bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A semi-parametric approach to the frequency of occurrence under a simple crossover trial
Authors: Lui Kung-Jong , Chang Kuang-Chao
Published: February 2012

To analyze the frequency of occurrence for an event of interest in a crossover design, we propose a semi-parametric approach. We develop two point estimators and four interval estimators in closed forms for the treatment effect under a random effects multiplicative risk model. Using Monte Carlo simulations, we evaluate these estimators and compare the four interval estimators with the classical interval estimator suggested elsewhere in a variety of situations. We note that the point estimator using the ratio of two arithmetic averages of mean frequencies under a multiplicative risk model can be comparable to the point estimator using the ratio of two geometric averages of mean frequencies. We note that as long as the number of patients per group is large, all the four interval estimators developed here can perform well. We also note that the classical interval estimator derived under the commonly assumed Poisson distribution for the frequency data can be conservative and lose precision if the Poisson distribution assumption is violated. We use a double-blind randomized crossover trial comparing salmeterol with a placebo in exacerbations of asthma to illustrate the practical use of these estimators.
The channel capacity of a diagnostic test as a function of test sensitivity and test specificity
Authors: Benish William A
Published: February 2012

We apply the information theory concept of “channel capacity” to diagnostic test performance and derive an expression for channel capacity in terms of test sensitivity and test specificity. The expected value of the amount of information a diagnostic test will provide is equal to the “mutual information” between the test result and the disease state. For the case in which only two test results and two disease states are considered, mutual information, I(D;R), is a function of sensitivity, specificity, and the pretest probability of disease. The channel capacity of the test is the maximal value of I(D;R) for a given sensitivity and specificity. After deriving an expression for I(D;R) in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and pretest probability, we solve for the value of pretest probability that maximizes I(D;R). Channel capacity is obtained by using this value of pretest probability to calculate I(D;R). Channel capacity provides a convenient and meaningful single parameter measure of diagnostic test performance. It quantifies the upper limit of the amount of information a diagnostic test can be expected to provide about a patient’s disease state.
Correlates of willingness to participate in microbicide research among African Americans
Authors: Ma Mindy , Kibler Jeffrey L , Vigil-Otero Ashley , Sarpong Daniel , Lally Michelle , Mayer Kenneth H
Published: February 2012

The objective of the present article is to identify predictors of willingness to participate (WTP) in microbicide trials among African Americans. A total of 595 participants completed a survey on WTP in microbicide trials and predictors of WTP. Significant associations were observed for relationships of greater WTP with female gender, greater HIV risk, lower mistrust of research, and knowing someone with HIV/AIDS. An interaction revealed HIV risk was positively associated with WTP for women only. Accurate knowledge of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study was associated with greater WTP. These predictors may be employed in microbicide trials to enhance African American participation.
Teaching for Change
Authors: Willink Kate G. , Jacobs Jeanne M.
Published: February 2012

This essay explores the relationship between communication pedagogy, notions of change, and assessment. The authors draw on our teaching experiences and student writings in electronic portfolios (e-portfolios) collected during a 2-year research project on the scholarship of teaching and learning in communication. Our research contributes a framework for understanding transformative learning comprised of four communicative capabilities—emotional discernment, openness, dialogue, and reflection—that emerged both from existing literature and from analysis of student e-portfolios. The authors advance a new conceptualization of communication terms to enhance educators’ thinking, teaching, and assessment of transformation in the classroom. The authors argue for a more robust and meaningful approach to counting change—a vision urgently needed in the current climate of institutional assessment.
Acceptability of a Program for Parenting Young, Overweight Children
Authors: Watson-Jarvis Kay , Fenton Tanis R. , Hall Kristyn , Waterman Mary , Van Nest Kristina
Published: February 2012

A group lifestyle education program for overweight/obese children 6 to 15 years old and parents was adapted for the youngest age group (6-9 years) based on program evaluation. The new curriculum had parents reflect on their influence over the family health-related environment while exploring feeding and activity relationships. Children experienced self-expression through verbal, physical, and creative facets of healthy lifestyle behaviors. Six groups experienced a 2-week program (two 5-hour sessions on 2 consecutive Saturdays). Summary evaluation demonstrated significant increases in parent perceived knowledge for each subject area and a high degree of program satisfaction. One recommendation by parents was to receive this information earlier in the parenting experience.
Sorafenib treatment of FLT3-ITD+ acute myeloid leukemia: favorable initial outcome and mechanisms of subsequent nonresponsiveness associated with the emergence of a D835 mutation
Authors: Man Cheuk Him , Fung Tsz Kan , Ho Christa , Han Heron H. C. , Chow Howard C. H. , Ma Alvin C. H. , Choi William W. L. , Lok Si , Cheung Alice M. S. , Eaves Connie , Kwong Yok Lam , Leung Anskar Y. H.
Published: February 2012

Internal tandem duplication (ITD) of the fms-related tyrosine kinase-3 (FLT3) gene occurs in 30% of acute myeloid leukemias (AMLs) and confers a poor prognosis. Thirteen relapsed or chemo-refractory FLT3-ITD+ AML patients were treated with sorafenib (200-400 mg twice daily). Twelve patients showed clearance or near clearance of bone marrow myeloblasts after 27 (range 21-84) days with evidence of differentiation of leukemia cells. The sorafenib response was lost in most patients after 72 (range 54-287) days but the FLT3 and downstream effectors remained suppressed. Gene expression profiling showed that leukemia cells that have become sorafenib resistant expressed several genes including ALDH1A1, JAK3, and MMP15, whose functions were unknown in AML. Nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency mice transplanted with leukemia cells from patients before and during sorafenib resistance recapitulated the clinical results. Both ITD and tyrosine kinase domain mutations at D835 were identified in leukemia initiating cells (LICs) from samples before sorafenib treatment. LICs bearing the D835 mutant have expanded during sorafenib treatment and dominated during the subsequent clinical resistance. These results suggest that sorafenib have selected more aggressive sorafenib-resistant subclones carrying both FLT3-ITD and D835 mutations, and might provide important leads to further improvement of treatment outcome with FLT3 inhibitors.
The dynamics of reproductive rate, offspring survivorship and growth in the lined seahorse, Hippocampus erectus Perry, 1810
Authors: Lin Qiang , Li Gang , Qin Geng , Lin Junda , Huang Liangmin , Sun Hushan , Feng Peiyong
Published: February 2012

Seahorses are the vertebrate group with the embryonic development occurring within a special pouch in males. To understand the reproductive efficiency of the lined seahorse, Hippocampus erectus Perry, 1810 under controlled breeding experiments, we investigated the dynamics of reproductive rate, offspring survivorship and growth over births by the same male seahorses. The mean brood size of the 1-year old pairs in the 1st birth was 85.4±56.9 per brood, which was significantly smaller than that in the 6th birth (465.9±136.4 per brood) (P<0.001). The offspring survivorship and growth rate increased with the births. The fecundity was positively correlated with the length of brood pouches of males and trunk of females. The fecundity of 1-year old male and 2-year old female pairs was significantly higher than that from 1-year old couples (P<0.001). The brood size (552.7±150.4) of the males who mated with females that were isolated for the gamete-preparation, was larger than those (467.8±141.2) from the long-term pairs (P<0.05). Moreover, the offspring from the isolated females had higher survival and growth rates. Our results showed that the potential reproductive rate of seahorses H. erectus increased with the brood pouch development.
Effect of cold exposure on energy budget and thermogenesis during lactation in Swiss mice raising large litters
Authors: Zhao Zhi-Jun
Published: February 2012

In Swiss mice sustained energy intake (SusEI) during peak lactation has been previously suggested to be constrained by the capacity of the mammary glands to produce milk, supporting the “peripheral limitation” hypothesis. Here we experimentally examined if SusEI in these mice was not only limited peripherally but also constrained by the ability to dissipate heat. Female Swiss mice were provided with additional offspring above their natural litter sizes and were maintained during lactation either in warm (23°C) or cold (5°C) conditions. Food intake, thermogenesis, litter size and mass, and the weight of the mammary glands were measured. No differences were observed in asymptotic food intake at peak lactation, litter mass and thermogenesis between females raising litters of different size. Cold-exposed females increased food intake and thermogenic capacity, but weaned significantly smaller and lighter litters with smaller pup sizes compared with females in warm conditions. The weight of the mammary glands did not differ between warm and cold-exposed females, but within temperatures was positively related to litter mass. These data suggested that cold exposure increased food intake, but had no effect on the capacity of the mammary glands to secret milk because they were already working maximally in the females raising larger litters. The factors causing this limit in the mammary capacity remain elusive.
RhoB regulates uPAR signalling
Authors: Alfano Daniela , Ragno Pia , Stoppelli M. Patrizia , Ridley Anne J.
Published: February 2012

uPA and its receptor, uPAR, play important roles in promoting cancer cell adhesion, migration and invasion. Rho GTPases are key coordinators of these processes; the Rho GTPase Rac1 has previously been implicated in uPA/uPAR-induced migratory or morphological cell responses. Here, we used RNAi to screen 12 different Rho GTPases for effects on uPA-stimulated migration, and find that depletion of RhoB significantly reduces uPA-induced migration and invasion of prostate carcinoma cells. RhoB depletion did not affect uPAR expression or surface levels but reduced the uPAR-induced increase in levels of several integrins, and inhibited uPAR signalling to the actin regulator cofilin, the cell-adhesion signal-transduction adaptor molecule paxillin and the serine/threonine kinase Akt. uPAR rapidly activated RhoB and increased RhoB expression. RhoB depletion also reduced cell adhesion to and spreading on vitronectin, which is a uPAR ligand. This correlated with decreased association between integrins and uPAR and reduced integrin β1 activity. Our results indicate that RhoB is a key regulator of uPAR signalling in cell adhesion, migration and invasion.
Nuclear import of hTERT requires a bipartite nuclear localization signal mediated by Akt phosphorylation
Authors: Chung Jeeyun , Khadka Prabhat , Chung In Kwon
Published: February 2012

Sustained cell proliferation requires telomerase to maintain functional telomeres that are essential for chromosome integrity and protection. Although nuclear import of hTERT is required for telomerase activity to elongate telomeres in vivo, the molecular mechanism regulating nuclear localization of hTERT is unclear. Here we identify a bipartite nuclear localization signal (NLS) (amino acid residues 222–240) that is responsible for nuclear import of hTERT. Immunofluorescence imaging of hTERT revealed that mutations in any of the bipartite NLS sequences result in decreased nuclear fluorescence intensity compared to wild-type hTERT. We also show that Akt-mediated phosphorylation at serine 227 is necessary for directing nuclear translocation of hTERT. Interestingly, serine 227 is located between two clusters of basic amino acids in the bipartite NLS. Inactivation of Akt activity by a dominant-negative mutant or wortmannin treatment attenuated nuclear localization of hTERT. We further show that both bipartite NLS and serine 227 in hTERT are required for cellular immortalization of normal human foreskin fibroblast cells. Taken together, our findings reveal a novel regulatory mechanism of nuclear import of hTERT through a bipartite NLS mediated by Akt phosphorylation, which represents an alternative pathway for modulating telomerase activity in cancer.
Re-replication induced by geminin depletion occurs from G2 and is enhanced by checkpoint activation
Authors: Klotz-Noack Kathleen , McIntosh Debbie , Schurch Nicholas , Pratt Norman , Blow J. Julian
Published: February 2012

To prevent re-replication of DNA in a single cell cycle, the licensing of replication origins by Mcm2-7 is prevented during S and G2 phases. Animal cells achieve this by cell cycle regulated proteolysis of the essential licensing factor Cdt1 and inhibition of Cdt1 by geminin. Here we investigate the consequences of ablating geminin in synchronised human U2OS cells. Following geminin loss, cells complete an apparently normal S phase, but a proportion arrest at the G2/M boundary. When Cdt1 accumulates in these cells, DNA re-replicates, suggesting that the key role of geminin is to prevent re-licensing in G2. If cell cycle checkpoints are inhibited in cells lacking geminin, cells progress through mitosis and less re-replication occurs. Checkpoint kinases thereby amplify re-replication into an all-or-nothing response by delaying geminin-depleted cells in G2. Deep DNA sequencing revealed no preferential re-replication of specific genomic regions after geminin depletion. This is consistent with the observation that cells in G2 have lost their replication timing information. In contrast, when Cdt1 is overexpressed or is stabilised by the Neddylation inhibitor MLN4924, re-replication can occur throughout S phase.
Brc1-dependent recovery from replication stress
Authors: Bass Kirstin L. , Murray Johanne M. , O'Connell Matthew J.
Published: February 2012

Brc1 is a multi-BRCT domain protein in Schizosaccharomyces pombe that is required for resistance to chronic replicative stress, but whether this reflects a repair or replication defect is unknown and the subject of this study. Rad52 is a homologous recombination protein that loads the Rad51 recombinase at resected dsDNA breaks and is also recruited to stalled replication forks, where it may stabilize structures through its strand annealing activity. We show that brc1Δ cells are significantly delayed in recovery from replication pausing, though this does not activate a DNA damage checkpoint. Rad52 is required for the viability of brc1Δ cells, and brc1Δ cells accumulate Rad52 foci late in S-phase that are potentiated by replication stress. However, these foci contain the ssDNA binding protein RPA, but not Rad51 or γH2A. Further, these foci are not associated with increased recombination between repeated sequences, nor increased post-replication repair. Thus, these Rad52 foci do not represent sites of recombination. Following the initiation of DNA replication, the induction of these foci by replication stress is suppressed by defects in ORC function, which is accompanied by loss of viability and severe mitotic defects. This suggests that cells lacking Brc1 undergo an ORC-dependent rescue of replication stress, presumably through the firing of dormant origins, and this generates RPA-coated ssDNA and recruits Rad52. However, as Rad51 is not recruited, and Chk1 is not activated, these structures must not contain the unprotected primer ends found at sites of DNA damage that are required for recombination and checkpoint activation.
Nuclear Inheritance and Genetic Exchange without Meiosis in the Binucleate ParasiteGiardia intestinalis
Authors: Carpenter Meredith L. , Assaf Zoe June , Gourguechon Stephane , Cande W. Zacheus
Published: February 2012

The protozoan parasite Giardia intestinalis is a major waterborne pathogen. During its life cycle, Giardia alternates between the actively growing trophozoite, which has two diploid nuclei with low levels of allelic heterozygosity, and the infectious cyst, which has four nuclei and a tough outer wall. Although the formation of the cyst wall has been studied extensively, we still lack basic knowledge about many fundamental aspects of the cyst, including the sources of the four nuclei and their distribution during the transformation from cyst to trophozoite. In this study, we tracked the identities of the nuclei in the trophozoite and cyst using integrated nuclear markers and immunofluorescence staining. We demonstrate that the cyst is formed from a single trophozoite by a mitotic division without cytokinesis, and not by the fusion of two trophozoites. During excystation, the cell completes cytokinesis to form two daughter trophozoites. The non-identical nuclear pairs derived from the parent trophozoite remain associated in the cyst and are distributed as pairs to daughter cells during excystation. Thus, nuclear sorting (such that each daughter cell receives a pair of identical nuclei) does not appear to be a mechanism by which Giardia reduces heterozygosity between its nuclei. Rather, we show that the cyst nuclei exchange chromosomal genetic material, perhaps as a way to reduce heterozygosity in the absence of meiosis and sex, which have not been described in Giardia. These results shed light on fundamental aspects of the Giardia life cycle and have implications for our understanding of the population genetics and cell biology of this binucleate parasite.
CDK Regulates Septin organization through Cell-cycle-dependent Phosphorylation of the Nim1-related Kinase Gin4
Authors: Li Chang-Run , Yong Jie-Ying Au , Wang Yan-Ming , Wang Yue
Published: February 2012

Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) regulate septin organization in a cell-cycle-dependent manner in yeast. However, the mechanism remains unclear. Here, we show that the Candida albicans CDK Cdc28 phosphorylates the Nim1-related kinase Gin4, a known septin regulator, activating its kinase activity which in turn phosphorylates the Sep7 septin. Gin4 contains a cluster of CDK phosphorylation sites near the kinase domain. Replacing Ser/Thr with Ala in these sites prevents Gin4 activation, weakens its association with Sep7, alters Sep7 dynamics and causes morphological and cytokinetic defects. In contrast, phosphomimetic mutation enhances the kinase activity with only moderate deteriorating effects. We also find that Gin4 has both kinase-independent and dependent functions acting during G1 and mitosis respectively, with the former being essential for septin ring assembly. Thus, our findings reveal a novel signaling pathway linking CDKs and the septins and provide new insights into the mechanisms controlling septin organization and function in coordination with cell-cycle phases.
Avaliação da diversidade genética entre acessos de mamoneira (Ricinus communis L.) por meio de caracteres morfoagronômicos
Authors: Rodrigues Helen Cristina de Arruda , Carvalho Samuel Pereira de , Carvalho Alexandre Alves de , Carvalho Filho José Luiz Sandes de , Custódio Telde Natel
Published: February 2012

A divergência genética é um dos mais importantes parâmetros avaliados por melhoristas de plantas na fase inicial de um programa de melhoramento genético. O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar 15 acessos de mamoneira por meio de caracteres morfoagronômicos. O experimento foi conduzido em Lavras, MG, no período de fevereiro a agosto de 2008. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos ao acaso, com três repetições, e 25 plantas por parcela. Os caracteres avaliados foram: altura da planta, altura do caule, número de internódios, diâmetro do caule e número de racemos. Verificou-se a ocorrência de diferenças significativas pelo teste de F (P < 0,01), para o efeito de acessos para todas as variáveis estudadas. Foram estimadas as distâncias genéticas entre os acessos pelo método euclidiano. De acordo com o agrupamento, utilizando o método de Tocher e o método Hierárquico do "Vizinho Mais Próximo", baseado na distância euclidiana houve a formação de quatro grupos distintos. Com base nos resultados obtidos neste trabalho, recomendam-se os cruzamentos entre acessos dos grupos I e IV, II e IV, e III e IV.
Clinical and laboratory alterations in dogs naturally infected by Leishmania chagasi
Authors: Freitas José Cláudio Carneiro de , Nunes-Pinheiro Diana Célia Sousa , Lopes Neto Belarmino Eugênio , Santos Glauco Jonas Lemos , Abreu Cyntia Rafaelle Amaral de , Braga Roberta Rocha , Campos Rafael de Morais , Oliveira Ligene Fernandes de
Published: February 2012

INTRODUCTION: Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is a zoonotic disease with different clinical manifestations. Parasitism often occurs in bone marrow, but changes have been observed in peripheral blood and serum biochemical parameters. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hematological and biochemical parameters in dogs naturally infected by Leishmania chagasi. METHODS: Eighty-five adult dogs of both sexes and various weights and ages from the Zoonosis Control Center of Fortaleza (CCZ) were used, selected by immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and considered positive with IFA titers greater than 1:40 and by visualizing amastigotes of Leishmania chagasi in smears obtained by bone marrow aspiration. The dogs (n = 85) were grouped according to clinical signs: negative (CN = 7), subclinical (CS = 10), and clinical (CC = 68). Blood samples were collected for determination of hematological and biochemical serum values. The experimental protocol was approved by the CEUA/UECE. RESULTS: The most frequent clinical signs were cachexia (77.9%), keratitis (61.8%), and lymphadenopathy (55.9%), and 86.8% of the animals showed more than one clinical sign characteristic of CVL. In CC were observed reductions in red blood cells (63%), hematocrit (72%), and hemoglobin (62%), as well as leukocytosis (33%), neutropenia (28%), thrombocytopenia (50%), uremia (45%), hyperproteinemia (53%, p<0.05), hypergammaglobulinemia (62%, p<0.01), and hypoalbuminemia (58%). CONCLUSIONS: Animals with the clinical form of the disease demonstrate hematological and biochemical changes consistent with anemia, uremia, hyperproteinemia, and hyperglobulinemia, which present themselves as strong clinical markers of visceral leishmaniasis associated with the signs previously reported.
Production of cytokine and chemokines by human mononuclear cells and whole blood cells after infection with Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Rezende-Oliveira Karine , Sarmento Ronaldo Rodrigues , Rodrigues Junior Virmondes
Published: February 2012

INTRODUCTION: The innate immune response is the first mechanism of protection against Trypanosoma cruzi, and the interaction of inflammatory cells with parasite molecules may activate this response and modulate the adaptive immune system. This study aimed to analyze the levels of cytokines and chemokines synthesized by the whole blood cells (WBC) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of individuals seronegative for Chagas disease after interaction with live T. cruzi trypomastigotes. METHODS: IL-12, IL-10, TNF-α, TGF-β, CCL-5, CCL-2, CCL-3, and CXCL-9 were measured by ELISA. Nitrite was determined by the Griess method. RESULTS: IL-10 was produced at high levels by WBC compared with PBMC, even after incubation with live trypomastigotes. Production of TNF-α by both PBMC and WBC was significantly higher after stimulation with trypomastigotes. Only PBMC produced significantly higher levels of IL-12 after parasite stimulation. Stimulation of cultures with trypomastigotes induced an increase of CXCL-9 levels produced by WBC. Nitrite levels produced by PBMC increased after the addition of parasites to the culture. CONCLUSIONS: Surface molecules of T. cruzi may induce the production of cytokines and chemokines by cells of the innate immune system through the activation of specific receptors not evaluated in this experiment. The ability to induce IL-12 and TNF-α contributes to shift the adaptive response towards a Th1 profile.
Occurrence of synanthropic triatomines (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) in the Federal District of Brazil
Authors: Maeda Maicon Hitoshi , Knox Monique Britto , Gurgel-Gonçalves Rodrigo
Published: February 2012

INTRODUCTION: Entomological surveillance of Chagas disease in the Federal District of Brazil (DF), has recorded the following triatomine species: Panstrongylus megistus, P. geniculatus, P. diasi, Rhodnius neglectus, Triatoma pseudomaculata, and T. sordida. We aimed to analyze the spatial and temporal occurrence of triatomine species collected in DF, and their indices of natural infection with trypanosomes. METHODS: The Health State Secretariat of DF recorded triatomines between 2002 and 2010 in 20 administrative regions. This retrospective analysis considered the number of adults and nymphs of each species collected and infected in both intradomicile and peridomicile. RESULTS: A total of 754 triatomines were collected in 252 reported domiciles. Panstrongylus megistus was the most frequent species (65%), followed by T. pseudomaculata (14%). Of the 309 examined insects, only 3 (1%) specimens of P. megistus were infected with flagellates morphologically similar to Trypanosoma cruzi. The spatial occurrence indicated a higher diversity of triatomines and frequency of T. sordida in rural areas. Moreover, there was a predominance of P. megistus in urban areas. The number of records of P. megistus in the rainy season was two times higher than that during the dry season. The largest number of triatomines was collected in November. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of P. megistus specimens infected with trypanosomes in domiciles, shows the potential risk of human infection in DF. Thus, it is essential to continue entomological surveillance, intensifying it in the rainy season and in regions of greater occurrence.
Prevalence of serum antibodies to hantavirus in a rural population from the southern state of Santa Catarina, Brazil
Authors: Pereira Gregório Wrublevski , Teixeira André Martins , Souza Mirela Silva de , Braga Alixandre Dias , Santos Junior Gilberto Sabino dos , Figueiredo Glauciane Garcia de , Figueiredo Luiz Tadeu Moraes , Borges Alessandra Abel
Published: February 2012

INTRODUCTION: Rodent-borne hantaviruses cause severe human diseases. We completed a serological survey of hantavirus infection in rural inhabitants of Turvo County, in the southern State of Santa Catarina, Brazil, in which seropositivity for hantavirus was correlated to previous disease in the participants. METHODS: The levels of IgG antibodies to hantavirus Araraquara in the sera of 257 individuals were determined using an immunoenzymatic assay. RESULTS: IgG antibodies to hantavirus were found in 2.3% of the participants. All seropositive participants reported previous disease with symptoms suggestive of hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Human infections causing unreported cardiopulmonary syndrome probably occur in the southern State of Santa Catarina.
Chikungunya virus infection: report of the first case diagnosed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Albuquerque Isabella Gomes Cavalcanti de , Marandino Renato , Mendonça Aline Pimentel , Nogueira Rita Maria Ribeiro , Vasconcelos Pedro Fernando da Costa , Guerra Leopoldino Rodrigues , Brandão Beatriz Castro , Mendonça Ana Paula Pimentel , Aguiar Guilherme Ribeiro , Bacco Paula Angélica Martinez de
Published: February 2012

Initially diagnosed in Africa and Asia, the Chikungunya virus has been detected in the last three years in the Caribbean, Italy, France, and the United States of America. Herein, we report the first case for Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2010.
Splenectomy in a patient with treatment-resistant visceral leishmaniasis: a case report
Authors: Dutra Robson Azevedo , Dutra Laura Ferreira , Reis Milene de Oliveira , Lambert Raul Coelho
Published: February 2012

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), also known as Kala-azar, is a systemic infection caused by a protozoan (Leishmania) and, in its classic form, is a serious illness associated with malnutrition, anemia, hepatosplenomegaly, infectious processes and coagulopathies. The effect of splenectomy in patients with visceral leishmaniasis is not well defined; however, it is known that the spleen is the largest reservoir of infected cells belonging to the reticulo endothelial system. Therefore, the surgical procedure is an option for the debulking of parasites, providing a cure for refractory VL and minimizing the complications of hypersplenism.
Severe coinfection of melioidosis and dengue fever in northeastern Brazil: first case report
Authors: Macedo Rafael Nogueira , Rocha Felipe Araujo , Rolim Dionne Bezerra , Vilar Dina Cortez Lima Feitosa , Araújo Fernanda Montenegro de Carvalho , Vieira Nélia Nogueira , Teixeira Juliana Rodrigues , Carvalho Maíza Colares , Oliveira Francisco George Magalhães , Cavalcanti Luciano Pamplona de Góes
Published: February 2012

This report focuses on a fatality involving severe dengue fever and melioidosis in a 28-year-old truck driver residing in Pacoti in northeastern Brazil. He exhibited long-term respiratory symptoms (48 days) and went through a wide-ranging clinical investigation at three hospitals, after initial clinical diagnoses of pneumonia, visceral leishmaniasis, tuberculosis, and fungal sepsis. After death, Burkholderia pseudomallei was isolated in a culture of ascitic fluid. Dengue virus type 1 was detected by polymerase chain reaction in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF); this infection was the cause of death. This description reinforces the need to consider melioidosis among the reported differential diagnoses of community-acquired infections where both melioidosis and dengue fever are endemic.
Empreendedorismo intensivo em conhecimento no Brasil
Authors: Guimarães Sonia K.
Published: February 2012

Uma das surpresas da "nova economia" é o número crescente de micro, pequenas e médias empresas intensivas em conhecimento, assim como, de "cientistas-empreendedores" em economias periféricas, que, até recentemente, careciam de capacidade inovativa como, China e India (Saxenian, 2008). O Brasil enfrenta grandes desafios para integrar-se ao novo paradigma de desenvolvimento, se comparado a seus pares. Apesar disso, empresas intensivas em conhecimento despontam aqui de forma crescente. O artigo analisa resultados de uma pesquisa realizada entre micro, pequenas e médias empresas intensivas em conhecimento, localizadas em parques tecnológicos, nos estados do Rio Grande do Sul e de Santa Catarina. Os dados evidenciam que, mesmo restritas, observam-se algumas mudanças positivas na configuração do modelo empresarial no segmento investigado. Conclui-se, portanto, que as barreiras existentes não são intransponíveis, e o aprendizado já adquirido parece indicar que há possibilidades promissoras para as pequenas e médias empresas inovadoras, no Brasil.
O ensino das principais características das serpentes peçonhentas brasileiras: avaliação das literaturas didáticas no Ensino Fundamental do Município do Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Silva Everaldo de Santana , Bochner Rosany , Giménez Aníbal Rafael Melgarejo
Published: February 2012

O estudo zoológico realizado no Ensino Fundamental se apresenta como motivo de alto interesse por parte dos alunos. Dentre os grupos, os ofídios despertam grande fascínio em questões particulares, principalmente no questionamento sobre a classificação de serpentes peçonhentas. Com a preocupação de apontar os fatores prejudiciais no processo de aprendizado da temática, usou-se um questionário investigativo de identificação de características fisiomorfológicas com o objetivo de avaliar as literaturas didáticas sob a ótica do ensino das principais características das serpentes peçonhentas brasileiras, traçando um paralelo da influência direta que tais livros exercem sobre o conhecimento adquirido nos discentes analisados. Os dados apontam para uma maior eficiência da utilização de uma linguagem narrativa em relação aos quadros comparativos. Concluiu-se pela necessidade fundamental da implantação de revisões mais criteriosas, realizadas por especialistas, a fim de minimizar os impactos negativos e muitas vezes desastrosos no processo de aprendizagem dos nossos alunos.
Significado do cuidado familiar à mulher mastectomizada
Authors: Fernandes Ana Fátima Carvalho , Bonfim Isabela Melo , Araújo Iliana Maria de Almeida , Silva Raimunda Magalhães da , Barbosa Izabel Cristina Falcão Juvenal , Santos Míria Conceição Lavinas
Published: February 2012

Objetivou-se compreender o significado do cuidado familiar prestado à mulher mastectomizada. Estudo qualitativo, cujo referencial teórico utilizado foi o Interacionismo Simbólico, e o metodológico, a Teoria Fundamentada nos Dados. Entrevistaram-se 11 familiares entre julho e agosto de 2008. Os resultados evidenciaram os seguintes fenômenos: enfrentamento das dificuldades da família para cuidar, diagnóstico de câncer de mama defrontado pela família e cuidado familiar percebido após a cirurgia. Concluiuse que, apesar de os participantes valorizarem o cuidado familiar, alguns se sentiam despreparados para assumi-lo efetivamente. Considera-se a relação familiar consistente uma estratégia fundamental para a reabilitação da mulher mastectomizada.
O processo de parir assistido pela enfermeira obstétrica no contexto hospitalar: significados para as parturientes
Authors: Caus Eliz Cristine Maurer , Santos Evanguelia Kotzias Atherino dos , Nassif Anair Andréia , Monticelli Marisa
Published: February 2012

Pesquisa convergente-assistencial, que objetivou compreender o significado que a parturiente atribui ao processo de parir assistido pela enfermeira, à luz da Teoria Humanística, e identificar as contribuições deste processo para promover o cuidado humanístico. Os dados foram coletados em uma maternidade pública de Santa Catarina, com nove parturientes, sendo obtidos por intermédio do diálogo vivido, durante a aplicação do processo da Enfermagem Fenomenológica. A análise seguiu etapas de apreensão, síntese, teorização e transferência, de onde emergiu a categoria central: o ser-parturiente reconhece na enfermeira obstétrica uma cuidadora diferenciada, evidenciando que sua atuação significa respeito à feminilidade, delicadeza, liberdade de expressão, aprendizagem, presença que dá segurança e ânimo nas horas mais temidas. A dor é fortemente referida, seguida da satisfação pelo nascimento saudável. Conclui-se que a parturiente assistida pela enfermeira obstétrica percebe um canal intersubjetivo aberto para o encontro, proporcionando-lhe mecanismos de chamados-respostas indispensáveis ao cuidado de si e do recém-nascido.
O conhecimento de adolescentes sobre drogas lícitas e ilícitas: uma contribuição para a enfermagem comunitária
Authors: Zeitoune Regina Célia Gollner , Ferreira Vinícius dos Santos , Silveira Helaine Silva da , Domingos Ana Maria , Maia Aniely Coelho
Published: February 2012

O estudo teve como objetivos verificar o conhecimento do adolescente, morador de uma comunidade do Rio de Janeiro, sobre as drogas lícitas e ilícitas e analisar a relevância do conhecimento perante as ações preventivas sobre esse fenômeno. Foi desenvolvido com base na abordagem qualitativa, cujos dados foram coletados utilizando-se a técnica de grupo focal, seguida da análise temática. Projeto aprovado por Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa Escola de Enfermagem Anna Nery/Hospital Escola São Francisco de Assis, protocolo número 047/2010. Verificou-se, diante das respostas, que os adolescentes diferenciavam drogas lícitas das ilícitas, citando os tipos mais usados. Os jovens também relacionaram o uso dessas substâncias com problemas sociais e familiares, além de agravos à saúde. Concluiu-se que é preciso priorizar políticas preventivas em que o enfermeiro desenvolva atividades educativas com os adolescentes e familiares no intuito de orientar os jovens e familiares sobre as questões das drogas lícitas e ilícitas na perspectiva de eliminar ou reduzir o consumo destas drogas.
Subsídios para a gênese da imprensa musical brasileira e para a história do Hino da Independência, de Dom Pedro I
Authors: Cardoso Lino de Almeida
Published: February 2012

Este artigo tem por objetivos rever, mediante análise bibliográfica e de fontes primárias, a história de um de nossos símbolos musicais pátrios, o Hino da Independência, de Dom Pedro I, bem como trazer novos subsídios para o estudo da gênese da imprensa musical brasileira. Tem, igualmente, por escopo divulgar peculiaridades de uma antiga e pouco conhecida partitura desse hino, já não mais presentes em modernas edições de tal composição.
Dinamometria de preensão manual como parâmetro de avaliação funcional do membro superior de pacientes hemiparéticos por acidente vascular cerebral
Authors: Soares Antonio Vinicius , Kerscher Caroline , Uhlig Loisiane , Domenech Susana Cristina , Borges Júnior Noé Gomes
Published: February 2012

A força muscular é a valência física mais importante. É provável que exista correlação entre a força de preensão manual e outros testes para o membro superior afetado por um acidente vascular cerebral (AVC). O propósito deste estudo é analisar o valor preditivo da dinamometria de preensão manual (DPM) para recuperação do membro superior parético por AVC. Foram avaliados 43 pacientes hemiparéticos pós-AVC (60,7 anos±12,1). Vários testes (Escala de movimento da mão (EMM), Estesiometria, Teste de caixa e blocos, 9 buracos e pinos, Escala de Ashworth modificada e Índice de Barthel) foram relacionados com a DPM. Os resultados apontaram que a DPM apresenta boa correlação com EMM e, contrariamente, os testes de destreza manual, a sensibilidade e o índice de independência funcional não apresentaram valores significativos. A DPM é um teste rápido, fácil e acessível, e pode fazer parte dos protocolos de avaliação funcional do membro superior de pacientes hemiparéticos por AVC.
Vigilância do desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor de crianças de um programa DST/AIDS
Authors: Ramos Aline Duprat , Morais Rosane Luzia de Souza
Published: February 2012

A terapia anti-retroviral de alta potência (TARV) é uma forma eficaz de prevenção da transmissão do vírus HIV de mãe para filho. No entanto, os estudos ainda investigam os efeitos da exposição intraútero à TARV, dentre eles o atraso no desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor (DNPM). O presente estudo apresenta o relato de um projeto de extensão, cujos objetivos foram verificar o DNPM de crianças de um programa DST/AIDS, orientar as famílias considerando seu contexto socioeconômico e realizar encaminhamentos para serviços de saúde específicos. A vigilância do DNPM foi feita em três etapas: (1) avaliação em ambulatório; (2) avaliação e orientações em domicílio; (3) elaboração de relatórios aos gestores de saúde. Foram utilizados os testes DENVER II e o PEDI, além de um questionário socioeconômico. Participam do programa DST/AIDS 15 crianças, sendo 12 soro-revertidas, 1 soropositiva e 2 indefinidas. Doze crianças foram avaliadas, e os domínios mais comprometidos foram linguagem, pessoal-social e motor fino, respectivamente. Quanto ao nível econômico, 73,3% pertenciam ao nível E, e 58,3% das mães eram analfabetas ou cursaram apenas o primário. Crianças filhas de mães HIV positivo, além de fatores biológicos, geralmente estão expostas a fatores de risco ambientais que contribuem para alterações do DNPM. Desta forma, o acompanhamento por uma equipe de profissionais de saúde, em parceria com a família da criança, torna-se uma importante ferramenta para a identificação e intervenção precoce.
New data on species of Demidospermus (Dactylogyridae: Monogenea) parasitizing fishes from the reservoir of the Itaipu Hydroelectric Power Station, Parana State, Brazil, with new synonymies
Authors: Cohen Simone C. , Kohn Anna
Published: February 2012

Eight known species of Demidospermus (Dactylogyridae, Monogenea) were collected from siluriform fishes from reservoir of the Itaipu Hydroelectric Power Station, Paraná, Brazil. Four of them are recorded for the first time in Brazil, enlarging their geographical distribution: Demidospermus armostus, Demidospermus anus, Demidospermus bidiverticulatum and Demidospermus valenciennesi. Demidospermus labrosi is synonymized with Demidospermus cornicinus and Demidospermus mandi with Demidospermus leptosynophallus and reported from two new hosts. Demidospermus paravalenciennesi and Demidospermus uncusvalidus were also collected.
The construction of the Kiev Suspension Bridge 1846–1853
Authors: Vignoles John
Published: February 2012

In 1846, the Tsar Nicholas I of Russia commissioned Charles Blacker Vignoles to build a fixed crossing over the River Dnieper at Kiev. Opened in 1853, the resultant suspension bridge, involving the construction of foundations in the fast-flowing river, was the largest multispan suspension bridge in Europe at the time. In the paper, the author, a direct descendant of C.B. Vignoles, describes the design, procurement and construction of the bridge between 1846 and 1853, drawing on information from Vignoles' journals and letters, and also from other contemporary documents. He also makes use of material derived from recently discovered sketches and progress photographs taken by John Cooke Bourne and Roger Fenton – this was one of the first times photography had been used specifically to record construction progress.
The art of John Martin's London sewerage system
Authors: Gaterell Mark
Published: February 2012

The development of London's drainage system is a testament to Victorian ingenuity and engineering skill, and Sir Joseph Bazalgette is rightly credited with overseeing and ensuring its successful implementation. However, the roots of the system were established in the 1830s when an artist of the Romantic Movement blurred the boundaries of art, architecture and engineering and developed the basis of a system that still contributes to the health of London today. In today's world, where disciplines increasingly seek to find a common vocabulary and collaborate more effectively, it is perhaps timely to remember that history can provide some truly visionary precedents.
Regulation of Mitochondrial Biogenesis by Lipoprotein Lipase in Muscle of Insulin-Resistant Offspring of Parents With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Morino Katsutaro , Petersen Kitt Falk , Sono Saki , Choi Cheol Soo , Samuel Varman T. , Lin Aiping , Gallo Amy , Zhao Hongyu , Kashiwagi Atsunori , Goldberg Ira J. , Wang Hong , Eckel Robert H. , Maegawa Hiroshi , Shulman Gerald I.
Published: February 2012

Recent studies reveal a strong relationship between reduced mitochondrial content and insulin resistance in human skeletal muscle, although the underlying factors responsible for this association remain unknown. To address this question, we analyzed muscle biopsy samples from young, lean, insulin resistant (IR) offspring of parents with type 2 diabetes and control subjects by microarray analyses and found significant differences in expression of ∼512 probe pairs. We then screened these genes for their potential involvement in the regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis using RNA interference and found that mRNA and protein expression of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in skeletal muscle was significantly decreased in the IR offspring and was associated with decreased mitochondrial density. Furthermore, we show that LPL knockdown in muscle cells decreased mitochondrial content by effectively decreasing fatty acid delivery and subsequent activation of peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor (PPAR)-δ. Taken together, these data suggest that decreased mitochondrial content in muscle of IR offspring may be due in part to reductions in LPL expression in skeletal muscle resulting in decreased PPAR-δ activation.
Variable range hopping and/or phonon-assisted tunneling mechanism of electronic transport in polymers and carbon nanotubes
Authors: Pipinys Povilas , Kiveris Antanas
Published: February 2012

We review and compare two models recently used to describe electronic transport in polymer fibers/nanotubes and carbon nanotubes including graphene nanoribbons, namely, variable range hopping (VRH) in different versions and their modifications on the one hand and electric-field-induced phonon-assisted tunneling (PhAT) on the other hand. The VRH model is mainly approved on behalf of the results of temperature dependences. However, the field dependencies of the conductivity in the framework of this model remain practically unexplained. At the same time, the PhAT model describes properly not only temperature dependence of conductivity measured in a wide temperature range, but also conductivity/current dependences on field strength using the same set of parameters characterizing the materials
Oscillations in a parametrically excited Bose-Einstein condensate in combined harmonic and optical lattice trap
Authors: Verma Priyanka , Bhattacherjee Aranya , Mohan Man
Published: February 2012

In this work, we study parametric excitations in an elongated cigar-shaped BEC in a combined harmonic trap and a time dependent optical lattice by using numerical techniques. We show that there exists a relative competition between the harmonic trap which tries to spatially localize the BEC and the time varying optical lattice which tries to delocalize the BEC. This competition gives rise to parametric excitations (oscillations of the BEC width). Regular oscillations disappear when one of the competing factors, i.e. the strength of harmonic trap or the strength of optical lattice, dominates. Parametric instabilities (chaotic dynamics) arise for large variations in the strength of the optical lattice.
The First Eocene Species of the Genus Cryptophagus (Coleoptera, Clavicornia, Cryptophagidae)
Authors: Lyubarsky G. , Perkovsky E.
Published: February 2012

The First Eocene Species of the GenusCryptophagus(Coleoptera, Clavicornia, Cryptophagidae)

Based on a fossil specimen from the Late Eocene Rovno amber (Ukraine),Cryptophagus harenusLyubarsky et Perkovsky, sp. n., an Eocene species of this genus is described. The new species is similar to the extant desert speciesCryptophagus desertusLyubarsky andC. recticollisSolsky, differing by the large callosity occupying 1/4 length of lateral margin of pronotum.
Gender differences in allocation choices made by children aged 5 to 6
Authors: Zaleskiewicz Tomasz , Hełka Anna
Published: February 2012

Gender differences in allocation choices made by children aged 5 to 6

The main aim of this article is to supplement gaps in current knowledge concerning the development of competences related to goods allocation choices. We conducted a study in which 158 children aged 5 to 6 made choices concerning allocations of goods between themselves and the other, anonymous child. The crucial findings point to boys as more selfish in their choices than girls. Furthermore, we provide evidence for the claim that young children (especially boys) are aware that their choices are egoistic. Since our study adopted a similar methodology to that of the recent Swiss study, we were able to conduct cross-cultural analysis. The comparison of children's choices in the Polish study and the Swiss one pictures Polish children as displaying a stronger egalitarian preferences and revealing egoistic preferences less frequently than the children from Switzerland.