bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical evaluation of a leucocyte-depleting blood cardioplegia filter (BC1B) for elective open-heart surgery
Authors: Suzuki Ichiro , Ogoshi Noboru , Chiba Miki , Komatsu Tsunehiro , Moizumi Yoshimasa
Published: January 2013

Activation of leucocytes during extracorporeal circulation has attracted attention in recent years as a cause of reperfusion injury in open-heart surgery patients. In the present study, 40 adult patients undergoing elective open-heart surgery were randomized into two groups: 20 using the Pall BC1B leucocyte-depleting filter for blood cardioplegia (group 1) and the other 20 without the filter (group 2). In order to determine if the filter was effective in protecting the myocardium, CPK-MB and troponin-T (TnT) were measured. In addition, efforts were also made to determine appropriate sites at which the BC1B blood cardioplegia filter should be positioned. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of conditions of perfusion. No adverse effects were seen in either group. The total leucocyte reduction rate through the filter was 98.1% with the passage of 2 litres of blood through the filter. A pressure drop of 4.4 ± 3.2 mmHg was observed through the filter during use. Statistically significant differences were noted between the two groups in CPK-MB ( p = 0.031) and TnT ( p = 0.004). Findings obtained in previous studies demonstrate that the various advantages of leucocyte reduction, shown in experimental studies, can be translated into clinical advantages. In conclusion, based on the results in this clinical study showing significant difference in CPK-MB and TnT which are known effective indicators for myocardial injury, between leucoreduced and non-leucoreduced group, the Pall BC1B leucocyte-depleting filter for blood cardioplegia has been shown to be effective in alleviating reperfusion injury in open-heart surgery patients.
Leucocyte filtration during cardiopulmonary reperfusion in coronary artery bypass surgery
Authors: Baksaas Svein T , Flom-Halvorsen Hanne I , Øvrum Eivind , Videm Vibeke , Mollnes Tom Eirik , Brosstad Frank , Svennevig Jan L
Published: January 2013

Postoperative organ dysfunction after cardiac operations has been related to the damaging effects of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). These complications are considered to be mediated partly by complement activation and subsequent activation of leucocytes due to the contact between blood and the large nonendothelial surfaces in the bypass circuit. Removal of leucocytes by filtration during the reperfusion period may potentially reduce the postoperative morbidity after CPB.

Forty patients undergoing elective, primary coronary artery bypass grafting were randomized to initial identical bypass circuits until the aortic crossclamp was released. Then, the ordinary arterial line filter was closed and either a leucocyte depletion filter ( n = 20), or a control filter ( n = 20) was incorporated in the circuits during the reperfusion period of CPB. Blood samples were drawn at fixed intervals and analysed for white blood cell and platelet counts, plasma concentration of myeloperoxidase, C3-complement activation products, the terminal complement complex, and interleukins (IL)-6 and -8.

The numbers of circulating white blood cells in the leucocyte-depleted group decreased during the reperfusion period from 5.5 (4.8-6.8) to 5.3 (4.4-6.2) × 109/l, and increased in the control group from 6.5 (5.1-8.0) to 7.4 (5.7-9.0) × 109/l. Two hours postoperatively the total white blood cell count in the leucocyte-depleted group was 14.7 (12.1-17.2) × 109/l, and in the control group 17.6 (14.5-20.7) × 109/l. The differences between the groups were statistical significant ( p= 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups with regard to other test parameters or clinical data.

We conclude that the use of leucocyte filters during the reperfusion period in elective coronary artery bypass surgery significantly reduced the number of circulating leucocytes, whereas no effects were seen for granulocyte activation measured as myeloperoxidase release, platelet counts, complement activation, or IL-6 and -8 release. The clinical benefit of leucocyte filters in routine or high risk patients remains to be demonstrated and is suggested to be dependent on both the efficacy and the biocompatibility of the filters.
Effect of low-dose methyl prednisolone on serum cytokine levels following extracorporeal circulation
Authors: Yilmaz Mert , Ener Serdar , Akalin Halis , Sagdic Kadir , Serdar O Akin , Cengiz Mete
Published: January 2013

The systemic inflammatory response to cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is associated with increased production of cytokines. This systemic inflammatory response characterized by the activation of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) during and after CPB is well documented. A prospective, randomized, double-blind study was performed so as to understand the effects of low-dose methyl prednisolone sodium succinate (MPSS) on the circulating levels of serum cytokines and clinical outcome.

Twenty patients were randomly divided into two groups on the basis of the administration of low-dose (1 mg/kg) MPSS ( n = 10) and placebo ( n = 10) into the pump prime solution. All patients were scheduled to undergo a primary elective coronary artery bypass grafting operation. Patients receiving concurrent corticosteroids, salicylates, dipyridamol or anticoagulants were excluded from the study. Other exclusion criteria were concurrent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic renal failure, insulin-dependent diabetes, congestive cardiac failure, peptic ulcer history, prior cardiac operations, recent (in a one-month period) myocardial infarction and steroid dependency. Mild systemic hypothermia (30-32°C, rectal) was assured during the CPB. Four blood samples were drawn from the radial artery catheter immediately before starting CPB (T1), following protamine administration (T2) and at 24 (T3) and 48 h (T4) after completion of CPB. In each sample, creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB), white blood cell (WBC), IL-6 and IL-8 levels were measured. IL-6 and IL-8 concentrations were measured by enzyme immunoassay and enzyme-linked immunoabsorbant assay methods.

Serum IL-6 T2 and serum IL-6 T3 levels were significantly higher than IL-6 T1 levels in both groups ( p < 0.001) and ( p < 0.01), and there was no significant elevation in serum IL-8 levels in either group. Serum IL-6 levels were significantly higher in the placebo group than in the MPSS group at T3 ( p < 0.009). There was no significant difference in CK-MB T1 levels between the groups. Although there was no significant difference between CK-MB T1 and T2 levels in the MPSS group, the CK-MB T2 and CK-MB T3 levels were significantly higher than T1 levels in the placebo group ( p < 0.001) and ( p < 0.05).

There was significant elevation of WBC levels at T2 and T3 in both groups without notable difference between the groups ( p < 0.05).

This study has shown that low-dose MPSS suppresses CPB-induced inflammatory response. Further clinical studies (on larger and higher risk groups) may reveal more information on relations between morbidity and cytokine levels which may have some predictive value on clinical outcome following CPB.
Study on causes and prevention of electrostatic charge build-up during extracorporeal circulation
Authors: Snijders Jos , de Bruijn Peter , Bergmans Marcel , Bastianen Gijs
Published: January 2013

For many years it has been known that roller pumps interfere regularly with the electrocardiogram (ECG) signal. This electrical activity is also considered responsible for the electrostatic charge build-up in some oxygenators with a plastic heat exchanger. During use of such an oxygenator, an electrical shock can be felt when touching the device. In the absence of a provoked discharge, a spontaneous discharge may occur. The construction of the heat exchanger and the use of nonconductive materials enable some devices to function as a capacitor. If the voltage difference across the fibre wall is too high, an electrostatic discharge may occur. In 1997, four blood-to-water leaks in Maxima Forté oxygenators were reported on a worldwide basis. After thorough research by Medtronic Cardiac Surgery (Cardiopulmonary Division), the cause of the leaks was found to be an electrothermal event across the fibre wall of one single fibre. No patient injuries were reported in any of the events. Medtronic patented a number of US Food and Drug Administration-approved and patient-safe solutions to prevent this electrostatic charge build-up.

We studied the electrostatic phenomenon in order to clarify the clinical aspects. The in vitro part of the study is related to the behaviour of the Medtronic Biopump and the Stockert Shiley roller pump - in combination with the use of a PVC or silicone pumpheader. Subsequently, we have investigated the influence of the rotation or flow of both types of blood pumps and occlusion settings on the roller pump. Furthermore, we tried to capture the electrical charge generated by the roller pumps in a capacitor and in some oxygenators with different types of heat exchanger. Finally, we tested the external CEL™ (Charge Equalization Line) and the internal ‘Gold Wire’ charge equalization systems, both patented by Medtronic.

In the in vivo part of the study, 15 patients were divided into three groups of five patients each. In the first group a roller pump with a PVC pumpheader was evaluated and, in the second group, a roller pump with a silicone pumpheader. The third group consisted of the Medtronic Biopump. In all the groups, a Maxima Forté oxygenator with the external CEL protection was used. Owing to the fact that, at the time, the Maxima Forté ‘Gold Wire’ oxygenator was not available for clinical use, only the external CEL could be evaluated.
Being and becoming a responsible caregiver: Negotiating guidance and control in family interaction in Tanzania
Authors: Frankenberg Sofia Johnson , Rindstedt Camilla , Rubenson Birgitta , Holmqvist Rolf
Published: January 2013

This study explores how siblings in Tanzania actively engage in their own socialization through the negotiation and local design of caregiving practices and control between younger siblings (age 1–3), older siblings (age 3–13) and adults. Analyses of moment-to-moment embodied, multimodal sequences of interaction illustrate how caregiving responsibility is negotiated. The analysis is multidisciplinary drawing on concepts developed in the traditions of sociology, language socialization and applied linguistics. The findings highlight the usefulness of a concept of socialization which recognizes the agency of the child and are discussed in relation to constructions of the caregiving child as both being and becoming.
Large eddy simulation study of turbulent flow around smooth and rough domes
Authors: Kharoua N , Khezzar L
Published: January 2013

Large eddy simulation of turbulent flow around smooth and rough hemispherical domes was conducted. The roughness of the rough dome was generated by a special approach using quadrilateral solid blocks placed alternately on the dome surface. It was shown that this approach is capable of generating the roughness effect with a relative success. The subgrid-scale model based on the transport of the subgrid turbulent kinetic energy was used to account for the small scales effect not resolved by large eddy simulation. The turbulent flow was simulated at a subcritical Reynolds number based on the approach free stream velocity, air properties, and dome diameter of 1.4 × 105. Profiles of mean pressure coefficient, mean velocity, and its root mean square were predicted with good accuracy. The comparison between the two domes showed different flow behavior around them. A flattened horseshoe vortex was observed to develop around the rough dome at larger distance compared with the smooth dome. The separation phenomenon occurs before the apex of the rough dome while for the smooth dome it is shifted forward. The turbulence-affected region in the wake was larger for the rough dome.
Numerical simulation of flow velocity profiles along a stepped spillway
Authors: Kositgittiwong Duangrudee , Chinnarasri Chaiyuth , Julien Pierre Y
Published: January 2013

The velocity profiles on stepped spillways are analyzed using computational fluid dynamics simulations and large-scale laboratory experiments. Five different turbulence models are considered in the analysis: the Standard k-ɛ, the Realizable k-ɛ, the Renormalization group k-ɛ, the Standard k-ω and the Shear stress transport k-ω model. The computational fluid dynamics simulation results are compared with laboratory measurements from a large-scale physical model with flow velocities up to 15 m/s. It is indicated that the numerical model involving any of these turbulence models can satisfactorily simulate the velocity profiles. All five turbulence models performed satisfactorily well on large-scale stepped spillways. The k-ω models may be slightly better suited in the lower region, while the realizable k-ɛ model provided slightly better results in the upper part of the velocity profile. A power law with n = 5.09 also provides a useful first approximation with a limitation of the flow along stepped spillway with the Reynolds number of [Formula: see text] Re[Formula: see text].
Psychometric Properties of the Chinese Cultural Beliefs About Adversity Scale
Authors: Leung Janet T. Y. , Shek Daniel T. L.
Published: January 2013

Objective: The purpose of the study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Chinese Cultural Beliefs about Adversity scale (CBA). Methods: The CBA was administered in a sample of 275 Chinese parents experiencing economic disadvantage. Results: The CBA was found to be internally consistent. Consistent with the conceptual framework, factor analyses showed that two stables factors were abstracted from the scale. The scale and subscale scores of the CBA showed correlation with parental attributional beliefs of children’s success and failure to effort and luck, respectively, thus supporting the construct validity of the measures. Conclusions: The CBA is a reliable and valid measurement tool to measure Chinese cultural beliefs about adversity from the perspective of parents in the context of poverty.
Prognostic factors for low birthweight repetition in successive pregnancies: a cohort study
Authors: Sclowitz Iândora Krolow Timm , Santos Iná S , Domingues Marlos Rodrigues , Matijasevich Alicia , Barros Aluísio J D
Published: January 2013

Background

To identify prognostic factors associated with recurrence of low birthweight (LBW) in successive gestations, a study was carried out with a subsample of mothers enrolled in the 2004 Pelotas Birth Cohort.

Methods

Data were collected by hospital-based interviews. Newborns were weighed and measured. Gestational age was defined according to the date of last menstrual period, ultra-sound scan before the 20th week of pregnancy or the Dubowitz method. Mothers who reported at least one LBW newborn in the two previous gestations were included. Prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals were estimated from Poisson Regression. All estimates were adjusted for parity.

Results

A total of 4558 births were identified in 2004, and 565 met inclusion criteria, out of which 86 (15.2%) repeated LBW in 2004. Among mothers with two LBW babies before 2004, 47.9% presented LBW recurrence. Belonging to the highest socio-economic stratum (PR 0.89; 0.01-0.46) and gaining ≥ 10 kg during pregnancy (PR 0.09; 0.01-0.77) were protective against LBW recurrence. Higher risk of LBW recurrence was observed among mothers with higher parity (≥3 previous deliveries; PR=1.93; 95% CI 1.23-3.02); who had given birth to a previous preterm baby (PR=4.01; 2.27-7.10); who delivered a female newborn in current gestation (PR=2.61; 1.45-4.69); and that had not received adequate antenatal care (PR=2.57; 1-37-4.81).

Conclusion

Improved quality of antenatal care and adequate maternal weight gain during pregnancy may be feasible strategies to prevent LBW repetition in successive pregnancies.
Decreased Semaphorin3A expression correlates with disease activity and histological features of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Takagawa Shu , Nakamura Fumio , Kumagai Ken , Nagashima Yoji , Goshima Yoshio , Saito Tomoyuki
Published: January 2013

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease of which the pathogenetic mechanisms are not fully understood. Semaphorin3A (Sema3A) has an immune regulatory role. Neuropilin1 (NRP1), the primary receptor for Sema3A, is also a receptor for vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (VEGF165). It has been shown that Sema3A competitively antagonizes VEGF165 signaling. This study investigated whether Sema3A is expressed in synovial tissues, and is associated with disease activity and the histological features of synovial tissues from RA patients.

Methods

Human synovial tissues samples were obtained from RA and osteoarthritis (OA) patients. Disease activity of RA patients was calculated using the 28-joint Disease Activity Score based on C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP). The histological features of RA synovial tissues were evaluated using Rooney’s inflammation scoring system. The localization of Sema3A, VEGF165and NRP1 positive cells was immunohistochemically determined in synovial tissues. Expression levels ofSema3A, VEGF-AandNRP1mRNA were determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).

Results

In OA specimens, Sema3A, VEGF165and NRP1 proteins were expressed in the synovial lining and inflammatory cells beneath the lining. Immunohistochemistry revealed the protein expression of Sema3A in synovial lining cells was decreased in RA tissues compared with OA samples. qPCR analysis demonstrated a significant reduction ofSema3AmRNA levels in RA synovial tissue samples than in OA and a significant correlation of the ratio ofSema3A/VEGF-AmRNA expression levels with DAS28-CRP (R = −0.449, p = 0.013).Sema3AmRNA levels also correlated with Rooney’s inflammation score, especially in perivascular infiltrates of lymphocytes (R = −0.506, p = 0.004), focal aggregates of lymphocytes (R = −0.501, p = 0.005) and diffuse infiltrates of lymphocytes (R = −0.536, p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Reduction of Sema3A expression in RA synovial tissues may contribute to pathogenesis of RA.
An evaluation of the ability of Dichelobacter nodosus to survive in soil
Authors: Cederlöf Sara Ellinor , Hansen Tomas , Klaas Ilka Christine , Angen Øystein
Published: January 2013

Background

Dichelobacter nodosus is the causative agent of footrot in sheep. The survival of the bacterium in soil is of importance for the epidemiology of the disease. The investigation evaluates the survival of D. nodosus in soil with and without added hoof powder stored under different temperatures.

Results

An experimental setup was used with bacteriological culture and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the results indicate that the bacteria can survive in soil for longer time than previously expected. The survival time was found to be dependent on temperature and the addition of hoof powder to the soil, with the longest survival time estimated to be 24 days in soil samples with hoof powder stored at 5°C.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that the survival time of D. nodosus and its ability to infect susceptible sheep on pasture under different climatic conditions should be studied further.
Genome-wide prediction and analysis of human tissue-selective genes using microarray expression data
Authors: Teng Shaolei , Yang Jack Y , Wang Liangjiang
Published: January 2013

Background

Understanding how genes are expressed specifically in particular tissues is a fundamental question in developmental biology. Many tissue-specific genes are involved in the pathogenesis of complex human diseases. However, experimental identification of tissue-specific genes is time consuming and difficult. The accurate predictions of tissue-specific gene targets could provide useful information for biomarker development and drug target identification.

Results

In this study, we have developed a machine learning approach for predicting the human tissue-specific genes using microarray expression data. The lists of known tissue-specific genes for different tissues were collected from UniProt database, and the expression data retrieved from the previously compiled dataset according to the lists were used for input vector encoding. Random Forests (RFs) and Support Vector Machines (SVMs) were used to construct accurate classifiers. The RF classifiers were found to outperform SVM models for tissue-specific gene prediction. The results suggest that the candidate genes for brain or liver specific expression can provide valuable information for further experimental studies. Our approach was also applied for identifying tissue-selective gene targets for different types of tissues.

Conclusions

A machine learning approach has been developed for accurately identifying the candidate genes for tissue specific/selective expression. The approach provides an efficient way to select some interesting genes for developing new biomedical markers and improve our knowledge of tissue-specific expression.
Bioluminescence imaging of leukemia cell lines in vitro and in mouse xenografts: effects of monoclonal and polyclonal cell populations on intensity and kinetics of photon emission
Authors: Christoph Sandra , Schlegel Jennifer , Alvarez-Calderon Francesca , Kim Yong-Mi , Brandao Luis N , DeRyckere Deborah , Graham Douglas K
Published: January 2013

Background

We investigated the utility of bioluminescence imaging (BLI) using firefly luciferase in monoclonal and polyclonal populations of leukemia cells in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

Monoclonal and polyclonal human lymphoid and myeloid leukemia cell lines transduced with firefly luciferase were used for BLI.

Results

Kinetics and dynamics of bioluminescence signal were cell line dependent. Luciferase expression decreased significantly over time in polyclonal leukemia cells in vitro. Transplantation of polyclonal luciferase-tagged cells in mice resulted in inconsistent signal intensity. After selection of monoclonal cell populations, luciferase activity was stable, equal kinetic and dynamic of bioluminescence intensity and strong correlation between cell number and light emission in vitro were observed. We obtained an equal development of leukemia burden detected by luciferase activity in NOD-scid-gamma mice after transplantation of monoclonal populations.

Conclusion

The use of monoclonal leukemia cells selected for stable and equal luciferase activity is recommended for experiments in vitro and xenograft mouse models. The findings are highly significant for bioluminescence imaging focused on pre-clinical drug development.
Bcl-2 overexpression ameliorates immune complex-mediated arthritis by altering FcγRIIb expression and monocyte homeostasis
Authors: Lawlor Kate E , van Nieuwenhuijze Annemarie , Parker Karen L , Drake Sarah F , Campbell Ian K , Smith Scott D , Vince James E , Strasser Andreas , Wicks Ian P
Published: January 2013

Selective effects of the Bcl-2 survival pathway on monocyte differentiation and its importance in determining the outcome of autoimmune disease.

RA is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by accumulation of inflammatory cells within synovial joints. RA is associated with a failure of apoptosis of infiltrating leukocytes, thought to be a result of overexpression of prosurvival Bcl-2 proteins. Overexpression of Bcl-2 in hematopoietic cells can result in spontaneous autoimmunity. We therefore hypothesized that increased Bcl-2 in the hematopoietic compartment would reduce apoptosis and thereby, exacerbate inflammatory arthritis. Paradoxically, we found that overexpression of Bcl-2 in mice (vav-bcl-2) markedly reduced pathology in antibody-dependent models of RA (CIA and K/BxN serum transfer arthritis). No such protection was observed in a model of CD4+ T cell-dependent, B cell-independent arthritis (mBSA/IL-1-induced arthritis). In CIA, vav-bcl-2 Tg mice had lower antibody production to CII, which might explain reduced disease. However, Bcl-2 overexpression also reduced passive K/BxN serum transfer arthritis. Overexpression of Bcl-2 caused a monocytosis, with preferential expansion of Ly6Clo monocytes and increased expression of the inhibitory receptor for IgG, FcγRIIb, on leukocytes. Skewing of the myeloid cell population, increases in FcγRIIb, and reduced arthritis were independent of the hypergammaglobulinemia found in vav-bcl-2 Tg mice. These data reveal selective effects of the Bcl-2-regulated apoptotic pathway on monocyte differentiation and the expression of FcRs critical for regulation of antibody/immune complex-mediated disease.
Central Ghrelin Signaling Mediates the Metabolic Response of C57BL/6 Male Mice to Chronic Social Defeat Stress
Authors: Patterson Z.R. , Khazall R. , MacKay H. , Anisman H. , Abizaid A.
Published: January 2013

Chronic stressors promote metabolic disturbances, including obesity and metabolic syndrome. Ghrelin, a peptide that promotes appetite and the accumulation of adipose tissue, is also secreted in response to stressors to protect the brain and peripheral tissues from the effects of these stressors. Here we demonstrate that elevated ghrelin levels produced by chronic exposure to social stress are associated with increased caloric intake and body weight gain in male C57BL mice. In contrast, stressed mice lacking ghrelin receptors (GHSR KO mice) or C57BL mice receiving chronic intracerebroventricular delivery of the ghrelin receptor antagonist [d-Lys3]-GHRP-6 show attenuated weight gain and feeding responses under the same social stress paradigm. Interestingly, stressed GHSR KO mice showed depleted sc and intrascapular brown fat depots, whereas stressed young wild-type mice did not. In old wild-type mice, chronic social defeat increased visceral and intrascapular brown fat depots in association with increases in obesity markers like hyperleptinemia and hyperinsulinemia along with increased hypothalamic expression of neuropeptide Y and Agouti related peptide. Importantly, the elevated expression of these peptides persisted least for 2 weeks after cessation of the stressor regimen. In contrast, old GHSR KO mice did not show these alterations after chronic social defeat. These results suggest that ghrelin plays an important role in the metabolic adaptations necessary to meet the energetic demands posed by stressors, but chronic exposure to stress-induced ghrelin elevations ultimately could lead to long lasting metabolic dysfunctions.
Collagen Binding Provides a Sensitive Screen for Variant von Willebrand Disease
Authors: Flood Veronica H , Gill Joan Cox , Friedman Kenneth D , Christopherson Pamela A , Jacobi Paula M , Hoffmann Raymond G , Montgomery Robert R , Haberichter Sandra L ,   the Zimmerman Program Investigators
Published: January 2013

BACKGROUND

von Willebrand factor (VWF) is a multimeric protein that binds platelets and collagen, facilitating hemostasis at sites of vessel injury. Measurement of VWF multimer distribution is critical for diagnosis of variant von Willebrand disease (VWD), particularly types 2A and 2B, but the typical measurement by gel electrophoresis is technically difficult and time-consuming. A comparison of VWF collagen binding (VWF:CB) and VWF multimer distribution was performed to evaluate the utility of VWF:CB as a diagnostic test.

METHODS

Participants were enrolled in the Zimmerman Program for the Molecular and Clinical Biology of VWD. VWF:CB was analyzed with type III collagen and multimer distribution by agarose gel electrophoresis. The study population included 146 healthy controls, 351 individuals with type 1 VWD, and 77 with type 2 VWD. Differences between individuals with multimer group results within (controls) and outside the reference intervals were assessed with Mann–Whitney tests.

RESULTS

The mean VWF:CB/VWF antigen ratio was 1.10 for individuals with multimer distribution within the reference intervals and 0.51 for those with multimer distribution outside the reference intervals (P < 0.001). Sensitivity of VWF:CB for multimer abnormalities was 100% for healthy controls, 99% for patients with type 1, and 100% for patients with type 2A and type 2B VWD using a VWF:CB/VWF antigen cutoff ratio of 0.6, and decreased to 99% for all patients with a ratio of 0.7. With the exception of individuals with novel or unclassified mutations, the VWF:CB was able to correctly categorize participants with variant VWD.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that VWF:CB may substitute for multimer distribution in initial VWD testing, although further studies are needed to validate the clinical utility of VWF:CB.
Cortical Adaptation to a Chronic Micro-Electrocorticographic Brain Computer Interface
Authors: Rouse Adam G. , Williams Jordan J. , Wheeler Jesse J. , Moran Daniel W.
Published: January 2013

Brain–computer interface (BCI) technology decodes neural signals in real time to control external devices. In this study, chronic epidural micro-electrocorticographic recordings were performed over primary motor (M1) and dorsal premotor (PMd) cortex of three macaque monkeys. The differential gamma-band amplitude (75–105 Hz) from two arbitrarily chosen 300 μm electrodes (one located over each cortical area) was used for closed-loop control of a one-dimensional BCI device. Each monkey rapidly learned over a period of days to successfully control the velocity of a computer cursor. While both cortical areas contributed to success on the BCI task, the control signals from M1 were consistently modulated more strongly than those from PMd. Additionally, we observe that gamma-band power during active BCI control is always above resting brain activity. This suggests that purposeful gamma-band modulation is an active process that is obtained through increased cortical activation.
Target-Specific IPSC Kinetics Promote Temporal Processing in Auditory Parallel Pathways
Authors: Xie Ruili , Manis Paul B.
Published: January 2013

The acoustic environment contains biologically relevant information on timescales from microseconds to tens of seconds. The auditory brainstem nuclei process this temporal information through parallel pathways that originate in the cochlear nucleus from different classes of cells. Although the roles of ion channels and excitatory synapses in temporal processing have been well studied, the contribution of inhibition is less well understood. Here, we show in CBA/CaJ mice that the two major projection neurons of the ventral cochlear nucleus, the bushy and T-stellate cells, receive glycinergic inhibition with different synaptic conductance time courses. Bushy cells, which provide precisely timed spike trains used in sound localization and pitch identification, receive slow inhibitory inputs. In contrast, T-stellate cells, which encode slower envelope information, receive inhibition that is eightfold faster. Both types of inhibition improved the precision of spike timing but engage different cellular mechanisms and operate on different timescales. Computer models reveal that slow IPSCs in bushy cells can improve spike timing on the scale of tens of microseconds. Although fast and slow IPSCs in T-stellate cells improve spike timing on the scale of milliseconds, only fast IPSCs can enhance the detection of narrowband acoustic signals in a complex background. Our results suggest that target-specific IPSC kinetics are critical for the segregated parallel processing of temporal information from the sensory environment.
MicroRNA-182 Regulates Amygdala-Dependent Memory Formation
Authors: Griggs Erica M. , Young Erica J. , Rumbaugh Gavin , Miller Courtney A.
Published: January 2013

De novoprotein synthesis supports long-lasting functional and structural plasticity and is a molecular requirement for new memory formation. Recent evidence has suggested that microRNAs may be involved in regulating the molecular mechanisms underlying neural plasticity. MicroRNAs are endogenous, noncoding RNAs capable of post-transcriptional repression of their mRNA targets. To explore the potential for microRNA-mediated regulation of amygdala-dependent memory formation, we performed expression profiling of microRNAs in the lateral amygdala of rats 1 h after auditory fear conditioning. Microarray analysis revealed that over half of all known microRNAs are endogenously expressed in the lateral amygdala, with 7 microRNAs upregulated and 32 downregulated by auditory fear training. Bioinformatic analysis identified several of the downregulated microRNAs as potential repressors of actin-regulating proteins known to be involved in plasticity and memory. Downregulation of one of these microRNAs by auditory fear conditioning, miR-182, was confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR. Overexpression of miR-182 within the lateral amygdala resulted in decreased expression of the protein but not mRNA of two synapse-enriched regulators of actin known to modulate structural plasticity, cortactin and Rac1. The overexpression of miR-182 also disrupted long-term but not short-term auditory fear memory. These data indicate that learning-induced suppression of miR-182, a microRNA previously uncharacterized in the brain, supports long-term memory formation in the amygdala and suggests it does so, at least in part, through the derepression of key actin-regulating proteins. These findings further indicate that microRNAs may represent a previously underappreciated mechanism for regulating protein synthesis during memory consolidation.
Appetitive Learning Requires the Alpha1-Like Octopamine Receptor OAMB in theDrosophilaMushroom Body Neurons
Authors: Kim Young-Cho , Lee Hyun-Gwan , Lim Junghwa , Han Kyung-An
Published: January 2013

Associative learning is a fundamental form of behavioral plasticity. Octopamine plays central roles in various learning types in invertebrates; however, the target receptors and underlying mechanisms are poorly understood.Drosophilaprovides a powerful system to uncover the mechanisms for learning and memory. Here, we report that OAMB in the mushroom body neurons mediates the octopamine's signal for appetitive olfactory learning. The octopamine receptor OAMB has two isoforms (OAMB-K3 and OAMB-AS), differing in the third cytoplasmic loop and downstream sequence. The activation of each OAMB isoform increases intracellular Ca2+similar to the alpha1 adrenergic receptor, while OAMB-K3 additionally stimulates cAMP production. Theoamb-null mutants showed severely impaired learning in appetitive olfactory conditioning that tests flies' capacity to learn and remember the odor associated with sugar reward. This deficit was also seen in the hypomorphic mutant with reduced OAMB expression in the mushroom bodies, the brain structure crucial for olfactory conditioning. Consistently, theoambmutant's learning phenotype was fully rescued by conditional expression of either OAMB isoform in the mushroom body αβ and γ neurons. These results indicate that the OAMB receptor is a key molecule mediating the octopamine's signal for appetitive olfactory learning and its functional site is the mushroom body αβ and γ neurons. This study represents a critical step forward in understanding the cellular mechanism and neural circuit mediating reward learning and memory.
Complexin Activates Exocytosis of Distinct Secretory Vesicles Controlled by Different Synaptotagmins
Authors: Cao Peng , Yang Xiaofei , Südhof Thomas C.
Published: January 2013

Complexins are SNARE-complex binding proteins essential for the Ca2+-triggered exocytosis mediated by synaptotagmin-1, -2, -7, or -9, but the possible role of complexins in other types of exocytosis controlled by other synaptotagmin isoforms remains unclear. Here we show that, in mouse olfactory bulb neurons, synaptotagmin-1 localizes to synaptic vesicles and to large dense-core secretory vesicles as reported previously, whereas synaptotagmin-10 localizes to a distinct class of peptidergic secretory vesicles containing IGF-1. Both synaptotagmin-1-dependent synaptic vesicle exocytosis and synaptotagmin-10-dependent IGF-1 exocytosis were severely impaired by knockdown of complexins, demonstrating that complexin acts as a cofactor for both synaptotagmin-1 and synaptotagmin-10 despite the functional differences between these synaptotagmins. Rescue experiments revealed that only the activating but not the clamping function of complexins was required for IGF-1 exocytosis controlled by synaptotagmin-10. Thus, our data indicate that complexins are essential for activation of multiple types of Ca2+-induced exocytosis that are regulated by different synaptotagmin isoforms. These results suggest that different types of regulated exocytosis are mediated by similar synaptotagmin-dependent fusion mechanisms, that particular synaptotagmin isoforms confer specificity onto different types of regulated exocytosis, and that complexins serve as universal synaptotagmin adaptors for all of these types of exocytosis independent of which synaptotagmin isoform is involved.
Between Sorrow and Pride
Authors: Longley Kyle
Published: January 2013

In July 1966 nine friends left the small copper-mining camp of Morenci, Arizona, for Marine boot camp. Ultimately, within two and a half years, all served in Vietnam, with only three returning alive. Over time, the Morenci Nine, as the group became known, emerged as an important story in the history of the Vietnam War and its impact on people in the Southwest. How people remembered the fallen sons of the copper miners, raised in a segregated company town, became important. The process followed the national pattern of individuals sustaining the memories until the nation finally started to deal with the trauma of the losses after the unveiling of the Vietnam Memorial. The efforts continue today as new forms of memorialization develop for the Morenci Nine even forty years later.
Solving for X
Authors: Koppes Clayton R.
Published: January 2013

George F. Kennan is renowned as the author of the containment doctrine and subsequently as a critic of American Cold War policy. But other elements of his thought, which have been neglected, are integral to a reconsideration of his stature. He distrusted democracy and proposed ways to limit its expression, discounted movements for human rights in Eastern Europe and elsewhere, believed Hispanics posed a threat to the United States, and often argued against the national liberation aspirations in the Third World (which he considered largely irrelevant to Great Power diplomacy). He failed to grasp the connection between the U.S. civil rights movement and foreign policy. These weaknesses limited his usefulness as a policy adviser and still cloud his legacy as America’s “conscience.”
A durai zsinagóga nyugati falképciklusának vallási és politikai üzenete
Authors: Xeravits Géza
Published: January 2013

E tanulmány a durai zsinagóga nyugati falképciklusa politikai és vallási üzenetének alapjait vizsgálja. A nyugati fal első művésze Isten és népe tartós szövetségének eszméjét hangsúlyozta, valamint az istentisztelet fontosságát. A második művész ezeket az általános vezérmotívumokat vette föl és bővítette tovább, nyomatékosítva, hogy Izrael Isten választott népe, amelynek története során Isten ígéretei és az ősatyák áldásai beteljesednek. Ezt egészítik ki a szárnyak, amelyek a múlt legkiemelkedőbb alakját, Mózest ábrázolják, hangsúlyozottan vallási/kultikus orientációval. A narratív panelek elsőrenden a hívőnek Istenhez fűződő kapcsolatára utalnak. A nyugati fal vallásos programjának kialakítása után a művész politikai szempontok felé is fordult. Az alsó és a fölső regiszterek festményei, az üdvtörténet különböző eseményeit fölidézve, a zsidó nép kiemelkedő voltáról tesznek tanúbizonyságot. Mindezt kisebbségi helyzetben és a lokális történelem egy különösképpen turbulens korszakában téve e panelek vigasztaló üzenetet is hordoznak. Nem az izraeliták ereje az, ami győzedelmeskedhet a pogányok felett, hanem egyedül az isteni segítség és a gondviselés, amit kifejez Isten Kezének visszatérő motívuma is.
Correlação entre o doppler da veia hepática direita com a biópsia transcutânea guiada pela ultrassonografia em hepatopatias
Authors: Souza Gleim Dias de , Queiroz Luciana Rodrigues , Ribas Carmen Australia Paredes Marcondes , Nascimento Marcelo Mazza do , Skare Thelma Larocca , Cuenca Ronaldo Mafia , Takano Gustavo Henrique Soares
Published: January 2013

OBJETIVOS: Correlacionar os achados da biópsia transcutânea hepática guiada por ultrassonografia com os dados ultrassonográficos modo B e Doppler da veia hepática direita; comparar os padrões de onda entre os grupos de estudo (hepatopatas) e controle (sadios); e avaliar se o Doppler da veia hepática direita serve como marcador de hepatopatia crônica. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 38 pacientes portadores de hepatopatia crônica comprovada por sorologia e biópsia (grupo de estudo) e dez pacientes sem hepatopatia sorológica (grupo controle), avaliados pela ultrassonografia modo B e Doppler. Os critérios histológicos foram a classificação da Sociedade Brasileira de Patologia de Hepatite Crônica. RESULTADOS: A ultrassonografia modo B e o Doppler diferenciaram os indivíduos portadores de hepatopatia crônica dos normais (p=0,047). Houve diferença significativa entre o grupo de estudo e o controle na comparação entre os achados histopatológicos, ultrassonográficos modo B e o Doppler nos padrões de onda da veia hepática direita (p=0,001). CONCLUSÃO: Foi possível correlacionar a biópsia hepática com a ultrassonografia modo B e o Doppler da veia hepática direita; os hepatopatas apresentaram alteração no fluxo da veia hepática direita e os normais não, sendo que o padrão de onda nos controles saudáveis foi trifásico e nos hepatopatas bifásico ou monofásico; e o Doppler da veia hepática direita serviu como marcador de hepatopatia crônica.
Ressecção de metastáses hepáticas em dois estágios e reconstrução da veia cava suprarrenal
Authors: Nicoluzzi João Eduardo
Published: January 2013

A hepatectomia em duas etapas utiliza a capacidade de regeneração do fígado, após uma primeira hepatectomia não curativa, para permitir uma segunda ressecção. Neste artigo relatamos os aspectos técnicos do manejo de uma doente de 37 anos de idade, com metástases colorretais sincrônicas, onde uma única hepatectomia não era suficiente para remover todas as lesões, mesmo em combinação com quimioterapia, embolização portal ou radiofrequência. Porém as metástases poderiam ser removidas por duas ressecções sequenciais.
Reflexões acerca do estágio curricular na formação do professor licenciado em teatro
Authors: Almeida Junior José Simões de
Published: January 2013

A partir de um breve panorama histórico, busca-se apontar enfrentamentos e dificuldades políticas e culturais em torno da inserção do ensino de teatro, como campo de conhecimento no currículo da Educação Básica. Toma-se como objeto para esta discussão o estágio supervisionado obrigatório e o seu papel na formação do futuro docente. Nesse contexto, os relatos dos alunos estagiários buscam somar à reflexão do estágio curricular obrigatório como espaço de formação do ofício da docência, do diálogo entre os imaginários teatrais vivenciados na formação artística ao longo da formação e aquele realizado pelas práticas escolarizadas e na visibilidade do teatro no território escolar.
Belisário Penna, combatente: um capítulo da história da saúde pública brasileira
Authors: Castro-Santos Luiz Antonio de , Figueiredo Regina Érika Domingos de
Published: January 2013

A contribuição do médico sanitarista Belisário Penna (1868-1939) à história da saúde pública no Brasil constitui o tema central do texto. Belisário Penna é retratado aqui a partir de sua militância, dos combates que travou em defesa do saneamento rural e pela melhoria das condições de saúde de toda a população brasileira. O propósito também é situá-lo em meio aos debates de sua época, esclarecendo, por exemplo, como as ideias de Belisário - tão bem apresentadas em suas eloquentes palestras - primavam por se contrapor ao pensamento racista dominante entre as elites do País. Belisário argumentava que os obstáculos ao progresso nacional residiam na precariedade tanto da saúde quanto da instrução pública. Nessa medida, os problemas referidos à questão da eugenia no País eram interpretados sob um prisma otimista: no lugar de determinismos raciais intangíveis, a presença do Estado, por meio de programas de higiene e educação cívica, traria o progresso desejado. O "otimismo sanitário" do combatente mineiro não consistiu em um atributo só dele, mas era compartilhado por outros médicos e intelectuais em torno de movimentos como a Liga Pró-Saneamento, cujas bandeiras acenavam a necessidade de mudanças sociais e alcançaram significativa ressonância popular.
Abordagem dos temas alimentação e nutrição no material didático do ensino fundamental: interface com segurança alimentar e nutricional e parâmetros curriculares nacionais
Authors: Fiore Elaine Gomes , Jobstraibizer Gabriela Alsleben , Silva Camila Souza da , Cervato-Mancuso Ana Maria
Published: January 2013

A Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional (SAN) deve ser assegurada a todos. A escola é ambiente propício à formação de hábitos saudáveis e à construção de cidadania. Os Parâmetros Curriculares Nacionais (PCNs) orientam a promoção de concepções de saúde de modo transversal no currículo escolar. Este estudo teve como objetivo identificar e analisar a abordagem dos temas alimentação e nutrição no material didático do ensino fundamental e sua interface com o conceito de SAN e com os PCNs. Foi realizada pesquisa documental mediante o material didático de 5ª a 8ª séries do ensino fundamental da rede pública do Estado de São Paulo. A presença difusa do tema alimentação e nutrição na maioria das disciplinas, por todos os bimestres, nas quatro séries, traz à tona a interdisciplinaridade em saúde. Verificou-se que os PCNs estão relacionados ao conceito de SAN nos seus diversos aspectos e que a maioria das disciplinas contém temas que abordam esta relação. Na interface entre os temas, destaca-se a promoção da saúde e a produção dos alimentos. A metodologia utilizada no material didático apresenta o tema, mas não o conteúdo correlato, o que impossibilitou a análise de sua adequação. Conclui-se que existe a abordagem dos temas relacionados à alimentação e nutrição no material didático, alguns de forma inconsistente, e cabe aos educadores a seleção do conteúdo e da estratégia adequada, além de sua constante atualização, o que está sendo proposto pelo Estado, mas não está ao alcance de todos os profissionais e, portanto, ainda depende da iniciativa de cada docente.
O paradoxo de Bergson: diferença e holismo na antropologia do Ocidente
Authors: Duarte Luiz Fernando Dias
Published: January 2013

A antropologia do Ocidente, enquanto projeto de conhecimento comparado da experiência humana, decorre de uma disposição em acolher a diferença e o holismo como foco e método de sua lide, em contraposição aos valores que norteiam a ciência iluminista, redutora da complexidade e potência dos fenômenos humanos. Porém, ao assumi-la, dirigindo-se para as fronteiras da alteridade, não faz senão atender justamente àquele mandato "romântico" interno ao Ocidente. Analisam-se as características desse paradoxo, particularmente no horizonte dos saberes "pós-modernos" em sentido lato.
An analogue of the Baire category theorem
Authors: Hieronymi Philipp
Published: January 2013

Every definably complete expansion of an ordered field satisfies an analogue of the Baire Category Theorem.