bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Longevity Manipulations Differentially Affect Serotonin/Dopamine Level and Behavioral Deterioration in AgingCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Yin Jiang-An , Liu Xi-Juan , Yuan Jie , Jiang Jing , Cai Shi-Qing
Published: March 2014

Aging is accompanied with behavioral and cognitive decline. Changes in the neurotransmitter level are associated with the age-related behavioral deterioration, but whether well-known longevity manipulations affect the function of neurotransmitter system in aging animals is largely unclear. Here we report that serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) level decrease with age inC. elegans. The reduction results in downregulation of the activity of neurons controlled by 5-HT/DA signaling, and deterioration of some important behaviors, including pharyngeal pumping, food-induced slowing responses, and male mating. Longevity manipulations differentially affect the age-related decline in neuronal level of 5-HT/DA. The reduction and resultant behavioral deterioration occur in long-lived worms with defective insulin signaling [daf-2(e1370),age-1(hx546)] or mitochondria function [isp-1(qm150),tpk-1(qm162)], but not in long-lived worms with dietary restrictioneat-2(ad1116). A reduced expression level of dopa decarboxylase BAS-1, the shared enzyme for 5-HT/DA synthesis, is responsible for the decline in 5-HT/DA levels. RNAi assay revealed that the sustained 5-HT/DA level in neurons of agedeat-2(ad1116) worms requires PHA-4 and its effectors superoxide dismutases and catalases, suggesting the involvement of reactive oxygen species in the 5-HT/DA decline. Furthermore, we found that elevating 5-HT/DA ameliorates age-related deterioration of pharyngeal pumping, food-induced slowing responses, and male mating in both wild-type anddaf-2(e1370) worms. Together, dietary restriction preserves healthy behaviors in aged worms at least partially by sustaining a high 5-HT/DA level, and elevating the 5-HT/DA level in wild-type anddaf-2(e1370) worms improves their behaviors during aging.
Space-Dependent Representation of Objects and Other's Action in Monkey Ventral Premotor Grasping Neurons
Authors: Bonini Luca , Maranesi Monica , Livi Alessandro , Fogassi Leonardo , Rizzolatti Giacomo
Published: March 2014

The macaque ventral premotor area F5 hosts two types of visuomotor grasping neurons: “canonical” neurons, which respond to visually presented objects and underlie visuomotor transformation for grasping, and “mirror” neurons, which respond during the observation of others' action, likely playing a role in action understanding. Some previous evidence suggested that canonical and mirror neurons could be anatomically segregated in different sectors of area F5. Here we investigated the functional properties of single neurons in the hand field of area F5 using various tasks similar to those originally designed to investigate visual responses to objects and actions. By using linear multielectrode probes, we were able to simultaneously record different types of neurons and to precisely localize their cortical depth. We recorded 464 neurons, of which 243 showed visuomotor properties. Canonical and mirror neurons were often present in the same cortical sites; and, most interestingly, a set of neurons showed both canonical and mirror properties, discharging to object presentation as well as during the observation of experimenter's goal-directed acts (canonical-mirror neurons). Typically, visual responses to objects were constrained to the monkey peripersonal space, whereas action observation responses were less space-selective. Control experiments showed that space-constrained coding of objects mostly relies on an operational (action possibility) rather than metric (absolute distance) reference frame. Interestingly, canonical-mirror neurons appear to code object as target for both one's own and other's action, suggesting that they could play a role in predictive representation of others' impending actions.
Spinal Glutamatergic Neurons Defined by EphA4 Signaling Are Essential Components of Normal Locomotor Circuits
Authors: Borgius Lotta , Nishimaru Hiroshi , Caldeira Vanessa , Kunugise Yuka , Löw Peter , Reig Ramon , Itohara Shigeyoshi , Iwasato Takuji , Kiehn Ole
Published: March 2014

EphA4 signaling is essential for the spatiotemporal organization of neuronal circuit formation. In mice, deletion of this signaling pathway causes aberrant midline crossing of axons from both brain and spinal neurons and the complete knock-outs (KOs) exhibit a pronounced change in motor behavior, where alternating gaits are replaced by a rabbit-like hopping gait. The neuronal mechanism that is responsible for the gait switch in these KO mice is not known. Here, using intersectional genetics, we demonstrate that a spinal cord-specific deletion of EphA4 signaling is sufficient to generate the overground hopping gait. In contrast, selective deletion of EphA4 signaling in forebrain neurons, including the corticospinal tract neurons, did not result in a change in locomotor pattern. The gait switch was attributed to the loss of EphA4 signaling in excitatory Vglut2+neurons, which is accompanied by an increased midline crossing of Vglut2+neurons in the ventral spinal cord. Our findings functionally define spinal EphA4 signaling in excitatory Vglut2+neurons as required for proper organization of the spinal locomotor circuitry, and place these cells as essential components of the mammalian locomotor network.
Enhanced Medial Prefrontal-Default Mode Network Functional Connectivity in Chronic Pain and Its Association with Pain Rumination
Authors: Kucyi Aaron , Moayedi Massieh , Weissman-Fogel Irit , Goldberg Michael B. , Freeman Bruce V. , Tenenbaum Howard C. , Davis Karen D.
Published: March 2014

Rumination is a form of thought characterized by repetitive focus on discomforting emotions or stimuli. In chronic pain disorders, rumination can impede treatment efficacy. The brain mechanisms underlying rumination about chronic pain are not understood. Interestingly, a link between rumination and functional connectivity (FC) of the brain's default mode network (DMN) has been identified within the context of mood disorders. We, and others, have also found DMN dysfunction in chronic pain populations. The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is a key node of the DMN that is anatomically connected with the descending pain modulatory system. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that in patients with chronic pain, the mPFC exhibits abnormal FC related to the patient's degree of rumination about their pain. Seventeen patients with idiopathic temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and 17 age- and sex-matched healthy controls underwent resting state functional MRI, and rumination about pain was assessed through the rumination subscale of the Pain Catastrophizing Scale. Compared with healthy controls, we found that TMD patients exhibited enhanced mPFC FC with other DMN regions, including the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC)/precuneus (PCu) and retrosplenial cortex. We also found that individual differences in pain rumination in the chronic pain patients (but not in healthy controls) were positively correlated to mPFC FC with the PCC/PCu, retrosplenial cortex, medial thalamus, and periaqueductal/periventricular gray. These data implicate communication within the DMN and of the DMN with the descending modulatory system as a mechanism underlying the degree to which patients ruminate about their chronic pain.
Genetic Suppression of Transgenic APP Rescues Hypersynchronous Network Activity in a Mouse Model of Alzeimer's Disease
Authors: Born Heather A. , Kim Ji-Yoen , Savjani Ricky R. , Das Pritam , Dabaghian Yuri A. , Guo Qinxi , Yoo Jong W. , Schuler Dorothy R. , Cirrito John R. , Zheng Hui , Golde Todd E. , Noebels Jeffrey L. , Jankowsky Joanna L.
Published: March 2014

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with an elevated risk for seizures that may be fundamentally connected to cognitive dysfunction. Supporting this link, many mouse models for AD exhibit abnormal electroencephalogram (EEG) activity in addition to the expected neuropathology and cognitive deficits. Here, we used a controllable transgenic system to investigate how network changes develop and are maintained in a model characterized by amyloid β (Aβ) overproduction and progressive amyloid pathology. EEG recordings in tet-off mice overexpressing amyloid precursor protein (APP) from birth display frequent sharp wave discharges (SWDs). Unexpectedly, we found that withholding APP overexpression until adulthood substantially delayed the appearance of epileptiform activity. Together, these findings suggest that juvenile APP overexpression altered cortical development to favor synchronized firing. Regardless of the age at which EEG abnormalities appeared, the phenotype was dependent on continued APP overexpression and abated over several weeks once transgene expression was suppressed. Abnormal EEG discharges were independent of plaque load and could be extinguished without altering deposited amyloid. Selective reduction of Aβ with a γ-secretase inhibitor has no effect on the frequency of SWDs, indicating that another APP fragment or the full-length protein was likely responsible for maintaining EEG abnormalities. Moreover, transgene suppression normalized the ratio of excitatory to inhibitory innervation in the cortex, whereas secretase inhibition did not. Our results suggest that APP overexpression, and not Aβ overproduction, is responsible for EEG abnormalities in our transgenic mice and can be rescued independently of pathology.
Maturation of AMPAR Composition and the GABAAR Reversal Potential in hPSC-Derived Cortical Neurons
Authors: Livesey Matthew R. , Bilican Bilada , Qiu Jing , Rzechorzek Nina M. , Haghi Ghazal , Burr Karen , Hardingham Giles E. , Chandran Siddharthan , Wyllie David J.A.
Published: March 2014

Rodent-based studies have shown that neurons undergo major developmental changes to ion channel expression and ionic gradients that determine their excitation-inhibition balance. Neurons derived from human pluripotent stem cells theoretically offer the potential to study classical developmental processes in a human-relevant system, although this is currently not well explored. Here, we show that excitatory cortical-patterned neurons derived from multiple human pluripotent stem cell lines exhibit native-like maturation changes in AMPAR composition such that there is an increase in the expression of GluA2(R) subunits. Moreover, we observe a dynamic shift in intracellular Cl−levels, which determines the reversal potential of GABAAR-mediated currents and is influenced by neurotrophic factors. The shift is concomitant with changes in KCC2 and NKCC1 expression. Because some human diseases are thought to involve perturbations to AMPAR GluA2 content and others in the chloride reversal potential, human stem-cell-derived neurons represent a valuable tool for studying these fundamental properties.
DNA i-motif provides steel-like tough ends to chromosomes
Authors: Singh Raghvendra P. , Blossey Ralf , Cleri Fabrizio
Published: March 2014

We studied the structure and mechanical properties of DNA i-motif nanowires by means of molecular dynamics computer simulations. We built up to 230 nm-long nanowires, based on a repeated TC5 sequence from NMR crystallographic data, fully relaxed and equilibrated in water. The unusual C●C+ stacked structure, formed by four ssDNA strands arranged in an intercalated tetramer, is here fully characterized both statically and dynamically. By applying stretching, compression and bending deformations with the steered molecular dynamics and umbrella sampling methods, we extract the apparent Young’s and bending moduli of the nanowire, as well as estimates for the tensile strength and persistence length. According to our results, i-motif nanowires share similarities with structural proteins, as far as their tensile stiffness, but are closer to nucleic acids and flexible proteins, as far as their bending rigidity is concerned. Curiously enough, their tensile strength makes such DNA fragments tough as mild steel or a nickel alloy. Besides their yet to be clarified biological significance, i-motif nanowires may qualify as interesting candidates for nanotechnology templates, due to such outstanding mechanical properties.
Chinese adverbial Quan as a dual-function operator
Authors: Lee Peppina Po-lun , Haihua Pan , Lei Zhang
Published: March 2014

Although Tomioka and Tsai (2005) claim that unlike dou, quan is a domain restrictor without any quantificational or distributive force, in this paper, we will argue that in addition to being a domain restrictor, quan has to be analysed as a universal quantifier, hence a dual-function operator, when (a) there is an appropriate quantificational domain, contributed by either a set of individuals denoted by plural NPs or a set of degree triggered by the predicate, and there exist no other adverbial quantifiers or distributive operators occurring to the right of quan; (b) when quan follows dou; and (c) there exists a focus in the sentence with which quan associates. Ambiguity would arise when quan functions as both a domain restrictor and a universal quantifier. Our analysis can account for not only the similarities between quan and dou, but also, more importantly, their differences in semantic properties and sentence distributions.
Comparison of the instantiations of marked Chinese and English tense
Authors: Wei He , Ruizhi Ma
Published: March 2014

Based on Systemic Functional Grammar, this study compares instantiations of marked tense in Chinese with those in English, including simple and complex tense, and the relationship between tense and temporal circumstance. Compared with the instantiations of tense in English, the grammatical realizations of Chinese tenses do not distinguish between finiteness and non-finiteness, and tend to be located closest to the time of the event; also, unlike the mirror concord relationship between tense and temporal circumstance in English, the relationship between marked Chinese tense and temporal circumstance is that of cooperation. When the temporal direction of the temporal circumstance is in accordance with the temporal deictic meaning of the marked tense, it does not affect the temporal structure of the event; otherwise, addition or removal of a temporal circumstance might change the temporal profile of the event.
Negotiating one’s expertise through appraisal in CVs
Authors: Lipovsky Caroline
Published: March 2014

This study uses empirical data to explore the linguistic features that play a role in recruiters’ impressions of job applicants. In particular, it investigates the evaluative language used by job applicants in their CV description of their professional experiences and competences. Drawing on analysis of a set of CVs collected in France that uses systemic functional linguistics, and in particular APPRAISAL theory, this study highlights the ways in which applicants appraise their skills and competences and identifies the characteristics of successful applications. The analysis reveals how CVs function as contextual metaphors by presenting recruiters with surface level descriptions of applicants’ professional experience, while infusing these descriptions at another level with evaluative meanings that aim to validate applicants’ claims of professional competence and to persuade recruiters to align with those claims and grant a job interview. This study also establishes a useful link between appraisal analysis and impression management theory.
The language of identity discourse
Authors: Tann Ken
Published: March 2014

This paper attempts to model the discursive construction of identity in a way that retains its multifaceted dynamics within a coherent framework. It examines the construction of a sense of communities, shared values, and historical figures as part of a collective culture, and proposes a model of iconography for the study of the linguistic mechanisms underlying these discursive tropes in identity discourses. Focusing on the exoticization of Japanese identity in popular texts, the study seeks to map out the potential space of this iconography, drawing on the latest research in Systemic Functional Linguistics and Legitimation Code Theory.
Resource notes
Authors: Linehan Andy
Published: March 2014

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Language, music and cultural consolidation on Minami Daito
Authors: Hayward Philip , Long Daniel
Published: March 2014

The remote, southern Japanese island of Minami Daito was first settled in 1900. It is part of the Japanese prefecture of Okinawa but is geographically distant from the main Okinawan archipelago and displays many non-Okinawan linguistic, cultural and social characteristics. The island was settled by two culturally disparate groups: pioneers from Hachjio Island, 1150 kilometres to the north east, who established a sugarcane industry on the previously uninhabited island; and workers from Okinawa, some 450 kilometres to the west, who were brought in to work in the fields and refineries run by Hachijoan supervisors. Over the last century the island has experienced a process of rapprochement and consolidation between the two communities that has resulted in linguistic syncreses and, more recently, the incorporation of Hachijoan descendents into a local music culture that primarily derives from Okinawa. Since the late 1980s a small group of musicians have coalesced in a musical initiative that has, to date, produced several CDs, a number of original songs and a performing ensemble that has gained external concert and media exposure. This activity has created a sense of cultural cohesion and a distinct identity for contemporary Minami Daitoans. This article analyses the historical process of consolidation; the context and nature of the musical material performed in recent years (with particular regard to song texts); and the manner in which the island community inter-relates with other areas of Japan.
‘Suck more piss’
Authors: Oldham Paul
Published: March 2014

Australian pub rock began in Melbourne in late 1969/early 1970 and became the nation’s most successful penetration into the international rock market and audiences. While commendable work has been written about Australia’s scene spaces (particularly Homan 2003; Stratton 2007), most remain Sydney-centric and typically overlook the equally (if not more) important Melbourne rock scene. In all cases the fermentative period of pub rock—and especially the combined roles played by its early audiences, musicians and venues—remains under-examined. This article will explore Australian pub rock’s beginnings through the lens of the career trajectory of Billy Thorpe & The Aztecs, and how that influenced, and was influenced by, the specific demands of Melbourne’s fluid audiences and venues leading up to the Oz rock era, using the key case studies of Mulgrave’s Village Green Hotel and Nunawadings’s Whitehorse Hotel.
Music festivals and regional development policy
Authors: Gibson Chris
Published: March 2014

This article examines the policy significance of festivals in regional development. It draws on experience conducting research on, and working with, festivals in rural and regional Australia for over a decade. Gibson summarizes the role of festivals in a broad spectrum of regional development concerns, from direct economic impacts to benefits for community, musical work and well-being. A perspective is offered that seeks to integrate questions of cultural identity, belonging, economy and place—and the music itself. He argues that from a regional development policy perspective the qualities of music festivals matter enormously: their format, management structure, values, ethics and decision-making, and degree of integration into local and regional community and economic life. Seemingly lucrative commercial festivals might well draw in large direct profits, but they do not necessarily contribute most effectively to regional development. Likewise, although small community and non-profit music festivals seem to offer limited job creation and visitor expenditure, when seen as part of a cumulative community festival ecology, they are an underestimated and yet important catalyst for cultural and regional economic development.
Oblates and Nation-building in Alberta
Authors: Caufield Catherine
Published: March 2014

This article places the work of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, particularly residential schools, within the context of independence movements and nation-building of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. As sociopolitical change became manifestly evident from early in the nineteenth century, Indians sought education for their children as a means of assisting them to adapt to the changing world. In Canada such education became part of public policy for a different reason: Assimilation was considered advantageous for nation-building –a perspective which persisted into the 1970s. Concern for Indian culture and survival was shown in the actions of Oblate priests early in their ministry as they sought to intercede at all levels of government on behalf of their constituents. Priests influenced by liberation theology of the 1970s and 1980s took a new approach to community building. The sociopolitical context changed as preparations leading up to the 1992 quincentennial of Columbus’ “discovery” of the Americas unfolded and the work of the Oblates began to be viewed differently from both outside and inside the Society. During the 1990s public apologies were made to First Nations and Métis by governments and Churches. In the current post-apology context there are joint initiatives, such as the pilgrimage at Lac Sainte Anne, which reveal continuing efforts on the part of Oblate, First Nations and Métis communities to heal past trauma and move together into a shared future in the Canadian province of Alberta.
William James on Religious Saints and Verifying the God Hypothesis
Authors: Shook John R
Published: March 2014

William James proposed a Science of Religions in his Varieties of Religious Experience in order to fulfill his promise that pragmatic empiricism could illuminate the meaning and truth conditions of religious ideas. Most commentators have focused either on his “will to believe” defense of faith, or on his analysis of the power of mystical inspiration. A unifying interpretation is assembled, synthesizing his kind of pragmatism, his fascination with mysticism, and his application of Science of Religions to religious saints. Religious saints generate live hypotheses about society moving towards the ideal moral order. People can participate in that momentous opportunity for progress with their own moral lives. Although James’s Science of Religions permits interdisciplinary inquiry into religious experience, and especially the moral energy of inspired saints, his hopes for verifying hypotheses about God cannot be fulfilled.
Relationships Between Positive and Negative Affect and the Five Factors of Personality in a Brazilian Sample
Authors: Zanon Cristian , Bastianello Micheline Roat , Pacico Juliana Cerentini , Hutz Claudio Simon
Published: March 2014

Strong associations of Neuroticism and Extraversion with positive affects (PA) and negative affects (NA) have been reported in the international literature. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of such relationships in a Brazilian sample, and also to investigate the role of Conscientiousness, Agreeableness and Openness in the prediction of PA and NA through the use of a hybrid structural model. Participants were 319 university students, between 17 and 37 years of age (mean = 21.5, SD = 4.9). Approximately 64% of the students were female and 36% male. Results showed that Neuroticism was the most important predictor of PA and NA, followed by Conscientiousness, but not Extraversion. Surprisingly, Agreeableness was shown to be a weak prediction for NA, but had no relationship with PA. As expected, Openness showed no relationship with PA or NA. These results are partially in agreement with the international literature but some important differences were detected.
Techniques Used in Forensic Psychological Examinations in Cases of Child and Adolescent Sexual Abuse
Authors: Gava Lara Lages , DellAglio Debora Dalbosco
Published: March 2014

Currently, there is no standardized protocol for the evaluation of situations of sexual abuse. Thus, this study investigated the techniques used by psychologists in forensic examinations in cases of suspected child and adolescent sexual abuse in the context of the criminal investigation. Semi-structured interviews, which were qualitatively analyzed using the WebQDA software, were applied with twelve psychologists who work as expert witnesses in the Medical-Legal Institute of six Brazilian capitals. The results showed a diversity of actions taken in the forensic examination practice, as well as consensus and controversy regarding the use of psychological testing and the credibility assessment of the report. Flexibility in conducting the forensic examinations by the teams was also observed, with the techniques used adapted according to the needs. The importance of the diversity of techniques was highlighted, as these aim to assist the expert witness to come to reliable conclusions, as well as maintain the rigor and technical quality of the evaluation.
Marital Satisfaction: The Role of Social Skills of Husbands and Wives
Authors: Villa Miriam Bratfisch , Del Prette Zilda Aparecida Pereira
Published: March 2014

Among the multiple determinants of marital satisfaction, evidence points to the social skills of married couples. This study investigates the correlations between these constructs, cross-correlating data from husband and wives. A total of 406 married individuals, 188 men and 218 women, completed the Marital Satisfaction Scale, Social Skills Inventory (SSI-Del-Prette) and Marital Social Skills Inventory (MSSI-Villa&Del-Prette). The results revealed a significant correlation among the scores of the three instruments, confirming the relationship between marital satisfaction and the social skills of married couples. In the cross-correlations, three classes of marital social skills (proactive self-control, reactive self-control and expressiveness/empathy) were more strongly correlated to husbands’ marital satisfaction, and husbands’ three social skills (assertive conversation, self-assertiveness and expressiveness/empathy) were correlated with wives’ marital satisfaction. Gender differences concerning the importance of one spouse’s social skills leading to the other spouse’s satisfaction are stressed as an item to be used in detailed diagnostics and effective interventions with couples. Some issues for future research are also discussed.
ANIMAL MODELS FOR THE STUDY OF LEISHMANIASIS IMMUNOLOGY
Authors: Loria-Cervera Elsy Nalleli , Andrade-Narvaez Fernando Jose
Published: March 2014

Leishmaniasis remains a major public health problem worldwide and is classified as Category I by the TDR/WHO, mainly due to the absence of control. Many experimental models like rodents, dogs and monkeys have been developed, each with specific features, in order to characterize the immune response to Leishmania species, but none reproduces the pathology observed in human disease. Conflicting data may arise in part because different parasite strains or species are being examined, different tissue targets (mice footpad, ear, or base of tail) are being infected, and different numbers (“low” 1×102 and “high” 1×106) of metacyclic promastigotes have been inoculated. Recently, new approaches have been proposed to provide more meaningful data regarding the host response and pathogenesis that parallels human disease. The use of sand fly saliva and low numbers of parasites in experimental infections has led to mimic natural transmission and find new molecules and immune mechanisms which should be considered when designing vaccines and control strategies. Moreover, the use of wild rodents as experimental models has been proposed as a good alternative for studying the host-pathogen relationships and for testing candidate vaccines. To date, using natural reservoirs to study Leishmania infection has been challenging because immunologic reagents for use in wild rodents are lacking. This review discusses the principal immunological findings against Leishmania infection in different animal models highlighting the importance of using experimental conditions similar to natural transmission and reservoir species as experimental models to study the immunopathology of the disease.
In vitro ANTIGIARDIAL ACTIVITY OF THE CYSTEINE PROTEASE INHIBITOR E-64
Authors: Carvalho Thais Batista de , Oliveira-Sequeira Teresa Cristina Goulart , Guimaraes Semiramis
Published: March 2014

The quest for new antiparasitic alternatives has led researchers to base their studies on insights into biology, host-parasite interactions and pathogenesis. In this context, proteases and their inhibitors are focused, respectively, as druggable targets and new therapy alternatives. Herein, we proposed to evaluate the in vitro effect of the cysteine protease inhibitor E-64 on Giardia trophozoites growth, adherence and viability. Trophozoites (105) were exposed to E-64 at different final concentrations, for 24, 48 and 72 h at 37 °C. In the growth and adherence assays, the number of trophozoites was estimated microscopically in a haemocytometer, whereas cell viability was evaluated by a dye-reduction assay using MTT. The E-64 inhibitor showed effect on growth, adherence and viability of trophozoites, however, its better performance was detected in the 100 µM-treated cultures. Although metronidazole was more effective, the E-64 was shown to be able to inhibit growth, adherence and viability rates by ≥ 50%. These results reveal that E-64 can interfere in some crucial processes to the parasite survival and they open perspectives for future investigations in order to confirm the real antigiardial potential of the protease inhibitors.
MOLECULAR TYPING OF Giardia duodenalis ISOLATES FROM NONHUMAN PRIMATES HOUSED IN A BRAZILIAN ZOO
Authors: David Erica Boarato , Patti Mariella , Coradi Silvana Torossian , Oliveira-Sequeira Teresa Cristina Goulart , Ribolla Paulo Eduardo Martins , Guimaraes Semiramis
Published: March 2014

Giardia infections in captive nonhuman primates (NHP) housed at a Brazilian zoo were investigated in order to address their zoonotic potential. Fresh fecal samples were collected from the floors of 22 enclosures where 47 primates of 18 different species were housed. The diagnosis of intestinal parasites after concentration by sedimentation and flotation methods revealed the following parasites and their frequencies: Giardia (18%); Entamoeba spp. (18%); Endolimax nana (4.5%); Iodamoeba spp. (4.5%); Oxyurid (4.5%) and Strongylid (4.5%). Genomic DNA extracted from all samples was processed by PCR methods in order to amplify fragments of gdh and tpi genes of Giardia. Amplicons were obtained from samples of Ateles belzebuth, Alouatta caraya, Alouatta fusca and Alouatta seniculus. Clear sequences were only obtained for the isolates from Ateles belzebuth (BA1), Alouatta fusca (BA2) and Alouatta caraya (BA3). According to the phenetic analyses of these sequences, all were classified as assemblage A. For the tpi gene, all three isolates were grouped into sub-assemblage AII (BA1, BA2 and BA3) whereas for the gdh gene, only BA3 was sub-assemblage AII, and the BA1 and BA2 were sub-assemblage AI. Considering the zoonotic potential of the assemblage A, and that the animals of the present study show no clinical signs of infection, the data obtained here stresses that regular coproparasitological surveys are necessary to implement preventive measures and safeguard the health of the captive animals, of their caretakers and of people visiting the zoological gardens.
FREQUENCY, URINALYSIS AND SUSCEPTIBILITY PROFILE OF PATHOGENS CAUSING URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS IN ENUGU STATE, SOUTHEAST NIGERIA
Authors: Dibua Uju M.E. , Onyemerela Ifeoma S. , Nweze Emeka I.
Published: March 2014

Objective: This study was designed to determine the frequency and causative agent(s) of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in individuals with symptoms of urinary tract infections in Enugu State of Southeast Nigeria, and to determine the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of microbial agents isolated from urine culture. Methods: The study involved 211 individuals (149 females and 62 males) clinically suspected for UTI. Urine samples were collected by the mid-stream ‘clean catch' method and tested using standard procedures. Antibiotic susceptibility of the isolated pathogens was tested using the Kirby-Bauer technique according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Results: Microscopy of centrifuged urine samples showed 16 patients had pyuria while 54 had pus cells. Calcium oxalate crystals were found in 14 samples. Urinalysis performed with urine samples showed 17 had protein; seven were nitrite positive and three had moderate to high glucose concentration. Fifty-four urine samples (36.2%) from females and 12 (19.4%) from males showed significant growth upon culture. Gram stain and biochemical tests identified nine different organisms with Escherichia coli as the most common isolated species. Forty three randomly selected strains were further tested for their susceptibility against a panel of antibiotics. Thirty isolates (81.08%) were resistant to four or more antibiotics with the highest resistance shown by E. coli (76.67%). All the Gram- negative isolates were resistant to Ampicilox, Cefuroxime and Amoxicillin. Conclusion: Urinary tract infections were found more in females in the area under study. As found in other studies, E. coli was the most predominant isolate, although other organisms seem to be on the increase.
CORAL SNAKE ANTIVENOM PRODUCED IN CHICKENS (Gallus domesticus)
Authors: Aguilar Irma , Sanchez Elda E. , Giron Maria E. , Estrella Amalid , Guerrero Belsy , Rodriguez-Acosta F. Alexis
Published: March 2014

The production of anti-snake venom from large mammal's blood has been found to be low-yielding and arduous, consequently, antivenom immunoglobulins for treatment are achieved regularly as polyvalent serum. We have standardized an undemanding technique for making purified immunoglobulin IgY antivenom consisting of polyclonal antibodies against coral snake venom in the egg yolk of immunized hens. We have adapted a reported process of antibody purification from egg yolks, and achieved 90% antibody purity. The customized technique consisted of the removal of lipids from distilled water-diluted egg yolks by a freeze–thaw sequence. The specific immunoglobulins were present in the egg yolk for up to 180 days postimmunization. Therefore, by means of small venom quantities, a significant amount of immunoglobulins were found in an adequately purified state (The obtained material contained about 90% pure IgY). The antigen binding of the immunoglobulins was detected by a double immunodiffusion test. Titers of antibodies in the yolk were estimated with a serum protection assay (Median effective dose = ED50) (ED50= 477 mg/kg). Given that breeding hens is economically feasible, egg gathering is noninvasive and the purification of IgY antibodies is quick and easy, chicken immunization is an excellent alternative for the production of polyclonal antibodies. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first coral snake antivenom prepared in birds.
FIRST CASE OF AUTOCHTHONOUS HUMAN VISCERAL LEISHMANIASIS IN THE URBAN CENTER OF RIO DE JANEIRO: CASE REPORT
Authors: Silva Guilherme Almeida Rosa da , Boechat Thiago de Oliveira , Ferry Fernando Raphael de Almeida , Pinto Jorge Francisco da Cunha , Azevedo Marcelo Costa Velho Mendes de , Carvalho Ricardo de Souza , Motta Rogerio Neves , Veras Mariana Ferreira
Published: March 2014

Visceral leishmaniasis is an anthropozoonosis that is caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania, especially Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum, and is transmitted to humans by the bite of sandflies of the genus Lutzomyia, such as Lutzomyia longipalpis. There are many reservoirs, including Canis familiaris. It is a chronic infectious disease with systemic involvement that is characterized by three phases: the initial period, the state period and the final period. The main symptoms are fever, malnutrition, hepatosplenomegaly, and pancytopenia. This article reports a case of a patient diagnosed with visceral leishmaniasis in the final period following autochthonous transmission in the urban area of Rio de Janeiro. The case reported here is considered by the Municipal Civil Defense and Health Surveillance of Rio de Janeiro to be the first instance of autochthonous visceral leishmaniasis in humans in the urban area of this city. The patient was discharged and is undergoing a follow-up at the outpatient clinic, demonstrating clinical improvement.
Associated factors to self-rated health among hypertensive and/or diabetic elderly: results from Bambuí project
Authors: Loyola Filho Antônio Ignácio de , Firmo Josélia de Oliveira Araújo , Uchôa Elizabeth , Lima-Costa Maria Fernanda
Published: March 2014

Objective: This study investigated the associated factors with negative self-rated health among hypertensive and/or diabetic elderly. Methods: All the participants of Bambuí Project elderly cohort who suffered from hypertension and/or diabetes and who answered the questionnaire without the help of a close informant were selected for this (n = 942). Covariates encompassed sociodemographic characteristics, social support, health behaviors, health status and use of health services. Results: Negative self-rated health showed positively associated with dissatisfaction with social relations (PR = 1.98, 95%CI 1.42 - 2.76), attendance at religious services less than once a month (PR = 1.96, 95%CI 1.44 - 2.68; be smokers (PR = 1.64, 95%CI 1.24 - 2.17), presence of arthritis (PR = 1.35, 95%CI 1.07 - 1.71), depressive symptoms (PR = 1.81, 95%CI 1.37 - 2.39) and insomnia (PR = 1.37, 95%CI 1.06 - 1.78), having consulted the doctor two or more times in the last twelve months (PR = 2.18; 95%CI 1.14 - 4.19 and PR = 3.96; 95%CI 2.10 - 7.48, respectively for "2 - 3" and "4+" visits), and have hypertension and diabetes (compared to the isolated presence of hypertension) Conclusions: Our results confirmed the multidimensional nature of self-rated health and were consistent with that observed in other national and international studies.
Prevalence of weight-loss strategies of young adults from the 1982 birth cohort in Pelotas, RS
Authors: Linhares Angélica Ozório , Gigante Denise Petrucci , Linhares Rogério da Silva , Minten Gicele Costa , Horta Bernardo Lessa
Published: March 2014

The objective of this article was to identify, among the members of the 1982 birth cohort in Pelotas, those who were trying to lose weight at the age of 23, and which strategies they used. From 2004 to 2005, 4,297 individuals from the 1982 cohort were interviewed. The effects of demographic, socioeconomic and behavioral factors on the prevalence of any strategy to lose weight in the past year were assessed in a cross-sectional analysis with the Poisson regression. Out of all the youngsters interviewed, 28.5% reported having used some strategy to lose weight. In the adjusted analysis, gender, schooling, family income, body mass index and smoking were associated with the use of some strategy. The strategy used by most of the young people was diet followed by physical activity. The results showed that appropriate preventive measures and body weight control are necessary, along with public policies aimed at encouraging healthy habits among young people, including physical and dietary education.
Trends of chronic health effects associated to pesticide use in fruit farming regions in the state of Ceará, Brazil
Authors: Rigotto Raquel Maria , Silva Ageo Mário Cândido da , Ferreira Marcelo José Monteiro , Rosa Islene Ferreira , Aguiar Ada Cristina Pontes
Published: March 2014

The lower valley of Jaguaribe has registered, since the XXI century, the arrival of transnational and regional companies, which led to deep transformations in this region. The increased use of the pesticides is one of the most important ones, being able to cause alterations in human procreation and leading to congenital deformations, besides premature birth and low weight newborns. This article is an ecological study related to the period from 2000 to 2010 in the population of some cities in the state of Ceará, and it was divided in two parts: the first one, a draft of historical series of morbidity and mortality databases and trend verification performed by a simple linear regression; the second one comprehends the calculation of the ratio of rates between cities that are highly exposed to pestiides and the cities selected for comparison, with history of little use of these substances. There was statistically considerable growth tendency (p = 0.026) in the number of hospitalized people with neoplasms. Analyzing the ratios of the rates in these same indicators, it is observed that the rates of hospitalized people with neoplasms were 1.76 times higher in the studied cities than in control cities (p < 0.0010). With regard to to fetal deaths, a statistically considerable increase was observed (p < 0.05) as to the mortality rates in the studied cities. Results suggest there was higher morbidity and mortality caused by neoplasms in the cities with broader use of pesticides, which could be influenced by production, environmental and social transformations associated to the process of deterritorialization induced by the expansion of the agricultural modernization over the morbidity and mortality profile of the population of lower Jaguaribe. This process is a reflex of the production chemical-dependent model adopted by the agribusiness companies, expanding the vulnerability of the country side population.
Intimate partner violence among undergraduate students of two universities of the state of São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Flake Tânia Aldrighi , Barros Claudia , Schraiber Lilia B. , Menezes Paulo Rossi
Published: March 2014

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of violence in intimate relationships, suffered or perpetrated, was estimated among undergraduate students, be it physical, psychological and sexual, describing the overlap between them. This is an original study and there is scarce literature on this matter in Brazil. Men and women were investigated and some issues on gender violence were discussed. METHODS: The study is part of the multicenter survey "International Study of Violence in Dating - IDVS" conducted in 2002 - 2003, using its standardized instrument. A total of 362 students, from two universities in the state of São Paulo, one public and one private, answered the self-reported questionnaire, being 37% male and 63% female, mean age of 20 years old. Suffered and perpetrated intimate partner violence during life was examined. RESULTS: Among all interviewees, 75.9% suffered and 76.4% perpetrated some kind of violence throughout life. Psychological violence was the most prevalent type, followed by sexual violence, both suffered and perpetrated. The great superposition between suffered and perpetrated violence (83.9%) reflects the reciprocity of aggression, with no observed difference between men and women. The results of this study are consistent with previous literature on dating violence, which shows high prevalence of suffered and perpetrated violence, besides reciprocity for both men and women. CONCLUSIONS: Intervention actions at this stage of intimate relationships may potentially impact on subsequent marital partnership situations.
Knowledge about mammography and associated factors: population surveys with female adults and elderly
Authors: Schneider Ione Jayce Ceola , Corseuil Marui Weber , Boing Antonio Fernando , d'Orsi Eleonora
Published: March 2014

The purpose of this paper is to describe the knowledge about mammography and to identify associated factors in female adults and elderly. Data were obtained from two population surveys, one with female adults and another with elderly women from Florianópolis (SC) in 2009 - 2010. A descriptive analysis of the variables was carried out, the appropriate mean of responses about mammography was estimated and crude and adjusted Poisson regression was conducted to identify associated factors. Among adults, 23.1% answered all of the questions appropriately and the appropriate average responses was 7.2 (95%CI 7.1 - 7.3) in a total of 9. In the adjusted model, older age, higher education and income were associated with knowledge about mammography. For the elderly, 15.3% answered all questions appropriately and the average of appropriate responses was 6.4 (95%CI 5.2 - 6.5) and the factors associated with knowledge about mammography in the adjusted model were younger age groups, increased education and income, and identification of mammography as the main diagnostic method for breast cancer. Information about mammography can neither be transmitted in a clear way nor be easily understood; there are also demographic and socioeconomic differences concerning the knowledge about the exam.
Host dynamics determine responses to disease: additive vs. compensatory mortality in a grasshopper–pathogen system
Authors: Kistner Erica J. , Belovsky Gary E.
Published: March 2014

Disease is often expected to limit host populations, but diseases do not always dramatically reduce host numbers and often have no effect. The impact of a fungal pathogen (Entomophaga gryllipathotype 1) on grasshopper (Camnula pellucida) populations was studied in a field experiment. We tested whether the effects of disease on grasshopper survival were additive, with disease mortality summing with other mortality sources to determine the total population mortality rate; or whether they were compensatory, where disease mortality simply replaces mortality from other sources so that the total population mortality rate remains unchanged. We examined grasshopper survival in relation to differences in disease exposure, host density levels, and host developmental stage. The effects of disease varied with grasshopper developmental stage and density. Disease mortality increased by 60% at high grasshopper density compared to low‐density treatments, and decreased when grasshoppers fully matured. Despite increased rates of disease mortality at high densities, the total mortality rate was not notably higher in diseased grasshoppers (87%) compared to disease‐free counterparts at high densities (83%), indicating that a large percentage of disease mortality simply replaced mortality from food limitation. Additive responses were supported in early and late instars, with disease exposure resulting in decreased grasshopper survival. In contrast, the effect of disease on adults was inconclusive. Yet, the disease did not affect adult survival, suggesting that adult disease mortality is compensatory. Therefore, disease reduction of grasshopper populations (additive mortality) is more likely to occur during earlier developmental stages, when hosts are most vulnerable to disease, and at low host densities when food is abundant. Combined, our results emphasize the importance of host dynamics and food availability in how this host–pathogen system responds to disease. Accordingly, compensatory vs. additive mortality may need to be considered when examining how disease ultimately affects host population dynamics.
Assessing Effective Coping with Bereavement in College Students: The Reactions to Loss Scale
Authors: Cooley Eric , Toray Tamina , Roscoe Lauren
Published: March 2014

The predictive validity of the Reactions to Loss Scale (RTL) was assessed in two studies ( N = 185 and 170) of college students who reported a recent loss and their feelings about and preoccupation with the loss. Across a 9–week interval, participants reported an increase in positive feelings about the loss event and a decrease in negative feelings, regret, and preoccupation with the loss. The Positive Reappraisal Scale of the RTL predicted increased positive feelings and a reduction of regret. Avoidance scale of the RTL predicted higher levels of regret and the Loss of Control scale predicted higher levels of negative affect (Study 2). This longitudinal data supports the validity of the Reactions to Loss scale and supports the value of assessing positive, resilient responses to a loss.