bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Restrição protéica na prenhez: efeitos relacionados ao metabolismo materno
Authors: Ballen Marcia L. O. , Moretto Vera L. , Santos Maisa P. dos , Gonçalves Talita S. S. , Kawashita Nair H. , Stoppiglia Luis F. , Martins Maria Salete F. , Gomes-da-Silva Maria Helena G.
Published: April 2009

Foram avaliadas as alterações no metabolismo materno durante a prenhez em ratas Wistar, prenhes e não-prenhes, submetidas à restrição protéica, que receberam dietas isocalóricas (15,74 kJ/g), controle ou hipoprotéica (17% versus 6%), distribuídas em quatro grupos (n = 7), quais sejam: controle não-prenhe (CNP) e prenhe (CP) e hipoprotéico não-prenhe (HNP) e prenhe (HP), do 1º ao 18º dia de prenhez. Parâmetros bioquímicos, hormonais e relacionados à síntese de lipídios foram considerados. Utilizou-se ANOVA a duas vias seguido de teste Tukey-HSD e teste t de Student, significância de p < 0,05. A restrição protéica elevou a síntese de lipídios e a atividade da enzima málica (EM) no fígado (FIG) e reduziu a massa (%) e a razão lipí+dio/glicogênio nesse tecido, bem como reduziu a ingestão protéica (total e %), o conteúdo (%) de lipídios na glândula mamária (GMA), as proteínas e a albumina séricas, com consequente redução nas massas da placenta e fetos. A prenhez reduziu a proteinemia, a albuminemia, a síntese de lipídios, a atividade da EM, os lipídios e o glicogênio no FIG. Mas elevou a massa corporal final, a massa (%) do tecido adiposo gonadal (GON), do FIG e da GMA, e reduziu a massa (%) da carcaça (CARC), a síntese e o conteúdo de lipídios no GON e, na GMA, o conteúdo de lipídios. A insulinemia elevou-se na prenhez, com glicemia reduzida, caracterizando resistência hormonal. A leptina e a prolactina também se elevaram na prenhez, sendo o aumento maior no HP. A restrição protéica na prenhez modificou o metabolismo materno, alterando a síntese de lipídios no FIG e o perfil hormonal, além de reduzir a massa da placenta e dos fetos.
Adubação mineral do feijoeiro: II - Efeitos de N, P, K,da calagem e de uma mistura de enxôfre e micronutrientes, em terra-roxa-misturada
Authors: Miyasaka Shiro , Freire E. S. , Igue Toshio , Campana Mário
Published: April 2009

Sete experiências foram conduzidas em terra-roxa-misturada, para estudar o efeito de diversas adubações sôbre o feijoeiro. O fósforo aumentou significativamente a produção em tôdas as localidades, o nitrogênio, em cinco, e o potássio, em nenhuma. A adição, a NPK, de uma mistura de enxôfre e micronutrientes (Zn, Cu, B e Mo) proporcionou aumentos de produção, não significativos, em quatro localidades. O efeito da calagem foi sempre negativo, mas sem significância estatística.
Adubação mineral do feijoeiro: XI - Efeitos de N, P, K e da calagem, em campos cerrados do Planalto Paulista
Authors: Mascarenhas H. A. A. , Miyasaka Shiro , Igue Toshio , Lovadini L. A. , Freire E. S.
Published: April 2009

Em experiências fatoriais de adubação, conduzidas por dois anos em terrenos recém-desbravados de campo cerrado de Itararé e Itapeva, no Estado de São Paulo, verificou-se que a calagem e principalmente a adubação fosfatada foram os fatores que mais influiram na produção, sobretudo quando empregados na presença um do outro. O efeito residual do fósforo não diferiu do imediato, ao passo que o da calagem foi mais acentuado que o obtido no ano da aplicação.
Efeito de adubos fosfatados e calcário na produção de forragem de soja perene (Glycine javanica L.) em "terra de cerrado"
Authors: Neme N. A. , Lovadini L. A. C.
Published: April 2009

São relatados os resultados de um ensaio instalado em "terra de cerrado", na Estação Experimental Central de Campinas, para o estudo dos efeitos do calcário e de adubos fosfatados, aplicados isoladamente e em combinação, na produção de forragem de soja perene. A adubação fosfatada e a calagem provocaram grandes aumentos na produção, e os efeitos residuais foram observados durante os sete anos em que durou o ensaio. A calagem elevou consideràvelmente o índice pH, ao mesmo tempo que reduziu o teor de A1+ + + trocável do solo.
Adubação da soja: VI - Efeitos do enxôfre e de vários micronutrientes (Zn, Cu, B, Mn, Fe e Mo), em solo Latosol Roxo com vegetação de cerrado
Authors: Mascarenhas H. A. A. , Miyasaka S. , Freire E. S. , Igue Toshio
Published: April 2009

Os efeitos do enxôfre e dos micronutrientes estudados (zinco, cobre, boro, manganês, ferro e molibdênio) sôbre a produção da soja foram testados em uma área de Latosol Roxo com vegetação de cerrado. O enxôfre, quer adicionado, sob a forma de gêsso, a superfosfato triplo, quer veiculado por superfosfato simples, proporcionou substanciais e significativos aumentos de produção, ao passo que as respostas aos micronutrientes foram pequenas e não significativas.
Significados e usos de materiais educativos sobre hanseníase segundo profissionais de saúde pública do Município do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
Authors: Kelly-Santos Adriana , Monteiro Simone , Rozemberg Brani
Published: April 2009

O artigo objetiva refletir sobre os processos comunicativos de Programas de Controle de Hanseníase (PCH) do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), por meio da análise da recepção de materiais educativos por profissionais de dois serviços de saúde pública no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. O trabalho discute em que medida a análise de impressos favorece a negociação dos sentidos e das práticas sobre hanseníase vigentes nos PCH. Foram analisados 38 materiais produzidos entre 1993 a 2005, por instituições governamentais e não-governamentais e realizados dois grupos focais com profissionais atuantes no PCH. Durante os grupos focais 6 materiais foram examinados. Os resultados revelaram a verticalidade e fragmentação nos processos comunicativos, expressas pela: ênfase em campanhas, produção centralizada, homogeneização dos públicos e conteúdos e privilégio dado ao saber biomédico. As atividades horizontais e participativas não eram comuns. Foi identificada uma lacuna entre a institucionalização do discurso da hanseníase, como alternativa à terminologia da lepra, e a sua circulação e consumo entre os diferentes atores sociais.
Novas curvas de crescimento da Organização Mundial da Saúde: comparação com valores de crescimento de crianças pré-escolares das cidades de Taubaté e Santo André, São Paulo
Authors: Leone Claudio , Bertoli Ciro João , Schoeps Denise de Oliveira
Published: April 2009

OBJETIVO: Em 2007, a Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) propôs um referencial de crescimento de cinco a 19 anos, a ser utilizado em continuidade ao referencial de menores de cinco anos (de 2006), que, entre outras características, aos cinco anos de idade mostra um bom ajuste com a curva de 2006. Este estudo visa comparar os referenciais da OMS com o crescimento observado em pré-escolares brasileiros. MÉTODOS: A partir dos dados antropométricos de 2.830 crianças com idade entre três e seis anos de duas amostras das cidades de Taubaté e Santo André, em São Paulo, foram calculados os valores dos percentis (P) 5, 50 e 95 de peso, estatura e índice de massa corpórea (IMC). Os valores dos novos referenciais da OMS foram comparados a esses resultados de acordo com o sexo e a faixa etária. RESULTADOS: Nos percentis de estatura, o referencial apresentou valores próximos ou pouco superiores aos dos pré-escolares até os cinco anos. Nessa idade, a tendência se inverte, obtendo-se valores progressivamente inferiores até os sete anos. Para peso e IMC, em todas as idades consideradas, o P5 e 50 dos referenciais são pouco menores que os das crianças, mas o P95 indica uma tendência de crescimento progressivamente menor, fazendo com que, próximo aos sete anos, o P95 de IMC dos pré-escolares da amostra seja cerca de 4kg/m² maior. CONCLUSÕES: Os referenciais da OMS apontam uma prevalência menor de magreza (desnutrição) e baixa estatura entre cinco e sete anos e, ao mesmo tempo, uma elevação importante da prevalência de obesidade entre três e sete anos de idade.
A balança comercial do agronegócio brasileiro de 1989 a 2005
Authors: Barros Geraldo Sant'Ana de Camargo , Silva Simone Fioritti
Published: April 2009

Este trabalho analisa a contribuição do agronegócio para o saldo comercial do Brasil. Uma nova classificação de balança comercial do agronegócio foi criada e usada para analisar os lados dos produtos exportados (representados pelos produtos agrícolas, produtos de origem animal e alimentos industrializados) e dos insumos importados (representados pelos fertilizantes) para o período de 1989 a 2005. Foram elaborados modelos de importação e exportação a fim de retratar e explicar o comportamento dessas variáveis, empregando a Análise de Auto-Regressões Vetoriais (Vector Autoregression Analysis - VAR). Pôde-se observar que um aumento de 1% na atratividade - dada pelo produto do câmbio e dos preços externos - impulsiona as exportações de produtos agrícolas não processados em 1,71% imediatamente, estabilizando-se em 2% após alguns trimestres. A atratividade explica de 60% a 74% da variância dos erros de previsão dessas exportações. Nota-se que uma desvalorização cambial, por exemplo, aumenta mais as exportações de produtos do que as importações de fertilizantes. Além disso, um crescimento de 1% no PIB doméstico exerce impacto expressivo (convergindo em -1,7%) de contenção das exportações dos produtos agrícolas.
Qualidade fisiológica de sementes de arroz submetidas à radiação gama
Authors: Miranda Helen Lúcia da Cruz , Bobrowski Vera Lucia , Tillmann Maria Angela André , Dode Luciana Bicca , Meneghello Geri Eduardo
Published: April 2009

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos da radiação gama (Co60) na qualidade fisiológica de sementes de arroz. O estudo foi realizado em três ensaios. No primeiro ensaio, sementes de arroz foram irradiadas com doses de 0; 1; 2,5 e 5Gy e, para o segundo e o terceiro ensaio, as sementes foram submetidas a envelhecimento acelerado, antes da irradiação. No segundo ensaio, as sementes foram dividas em úmidas e secas após envelhecimento acelerado e, então, foram irradiadas nas doses 0; 1; 2,5 e 5Gy. No terceiro ensaio, as sementes foram secas após o envelhecimento acelerado e irradiadas com doses de 0, 10, 25 e 50Gy. Para avaliação dos efeitos fisiológicos da radiação gama, foram realizados teste de germinação - TG, índice de velocidade de germinação - IVG e crescimento de plantas (comprimento de parte aérea e sistema radicular e massa seca total), em todos os ensaios. Foram determinadas as atividades enzimáticas da fosfatase ácida e alfa amilase nas sementes secas, no segundo ensaio. Os resultados obtidos nos ensaios indicam que as doses de radiação gama estudadas não afetam a qualidade fisiológica das sementes de arroz.
Avaliação do impacto dos sistemas ERP sobre variáveis estratégicas de grandes empresas no Brasil
Authors: Saccol Amarolinda Zanela , Pedron Cristiane Drebes , Liberali Neto Guilherme , Macadar Marie Anne , Cazella Silvio César
Published: April 2009

O artigo apresenta os resultados de uma pesquisa survey realizada numa amostra das 500 melhores e maiores empresas do Brasil, de acordo com a classificação da Revista Exame (2000). A pesquisa procurou avaliar o impacto da utilização dos sistemas ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) ou Sistemas Integrados de Gestão, sobre as variáveis estratégicas dessas organizações. O instrumento de coleta de dados é uma adaptação do original criado por Mahmood e Soon (1991), para avaliação do impacto da Tecnologia da Informação. Foram avaliadas sete principais variáveis estratégicas: Clientes e Consumidores; Rivalidade Competitiva; Fornecedores; Mercado; Produção; Eficiência e Eficácia da organização e Eficiência interorganizacional. Os resultados revelam poucas contribuições do sistema quanto às variáveis estratégicas Clientes e Consumidores, Rivalidade Competitiva e Mercado. O ERP demonstra agregar valor em relação à variável Fornecedores (relação, monitoramento etc.) e à variável Produção (ganhos de produtividade, escala no uso de software etc.). O ERP oferece também importantes contribuições para a Eficácia Organizacional e especialmente para a Eficiência Interorganizacional, facilitando a integração e comunicação entre diferentes unidades organizacionais e com outras organizações.
An experimental and theoretical investigation of flow in a gross pollutant trap
Authors: Madhani J. T. , Kelson N. A. , Brown R. J.
Published: April 2009

Flow through a gross pollutant trap (GPT) with fully blocked screens is investigated experimentally and theoretically using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Due to the wide range of possible flow regimes, an experimental approach is developed which uses a downstream weir arrangement to control the nature of the flow and the variation in free surface height. To determine the overall flow structure, measurements are taken at a fixed depth throughout the trap with an Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter (ADV), including velocity profile data across three cross sections of the GPT suitable for more detailed comparison with simulations. Observations of the near-wall flow features at the free surface are also taken, due to their likely importance for understanding litter capture and retention in the GPT. Complementary CFD modelling (using Fluent 6.3) is performed using a two-dimensional k−ɛ turbulence model along with either standard wall law boundary conditions or enhanced near-wall modelling approaches. Comparison with experiments suggest that neither CFD modelling approach could be considered as clearly superior to the other, despite the significant difference in near-wall mesh refinement and modelling that is involved. The experimental approach taken here is found useful to control the flow regime in the GPT and further experiments are recommended to study a greater range of flow conditions.
Synthesis of new photochromic compounds from the dimer of arylphenanthroimidazoles
Authors: Sakaino Yoshiko , Kakisawa Hiroshi , Kusumi Takenori
Published: April 2009

Treatment of the dimer of 2‐arylphenanthro[9,10‐d]imidazoles with nucleophilic compounds such as alcohols, aliphatic amines, and carboxylic acids afforded 2‐substituted‐2H‐ and 4‐substituted‐4H‐2‐arylphenanthro[9,10‐d]isoimidazoles. These products showed a characteristic photochromism by dissociation to a stable imidazolyl radical.
A dynamic model of annual foliage growth and carbon uptake in trees
Authors: Fowler A. C. , Clary Oliver , Roose Tiina
Published: April 2009

The growth of trees and other plants occurs through the interactive combination of photosynthesis and carbon (and other nutrient) assimilation. Photosynthesis enables the production of carbohydrate that can then be used in growing foliage, whereby photosynthesis is enabled. We construct a mathematical model of carbon uptake and storage, which allows the prediction of the growth dynamics of trees. We find that the simplest model allows uncontrolled foliage production through the positive feedback outlined above, but that leaf shading provides an automatic saturation to carbon assimilation, and hence to foliage production. The model explains the necessity for finite leaf area production at outbreak, and it explains why foliage density reaches a constant value during a growing season, while also non-leaf tissue also continues to grow. It also explains why trees will die when their carbon stores are depleted below a certain threshold, because the cost of foliage growth and maintenance exceeds the dynamic supply of carbon by photosynthesis.
SEASONAL VARIATIONS IN FATTY ACID COMPOSITION OF OIL IN DEVELOPING COCONUT
Authors: NARESH KUMAR S. , BALAKRISHNA A.
Published: April 2009

Studies on seasonal variation in oil and fatty acid profile of developing solid endosperm of two cultivars, West Coast Tall (WCT) and Chowghat Orange Dwarf (COD), and their hybrids indicated that oil percentage increased from 30% in 6‐month‐old nuts to 63% in matured nuts (12 months old). Nuts sampled during July from different levels of maturity had high oil percentage and followed by those sampled during April, October and January. During nut development to maturity, the percentages and contents of medium and long chain saturated fatty acids increased except that of palmitic and myristic acids. Concentration of long chain unsaturated fatty acids (LCUFAs) in developing coconut kernel were high at 5 and 6 months after fertilization and then decreased toward maturity. The LCUFAs were high in nuts developing during October; consequently, saturated to unsaturated fatty acid ratios were low during October. Results indicated that nuts matured during October had better nutritional quality for human consumption and those matured during January are more suitable for industrial purpose due to higher medium chain fatty acid concentrations.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Coconut is consumed either as the tender nut (5–6 months after fertilization) or as the kernel from mature nut (12 months after fertilization). Recent technologies of making snowball tender nut use the nuts aged 7–8 months old. Kernel also is consumed in this product. Apart from this, the coconut is being increasingly used for making different kernel‐based value‐added products. This information is useful, as the value‐added products are being developed using different maturities of coconut. Hence, it is of paramount importance that the fatty acid profile of coconut kernel is known in detail for assessing the safety of food consumption from the human health point of view. Apart from this, information on the seasonal variation in fatty acid profile of developing endosperm gives an integrated knowledge so as to optimize the usage of coconut kernel for both human consumption and industrial exploitation.
Depression, quality of life, and glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Lee Hyeon‐Joo , Chapa Deborah , Kao Chi‐Wen , Jones Deborah , Kapustin Jane , Smith Jamie , Krichten Cathy , Donner Thomas , Thomas Sue A. , Friedmann Erika
Published: April 2009

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to evaluate the contributions of diabetic complications to depression beyond the contributions of demographic characteristics in patients with type 2 diabetes. Further, this article evaluates the contributions of diabetic complications, depression, and quality of life to A1C (also know as HbA1c) beyond the contributions of demographic characteristics in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Data sources: A cross‐sectional survey of 55 individuals with type 2 diabetes attending an inner city diabetes specialty clinic. Patients completed the Beck Depression Inventory – II, the Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology Self‐Report, the Medical Outcome Study Short Form‐36, and a demographic questionnaire. A1C and diabetes‐related comorbidities were obtained from the patients’ medical records.

Conclusions: Being younger and female were associated with depression in individuals with type 2 diabetes. After controlling for age and gender, neuropathy tended to add to the prediction of depression; other comorbidities did not. Being black was associated with poor diabetic control (A1C > 7). After controlling for race, neuropathy and retinopathy predicted poor diabetes control and depression tended to predict poor diabetes control.

Implications for practice: Given the high prevalence of depression, the relationship of depression with poor diabetic self‐care and medication adherence, and the increased cost of treatment for patients with depression among individuals with type 2 diabetes, assessment of depression is crucial. Further research is needed to establish effective treatment of depression and its effect on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Scanning probe microscopy investigation of nanostructured surfaces induced by swift heavy ions
Authors: Akcöltekin Sevilay , Akcöltekin Ender , Schleberger Marika , Lebius Henning
Published: April 2009

Swift heavy ions can be used to modify material surfaces on the nanometer scale. In particular, the irradiation of a target surface under grazing angle of incidence offers new possibilities to create chains of individual nanodots with different lengths. The length of these chains can be controlled by the angle of incidence. So far, this method could be successfully applied for insulating materials. The present work dealt with nanosized tracks on the well-known highly oriented pyrolytic graphite surface. By using atomic force microscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy, comparative studies of two different ion beam energies and ion types have been performed. From the analysis of the scanning probe microscopy results, the same track length–angle relation was found, similar to earlier studies on other materials such as SrTiO3.
Theoretical analysis of the energy exchange and cooling in field emission from the conduction band of the n-type semiconductor
Authors: Chung M. S. , Jang Y. J. , Mayer A. , Weiss B. L. , Miskovsky N. M. , Cutler P. H.
Published: April 2009

Field emission has been theoretically found to contribute to the cooling only for the semiconductor cathodes. Using the formal theory developed recently by authors, the authors have calculated the energy exchange Δε as a function of temperature T and field F. It is found that the obtained Δε is positive for all T and large enough for a considerable cooling at room temperature. Even when the Joule heating is considered, field emission yields the net cooling effect. It is also found that the cooling is more effective for the n-GaN cathode than for the n-Si.
Glomerular permeability to macromolecules in theNecturuskidney
Authors: Tanner George A. , Rippe Catarina , Shao Youzhi , Evan Andrew P. , Williams James C.
Published: April 2009

Many aspects of the glomerular filtration of macromolecules remain controversial, including the location of the major filtration barrier, the effects of electrical charge, and the reason the filtration barrier does not clog. We examined these issues in anesthetized Necturus maculosus, using fluorescently labeled probes and a two-photon microscope. With the high resolution of this system and the extraordinary width (∼3.5 μm) of the glomerular basement membrane (GBM) in this salamander, we were able to visualize fluorescent molecules in the GBM in vivo. GBM/plasma concentration ratios for myoglobin, ovalbumin, and serum albumin did not differ from that of inulin, indicating that the GBM does not discriminate among these molecules. The GBM/plasma concentration ratios for fluoresceinated dextran 500 and 2,000 kDa were significantly below that of inulin. Glomerular sieving coefficients (GSCs) for various macromolecules decreased as molecular mass increased, and the GSCs for bovine or human serum albumin were extremely low. The effect of electrical charge on filterability of a macromolecule was also examined. The GSCs for native (anionic) and neutral human serum albumin were not significantly different, nor did GSCs for anionic and neutral dextran 40 kDa differ, indicating that charge has no detectable effect on filterability of these macromolecules. These studies indicate that the main filtration barrier to albumin is the podocyte slit diaphragm. Electron microscopic studies revealed many cell processes within the GBM. Macromolecules that penetrated the GBM were taken up by mesangial cells and endothelial cells, suggesting that these cells help to prevent clogging of the filter.
Axial distribution heterogeneity of nitric oxide airway production in healthy adults
Authors: Kerckx Yannick , Van Muylem Alain
Published: April 2009

Model simulations of nitric oxide (NO) transport considering molecular diffusion showed that the total bronchial NO production needed to reproduce a given exhaled value is deeply influenced by its axial distribution. Experimental data obtained by fibroscopy were available about proximal airway contribution (Silkoff PE, McClean PA, Caramori M, Slutsky AS. Zamel N. Respir Physiol 113: 33–38, 1998), and recent experiments using heliox instead of air gave insight on the peripheral airway production (Shin HW, Condorelli P, Rose-Gottron CM, Cooper DM, George SC. J Appl Physiol 97: 874–882, 2004; Kerckx Y, Michils A, Van Muylem A. J Appl Physiol 104: 918–924, 2008). This theoretical work aimed at obtaining a realistic distribution of NO production in healthy adults by meeting both proximal and peripheral experimental constraints. To achieve this, a model considering axial diffusion with geometrical boundaries derived from Weibel's morphometrical data was divided into serial compartments, each characterized by its axial boundaries and its part of bronchial NO production. A four-compartment model was able to meet both criteria. Two compartments were found to share all the NO production: one proximal ( generations 0 and 1; 15–25% of the NO production) and one inside the acinus (proximal limit, generations 14–16; distal limit, generations 16 and 17; 75–85% of the NO production). Remarkably, this finding implies a quasi nil production in the main part of the conducting airways and in the acinar airways distal to generation 17. Given the chosen experimental outcomes and reliant on their accuracy, this very inhomogeneous distribution is likely the more realistic one that may be achieved with a “one-trumpet”-shaped model. Refinement should come from a more realistic description of the acinus structure.
Uric Acid and Dementia in Community-Dwelling Older Persons
Authors: Ruggiero Carmelinda , Cherubini Antonio , Lauretani Fulvio , Bandinelli Stefania , Maggio Marcello , Di Iorio Angelo , Zuliani Giovanni , Dragonas Charalampos , Senin Umberto , Ferrucci Luigi
Published: April 2009

Background: The biological action of uric acid (UA) in humans is controversial. UA is considered an antioxidant compound, but preclinical evidence suggests a proinflammatory action. Epidemiological studies found that hyperuricemia is associated with conditions leading to dementia. Our aim is to investigate the relationship between UA levels and dementia in older persons. Methods: Cross-sectional study performed in 1,016 community-dwelling older persons participating in the InCHIANTI study. Participants underwent determination of circulating UA levels and neuropsychological evaluation. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to estimate the probability of participants belonging to the highest and middle UA tertile to be affected by dementia compared to those in the lowest tertile. Results: Demented persons had higher UA levels (p = 0.001) and the prevalence of persons affected by dementia increased across UA tertiles (p < 0.0001). Independent of several confounders, persons belonging to the highest UA tertile had a threefold (OR = 3.32; 95% CI: 1.06–10.42) higher probability to suffer from a dementia syndrome while those in the middle UA tertile tended to have a higher probability of being demented compared to those in the lowest tertile. Conclusion: In a population-based sample, high circulating UA levels are associated with an increased likelihood to be affected by a dementia syndrome.
Urinary Aldosterone Excretion and Renal Function in Extremely-Low-Birth-Weight Infants following Acute Furosemide Therapy
Authors: Costa S. , Gallini F. , De Carolis M.P. , Latella C. , Maggio L. , Zecca C. , Romagnoli C.
Published: April 2009

Background: Increased activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) has been reported in the neonatal period. Until now, it has been demonstrated that the RAAS of healthy neonates responds to acute furosemide challenge while no data concerning the responsiveness of RAAS in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants are available. Objective: To assess urinary aldosterone excretion (UAE) and renal function in ELBW infants who received diuretics for the purpose of reducing the incidence of chronic lung disease (CLD). Methods: Infants with birth weights ≤1,000 g, at high risk to develop CLD, were studied in a prospective observational study. UAE and renal function were investigated before and after administration of furosemide given in a single dose of 2 mg/kg. Results: UAE and renal function were evaluated in 20 ELBW infants. Diuretic administration resulted in a significant rise in UAE and urinary sodium, potassium and chloride excretion. No change occurred in creatinine clearance, while urine volume increased significantly. Conclusions: ELBW infants respond to acute furosemide challenge by increasing urine volume, urinary electrolytes and UAE.
Increased Expression of Cyclooxygenase-2 and Increased Infiltration of Regulatory T Cells in Tumors of Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Gao Ya Wei , Chen Yu Xiao , Wang Zhi Ming , Jin Jun , Li Xin Ying , Zhou Le Du , Huo Zhi , Zhou Jian Hua , Chen Weisan
Published: April 2009

Background: Studies on Cox-2 and Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) showed that Treg suppress local immune response in a Cox-2-dependent fashion. Aims: To investigate Cox-2 expression, Foxp3+ Treg infiltration and CD4+ T cell frequency in HCC tumors. Methods: Tumors and the corresponding nontumor hepatitis B virus-related liver tissues from 40 HCC patients with hepatitis B virus infection, plus 10 liver samples from patients with hemangioma as controls, were assessed for Cox-2 expression, Foxp3+ Treg and total CD4+ T cell numbers using immunohistochemistry. Serum TGF-β1 was assessed by ELISA. Results: Reduced Cox-2 expression, increased Treg and increased CD4+ T cells were shown in tumor as compared with nontumor tissues. Moreover, of 40 tumor tissues, 23 that expressed Cox-2 showed increased Foxp3+ Treg and reduced CD4+ T cells compared with the remaining 17 that did not express Cox-2. Correlation analyses showed that within tumors Treg infiltration correlated positively with Cox-2 expression, and that Treg infiltration or Cox-2 expression correlated negatively with CD4+ T cells. Additionally, serum TGF-β1 was higher in HCC patients than in controls. Conclusion: Within tumors, Cox-2 expression, Treg infiltration and CD4+ T cell frequency were increased, and the Cox-2 expression correlated positively with Treg infiltration and negatively with CD4+ T cell frequency.
Cytokine Gene Polymorphisms in Common Variable Immunodeficiency
Authors: Rezaei Nima , Aghamohammadi Asghar , Shakiba Yadollah , Mahmoudi Mahdi , Jalali Arash , Moradi Batoul , Amirzargar Ali Akbar
Published: April 2009

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a heterogeneous group of disorders, characterized by hypogammaglobulinemia and an increased susceptibility to recurrent infections, autoimmunity and cancers. There are some conflicting results regarding the cytokine profile of CVID patients. While cytokine production could be associated with gene polymorphism, genetic profiles of a number of cytokines were analyzed in this study. The allele and genotype frequencies of the polymorphic genes coding for interleukin (IL)-2, IL-12, interferon-γ and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β were investigated in 30 patients with CVID in comparison with 140 controls. The genotype TGF-β CG at position +915 was significantly overrepresented in the patient group, while the frequencies of the genotypes TGF-β TT at +869 and GG at +915 were significantly decreased in the patient group in comparison with controls. TGF-β TC and IL-2 GT were the most frequent haplotypes in the patients, whereas the TGF-β TG haplotype was significantly decreased in the patient group. The allele and genotype frequencies of interferon-γ at position UTR +5644 and also IL-12 at position –1188 were similar in patients and controls. Cytokine single nucleotide polymorphisms could play a role in the pathophysiology of CVID. Considering the significantly lower frequency of the high production haplotype (TG) and the higher frequency of the low production halplotype (TC) of TGF-β, low production of this cytokine is expected in some CVID patients.
Identification and Characterization of an Arginine Kinase as a Major Allergen from Silkworm (Bombyx mori) Larvae
Authors: Liu Zhigang , Xia Lixin , Wu Yulan , Xia Qingyou , Chen Jiajie , Roux Kenneth H.
Published: April 2009

Background: The silkworm, Bombyx mori, is an important insect in the textile industry and its pupa are used in Chinese cuisine and traditional Chinese medicine. The silk, urine and dander of silkworms is often the cause of allergies in sericulture workers and the pupa has been found to be a food allergen in China. Recent studies have focused on reporting cases of silkworm allergies, but only a few studies have addressed the specific allergens present in the B. mori silkworm. Methods: We collected sera from 10 patients with a positive skin prick test to silkworm crude extract (SCE) and analyzed these samples by Western blot and ELISA. The cDNA of arginine kinase from the B. mori silkworm was also cloned and expressed in high yield in Escherichia coli. Allergenicity and cross-allergenicity of the recombinant B. mori arginine kinase (rBmAK) were investigated by ELISA inhibition assay. Results: Collected sera all reacted to a 42-kDa protein in a Western blot with SCE as the antigen. Preincubation of sera with rBmAK eliminated the reactivity of the patients’ sera to this 42-kDa band. All patient sera also exhibited positive reactivity to SCE in an ELISA assay. BmAK also demonstrated cross-reactivity with a recombinant AK from cockroach. Conclusion: Arginine kinase from the B. mori silkworm is a major allergen and crossreacts with cockroach AK.
Suppressive Effects of Ginsan on the Development of Allergic Reaction in Murine Asthmatic Model
Authors: Lim You-Jin , Na Hee-Sam , Yun Yeon-Sook , Choi Inseon S. , Oh Jong-Suk , Rhee Joon-Haeng , Cho Bok-Hee , Lee Hyun-Chul
Published: April 2009

Background: Asthma is a major health problem worldwide, and the morbidity and mortality caused by asthma are on the rise. Corticosteroid therapies for asthma treatment frequently induce many side effects. Therefore, the development of new medicines that have both high efficacy and fewer side effects has been a scientific challenge. Here we tested the effect of ginsan, a polysaccharide derived from Panax ginseng, against allergic reaction in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced murine asthmatic model in comparison with dexamethasone, and investigated its underlying mechanism. Methods: To induce murine asthma, mice were sensitized and challenged with OVA. Ginsan or dexamethasone was administered by injection 3 times a week. Airway hyperresponsiveness, airway inflammation and lung pathology were assessed in order to evaluate the effect of ginsan against asthma. Results: Ginsan treatment reduced airway hyperresponsiveness, remodeling and eosinophilia. These effects of ginsan were equivalent to those of dexamethasone. Ginsan treatment decreased the IL-5 level in the supernatant of cultured splenocytes, while IFN-γ and serum IgE were not altered. To elucidate the mechanism of ginsan, expression of inflammation-related genes were screened. Interestingly, ginsan treatment upregulated cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and COX-2 mRNA, and expression of their proteins in the lung were also increased. PGE2 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was also increased by the ginsan treatment. Lastly, ginsan inhibited the allergic reaction aggravated by COX inhibitor (indomethacin). Conclusion: Ginsan has anti-asthmatic effects, which seem to be partially mediated by enhancing the synthesis of COX gene products.
Implementation of Guidelines for Allergic Rhinitis in Specialist Practices
Authors: Bousquet Jean , Bodez Thierry , Gehano Pierre , Klossek Jean Michel , Liard François , Neukirch Françoise , Le Gal Martine , Janin Nicole , Allaf Bashar
Published: April 2009

Background: Guidelines for allergic rhinitis are more effective than free-treatment choice in the control of seasonal allergic rhinitis. Objective: To validate the ARIA (Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma) guidelines in the treatment of intermittent and persistent allergic rhinitis induced by pollens. Design: A multicenter, open-label, parallel, pragmatic randomized study compared two therapeutic strategies during a 2-week treatment course. In the first strategy (‘guidelines group’), 417 patients were treated according to ARIA with ebastine as oral antihistamine. In the second strategy (‘free-choice treatment group’), investigators had a free choice for the treatment of 422 patients. Main Outcome Measures: Quality of life measured using the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ), work productivity and daily symptom medication scores. Results: 94.2% patients returned the baseline visit questionnaires and 88.6% returned the posttreatment period questionnaires. RQLQ scores were similar in the two groups at baseline. After treatment, there were improvements in the overall score and in all domains in both treatment groups. According to pragmatic methodology, the improvements show that the guidelines group (–1.70 ± 1.20) is more effective than the free-choice treatment group (–1.52 ± 1.22) with a γ risk of 2%. Individual RQLQ scores, work productivity, and daily symptom scores were significantly improved in the guidelines group by comparison to the free-choice treatment group. Conclusion: A treatment based on ARIA guidelines offers patients a significant improvement in comparison to the use of a nonstandardized treatment regimen.
Safety of Two Cluster Schedules for Subcutaneous Immunotherapy in Allergic Rhinitis or Asthma Patients Sensitized to Inhalant Allergens
Authors: Pfaar O. , Klimek L. , Fischer I. , Sieber J. , Amoroso S. , Moreno Aguilar C. , Shah K. , Mösges R.
Published: April 2009

Background: Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) usually requires a long titration phase, which can be associated with various adverse events (AEs). Objectives: It was the aim of this study to determine the safety of 2 cluster regimens for SCIT in patients with allergic rhinitis, with or without mild or moderate allergic asthma, who were sensitized to grass and/or tree pollen, or house dust mites (HDM). Patients and Methods: Adult patients were included in a European, open-label, prospective trial. Pollen-allergic patients received grass pollen, grass and olive pollen, or hazel, alder and birch pollen according to a 3-week titration cluster. HDM-allergic patients received HDM extract according to a 2-week titration cluster. The safety of the titration phase was assessed in terms of local and systemic AEs. Results: The safety analysis included 157 patients: 110 received pollen and 47 HDM extract. During the cluster titration, 248 AE episodes were reported in the pollen group and 113 in the HDM group; these were mainly local reactions. Around one third of patients (30.9% pollen and 38.3% HDM) did not experience any AE. In most cases (67.1% of pollen and 71.1% of HDM patients), AEs did not lead to a change in titration schedule. No anaphylactic reaction or other serious life-threatening systemic AEs were reported. Only 2 patients in the HDM group discontinued treatment because of AEs. Conclusions: Rapid cluster titration was well tolerated in adults with allergic rhinitis, with or without mild to moderate allergic asthma, due to pollen or HDM. This short-titration, high-dose cluster regime may allow better patient compliance and cost savings.
Markov Models for Inferring Copy Number Variations from Genotype Data on Illumina Platforms
Authors: Wang Hui , Veldink Jan H. , Blauw Hylke , van den Berg Leonard H. , Ophoff Roel A. , Sabatti Chiara
Published: April 2009

Background/Aims: Illumina genotyping arrays provide information on DNA copy number. Current methodology for their analysis assumes linkage equilibrium across adjacent markers. This is unrealistic, given the markers high density, and can result in reduced specificity. Another limitation of current methods is that they cannot be directly applied to the analysis of multiple samples with the goal of detecting copy number polymorphisms and their association with traits of interest. Methods: We propose a new Hidden Markov Model for Illumina genotype data, that takes into account linkage disequilibrium between adjacent loci. Our framework also allows for location specific deletion/duplication rates. When multiple samples are available, we describe a methodology for their analysis that simultaneously reconstructs the copy number states in each sample and identifies genomic locations with increased variability in copy number in the population. This approach can be extended to test association between copy number variants and a disease trait. Results and Conclusions: We show that taking into account linkage disequilibrium between adjacent markers can increase the specificity of a HMM in reconstructing copy number variants, especially single copy deletions. Our multisample approach is computationally practical and can increase the power of association studies.
Principal Component and Linkage Analysis of Cardiovascular Risk Traits in the Norfolk Isolate
Authors: Cox Hannah C. , Bellis Claire , Lea Rod A. , Quinlan Sharon , Hughes Roger , Dyer Thomas , Charlesworth Jac , Blangero John , Griffiths Lyn R.
Published: April 2009

Objective(s): An individual’s risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) is influenced by genetic factors. This study focussed on mapping genetic loci for CVD-risk traits in a unique population isolate derived from Norfolk Island. Methods: This investigation focussed on 377 individuals descended from the population founders. Principal component analysis was used to extract orthogonal components from 11 cardiovascular risk traits. Multipoint variance component methods were used to assess genome-wide linkage using SOLAR to the derived factors. A total of 285 of the 377 related individuals were informative for linkage analysis. Results: A total of 4 principal components accounting for 83% of the total variance were derived. Principal component 1 was loaded with body size indicators; principal component 2 with body size, cholesterol and triglyceride levels; principal component 3 with the blood pressures; and principal component 4 with LDL-cholesterol and total cholesterol levels. Suggestive evidence of linkage for principal component 2 (h2 = 0.35) was observed on chromosome 5q35 (LOD = 1.85; p = 0.0008). While peak regions on chromosome 10p11.2 (LOD = 1.27; p = 0.005) and 12q13 (LOD = 1.63; p = 0.003) were observed to segregate with principal components 1 (h2 = 0.33) and 4 (h2 = 0.42), respectively. Conclusion(s): This study investigated a number of CVD risk traits in a unique isolated population. Findings support the clustering of CVD risk traits and provide interesting evidence of a region on chromosome 5q35 segregating with weight, waist circumference, HDL-c and total triglyceride levels.
Effect of Forskolin on Beta-Adrenergic Hyporesponsiveness in Skin
Authors: De Vries Gerald W. , Amdahl Lawrence D. , Lowe Nicholas , Wheeler Larry A.
Published: April 2009

Β-Adrenergic receptor hyporesponsiveness has been observed in psoriasis and after exposure of epidermis to phorbol esters. It was the purpose of our studies to determine if forskolin, which is known to act synergistically with receptor agonists in elevating endogenous levels of cyclic AMP, could return these responses to those seen under control conditions. It was observed that topical application of phorbol ester to mouse ears in vivo led to a significant reduction in isoproterenol stimulation of cyclic AMP in vitro. Low doses of forskolin (10-7M) were able to enhance isoproterenol’s effect under these conditions. Similarly, human keratinocyte cell cultures treated with phorbol esters and human psoriatic epidermis in vitro were both hyporesponsive to isoproterenol. Again, pretreatment of these samples with forskolin restored the Β-agonist stimulation to control values. These data indicate that forskolin is still able to act synergistically with Β-agonists in hyporesponsive systems and suggest that forskolin may be a useful probe in defining the mechanism of this decreased responsiveness both in phorbol-ester-treated skin and in psoriasis.
Use of the Chick Embryo for Pharmacological Screening of Retinoids
Authors: Démarchez M. , Eustache J. , Shroot B. , Schaefer H.
Published: April 2009

Retinoic acid and some selected analogs were tested to evaluate their effect on skin morphogenesis and toxicity in the chick embryo. Retinoids dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide were injected at doses varying from 10 pmol to 10 µmol into the amniotic cavity of 10-day-old chick embryos (n = 20). At 16 days of incubation, the eggs were opened to record the number of dead embryos and the number of embryos presenting club-shaped feathers. A lethal embryotoxic dose (LED50d16) which, at 16 days of incubation, provokes the death of 50% of the embryos and an effective dose (ED50) which induces production of club-shaped feathers in 50% of surviving embryos were then calculated using log-probit analysis. Retinoids could be classified according to their ED50. For example, arotinoid Ro 13–7410 appears approximatly 1,000 times more active than all transretinoic acid. However, the analogs which are more active are also more toxic. The assay described in the present study appears to be a simple and useful model for the screening of retinoids.
Vitamin D and Epidermal Differentiation: Evidence for a Role of Endogenously Produced Vitamin D Metabolites in Keratinocyte Differentiation
Authors: Pillai Sreekumar , Bikle Daniel D. , Elias Peter M.
Published: April 2009

Vitamin D3 is produced in the skin. It is metabolized primarily in the liver to the major circulating form 25-hydroxy vitamin D3, [25(OH)D3] which is metabolized in the kidney to produce the biologically active form of the hormone, 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3, [1,25(OH)2D3]. The skin not only participates in the production of vitamin D3, but also contains receptors for 1,25(OH)2D3 suggesting a role of this hormone in the growth and differentiation of this tissue. 1,25(OH)2D3 appears to play a role in epidermopoiesis and melanin pigmentation. Recently, using cultures of neonatal human foreskin keratinocytes, we have demonstrated that these cells produce abundant quantities of 1,25(OH)2D3 from 25(OH)D3. The production of 1,25(OH)2D3 varies with the degree of differentiation of keratinocytes and is regulated by exogenous 1,25(OH)2D3. 1,25(OH)2D3 induces differentiation possibly because of its ability to increase intracellular free calcium levels. A tentative model is provided to demonstrate potential mechanisms by which 1,25(OH)2D3-induced changes in intracellular calcium could regulate epidermal differentiation.
Differential Effect of Testosterone on Pigmented Spot, Sebaceous Glands and Hair Follicles in the Syrian Hamster Flank Organ
Authors: Wuest Paula A. , Lucky Anne W.
Published: April 2009

The androgen-dependent flank organ of the Golden Syrian hamster has been used as a model for acne and hair growth. 1-cm silastic capsules of testosterone (T) were implanted subcutaneously into female hamsters. Serum levels of T remained relatively constant after 1 week. Maximum growth of the pigmented spot occurred at 4 weeks but regressed by 6 weeks. In contrast, the growth of the pilosebaceous unit continued for 6 weeks. Total sebaceous area and number of sebaceous lobules increased by 3 weeks with a further increase in total area by 6 weeks. The distribution of lobule size shifted to more large lobules. Diameters of hair follicles increased at 3 and 6 weeks with a concomitant recruitment to large follicles. The density of hairs remained constant. The diminution in size of the pigmented spot between 4 and 6 weeks of T stimulation was not related to a reduction in serum T. In fact, there was persistent growth of the sebaceous glands and hair follicles at this time. The measurement of the pigmented spot of the flank organ is not a reliable indicator of the androgen responsiveness of sebaceous glands and/or hair follicles.
Human Epidermis Reconstructed on Dermal Substrates in vitro: An Alternative to Animals in Skin Pharmacology
Authors: Régnier M. , Asselineau D. , Lenoir M.C.
Published: April 2009

In this review, we describe three models of epidermis reconstructed on dermal substrates and utilized as an alternative to animal models. An almost normal epidermis is obtained when culture conditions are created that mimic the physiological conditions. The reconstruction of this epidermis allows us to evaluate the effects of substances such as retinoids and hormones on their target cell, namely the epidermal keratinocyte, and to vizualize the alteration of morphogenesis and architecture of the epidermis under the influence of such hormones. These cultures of reconstructed epidermis on firm substrates lifted to the air-liquid interface show a great potential in medical and pharmacological research since the systemic and topical actions of drugs as well as their metabolism can be studied.