bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Versão em português do Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire: estudo da validade e reprodutibilidade
Authors: Moreira Graciane Laender , Pitta Fábio , Ramos Dionei , Nascimento Cinthia Sousa Carvalho , Barzon Danielle , Kovelis Demétria , Colange Ana Lúcia , Brunetto Antonio Fernando , Ramos Ercy Mara Cipulo
Published: September 2009

OBJETIVO: Verificar a validade e a reprodutibilidade de uma versão em português do Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ) em pacientes com DPOC. MÉTODOS: A versão em português do CRQ (fornecida pela Universidade de McMaster, detentora dos direitos do questionário) foi aplicada a 50 pacientes portadores de DPOC (32 homens; 70 ± 8 anos; VEF1 = 47 ± 18% predito) em dois momentos, com intervalo de uma semana. O CRQ tem quatro domínios (dispneia, fadiga, função emocional e autocontrole) e foi aplicado em formato de entrevista. O Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), já validado em português, foi utilizado como o critério de validação. A espirometria e o teste da caminhada de seis minutos (TC6) foram realizados para a análise das correlações com os valores do CRQ. RESULTADOS: Não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre a aplicação e a reaplicação do CRQ (p > 0.05 para todos os domínios). O coeficiente de correlação intraclasse entre a aplicação e a reaplicação foi de 0,98; 0,97; 0,98 e 0,95 para os domínios dispneia, fadiga, função emocional e autocontrole, respectivamente. O coeficiente alfa de Cronbach foi 0,91. Os domínios do CRQ se correlacionaram significativamente com os domínios do SGRQ (-0.30 < r < -0.67; p < 0,05). Não houve correlação entre as variáveis espirométricas e os domínios do CRQ e nem entre esses domínios e o TC6, exceto para o domínio fadiga (r = 0,30; p = 0,04). CONCLUSÕES: A versão em português do CRQ demonstrou ser reprodutível e válida em pacientes brasileiros portadores de DPOC.
Respiratory diseases morbidity and mortality among adults attending a tertiary hospital in Nigeria
Authors: Desalu Olufemi Olumuyiwa , Oluwafemi Joshua Afolayan , Ojo Ololade
Published: September 2009

OBJECTIVE: To determine the morbidity and mortality related to respiratory diseases among adults attending a tertiary-care hospital in Nigeria. METHODS: We carried out a retrospective study of 183 adult patients (> 15 years of age), diagnosed with respiratory diseases between November of 2006 and October of 2008 at the Federal Medical Centre in Ido-Ekiti, Nigeria. RESULTS: Of the 183 patients enrolled in the study, 78 (42.6%) were male and 105 (57.4%) were female, the male: female ratio being 1:1.4. Respiratory diseases were predominant in the 25-44 year age bracket (37.2%) and lower socioeconomic class (81.4%). Pulmonary TB was the leading cause of morbidity (in 42.1%), followed by asthma (in 17.5%) and pneumonia (in 15.3%). Lung cancer was uncommon (in only 0.6%). Pulmonary TB was the leading cause of hospitalization for respiratory disease (in 32%). Pulmonary TB, asthma, pneumonia and pleural pathologies were more common in women, whereas COPD was more common in men. The most common comorbidity was HIV infection (in 11.5%). The overall mean length of hospital stay was 14 days. Overall mortality was 8.7%; 50% of the deaths were attributed to pulmonary TB, 25% were attributed to pleural disease, 12.5% were attributed to pneumonia, and 6.25% were attributed to acute exacerbation of COPD. Mortality was higher in women and in the 25-44 year age bracket. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary TB, asthma and pneumonia were the leading causes of respiratory disease-related morbidity. Pulmonary TB was the leading cause of respiratory disease-related mortality among the adult Nigerians evaluated. Therefore, these conditions should be given higher priority in patient care. In addition, antiretroviral therapy should be readily accessible and affordable to HIV-infected individuals.
Polymorphism of the CYP1A1*2A gene and susceptibility to lung cancer in a Brazilian population
Authors: Honma Helen Naemi , De Capitani Eduardo Mello , Barbeiro Aristóteles de Souza , Costa Daniel Botelho , Morcillo André , Zambon Lair
Published: September 2009

OBJECTIVE: To estimate and compare the frequency of CYP1A1*2A gene polymorphisms in a Brazilian population and determine the possible contribution of these genetic variations to lung cancer risk. METHODS: The study population included 200 patients with lung cancer, and the control group consisted of 264 blood donors. Genomic DNA was obtained from peripheral blood samples. The PCR-RFLP method was used for analysis of the CYP1A1*2A gene. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the lung cancer patients and the controls in terms of the distribution of CYP1A1*2A polymorphisms (p = 0.49). A multivariate logistic regression model analysis by ethnic group revealed that, within the lung cancer group, the CYP1A1*2A genotype CC plus TC was more common among the African-Brazilian patients than among the White patients (adjusted OR = 3.19; 95% CI: 1.53-6.65). CONCLUSIONS: The CYP1A1*2A gene cannot be linked with lung cancer risk in Brazilian patients at this time. Larger epidemiologic studies are needed in order to establish whether the CC plus TC polymorphism increases the risk of lung cancer in African-Brazilians.
Estresse oxidativo e alterações estruturais pulmonares no diabetes mellitus experimental
Authors: Forgiarini Junior Luiz Alberto , Kretzmann Nélson Alexandre , Porawski Marilene , Dias Alexandre Simões , Marroni Norma Anair Possa
Published: September 2009

O diabetes mellitus é uma desordem endócrino-metabólica caracterizada pela hiperglicemia. O seu impacto no sistema respiratório é caracterizado por alterações funcionais e na troca gasosa. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o aumento do estresse oxidativo e os possíveis danos na estrutura pulmonar no modelo de diabetes experimental induzido por estreptozotocina. Foram realizadas análises histológicas, bioquímicas e gasométricas no pulmão de ratos diabéticos. Concluiu-se que o estresse oxidativo está presente no diabetes mellitus experimental e que ocorrem alterações estruturais no tecido pulmonar, bem como alterações na troca gasosa.
Doenças pulmonares intersticiais crônicas na criança
Authors: Paiva Maria Aparecida Soares de Souza , Amaral Sandra Mara Moreira
Published: September 2009

As doenças pulmonares intersticiais (DPIs) da criança constituem um grupo heterogêneo de doenças raras que têm sido definidas e classificadas de acordo com as experiências e as pesquisas em adultos. Entretanto, os pneumologistas pediátricos vêm observando que o espectro clínico é mais amplo nas crianças, e que muitas destas doenças evoluem e respondem ao tratamento de forma diferente. Além disso, provavelmente devido a estágios diferentes de desenvolvimento e maturação pulmonares, novas formas clínicas têm sido descritas, principalmente em lactentes, ampliando a classificação nessa faixa etária. A compreensão de que nem a definição nem as classificações estabelecidas se aplicam inteiramente ao grupo pediátrico tem motivado a realização de estudos multicêntricos com o objetivo de estudá-las melhor, unificando as estratégias diagnósticas e terapêuticas. Fizemos a revisão atualizando a conceituação das DPIs no grupo pediátrico, considerando as particularidades desse grupo na utilização do esquema de classificação dessas doenças para adultos e revendo o histórico dos esforços para uma melhor compreensão do problema com os estudos multicêntricos. Foram ressaltadas as diferenças na apresentação clínica, procurando realçar os novos conhecimentos sobre as doenças recém descritas nas crianças pequenas. Alertamos também para a necessidade de ser seguida uma rotina padronizada de investigação laboratorial, radiológica e de processamento das biópsias à luz desses conhecimentos. É importante lembrar que, do grupo das novas doenças descritas, as alterações genéticas do surfactante devem constar também do diagnóstico diferencial das DPIs dos adultos, podendo se apresentar nesse grupo como uma das doenças classificadas como idiopáticas.
Corticoide sistêmico como tratamento de primeira linha da hipertensão pulmonar secundária a síndrome POEMS
Authors: Rached Samia , Athanazio Rodrigo Abensur , Dias Júnior Sérvulo Azevedo , Jardim Carlos , Souza Rogério
Published: September 2009

A síndrome POEMS é uma rara doença de plasmócitos. A ocorrência de hipertensão pulmonar como complicação respiratória da síndrome é pouco frequente e pode estar ligada ao aumento de várias citocinas, quimiocinas e fatores de crescimento como parte dos fenômenos inflamatórios que cercam a fisiopatologia da síndrome POEMS. Descrevemos o caso de uma mulher de 54 anos com síndrome POEMS e hipertensão pulmonar, que foi tratada com corticoide como terapia de primeira linha. Tratava-se de uma paciente com clássicos sintomas dessa síndrome: polineuropatia (confirmada por eletroneuromiografia), organomegalia, hipotireoidismo subclínico, gamopatia monoclonal em dosagem urinária e alterações cutâneas. A cateterização cardíaca direita revelou pressão arterial pulmonar média de 48 mmHg, débito cardíaco de 4,1 L/min e resistência vascular pulmonar de 8,05 Woods. O nível sérico de brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) foi de 150 pg/mL. Nenhuma outra doença foi encontrada durante investigação. Prednisona (1 mg/kg por três meses) foi iniciada, com dramática melhora clínica e funcional, além de normalização dos níveis dos hormônios tireoidianos e de proteína em urina por eletroforese. A pressão arterial pulmonar média caiu para 26 mmHg, o débito cardíaco para 3,8 L/min e a resistência vascular pulmonar para 2,89 Woods. O nível sérico de BNP caiu para 8pg/mL. Nossos achados indicam o potencial papel da corticoterapia como primeira linha de tratamento na hipertensão pulmonar associada à síndrome POEMS. Diante da raridade dessa apresentação, um registro multicêntrico deveria ser desenvolvido para permitir a aquisição de mais dados que suportem essa conduta.
Assessment of in Vitro Antioxidant and Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Cajanus cajan
Authors: Sarkar Rhitajit , Hazra Bibhabasu , Mandal Sourav , Biswas Santanu , Mandal Nripendranath
Published: September 2009

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities of 70% methanolic extract of Cajanus cajan leaves using various in vitro assays. The TEAC value 0.84 ± 0.05 for the extract indicates it is an antioxidant. The extract had shown its scavenging activity for different free radicals and 175.73 ± 7.50 ?g/ml, 27.17 ± 0.9 ?g/ml, 60.78 ± 5.15 ?g/ml and 250.29 ± 5.70 ?g/ml were determined as the IC50 values for hydroxyl, superoxide, nitric oxide and singlet oxygen radicals, respectively. The sample showed reasonable chelation of Fe2+ ion and inhibition of lipid peroxidation. The phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extract were also determined to be 51.33 ± 0.002 mg/ml gallic acid equivalent and 143.0 ± 0.003 mg/ml quercetin equivalent, respectively. The results showed that 70% methanol extract of C. cajan leaves possesses antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties.
Antiproliferative, Antioxidant and Cyto/DNA Protective Properties in Andrographis serpyllifolia: Role of Andrographolide and Phenolic Acids
Authors: Venkateshaiah Sathisha Upparahalli , Jayaram Smitha , Dharmesh Shylaja M
Published: September 2009

Among several Andrographis species, only A. panniculata had been extensively studied and the bioactivity was attributed to the active component  Andrographolide (AG). In the current investigation, we report that aqueous (ASAE) and methanol (ASME) extracts of Andrographis serpyllifolia contained phenolic acids up to 3-5%, in addition to AG which is present at ~2% level. Aqueous extract exhibited ~2 and 10 fold better free radical scavenging and reducing power activities than those of methanol extract and the isolated andrographolide, suggesting that Andrographis species may contain antioxidant components other than Andrographolide as well. Further, about 70-80% of DNA and red blood cells were protected against oxidant-induced damages at 4 ?g/mL, and there was about 80% inhibition of proliferation of highly metastatic MDA-MB-231 cells at 10 ?g/mL, which suggests the anticancer potential of A. Serpyllifolia. Identification of phenolic acids contributing to antioxidant potency revealed that gentisic (48%) followed by gallic (25%), protocatechuic (14%) & cinnamic (11%) acids in ASAE, while protocatechuic (59%), followed by ferulic (30%) and p-coumaric (8%) acids in ASME contributed to the activity. Thus, phenolics and andrographolide in A. Serpyllifolia may be implicated in anticancer properties as observed in traditional therapies.
The Role of Intentionality in Simulated Motor Actions
Authors: Gabbard Carl P , Caçola Priscila
Published: September 2009

Motor imagery is a key tool in contemporary research with basic and practical applications. In addition to its use in studying the cognitive aspects of movement planning, imagery has applications in therapeutic and sport settings. While debate continues regarding specific brain structure involvement, there is a rather convincing body of evidence indicating that processes involved in simulating a motor action via motor imagery are similar or the same to those used for planning and executing an action. In this brief theoretical paper, we address the question in the specific context of intentionality. The primary issue being  what is the role and function of intention in simulated motor actions? Is it similar or the same as the intent used in processing overt actions? We approach the issue from opposing views and provide current experimental data in support. Underscoring our thoughts is the notion that there are varying levels of intentional state; a condition that influences movement awareness and subsequent outcome.
An extension of a norm inequality for a semi-discrete g*λ function
Authors: Sweezy Caroline
Published: September 2009

A norm inequality for a semi-discrete g*?(f) function is obtained for functions, f, that can be written as a sum whose terms consist of a numerical coefficient multiplying a member of a family of functions that have properties of geometric decay, minimal smoothness and almost orthogonality condition. The theorem is applied to the rate of change of u, a solution to Lu = div?f in a bounded, nonsmooth domain ? Rd, d?3, u = 0 on ??.
On traces of holomorphic functions on the unit polyball
Authors: Shamoyan Romi , Mihic Olivera
Published: September 2009

In this paper we completely describe traces of holomorphic Bergman classes and Bloch-type classes on polyballs and obtain related estimates generalizing classical Bergman projection theorem.
On the composition of the distributions x-s+ lnmx+ and xμ+
Authors: Fisher Brian
Published: September 2009

Let F be a distribution and let f be a locally summable function. The distribution F(f) is defined as the neutrix limit of the sequence {Fn(f)}, where Fn(x) = F(x)*?n(x) and {?n(x)} is a certain sequence of infinitely differentiable functions converging to the Dirac delta-function ?(x). The composition of the distributions x-s + lnm x+ and x? + is proved to exist and be equal to ?mx-s? + lnm x+ for ? > 0 and s,m = 1, 2,....
Fixed point index for composite type maps
Authors: O'Regan Donal
Published: September 2009

An index theory is presented for compact absorbing contractive Jc or SJc maps and several new fixed point theorems are given for such maps.
Oscillation criteria for first order forced dynamic equations
Authors: Erbe Lynn , Hassan Taher , Peterson Allan
Published: September 2009

We obtain some new oscillation criteria for solutions to certain first order forced dynamic equations on a time scale T of the form x?(t) + r(t)??(x? (t)) + p(t)?? (x? (t)) + q(t)??(x?(t)) = f(t); with ??(u) :=?u?n-1, ?>0. > 0. Here r(t); p (t) ; q(t) and f (t) are rdcontinuous functions on T and the forcing term f(t) is not required to be the derivative of an oscillatory function. Our results in the special cases when T = R and T = N involve and improve some previous oscillation results for first-order differential and difference equations. An example illustrating the importance of our results is also included.
Eigenvalues, eigenfunctions and Green's functions on a path via Chebyshev polynomials
Authors: Bendito E. , Encinas A.M. , Carmona A.
Published: September 2009

In this work we analyze the boundary value problems on a path associated with Schr?dinger operators with constant ground state. These problems include the cases in which the boundary has two, one or none vertices. In addition, we study the periodic boundary value problem that corresponds to the Poisson equation in a cycle. Moreover, we obtain the Green's function for each regular problem and the eigenvalues and their corresponding eigenfunctions otherwise. In each case, the Green's functions, the eigenvalues and the eigenfunctions are given in terms of first, second and third kind Chebyshev polynomials.
Limit distribution of ascent, descent or excedance length sums of permutations
Authors: Clark Lane
Published: September 2009

Let An(?) denote the sum of the lengths of ascents of a permutation ? of {1, ..., n} chosen uniformly at random. We find the exact expectation and variance and prove a central limit theorem for the An. Identical results hold for the sum of the lengths of descents or of excedances of a permutation of {1,..., n} chosen uniformly at random.
Some formulas for Apostol-Euler polynomials associated with Hurwitz zeta function at rational arguments
Authors: Luo Qiu-Ming
Published: September 2009

We give some explicit relationships between the Apostol-Euler polynomials and generalized Hurwitz-Lerch Zeta function and obtain some series representations of the Apostol-Euler polynomials of higher order in terms of the generalized Hurwitz-Lerch Zeta function. Several interesting special cases are also shown.
Hypergraph domination and strong independence
Authors: Jose Bibin , Tuza Zsolt
Published: September 2009

We solve several conjectures and open problems from a recent paper by Acharya [2]. Some of our results are relatives of the Nordhaus-Gaddum theorem, concerning the sum of domination parameters in hypergraphs and their complements. (A dominating set in H is a vertex set D X such that, for every vertex x? X\D there exists an edge E ? E with x ? E and E?D ??.) As an example, it is shown that the tight bound ??(H)+??(H) ? n+2 holds in hypergraphs H = (X, E) of order n ? 6, where H is defined as H = (X, E) with E = {X\E | E ? E}, and ?? is the minimum total cardinality of two disjoint dominating sets. We also present some simple constructions of balanced hypergraphs, disproving conjectures of the aforementioned paper concerning strongly independent sets. (Hypergraph H is balanced if every odd cycle in H has an edge containing three vertices of the cycle; and a set S X is strongly independent if |S?E|? 1 for all E ? E.).
Fractional edge domination in graphs
Authors: Arumugam S. , Sithara Jerry
Published: September 2009

Let G = (V,E) be a graph. A function f : E ? [0, 1] is called an edge dominating function if ?x?N[e] f(x)?1 for all e ? E(G), where N[e] is the closed neighbourhood of the edge e. An edge dominating function f is called minimal (MEDF) if for all functions g : E ? [0,1] with g < f, g is not an edge dominating function. The fractional edge domination number ?'f and the upper fractional edge domination number ?'f are defined by ?'f (G) = min{|f| : f is an MEDF of G} and ?'f (G) = max{|f| : f is an MEDF of G}, where |f| = ?e?E f(e). Further we introduce the fractional parameters corresponding to edge irredundance and edge independence, leading to the fractional edge domination chain. We also consider topological properties of the set of all edge dominating functions of G.
Hamiltonian paths in odd graphs
Authors: Bueno Letícia , Faria Luerbio , De Figueiredo , Da Fonseca
Published: September 2009

Lov?sz conjectured that every connected vertex-transitive graph has a Hamiltonian path. The odd graphs Ok form a well-studied family of connected, k-regular, vertex-transitive graphs. It was previously known that Ok has Hamiltonian paths for k ? 14. A direct computation of Hamiltonian paths in Ok is not feasible for large values of k, because Ok has (2k - 1, k - 1) vertices and k/2 (2k - 1, k - 1) edges. We show that Ok has Hamiltonian paths for 15 ? k ? 18. Instead of directly running any heuristics, we use existing results on the middle levels problem, therefore further relating these two fundamental problems, namely finding a Hamiltonian path in the odd graph and finding a Hamiltonian cycle in the corresponding middle levels graph. We show that further improved results for the middle levels problem can be used to find Hamiltonian paths in Ok for larger values of k.
Molecular targets and gene therapy of lung cancer
Authors: Vasic Ljiljana
Published: September 2009

Lung cancer is of great interest in human pathology because its apparent aggressiveness cannot be stopped by applied treatment procedures. The lack of highly specific screening tests prevents an early diagnosis of the disease. Insidious beginning and diverse and unclear clinical picture are responsible for the fact that most cases are diagnosed at advanced stages. An increasing number of patients and a short length of survival are additional factors that make this disease an imperative in the clinical practice, while vague and mutually dependent etiological factors represent a challenge in laboratory studies of the pathogenesis. The objective of this review is to describe some of the potential molecular targets available for manipulation in lung cancer; vector currently used by thoracic investigators to deliver therapy, and illustrated the experience with clinical trials of gene therapy in lung cancer. While gene therapy offers new hopes for lung cancer treatment, it is the need to develop valid clinical protocols of randomized trials before safety using to various lung cancer patient populations.
Rare complication of chemotherapy in testicular cancer
Authors: Goad Abdel
Published: September 2009

Testicular neoplasms metastasizing to the retroperitoneum rarely involve the upper gastrointestinal tract. We describe an unusual case of contained small bowel perforation as a complication of chemotherapy treatment of metastatic non seminomatous germ cell cancer in a 32-year-old man.
Lymphoma ovarii case survey
Authors: Mastilovic Katarina , Jovanovic Darjana , Ivkovic-Kapicl Tatjana , Kopitovic Stana
Published: September 2009

One of the very rare types of the ovarian tumor is lymphoma. The origin of ovarian lymphoma is primary only if it arises from ovarian tissue. The paper describes a case of ovarian lymphoma in a 42-years old patient. The patient was operated; histopthological finding confirmed lymphoma of the ovaries.
Minute pulmonary meningothelial-like nodules simulating a metastatic lung adenocarcinoma: A case report
Authors: Karapandzic Aleksandra , Panjkovic Milana , Eri Zivka , Klem Istvan , Djukic Nevena
Published: September 2009

Minute pulmonary meningothelial-like nodules (MPMNs) are relatively rare lesions that located at the pleura or parenchyma of the lung. They are usually found incidentally at autopsy or in surgical specimens. We presented a case of asymptomatic 47-year-old woman with an abnormal shadow in the right upper lung field found by a routine chest X ray. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the thorax revealed a hyperdense subpleural mass, which histologically conformed to adenocarcinoma. A resection of the right upper lobe discovered preponderance of small multiple lesions under the pleura. Microscopically, they were an interstitial nodular proliferation of oval or spindle-shape cells arranged in a zellenballen nesting pattern near small veins. Immunohistochemical and cytological analyses confirmed the diagnosis of MPMNs. Coexistence of multiple MPMNs and lung adenocarcinoma can be a differential diagnostic problem due to suspected metastasis of the primary carcinoma. To obtain an accurate diagnosis, the clinical findings should completely conform to histological, immunohistochemical, and cytological ones.
Risk factors for dementia of the Alzheimer and vascular type
Authors: Krsteska Roza
Published: September 2009

The current study was aimed at examining the risk factors in 30 patients with Alzheimer's dementia and 30 patients with vascular dementia. The reports of the caregivers and the medical documentation were used to estimate the risk factors. The condition for the patients to enter this study was the age above 60 years. The results showed that the average age in the patients with dementia of the Alzheimer type was statistically significantly higher than in the patients with vascular dementia (p<0.0043), which is the confirmation that the most potential risk factor for Alzheimer's disease is aging, and for vascular dementia it is an additional factor. The incomplete education is more common in patients with Alzheimer's disease than in the group with vascular dementia and the difference had statistical significance (p=0.0199). The patients with vascular dementia have higher rate of heart disease (p=0.0002), hypertension (p=0.0005) and diabetes mellitus (p=0.0228) than in the group with Alzheimer's disease with a statistically significant difference. In regard to marital status, head injury and smoking, the difference had no significance in either groups.
Up-to-date knowledge of West Nile virus infection
Authors: Hrnjakovic-Cvjetkovic Ivana , Cvjetkovic Dejan , Petric Dusan , Milosevic Vesna , Jerant-Patic Vera , Zgomba Marija
Published: September 2009

Virus West Nile virus is a single-stranded RNA virus of the family Flaviviridae, genus Flavivirus. Epidemiology West Nile virus is maintained in the cycle involving culicine mosquitoes and birds .Humans typically acquire West Nile infection through a bite from infected adult mosquito. Person to person transmission can occur through organ transplantation, blood and blood product transfusions, transplacentally and via brest milk. Human cases of West Nile infections were recorded in Africa, Israel, Russia, India, Pakistan. In Romania in 1996 West Nile fever occurred with hundreds of neurologic cases and 17 fatalities. First human cases in the United States were in New York City where 59 persons were infected and had fever, meningitis, encephalitis and flaccid paralysis. Clinical manifestation Most human cases are asymptomatic. The majority of symptomatic patients have a self limited febrile illness. Fatigue, nausea, vomiting, eye pain, headache, myalgias, artralgias, lymphadenopathy and rash are common complaints. Less than 1% of all infected persons develop more severe neurologic illness including meningitis, encefalitis and flaccid paralysis. Laboratory diagnosis Diagnosis of West Nile virus infection is based on serologic testing, isolation of virus from patient samples and detection of viral antigen or viral genom. ELISA test and indirect immunofluorescenceassay are used for detecting IgM and IgG antibodies in serum and cerebrospinal fluid. Treatment In vitro studies have suggested that ribavirin and interferon alfa -2b may be useful in the treatment of West Nile virus disease. Prevention The most important measures are mosquito control program and personal protective measures. .
Pulmonary sequestration: Report of three cases
Authors: Stevic Ruza , Mandaric Dragan , Jovanovic Dragana , Vasic Nada , Masulovic Dragan , Mujovic Natasa
Published: September 2009

Introduction Pulmonary sequestration is a non-functioning pulmonary parenchyma that is separated from tracheobronchial tree and receives its blood supply via systemic arteries. The diagnosis of sequestration pulmonis is based on clinical symptoms and characteristic radiologic findings. Case reports In this report, radiological findings of pulmonary sequester in three patients with non-resolving pneumonia were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent chest x-ray, computerized tomography of thorax and angiography. X-ray revealed in all cases tumorlike, unsharply bordered shadows in the posterior basal parts of the lung, two on the right and one on the left side. Computerized tomography(CT) finding showed solid-cystic tumor masses and angiography revealed anomalous blood supply from systemic arteries arising from aorta and running to the shadow in the lung. This finding is typical of bronchopulmonary sequestration. All patients were operated on and histological analysis of operative material confirmed diagnosis of intralobar pulmonary sequestration. Discussion Sequestratio pulmonis can cause a diagnostic problem due to unspecific symptoms and atypical radiographic and CT findings. Therefore, it is important to demonstrate the arterial supply and venous drainage of the sequestered segment preoperatively. Today, with the help of non-invasive imaging techniques such as CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), preoperative diagnosis of pulmonary sequester can be made easily, so, invasive techniques such as angiography are not required frequently.
Eye-tracking study of animate objects
Authors: Kovic Vanja , Plunkett Kim , Westermann Gert
Published: September 2009

This study involved presentation of animate objects under labeling and non-labeling conditions and examination of participants' looking pattern across these conditions. Results revealed a surprisingly consistent way in which adults look at the pictures of animate objects. The head/eyes of the animals were a typical region attracting a number of fixations, but also some other parts of animals (e.g. the tail in cats, or the udder in cows and the body in snakes). Furthermore, not only did participants tend to look at similar regions of the pictures of animate objects, but also the looking order to these regions was consistent across participants. However, contrary to the original predictions, these patterns of fixations were similar across the naming and non-naming conditions ('Look at the !', 'Look at the picture!' and 'What's this?', respectively), which led to the conclusion that participants' consistency in processing animate objects was not reflecting underlying mental representation evoked by labels, but was rather driven by the structural similarity of animate objects, in particular the presence of a head.
Socio-psychological characteristics of women abstinents and voters in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Puhalo Srdjan , Milinovic Jelena , Arsenijevic-Puhalo Aleksandra
Published: September 2009

Our research aims to find out if there is a difference between women voters and abstinents in Bosnia and Herzegovina, considering certain socio-psychological characteristics. For the purpose of this research we used Likert scales to measure: tolerance to other ideas, nationalism, ethical superiority, attitude towards leader, conformism, liberalism/conservativism and locus of control. This research was con-ducted in May 2007 on the sample of 547 women voters and 214 women abstinents. Results show that socio-demographic characteristics differ potential women voters from women abstinents. Women who are more active (educated, employed or members of some political party) in their everyday life are more likely to go to the elections and vote. Discriminative analysis showed that women voters and abstinents significantly differed at four of total seven variables. The difference between women voters and abstinents is in ethical superiority, acceptance of nationalism, tolerance to other ideas and attitude towards leader. Therefore it seems that women abstinents have greater democratic potential than women voters.
Perception of supervisor support, personality traits of employees and their satisfaction with work-related facets
Authors: Hadzic Olga , Majstorovic Nebojsa , Nedeljkovic Milena
Published: September 2009

The planned downsizing in many organizations which are under the state ownership in Serbia produce a high level of uncertainty and a very specific organizational environment. Investigation of the satisfaction with work-related facets of the employees at the beginning of organizational changes is a very important step toward the building of an appropriate strategy for human resource management. We investigate the moderating effect of the variable 'supervisor support' on the correlations between variables 'Big Five personality traits of employees' and 'satisfaction with work-related facets'. Sample consists of 117 employees from a big state owned organization during an important organizational change. The following instruments are used: Big Five Locator - BFL, Communication Satisfaction Questionnaire - CSQ and Job Satisfaction Questionnaire - JS. Our results prove that the variable 'supervisor support' moderate the correlations between variable 'personality trait conscientiousness' and variables 'satisfaction with pay' and 'satisfaction with benefit'; the correlation between variable 'personality trait openness' and variable 'satisfaction with pay'; the correlations between variable 'personality trait negative affectivity' and variables 'satisfaction with pay', 'satisfaction with benefit', and 'satisfaction with recognition'.
Differences in the Central Anorectic Effects of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 and Exendin-4 in Rats
Authors: Barrera Jason G. , D'Alessio David A. , Drucker Daniel J. , Woods Stephen C. , Seeley Randy J.
Published: September 2009

OBJECTIVE

Glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 is a regulatory peptide synthesized in the gut and the brain that plays an important role in the regulation of food intake. Both GLP-1 and exendin (Ex)-4, a long-acting GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1r) agonist, reduce food intake when administered intracerebroventricularly, whereas Ex4 is much more potent at suppressing food intake when given peripherally. It has generally been hypothesized that this difference is due to the relative pharmacokinetic profiles of GLP-1 and Ex4, but it is possible that the two peptides control feeding via distinct mechanisms.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In this study, the anorectic effects of intracerebroventricular GLP-1 and Ex4, and the sensitivity of these effects to GLP-1r antagonism, were compared in rats. In addition, the GLP-1r dependence of the anorectic effect of intracerebroventricular Ex4 was assessed in GLP-1r−/− mice.

RESULTS

Intracerebroventricular Ex4 was 100-fold more potent than GLP-1 at reducing food intake, and this effect was insensitive to GLP-1r antagonism. However, GLP-1r antagonists completely blocked the anorectic effect of intraperitoneal Ex4. Despite the insensitivity of intracerebroventricular Ex4 to GLP-1r antagonism, intracerebroventricular Ex4 failed to reduce food intake in GLP-1r−/− mice.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that although GLP-1rs are required for the actions of Ex4, there appear to be key differences in how GLP-1 and Ex4 interact with central nervous system GLP-1r and in how Ex4 interacts with GLP-1r in the brain versus the periphery. A better understanding of these unique differences may lead to expansion and/or improvement of GLP-1–based therapies for type 2 diabetes and obesity.
SIRT1 Genetic Variation Is Related to BMI and Risk of Obesity
Authors: Zillikens M.Carola , van Meurs Joyce B.J. , Rivadeneira Fernando , Amin Najaf , Hofman Albert , Oostra Ben A. , Sijbrands Eric J.G. , Witteman Jacqueline C.M. , Pols Huibert A.P. , van Duijn Cornelia M. , Uitterlinden André G.
Published: September 2009

OBJECTIVE

SIRT1 has pleiotropic metabolic functions. We investigated whether SIRT1 genetic variation is associated with obesity.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In 6,251 elderly subjects from the prospective, population-based Rotterdam Study, three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the SIRT1 gene were studied in relation to BMI and risk of obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) and prospectively with BMI change after 6.4 years of follow-up. We used cross-sectional data from 2,347 participants from the Erasmus Rucphen Family (ERF) study for replication.

RESULTS

Minor alleles of rs7895833 (G = 20.2%) and rs1467568 (A = 36.8%) were associated with lower BMI in the Rotterdam Study (P = 0.02 and 0.04) and in the replication cohort ERF study (P = 0.03 and 0.008) and in both studies combined (P = 0.002 for both SNPs), with a 0.2–0.4 kg/m2 decrease in BMI per allele copy. Carriers of these alleles had 13–18% decreased risk of obesity (for rs7895833 in the Rotterdam Study: odds ratio 0.79 [95% CI 0.67–0.94], P = 0.007; in the ERF study: 0.93 [0.73–1.19], P = 0.37; and in the studies combined 0.87 [0.77–0.97], P = 0.02; for rs1467568 in the Rotterdam Study: 0.80 [0.68–0.94], P = 0.007; in the ERF study: 0.85 [0.72–0.99], P = 0.04; and in the studies combined: 0.82 [0.73–0.92], P = 0.0009). In the Rotterdam Study, the two variants were also associated with a lower BMI increase during 6.4 years of follow-up (P = 0.01 and 0.08).

CONCLUSIONS

Two common variants in SIRT1 are associated with lower BMI in two independent Dutch populations. Carriers of these variants have 13–18% decreased risk of obesity and gain less weight over time. The availability of SIRT1 stimulators makes these findings relevant in light of the growing obesity epidemic.
Insulin Resistance and Altered Systemic Glucose Metabolism in Mice Lacking Nur77
Authors: Chao Lily C. , Wroblewski Kevin , Zhang Zidong , Pei Liming , Vergnes Laurent , Ilkayeva Olga R. , Ding Shi Ying , Reue Karen , Watt Matthew J. , Newgard Christopher B. , Pilch Paul F. , Hevener Andrea L. , Tontonoz Peter
Published: September 2009

OBJECTIVE

Nur77 is an orphan nuclear receptor with pleotropic functions. Previous studies have identified Nur77 as a transcriptional regulator of glucose utilization genes in skeletal muscle and gluconeogenesis in liver. However, the net functional impact of these pathways is unknown. To examine the consequence of Nur77 signaling for glucose metabolism in vivo, we challenged Nur77 null mice with high-fat feeding.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Wild-type and Nur77 null mice were fed a high-fat diet (60% calories from fat) for 3 months. We determined glucose tolerance, tissue-specific insulin sensitivity, oxygen consumption, muscle and liver lipid content, muscle insulin signaling, and expression of glucose and lipid metabolism genes.

RESULTS

Mice with genetic deletion of Nur77 exhibited increased susceptibility to diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance. Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp studies revealed greater high-fat diet–induced insulin resistance in both skeletal muscle and liver of Nur77 null mice compared with controls. Loss of Nur77 expression in skeletal muscle impaired insulin signaling and markedly reduced GLUT4 protein expression. Muscles lacking Nur77 also exhibited increased triglyceride content and accumulation of multiple even-chained acylcarnitine species. In the liver, Nur77 deletion led to hepatic steatosis and enhanced expression of lipogenic genes, likely reflecting the lipogenic effect of hyperinsulinemia.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, these data demonstrate that loss of Nur77 influences systemic glucose metabolism and highlight the physiological contribution of muscle Nur77 to this regulatory pathway.
Effects of a Plant-Based High-Carbohydrate/High-Fiber Diet Versus High–Monounsaturated Fat/Low-Carbohydrate Diet on Postprandial Lipids in Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: De Natale Claudia , Annuzzi Giovanni , Bozzetto Lutgarda , Mazzarella Raffaella , Costabile Giuseppina , Ciano Ornella , Riccardi Gabriele , Rivellese Angela A.
Published: September 2009

OBJECTIVE

To search for a better dietary approach to treat postprandial lipid abnormalities and improve glucose control in type 2 diabetic patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

According to a randomized crossover design, 18 type 2 diabetic patients (aged 59 ± 5 years; BMI 27 ± 3 kg/m2) (means ± SD) in satisfactory blood glucose control on diet or diet plus metformin followed a diet relatively rich in carbohydrates (52% total energy), rich in fiber (28g/1,000 kcal), and with a low glycemic index (58%) (high-carbohydrate/high-fiber diet) or a diet relatively low in carbohydrate (45%) and rich in monounsaturated fat (23%) (low-carbohydrate/high–monounsaturated fat diet) for 4 weeks. Thereafter, they shifted to the other diet for 4 more weeks. At the end of each period, plasma glucose, insulin, lipids, and lipoprotein fractions (separated by discontinuous density gradient ultracentrifugation) were determined on blood samples taken at fasting and over 6 h after a test meal having a similar composition as the corresponding diet.

RESULTS

In addition to a significant decrease in postprandial plasma glucose, insulin responses, and glycemic variability, the high-carbohydrate/high-fiber diet also significantly improved the primary end point, since it reduced the postprandial incremental areas under the curve (IAUCs) of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, in particular, chylomicrons (cholesterol IAUC: 0.05 ± 0.01 vs. 0.08 ± 0.02 mmol/l per 6 h; triglycerides IAUC: 0.71 ± 0.35 vs. 1.03 ± 0.58 mmol/l per 6 h, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

A diet rich in carbohydrate and fiber, essentially based on legumes, vegetables, fruits, and whole cereals, may be particularly useful for treating diabetic patients because of its multiple effects on different cardiovascular risk factors, including postprandial lipids abnormalities.
Postpartum Diabetes Screening
Authors: Kwong Sarah , Mitchell Rebecca S. , Senior Peter A. , Chik Constance L.
Published: September 2009

OBJECTIVE

To determine the rate of adherence to postpartum glycemic testing in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and the performance of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) versus the 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in detecting postpartum glucose intolerance.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The study was a retrospective cohort of 1,006 women with GDM attending a pregnancy diabetes clinic.

RESULTS

Postpartum screening was completed in 438 (48%) women. Women nonadherent to testing had higher parity (1.10 vs. 0.87) and were less likely to require insulin for management of their GDM. Among women who were tested, 89 (21%) had an abnormal result, only 25 (28%) of whom were identified by FPG. Factors associated with abnormal postpartum diabetes screening include non-Caucasian ethnicity, previous GDM, higher A1C, and OGTT values during pregnancy and treatment with insulin.

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of postpartum diabetes screening is low, and FPG lacks sensitivity as a screening test in comparison with OGTT.
Pancreatic Islet Autoantibodies as Predictors of Type 1 Diabetes in the Diabetes Prevention Trial–Type 1
Authors: Orban Tihamer , Sosenko Jay M. , Cuthbertson David , Krischer Jeffrey P. , Skyler Jay S. , Jackson Richard , Yu Liping , Palmer Jerry P. , Schatz Desmond , Eisenbarth George ,   for the Diabetes Prevention Trial–Type 1 Study Group
Published: September 2009

OBJECTIVE

There is limited information from large-scale prospective studies regarding the prediction of type 1 diabetes by specific types of pancreatic islet autoantibodies, either alone or in combination. Thus, we studied the extent to which specific autoantibodies are predictive of type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Two cohorts were derived from the first screening for islet cell autoantibodies (ICAs) in the Diabetes Prevention Trial–Type 1 (DPT-1). Autoantibodies to GAD 65 (GAD65), insulinoma-associated antigen-2 (ICA512), and insulin (micro-IAA [mIAA]) were also measured. Participants were followed for the occurrence of type 1 diabetes. One cohort (Questionnaire) included those who did not enter the DPT-1 trials, but responded to questionnaires (n = 28,507, 2.4% ICA+). The other cohort (Trials) included DPT-1 participants (n = 528, 83.3% ICA+).

RESULTS

In both cohorts autoantibody number was highly predictive of type 1 diabetes (P < 0.001). The Questionnaire cohort was used to assess prediction according to the type of autoantibody. As single autoantibodies, ICA (3.9%), GAD65 (4.4%), and ICA512 (4.6%) were similarly predictive of type 1 diabetes in proportional hazards models (P < 0.001 for all). However, no subjects with mIAA as single autoantibodies developed type 1 diabetes. As second autoantibodies, all except mIAA added significantly (P < 0.001) to the prediction of type 1 diabetes. Within the positive range, GAD65 and ICA autoantibody titers were predictive of type 1 diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

The data indicate that the number of autoantibodies is predictive of type 1 diabetes. However, mIAA is less predictive of type 1 diabetes than other autoantibodies. Autoantibody number, type of autoantibody, and autoantibody titer must be carefully considered in planning prevention trials for type 1 diabetes.
The Evolving Role of the Courts in Educational Policy: The Tension Between Judicial, Scientific, and Democratic Decision Making in Kitzmiller v. Dover
Authors: Superfine Benjamin Michael
Published: September 2009

In Kitzmiller v. Dover (2005) , a court defined science to decide the legitimacy of teaching intelligent design to high school biology students. This study analyzes Kitzmiller in light of the complex and interrelated tensions between judicial, scientific, and democratic decision making that lie at the heart of modern educational governance. This study particularly explores how these tensions become more acute where the meaning of science itself is contested and examines how these tensions can be structured and balanced in a nuanced way in the institutional setting of the courts. Based on this examination, this study highlights major issues that bear upon an analysis of when it is appropriate for governmental entities to define science for educational policy purposes.
Host Defense Peptides as Effector Molecules of the Innate Immune Response: A Sledgehammer for Drug Resistance?
Authors: Steinstraesser Lars , Kraneburg Ursula  M. , Hirsch Tobias , Kesting Marco , Steinau Hans-Ulrich , Jacobsen Frank , Al-Benna Sammy
Published: September 2009

Host defense peptides can modulate the innate immune response and boost infection-resolving immunity, while dampening potentially harmful pro-inflammatory (septic) responses. Both antimicrobial and/or immunomodulatory activities are an integral part of the process of innate immunity, which itself has many of the hallmarks of successful anti-infective therapies, namely rapid action and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities. This gives these peptides the potential to become an entirely new therapeutic approach against bacterial infections. This review details the role and activities of these peptides, and examines their applicability as development candidates for use against bacterial infections.
Synthesis and Cytotoxicity of Novel Hexahydrothienocycloheptapyridazinone Derivatives
Authors: Pau Amedeo , Murineddu Gabriele , Asproni Battistina , Murruzzu Caterina , Grella Giuseppe E. , Pinna Gérard A. , Curzu Maria M. , Marchesi Irene , Bagella Luigi
Published: September 2009

Designed as a new group of tricyclic molecules containing the thienocycloheptapyridazinone ring system, a number of 2N-substituted-hexahydrothienocycloheptapyridazinone derivatives were synthesized and their biological activity evaluated. Among the synthesized compounds, derivatives 7d and 7h were found to possess cytotoxic activity against non-small cell lung cancer and central nervous system cancer cell lines, respectively.
Prediction of Force Measurements of a Microbend Sensor Based on an Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Efendioglu Hasan  S. , Yildirim Tulay , Fidanboylu Kemal
Published: September 2009

Artificial neural network (ANN) based prediction of the response of a microbend fiber optic sensor is presented. To the best of our knowledge no similar work has been previously reported in the literature. Parallel corrugated plates with three deformation cycles, 6 mm thickness of the spacer material and 16 mm mechanical periodicity between deformations were used in the microbend sensor. Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) with different training algorithms, Radial Basis Function (RBF) network and General Regression Neural Network (GRNN) are used as ANN models in this work. All of these models can predict the sensor responses with considerable errors. RBF has the best performance with the smallest mean square error (MSE) values of training and test results. Among the MLP algorithms and GRNN the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm has good results. These models successfully predict the sensor responses, hence ANNs can be used as useful tool in the design of more robust fiber optic sensors.