bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anatomical Correlates of Directional Hypokinesia in Patients with Hemispatial Neglect
Authors: Sapir Ayelet , Kaplan Julie B. , He Biyu J. , Corbetta Maurizio
Published: April 2007

Unilateral spatial neglect (neglect) is a syndrome characterized by perceptual deficits that prevent patients from attending and responding to the side of space and of the body opposite a damaged hemisphere (contralesional side). Neglect also involves motor deficits: patients may be slower to initiate a motor response to targets appearing in the left hemispace, even when using their unaffected arm (directional hypokinesia). Although this impairment is well known, its anatomical correlate has not been established. We tested 52 patients with neglect after right hemisphere stroke, and conducted an anatomical analysis on 29 of them to find the anatomical correlate of directional hypokinesia. We found that patients with directional hypokinesia had a lesion involving the ventral lateral putamen, the claustrum, and the white matter underneath the frontal lobe. Most importantly, none of the patients without directional hypokinesia had a lesion in the same region. The localization of neglect's motor deficits to the basal ganglia establishes interesting homologies with animal data; it also suggests that a relative depletion of dopamine in the nigrostriatal pathway on the same side of the lesion may be an important pathophysiological mechanism potentially amenable to intervention.
Human Cortical Neurons Originate from Radial Glia and Neuron-Restricted Progenitors
Authors: Mo Zhicheng , Moore Anna R. , Filipovic Radmila , Ogawa Yasuhiro , Kazuhiro Ikenaka , Antic Srdjan D. , Zecevic Nada
Published: April 2007

Understanding the molecular and physiological determinants of cortical neuronal progenitor cells is essential for understanding the development of the human brain in health and in disease. We used surface marker fucoseN-acetyl lactosamine (LeX) (also known as CD15) to isolate progenitor cells from the cortical ventricular/subventricular zone of human fetal brain at the second trimester of gestation and to study their progenyin vitro. LeX+cells had typical bipolar morphology, radial orientation, and antigen profiles, characterizing them as a subtype of radial glia (RG) cells. Four complementary experimental techniques (clonal analysis, immunofluorescence, transfection experiments, and patch-clamp recordings) indicated that this subtype of RG generates mainly astrocytes but also a small number of cortical neurons. The neurogenic capabilities of RGs were both region and stage dependent. Present results provide the first direct evidence that RGs in the human cerebral cortex serve as neuronal progenitors. Simultaneously, another progenitor subtype was identified as proliferating cells labeled with neuronal (β-III-tubulin and doublecortin) but not RG markers [GFAP, vimentin, and BLBP (brain lipid-binding protein)]. Proliferative and antigenic characteristics of these cells suggested their neuron-restricted progenitor status. In summary, ourin vitrostudy suggests that diverse populations of cortical progenitor cells, including multipotent RGs and neuron-restricted progenitors, contribute differentially to cortical neurogenesis at the second trimester of gestation in human cerebral cortex.
Looming Biases in Monkey Auditory Cortex
Authors: Maier Joost X. , Ghazanfar Asif A.
Published: April 2007

Looming signals (signals that indicate the rapid approach of objects) are behaviorally relevant signals for all animals. Accordingly, studies in primates (including humans) reveal attentional biases for detecting and responding to looming versus receding signals in both the auditory and visual domains. We investigated the neural representation of these dynamic signals in the lateral belt auditory cortex of rhesus monkeys. By recording local field potential and multiunit spiking activity while the subjects were presented with auditory looming and receding signals, we show here that auditory cortical activity was biased in magnitude toward looming versus receding stimuli. This directional preference was not attributable to the absolute intensity of the sounds nor can it be attributed to simple adaptation, because white noise stimuli with identical amplitude envelopes did not elicit the same pattern of responses. This asymmetrical representation of looming versus receding sounds in the lateral belt auditory cortex suggests that it is an important node in the neural network correlate of looming perception.
Glutamatergic and Purinergic Receptor-Mediated Calcium Transients in Bergmann Glial Cells
Authors: Piet Richard , Jahr Craig E.
Published: April 2007

Astrocytes respond to neuronal activity with [Ca2+]iincreases after activation of specific receptors. Bergmann glial cells (BGs), astrocytes of the cerebellar molecular layer (ML), express various receptors that can mobilize internal Ca2+. BGs also express Ca2+permeable AMPA receptors that may be important for maintaining the extensive coverage of Purkinje cell (PC) excitatory synapses by BG processes. Here, we examined Ca2+signals in single BGs evoked by synaptic activity in cerebellar slices. Short bursts of high-frequency stimulation of the ML elicited Ca2+transients composed of a small-amplitude fast rising phase, followed by a larger and slower rising phase. The first phase resulted from Ca2+influx through AMPA receptors, whereas the second phase required release of Ca2+from internal stores initiated by P2 purinergic receptor activation. We found that such Ca2+responses could be evoked by direct activation of neurons releasing ATP onto BGs or after activation of metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 on these neurons. Moreover, examination of BG and PC responses to various synaptic stimulation protocols suggested that ML interneurons are likely the cellular source of ATP.
Cysteine Substitution Mutants Give Structural Insight and Identify ATP Binding and Activation Sites at P2X Receptors
Authors: Roberts Jonathan A. , Evans Richard J.
Published: April 2007

P2X receptors for extracellular ATP are a distinct family of ligand-gated cation channels involved in physiological processes ranging from synaptic transmission to muscle contraction. Common ATP binding motifs are absent from P2X receptors, and the extent of the agonist binding site is unclear. We used cysteine-scanning mutagenesis, radiolabeled 2-azido ATP binding, and methanethiosulfonate (MTS) compounds to identify amino acid residues involved in ATP binding and gating of the human P2X1receptor. The pattern of MTSEA [(2-aminoethyl)methanethiosulfonate hydrobromide] biotinylation was also used to determine the accessibility of substituted cysteine residues and whether this changed on addition of ATP. Analysis of cysteine-substituted mutants of the last 44 amino acid residues (S286–I329) in the extracellular loop before the second transmembrane segment showed that N290, F291, R292, and K309 mutants had reduced ATP potency and 2-azido ATP binding. MTS reagents produced additional shifts in ATP potency at these residues, suggesting that they are directly involved in ATP binding; the effects were dependent on the charge of the MTS reagent at K309C; one explanation for this is that K309 interacts directly with the negatively charged phosphate of ATP. The remainder of the cysteine substitutions had little or no effect on ATP potency. However, at the mutants D316C, G321C, A323C, and I328C, MTS reagents did not change ATP potency but modified agonist-evoked responses, suggesting that this region may contribute to the gating of the channel.
Biochemical and Behavioral Evidence for Antidepressant-Like Effects of 5-HT6Receptor Stimulation
Authors: Svenningsson Per , Tzavara Eleni T. , Qi Hongshi , Carruthers Robert , Witkin Jeffrey M. , Nomikos George G. , Greengard Paul
Published: April 2007

The primary action of several antidepressant treatments used in the clinic raises extracellular concentrations of serotonin (5-HT), which subsequently act on multiple 5-HT receptors. The present study examined whether 5-HT6receptors might be involved in the antidepressant-like effects mediated by enhanced neurotransmission at 5-HT synapses. A selective 5-HT6receptor antagonist, SB271046, was evaluated for its ability to counteract fluoxetine-induced biochemical and behavioral responses in mice. In addition, biochemical and behavioral effects of the 5-HT6receptor agonist, 2-ethyl-5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (EMDT), were assessed in mice to ascertain whether enhancement of 5-HT6receptor-mediated neurotransmission engenders antidepressant-like effects. SB271046 significantly counteracted the stimulatory actions of fluoxetine on cortical c-fosmRNA, phospho-Ser845-GluR1, and in the tail suspension antidepressant assay, whereas it had no effect on these parameters by itself. EMDT increased the phosphorylation states of Thr34-DARPP-32 and Ser845-GluR1, both in brain slices and in the intact brain, which were effects also seen with the antidepressant fluoxetine; as with fluoxetine, these effects were demonstrated to be independent of D1receptor stimulation. Systemic administration of EMDT increased c-fosmRNA expression in the striatum and cerebral cortex and reduced immobility in the tail suspension test. The antidepressant-like effects of EMDT in the tail suspension test were prevented by SB271046. Our results indicate that 5-HT6receptor stimulation may be a mechanism initiating some of the biochemical and behavioral outcomes of 5-HT reuptake inhibitors, such as fluoxetine. These findings also indicate that selective 5-HT6receptor agonists may represent a novel antidepressant drug class.
Amygdala Damage Impairs Eye Contact During Conversations with Real People
Authors: Spezio Michael L. , Huang Po-Yin Samuel , Castelli Fulvia , Adolphs Ralph
Published: April 2007

The role of the human amygdala in real social interactions remains essentially unknown, although studies in nonhuman primates and studies using photographs and video in humans have shown it to be critical for emotional processing and suggest its importance for social cognition. We show here that complete amygdala lesions result in a severe reduction in direct eye contact during conversations with real people, together with an abnormal increase in gaze to the mouth. These novel findings from real social interactions are consistent with an hypothesized role for the amygdala in autism and the approach taken here opens up new directions for quantifying social behavior in humans.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Promote Axon Regeneration via RhoA Inhibition
Authors: Fu Qiao , Hue Jeongsim , Li Shuxin
Published: April 2007

After a CNS injury in the adult mammals, axonal regeneration is very limited because of the reduced intrinsic growth capacity and nonpermissive environment for axonal elongation. The growth inhibitions from CNS myelin and astroglial chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans partially account for the lack of CNS repair. Here, we show that the nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) ibuprofen and indomethacin, the drugs widely used as pain relievers in the clinic, can surmount axon growth restrictions from myelin and proteoglycans by potently inhibiting their downstream pathway RhoA signal. Similar to Rho and Rock inhibitors C3 transferase or Y27632 [(R)-(+)-trans-N-(4-pyridyl)-4-(1-aminoethyl)-cyclohexanecarboxamide], both NSAID drugs stimulate a significant neurite growth in the cultured dorsal root ganglion neurons exposed to the inhibitory substrates. Systemic administration of ibuprofen to spinal cord-lesioned rodents reverses the active RhoA signal around injury area measured via Rho-GTP binding assay. Subcutaneous injections of ibuprofen via minipumps to rats with a thoracic spinal cord transection or contusion injury result in substantial corticospinal and serotonergic axon sprouting in the caudal spinal cord and promote locomotor functional recovery, even delaying the treatment 1 week after trauma. In contrast, the non-RhoA-inhibiting NSAID naproxen does not have the axon growth-promoting effects on cultured or lesioned neurons. These studies demonstrate the therapeutic potential of RhoA-inhibiting NSAIDs in treating CNS injuries characterized by axonal disconnection including spinal cord injury.
Hypoxia Suppresses Glutamate Transport in Astrocytes
Authors: Dallas Mark , Boycott Hannah E. , Atkinson Lucy , Miller Alison , Boyle John P. , Pearson Hugh A. , Peers Chris
Published: April 2007

Glutamate uptake by astrocytes is fundamentally important in the regulation of CNS function. Disruption of uptake can lead to excitotoxicity and is implicated in various neurodegenerative processes as well as a consequence of hypoxic/ischemic events. Here, we investigate the effect of hypoxia on activity and expression of the key glutamate transporters excitatory amino acid transporter 1 (EAAT1) [GLAST (glutamate-aspartate transporter)] and EAAT2 [GLT-1 (glutamate transporter 1)]. Electrogenic, Na+-dependent glutamate uptake was monitored via whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from cortical astrocytes. Under hypoxic conditions (2.5 and 1% O2exposure for 24 h), glutamate uptake was significantly reduced, and pharmacological separation of uptake transporter subtypes suggested that the EAAT2 subtype was preferentially reduced relative to the EAAT1. This suppression was confirmed at the level of EAAT protein expression (via Western blots) and mRNA levels (via real-time PCR). These effects of hypoxia to inhibit glutamate uptake current and EAAT protein levels were not replicated by desferrioxamine, cobalt, FG0041, or FG4496, agents known to mimic effects of hypoxia mediated via the transcriptional regulator, hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF). Furthermore, the effects of hypoxia were not prevented by topotecan, which prevents HIF accumulation. In stark contrast, inhibition of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) with SN50 fully prevented the effects of hypoxia on glutamate uptake and EAAT expression. Our results indicate that prolonged hypoxia can suppress glutamate uptake in astrocytes and that this effect requires activation of NF-κB but not of HIF. Suppression of glutamate uptake via this mechanism may be an important contributory factor in hypoxic/ischemic triggered glutamate excitotoxicity.
Rekonfiguration eines thermofluiden Prozesses mittels virtuellem Aktor (Reconfiguration of a Thermofluid Process using a Virtual Actuator)
Authors: Richter Jan H. , Schlage Thorsten , Lunze Jan
Published: April 2007

Die Anwendung des virtuellen Aktors zur Rekonfiguration eines thermofluiden Prozesses nach Aktorfehlern wird beschrieben. Der virtuelle Aktor ist eine Struktur zur Rekonfiguration fehlerhafter Prozesse, die autonom und online nach der Diagnose des Fehlers ohne Benutzereingriff modellbasiert entworfen und realisiert wird, um den Weiterbetrieb der Regelung nach einem Aktorausfall zu sichern. Für drei Aktorausfälle, die ein Öffnen des Regelkreises bewirken, werden mehrere aus der Literatur bekannte Methoden zum Entwurf des virtuellen Aktors an einem thermofluiden Prozess experimentell erprobt. Es wird ein Modell angegeben, welches die Grundlage des Entwurfes zum virtuellen Aktor bildet. Die Versuchsergebnisse werden ausführlich analysiert und diskutiert, und daraus Themen für zukünftige Arbeiten auf dem Gebiet der Rekonfiguration abgeleitet.
Fehlertolerante mechatronische Systeme, Teil 1 (Fault-tolerant Mechatronic Systems, Part 1)
Authors: Isermann Rolf
Published: April 2007

Bei mechatronischen Systemen werden rein mechanische, hydraulische oder pneumatische Komponenten durch elektrische und elektronische Komponenten ergänzt oder ersetzt. Sie bieten dadurch einen flexibel gestaltbaren und erweiterten Funktionsumfang. Wegen des im Vergleich zur Mechanik ungünstigeren Ausfallverhaltens für Sensorik, Elektronik, Aktoren und Software sind besonders für sicherheitskritische Anwendungen jedoch fehlertolerante Auslegungen erforderlich. In einer Einführung wird zunächst auf den Stand von fehlertoleranten Systemen mit mobilen Anwendungen und Rechnern eingegangen. Dann werden einige grundsätzliche fehlertolerante Strukturen mit Hardware- und analytischer Redundanz für Sensoren, Aktoren, Elektronik und Software angegeben und deren Degradationsverhalten beschrieben. Als Beispiele werden in einem 2. Teil (siehe Heft 5/2007) verschiedene realisierte, fehlertolerante Systeme gezeigt, wie z.B. ein fehlertoleranter Doppelsensor in einem E-Gas-Aktor, ein fehlertoleranter Asynchronmotorenantrieb mit Getriebe in verschiedenen Duplex-Anordnungen und die analytische Sensorredundanz für das querdynamische Verhalten eines PKW. Dabei werden die jeweilige Fehlererkennung und die Rekonfigurationsstrategie beschrieben. Diese ermöglichen es, die Funktion nach dem Auftreten von Fehlern mit nur kleinen Störungen des Betriebes aufrecht zu erhalten.
Iterativ Lernende Regelungen (II): Robuste Regelung von Schwingungsprüfständen im Frequenzbereich (Robust Iterative Learning Control in the Frequency Domain for Test Stands)
Authors: Rockel Hellmar , Konigorski Ulrich
Published: April 2007

Im ersten Teil des vorliegenden Beitrags wurde ein parametrischer Rahmen für Iterativ Lernende Regelungen (ILRen) vorgestellt. Seine Gültigkeit für verschiedene Systemklassen und Parametrisierungen wurde aufgezeigt. Im hier vorliegenden zweiten Teil werden diese Ausführungen im Frequenzbereich konkretisiert. Ein Polvorgabe-Entwurfsverfahren wird vorgestellt, das leicht zu implementieren ist und über gute Robustheitseigenschaften gegenüber Modellunsicherheiten verfügt. Bei der Kombination von Lerngesetz und unterlagerter konventioneller Regelung kann der Entwurf durch zweistufige Polvorgabe erfolgen. Die Robustheitsbetrachtungen sind hierbei direkt übertragbar. Das Verfahren lässt sich besonders gut auf die regelungstechnische Aufgabenstellung anwenden, die bei Schwingversuchen in der Betriebsfestigkeit vorliegt. Das vorgestellte Entwurfsverfahren wird auf pneumatische und hydraulische Prüfstände angewandt und zeigt dort gute Ergebnisse.
High-temperature phase transitions and intermediate incommensurate modulation of the tridymite form of AlPO4
Authors: Graetsch Heribert A.
Published: April 2007

Similar to silica tridymite, the corresponding AlPO4 analogue shows a sequence of displacive phase transitions at elevated temperatures. The transformation temperatures are lower than for SiO2 tridymite. The incommensurate structure of the tridymite form of AlPO4 between ca. 94 and 167 °C was refined in first harmonic approximation from X-ray powder diffraction data in the 3 + 1 dimensional superspace group P21(αβ0). The major components of the displacive modulation are wavy transversal shifts of the centers of the PO4/2 and AlO4/2 tetrahedra associated with additional tilting of the rigid tetrahedra. The wave vector varies continuously from q
1 = 0.068 a* + 0.006 b* at 165 °C to q
2 = 0.051 a* + 0.003 b* at 96 °C. The amplitudes of the wave-like displacements increase with decreasing temperature to 0.2 Å at 96 °C for the Al and P atoms and up to ca. 0.6 Å for some of the oxygen atoms. The modulation is assumed to arise from the condensation of a rigid unit lattice vibration mode like in isostructural intermediate silica tridymite.
Crystal structure of the Aurivillius phases in the system Bi4Ti3O12—PbTiO3
Authors: Tellier Jenny , Boullay Philippe , Mercurio Danièle
Published: April 2007

The crystal structure of four Aurivillius phases within the pseudo-binary system Bi4Ti3O12—PbTiO3 is examined using a 3 + 1D approach where these phases are treated as commensurately modulated layered structures. The structure of PbBi4Ti4O15, Pb2Bi4Ti5O18, Pb3Bi4Ti6O21 and PbBi8Ti7O27 are refined by the Rietveld method using XRPD data from single phased powders. The structure of Pb3Bi4Ti6O21 and PbBi8Ti7O27 is reported for the first time. When the lead content increases, the structure gets less distorted and approaches the prototype paraelectric phase in an apparent close relation with the onset of a “relaxor-like” ferroelectric behaviour. For these relaxor compounds, SAED investigation evidences the existence of a disorder in the form of micro-twinning.
D-Secoestrone derivatives. VII. 3-Methoxy-17-keto-17-benzyl-16,17-secoestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-16-nitrile and (17S) 3-methoxy-17-hydroxy-17-benzyl-16,17-secoestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-16-nitrile
Authors: Lazar Dušan , Klisurić Olivera , Stanković Slobodanka , Penov-Gaši Katarina , Medić-Mijačević Ljubica , Sakač Marija , Kovačević Radmila , Courseille Christiane
Published: April 2007

The two title compounds 3-methoxy-17-keto-17-benzyl-16,17-secoestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-16-nitrile, C26H29NO2, (I) and (17S)-3-methoxy-17-hydroxy-17-benzyl-16,17-secoestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-16-nitrile, C26H31NO2, (II), have similar conformations in the solid state. The models from molecular mechanics calculations show an improvement in the similarity of the calculated (modeled) structures. However, they also revealed that the global energy minimum structure of (I) is a structure with a rotated 17-benzyl moiety. Thus, the difference in the bio logical activity of the two compounds ((I) a moderate anti-oestrogen, (II) biologically inactive) must be primarily caused by the difference in the orientation of the 17-benzyl moiety in the free molecules. In (II), the molecules are linked by weak O—H…N hydrogen bonds, forming spirals along the b direction.
Job Stress and Mental Health of Child‐Counseling Office Workers
Authors: Morita Nobuaki , Wada Ichiro
Published: April 2007

Job Stress and Mental Health of Child‐Counseling Office Workers: Nobuaki Morita, et al. Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, Doctoral Program in Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba—In Japan, consultations concerning child abuse cases are increasing rapidly, and the mental health of child‐counseling office workers, who must deal with them, has emerged as an issue. To measure the state of mental health of these workers, and to clarify the characteristics of their job‐related stress, we sent a questionnaire to 69 workers of child‐counseling offices in Ibaraki Prefecture and obtained responses from 45. (1) Their job environment was characterized as high demand/low control/low reward. (2) The mean score of GHQ‐12 of the subjects was 5.9 ± 3.6, indicating a very poor state of mental health. (3) Stress due to physical and verbal assaults by the parties involved in the cases and the psychological burden of intervention were found to be related to their poor mental health. Along with measures to prevent such assaults, training in intervention techniques, supervision, and care for psychological trauma are needed for child‐counseling office workers.
Lifestyle‐Determined Gender and Hierarchical Differences in the Lead Contamination of Bones from a Feudal Town of the Edo Period
Authors: Nakashima Tamiji , Matsuno Kohji , Matsushita Takayuki
Published: April 2007

Lifestyle‐Determined Gender and Hierarchical Differences in the Lead Contamination of Bones from a Feudal Town of the Edo Period: Tamiji Nakashima, et al. Department of Anatomy, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan—We analyzed lead concentrations in bones from both genders of Japanese merchants (including rohnin; masterless samurai) and farmer classes, and compared the findings with those of the samurai class in the Edo period (1603–1867) to clarify gender and hierarchical (or occupational) differences in lead exposure during the Japanese feudal age. Merchant class females had significantly higher lead exposure (90.8 µg Pb/g dry bone; n=20) than males of the same class (39.9 µg Pb/g dry bone; n=31) (p<0.01), indicating a remarkable gender difference in the urban population. In contrast to these high concentrations, males and females of the farmer class living in agricultural (or semi‐rural) areas had significantly lower exposure (total mean value; 9.2 µg Pb/g dry bone; n=4) than both genders of the merchant class (p<0.001), and the gender difference was not significant in this class.
Suppression of Perfluoroisobutylene Induced Acute Lung Injury by Pretreatment with Pyrrolidine Dithiocarbamate
Authors: Zhao Jian , Shao Zhihua , Zhang Xigang , Ding Rigao , Xu Jin , Ruan Jinxiu , Zhang Xiancheng , Wang Hemei , Sun Xiaohong , Huang Chunqian
Published: April 2007

Suppression of Perfluoroisobutylene Induced Acute Lung Injury by Pretreatment with Pyrrolidine Dithiocarbamate: Jian Zhao, et al. Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, P.R. China—Perfluoroisobutylene (PFIB) is produced as a main by‐product in large quantities by the fluoropolymer industry. As a highly toxic compound, even the case of brief inhalation of PFIB can result in acute lung injury (ALI), pulmonary edema and even death. To test for any preventive or therapeutic effects of pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), a NF‐κB activation inhibitor, against PFIB inhalation‐induced ALI, mice were exposed in a flow‐past exposure system to PFIB and the prophylactic and therapeutic effects of PDTC were studied. The inhibitory effects of PDTC on ALI, the activation of NF‐κB, as well as the expression of cytokines (IL‐1 β and IL‐8) after PFIB exposure were evaluated. The results demonstrated that pretreatment with PDTC (120 mg/kg, 30 min before PFIB exposure) could significantly lower the lung coefficient (wet lung‐to‐body weight ratio, dry lung‐tobody weight ratio, water content in the lung, and lung wet‐to‐dry weight ratio) and protein content in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), but no effects of PDTC were found when PDTC was treated after PFIB inhalation, suggesting a preventative effect rather than a therapeutic effect of PDTC. Furthermore, the above preventative effects of PDTC (when given at 30 min before PFIB exposure) on PFIB‐induced lung injury were achieved in a dose‐dependent manner. In support of these preventive effects of PDTC, our toxicological studies demonstrated that PFIB‐inhalation induced a quick activation of NF‐κB (0.5 h post PFIB exposure) and expression of IL‐1β and IL‐8 (0.5 h and 1 h post PFIB exposure, respectively). Pretreatment with PDTC (120 mg/kg, 30 min before PFIB exposure) resulted in a significant inhibitive effect on the activation of NF‐κB (0.5 h post PFIB exposure) and expression of IL‐1β and IL‐8 (1 h post PFIB exposure). The mortality, the extent of lung injury of the mice indexed by lung coefficients, the content of total protein and albumin in BALF, as well as the lung histopathologic changes, were dramatically alleviated in PFIB exposure after pretreatment with PDTC, clearly suggesting that PDTC has a prophylactic role against PFIB inhalation‐induced ALI, and that NF‐κB activation might play a central role in initiating an acute inflammatory response and in causing injury to the lungs after PFIB inhalation.
Astrocytes in health and disease
Authors: Murányi Marianna , Lacza Zsombor
Published: April 2007

It is now known that astrocytes are not merely supporting cells but they also play an important role in neuronal funcions. Astrocytes tightly ensheat neuronal synapses and regulate the excitation of neurons by uptaking neurotransmitters; reglulate the cerebral blood flow, cerebral fluid volume and extracellular concentrations of ions. They also supply fuel in the form of lactate and provide free radical scavangers such as glutathione for active neurons. These facts indicate that impaired function of astrocytes may lead to neuronal dysfunction. After brain injury (stroke, trauma or tumors) astrocytes are swollen and release active molecules such as glutamate or free radicals resulting in neuronal dysfunction. Thus, investigation of the molecular mechanisms of astrocyte function may reveal novel targets for the development of therapeutic tools in neuronal diseases.
Hungarian national dietary survey, 2003–2004
Authors: Biró Lajos , Zajkás Gábor , Greiner Erika , Szórád Ildikó , Varga Anna , Domonkos Andrea , Ágoston Helga , Balázs Anikó , Mozsáry Erzsébet , Vitrai József , Hermann Dóra , Boros Julianna , Németh Renáta , Kéki Zsuzsanna , Martos Éva
Published: April 2007

In the course of the 3 rd national nutritional survey data were collected in 2003, and the paper on the energy and nutrition intake of a sample group consisting of 1179 people all aged above 19, was published in the Hungarian Medical Journal (Vol. 146, No. 34, 2005). The present paper focuses on one group of micronutrients, namely the minerals’ intake. The authors evaluated the results mainly in comparison with the data of the two previous Hungarian national surveys, and the international and national recommendations. The average magnesium intake was considered adequate in both sexes, while iron, zinc and copper intakes also met the recommended level in men. On the other hand, the insufficient calcium and the excessive phosphorus intakes, as well as the disproportionate calcium-phosphorus ratio in both sexes are unfavourable facts. The adverse results include insufficient iron, zinc and copper intake in women and the excessive sodium intake in both sexes, as well. The authors emphasize the importance of spreading the principles of healthy nutrition as well as co-operating with the food industry in order to prevent the occurrence of mineral nutrients deficiency.
On focal stability in dimension two
Authors: Peixoto Mauricio M. , Pugh Charles C.
Published: April 2007

In Kupka et al. 2006 appears the Focal Stability Conjecture: the focal decomposition of the generic Riemann structure on a manifold M is stable under perturbations of the Riemann structure. In this paper, we prove the conjecture when M has dimension two, and there are no conjugate points.
Finitely curved orbits of complex polynomial vector fields
Authors: Mafra Albetã C.
Published: April 2007

This note is about the geometry of holomorphic foliations. Let X be a polynomial vector field with isolated singularities on C². We announce some results regarding two problems: 1. Given a finitely curved orbit L of X, under which conditions is L algebraic? 2. If X has some non-algebraic finitely curved orbit L what is the classification of X? Problem 1 is related to the following question: Let C Ì C² be a holomorphic curve which has finite total Gaussian curvature. IsC contained in an algebraic curve?
Insecticidal activity of 2-tridecanone against the cowpea weevil Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)
Authors: Braga Yussef F.B. , Grangeiro Thalles B. , Freire Eder A. , Lopes Helano L. , Bezerra José N. S. , Andrade-Neto Manoel , Lima Mary Anne S.
Published: April 2007

The effect of 2-tridecanone vapor on the cowpea weevil (Callosobruchus maculatus) development was determined. Seeds of cowpea were infested with adults and exposed to different doses of 2-tridecanone isolated from Pilocarpus microphyllus Stapf ex Holm, a plant species native from northeastern Brazil. The pure monoterpene was evaluated both undiluted as well as in the dilutions 1:10, 1:100 and 1:1,000 (v/v). The following parameters of the cowpea weevil life cycle were analyzed in response to decreasing doses of 2-tridecanone: number of eggs laid, percentage of egg hatching on seeds, percentage of adult emergence, adult weight at emergence, mean developmental time and number of adults emerged. Vapor of 2-tridecanone caused a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in the number of eggs laid, in the percentage of eggs hatched and in the number of emerged adults in infested seeds. The fumigant insecticidal effect of 2-tridecanone was mainly due to its ovicidal activity.
Allosteric regulation of 6-phosphofructo-1-kinase activity of fat body and flight muscle from the bloodsucking bug Rhodnius prolixus
Authors: Alves Gutemberg G. , Marinho-Carvalho Monica M. , Atella Georgia C. , Silva-Neto Mario A.C. , Sola-Penna Mauro
Published: April 2007

6-phosphofructo-1-kinase (phosphofructokinase; PFK) activity from Rhodnius prolixus, a haematophagous insect which is usually a poor flyer, was measured and compared in two metabolically active tissues - flight muscle and fat body. The activity of this important regulatory glycolytic enzyme was much more pronounced in muscle (15.1 ± 1.4 U/mg) than in fat body extracts (3.6±0.4 U/mg), although the latter presented higher levels of enzyme per protein content, as measured by western-blotting. Muscle extracts are more responsible than fat body to ATP and fructose 6-phosphate, both substrates of PFK. Allosteric regulation exerted by different effectors such as ADP, AMP and fructose 2,6-phosphate presented a singular pattern for each tissue. Optimal pH (8.0-8.5) and sensitivity to pH variation was very similar, and citrate was unable to inhibit PFK activity in both extracts. Our results suggest the existence of a particular PFK activity for each tissue, with regulatory patterns that are consistent with their physiological roles.
Rhodnius prolixus Malpighian tubules and control of diuresis by neurohormones
Authors: Martini Sabrina V. , Nascimento Suzete B. , Morales Marcelo M.
Published: April 2007

Rhodnius prolixus Malpighian tubules (MTs) are a good model for fluid and ion secretion studies in view of the dramatic postprandial diuresis, which follows its massive blood meals. Ingestion of a blood meal equals to 10-12 times their initial body mass, leads to rapid activation of high output by excretory system, which eliminates 40-50% of the fluid mass. Secretion of ions and water is stimulated 1000-fold by serotonin and diuretic hormone. These hormones cooperate synergistically to activate adenylate cyclase activity from MTs cells, which increase the level of intracellular cAMP. The anti-diuretic hormones have also an important role in the fluid maintenance of Rhodnius prolixus. Several hours after insect feeding occurs a reduction in urine flow, that has been thought to result from a decreased diuretic hormone release or from a novel mechanism of anti-diuresis involving insect cardioacceleratory peptide 2b (CAP2b) and cyclic GMP. In this article it is discussed how the hormone regulation of fluid transport is done in Rhodnius prolixus MTs.
Oceanographic parameters in continental margin of the State of Ceará (northeastern Brazil) deduced from C and O isotopes in foraminifers
Authors: Marques Wanessa S. , Menor Eldemar de A. , Sial Alcides N. , Manso Valdir A.V. , Freire Satander S.
Published: April 2007

Specimens of Recent foraminifera of Amphistegina radiata, Peneroplis planatus and Globigerinoides ruber, from fifty samples of surface sediments of the continental margin of the State of Ceará, Brazil, have been analyzed for carbon and oxygen isotopes to investigate oceanographic parameters and determine the values of delta18O of the oceanic water. From a comparison between values of delta18O obtained for ocean water using the linear equations by (Craig and Gordon 1965) and the one by Wolff et al. (1998), it became evident that the former yielded a more reliable value (0.2‰ SMOW) than the latter. Lower values of delta18O for the ocean water in this continental margin resulted from continental water influence. Values of 18O (-0.3‰ to -1.5‰ PDB for benthic foraminifera and -0.6‰ to -2.4‰ PDB for planktic foraminifera), attest to a variation of temperatures of oceanic water masses, in average, between 20 to 22ºC in deep water and 24 to 27ºC, in surface water. Values of delta13C from +3.2‰ to -0.2‰ PDB (benthic foraminifera) reflect a variation in the apparent oxygen utilization (AOU) in the continental margin and indicate that the environments of bacteriological decomposition of organic matter are not continuous along the investigated area.
Groundwater resources in the State of São Paulo (Brazil): the application of indicators
Authors: Hirata Ricardo , Suhogusoff Alexandra , Fernandes Amélia
Published: April 2007

Indicators, for groundwater resources, have mostly been employed to define the present status and the degradation tendency, regarding both quantity (under- or overexploitation) and quality (natural and anthropic contamination). This work presents the application of indicators in order to draw a picture of the groundwater resources situation in the 22 Water Resource Management Units (WRMU) of the State of São Paulo. The seven Indicators (I1 to I7) applied provide a general overview of groundwater dependence (I1, I2), availability (I3, I4), and quality (I5, I6, I7). Considering public supply (Indicator 1), one observes that 9 WRMUs show high (>50% of the population supplied by groundwater), 6, intermediate (49-25%), and 7, low (<24%) dependence on groundwater. Indicators 3 and 4 show that the resource still presents a great potential for further abstractions in most of the WRMUs, although there is evidence of overexploitation in the Upper Tietê, Turvo/Grande, and Pardo basins, and low availability in the Upper Tietê, Piracicaba/Capivari/Jundiai, and Turvo/Grande. Indicator 5 (aquifer natural vulnerability) denotes that the WRMUs 2, 4, 8, 13, 14 and 18-22 (part of the recharge area of Guarani Aquifer System) need more attention mainly where large contaminant loads are present. Indicator 6 shows the general excellent natural quality of groundwater, although it also denotes that 3 WRMUs need special consideration due to chromium and fluoride contamination. Indicator 7 demonstrates a close relationship between groundwater contamination occurrence and density/type of land occupation.
Leptina: aspectos sobre o balanço energético, exercício físico e amenorréia do esforço
Authors: Ribeiro Sandra Maria Lima , Santos Zirlene Adriana dos , Silva Renata Juliana da , Louzada Eliana , Donato Junior José , Tirapegui Julio
Published: April 2007

O presente manuscrito teve por objetivo realizar uma revisão bibliográfica acerca do papel da leptina no balanço energético, no exercício físico e na incidência da amenorréia do esforço. A leptina é um hormônio secretado pelo tecido adiposo, reconhecido principalmente por sua ação adipostática sobre o sistema nervoso central. Esse hormônio sinaliza o hipotálamo a respeito das reservas energéticas, modulando o funcionamento dos eixos hormonais que envolvam o hipotálamo e a hipófise. A leptina tem ainda ações periféricas importantes, incluindo seu papel sobre o tecido ovariano. Os mecanismos de sinalização intracelular desse hormônio foram identificados no hipotálamo, porém em tecidos periféricos há necessidade de maiores investigações. Existe certo consenso de que quando o exercício e a ingestão alimentar são capazes de promover um balanço energético negativo, as concentrações plasmáticas de leptina diminuem, alterando conseqüentemente: a liberação hipotalâmica de GnRH (fator hipotalâmico de liberação de gonadotrofinas); a liberação hipofisária de LH (hormônio luteinizante) e FSH (hormônio folículo-estimulante). Como resultado, há menor liberação de estrógenos ovarianos. Esse processo pode iniciar a chamada amenorréia hipotalâmica funcional, com repercussões na saúde da mulher. Nessa perspectiva, a avaliação do gasto energético e a elaboração de um plano alimentar adequado em atletas são fundamentais.
Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA): usefulness of anti-GAD antibody titers and benefit of early insulinization
Authors: Rosário Pedro Weslley S. , Reis Janice Sepulveda , Fagundes Tiago Alvarenga , Calsolari Maria Regina , Amim Ricardo , Silva Saulo Cavalcanti , Purisch Saulo
Published: April 2007

OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical and laboratory parameters and the progression to insulin requirement in two groups of LADA patients separated according to GADA titers, and to evaluate the benefit of early insulinization in patients at high risk of premature beta-cell failure (high GADA titers). METHODS: Among the diabetic adults seen at our service and screened for GADA at diagnosis, 54 were diagnosed with LADA and classified as having low (> 1 U/ml and < 17.2 U/ml) or high (> 17.2 U/ml) GADA titers. Fifty-four patients with type 2 diabetes (GADA-) were selected for comparison. In addition, 24 patients who had GADA titers > 20 U/ml and who were not initially insulinized were compared to 16 patients who were insulinized at diagnosis. RESULTS: Insulin resistance was higher in the GADA- group, followed by patients with low GADA titers. BMI and the frequency of arterial hypertension, elevated triglycerides and reduced HDL cholesterol were lower in the high GADA+ group, with no difference between the GADA- or low GADA+ groups. The high GADA+ group showed a greater reduction and lower levels of C-peptide and required insulin earlier during follow-up. Patients with GADA titers > 20 U/ml and insulinized early presented no significant variation in C-peptide levels, had better glycemic control and required a lower insulin dose than patients who were insulinized later. CONCLUSION: We agree that patients with LADA should be differentiated on the basis of GADA titers and that patients with GADA titers > 20 U/ml benefit from early insulinization.
Cirurgia bariátrica cura síndrome metabólica?
Authors: Carvalho Perseu Seixas de , Moreira Cora Lavigne de C.B. , Barelli Melina da Costa , Oliveira Flávia Heringer de , Guzzo Mariana Furieri , Miguel Gustavo P. Soares , Zandonade Eliana
Published: April 2007

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar o impacto da cirurgia bariátrica na síndrome metabólica (SM) e quais os critérios que mais contribuíram para sua remissão após cirurgia. A evolução da leucometria também foi analisada. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: 47 mulheres obesas com SM foram avaliadas. Todas as pacientes foram operadas pela técnica da gastroplastia vertical em Y-de-Roux, com colocação de anel de contenção na anastomose gastro-jejunal (Fobi-Capella). Pacientes foram avaliadas antes da cirurgia e no primeiro ano pós-operatório. RESULTADOS: A glicemia de jejum apresentou queda relevante nos 3 primeiros meses. Ao final de 12 meses, todas as 20 pacientes que tinham DM2 ou glicemia de jejum alterada apresentavam níveis glicêmicos e hemoglobina glicosilada normais. Nenhuma delas estava usando drogas anti-diabéticas. Valores de triglicerídeos reduziram 49,2%. O HDL-colesterol aumentou 27,2%. A redução da pressão arterial foi, em média, de 28,7 mmHg na sistólica e de 20,8 na diastólica. A contagem de leucócitos caiu de 7671/µL para 6156/µL. Glicemia de jejum, triglicerídeos, pressão diastólica e sistólica e HDL-colesterol foram as variáveis que mais contribuíram para a extinção da SM. No final do primeiro ano, essa extinção ocorreu em 80,9% das pacientes. DISCUSSÃO: Cirurgia bariátrica reduz a resistência à insulina e conseqüentemente os riscos cardiovasculares.
Management of low-risk patients with thyroid carcinoma and detectable thyroglobulin on T4 after thyroidectomy and ablation with iodine-131
Authors: Rosário Pedro W.S. , Borges Michelle A.R. , Costa Graciela B.C. , Rezende Leonardo L. , Padrão Eduardo L. , Barroso Álvaro L. , Purisch Saulo
Published: April 2007

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the positive predictive value of detectable Tg during T4 therapy (Tg on T4) in patients with thyroid cancer after total thyroidectomy and remnant ablation, discussing the work-up in this situation and the empirical indication of 131I. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Initially, 234 low-risk patients [tumor < 5cm, completely resected, no extensive extrathyroid invasion (pT4)] submitted to total thyroidectomy and ablation with 131I (3.75.5 GBq) who presented no ectopic uptake on RxWBS were studied. Of these, 23 patients with detectable Tg on T4 (> 1ng/ml) during the first year after initial therapy were selected. RESULTS: Metastases were detected by neck US in 7 patients, by chest CT in 2 and by US and CT in 3. Four of five patients with lung metastases upon CT had a positive RxWBS. Eleven patients with negative US and CT received a new 131I dose (without DxWBS), and RxWBS showed ectopic uptake in 3 patients. Among the patients with negative RxWBS, 7 remained free of apparent disease and Tg was declining (5 with undetectable Tg on T4 at the end of the study). One patient presented an increase in Tg and FDG-PET was positive for lymph node and bone metastases. CONCLUSIONS: All patients with Tg on T4 > 5ng/ml presented apparent disease. In these cases, even when US and CT are negative, the administration of a therapeutic dose of 131I (without DxWBS) and FDG-PET are recommended. Among patients with detectable Tg on T4 < 5ng/ml and negative US and CT, only 12% presented ectopic uptake on RxWBS. These cases could be followed up by monitoring Tg on T4, and RxWBS and FDG-PET should only be performed if this marker does not decrease after 12 years.
Prevalência do uso de agentes anabólicos em praticantes de musculação de Porto Alegre
Authors: Silva Paulo R.P. da , Machado Júnior Leonel C. , Figueiredo Vandré C. , Cioffi Alex P. , Prestes Marcius C. , Czepielewski Mauro A.
Published: April 2007

Este estudo procura determinar, através de questionário realizado por entrevistadores, a prevalência do uso atual ou passado de esteróides anabólicos androgênicos (EAA), outros hormônios (OH), outros medicamentos (OM) e outras substâncias (suplementos alimentares e drogas ilícitas) em praticantes de musculação da cidade de Porto Alegre, entrevistando 288 indivíduos sorteados de uma amostra de 13 academias. A prevalência observada foi de 11,1% (32/288) para EAA, 5,2% (16/288) para OH e 4,2% (12/288) para OM. Os EAA mais usados foram decanoato de nandrolona e estanozolol. Os OH foram gonadotrofina coriônica humana, triiodotironina e OM como lipostabil, diuréticos e medicamentos veterinários (ex.: Monovin E). Os efeitos colaterais mais freqüentes foram comportamentais (variação de humor, irritabilidade e agressividade) e endócrinos (acne e aumento/ diminuição da libido). Quando analisados os EAA juntamente aos OH na variável denominada "agentes hormonais" (AH), observamos diferença estatística (p< 0,05) entre os sexos, sendo o uso de AH mais prevalente em homens e entre os consumidores de suplementos alimentares. Comparar este estudo a outros é difícil, pois existe diferença no desenho epidemiológico. Entretanto, a alta prevalência observada sugere a necessidade de medidas preventivas, educativas e de cuidados na assistência desta população.
Relato de caso: diabetes Flatbush - da cetoacidose ao tratamento não-farmacológico
Authors: Rodacki Melanie , Zajdenverg Lenita , Lima Giovana Aparecida B. , Nunes Reinaldo , Milech Adolpho , Oliveira José Egídio Paulo de
Published: April 2007

Um subgrupo de pacientes, em sua maioria negros ou hispânicos e obesos, tem a cetoacidose diabética (CAD) como forma de apresentação de diabetes mellitus (DM), mas, devido à sua evolução clínica, posteriormente é classificado como DM tipo 2. Estes indivíduos têm pesquisa de auto-anticorpos anti-GAD, anti-IA2 e anti-insulina negativa, mas freqüentemente em associação com HLA classe II de risco para DM tipo 1 (DRB1*03 e/ou DRB1*04). Este subtipo peculiar de DM é denominado diabetes flatbush. Neste artigo, relatamos o caso de uma paciente de origem caucasiana com tais características, na qual foi possível retirada da insulinoterapia. Os possíveis fatores associados a esta evolução favorável serão discutidos.
Auto-imunidade ANCA (Anticorpo Anti-Citoplasma de Neutrófilos) positiva induzida por propiltiouracil: relato de caso e revisão da literatura
Authors: Pietszkowski Nádila Cecyn , Carvalho Gisah Amaral de , Souza Hevelyn Noemberg de , Werka Jr. Cláudio Rogério , Borazo Luís Augusto , Graf Hans , Carvalho Mauricio de
Published: April 2007

A terapêutica com drogas antitireoidianas pode ser acompanhada de efeitos colaterais. Propiltiouracil (PTU) pode induzir vasculites anticorpo anti-citoplasma de neutrófilos (ANCA) positivas, na maioria das vezes relacionadas ao subtipo mieloperoxidase (ANCA-MPO). O nosso objetivo é relatar o caso de uma paciente com doença de Graves que desenvolveu auto-imunidade induzida por PTU, com manifestações cutâneas, pulmonares e renais, associadas à positividade do ANCA. O exame anátomo-patológico pulmonar revelou hemorragia difusa e a biópsia renal demonstrou glomeruloesclerose segmentar e focal. Foi tratada com pulsoterapia com corticóides e ciclofosfamida, com boa evolução clínica. Este caso enfatiza a necessidade de detecção e tratamento precoce deste efeito adverso relativamente raro do PTU.