bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Doloplus-2, a valid tool for behavioural pain assessment?
Authors: Hølen Jacob C , Saltvedt Ingvild , Fayers Peter M , Hjermstad Marianne J , Loge Jon H , Kaasa Stein
Published: December 2007

Background

The Doloplus-2 is used for behavioural pain assessment in cognitively impaired patients. Little data exists on the psychometric properties of the Doloplus-2. Our objectives were to test the criterion validity and inter-rater reliability of the Doloplus-2, and to explore a design for validations of behavioural pain assessment tools.

Methods

Fifty-one nursing home patients and 22 patients admitted to a geriatric hospital ward were included. All were cognitively impaired and unable to self-report pain. Each patient was examined by an expert in pain evaluation and treatment, who rated the pain on a numerical rating scale. The ratings were based on information from the medical record, reports from nurses and patients (if possible) about pain during the past 24 hours, and a clinical examination. These ratings were used as pain criterion. The Doloplus-2 was administered by the attending nurse. Regression analyses were used to estimate the ability of the Doloplus-2 to explain the expert's ratings. The inter-rater reliability of the Doloplus-2 was evaluated in 16 patients by comparing the ratings of two nurses administrating the Doloplus-2.

Results

There was no association between the Doloplus-2 and the expert's pain ratings (R2= 0.02). There was an association (R2= 0.54) between the expert's ratings and the Doloplus-2 scores in a subgroup of 16 patients assessed by a geriatric expert nurse (the most experienced Doloplus-2 administrator). The inter-rater reliability between the Doloplus-2 administrators assessed by the intra-class coefficient was 0.77. The pain expert's ratings were compared with ratings of two independent geriatricians in a sub sample of 15, and were found satisfactory (intra-class correlation 0.74).

Conclusion

It was challenging to conduct such a study in patients with cognitive impairment and the study has several limitations. The results do not support the validity of the Doloplus-2 in its present version and they indicate that it demands specific administration skills.
Curvelet-based seismic data processing: A multiscale and nonlinear approach
Authors: Herrmann Felix J. , Wang Deli , Hennenfent Gilles , Moghaddam Peyman P.
Published: December 2007

Mitigating missing data, multiples, and erroneous migration amplitudes are key factors that determine image quality. Curvelets, little “plane waves,” complete with oscillations in one direction and smoothness in the other directions, sparsify a property we leverage explicitly with sparsity promotion. With this principle, we recover seismic data with high fidelity from a small subset (20%) of randomly selected traces. Similarly, sparsity leads to a natural decorrelation and hence to a robust curvelet-domain primary-multiple separation for North Sea data. Finally, sparsity helps to recover migration amplitudes from noisy data. With these examples, we show that exploiting the curvelet's ability to sparsify wavefrontlike features is powerful, and our results are a clear indication of the broad applicability of this transform to exploration seismology.
Reduced Adipogenic Gene Expression in Thigh Adipose Tissue Precedes Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Associated Lipoatrophy
Authors: Kratz Mario , Purnell Jonathan Q. , Breen Patricia A. , Thomas Katherine K. , Utzschneider Kristina M. , Carr Darcy B. , Kahn Steven E. , Hughes James P. , Rutledge Elizabeth A. , Van Yserloo Brian , Yukawa Michi , Weigle David S.
Published: December 2007

Context: The expression of adipogenic genes in sc adipose tissue has been reported to be lower among patients with HIV-associated lipoatrophy than HIV-uninfected controls. It is unclear whether this is a result or cause of lipoatrophy.

Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate the temporal relationships among changes in adipogenic gene expression in sc adipose tissue and changes in body fat distribution and metabolic complications in HIV-infected subjects on antiretroviral therapy.

Design: This was a prospective longitudinal study.

Setting: The study was conducted at HIV clinics in Seattle, Washington.

Participants: The study population included 31 HIV-infected and 12 control subjects.

Interventions: Subjects were followed up for 12 months after they initiated or modified their existing antiretroviral regimen.

Main Outcome Measures: Changes in body composition, plasma lipids, insulin sensitivity, and gene expression in sc abdominal and thigh adipose tissue.

Results: Subjects who developed lipoatrophy (n = 10) had elevated fasting triglycerides [3.16 (sd 2.79) mmol/liter] and reduced insulin sensitivity as measured by frequently sampled iv glucose tolerance test [1.89 (sd 1.27) × 10−4 min−1/μU·ml] after 12 months, whereas those without lipoatrophy (n = 21) did not show any metabolic complications [triglycerides 1.32 (sd 0.58) mmol/liter, P = 0.01 vs. lipoatrophy; insulin sensitivity 3.52 (sd 1.91) × 10−4 min−1/μU·ml, P = 0.01 vs. lipoatrophy]. In subjects developing lipoatrophy, the expression of genes involved in adipocyte differentiation, lipid uptake, and local cortisol production in thigh adipose tissue was significantly reduced already at the 2-month visit, several months before any loss of extremity fat mass was evident.

Conclusions: In HIV-infected subjects, lipoatrophy is associated with elevated fasting triglycerides and insulin resistance and might be caused by a direct or indirect effect of antiretroviral drugs on sc adipocyte differentiation.
Endocrine and Radiological Studies in Patients with Molecularly Confirmed CHARGE Syndrome
Authors: Asakura Yumi , Toyota Yuko , Muroya Koji , Kurosawa Kenji , Fujita Kazutoshi , Aida Noriko , Kawame Hiroshi , Kosaki Kenjiro , Adachi Masanori
Published: December 2007

Context: CHARGE syndrome is a complex of congenital malformations, and CHD7 has been reported as a major gene involved in the etiology.

Objective: We performed endocrine and radiological studies to determine whether endocrinological disorders such as hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, GH deficiency, or hypothyroidism are involved and also whether olfactory bulb hypoplasia and semicircular canal aplasia are major signs in patients with molecularly confirmed CHARGE syndrome.

Design: Clinical features, endocrinological assessments, and radiological abnormalities in eight children (five boys and three girls) whose molecular analyses were available were evaluated among 15 children clinically diagnosed with CHARGE syndrome at our institute.

Results: We identified heterozygous CHD7 mutations in all patients screened for mutations. Four boys had micropenis and/or cryptorchidism. One was diagnosed with GH deficiency, and the other was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Computed tomography findings revealed aplasia of the semicircular canals. Magnetic resonance imaging studies of the olfactory bulb region revealed abnormal olfactory sulci and bulb development in all children.

Conclusion: We suggest that hypogonadism, GH deficiency, and hypothyroidism could be possible endocrinological defects in patients with CHD7 mutations and that olfactory bulb hypoplasia as well as semicircular canal aplasia should be considered as a major sign for CHARGE syndrome and recommend a computed tomography scan of the temporal bone and magnetic resonance imaging study of the olfactory bulb region.
Early Development of Visceral Fat Excess after Spontaneous Catch-Up Growth in Children with Low Birth Weight
Authors: Ibáñez Lourdes , Suárez Larisa , Lopez-Bermejo Abel , Díaz Marta , Valls Carme , de Zegher Francis
Published: December 2007

Context: The sequence of prenatal growth restraint and infantile catch-up of weight is by the age of 4 yr associated with hyperinsulinemic adiposity. We studied whether the adiposity of post-catch-up children born small for gestational age (SGA) is further amplified between age 4 and 6 yr and whether visceral fat excess has already emerged by the age of 6 yr.

Setting: The study took place at a university hospital.

Study Population and Design: A longitudinal cohort (age 2–6 yr) of 22 children born appropriate for gestational age (AGA) and 29 born SGA were studied. Auxological, endocrine, metabolic, and body composition (by absorptiometry) assessments were made at 2, 4, and 6 yr, and visceral fat was assessed (by magnetic resonance imaging) at 6 yr.

Main Outcomes: Outcome measures included fasting glucose, insulin, IGF-I, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, lean mass, and total, abdominal, and visceral fat mass.

Results: Between ages 4–6 yr, the relative adiposity of SGA children was further amplified. Between ages 2–6 yr, SGA children gained more total and abdominal fat and raised their insulin, IGF-I, and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio more than did AGA children (all P < 0.0001). At age 6 yr, the average amount of visceral fat was in SGA children more than 50% higher than in AGA children (P < 0.005). The 0- to 2-yr increment in weight Z-score together with the 2- to 6-yr increment in fasting insulin accounted for 62% of visceral fat variability at age 6 yr.

Conclusion: The amount of visceral fat is in post-catch-up SGA children excessive by the age of 6 yr. In populations at risk for type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome after fetal growth restraint, the time window for early intervention may have to be advanced into prepubertal childhood.
Endothelin-1 enhances nuclear Ca2+ transients in atrial myocytes through Ins(1,4,5)P3-dependent Ca2+ release from perinuclear Ca2+ stores
Authors: Kockskämper Jens , Seidlmayer Lea , Walther Stefanie , Hellenkamp Kristian , Maier Lars S. , Pieske Burkert
Published: December 2007

Nuclear Ca2+ plays a key role in the regulation of gene expression. Inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P3)] might be an important regulator of nuclear Ca2+ but its contribution to nuclear Ca2+ signalling in adult cardiomyocytes remains elusive. We tested the hypothesis that endothelin-1 enhances nuclear Ca2+ concentration transients (CaTs) in rabbit atrial myocytes through Ins(1,4,5)P3-induced Ca2+ release from perinuclear stores. Cytoplasmic and nuclear CaTs were measured simultaneously in electrically stimulated atrial myocytes using confocal Ca2+ imaging. Nuclear CaTs were significantly slower than cytoplasmic CaTs, indicative of compartmentalisation of intracellular Ca2+ signalling. Endothelin-1 elicited a preferential (10 nM) or a selective (0.1 nM) increase in nuclear versus cytoplasmic CaTs. This effect was abolished by inhibition of endothelin-1 receptors, phospholipase C and Ins(1,4,5)P3 receptors. Fractional Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum and perinuclear stores was increased by endothelin-1 at an otherwise unaltered Ca2+ load. Comparable increases of cytoplasmic CaTs induced by β-adrenoceptor stimulation or elevation of extracellular Ca2+ could not mimic the endothelin-1 effects on nuclear CaTs, suggesting that endothelin-1 specifically modulates nuclear Ca2+ signalling. Thus, endothelin-1 enhances nuclear CaTs in atrial myocytes by increasing fractional Ca2+ release from perinuclear stores. This effect is mediated by the coupling of endothelin receptor A to PLC-Ins(1,4,5)P3 signalling and might contribute to excitation-transcription coupling.
Specific Fixed Aqueous Layer of Three-component Hybrid Liposomes Related to Inhibition of Hepatoma Cells Growth
Authors: Matsumoto Yoko , Tanaka Yoshihiro , Goto Koichi , Ueoka Ryuichi
Published: December 2007

It is noteworthy that the thickness of fixed aqueous layer (TFAL) of three-component hybrid liposomes (THL) composed of l-α-dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC), polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate (Tween 20), and decyl-β-lactopranoside (LactC10) (DMPC:Tween 20:LactC10 = 65:7:28) was about twice that of two-component hybrid liposomes (HL) composed of DMPC and Tween 20. It is also attractive that THL could remarkably inhibit the growth of hepatoma cells.
Mixed-potential-type Zirconia-based Sensor Using In2O3 Sensing-Electrode for Selective Detection of Methane at High Temperature
Authors: Ueda Taro , Elumalai Perumal , Plashnitsa Vladimir V , Miura Norio
Published: December 2007

We have fabricated a mixed-potential-type yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ)-based sensor and examined its sensing characteristics to methane (CH4) at high operating temperatures. Among various oxide sensing electrodes (SEs) tested, In2O3 was found to give the highest sensitivity as well as good selectivity to CH4 at 790 °C, although the response was very slow. To improve the response rate, sintering temperature of In2O3-SE was changed in the range of 1200–1400 °C. As a result, the sensor attached with the 1300 °C-sintered In2O3-SE showed quicker response which was about fifteen times higher than that for the 1400 °C-sintered In2O3-SE.
The Triple Helix paradigm in Korea: A test for new forms of capital
Authors: Shapiro Matthew
Published: December 2007

The Triple Helix paradigm a construct addressing the research-based links between government, universities, and firms is lacking in formal tests. This study attempts to alleviate this deficiency by conducting an empirical analysis of the effects of relationship-based forms of capital,
which has been identified by theorists as an attribute of Triple Helix-based R&D. OLS results utilising a unique dataset (KORTAI R&D) comprised of 108 questionnaire responses of Korean directors and project leaders reveal that new forms of capital are especially significant for firms
and universities while less so for government research institutes (GRIs). The effects for universities, however, are delayed and indicate a spillover effect.
RepeatedN-Acetylcysteine Administration Alters Plasticity-Dependent Effects of Cocaine
Authors: Madayag Aric , Lobner Doug , Kau Kristen S. , Mantsch John R. , Abdulhameed Omer , Hearing Matthew , Grier Mark D. , Baker David A.
Published: December 2007

Cocaine produces a persistent reduction in cystine–glutamate exchange via system xc− in the nucleus accumbens that may contribute to pathological glutamate signaling linked to addiction. System xc− influences glutamate neurotransmission by maintaining basal, extracellular glutamate in the nucleus accumbens, which, in turn, shapes synaptic activity by stimulating group II metabotropic glutamate autoreceptors. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that a long-term reduction in system xc− activity is part of the plasticity produced by repeated cocaine that results in the establishment of compulsive drug seeking. To test this, the cysteine prodrugN-acetylcysteine was administered before daily cocaine to determine the impact of increased cystine–glutamate exchange on the development of plasticity-dependent cocaine seeking. AlthoughN-acetylcysteine administered before cocaine did not alter the acute effects of cocaine on self-administration or locomotor activity, it prevented behaviors produced by repeated cocaine including escalation of drug intake, behavioral sensitization, and cocaine-primed reinstatement. Because sensitization or reinstatement was not evident even 2–3 weeks after the last injection ofN-acetylcysteine, we examined whetherN-acetylcysteine administered before daily cocaine also prevented the persistent reduction in system xc− activity produced by repeated cocaine. Interestingly,N-acetylcysteine pretreatment prevented cocaine-induced changes in [35S]cystine transport via system xc−, basal glutamate, and cocaine-evoked glutamate in the nucleus accumbens when assessed at least 3 weeks after the lastN-acetylcysteine pretreatment. These findings indicate thatN-acetylcysteine selectively alters plasticity-dependent behaviors and that normal system xc− activity prevents pathological changes in extracellular glutamate that may be necessary for compulsive drug seeking.
Topographic Specificity within Membranes of a Single Muscle DetectedIn Vitro
Authors: Chadaram Srinivas Rao , Laskowski Michael B. , Madison Roger D.
Published: December 2007

Spinal motor pools project to target muscles forming distinct rostrocaudal topographic maps during development and regeneration. To define the mechanisms underlying these neuromuscular maps we studied the preferential outgrowth of embryonic spinal cord neurites on muscle membranes from different axial positions and explored the role of ephrin A ligands. We found all five ephrin As (EphAs) expressed in serratus anterior, gluteus maximus and diaphragm muscles. In the diaphragm, four of the five ephrin As are expressed as a caudal to rostral gradient. When ephrin A function is disrupted in muscle membranes by deletion of glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol anchored ephrin A ligands with phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C enzyme treatment or by blocking of ephrin A ligands with EphA fusion proteins, or by genetic manipulation leading to ephrin A2/A5 mutant mice, the spinal cord neurites loose their preference for the membranes of corresponding axial position; suggesting a significant role for ephrins in topographic choices made by growing motor neurons. To closely approximate topographic choices presented to embryonic neuritesin vivo, neurites within the phrenic motor pool were challenged to make outgrowth choices on membranes of their normal target, the diaphragm muscle. We observed that neurites from rostral cervical segments (C1and C2) prefer to grow on rostral diaphragm membranes; caudal cervical neurites (C6–C8) choose caudal diaphragm membranes; a transition of positional preference occurs at C4and this ability is lost in ephrin A2/A5 mutant mice. These results demonstrate for the first time topographical outgrowth of axons from within a motor pool onto a single target musclein vitro.
The Adult Mouse Subependymal Zone Regenerates Efficiently in the Absence of Tenascin-C
Authors: Kazanis Ilias , Belhadi Aisha , Faissner Andreas , ffrench-Constant Charles
Published: December 2007

The subependymal zone (SEZ) of the lateral ventricles of the adult mouse brain hosts neurogenesis from a neural stem cell population with the morphology of astrocytes (termed type-B cells). Tenascin-C is a large extracellular matrix glycoprotein present in the SEZ that has been shown to regulate the development of embryonic neural stem cells and the proliferation and migration of early postnatal neural precursors. Here we show that tenascin-C is produced by type-B cells and forms a layer between SEZ and the adjacent striatum. Tenascin-C deficiency resulted in minor structural differences in and around the SEZ. However, the numbers of neural stem cells and their progeny remained unaffected, as did their regeneration after depletion of mitotic cells using the antimitotic drug cytosine-β-d-arabinofuranoside. Our results reveal a remarkable ability of the adult neural stem cell niche to retain proper function even after the removal of major extracellular matrix molecules.
Inducible Alterations of Glutathione Levels in Adult Dopaminergic Midbrain Neurons Result in Nigrostriatal Degeneration
Authors: Chinta Shankar J. , Kumar M. J. , Hsu Michael , Rajagopalan Subramanian , Kaur Deepinder , Rane Anand , Nicholls David G. , Choi Jinah , Andersen Julie K.
Published: December 2007

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the preferential loss of midbrain dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). One of the earliest detectable biochemical alterations that occurs in the Parkinsonian brain is a marked reduction in SN levels of total glutathione (glutathione plus glutathione disulfide), occurring before losses in mitochondrial complex I (CI) activity, striatal dopamine levels, or midbrain dopaminergic neurodegeneration associated with the disease. Previousin vitrodata from our laboratory has suggested that prolonged depletion of dopaminergic glutathione results in selective impairment of mitochondrial complex I activity through a reversible thiol oxidation event. To address the effects of depletion in dopaminergic glutathione levelsin vivoon the nigrostriatal system, we created genetically engineered transgenic mouse lines in which expression of γ-glutamyl cysteine ligase, the rate-limiting enzyme inde novoglutathione synthesis, can be inducibly downregulated in catecholaminergic neurons, including those of the SN. A novel method for isolation of purified dopaminergic striatal synaptosomes was used to study the impact of dopaminergic glutathione depletion on mitochondrial events demonstrated previously to occurin vitroas a consequence of this alteration. Dopaminergic glutathione depletion was found to result in a selective reversible thiol-oxidation-dependent mitochondrial complex I inhibition, followed by an age-related nigrostriatal neurodegeneration. This suggests that depletion in glutathione within dopaminergic SN neurons has a direct impact on mitochondrial complex I activity via increased nitric oxide-related thiol oxidation and age-related dopaminergic SN cell loss.
Serotonergic Neurons Activate Chemosensitive Retrotrapezoid Nucleus Neurons by a pH-Independent Mechanism
Authors: Mulkey Daniel K. , Rosin Diane L. , West Gavin , Takakura Ana C. , Moreira Thiago S. , Bayliss Douglas A. , Guyenet Patrice G.
Published: December 2007

Serotonin activates respiration and enhances the stimulatory effect of CO2on breathing. The present study tests whether the mechanism involves the retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN), a group of medullary glutamatergic neurons activated by extracellular brain pH and presumed to regulate breathing. We show that the RTN is innervated by both medullary and pontine raphe and receives inputs from thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and substance P-expressing neurons. Coexistence of serotonin and substance P in terminals within RTN confirmed that lower medullary serotonergic neurons innervate RTN.In vivo, unilateral injection of serotonin into RTN stimulated inspiratory motor activity, and pH-sensitive RTN neurons were activated by iontophoretic application of serotonin or substance P. In brain slices, pH-sensitive RTN neurons were activated by serotonin, substance P, and TRH. The effect of serotonin in slices was ketanserin sensitive and persisted in the presence of glutamate, GABA, glycine, and purinergic ionotropic receptor antagonists. Serotonin and pH had approximately additive effects on the discharge rate of RTN neurons, both in slices andin vivo. In slices, serotonin produced an inward current with little effect on conductance and had no effect on the pH-induced current. We conclude that (1) RTN receives input from multiple raphe nuclei, (2) serotonin, substance P, and TRH activate RTN chemoreceptors, and (3) excitatory effects of serotonin and pH are mediated by distinct ionic conductances. Thus, RTN neurons presumably contribute to the respiratory stimulation caused by serotonergic neurons, but serotonin seems without effect on the cellular mechanism by which RTN neurons detect pH.
Gβ5 Is Required for Normal Light Responses and Morphology of Retinal ON-Bipolar Cells
Authors: Rao Anjali , Dallman Rebecca , Henderson Scott , Chen Ching-Kang
Published: December 2007

Gβ5 exists as two splice variants, Gβ5-S and Gβ5-L, which interact with and stabilize the R7 members of the regulators of G-protein signaling (RGSs): RGS6, RGS7, RGS9, and RGS11. Although the role of Gβ5-L and RGS9-1 is established in photoreceptors, the physiological functions of Gβ5-S and other R7 RGS proteins remain unclear. We found that the electroretinogram of Gβ5−/−mice lacks the b-wave component and that Gβ5-S and RGS11 colocalize with Goα at the tips of the ON-bipolar cell dendrites. Unexpectedly, we found a significant reduction in the number of synaptic triads in the outer plexiform layer (OPL) of the Gβ5−/−mice, which is evident at postnatal day 14. Transgenic expression of Gβ5-L in rods failed to rescue the b-wave or the OPL defects. These results indicate that Gβ5-S is indispensable for OPL integrity and normal light responses of the retina.
Risk status of patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD)
Authors: Jassó István , Landi Anna , Dinya Elek
Published: December 2007

A szerzők 168 perifériás obliteratív verőérbeteg és 82 kontrollszemély hagyományos és újabb klinikai és laboratóriumi rizikófaktorait vizsgálták. A betegek között 30,4%-ban fordult elő cukorbetegség, 39,9%-ban ischaemiás szívbetegség, 6,5%-ban cerebrovascularis betegség; ischaemiás szívbetegség, cerebrobvascularis betegség és perifériás obliteratív verőérbetegség együtt 7,1%-ban volt jelen. A hipertónia és az aktív dohányzás előfordulása az érbetegek és a kontrollok között rendre 76,2 és 46,3%, illetve 49,4 és 28% volt. A laboratóriumi paraméterek közül a HDL-koleszterin és az ApoA1 átlagértéke számottevően alacsonyabb, míg a triglicerid, a plazmaviszkozitás, a fehérvérsejtszám, a fibrinogén-, a hsCRP-, a homocystein-, a kreatinin- és a húgysavszint szignifikánsan magasabb volt a betegcsoportban. Az érbetegcsoporton belül a dohányos és diabéteszes betegek laboratóriumi értékeiben további kedvezőtlen jelentős eltérések voltak észlelhetők a nem dohányzó, illetve a nem diabéteszes betegekéhez képest. Korreláció volt a betegeknél a hsCRP- és rendre a fehérvérsejtszám, a plazmaviszkozitás és a fibrinogénkoncentráció között. Az általunk kiválasztott 16 rizikófaktor vizsgálatakor a betegek átlagos rizikófaktorszáma magas, 7,79 volt. A betegek közül 118 részesült antilipidaemiás kezelésben, thrombocytaaggregáció-gátlót 142 fő kapott. Eredményeink alapján hangsúlyozható, hogy a perifériás obliteratív verőérbetegek magas rizikófaktorszámuk miatt kiemelt veszélyeztetettségűek, következésképpen a szekunder prevenciónak a kockázati tényezők minél teljesebb befolyásolását kell céloznia.
Fatty liver in childhood
Authors: Eiszrich Ádám , Fehér János
Published: December 2007

A parenchimás szervek – mint például a máj – abnormális zsírfelhalmozódását zsíros átalakulásnak nevezzük. A máj elzsírosodásának hátterében a májsejtek zsírfelvevő és zsírleadó folyamatainak egyensúlyzavara áll, miáltal a felesleges triglicerid felhalmozódik a hepatocytákban. Normál esetben a sejtek kb. 5%-a tartalmaz trigliceridet, zsírmáj esetén ez az érték 50% fölé is emelkedhet. 50% alatt májelzsírosodásról, 50% felett zsírmájról beszélünk. Enyhébb esetben nem feltétlenül okoz sejtműködési zavart, súlyosabb formánál azonban igen, sokszor a sejthalál előfutára. A zsírmáj olyan kórállapotnak tekinthető, mely érzékennyé teszi a májat egyéb toxikus hatásokkal szemben. Nem önálló betegség, legtöbbször valamilyen ártalom, egyéb kórfolyamat kísérő jelensége. Önmagában – bizonyos súlyossági fokig (a fibrosis megjelenéséig) – reverzíbilis károsodást jelent, a kiváltó ok megszűnésekor a máj a felesleges triglicerid-tartalmát leadja. Kezelni az alapfolyamatot kell; még nem ismert olyan specifikus gyógyszer, amely a hepatocytákban lerakódott zsírt csökkenti.
Preliminary data of life and health insurance in the Roman Law (The collegium funeraticium and the collegium tenuiorum)
Authors: Váradi Ágnes
Published: December 2007

A modern biztosításnak, illetve magának a biztosítási szerződéseknek a története rövid, alig 200 évre tekint vissza. A különböző finanszírozási, biztosítási és kockázatelemzési módszerek létére már az ókori jogrendszerek – görög és római jog – szabályozásában is találunk utalásokat. – Az élet- és egészségbiztosítások római jogi előképeiként a
collegium funeraticium
(a temetkezési egyesület) és a
collegium tenuiorum
(beteggondozás céljára létrejött egyesület) értékelhető. Ezeknek az egyesületeknek a
collegium
ok szabályozásának általános római jogi rendszerében elfoglalt helyét, egyes egyedi sajátosságait, szervezetét és céljait vizsgálom a Corpus Iuris Civilis, illetőleg a Digesta fragmentumai, valamint hazai és német, angol illetve orosz római jogi szakirodalom felhasználásával. – Mindezek ismeretében teljessé válhat egy olyan „kis fejlődéstörténet”, mely ha közvetlenül nem is járul hozzá a biztosítási rendszer mai működtetéséhez, de mindenképpen feltár egyfajta belső logikát, mely megalapozhatja a szerves fejlődést a biztosítási jog területén. S egyben bizonyítja, hogy a római jogi alapoknak ma is van létjogosultságuk a szerződési jogban.
Mecanismos patogênicos da doença periodontal associada ao diabetes melito
Authors: Alves Crésio , Andion Juliana , Brandão Márcia , Menezes Rafaela
Published: December 2007

OBJETIVO: Revisão sistemática do conhecimento atual sobre a associação entre diabetes melito (DM) e doença periodontal (DP) com ênfase na sua fisiopatogenia. FONTE DE DADOS: Pesquisa bibliográfica, nos últimos cinco anos, através dos bancos de dados MEDLINE e LILACS, usando as palavras-chaves "diabetes mellitus", "periodontal disease" e "periodontitis". SÍNTESE DOS DADOS: Os tecidos periodontais são as estruturas bucais mais afetadas pelo DM. O DM predispõe ao desenvolvimento da DP, a qual leva ao descontrole glicêmico, o que ressalta a importância da relação bidirecional entre essas duas doenças. Vários mecanismos estão envolvidos na fisiopatologia da DP associada ao DM: produção de produtos de glicosilação avançada, deficiente resposta imune, herança de determinados polimorfismos genéticos, alterações dos vasos sanguíneos, tecido conjuntivo e composição salivar. Na fase inicial predominam a gengivite e periodontite. Se não detectados precocemente, esses problemas podem evoluir para doença periodontal avançada. Puberdade, maior duração da doença, mau controle metabólico e higiene bucal inadequada são fatores que contribuem para progressão e agressividade da DP. CONCLUSÃO: O melhor conhecimento dos mecanismos envolvidos na fisiopatogenia da DP associada ao DM auxiliará na instituição de medidas preventivas e terapêuticas precoces. É importante que médicos e dentistas orientem os pacientes com DM sobre a necessidade de bom controle glicêmico e higiene bucal adequada para minimizar os riscos de doença periodontal.
Densidade mineral óssea de crianças e adolescentes com hipotireoidismo congênito
Authors: Demartini Adriane de A.C. , Kulak Carolina A.M. , Borba Victoria C. , Cat Mônica N.L. , Dondoni Roberta S. , Sandrini Romolo , Nesi-França Suzana , Lacerda Filho Luiz de
Published: December 2007

Realizou-se estudo transversal com 60 pacientes (9,9 ± 1,8 anos) com hipotireoidismo congênito (HC) (grupo A): 40 meninas (23 pré-púberes) e 20 meninos (18 pré-púberes), com grupo controle (grupo B) constituído por 28 indivíduos (10,4 ± 2,1 anos): 18 meninas (8 pré-púberes) e 10 meninos (9 pré-púberes). OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a densidade (DMO) e o conteúdo mineral ósseo (CMO) e correlacioná-los com idade cronológica e óssea (IO), sexo, maturação sexual, dose de l-T4, TSH, TT4, FT4, e etiologia do HC. IO, DMO e CMO de corpo total (DXA) foram obtidos dos 2 grupos; TSH, TT4 e FT4, apenas dos pacientes. DMO foi menor no grupo A (0,795 ± 0,075 g/cm² vs. 0,832 ± 0,092; p = 0,04) e maior nas meninas púberes do que nas pré-púberes (p = 0,004). Não houve diferença significativa de DMO e CMO quanto ao sexo e etiologia do HC. Nosso estudo mostra que a DMO foi significativamente menor no grupo com HC, diferente dos dados da literatura.
Molecular analysis of PROP1, PIT1, HESX1, LHX3, and LHX4 shows high frequency of PROP1 mutations in patients with familial forms of combined pituitary hormone deficiency
Authors: Vieira Teresa C. , Boldarine Valter T. , Abucham Julio
Published: December 2007

Combined Pituitary Hormone Deficiency (CPHD) is a prevalent disease in Neuroendocrinology services. The genetic form of CPHD may originate from mutations in pituitary transcription factor (PTF) genes and the pituitary image in these cases may give a clue of what PTF is most probably mutated: defects in LHX4 are usually associated with ectopic posterior pituitary (EPP); defects in LHX3, PIT1, and PROP1, with normally placed posterior pituitary (NPPP); HESX1 mutations are associated with both. OBJECTIVE: To identify mutations in PTF genes in patients with idiopathic hypopituitarism followed in our service, based on the presence or absence of EPP on sellar MRI. METHODS: Forty patients with idiopathic hypopituitarism (36 families, 9 consanguineous), followed in the Neuroendocrinology Outpatient Clinic of UNIFESP, Brazil, were submitted to sequencing analyses of PTF genes as follows: LHX3, HESX1, PIT1, and PROP1 were sequenced in patients with NPPP (26/40) and HESX1 and LHX4 in patients with EPP (14/40). RESULTS: We identified only PROP1 mutations in 9 out of 26 patients with CPHD and NPPP (35%). Since eight of them came from 4 consanguineous families, the prevalence of PROP1 mutations was higher when only consanguineous families were considered (44%, 4/9). At the end of the study, we decided to sequence PROP1 in patients with EPP, just to confirm that they were not candidates for PROP1 mutations. No patients with EPP had PROP1 or other PTF mutations. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with idiopathic CPHD and NPPP, born from consanguineous parents, are the strong candidates for PROP1 mutations. Other developmental gene(s) may be involved in the genesis of idiopathic hypopituitarism associated with EPP.
Intervalo QT corrigido e fatores de risco tradicionais para doença aterosclerótica em pacientes com diabetes tipo 1
Authors: Castro Simone Henriques de , Faria-Neto Hugo C. Castro , Gomes Marilia de Brito
Published: December 2007

Visando avaliar o intervalo QTc e sua relação com variáveis clínicas, laboratoriais e com suscetibilidade da LDL à oxidação in vitro em pacientes com DM1, estudamos 40 diabéticos e 33 não diabéticos com idades de 24,83 ± 10,21 e 23,51 ± 7,28 anos, respectivamente, pareados por sexo, idade e índice de massa corporal (IMC). Avaliamos controle metabólico, apolipoproteínas A e B, coeficiente de oxidação da LDL por espectrofotometria e eletrocardiograma (ECG). O intervalo QTc foi calculado pela fórmula de Bazett. Não houve diferença no QTc entre os grupos dos DM1 e dos não diabéticos (394,43 ± 19,98 ms vs. 401,31 ± 17,83 ms; p = 0,2065). Cinco diabéticos apresentavam QTc aumentado (396,76 ± 14,63 ms vs. 429,75 ± 1,89 ms; p < 0,001) e menores níveis de apolipoproteína A que os demais diabéticos (74,60 ± 25,42 mg/dL vs. 113,64 ± 29,79 mg/dL; p = 0,011). Na amostra total, houve correlação entre QTc e IMC (rho = -0,288; p = 0,045), glicemia pós-prandial (rho = 0,357; p = 0,016) e coeficiente de oxidação 3 h (Cox3h) (r = -0,293; p = 0,039). Nos diabéticos, encontramos correlação entre QTc e triglicerídeos (rho = -0,420; p = 0,023) e Cox3h (r = -0,427; p = 0,021). Embora não tenhamos encontrado diferença entre o QTc dos diabéticos e não diabéticos estudados, houve correlação com marcadores de risco para a doença aterosclerótica. Entretanto, ainda são necessários mais estudos para estabelecer o real valor preditivo do QTc para esta doença nos pacientes com DM1.
Estudo comparativo de métodos de deslintamento de sementes de algodoeiro
Authors: Ferraz Carlos A. M. , Rodrigues Filho F. S. O. , Cia Edivaldo , Sabino Nelson P. , Veiga A. A. , Reis A. J. , Ortolani Dirce B.
Published: December 2007

Foi realizado estudo comparativo de quatro métodos de deslintamento de sementes de algodoeiro (Gossypium hirsutum L.), utilizando-se a variedade comercial IAC 13-1, durante os anos agrícolas de 1973/74 a 1975/76, em várias localidades do Estado de São Paulo. Os métodos de deslintamento empregados foram: mecânico, com ácido sulfúrico comercial concentrado, com gás clorídrico, e flambagem, todos em presença e ausência do fungicida Pentacloronitrobenzeno (PCNB). O delineamento empregado foi o de blocos ao acaso, com oito tratamentos e seis repetições. Cada parcela continha quatro linhas de 4,0m de comprimento, espaçadas entre si de l,0m, com 100 sementes por linha, perfazendo o total de 400 sementes por parcela. Foram realizadas nas quatro linhas da parcela, quatro contagens de plantas, a intervalos semanais, a partir da data da emergência. Os números obtidos por contagem foram transformados em arc sen Ö %, para a análise estatística. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que os métodos de deslintamento com ácido sulfúrico e gás clorídrico proporcionaram melhor emergência de plantas em comparação com o mecânico. O método de flambagem ocupou posição intermediária. O melhor período para contagem de plantas esteve compreendido entre 12 a 19 dias após a emergência. Foi verificado efeito significativo do fungicida na emergência das plantas somente em quatro localidades. Em outras, embora os números encontrados nas contagens fossem quase sempre maiores para tratamentos fungicidas, o resultado destes não foi significativo. Os resultados para produção de algodão, bem como aqueles relacionados com características tecnológicas da fibra, não foram significativos.
Composição química inorgânica de três cultivares de arroz
Authors: Furlani P. R. , Bataglia O. C. , Furlani A. M. C. , Azzini L. E. , Schmidt E N. C.
Published: December 2007

Estudou-se a composição química inorgânica de amostras dos cultivares de arroz irrigado "IR 665-4-5-5", "IAC 435" e "IAC 120", procedentes do Vale do Paraíba, Estado de São Paulo. Após a determinação da concentração dos macro e micronutrientes, alumínio, sódio e silício em diversas partes morfologicamente distintas, avaliaram-se as quantidades de nutrientes extraídas pelas mesmas. Dentre os elementos estudados, a extração pela parte aérea obedeceu a seguinte ordem decrescente: Si, K, N, Ca, P, Cl, S, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, B, Cu e Mo. Observou-se que com relação à concentração e extração dos elementos, os cultivares têm comportamento distinto.
Influência de diversos fatores externos sobre a qualidade da semente de soja
Authors: Maeda Jocely A. , Miranda Manoel A. C. , Arkcoll David , Zink Eduardo
Published: December 2007

Cinco lotes de sementes de soja foram caracterizados de acordo com as especificações de exportação do CONCEX - Resolução n.° 82, que classifica as sementes em avariadas, rachadas e manchadas. Unica vez que o lote que apresentou o maior índice total de necrose foi o do cultivar viçoja da safra de 1976, dedicou-se a este uma análise detalhada de laboratório. Assim, conforme os tipos de danificações encontradas, elaborou-se um sistema de nove classes, determinando a seguir a porcentagem de cada classe e a porcentagem em relação ao total. A classe de danificação de maior ocorrência foi a mecânica, vindo a seguir a climática. As que proporcionaram maior índice de plântulas normais foram a mancha-café e a mancha-púrpura, ambas não diferindo da classe de sementes boas. A danificação mecânica foi a que proporcionou o menor índice de germinação. Do mesmo modo, foi elevado o índice de necrose nos cotilédones, nas classes de sementes avariadas por percevejos, com depressões e rachaduras devido a danificações mecânicas. Tanto os testes de germinação como os de vigor demonstraram que entre as classes estudadas, aquela cujas sementes eram aparentemente livres de danificações foi superior às demais, enquanto a de sementes atacadas por percevejo foi a que apresentou valores mais baixos.
Germinação de sementes de algodoeiro deslintadas por diferentes métodos
Authors: Maeda Jocely A. , Lago Antônio A. do , Zink Eduardo , Krzyzanowski Francisco C. , Cia Edivaldo , Rodrigues Filho Francisco S. O. , Ferraz Carlos A. M.
Published: December 2007

Sementes de algodão do cultivar IAC 13-1 foram deslintadas por quatro diferentes métodos, a saber: mecanicamente, por ácido sulfúrico, por gás clorídrico e por flambagem. Após seleção em mesa de gravidade, cada porção relativa a um determinado método de deslintamento foi dividida em duas, sendo uma delas tratada com fungicída PCNB 75%, nas dosagens recomendadas pelos fabricantes. Após o teste inicial de germinação, as sementes foram armazenadas em ambiente de laboratório e novos testes de germinação foram feitos aos 3, 6 e 12 meses. Em todos os períodos de armazenamento as porcentagens de germinação das sementes deslintadas por ácido sulfúrico e gás clorídrico foram superiores às das sementes deslintadas mecanicamente ou por flambagem que, por sua vez, foram iguais entre si ou com a flambagem ocupando posição intermediária. Em todos os períodos as porcentagens de germinação das sementes tratadas com fungicida foram superiores às das sementes sem esse tratamento.
Possível fonte de resistência ao caruncho (Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky, 1855) em Milho-de-palha(Zea Mays, L.)
Authors: Rezende Jorge Alberto Marques , Zinsly João Rubens , Rosseto Carlos Jorge , Nagai Violeta
Published: December 2007

Estudou-se em condições de laboratório o comportamento, em relação ao Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky 1855 (Coleoptera, Curculionidae), de milhos sintéticos (composto flint, composto dent. e centralmex), híbridos comerciais (Ag 152 e Hmd 7974), pipoca comercial (pirapoca) e um milho supostamente resistente (acre). Analisaram-se as correlações. existentes entre o comprimento da palha além da ponta da espiga, compacidade, dureza do grão, ataque de Heliothis zea Boddie, 1850 (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae), com o ataque de Sitophilus zeamais. Os resultados sugerem que o fator mais importante na resistência do milho-em-palha, a Sitophilus zeamais é a compacidade da mesma, vindo em segundo lugar o furo causado pela saída da lagarta Heliothis zea que atinge o solo para entrar no estádio de pupa.
Melhoramento genético do cultivar de milho IAC-1
Authors: Miranda Luiz Torres de , Miranda Luiz Eugênio Coelho de , Pommer Celso Valdevino , Sawazaki Eduardo
Published: December 2007

São relatados os resultados obtidos no melhoramento do cultivar de milho IAC-1 pela introdução de linhagens prolíficas nesta população, que já vinha sendo melhorada há oito ciclos pelo método de seleção entre e dentro de famílias de meios irmãos. Para produção de grãos foi observado um progresso genético médio de 3,3% por ciclo, comparado com um progresso genético esperado de 7,2% por ciclo. Para índice-de-espigas foi observado um progresso genético de 8,9% e um progresso genético espe-rado de 1,9% por ciclo. Com a introdução de fatores de prolificidade, o índice-de-espigas aumentou consideravelmente superando inclusive o do híbrido duplo comercial utilizado como controle. Houve pequeno aumento da porcentagem de plantas acamadas e quebra-das, com o decorrer dos ciclos de seleção. Computando-se os ganhos obtidos inicialmente neste cultivar, houve em 10 ciclos de seleção um progresso acumulado de 28% para produção de grãos e de 10% para índice-de-espigas, sendo este último obtido quase exclusivamente após a introdução das linha-gens prolíficas.
Germinação de sementes de maçã
Authors: Campo Dall'Orto Fernando A. , Ojima Mário , Rigitano Orlando , Scaranari Hélio J. , Martins Fernando P.
Published: December 2007

Efetuaram-se em Campinas, SP, dois experimentos, procurando conhecer peculiaridades da germinação de sementes de maçã, de acordo com os cultivares e os processos de preparo. No primeiro, sementes de 30 cultivares foram estratificadas em substrato úmido e a baixa temperatura (5-10°C), para a quebra de dormência. De modo geral, as porcentagens de germinação foram bastante elevadas, sendo que 26 daqueles cultivares apresentaram-se com mais de 93%. No entanto, os cultivares estudados mostraram sensíveis variações quanto à velocidade de germinação; no ambiente de estratificação, a germinação teve inicio por volta do terceiro mês, continuou rapidamente no quarto e quinto, completando-se no sexto mês. No segundo experimento, sementes de três cultivares locais foram extraídas de frutos armazenados em ambiente de laboratório e em câmara frigorífica, durante diferentes períodos de tempo, e semeadas imediatamente ou depois de 90 dias de estratificação a frio. Naquelas extraídas de frutos mantidos ao ambiente, as porcentagens de germinação decresceram com o aumento do tempo de armazenamento, provavelmente devido aos efeitos perniciosos da deterioração da polpa. Os melhores resultados foram obtidos com sementes extraídas de frutos recém-colhidos e semeadas após um período de estratificação a frio úmido. Sementes extraídas de frutos conservados no frigorífico semeadas após estratificação, exibiram também altas porcentagens de germinação.
Comportamento de cultivares de trigo em duas regiões tritícolas do estado de São Paulo em 1976
Authors: Felício João Carlos , Barros Benedito de Camargo
Published: December 2007

Com a finalidade de estudar o comportamento em duas regiões tritícolas do Estado de São Paulo foram instalados seis ensaios com trigo, sendo dois com cultivares sem tolerância ao Al+++ (comprovada), três com cultivares tolerante ao Al+++ e um com cultivares já em cultivo. BH-1146, IAC-5 (maringá) tobari-F-66, LA-1434 e super X foram considerados cultivares preferenciais para a semeadura na região do Vale do Paranapanema, e IAC-5 (maringá) foi considerado preferencial para a região sul do Estado de São Paulo. Os cultivares de origem mexicana têm-se mostrado suscetíveis a Puccinia graminis tritici.
Melhoramento do cafeeiro: XXXIX - produtividade e características de progênes S2 e S3 de Mundo Novo e Burbom Amarelo e de híbridos entre esses cultivares
Authors: Carvalho A. , Monaco L. C. , Fazuoli L. C.
Published: December 2007

Analisaram-se, em experimento localizado em Campinas, a produção e características das plantas e das sementes de progénies S2 e S3 dos cultivares mundo novo e burbom amarelo de Coffea arabica, algumas progênies de mundo novo amarelo, duas séries de híbridos simples e dois híbridos duplos entre cafeeiros selecionados de mundo novo e burbom amarelo. As progênies estudadas são derivadas de cafeeiros selecionados nas localidades de Campinas, Mococa, Ribeirão Preto, Pindorama e Jaú, no Estado de São Paulo. Os dados de produções foram obtidos, anualmente, no período de 1965 a 1974. Verificou-se que as progênies de mundo novo mostraram-se em média 22% mais produtivas do que as de burbom amarelo e que todas as progênies de mundo novo amarelo produziram menos do que a melhor progênie de mundo novo MP 388-6-20. Os híbridos simples sintetizados pelo método de cruzamento em cadeia, bem como os híbridos duplos, não se mostraram mais produtivos do que as progênies de mundo novo. Também não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre as progênies e os híbridos analisados quanto às demais características estudadas. Os dados obtidos indicaram que as progênies derivadas das plantas matrizes P 388, P 376 e P 386 mostraram alto potencial produtivo, o que justificaria a sua multiplicação e emprego em futuros programas de melhoramento.
Variação de carboidratos e ácido cianídrico em raízes de mandioca, após a poda da parte aérea
Authors: Lorenzi José Osmar , Gutierrez Luiz E. , Cione José , Normanha Edgard S.
Published: December 2007

São relatados resultados do estudo da variação de matéria seca, HCN, amido, carboidratos solúveis totais e açúcares redutores em raízes de mandioca (Manihot esculenta, Crantz) nos dias que sucederam à poda ou remoção total da parte aérea. Na amostragem foi utilizado o método convencional: raízes tomadas ao acaso e representativas da população. Diferentes tipos de raízes (da base e meio da maniva e da base das hastes) coletadas 17 dias após a poda apresentaram teores de carboidratos bem diferentes, seja pela mobi-lização mais acentuada de reservas, seja pela sua constituição originalmente diversa, o que sugere pesquisas mais detalhadas sobre o método de amostragem das raízes para análise de laboratório. Verificou-se que, num período de quatorze dias após a poda de plantas com treze meses de idade e em época quente e chuvosa, as transformações mais profundas ocorreram no teor de amido, que decresceu de 79,06% para 62,52%, e nos carboidratos solúveis totais e açúcares redutores, que tiveram um incremento na matéria seca das raízes, respectiva-mente de 7,65% e 1,55% para 17,56% e 5,03%. 0 teor de carboidratos totais foi pouco afetado pela poda, Indicando perda pequena destinada a nova brotação ou a outros processos fisiológicos. O teor de HCN decresceu de 67 para 35 ppm.