bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Analysis in Young-Age-of-Onset Graves' Disease Reveals New Susceptibility Loci
Authors: Brown Rosalind S. , Lombardi Angela , Hasham Alia , Greenberg David A. , Gordon Joshua , Concepcion Erlinda , Hammerstad Sara S. , Lotay Vaneet , Zhang Weijia , Tomer Yaron
Published: March 2014

Context:

Genetic and environmental factors play an essential role in the pathogenesis of Graves' Disease (GD). Children with GD have less exposure time to environmental factors and therefore are believed to harbor stronger genetic susceptibility than adults.

Objective:

The aim of the study was to identify susceptibility loci that predispose to GD in patients with young-age-of-onset (YAO) GD.

Setting and Design:

One hundred six patients with YAO GD (onset <30 y) and 855 healthy subjects were studied. Cases and controls were genotyped using the Illumina Infinium Immunochip, designed to genotype 196,524 polymorphisms. Case control association analyses were performed using the PLINK computer package. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis program (QIAGEN) was used to carry out pathway analyses.

Results:

Immunochip genetic association analysis identified 30 single-nucleotide polymorphisms in several genes that were significantly associated with YAO GD, including major histocompatibility complex class I and class II genes, BTNL2, NOTCH4, TNFAIP3, and CXCR4. Candidate gene analysis revealed that most of the genes previously shown to be associated with adult-onset GD were also associated with YAO GD. Pathway analysis demonstrated that antigen presentation, T-helper cell differentiation, and B cell development were the major pathways contributing to the pathogenesis of YAO GD.

Conclusions:

Genetic analysis identified novel susceptibility loci in YAO GD adding a new dimension to the understanding of GD etiology.
GSK-3 – at the crossroads of cell death and survival
Authors: Maurer Ulrich , Preiss Florian , Brauns-Schubert Prisca , Schlicher Lisa , Charvet Céline
Published: March 2014

Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) is involved in various signaling pathways controlling metabolism, differentiation and immunity, as well as cell death and survival. GSK-3 targets transcription factors, regulates the activity of metabolic and signaling enzymes, and controls the half-life of proteins by earmarking them for degradation. GSK-3 is unique in its mode of substrate recognition and the regulation of its kinase activity, which is repressed by pro-survival phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)–AKT signaling. In turn, GSK-3 exhibits pro-apoptotic functions when the PI3K–AKT pathway is inactive. Nevertheless, as GSK-3 is crucially involved in many signaling pathways, its role in cell death regulation is not uniform, and in some situations it promotes cell survival. In this Commentary, we focus on the various aspects of GSK-3 in the regulation of cell death and survival. We discuss the effects of GSK-3 on the regulation of proteins of the BCL-2 family, through which GSK-3 exhibits pro-apoptotic activity. We also highlight the pro-survival activities of GSK-3, which are observed in the context of nuclear factor κB (NFκB) signaling, and we discuss how GSK-3, by impacting on cell death and survival, might play a role in diseases such as cancer.
α-Arrestins – new players in Notch and GPCR signaling pathways in mammals
Authors: Puca Loredana , Brou Christel
Published: March 2014

For many years, β-arrestins have been known to be involved in G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) desensitization. However, β-arrestins belong to a family of proteins that act as multifunctional scaffolding proteins, in particular during trafficking of transmembrane receptors. The arrestin family comprises visual arrestins, β-arrestins and α-arrestins. In mammals, the functions of the α-arrestins are beginning to be elucidated, and they are described as versatile adaptors that link GPCRs or the Notch receptor to E3 ubiquitin ligases and endocytic factors. These α-arrestins can act in sequence, complementarily or cooperatively with β-arrestins in trafficking and ubiquitylation events. This Commentary will summarize the recent advances in our understanding of the functions and properties of these α-arrestin proteins in comparison to β-arrestins, and will highlight a new hypothesis linking their functional complementarity to their physical interactions. α- and β-arrestins could form transient and versatile heterodimers that form a bridge between cargo and E3 ubiquitin ligases, thus allowing trafficking to proceed.
Two fatal cases of melioidosis on the Thai-Myanmar border
Authors: Chu Cindy S. , Winearls Stuart , Ling Clare , Torchinsky Miriam Beer , Phyo Aung Phae , Haohankunnathum Warat , Turner Paul , Wuthiekanun Vanaporn , Nosten François
Published: March 2014

Melioidosis is endemic in areas of Southeast Asia, however, there are no published reports from the Thai-Myanmar border. We report the first two documented cases of fatal melioidosis in this region. This is of great public health importance and highlights the need to both increase clinical awareness of melioidosis on the Thai-Myanmar border, and to assess the true burden of disease in the area through improved case detection and Burkholderia pseudomallei prevalence studies.
The Role of Accounting Quality in the M&A Market
Authors: Marquardt Carol , Zur Emanuel
Published: March 2014

We examine the role of target firms’ accounting quality in the merger and acquisition process. We predict that target firm accounting quality will be positively associated with (1) the likelihood that the deal will be structured as a negotiation rather than as an auction, (2) the speed with which the deal reaches final resolution, and (3) the likelihood that the proposed deal is ultimately completed. Our empirical evidence is consistent with these predictions. These results complement and extend existing findings on target firm accounting quality and provide new evidence that financial accounting quality relates positively to the efficient allocation of the economy’s capital resources.

This paper was accepted by Mary Barth, accounting.
Market-Consistent Modeling for Cap-and-Trade Schemes and Application to Option Pricing
Authors: Barrieu Pauline , Fehr Max
Published: March 2014

In this paper we refer to the requirement for industrialized countries to reach a domestic target for greenhouse emissions, as ratified in the Kyoto Protocol, and propose a market-consistent model of futures price dynamics for cap-and-trade schemes designed in the spirit of the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS). Historical price dynamics for the EU ETS suggest that both European emission allowance (EUA) and certified emission reduction (CER) certificates, generated by a nondomestic offset mechanism, are significantly related. We use an equilibrium framework to demonstrate that compliance regulation singles out special price dynamics. Based on this result, we propose an arbitrage-free model and apply it to the pricing of spread options between EUAs and CERs.
Properties of Ozonized Soybean Oil/Polymeric Methylene-Diphenyl-4,4′-Diisocyanate Adhesives and Their Adhesion Performance for Wood
Authors: Lee Eung Su , Lee Sang Min , Park Sang Bum , Seo Jun Won , Yoon Yong Han , Park Heon
Published: March 2014

Ozonized soybean oil (OZSBO), obtained by the ozone cleavage reaction of the double bond of soybean oil, was reacted with polymeric methylene-diphenyl-4,4′-diisocyanate (pMDI) to prepare wood adhesive. To investigate the feasibility of this preparation method, different polyurethane adhesives were prepared with a variety of equivalent molar ratios (eq-MRs) of OZSBO to pMDI. The chemical reactions of the adhesives were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared, and their thermal characteristics were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The OZSBO/pMDI resins with eq-MRs of 1:0.5, 1:0.75, and 1:1 showed an exothermic reaction at 150°C, resins with eq-MRs of 1:2 and 1:3 exhibited exothermic peaks at 185°C, and resins with an eq-MR of 1:4 presented an exothermic peak at 180°C. The maximum adhesion strength was reached when plywood was bonded using the adhesive with an eq-MR of 1:2. This result shows that adhesion strength was not proportionally increased with the addition of pMDI after an eq-MR of 1:2, indicating that adhesion strength was attributed not only to reactions of the residual –NCO groups in the adhesive with the hydroxyl groups of wood during the manufacturing of plywood but also to the cross-linking reaction between OZSBO and pMDI.
Vitamin K-dependent proteins: osteocalcin, matrix Gla-protein and extra osseous effects
Authors: Pankratova Yu В , Pigarova E A , Dzeranova L K
Published: March 2014

Vitamin K - is a fat-soluble vitamin which plays an important role in the metabolism of bone and connective tissue, maintenance blood clotting properties. Vitamin K is involved in carboxylation of glutamic acid residues in the polypeptide chains of 14 human proteins, providing them with the necessary functional properties. Lack of vitamin K-dependent carboxylation of these proteins leads to changes in their biological activity. In this literature review we cover the mechanisms of vitamin K-dependent carboxylation and none bone actions of osteocalcin and matrix Gla-protein with different degrees of carboxylation.
Diabetes and consolidation of fractures
Authors: Yalochkina T O , Pigarova E A
Published: March 2014

One of the complications of diabetes in humans is inadequate bone formation resulting in osteopenia and slow consolidation of fractures. The basis of these pathological processes is a disruption of the regeneration of bone tissue in insulin deficiency and hyperglycemia, the mechanisms of which are highlighted in this mini-review. The published data indicate the need for careful monitoring of blood glucose levels and adequate replacement therapy for the prevention of skeletal complications of diabetes.
Nutrition in sports
Authors: Dzgoeva F Kh
Published: March 2014

Nutrition is one of the fundamental factors that influence the effectiveness of physical activity, increase efficiency and replenishment of muscle mass, balances the ratio of energy consumed and restored. The diet of an athlete can and should be built on common foods available and prepared in accordance with generally accepted principles of healthy eating. The need for major macronutrients and micronutrients is determined by the need for energy, the intensity of sweating and the goals for building muscle mass. Depending on the intensity of the proposed load including competition, there are individual nutritional needs and, if necessary, various food supplements may be used. The basic principles of sport nutrition are described in this article
An impact of overweight and obesity on the risk factors for breast cancer in postmenopausal women
Authors: Troshina E A , Rumyantsev P O , Altashina M V , Plokhaya A A
Published: March 2014

Breast cancer is the leading cause of death in the female population of Russia. Postmenopausal breast cancer is associated with obesity. The article presents data on the significant effect of fat tissue on the risk factors for breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
Cardiometabolic risk factors in different clinicomorphological stages of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with abdominal obesity
Authors: Komshilova K A , Troshina E A , Butrova S A , Bogomolov P O , Knyazeva A P
Published: March 2014

The aim of the study was to compare clinical, laboratory and morphological parameters in patients with abdominal obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and assessing the relationship between the degree of severity, stage NAFLD and cardiometabolic risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. The present study examined the content of adiponectin and rates of glucose and lipid metabolism in obese patients at different stages of NAFLD. According to the study, morphologically NAFLD was confirmed in 95.2% of patients. NAFLD was associated with various cardiometabolic disorders (dyslipidemia, disorders of glucose metabolism and insulin resistance), growing in frequency and severity with the progression NAFLD; and low levels of adiponectin decreasing with a deterioration NAFLD.
New opportunities in the treatment and management of acromegaly
Authors: Dalantaeva N S , Pigarova E A , Dzeranova L K , Rozhinskaya L Ya , Dedov I I
Published: March 2014

Genetic aspects of familial isolated pituitary adenomas (FIPA) are expanding rapidly in the last few years. Around 20% of these FIPA families have been identified to have mutations within the aryl hydrocarbon receptor interacting protein (AIP) gene. The number of identified AIP-positive FIPA families is increasing all over the world.
Metabolic and cardiovascular effects of ghrelin
Authors: Kirienkova E V , Litvinova L S , Seledtsov V I , Zatolokin P A , Aksenova N N , Seledtsova I A
Published: March 2014

Ghrelin is an endogenous ligand for growth hormone receptor, which is synthesized as a prohormone, and then proteolytically converted into 28-amino acid peptide. This peptide stimulates the secretion of growth hormone, regulates food intake, effect on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Ghrelin enhances the bioavailability of nitric oxide and maintains the balance between endothelin-1 and nitric oxide in the vascular wall. It increases cardiac output, and reduces blood pressure and systemic vascular resistance. Antiinflammatory effect of ghrelin is also appreciated. Since ghrelin is a circulating peptide that stimulates appetite and regulate energy balance, and its role in the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes it is the subject of intense research. A variety of metabolic functions of ghrelin requires extreme caution in the use of therapeutic approaches aimed at the stimulation or blockade of its action.
Influence of the dynamics of body weight on the risk factors of cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes during the first year of insulin treatment
Authors: Dzhavakhishvili T S , Romantsova T I , Roik O V
Published: March 2014

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether insulin treatment-induced weight gain had an adverse impact on cardiovascular risk factors in insulin-treated type 2 diabetic patients during the first year after initiating insulin therapy when insulin analogues or human insulins are used. A total of 157 patients with newly insulinized type 2 diabetes were included in the study. The patients were divided in two groups. First group consisted of subjects (mean age 57 [45; 73], duration of diabetes of 10 years [4; 16]) who had received long-acting basal (glargine, detemir), premixed (biphasic insulin aspart 30, Humalog Mix 25) or short-acting (aspart, lispro) insulin analogues. Patients from second group (mean age 59 [46; 75], duration of diabetes of 10 years [5; 15]) were treated with intermediate-acting basal (Protophane, Humulin NPH insulin), premixed (biphasic human insulin 30, Humulin M3) and regular (Actrapid, Humulin R) human insulins. Our study has shown that insulin-induced weight gain may not adversely affect cardiovascular risk factors, particularly, lipid profile, in insulin-treated type 2 diabetic patients during the first year after initiating insulin therapy. Use of insulin analogues for treatment of type 2 diabetes patients results in better glycaemic control, significant declines in blood lipid concentrations, less increase in waist circumference compared with human insulins during the first year after initiating insulin therapy.
Relationship of obesity with the main reproductive parameters in men-residents of Novosibirsk (Russia)
Authors: Popova A V
Published: March 2014

A link between obesity, overweight and reproductive performance in male volunteers 18 to 40 years (n=261), living in the city of Novosibirsk was investigated. Hormone levels (follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone (T), oestradiol (E2), inhibin B) and main indicators of semen quality (concentration, percentage of motile and morphologically normal sperm) were evaluated in each patient. Following groups were retrospectively formed: the control (group 1, a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m2, n=50), overweight men (group 2, a BMI of 25.0 to 29.9 kg/m2, n=28), obese men (group 3, a BMI greater than 30.0 kg/m2, n=5). The exclusion criteria from the analysis were as follows: andrological disease (prostatitis, epididymal cyst, varicocele, sexually transmitted infection), transferred surgery of andrological diseases. A reduction in the testosterone serum concentration was found along the groups in the direction 1-2-3 respectively, 23.3-15.7-11.8 nmol/L (р1,2=0.006; р1,3=0.0001). Semen volume was statistically reduced in obese men compared with normal weight men (p1,3=0.019). There were no significant differences in age, FSH, LH, E2, Inhibin B levels, concentration, motility, percentage of morphologically normal sperm between groups. The findings show the distinct hypoandrogenia in young men with overweight and obesity. A testosterone deficiency is increased with increasing BMI and the testosterone concentration descends to less than 12 nmol/L in the obesity group, which corresponds to hypogonadism.
Dynamics of adipose tissue changes measured by MRI in obese patients during Reduxin treatment
Authors: Romantsova T I , Poluboyarinova I V , Roik O V
Published: March 2014

Objective. To study the influence of the drug Reduxine in obese patients on the distribution of adipose tissue measured by MRI. Methods. In an open, prospective, non-randomized study duration of 20 weeks included 31 obese patients aged 20 to 65 years. During the study, the anthropometric parameters and the dynamics of the area of adipose tissue by means of MR imaging. Results. Weight loss in patients averaged 9.0 kg. Clinically significant weight loss reached 23 people (79%). Median reduction in waist circumference was 10 cm. Dynamic assessment of adipose tissue by MRI was performed in 17 patients. Reduxine treatment induced statistically significant decrease of both visceral and subcutaneous fat. Conclusions. According to the results of MRI, the reduction in waist circumference in patients receiving Reduxine occurred by reducing the number of both subcutaneous and visceral fat in the abdominal area.
Quality of life indices and psychoemotional status of the patients presenting with diffuse toxic goiter during the long-term follow-up after iodine radiotherapy
Authors: Dreval' A V , Nechaeva O A , Garbuzov P I , Mamedova T R , Chikh I D , Krylov V V
Published: March 2014

A total of 60 patients given substitution treatment with levothyroxin for diffuse toxic goiter were examined within 3-7 years after iodine radiotherapy. The patients showing different TSH levels were allocated to three groups: (group 1: low normal TSH level: 0.4-2.25 mcIU/ml; group 2: high normal TSH level: 2.6-4.0 mcIU/ml; group 3, decompensated hypothyroidism: above 4.0 mcIU/ml but lower than 10 mcIU/ml). The quality of life was assessed with the use of the abridged version of the SF-36 questionnaire and the psychoemotional status based on the Beck depression inventory and the Spilberg-Khanin test. The patients presenting with compensated hypothyroidism showed better characteristics of the quality of life compared with the patients of other groups. Moreover, they were less frequently subjected to anxiety and depressive disorders. It is concluded that replacement therapy with levothyroxin designed to maintain the TSH level within the low normal values ensures a higher quality of life and lower incidence of depressive disorders than in the patients having TSH levels closer to the upper normal limit.
Glibenclamide: proven facts, perspectives, discussions
Authors: Chepliaeva N I
Published: March 2014

Despite the discussion about cardiovascular risk glibenclamide has proved its efficacy and safety by 40 years of clinical practice. Basing on numerous experimental publications and continued clinical investigations, perspectives of glibenclamide's use in treatment of traumatic and ischemic injuries of CNS are presented.
The prevalence of the non-classical form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia as exemplified (by the population of the Moscow region)
Authors: Ionova T A , Tiul'pakov A N , Kalinenkova S G
Published: March 2014

The non-classical form of 21-hydroxylase deficiency (NC21OH) is one of the most common monogenic diseases inherited in the autosomal-recessive pattern. The incidence of this condition in the Russian population, unlike that of its classical variant, remains to be elucidated. Aim. The objective of the present study was to estimate the true incidence of NC21OH based on the prevalence of the two most frequent mutations associated with this disease. A total of 998 randomly selected blood spots were obtained in the course of neonatal screening of the children born within one calendar year at the territory of the Moscow region. The incidence of the disease was calculated with the use of Hardi-Weinberg equation. The minimal prevalence rate of NC21OH in the population of the Moscow region was estimated to be 1:2206. The level of 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) calculated based on the results of the screening studies can not be used to identify the carriers of the pathology of interest whereas neonatal screening allows to diagnose no more than 90% of the cases of NC21OH.
The new therapeutic modalities for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: insulin detemir added to liraglutide
Authors: Pashkova E Iu
Published: March 2014

he literature data on the effectiveness and safety of the essentially new scheme of hypoglycemic therapy of type 2 diabetes mellitus are presented, The large-scale 52 week study has demonstrated that the addition of insulin detemir to the preceding treatment with liraglutide makes it possible to reach and maintain glycated hemoglobin percentage at the desired level of 7% in 43% of the patients. The risk of development of hypoglycemia was estimated at 0.286 episodes per patient per year in the absence of body weight increment. The combination of these two medications was found to produce pronounced hypoglycemic effect without affecting the pharmacokinetic properties of each other.
Modern technologies for diagnostics and treatment of insulinoma
Authors: Krivko A A , Mel'nichenko G A , Kuznetsov N S , Troshina E A , Dedov I I
Published: March 2014

The present review is focused on epidemiology, clinical picture, and principal methods for laboratory and topical diagnostics of insulinomas. Results of the comparative analysis of Russian-language and foreign publications concerning sensitivity and specificity of various methods of topical diagnostics, postoperative complications and lethality from insulinomas are presented.
Reliability of CT Perfusion in the Evaluation of the Ischaemic Penumbra
Authors: Alves José Eduardo , Carneiro Ângelo , Xavier João
Published: March 2014

CT perfusion (CTP) is part of the initial evaluation of stroke patients, allowing differentiation between infarcted tissue and the ischaemic penumbra and helping in the selection of patients for endovascular treatment. This study assessed the reliability of the qualitative evaluation CTP maps in defining the ischemic penumbra and identified potential pitfalls associated with this technique. We reviewed CTP scans of 45 consecutive patients admitted to our institution with anterior circulation acute ischaemic stroke. Two neuroradiologists performed qualitative evaluations of cerebral blood volume (CBV) and mean transit time (MTT) maps, using 24h follow-up non-contrast CT as surrogate marker for the area of definitive infarct. For each slice analyzed, the area of qualitative alteration in the CBV and MTT maps was classified as either being inferior, equal or superior to the area of infarct on the follow-up CT. Three out of 45 (7%) patients had admission CT CBV abnormalities larger than follow-up lesions; 34/45 (76%) patients had infarct areas smaller than initial MTT prolongation. In the group of patients with no recanalization 12/19 (63%) had infarct areas smaller than initial MTT lesion. CBV abnormality is a reliable marker for an irreversible ischaemic lesion, although rarely it may overestimate the ischaemic “core“, possibly due to delay in contrast arrival to the brain. In the majority of patients without recanalization, MTT overestimated final infarct areas, probably because it does not differentiate true “at risk” penumbra from benign oligaemia. Qualitative evaluation of CBV and MTT maps may overestimate the real ischaemic penumbra.
The role of endoscopic ultrasound in the diagnosis and therapy of gastrointestinal disorders
Authors: Czakó László , Dubravcsik Zsolt , Gasztonyi Beáta , Hamvas József , Pakodi Ferenc , Szepes Attila , Szepes Zoltán
Published: March 2014

Endoscopic ultrasound is one of those diagnostic methods in gastrointestinal endoscopy which has developed rapidly in the last decade and has became exceedingly available to visualize the walls of the internal organs in details corresponding to histological layers, or analyze the adjacent structures. Fine needles and other endoscopic accessories can be introduced into the neighbouring tissues under the guidance of endoscopic ultrasound, and diagnostic and minimally invasive therapeutic interventions can be performed. The endoscopic ultrasound became more widely available in Hungary in the recent years. This review focuses on the indications, benefits and complications of diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic ultrasound. We dedicate this article for gastroenterologists, surgeons, internists, pulmonologists, specialists in oncology and radiology. This recommendation was based on the consensus of the Board members of the Endoscopic Ultrasound Section of the Hungarian Gastroenterological Society. Orv. Hetil., 2014, 155(14), 526–540.
Wind pollination and propagule formation in Rhizophora mangle L. (Rhizophoraceae): resource or pollination limitation?
Authors: NADIA TARCILA L. , MACHADO ISABEL C.
Published: March 2014

Rhizophora mangle is considered as a self-compatible mangrove, and is pollinated by wind and insects. However, there is no information about fruit production by autogamy and agamospermy and on the foraging behavior of its flower visitors. Hence, the present study analyzed the pollination and reproductive systems of R. mangle in a mangrove community in northern Pernambuco, Brazil. Floral morphology, sequence of anthesis, and behavior of flower visitors were described; the proportion of flowers that resulted in mature propagules was also recorded. Autogamy, agamospermy, and wind pollination tests were performed, and a new anemophily index is proposed. The flowers of R. mangle are hermaphrodite, protandric, and have high P/O rate. Flies were observed on flowers only during the male phase, probably feeding on mites that consume pollen. Rhizophora mangle is not agamospermic and its fruit production rate by spontaneous self-pollination is low (2.56%) compared to wind pollination (19.44%). The anemophily index was high 0.98, and thus it was considered as a good indicator. Only 13.79% of the flowers formed mature propagules. The early stages of fruit development are the most critical and susceptible to predation. Rhizophora mangle is, therefore, exclusively anemophilous in the study area and the propagule dispersal seems to be limited by herbivory.
Tectonic evolution of the southern margin of the Amazonian craton in the late Mesoproterozoic based on field relationships and zircon U-Pb geochronology
Authors: RIZZOTTO GILMAR J. , HARTMANN LÉO A. , SANTOS JOÃO O.S. , MCNAUGHTON NEAL J.
Published: March 2014

New U-Pb zircon geochronological data integrated with field relationships and an airborne geophysical survey suggest that the Nova Brasilândia and Aguapeí belts are part of the same monocyclic, metaigneous and metasedimentary belt formed in the late Mesoproterozoic (1150 Ma-1110 Ma). This geological history is very similar to the within-plate origin of the Sunsás belt, in eastern Bolivia. Thus, we propose that the Nova Brasilândia, Aguapeí and Sunsás belts represent a unique geotectonic unit (here termed the Western Amazon belt) that became amalgamated at the end of the Mesoproterozoic and originated through the reactivation of a paleo-suture (Guaporé suture zone) in an intracontinental rift environment. Therefore, its geological history involves a short, complete Wilson cycle of ca. 40 Ma. Globally, this tectonic evolution may be related with the final breakup of the supercontinent Columbia. Mafic rocks and trondhjemites in the northernmost portion of the belt yielded U-Pb zircon ages ca. 1110 Ma, which dates the high-grade metamorphism and the closure of the rift. This indicates that the breakup of supercontinent Columbia was followed in short sequence by the assembly of supercontinent Rodinia at ca. 1.1-1.0 Ga and that the Western Amazon belt was formed during the accretion of the Arequipa-Antofalla basement to the Amazonian craton.
Antioxidant potential and cytotoxic activity of two red seaweed species, Amansia multifida and Meristiella echinocarpa, from the coast of Northeastern Brazil
Authors: ALENCAR DANIEL B. DE , SILVA SUZETE R. DA , PIRES-CAVALCANTE KELMA M.S. , LIMA REBECA L. DE , PEREIRA JÚNIOR FRANCISCO N. , SOUSA MÁRCIA B. DE , VIANA FRANCISCO A. , NAGANO CELSO S. , NASCIMENTO KYRIA S. DO , CAVADA BENILDO S. , SAMPAIO ALEXANDRE H. , SAKER-SAMPAIO SILVANA
Published: March 2014

Natural antioxidants found in marine macroalgae are bioactive compounds known to play an important role in the prevention of diseases associated with aging cells protecting them against the oxidative damage. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of ethanolic extracts of two species of red seaweeds, Amansia multifida and Meristiella echinocarpa. In vitro antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH radical scavenging assay, ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, ferrous ion chelating (FIC) assay, β-carotene bleaching (BCB) assay and total phenolic content (TPC) quantification. Cytotoxicity was evaluated with the brine shrimp Artemia sp. lethality test. The TPC values observed in the present study indicated that both species A. multifida and M. echinocarpa are rich in phenolic compounds, reaching values of 45.40 and 28.46 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) g−1 of ethanolic extract, respectively. DPPH radical scavenging and ferrous ion chelating showed values of 60% and 17%, respectively. Both seaweed extracts inhibited β-carotene oxidation by approximately 40%. None of the algal extracts were potentially cytotoxic. The results have showed that extracts of both species of marine red algae exhibit antioxidant potential and low toxicity. They are sources of natural antioxidant compounds.
Juvenile development of Callinectes danae Smith, 1869 (Crustacea, Decapoda, Brachyura, Portunidae) under laboratory conditions
Authors: BOLLA Jr EDUARDO A. , FRANSOZO VIVIAN , NEGREIROS-FRANSOZO MARIA LUCIA
Published: March 2014

The juvenile development of Callinectes danae was investigated from megalopae obtained in neuston samples at Ubatuba, São Paulo, Brazil. The individuals were raised in the laboratory under constant temperature (25 ± 1°C), filtered sea water from the collection location (35‰), and natural photoperiod. Newly hatched Artemia sp. nauplii were offered as food on a daily basis and ornamental-fish food was also provided for the juveniles from the 4th stage on. Twelve stages of the juvenile phase were obtained. The main morphological features that allowed recognition of the first juvenile stage were drawn and described. All the subsequent stages obtained were examined and measured, and the main changes in relation to the first stage were recorded. Sexual dimorphism becomes apparent from the fourth juvenile stage onwards. Some appendages and morphological features proved to be of great importance in the identification of species, including the number of segments of the antennal flagellum and the number of setae on the maxilla and on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd maxillipeds. These can probably be used for future comparisons and species identifications.
Splendid oddness: revisiting the curious trophic relationships of South American Pleistocene mammals and their abundance
Authors: FARIÑA RICHARD A. , CZERWONOGORA ADA , GIACOMO MARIANA DI
Published: March 2014

The South American Pleistocene mammal fauna includes great-sized animals that have intrigued scientists for over two centuries. Here we intend to update the knowledge on its palaeoecology and provide new evidence regarding two approaches: energetics and population density and relative abundance of fossils per taxa. To determine whether an imbalance exists, population density models were applied to several South American fossil faunas and the results compared to those that best describe the palaeoecology of African faunas. The results on the abundance study for Uruguay and the province of Buenos Aires during the Lujanian stage/age reveal that bulk-feeding ground sloths (Lestodon and Glossotherium) were more represented in the first territory, while the more selective Scelidotherium and Megatherium were more abundant in the second. Although the obtained values were corrected to avoid size-related taphonomic biases, linear regressions of abundance vs. body mass plots did not fit the expected either for first or second consumers. South American Pleistocene faunas behave differently from what models suggest they should. Changes in sea level and available area could account for these differences; the possibility of a floodplain in the area then emerged could explain seasonal changes, which would modify the calculations of energetics and abundance.
Use of intertidal areas by shrimps (Decapoda) in a brazilian Amazon estuary
Authors: SAMPAIO HEBERT A. , MARTINELLI-LEMOS JUSSARA M.
Published: March 2014

The present work investigated the occupation and the correlation of the shrimp abundance in relation to environmental variables in different habitats (mangroves, salt marshes and rocky outcrops) in an Amazon estuary. The collections were made in August and November 2009, at low syzygy tide on Areuá Beach, situated in the Extractive Reserve of Mãe Grande de Curuçá, Pará, Brazil totaling 20 pools. In each environment, we recorded the physical-chemical factors (pH, salinity, and temperature) and measured the area (m2) and volume (m3) of every pool through bathymetry. The average pH, salinity, temperature, area and volume of tide pools were 8.75 (± 0.8 standard deviation), 35.45 (± 3), 29.49 °C (± 2.32), 27.41 m2 (± 41.18), and 5.19 m3 (± 8.01), respectively. We caught a total of 4,871 shrimps, distributed in three families and four species: Farfantepenaeus subtilis (98.36%) (marine) followed by Alpheus pontederiae (0.76%) (estuarine), Macrobrachium surinamicum (0.45%) and Macrobrachium amazonicum (0.43%) predominantly freshwater. The species F. subtilis and A. pontederiae occurred in the three habitats, whereas M. surinamicum occurred in salt marsh and rocky outcrop and M. amazonicum only in marisma. Temperature and pH were the most important environmental descriptors that significantly affected the density and biomass of shrimps.
Pollen types and levels of total phenolic compounds in propolis produced by Apis mellifera L. (Apidae) in an area of the Semiarid Region of Bahia, Brazil
Authors: MATOS VANESSA R. , ALENCAR SEVERINO M. , SANTOS FRANCISCO A.R.
Published: March 2014

Twenty-two propolis samples produced by Apis mellifera L. in an area of the Semiarid region the the State of Bahia (Agreste of Alagoinhas), Brazil, were palynologically analyzed and quantified regarding their levels of total phenolic compounds. These samples were processed using the acetolysis technique with the changes suggested for use with propolis. We found 59 pollen types belonging to 19 families and 36 genera. The family Fabaceae was the most representative in this study with nine pollen types, followed by the family Asteraceae with seven types. The types Mikania and Mimosa pudica occurred in all samples analyzed. The types Mimosa pudica and Eucalyptus had frequency of occurrence above 50% in at least one sample. The highest similarity index (c. 72%) occurred between the samples ER1 and ER2, belonging to the municipality of Entre Rios. Samples from the municipality of Inhambupe displayed the highest (36.78±1.52 mg/g EqAG) and lowest (7.68 ± 2.58 mg/g EqAG) levels of total phenolic compounds. Through the Spearman Correlation Coefficient we noticed that there was a negative linear correlation between the types Mimosa pudica (rs = -0.0419) and Eucalyptus (rs = -0.7090) with the profile of the levels of total phenolic compounds of the samples.
Optimization of Phenolics and Flavonoids Extraction Conditions and Antioxidant Activity of Roasted Yerba-Mate Leaves (Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil., Aquifoliaceae) using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: BASSANI DÉBORA C. , NUNES DOMINGOS S. , GRANATO DANIEL
Published: March 2014

This study focused on maximizing the extraction of total phenolics and flavonoids as well as the antioxidant activity measured by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay from roasted yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) as a function of time (5, 7.5 and 10 min) and temperature of extraction (60, 75 and 90°C). The data were subjected to Response Surface Methodology and the results showed that polynomial equations were significant, did not present lack of fit, and presented adjusted determination coefficients above 98%, proving their suitability for prediction purposes. Using the desirability function, the optimum operating conditions to obtain a higher extraction of antioxidants was found to be 10 min of extraction at 90°C, and the tea prepared under these experimental conditions presented 427.74 mg of gallic acid equivalents per liter and 80.02% of inhibition of the DPPH radical. The flavonoid content was highly correlated (r = 0.9046, p < 0.001) to the antioxidant capacity.
Tools used to estimate soil quality in coal combustion waste areas
Authors: SILVA JÚNIOR FLAVIO M.R. DA , VARGAS VERA M.F.
Published: March 2014

Soil is a highly complex environmental compartment that has suffered with the contamination of substances of various origins. Among the main activities that affect soil quality are power generation activities that use fossil fuels, such as mineral coal. Environmental protection agencies encourage scientific investigations using tools described in legal devices or standard protocols to evaluate the potential of coal as a pollutant, especially in places that have large reserves of this mineral like the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The aim of this study was to characterize the leached extracts of different soils from an area influenced by coal waste, to classify them according to the guideline values for groundwater described in CONAMA's n. 420/2009, and to estimate the effects of the leachates ingestion in DNA mutation rates. The volume of soil needed to induce a 100% increase in the spontaneous mutation rate varied between 129.3 and 1544.1 mg of soil among the soils studied. Metals such as Mn, Pb, Cd and Ni surpassed the investigation limits for groundwater at least in one soil sample. The results showed that there can be transfer of soil contaminants to groundwater and soil intake in the area could contribute to the increased mutagenic risk.
Spontaneous remission of acromegaly: apoplexy mimicking meningitis or meningitis as a cause of apoplexy?
Authors: Villar-Taibo Rocío , Ballesteros-Pomar María D. , Vidal-Casariego Alfonso , Álvarez-San Martín Rosa M. , Kyriakos Georgios , Cano-Rodríguez Isidoro
Published: March 2014

Pituitary apoplexy is a rare but potentially life-threatening clinical syndrome characterized by ischemic infarction or hemorrhage into a pituitary tumor. The diagnosis of pituitary tumor apoplexy is frequently complicated because of the nonspecific nature of its signs and symptoms, which can mimic different neurological processes, including meningitis. Several factors have been associated with apoplexy, such as dopamine agonists, radiotherapy, or head trauma, but meningitis is a rarely reported cause. We describe the case of a 51-year-old woman with acromegaly due to a pituitary macroadenoma. Before surgical treatment, she arrived at Emergency with fever, nausea, vomiting and meningismus. Symptoms and laboratory tests suggested bacterial meningitis, and antibiotic therapy was initiated, with quick improvement. A computerized tomography (CT) scan at admission did not reveal any change in pituitary adenoma, but a few weeks later, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed data of pituitary apoplexy with complete disappearance of the adenoma. Currently, her acromegaly is cured, but she developed hypopituitarism and diabetes insipidus following apoplexy. We question whether she really experienced meningitis leading to apoplexy or whether apoplexy was misinterpreted as meningitis. In conclusion, the relationship between meningitis and pituitary apoplexy may be bidirectional. Apoplexy can mimic viral or bacterial meningitis, but meningitis might cause apoplexy, as well. This fact highlights the importance of differential diagnosis when evaluating patients with pituitary adenomas and acute neurological symptoms.
Comparison between the growth response to growth hormone (GH) therapy in children with partial GH insensitivity or mild GH deficiency
Authors: Cardoso Daniela F. , Martinelli Jr. Carlos Eduardo , Campos Viviane C. , Gomes Elenilde S. , Rocha Ívina E. S. , Oliveira Carla R. P. , Vicente Taisa A. R. , Pereira Rossana M. C. , Pereira Francisco A. , Cartaxo Carla K. A. , Milani Soraya L. S. , Oliveira Mario C. P. , Melo Enaldo V. , Oliveira Andre L. P. , Aguiar-Oliveira Manuel H.
Published: March 2014

Objectives: GH therapy is still controversial, except in severe GH deficiency (SGHD). The objective of this study was to compare the response to growth hormone (GH) therapy in children with partial GH insensitivity (PGHIS) and mild GH deficiency (MGHD) with those with SGHD.Subjects and methods: Fifteen PGHIS, 11 MGHD, and 19 SGHD subjects, followed up for more than one year in the Brazilian public care service, were evaluated regarding anthropometric and laboratory data at the beginning of treatment, after one year (1 st year) on treatment, and at the last assessment (up to ten years in SGHD, up to four years in MGHD, and up to eight years in PGHIS).Results: Initial height standard deviation score (SDS) in SGHD was lower than in MGHD and PGHIS. Although the increase in 1 st year height SDS in comparison to initial height SDS was not different among the groups, height-SDS after the first year of treatment remained lower in SGHD than in MGHD. There was no difference in height-SDS at the last assessment of the children among the three groups. GH therapy, in the entire period of observation, caused a trend towards lower increase in height SDS in PGHIS than SGHD but similar increases were observed in MGHD and SGHD.Conclusion: GH therapy increases height in PGHIS and produces similar height effects in MGHD and SGHD.
The value of red blood cell distribution width in subclinical hypothyroidism
Authors: Yu Hea Min , Park Kang Seo , Lee Jae Min
Published: March 2014

Objective : Therefore, we evaluated the relationship between the subclinical hypothyroidism and red cell distribution width (RDW) levels in a healthy population. Subjects and methods : The medical records of 23,343 consecutive health subjects were reviewed. Subjects were classified into four thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) groups to determine the correlation between TSH and other variables in detail (0.3 to < 2.5 mU/L, 2.5 to < 5 mU/L, 5 to < 7.5 mU/L, and ≥ 7.5 mU/L). Results : In the multivariate linear regression analysis, RDW was associated with TSH levels, and e-GFR was inversely associated with TSH levels, respectively (standardized beta coefficient = 0.102, -0.019; p < 0.001, p < 0.001). After adjusting for age and sex, in the four groups, TSH levels were significantly correlated with RDW, estimated glomerular filtration rate (e-GFR), and free thyroxine (fT4) levels in all groups. Furthermore in the 4 th group, RDW levels were more strongly associated with TSH levels than in the other groups (p = 0.006). Conclusions : RDW levels are correlated with euthyroid and subclinical thyroid status. Notably, RDW is more correlated with subclinical hypothyroidism than the euthyroid status. This study presents the relationship between the RDW levels and thyroid function using TSH level in a large healthy population.
Impact of metformin treatment and swimming exercise on visfatin levels in high-fat-induced obesity rats
Authors: Gao Ya , Wang Changjiang , Pan Tianrong , Luo Li
Published: March 2014

Objective : Visfatin is a recently discovered adipocytokine that contributes to glucose and obesity-related conditions. Until now, its responses to the insulin-sensitizing agent metformin and to exercise are largely unknown. We aim to investigate the impact of metformin treatment and/or swimming exercise on serum visfatin and visfatin levels in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), peri-renal adipose tissue (PAT) and skeletal muscle (SM) of high-fat-induced obesity rats. Materials and methods : Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a normal diet or a high-fat diet for 16 weeks to develop obesity model. The high-fat-induced obesity model rats were then randomized to metformin (MET), swimming exercise (SWI), or adjunctive therapy of metformin and swimming exercise (MAS), besides high-fat obesity control group and a normal control group, all with 10 rats per group. Zoometric and glycemic parameters, lipid profile, and serum visfatin levels were assessed at baseline and after 6 weeks of therapy. Visfatin levels in SAT, PAT and SM were determined by Western Blot. Results : Metformin and swimming exercise improved lipid profile, and increased insulin sensitivity and body weight reduction were observed. Both metformin and swimming exercise down-regulated visfatin levels in SAT and PAT, while the adjunctive therapy conferred greater benefits, but no changes of visfatin levels were observed in SM. Conclusion : Our results indicate that visfatin down-regulation in SAT and PAT may be one of the mechanisms by which metformin and swimming exercise inhibit obesity.