bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alterações fisiológicas e metabólicas em indivíduo com distrofia muscular de Duchenne durante tratamento fisioterapêutico: um estudo de caso
Authors: Gevaerd Monique da Silva , Domenech Susana Cristina , Borges Júnior Noé Gomes , Higa Daniela Fernanda , Lima-Silva Adriano Eduardo
Published: July 2010

INTRODUÇÃO: A Distrofia Muscular de Duchenne (DMD) caracteriza-se por uma perda progressiva da força muscular. O tratamento fisioterapêutico tem fundamental importância na manutenção da qualidade de vida desses pacientes. Contudo, existe grande dificuldade em graduar o grau de cansaço e o limite de exigência da musculatura durante o tratamento. Adicionalmente, não existe na literatura descrição sobre alterações fisiológicas e metabólicas durante uma atividade de esforço nessa população específica. OBJETIVOS: O presente trabalho teve como objetivos avaliar as alterações fisiológicas e metabólicas em indivíduo com DMD durante um programa de fisioterapia, relacionando-as com a percepção subjetiva de esforço (PSE). METODOLOGIA: Este estudo foi realizado na Clínica de Prevenção e Reabilitação Física da Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC). O sujeito do estudo foi um paciente com DMD (sexo masculino, 17 anos). Foram coletados dados de concentrações plasmáticas de lactato e glicose, frequência cardíaca e frequência respiratória, pressão arterial e percepção de esforço segundo a escala de PSE CR10 de Borg. Os dados foram coletados aos 0, 15, 30 e 45 minutos de atendimento fisioterapêutico. A sessão de fisioterapia foi dividida em 3 etapas com atividade de intensidade e exigência muscular crescentes. Foram realizados 6 atendimentos. RESULTADOS: Os resultados demonstraram PSE crescente durante a sessão de fisioterapia. Foi verificada uma relação linear entre as variáveis metabólicas e a PSE. Já as variáveis fisiológicas não demonstraram relação proporcional com a PSE. CONCLUSÃO: Sugere-se que a PSE é uma forma simples de monitoramento do cansaço de pacientes com DMD, durante o tratamento fisioterapêutico.
Comparação da performance funcional do membro inferior entre jovens futebolistas e jovens não treinados
Authors: Silva Telmo , Ribeiro Fernando , Venâncio João
Published: July 2010

INTRODUÇÃO: Em atletas, a utilização de testes de performance funcional permite avaliar com maior validade ecológica possíveis alterações do membro inferior observadas na prática desportiva. OBJETIVO: O objetivo do presente estudo consistiu na comparação da performance funcional do membro inferior entre jovens futebolistas e jovens não treinados. METODOLOGIA: A amostra foi constituída por 39 jovens do sexo masculino, divididos em dois grupos: um grupo composto por 19 futebolistas (idade = 16,8 ± 0,83 anos; peso = 69,8 ± 6,2 kg; altura = 176,6 ± 0,5 cm) e outro composto por 20 sujeitos não treinados (idade = 16,6 ± 0,8 anos; peso = 66,3 ± 11,0 kg; altura = 172,0 ± 0,8 cm). Para avaliação da performance funcional do membro inferior foram utilizados três testes: o Single-Leg Hop Test, o Quadrant Jump Test e o Hexagon Test. RESULTADOS: Os jovens futebolistas obtiveram melhor performance do que os jovens não treinados em ambos os membros inferiores no Single-Leg Hop Test (membro inferior direito: 124 ± 62 cm, membro inferior esquerdo: 127 ± 68 cm versus membro inferior direito: 99 ± 10 cm, membro inferior esquerdo: 97 ± 12 cm; p < 0.001), em ambas as direções, na execução do Hexagon Test (sentido dos ponteiros do relógio: 5,1 ± 0,6 s, sentido inverso: 4,9 ± 0,5 s versus sentido dos ponteiros do relógio: 6,0 ± 0,4 s, sentido inverso: 5,7 ± 0,4 s; p < 0.001) e no Quadrant Jump Test (32,4 ± 2,5 pontos versus 28,2 ± 2,5 pontos, p < 0.001). Dentro de cada grupo não foi encontrada diferença entre os dois membros inferiores no Single-Leg Hop Test, nem entre as duas direções do Hexagon Test. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados do presente estudo indicam que jovens futebolistas apresentam melhor performance funcional do membro inferior do que jovens não treinados.
Prevalência de alterações posturais em praticantes de musculação
Authors: Baroni Bruno Manfredini , Bruscatto Claudia Adriana , Rech Ricardo Rodrigo , Trentin Leandro , Brum Lisiane Reis
Published: July 2010

INTRODUÇÃO: Atualmente, as academias de musculação são centros de promoção de saúde procurados por um número cada vez maior de pessoas. A execução adequada dos exercícios resistidos em academia depende de um bom alinhamento postural. OBJETIVO: Verificar quantitativamente as principais alterações posturais em praticantes de exercício resistido sistematizado (musculação). MÉTODOS: Foram realizadas avaliações posturais em 306 indivíduos, de ambos os sexos e faixa etária entre 14 e 73 anos. As avaliações foram realizadas por acadêmicos de fisioterapia devidamente treinados e padronizadas de modo que os dados fossem coletados da maneira mais objetiva possível. RESULTADOS: Os resultados são apresentados de maneira geral (total da amostra), além de subdivididos conforme os gêneros masculino (n = 113) e feminino (n = 193) e de acordo com a faixa etária, adotando-se as seguintes categorias: alunos menores de 21 anos (n = 74); entre 21 e 30 anos (n = 127); entre 31 e 50 anos (n = 40); e maiores de 50 anos (n = 65). Dentre os resultados, destacam-se as alterações na coluna vertebral (aumento da curvatura ou retificação): 43,4% na região cervical, 55,2% na torácica e 73,8% na lombar. Além disso, 48,0% apresentaram atitude escoliótica, sendo que em 37,0% foi observado presença de gibosidade. CONCLUSÕES: A principal conclusão do presente estudo é de que os praticantes de musculação apresentam consideráveis índices de desvios posturais, enfatizando a necessidade de maior atenção sobre essa crescente população.
Análise do treinamento proprioceptivo no equilíbrio de atletas de futsal feminino
Authors: Baldaço Fábio Oliveira , Cadó Vinícius Piccoli , Souza Jaqueline de , Mota Carlos Bolli , Lemos Jadir Camargo
Published: July 2010

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a eficiência de um protocolo de exercícios proprioceptivos no equilíbrio de atletas de futsal feminino. METODOLOGIA: A amostra foi composta por cinco atletas do time de futsal da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM). Os treinamentos ocorreram três vezes por semana, durante um mês. As atletas foram avaliadas pré e pós-treinamento em uma plataforma de força no Laboratório de Biomecânica do Centro de Educação Física e Desportos da UFSM. RESULTADOS: Os resultados mostraram uma redução estatisticamente significativa na média e na amplitude do centro de pressão pré e pós-intervenção, na direção médio-lateral e condição olhos fechados, o que demonstra que houve maior controle do equilíbrio corporal na posição e condição solicitada. Não foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas nas variáveis do centro depressão na condição olhos abertos. Acredita-se que esse resultado esteja relacionado à dominância da aferência visual sobre a proprioceptiva, que pode ter interferido na avaliação das alterações proprioceptivas. CONCLUSÃO: O protocolo de propriocepção sugerido demonstrou maior controle de equilíbrio postural nas condições e na amostra avaliada.
Influência da morfologia de pés e joelhos no equilíbrio durante apoio bipodal
Authors: Ferreira Arthur de Sá , Gave Nárrima de Souza , Abrahão Fabiana , Silva Julio Guilherme
Published: July 2010

INTRODUÇÃO: A relação entre o padrão morfológico de pés/joelhos e o equilíbrio é estudada por meio de diversos modelos experimentais. Entretanto, as investigações ainda são controversas, especialmente na comparação estabilométrica dos tipos de joelho em apoio bipodal. OBJETIVO: Analisar a influência da morfologia de pés e joelhos nos parâmetros estabilométricos de indivíduos saudáveis. METODOLOGIA: Participaram 53 indivíduos hígidos (21 [39,6%] do sexo masculino, 26,9 ± 5,2 anos, 68,4 ± 17,1 kg, 1,71 ± 0,09 m). A avaliação morfológica de pés/joelhos foi realizada por meio de avaliação postural pelo método visual não quantitativo, e o resultado foi dado por dois avaliadores simultaneamente. O protocolo de estabilometria (50 segundos) avaliou as combinações de olhos abertos/fechados com base aberta/fechada. Na análise estatística foi utilizado o coeficiente de contingência para verificar associação entre os achados morfológicos. As variáveis antropométricas e estabilométricas foram analisados pela ANOVA, com significância de p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: Indivíduos com joelho varo apresentaram menor velocidade de oscilação que os classificados como joelho neutro nos protocolos de olhos abertos (joelho varo: 6,86 ± 3,04 10-2 m/s; joelho neutro: 11,61 ± 6,36 10-2 m/s; p = 0,009) e olhos fechados (joelho varo: 6,92 ± 2,77 10-2 m/s; joelho neutro: 11,38 ± 5,82 10-2 m/s; p = 0,007), ambos em base fechada. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre os indivíduos nas variáveis área de oscilação (elipse percentil 95) e deslocamento máximo no sentido ântero-posterior. CONCLUSÃO: A morfologia do pé não alterou significativamente a velocidade de oscilação, a área de oscilação ou o deslocamento ântero-posterior. A redução da base de suporte reduz a velocidade de oscilação em indivíduos com joelho varo.
Influência da textura na preensão de indivíduos com Síndrome de Down
Authors: Gianlorenço Anna Carolyna Lepesteur , Ide Daniela , Braccialli Lígia Maria Presumido
Published: July 2010

INTRODUÇÃO: Diversos estudos disponibilizam evidências sobre características do desempenho motor e cognitivo de indivíduos com Síndrome de Down (SD), porém poucos estudos analisam a força muscular nestes indivíduos. As alterações apresentadas por indivíduos com SD podem manifestar-se funcionalmente e interferir na sua capacidade de desempenhar de forma independente diversas atividades e tarefas da rotina diária. OBJETIVO: O presente estudo teve como objetivo analisar a influência da textura do objeto na força de preensão palmar em indivíduos com Síndrome de Down. Participaram do estudo dez indivíduos com SD, com idade entre 4 e 30 anos. MÉTODO: A análise da força de preensão palmar foi mensurada por meio de um transdutor de força. A tarefa proposta para a coleta dos dados foi realizar a preensão do transdutor, revestido com diferentes texturas, transportá-lo até um ponto previamente demarcado, e posteriormente o retorno à posição inicial. Os dados obtidos foram analisados por meio de estatística descritiva e não-paramétrica. RESULTADOS: Os dados da estatística descritiva permitiram observar que a textura áspera foi a que exigiu menor força de preensão palmar dos participantes neste estudo, no entanto a análise não-paramétrica indicou não haver diferença estatisticamente significativa. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados deste estudo indicam que textura do objeto não influenciou a força de preensão palmar executada pelos indivíduos com Síndrome de Down.
Experiência da fisioterapia no Núcleo de Apoio à Saúde da Família em Governador Valadares, MG
Authors: Barbosa Erika Guerrieri , Ferreira Dircilene Leite Santos , Furbino Sheila Aparecida Ribeiro
Published: July 2010

INTRODUÇÃO: A Portaria n. 154, de 24 de janeiro de 2008, criou os Núcleos de Apoio à Saúde da Família (NASF), e com ela surgiu a necessidade de organizar as práticas profissionais da Fisioterapia, em todas as ações de sua responsabilidade, por meio na Estratégia de Saúde da Família. OBJETIVO: Este relato buscou levantar, por meio de observações gerenciais, aspectos facilitadores e dificultadores da atuação da Fisioterapia no NASF em Governador Valadares. DISCUSSÃO: O fisioterapeuta compõe no município quatro equipes de NASF, com outros profissionais. Seu processo de trabalho foi organizado em acolhimento, atendimento individual, atendimento domiciliar, grupos operativos e atividades educativas em equipe. RESULTADOS: O fisioterapeuta foi um dos profissionais mais requisitados na Estratégia de Saúde da Família, entretanto, por ele possuir carga horária diferenciada da equipe, o processo de trabalho foi dificultado. Além disso, a formação assistencialista dificulta o acolhimento e a organização das ações, os trabalhos em grupos operativos são trocados por atendimento individual, a formação clínica impede o desenvolvimento e a flexibilidade desses grupos, fazendo com que necessitem de mais tecnologia para trabalhar, e em todas as equipes há prática isolada, não permitindo a atenção integral à comunidade. CONSIDERAÇÕES FINAIS: Diversas ações são realizadas estimulando trabalho em equipe, mas o maior desafio é a formação do profissional para as práticas em saúde coletiva. Atenção a esse fator deve ser dada, pois pactuações com resolutividade são metas a serem alcançadas. A visão da fisioterapia deve ser mudada para se adequar às propostas do Sistema Único de Saúde.
Physiological model to estimate the maturity of sugarcane
Authors: Scarpari Maximiliano Salles , Beauclair Edgar Gomes Ferreira de
Published: July 2010

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) grows in different weather and management conditions which directly affect crop maturation. These conditions lead to the necessity of quantifying crop response to different stimuli for planning purposes. Forecast models for the quality of raw material are important tools in sugarcane farming, especially the forecast curve of sucrose accumulation in shoots. The goal of these models is to supply yield estimates during the crop cycle, aiming to characterize alternatives and to increase the efficacy for management and strategic decisions. The objective of this project was to develop empiric models capable of obtaining estimates of total recoverable sugar (TRS), for the varieties RB72454, SP81-3250 and SP80-1842 during the crop cycle, using reference data as the production factors. Sugarcane harvest results obtained in Piracicaba, State of São Paulo, Brazil were analyzed using the following parameters: maturation, stand age, type of soil, variety, flowering and management for the crops in the years 1998/99, 1999/00, 2000/01, 2001/02 and 2002/03. Models developed for these years were used to estimate TRS from the 2003/04 cropping season. All the forecast models for ratoon crops were significant indicating that they are an excellent tool to optimize agricultural planning.
Soil erosion fragility assessment using an impact model and geographic information system
Authors: Jorge Luiz Alberto Blanco
Published: July 2010

A study was taken in a 1566 ha watershed situated in the Capivara River basin, municipality of Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil. This environment is fragile and can be subjected to different forms of negative impacts, among them soil erosion by water. The main objective of the research was to develop a methodology for the assessment of soil erosion fragility at the various different watershed positions, using the geographic information system ILWIS version 3.3 for Windows. An impact model was created to generate the soil's erosion fragility plan, based on four indicators of fragility to water erosion: land use and cover, slope, percentage of soil fine sand and accumulated water flow. Thematic plans were generated in a geographic information system (GIS) environment. First, all the variables, except land use and cover, were described by continuous numerical plans in a raster structure.The land use and cover plan was also represented by numerical values associated with the weights attributed to each class, starting from a pairwise comparison matrix and using the analytical hierarchy process. A final field check was done to record evidence of erosive processes in the areas indicated as presenting the highest levels of fragility, i.e., sites with steep slopes, high percentage of soil fine sand, tendency to accumulate surface water flow, and sites of pastureland. The methodology used in the environmental problems diagnosis of the study area can be employed at places with similar relief, soil and climatic conditions.
Sesbania virgata stimulates the occurrence of its microsymbiont in soils but does not inhibit microsymbionts of other species
Authors: Florentino Ligiane Aparecida , Guimarães Ana Paula , Rufini Márcia , Silva Krisle da , Moreira Fátima Maria de Souza
Published: July 2010

The legume species Sesbania virgata establishes a specific and efficient symbiosis with Azorhizobium doebereinerae. Previous studies have shown that A. doebereinerae occurrence correlates to the presence of S. virgata. This work aimed to evaluate the occurrence of A. doebereinerae and of other nitrogen-fixing Leguminosae-nodulating bacteria (NFLNB) in soil samples collected adjacent to and 10 m away from the stems of five S. virgata plants in pasture areas. Symbiotic characteristics of isolates from these NFLNB populations were also studied. S. virgata and the four promiscuous legume species Leucaena leucocephala, Macroptilium atropurpureum, Phaseolus vulgaris and Vigna unguiculata were inoculated with soil samples to trap A. doebereinerae and other NFLNB. NFLNB capable of inducing nodulation in at least one of these legumes were found in all samples. M. atropurpureum was the most promiscuous species, as it trapped the highest number of NFLNB cultural types from soil suspensions. The other species were less promiscuous in the following order: V. unguiculata, P. vulgaris, and L. leucocephala. Isolates of the promiscuous legumes were classified into seven cultural groups. One of these groups, isolated from all promiscuous species, showed fast-growth alkali-reaction in culture medium (like Azorhizobium); it was identified as Cupriavidus. This is the first report of symbiosis of Cupriavidus with Papilionoideae species. The symbiotic efficiency of promiscuous hosts with NFLNB varied, but it was always less than that of controls with mineral nitrogen or an inoculant strain. S. virgata was efficiently nodulated only by A. doebereinerae, which occurred mainly in samples collected close to the plant stem, corroborating a high stimulus by its host species. A high diversity of NFLNB occurs as saprophytes close to the S. virgata root system.
Adverse Events Related to the Use of Central Venous Catheters in Hospitalized Newborns
Authors: Franceschi Alessandra Tomazi , Cunha Maria Luzia Chollopetz da
Published: July 2010

This study identifies the adverse events related to the use of central venous catheters (CVC) in newborns admitted to a neonatal care unit. This is a quantitative, descriptive and retrospective study. The population consisted of 167 newborns admitted in the neonatal unit of the Hospital de Clínicas at Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil which used CVCs inserted through percutaneous puncture (PICC) and surgical insertion, totaling 241 catheters. There was a higher prevalence of mechanical adverse events in the PICC line insertions, with a preponderance of catheter occlusions (19.44%) and ruptures (8.8%). The surgically inserted CVCs had a higher prevalence of catheter-related infectious adverse events with the most common being clinical sepsis (16%). This study suggests that the correct insertion technique should be used and a specialized team should monitor the CVCs to ensure safety and prevent adverse events.
Sensibility in the Relations and Interactions of Teaching and Learning to Be and Do Nursing
Authors: Terra Marlene Gomes , Gonçalves Lucia Hisako Takase , Santos Evanguelia Kotzias Atherino dos , Erdmann Alacoque Lorenzini
Published: July 2010

This qualitative study focused on proxemic feelings and feelings of detachment and ambiguity among professors-nurses concerning their experiences. This study aimed to reveal the meanings of sensibility held by being-professor-nurse in teaching and learning to be and do nursing. The theoretical-philosophical support is based on Merleau-Ponty's existential phenomenological approach and the hermeneutics phenomenology of Paul Ricoeur was used. Nineteen professors-nurses from a Higher Education institution in the South of Brazil were interviewed between November and December 2006. Sensibility was revealed as the capacity to observe details in order to intervene in a situation the best way possible, and also as a way to break with exclusive models of the cognitive-instrumental rationality of science and technique, since sensibility is the basis for developing other ways of teaching and learning to be and do Nursing.
Tobacco and Alcohol Consumption among Adolescents
Authors: Ferreira Maria Margarida da Silva Reis dos Santos , Torgal Maria Constança Leite de Freitas Paúl Reis
Published: July 2010

This study analyzes the consumption of alcohol and tobacco among high-school adolescents in the district of Porto, Portugal. The results reveal the following: the majority of respondents do not smoke; smoking starts earlier in the case of girls; smoking increases with age; peer pressure is an important factor influencing smoking; about half of adolescents consume alcohol; boys drink more than girls; the number of those who consume alcohol increases with age; distilled drinks are the choice for both genders; 44.1% of the respondents became intoxicated at least once and the majority has no intention to quit drinking.
Effects of fishing technique on assessing species composition in aquatic systems in semi-arid Brazil
Authors: Medeiros ESF , Silva MJ , Figueiredo BRS , Ramos TPA , Ramos RTC
Published: July 2010

In most ecological field research, appropriate sampling is critical for the understanding of processes underlying fish populations and communities, and is even more important in heterogeneous environments such as the aquatic systems of the semi-arid region of Brazil. This study intends to make a contribution to the development of sampling programs and gear selection in aquatic systems of semi-arid Brazil by evaluating the effects of different fishing techniques on the assessment of richness and composition of the fish fauna in selected aquatic environments. Six sites were selected to represent typical artificial (reservoirs) and natural (intermittent streams) environments and four different types of sampling gear were applied to each site during four occasions. The present study shows that when selecting sampling techniques to be used in aquatic systems in semi-arid Brazil, one must consider the objectives of the study, e.g. ecological or taxonomic, in order to decide on inclusion of rare species in the sampling population. Also, the effect of the sampling gear on natural abundances of fish must be considered given that some sampling techniques are highly detrimental to fish population numbers.
Patterns of energy allocation to reproduction in three Amazonian fish species
Authors: Santos Rodrigo N. dos , Amadio Sidinéia , Ferreira Efrem J. G.
Published: July 2010

The study considered the influence of the hydrological cycle and gonadal development on the accumulation and use of energy in three fish species from an Amazonian flooded area. Fishes were sampled over a 24 hour period at monthly intervals between July 2004 and June 2005 using gillnets of different mesh sizes. Body cavity fat and gonadosomatic indices were determined, as well as energy content of gonads and muscles. Amongst the studied species, different means of energy allocation for reproduction were found: Acestrorhynchus falcirostris allocate energy from body cavity fat to its gonads; Pygocentrus nattereri uses mainly energy accumulated in the muscles for the process of gonadal maturation; and Hoplosternum littorale uses energy accumulated in their muscles and body cavity fat for reproductive processes. It is quite clear that the flood pulse regulates the gain and use of the energy reserves in fishes from the Amazonian floodplain.
The application of natural organic compounds in bakery industry
Authors: Davidovic Dejan , Dodic Sinisa , Mastilovic Jasna , Dodic Jelena , Popov Stevan , Lazic Miodrag
Published: July 2010

Investigations include the analysis of the impact of commercial products: complex additive (0.1, 0.3, and 0.5%), L-ascorbic acid (0.002, 0.004 and 0.012%), diacetyl ester of tartaric acid with monoglycerides (DATEM E472e, 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5%), ?-amylase (0.002, 0.006 and 0.012%), xylanase (0.004, 0.012 and 0.024%), alcohol extract of rosemary, thyme or sage (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0%), as well as the combination of complex additive and rosemary, thyme and sage extract on rheological characteristics of dough. The study includes amylograph, farinograph and extensograph analysis of dough with and without additives (control sample). The volume of lost CO2 gas (mL) is the lowest in dough samples with an added combination of complex additive and thyme extract (0.05 and 0.5%) and rosemary extract (2.0%). In the samples with thyme extract (1.0%) added, the volume of lost gas is at a level of samples with added complex additive, DATEM, and L-ascorbic acid.
Synthesis, complexation, spectral, antibacterial and antifungal activity of 2,4-dihydroxy-5-[(E)- phenyldiazenyl]benzaldehyde oxime
Authors: Kurtoglu M.
Published: July 2010

A new substituted salicylaldoxime ligand containing an azo (-N=N-) group, 2,4-dihydroxy-5-[(E)-phenyldiazenyl]benzaldehyde oxime (H3salox) (2), was synthesized by the reaction of 2,4-dihydroxy-5-[(E)- phenyldiazenyl]benzaldehyde (1) with hydroxylamine in ethanolic solution at room temperature. Mononuclear complexes of (H3salox) (2), a bidentate hydroxyaldoxime ligand, were synthesized by reaction with nickel(II), cobalt(II) and copper(II) chloride salts. The complexes, [Ni(H2salox)2] (3), [Cu(H2salox)2] (4) and [Co(H2salox)2] (5) were characterized by elemental analyses (C, H, N), conductivity measurements and infrared and electronic spectral studies. The 1H-NMR spectrum of the H3salox (2) ligand was also recorded. The mononuclear Ni(II), Co(II) and Cu(II) complexes of the ligand, (H3salox), have a metal: ligand ratio of 1:2 and the ligand coordinates through the N and O atoms, as is the case with most hydroxyaldoximes. The molar conductivities in DMF solution indicate the non-electrolytic nature of the metal chelates. The antimicrobial activities of the ligand and its metal complexes were estimated for eight bacteria, i.e., Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Mycobacterium smegmatis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus cloacae, Bacillus megaterium and Micrococcus luteus and three fungi, i.e., Kluyveromyces fragilis, Rhodotorula rubra and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Toxicity of five anilines to crustaceans, protozoa and bacteria
Authors: Sihtmäe Mariliis , Mortimer Monika , Kahru Anne , Blinova Irina
Published: July 2010

Aromatic amines (anilines and related derivates) are an important class of environmental pollutants that can be released to the aquatic environment as industrial effluents or as breakdown products of pesticides and dyes. The toxicities of aniline, 2-chloroaniline, 3-chloroaniline, 4-chloroaniline and 3,5-dichloroaniline towards a multitrophic test battery comprised of bacteria Aliivibrio fischeri (formerly Vibrio fischeri), a ciliated protozoan Tetrahymena thermophila and two crustaceans (Daphnia magna and Thamnocephalus platyurus) were investigated. Under the applied test conditions, the toxicities of the anilines notably varied among the test species. The bacteria and protozoa were much less sensitive towards the anilines than the crustaceans: EC50 values 13-403 mg L-1 versus 0.13-15.2 mg L-1. No general tendency between toxicity and the chemical structure of the anilines (the degree of chloro-substitution and the position of the chloro-substituents) was found in the case of all the tested aquatic species. The replacement of the artificial test medium (ATM) by the river water remarkably decreased the toxicity of anilines to crustaceans but not to protozoa. This research is part of the EU 6th Framework Integrated Project OSIRIS, in which ecotoxicogenomic studies of anilines (e.g., for Daphnia magna) will also be performed that may help to clarify the mechanisms of toxicity of different anilines.
ZFAT is essential for endothelial cell assembly and the branch point formation of capillary-like structures in an angiogenesis model
Authors: Yoshida Yasuhiro , Tsunoda Toshiyuki , Takashima Yasuo , Fujimoto Takahiro , Doi Keiko , Sasazuki Takehiko , Kuroki Masahide , Iwasaki Akinori , Shirasawa Senji
Published: July 2010

ZFAT, originally identified as a susceptibility gene for autoimmune thyroid disease, encodes a transcriptional regulator with one AT-hook and 18 C2H2-type zinc-finger domains. It is highly conserved among species. Here, we demonstrate that ZFAT is clearly expressed in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Furthermore, we show that endothelial cell assembly and the branch point formation of capillary-like structures in HUVECs is impaired by the reduction of ZFAT expression through the use of ZFAT-miRNAs, whereas differences in cell proliferation or apoptotic features were not observed after the reduction in ZFAT expression. These results suggest that ZFAT may have critical roles in the capillary-like network formation that is involved in vascular remodeling. Elucidating the ZFAT-mediated transcriptional network will lead to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of angiogenesis.
Risk factors for hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant women in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: RABIU KABIRU A. , AKINOLA OLUWAROTIMI I. , ADEWUNMI ADENIYI A. , OMOLOLU OLUFEMI M. , OJO TEMITOPE O.
Published: July 2010

Objectives. To determine the risk factors for hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant women in Lagos, Nigeria, and the possible implications for hepatitis B prevention in the country. Design. Prospective case control study. Setting. Lagos Island Maternity Hospital. Methods. Between 1 August 2006 and 31 January 2007, risk factors for hepatitis B infection were determined amongst pregnant women using a structured questionnaire. The women were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) as part of routine antenatal care. Univariate and multivariate analyses were carried out using logistic regression. Main outcome measures. Risk factors for hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant women. Results. Of the 1,052 women attending the antenatal clinic, 6.08% (n = 64) were positive for HBsAg. A total of 61 HBsAg positive and 183 negative controls were interviewed. The significant risk factors for HBV infection were an early age of sexual debut below 19 years (adjusted OR = 2.79; 95% CI = 1.44–5.40; p = 0.0023); history of multiple sexual partners (adjusted OR = 2.02; 95% CI = 1.02–3.98; p = 0.0427); and past history of sexually transmitted infection (adjusted OR = 2.61; 95% CI = 1.15–5.90; p = 0.0214). Of the HBsAg positive women, 45 (73.77%) had at least one of these risk factors while 91 (49.73%) of the controls had at least one risk factor. Conclusion. Screening pregnant for hepatitis B infection on the basis of risk factors may not be effective. Education on modification of lifestyle and sexual behavior as well as non‐selective screening of pregnant women for HBV infection is recommended.
History of preeclampsia is not associated with an increased risk of thyroid dysfunction
Authors: DEKKER RUTH R. , JOCHEMSEN BRAM M. , VAN PAMPUS MARIA G. , SANTEMA JOB G. , ROOZENDAAL CAROLINE , GROEN HENK , LINKS THERA P. , VAN DOORMAAL JASPER J.
Published: July 2010

Objective. We evaluated the thyroid function in women with a history of preeclampsia and/or HELLP syndrome at least 2 years after delivery. Design. Observational retrospective study. Setting. University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands. Population. Women with a history of preeclampsia and/or HELLP syndrome (n = 310) or uncomplicated pregnancies (n = 363), between January 1990 and February 2003. Methods. Measurement of serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and antibodies to thyroid peroxidase and the use of a questionnaire about relevant history and family history of auto‐immune diseases related to thyroid disease. Main outcome measures. Prevalence of primary thyroid dysfunction and antibodies to thyroid peroxidase. Results. Mean serum TSH values were not significantly different between the preeclampsia and control group (1.62 vs. 1.80 mU/l). The percentage of women who have (have had) hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, respectively, did not differ significantly between the preeclampsia and the control group (3.3 vs. 6.1% and 10.0 vs. 7.7%). Furthermore the prevalence of antibodies to thyroid peroxidase was not significantly different (6.1 vs. 7.7%). Conclusion. Preeclampsia and/or HELLP syndrome are not associated with an increased risk of thyroid dysfunction in later life.
Prevalence, Impairment and Severity of 12-Month DSM-IV Major Depressive Episodes in Te Rau Hinengaro: New Zealand Mental Health Survey 2003/4
Authors: Scott Kate M. , Oakley Browne Mark A. , Elisabeth Wells J.
Published: July 2010

Objective: To assess the prevalence, symptom severity, functional impairment and treatment of major depressive episodes in the New Zealand population, in light of recent criticism that depression is ‘over-diagnosed’, especially in community surveys.

Method: Nationally representative cross-sectional household survey of 12 992 adults (aged 16+): The New Zealand Mental Health Survey 2003/4. 12-month major depressive episode measured in face-to-face interviews with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI 3.0).

Results: The 12-month prevalence of major depressive episode (MDE) was 6.6% for the total population, with decreasing prevalence with increasing age, and higher prevalence in females (8.1% versus 4.9% in males). Fewer than 10% of 12-month episodes were classified on a symptom severity rating scale as mild, and 69% of all episodes were accompanied by severe impairment in at least one domain of functioning. Only a third of those with severe impairment received treatment in the mental health sector, and half saw a general medical practitioner.

Conclusion: These results offer little support for the suggestion that depression is over-diagnosed and over-treated, and that current diagnostic thresholds allow the inclusion of too many mild episodes in community surveys.
Processing of Facial Emotion Expression in Major Depression: A Review
Authors: Bourke Cecilia , Douglas Katie , Porter Richard
Published: July 2010

Processing of facial expressions of emotion is central to human interaction, and has important effects on behaviour and affective state. A range of methods and paradigms have been used to investigate various aspects of abnormal processing of facial expressions in major depression, including emotion specific deficits in recognition accuracy, response biases and attentional biases. The aim of this review is to examine and interpret data from studies of facial emotion processing in major depression, in the context of current knowledge about the neural correlates of facial expression processing of primary emotions. The review also discusses the methodologies used to examine facial expression processing. Studies of facial emotion processing and facial emotion recognition were identified up to December 2009 utilizing MEDLINE and Web of Science.

Although methodological variations complicate interpretation of findings, there is reasonably consistent evidence of a negative response bias towards sadness in individuals with major depression, so that positive (happy), neutral or ambiguous facial expressions tend to be evaluated as more sad or less happy compared with healthy control groups. There is also evidence of increased vigilance and selective attention towards sad expressions and away from happy expressions, but less evidence of reduced general or emotion-specific recognition accuracy. Data is complicated by the use of multiple paradigms and the heterogeneity of major depression. Future studies should address methodological problems, including variations in patient characteristics, testing paradigms and procedures, and statistical methods used to analyse findings.
Las comarcas centromeridionales valencianas en el contexto de la Neolitización de la fachada noroccidental del Mediterráneo
Authors: García Atiénzar Gabriel
Published: July 2010

El proceso de neolitización de la fachada mediterránea peninsular se ha asociado tradicionalmente al paradigma cardial del ámbito franco-ibérico. No obstante, el mejor conocimiento del registro material del arco noroccidental mediterráneo, la revisión de diversos conjuntos arqueológicos de las comarcas centromeridionales valencianas y la observación de los patrones de ocupación y explotación del territorio en el Mediterráneo occidental permiten proponer un proceso de implantación neolítica más complejo del considerado hasta ahora que se puede enlazar con el mundo de la ceramica impressa mediterránea.
El asentamiento de la Edad del Cobre de Valencina de la Concepción (Sevilla). Demografía, metalurgia y organización espacial
Authors: Costa Caramé Manuel Eleazar , Díaz-Zorita Bonilla Marta , García Sanjuán Leonardo , Wheatley David W.
Published: July 2010

En este trabajo se presentan los resultados obtenidos en una revisión del registro arqueológico disponible del sitio prehistórico de Valencina de la Concepción (Sevilla, España), uno de los asentamientos más importantes del Suroeste de la Península Ibérica durante los milenios III y II ANE. A la luz de métodos estadísticos convencionales y espaciales (con particular énfasis en las pruebas de significación) se examinan dos variables principales, la demografía y la metalurgia, con el objeto de valorar la más amplia cuestión de la complejidad social. De las principales conclusiones obtenidas en este estudio destacan dos. En primer lugar, ni la correlación entre la extensión total del asentamiento y la complejidad de su organización interna, ni la delimitación espacial entre las prácticas doméstico-productivas y funerarias es tan simple como se ha propuesto anteriormente. En segundo lugar, no existen pautas estadísticas definidas o evidentes en la distribución de los depósitos de restos humanos y objetos metálicos. Estas conclusiones proporcionan la base para una crítica de interpretaciones recientemente propuestas que presentan a Valencina de la Concepción como el centro político de un estado temprano que se extendía por el valle del bajo Guadalquivir.
Muerte e identidad femenina en el mundo argárico
Authors: Montón-Subías Sandra
Published: July 2010

Ya que la identidad se construye en un contexto de interacción social, es de suponer que el comportamiento funerario formaría parte de la construcción social de la identidad en las comunidades prehistóricas. Por lo tanto, también debió actuar como componente activo en la representación y negociación de las identidades sociales argáricas, incluida la femenina, cuyo estudio se propone este artículo. En las siguientes páginas repasaré las prácticas funerarias argáricas, postularé nuevas hipótesis respecto a su realización y, destacaré, a través del estudio de la cultura material funeraria y de los cuerpos del pasado, de qué modo la identidad hegemónica de las mujeres argáricas se configuró a partir de mecanismos relacionales.
Efficient Eradication of Subcutaneous but Not of Autochthonous Gastric Tumors by Adoptive T Cell Transfer in an SV40 T Antigen Mouse Model
Authors: Bourquin Carole , von der Borch Philip , Zoglmeier Christine , Anz David , Sandholzer Nadja , Suhartha Nina , Wurzenberger Cornelia , Denzel Angela , Kammerer Robert , Zimmermann Wolfgang , Endres Stefan
Published: July 2010

In stomach cancer, there is a need for new therapeutic strategies, in particular for the treatment of unresectable tumors and micrometastases. We investigated the efficacy of immunotherapy in an autochthonous model of gastric cancer, the CEA424-SV40 T Ag (TAg) transgenic mice. Treatment efficacy against both the autochthonous tumors and s.c. tumors induced by the derived cell line mGC3 were assessed. In wild-type mice, a dendritic cell vaccine loaded with irradiated tumor cells combined with CpG oligonucleotides induced efficient cytotoxic T cell and memory responses against mGC3 s.c. tumors. In contrast, neither s.c. nor autochthonous tumors responded to vaccination in CEA424-SV40 TAg mice, indicating tolerance to the SV40 TAg. To examine whether tumors in these mice were principally accessible to immunotherapy, splenocytes from immune wild-type mice were adoptively transferred into CEA424-SV40 TAg transgenic mice. Treated mice showed complete regression of the s.c. tumors associated with intratumoral infiltrates of CD8 and CD4 T cells. In contrast, the autochthonous gastric tumors in the same mice were poorly infiltrated and did not regress. Thus, even in the presence of an active anti-tumoral T cell response, autochthonous gastric tumors do not respond to immunotherapy. This is the first comparison of the efficacy of adoptive T cell transfer between transplanted s.c. tumors and autochthonous tumors in the same animals. Our results suggest that in gastric cancer patients, even a strong anti-tumor T cell response will not efficiently penetrate the tumor in the absence of additional therapeutic strategies targeting the tumor microenvironment.
Resident and Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells Become Dominant IL-12 Producers under Different Conditions and Signaling Pathways
Authors: Zhan Yifan , Xu Yuekang , Seah Shirley , Brady Jamie L. , Carrington Emma M. , Cheers Christina , Croker Ben A. , Wu Li , Villadangos Jose A. , Lew Andrew M.
Published: July 2010

IL-12 is such a pivotal cytokine that it has been called the third signal for T cell activation, TCR engagement being the first and costimulation being the second. It has been generally viewed that the resident CD8+ dendritic cell (DC) subset is the predominant IL-12–producing cell type. In this study, we found, although this is so under steady state conditions, under inflammatory conditions monocyte-derived DC (mDC) became a major cell type producing IL-12. Depletion of either type of DC resulted in reduced production of IL-12 in vivo. For CD8+ DC, IL-12 production could be stimulated by various pathways viz. signaling through MyD88, Trif, or nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (Nod)-like receptors. In contrast, for mDC, IL-12 production was mainly dependent on MyD88 signaling. Thus, conventional DCs and mDCs use different pathways to regulate IL-12 production.
Thymocyte-Specific Truncation of the Deubiquitinating Domain of CYLD Impairs Positive Selection in a NF-κB Essential Modulator-Dependent Manner
Authors: Tsagaratou Ageliki , Trompouki Eirini , Grammenoudi Sofia , Kontoyiannis Dimitris L. , Mosialos George
Published: July 2010

The cylindromatosis tumor suppressor gene (Cyld) encodes a deubiquitinating enzyme (CYLD) with immunoregulatory function. In this study, we evaluated the role of Cyld in T cell ontogeny by generating a mouse (CyldΔ9) with a thymocyte-restricted Cyld mutation that causes a C-terminal truncation of the protein and reciprocates catalytically inactive human mutations. Mutant mice had dramatically reduced single positive thymocytes and a substantial loss of peripheral T cells. The analyses of polyclonal and TCR-restricted thymocyte populations possessing the mutation revealed a significant block in positive selection and an increased occurrence of apoptosis at the double-positive stage. Interestingly, in the context of MHC class I and II restricted TCR transgenes, lack of functional CYLD caused massive deletion of thymocytes that would have been positively selected, which is consistent with an impairment of positive selection. Biochemical analysis revealed that CyldΔ9 thymocytes exhibit abnormally elevated basal activity of NF-κB and JNK. Most importantly, inactivation of NF-κB essential modulator fully restored the NF-κB activity of CyldΔ9 thymocytes to physiologic levels and rescued their developmental and survival defect. This study identifies a fundamental role for functional CYLD in establishing the proper threshold of activation for thymocyte selection by a mechanism dependent on NF-κB essential modulator.
Rhinovirus Infection of Allergen-Sensitized and -Challenged Mice Induces Eotaxin Release from Functionally Polarized Macrophages
Authors: Nagarkar Deepti R. , Bowman Emily R. , Schneider Dina , Wang Qiong , Shim Jee , Zhao Ying , Linn Marisa J. , McHenry Christina L. , Gosangi Babina , Bentley J. Kelley , Tsai Wan C. , Sajjan Umadevi S. , Lukacs Nicholas W. , Hershenson Marc B.
Published: July 2010

Human rhinovirus is responsible for the majority of virus-induced asthma exacerbations. To determine the immunologic mechanisms underlying rhinovirus (RV)-induced asthma exacerbations, we combined mouse models of allergic airways disease and human rhinovirus infection. We inoculated OVA-sensitized and challenged BALB/c mice with rhinovirus serotype 1B, a minor group strain capable of infecting mouse cells. Compared with sham-infected, OVA-treated mice, virus-infected mice showed increased lung infiltration with neutrophils, eosinophils and macrophages, airway cholinergic hyperresponsiveness, and increased lung expression of cytokines including eotaxin-1/CCL11, IL-4, IL-13, and IFN-γ. Administration of anti–eotaxin-1 attenuated rhinovirus-induced airway eosinophilia and responsiveness. Immunohistochemical analysis showed eotaxin-1 in the lung macrophages of virus-infected, OVA-treated mice, and confocal fluorescence microscopy revealed colocalization of rhinovirus, eotaxin-1, and IL-4 in CD68-positive cells. RV inoculation of lung macrophages from OVA-treated, but not PBS-treated, mice induced expression of eotaxin-1, IL-4, and IL-13 ex vivo. Macrophages from OVA-treated mice showed increased expression of arginase-1, Ym-1, Mgl-2, and IL-10, indicating a shift in macrophage activation status. Depletion of macrophages from OVA-sensitized and -challenged mice reduced eosinophilic inflammation and airways responsiveness following RV infection. We conclude that augmented airway eosinophilic inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in RV-infected mice with allergic airways disease is directed in part by eotaxin-1. Airway macrophages from mice with allergic airways disease demonstrate a change in activation state characterized in part by altered eotaxin and IL-4 production in response to RV infection. These data provide a new paradigm to explain RV-induced asthma exacerbations.
Delaying Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Vaccination from Birth to 4 1/2 Months of Age Reduces Postvaccination Th1 and IL-17 Responses but Leads to Comparable Mycobacterial Responses at 9 Months of Age
Authors: Burl Sarah , Adetifa Uche J. , Cox Momodou , Touray Ebrima , Ota Martin O. , Marchant Arnaud , Whittle Hilton , McShane Helen , Rowland-Jones Sarah L. , Flanagan Katie L.
Published: July 2010

Bacillus Camette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is the only licensed vaccine against tuberculosis, yet its protective efficacy is highly variable between different geographical regions. We hypothesized that exposure to nontuberculous mycobacteria attenuates BCG immunogenicity by inducing mycobacterial-specific regulatory T cells (Tregs). Gambian neonates were recruited at birth and randomized to receive BCG vaccination either at birth or at 4 1/2 mo. Mycobacterial immune responses were assessed at birth, 4 1/2, and 9 mo of age. At 4 1/2 mo of age the BCG naive individuals had detectable mycobacterial responses, including increased IL-10 production suggesting environmental priming. Vaccination at birth significantly enhanced Th1, Th2, IL-6, IL-17, and Treg responses in mycobacterial cultures at 4 1/2 mo compared with the BCG naive group. Analyzing results at 4 1/2 mo postvaccination revealed lower IFN-γ, IL-6, and IL-17 responses in the delayed BCG vaccine group compared with those vaccinated at birth, but this did not relate to Treg levels prevaccination. When comparing responses pre- and post-BCG vaccination in the delayed vaccine group, there was no priming of mycobacterial IL-17. Mycobacterial responses waned over 9 mo in those vaccinated at birth, leading to comparable mycobacterial immunity in both groups at 9 mo of age. Overall, these data suggest that vaccination at birth induces a broad Th1/Th2/IL-17/Treg mycobacterial response but the Th1/Th-17 response was reduced when delaying the vaccine. The evidence did not suggest that mycobacterial specific naturally occurring Tregs accounted for this attenuated immunogenicity.