bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eficácia do sistema de pontuação, preconizado pelo Ministério da Saúde, para o diagnóstico de tuberculose pulmonar em crianças e adolescentes infectados ou não pelo HIV
Authors: Pedrozo Cinthia , Sant'Anna Clemax Couto , March Maria de Fátima B. Pombo , Lucena Sheila Cunha
Published: March 2010

OBJETIVO: Verificar a eficácia do sistema de pontuação, preconizado pelo Ministério da Saúde (MS), para o diagnóstico de TB pulmonar em crianças e adolescentes, infectadas ou não pelo HIV. MÉTODOS: Estudo analítico transversal realizado entre janeiro de 2002 e dezembro de 2006, no qual foram incluídos 239 indivíduos menores de 15 anos. Os pacientes foram divididos em quatro grupos: grupo TB latente (TBL; n = 81); grupo não TB (NTB; n = 41); grupo TB (n = 104); e grupo TB/HIV (n = 13). Foram estudadas as características clínicas, radiológicas e laboratoriais segundo o sistema de pontuação. RESULTADOS: Os relatos de febre, tosse, astenia e emagrecimento há mais de duas semanas foram significativamente maiores no grupo TB (p < 0,0001). No grupo TB, 95,0% dos casos tinham história de contato com indivíduo com TB, sendo que em 86,1% esse contato era intradomiciliar. No grupo TB/HIV, 75,0% dos casos haviam entrado em contato com TB e, em 58,3%, esse contato era intradomiciliar. Nos grupos TB e TB/HIV, respectivamente, 75,0% e 53,9% dos casos apresentaram alterações radiológicas parenquimatosas, enquanto 18,2% e 30,8% apresentaram alterações ganglionares e parenquimatosas. Os resultados da prova tuberculínica não apresentaram diferenças significativas entre os grupos. No grupo TB, 16,3% dos pacientes estavam desnutridos (p < 0,005 vs. o grupo TBL). A pontuação média utilizando o sistema MS foi a seguinte: grupo TBL, 24,2; grupo NTB, 18,5; grupo TB, 45,3; e grupo TB/HIV, 41,5. CONCLUSÕES: Os pacientes dos grupos TB e TB/HIV apresentaram pontuação significativamente maior do que aqueles nos outros grupos. Portanto, esse sistema de pontuação foi válido para o diagnóstico de TB pulmonar nessa população, independentemente do status HIV.
Consenso brasileiro ilustrado sobre a terminologia dos descritores e padrões fundamentais da TC de tórax
Authors: Silva C. Isabela S. , Marchiori Edson , Souza Júnior Arthur Soares , Müller Nestor L.
Published: March 2010

O objetivo deste novo consenso brasileiro é atualizar e dar continuidade à padronização da terminologia dos principais descritores e padrões fundamentais da TC de tórax em língua portuguesa. Este consenso contém uma descrição sucinta dos principais termos utilizados na TC de tórax e ilustrações de exemplos clássicos. O grupo de autores é formado por médicos radiologistas membros do Colégio Brasileiro de Radiologia e Diagnóstico por Imagem, especializados em radiologia torácica, e por pneumologistas membros da Sociedade Brasileira de Pneumologia e Tisiologia, com particular interesse em diagnóstico por imagem.
Capítulo 7 - Zigomicose
Authors: Severo Cecília Bittencourt , Guazzelli Luciana Silva , Severo Luiz Carlos
Published: March 2010

A zigomicose (mucormicose) é uma infecção rara, mas altamente invasiva, causada por fungos da ordem Mucorales (gêneros Rhizopus, Mucor, Rhizomucor, Absidia, Apophysomyces, Saksenaea, Cunninghamella, Cokeromyces e Syncephalastrum). Esse tipo de infecção é usualmente associado a doenças hematológicas, cetoacidose diabética e transplante de órgãos. A apresentação clínica mais frequente é a mucormicose rinocerebral, com ou sem envolvimento pulmonar. A zigomicose pulmonar ocorre mais frequentemente em pacientes com neutropenia profunda e prolongada e pode se apresentar como infiltrado lobar ou segmentar, nódulos isolados, lesões cavitárias, hemorragia ou infarto. As manifestações clínicas e radiológicas são na maioria dos casos indistinguíveis daquelas associadas com aspergilose invasiva. Este artigo descreve as características gerais da zigomicose pulmonar, com ênfase no diagnóstico laboratorial, e ilustra a morfologia de algumas lesões.
Pneumoconiose por exposição a metal duro com pneumotórax bilateral espontâneo
Authors: Moreira Maria Auxiliadora Carmo , Cardoso Amanda da Rocha Oliveira , Silva Daniela Graner Schuwartz Tannus , Queiroz Maria Conceição de Castro Antonelli Monteiro de , Oliveira Albino Alegro , Noleto Tiago Marinho Almeida
Published: March 2010

A pneumoconiose por metal duro, descrita pela primeira vez em 1964, é uma doença difusa causada por inalação de partículas de cobalto. A doença pode se manifestar de três formas diferentes: asma ocupacional, doença intersticial e alveolite alérgica. Relata-se um caso de um jovem do sexo masculino, afiador de ferramentas, com quadro de tosse seca e dispnéia progressiva há um ano, apresentando-se à admissão com pneumotórax espontâneo bilateral. O diagnóstico foi confirmado através de biópsia pulmonar a céu aberto.
Lipoma de traqueia simulando doença pulmonar obstrutiva
Authors: Mota Vinícius Turano , Maia José Geraldo Soares , Barbosa Ana Teresa Fernandes , Fernandes Diego Franco Silveira , Rocha Emanuelly Botelho
Published: March 2010

Os tumores de traqueia são raros e podem ser de difícil diagnóstico, por mimetizarem outras afecções pulmonares de caráter obstrutivo, como asma e DPOC. Relatamos um caso de lipoma de traqueia em uma paciente que fora tratada para asma e DPOC, sem resposta adequada, até apresentar complicações infecciosas. A presença do tumor foi sugerida por TC de tórax e confirmada por fibrobroncoscopia. A paciente foi submetida à ressecção endoscópica do tumor; porém, evoluiu para o óbito por pneumonia e choque séptico.
The GH/IGF1 axis and signaling pathways in the muscle and bone: mechanisms underlying age-related skeletal muscle wasting and osteoporosis
Authors: Perrini Sebastio , Laviola Luigi , Carreira Marcos C , Cignarelli Angelo , Natalicchio Annalisa , Giorgino Francesco
Published: March 2010

The widespread increase in life expectancy is accompanied by an increased prevalence of features of physical frailty. Signs and symptoms may include sarcopenia and osteopenia, reduced exercise capacity, and diminished sense of well-being. The pathogenesis of age-associated sarcopenia and osteopenia is multifactorial, and hormonal decline may be a contributing factor. Aging is associated with a progressive decrease in GH secretion, and more than 30% of elderly people have circulating IGF1 levels below the normal range found in the young. GH acts directly on target tissues, including skeletal muscle and bone among many others, but many effects are mediated indirectly by circulating (liver-derived) or locally produced IGF1. Aging is also associated with reduced insulin sensitivity which, in turn, may contribute to the impairment of IGF1 action. Recent experimental evidence suggests that besides the age-dependent decline in GH and IGF1 serum levels, the dysregulation of GH and IGF1 actions due to impairment of the post-receptor signaling machinery may contribute to the loss of muscle mass and osteopenia. This article will focus on the molecular mechanisms of impaired GH and IGF1 signaling and action in aging, and their role in the pathogenesis of sarcopenia and osteoporosis.
Interrelationship of public spaces and built-in corner buildings based on the examples of modernism in 'Mali liman' area in Novi Sad
Authors: Krkljes Milena , Kubet Vladimir , Hiel Ksenija
Published: March 2010

Corner buildings, according to their position in an urban block, can be more freely shaped than other built-in buildings. Due to their position and perception, above all, from surrounding public spaces, they dominate inside an urban matrix of a residential area and very often represent urban model of cities. Relationship of these buildings to public spaces, which are in their immediate environment, represents a specific problem. Regarding the observed period of Modernism, the problem of the origins and transformation of corner buildings, was treated in different ways, and therefore surrounding public spaces had different characteristics and values. Buildings, originating in the above mentioned period in the territory of Novi Sad and their interrelationship to public spaces are subjects of the research, according to different parameters of shape and function. On the basis of the conducted analysis the quality of interaction of buildings and public spaces is being evaluated, from the viewpoint of their morphological, architectural, and urban structure, but also through programs, social, psychological and environmental values.
The second harmonic generation in a collisional magnetoactive plasma
Authors: Jovanovic B.M.
Published: March 2010

Characteristics for the generation of the second harmonic in homogeneous, collisional and magnetized plasma are investigated theoretically by solving the system of nonlinear equations for the fundamental and second harmonic extraordinary waves. The dependence of the efficiency of the wave frequency doubling on the distance from the plasma boundary and on the collisional frequency has been calculated.
Modelling of the filter-adsorber type air cleaner by using neural network
Authors: Raos Miomir , Zivkovic Ljiljana , Djordjevic Amelija , Todorovic Branislav
Published: March 2010

It is well known that most air purifying methods imply the passing of air flow, as a pollutant carrier, through a control unit which retains impurities. Properties of the air control unit and the purifying process itself therefore differ depending on the nature of present impurities, as well as on flow-thermal properties of air as the carrier of those impurities. For the assumed conditions, in terms of production of a pollution source and presence of different polluting substances in the form of dust, aerosols, gas, vapor in the exhaust gas, etc., an integrated gas purifier has been designed and tested, comprising a module for purification of mechanical impurities and a module for purification of gaseous impurities. The purifier is compact and has a universal application while simultaneously retaining several different pollutants. These requirements were met through application of the filtration and adsorption methods. On the formed experimental line with an adequate system of acquisition, filter-adsorber type gas cleaners in the function of flow-thermal parameters of gas mixture were tested simultaneously. Experimental data were used for training the radial basis function neural network, which was then used to model properties of the process and gas cleaner.
Application of the level set method on the non-convex Hamiltonians
Authors: Radjenovic B. , Radmilovic-Radjenovic M. , Mitric M.
Published: March 2010

Application of the level set method extended for the case of non-convex Hamiltonians is illustrated by the three dimensional (3D) simulation results of the profile evolution during anisotropic wet etching of silicon. Etching rate function is modeled on the basis of the silicon symmetry properties, by means of the interpolation technique using experimentally obtained values of the principal [100], [110], [111], and high index [311] directions in KOH solutions. The resulting level set equations are solved using an open source implementation of the sparse field method.
Vibration of the vessel and bispectrum of hydroacoustic noise
Authors: Vracar Miodrag , Kovacevic Nenad
Published: March 2010

The origin of vessels vibrations is dominantly determined by vessels propulsion system, auxiliary systems, pumps, breaking of the waves at the ship hull, etc. All of these systems contribute to the appearance of the underwater sound in water environment. As a source of underwater sound, vessels has the characteristic of directivity. Vibration of the vessel's structure is analyzed using spectra, but hydroacoustic signals are analyzed using spectra and higher order spectral analysis - bispectra. The measuring of the radiated hydroacoustic noise was done simultaneously with multi channel measurements of the vessels vibrations at few characteristics positions of the vessel.
Decomposition of biodegradable films developed on the basis of polyvinyl alcohol in the natural environment
Authors: Timofiychuk O.A. , Prudnicova T.I. , Mishurov D.O. , Avramenko V.L. , Shevcova R.G.
Published: March 2010

The use of polymeric pack has made for many important problems. Biodegradable plastics may provide solutions to global environmental problems. The aim of this study is to examine the utilization possibilities in natural environment of biodegradable films, which was developed with polyvinyl alcohol and organic filler materials (amylum and cellulose). The films stability against the filamentous fungus was analyzed, the soil type with optimal conditions to the biodegradation of polymers was determined; the mold fungi were separated from biodegradable films and were identified to a genus.
Control of prehension for the transradial prosthesis: Natural-like image recognition system
Authors: Klisic Djordje , Kostic Milos , Dosen Strahinja , Popovic Dejan
Published: March 2010

We describe the hardware and software for the control of prehension for a dexterous transradial prosthesis. The prehension process comprises hand orientation (three degrees of freedom) and the opening of the hand in a manner that is appropriate for the shape and size of the object. The hardware consists of a standard web camera, accelerometer, ultrasound distance sensor, laser pointer and an LED illumination system. Software operating in real time estimates the shape and size of the object as well as the relative orientation of the hand with respect to the object. Based on this data, the controller generates signals that are sent to the three-dimensional (3D) wrist rotator, and drives which control fingers and thumb of the transradial prosthesis, thereby preparing the hand for palmar, lateral, or precision (2-digit or 3-digit) grasps. The choice of the grasp follows heuristics captured from healthy humans when grasping and expressed in the form of IF-THEN rules.
N-H···O hydrogen bonding: An FT-IR, NIR study of N-methylformamide-ether systems
Authors: Jovic Branislav , Nikolic Aleksandar , Davidovic Erna , Petrovic Slobodan
Published: March 2010

This paper reports the results of an FT-IR and NIR study of N-methylformamide in carbon tetrachloride solution in presence of ethers as the O-electron donors, i.e., diethyl ether (DEE), diisopropyl ether (DiPE), methyl t- -butyl ether (MtBE), dibutyl ether (DBE), dipentyl ether (DPE), tetrahydrofuran (THF) and tetrahydropyran (THP). The spectroscopic characteristics of the N-H???O hydrogen bonded complexes are given. In addition, the equilibrium constants for 1:1 complex formation were determined at 25?C using Mid-IR and NIR measurements.
An efficient acetylation of dextran using in situ activated acetic anhydride with iodine
Authors: Hussain Muhammad , Shahwar Dure , Tahir Muhammad , Sher Muhammad , Hassan Muhammad , Afzal Zakia
Published: March 2010

A facile, efficient, cost-effective and solvent-free acetylation method has been developed for the acetylation of dextran. Dextran acetates were successfully synthesized using different molar ratios of acetic anhydride in the presence of iodine as a catalyst without the use of any solvent. The reactions were realized at 50?C for 3 h under stirring and nitrogen. This efficient method yielded highly pure and organosoluble dextran esters. The reaction appears highly effective for obtaining higher degrees of substitution (DS) with great efficiency. Under solvent-free conditions, dextran triacetates were efficiently synthesized. It was also observed that the molar ratio can easily control the DS of pendant groups onto the polymer backbone. Hence, a range of products with varying DS were successfully designed, purified and characterized. Covalent attachment of the pendant groups onto the polymer backbone was verified by spectroscopic techniques. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated that the obtained dextran esters were thermally as stable as dextran. The DS of the pendant groups onto the polymer backbone was calculated using standard acid base titration after saponification. Furthermore, all products were thoroughly characterized by thermal analysis (TG and DTG), and FTIR and 1H-NMR spectroscopic analysis.
Immobilization of urease in alginate, paraffin and lac
Authors: Pithawala Kespi , Mishra Neelam , Bahadur Anita
Published: March 2010

The enzyme urease (EC.3.5.1.5) from jack bean meal was immobilized by various techniques, such as entrapment in calcium alginate gel spheres in aqueous suspension, lac impregnated muslin cloth as dry films and by embedding in paraffin wax impregnated muslin cloth. The activity of the free and immobilized enzymes as a function of pH, temperature, storage stability, kinetic parameters and periodic use were compared. The immobilized enzyme showed good storage stability. After repeated use, the alginate beads turned brown and deteriorated, hence the storage stability was not good. The paraffin films were preserved dry because during wet preservation, the film slightly softened and the protein leached out slightly. The alginate beads had moderate mechanical stability. The lac films were tougher than the paraffin wax films in terms of mechanical stability. The Km and Vmax values were altered after immobilization. The Km values for calcium alginate and lac were low, while it was larger in paraffin film as compared to the free enzyme. This may be due to the fact that immobilization on calcium alginate and lac in presence of CaCl2 and methanol exposed certain active sites of the urease. While immobilization on paraffin masks the active sites and may lead to reduced binding of the substrate.
Chemical composition of Rhododendron aureum (Gold rosebay) essential oil from Pribaikal'e (Russian Federation)
Authors: Olennikov Daniil , Dudareva Lubov' , Osipenko Semion , Penzina Tat'yana
Published: March 2010

The essential oils from five samples of leaves of Rhododendron aureum from the Irkutsk region, Pribaikal'e, Russian Federation, were isolated by hydrodistillation and analyzed by a combination of GC and GC/MS. Compounds representing 70.5-78.3 % of the oils were identified. Twenty-seven compounds were identified according to their chromatographic retention indices and mass spectra. The major components of the oils were calarene (10.4- -66.4 %), ?-bourbonene (0.5-27.4 %), ?-selinene (2.1-8.0 %) and kaur-16-ene (2.0-6.3 %). It was found that the chemical composition of Rh. aureum essential oil depends on the altitude of the growing plants.
Computer programs for calculating pKa: A comparative study for 3-[3-(2-nitrophenyl)prop-2-enoyl]-2h-1-benzopyran-2-one
Authors: Spirtovic-Halilovic Selma , Zavrsnik Davorka
Published: March 2010

Coumarin-based compounds containing a chalcone moiety exhibit antimicrobial activity. These substances are potential drugs and it is important to determine their pKa values. However, they are almost insoluble in water. The dissociation constant was experimentally determined by potentiometric titration for 3-[3-(2-nitrophenyl)prop-2-enoyl]-2H-1-benzopyran-2-one because this compound shows good activity and solubility. A number of different computer programs for the calculation of the dissociation constant of chemical compounds have been developed. The pKa value of the target compound was calculated using three different computer programs, i.e., the ACD/pKa, CSpKaPredictor and ADME/ToxWEB programs, which are based on different theoretical approaches. The analysis demonstrated good agreement between the experimentally observed pKa value of 3-[3-(2-nitrophenyl)prop-2-enoyl]-2H-1-benzopyran- 2-one and the value calculated using the computer program CSpKa.
Effect of Tire Wear on Tire Force and Moment Characteristics
Authors: Tandy D. F. , Pascarella R. J. , Neal J. W. , Baldwin J. M. , Rehkopf J. D.
Published: March 2010

In repeated physical testing of vehicles at or near their handling limit, shoulder wear occurs that is not typical of normal customer use. It has been observed for decades that this type of severe cornering induced tire wear can have a significant effect on the force and moment characteristics of tires. In this study, this shoulder wear effect was isolated by testing tires in a controlled environment and objectively assessed for a number of tires of various brands and sizes. This testing shows how a tire’s lateral force and overturning moment capacities increase significantly as the number of runs on a tire accumulates. Additionally, one particular tire make and model was placed on a vehicle to acquire 1000 miles of normal customer driving and then evaluated under the same simulated load conditions. The results confirmed that, irrespective of a tire break-in procedure, the increases in lateral forces of the tire in repeated limit handling maneuvers were a product of the test induced atypical shoulder wear generated during the limit handling maneuver.
Physiotherapist Classifiers Ensure Competitive Fair Play in Para-Archery
Authors: Betteridge Pauline
Published: March 2010

Over the past 30 years, physiotherapists have played an important role in the continuous refinement of the classification system related to sports participation for athletes with disabilities. This guest editorial is intended to provide a brief history of this evolution, an evolution that in many respects has shifted the focus away from the medical diagnosis to concerns related more to the impact of a disease or condition on the person's function and overall health.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2010;40(3):130–132. doi:10.2519/jospt.2010.0103
Determinants of change in paternal smoking trends during pregnancy in Lebanon
Authors: MAHFOUD ZIYAD , SAAD SARA , HADDAD PASCALE , CHAAYA MONIQUE
Published: March 2010

For pregnant women and their fetus, secondhand smoking poses major public health effects. This study analyzes the determinants of change in smoking behavior among fathers whose partners were pregnant. The study is a secondary analysis of a nationally representative Lebanese cross‐sectional survey of 1,028 households conducted in 2007. Currently smoking fathers with a child of 5 years of age or less were included. The main outcome was the change in the father's smoking behavior during his wife's last pregnancy. The study concluded that fathers who changed their smoking patterns when their wives were pregnant were significantly more educated, more likely to smoke a lesser number of cigarettes per day (OR = 96, 95% CI (0.93, 0.99)), and more knowledgeable about cigarette constitutes and its health risks (OR = 1.37, 95% CI (1.08, 1.74). Public health practitioners and health professionals are recommended to raise awareness and provide cessation programs for parents and especially fathers.
When the Voice Itself Is Image
Authors: Mills Liz
Published: March 2010

This article explores a notion of “vocal image” understood as the generating of or presence of vocalized sound intended to form an acoustic image either linked to language or independent of language. Vocal image is considered, here, from a very particular space: the space of performance practice. It is suggested that the actor's resistance to a playful exploration of sound in the abstract or within language has its roots in the layers of reasonableness inherent in language and in a concept of character as person. This resistance arguably inhibits a dimension of vocal creativity as well as possible vocal access to the articulation of the various texts of postdramatic theatre. In response, Julia Kristeva's identification of the semiotic and chora provide the basis for a theorizing of an intertextuality of voice that references a dimension of sound play already evident in the theatre and performance practices of experimental theatre.
The Modernist “Microphone Play”: Listening in the Dark to the BBC
Authors: Frattarola Angela
Published: March 2010

This essay surveys BBC radio drama from the 1920s to the 1940s to show how these plays exhibit many traits we commonly associate with modernist literature. Because radio drama appealed to the ear alone and often used multiple studios, mixing narrative, music, and sound effects, it embraced certain modernist formal devices such as stream of consciousness, fragmentation, linguistic experimentation, as well as mythic paradigms. While drama is often under-represented in surveys of modernist literature, I argue that radio drama can help to fill this void.
Popular Bodies, Canonical Voices: Paula Vogel'sHot ‘n’ Throbbingas Performative Burlesque
Authors: Mansbridge Joanna
Published: March 2010

Since many of Paula Vogel's plays rewrite canonical texts, position women centre stage, and use humour to approach uncomfortable topics, her plays employ a dramaturgical strategy that might be called a “performative burlesque.” As both a historical form and a dramaturgical strategy, burlesque is part of the history and theory of performance. While camp is the broader aesthetic within which Vogel works, burlesque foregrounds an eroticized female spectacle. Hot ‘n’ Throbbing responds to a history of discursive violence, positioning that history alongside the embodied history of the stripper. These two strands of history are enacted by the figures of “The Voice” (male) and the “Voice Over” (female). In this play, Vogel juxtaposes bodies and voices, high and low cultural forms, and sexuality and violence, highlighting the ambiguous functions of the sexualized female body in popular culture, as it both enacts and contradicts the voices of legitimate history.
Aristotle, Adam Smith and the Virtue of Propriety
Authors: Broadie Alexander
Published: March 2010

Adam Smith's ethics have long been thought to be much closer to the Stoic school than to any other school of the ancient world. Recent scholarship however has focused on the fact that Smith also appears to be quite close to Aristotle. I shall attend to Smith's deployment of a version of the doctrine of the mean, shall show that it is quite close to Aristotle's, shall demonstrate that in its detailed application it is seriously at odds with Stoic teaching on the passions, and particularly with their teachings on anger, and shall conclude that on a central issue of ethics Smith is a good deal closer to Aristotelian than to Stoic thinking.
What Is Inflammatory Breast Cancer? Revisiting the Case Definition
Authors: Levine Paul H. , Zolfaghari Ladan , Young Heather , Hafi Muhannad , Cannon Timothy , Ganesan Chitra , Veneroso Carmela , Brem Rachel , Sherman Mark
Published: March 2010

The case definition for inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is controversial. The American Joint Committee on Cancer defines IBC as redness, warmth and edema involving at least half the breast. The SEER program relies on a pathologic finding of dermal lymphatic invasion and recently added those with clinical involvement of more than 3/4 of the breast. We established a registry to collect information and specimens from IBC patients to clarify the epidemiology and biology of these tumors. The goals of this report are to suggest improvements regarding case definitions and provide data on the variety of presentations relevant to early diagnosis.
Estimation of an Entropy-based Functional
Authors: Maurizi Brian N.
Published: March 2010

Given a function f from [0, 1] to the real line, we consider the (nonlinear) functional h obtained by evaluating the continuous entropy of the “density function” of f. Motivated by an application in signal processing, we wish to estimate h(f). Our main tool is a decomposition of h into two terms, which each have favorable scaling properties. We show that, if functions f and g satisfy a regularity condition, then the smallness of ∥f −g∥∞ and ∥f′ − g′∥∞, along with some basic control on derivatives of f and g, is sufficient to imply that h(f) and h(g) are close.
The Influence of α-, β-, and γ-Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone on Acetaminophen Induced Liver Lesions in Male CBA Mice
Authors: Blagaić Vladimir , Houra Karlo , Turčić Petra , Štambuk Nikola , Konjevoda Paško , Boban-Blagaić Alenka , Kelava Tomislav , Kos Marina , Aralica Gorana , Čulo Filip
Published: March 2010

Research over the past decade has indicated that melanocortin peptides are potent inhibitors of inflammation and a promising source of new anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective therapies. The purpose of the present paper is to compare protective effects of α-, β-, and γ-melanocyte stimulating hormone on acetaminophen induced liver lesions in male CBA mice. Acetaminophen was applied intragastrically in a dose of 150 mg/kg, and tested substances were applied intraperitoneally 1 hour before acetaminophen. Mice were sacrificed after 24 hours and intensity of liver injury was estimated by measurement of plasma transaminase activity (AST and ALT) and histopathological grading of lesions. It was found that α-, β-, and γ-MSH decrease intensity of lesions by both criteria in a dose-dependent manner.
Prodrug Approach for Increasing Cellular Glutathione Levels
Authors: Cacciatore Ivana , Cornacchia Catia , Pinnen Francesco , Mollica Adriano , Di Stefano Antonio
Published: March 2010

Reduced glutathione (GSH) is the most abundant non-protein thiol in mammalian cells and the preferred substrate for several enzymes in xenobiotic metabolism and antioxidant defense. It plays an important role in many cellular processes, such as cell differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis. GSH deficiency has been observed in aging and in a wide range of pathologies, including neurodegenerative disorders and cystic fibrosis (CF), as well as in several viral infections. Use of GSH as a therapeutic agent is limited because of its unfavorable biochemical and pharmacokinetic properties. Several reports have provided evidence for the use of GSH prodrugs able to replenish intracellular GSH levels. This review discusses different strategies for increasing GSH levels by supplying reversible bioconjugates able to cross the cellular membrane more easily than GSH and to provide a source of thiols for GSH synthesis.
Desulfurization of Dibenzothiophene and Oxidized Dibenzothiophene Ring Systems
Authors: Morales Diego P. , Taylor Alexander S. , Farmer Steven C.
Published: March 2010

Lithium, used in conjunction with sodium metal, produces a high yield of biphenyl when reacted with dibenzothiophene, dibenzothiophene sulfoxide or dibenzothiophene sulfone.
A phylogenetic circumscription of Polytrichastrum (Polytrichaceae): Reassessment of sporophyte morphology supports molecular phylogeny
Authors: Bell Neil E. , Hyvönen Jaakko
Published: March 2010

Mosses arguably possess the most structurally complex sporangia of any extant land plants, a consequence of being the monosporangiophyte lineage most strongly adapted to terrestrial environments. Morphological and functional variation in the mechanisms that regulate spore release in one of the major classes of mosses, the Polytrichopsida, is largely unexplored, while recent research indicates that the most distinctive structure, the peristome, has evolved independently in the Polytrichopsida and in other mosses. The genus Polytrichastrum was separated from Polytrichum on the basis of such sporangial characters, although the critical features had until recently only been examined using light microscopy, and strong evidence from molecular data indicated that Polytrichastrum as currently circumscribed is polyphyletic. Here we use Bayesian ancestral character state reconstruction in conjunction with extensive scanning electron micrographic studies to elucidate probable morphology at ancestral nodes and define natural taxa. As well as clarifying the structure, evolution, and aspects of development of the peristome–epiphragm complex in this highly prominent group of mosses, the results provide a basis for a revised phylogenetic taxonomy in which the species of Polytrichastrum sect. Aporotheca are recognized once more within Polytrichum.
The chloroplast genome of Anomochloa marantoidea (Anomochlooideae; Poaceae) comprises a mixture of grass‐like and unique features
Authors: Morris Leah M. , Duvall Melvin R.
Published: March 2010

Features in the complete plastome of Anomochloa marantoidea (Poaceae) were investigated. This species is one of four of Anomochlooideae, the crown node of which diverged before those of any other grass subfamily. The plastome was sequenced from overlapping amplicons using previously designed primers. The plastome of A. marantoidea is 138412 bp long with a typical gene content for Poaceae. Five regions were examined in detail because of prior surveys that identified structural alterations among graminoid Poales. Anomochloa marantoidea was found to have an intron in rpoC1, unlike other Poaceae. The insertion region of rpoC2 is unusually short in A. marantoidea compared with those of other grasses, but with atypically long subrepeats. Both ycf1 and ycf2 are nonfunctional as is typical in grasses, but A. marantoidea has a uniquely long ψycf1. Finally, the rbcL‐psaI spacer in A. marantoidea is atypically short with no evidence of the ψrpl23 locus found in all other Poaceae. Some of these features are of noteworthy dissimilarity between A. marantoidea and those crown grasses for which entire plastomes have been sequenced. Complete plastome sequences of other Anomochlooideae and outgroups will further advance our understanding of the evolutionary events in the plastome that accompanied graminoid diversification.
Within‐plant distribution of phenolic glycosides and extrafloral nectaries in trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides; Salicaceae)
Authors: Young Brian , Wagner Diane , Doak Patricia , Clausen Thomas
Published: March 2010

Expression of foliar secondary compounds and extrafloral nectaries (EFNs) within the same leaves may be incompatible if secondary compounds repel beneficial insects that might otherwise be attracted to EFNs. This study examined the within‐plant distributions of phenolic glycosides and EFNs in trembling aspen, Populus tremuloides, and their relationships to herbivore damage. Populus tremuloides expresses extrafloral nectaries (EFNs) on a subset of its leaves. We studied short and tall naturally occurring aspen ramets across multiple sites in interior Alaska. Contrary to our expectations, foliar phenolic glycoside concentrations were approximately 30% greater on leaves bearing EFNs than on leaves without EFNs. The mean concentration of foliar phenolic glycosides in short ramets was nine times that in tall ramets. Phenolic glycoside concentration was negatively related to leaf mining damage by Phyllocnistis populiella (Lepidoptera; Gracilliadae) at concentrations greater than 27 mg/g, whereas the presence of EFNs was unrelated to mining damage. The positive association of chemical defensive compounds and EFNs in leaves suggests that, for species with variation in EFN expression, negative correlations between herbivory and EFN expression may arise indirectly from associated effects of other, correlated types of defense.
The Heat Shock Protein Profile in Children with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Musial Kinga , Szprynger Krystyna , Szczepańska Maria , Zwolińska Danuta
Published: March 2010

Objectives

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to inflammation, lipid disorders, and endothelial dysfunction predisposes to accelerated atherosclerosis. Elevated levels of heat shock proteins (HSPs) and antibodies against them have been described in adults with atherosclerotic lesions and cardiovascular events. However, there are no investigations of these variables in children with CKD treated conservatively or on peritoneal dialysis. Therefore, we decided to evaluate the profile of HSPs and their potential role as markers of atherosclerosis in these groups of patients.

Methods

The study group consisted of 37 children with CKD treated conservatively and 19 children and young adults on automated peritoneal dialysis (APD). The control group comprised 15 age-matched subjects with normal kidney function. HSP-60, HSP-70, HSP-90alpha, anti-HSP-60, anti-HSP-70, sE-selectin, and interleukin (IL)-4 serum concentrations were assessed by ELISA; high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) serum levels were assessed by nephelometry. Serum lipid profiles (total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides) were also estimated.

Results

HSP-90α x anti-HSP-60, and sE-selectin concentrations in the CKD and APD patients were higher than in the controls and were lower in the predialysis subjects than in the children on dialysis. Median values of anti-HSP-70 were higher in the CKD patients than in the control group. Levels of IL-4 were increased in all patients versus controls. Median values of HSP-60 were decreased in the CKD and APD children versus controls. HSP-70 and hs-CRP concentrations were comparable in all groups.

Conclusions

The altered HSP and anti-HSP concentrations may imply that the response to stress conditions in the course of CKD is disturbed in children; APD does not aggravate that dysfunction in a significant way. Relationships between HSPs, lipid profile, and markers of inflammation suggest a possible role of the selected HSPs as markers of atherosclerosis in children with CKD.
Endotoxemia is Associated with Better Clinical Outcome in Incident Chinese Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Szeto Cheuk-Chun , Kwan Bonnie Ching-Ha , Chow Kai-Ming , Lai Ka-Bik , Pang Wing-Fai , Chung Kwok-Yi , Leung Chi-Bon , Li Philip Kam-Tao
Published: March 2010

Background

Endotoxemia is common in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients; circulating lipopolysaccharide (LPS) level is related to the degree of systemic inflammation and atherosclerosis. We examine whether baseline plasma LPS level represents a prognostic marker in new PD patients.

Methods

We studied 158 new Chinese PD patients (80 males). Baseline plasma LPS level at initiation of PD was measured. Patients were stratified into quartiles according to plasma LPS level: quartile I, <0.45 EU/mL; II, 0.45 – <0.70 EU/mL; III, 0.70 – <0.95 EU/mL; and IV, ≥0.95 EU/mL. The patients were then prospectively followed for the development of cardiovascular events. All-cause mortality and duration of hospitalization were also recorded.

Results

Average age was 55.6 ± 14.7 years; average endotoxin concentration was 0.70 ± 0.30 EU/mL; average follow-up was 55.5 ± 36.9 months. At 60 months, event-free survival was 41.0%, 52.5%, 65.0%, and 61.5% for LPS level quartiles I, II, III, and IV, respectively (log rank test p = 0.066). By multivariate analysis with the Cox proportional hazard model to adjust for confounders, plasma LPS level had no independent effect. At 60 months, technique survival was 20.5%, 20.0%, 32.5%, and 51.3% for LPS level quartiles I, II, III, and IV, respectively (log rank test p = 0.0009). By Cox proportional hazard model, each higher quartile of LPS conferred 28.6% protection (95% confidence interval 15.6% – 40.3%, p = 0.0002) from developing technique failure. A higher plasma LPS level had a lower all-cause mortality (unadjusted hazard ratio 0.486, p = 0.046) and cardiovascular mortality (unadjusted hazard ratio 0.251, p = 0.025), but the result became insignificant after adjusting for potential confounders.

Conclusion

A higher baseline plasma LPS level is an independent predictor of better technique survival in new Chinese PD patients, with an insignificant trend of fewer cardiovascular events. The observation seems to conform to the phenomenon of reverse epidemiology for other traditional cardiovascular risk factors in dialysis patients but the exact reason for this paradoxical phenomenon requires further investigation.
Body Composition, Hydration, and Related Parameters in Hemodialysis versus Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Devolder Isabel , Verleysen Annick , Vijt Denise , Vanholder Raymond , Van Biesen Wim
Published: March 2010

Aims

Maintaining euvolemia is an important goalin patients on renal replacement therapy. However, adequate assessment of volume status in clinical practice is hampered by a lack of accurate measuring tools. A new multifrequency bioimpedance tool has recently been validated. This study compares volume status in peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD) patients in a single center.

Methods

Body Composition Monitoring (BCM; Fresenius Medical Care, Bad Homburg, Germany) was performed in all patients on PD or HD without contraindication. PD patients were measured with a full abdomen; HD patients were measured at the midweek session, once immediately before and once 20 minutes after dialysis. Clinical overhydration was defined as an overhydration-to-extracellular water ratio of >0.15.

Results

Total body water, extracellular water, and intracellular water were 33.7 ± 6.9 L versus 31.8 ± 8.1 L vs 33.9 ± 6.7 L, 16.4 ± 3.9 L vs 15.3 ± 4.9 L vs 16.8 ± 3.3 L, and 17.1 ± 6.2 L vs 16.5 ± 4.6 L vs 17.2 ± 3.9 L in the pre-HD, post-HD, and PD patients, respectively ( p = NS). In the pre-HD and the PD patients, overhydration was 1.9 ± 1.7 L and 2.1 ± 2.3 L, whereas post-HD this was only 0.6 ± 1.7 L ( p < 0.001). Clinical overhydration was more prevalent in pre-HD and PD patients compared to post-HD patients (24.1% vs 22.3% vs 10%, p < 0.001). In multivariate models, overhydration was related to age, male gender, and post-HD status.

Conclusion

Although much clinical attention is paid to volume status, 24% of patients still have clinically relevant volume overload. Implementation of a reliable and clinically applicable tool to assess volume status is therefore necessary. It is possible to obtain comparable volume status in PD and HD patients.
LASIK Flap Creation With the Ziemer Femtosecond Laser in 787 Consecutive Eyes
Authors: Pietilä Juhani , Huhtala Anne , Jääskeläinen Markus , Jylli Jarmo , Mäkinen Petri , Uusitalo Hannu
Published: March 2010

PURPOSE:

To present the flap characteristics and short-term efficacy and safety of 787 consecutive LASIK procedures with the FEMTO LDV femtosecond laser (Ziemer Ophthalmic Systems) for the treatment of refractive errors.

METHODS:

Seven hundred eighty-seven consecutive eyes of 405 previously non-operated patients were treated with the FEMTO LDV. Intended flap thickness was 110 µm and intended flap diameter varied from 8.5 to 9.5 mm. Refractive treatment was performed with the WaveLight ALLEGRETTO WAVE Concerto 500 Hz excimer laser. All eyes were wavefront-optimized.

RESULTS:

The mean flap thickness, measured by ultra-sound pachymetry, was 90.0±5.5µm (range: 67 to 107µm) in right eyes and 90.1±4.6µm (range: 77 to 106µm) in left eyes. Mean flap diameter was 9.1±0.2 mm (range: 8.4 to 9.9 mm) in right eyes and 9.1±0.2 mm (range: 8.0 to 10.0 mm) in left eyes. Increasing flap thickness was correlated with increasing corneal thickness in right eyes and flatter keratometric value K1in left eyes. The most common complication was minor bleeding during the procedure (12.7%). All other complications were rare (8.4%), and none prevented further laser ablation.

CONCLUSIONS:

The Ziemer FEMTO LDV laser created thinner LASIK flaps than intended but with a low standard deviation and minimal intraoperative complications. [J Refract Surg. 2010;26:7–16.]
Enhanced Visual Acuity and Image Perception Following Correction of Highly Aberrated Eyes Using an Adaptive Optics Visual Simulator
Authors: Rocha Karolinne Maia , Vabre Laurent , Chateau Nicolas , Krueger Ronald R.
Published: March 2010

PURPOSE:

To evaluate the changes in visual acuity and visual perception generated by correcting higher order aberrations in highly aberrated eyes using a large-stroke adaptive optics visual simulator.

METHODS:

A crx1 Adaptive Optics Visual Simulator (Imagine Eyes) was used to correct and modify the wavefront aberrations in 12 keratoconic eyes and 8 symptomatic postoperative refractive surgery (LASIK) eyes. After measuring ocular aberrations, the device was programmed to compensate for the eye's wavefront error from the second order to the fifth order (6-mm pupil). Visual acuity was assessed through the adaptive optics system using computer-generated ETDRS optotypes and the Freiburg Visual Acuity and Contrast Test.

RESULTS:

Mean higher order aberration root-mean-square (RMS) errors in the keratoconus and symptomatic LASIK eyes were 1.88±0.99
µ
m and 1.62±0.79
µ
m (6-mm pupil), respectively. The visual simulator correction of the higher order aberrations present in the keratoconus eyes improved their visual acuity by a mean of 2 lines when compared to their best sphero-cylinder correction (mean decimal visual acuity with spherocylindrical correction was 0.31±0.18 and improved to 0.44±0.23 with higher order aberration correction). In the symptomatic LASIK eyes, the mean decimal visual acuity with spherocylindrical correction improved from 0.54±0.16 to 0.71±0.13 with higher order aberration correction. The visual perception of ETDRS letters was improved when correcting higher order aberrations.

CONCLUSIONS:

The adaptive optics visual simulator can effectively measure and compensate for higher order aberrations (second to fifth order), which are associated with diminished visual acuity and perception in highly aberrated eyes. The adaptive optics technology may be of clinical benefit when counseling patients with highly aberrated eyes regarding their maximum subjective potential for vision correction. [
J Refract Surg
. 2010;26:52–56.]
Control of Femtosecond Thin-flap LASIK Using OCT in Human Donor Eyes
Authors: Kermani Omid , Will Fabian , Massow Ole , Oberheide Uwe , Lubatschowski Holger
Published: March 2010

PURPOSE:

Thin-flap keratomileusis is a procedure that minimizes LASIK flap thickness to preserve both the corneal epithelium and the maximum residual stroma. This study investigated the usefulness of optical coherence tomography (OCT) as a tool in guiding the femtosecond laser in the creation of a thin flap in human eyes in a non-randomized case series.

METHODS:

In a private research laboratory, an in vitro investigation was performed on human autopsy eyes. Five human cadaver eyes, unsuitable for transplantation, underwent flap creation with a femtosecond laser. The laser procedure was controlled in real-time with an OCT system (Thorlabs HL AG) to ensure that the cut was placed just underneath Bowman's layer. The repetition rate of the femtosecond laser was 10 MHz with a single-pulse duration of <400 femtoseconds (pulse energy in the nJ range). As a control, all eyes underwent histological dissection and were examined using light microscopy.

RESULTS:

Video monitoring of the flap creation supported the feasibility of real-time OCT monitoring of the femtosecond laser flap creation process. A clear distinction of the corneal epithelium was possible in all eyes. Bowman's layer was not identified in all donor eyes at the given resolution of the OCT device used in this study. Light microscopy demonstrated flaps approximately 50-µm thick, confirming that the real-time monitoring assured a positioning of the cutting plane at minimum distance underneath Bowman's layer.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study of five human cadaver eyes shows that real-time OCT monitoring of the creation of thin-flaps in LASIK using a femtosecond laser is possible, thus ensuring that the flap is created at the desired depth. [
J Refract Surg.
2010;26:57–60.]