bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early Child Grammars: Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Morphosyntactic Production
Authors: Legendre Géraldine
Published: November 2006

This article reports on a series of 5 analyses of spontaneous production of verbal inflection (tense and person–number agreement) by 2‐year‐olds acquiring French as a native language. A formal analysis of the qualitative and quantitative results is developed using the unique resources of Optimality Theory (OT; Prince & Smolensky, 2004). It is argued that acquisition of morphosyntax proceeds via overlapping grammars (rather than through abrupt changes), which OT formalizes in terms of partial rather than total constraint rankings. Initially, economy of structure constraints take priority over faithfulness constraints that demand faithful expression of a speaker's intent, resulting in child production of tense that is comparable in level to that of child‐directed speech. Using the independent Predominant Length of Utterance measure of syntactic development proposed in Vainikka, Legendre, and Todorova (1999), production of agreement is shown first to lag behind tense then to compete with tense at an intermediate stage of development. As the child's development progresses, faithfulness constraints become more dominant, and the overall production of tense and agreement becomes adult‐like.
Distribution of lovastatin to bone and its effect on bone turnover in rats
Authors: Jadhav Satyawan B , Murthy P S Narayana , Singh M M , Jain G K
Published: November 2006

Statins, the widely used lipid-lowering drugs, are inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, which catalyses a rate-limiting step in the biosynthesis of cholesterol. Many previous reports show that statins can act both as bone anabolic and as anti-resorptive agents but their beneficial effects on bone turnover are still controversial. Considering their high liver specificity and low oral bioavailability, the distribution of statins to the bone microenvironment is questionable. In this study, the distribution of lovastatin and its active metabolites to bone, with respect to plasma and liver compartments, was examined after oral and intravenous administration in female rats. As compared with oral administration, the distribution of lovastatin to the bone compartment was significantly enhanced after intravenous administration. Further, the effect of lovastatin on bone turnover was studied in-vitro and in-vivo to assess its anti-osteoporotic potential. Lovastatin acid but not lovastatin was found to inhibit parathyroid-hormone-induced bone resorption in an in-vitro chick embryo bone assay. Oral, as well as intravenous, short-term lovastatin treatment significantly reduced the serum total cholesterol, serum total alkaline phosphatase and urinary crosslinks in ovariectomized rats. In accordance with its increased distribution to the bone compartment, intravenously administered lovastatin was more effective in reducing the ovariectomy-induced increase in markers of bone metabolism, especially urinary crosslinks. The findings of this study suggest that statins inhibit bone resorption and that their anti-resorptive efficacy can be increased by administering them by routes other than oral so as to achieve their enhanced concentration in bone.
In-vitro study on the competitive binding of diflunisal and uraemic toxins to serum albumin and human plasma using a potentiometric ion-probe technique
Authors: Davilas A , Koupparis M , Macheras P , Valsami G
Published: November 2006

The competitive binding of diflunisal and three well-known uraemic toxins (3-indoxyl sulfate, indole-3-acetic acid and hippuric acid) to bovine serum albumin (BSA), human serum albumin (HSA) and human plasma was studied by direct potentiometry. The method used the potentiometric drug ion-probe technique with a home-made ion sensor (electrode) selective to the drug anion. The site-oriented Scatchard model was used to describe the binding of diflunisal to BSA, HSA and human plasma, while the general competitive binding model was used to calculate the binding parameters of the three uraemic toxins to BSA. Diflunisal binding parameters, number of binding sites, ni and association constants for each class of binding site, Ki, were calculated in the absence and presence of uraemic toxins. Although diflunisal exhibits high binding affinity for site I of HSA and the three uraemic toxins bind primarily to site II, strong interaction was observed between the drug and the three toxins, which were found to affect the binding of diflunisal on its primary class of binding sites on both BSA and HSA molecules and on human plasma. These results are strong evidence that the decreased binding of diflunisal that occurs in uraemic plasma may not be solely attributed to the lower albumin concentration observed in many patients with renal failure. The uraemic toxins that accumulate in uraemic plasma may displace the drug from its specific binding sites on plasma proteins, resulting in increased free drug plasma concentration in uraemic patients.
The antioxidant role of pterostilbene in streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus in Wistar rats
Authors: Satheesh M Amarnath , Pari L
Published: November 2006

The antioxidant effect of pterostilbene on streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetic rats has been assessed. The activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase and reduced glutathione was significantly decreased in liver and kidney of diabetic animals when compared with normal control. There were significant improvements in these activities after treatment with pterostilbene at a dose of 40 mg kg−1 for six weeks. The increased levels of lipid peroxidation measured as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in liver and kidney of diabetic rats were also normalized by treatment with pterostilbene. Chronic treatment of pterostilbene remarkably reduced the pathological changes observed in liver and kidney of diabetic rats. These results indicated the antioxidant property of pterostilbene.
Investigations on the toxicological profile of functionalized fifth-generation poly(propylene imine) dendrimer
Authors: Agashe Hrushikesh B , Dutta Tathagata , Garg Minakshi , Jain N K
Published: November 2006

Dendrimers have generated tremendous interest in the field of drug delivery. Despite indications of their utility as drug carriers, the inherent cytotoxicity associated with polycationic dendrimers acts as a limiting factor to their clinical applications. Many functionalization strategies have been adopted to mask peripheral amines in order to overcome this limitation. The object of the present investigation was to evaluate the effect of functionalization on the toxicological profile of fifth-generation poly(propylene imine) dendrimer (PPI-5.0G). Four forms of functionalized dendrimers, including protected glycine and phenylalanine, and mannose and lactose functionalized poly(propylene imine) (PPI) dendrimer, were synthesized as prospective drug carriers. These dendrimeric systems were evaluated for haemolytic toxicity, cytotoxicity, immunogenicity and haematological parameters. PPI-5.0G demonstrated a positive charge-based time- and concentration-dependent toxicity profile. Functionalization greatly improved the toxicity profile of the parent dendrimer. Hence it is proposed that these functionalized forms of PPI dendrimer have great potential as bio-compatible drug vehicles.
Gastroprotective activity and cytotoxic effect of cyperenoic acid derivatives
Authors: Pertino Mariano , Rodríguez Jaime A , Theoduloz Cristina , Razmilic Iván , Schmeda-Hirschmann Guillermo
Published: November 2006

The gastroprotective effect of the sesquiterpene cyperenoic acid and seven semi-synthetic derivatives was assessed in the HCl/ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model in mice. At doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg kg−1, cyperenoic acid showed a dose-dependent gastroprotective effect reducing the lesions by 45 and 75% at 50 and 100 mg kg−1, respectively. Seven derivatives of the sesquiterpene were prepared and their gastroprotective activity compared at 50 mg kg−1. The cytotoxicity of the compounds was evaluated in fibroblasts and AGS cells. At 50 mg kg−1, patchoulan-15-oic acid (compound 8) presented the best gastroprotective effect, reducing the gastric lesions by 86%, with a similar effect to lansoprazole at 20 mg kg−1. The gastroprotective effect of cyperenol, cyperenoic acid methyl ester and the ethylamide and butylamide from cyperenoic acid were in the same range, reducing the gastric lesions by 72–77%. Cyperenol and cyperenoic acid methyl ester, however, were more cytotoxic with IC50 (concentration that produces a 50% inhibitory effect) values of 44 and 75, 48 and 75 μM against AGS cells and fibroblasts, respectively. The best gastroprotective effect with lower cytotoxicity was found for the compound 8, cyperenoic acid and the p-anisidyl derivative 7.
Malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the head and neck
Authors: Oguea Joseph H. , Toomey James M. , Setzen Michael , Sobol Steven
Published: November 2006

Eight cases, the largest series of malignant fibrous histiocytomas of the head and neck to date, are reported. In over one‐half of the cases, the initial problems encountered in the case made the true diagnosis misleading. For correct diagnosis multiple biopsies may be required. The diagnosis is further confirmed by the clinical behavior of the tumor and its site, size, and depth of involvement. Four specific histopathologic variants are described. Wide surgical excision is the preferred treatment. The potential role of adjunctive irradiation should be considered.
Traumatic perilymph fistula
Authors: Emmett John R. , Shea John J.
Published: November 2006

Between July 1976 and August 1979, 14 patients underwent surgical repair of a traumatic tympanic membrane perforation. Of these 14 patients, 9 were found to have a profuse perilymph fistula of the round and/or oval window. The perilymph fistula involved the oval window in 2 patients, the round window in 2 patients, and both the oval and round windows in 5 patients. The paucity of suggestive symptoms was the rule, rather than the exception. The mean sensorineural component of hearing loss in the 9 patients was only 11 db, and was often so slight as to be overlooked preoperatively. Only 1 of the 9 patients had vertigo. Six of the 9 had no unsteadiness. Of the 9 patients, 6 had intermittent or no tinnitus; 6 of the 9 paaients had a history of bloody otorrhea; and at their initial examination, 6 of the 9 patients had a dry tympanic membrane perforation. The fistula test was positive in 4 of the 5 patients tested. Of the 8 patients tested, 6 had a positive tandem Romberg sign. The fistulas were repaired with a tissue graft and all had their sensorineural hearing loss return to normal.

There was very little difference between the hearing, complaints of tinnitus, unsteadiness, and vertigo in patients with traumatic tympanic membrane perforations with profuse perilymph fistulas and those without fistulas. This fact, coupled with the high incidence (64%) of associated perilymph fistulas, leads the authors to suggest early repair of traumatic tympanic membrane perforations with careful examination of both the round and oval windows. Perilymph fistulas should be suspected in patients with a positive fistula test and/or a positive tandem Romberg sign.
Transplantation of fresh allografts (homografts) of crushed and uncrushed cartilage and bone: A 1‐year analysis in rabbits
Authors: Brown Barry L. , Kern Eugene B. , Neel H. Bryan
Published: November 2006

Fresh allografts (homografts) of cartilage and bone, crushed and uncrushed, were transplanted in 53 rabbits. Each material was implanted into the auricle and concomitantly into the subdermis of the face. Postoperative assessment was every 1 to 3 days; sacrifice was at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year for microscopic evaluation. Uncrushed cartilage allografts remained viable, and no significant resorption occurred. Crushed cartilage was significantly resorbed by 6 weeks but changed little after that. Resorption of uncrushed bone was moderate and appeared to be ongoing. Total resorption by 1 year occurred in the absence of contact with perichondrium or periosteum. Crushed bone, like crushed cartilage, was largely resorbed. These data document the fact that uncrushed cartilage is superior to crushed cartilage, crushed bone, or uncrushed bone for fresh allograft transplantation in the rabbit and that uncrushed cartilage is probably superior to all other fresh allografts for use in the clinical setting.
Interpreter Services in An Inner City Teaching Hospital: A 6-Year Experience
Authors: Khwaja Nadeem , Sharma Saroj , Wong Julian , Murray David , Ghosh Jonathan , Murphy Michael O , Halka Anastassi T , Walker Michael G
Published: November 2006

INTRODUCTION

Being able to communicate effectively with patients is essential not only from a medicolegal standpoint but more importantly from clinical governance perspectives. Issues such as informed consent and patient choice within the NHS are currently being highlighted; for these to be available to patients, their language requirements are paramount.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

An audit was performed by the Linkworkers office at the Central Manchester & Manchester Children's Hospital NHS (CMMC) Trust on the total number of attendances and refusals per language in the period 1998–2003.

RESULTS

In the CMMC Trust, Urdu/Punjabi, Bengali, Cantonese, Somali, Arabic and French represent the majority of the workload, comprising almost 80% of cases in 2003. In the same year, an increase in demand for languages of Eastern European countries became evident. Finding interpreters for these languages even via agencies can be extremely difficult.

CONCLUSIONS

If the current trend continues, requirement for these services will increase exponentially. For this demand to be met adequately these issues must be kept at the forefront of NHS planning.
The Extended Scope Physiotherapist in Orthopaedic Out-Patients – An Audit
Authors: Pearse EO , Maclean A , Ricketts DM
Published: November 2006

INTRODUCTION

We undertook an audit of the activity of the extended scope physiotherapists (ESPs) in our unit. We assessed their activity against three benchmark data: (i) independent assessment and management by the ESP of 85% of patients seen by them; (ii) no patient to be re-referred to a surgeon with the same problem; and (iii) patient satisfaction rate of 89%.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All new referrals seen by the ESPs over the 6-month period between July 2002 and December 2002 were included in the audit. Patient medical records were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were contacted by telephone 12 months after their initial clinic appointment to obtain patient satisfaction scores.

RESULTS

In the 6-month period, 150 patients (75 male, 75 female) were seen. Their median age was 43.5 years (range, 17–85 years). Their main complaints related to the spine (42%), knee (33%), shoulder (18%), or other site (7%). The ESPs saw and managed 82/150 patients (55%) independently. Consultant review was required for 81% of shoulder cases, 34% of knee cases and 11% of back cases. GPs re-referred 4/150 patients (3%). We successfully contacted 126 patients by telephone: 97 (77%) were satisfied with their management by ESPs. Of patients who were dissatisfied, 76% did not see a consultant at any stage in their management.

CONCLUSIONS

ESPs fulfilled a useful role in our orthopaedic out-patient clinic particularly in the back clinic. The percentage of independently managed patients was much lower than the figure quoted in the literature. We suspect that the published literature does not reflect modern referral patterns and recommend that time for review of new patients seen by ESPs should be factored into consultant's clinic time. Patients' expectations may be a barrier to achieving greater levels of patient satisfaction.
Applying policy and evidence in developing cultural diversity teaching in undergraduate medical education in the UK
Authors: Dogra Nisha , Williams Richard
Published: November 2006

English

This article reports on a study that explored the views of 61 medical education stakeholders about the teaching and learning of cultural diversity in UK medical schools. While a majority of the respondents were familiar with Tomorrow’s doctors, there is little evidence to suggest that it influenced the development of cultural diversity in medical schools or that the GMC’s intentions have been implemented in any meaningful way. We conclude that there are gaps at each of three levels of policy that have led to a lack of coherence in the development and delivery of cultural diversity teaching in the UK.
The cognitive interview: Inexperienced police officers' perceptions of their witness/victim interviewing practices
Authors: Dando Coral , Wilcock Rachel , Milne Rebecca
Published: November 2006

Purpose. The primary objectives of the study reported here were twofold. First, to investigate less experienced frontline police officers' perceptions of their witness interviewing practices with specific reference to their use of the ten cognitive interview components taught during initial PEACE (a mnemonic for the stages of the interview; Planning and preparation, Engage and explain, Account, Closure and Evaluation) interview training. Second, to investigate this group of officers' practical experiences of interviewing witnesses.

Method. A sample of 221 young, in‐service, non‐specialist police officers from five UK police forces completed a self‐report questionnaire concerning their perceived witness interviewing practices. Respondents were surveyed about their use of the PEACE cognitive interview components, their practical experiences of interviewing witnesses and victims, and their views on investigative interviewing training.

Results. There was a consensus among these officers that they perceived using some of the PEACE cognitive interview components more frequently and perceived some of them to be more effective than others.

Conclusion. This study provides a unique insight into the perceived interviewing practices of some of the least experienced and the least trained investigative interviewers who conduct the majority of frontline witness interviews. These officers report feeling inadequately trained, under pressure and generally ill equipped to conduct a PEACE cognitive interview.
Book Reviews
Authors: Birtchnell John
Published: November 2006

Compassion: Conceptualizations, research and use in psychotherapy

By Paul Gilbert Hove, East Sussex: Routledge, 2005. Pp. 403, paperback, ISBN 1 ‐ 58391 ‐ 983‐X
A time series evaluation of the treatment of histrionic personality disorder with cognitive analytic therapy
Authors: Kellett Stephen
Published: November 2006

The central aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of cognitive analytic therapy (CAT) with a patient presenting with Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD). The methodology employed an A/B single case time‐series experimental design, with additionally 6 months of continuous follow‐up in the experimental measures. Five HPD experimental variables were collected on a daily basis, creating 357 days of continual data for analysis, across various phases of assessment baseline (A), treatment (B) and follow‐up. The therapy contract was 24 sessions of CAT, with 4 additional follow‐up sessions, spread over the 6‐month's post‐therapy period. Three out of the five HPD experimental variables (focus on physical appearance, emptiness and child inside) displayed statistically significant phase of treatment effects. Graphing of such data indicated that a ‘sudden deterioration’ occurred at the point of termination, with eventual recovery and maintenance of the progress made during the intervention. A battery of validated clinical measures were also completed at assessment, termination and final follow‐up sessions; analysis of the general measures illustrated clinically significant change, indexing personality integration and reductions to depression. The study is discussed in terms of methodological and clinical limitations, the central importance of process issues and effective termination in HPD, plus the potential utility of CAT in the treatment of HPD presentations.
Immunohistochemical Analysis of ZnT1, 4, 5, 6, and 7 in the Mouse Gastrointestinal Tract
Authors: Yu Yan Yiu , Kirschke Catherine P. , Huang Liping
Published: November 2006

Expression of five zinc transporters (ZnT1, 4, 5, 6, and 7) of the Slc30 family in the mouse gastrointestinal tract was studied by immunohistochemical analysis. Results demonstrated unique expression patterns, levels, and cellular localization among ZnT proteins in the mouse gastrointestinal tract with some overlapping. ZnT1 was abundantly expressed in the epithelium of the esophagus, duodenum of the small intestine, and cecum of the large intestine. ZnT4 was predominantly detected in the large intestine. ZnT5 was mainly expressed in the parietal cell of the stomach and in the absorptive epithelium of the duodenum and jejunum. ZnT6 was predominantly detected in the chief cell of the stomach, columnar epithelial cells of the jejunum, cecum, colon, and rectum. Lastly, ZnT7 was observed in all epithelia of the mouse gastrointestinal tract with the highest expression in the small intestine. Expression of ZnT proteins in the absorptive epithelial cell of the gastrointestinal tract suggests that ZnT proteins may play important roles in zinc absorption and endogenous zinc secretion.
Differential Expression of Calcineurin and SR Ca2+ Handling Proteins in Equine Muscle Fibers During Early Postnatal Growth
Authors: Eizema Karin , van der Wal Dianne E. , van den Burg Maarten M.M. , de Jonge Henriëtte W. , Everts Maria E.
Published: November 2006

During early postnatal development, the myosin heavy chain (MyHC) expression pattern in equine gluteus medius muscle shows adaptation to movement and load, resulting in a decrease in the number of fast MyHC fibers and an increase in the number of slow MyHC fibers. In the present study we correlated the expression of MyHC isoforms to the expression of sarcoplasmic(endo)reticulum Ca2+-ATPase 1 and 2a (SERCA), phospholamban (PLB), calcineurin A (CnA), and calcineurin B (CnB). Gluteus medius muscle biopsies were taken at 0, 2, 4, and 48 weeks and analyzed using immunofluorescence. Both SERCA isoforms and PLB were expressed in almost all fiber types at birth. From 4 weeks of age onward, SERCA1 was exclusively expressed in fast MyHC fibers and SERCA2a and PLB in slow MyHC fibers. At all time points, CnA and CnB proteins were expressed at a basal level in all fibers, but with a higher expression level in MyHC type 1 fibers. From 4 weeks onward, expression of only CnA was also higher in MyHC type 2a and 2ad fibers. We propose a double function of calcineurin in calcium homeostasis and maintenance of slow MyHC fiber type identity. Although equine muscle is already functional at birth, expression patterns of the monitored proteins still show adaptation, depending on the MyHC fiber type.
Embedding of Bone Samples in Methylmethacrylate: A Suitable Method for Tracking LacZ Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Skeletal Tissues
Authors: Hannouche D. , Raould A. , Nizard R.S. , Sedel L. , Petite H.
Published: November 2006

Considerable research has been focused on the use of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for the repair of non-unions and bone defects. To date, the question of whether transplanted MSCs survive and engraft within newly formed tissue remains unresolved. The development of an easy and reliable method that would allow cell fate monitoring in transplant recipients is a pressing concern for the field of tissue engineering. To demonstrate the presence of transplanted cells in newly formed bone, we established a xenograft nude rat model allowing the detection of murine LacZ MSCs in vivo. MSCs were isolated from transgenic lacZ mice, seeded onto bioabsorbable collagen sponges, and transplanted to repair a calvarial defect in nude rats. As a preliminary step, the histological procedure was adapted to optimize the detection of LacZ cells in bone tissue embedded in methylmethacrylate (MMA). Four fixatives and four fixation times were evaluated. Among all the fixatives tested, 2% formaldehyde/0.2% glutaraldehyde at 4C for 4 days gave the best results for X-gal staining at pH 7.4 on both cell cultures and bone explants. All fixatives were effective for imunodetection of β-gal. In the chimeric LacZ/nude rat animal model, MSCs were detected in vivo for up to 4 weeks after implantation and contributed to the repair and the neovascularization of the bone defect. LacZ is a suitable phenotypic marker to track MSCs in skeletal tissues embedded in MMA.
Einheitenkonstruktion im Türkendeutschen: Grammatische und prosodische Aspekte
Authors: Kern Friederike , Selting Margret
Published: November 2006

Our article investigates grammatical and prosodic aspects of turn construction in ‘Türkendeutsch’ (Turkish German), a new ethnic variety of German that is spoken mainly by Turkish adolescents. In our approach, Turkish German is regarded as a style of speaking that is systematically used as a resource for the organization of natural conversational interaction.

On the basis of interactional linguistic theory and conversation-analytic methodology, we investigate pre-positionings and post-positionings of turn constructional units, short prosodic units, and principles of accent placement on word and utterance level. In Turkish German, pre-positionings of temporal adverbs – with following V2-clauses – are often packaged in separate prosodic units with primary accents. Such prosodically exposed pre-positionings are used as focusing devices in narratives. Some kinds of post-positionings are formated according to particular rules of Turkish German which are influenced by Turkish principles of accentuation. They are deployed to shift the focus to the very end of the turn-constructional unit and thus create suspense and/or focus each bit of information separately.

Accentuation principles on both word and utterance level have been found to differ from Standard German accentuation rules in specific contexts. A speaker may playfully shift a word accent (word stress) to create ironic distance; in other instances, primary accents of utterances are shifted to constitute rhythmic coherence with prior utterances rather than to signal the focus of the utterance.

To sum up, grammatical and prosodic resources are shown to be systematically used for the organization of talk-in-interaction.
Fludrocortisone Therapy in Cerebral Salt Wasting
Authors: Taplin Craig E. , Cowell Christopher T. , Silink Martin , Ambler Geoffrey R.
Published: November 2006

Cerebral salt wasting is an increasingly recognized condition in pediatrics and is characterized by inappropriate natriuresis and volume contraction in the presence of cerebral pathology. Diagnosis can be difficult and therapy challenging. A few single case reports of the successful use of fludrocortisone exist. We report 4 patients with cerebral salt wasting, all of whom presented with hyponatremia in the presence of known intracerebral pathology. All had clinically significant hyponatremia, and 3 had hyponatremic seizures. Two of the patients also satisfied clinical criteria for diabetes insipidus. They all were treated with regimens using increased sodium and fluid administration but experienced ongoing salt wasting. Fludrocortisone was instituted in all 4 patients and in 3 resulted in rapid improvement in net sodium balance, enabling the weaning of hypertonic fluids and stabilization of serum electrolytes. In 3 patients, fludrocortisone treatment was complicated by hypokalemia, and in 1 patient by hypertension, which necessitated a dose reduction or brief cessation of therapy. Duration of therapy was 4 to 125 days. Cerebral salt wasting presents considerable management challenges; however, fludrocortisone therapy can be an effective adjunct to treatment.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Neonatal Encephalopathy at 4.7 Tesla: Initial Experiences
Authors: De Vita Enrico , Bainbridge Alan , Cheong Jeanie L. Y. , Hagmann Cornelia , Lombard Rosarie , Chong Wui K. , Wyatt John S. , Cady Ernest B. , Ordidge Roger J. , Robertson Nicola J.
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVES. The goals were to develop safe 4.7-T MRI examination protocols for newborn infants and to explore the advantages of this field strength in neonatal encephalopathy.

METHODS. Nine ventilated newborn infants with moderate or severe encephalopathy were studied at 4.7 T, with ethical approval and informed parental consent. The custom-made, 4.7-T-compatible, neonatal patient management system included acoustic noise protection and physiologic monitoring. An adult head coil was used. Acquisition parameters for T2-weighted fast spin echo MRI and a variety of T1-weighted methods were adapted for MRI of neonatal brain at 4.7 T. The pulse sequences used had a radiofrequency specific absorption rate of <2 W/kg.

RESULTS. Physiologic measures were normal throughout each scan. T2-weighted fast spin echo imaging provided better anatomic resolution and gray/white matter contrast than typically obtained at 1.5 T; T1-weighted images were less impressive.

CONCLUSIONS. With appropriate safety precautions, MRI of newborn infants undergoing intensive care is as feasible at 4.7 T as it is at 1.5 T; our initial studies produced T2-weighted fast spin echo images with more detail than commonly obtained at 1.5 T. Although T1-weighted images were not adequately informative, additional pulse sequence optimization may be advantageous. A smaller neonatal head coil should also permit greater flexibility in acquisition parameters and even more anatomic resolution and tissue contrast. In neonatal encephalopathy, interpretation of the T2-weighted pathologic detail in combination with comprehensive neurodevelopmental follow-up should improve prognostic accuracy and enable more patient-specific therapeutic interventions. In addition, more precise relationships between structural changes and functional impairment may be defined.
Bio-ecological aspects of the hermit crab Paguristes calliopsis (Crustacea, Diogenidae) from Anchieta Island, Brazil
Authors: Biagi Renata , Meireles Andrea L. , Mantelatto Fernando L.
Published: November 2006

In southern Atlantic studies on hermit crab biology are scanty considering the local biodiversity. In this way, some population features of Paguristes calliopsis Forest and Saint Laurent, 1968 such as size frequency distribution, sex ratio and shell occupation in the natural environment were studied. Specimens were collected by means of scuba methods in the infralittoral area of the Anchieta Island. A total of 116 individuals were analyzed. Size measurements (minimum; maximum; mean shield length ± sd, respectively) were 0.8; 4.5; 2.76 ± 0.79 mm for males and 2.28 ± 0.36 mm for females. The sex ratio was 1.47:1 in favor of males which prevailed in the largest size classes. The hermit crabs occupied shells from eleven gastropod species and Cerithium atratum (Born 1778) was significantly the most occupied one (75.86%). Significant correlations were not obtained in all regression analysis, demonstrating sexual differences on fitting of the occupied shells. In the studied area P. calliopsis population is small if compared with the other hermit crab populations. The shell utilization varies as a function of shell availability and hermit crabs interspecific competition, in relation to the other coexistent species.
The Glória quartz-monzodiorite: isotopic and chemical evidence of arc-related magmatism in the central part of the Paleoproterozoic Mineiro belt, Minas Gerais State, Brazil
Authors: Ávila Ciro A. , Teixeira Wilson , Cordani Umberto G. , Barrueto Héctor R. , Pereira Ronaldo M. , Martins Veridiana T.S. , Dunyi Liu
Published: November 2006

The Glória quartz-monzodiorite, one of the mafic plutons of the Paleoproterozoic Mineiro belt, is intrusive into banded gneisses, amphibolites, schists and phyllites of the Rio das Mortes greenstone belt, in the southern portion of the São Francisco Craton, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The Glória quartz-monzodiorite yields a SHRIMP U-Pb zircon age of 2188 ± 29 Ma, suggesting a tectonic relationship with the pre-collisional phase of the Mineiro belt. According to the Nd isotopic evidence (epsilonNd(T) = -3.4; T DM = 2.68 Ga) the original magmas was formed by a mixture among Archean crustal material and Paleoproterozoic juvenile magma. The Glória quartz-monzodiorite shows metaluminous and calc-alkaline tendency with intermediate K content, comparable to that of volcanic-arc rocks. The primary mineralogical assemblage was partly modified by metamorphism, dated between 2131-2121 Ma in nearby coeval plutons. Such metamorphism is significantly older than the reported metamorphic episodes of the Mineiro belt in the Quadrilátero Ferrífero region (2059-2041 Ma) in the eastern portion of the study area. This evidence, together with chemical and isotopic data from other mafic and felsic plutons coeval with the Glória quartz-monzodiorite, indicate a tectonic and magmatic migration within the Mineiro belt from west to east.
Petrography of gypsum-bearing facies of the Codó Formation (Late Aptian), Northern Brazil
Authors: Paz Jackson D.S. , Rossetti Dilce F.
Published: November 2006

An original and detailed study focusing the petrography of evaporites from the Late Aptian deposits exposed in the eastern and southern São Luís-Grajaú Basin is presented herein, with the attempt of distinguishing between primary and secondary evaporites, and reconstructing their post-depositional evolution. Seven evaporites phases were recognized: 1. chevron gypsum; 2. nodular to lensoidal gypsum or anhydrite; 3. fibrous to acicular gypsum; 4. mosaic gypsum; 5. brecciated gypsum or gypsarenite; 6. pseudo-nodular anhydrite or gypsum; and 7. rosettes of gypsum. The three first phases of gypsum display petrographic characteristics that conform to a primary nature. The fibrous to acicular and mosaic gypsum were formed by replacement of primary gypsum, but their origin took place during the eodiagenesis, still under influence of the depositional setting. These gypsum morphologies are closely related to the laminated evaporites, serving to demonstrate that their formation was related to replacements that did not affect the primary sedimentary structures. The pseudo-nodular anhydrite or gypsum seems to have originated by mobilization of sulfate-rich fluids during burial, probably related to halokinesis. The rosettes of gypsum, which intercept all the other gypsum varieties, represent the latest phase of evaporite formation in the study area, resulting from either intrastratal waters or surface waters during weathering.
The evolution of Neoproterozoic magmatism in Southernmost Brazil: shoshonitic, high-K tholeiitic and silica-saturated, sodic alkaline volcanism in post-collisional basins
Authors: Sommer Carlos A. , Lima Evandro F. , Nardi Lauro V. S. , Liz Joaquim D. , Waichel Breno L.
Published: November 2006

The Neoproterozoic shoshonitic and mildly alkaline bimodal volcanism of Southernmost Brazil is represented by rock assemblages associated to sedimentary successions, deposited in strike-slip basins formed at the post-collisional stages of the Brasilian/Pan-African orogenic cycle. The best-preserved volcano sedimentary associations occur in the Camaquã and Campo Alegre Basins, respectively in the Sul-riograndense and Catarinense Shields and are outside the main shear belts or overlying the unaffected basement areas. These basins are characterized by alternation of volcanic cycles and siliciclastic sedimentation developed dominantly on a continental setting under subaerial conditions. This volcanism and the coeval plutonism evolved from high-K tholeiitic and calc-alkaline to shoshonitic and ended with a silica-saturated sodic alkaline magmatism, and its evolution were developed during at least 60 Ma. The compositional variation and evolution of post-collisional magmatism in southern Brazil are interpreted as the result mainly of melting of a heterogeneous mantle source, which includes garnet-phlogopite-bearing peridotites, veined-peridotites with abundant hydrated phases, such as amphibole, apatite and phlogopite, and eventually with the addition of an asthenospheric component. The subduction-related metasomatic character of post-collisional magmatism mantle sources in southern Brazil is put in evidence by Nb-negative anomalies and isotope features typical of EM1 sources.
Amplificação de mRNA de tireoglobulina no sangue de pacientes com carcinoma diferenciado da tireóide: qual o seu verdadeiro significado?
Authors: Coelho Sabrina Mendes , Vaisman Mário , Carvalho Denise Pires de
Published: November 2006

Apesar do excelente prognóstico, aproximadamente 20-40% dos pacientes com carcinoma diferenciado da tireóide (CDT) evoluem com recidiva tumoral e o prognóstico está relacionado principalmente à detecção precoce da doença. Desta forma, o acompanhamento permanente dos pacientes com exames sensíveis é fundamental. A tireoglobulina (Tg) sérica já demonstrou importância como marcador de recidiva. Entretanto, sua dosagem apresenta ainda algumas dificuldades, como a interferência com anticorpo anti-Tg, e a sensibilidade dependente do nível de TSH. A amplificação de mRNA tumor-específico extraído a partir de células neoplásicas na corrente sangüínea apresentou resultados iniciais promissores. No entanto, após quase uma década de estudo da detecção do mRNA de Tg no sangue, ainda não foi estabelecida sua real contribuição no acompanhamento dos pacientes com CDT. Após análise crítica dos estudos publicados, verifica-se a enorme diversidade de protocolos empregados e resultados conflitantes. Desta forma, até o momento, a amplificação de mRNAs tireóide-específicos não é superior à dosagem de Tg sérica existente. A possibilidade de transcrição ilegítima e splicing alternativo são fatores que podem interferir com a especificidade do método.
Performance de glicosímetro utilizado no automonitoramento glicêmico de portadores de diabetes mellitus tipo 1
Authors: Mira Giane Sprada , Candido Lys Mary Bileski , Yale Jean François
Published: November 2006

Este estudo prospectivo avaliou a dose mínima de sangue, precisão e exatidão da glicemia capilar obtidos em glicosímetro digital. Foram avaliados 108 portadores de diabetes mellitus tipo 1 (DM1), adolescentes e adultos, de ambos os sexos, recrutados junto à Clínica de Diabetes do Royal Victoria Hospital, McGill University, Canadá, durante 6 meses. No monitoramento capilar, foi utilizado glicosímetro AccuChek Compact (Roche). Para o volume, testaram-se 6 amostras de sangue, em três glicosímetros, utilizando o desenho cross-over (432 leituras). Para exatidão, comparou-se 100 amostras de sangue arterial e venoso, testadas no glicosímetro e no laboratório. Para precisão, testou-se repetidamente duas amostras de sangue venoso e soluções-controle. Os resultados demonstraram que o volume de 3,0 µL de sangue é suficiente para leitura reprodutível. Os resultados da glicemia venosa e capilar obtidos pelo glicosímetro e testadas no laboratório não apresentaram diferença estatisticamente significativa (p > 0,05). Comparação dos valores de glicemia capilar medida pelo glicosímetro com glicemia venosa e capilar medida no laboratório resultou em coeficientes de correlação de 0,9819 e 0,9842, respectivamente. Estes dados confirmam a alta exatidão e precisão do glicosímetro testado. O estabelecimento de punção digital de 3,0 µL pode ter impacto positivo na aderência ao automonitoramento.
Câncer diferenciado da tiróide de baixo risco: revisão do estado atual da literatura e proposta de conduta
Authors: Ward Laura S. , Marrone Marilia , Camargo Rosalinda Y. , Watanabe Tomoko , Tincani Alfio J. , Matos Patricia S. , Assumpção Ligia V.M. , Tomimori Eduardo , Kulcsar Marco Aurélio , Nunes Maria Tereza , Nogueira Célia R. , Kimura Edna T.
Published: November 2006

A incidência do câncer diferenciado da tiróide vem aumentando há várias décadas no Brasil, assim como em todo o mundo. A popularização de métodos diagnósticos sensíveis e de uso relativamente simples tem contribuído para o diagnóstico cada vez mais freqüente de carcinomas de pequeno tamanho. Uma parte destes tumores ocorre em pacientes denominados de baixo risco, que poderiam se beneficiar de estratégias de conduta menos agressivas. Entretanto, a definição de baixo risco ainda é confusa e não existem meios seguros para distinguir os pacientes que evoluirão de forma pior dos demais. Por outro lado, o uso de novos métodos de acompanhamento vem mudando a maneira de conduzir estes casos. Um grupo multidisciplinar que inclui pesquisadores básicos, endocrinologistas, médicos nucleares, cirurgiões e patologistas endócrinos reviu a literatura pertinente e, com base em sua experiência, propõe algumas normas de conduta no carcinoma diferenciado da tiróide chamado de baixo risco em nosso meio.
Aneurisma gigante de carótida interna simulando macroadenoma de hipófise
Authors: Borges Fabiano Zaidan , Ferreira Beatriz P. , Resende Elisabete A.M.R. , Neto Ezequiel N. , Borges Wilson A.A. , Oliveira Ricardo S.M. , Borges Maria de Fátima
Published: November 2006

O aneurisma gigante com extensão selar é uma causa rara de hipopituitarismo, e está freqüentemente associado com aterosclerose, displasia fibromuscular ou radioterapia hipofisária. O presente caso é de uma paciente de 78 anos com aneurisma gigante de carótida interna esquerda, somente diagnosticado devido a quadro de pan-hipopituitarismo e síndrome de nervos cranianos (compressão dos nervos abducente e ópticos). A etiologia foi definida após tomografia computadorizada, ressonância nuclear magnética e arteriografia cerebral compatíveis com aneurisma. Ficou demonstrada associação com aterosclerose e displasia fibromuscular pela arteriografia. Não foi realizado tratamento cirúrgico após avaliação de risco/benefício. Obteve-se melhora clínica significativa após instituição de reposição hormonal com glicocorticóide e levotiroxina.
Beribéri pós bypass gástrico: uma complicação não tão rara. Relato de dois casos e revisão da literatura
Authors: Alves Lilian F.A. , Gonçalves Ricardo M. , Cordeiro Giovana V. , Lauria Márcio W. , Ramos Adauto V.
Published: November 2006

É crescente o número de pacientes submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica para tratamento da obesidade mórbida; devido a isso, estão reaparecendo deficiências nutricionais com as quais muitos médicos já não estão familiarizados. No pós-operatório, podem ocorrer vários distúrbios nutricionais, sendo um deles a deficiência de tiamina (beribéri). A deficiência de tiamina e/ou vitamina B12 pode corresponder a 40% dos casos de neuropatia após a cirurgia bariátrica. Serão descritos dois pacientes com a clínica de neuropatia periférica e síndrome de Wernicke-Korsakoff. Alguns meses após a cirurgia, eles apresentaram prostração, depressão, confusão mental e nistagmo, associados a dor e parestesia dos membros (principalmente inferiores). Com a hipótese diagnóstica de beribéri, foi iniciado o tratamento com tiamina. Um dos pacientes apresentou melhora completa do quadro neurológico, porém o outro permaneceu com déficit motor, sendo aquele em que decorreu o maior tempo entre o aparecimento dos sintomas e o início do tratamento. Estes casos servem para nos alertar sobre a importância da vigilância nutricional após a cirurgia bariátrica.
Cell proliferation and apoptosis in gastric cancer and intestinal metaplasia
Authors: Forones Nora Manoukian , Carvalho Ana Paula Souza , Giannotti-Filho Oswaldo , Lourenço Laércio Gomes , Oshima Celina Tizuko Fujiyama
Published: November 2006

BACKGROUND: Higher proliferation is commonly observed in cancer cells. Apoptosis can be a useful measure of a tumor cell kinetic. Alteration of the balance between proliferation and apoptosis is associated with cancer. AIM: To study proliferation and apoptosis on gastric cancer and in intestinal metaplasia. METHODOLOGY: Twenty-two samples from gastric adenocarcinomas and 22 biopsies from intestinal metaplasia were studied. The apoptotic bodies in hematoxylin-eosin slides and the expression of p53, bcl-2 and Ki67 were determined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The number of the apoptotic cells was higher in cancer. Ki 67LI increased from intestinal metaplasia to gastric cancer. p53 was positive in 68% of the patients with cancer, more frequently in advanced stage and negative in samples of intestinal metaplasia. Although there was no significant difference between the groups, bcl-2 was positive in 45% of gastric cancer tissue and in 68% of metaplasia. In gastric cancer patients bcl-2 was expressed in early gastric cancer more frequently than in advanced stage. CONCLUSION: The positivity of bcl-2 was higher in metaplasia and probably is involved in the progression of carcinogenesis. p53 was negative in metaplasia and positive in more than half of the gastric cancer, mostly in stage IV, suggesting a late event in gastric cancer.
Treatment of Bothrops alternatus envenomation by Curcuma longa and Calendula officinalis extracts and ar-turmerone
Authors: Melo M.M. , Habermehl G.G. , Oliveira N.J.F. , Nascimento E.F. , Santos M.M.B. , Lúcia M.
Published: November 2006

It was investigated the efficiency of two extracts of plants and one fraction of their properties against the local effects of bothropic envenomation. Bothrops alternatus venom (1.25µg) diluted in 100µl of sterile saline solution was inoculated (intradermally) into the shaved dorsal back skin of 30 New Zealand rabbits. The animals were divided in six groups receiving the following treatments: group I: subcutaneous application of Curcuma longa extract (1.0ml); group II: topic treatment of Curcuma longa hydroalcoholic extract (1.0ml); group III: topic application of ar-turmerone in vaseline (1.0g); group IV: topic application of Curcuma longa methanolic extract (1.0ml); group V: topic application of Calendula officinalis ointment (1.0g); group VI: topic application of saline (1.0ml). These treatments were done at 30 minutes, and at 2, 4, 24 and 72 hours after venom inoculation. Intensity of local edema, hemorrhagic halo and necrosis were evaluated until 168h after that. Additionally, seven days after the Bothrops venom inoculation, blood was collected from heart with and without EDTA (10%) for hemogram and biochemical parameters (total protein, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and fibrinogen) and all the animals were anesthetized, sacrificed by ether inhalation and submitted to necropsy. Fragments of tissues were taken for histopathological evaluation. The most efficient treatment for inhibition of edema, necrosis and local hemorrhage after Bothrops alternatus venom was the topic application of ar-turmerone.
Distrator articular no diagnóstico radiográfico precoce da displasia coxofemoral em cães
Authors: Tôrres R.C.S. , Araújo R.B. , Rezende C.M.F.
Published: November 2006

Foram estudadas radiograficamente as articulações coxofemorais de 60 cães de diferentes raças (32 fêmeas e 28 machos), com o objetivo de se estabelecer o diagnóstico precoce da displasia coxofemoral (DCF). Os exames foram feitos em idade jovem (7,2± 1,2 meses) e repetidos em idade adulta (14,4± 1,6 meses). Utilizaram-se os métodos radiográfico convencional (MRC) e radiográfico por distração (MRD), feito com o auxílio de um dispositivo, especialmente idealizado e confeccionado para o experimento. Observou-se correlação (P<0,001) entre o índice de distração (ID) no primeiro exame e o ângulo de Norberg (AN) no segundo exame. O valor de referência do ID foi de 0,35. Os animais com ID superior ao valor de referência apresentaram sinais radiográficos de doença articular degenerativa (DAD). Quanto maior o ID, maior o grau de displasia e, por conseguinte, maior os achados radiográficos de DAD. Quatro cães considerados normais pelo MRC no segundo exame, tiveram ID superior a 0,35 no primeiro exame, o que mostra existência de animais falsos negativos pelo método convencional. Três cães considerados displásicos apresentaram ID inferiores a 0,35, dois deles classificados como suspeitos pelo MRC, o que comprova a natureza indefinida da categoria. A associação entre o MRC e o método radiográfico proposto, na avaliação da DCF em idade precoce, aumenta a eficiência do diagnóstico, pois é capaz de predizer o fenótipo na idade adulta.