bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aneurismas toracoabdominais rotos
Authors: Rocha Eduardo Faccini , Martins Aline Meira , Freire Lucas Marcelo Dias , Gusmão Daniel Razi , Guillaumon Ana Terezinha
Published: August 2006

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os dados pré, intra e pós-operatórios dos aneurismas toracoabdominais rotos operados no Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Estadual de Campinas. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo de cinco pacientes submetidos à correção de aneurisma toracoabdominal roto no Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Estadual de Campinas, entre setembro de 2000 e abril de 2004. Todos os pacientes apresentavam aneurisma toracoabdominal tipo IV roto, sendo que quatro estavam estáveis hemodinamicamente. Três pacientes foram operados com o simples pinçamento da aorta supracelíaca e infusão de soro fisiológico a 4 ºC nas artérias renais; um paciente evoluiu para óbito no intra-operatório antes da abertura do aneurisma; e um paciente foi operado utilizando-se perfusão de sangue oxigenado nas artérias viscerais. RESULTADOS: Dos cinco pacientes operados, dois foram a óbito (40%). Um deles apresentava instabilidade hemodinâmica e faleceu no intra-operatório; o outro faleceu no 26º dia pós-operatório com insuficiência de múltiplos órgãos. Todos os três sobreviventes evoluíram bem, sem seqüelas. Entre os pacientes que chegaram ao centro cirúrgico estáveis hemodinamicamente, a mortalidade foi de 25%. CONCLUSÕES: Pacientes com aneurisma toracoabdominal tipo IV roto, com estabilidade hemodinâmica, alcançam resultados cirúrgicos satisfatórios, semelhantes aos aneurismas rotos infra-renais.
Tratamento endovascular de pseudo-aneurisma de carótida interna em criança
Authors: Oliveira Alexandre Faraco de , Kajita Daissuke , Garzon Rafael Gomes de Almeida , Centola Crescêncio Alberto Pereira , Bosnardo Carla Aparecida Faccio , Francischelli Neto Miguel
Published: August 2006

Relato de um caso de paciente feminina, com 6 anos de idade, que apresentou uma massa cervical, dolorosa e com características de processo infeccioso, que revelou ser um pseudo-aneurisma de carótida interna. Foi realizado o tratamento endovascular, com o uso de um balão destacável que determinou a oclusão e conseqüente trombose do pseudo-aneurisma, com excelente resultado.
Implante de filtro de veia cava inferior guiado por ultra-som: relato de dois casos
Authors: Neser Rogério Abdo , Capasso Filho Mauro , Homa Cristina Mieko de Oliveira
Published: August 2006

A instalação percutânea dos filtros de veia cava inferior é realizada, tradicionalmente, em sala de angiografia ou em centro cirúrgico, utilizando-se fluoroscopia e infusão de contraste iodado para adequado posicionamento do dispositivo. Porém, para pacientes internados em unidades de tratamento intensivo com condição clínica ruim para o transporte ou com função renal deteriorada, o deslocamento e a nefrotoxicidade dos contrastes iodados são, freqüentemente, motivos de preocupação. Assim, a colocação, à beira do leito, de filtros de veia cava inferior guiada por ultra-som pode ser uma alternativa bastante atraente e segura para esses pacientes.
Comparison of the cleaning efficacy of the FKG race system and hand instrument in molar root canal
Authors: Sipert Carla Renata , Hussne Renata Pardini , Nishiyama Celso Kenji
Published: August 2006

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of root canal cleaning of the RaCe rotary instrumentation system (FKG Dentaire - La-Cheaux-de Fonds - Switzerland), compared to manual filing with Stainless Steel K-files (Maillefer Instruments - Ballaigues - Switzerland). MATERIAL AND METHOD: Twenty extracted human teeth (maxillary molars) were selected and their pulp tissue was removed after coronal access. The root canals were filled with a dye (India ink) and allowed to dry for 48 hours, followed by establishment of the working length of the mesiobuccal root; then, half of the specimens were instrumented by the modified Oregon technique and the other half were instrumented by crown-down sequence of the RaCe system. After preparation, the teeth were longitudinally sectioned and evaluated according to the amount of remaining dye. RESULTS: Data obtained were registered as numerical scores, and the arithmetic means were compared between groups using the Mann Whitney test. Both techniques were unable to completely clean the interior of the root canals, with a better performance of the manual technique only at the middle third. CONCLUSION: It could be concluded that the RaCe system was able to provide satisfactory cleaning, similar to that obtained by the manual instrumentation technique.
Influence of light curing source on microhardness of composite resins of different shades
Authors: Briso André Luiz Fraga , Fedel Tânia Maria , Pereira Sibéria de Morais , Mauro Sílvio José , Sundfeld Renato Herman , Sundefeld Maria Lúcia Marçal Mazza
Published: August 2006

INTRODUCTION: The evolution of light curing units can be noticed by the different systems recently introduced. The technology of LED units promises longer lifetime, without heating and with production of specific light for activation of camphorquinone. However, further studies are still required to check the real curing effectiveness of these units. PURPOSE: This study evaluated the microhardness of 4 shades (B-0.5, B-1, B-2 and B-3) of composite resin Filtek Z-250 (3M ESPE) after light curing with 4 light sources, being one halogen (Ultralux - Dabi Atlante) and three LED (Ultraled - Dabi Atlante, Ultrablue - DMC and Elipar Freelight - 3M ESPE). METHODS: 192 specimens were distributed into 16 groups, and materials were inserted in a single increment in cylindrical templates measuring 4mm x 4mm and light cured as recommended by the manufacturer. Then, they were submitted to microhardness test on the top and bottom aspects of the cylinders. RESULTS: The hardness values achieved were submitted to analysis of variance and to Tukey test at 5% confidence level. It was observed that microhardness of specimens varied according to the shade of the material and light sources employed. The LED appliance emitting greater light intensity provided the highest hardness values with shade B-0.5, allowing the best curing. On the other hand, appliances with low light intensity were the least effective. It was also observed that the bottom of specimens was more sensitive to changes in shade. CONCLUSION: Light intensity of LED light curing units is fundamental for their good functioning, especially when applied in resins with darker shades.
Digital radiographic evaluation of optical density of porcelains used for fabrication of inlay/onlay prosthesis
Authors: Castilho Júlio Cezar de Melo , Takeshita Wilton Mitsunari , Santos Luis Roque de Araújo dos , Moraes Luiz César de , Medici Filho Edmundo , Moraes Mari Eli Leonelli de
Published: August 2006

The purpose of this article was to compare the mean value of optical density of four porcelains commonly used for fabrication of inlay/onlay prostheses using direct digital radiograph. The sample consisted of 20 2-mm thick porcelain specimens (measured by digital pachymeter): Empress (Ivoclair), Simbios (Degussa), Vita Omega 900 and Vitadur Alpha (Vita Zahnfabrik). The values of optical density of the specimens were expressed in millimeters aluminum equivalent (mm eq Al). The samples were X-rayed using two charge coupled devices (CCD) - RVG (Trophy) - Visualix (Gendex) and a phosphor plate system - Digora (Soredex). The optical density reading was performed with Image Tool 1.28 in a total of 110 measurements. Statistical analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences in all materials studied (p < 0.05) regardless of the radiographic system used. The highest optical density value was found for Omega 900 (1.8988 mmeqAl - Visualix - Gendex) and the lowest for Vitadur Alpha (0.8647 - Visualix - Gendex). Thus, the material presenting the highest degree of optical density was Omega 900, Empress and Simbios presented intermediate optical density values, Vitadur Alpha presented the lowest value, and the optical density of porcelains was not influenced by the digital radiography systems.
Massage therapy in the management of myogenic TMD: a pilot study
Authors: Capellini Verena Kise , Souza Gisela Soares de , Faria Cláudia Regina Sgobbi de
Published: August 2006

INTRODUCTION: The Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is greatly prevalent in the population and can be associated with bruxism. This disorder produces several signs and symptoms. Among them, pain is one of the most important because it reduces life quality and productivity of people who have such disorder. The aim of this research was to study if massage causes pain relief and/or electromyographic (EMG) changes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The subjects were chosen by a questionnaire and divided into 2 different groups. Their ages varied from 19 to 22 years. The experimental group consisted of 6 TMD patients, who were submitted to the massage treatment and 4 EMG-sessions (the 1st EMG-session occurred before the treatment and the others in the 1st, 15th and 30th days after the treatment). The control group consisted of 6 TMD patients, who were submitted to the same 4 EMG-sessions. While EMG activity was recorded, subjects were asked to keep mandibular rest position (MRP) and to perform maximal voluntary clenching (MVC). The treatment consisted of 15 massage-sessions on face and neck and in application of Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for measuring pain level. The massage sessions had 30 minutes of duration and were performed daily. The EMG data were processed to obtain the Root Mean Square (RMS), which were normalized by MVC. RESULTS: It was demonstrated that (1) RMS-MRP of the right masseter in experimental group at the 1st EMG-session was higher than at the 2nd EMG-session and (2) statistically significant reduction was found for VAS values after massage session. CONCLUSION: Unfortunately the sample is insufficient to draw any conclusions, therefore, more studies regarding the use of massage in the management of myogenic TMD are necessary.
Avaliação da qualidade de vida em pacientes submetidos a ressecção pulmonar por neoplasia
Authors: Saad Ivete Alonso Bredda , Botega Neury José , Toro Ivan Felizardo Contrera
Published: August 2006

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde de pacientes com ressecção de parênquima pulmonar por neoplasia. MÉTODO: Os pacientes foram estudados no pré-operatório e posteriormente nos 30º, 90º e 180º dias do pós-operatório, através do questionário The Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey. Utilizaram-se como modelo estatístico as Equações de Estimação Generalizada em que a variável dependente qualidade de vida muda para cada paciente ao longo dos tempos de coleta, considerando como variáveis independentes: sexo, idade, escolaridade, tipo de cirurgia, radioterapia, quimioterapia, capacidade vital forçada e teste de caminhada de seis minutos. O nível de significância adotado foi de 5%. RESULTADOS: Concluíram o estudo 36 pacientes, sendo 20 do sexo masculino. Dezessete foram submetidos a lobectomia, 10 a pneumectomia, 6 a segmentectomia e 3 a bilobectomia. Quinze pacientes receberam quimioterapia, 2 radioterapia e outros 2 rádio e quimioterapia. Houve melhora da qualidade de vida nos domínios: social após três meses da cirurgia; físico e funcional nos pacientes com melhor desempenho do teste de caminhada de seis minutos e capacidade vital forçada; e físico nos pacientes com menor ressecção cirúrgica. Houve piora da qualidade de vida nos domínios: social no sexo feminino; físico e social mediante tratamento com rádio e/ou quimioterapia; e físico e funcional nos primeiros 30 dias do pós-operatório. CONCLUSÃO: É importante a realização de estudos sobre os vários componentes da qualidade de vida e o impacto das formas de tratamento oncológico sobre estas variáveis, visando à melhora da qualidade de vida após ressecção pulmonar por neoplasia.
Prevalência e características do tabagismo em jovens da Universidade de Brasília
Authors: Andrade Ana Paula Alves de , Bernardo Ana Cláudia Corsini , Viegas Carlos Alberto de Assis , Ferreira Denise Bastos Lage , Gomes Thais Cabral , Sales Mariana Ramos
Published: August 2006

OBJETIVO: Conhecer a prevalência do tabagismo e descrever o perfil e hábitos do consumo tabágico entre alunos da Universidade de Brasília. MÉTODOS: Responderam a um questionário adaptado sobre tabagismo, da Organização Mundial da Saúde, com perguntas dirigidas a fumantes, ex-fumantes e não fumantes, 1.341 alunos. Foram avaliados vinte cursos diferentes pertencentes às áreas de ciências da saúde, exatas e humanas. No momento da pesquisa, os universitários estavam cursando o segundo semestre letivo de 2003, devidamente matriculados no período diurno. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de tabagismo foi de 14,7%. Cerca de 80,8% dos alunos não eram fumantes e 4,5% foram classificados como ex-fumantes. Da amostra total, 57,3% eram homens. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa (p > 0,05) na prevalência de tabagismo entre os sexos ou períodos cursados. A média de idade da população estudada foi de 21,6 ± 3,6 anos, com idade média de início do tabagismo de 17 ± 2,8 anos. Os cursos de Geologia, Comunicação e História apresentaram as maiores prevalências de fumantes com 32,9%, 26,3% e 24,4%, respectivamente. Foi observado consumo médio de 7,5 cigarros por dia. O cigarro industrializado foi citado como o tipo de tabaco mais comumente utilizado entre os universitários (72,6%). CONCLUSÃO: Esta alta prevalência assemelha-se às de outros centros universitários e demanda políticas de controle do tabagismo nos meios universitários.
Variations of salivary flow rates in Brazilian school children
Authors: Torres Sandra Regina , Nucci Marcio , Milanos Estevão , Pereira Renata Pessoa , Massaud Alessandra , Munhoz Taís
Published: August 2006

The salivary flow rate (SFR) in healthy individuals may vary according to different factors. There is a scarcity of studies from different geographical areas that analyze SFR variations in children. The aim of this study was to verify stimulated salivary flow rate (SFR) variations in 6 to 12-year-old children, from four different public schools of Rio de Janeiro and correlate these data to gender, age, type of dentition, and health status. Clinical data were taken from the children's medical records that were kept at those schools. Oral examination and sialometry were performed in every child. Salivary flow rate was obtained by chewing-stimulated whole saliva under standard conditions. There were significant differences in SFR according to age (p = 0.0003). Six and 12-year-old children showed the lowest SFR, and when they were excluded from the analysis, no significant differences were found (p = 0.21). There were also significant differences in SFR among children from different public schools (p = 0.0009). The gender did not show any correlation to SFR, even when children were stratified by age (p = 0.36). Correlation between SFR and deciduous, mixed or permanent dentition was not found as well. These results show that the analyzed clinical variables did not seem to influence SFR in this children population.
Microhardness of Ni-Cr alloys under different casting conditions
Authors: Bauer José Roberto de Oliveira , Loguercio Alessandro Dourado , Reis Alessandra , Rodrigues Filho Leonardo Eloy
Published: August 2006

This study evaluated the microhardness of Ni-Cr alloys used in fixed prosthodontics after casting under different conditions. The casting conditions were: (1-flame/air torch) flame made of a gas/oxygen mixture and centrifugal casting machine in a non-controlled casting environment; (2-induction/argon) electromagnetic induction in an environment controlled with argon; (3-induction/vacuum) electromagnetic induction in a vacuum environment; (4-induction/air) electromagnetic induction in a non-controlled casting environment. The 3 alloys used were Ni-Cr-Mo-Ti, Ni-Cr-Mo-Be, and Ni-Cr-Mo-Nb. Four castings with 5 cylindrical, 15 mm-long specimens (diameter: 1.6 mm) in each casting ring were prepared. After casting, the specimens were embedded in resin and polished for Vickers microhardness (VH) measurements in a Shimadzu HMV-2 (1,000 g for 10 s). A total of 5 indentations were done for each ring, one in each specimen. The data was subjected to two-way ANOVA and Tukey's multiple comparison tests (alpha = 0.05). The VH values of Ni-Cr-Mo-Ti (422 ± 7.8) were statistically higher (p < 0.05) than those of Ni-Cr-Mo-Nb (415 ± 7.6). The lowest VH values were found for Ni-Cr-Mo-Be (359 ± 10.7). The VH values obtained in the conditions induction/argon and induction/vacuum were similar (p > 0.05) and lower than the values obtained in the conditions induction/air and flame/air torch (p < 0.05). The VH values in the conditions induction/air and flame/air were similar (p > 0.05). The microhardness of the alloys is influenced by their composition and casting method. The hardness of the Ni-Cr alloys was higher when they were cast with the induction/air and flame/air torch methods.
Analysis of the sealing ability of different obturation techniques in oval-shaped canals: a study using a bacterial leakage model
Authors: Deus Gustavo De , Murad Cristiana Francescutti , Reis Claudia Mendonça , Gurgel-Filho Eduardo , Coutinho Filho Tauby
Published: August 2006

The aim of this study was to evaluate the sealing ability of 3 obturation techniques in oval canals using a bacterial leakage model. Seventy mandibular incisors with oval canals were selected after buccolingual and mesiodistal radiographs, and divided into three groups. After instrumentation, the canals were obturated respectively by lateral condensation (G1), warm vertical condensation (G2) and Thermafil (G3). Five root canals were not obturated and served as positive controls; five teeth with intact crowns served as negative controls. All teeth were mounted on a 2 chamber apparatus and then exposed to human saliva. The number of days required for the entire contamination of the root canals was recorded, observing the turbidity of the BHI broth, for a period of 100 days. 84.21% of the samples from the lateral condensation group (G1); 84.21% of the samples from the warm vertical condensation group (G2); and 89.47% of the samples from the Thermafil System group (G3) showed no contamination at the end of the study. No statistical significant difference was found among the three techniques. The quality of the apical seal in the three techniques tested was similar.
Growth of the nasopharynx and adenoidal development in Brazilian subjects
Authors: Vilella Beatriz de Souza , Vilella Oswaldo de Vasconcelos , Koch Hilton Augusto
Published: August 2006

The purpose of this research was to study the growth of the nasopharynx and adenoid development. Lateral cephalometric radiographs obtained from 320 white Brazilian subjects between 4 and 16 years of age were used. All the participants were nose breathers and none of them had previously undergone adenoidectomy. Tracings were made from the radiographs and cephalometric measurements were performed. The results showed that adenoid sagital thickness is larger in the age group 4 - 5 years and decreases progressively. There is a slight increase in the age group 10 - 11 years, but afterwards the decrease continues. However, the nasopharyngeal free airway space does not decrease in the age group 10 - 11 years, despite the increasing thickness of the adenoid. This is attributable to the downward displacement of the hard palate, resulting in an increase of the free airway space due to growth. Although the nasopharynx follows a growth pattern similar to that of the rest of the body, adenoid tissue does not. Adenoidal development seems to differ from that of other lymphatic tissues, showing a peculiar pattern that can be revealed when hypertrophy due to infections and allergies is eliminated.
Correlation between transverse expansion and increase in the upper arch perimeter after rapid maxillary expansion
Authors: Claro Cristiane Aparecida de Assis , Abrão Jorge , Reis Silvia Augusta Braga , Fantini Solange Mongelli de
Published: August 2006

The purpose of the present study was to assess the correlation between transverse expansion and the increase in upper arch perimeter, after maxillary expansion. Dental casts of eighteen patients were obtained before treatment and again five months after maxillary expansion. Measurements of intermolar width, intercanine width, arch length and arch perimeter were made with a digital caliper on photocopies taken from the dental casts. After assessment of the method error, a multiple regression model was developed following the identification of the best subset of variables. The resulting equation led to the conclusion that the increase in arch perimeter is approximately given by the addition of 0.54 times the intercanine expansion, and 0.87 times the arch length alteration.
Clodronate alleviates cachexia and prolongs survival in nude mice xenografted with an anaplastic thyroid carcinoma cell line
Authors: Wang Cheng-Hsu , Shen Yung-Chi , Hsieh Jia-Juan , Yeh Kun-Yun , Chang John Wen-Cheng
Published: August 2006

Cancer cachexia is one of the most common manifestations of advanced malignant disease and is frequently associated with decreased survival. Previously, we reported the establishment of a new anaplastic thyroid carcinoma cell line, Thena, and its mouse xenograft, Thena-Nu, which induced cachexia in athymic nude mice. Subsequent studies showed that the addition of clodronate to Thena-Nu cultures reduced cell proliferation as well as cytokine production in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Weekly administration of clodronate induced tumor cytostasis, attenuation of cachexia, as well as prolongation of survival in Thena-Nu-bearing mice. Reduced serum interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and granulocyte colony stimulating factor levels were detected, whereas, serum leukemia inhibitory factor levels were not reduced. Liver necrosis, observed in tumor-bearing mice, was also improved following clodronate treatment. Discontinuation of clodronate treatment, however, resulted in progressive tumor growth and weight loss. Our results demonstrated that clodronate could exert therapeutic efficacy on amelioration of cancer cachexia in the hosts. Nevertheless, this study also points out that a longer period of treatment is required to maintain these effects.
Negative energy balance and leptin regulate neuromedin-U expression in the rat pars tuberalis
Authors: Nogueiras Ruben , Tovar Sulay , Mitchell Sharon E , Barrett Perry , Rayner D Vernon , Dieguez Carlos , Williams Lynda M
Published: August 2006

Central neuromedin U (NMU) functions in energy balance, the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, LH release and circadian rhythmicity. In rats, high levels of NMU occur in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nuclei and the pars tuberalis of the pituitary. NMU expression in the pars tuberalis appears to be downregulated in the Zucker fatty (fa/fa) rat, lacking functional leptin receptors. In contrast, in the dorsomedial (DMH) nuclei of the mouse, NMU expression is higher in the ob/ob mouse, lacking leptin, and is upregulated by fasting. However, leptin appears not to change NMU gene expression in either the mouse DMH or the rat pars tuberalis. Thus, the present study aims to better identify factors influencing central NMU expression in the rat pars tuberalis. Sprague–Dawley rats were fasted and/or challenged with intracerebroventricular leptin or ghrelin and gene expression was measured using real-time reverse transcriptase-PCR and quantitative in situ hybridisation with riboprobes specific for NMU and NMU receptor (NMU-R2). NMU expression in the rat pars tuberalis was elevated by fasting. Ghrelin administration had no effect on the level of NMU expression, but leptin was found to diminish the expression in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. NMU-R2 expression was unchanged in any of the groups measured. These results suggest that NMU expression in rat pars tuberalis is upregulated in states of negative energy balance, and this may be mediated indirectly by changes in leptin levels. These results demonstrate a link between energy balance and NMU expression in the pars tuberalis of the pituitary.
Pregnancy-enhanced Ca2+ responses to ATP in uterine artery endothelial cells is due to greater capacitative Ca2+ entry rather than altered receptor coupling
Authors: Gifford Shannon M , Yi Fu-Xian , Bird Ian M
Published: August 2006

Uterine artery endothelial cells (UAEC) derived from pregnant (P-UAEC) and nonpregnant (NP-UAEC) ewes retain pregnancy-specific differences in cell signaling as well as vasodilator production through passage 4. In particular, when P- and NP-UAEC are stimulated with ATP over a 2.5 min recording period, they exhibit similar initial transient peaks in the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), but the P-UAEC show a heightened sustained phase. In order to establish whether thiswas due to an altered subclass of purinergic receptor (P2), both the dose dependencyof [Ca2+]i responses to ADP and UTP and the profile of purinergic receptor expression are determined in NP- and P-UAEC. Our findings indicate that while several isoforms of P2X and P2Y receptors are present, it is P2Y2 that is responsible for the ATP-induced initial transient peak in both cell types. We also characterized several key components of the ATP-induced Ca2+ signaling cascade, including the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor and G-proteins, but could not confirm any pregnancy-specific variation in the protein expression that correlated with pregnancy-specific differences in prolonged Ca2+ signaling. We thus investigated whether such a difference may be inherent to the cell itself rather than specific to the purinergic receptor-signaling pathway. Using thapsigargin (Tg), we were able to demonstrate that the initial Tg-sensitive intracellular pool of Ca2+is nearly identical with the capacity in both cell types, but the P-UAEC is nonetheless capable of greater capacitative Ca2+ entry (CCE) than NP-UAEC. Furthermore, CCE induced by Tg could be dramatically inhibited by 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate, suggesting a role for store-operated channels in the ATP-induced [Ca2+]i response. We conclude that changes at the level of capacitative entry mechanisms rather than switching of receptor subtype or coupling to phospholipase C underlies pregnancy adaptation of UAEC at the level of Ca2+signaling.
Centrally administered neuropeptide W-30 activates magnocellular neurosecretory cells in the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei with neurosecretion in rats
Authors: Kawasaki Makoto , Onaka Tatsushi , Nakazato Masamitsu , Saito Jun , Mera Takashi , Hashimoto Hirofumi , Fujihara Hiroaki , Okimoto Nobukazu , Ohnishi Hideo , Nakamura Toshitaka , Ueta Yoichi
Published: August 2006

We examined the effects of i.c.v. administration of neuro-peptide W-30 (NPW30) on plasma arginine vasopressin (AVP) and plasma oxytocin (OXT) using RIA. The induction of c-fos mRNA, AVP heteronuclear (hn)RNA, and c-Fos protein (Fos) in the supraoptic nucleus (SON) and paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of rats were also investigated using in situ hybridization histochemistry for c-fos mRNA and AVP hnRNA, and immunohistochemistry for Fos. Both plasma AVP and OXT were significantly increased at 5 and 15 min after i.c.v. administration of NPW30 (2.8 nmol/rat). In situ hybridization histochemistry revealed that the induction of c-fos mRNA and AVP hnRNA in the SON and PVN were significantly increased 15, 30, and 60 min after i.c.v. administration of NPW30 (1.4 nmol/rat). Dual immunostaining for Fos/AVP and Fos/OXT revealed that both AVP-like immunoreactive (LI) cells and OXT-LI cells exhibited nuclear Fos-LI in the SON and PVN, 90 min after i.c.v. administration of NPW30 (2.8 nmol/rat). These results suggest that central NPW30 may be involved in the regulation of secretion of AVP and OXT in the magnocellular neurosecretory cells in the SON and PVN.
Endogenous glucocorticoids cause thymus atrophy but are protective during acute Trypanosoma cruzi infection
Authors: Roggero Eduardo , Pérez Ana R , Tamae-Kakazu Maximiliano , Piazzon Isabel , Nepomnaschy Irene , Besedovsky Hugo O , Bottasso Oscar A , del Rey Adriana
Published: August 2006

The cytokine-mediated stimulation of the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis is relevant for survival during bacterial endotoxemia and certain viral infections. However, only limited information is available regarding the effects of endogenous glucocorticoids on parasite diseases. We have studied this issue using, as a model, C57Bl/6 and Balb/c mice infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, the causal agent of Chagas’ disease. These two mouse strains differ in the susceptibility to infection with the parasite. An intense stimulation of the HPA-axis was observed 3 weeks after infection in both strains, but glucocorticoid levels were already increased two- to threefold in the less susceptible Balb/c strain during the first week. Blockade of glucocorticoid receptors with the glucocorticoid antagonist RU486, starting on day 10 after infection, partially reversed the thymic atrophy and decreased the number of CD4+CD8+ thymocytes without affecting parasitemia and the number of inflammatory foci in the heart. However, tumor necrosis factor-α blood levels were increased in infected mice of both strains treated with RU486. Furthermore, the blockade of glucocorticoid receptors accelerated death in C57Bl/6J mice and increased lethality to 100% in Balb/c mice. The results obtained represent the first evidence that an endocrine host response that is coupled to the immune process can strongly affect the course of a parasite infection.
Effect of periconceptional undernutrition and gender on hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis function in young adult sheep
Authors: Gardner D S , Van Bon B W M , Dandrea J , Goddard P J , May S F , Wilson V , Stephenson T , Symonds M E
Published: August 2006

Glucocorticoids are proposed to act as intermediary factors that transcribe the developmental programming sequelae of maternal nutrient restriction (NR). Periconceptional under-nutrition of sheep markedly activates fetal hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis activity leading to preterm birth, while transient undernutrition during late gestation in sheep programs adult HPA axis function. To date, no study has examined resting or stimulated HPA axis function in young adult offspring following a periconceptional nutritional challenge. In the present study, 20 ewes were either periconceptionally undernourished (50% metabolisable energy requirements from days 1 to 30 gestation; NR, n = 8) or fed to control levels (100% requirement; controls, n = 12) to term (147 days gestation). Ewes were blood sampled remotely at 2 and 30 days using automated blood sampling equipment. Thereafter, offspring (controls, n = 6/6 males/females; NR, n = 4/4 males/females) were reared to 1 year of age and on separate days received either an i.v. corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH; 0.5 μg/kg) and vasopressin (AVP; 0.1 μg/kg) challenge or a synthetic ACTH i.v. bolus (Synacthen; 1.25 μg/kg), and blood samples were taken (manually and remotely) at appropriate intervals for measurement of plasma ACTH and cortisol accordingly. Resting plasma cortisol, assessed remotely, was similar in ewes during undernutrition (control 18.3 ± 1.4 vs NR 23.4 ± 1.9 nmol/l) and in offspring at 4 months of age (control male 17.6 ± 2.9; control female 17.2 ± 0.4, NR male 16.5 ± 3.1, NR female 21.7 ± 4.0 nmol/l). At 12 months of age, however, resting plasma cortisol was significantly increased in NR females (control male 28.0 ± 1.5, control female 32.9 ± 9, NR male 32 ± 7, NR female 53 ± 10 nmol/l, F 5.7, P = 0.02) despite no difference in plasma ACTH concentration. There was an interaction between nutritional group and gender for both the pituitary and adrenal responses to CRH and AVP, i.e. for controls, females exhibited increased plasma ACTH or cortisol relative to males but for NR this trend was either not present or reversed. The adrenocortical response to synthetic ACTH was gender-dependent only, being greater in female offspring. Combined CRH and AVP provoked a transient hypertension and marked bradycardia in all animals, irrespective of dietary group or gender and could be effectively reproduced by an AVP bolus alone. In conclusion, the present study has shown that periconceptional undernutrition of sheep has only a minor influence on HPA axis function in their young adult offspring when considered alongside the effect of gender per se.
Deiodinase type 1 activity is expressed in the prostate of pubescent rats and is modulated by thyroid hormones, prolactin and sex hormones
Authors: Anguiano Brenda , López Alejandra , Delgado Guadalupe , Romero Carlos , Aceves Carmen
Published: August 2006

The aim of this study was to characterize the type of 5′-deiodinase activity in the prostate of pubescent rats (7–8 weeks), to establish its distribution in the lobes (ventral, dorsolateral, and anterior), and to analyze its modulation by prolactin (PRL), testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and 17β-estradiol (E2). Our results showed that the enzymatic activity was highly susceptible to inhibition by 6-n-propyl-2-thiouracil and gold thioglucose, its preferential substrate was reverse tri-iodothyronine (rT3), it exhibited a low dithiothreitol requirement (5 mM), and the apparent Km and Vmax values for substrate (rT3) were approximately 0.25 μM and 9.0 pmol liberated/mg protein per hour, respectively. All these characteristics indicate the preferential expression of type 1 deiodinase (D1), which was corroborated by demonstrating the presence of D1 mRNA in prostate. D1 activity was detected in all lobes and was most abundant in the dorsolateral. Although we detected type 2 deiodinase (D2) mRNA expression, the D2 activity was almost undetectable. D1 activity was enhanced in animals with hyperthyroidism and hyperprolactinemia, in intact animals treated with finasteride (inhibitor of local DHT production), and in castrated animals with E2 replacement. In contrast, activity diminished in castrated animals with testosterone replacement. Our results suggest that thyroid hormones, PRL, and E2 exert a positive modulation on D1 activity, while testosterone and DHT exhibit an inhibitory effect. D1 activity may be associated with prostate maturation and/or function.
Endocrine signaling in Caenorhabditis elegans controls stress response and longevity
Authors: Baumeister Ralf , Schaffitzel Elke , Hertweck Maren
Published: August 2006

Modulation of insulin/IGF signaling in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is the central determinant of the endocrine control of stress response, diapause, and aging. Mutations in many genes that interfere with, or are controlled by, insulin signaling have been identified in the last decade by genetic analyses in the worm. Most of these genes have orthologs in vertebrate genomes, and their functional characterization has provided multiple hints about conserved mechanisms for the genetic influence on aging. The emerging picture is that insulin-like molecules, through the activity of the DAF-2/insulin/ IGF-I-like receptor, and the DAF-16/FKHRL1/FOXO transcription factor, control the ability of the organism to deal with oxidative stress, and interfere with metabolic programs that help to determine lifespan.
Anti-prolactin (PRL) autoantibody-binding sites (epitopes) on PRL molecule in macroprolactinemia
Authors: Hattori N , Nakayama Y , Kitagawa K , Ishihara T , Saiki Y , Inagaki C
Published: August 2006

Macroprolactinemia, in which serum prolactin (PRL) mainly consists of PRL with a molecular mass greater than 100 kDa, has been demonstrated to be associated with hyperprolactinemia. We previously reported that anti-PRL autoantibody is the major cause of macroprolactinemia. In this study, the autoantibody-binding sites (epitopes) on the PRL molecule were examined using deletion mutant PRL. The sera from 159 patients with hyperprolactinemia were screened for macroprolactinemia using the polyethylene glycol method and 18 patients (11%) were diagnosed with macroprolactinemia. The sera from these patients were incubated with glutathione S-transferase–human prolactin (hPRL) fragment fusion proteins immobilized on glutathione sepharose and the amounts of bound immunoglobulin G (IgG) were measured using ELISA. IgG was bound to full-length hPRL1–199 in significantly greater amounts in sera from 14 of 18 patients with macroprolactinemia than in controls. hPRL, but not PRL of other species such as bovine, porcine, rat, or human GH, dose-dependently displaced the binding, suggesting that these patients had hPRL-specific autoantibodies. Deletion of 34 amino acid residues from N-and/or C-terminals significantly reduced the binding and N- or C-terminal fragment alone showed partial but significant binding, suggesting that the major epitopes recognized by anti-PRL autoantibodies are located in both N- and C-terminal residues of the PRL molecule.
Differential effects of leptin and refeeding on the fasting-induced decrease of pituitary type 2 deiodinase and thyroid hormone receptor β2 mRNA expression in mice
Authors: Boelen A , Kwakkel J , Vos X G , Wiersinga W M , Fliers E
Published: August 2006

Profound changes in thyroid hormone metabolism occur in the central part of the hypothalamus–pituitary–thyroid (HPT) axis during fasting. Hypothalamic changes are partly reversed by leptin administration, which decreases during fasting. It is unknown to what extent leptin affects the HPT axis at the level of the pituitary. We, therefore, studied fasting-induced alterations in pituitary thyroid hormone metabolism, as well as effects of leptin administration on these changes. Because refeeding rapidly increased serum leptin, the same parameters were studied after fasting followed by refeeding. Fasting for 24 h decreased serum T3 and T4 and pituitary TSHβ, type 2deiodinase (D2), and thyroid hormone receptor β2 (TRβ2) mRNA expression. The decrease in D2 and TRβ2 mRNA expression was prevented when 20 μg leptin was administered twice during fasting. By contrast, the decrease in TSHβ mRNA expression was unaffected. A single dose of leptin given after 24 h fasting did not affect decreased TSHβ, D2, and TRβ2 mRNA expression, while 4 h refeeding resulted in pituitary D2 and TRβ2 mRNA expression as observed in control mice. Serum leptin, T3, and T4 after refeeding were similar compared with leptin administration. We conclude that fasting decreases pituitary TSHβ, D2, and TRβ2 mRNA expression, which (with the exception of TSHβ) can be prevented by leptin administration during fasting. Following 24 h fasting, 4 h refeeding completely restores pituitary D2 and TRβ2 mRNA expression, while a single leptin dose is ineffective. This indicates that other postingestion signals may be necessary to modulate rapidly the fasting-induced decrease in pituitary D2 and TRβ2 mRNA expression.
Considering human–primate transmission of measles virus through the prism of risk analysis
Authors: Jones‐Engel Lisa , Engel Gregory A. , Schillaci Michael A. , Lee Benjamin , Heidrich John , Chalise Mukesh , Kyes Randall C.
Published: August 2006

Measles is a respiratory virus that is endemic to humans. Human–nonhuman primate (NHP) transmission of the measles virus has been shown to cause significant morbidity and mortality in NHP populations. We investigated serological evidence of exposure to measles virus in two free‐ranging populations of macaques at the Bukit Timah (BTNR) and Central Catchment Nature (CCNR) reserves in Singapore and the Swoyambhu Temple in Katmandu, Nepal. At BTNR/CCNR none of the 38 macaques (Macaca fascicularis) sampled were seropositive for antibodies to measles virus. In contrast, at Swoyambhu 100% (n=39) of the macaques (M. mulatta) sampled were seropositive for antibodies to the measles virus. Here the contrasting seroprevalences of the two sites are analyzed using risk analysis. These case studies show how risk analysis can be used to approach the phenomenon of cross‐species pathogen transmission. Am. J. Primatol. 68:868–879, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ecological and eco‐social models for the introduction of the abalone Haliotis discus hannai into benthic systems of north‐central Chile: sustainability assessment
Authors: Ortiz Marco , Stotz Wolfgang
Published: August 2006

Loop models of ecological and socio‐economic systems were developed to analyse and predict the impact of a possible accidental introduction (escapes) of the abalone Haliotis discus hannai into a benthic community of north‐central Chile.

Although the ‘new’ ecological system resulting from a successful invasion of abalone would be locally stable, the establishment of a self‐enhanced dynamic of recruits would transform this into an unstable system.

The harvest of the kelp, Lessonia trabeculata and other macroalgae is not recommended because this destabilizes the system. The harvest of abalone adults is only sustainable if they do not exert a negative effect upon other native invertebrates.

The eco‐social model showed three important results: (1) if the variables ‘Price’ and ‘Farming’ are in expansion and stationary dynamics, then the models were found unstable; (2) a self‐enhanced dynamic of abalone recruits tends toward instability; and (3) the harvest of the kelp L. trabeculata and other macroalgae would be non‐sustainable.

Based on our results, the sustainable development of extensive farming of H. discus hannai in the sea would be not reached. If it is done, an intensive monitoring of the community after introduction into the system is strongly recommended. Likewise, the farming of macroalgal species (source of food for abalone) should be promoted in order to avoid harvesting of macroalgae from natural systems.

Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
fKWIC: Frequency‐based keyword‐in‐context index for filtering Web search results
Authors: Käki Mika
Published: August 2006

Enormous Web search engine databases combined with short search queries result in large result sets that are often difficult to access. Result ranking works fairly well, but users need help when it fails. For these situations, we propose a filtering interface that is inspired by keyword‐in‐context (KWIC) indices. The user interface lists the most frequent keyword contexts (fKWIC). When a context is selected, the corresponding results are displayed in the result list, allowing users to concentrate on the specific context. We compared the keyword context index user interface to the rank order result listing in an experiment with 36 participants. The results show that the proposed user interface was 29% faster in finding relevant results, and the precision of the selected results was 19% higher. In addition, participants showed positive attitudes toward the system.
Metagenomics: An inexhaustible access to nature's diversity
Authors: Langer Martin , Gabor Esther M. , Liebeton Klaus , Meurer Guido , Niehaus Frank , Schulze Renate , Eck Jürgen , Lorenz Patrick
Published: August 2006

The chemical industry has an enormous need for innovation. To save resources, energy and time, currently more and more established chemical processes are being switched to biotechnological routes. This requires white biotechnology to discover and develop novel enzymes, biocatalysts and applications. Due to a limitation in the cultivability of microbes living in certain habitats, technologies have to be established which give access to the enormous resource of uncultivated microbial diversity. Metagenomics promises to provide new and diverse enzymes and biocatalysts as well as bioactive molecules and has the potential to make industrial biotechnology an economic, sustainable success.
Effect of non‐feeding period length on the intermittent operation of UASB reactors treating dairy effluents
Authors: Coelho N.M. , Rodrigues A.A. , Arroja L.M. , Capela I.F.
Published: August 2006

Recent environmental concerns have prompted a re‐evaluation of conventional management strategies and refueled the search of innovative waste management practices. In this sense, the anaerobic digestion of both fat and the remaining complex organic matter present in dairy wastewaters is attractive, although the continuous operation of high rate anaerobic processes treating this type of wastewaters causes the failure of the process. This work accesses the influence of non‐feeding period length on the intermittent operation of mesophilic UASB reactors treating dairy wastewater, in order to allow the biological degradation to catch up with adsorption phenomenon. During the experiments, two UASB reactors were subject to three organic loading rates, ranging from 6 to 12 gCOD · L−1 · d−1, with the same daily load applied to both reactors, each one with a different non‐feeding period. Both reactors showed good COD removal efficiencies (87–92%). A material balance for COD in the reactors during the feeding and non‐feeding periods showed the importance of the feedless period, which allowed the biomass to degrade substrate that was accumulated during the feeding period. The reactor with the longest non‐feeding period had a better performance, which resulted in a higher methane production and adsorption capacity for the same organic load applied with a consequent less accumulation of substrate into the biomass. In addition, both reactors had a stable operation for the organic load of 12 gCOD · L−1 · d−1, which is higher than the maximum applicable load reported in literature for continuous systems (3–6 gCOD · L−1 · d−1). Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007;96: 244–249. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Halogenated Veneers: Protein Cross‐Linking and Halogenation in the Jaws ofNereis, a Marine Polychaete Worm
Authors: Birkedal Henrik , Khan Rashda K. , Slack Nelle , Broomell Chris , Lichtenegger Helga C. , Zok Frank , Stucky Galen D. , Waite J. Herbert
Published: August 2006

Mineralized tissues are produced by most living organisms for load and impact functions. In contrast, the jaws of the clam worm,Nereis, are hard without mineralization. However, they are peculiarly rich in halogens, which are associated with a variety of post‐translationally modified amino acids, many of which are multiply halogenated by chlorine, bromine, and/or iodine. Several of these modified amino acids, namely dibromohistidine, bromoiodohistidine, chloroiodotyrosine, bromoiodotyrosine, chlorodityrosine, chlorotrityrosine, chlorobromotrityrosine, and bromoiodotrityrosine, have not been previously reported. We have found that the distributions of Cl, Br, and I differ: Cl is widespread whereas Br and I, although not colocalized, are concentrated in proximity to the external jaw surfaces. By using nanoindentation, we show that Br and I are unlikely to play a purely mechanical role, but that the local Zn and Cl concentrations and jaw microstructure are the prime determinants of local jaw hardness. Several of the post‐translationally modified amino acids are akin to those found in various sclerotized structures of invertebrates, and we propose that they are part of a cross‐linked protein casing.