bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating microRNA and mRNA expression profiling in Symbiodinium microadriaticum, a dinoflagellate symbiont of reef-building corals
Authors: Baumgarten Sebastian , Bayer Till , Aranda Manuel , Liew Yi Jin , Carr Adrian , Micklem Gos , Voolstra Christian R
Published: October 2013

Background

Animal and plant genomes produce numerous small RNAs (smRNAs) that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally affecting metabolism, development, and epigenetic inheritance. In order to characterize the repertoire of endogenous smRNAs and potential gene targets in dinoflagellates, we conducted smRNA and mRNA expression profiling over 9 experimental treatments of cultures from Symbiodinium microadriaticum, a photosynthetic symbiont of scleractinian corals.

Results

We identified a set of 21 novel smRNAs that share stringent key features with functional microRNAs from other model organisms. smRNAs were predicted independently over all 9 treatments and their putative gene targets were identified. We found 1,720 animal-like target sites in the 3'UTRs of 12,858 mRNAs and 19 plant-like target sites in 51,917 genes. We assembled a transcriptome of 58,649 genes and determined differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between treatments. Heat stress was found to produce a much larger number of DEGs than other treatments that yielded only few DEGs. Analysis of DEGs also revealed that minicircle-encoded photosynthesis proteins seem to be common targets of transcriptional regulation. Furthermore, we identified the core RNAi protein machinery in Symbiodinium.

Conclusions

Integration of smRNA and mRNA expression profiling identified a variety of processes that could be under microRNA control, e.g. protein modification, signaling, gene expression, and response to DNA damage. Given that Symbiodinium seems to have a paucity of transcription factors and differentially expressed genes, identification and characterization of its smRNA repertoire establishes the possibility of a range of gene regulatory mechanisms in dinoflagellates acting post-transcriptionally.
Perceptual organization of auditory streaming-task relies on neural entrainment of the stimulus-presentation rate: MEG evidence
Authors: Chakalov Ivan , Draganova Rossitza , Wollbrink Andreas , Preissl Hubert , Pantev Christo
Published: October 2013

Background

Humans are able to extract regularities from complex auditory scenes in order to form perceptually meaningful elements. It has been shown previously that this process depends critically on both the temporal integration of the sensory input over time and the degree of frequency separation between concurrent sound sources. Our goal was to examine the relationship between these two aspects by means of magnetoencephalography (MEG). To achieve this aim, we combined time-frequency analysis on a sensor space level with source analysis. Our paradigm consisted of asymmetric ABA-tone triplets wherein the B-tones were presented temporally closer to the first A-tones, providing different tempi within the same sequence. Participants attended to the slowest B-rhythm whilst the frequency separation between tones was manipulated (0-, 2-, 4- and 10-semitones).

Results

The results revealed that the asymmetric ABA-triplets spontaneously elicited periodic-sustained responses corresponding to the temporal distribution of the A-B and B-A tone intervals in all conditions. Moreover, when attending to the B-tones, the neural representations of the A- and B-streams were both detectable in the scenarios which allow perceptual streaming (2-, 4- and 10-semitones). Alongside this, the steady-state responses tuned to the presentation of the B-tones enhanced significantly with increase of the frequency separation between tones. However, the strength of the B-tones related steady-state responses dominated the strength of the A-tones responses in the 10-semitones condition. Conversely, the representation of the A-tones dominated the B-tones in the cases of 2- and 4-semitones conditions, in which a greater effort was required for completing the task. Additionally, the P1 evoked fields’ component following the B-tones increased in magnitude with the increase of inter-tonal frequency difference.

Conclusions

The enhancement of the evoked fields in the source space, along with the B-tones related activity of the time-frequency results, likely reflect the selective enhancement of the attended B-stream. The results also suggested a dissimilar efficiency of the temporal integration of separate streams depending on the degree of frequency separation between the sounds. Overall, the present findings suggest that the neural effects of auditory streaming could be directly captured in the time-frequency spectrum at the sensor-space level.
A low fractional excretion of Phosphate/Fgf23 ratio is associated with severe abdominal Aortic calcification in stage 3 and 4 kidney disease patients
Authors: Craver Lourdes , Dusso Adriana , Martinez-Alonso Montserrat , Sarro Felipe , Valdivielso José M , Fernández Elvira
Published: October 2013

Background

Vascular calcification (VC) contributes to high mortality rates in chronic kidney disease (CKD). High serum phosphate and FGF23 levels and impaired phosphaturic response to FGF23 may affect VC. Therefore, their relative contribution to abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) was examined in patients CKD stages 3–4.

Methods

Potential risk factors for AAC, measured by the Kauppila Index (KI), were studied in 178 patients.

Results

In multivariate linear analysis, AAC associated positively with age, male gender, CKD-stage, presence of carotid plaques (CP) and also with FGF23, but negatively with fractional excretion of phosphate (FEP). Intriguingly, FEP increased with similar slopes with elevations in PTH, with reductions in GFR, and also with elevations in FGF23 but the latter only in patients with none (KI = 0) or mild (KI = 1-5) AAC. Lack of a FEP-FGF23 correlation in patients with severe AAC (KI > 5) suggested a role for an impaired phosphaturic response to FGF23 but not to PTH in AAC. Logistic and zero-inflated analysis confirmed the independent association of age, CKD stage, male gender and CP with AAC, and also identified a threshold FEP/FGF23 ratio of 1/3.9, below which the chances for a patient of presenting severe AAC increased by 3-fold. Accordingly, KI remained unchanged as FEP/FGF23 ratios decreased from 1/1 to 1/3.9 but markedly increased in parallel with further reductions in FEP/FGF23 < 1/3.9.

Conclusions

In CKD 3–4, an impaired phosphaturic response to FGF23 with FEP/FGF23 < 1/3.9 associates with severe AAC independently of age, gender or CP.
Overall survival and toxicities regarding thoracic three-dimensional radiotherapy with concurrent chemotherapy for stage IV non-small cell lung cancer: results of a prospective single-center study
Authors: Su Sheng-Fa , Hu Yin-Xiang , Ouyang Wei-Wei , Lu Bing , Ma Zhu , Li Qing-Song , Li Hui-Qin , Geng Yi-Chao
Published: October 2013

Background

The role of chemotherapy given concurrently with thoracic three-dimensional radiotherapy for stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is not well defined. We performed this study to investigate overall survival and toxicity in patients with stage IV NSCLC treated with this modality.

Methods

From 2003 to 2010, 201 patients were enrolled in this study. All patients received chemotherapy with concurrent thoracic three-dimensional radiotherapy. The study endpoints were the assessment of overall survival (OS) and acute toxicity.

Results

For all patients, the median survival time (MST) was 10.0 months, and the 1-, 2- and 3-year OS rates were 40.2%, 16.4%, and 9.6%, respectively. The MST was 14.0 months for patients who received a total radiation dose ≥63 Gy to the primary tumor, whereas it was 8.0 months for patients who received a total dose <63 Gy (P = 0.000). On multivariate analysis, a total dose ≥63 Gy, a single site of metastatic disease, and undergoing ≥4 cycles of chemotherapy were independent prognostic factors for better OS (P = 0.007, P = 0.014, and P = 0.038, respectively); radiotherapy involving metastatic sites was a marginally significant prognostic factor (P = 0.063). When the whole group was subdivided into patients with metastasis at a single site and multiple sites, a higher radiation dose to the primary tumor remained a significant prognostic factor for improved OS. For patients who received ≥4 cycles of chemotherapy, high radiation dose remained of benefit for OS (P = 0.001). Moreover, for the subgroup that received <4 chemotherapy cycles, the radiation dose was of marginal statistical significance regarding OS (P = 0.063). Treatment-related toxicity was found to be acceptable.

Conclusions

Radiation dose to primary tumor, the number of metastatic sites, and the number of chemotherapy cycles were independent prognostic factors for OS in stage IV NSCLC patients treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy. In addition to systemic chemotherapy, aggressive thoracic radiotherapy was shown to play an important role in improving OS.

Trial registration

Registered on (ChiCTR-TNC-10001026)
Hypocaloric diet supplemented with probiotic cheese improves body mass index and blood pressure indices of obese hypertensive patients - a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled pilot study
Authors: Sharafedtinov Khaider K , Plotnikova Oksana A , Alexeeva Ravilay I , Sentsova Tatjana B , Songisepp Epp , Stsepetova Jelena , Smidt Imbi , Mikelsaar Marika
Published: October 2013

Background

Gut lactobacilli can affect the metabolic functions of healthy humans. We tested whether a 1500 kcal/d diet supplemented with cheese containing the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum TENSIA (Deutsche Sammlung für Mikroorganismen, DSM 21380) could reduce some symptoms of metabolic syndrome in Russian adults with obesity and hypertension.

Methods

In this 3-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel pilot study, 25 subjects ingested probiotic cheese and 15 ingested control cheese. Fifty grams of each cheese provided 175 kcal of energy. Blood pressure (BP), anthropometric characteristics, markers of liver and kidney function, metabolic indices (plasma glucose, lipids, and cholesterol), and urine polyamines were measured. Counts of fecal lactobacilli and L. plantarum TENSIA were evaluated using molecular methods. The data were analyzed by t-test for independent samples and Spearman’s partial correlation analysis.

Results

The probiotic L. plantarum TENSIA was present in variable amounts (529.6 ± 232.5 gene copies) in 16/25 (64%) study subjects. Body mass index (BMI) was significantly reduced (p = 0.031) in the probiotic cheese group versus the control cheese group. The changes in BMI were closely associated with the water content of the body (r = 0.570, p = 0.0007) when adjusted for sex and age. Higher values of intestinal lactobacilli after probiotic cheese consumption were associated with higher BMI (r = 0.383, p = 0.0305) and urinary putrescine content (r = 0.475, p = 0.006). In patients simultaneously treated with BP-lowering drugs, similar reductions of BP were observed in both groups. A positive association was detected between TENSIA colonization and the extent of change of morning diastolic BP (r = 0.617, p = 0.0248) and a trend toward lower values of morning systolic BP (r = −0.527, p = 0.0640) at the end of the study after adjusting for BMI, age, and sex.

Conclusion

In a pilot study of obese hypertensive patients, a hypocaloric diet supplemented with a probiotic cheese helps to reduce BMI and arterial BP values, recognized symptoms of metabolic syndrome.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN76271778
The addition of whole soy flour to cafeteria diet reduces metabolic risk markers in wistar rats
Authors: Andrade Gláucia Ferreira , de Almeida Crislaine das Graças , Espeschit Ana Cristina Rocha , Dantas Maria Inês de Souza , Benjamin Laércio dos Anjos , Ribeiro Sonia Machado Rocha , Martino Hércia Stampini Duarte
Published: October 2013

Background

Soybean is termed a functional food because it contains bioactive compounds. However, its effects are not well known under unbalanced diet conditions. This work is aimed at evaluating the effect of adding whole soy flour to a cafeteria diet on intestinal histomorphometry, metabolic risk and toxicity markers in rats.

Methods

In this study, 30 male adult Wistar rats were used, distributed among three groups (n = 10): AIN-93 M diet, cafeteria diet (CAF) and cafeteria diet with soy flour (CAFS), for 56 days. The following parameters were measured: food intake; weight gain; serum concentrations of triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-c, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), aspartate (AST) and alanine (ALT) aminotransferases and Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS); humidity and lipid fecal content; weight and fat of the liver. The villous height, the crypt depth and the thickness of the duodenal and ileal circular and longitudinal muscle layers of the animals were also measured.

Results

There was a significant reduction in the food intake in the CAF group. The CAFS showed lower serum concentrations of triglycerides and serum TBARS and a lower percentage of hepatic fat, with a corresponding increase in thickness of the intestinal muscle layers. In the CAF group, an increase in the HbA1c, ALT, lipid excretion, liver TBARS and crypt depth, was observed associated with lower HDL-c and villous height. The addition of soy did not promote any change in these parameters.

Conclusions

The inclusion of whole soy flour in a high-fat diet may be helpful in reducing some markers of metabolic risk; however, more studies are required to clarify its effects on unbalanced diets.
Inhibition of protein kinase CK2 with the clinical-grade small ATP-competitive compound CX-4945 or by RNA interference unveils its role in acute myeloid leukemia cell survival, p53-dependent apoptosis and daunorubicin-induced cytotoxicity
Authors: Quotti Tubi Laura , Gurrieri Carmela , Brancalion Alessandra , Bonaldi Laura , Bertorelle Roberta , Manni Sabrina , Pavan Laura , Lessi Federica , Zambello Renato , Trentin Livio , Adami Fausto , Ruzzene Maria , Pinna Lorenzo A , Semenzato Gianpietro , Piazza Francesco
Published: October 2013

Background

The involvement of protein kinase CK2 in sustaining cancer cell survival could have implications also in the resistance to conventional and unconventional therapies. Moreover, CK2 role in blood tumors is rapidly emerging and this kinase has been recognized as a potential therapeutic target. Phase I clinical trials with the oral small ATP-competitive CK2 inhibitor CX-4945 are currently ongoing in solid tumors and multiple myeloma.

Methods

We have analyzed the expression of CK2 in acute myeloid leukemia and its function in cell growth and in the response to the chemotherapeutic agent daunorubicin We employed acute myeloid leukemia cell lines and primary blasts from patients grouped according to the European LeukemiaNet risk classification. Cell survival, apoptosis and sensitivity to daunorubicin were assessed by different means. p53-dependent CK2-inhibition-induced apoptosis was investigated in p53 wild-type and mutant cells.

Results

CK2α was found highly expressed in the majority of samples across the different acute myeloid leukemia prognostic subgroups as compared to normal CD34+ hematopoietic and bone marrow cells. Inhibition of CK2 with CX-4945, K27 or siRNAs caused a p53-dependent acute myeloid leukemia cell apoptosis. CK2 inhibition was associated with a synergistic increase of the cytotoxic effects of daunorubicin. Baseline and daunorubicin-induced STAT3 activation was hampered upon CK2 blockade.

Conclusions

These results suggest that CK2 is over expressed across the different acute myeloid leukemia subsets and acts as an important regulator of acute myeloid leukemia cell survival. CK2 negative regulation of the protein levels of tumor suppressor p53 and activation of the STAT3 anti-apoptotic pathway might antagonize apoptosis and could be involved in acute myeloid leukemia cell resistance to daunorubicin.
Association between melanopsin gene polymorphism (I394T) and pupillary light reflex is dependent on light wavelength
Authors: Lee Sang-il , Hida Akiko , Tsujimura Sei-ichi , Morita Takeshi , Mishima Kazuo , Higuchi Shigekazu
Published: October 2013

Background

Our aim was to determine the association between melanopsin gene polymorphism and pupillary light reflex under diverse photic conditions, including different intensities and wavelengths.

Methods

A total of 195 visually corrected subjects volunteered for investigation of the melanopsin gene of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of rs1079610 (I394T). The genotype groups were TT (n = 126), TC (n = 55), and CC (n = 8), and 75 of the subjects, including subjects with TT (n = 34), TC (n = 33), and CC (n = 8) participated in our experiment. Three monochromatic lights with peak wavelengths of 465 nm (blue), 536 nm (green), and 632 nm (red) were prepared, and each light was projected to the subjects with five intensities, 12, 13, 14, 14.5 and 15 log photons/(cm2 s), for one minute. The pupil size of the left eye was measured under each light condition after a 1-minute adaptation.

Results

The pupils of the TC + CC genotypes (n = 38) were significantly smaller than those of the TT genotype (n = 31) under a blue (463 nm) light condition with 15 log photons/(cm2 s) (P < 0.05). In contrast, there were no significant differences under green (536 nm) and red (632 nm) light conditions. Conversely, relative pupil constrictions of the TC + CC genotypes were greater than those of the TT genotype under both blue and green conditions with high intensities (14.5 and 15 log photons/(cm2 s)). In contrast, there were no significant differences between genotype groups in pupil size and relative pupilloconstriction under the red light conditions.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the melanopsin gene polymorphism (I394T) functionally interacts with pupillary light reflex, depending on light intensity and, particularly, wavelength, and that under a light condition fulfilling both high intensity and short wavelength, the pupillary light response of subjects with the C allele (TC + CC) is more sensitive to light than that of subjects with the TT genotype.
Adhesion-promoting receptors on phagocytes
Authors: Wright Samuel D. , Detmers Patricia A.
Published: October 2013

Phagocytes express a family of structurally related receptors, LFA-1, CR3, and p150,95, that mediate adhesion of leukocytes to a variety of cells and surfaces. LFA-1 mediates the binding of killer T cells to targets, CR3 mediates binding of phagocytes to iC3b-coated surfaces and to endothelial cells, and LFA-1, CR3, and p150,95 each mediate the binding of bacterial lipopolysaccharide. Here we review the structure and function of each of these receptors and present evidence that they are related to a larger class of adhesion-promoting receptors called integrins. Of particular emphasis are observations that the capacity of these receptors to promote adhesion is strongly and reversibly modulated by both soluble and surface-bound stimuli. We review this form of regulation and present evidence that changes in the binding activity of adhesion-promoting receptors is accomplished by changes in the two-dimensional distribution of receptors in the plane of the membrane. Inactive receptors are randomly distributed in the membrane, and their ability to bind a ligand-coated surface is enabled by a ligand-independent movement into small clusters. The implications of these structural features are discussed.
The structure of the macrophage actin skeleton
Authors: Yin H. L. , Hartwig J. H.
Published: October 2013

The actin skeleton of the macrophage consists of a three-dimensional network of actin filaments and associated proteins. The organization of this multiprotein structure is regulated at several levels in cells. Receptor stimulation induces a massive actin polymerization at the cell cortex, changes in cell shape and active cellular movements. Gelsolin may have a pivotal role in restructuring the actin skeleton in response to agonist stimulation, as the activity of this potent actin-modulating protein is regulated by both Ca2+ and polyphosphoinositides. Micromolar concentrations of Ca2+ activate gelsolin to bind to the sides of actin filaments, sever, and cap the filament end. Polyphosphoinositides, in particular PIP and PIP2, release gelsolin from the filament ends. A structure-function analysis of gelsolin indicates that its N-terminal half is primarily responsible for severing actin filaments, and elucidates mechanisms by which Ca2+ and phospholipid may regulate gelsolin functions. The ultrastructure of actin filaments in the macrophage cortical cytoplasm is regulated, to a large extent, by the actin cross-linking protein, actin-binding protein (ABP) which defines filament orthogonality.
Conductometric and UV–visible Spectroscopic Studies on the Strong Association between Polysulfonic or Dicarboxylic Acids and Their Conjugate Anions in Acetonitrile
Authors: Hojo Masashi , Kondo Yusuke , Zei Kosuke , Okamura Kei , Chen Zhidong , Kobayashi Masato
Published: October 2013

Conductometric titrations with triethylamine (Et3N) of mono-, di-, and trisulfonic acids have been performed in acetonitrile, and strong homoconjugation (homoassociation) for di- and trisulfonic acids have been revealed. The appearance of a maximum in the conductometric titration curve enables us to predict the stable homoconjugation species in the solution. The homoconjugation reaction of monosulfonic acids, such as methanesulfonic and p-toluenesulfonic acids, are not large enough to give a maximum. However, disulfonic acids, 1,5, 2,6-, and 2,7-naphthalenedisulfonic acids, give maxima at the first equivalence point, which indicates that the conjugate ions (HA−) cause homoconjugation reactions. By means of UV–visible spectroscopy, the stability constant (KD) of dimerization or homoconjugation reaction between two anions [2 HA−  (HA−)2] of the hydrogen 1,5-naphthalenedisulfonate (HA−) has been given to be log KD = 4.11 in acetonitrile. In the same solvent, 1,3,6-naphthalenetrisulfonic acid forms more stable species of not only (H2A−)2 but also (H2A−)(HA2−). Double hydrogen-bonds can operate between two H2A− anions in the (H2A−)2 species, while even triple hydrogen-bonds in the (H2A−)(HA2−) species. Effects of second solvents, including H2O, have been examined in detail on the homoconjugation reactions. In order to differentiate the role of acidities of acids on homoconjugation, the conductometric titrations of nitrobenzenedicarboxylic acids have been also performed. The geometries of homoconjugated sulfonic acids have been justified by DFT calculations.
‘I Tried to Make Him Laugh, He Didn’t Get the Joke…’ – taking punk humour seriously
Authors: Bestley Russell
Published: October 2013

Punk. The sound of the streets, the music of protest, the shouts and screams of the disadvantaged and oppressed, the anguished howl of the underdog, the unclean and the unworthy. Political, agitational, provocative, subversive, awkward, uncompromising, angry and aggressive. Descriptions and definitions of punk – the subculture, the music, the fashion, the lifestyle, the language and the politics – inevitably revolve around stereotypes and generalizations. Consensus, where it can be found, tends to exemplify those same regularly repeated clichés, and important elements become further hidden from view. The use of humour in punk – lyrically, within musical phrasing, song construction and live performance and in the graphic language of punk sleeves, fanzines and posters – is often overlooked. This article comprises two parts. This first part seeks to outline the ways in which humour – through rhetorical codes and strategies including satire, pun, metaphor and metonymy, hyperbole, invective, irony, sarcasm, allegory, exaggeration, parody, repetition, self-deprecation, profanity and the embrace of the absurd or ridiculous were and are central to an understanding of punk language and practice. Within part two of this article, to be published in Punk & Post Punk, further emphasis will be placed on the visual identity of punk and hardcore groups, and on the strategies employed by designers to reflect and support punk’s satirical core.
Late presentation of hyperandrogenism in pregnancy: clinical features and differential diagnosis
Authors: Das Gautam , Eligar Vinay S , Govindan Jyothish , Rees D Aled
Published: October 2013

Background: Hyperandrogenic states in pregnancy are rare but arise most commonly due to new-onset ovarian pathology in pregnancy. We describe the case of a young woman who presented in the latter half of her pregnancy with features of hyperandrogenism. We review the biochemical and imaging findings and discuss the differential diagnosis.

Case presentation: A 26-year-old woman presented in the later part of her pregnancy with widespread hirsutism. Biochemical testing confirmed hyperandrogenism (testosterone, 13.7 nmol/l and second-trimester pregnancy range, 0.9–4.9 nmol/l), although she had no history of menstrual disturbance, hirsutism or acne prior to conception. Radiological evaluation (ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging) revealed multiple cystic lesions in both ovaries, leading to a presumptive diagnosis of hyperreactio luteinalis (HL). The implications of maternal hyperandrogenism on foetal virilisation were considered and the patient was counselled appropriately. She delivered a healthy baby boy uneventfully. Androgen levels, hirsutism and acne normalised within a few weeks of delivery.

Conclusion: HL can occur at any stage of pregnancy and is an important differential diagnosis in pregnant patients with features of androgen excess. Most cases regress spontaneously after delivery and major interventions are usually not needed.

Learning points

Hyperandrogenism in pregnancy is rare.

Clinical features are similar to the non-pregnant state in the mother but virilisation in the foetus can have profound consequences.

HL and pregnancy luteoma are the most common ovarian pathologies leading to hyperandrogenism in pregnancy.

Spontaneous regression occurs in the post-partum period in the vast majority of cases and surgery is only required for local complications.
The Evolutionary Genetics of the Genes Underlying Phenotypic Associations for Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda, Pinaceae)
Authors: Eckert Andrew J , Wegrzyn Jill L , Liechty John D , Lee Jennifer M , Cumbie W Patrick , Davis John M , Goldfarb Barry , Loopstra Carol A , Palle Sreenath R , Quesada Tania , Langley Charles H , Neale David B
Published: October 2013

A primary goal of evolutionary genetics is to discover and explain the genetic basis of fitness-related traits and how this genetic basis evolves within natural populations. Unprecedented technological advances have fueled the discovery of genetic variants associated with ecologically relevant phenotypes in many different life forms, as well as the ability to scan genomes for deviations from selectively neutral models of evolution. Theoretically, the degree of overlap between lists of genomic regions identified using each approach is related to the genetic architecture of fitness-related traits and the strength and type of natural selection molding variation at these traits within natural populations. Here we address for the first time in a plant the degree of overlap between these lists, using patterns of nucleotide diversity and divergence for >7000 unique amplicons described from the extensive expressed sequence tag libraries generated for loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) in combination with the >1000 published genetic associations. We show that loci associated with phenotypic traits are distinct with regard to neutral expectations. Phenotypes measured at the whole plant level (e.g., disease resistance) exhibit an approximately twofold increase in the proportion of adaptive nonsynonymous substitutions over the genome-wide average. As expected for polygenic traits, these signals were apparent only when loci were considered at the level of functional sets. The ramifications of this result are discussed in light of the continued efforts to dissect the genetic basis of quantitative traits.
Narrativas Maxakali: possibilidades para o ensino de cultura e história indígena
Authors: Lima Pablo Luiz de Oliveira , Carie Nayara Silva de
Published: October 2013

O povo Maxakali enfrentou a colonização e resiste, até os dias de hoje, com a força de seus hábitos culturais. As narrativas indígenas são fontes ricas para o ensino de história, desde que trabalhadas adequadamente, respeitando a alteridade cultural, os diferentes conjuntos de valores, crenças e organização social dos povos indígenas. Este trabalho propõe um diálogo entre narrativas indígenas e teorias sobre a narrativa histórica. A presença de narrativas indígenas no ensino de História está relacionada às mudanças que ocorreram no ensino dessa disciplina a partir da década de 1980, com a instituição dos direitos indígenas constitucionais, novos parâmetros curriculares e uma legislação que tornou obrigatório o ensino de história e cultura indígenas na educação básica brasileira (Lei nº 11.645/08). A utilização de narrativas indígenas no ensino de história, além de levar os alunos a compreenderem melhor as culturas indígenas, pode leválos a percepções ampliadas sobre a sua própria cultura.
Accuracy and learning curves of inexperienced observers for manual segmentation of electromyograms
Authors: Ferreira Arthur de Sá , Guimarães Fernando Silva , Magalhães Manuel Armando Ribeiro , Silva Regina Coeli Souza e
Published: October 2013

INTRODUCTION: The shape-varying format of surface electromyograms introduces errors in the detection of contraction events. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the accuracy and learning curves of inexperienced observers to detect the quantity of contraction events in surface electromyograms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six observers performed manual segmentation in 1200 shape-varying waveforms simulated using a phenomenological model with variable events, smooth changes in amplitude, marked on-off timing, and variable signal-to-noise ratio (0-39 dB). Segmentation was organized in four sessions with 15 blocks of 20 signals each. Accuracy and learning curves were modeled per block by linear and power regression models and tested for difference among sessions. Cut-off values of signal-to-noise ratio for optimal manual segmentation were also estimated. RESULTS: The accuracy curve showed no significant linear trend throughout blocks and no difference among sessions 1-2-3-4 (87% [85; 89], 87% [85; 89], 87% [85; 89], 87% [81; 88]; p = 0.691). Accuracy was low for detection of 1 event (AUC = 0.40; sensitivity = 44%; specificity = 43%; cut-off = 12.9 dB) but was high and affected by the signal-to-noise ratio for detection of two events (AUC = 0.82; sensitivity = 77%; specificity = 76%; cut-off = 7.0 dB). The learning curve showed a significant power regression (p < 0.001) with decreasing values of learning percentages (time duration to complete the task) among sessions 1-2-3-4 (86.5% [68; 94], 76% [68; 91], 62% [38; 77], and 57% [52; 75]; p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Inexperienced observers exhibit high, not trainable accuracy and a practice-dependent shortening in the time spent to detect the quantity of contraction events in simulated surface electromyograms.
Análise da musculatura estabilizadora lombopélvica em jovens com e sem dor lombar
Authors: Melo Filho Jarbas , Menossi Berlis Ribeiro dos Santos , Preis Cássio , Bertassoni Neto Luiz , Stabelini Neto Antônio
Published: October 2013

INTRODUÇÃO: A capacidade de controle da musculatura profunda local em indivíduos com dor lombar tende a estar diminuída. OBJETIVO: Analisar e comparar o comportamento da musculatura estabilizadora lombopélvica em jovens com e sem dor lombar. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: A pesquisa do tipo transversal quantitativa teve aplicação de avaliações para estabilidade lombopélvica por meio dos testes de Resistência Estática do Tronco, Resistência das Costas de Sorenson e Teste de Side Bridge (ponte lateral), questionário funcional lombar de Roland-Morris; a escala de dor foi avaliada com uso da escala análoga visual da dor em adultos jovens da Universidade Estadual do Norte do Paraná (UENP), Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Jacarezinho (PR). RESULTADOS: A amostra do trabalho foi composta de 108 indivíduos, 17 do gênero masculino e 91 do gênero feminino, apresentando médias e desvios padrão respectivamente de: idade 19,44 ± 1,73 anos, estatura 167 ± 8 cm, peso 60,48 ± 11 kg e índice de massa corpórea (IMC) 21,70 ± 2,80 kg/m². Dos participantes, 20% apresentaram dor lombar. Na comparação entre grupos de indivíduos com dor lombar e sem dor mediante testes de estabilidade lombopélvica, não se observou diferenças significativas, p > 0,05 para todos os testes, mesmo com divisão por gênero, onde o percentual dos indivíduos com dor foi de 18,68% no grupo feminino e de 29,41% no masculino. CONCLUSÃO: Constatou-se que os adultos jovens com dor lombar não se apresentaram com a musculatura estabilizadora lombopélvica significativamente diferente quando comparados com os sem dor.
Descarga de peso e prevalência de degeneração no joelho de indivíduos amputados
Authors: Vicente Eduardo José Danza , Rossi Bárbara Palmeira , Jesus Maria Cristina Pinto de , Torrejais Márcia Miranda
Published: October 2013

INTRODUÇÃO: Indivíduos amputados apresentam um desequilíbrio na descarga de peso entre os membros inferiores, o que pode desencadear o desenvolvimento da osteoartrite (OA). OBJETIVO: Quantificar a descarga de peso nos membros inferiores de indivíduos protetizados e correlacionar essa descarga com tempo de protetização, idade e com a prevalência de diagnóstico de OA. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Participaram desta pesquisa 12 indivíduos com amputação transtibial ou transfemoral unilateral, com idade entre 19 e 64 anos. Estes foram avaliados por meio de baropodômetro computadorizado, marca IST Informatique®, modelo Foot Work, para quantificar a descarga de peso nos membros inferiores; os participantes também foram submetidos a exame radiográfico do joelho integro, em incidência anteroposterior, para verificar possível degeneração articular e também foram avaliados por um médico reumatologista para associação da possível degeneração com os sinais clínicos. RESULTADOS: O membro intacto dos indivíduos apresentou uma média de descarga de peso de 58,08% (± 5,88) e o membro amputado 41% (± 5,88), apresentando diferença significativa. Dos 12 indivíduos, 25% apresentaram diagnóstico radiográfico de leve degeneração articular no joelho contrário à amputação e nenhum deles teve diagnóstico clínico de OA. Não houve correlação entre idade, tempo de protetização e descarga de peso. Entretanto, indivíduos com maior idade e menor tempo de protetização apresentaram maiores desequilíbrios na descarga de peso. CONCLUSÃO: Amputados de membro inferior apresentam maior sobrecarga articular sobre o membro intacto, sendo que quanto maior a idade em que o indivíduo foi protetizado e menor o tempo de protetização, maior essa sobrecarga. Os que foram protetizados após a terceira década de vida apresentam maior tendência à degeneração articular do joelho intacto.
Influência de diferentes tipos de calçado na atividade eletromiográfica do músculo quadríceps de mulheres ao subir e descer degrau
Authors: Oliveira Valéria Mayaly Alves de , Batista Laísla da Silva Paixão , Souza Lucas Pereira Lopes de , Pitangui Ana Carolina Rodarti , Araújo Rodrigo Cappato de
Published: October 2013

INTRODUÇÃO: A síndrome da dor femoropatelar (SDFP) é caracterizada por dor difusa na região retropatelar, aumentada durante realização de tarefas diárias, tais como subir e descer escadas e ajoelhar. A SDFP tem maior prevalência em mulheres jovens e sua etiologia não é totalmente conhecida. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a influência do uso de diferentes tipos de calçados na atividade dos músculos estabilizadores da patela durante as tarefas de subir e descer degrau. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Participaram do estudo dez mulheres saudáveis e dez mulheres com SDFP. As voluntárias realizaram as tarefas de subir e descer um degrau em três situações: descalças, usando tênis e salto alto de 10 cm. Durante a realização das tarefas, foi registrada com eletrodos superficiais a atividade eletromiográfica dos músculos vasto medial oblíquo (VMO), vasto lateral (VL) e reto femoral (RF). A comparação intergrupos foi realizada com o teste t não pareado; para a análise intragrupo, utilizou-se ANOVA com medidas repetidas e post hoc Tukey, todos com um nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: Os resultados demonstraram, no grupo controle, aumento da atividade do VMO nas tarefas concêntrica e excêntrica realizadas com salto alto. No entanto, no grupo SDFP, a atividade do VMO não foi influenciada em nenhuma das condições testadas. Não foram observadas diferenças estatísticas na razão VMO/VL e no tempo de ativação dos músculos. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados sugerem que em mulheres assintomáticas uso do calçado de salto alto modificou a atividade de todos os músculos. Entretanto, mulheres com SDFP não apresentaram alterações no VMO.
Efeitos das Correntes diadinâmicas de Bernard sobre a nociceptividade e edema no trauma tendíneo de ratos
Authors: Karvat Jhenifer , Meireles Anamaria , Rocha Bruno Pogorzelski , Rosa Camila Thieimi , Silva Lígia Inez , Bertolini Gladson Ricardo Flor
Published: October 2013

INTRODUÇÃO: O tratamento fisioterapêutico é utilizado para minimizar prejuízos do processo inflamatório. Destaca-se o uso da eletroterapia, sendo as Correntes diadinâmicas de Bernard (CDB) um dos recursos possíveis, porém com poucas evidências na literatura. OBJETIVO: Analisar os efeitos das CDB sobre a nociceptividade e edema no trauma tendíneo de ratos. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: A amostra foi composta por 18 ratos Wistar, divididos em: grupo controle (GC); grupo do polo negativo (GP-); e grupo do polo positivo (GP+). Os animais tiveram seu tendão calcâneo direito, traumatizado com energia de 0,4 J. Para avaliar a nociceptividade, utilizou-se o analgesímetro digital tipo "Von Frey", o qual se aplicou no tendão lesado. E para avaliar o edema utilizou-se um paquímetro. O tratamento foi realizado com as correntes DF, CP e LP (3 minutos cada), diariamente, em cindo sessões de terapia. RESULTADOS: Na avaliação da nociceptividade, houve diferença significativa com o momento pós-lesão, somente nas duas últimas avaliações no GP+. Na avaliação do edema obteve-se retorno aos valores basais apenas para GP+. CONCLUSÃO: Somente o polo positivo das diadinâmicas de Bernard foi eficaz em diminuir a nociceptividade e o edema em ratos submetidos a trauma no tendão de calcâneo.
Pé diabético: orientações e conhecimento sobre cuidados preventivos
Authors: Cubas Marcia Regina , Santos Odette Moura dos , Retzlaff Elis Marina Andrade , Telma Helouíse Letícia Cristiano , Andrade Iria Priscila Silva de , Moser Auristela D. de Lima , Erzinger Ana Rotília
Published: October 2013

INTRODUÇÃO: O pé diabético é considerado uma complicação do Diabete mellitus e a maior causa de amputações de membros inferiores. Para evitar seu aparecimento são necessárias orientações de medidas preventivas e autocuidado do portador. OBJETIVOS: Verificar o conhecimento dos usuários do programa de diabetes acerca de cuidados preventivos ao pé diabético, identificar as orientações que o paciente recebe quanto à prevenção, e observar a aderência aos procedimentos de autocuidado preventivos. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Pesquisa exploratória de campo, envolvendo 40 diabéticos do tipo 2 e cinco enfermeiros. Foi realizado exame físico dos pés dos diabéticos e uma entrevista estruturada com os enfermeiros. Os dados foram organizados e analisados por estatística descritiva. RESULTADOS E DISCUSSÃO: No exame físico verificaram-se grau de mobilidade comprometido em 52,5% dos participantes; uso inadequado de calçados em 85%; retirada de cutículas em 62,5%. Não houve diferenças significativas na perfusão entre os pés direito e esquerdo, entretanto houve presença de micoses e rachaduras. Pontos de alta pressão apresentaram menores sensibilidades. As orientações fornecidas pelos enfermeiros são variáveis, todos afirmam orientar sobre o uso de calçados e corte de unhas; entretanto, não se verifica adesão a esses itens e faltam orientações importantes como o exame diário dos pés. CONCLUSÃO: Os itens com menor adesão são os mais simples e passíveis de correção. Fazem-se necessários adequada avaliação e acompanhamento individual levando em consideração o grau de conhecimento e a facilidade para processar as informações. Uma ação multiprofissional poderia potencializar as orientações e aumentar a aderência às mesmas.
Efeitos da aplicação da corrente polarizada e da iontoforese na gordura localizada em mulheres
Authors: Macedo Ana Carolina Brandt de , Cunico Francini , Sassi Larissa , Albuquerque Jocilene , Borges Fernanda
Published: October 2013

INTRODUÇÃO: As correntes polarizadas possuem efeito iônico e no polo negativo predomina o aumento do metabolismo local. OBJETIVO: Comparar os efeitos da aplicação das correntes polarizadas e da iontoforese na gordura localizada em flancos. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foram selecionadas 24 voluntárias, com faixa tária 18-30 anos, sedentárias, sem antecedentes gestacionais e sem cirurgias em região abdominal. Foram divididas em quatro grupos: grupo A (n = 4), com aplicação de correntes polarizadas; grupo B (n = 6), iontoforese; grupo C (n = 6), cosmético diretamente sobre a pele; e grupo D (n = 5), controle. O protocolo das correntes consistiu em da aplicação das correntes galvânica, difásica, curto período e longo período, cada uma durante 5 minutos, sendo realizadas duas vezes por semana, totalizando dez sessões. Na iontoforese o produto utilizado foi a centelha asiática. A técnica de aplicação foi a transversal. Para avaliação e reavaliação, efetuou-se a adipometria e conferiram-se medida da circunferência, peso, altura e IMC. RESULTADOS: Na comparação intergrupos, verificou-se que os grupos A e B não apresentaram diferenças significativas nas medidas de circunferência e em relação à adipometria somente o grupo B apresentou resultados significativos (p < 0,05). Na comparação intergrupos, o mesmo grupo obteve a maior significância. CONCLUSÃO: A associação de cosmético e corrente polarizada proporcionou a redução das medidas em flancos, o que ressalta os benefícios da iontoforese.
Intervenção fisioterapêutica pré-operatória para pacientes submetidos à ressecção pulmonar por câncer: revisão sistemática
Authors: Rosa Bruno Rodrigues , Vital Flávia Maria Ribeiro , Silva Brenda Nazaré Gomes da , Lisboa Sandra , Peccin Maria Stella
Published: October 2013

INTRODUÇÃO: A Fisioterapia tem sido defendida como um componente importante na prevenção e no tratamento de complicações pulmonares pós-operatórias, sendo utilizada nas fases pré e pós-operatória de ressecções pulmonares. A efetividade e a segurança da fisioterapia pré-operatória em pacientes que serão submetidos a cirurgias de ressecção pulmonar por câncer precisam ser avaliadas. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Revisão sistemática de ensaios clínicos randomizados com metodologia Cochrane. A busca eletrônica foi realizada nas bases de dados Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); PEDro; MEDLINE; EMBASE; CINAHL; e LILACS. Realizamos também uma busca por estudos em andamento e/ou não publicados, através da Current Controlled Trials Database. Além disso, realizamos uma busca adicional na lista de referências de todos os estudos incluídos e contato com os autores, quando necessário. RESULTADOS: Vinte e oito estudos foram considerados potencialmente relevantes; destes, 26 foram excluídos. Dois ensaios clínicos randomizados preencheram os critérios de inclusão desta revisão. Um estudo comparou a ventilação mecânica não invasiva (BILEVEL) associada ao tratamento padrão versus tratamento padrão sendo atribuído de forma única; e o outro estudo comparou o treinamento muscular inspiratório e a espirometria de incentivo a nenhum tratamento. Um único desfecho foi comum entre os estudos, mas não foi possível realizar uma metanálise devida à insuficiência de informações. CONCLUSÕES: Não há evidência suficiente na literatura para se afirmar que a intervenção fisioterapêutica pré-operatória seja efetiva e segura para pacientes que serão submetidos à ressecção pulmonar por câncer.
Modelo de avaliação e superação das dificuldades de empresas de base tecnológica em incubadoras
Authors: Andrade Junior Pedro Paulo
Published: October 2013

O artigo teve como objetivo propor um modelo de avaliação e superação das dificuldades enfrentadas por empresas de base tecnológica em incubadoras visando à proposição de ações de melhorias, utilizando como referência as incubadoras catarinenses. A pesquisa caracteriza-se como estudo multicaso. Os resultados indicam que, apesar de algumas empresas incubadas pesquisadas estarem em um estágio em que a superação das dificuldades não é complicada, ainda assim melhorias precisam ser realizadas, tanto nas incubadoras como nas próprias empresas. Conclui-se que o modelo proposto possui boa aderência à realidade das empresas de base tecnológica em incubadoras, podendo ser utilizado como ferramenta de avaliação, para melhoria de suas atividades de forma efetiva.
Capacidade tecnológica: proposição de índice e aplicação a empresas do complexo agroindustrial do trigo
Authors: De Mori Claudia , Batalha Mário Otávio , Alfranca Oscar
Published: October 2013

A capacidade tecnológica é um importante fator na determinação da eficiência e da eficácia dos processos produtivos e no grau de inovatividade das empresas. Sua mensuração pode auxiliar as empresas a avaliarem sua capacidade de absorver, usar, adaptar, gerar, desenvolver, transferir e difundir tecnologias. Este trabalho desenvolve um modelo de mensuração de capacidade tecnológica e aplica-o em empresas do complexo agroindustrial tritícola (unidades agrícolas, moinhos e pastifícios). O modelo desenvolvido está apoiado no cálculo de cinco macroíndices: (i) recursos; (ii) atualização tecnológica; (iii) processos e rotinas; (iv) mecanismos de aprendizagem; e (v) articulação e acessibilidade. O índice consiste em uma somatória ponderada de variáveis quantitativas e qualitativas, utilizando o método de análise multicritério AHP para a definição dos pesos. A análise matriz importância x desempenho e "gráficos aranha" são utilizados para representar e avaliar os resultados alcançados. O modelo proposto foi aplicado a 20 unidades rurais, 5 moinhos e 3 pastifícios.
As touradas nas festividades reais do Rio de Janeiro colonial
Authors: Melo Victor Andrade de
Published: October 2013

Na literatura nacional, já existem muitas discussões sobre as festividades reais promovidas no Brasil colonial. Este artigo tem por objetivo analisar uma das atividades que mais comumente e com maior popularidade integrava a programação desses eventos: as touradas. Que espaços ocupavam nesses festejos? Que símbolos cercavam sua realização? Como eram organizadas? Para responder tais questões, o artigo se debruça sobre as corridas de touros promovidas no Rio de Janeiro, a cidade que se tornara sucessivamente a capital do Vice-Reinado (1763), do Império português (1808), do Reino do Brasil (1815) e do Brasil independente (1822).