bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON A THREE-BED ADSORPTION CHILLER
Authors: KHAN M. Z. I. , SULTANA S. , SAHA B. B. , AKISAWA A.
Published: January 2012

This article presents the experimental results of a three-bed advanced adsorption chiller using silica gel–water as the adsorbent–refrigerant pair. The three-bed adsorption chiller comprises three sorption elements (Hexs), one evaporator and one condenser. In the present study, the heat source temperature varies from 55°C to 80°C along with coolant inlet temperature at 30°C and the chilled water inlet temperature at 14°C. Mass recovery process occurs between Hex1 and Hex2 and no mass recovery with Hex3. The performances in terms of cooling capacity (CC) and coefficient of performance (COP) are compared with those of conventional three-bed without mass recovery scheme. Results show that three-bed with mass recovery scheme provides more CC values than those provided by the three-bed system without mass recovery scheme while it provides better COP values for 65–75°C heat source temperature.
Fibrin serves as a divalent ligand that regulates neutrophil-mediated melanoma cells adhesion to endothelium under shear conditions
Authors: Ozdemir Tugba , Zhang Pu , Fu Changliang , Dong Cheng
Published: January 2012

Elevated soluble fibrin (sFn) levels are characteristic of melanoma hematogeneous dissemination, where tumor cells interact intimately with host cells. Melanoma adhesion to the blood vessel wall is promoted by immune cell arrests and tumor-derived thrombin, a serine protease that converts soluble fibrinogen (sFg) into sFn. However, the molecular requirement for sFn-mediated melanoma-polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) and melanoma-endothelial interactions under physiological flow conditions remain elusive. To understand this process, we studied the relative binding capacities of sFg and sFn receptors e.g., αvβ3 integrin and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expressed on melanoma cells, ICAM-1 on endothelial cells (EC), and CD11b/CD18 (Mac-1) on PMNs. Using a parallel-plate flow chamber, highly metastatic melanoma cells (1205Lu and A375M) and human PMNs were perfused over an EC monolayer expressing ICAM-1 in the presence of sFg or sFn. It was found that both the frequency and lifetime of direct melanoma adhesion or PMN-facilitated melanoma adhesion to the EC in a shear flow were increased by the presence of sFn in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, sFn fragment D and plasmin-treated sFn failed to increase melanoma adhesion, implying that sFn-bridged cell adhesion requires dimer-mediated receptor-receptor cross-linking. Finally, analysis of the respective kinetics of sFn binding to Mac-1, ICAM-1, and αvβ3 by single bond cell tethering assays suggested that ICAM-1 and αvβ3 are responsible for initial capture and firm adhesion of melanoma cells. These results provide evidence that sFn enhances melanoma adhesion directly to ICAM-1 on the EC, while prolonged shear-resistant melanoma adhesion requires interactions with PMNs.
Activation of PI3K Signaling in Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Nardi Valentina , Song Youngchul , Santamaria-Barria Juan A. , Cosper Arjola K. , Lam Quynh , Faber Anthony C. , Boland Genevieve M. , Yeap Beow Y. , Bergethon Kristin , Scialabba Vanessa L. , Tsao Hensin , Settleman Jeffrey , Ryan David P. , Borger Darrell R. , Bhan Atul K. , Hoang Mai P. , Iafrate Anthony J. , Cusack James C. , Engelman Jeffrey A. , Dias-Santagata Dora
Published: January 2012

Purpose: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive cutaneous neuroendocrine tumor, often metastatic at presentation, for which current chemotherapeutic regimens are largely ineffective. As its pathogenesis is still unknown, we hypothesized that deregulation of signaling pathways commonly activated in cancer may contribute to MCC tumorigenesis and may provide insights into targeted therapy approaches for this malignancy.

Experimental Design: We retrospectively profiled 60 primary MCC samples using a SNaPshot-based tumor genotyping assay to screen for common mutations in 13 cancer genes.

Results: We identified mutations in 9 (15%) MCC primary tumors, including mutations in TP53 (3 of 60) and activating mutations in the PIK3CA gene (6 of 60). Sanger sequencing of the primary MCC tumors detected one additional PIK3CA mutation (R19K) that had not been previously described in cancer. Merkel cell polyoma virus (MCPyV) was detected in 38 (66%) MCC cases and patients with MCPyV-positive cancers showed a trend toward better survival. With one exception, the presence of MCPyV and activating mutations in PIK3CA appeared mutually exclusive. We observed that signaling through the PI3K/pAKT pathway was active in one MCPyV-positive and in all MCPyV-negative MCC cell lines, as evidenced by AKT phosphorylation. Importantly, the presence of a PIK3CA-activating mutation was associated with sensitivity to treatment with ZST474, a specific phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor, and to NVP-BEZ235, a dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor, targeted agents under active clinical development.

Conclusions: PI3K pathway activation may drive tumorigenesis in a subset of MCC and screening these tumors for PIK3CA mutations could help identify patients who may respond to treatment with PI3K pathway inhibitors. Clin Cancer Res; 18(5); 1227–36. ©2012 AACR.
Predicting Response to Antiretroviral Treatment by Machine Learning: The EuResist Project
Authors: Zazzi Maurizio , Incardona Francesca , Rosen-Zvi Michal , Prosperi Mattia , Lengauer Thomas , Altmann Andre , Sonnerborg Anders , Lavee Tamar , Schülter Eugen , Kaiser Rolf
Published: January 2012

For a long time, the clinical management of antiretroviral drug resistance was based on sequence analysis of the HIV genome followed by estimating drug susceptibility from the mutational pattern that was detected. The large number of anti-HIV drugs and HIV drug resistance mutations has prompted the development of computer-aided genotype interpretation systems, typically comprising rules handcrafted by experts via careful examination of in vitro and in vivo resistance data. More recently, machine learning approaches have been applied to establish data-driven engines able to indicate the most effective treatments for any patient and virus combination. Systems of this kind, currently including the Resistance Response Database Initiative and the EuResist engine, must learn from the large data sets of patient histories and can provide an objective and accurate estimate of the virological response to different antiretroviral regimens. The EuResist engine was developed by a European consortium of HIV and bioinformatics experts and compares favorably with the most commonly used genotype interpretation systems and HIV drug resistance experts. Next-generation treatment response prediction engines may valuably assist the HIV specialist in the challenging task of establishing effective regimens for patients harboring drug-resistant virus strains. The extensive collection and accurate processing of increasingly large patient data sets are eagerly awaited to further train and translate these systems from prototype engines into real-life treatment decision support tools.
Acute Kidney Injury in Children and Its Potential Consequences in Adulthood
Authors: Goldstein Stuart L.
Published: January 2012

While emerging evidence indicates that the incidence of both acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in children is rising, and the etiologies are dramatically changing, relatively little is currently known regarding the potential for transition from AKI to CKD. In both situations, early intervention can significantly improve the dismal prognosis. Fortunately, recent data have validated a multidimensional AKI classification system for children, and led to the investigation of the chronic kidney sequelae in many pediatric populations with AKI, or at risk for AKI (children with hemolytic uremic syndrome, neonates or those exposed to repeated nephrotoxic medications). The purpose of this article is to review the changing epidemiology of pediatric AKI and its potential effect on the development of CKD in children.
Plasmapheresis in Immunologic Renal Disease
Authors: Pusey Charles D. , Levy Jeremy B.
Published: January 2012

Plasmapheresis has been used in the management of immunologic renal disease for the last 40 years. The rationale behind this approach is to remove pathogenic immune mediators, such as autoantibodies and immune complexes, from the circulation. There may also be benefit in depleting proinflammatory molecules, such as complement components and coagulation factors. Initial experience was gained in Goodpasture’s disease, in which antiglomerular basement membrane antibodies were known to be pathogenic. More recently, a role for autoantibodies has become clear in small-vessel systemic vasculitis and some cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome/thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Removal of immune complexes is thought to be important in cryoglobulinemia and systemic lupus erythematosus. Plasmapheresis is used in renal transplantation for the treatment of acute antibody-mediated rejection, and for desensitization of patients with preformed anti-HLA antibodies or those receiving an ABO-incompatible transplant. Although many of the early studies were uncontrolled, there has been an increasing number of randomized controlled trials in recent years. The aim of this article is to summarize current indications for the use of plasmapheresis in immunologic renal disease.
Where the Mass Counts: Common Cortical Activation for Different Kinds of Nonsingularity
Authors: Domahs Frank , Nagels Arne , Domahs Ulrike , Whitney Carin , Wiese Richard , Kircher Tilo
Published: January 2012

Typically, plural nouns are morphosyntactically marked for the number feature, whereas mass nouns are morphosyntactically singular. However, both plural count nouns and mass nouns can be semantically interpreted as nonsingular. In this study, we investigated the hypothesis that their commonality in semantic interpretation may lead to common cortical activation for these different kinds of nonsingularity. To this end, we examined brain activation patterns related to three types of nouns while participants were listening to a narrative. Processing of plural compared with singular nouns was related to increased activation in the left angular gyrus. Processing of mass nouns compared with singular count nouns was related to increased activity bilaterally in the superior temporal cortex and also in the left angular gyrus. No significant activation was observed in the direct comparison between plural and mass nouns. We conclude that the left angular gyrus, also known to be relevant for numerical cognition, is involved in the semantic interpretation of different kinds of nonsingularity.
Sirt1 protects against thrombomodulin down-regulation and lung coagulation after particulate matter exposure
Authors: Wu Zhuang , Liu Ming-Cheh , Liang Mei , Fu Jian
Published: January 2012

Exposure to ambient particulate matter (PM) air pollution has been reported to trigger inflammation and thrombosis. However, molecular mechanisms underlying the modulation of coagulation pathways in PM-induced thrombosis remain largely unknown. We report here that Sirt1, a member of class III histone deacetylase, controls lung inflammation and coagulation after PM exposure. Sirt1 knock-out mice exhibited aggravated lung vascular leakage and inflammation after PM exposure, which was correlated with increased NF-κB acetylation and activation. Furthermore, Sirt1 knock-out mice were highly susceptible to PM-induced lung coagulation as demonstrated by increased fibrin formation. The increased fibrin formation was associated with reduced tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) expression and increased plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) activity in the lungs, thus favoring elevated coagulation and disrupted fibrinolysis responses. Thrombomodulin (TM), a central player of the anticoagulant protein C system, is regulated by Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) at the transcriptional level. Our data show that PM exposure led to decreased lung KLF2 and TM expression in wild-type mice, and lung KLF2 and TM protein levels were further decreased in Sirt1 knock-out mice. Importantly, Sirt1 gene delivery inhibited TM and KLF2 down-regulation and reduced lung coagulation after PM exposure. Collectively, our studies indicate that Sirt1 functions as a suppressor of coagulation after particulate matter exposure.
TDT-HET: A new transmission disequilibrium test that incorporates locus heterogeneity into the analysis of family-based association data
Authors: Londono Douglas , Buyske Steven , Finch Stephen J , Sharma Swarkar , Wise Carol A , Gordon Derek
Published: January 2012

Background

Locus heterogeneity is one of the most documented phenomena in genetics. To date, relatively little work had been done on the development of methods to address locus heterogeneity in genetic association analysis. Motivated by Zhou and Pan's work, we present a mixture model of linked and unlinked trios and develop a statistical method to estimate the probability that a heterozygous parent transmits the disease allele at a di-allelic locus, and the probability that any trio is in the linked group. The purpose here is the development of a test that extends the classic transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) to one that accounts for locus heterogeneity.

Results

Our simulations suggest that, for sufficiently large sample size (1000 trios) our method has good power to detect association even the proportion of unlinked trios is high (75%). While the median difference (TDT-HETempirical power -TDTempirical power) is approximately 0 for all MOI, there are parameter settings for which the power difference can be substantial. Our multi-locus simulations suggest that our method has good power to detect association as long as the markers are reasonably well-correlated and the genotype relative risk are larger. Results of both single-locus and multi-locus simulations suggest our method maintains the correct type I error rate.

Finally, theTDT-HETstatistic shows highly significant p-values for most of the idiopathic scoliosis candidate loci, and for some loci, the estimated proportion of unlinked trios approaches or exceeds 50%, suggesting the presence of locus heterogeneity.

Conclusions

We have developed an extension of theTDTstatistic (TDT-HET) that allows for locus heterogeneity among coded trios. Benefits of our method include: estimates of parameters in the presence of heterogeneity, and reasonable power even when the proportion of linked trios is small. Also, we have extended multi-locus methods toTDT-HETand have demonstrated that the empirical power may be high to detect linkage. Last, given that we obtain PPBs, we conjecture that theTDT-HETmay be a useful method for correctly identifying linked trios. We anticipate that researchers will find this property increasingly useful as they apply next-generation sequencing data in family based studies.
Constitutive activity of NF-kappa B in myeloid cells drives pathogenicity of monocytes and macrophages during autoimmune neuroinflammation
Authors: Ellrichmann Gisa , Thöne Jan , Lee De-Hyung , Rupec Rudolph A , Gold Ralf , Linker Ralf A
Published: January 2012

The NF-κB/REL-family of transcription factors plays a central role in coordinating the expression of a wide variety of genes controlling immune responses including autoimmunity of the central nervous system (CNS). The inactive form of NF-κB consists of a heterodimer which is complexed with its inhibitor, IκB. Conditional knockout-mice for IκBα in myeloid cells (lysMCreIκBαfl/fl) have been generated and are characterized by a constitutive activation of NF-κB proteins allowing the study of this transcription factor in myelin-oligodendrocyte-glycoprotein induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (MOG-EAE), a well established experimental model for autoimmune demyelination of the CNS.

In comparison to controls, lysMCreIκBαfl/flmice developed a more severe clinical course of EAE. Upon histological analysis on day 15 p.i., there was an over two fold increased infiltration of T-cells and macrophages/microglia. In addition, lysMCreIκBαfl/flmice displayed an increased expression of the NF-κB dependent factor inducible nitric oxide synthase in inflamed lesions. These changes in the CNS are associated with increased numbers of CD11b positive splenocytes and a higher expression of Ly6c on monocytes in the periphery. Well in accordance with these changes in the myeloid cell compartment, there was an increased production of the monocyte cytokines interleukin(IL)-12 p70, IL-6 and IL-1beta in splenocytes. In contrast, production of the T-cell associated cytokines interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) and IL-17 was not influenced.

In summary, myeloid cell derived NF-κB plays a crucial role in autoimmune inflammation of the CNS and drives a pathogenic role of monocytes and macrophages independently from T-cells.
Tight regulation of wingless-type signaling in the articular cartilage - subchondral bone biomechanical unit: transcriptomics in Frzb-knockout mice
Authors: Lodewyckx Liesbet , Cailotto Frédéric , Thysen Sarah , Luyten Frank P , Lories Rik J
Published: January 2012

Introduction

The aim of this research was to study molecular changes in the articular cartilage and subchondral bone of the tibial plateau from mice deficient in frizzled-related protein (Frzb) compared to wild-type mice by transcriptome analysis.

Methods

Gene-expression analysis of the articular cartilage and subchondral bone of three wild-type and three Frzb
-/-
mice was performed by microarray. Data from three wild-type and two Frzb
-/-
samples could be used for pathway analysis of differentially expressed genes and were explored with PANTHER, DAVID and GSEA bioinformatics tools. Activation of the wingless-type (WNT) pathway was analysed using Western blot. The effects of Frzb gain and loss of function on chondrogenesis and cell proliferation was examined using ATDC5 micro-masses and mouse ribcage chondrocytes.

Results

Extracellular matrix-associated integrin and cadherin pathways, as well as WNT pathway genes were up-regulated in Frzb
-/-
samples. Several WNT receptors, target genes and other antagonists were up-regulated, but no difference in active β-catenin was found. Analysis of ATDC5 cell micro-masses overexpressing FRZB indicated an up-regulation of aggrecan and Col2a1, and down-regulation of molecules related to damage and repair in cartilage, Col3a1 and Col5a1. Silencing of Frzb resulted in down-regulation of aggrecan and Col2a1. Pathways associated with cell cycle were down-regulated in this transcriptome analysis. Ribcage chondrocytes derived from Frzb
-/-
mice showed decreased proliferation compared to wild-type cells.

Conclusions

Our analysis provides evidence for tight regulation of WNT signalling, shifts in extracellular matrix components and effects on cell proliferation and differentiation in the articular cartilage - subchondral bone unit in Frzb
-/-
mice. These data further support an important role for FRZB in joint homeostasis and highlight the complex biology of WNT signaling in the joint.
Study of Nano-Mechanics of Collagen I Triple-helices by Computerized Processing of AFM Images
Authors: Bitler Arkady , Perugia Emanuel , Cohen Sidney R.
Published: January 2012

We used atomic force microscope (AFM) to acquire high-resolution images of collagen type I triple-helices under ambient conditions in tapping mode. Angles between consecutive fixed-length segments were measured and analyzed to yield persistence length and elastic constant. Changing the segment length allowed exploring the mechanics at various scales. Understanding the mechanical properties of collagen molecules could serve to elucidate mechanisms of complex mechanical properties of interest in nanomedicine and nanotechnology.
The Deployment of 'Religion' and Other Categories as an Act of Epistemic Violence
Authors: Fitzgerald Timothy
Published: January 2012

This review discusses Arvind-Pal S. Mandair’s Religion and the Specter of the West: Sikhism, India, Postcoloniality, and the Politics of Translation (hereafter RSW), published in 2009 by Columbia University Press.
Desafios para a coordenação intergovernamental do Programa Bolsa Família
Authors: Licio Elaine Cristina , Mesquita Camile Sahb , Curralero Claudia Regina Baddini
Published: January 2012

O artigo aborda a coordenação intergovernamental tiva intersetorial que rege o Programa. Duas ordens do Programa Bolsa Família (PBF), dado seu objetivo de desafios são destacadas. A primeira relaciona-se de enfrentamento da pobreza em um país de profun-à necessidade de maior investimento em espaços e da desigualdade social e regional. Busca qualificar o oportunidades de negociação intergovernamental, debate sobre a centralização dos programas de trans-sobretudo na dimensão da transferência de renda, a ferência de renda no Brasil por meio da análise das qual inicialmente se caracterizou pela centralização. relações intergovernamentais adotadas no âmbito das Na segunda, a questão intergovernamental demanda três principais dimensões do PBF - transferência de a organização de uma estratégia nacional coorderenda, acompanhamento de condicionalidades e arti-nada de articulação de programas complementares, culação de programas complementares - consideran-sugerindo-se maior participação dos estados na codo-se as implicações federativas derivadas da perspec-ordenação regional do Programa.
Cor ou escolaridade de personagens de propaganda? Preferências entre universitários
Authors: Moretti Sérgio Luiz do Amaral , Hernandez José Mauro da Costa , Muritiba Patricia Morilha , Muritiba Sérgio
Published: January 2012

A literatura sobre a avaliação de personagens na propaganda mostra que a identificação de grupos sociais com a etnia varia segundo o objeto investigado. Com o objetivo de contribuir para esse campo foi realizado um survey com 4.200 universitários a fim de identificar suas reações à propaganda de um relógio de pulso. As análises foram feitas com três variáveis dependentes avaliando propaganda, produto e personagem; e três variáveis independentes avaliando a cor do respondente assim como a cor e o nível de escolaridade do personagem na percepção dos respondentes. Os resultados mostraram que a cor do personagem surtiu pouco efeito sobre a avaliação da propaganda e do produto, mesmo entre respondentes da mesma cor de pele. No entanto, a percepção do grau de escolaridade do personagem mostrou-se significativa para explicar as diferentes avaliações do produto e da propaganda.
Autoria no ensino de química: análise de textos escritos por alunos de graduação
Authors: Ferreira Luciana Nobre de Abreu , Queiroz Salete Linhares
Published: January 2012

A utilização de textos de divulgação científica no ensino formal tem sido discutida por pesquisadores da área de educação em ciências. Tais discussões sugerem que esses textos podem funcionar como instrumento de motivação em sala de aula, organizando explicações e estimulando debates. Nesta perspectiva, foi aplicada uma proposta de ensino pautada no uso de capítulos do livro Tio Tungstênio: Memórias de uma Infância Química, de Oliver Sacks. A proposta, que envolveu a produção de textos, pelos estudantes, sobre conteúdos do livro, foi aplicada em uma disciplina do Ensino Superior de química. Os textos foram analisados segundo a Análise do Discurso de linha francesa, especificamente com relação à noção de autoria.
Prevalence of Neospora caninum antibodies in sheep flocks of Uberlândia county, MG
Authors: Salaberry Sandra Renata Sampaio , Okuda Liria Hiromi , Nassar Alessandra Figueiredo de Castro , Castro Jacqueline Ribeiro de , Lima-Ribeiro Anna Monteiro Correia
Published: January 2012

Neosporosis is a parasitic disease that occurs in sheep and is associated with reproductive failure. The aim of this study was to verify seroprevalence of Neospora caninum antibodies in 12 sheep flocks in Uberlândia county, Minas Gerais, Brazil, using Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA). A total of 334 sheep blood samples were analyzed and an epidemiologic questionnaire was applied for each farm in order to correlate with risk factors of neosporosis: gender, age, breed, abortion problems, contact with cattle and dogs, and presence of wild canids. The prevalence of Neospora caninum antibodies in sheep was 8.1%, with titers ranging from 50 to 3200 and 83.3% of farms detected at least one ovine reactive. There was statistically significant difference in flocks with abortion problems associated with the presence of Neospora caninum antibodies (p < 0.05).
Cryptosporidium infection in Brazil: implications for veterinary medicine and public health
Authors: Meireles Marcelo Vasconcelos
Published: January 2012

The aim of this review paper is to report the results of cryptosporidiosis research in Brazil, mainly its occurrence in animals and implications for veterinary medicine and public health. An increasing number of papers related to Cryptosporidium spp. infection in Brazil are available at national and international literature. The main focus described in these papers is the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. in food, environmental samples, in humans and several animal species, particularly birds, cattle, dogs and cats. Using molecular biology techniques, most Cryptosporidium species and genotypes identified in other countries have been described in Brazil. In mammals, there are descriptions of infection by C. bovis, C. canis, C. felis, C. meleagridis, C. parvum, and the cervine genotype; in birds, the following species and genotypes have been described: C. baileyi, C. galli, C. meleagridis, C. parvum and the avian genotypes I, II and III. Several species have been described in humans, such as C. parvum, C. hominis, and some species adapted to animal hosts such as C. canis, C. felis and C. meleagridis.
Occurrence of Theileria equi in horses raised in the Jaboticabal microregion, São Paulo State, Brazil
Authors: Baldani Cristiane Divan , Nakaghi Andrea Cristina Higa , Machado Rosangela Zacarias
Published: January 2012

Blood and serum samples from 170 horses raised in the Jaboticabal microregion, São Paulo State, Brazil, were collected and tested by microscopic examination of blood smears, indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) for Theileria equi infections. The association among the test results was verified by the McNemar test. During the examination of thin blood smears, parasites were detected in six (3.52%) horses. Anti-T. equi antibodies were detected in 100% sera samples, with titers ranging between 1:80 and 1:5120. The nPCR based on the T. equi merozoite antigen gene (EMA-1) allowed the visualization of specie-specific amplified product in 108 (63.53%) horses. All six samples judged positive microscopically were also positive for nPCR. Statistical analysis indicated general disagreement (p < 0.0001) between IFAT and nPCR; IFAT and blood smear; and nPCR and blood smear on the detection of parasite carriers. The results of the present study indicate that T. equi is widely spread among horses in the Jaboticabal microregion, Northeast region of São Paulo State, Brazil.
Sandflies (Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) survey in an urban transmission area of visceral leishmaniasis, Northeastern Brazil
Authors: Amóra Sthenia Santos Albano , Bevilaqua Claudia Maria Leal , Feijó Francisco Marlon Carneiro , Oliveira Paula Gabriela Melo de , Peixoto Gislayne Christianne Xavier , Sousa Raimundo Nonato de , Alves Nilza Dutra , Oliveira Lorena Mayana Beserra de , Macedo Iara Térsia Freitas
Published: January 2012

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a major public health challenge in Brazil, especially in states where it is endemic. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of sand fly population density with environmental variables (temperature, rainfall and relative humidity) in urban areas of the city of Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, Northeastern Brazil. Sand flies were captured with Center Disease Control (CDC) traps installed monthly in the intra and peridomicile of three houses. Data analysis was based on the chi-square test and linear regression. A total of 7,347 sand flies were captured, being 93.85% Lutzomyia longipalpis and 6.15% Lutzomyia evandroi. Sand flies were more commonly found in the peridomicile and there was no difference between the number of males and females. The variables rainy season as well as relative humidity and rainfall, alone or together, did not have an effect on sand fly population density. However, high temperatures had a negative effect. The study of the behavior of sand flies in specific units of endemic areas can provide input to public health authorities for planning appropriate VL vector control measures.
Occurrence of Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi in a domestic cat (Felis catus) in Andradina, São Paulo, Brazil: case report
Authors: Coelho Willian Marinho Dourado , Lima Valéria Marçal Felix de , Amarante Alessandro Francisco Talamini do , Langoni Helio , Pereira Virgínia Bodelão Richini , Abdelnour Aziz , Bresciani Katia Denise Saraiva
Published: January 2012

This work describes natural infection by Leishmania in a domestic cat where amastigote forms of the parasite were observed in the popliteal lymph node imprint. Positive and negative serological reactions were observed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), respectively. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) revealed that the nucleotide sequence of the sample was identical to Leishmania (L.) chagasi. This is the first report of the disease in felines of the city of Andradina, SP, an area considered endemic for canine and human visceral leishmaniasis.
Serosurvey of antibodies against spotted fever group Rickettsia spp. in horse farms in Northern Paraná, Brazil
Authors: Tamekuni Katia , Toledo Roberta dos Santos , Silva Filho Mauro de Freitas , Haydu Valeska Bender , Pacheco Richard Campos , Cavicchioli José Henrique , Labruna Marcelo Bahia , Dumler John Stephen , Vidotto Odilon
Published: January 2012

Brazilian spotted fever (BSF) is an emerging disease most likely caused by Rickettsia rickettsii. The objective of the present study was to estimate the seroprevalence of BSF rickettsia infections in equines from six horse farms located in Londrina County, Paraná, Southern Brazil. Six owners of horse farms situated in Cambé, Santa Fé, Guaraci and Londrina municipalities participated in the study. All farms were located in areas where BSF has not been reported. A total of 273 horses were sampled and their sera were tested by indirect Immunofluorescence assay (IFA) using R. rickettsii and R. parkeri antigens. Titers equal to and greater than 64 were considered positive. Of 273 sera tested, 15 (5.5%) reacted to R. rickettsii and 5 (1.8%) to R. parkeri. Five out of the six farms studied revealed seropositive animals and seropositivity rate ranged from 0 to 13%. The titers ranged from 64 to 512, and four samples had a titer of 512. Nine animals reacted to R. rickettsii with titers four-fold higher than those for R. parkeri. These results suggest that horses in Northern Paraná may have been exposed to rickettsiae identical or closely related to R. rickettsii.
Evaluation of anthelmintic activity of liquid waste of Agave sisalana (sisal) in goats
Authors: Domingues Luciana Ferreira , Botura Mariana Borges , Cruz Ana Carla Ferreira Guedes da , Yuki Cristiane Carina , Silva Gisele Dias da , Costa Márcia Silva , Murphy Gleeson , Moreira Eduardo Luiz Trindade , Meneses Íris Daniela Santos de , Almeida Maria das Graças Ávila Ribeiro de , Branco Alexsandro , Almeida Maria Angela Ornelas de , Batatinha Maria José Moreira
Published: January 2012

It was evaluated the anthelmintic activity of Agave sisalana (sisal) juice against gastrointestinal nematodes and its potential toxic effects in goats. In vitro tests showed more than 95% reduction in larval counts of the genus Haemonchus spp. at concentrations between 86.5 and 146.3 mg.mL-1. In vivo the percent reduction of larvae of the fourth (L4) and fifth (L5) stages of Haemonchus, Oesophagostomum and Trichostrongylus was less than 95% in groups GI and GII, and between 80 and 90% in group GIII. A. sisalana juice at the concentrations tested in vitro was effective against gastrointestinal nematodes in goats; however, its anthelmintic efficacy was reduced when administered to animals.
The use of conjunctival swab samples for PCR screening for visceral leishmaniasis in vaccinated dogs
Authors: Leite Rodrigo Souza , Mendes Virginia Carregal , Ferreira Aline Leandra Carvalho , Andrade Antero Silva Riberiro de
Published: January 2012

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been shown to provide a rapid and sensitive technique for Leishmania detection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the technique of noninvasive conjunctival swabs (CS) as a sampling method for molecular screening for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in a group of 42 police dogs, all of them vaccinated against VL, and to compare the results with those obtained by serological tests. The serological assays were performed independently by three laboratories. Laboratories 1 and 2 were private laboratories and laboratory 3 was the National Reference Laboratory. The first serological screening performed by laboratory 1 showed 15 reactive dogs and 4 indeterminate. Laboratory 2 confirmed only 3 reactive dogs and 2 indeterminate. Laboratory 3 confirmed 7 reactive dogs and 3 indeterminate. The PCR diagnosis using the CS procedure was performed on all 42 animals and was able to detect Leishmania DNA in 17 dogs. The PCR assay confirmed all the cases that were simultaneously reactive in the serological tests by two laboratories. The results showed that the CS technique was a sensitive and practical method for sample collection, thus allowing reliable diagnostic tests through PCR.
Anthelmintic resistance in a dairy cattle farm in the State of Minas Gerais
Authors: Costa Maria do Socorro Veloso Leite Ferraz da , Araújo Ricardo Nascimento , Costa Ana Júlia Leite Ferraz da , Simões Rafael Ferreira , Lima Walter dos Santos
Published: January 2012

Eighty-four half-blood Gir × Holstein (F1) calves aged six months who were naturally infected by gastrointestinal helminths and maintained in rotational grazing received different anthelmintic treatments. Group A received anthelmintics according to the usual management in the property (eight treatments, seven including a macrocyclic lactone agent). Group B received strategic treatment (ivermectin 3.15%) at the beginning and at the end of the rainy period. Eggs per gram of feces (EPG) counts and genus of larvae from fecal cultures were determined on a monthly basis from April 2002 to December 2003. There was no significant reduction (p > 0.05) in EPG counts in any group after anthelminthic treatment, and the larvae in fecal cultures observed were Cooperia, Haemonchus, Oesophagostomum and a few Trichostrongylus. Cooperia was the most prevalent genus in the first four months of the experiment and Haemonchus in the following months. In 2003, tracer calves were introduced onto the pastures monthly and they showed high nematode burden many times throughout the year, and Cooperia punctata and Haemonchus contortus were the main species identified. The results suggest that there is anthelminthic resistance in this farm, mainly to macrocyclic lactones, and the development of immunity by crossbred animals was vital to reduce nematode burden.
Factors associated to Theileria equi in equids of two microregions from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Santos Tiago Marques dos , Roier Erica Cristina Rocha , Santos Huarrisson Azevedo , Pires Marcus Sandes , Vilela Joice Aparecida Rezende , Moraes Larissa Martins de Brito , Almeida Fernando Queiroz de , Baldani Cristiane Divan , Machado Rosangela Zacarias , Massard Carlos Luiz
Published: January 2012

Serum samples from 714 equids of Itaguaí and Serrana microregions, Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil, were examined by indirect fluorescent antibody test (titer 1:80) for Theileria equi. The prevalence in the microregions and factors associated with seropositivity were evaluated and the prevalence ratio (PR) calculated. The overall prevalence of T. equi infection was 81.09% (n = 579), with higher prevalence (p < 0.05) in the Itaguaí (85.43%) when compared to Serrana microregion (76.92%). The geographic area, altitude, farming condition and area of origin of equids were associated (p < 0.05) with seropositivity for T. equi. Equids reared in the Itaguaí microregion (PR = 1.11, p = 0.003) and at altitudes below 500 m (PR = 1.10; p = 0,014) were more likely to be seropositive for T. equi. Furthermore, when equids were born in the farm (PR = 1.10, p = 0.008) and reared with poor farming conditions (PR = 1.13, p = 0.018) they were more likely to be exposed to T. equi. The main ticks found on equids were Amblyomma cajennense and Dermacentor (Anocentor) nitens. The microregions studied are endemic areas for equine theileriosis and there exists enzootic stability for T. equi. Only factors related to the collection area of serum samples influenced the seropositivity of equids for T. equi in that region.
Parasite meningomyelitis in cats in Uruguay
Authors: Rivero Rodolfo , Matto Carolina , Adrien María de Lourdes , Nan Fernando , Bell Todd , Gardiner Christopher
Published: January 2012

Two outbreaks of progressive hind limb paresis in cats (Felis catus) caused by parasitic meningomyelitis in Uruguay are reported. The case studies occurred in 2008 and 2009 respectively, in the rural areas of Fray Bentos (33º 07' 40.39" S) and were characterized by hindquarter paralysis. This paralysis was progressive and had a chronic progression of approximately 12 months until the death or euthanasia of the animals. Clinical symptoms started with ataxia of the hindquarters with lateral side-to-side swaying and culminated in total paralysis. Two animals were sent for necropsy in 2009. The main histopathological findings were severe myelitis in the lumbar spinal cord with perivascular cuffing and white matter necrosis, severe nonsuppurative meningitis with thrombi in subarachnoid blood vessels, and intravascular presence of multiple adult parasites. From the morphological characteristics of the parasites and location in the leptomeninges, the parasite was identified as the nematode Gurltia paralysans.
Occurrence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in cattle and pigs slaughtered, State of Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Luciano Daniela Martins , Menezes Rodrigo Caldas , Ferreira Luiz Cláudio , Nicolau José Leonardo , Neves Leandro Batista das , Luciano Raquel Martins , Dahroug Magyda Arabia Araji , Amendoeira Maria Regina Reis
Published: January 2012

This study aimed to estimate the occurrence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies by means of the Indirect Immunufluorescent Antibody Assay (IFAT) in cattle and pigs from slaughterhouses in two municipalities in the State of Rio de Janeiro. IgG anti-T. gondii antibodies was found in 1.96% (9/459) of the cattle and 7.64% (31/406) of the pigs, without any positive association (p > 0.05) with risk factors for transmission and seropositivity. Taking the cutoff point of IFAT ³ 1:64, titers of 64 and 256 were detected, suggesting chronic infection. Despite the low prevalence rates found for cattle and pigs, these indicated environmental contamination in the municipalities investigated, biosafety failures at the technified pig farm evaluated and the possibility of human and animal infection through eating raw or undercooked meat from these animals.
Temporal scales and patterns of invertebrate biodiversity dynamics in boreal lakes recovering from acidification
Authors: Angeler David G. , Johnson Richard K.
Published: January 2012

Despite international policy implementation to reduce atmospheric acid deposition and restore natural resources from cultural acidification, evidence of ecological recovery is equivocal. Failure to meet recovery goals means that acidification still threatens biodiversity in many areas of the world. Managers thus need information to manage biodiversity, especially its components that are sensitive to stress (acid‐sensitive taxa). We analyzed 20‐year time series (1988–2007) of water quality and littoral invertebrates in acidified and circum‐neutral lakes across Sweden to evaluate regional biodiversity dynamics and the extent to which changes in water quality affect these dynamics. We used multivariate time series modeling to (1) test how individual species groups within invertebrate communities track changes in the abiotic environment and (2) reveal congruencies of taxon contributions to species group change across lakes. Chemical recovery in the lakes was equivocal, and increases of pH and alkalinity were observed in subsets of acidified and circum‐neutral lakes. Time series analyses revealed two different patterns of species groups for invertebrate communities across lakes; the first species group showed monotonic change over time, while the second group showed fluctuating temporal patterns. These independent species groups correlated distinctly with different sets of environmental variables. Recovery of pH and alkalinity status was associated with species group patterns only in a few lakes, highlighting an overall weak recovery of invertebrate species. The sets of species, including acid‐sensitive taxa, composing these species groups differed markedly across lakes, highlighting context‐specific responses of invertebrates to environmental variation. These results are encouraging because disparate local‐scale dynamics maintain the diversity of sensitive invertebrate species on a regional scale, despite persisting acidification problems. Our study can inform and help refine current acidification‐related policy focused on sensitive biodiversity elements.
How do dispersal costs and habitat selection influence realized population connectivity?
Authors: Burgess Scott C. , Treml Eric A. , Marshall Dustin J.
Published: January 2012

Despite the importance of dispersal for population connectivity, dispersal is often costly to the individual. A major impediment to understanding connectivity has been a lack of data combining the movement of individuals and their survival to reproduction in the new habitat (realized connectivity). Although mortality often occurs during dispersal (an immediate cost), in many organisms costs are paid after dispersal (deferred costs). It is unclear how such deferred costs influence the mismatch between dispersal and realized connectivity. Through a series of experiments in the field and laboratory, we estimated both direct and indirect deferred costs in a marine bryozoan (Bugula neritina). We then used the empirical data to parameterize a theoretical model in order to formalize predictions about how dispersal costs influence realized connectivity. Individuals were more likely to colonize poor‐quality habitat after prolonged dispersal durations. Individuals that colonized poor‐quality habitat performed poorly after colonization because of some property of the habitat (an indirect deferred cost) rather than from prolonged dispersal per se (a direct deferred cost). Our theoretical model predicted that indirect deferred costs could result in nonlinear mismatches between spatial patterns of potential and realized connectivity. The deferred costs of dispersal are likely to be crucial for determining how well patterns of dispersal reflect realized connectivity. Ignoring these deferred costs could lead to inaccurate predictions of spatial population dynamics.
Isomorphism relations on computable structures
Authors: Fokina Ekaterina B. , Friedman Sy-David , Harizanov Valentina , Knight Julia F. , Mccoy Charles , Montalbán Antonio
Published: January 2012

We study the complexity of the isomorphism relation on classes of computable structures. We use the notion of FF-reducibility introduced in [9] to show completeness of the isomorphism relation on many familiar classes in the context of all equivalence relations on hyperarithmetical subsets of ω.
On canonicity and completions of weakly representable relation algebras
Authors: Hodkinson Ian , Mikulás Szabolcs
Published: January 2012

We show that the variety of weakly representable relation algebras is neither canonical nor closed under Monk completions.
Finding generically stable measures
Authors: Simon Pierre
Published: January 2012

This work builds on previous papers by Hrushovski, Pillay and the author where Keisler measures over NIP theories are studied. We discuss two constructions for obtaining generically stable measures in this context. First, we show how to symmetrize an arbitrary invariant measure to obtain a generically stable one from it. Next, we show that suitable sigma-additive probability measures give rise to generically stable Keisler measures. Also included is a proof that generically stable measures over o-minimal theories and the p-adics are smooth.
Companioned Solos: Nathalie Claude's Trilogie de la folie
Authors: Hurley Erin
Published: January 2012

Nathalie Claude, a twenty-year veteran of Montreal's avant-garde, women's and queer theatre scenes, has created six solos since 1999. This article focuses on her most recent trilogy of solos, “The Madness Trilogy,“ which includes Lapine-moi/Rabbit-I, Cerveau fêlé 101/Broken Brain 101, and Salon automate/The Salon Automaton. This article illuminates Claude's creative process, especially with respect to the “things“ with which she works, outlines her solo performance style, and reflects on her inventive experiments with the solo performance form.
Myxoid meningioma: a rare metaplastic meningioma variant in a patient presenting with intratumoral hemorrhage
Authors: Krisht Khaled M. , Altay Tamer , Couldwell William T.
Published: January 2012

Myxoid (metaplastic) meningioma is a rare WHO Grade I meningioma subtype arising from the leptomeninges. It has unique Alcian blue stromal staining and distinctive cellular interdigitations, junctional complexes, and nucleolar pseudoinclusions on ultrastructural pathology that help to distinguish it from other meningioma variants. The authors describe the case of a rare left middle fossa, extraaxial myxoid meningioma in a 50-year-old woman to emphasize the important histological characteristics and observations essential for making a precise diagnosis. To their knowledge this is the seventh reported case of a myxoid meningioma in the literature and the sixth case in an adult; however, it is the first reported instance of myxoid meningioma in a patient presenting with intratumoral hemorrhage.
Symmetries of Spatial Graphs and Rational Twists along Spheres and Tori
Authors: Ikeda Toru
Published: January 2012

A symmetry group of a spatial graph Γ in S3 is a finite group consisting of orientation-preserving self-diffeomorphisms of S3 which leave Γ setwise invariant. In this paper, we show that in many cases symmetry groups of Γ which agree on a regular neighborhood of Γ are equivalent up to conjugate by rational twists along incompressible spheres and tori in the exterior of Γ.
Time to experiment...
Authors: Conole Gráinne , Oliver Martin , Seale Jane
Published: January 2012

In the last edition of ALT-J, the editorial team decided to try an experiment by creating a more interactive and critical debate on a particular article with the journal. Readers were invited to submit comments on an article by Davis and Denning entitled: 'Almost as helpful as good theory: some conceptual possibilities for the online classroom' (Davis and Denning, 2000). Summarized below are some of the key comments raised about the paper. Many thanks to everyone who took the time to send in these comments; individual acknowledgements have not been included for reasons of confidentiality.DOI:10.1080/0968776020100102