bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards Participatory Air Pollution Exposure Assessment in a Goods Movement Community
Authors: Kondo Michelle C. , Mizes Chris , Lee John , McGady-Saier Jacqueline , O’Malley Lisa , Diliberto Ariel , Burstyn Igor
Published: November 2014

Background : Air pollution from diesel truck traffic travelling to and from port facilities is a major environmental health concern in areas of Philadelphia such as the Port Richmond neighborhood. Ambient monitoring has limited capability to assess neighborhood- or personal-level exposures to this pollution. Objectives : We sought to conduct a pilot study using a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach to assess community environmental health concerns, and measure residents’ exposure to airborne traffic-related pollutants (fine particles [PM2.5]). Methods : The research team established relationships with neighborhood schools and organizations, conducted 24 semistructured interviews, 2 community meetings, and 1 Photovoice exercise. Nine community researchers wore personal monitors that collected PM2.5 in the personal breathing zone for 1 to 3 days over a 6-day period in December 2011. Results : Air pollution and safety hazards from truck traffic, environmental hazards posed by nearby industry, related community health problems, and environmental assets were four major themes emerging from interviews and discussions. Personal monitoring revealed that smoking and smoke exposure had the most pronounced effect on PM2.5 concentrations, and that personal PM2.5 exposure levels were not related to ambient PM2.5 concentrations reported from stationary monitoring stations in Philadelphia. Conclusions : Participation in personal air pollution monitoring and Photovoice exercises helped to increase awareness of pervasive mobile- and point-source diesel emissions throughout the neighborhood and develop priorities for action. Monitoring indicated the negative effects of cigarette smoke exposure, and disconnect between ambient- and personal-level PM2.5 concentrations that emphasized the need for more personal- and local-level monitoring. In addition, participatory methods are appropriate to involve lay persons in personal air pollution monitoring.
Desencuentros of Postdictatorship Argentina: History, Politics, and Realism in Juan José Saer’s Glosa
Authors: Mulder Tavid
Published: November 2014

During the so-called “transition to democracy” in Argentina, most narratives of the dictatorship ignored the deep politicization of society in the sixties and seventies, and the extent to which the transition entailed a continuation of changes installed during the Proceso . As a result, historical knowledge was characterized by fundamental gaps that deprived history of its dynamic character and blunted critical thought. This essay reads Juan José Saer’s Glosa as a realist novel that highlights, without artificially resolving or bypassing, the contradictions of the “transition.” In relating the casual stroll of Leto and the Mathematician in the early sixties and their fate during the dictatorship, Saer’s novel is structured around a temporal gap. In this configuration of time, a disjunctive relation of “fever and geometry,” history emerges prominently in the narrative future but appears absent in the novel’s present. Moreover, the narration underlines this distribution through its meticulous descriptions that do not paint a nuanced picture of historical movement but render everything the same. As a result, the future in Glosa appears inescapable, yet the route to it remains discontinuous and unintelligible. On the one hand, the novel’s comedic treatment of history as absurdity appears to take the “end of history” at face value. However, the novel lays bare the contradictions of historical knowledge during the “transition” and therefore constitutes a productive text for the continuing project of thinking through the “failed revolution,” the task of appropriating the past in order to make a qualitatively different future possible.
Of Poets and Barbarians: Challenging Linguistic Hierarchies in Cervantes’s Los trabajos de Persiles y Sigismunda
Authors: Velázquez Sonia
Published: November 2014

Is style an ornamental feature of writing separate from the content or can it be a vehicle of political and ethical expression? This essay takes as point of departure the incipit of Miguel de Cervantes’s posthumously published epic novel, Los trabajos de Persiles y Sigismunda (1617) to argue for a richer understanding of style. More specifically, it shows how through the use of a high epic style in the Persiles Cervantes questions central humanist tenets and assumptions about the relation of language to humanity, of individual speakers and linguistic communities, as well as the expectations of a linguistic chain of being that would unflinchingly equate clarity of speech with civilization. By focusing on the representation of barbarian speech, this essay examines the ways in which Cervantes’s work offers a more ethical alternative to classical and Renaissance epic models that would either deny speech to barbarians or limit barbarian speech to the enabling curse that will get the heroic adventures going. By making the barbarian’s words intelligible through translation and more daringly, by making that very act of translation effect a change in the very texture of the receiving language itself, barbarolalia in Persiles emerges as poetry’s twin.
Isolating astrocytes and neurons sequentially from postnatal murine brains with a magnetic cell separation technique
Authors: Feldmann Maria , Pathipati Praneeti , Sheldon R. Ann , Jiang Xiangning , M. Ferriero Donna
Published: November 2014

Understanding the mechanism of developmental brain injury is crucial for the progress of discovering neuroprotective strategies and interventions. However, the pathophysiology is complex which involves interactions and crosstalk of diverse neural cell types. Isolating viable and pure populations of these brain cells is a valuable tool to study the particular cell properties and understand the physiologic and pathophysiologic mechanisms. Here we present a magnetic cell sorting approach to separate astrocytes and neurons sequentially from the same neonatal (postnatal day 9 or 10) CD-1 mouse brain samples. The procedure which involves positive selection of astrocytes by the ACSA-2 antibody followed by a negative depletion of non-neuronal cells from the flow through yields relatively enriched neuronal cells. The sorted fractions are highly pure and viable and can be used for further applications and analyses.
Regulation of Drosophila intestinal stem cell maintenance and differentiation by the transcription factor Escargot
Authors: Loza‐Coll Mariano A , Southall Tony D , Sandall Sharsti L , Brand Andrea H , Jones D Leanne
Published: November 2014

Tissue stem cells divide to self‐renew and generate differentiated cells to maintain homeostasis. Although influenced by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, the genetic mechanisms coordinating the decision between self‐renewal and initiation of differentiation remain poorly understood. The escargot (esg) gene encodes a transcription factor that is expressed in stem cells in multiple tissues in Drosophila melanogaster, including intestinal stem cells (ISCs). Here, we demonstrate that Esg plays a pivotal role in intestinal homeostasis, maintaining the stem cell pool while influencing fate decisions through modulation of Notch activity. Loss of esg induced ISC differentiation, a decline in Notch activity in daughter enteroblasts (EB), and an increase in differentiated enteroendocrine (EE) cells. Amun, an inhibitor of Notch in other systems, was identified as a target of Esg in the intestine. Decreased expression of esg resulted in upregulation of Amun, while downregulation of Amun rescued the ectopic EE cell phenotype resulting from loss of esg. Thus, our findings provide a framework for further comparative studies addressing the conserved roles of Snail factors in coordinating self‐renewal and differentiation of stem cells across tissues and species.
Potential of fecal microbiota for early‐stage detection of colorectal cancer
Authors: Zeller Georg , Tap Julien , Voigt Anita Y , Sunagawa Shinichi , Kultima Jens Roat , Costea Paul I , Amiot Aurélien , Böhm Jürgen , Brunetti Francesco , Habermann Nina , Hercog Rajna , Koch Moritz , Luciani Alain , Mende Daniel R , Schneider Martin A , Schrotz‐King Petra , Tournigand Christophe , Tran Van Nhieu Jeanne , Yamada Takuji , Zimmermann Jürgen , Benes Vladimir , Kloor Matthias , Ulrich Cornelia M , von Knebel Doeberitz Magnus , Sobhani Iradj , Bork Peer
Published: November 2014

Several bacterial species have been implicated in the development of colorectal carcinoma (CRC), butCRC‐associated changes of fecal microbiota and their potential for cancer screening remain to be explored. Here, we used metagenomic sequencing of fecal samples to identify taxonomic markers that distinguishedCRCpatients from tumor‐free controls in a study population of 156 participants. Accuracy of metagenomicCRCdetection was similar to the standard fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and when both approaches were combined, sensitivity improved > 45% relative to theFOBT, while maintaining its specificity. Accuracy of metagenomicCRCdetection did not differ significantly between early‐ and late‐stage cancer and could be validated in independent patient and control populations (N = 335) from different countries.CRC‐associated changes in the fecal microbiome at least partially reflected microbial community composition at the tumor itself, indicating that observed gene pool differences may reveal tumor‐related host–microbe interactions. Indeed, we deduced a metabolic shift from fiber degradation in controls to utilization of host carbohydrates and amino acids inCRCpatients, accompanied by an increase of lipopolysaccharide metabolism.
Inhibition of zygotic DNA repair: transcriptome analysis of the offspring in trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Fernández-Díez C , González-Rojo S , Montfort J , Le Cam A , Bobe J , Robles V , Pérez-Cerezales S , Herráez M P
Published: November 2014

Zygotic repair of the paternal genome is a key event after fertilization. Spermatozoa accumulate DNA strand breaks during spermatogenesis and can suffer additional damage by different factors, including cryopreservation. Fertilization with DNA-damaged spermatozoa (DDS) is considered to promote implantation failures and abortions, but also long-term effects on the progeny that could be related with a defective repair. Base excision repair (BER) pathway is considered the most active in zygotic DNA repair, but healthy oocytes contain enzymes for all repairing pathways. In this study, the effects of the inhibition of the BER pathway in the zygote were analyzed on the progeny obtained after fertilization with differentially DDS. Massive gene expression (GE; 61 657 unique probes) was analyzed after hatching using microarrays. Trout oocytes are easily fertilized with DDS and the high prolificacy allows live progeny to be obtained even with a high rate of abortions. Nevertheless, the zygotic inhibition of Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase, upstream of BER pathway, resulted in 810 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) after hatching. DEGs are related with DNA repair, apoptosis, telomere maintenance, or growth and development, revealing a scenario of impaired DNA damage signalization and repair. Downregulation of the apoptotic cascade was noticed, suggesting a selection of embryos tolerant to residual DNA damage during embryo development. Our results reveal changes in the progeny from defective repairing zygotes including higher malformations rate, weight gain, longer telomeres, and lower caspase 3/7 activity, whose long-term consequences should be analyzed in depth.
HIF1A-dependent increase in endothelin 2 levels in granulosa cells: role of hypoxia, LH/cAMP, and reactive oxygen species
Authors: Yalu Ronit , Oyesiji Adepeju Esther , Eisenberg Iris , Imbar Tal , Meidan Rina
Published: November 2014

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF1A) and endothelin 2 (EDN2) are transiently expressed during the same time window in the developing corpus luteum (CL). In this study, we sought to investigate the involvement of LH/cAMP, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and a hypoxia-mimetic compound (CoCl2) on HIF1A expression and how it affected EDN2 levels, using transformed human granulosa cells (thGCs) and primary bovine granulosa cells (GCs). CoCl2 elevated HIF1A protein levels in thGCs in a dose-dependent manner. Forskolin alone had no significant effect; however, forskolin and CoCl2 together further induced HIF1A protein and EDN2 mRNA expression in thGCs. Similarly, in primary GCs, LH with CoCl2 synergistically augmented HIF1A protein levels, which resulted in higher expression of EDN2 and another well-known hypoxia-inducible gene, VEGF (VEGFA). Importantly, LH alone elevated HIF1A mRNA but not its protein. The successful knockdown of HIF1A in thGCs using siRNA abolished hypoxia-induced EDN2 and also the additive effect of forskolin and CoCl2. We then examined the roles of ROS in thGCs: hydrogen peroxide (20 and 50 μM) elevated HIF1A protein as well as the expression of EDN2, implying that induction of HIF1A protein levels is sufficient to stimulate the expression of EDN2 (and VEGF) in normoxia. A broad-range ROS scavenger, butylated hydroxyanisole, inhibited CoCl2-induced HIF1A protein with a concomitant reduction in the mRNA expression of EDN2 and VEGF in thGCs. The results obtained in this study suggest that HIF1A, induced by various stimuli, is an essential mediator of EDN2 mRNA expression. The results may also explain the rise in the levels of HIF1A-dependent genes (EDN2 and VEGF) in the developing CL.
Pathological Contribution of Spinal Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor to Neuropathic Hypersensitivity through Interacting with TNF-alpha in the Rat
Authors: Wang Fuzhou
Published: November 2014

BACKGROUND Our previous data demonstrated that the proinflammatory cytokine macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), a pleiotropic cytokine produced mainly by nonneuronal tissue, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory and neuropathic hypersensitivity, whereas the precise underlying mechanisms are not totally elucidated. The aim of this study was to examine the interacting role for spinal MIF with TNF-alpha in neuropathic pain.
METHODS After approval by the institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, the randomized Sprague-Dawley rats underwent prophylactic intrathecal administration of recombinant MIF (rMIF), TNF-alpha, MIF mAb, TNF-alpha mAb, or in combination prior to the spared nerve injury (SNI). Thermal hyperalgesia with hot plate and tactile allodynia using von Frey filaments were assessed after different interventions. Spinal cord levels of MIF and TNF-alpha were measured using Western Blotting and immunocytochemistry.
RESULTS Exogenous rMIF potentiated SNI-induced nociceptive behavior that were not evoked by single use of rMIF without SNI, and this potential effect could be blocked by MIF antibody in part. After giving rMIF combined with TNF-alpha to SNI animals, the perception of thermal and tactile stimuli was maximized. Spinal MIF mAb inhibited TNF-alpha expression, and vise versa for TNF-alpha Ab on MIF expression after SNI. rMIF or TNF-alpha combined to SNI produced more significant effect on the levels of MIF and TNF-alpha than SNI alone, and this effect could be furthered by administering rMIF and TNF-alpha together.
CONCLUSION These data demonstrate that proinflammatory cytokine MIF is involved in the peripheral nerve injury-induced hypersensitivity through potentiating spinal TNF-alpha signaling.
Editorial
Authors: Brodbeck Simon , Killingley Dermot , King Anna
Published: November 2014

Editor's Introduction.
Sri and Visnu
Authors: Klostermaier Klaus
Published: November 2014

The Christian doctrine of the Trinity arose from the need to reconcile the divinity of Jesus with monotheism. Srivaisnava theologians faced a similar problem with their belief in the Goddess Sri or Laksmi and her husband Visnu or Narayana as two distinct deities in one godhead. The article examines the ways in which the divinity of Sri and her oneness with Visnu are upheld, using Ramanuja's Saranagati-gadya, Vedanta Desika's Rahasyatrayasara, and Lokacarya Pillai's Mumuksupadi. It then presents some of the scriptural sources and philosophical concepts with which the theologians support their position. In conclusion, the doctrine is briefly compared with the Christian Trinity and the Saiva ardhanarisvara.
Interpreter of Hinduism to the West? Sir Edwin Arnold’s (Re)Presentations of Hindu Texts and their Reception
Authors: Robinson Catherine Anne
Published: November 2014

Brooks Wright's 1957 biography of Sir Edwin Arnold (1832-1904) was entitled Interpreter of Buddhism to the West. This reflects the fact that Arnold's best known work is The Light of Asia, telling the life story of the Buddha. His role in disseminating Buddhist ideas (or ideas about Buddhism), both through the extraordinary success of The Light of Asia and through other activities, both journalistic and campaigning, that acquired prominence because of his high public profile, has led commentators to consider his legacy first and foremost in relation to Buddhism. However, Arnold played a similar part in respect of Hinduism. Concentrating on Indian Idylls, containing episodes from the Mahabharata; The Indian Song of Songs, a version of the Gitagovinda; and The Song Celestial, a version of the Bhagavad-Gita, together with treatments of upanisadic literature in The Secret of Death and Lotus and Jewel, this article has three main sections. First, there is an overview of the Victorian era in order to identify evidence of interest in, and enthusiasm for, the East, particularly India and Hinduism. Second, there is a more detailed discussion of knowledge of Hinduism in various fora, including the academic, located in the context of the primacy accorded to scripture in a textual model of religion. Third, there is an examination of the nature and purpose of translation, because it was primarily as a translator, albeit avowedly in a poetic and popular style, that Arnold conceptualized, or at least articulated, his own purpose and agenda. While it is notoriously difficult to assess the impact of any author or publication, it is concluded that Arnold's contribution to the 'Easternization' of the West encompassed Hinduism as well as Buddhism.
Breast cancer metastasis to the pituitary gland
Authors: Magalhães Julia Fragoso , Bacchin Renata Prota , Costa Priscila Scatena , Alves Gisele Malavazi , Fraige Filho Fadlo , Stella Lenira Cristina
Published: November 2014

Metastatic tumors to the pituitary gland are an unusual complication typically seen in elderly patients with diffuse malignant disease. Breast and lung are the commonest sites of the primary tumor. Prognosis of patients with breast cancer metastasis is poor and depends on the primary neoplastic extension. We report a 54 year-old woman with breast cancer metastasis to the pituitary stalk first diagnosed because of visual disturbance with no other symptoms. Pituitary gland stalk metastasis is a very uncommon find and this case report includes a literature review.
Evaluation of urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase as a marker of early renal damage in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Bouvet Beatriz R. , Paparella Cecilia V. , Arriaga Sandra M. M. , Monje Adriana L. , Amarilla Ana M. , Almará Adriana M.
Published: November 2014

Objective To evaluate the clinical usefulness of urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) excretion for the detection of early tubular damage in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Subjects and methods Thirty six patients with T2DM were divided into two groups based on urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR): normoalbuminuria (ACR <30 mg/g; n=19) and microalbuminuria (ACR =30‐300 mg/g; n=17). The following parameters were determined in both groups: urinary NAG and albumin, serum and urine creatinine, fasting plasma glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Results Urinary NAG levels [Units/g creatinine; median (range)] were significantly increased in microalbuminuria group [17.0 (5.9 - 23.3)] compared to normoalbuminuria group [4.4 (1.5 - 9.2)] (P<0.001). No differences between groups were observed in fasting glucose, HbA1c, serum creatinine levels and estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR). Urinary NAG positively correlated with ACR (r=0.628; p<0.0001), while no significant association was observed between NAG and glycemia, HbA1c, serum creatinine and eGFR. Conclusions The increase of urinary NAG at the microalbuminuria stage of diabetic nephropathy (DN) suggests that tubular dysfunction is already present in this period. The significant positive association between urinary NAG excretion and ACR indicates the possible clinical application of urinary NAG as a complementary marker for early detection of DN in T2DM.
Papillary thyroid cancer case masked by subacute thyroiditis
Authors: Ucan Bekir , Delibasi Tuncay , Cakal Erman , Arslan Muyesser Sayki , Bozkurt Nujen Colak , Demirci Taner , Ozbek Mustafa , Sahin Mustafa
Published: November 2014

Subacute thyroiditis (SAT) association with thyroid carcinoma has been rarely reported in the literature. We present a patient with SAT and papillary thyroid cancer that was suspected by ultrasonographic evaluation (US) following SAT treatment. A fifty-four-year old female patient referred to our department due to tachycardia, jitteriness and pain in cervical region for the past one month. SAT diagnosis was established by physical examination, laboratory and ultrasonographic findings. After treatment, control thyroid US revealed regression of the hypoechogenic regions seen in both lobes, and a previously unreported hypoechogenic lesion with microcalcification focus that had irregular borders and was not clearly separated from the surrounding parenchyma located in the posterior aspect of the lobe (Elasto score: 4, Strain index: 7.08). Fine needle aspiration biopsy was taken from this nodule; cytology was assessed to be compatible with papillary thyroid carcinoma. Postsurgical pathology evaluation showed a papillary microcarcinoma. SAT may produce ultrasound changes that obscure the coexistence of papillary carcinoma. We recommend that patients with SAT have ultrasonography after they recover. Hypoechogenic regions bigger than 1 cm that are present in the follow-up post-therapy US should be assessed by biopsy.
Heterogeneidade na apresentação clínica de fraturas atípicas após uso prolongado de bisfosfonatos – Fatores de risco e marcadores de remodelação óssea
Authors: Piazzetta Giovana , Baracho Filipe R. , Oliveira Larissa de , Santos Gustavo R. , Kulak Carolina A. M. , Borba Victória Z. C.
Published: November 2014

Descrevemos quatro casos de fraturas femorais atípicas atendidos no Serviço de Endocrinologia do Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Paraná (SEMPR/UFPR) que, apesar de característicos desse tipo de fratura, apresentam peculiaridades clínicas que devem ser consideradas e servir de alerta nesses pacientes, tais como: diagnóstico tardio com manutenção do uso de bisfosfonatos; ausência de comorbidades associadas com resolução sem sequelas; falha na consolidação da fratura; uso de medicação anabólica após a fratura e acompanhamento com marcadores de remodelação óssea.
IgG4-related Hashimoto’s thyroiditis – A new variant of a well known disease
Authors: Luiz Henrique Vara , Gonçalves Diogo , Silva Tiago Nunes da , Nascimento Isabel , Ribeiro Ana , Mafra Manuela , Manita Isabel , Portugal Jorge
Published: November 2014

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) has been characterized for many years as a well-defined clinicopathologic entity, but is now considered a heterogeneous disease. IgG4-related HT is a new subtype characterized by thyroid inflammation rich in IgG4-positive plasma cells and marked fibrosis. It may be part of the systemic IgG4-related disease. We report a case of a 56-year-old Portuguese man who presented with a one-month history of progressive neck swelling and dysphagia. Laboratory testing revealed increased inflammatory parameters, subclinical hypothyroidism and very high levels of thyroid autoantibodies. Cervical ultrasound (US) demonstrated an enlarged and heterogeneous thyroid gland and two hypoechoic nodules. US-guided fine needle aspiration cytology was consistent with lymphocytic thyroiditis. The patient was submitted to total thyroidectomy and microscopic examination identified typical findings of HT, marked fibrosis limited within the thyroid capsule and lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, with >50 IgG4-positive plasma cells per high-power field and an IgG4/IgG ratio of >40%. After surgery, serum IgG4 concentration was high-normal. Symptoms relief and reduction in laboratory inflammatory parameters were noticed. Thyroid function is controlled with levothyroxine. To our knowledge we report the first case of IgG4-related HT in a non-Asian patient. We also perform a review of the literature regarding IgG4-related disease and IgG4-related HT. Our case highlights this new variant of the well known HT, and helps physicians in recognizing its main clinical features, allowing for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Short-term effects of triiodothyronine on thyroid hormone receptor alpha by PI3K pathway in adipocytes, 3T3-L1
Authors: Oliveira Miriane de , Olimpio Regiane Marques Castro , Sibio Maria Teresa De , Moretto Fernanda Cristina Fontes , Luvizotto Renata de Azevedo Mello , Nogueira Célia Regina
Published: November 2014

Objective The present study aimed to examine the effects of thyroid hormone (TH), more precisely triiodothyronine (T3), on the modulation of TH receptor alpha (TRα) mRNA expression and the involvement of the phosphatidyl inositol 3 kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway in adipocytes, 3T3-L1, cell culture. Materials and methods: It was examined the involvement of PI3K pathway in mediating T3 effects by treating 3T3-L1 adipocytes with physiological (P=10nM) or supraphysiological (SI =100 nM) T3 doses during one hour (short time), in the absence or the presence of PI3K inhibitor (LY294002). The absence of any treatment was considered the control group (C). RT-qPCR was used for mRNA expression analyzes. For data analyzes ANOVA complemented with Tukey’s test was used at 5% significance level. Results T3 increased TRα mRNA expression in P (1.91±0.13, p<0.001), SI (2.14±0.44, p<0.001) compared to C group (1±0.08). This increase was completely abrogated by LY294002 in P (0.53±0.03, p<0.001) and SI (0.31±0.03, p<0.001). To examine whether TRα is directly induced by T3, we used the translation inhibitor cycloheximide (CHX). The presence of CHX completely abrogated levels TRα mRNA in P (1.15±0.05, p>0.001) and SI (0.99±0.15, p>0.001), induced by T3. Conclusion These results demonstrate that the activation of the PI3K signaling pathway has a role in T3-mediated indirect TRα gene expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.
Antigos e novos indicadores antropométricos como preditores de resistência à insulina em adolescentes
Authors: Carneiro Isabella Barbosa Pereira , Sampaio Helena Alves de Carvalho , Carioca Antônio Augusto Ferreira , Pinto Francisco José Maia , Damasceno Nágila Raquel Teixeira
Published: November 2014

Objetivo Apesar da importância da resistência à insulina (RI) no desenvolvimento de doenças crônicas, seu diagnóstico envolve demandas invasivas. Assim, faz-se necessário o desenvolvimento de métodos alternativos para predizer RI na prática clínica, sendo os indicadores antropométricos uma alternativa. Portanto, o objetivo deste estudo é avaliar o comportamento desses indicadores com relação ao HOMA-IR (Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance). Materiais e métodos: Coletaram-se peso, altura e circunferência da cintura de 148 adolescentes. A partir destes, calcularam-se índice de massa corporal (IMC), índice de massa corporal invertido (IMCi), relação cintura-estatura (RCE) e índice de conicidade (IC). Coletaram-se ainda dados de composição corporal (percentual de gordura corporal – %GC), por meio de bioimpedância elétrica, e dados bioquímicos (glicemia e insulinemia de jejum) empregados no cálculo do HOMA-IR. O ponto de corte para o HOMA-IR adotado foi de 2,39±1,93. A análise estatística envolveu a correlação de Spearman, a construção de modelos de regressão linear múltiplos e curvas ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic), com IC de 95%. Utilizou-se o pacote estatístico SPSS v.18.0, considerando p<0,05 como nível de significância. Resultados Todos os indicadores antropométricos estavam estatisticamente correlacionados de forma positiva ao HOMA-IR. A curva ROC mostrou que CC, RCE e IC, nesta ordem, apresentaram-se mais eficazes em predizer RI. Conclusão Entre os indicadores estudados, aqueles relacionados ao acúmulo de gordura central parecem os mais indicados para predizer RI.
Sitting-height measures are related to body mass index and blood pressure levels in children
Authors: Marcato Daniele Gasparini , Sampaio Jéssica Dutra , Alves Eduardo Roberty Badiani , Jesus Julyanna Silva Araujo de , Fuly Jeanne Teixeira Bessa , Giovaninni Nayara Paula Bermudes , Costalonga Everlayny Fiorot
Published: November 2014

Objective Sitting height (SH) is an important parameter in the evaluation of children with growth and pubertal disorders. Besides this, it has been viewed as a biomarker of cardiovascular risk, which is increased in adults with relatively short legs. So, the aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between body proportions and cardiovascular risk markers in children. Subjects and methods: Eight hundred and seventeen children aged 6‐13 years were evaluated. Weight, height, sitting-height (SH), sitting-height/height (SH/H), body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP) were assessed and converted to standard deviation scores (SDS) for age and sex. Statistical analyses were performed. Results There was a positive association of BMI SDS with SH and SH/H SDS (p<0.001). Overweight children showed SH 0.8 SDS superior to eutrophic children (p<0.001). SH SDS was also directly related to BP SDS, but this association was not independent of the association between obesity and BP when assessed by multiple regression analyzes. Conclusion Measures of SH are strongly associated with BMI and BP in children, although the association between SH and BP is probably dependent on the association of both those variables with BMI. This is (an) important information for correct interpretation of SH values in children.
Screening for acromegaly in adult patients not reporting enlargement of the extremities, but with arterial hypertension associated with another comorbidity of the disease
Authors: Rosario Pedro Weslley , Calsolari Maria Regina
Published: November 2014

Objective To determine the value of acromegaly screening in adult patients not reporting enlargement of the extremities, but who present arterial hypertension associated with at least one other comorbidity of the disease. Subjects and methods Patients seen by general practitioners at primary health care units were evaluated. Among the patients without extremity enlargement, those with recently diagnosed arterial hypertension associated with at least one other comorbidity were selected. Results A total of 1,209 patients were submitted to laboratory investigation. Elevated IGF‐1 was observed in 22 patients. Eighteen patients had adequate suppression of growth hormone (GH). No GH suppression was observed in four women with confirmed elevated IGF‐1. In the latter, IGF‐1 and nadir GH were only slightly elevated, magnetic resonance showed a normal pituitary, and chest and abdominal computed tomography revealed no tumor, and no intervention was performed. Conclusion In patients with arterial hypertension without known pituitary disease, acromegaly is unlikely in the absence of enlargement of the extremities.
Determination of cortisol and cortisone in human saliva by a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method
Authors: Vieira José Gilberto Henriques , Nakamura Odete Hirata , Carvalho Valdemir Melechko
Published: November 2014

Objective Salivary cortisol measurement plays an important role in the evaluation of adrenal function. Its high correlation with free serum cortisol, the easy of sampling and the limited presence of interfering steroids, generated multiple recent studies of its application, in special in the screening of adrenal hyperfunction. In this paper we present our experience in the development of a high pressure liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method for salivary cortisol and cortisone measurement. Materials and methods For this study we used 181 saliva samples from our routine diagnostic laboratory. The HPLC-MS/MS method was based on a Waters Quattro Premier tandem mass spectrometer with an electrospray probe. After derivatization with hydroxylamine transitions monitored included cortisol and cortisone. An in-house radioimmunoassay (RIA) was used for salivary cortisol results comparison. Results Functional sensitivity was 24 ng/dL for cortisol and linearity from 24 to 1929 ng/dL. Saliva cortisol values obtained in the 181 samples presented a median of 52 ng/dL with 5‐95% percentile of 24 and 374 ng/dL. With the RIA the results were 86, 25 and 436 ng/dL, respectively, with values for RIA being significantly higher (P<0.0001) and high correlation (r=0.8312, P<0.0001). Cortisone measured in 159 samples showed a median of 278 ng/dL, with 5‐95% percentile of 100 and 1,133 ng/dL. Correlation with cortisol values was significant (r=0.820, P<0.0001). Conclusion We conclude that the HPLC-MS/MS method compares favorably with the RIA for salivary cortisol measurement, with the additional possibility of concomitant cortisone measurement and the evaluation of 11βHSD2 activity.
Should a family history of papillary thyroid carcinoma indicate more aggressive therapy in patients with this tumor?
Authors: Rosario Pedro Weslley , Calsolari Maria Regina
Published: November 2014

Objective To determine whether the currently recommended therapy for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) that show no classical factors indicating a poor prognosis is also effective in cases with a family history of this tumor. Subjects and methods: Forty-two patients were studied; 10 were submitted to lobectomy and 32 to total thyroidectomy, including 23 without lymph node dissection and 9 with lymph node dissection. None of the patients received radioiodine or was maintained under TSH suppression. Results No case of recurrence was detected by imaging methods and there was no increase in thyroglobulin or antithyroglobulin antibodies during follow-up (24 to 72 months). Conclusion The treatment usually recommended for patients with PTC does not need to be modified in the presence of a family history of this tumor if no factors indicating a poor prognosis are present (tumor ≤2 cm, non-aggressive histology, no extensive extrathyroid invasion or important lymph node involvement, complete tumor resection, no evidence of persistent disease after surgery).
Association of leptin levels with pathogenetic risk of coronary heart disease and stroke: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zeng Rui , Xu Chun-Hua , Xu Yuan-Ning , Wang Ya-li , Wang Mian
Published: November 2014

Objective This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the association of leptin levels with pathogenetic risk of CHD and stroke. Materials and methods Studies were identified in the PubMed, Embase, and Springer link database without language restriction. Odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were used as effect indexes. The association of leptin levels with pathogenetic risk of CHD and stroke, as well as the risk variation of CHD with each additional one unit of leptin level were examined via meta-analysis. The publication bias was assessed via Egger’s linear regression test. Results Eight nested case-control studies consisting of 1,980 patients and 11,567 controls were included for current meta-analysis. ORs (95% CIs) of association of leptin levels with CHD and stroke was 1.90 (1.06, 3.43), and 2.14 (1.48, 3.08), respectively. In addition, significant result was obtained regarding the risk variation of CHD with each additional one unit of leptin level (OR =1.04, 95% CI =1.00‐1.08, P=0.044). There was no significant publication bias as suggested by Egger test outcomes. Conclusion There was a significant association of leptin with pathogenetic risk of CHD and stroke, and raised leptin levels could significantly increase the pathogenetic risk of CHD.
Mutation screening of the sodium iodide symporter gene in a cohort of 105 China patients with congenital hypothyroidism
Authors: Fu Chunyun , Chen Shaoke , Chen Rongyu , Fan Xin , Luo Jingsi , Li Chuan , Qian Jiale
Published: November 2014

Objective Dyshormonogenetic congenital hypothyroidism (CH) was reported to be associated with a mutation in the sodium iodide symporter (NIS) gene. The present study was undertaken in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China, to determine the nature and frequency of NIS gene mutations among patients with CH due to dyshormonogenesis. Subjects and methods: Blood samples were collected from 105 dyshormonogenetic CH patients in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, and genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes. All exons of the NIS gene together with their exon-intron boundaries were screened by next-generation sequencing. Results Two silent variations (T221T and T557T) and one missense variation (M435L), as well as two polymorphisms (rs200587561 and rs117626343) were found. Conclusions Our results indicate that the NIS mutation rate is very low in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, and it is necessary to study mutations of other genes that have major effects on thyroid dyshormonogenesis and have not as yet been studied in this population.
The extracisternal approach in vestibular schwannoma surgery and facial nerve preservation
Authors: Vellutini Eduardo A. S. , Beer-Furlan André , Brock Roger S. , Gomes Marcos Q. T. , Stamm Aldo , Cruz Oswaldo Laercio M.
Published: November 2014

The classical surgical technique for the resection of vestibular schwannomas (VS) has emphasized the microsurgical anatomy of cranial nerves. We believe that the focus on preservation of the arachnoid membrane may serve as a safe guide for tumor removal. Method The extracisternal approach is described in detail. We reviewed charts from 120 patients treated with this technique between 2006 and 2012. Surgical results were evaluated based on the extension of resection, tumor relapse, and facial nerve function. Results Overall gross total resection was achieved in 81% of the patients. The overall postoperative facial nerve function House-Brackmann grades I-II at one year was 93%. There was no recurrence in 4.2 years mean follow up. Conclusion The extracisternal technique differs from other surgical descriptions on the treatment of VS by not requiring the identification of the facial nerve, as long as we preserve the arachnoid envelope in the total circumference of the tumor.
The use of the Clock Drawing Test in bipolar disorder with or without dementia of Alzheimer’s type
Authors: Aprahamian Ivan , Radanovic Marcia , Nunes Paula Villela , Ladeira Rodolfo Braga , Forlenza Orestes Vicente
Published: November 2014

There is limited data regarding the cognitive profile from screening tests of older adults with bipolar disorder (BD) with dementia. Objective To investigate the Clock Drawing Test (CDT) among older adults with BD with and without Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Method 209 older adults (79 with BD without dementia and 70 controls; 60 with AD, being 27 with BD) were included to evaluate the performance of three CDT scoring scales, beyond the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and verbal fluency (VFT). Results Patients with BD without dementia presented with lower scores in MMSE, VF and one CDT scoring scale than controls. Patients with BD and AD presented with lower scores in VF and CDT scoring scales than patients with only AD. All CDT scales presented similar sensitivity and specificity for BD and non-BD groups. Conclusion Elderly subjects with BD showed greater impairment in CDT in both groups of normal cognition and AD.
Clinical applications of immunoglobulin in neuromuscular diseases: focus on inflammatory myopathies
Authors: Souza Paulo Victor Sgobbi de , Pinto Wladimir Bocca Vieira de Rezende , Oliveira Acary Souza Bulle
Published: November 2014

During recent years, an increasing number of neuromuscular diseases have been recognized either to be caused primarily by autoimmune mechanisms, or to have important autoimmune components. The involved pathophysiological mechanisms and clinical manifestations have been better recognized and many of these disorders are potentially treatable by immunosuppression or by immunomodulation with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg). IVIg has been tried in a variety of immune-mediated neurological diseases, being target of widespread use in central and peripheral nervous systems diseases. Objective To give an overview of the main topics regarding the mechanism of action and different therapeutic uses of IVIg in neurological practice, mainly in neuromuscular diseases.
The prevalence of tic disorders in children and adolescents in Brazil
Authors: Alves Helvio L. , Quagliato Elizabeth M. A. B.
Published: November 2014

Tourette syndrome (TS) and tic disorders represent events of familiar magnitude characterized by involuntary movements and/or vocalization. To determine the prevalence of TS/tic disorders we studied a sample of 762 subjects (388 M, 374 F), between 1992 and 1997, age 6 to 43 years old, taken out of a population of 10,155 subjects (4,918 M, 5,237 F; age: 3-56 years old). A structured 4-item questionnaire, direct interview (multistaged), >1 yr follow-up, were used. 9,565 subjects (4,614 M, 4,951 F) sent back the questionnaires, 3,354 of these (1,671 M, 1,683 F) with positive answers to tics. 42 subjects (31 M, 11 F, age: 7-21 years old, mean: 11 years old) met the DSM-III-R criteria. The total minimal prevalence of TS is 0.43%, with a 3:1 ratio male/female. The minimal prevalence of chronic tic disorder is 2.27%. The total minimal prevalence for tic disorders at all is 2.91%. No special education students participation.
Embebição e qualidade fisiológica de sementes de tremoço branco tratadas com micronutrientes
Authors: Almeida Lilian Guimarães de , Brandão Aldeane Sousa , Rossetto Claudia Antonia Vieira
Published: November 2014

As sementes de tremoço branco, devido ao alto teor de óleo e proteína, estão sendo cada vez mais utilizadas na alimentação humana e animal. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a embebição e a qualidade fisiológica de sementes de tremoço branco tratadas via imersão em soluções de micronutrientes. Os tratamentos constaram do controle (isento de imersão), imersão em água destilada e em soluções de Cu, B, Zn, Mn e Mo, em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado. A avaliação da embebição e qualidade fisiológica foi através de testes de germinação e de vigor (primeira contagem de germinação, condutividade elétrica e crescimento de plântulas), bem como a determinação do teor de nutrientes. A velocidade de absorção das sementes de tremoço branco com menor qualidade fisiológica inicial, na presença de Mn e Mo, diminui, enquanto o tratamento de sementes de tremoço branco via imersão em soluções de micronutrientes favorece a sua qualidade fisiológica
Poliartrite em cães - 27 casos (2007-2013)
Authors: Chaves Rafael Oliveira , Beckmann Diego Vilibaldo , Copat Bruna , Baumhardt Raquel , Andrades Amanda Oliveira , Silveira Laís Barbieri , Silva Ana Paula da , Mazzanti Alexandre
Published: November 2014

O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar cães com poliartrite e obter informações a respeito da idade, sexo, raça, peso corporal, queixa principal, alterações no exame físico, do líquido sinovial e resposta à terapia instituída. Os cães sem raça definida e acima de seis anos de idade foram os mais acometidos e o principal sinal clínico observado foi dificuldade de locomoção (71,5%), seguido de dor articular (52,3%) e claudicação (33,3%). Febre e inapetência foram observadas em cinco (18,5%) e quatro cães (14,8%), respectivamente. As principais alterações hematológicas encontradas foram anemia não regenerativa (29,6%), leucocitose (26%) e trombocitopenia (18,5%). Os resultados da bioquímica sérica foram considerados normais em sete de 27 cães (26%) e as principais alterações foram hiperproteinemia (55,5%) e hipoalbuminemia (37%). A inflamação sinovial foi considerada acentuada em 17 cães (77,5%), sendo os neutrófilos predominantes em 52,4% dos casos (n=14). O tratamento foi realizado em 18 cães com doses imunossupressoras de corticosteroides, sendo efetivo em 89% dos casos
Thrips collected in watermelon crops in the semiarid of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
Authors: Costa Ewerton Marinho , Lima Maria Goretti Araújo de , Junior Rui Sales , Cavalleri Adriano , Araujo Elton Lucio
Published: November 2014

The aim of this research was to report the occurrence of two species of thrips in watermelon crops in the semiarid region of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. From August to September 2011, we performed weekly sampling of thrips in a commercial watermelon production area with 10,000m2, using 20 Moericke traps. We captured a total of 431 thrips, belonging to Frankliniella schultzei (Trybom) (Thripidae) and Haplothrips gowdeyi (Franklin) (Phlaeothripidae). This is the first report of H. gowdeyi in watermelon crops in Brazil
Inoculação de Sclerotinia sclerotiorum em sementes de oleaginosas: transmissão e seus efeitos sobre a emergência de plantas
Authors: Venturoso Luciano dos Reis , Bacchi Lilian Maria Arruda , Gavassoni Walber Luiz , Venturoso Lenita Aparecida Conus , Pontim Bruno Cesar Alvaro , Reis Grazieli Frotas dos
Published: November 2014

O trabalho propôs-se a verificar a transmissibilidade de Sclerotinia sclerotiorum de sementes de canola, cártamo, crambe, girassol, nabo forrageiro e níger inoculadas artificialmente e suas implicações na emergência de plântulas. O isolado fúngico foi repicado em placas de Petri, contendo meio BDA, incubado a 20ºC e fotoperíodo de 12 horas. Após o crescimento do patógeno, foram colocadas 50 sementes de cada cultura por placa, onde permaneceram por 20 horas. Como testemunha, utilizaram-se sementes incubadas nas mesmas condições, porém apenas em meio BDA. Observou-se que S. sclerotiorum pode ser transmitido para as plântulas das culturas quando associado às suas sementes, sendo estas uma importante fonte de inóculo. O fungo provocou tombamento de pré e pós-emergência em todas as espécies estudadas
Resultados agronômicos e qualitativos da nova cultivar de trigo 'BRS Marcante'
Authors: Caierão Eduardo , Silva Márcio Só e , Scheeren Pedro Luiz , Castro Ricardo Lima de , Eichelberger Luiz , Nascimento Junior Alfredo do , Guarienti Eliana Maria , Miranda Martha Zavariz de , Pires João Leonardo Fernandes , Maciel João Leodato Nunes , Chaves Márcia Soares , Santana Flávio Martins , Costamilan Leila , Lima Maria Imaculada Pontes Moreira , Lau Douglas , Pereira Paulo Roberto Valle da Silva , Silva Júnior José Pereira da , Wiethölter Sirio , Cunha Gilberto Rocca da
Published: November 2014

A cultivar de trigo 'BRS Marcante' foi desenvolvida pela Embrapa, envolvendo um híbrido F1 do cruzamento entre as linhagens PF 980533 e PF 970227 com a cultivar 'BRS Guamirim', realizado em telado, na Embrapa Trigo, no inverno de 2003. As gerações segregantes foram conduzidas pelo método genealógico e a linhagem resultante, nomeada de PF 080310. A cultivar caracteriza-se pela sua ampla capacidade de adaptação às condições de cultivo do sul do Brasil, pelo bom potencial de rendimento de grãos e qualidade industrial da classe Pão