be decided on an individual basis during pregnancy.
The relation between silty soil structures and their mercury porosimetry curve counterparts: fractals and percolation
Authors: Bartoli F. , Bird N. R. A. , Gomendy V. , Vivier H. , Niquet S.
Published: July 2002

Mercury porosimetry data can be interpreted in terms of soil structure using ideas drawn from (i) network modelling and percolation theory and (ii) fractal geometry. We linked mercury intrusion to soil structure quantified by image analysis within a relevant common pore radius scale. We compared (i) three independent methods for computing fractal dimensions of the matrix and of the solid–pore interface, namely fitted square boxes method and pore chord distribution on scanning electron microscope images of soil thin sections, and mercury porosimetry, and (ii) two independent methods for characterizing pore connectivity (image analysis) and percolation process (pressure threshold from mercury porosimetry). The results from analyses of the pore size distribution by mercury porosimetry differed from those from the image analysis. Mercury intrusion is controlled by both the connectivity of the pore space network and locally by pore throats leading to larger pore bodies. By contrast, image analysis is unaffected by pore connectivity and measures pore bodies. On the other hand, the chord length method might not adequately capture the scaling properties of the solid–pore interface, whereas the mercury porosimetry data were also difficult to interpret in terms of fractal geometry because of the effects of pore connectivity. However, fractal dimension values of both the solid phase and the solid–pore interface increased as a function of clay content, whereas both percolation probability values and throat radius values at the mercury percolation threshold decreased. The results show the merit of applying both fractals and percolation theory for determining structural parameters relevant to mercury and water transport in soil.
Islands and introduced herbivores: conservation action as ecosystem experimentation
Authors: Donlan C. Josh , Tershy Bernie R. , Croll Donald A.
Published: July 2002

Overgrazing by exotic herbivores has a widespread impact on plant communities. We used the removal of exotic European rabbits, goats and donkeys from the San Benito Islands, Mexico, as an experimental manipulation to examine the importance of top‐down and bottom‐up processes in the impact and recovery of an island plant community.

Using a paired approach, we removed herbivores from one island, while they remained temporarily on an adjacent, similar island. We combined this large‐scale manipulation with smaller‐scale mechanistic experiments: herbivore food‐preference trials and herbivore exclosures on the control island.

El Niño‐related precipitation dominated vegetation dynamics early in the study. Differences in plant community structure due to selective herbivory between the experimental and control islands were detectable in the second year. Results from food‐preference trials accurately predicted changes in the perennial plant community. When herbivores were removed from the experimental island, the abundance of their preferred plants increased while unpalatable species decreased. On the control island (herbivores present), we observed the opposite trend. However, we saw no recovery of vegetation inside the exclosures on the control island, constructed after the El Niño rains, probably due to the absence of rainfall.

While the relationship between herbivore food preference and changes in plant cover is strong evidence of a top‐down effect by exotic species, the influence of El Niño precipitation highlights the importance of bottom‐up factors, such as water availability, in the recovery of arid plant communities from long‐term disturbance.
Density‐dependent effects on tree survival in an old‐growth Douglas fir forest
Authors: He Fangliang , Duncan Richard P.
Published: July 2002

1 We mapped the locations of live and dead trees in a large forest plot dominated by pioneer Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) with an understorey of the invading late‐successional species western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) and western red cedar (Thuja plicata) on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, to test for intra‐ and interspecific density‐dependent effects on tree survival.

2 We analysed both the spatial patterning of trees in the plot and the relationships between neighbourhood density and tree survival. We also examined the effects of additional variables (principally elevation) as covariates in our neighbourhood analyses.

3 Both the spatial and initial neighbourhood analyses suggested strong intra‐ and interspecific density‐dependent effects on tree survival. Douglas fir survival was significantly higher in less dense patches of conspecifics and non‐random tree death led to regularly spaced survivors, as expected from intraspecific competition. The significantly lower survival of western hemlock in denser patches of Douglas fir and the resulting negative spatial association between surviving trees of these two species were consistent with interspecific competition.

4 However, having controlled for the influence of elevation on tree survival (probably mediated by variation in soil moisture) in neighbourhood analyses, although the survival of the pioneer Douglas fir trees was still subject to strong density‐dependent effects, variation in its density in the overstorey no longer appeared to influence the survival of the invading late‐successional species. There was, however, evidence for asymmetric interspecific density dependence between the two late‐successional species since western hemlock mortality tended to be higher in denser patches of western red cedar.

5 Our results emphasize the importance of considering confounding factors in studies that seek evidence for density dependence.
The Northern Bolivian Altiplano: a region highly endemic for human fascioliasis
Authors: Mas‐Coma S. , Anglés R. , Esteban J. G. , Bargues M. D. , Buchon P. , Franken M. , Strauss W.
Published: July 2002

SummaryThe worldwide importance of human infection by Fasciola hepatica has been recognized in recent years. The endemic region between Lake Titicaca and the valley of La Paz, Bolivia, at 3800–4100 m altitude, presents the highest prevalences and intensities recorded. Large geographical studies involving Lymnaea truncatula snails (malacological, physico‐chemical, and botanic studies of 59, 28 and 30 water bodies, respectively, inhabited by lymnaeids; environmental mean temperature studies covering a 40‐year period), livestock (5491 cattle) and human coprological surveys (2723 subjects, 2521 of whom were school children) were conducted during 1991–97 to establish the boundaries and distributional characteristics of this endemic Northern Altiplano region. The endemic area covers part of the Los Andes, Ingavi, Omasuyos and Murillo provinces of the La Paz Department. The human endemic zone is stable, isolated and apparently fixed in its present outline, the boundaries being marked by geographical, climatic and soil‐water chemical characteristics. The parasite distribution is irregular in the endemic area, the transmission foci being patchily distributed and linked to the presence of appropriate water bodies. Prevalences in school children are related to snail population distribution and extent. Altiplanic lymnaeids mainly inhabit permanent water bodies, which enables parasite transmission during the whole year. A confluence of several factors mitigates the negative effects of the high altitude.
Erythrokeratolysis hiemalis (keratolytic winter erythema): a case report from Denmark
Authors: Danielsen AG , Weismann K , Thomsen HK
Published: July 2002

Erythrokeratolysis hiemalis is described as a rare autosomal dominant genodermatosis as first reported from the Oudtshoorn district of Cape Provence in South Africa, among European immigrant families. Sporadic cases have since been identified in other countries, often with a familial link to the Oudtshoorn cluster. We describe the first case observed in Denmark, presumably the result of a spontaneous mutation.
A Remarkable New Leaf Type With Unusual Photosynthetic Tissue in a Central Asiatic Genus of Chenopodiaceae
Authors: Freitag H. , Stichler W.
Published: July 2002

Abstract:From the hygrohalophyteBorszczowia aralocaspicaBunge (Chenopodiaceae), a new leaf type with 1‐layered chlorenchyma is described as “borszczovoid” and compared with other leaf types in subfamily Salsoloideae. The chlorenchyma is suspected to represent a unique C4type. Evidence is cited from anatomical studies and documented by micrographs and Carbon isotope determinations (ä13C values). The 1‐layered photosynthetic tissue combines all essential anatomical characters of a 2‐layered chlorenchyma of regular C4plants and is in intimate contact with concentrically arranged peripheral bundles. The ä13C values are − 13.03 ‰ from young stems and − 13.78 ‰ from leaves. The results are discussed in the anatomical, physiological and taxonomic framework. In addition, from distantly‐relatedSuaedaspecies of section Conosperma the conospermoid leaf type is re‐described. It is characterized by typical palisade and Kranz layers and differs from the C4suaedoid type by an external water‐storaging hypodermis and an arrangement of Kranz cells reminiscent of the atriplicoid type from subfamily Chenopodioideae. From eight other species of Chenopodiaceae ä13C values are given for the first time.
Observation of antiphase domain boundaries in GaAs on silicon by transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Posthill J. B. , Tarn J. C. L. , Das K. , Humphreys T. P. , Parikh N. R.
Published: July 2002

Boundaries between different antiphase domains have been unambiguously identified in heteroepitaxial GaAs on silicon substrates by transmission electron microscopy. A simple and reliable method is described for assessing the presence or absence of these domain boundaries in GaAs. The domain size was found to be as small as ∼0.1 μm in GaAs that had been grown on nominal Si(001) in which a buried, implanted oxide had been previously formed. These boundaries are expected to degrade electrical performance and device reliability modify electronic transport and degrade device performance.