bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reference Ranges and Determinants of Testosterone, Dihydrotestosterone, and Estradiol Levels Measured using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry in a Population-Based Cohort of Older Men
Authors: Yeap Bu B. , Alfonso Helman , Chubb S. A. Paul , Handelsman David J. , Hankey Graeme J. , Norman Paul E. , Flicker Leon
Published: September 2012

Context:

Testosterone (T) levels decline with increasing age. Controversy exists over the threshold for classifying T as low vs. normal in older men. The relevance of assessing dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and estradiol (E2) remains unclear.

Objective:

We assessed the associations of T, DHT, and E2 in men aged 70 yr or older and established reference ranges for these in healthy older men.

Participants:

Community-dwelling men aged 70–89 yr residing in Perth, Western Australia, Australia, participated in the study.

Main Outcome Measures:

Plasma T, DHT, and E2 were assayed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in early morning samples from 3690 men.

Results:

Increasing age, higher body mass index and waist to hip ratio, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and higher LH were independently associated with lower levels of T and DHT. Increasing age, diabetes, and higher LH were associated with lower E2. In a reference group of 394 men aged 76.1 ± 3.2 yr reporting excellent or very good health with no history of smoking, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, depression, or dementia, the 2.5th percentile for T was 6.4 nmol/liter (184 ng/dl); DHT, 0.49 nmol/liter; and E2, 28 pmol/liter. Applying these cutoffs to all 3690 men, those with low T or DHT had an increased odds ratio for frailty, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Men with both low T and DHT had a higher odds ratio for these outcomes.

Conclusions:

The 2.5th percentile in a reference group of healthy older men provides age-appropriate thresholds for defining low T, DHT, and E2. Additional studies are needed to test their potential applicability and clinical utility in older men.
Vinculin-dependent Cadherin mechanosensing regulates efficient epithelial barrier formation
Authors: Twiss Floor , Le Duc Quint , Van Der Horst Suzanne , Tabdili Hamid , Van Der Krogt Gerard , Wang Ning , Rehmann Holger , Huveneers Stephan , Leckband Deborah E. , De Rooij Johan
Published: September 2012

Proper regulation of the formation and stabilization of epithelial cell–cell adhesion is crucial in embryonic morphogenesis and tissue repair processes. Defects in this process lead to organ malformation and defective epithelial barrier function. A combination of chemical and mechanical cues is used by cells to drive this process. We have investigated the role of the actomyosin cytoskeleton and its connection to cell–cell junction complexes in the formation of an epithelial barrier in MDCK cells. We find that the E-cadherin complex is sufficient to mediate a functional link between cell–cell contacts and the actomyosin cytoskeleton. This link involves the actin binding capacity of α-catenin and the recruitment of the mechanosensitive protein Vinculin to tensile, punctate cell–cell junctions that connect to radial F-actin bundles, which we name Focal Adherens Junctions (FAJ). When cell–cell adhesions mature, these FAJs disappear and linear junctions are formed that do not contain Vinculin. The rapid phase of barrier establishment (as measured by Trans Epithelial Electrical Resistance (TER)) correlates with the presence of FAJs. Moreover, the rate of barrier establishment is delayed when actomyosin contraction is blocked or when Vinculin recruitment to the Cadherin complex is prevented. Enhanced presence of Vinculin increases the rate of barrier formation. We conclude that E-cadherin-based FAJs connect forming cell–cell adhesions to the contractile actomyosin cytoskeleton. These specialized junctions are sites of Cadherin mechanosensing, which, through the recruitment of Vinculin, is a driving force in epithelial barrier formation.
A mouse model to study the link between hypoxia, long QT interval and sudden infant death syndrome
Authors: Neary Marianne T. , Mohun Timothy J. , Breckenridge Ross A.
Published: September 2012

The pathology of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is poorly understood. Many risk factors, including hypoxia, have been identified. Prolongation of the ECG QTc interval is associated with elevated risk of SIDS but its aetiology in most cases remains unknown. We have characterised ECG changes in the newborn mouse in the hours and days following birth. There was a steady increase in heart rate alongside significant decreases in QTc interval, QRS duration and QTc dispersion over the first 10 postnatal days. Birth into hypoxia (10% FiO2) prevented electrocardiac maturation, downregulated cardiac ion-channel expression and led to neonatal death. We found that risk of death decreased with increasing age of exposure to hypoxia. Genetic elevation of cardiac hypoxia-signalling after birth in αMHC-Cre::VHLfl/fl mice also prevented electrocardiographic maturation, leading to arrhythmia and death before weaning. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting revealed internalisation and dephosphorylation of Connexin43. We conclude that increased ambient oxygen concentration after birth drives maturation of the cardiac electrical conduction system, failure of which leads to aberrant ion channel and Connexin43 expression and predisposes to arrhythmia and sudden death. This is consistent with known risk factors of SIDS and provides a link between neonatal hypoxia, ECG abnormalities and sudden death.
Psk1, an AGC kinase family member in fission yeast, is directly phosphorylated and controlled by TORC1 and functions as S6 kinase
Authors: Nakashima Akio , Otsubo Yoko , Yamashita Akira , Sato Tatsuhiro , Yamamoto Masayuki , Tamanoi Fuyuhiko
Published: September 2012

Target of rapamycin (TOR), an evolutionarily conserved serine/threonine protein kinase, plays pivotal roles in several important cellular processes in eukaryotes. In the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, TOR complex 1 (TORC1), which includes Tor2 as a catalytic subunit, manages the switch between cell proliferation and differentiation by sensing nutrient availability. However, little is known about the direct target of TORC1 that plays key roles in nutrient-dependent TORC1 signaling in fission yeast. Here we report that in fission yeast, three AGC kinase family members, named Psk1, Sck1 and Sck2, which exhibit high homology with human S6K1, are phosphorylated under nutrient-rich conditions and are dephosphorylated by starvation conditions. Among these, Psk1 is necessary for phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6. Furthermore, Psk1 phosphorylation is regulated by TORC1 in nutrient-dependent and rapamycin-sensitive manners in vivo. Three conserved regulatory motifs (the activation loop, the hydrophobic and the turn motifs) in Psk1 are phosphorylated and these modifications are required for Psk1 activity. In particular, phosphorylation of the hydrophobic motif is catalyzed by TORC1 in vivo and in vitro. Ksg1, a homolog of PDK1, is also important for Psk1 phosphorylation in the activation loop and for its activity. The TORC1 components Pop3, Toc1 and Tco89, are dispensable for Psk1 regulation, but disruption of pop3+ causes an increase in the sensitivity of TORC1 to rapamycin. Taken together, these results provide convincing evidence that TORC1/Psk1/Rps6 constitutes a nutrient-dependent signaling pathway in fission yeast.
G-actin regulates the shuttling and PP1 binding of the RPEL protein Phactr1 to control actomyosin assembly
Authors: Wiezlak Maria , Diring Jessica , Abella Jasmine , Mouilleron Stephane , Way Michael , McDonald Neil Q. , Treisman Richard
Published: September 2012

The Phactr family of PP1-binding proteins is implicated in human diseases including Parkinson’s, cancer and myocardial infarction. Each Phactr protein contains four G-actin binding RPEL motifs, including an N-terminal motif, abutting a basic element, and a C-terminal triple RPEL repeat, which overlaps a conserved C-terminus required for interaction with PP1. RPEL motifs are also found in the regulatory domains of the MRTF transcriptional coactivators, where they control MRTF subcellular localisation and activity by sensing signal-induced changes in G-actin concentration. However, whether G-actin binding controls Phactr protein function – and its relation to signalling – has not been investigated. Here, we show that Rho-actin signalling induced by serum stimulation promotes the nuclear accumulation of Phactr1, but not other Phactr family members. Actin binding by the three Phactr1 C-terminal RPEL motifs is required for Phactr1 cytoplasmic localisation in resting cells. Phactr1 nuclear accumulation is importin α-β dependent. G-actin and importin α-β bind competitively to nuclear import signals associated with the N- and C-terminal RPEL motifs. All four motifs are required for the inhibition of serum-induced Phactr1 nuclear accumulation when G-actin is elevated. G-actin and PP1 bind competitively to the Phactr1 C-terminal region, and Phactr1 C-terminal RPEL mutants that cannot bind G-actin induce aberrant actomyosin structures dependent on their nuclear accumulation and on PP1 binding. In CHL-1 melanoma cells, Phactr1 exhibits actin-regulated subcellular localisation and is required for stress fibre assembly, motility and invasiveness. These data support a role for Phactr1 in actomyosin assembly and suggest that Phactr1 G-actin sensing allows its coordination with F-actin availability.
The Tetrahymena meiotic chromosome bouquet is organized by centromeres and promotes interhomolog recombination
Authors: Loidl Josef , Lukaszewicz Agnieszka , Howard-Till Rachel A. , Koestler Tina
Published: September 2012

In order to form crossovers and to undergo reductional segregation during meiosis, homologous chromosomes must pair. In Tetrahymena, meiotic prophase nuclei elongate immensely, and, within the elongated nucleus, chromosomes are arranged with telomeres assembled at one pole and centromeres at the opposite pole. This organisation is an exaggerated form of the bouquet, a meiotic chromosome arrangement that is widely conserved among eukaryotes. We show that centromere function is crucial for the formation of Tetrahymena’s stretched bouquet and, thereby, for homologue pairing. This finding adds to previous reports of the importance of centromeres in chromosome pairing in budding yeast and in Drosophila. Tetrahymena’s bouquet is an ataxia telangiectasia- and RAD3-related (ATR)-dependent meiotic DNA damage response that is triggered by meiotic DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), suggesting that the bouquet is needed for DSB repair. However, in the present study we show that although homologous pairing is impeded in the absence of the bouquet, DSB repair takes place nevertheless. Moreover, recombinational DSB repair, as monitored by bromodeoxyuridine incorporation, takes place only after exit from the bouquet stage. Therefore, we conclude that the bouquet is not required for DSB repair per se, but may be necessary for the alignment of homologous loci in order to promote homologous crossovers over alternative repair pathways.
MAPK phosphorylation is implicated in the adaptation to desiccation stress in nematodes
Authors: Banton Matthew C. , Tunnacliffe Alan
Published: September 2012

Some nematodes can survive almost complete desiccation by entering an ametabolic state called anhydrobiosis requiring the accumulation of protective molecules such as trehalose and LEA proteins. However, it is not known how anhydrobiotic organisms sense and regulate the response to water loss. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are highly conserved signalling proteins that regulate adaptation to various stresses. Here, we first compared the anhydrobiotic potential of three nematode species, Caenorhabditis elegans (Maupas, 1900), Aphelenchus avenae (Bastian, 1865) and Panagrolaimus superbus (Fuchs, 1930), and then determined the phosphorylation status of the MAPKs p38, JNK and ERK during desiccation and rehydration. C. elegans was unable to undergo anhydrobiosis even after an initial phase of slow drying (preconditioning), while A. avenae did survive desiccation after preconditioning. In contrast, P. superbus withstood desiccation under rapid drying conditions, although survival rates improved with preconditioning. These results characterise C. elegans as desiccation sensitive, A. avenae as a slow desiccation strategist anhydrobiote, and P. superbus as a fast desiccation strategist anhydrobiote. Both C. elegans and A. avenae showed increased MAPK phosphorylation during drying, consistent with an attempt to mount protection systems against desiccation stress. In P. superbus, however, MAPK phosphorylation was apparent prior to water loss and then decreased on dehydration, suggesting that signal transduction pathways are constitutively active in this nematode. Inhibition of p38 and JNK in P. superbus decreased its desiccation tolerance. This is consistent with the designation of P. superbus as a fast desiccation strategist and its high level of preparedness for anhydrobiosis in the hydrated state. These findings show that MAPKs play an important role in the survival of organisms during anhydrobiosis.
Water-in-oil Microemulsion Formation with Aqueous Cn-TAB Solution and H-AOT/Isooctane Solution
Authors: Oshitani Jun , Baba Yuichi , Takashina Shiho , Yoshida Mikio , Ishida Naoyuki
Published: September 2012

Aqueous Cn-TAB (n = 8, 10, and 12; octyl-, decyl-, and dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide) solution and isooctane solution of H-AOT (hydrogen bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate) were mixed using a vortex mixer to produce a water-in-oil (W/O) microemulsion. The microemulsion was formed with the critical amount of Cn-TAB; the order of the critical amount was C12-TAB < C10-TAB < C8-TAB. A possible cause for the microemulsion formation was proposed based on the screening of the electrostatic repulsion between negatively charged AOT’s polar headgroups by the positively charged Cn-TAB’s polar headgroups, the hydrophobic interaction between hydrocarbon chains, and hydrated water around AOT’s polar headgroup.
Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging and transthoracic echocardiography in the assessment of stenotic aortic valve area: a comparative study
Authors: Dimitriou Praxitelis , Kähäri Anders , Emilsson Kent , Thunberg Per
Published: September 2012

Background

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and echocardiography both allow assessment of aortic valve stenosis. In MR the aortic valve area (AvA) is measured using planimetry while in transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) AvA is usually calculated by applying the continuity equation.

Purpose

To compare the measured stenotic aortic valve areas using five different MR-acquisition alternatives with the corresponding area values calculated by TTE.

Material and Methods

The aortic valve was imaged in 14 patients, with diagnosed aortic valve stenosis, using balanced steady state free precession (bSSFP) gradient echo (GE) and phase contrast imaging (PC). Three adjacent slices were planned to encompass the aortic valve and the aortic valve area was measured using planimetry. The two sets of complex valued images generated by the PC sequence formed three kinds of images that could be used for aortic valve area measurements: the magnitude image (PC/Mag), the modulus (PCA/M), and phase difference (PCA/P) between the two complex images, respectively. The valve area from TTE was calculated using the continuity equation. A cut-off of<1.0 cm2 was used as a criteria for severe stenosis.

Results

The mean area differences between the different MR acquisitions and TTE method were −0.05±0.37 cm2 (GE), −0.18±0.46 cm2 (bSSFP), 0.27-0.43 cm2 (PC/Mag), 0.15±0.32 cm2 (PCA/P), and 0.26±0.27 cm2 (PCA/M). The valve area was significantly overestimated using PCA/M that, in turn, implied a significant underestimation of the aortic valve stenosis severity compared to the assessments using TTE.

Conclusion

The smallest area valve difference between TTE and an MR-acquisition alternative is obtained with gradient echo images. The use of PCA/M leads to significant differences in planimetry measurements of the aortic valve orifice and the gradation of the stenosis severity compared to TTE.
Determination of 19 Cardiac Troponin I and T Assay 99th Percentile Values from a Common Presumably Healthy Population
Authors: Apple Fred S , Ler Ranka , Murakami MaryAnn M
Published: September 2012

BACKGROUND

Between-assay comparability of 99th percentiles for cardiac troponin concentrations has not been assessed systematically in a single population for a large number of assays.

METHODS

We determined 99th percentiles for 19 cardiac troponin assays in heparin plasma samples from a population of 272 and 252 presumably healthy males and females, respectively. The assays evaluated included 1 cardiac troponin T (cTnT) assay from Roche and 18 cTnI assays from Abbott, Alere, Beckman, bioMerieux, Instrumentation Laboratory, Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Singulex, Siemens, and Roche. Five of these assays were categorized as high-sensitivity, 9 as sensitive-contemporary, and 5 as point-of-care (POC) assays.

RESULTS

For high-sensitivity cTnI (hs-cTnI) assays 99th percentiles varied from 23 to 58 ng/L. At least 80% of individuals had measurable hs-cTnI, whereas only 25% had measurable high-sensitivity cTnT. All high-sensitivity cardic troponin assays had 99th percentiles that were 1.2–2.4-fold higher in males than females. For the 9 sensitive-contemporary cTnI assays, 99th percentiles varied from 12 to 392 ng/L, and only the Beckman assay gave measurable concentrations in a substantial portion of the population (35% vs ≤6% for the others). Seven of these 9 assays had 1.3–5.0-fold higher 99th percentiles for males than females. For 5 cTnI POC assays, 99th percentiles varied from <10 to 40 ng/L. The Instrumentation Laboratory assay gave measurable results in 27.8% of study participants vs ≤6% for the others. Correlations were generally poor among assays.

CONCLUSIONS

Among cardiac troponin assays 99th percentile concentrations appear to differ. High-sensitivity assays provide measurable cardiac troponin results in a substantially greater fraction of presumably healthy individuals.
Neuroprotective and anti-ageing role of leptin
Authors: Folch Jaume , Pedrós Ignacio , Patraca Iván , Sureda Francesc , Junyent Fèlix , Beas-Zarate Carlos , Verdaguer Ester , Pallàs Mercè , Auladell Carme , Camins Antoni
Published: September 2012

Leptin (Lep), an adipose-derived hormone, exerts very important functions in the body mainly on energy storage and availability. The physiological effects of Lep controlling the body weight and suppressing appetite are mediated by the long form of Lep receptor in the hypothalamus. Lep receptor activates several downstream molecules involved in key pathways related to cell survival such as STAT3, PI3K, MAPK, AMPK, CDK5 and GSK3β. Collectively, these pathways act in a coordinated manner and form a network that is fully involved in Lep physiological response. Although the major interest in Lep is related to its role in the regulation of energy balance, and since resistance to Lep affects is the primary risk factor for obesity, the interest on their effects on brain cognition and neuroprotection is increasing. Thus, Lep and Lep mimetic compounds now await and deserve systematic exploration as the orchestrator of protective responses in the nervous system. Moreover, Lep might promote the activation of a cognitive process that may retard or even partially reverse selected aspects of Alzheimer's disease or ageing memory loss.
Relationships between maize yield and growth parameters in a long-term fertilization experiment
Authors: Micskei G. , Árendás T. , Berzsenyi Z.
Published: September 2012

In a long-term maize monoculture experiment set up on the active ingredient equivalence principle, changes in the yield components were investigated over a period of three years (2005–2007) as a function of the fertiliser treatments, and the values of the growth parameters HI, LAI, NAR and CGR were calculated using the classical method of growth analysis.The results indicated that optimum N supplies and the year effect made a substantial contribution both to the grain number per ear and to the thousand-kernel weight. In the course of correlation analysis, both Pearson’s correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis demonstrated that the grain yield was in close positive correlation with these yield components, and with the maximum value of dry matter production and the harvest index. The two yield components explained 76% of the grain yield, and the effect of thousand-kernel weight was around 3.75 times as great as that of the grain number per ear (β = 0.721 vs. 0.192). On the basis of partial correlation analysis, the maximum value of total dry matter and the thousand-kernel weight were jointly responsible for around 60% of the variance in maize grain yield. Analysis using the “Enter” method showed that the two yield components explained 62% and 59% of the grain yield in wet years (R22005 = 62.3%; R22006 = 58.8%), while in the dry year neither the thousand-kernel weight nor the grain number per ear had a significant effect on the yield (R22007 = 4.5%).
Maximizing productivity and improving nutrition through intercropping quality protein maize and potato
Authors: Chapagain T. , Khatri B. , Bhattarai P. , Luitel B. , Ortiz-Ferrara G. , Sharma R.
Published: September 2012

Intercropping potato with quality protein maize (QPM) could improve the livelihood and nutritional status of the resource-poor farmers who produce and consume them. A study was conducted from 2008 to 2010 to assess the performance of three improved potato varieties in an intercropping system with an improved QPM in the high hills of Nepal. The QPM was sown for four consecutive weeks following potato planting. The commercial potato varieties Janak Dev, Kufri Jyoti and Khumal Seto-1 were used, while the improved QPM was Poshilo Makai-1. Delayed intercropping caused a reduction in the maize yield, but an increase in the potato yield. The highest potato yield was obtained from maize intercropping after four weeks. The grain yield of maize was significantly reduced by late planting beyond the second week. The average weekly rate of increase due to maize intercropping was better for Janak Dev and Kufri Jyoti, while Khumal Seto-1 was less suitable for intercropping. The land equivalent ratio for potato-maize intercropping was 2.23. The results suggest that Poshilo Makai-1 could be incorporated in potato-maize intercropping, leading to higher returns and nutritional benefits. The findings underline the importance of variety and date of intercropping to maximize production. The findings have implications for harnessing higher productivity on resource-poor farms, and could contribute to food and nutritional security for resource-poor farmers.
Influence of cytoplasmic male sterile and restorer lines on the grain yield stability of sunflower under different environmental conditions
Authors: Liović I. , Mijić A. , Krizmanić M. , Pepó P. , Kovačević V. , Markulj A. , Duvnjak T. , Krizmanić G.
Published: September 2012

Environmental conditions (soil, weather) have the greatest impact on the production of all crops, so it is necessary to check the behaviour of new hybrid combinations under diverse environmental conditions. In 2009 and 2010, field trials were sown at various locations in Croatia to test new sunflower hybrid combinations bred at the Agricultural Institute in Osijek. In both years, the trials were conducted in Beli Manastir (BM09 and BM10), Nova Gradiška (NG09 and NG10) and Osijek (Os09 and Os10), while in 2010, a trial was also sown in Vukovar (Vu10). The genotypes included three cytoplasmic male sterile lines (cms 1–3) as female parent with a set of 8 fertility restorer lines (four branching restorers: oG1–4 and four single-headed restorers: oM5–8). The grain yield data were processed for years and locations (7 environments) using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Additive Main effects and Multiplicative Interactions (AMMI) analysis with the SAS for Windows 9.1 statistical software. To obtain a better picture of the grain yield stability of the hybrid combinations in different environments, AMMI1 and AMMI2 biplots were made using IRRISTAT for Windows 5.0 software. No significant differences were found between the hybrid combinations of the female lines (cms 1–3). Among the environments, the significantly highest grain yield was recorded in the environment Os09 (4.220 t ha−1), followed by BM09 and Os10. As regards the restorers the highest grain yields (statistically on par with each other) were found for hybrid combinations involving oG2 and oM7 (3.726 and 3.666 t ha−1). Together, the first two interaction principle components (IPC) explained 85.4, 76.6 and 64.8% of the variability for crosses involving cms1, cms2 and cms3, respectively. The AMMI1 and AMMI2 biplots showed that the highest yielding hybrid combinations did not have the most stable grain yield. The greatest stability was shown by restorer line oM7 in cross combinations with inbred lines cms1 and cms2, while the same restorer line exhibited a large genotype × environment interaction and low stability when crossed with cms3.
Novel NSP4 genotype in a camel G10P[15] rotavirus strain
Authors: Papp Hajnalka , Al-Mutairi Laila , Chehadeh Wassim , Farkas Szilvia , Lengyel György , Jakab Ferenc , Martella Vito , Szűcs György , Bányai Krisztián
Published: September 2012

In this study a Kuwaiti camel rotavirus strain, RVA/Camel-wt/KUW/s21/2010/G10P[15], is characterized by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. The strain had multiple genes with high nucleotide sequence similarities to ovine and bovine strains (VP2, ≤ 96%; NSP2 and NSP5, ≤ 97%, NSP3, ≤ 94%), or, to porcine strains (VP1, ≤ 89%). Other genes had moderate sequence similarities (VP4, ≤ 87%; VP6, ≤ 81%; VP7, ≤ 82%) with reference strains from ruminants. The NSP4 gene shared limited sequence identity (≤ 71%) with other mammalian and avian rotavirus NSP4 types, and was designated a novel genotype, E15. This study demonstrates genetic diversity in the outer capsid and some backbone genes of an old-world camelid rotavirus strain and uncovers its common evolutionary roots with strains from other ruminants.
Changes in the serotypes of Hungarian pneumococci isolated mainly from invasive infections: A review of all available data between 1988 and 2011
Authors: Tóthpál Adrienn , Laub Krisztina , Kardos Szilvia , Nagy Károly , Dobay Orsolya
Published: September 2012

Streptococcus pneumoniae is responsible for a high level of morbidity and mortality, especially among children. For a long time, only the polysaccharide vaccine was available against pneumococcal infections, but in the last decade special conjugate vaccines were developed for paediatric use. These vaccines have made a deep impact on serotype distribution all over the world, by suppressing those serotypes included in the vaccines, while new, previously rare types emerged. These changes have been monitored closely in numerous publications all over the world. Nevertheless, data on pneumococcal serotypes in Hungary were mostly published in Hungarian, therefore not available in the international literature. In this meta-analysis, our aim was to collect and summarise all available data, and try to follow the changes observed after the introduction of the conjugate vaccines.
Debilitating progressive encephalitis in a patient with BTK deficiency
Authors: Mohammadzadeh Iraj , Yeganeh Mehdi , Khaledi Mojdeh , Salehiomran Mohammad , Aghamohammadi Asghar , Rezaei Nima
Published: September 2012

X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA), also known as Bruton’s tyrosine kinase(BTK)deficiency, is a primary antibody deficiency, characterized by low number of B cells, agammaglobulinemia and increased susceptibility to a variety of infections. Herein, we report a case of XLA with confirmedBTKmutation that developed neurological deficits. While we could not detect any responsible microorganism in spite of comprehensive workup, brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed moderate brain atrophy. The diagnosis of progressive encephalitis was made for this patient. Patients with XLA have a higher chance of encephalitis compared with other primary antibody deficiencies. Given the violent nature of encephalitis, it is a concern among XLA patients.
Hospital acquired pneumonia: Comparison of culture and real-time PCR assays for detection of Legionella pneumophila from respiratory specimens at Tehran Hospitals
Authors: Fard Somayeh , Nomanpour Bizhan , Fatolahzadeh Bahram , Mobarez Ashraf , Darban-Sarokhalil Davood , Fooladi Abbas , Leeuwen Willem , Feizabadi Mohammad
Published: September 2012

Legionella pneumophila is an important etiological agent in both hospital and community acquired pneumonia. The sensitivity of culture for isolation of L. pneumophila from clinical specimens is low and time consuming. Similar problem also exists when the method of direct immunofluorescence is used. To detect this organism quantitatively from respiratory specimens, a Taq Man based real-time PCR targeting the mip sequence was developed. Both real-time PCR and culture methods were applied on 262 respiratory specimens from 262 ICU patients with pneumonia admitted to 5 different hospitals in Tehran. The results of real-time PCR were compared with those obtained by culture. Real-time PCR and culture found 12 and 4 specimens, respectively, as positive for L. pneumophila. Its technical specificity (100%) was checked against a panel of microorganisms consisting of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Our real-time PCR assay showed high sensitivity (100%) and specificity (96.9%) and could detect 200 organisms per ml from respiratory specimens. Using real-time PCR as a screening method, the frequency of nosocomial pneumonia with L. pneumophila at Tehran hospitals was estimated as 4.58%.
Idiopathic Parkinson's disease: vocal and quality of life analysis
Authors: Silva Luiza Furtado e , Gama Ana Cristina Côrtes , Cardoso Francisco Eduardo Costa , Reis César Augusto da Conceição , Bassi Iara Barreto
Published: September 2012

OBJECTIVE: To compare voice and life quality of male patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease, with individuals without disease (Control Group). METHODS: A cross-sectional study that evaluated the voice of individuals with Parkinson's disease, the group was composed of 27 subjects, aged from 39 to 79 years-old (average 59.96). The Control Group was matched on sex and age. Participants underwent voice recording. Perceptual evaluation was made using GRBASI scale, which considers G as the overall degree of dysphonia, R as roughness, B as breathiness, A as asthenia, S as strain and I as instability. The acoustic parameters analyzed were: fundamental frequency, jitter, shimmer, and harmonic to noise ratio (NHR). For vocal self-perception analysis, we used the Voice Related Quality of Life protocol. RESULTS: Fundamental frequency and jitter presented higher values in the Parkinson's group. NHR values were higher in the Control Group. Perceptual analysis showed a deviation ranging. The vocal disorder self-perception demonstrated a worse impact on quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with Parkinson's disease have an altered voice quality and a negative impact on quality of life.
Difficulties in HAM/TSP diagnosis
Authors: Slater Carla Maria Sena Andrade , Ribeiro Luiz Claudio Pereira , Puccioni-Sohler Marzia
Published: September 2012

The World Health Organization recommends the use of Osame's criterion (1990) for the diagnosis of HTLV-I-associated myelopathy (HAM/TSP). In 2006, a group of neurologists developed a Brazilian criterion that can diagnose HAM/TSP from its onset. OBJECTIVE: It was to test the agreement between both criteria. METHODS: The study included evaluation of clinical and laboratory findings of 35 patients. The ELISA, Western blot and/or polymerase chain reaction was used to search for anti-HTLV-I antibodies. The analysis of agreement was based on the calculation of Kappa. RESULTS: Concordance of 100% (Kappa=1) occurred in cases of "defined" HAM/TSP, but not in patients with "probable" diagnosis. CONCLUSION: The Brazilian criteria was as effective as Osame's criteria for the diagnosis of "defined" HAM/TSP. However, both require more specific biological markers in cerebrospinal fluid for the laboratory diagnosis of probable cases.
Gestão e práticas socialmente responsáveis na cooperação agrícola
Authors: Joffre Olivier , Simon Eric
Published: September 2012

A cooperação agrícola é um tema de estudo com características específicas devido à sua história, às suas normas e aos seus valores. Nós propomos um modelo de decisão baseado na tensão dialética. Esse modelo inovador de decisão permite associar as partes interessadas que intervêm na decisão e suprimir alguns limites teóricos da teoria das partes interessadas. De fato, a identificação das partes interessadas é fácil, e o caráter dinâmico da relação entre as partes interessadas e a organização é implicitamente considerado no modelo de decisão analisado neste artigo.
A procura de trabalho: uma boa janela para mirarmos as transformações recentes no mercado de trabalho?
Authors: Guimarães Nadya Araujo
Published: September 2012

O estudo da procura por empregos é uma via elucidativa não apenas para descrever as mudanças recentes da organização do mercado de trabalho, mas também para deslindar o modo como os laços sociais operam na sociedade contemporânea: nos permite desvelar a maneira pela qual mobilizam-se relações sociais, revelam-se eficazes os laços sociais, indicando o peso dos mecanismos não mercantis na organização e reprodução da vida social, em geral, e na operação do mercado de trabalho, em particular.
Produtividade e classificação de brócolos para indústria em função da adubação nitrogenada e potássica e dos espaçamentos entre plantas
Authors: Cecílio Filho Arthur B , Schiavon Júnior Aparecido Alecio , Cortez Juan Waldir M
Published: September 2012

No município de Itatiba-SP, no período de março a julho de 2007, foi realizado um experimento com o objetivo de avaliar doses de nitrogênio e potássio e espaçamentos entre plantas na produtividade e classificação de brócolos para indústria. O experimento foi instalado sob delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com os tratamentos em esquema fatorial 5 x 4, e três repetições, sendo avaliadas as doses de nitrogênio-potássio: 105-105; 157,5-157,5; 210-210; 262,5-262,5 e 315-315 kg ha-1 de N e K2O e os espaçamentos entre plantas: 0,2; 0,3; 0,4 e 0,5 m. O espaçamento entre linhas foi de 0,8 m. Foram avaliados o teor foliar de nitrogênio (TN) e de potássio (TP), produtividade de inflorescência (PI), produtividade de floretes (PF), rendimento industrial (RI) e classificação dos floretes com base em seu comprimento: PF5 (<5 cm); PF57 (>5 e <7 cm); PF79 (>7 e <9 cm) e PF9 (>9 cm). Maiores espaçamentos entre plantas proporcionaram maior TN e menores PI e PF. As doses NK e os espaçamentos entre plantas não influenciaram significativamente o TP e o RI. As maiores produtividades de inflorescências (22,08 t ha-1) e de floretes (17,09 t ha-1) foram obtidas com 0,20 m entre plantas e 315 kg ha-1 de N e de K2O. Maior percentagem de floretes na classe PF5 foi obtida no menor espaçamento entre plantas. As doses NK e os espaçamentos entre plantas não influenciaram as percentagens de floretes nas classes PF79 e PF9.
Gibberellic acid in vegetative and reproductive development of Phalaenopsis orchid hybrid genus
Authors: Cardoso Jean C , Ono Elizabeth O , Rodrigues João D
Published: September 2012

The flower industry represents about one billion dollars in Brazil and the development of techniques aimed at flowering control is required. This study evaluated the influence of gibberellic acid (GA3) on the vegetative and reproductive development of young plants of Phalaenopsis FSNT 'Dai-Itigo' hybrid pink color. The application of GA3 was made by foliar sprays at concentrations of 0, 125, 250, 500 and 1,000 mg L -1. The length of leaves increased significantly when using GA3 at low concentrations, but leaf width decreased. The application of GA3 at 125 mg L -1 showed the best results for the promotion of flowering and flower quality of this orchid hybrid. In this treatment, about 50% of plants treated with GA3 flowered about 6-12 months before the plants that were non-treated with this plant growth regulator. The quality of flowering and flowers was best with 125 mg L -1 GA3.
Adaptabilidade e estabilidade de populações de cenoura
Authors: Silva Giovani Olegário da , Carvalho Agnaldo Donizete F de , Vieira Jairo V , Fritsche-Neto Roberto
Published: September 2012

No processo de desenvolvimento de novas cultivares de cenoura, é imprescindível o conhecimento do comportamento das populações em fase final de melhoramento, frente aos possíveis ambientes para os quais elas possam vir a ser indicadas. Isso pode ser verificado por meio de análises de adaptabilidade e estabilidade. O objetivo desse estudo foi quantificar a adaptabilidade e estabilidade de populações de cenoura do grupo Brasilia. O trabalho foi conduzido nos anos agrícolas de 2007/2008, 2008/2009 e 2009/2010 em cinco locais: três com cultivo convencional em São Gotardo (MG); Irecê (BA) e Gama (DF); e dois com cultivo orgânico no Programa de Assentamento Dirigido do Distrito Federal (PAD-DF) e em Gama (DF). O delineamento experimental utilizado foi de blocos ao acaso com três repetições e parcelas de 1 m². Foram avaliadas quatro populações de cenoura do grupo Brasília: 0912532, 0912520, BRS Planalto e Brasília. Aos 100 dias após a semeadura, foi determinada em cada parcela, em gramas, a massa fresca das raízes com padrão comercial. Foi utilizada a metodologia REML/BLUP para a avaliação da adaptabilidade e estabilidade. Pôde-se verificar que as populações com melhor adaptabilidade e estabilidade foram BRS Planalto e 0912520. BRS Planalto destacou-se principalmente na safra de 2009/2010; enquanto a população 0912520 destacou-se em 2007/2008 e 2008/2009; Brasília teve o pior desempenho na maioria dos locais, porém apresentou bom desempenho ou adaptabilidade específica para Irecê (BA).
Modelo multicritério de apoio à decisão construtivista no processo de avaliação de fornecedores
Authors: Ensslin Leonardo , Ensslin Sandra Rolim , Rocha Silvano , Marafon Alysson Diego , Medaglia Thalita Assad
Published: September 2012

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo geral avaliar os fornecedores de equipamentos mecânicos de uma empresa de engenharia e, com isso, viabilizar o aumento da competitividade da organização. Para isso, utilizou-se a metodologia multicritério de apoio à decisão construtivista (MCDA-C), a qual compreende as seguintes etapas: i) Estruturação; ii) Avaliação; e iii) Recomendações. A aplicação dessa metodologia permitiu construir conhecimento acerca do contexto abordado considerando, nesse sentido, seus aspectos mais importantes, e suportar a tomada de decisão. A importância deste trabalho alicerça-se na poderosa ferramenta deixada como legado aos envolvidos diretamente no processo (empresa de engenharia e fornecedores); nas melhorias consequentes em toda a cadeia de infraestrutura do Brasil, assim contribuindo para o desenvolvimento nacional; e no enobrecimento e extrapolação da fronteira do conhecimento teórico e prático na grande área de avaliação de desempenho.
Modelo de contrato de terceirização de manutenção: uma abordagem principal-agente
Authors: Paiva Jonas Alves de , Souza Fernando Menezes Campello de
Published: September 2012

A terceirização é uma das soluções utilizadas para se reduzir esforços em atividades não relacionadas com a atividade de produção. Na terceirização da manutenção, modelos de contratos de incentivos existentes na literatura focam como principais indicadores de controle apenas o tempo de reparo e o custo das atividades de manutenção. O principal objetivo desse trabalho consiste em apresentar um modelo de incentivos considerando também outras variáveis que são afetadas pela manutenção e que afetam fortemente o lucro, que são a qualidade dos produtos produzidos e a redução da capacidade de produção. O trabalho utiliza a teoria principal-agente para modelar um contrato de incentivos que conduz a um aumento do lucro da empresa, forçando o agente a desenvolver atividades que maximizem esse lucro. É apresentada uma exemplificação numérica, que evidencia o impacto positivo nos resultados da empresa, além da generalização e adequação do modelo.
Atributos químicos e área superficial específica em Latossolo subtropical de altitude sob usos e manejos distintos
Authors: Tomasi Cristiano Albino , Inda Alberto Vasconcellos , Dick Deborah Pinheiro , Bissani Carlos Alberto , Fink Jessé Rodrigo
Published: September 2012

A interferência antrópica tem modificado a condição original do solo nos Campos de Cima da Serra. O estudo avaliou atributos químicos e físicos de um Latossolo sob campo nativo (CN), campo nativo manejado com queima (CNq), mata nativa (MN), florestamento de pinus (FP) e lavoura em sistema plantio convencional (LA), nas camadas de 0,00-0,025, 0,025-0,05, 0,05-0,10, 0,10-0,20, 0,20-0,30m. A mineralogia foi avaliada por difratometria de raios X. Foram avaliados o C orgânico total (COT), pH (H2O); Ca, Mg, K, Na e Al trocáveis; H+Al e P; e calculou-se a soma de bases, a capacidade de troca de cátions, a saturação por bases e por Al. Estimou-se a área superficial específica (ASE) e a capacidade máxima de adsorção de fósforo (CMAP). O solo apresentou mineralogia caulinítica e oxídica. No CN, o COT variou entre 15,3 e 56,4g kg-1, o pH foi ≤4,8, a CTC foi alta (18<CTCpH7<22cmol c dm-3), com baixa saturação por bases (3<V<34%) e alta saturação por Al (23<m<88%). Em comparação ao CN, o COT aumentou em superfície na MN, foi equivalente no CNq e diminuiu sob FP e LA. A fertilidade do solo aumentou sob MN e CNq, e foi reduzida sob FP, tendo sido condicionada pelo teor de COT. O COT mostrou relação positiva com a ASE e negativa com a CMAP do solo.
Work capacity, sociodemographic and work characteristics of nurses at a university hospital
Authors: Hilleshein Eunice Fabiani , Lautert Liana
Published: September 2012

This cross-sectional study evaluated the work capacity of 195 nurses at a university hospital, from a calculation of sample size with a Confidence Interval (CI) of 95%. The data was collected by means of the Work Capacity Index (WCI) instrument and analyzed by statistical analysis. 94.5% of the sample was made up of women; the average age was of 42.6 years (sd=8.5); 66.5% had partners and 76.7% were educated to post-graduate level. 36.0% worked the night shift; 28.4% the morning shift and 20.8% the afternoon shift. The average score given to work capacity was Good (41.8 points) and there was a significant correlation with pay (p-value<0.05), satisfaction with workplace (p-value=0.001) and feeling valued by the institution (p-value=0.003). The group which carried out family activities showed higher scores in the WCI compared to those who did not (p-value=0.009). The nurses presented differing sociodemographic and work aspects, with a high capacity for work.
Incidence of gastric extubation of users in a home care program of a university hospital
Authors: Naves Larissa Kozloff , Tronchin Daisy Maria Rizatto
Published: September 2012

This quantitative, prospective study, aimed to characterize the profile of users and caregivers and to measure the incidence of gastric extubation, identifying the type and the reasons for the extubation of these users in a Home Care Program of a university hospital. The population consisted of 37 subjects and the data were collected from April to August 2010. For the analysis, descriptive statistics, test of significance of 5% and calculation of indicators were adopted. It was found that 51.4% of the users were female, 67.5% in the age group >60 years and 67.6% presented neurological diseases. Regarding the caregivers 89.2% were female and their mean age was 50.6 years. The incidence of extubation, considering 100 days of intubation, corresponded to 1.08, with 0.26 planned and 0.82 unplanned (p=0.009). These results allowed the rates to be calculated of the extubation of patients with gastric intubation for nutritional support in domicile care, providing support in establishing care and management goals for the continuous improvement of quality.
The Bristol Stool Form Scale: its translation to Portuguese, cultural adaptation and validation
Authors: Martinez Anna Paula , Azevedo Gisele Regina de
Published: September 2012

The Bristol Stool Form Scale is used for describing feces. The objective of this research was its translation, cultural adaptation and validation for Brazil. The methodology was translation, back-translation and discussion. Validation involved 85 nurses, 80 doctors, and 80 patients, who correlated images of seven types of feces with the descriptions. Results: there was a difference in sex distribution, with males predominating among the doctors and females among nurses and patients. In relation to concordance between definitions and pictures, the highest percentage was in type 5 in all three groups and the lowest was in types 6 and 7 for the doctors, in type 3 for the nurses, and type 6 for the patients. The general Kappa index was 0.826. Conclusion: the scale demonstrated high reliability for all the groups studied.
Understanding the suffering of a patient with an illness: signs, context and strategies
Authors: Hueso Montoro César , Siles González José , Amezcua Manuel , Bonill de las Nieves Candela , Pastor Montero Sonia , Celdrán Mañas Miriam
Published: September 2012

The aim of this study is to understand the suffering of a patient with an illness, by using a secondary research method, that is, a qualitative meta-study. The primary data source of the meta-study includes "biographical reports". This project is based on a case study, in which the first-hand experiences of a patient with an illness were collected. The findings of the reports were compiled using the Archivos de la Memoria collection of the Index Foundation (Granada, Spain) and journals specialized in editing these materials. A selection of 20 biographical reports was targeted. The results of the meta-study show that suffering is a multidimensional process within a framework of ambiguous feelings. The suffering involves family and social network participation. Patients develop a range of strategies to overcome the illness. One of the effects is the fear of illness relapse or worsening.
Evaluation of the identification protocol for newborns in a private hospital
Authors: Quadrado Ellen Regina Sevilla , Tronchin Daisy Maria Rizatto
Published: September 2012

This exploratory-descriptive quantitative study aimed to evaluate the protocol for identifying newborns admitted to the Neonatal Intensive and Semi-intensive Therapy Unit of a private hospital. The case series was made up of 540 observation opportunities, selected by simple random probability sampling. The data was collected between May and August 2010 according to a form and analyzed by descriptive statistic. The protocol's general performance had a conformity index of 82.2%. There were three stages to the protocol: identification components, the identification wristbands' condition and the number of identification wristbands. The highest percentage of conformity (93%) was attributed to the second stage and the lowest (89.3%) to the third, presenting a statistically significant difference of p= 0.046. In the group of 'special' neonates, 88.5% conformity was achieved. These results will make it possible to restructure the protocol for identifying newborns and to establish care and managerial goals so as to improve the quality of care and the patients' safety.