bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mating behavior and female accompaniment in the whiptail lizard Cnemidophorus ocellifer (Squamata, Teiidae) in the Caatinga region of northeastern Brazil
Authors: Ribeiro Leonardo Barros , Gogliath Melissa , Sales Raul Fernandes Dantas de , Freire Eliza Maria Xavier
Published: April 2012

We report here a set of observations on mating behavior and female accompaniment by the whiptail lizard Cnemidophorus ocellifer in an area of Caatinga (xerophilous open forests) in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, northeastern Brazil. We observed a stationary male lizard performing repeated vibratory movements of the pelvis and tail base upon the sandy soil. Since that male was in front of a burrow in which a female of the same species was sheltered, we hypothesize that this behavior may be part of a courtship display. We continued the observation and later, when the female emerged from the burrow, the male climbed on her and the copulation occurred. The incident of accompaniment observed was characterized by one male continuously accompanying a female during foraging. Plausible functional explanations for a male accompany a female include mating guarding, post-copulatory courtship, and sperm loading. By accompanying females, males would be guaranteeing insemination by multiple copulation and stimulation of the female, and protecting their paternity by chasing away other males, diminishing the chances of extra-pair copulations.
Effect of abiotic variables on fish eggs and larvae distribution in headwaters of Cuiabá River, Mato Grosso State, Brazil
Authors: Ziober Simoni Ramalho , Bialetzki Andréa , Mateus Lúcia Aparecida de Fátima
Published: April 2012

Researches on ichthyoplankton seems to be an important tool to identification of spawning areas and periods for freshwater fish. Ichthyoplankton was sampled monthly in the headwaters of the Cuiabá River, upper Paraguay River basin, (Mato Grosso State, Brazil), and in four of its tributaries, between November 2007 and March 2008, to evaluate the spatial and temporal distribution of fish eggs and larvae and the influence of regional and local variables on their distribution. In total, 22,067 eggs and 1,045 larvae were collected. A significant negative correlation was found between egg density and the variables of river level and flow volume. Larval density was not significantly correlated with any of the regional variables. The egg and larval densities were significantly higher at the sampling sites in the main river. The highest densities were found in environments with greater river widths, intermediate depths and lowest values of dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, and transparency. Anostomidae, Zungaro zungaro, Bryconamericus spp., Pimelodus spp., Pimelodidae, Auchenipteridae, and Siluriformes were the most abundant groups of larvae, and were observed at the sampling sites in the main river. The study site is an important spawning area for migratory and, non-migratory fish species, and highlight the importance of the main river to the reproductive event, by the influence of local variables transparency and river width, which in turn maybe temporally influenced by the river level.
Feeding preference of adult females of ribbonfish Trichiurus lepturus through prey proximate-composition and caloric values
Authors: Bittar Vanessa Trindade , Awabdi Danielle Rodrigues , Tonini William Cristiane Teles , Vidal Junior Manuel Vazquez , Di Beneditto Ana Paula Madeira
Published: April 2012

In the present study we analysed the proximate-composition and caloric values of the preferred prey consumed by ribbonfish, Trichiurus lepturus L. 1758 (adult females), that are distributed in the inner continental shelf from northern Rio de Janeiro State, southeastern Brazil (~22ºS), assessing the potential of nutritional and energetic approach as a tool to understand the feeding selective pattern of this marine top carnivore. The preferred prey of this predator composed of fish co-specifics, Pellona harroweri, Chirocentrodon bleekerianus, Lycengraulis grossidens, Peprilus paru, squid Doryteuthis plei, and shrimp Xiphopenaeus kroyeri were collected from 2007 to 2010 for proximate-composition (water, protein, lipid, ash, and carbohydrate) and caloric value analyses. The correspondence analysis showed that protein is the main component in the prey species (61.32% of variance explained), standing out from the other nutrients. Lipid has the highest percentage related to L. grossidens, ash to X. kroyeri and carbohydrate to D. plei. The strong correlations between protein and caloric value (positive) and lipid and caloric value (negative) indicated that T. lepturus is attending its energy demand through the prey protein content. This work elucidated the feeding preference of adult females of T. lepturus in relation to nutritional and caloric content of their preferred prey. The species showed food selectivity to prey that provide more energy per ingested biomass, so that the feeding events can maximize the predator's caloric gain, which is obtained by a protein-based diet.
From forests to cattail: how does the riparian zone influence stream fish?
Authors: Casatti Lilian , Teresa Fabrício Barreto , Gonçalves-Souza Thiago , Bessa Eduardo , Manzotti Angelo Rodrigo , Gonçalves Cristina da Silva , Zeni Jaquelini de Oliveira
Published: April 2012

The aim of this study was to verify whether taxonomic and functional composition of stream fishes vary under three different preservation conditions of riparian zone: preserved (PRE), intermediate condition (INT), and degraded (DEG). Five stream stretches representing each condition were selected. Samples were taken from each stream in three occasions during the dry seasons from 2004 to 2007. Electro fishing (PRE and INT), sieves, dip nets, and hand seines (DEG) were used according to the characteristics of each sampled site. Overall, 46 species were registered. Differences in the taxonomic and functional species composition among groups were found, following the condition of riparian zones. The ichthyofauna recorded in the PRE was typical to pristine environments, consisting of species with specialized habits, notably benthic insectivores, intolerant, and rheophilics. In the INT group, replacement of riparian forest with shrubs and/or grasses created environmental conditions which favor the occurrence of tolerant species but also harbor a residual fauna of sensitive species. DEG streams presented mostly detritivores, tolerant, small sized fishes which occupy the surface and preferred slow water flux. Changes in the species composition were represented by the occurrence and dominance of tolerant species in detriment of the more sensitive and specialist species, following the gradient of degradation in the riparian zone. Forested streams act as unique habitats to many specialized species and it can be presumable that the degradation of riparian vegetation can generate biotic homogenization which may reduce species diversity and ecosystem services.
Aprendizagem de uma habilidade motora seriada em diferentes estágios de desenvolvimento
Authors: Diniz Ariane Brito , Basso Luciano , Hashiguchi Debora , Beltrão Natália Barros , Correia Elisa Renata Freitas Guerra , Oliveira Dayana da Silva , Oliveira Ilana Santos de , Cattuzzo Maria Teresa
Published: April 2012

Este estudo investigou a aprendizagem de uma tarefa motora seriada em diferentes estágios de desenvolvimento. Quinze crianças, 14 adultos e 13 idosos praticaram a tarefa de rastrear uma sequência de seis estímulos luminosos durante 10 blocos de tentativas ou até descobrir a sequência, constituindo a fase de estabilização e mais dois blocos de tentativas, referentes as fases de adaptação I e II. O desempenho foi mensurado por meio das respostas funcionais e não-funcionais e das sequências funcionais. Os resultados indicaram que os adultos foram superiores aos demais participantes, e idosos apresentaram melhor desempenho que crianças apenas no início da prática, sugerindo que o estágio de desenvolvimento interage com o processo de aprendizagem motora.
Avaliação do ácido lático em indivíduos com hemiparesia pós-acidente vascular encefálico após estimulação elétrica para fortalecimento muscular
Authors: Corrêa Fernanda Ishida , Corrêa João Carlos Ferrari , Tessarolo André de Almeida , Melo André de Souza , Sampaio Luciana Maria Malosá , Costa Maricilia Silva , Oliveira Cláudia Santos
Published: April 2012

O fortalecimento da musculatura parética promove melhora da capacidade funcional, o que pode ser obtido pela estimulação elétrica funcional (EEF), porém são necessários parâmetros específicos para evitar fadiga muscular. Este estudo visou verificar, em indivíduos com hemiparesia pós-AVE, o tempo de repouso (time off) necessário para reabsorção do ácido lático durante a EEF, de modo a evitar a fadiga - detectada por lactacidemia (concentração excessiva de ácido lático). Foram coletadas amostras de sangue de 18 indivíduos portadores de hemiparesia em sete momentos, antes, durante e após a EEF. A corrente quadrada bifásica, de 50 Hz, foi usada com time on de 10 segundos (s) e o time off variou de 10 s (protocolo 1) a 30 s (protocolo 2), sobre o ponto motor do músculo tibial anterior. Na análise do sangue coletado, não foi encontrada diferença estatisticamente significante (p>0,05) entre os dois protocolos; tampouco foi registrada diferença no período imediatamente pós-terapia. Pode-se pois afirmar que a ferramenta utilizada para mensurar lactacidemia não se mostrou eficaz na detecção da fadiga muscular, inviabilizando verificar o tempo ideal de repouso (time off), sendo necessários mais estudos em busca de protocolos seguros. Sugere-se a continuidade deste estudo, com alteração do músculo e atividade funcional eliciada pela estimulação elétrica, bem como uma ferramenta alternativa na mensuração e detecção da fadiga muscular.
Declínio funcional de idosa institucionalizada: aplicabilidade do modelo da Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde
Authors: Depolito Carolina , Leocadio Priscilla Lassi Losano de Faria , Cordeiro Renata Cereda
Published: April 2012

O objetivo deste estudo é relatar a evolução clínico-funcional de uma idosa residente em instituição de longa permanência (ILPI), descrevendo a influência das condições contextuais (socioeconômicas e familiares) em sua saúde, bem como discutir a provável relação entre os eventos e seu declínio funcional utilizando o modelo conceitual da Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde (CIF). A CIF foi elaborada pela Organização Mundial de Saúde para atender a diferentes setores e estabelecer uma linguagem comum na descrição da saúde, permitindo uma abrangência multidimensional dos fatores direta e indiretamente relacionados ao quadro clínico-funcional, bem como intervenções de caráter interprofissional na clínica ou no ambiente institucional. A paciente passou por diferentes momentos na ILP e foi a óbito após 12 meses. A discussão do caso permite planejar melhores estratégias para lidar com os eventos adversos à saúde que podem ocorrer nesse contexto.
O objeto etnográfico é irredutível? Pistas sobre novos sentidos e análises
Authors: van Velthem Lucia Hussak
Published: April 2012

Determinados artefatos depositados em museus são conhecidos como objetos etnográficos. Representam importantes fontes de consulta para um amplo leque de estudos interpretativos na área das ciências humanas: cultura material, tecnologias tradicionais, antropologia da arte, etno-história e história da arte, processos migratórios, trocas e apropriações culturais como resultado das situações de contato. Cabe, então, perguntar por que as reservas técnicas dos museus etnográficos não estão abarrotadas de pesquisadores debruçados sobre tais fontes de informação? A irredutibilidade mesma do objeto etnográfico pode constituir um empecilho, mas o que mais pode ser dito? O artigo pretende enfocar o objeto etnográfico e o estudo de coleções etnográficas, nem tanto formulando novos conceitos, mas transladando sentidos e interpretações que contribuem para a redefinição dessa classe de objetos. A partir dessa discussão e com objetivos exploratórios, são abordadas as potencialidades do estudo de coleções etnográficas no contexto das redes de troca ameríndias.
Museologia e patrimônio nas cidades contemporâneas: uma tese sobre gestão de cidades sob a ótica da preservação da cultura e da memória
Authors: Costa Heloisa Helena Fernandes Gonçalves da
Published: April 2012

Essencialmente consideradas como um espaço para viver, as cidades contemporâneas são complexos territórios onde a memória e o patrimônio não têm efetiva função representativa. O objetivo principal deste trabalho é analisar o surgimento do conceito de 'saúde cultural', suportado pela relação entre museologia, patrimônio e cidadania. A pesquisa foi baseada na experiência de campo e em estudos de memória de adultos e idosos que vivem em áreas urbanas, onde eles podem observar o significado simbólico dos monumentos e de objetos similares nas cidades-museus e nas paisagens culturais. A maneira com que os museus e monumentos estão inseridos na sociedade civil e seu poder de produzir códigos e valores culturais fazem deles parte integrante do processo de promoção das identidades e da cidadania. Além disso, esse processo pode melhorar a saúde cultural, a autoestima e a qualidade de interação social. Esses elementos são indispensáveis à construção de cidades saudáveis.
O perspectivismo ameríndio e a ideia de uma estética americana
Authors: Gomes Denise Maria Cavalcante
Published: April 2012

O artigo discute a ideia de existência de uma estética pré-colonial própria do território americano, tendo por base a ampla distribuição geográfica de um mesmo fundo cosmológico, cuja expressão material seria as diversas classes de objetos arqueológicos envolvidos na ação ritual. O conceito que orienta esta discussão é o perspectivismo ameríndio. Formulado originalmente para dar conta da singularidade do pensamento indígena amazônico, abordando as relações simbólicas entre os homens e outros seres, este conceito, que possui uma amplitude pan-americana, é reconhecível não só a partir das etnografias, dos mitos, mas também por meio das representações presentes na iconografia dos artefatos revelados pela Arqueologia, sobretudo aqueles que exibem corpos em estado de transformação. Vistas como parte de sistemas de pensamento e organização social, as representações artísticas contidas em objetos pré-coloniais amazônicos, andinos e da costa noroeste da América do Norte indicam uma unidade mitológica e cosmológica do mundo ameríndio, que ultrapassa distintas morfologias sociais e estruturas políticas.
Prognostic Role of Serum Parathyroid Hormone Levels in Advanced Prostate Cancer Patients Undergoing Zoledronic Acid Administration
Authors: Berruti Alfredo , Cook Richard , Saad Fred , Buttigliero Consuelo , Lipton Allan , Tampellini Marco , Lee Ker-Ai , Coleman Robert E. , Smith Matthew R.
Published: April 2012

Background.

Secondary hyperparathyroidism is frequent in prostate cancer patients with bone metastases, and this condition is worsened by the administration of potent bisphosphonates. Serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) elevation can impair the efficacy of these drugs in terms of survival.

Methods.

The prognostic role of elevated serum PTH levels at baseline and after 3 months of zoledronic acid administration was assessed prospectively in 643 bone metastatic prostate cancer patients enrolled in a prospective randomized, placebo-controlled study.

Results.

On multivariate analysis, after adjusting for major prognostic factors and bone turnover markers, elevated baseline serum PTH level was negatively associated with overall survival (hazard ratio [HR], 1.448; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.045–2.006; p < .03) in zoledronic acid–treated patients but not in placebo-treated patients. In patients with normal baseline PTH levels, there was a trend but insignificant association between zoledronic acid administration and a better survival outcome than with placebo (HR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.65–1.01; p = .065), whereas a trend in the opposite direction was observed in patients with elevated PTH levels (HR, 1.45; 95% CI, 0.87–2.39; p = .151); interaction test, p = .040. Elevated serum PTH level after 3 months of zoledronic acid treatment was not significantly associated with survival outcome.

Conclusions.

Secondary hyperparathyroidism has a negative prognostic impact in metastatic prostate cancer patients undergoing zoledronic acid administration. Counteracting elevated PTH levels by adequate doses of vitamin D may improve the efficacy of this drug.
Nanostructure and effective elastic properties of bone fibril
Authors: Sansalone V. , Naïli S. , Lemaire T.
Published: April 2012

Mechanical properties of bone tissue result from its hierarchical structure. At the scale of several micrometers, the relevant structure is the bone fibril. Bone fibril is mainly composed of collagen, mineral, and water. Exact composition and arrangement of these constituents are hardly available through nowadays experimental techniques. In this paper, the influence of the subfibrillar organization on the effective elastic properties of the fibril using a multiscale homogenization approach was studied. The model uses energetic equivalences between the relevant scales to estimate the effective elastic properties of the fibril. The axial modulus of the fibril was computed considering different scenarios at the subfibrillar scale. Composition and arrangement of the fibrillar nanoconstituents were varied to test different modeling hypotheses. Special focus was set on the mineral content and the shape of the mineral platelets. Mineral content turned out to be the only relevant parameter in highly mineralized fibrils. Specific subfibrillar organization was shown to be much more relevant in weakly mineralized fibrils. In particular, the effect of the shape of the mineral platelets was highlighted.
Nanowire–nanoparticle conjugate photolytic device
Authors: Kalkan A. Kaan
Published: April 2012

The present work demonstrates proof of concept of a nanowire–nanoparticle conjugate device that produces hydrogen when suspended in water and exposed to visible radiation. The mechanism of hydrogen generation is attributed to photoelectrochemical cleavage of water. The vanadium oxyhydrate (V3O7·H2O) nanowires are synthesized by a sol-gel procedure and subsequently decorated with Au nanoparticles by reduction chemistry. The nanostructures are characterized by XRD, TEM, EDS, and optical/Raman spectroscopy. The photolytic product is analyzed by gas chromatography. The author discusses various mechanisms, which are unique to the multifunctional nanostructures and improve the photolytic efficiency, such as efficient splitting of photogenerated electron/hole pairs, self-alignment of the Fermi level in Au nanoparticles leading to efficient electron transfer to hydrogen reduction, and optical absorption enhancement in the nanowires by the plasmonic properties of nanoparticles. Conversion and external quantum efficiencies of 5·3% and 11·3% are demonstrated under 470 nm excitation for the first hour of photolysis, respectively.
Renal Replacement Therapy in the Elderly Population
Authors: Berger Joseph R. , Hedayati S. Susan
Published: April 2012

ESRD has become an important problem for elderly patients. The segment of the ESRD population age 65 years or older has grown considerably, and this growth is expected to accelerate in coming years. Nephrologists caring for the elderly with advanced kidney disease will encounter patients with comorbid conditions common in younger patients, as well as physical, psychological, and social challenges that occur with increased frequency in the aging population. These challenging factors must be addressed to help inform decisions regarding the option to initiate dialysis, the choice of dialysis modality, whether to pursue kidney transplantation, and end-of-life care. This article will highlight some common problems encountered by elderly patients with ESRD and review data on the clinical outcomes of elderly patients treated with different modalities of dialysis, outcomes of kidney transplantation in the elderly, and nondialytic management of CKD stage 5.
CKD and Coronary Collateral Supply in Individuals Undergoing Coronary Angiography after Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Charytan David M. , Stern Noam M. , Mauri Laura
Published: April 2012

Background and objectives

CKD patients have high mortality risk after myocardial infarction (MI). An adequate supply of coronary collaterals to the culprit vessel responsible for MI is associated with reduced risks of death and complications. Whether a diminished supply of collaterals contributes to the high risk in CKD patients is uncertain.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Quantitative coronary angiography was performed in a consecutive series of individuals with (n=58) and without (n=165) CKD (estimated GFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2) who underwent coronary angiography at the time of MI. Collateral supply was analyzed and candidate predictors were assessed in patient-level and individual artery-level models using logistic regression and ordered categorical regression, respectively.

Results

There were no significant differences in collateral supply among 58 CKD patients and 165 individuals with preserved renal function. Culprit artery collaterals were present in 25.0% of CKD patients compared with 27.2% of individuals with preserved renal function (P=0.76). The odds of having an adequate supply of culprit vessel collaterals were also not significantly different in individuals with and without CKD, respectively. CKD patients were 2.22-fold more likely to have visible collaterals to the nonculprit vessels in unadjusted analyses. The difference was not significant after correction for percent stenosis and comorbid factors.

Conclusions

Our results do not support an independent association between CKD and diminished collateral supply to either the culprit or nonculprit vessels in MI. Additional studies are warranted to better define associations between myocardial capillary supply, collateral supply, and the full range of human CKD.
Vasopressin, Copeptin, and Renal Concentrating Capacity in Patients with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease without Renal Impairment
Authors: Zittema Debbie , Boertien Wendy E. , van Beek André P. , Dullaart Robin P.F. , Franssen Casper F.M. , de Jong Paul E. , Meijer Esther , Gansevoort Ron T.
Published: April 2012

Background and objectives

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most prevalent hereditary renal disease, characterized by cyst formation in the kidneys leading to end stage kidney failure. It is clinically acknowledged that ADPKD patients have impaired urine concentrating capacity, but the mechanism behind this observation is unknown.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Fifteen ADPKD patients (estimated GFR ≥60 ml/min per 1.73 m2) and 15 age- and sex-matched healthy controls underwent a standard prolonged water deprivation test in which urine and plasma osmolality, vasopressin, and copeptin were measured. The effect of a synthetic vasopressin analog (desmopressin) injected at the moment of maximal urine concentrating capacity was also studied.

Results

After 14 hours of water deprivation, ADPKD patients tended to have higher plasma osmolality (P=0.07) and significantly higher vasopressin and copeptin levels (both P<0.05), whereas urine osmolality was similar in ADPKD patients and controls (710 versus 742 mOsmol/kg; P=0.61). Maximal urine concentrating capacity was lower in ADPKD patients (758 versus 915 mOsmol/kg in controls; P<0.001). At maximal urine concentrating capacity, plasma osmolality, vasopressin, and copeptin levels were significantly higher in ADPKD patients. The median increase in urine osmolality after desmopressin administration in ADPKD patients was less than in healthy controls.

Conclusions

Already early in their disease, ADPKD patients have impaired maximal urine concentrating capacity brought out upon dehydration, with no evidence of impaired hypothalamic response. To maintain fluid balance, vasopressin concentration increases, which is hypothesized to play a role in ADPKD disease progression.
Xenografted Islet Cell Clusters From INSLEA29Y Transgenic Pigs Rescue Diabetes and Prevent Immune Rejection in Humanized Mice
Authors: Klymiuk Nikolai , van Buerck Lelia , Bähr Andrea , Offers Monika , Kessler Barbara , Wuensch Annegret , Kurome Mayuko , Thormann Michael , Lochner Katharina , Nagashima Hiroshi , Herbach Nadja , Wanke Rüdiger , Seissler Jochen , Wolf Eckhard
Published: April 2012

Islet transplantation is a potential treatment for type 1 diabetes, but the shortage of donor organs limits its routine application. As potential donor animals, we generated transgenic pigs expressing LEA29Y, a high-affinity variant of the T-cell costimulation inhibitor CTLA-4Ig, under the control of the porcine insulin gene promoter. Neonatal islet cell clusters (ICCs) from INSLEA29Y transgenic (LEA-tg) pigs and wild-type controls were transplanted into streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemic NOD-scid IL2Rγnull mice. Cloned LEA-tg pigs are healthy and exhibit a strong β-cell–specific transgene expression. LEA-tg ICCs displayed the same potential to normalize glucose homeostasis as wild-type ICCs after transplantation. After adoptive transfer of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, transplanted LEA-tg ICCs were completely protected from rejection, whereas reoccurrence of hyperglycemia was observed in 80% of mice transplanted with wild-type ICCs. In the current study, we provide the first proof-of-principle report on transgenic pigs with β-cell–specific expression of LEA29Y and their successful application as donors in a xenotransplantation model. This approach may represent a major step toward the development of a novel strategy for pig-to-human islet transplantation without side effects of systemic immunosuppression.
Progressive Axonal Dysfunction Precedes Development of Neuropathy in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Sung Jia-Ying , Park Susanna B. , Liu Ya-Ting , Kwai Natalie , Arnold Ria , Krishnan Arun V. , Lin Cindy S.-Y.
Published: April 2012

To evaluate the development of diabetic neuropathy, the current study examined changes in peripheral axonal function. Nerve excitability techniques were undertaken in 108 type 2 diabetic patients with nerve conduction studies (NCS), HbA1c levels, and total neuropathy score (TNS). Patients were categorized into two cohorts: patients with diabetes without neuropathy (DWN group [n = 56]) and patients with diabetes with neuropathy (DN group [n = 52]) and further into severity grade 0 (TNS 0–1 [n = 35]), grade 1 (TNS 2–8 [n = 42]), and grade 2/3 (TNS 9–24 [n = 31]). Results revealed that the DWN group had a significantly increased threshold, prolonged latency, and changes in excitability parameters compared with age-matched control subjects. Patients with neuropathy demonstrated significant alteration in recovery cycle parameters and depolarizing threshold electrotonus. Within the DWN cohort, there were significant correlations between HbA1c level and latency and subexcitability, whereas the estimated glomerular filtration rate correlated with superexcitability in patients with neuropathy. Furthermore, excitability parameters became progressively more abnormal with increasing clinical severity. These results suggest a spectrum of excitability abnormalities in patients with diabetes and that early axonal dysfunction may be detected prior to the development of neuropathy. As progressive changes in excitability parameters correlated to neuropathy severity, excitability testing may provide a biomarker of the early development and severity of diabetic neuropathy, providing insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms producing axonal dysfunction.
Factors Associated with Hygienic Quality of Bulk Tank Milk Produced in Central Poland
Authors: Pytlewski Jarosław , Antkowiak Ireneusz , Adamski Maciej , Kučera Josef , Skrzypek Ryszard
Published: April 2012

Factors Associated with Hygienic Quality of Bulk Tank Milk Produced in Central Poland

The aim of this study was a complex analysis of organizational and technological factors affecting somatic cell count (SCC) and total microorganism count (SPC) in bulk tank milk produced in the area of Łódź Voivodeship. The study was conducted on the basis of a questionnaire completed directly in 205 family farms, maintaining Polish Black-and-White Holstein-Friesian cows. The data were analysed statistically using multifactor analysis of variance. The following factors decreased SCC in milk: application of mechanical ventilation in the cowshed; disinfection of stalls for cows; frequent inspection of milking equipment efficiency by a specialized service (twice vs. once a year); application of manual pre-milking udder massage; dry period of a standard length of 6-8 weeks (vs. 2-5 weeks); application of concentrates in amounts of at least 3 kg/day/cow; application of meadow hay and straw or hay only among roughages in cow feeding (vs. straw only); addition of vitamin E and Cu to feeding ration for cows and individual housing of replacement heifers between 1-3 months of age (vs. group system). In turn, the following factors decreased SPC: participation of milkers in specialist trainings; cleaning of teats before milking using wet towel or washing with water containing a disinfectant; "dry" storage of milking equipment between milkings; culling of cows due to mastitis; application of vitamin A and Zn; no use of milk from mastitic cows in calf feeding; and individual housing of replacement heifers during the first month of life.
Nasal allergy
Authors: Chowdhury M Alamgir
Published: April 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjo.v18i1.10406Bangladesh J Otorhinolaryngol 2012; 18(1): 1-3
Evaluation of neck swelling by cytological and histopathological examination
Authors: Huq Md Mahmudul , Ali Mohammad Idrish , Huque SM Nazmul , Alam KM Nurul , Sattar Md Abdus , Tarafder Kamrul Hasan
Published: April 2012

Objective: In this study 50 patients of neck swelling were studied to compare the findings with clinical diagnosis and histopathological report for its diagnostic reliability.Methods: This cross sectional study was done in ENT Department of Sher-E-Bangla Medical College Hospital, Barisal, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University and Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka from July 2006 to December 2006. Fine needle aspiration cytology, MRI, CT scan, and histopathological examination of postoperative specimen of neck swelling, analyzed data presented by various tables, graphs and figures.Results: In the present series 50 cases of neck swelling were studied. Out of these 50 cases 19 were male and 31 were female. The male, female ratio was 1:1.63. Age range was 4  60 years with maximum frequency in the 4th decade with the 3rd and 2nd in the following suit. Most of the patient was poor. Clinical, cytological and histopathological diagnosis was available in all the cases. The three sorts of diagnoses were compared with each other. Histopathologically 12 cases were tubercular lymphadenopathy, 12 cases were nodular goiter, 5 cases were Metastatic carcinoma, 5 were thyroid carcinoma and another 5 cases were lymphoma, Rest were benign, congenital and nonspecific inflammatory conditions. Correct diagnosis was made by FNAC in 45 cases. In the rest 5 cases smear were unsatisfactory in 2 cases and gives inconclusive result, remaining 3 were follicular neoplasmand no definitive result were made which were subsequently diagnosed by histopathological examination as a follicular adenoma in 1 and follicular carcinoma in 2. Sensitivity of FNAC in the diagnosis of neck masses were found 91% for tuberculosis, 100% for metastatic carcinoma and also for salivary gland tumour. In case of nodular goiter sensitivity was 92%. But it is only 60% sensitive in case of thyroid malignancy, as FNAC can not demarcate clearly between follicular adenoma and follicular cell carcinoma. But its accuracy in diagnosing papillary carcinoma of thyroid was 100%.Conclusion: FNAC can reduce substantially the need of open biopsy for histopathological examination. Accuracy of FNAC will be improved with relevant information provided by clinicians.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjo.v18i1.10410  Bangladesh J Otorhinolaryngol 2012; 18(1): 23-29
Low cost multi-use hearing aid
Authors: Rout Nachiketa , Paul Sudip , Waghmare PG , Patnaik R
Published: April 2012

Aim: The aim was to develop a low cost multi use body level hearing aid (HA) targeting the Asian population.Method: The study began with need identification. In this stage the researcher wanted to identify the changes which the parents and professionals thought would improve the functionality of the present say body level hearing aids. A survey of 106 hearing aid users, parents and professionals was done. All had been exposed to hearing aids since five years or more. They were asked to name one change which can be incorporated into the present day HA aids to increase its functionality and utility. Six major changes were significantly (pd 0.05) recommended. The changes were considered to develop a prototype which was then field tested for its efficacy.Results: the six changes which were identified by the 106 participants included incorporating better cords, better battery backup, easy repair facilities, low battery indicator, torch facilities along with a vibrating alert. A prototype was developed at a very low cost of 936 rupee with facilities of a strong class HA, vibrating doorbell alert, rechargeable battery, torch light and a vibrating doorbell alert and a low battery indicator. It was found to function satisfactorily and won the prestigious Sushrut Innovation award by the Department of Science and Technology, India for year 2011.Conclusions: the developed prototype can be considered for large scale production. It would bring down the cost of the prototype and beneficiaries would get an advantage of assistive devices along with the hearing aid. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjo.v18i1.10412Bangladesh J Otorhinolaryngol 2012; 18(1): 36-41
Clinicopathological profile of fungal rhinosinusitis
Authors: Wahid Fazal-I , Khan Adil , Khan Iftikhar Ahmad
Published: April 2012

Objective: To determine the clinicopathological features of fungal rhinosinusits at a tertiary care hospital.Material and Methods: This study was conducted at the Department of ENT, Head and Neck surgery, PGMI/ LRH Peshawar. This was a four years prospective study from January 2007 to December 2011. All fifty five patients were evaluated thoroughly in terms of history, examination and investigation. Biopsy of nasal mass was performed and biopsy specimens were studied by same histopathologist. After diagnosing the patient as a case of fungal rhinosinusitis surgical procedure was performed according the extent of disease. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 17.Results: These patients were in age range from 11- 66 years with mean age of 37.74 + S.D 16.46 years. They constitute 34 male and 21 female with male: female ratio was 1.6:1. Majority of patients (41.8%) belonged to middle age group. Most of the patients (60%) had lower socioeconomic status and mainly they were from rural area (74.54%) with only 30.9% literacy level. The commonest symptoms of these patients were nasal stuffiness (85.45%). Noninvasive fungal rhinosinusits was on top (87.27%). Aspergillus sp was the common fungal isolates (12.72%).Conclusion: Fungal rhinosinusitis is commonly affecting middle age group people. Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis is the most common entity of fungal rhinosinusitis and Aspergillus is the commonest pathogen. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjo.v18i1.10414  Bangladesh J Otorhinolaryngol 2012; 18(1): 48-54
Effect of vents on the output of hearing Aids
Authors: Sarkar Mita , Sinha Ashok Kumar , Rout Nachiketa
Published: April 2012

The aim of the study was to explore the effect of vents on the speech discrimination scores and electroacoustic characteristics of body level hearing aids. The Nineteen adults who participated in the study had mild to moderate sloping sensori-neural hearing loss and were in the age range of 18-70 years. Apart from 19 hearing aids users additional 11 hearing aids were also taken for the study of electro-acoustic characteristics only. Major changes in the electroacoustic characteristics of the body worn hearing aids was observed on HFA OSPL90, FOG and EINL which reduced to 7.31%, 9.19% and 7.72% when parallel vent of 2mm were bored in the regular ear moulds respectively. Parallel/ Diagonal vents improved the Speech Discrimination score by 9%. The cumulative impact of venting can be seen on improvement of speech discrimination scores and subjective impression of clear speech.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjo.v18i1.10420   Bangladesh J Otorhinolaryngol 2012; 18(1): 59-62
Nasal Valve Surgery
Authors: Saharia PS , Sinha Deepti
Published: April 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjo.v18i1.10421Bangladesh J Otorhinolaryngol 2012; 18(1): 63-67
Wegeners Granulomatosis presenting as a small saft palate mass
Authors: Das Partha Pratim , Datta Pran Gopal , Datta Anindita
Published: April 2012

Wegeners granulomatosis (WG) is a form of vasculitis involves small and medium-sized blood vessels. It commonly involves the upper and lower respiratory tract. However, multisystemic involvement and involvement of kidneys are possible and may lead to a life threatening condition. Therefore early diagnosis is important. Timely beginning of clinical management may considerably influence the further course of disease. Although, it may present as oro-pharyngeal mass surgical procedure is not indicated method of treatment of Wegeners granulomatosis, because it can increase the pathologic process. Here we report a case of Wegeners granulomatosis (WG) presenting as a tissue growth over the soft palate.  DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjo.v18i1.10423Bangladesh J Otorhinolaryngol 2012; 18(1): 74-76
Isolation and characterization of 10 SSR markers of Momordica charantia (Cucurbitaceae)
Authors: Guo Da‐Long , Zhang Ju‐Ping , Xue Yi‐Min , Hou Xiao‐Gai
Published: April 2012

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were isolated and characterized from the genome of Momordica charantia (bitter melon) to be applied in studies of genetic diversity and population structure.

• Methods and Results: Twenty‐five microsatellite loci were isolated from the genome of bitter melon using the Fast Isolation by AFLP of Sequences COntaining Repeats (FIASCO) method. Ten loci were polymorphic, and the number of alleles per locus ranged from three to seven, with the observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.46 to 0.65. The markers also amplified successfully in the related species M. cochinchinensis and Cucurbita pepo.

• Conclusions: These markers will have potential utility for applications in genetic diversity evaluation, molecular fingerprinting, identification, comparative genomics analysis, and genetic mapping in Momordica species, as well as in C. pepo.
La longue durée des dettes publiques : l'Europe et les autres
Authors: Grenier Jean-Yves
Published: April 2012

L’Europe moderne s’est construite autour de la dette publique et au xxesiècle l’augmentation de cette dernière est essentiellement due à la guerre. Depuis le début des années 1980 en revanche, la dette couvre d’abord des dépenses civiles. La fonction et les conséquences de cette dette souveraine font l’objet de débats passionnés depuis le xviii esiècle. Si la dette est historiquement un instrument de construction de l’État, on voit aujourd’hui qu’elle peut être un grand danger.
Israël face au « printemps arabe »
Authors: Greilsammer Ilan
Published: April 2012

En Israël, pays qui ne manque pas d’experts du monde arabe, les révolutions de 2011 n’ont pas été anticipées. Si la population de l’État juif se réjouit de la chute de tyrans qui étaient, à des degrés divers, anti-israéliens, elle est néanmoins inquiète de l’instabilité provoquée par les soulèvements populaires et par la montée en puissance des islamistes. Cette situation agitée profite à Benjamin Netanyahou, la population israélienne ne souhaitant pas changer de capitaine en pleine tempête.
Antibodies to Pathogenic Epitopes on Type XVII Collagen Cause Skin Fragility in a Complement-Dependent and -Independent Manner
Authors: Natsuga Ken , Nishie Wataru , Shinkuma Satoru , Ujiie Hideyuki , Nishimura Machiko , Sawamura Daisuke , Shimizu Hiroshi
Published: April 2012

In bullous pemphigoid (BP), the most prevalent autoimmune blistering disease, type XVII collagen (COL17) is targeted by circulating autoantibodies. BP is thought to be an autoantibody-mediated complement-fixing blistering disease, and a juxtamembranous noncollagenous 16A (NC16A) domain spanning Glu490 to Arg566 was proved to be the main pathogenic region on COL17, although precise pathogenic epitopes within NC16A have not been elucidated. In this study, we showed that injection of rabbit IgG Abs targeting Asp522 to Gln545 induced skin fragility associated with in vivo deposition of IgG and complement in neonatal COL17-humanized mice. Notably, immunoadsorption of rabbit anti-NC16A IgG Ab with this epitope (Asp522 to Gln545) or the anti-NC16A IgG administered together with the peptides of this epitope as a decoy ameliorated skin fragility in the injected neonatal COL17-humanized mice compared with the anti-NC16A IgG alone even though all of the mice showed both IgG and complement deposition. These results led us to investigate an additional, complement-independent mechanism of skin fragility in the mice injected with anti-COL17 Abs. The rabbit anti-NC16A IgG depleted the expression of COL17 in cultured normal human keratinocytes, whereas immunoadsorption of the same IgG with this epitope significantly suppressed the depletion effect. Moreover, passive transfer of F(ab′)2 fragments of the human BP or rabbit IgG Abs against COL17 demonstrated skin fragility in neonatal COL17-humanized mice. In summary, this study reveals the importance of Abs directed against distinct epitopes on COL17, which induce skin fragility in complement-dependent as well as complement-independent ways.
A simple counterexample to Havil’s “reformulation” of the Riemann Hypothesis
Authors: Sondow Jonathan
Published: April 2012

Die Riemannsche Vermutung ist das derzeit berühmteste ungelöste Problem der Mathematik. Sie betrifft die Nullstellen der Riemannschen

\zeta

-Funktion. Bereits Euler kannte deren Verbindung zu den Primzahlen, und ein Beweis der Riemannschen Vermutung hätte unter anderem weitreichende Folgen in der Zahlentheorie. Insbesondere liesse sich die Restgliedabschätzung von Helge von Koch im Primzahlsatz daraus ableiten. In seinem Buch
Gamma: Exploring Euler's Constant
formuliert J. Havil eine Vermutung über ein Paar von trigonometrischen Reihen und stellt eine Verbindung zur Riemannschen Vermutung her. Der Autor des vorliegenden Beitrags legt nun aber ein Beispiel vor, welches die Vermutung von Havil widerlegt, jedoch nicht die Riemannsche Vermutung. Zudem wird bewiesen, dass eine abgeschwächte Form der Vermutung von Havil tatsächlich äquivalent zur Riemannschen Vermutung ist.
Iterative geometric triangle transformations
Authors: Vartziotis Dimitris , Huggenberger Simon
Published: April 2012

Seit über einem Jahrhundert sind geometrische Transformationen von Dreiecken Gegenstand mathematischer Untersuchungen. In dem vorliegenden Artikel wird ein Ausgangsdreieck in ein neues Dreieck transformiert, indem auf jeder der Dreiecksseiten ein gleichschenkliges, nach aussen gerichtetes Aufsatzdreieck errichtet wird. Die Scheitelpunkte der Aufsatzdreiecke bilden die Eckpunkte des neuen Dreiecks. Durch wiederholtes Anwenden dieser Transformation erhält man eine Folge von Dreiecken. Die Form der Dreiecke dieser Folge konvergiert gegen eine charakteristische Dreiecksform, von der nachgewiesen wird, dass sie mit jedem Transformationsschritt echt angenähert wird.
Psychosocial Predictors of Adherence after Liver Transplant in a Single Transplant Center in Portugal
Authors: Telles-Correia Diogo , Barbosa António , Mega Inês , Monteiro Estela
Published: April 2012

Context—

Nonadherence has important implications for morbidity and mortality, reduced quality of life, and increased medical costs after transplant.

Objective—

To investigate which psychiatric and psychosocial factors determine adherence after liver transplant.

Design—

A group of 150 consecutive transplant candidates attending the outpatient clinics of the transplant unit of Hospital de Curry Cabral were studied between January 1, 2006, and December 1, 2007. Among these, 84 received a transplant and of those 84, 11 recipients died, 3 received another transplant, and 8 refused to finish the study (62 patients remained).

Measures—

Before transplant, prospective recipients were assessed via the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the NEO Five-Factor Inventory, and the revised Illness Perception Questionnaire. Both before and after transplant, patients were assessed with the Multidimensional Adherence Questionnaire.

Results and Conclusions—

Adherence to medication improved significantly from before to after transplant. This kind of adherence after transplant was associated with adherence to medication before transplant and high scores on the personal control dimension of the Illness Perception Questionnaire before transplant. Therefore it might be useful to focus on patients with poor adherence to medication and low scores on the personal control dimension of the Illness Perception Questionnaire before transplant in order to design interventions for them.
Factors Influencing Living Kidney Donation in Singapore
Authors: Meng Ow Yong Lai , Lim Crystal , Leng Chow Wai , van der Erf Saskia , Joshi Veena D. , Sin Swah Teck , Hong Stephanie Teo Swee , Chye Paul Goh Soo , Seng Gilbert Tan Choon
Published: April 2012

Context—

Kidney transplantation is the best treatment option for kidney failure, but the supply of donor kidneys remains small.

Objective—

To understand the public's attitude toward living donor kidney donation in Singapore.

Design, Setting and Participants, Intervention, Outcome Measures—

A cross-sectional study of a convenience sample of 1520 members of the general public seeking care at local medical centers. A self-administered questionnaire included questions on demographics and subjects' willingness and unwillingness to donate a kidney. Respondents were aged at least 18 years and did not have underlying chronic kidney disease, end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis, or history of kidney transplant.

Results—

Overall mean age of respondents was 49 (SD, 15) years and 50% were male. Response rate to the question on “willingness to donate kidney while alive” was 96% (1460); 707 (48.4%) were willing to donate a kidney while alive. Respondents who were willing to donate were younger (<40 years; P < .001); had above a secondary level education ( P < .001); had monthly household income 2000 SGD (or US$1660; exchange rate at 1 SGD = US$0.83) or higher ( P< .001); were not married, single, or divorced ( P< .001); and were professionals ( P< .001). Fear of surgical risks (86.5% strongly agree or agree) and poorer health consequent to donation (87.5% strongly agree or agree) were the main reasons for not considering being a living kidney donor. Demographic factors and concerns of surgical risks and ill health after transplant influenced willingness to donate a kidney while alive. Addressing these concerns may alleviate anxiety with regard to living kidney donation.
Addressing the Unintended Adverse Consequences of First-Person Consent and Donor Registries
Authors: Verble Margaret , Worth Judy
Published: April 2012

One of the most common reasons given for the refusal to donate in both the United States and the United Kingdom is that the potential donor, in his lifetime, said he did not want to be a donor. This objection has not always been given by families refusing to donate and appears to be an unintended consequence of donation strategies based on public education, donor registries, and first-person consents. A history of the objection is given, possible meanings are explored, and strategies for dealing with it are suggested.