bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New insights into the tribology of brake systems
Authors: Ostermeyer G P , Müller M
Published: July 2008

In spite of remarkable efforts the perfect brake pad in terms of friction performance, wear, noise, and costs has not been found to date. This is mostly because the development is still based on the extensive ‘trial-and-error’ method, as a reliable reproduction or even prediction of those issues is still not possible.

A theory regarding the interaction of friction and wear in the interface shows that the tribological behaviour of the system is determined by the growth and destruction of characteristic hard structures (‘patches’) on a mesoscopic length scale. A respective equilibrium of flow taking into account that the main part of the friction power is transmitted by the patches leads to a physically derived dynamic friction law. This paper shows the results that can be gained using this sophisticated law and how it explains several measured phenomena on different timescales. Based on this assumption a cellular automaton model is introduced where the choice of its inner variables and its boundary conditions allows a description of the processes in the interface, as a matter of principle. The paper deals with the formulation of the rules considering the interactions between the patches, friction, wear, and temperature and the resulting dynamic effects. The rules are derived from physical laws and measurements. The occurring timescales according to this model are pointed out and a method towards the problem's simplification with the help of specific algorithms is presented.
Development and validation of a new method for measuring friction between skin and nonwoven materials
Authors: Cottenden A M , Wong W K , Cottenden D J , Farbrot A
Published: July 2008

A new method for measuring the coefficient of friction between nonwoven materials and the curved surface of the volar forearm has been developed and validated. The method was used to measure the coefficient of static friction for three different nonwoven materials on the normal (dry) and over-hydrated volar forearms of five female volunteers (ages 18–44). The method proved simple to run and had good repeatability: the coefficient of variation (standard deviation expressed as a percentage of the mean) for triplets of repeat measurements was usually (80 per cent of the time) less than 10 per cent. Measurements involving the geometrically simpler configuration of pulling a weighted fabric sample horizontally across a quasi-planar area of volar forearm skin proved experimentally more difficult and had poorer repeatability. However, correlations between values of coefficient of static friction derived using the two methods were good ( R = 0.81 for normal (dry) skin, and 0.91 for over-hydrated skin). Measurements of the coefficient of static friction for the three nonwovens for normal (dry) and for over-hydrated skin varied in the ranges of about 0.3–0.5 and 0.9–1.3, respectively. In agreement with Amontons' law, coefficients of friction were invariant with normal pressure over the entire experimental range (0.1–8.2 kPa).
Development and validation of an electrogoniometric wrist alignment device
Authors: Ugbolue U C , Nicol A C , Maclean J
Published: July 2008

This paper reports the development of an instrumented flexible electrogoniometric hand posture corrective device designed specifically for monitoring and controlling the range of motion (ROM) at the hand and wrist. The device, known as the wrist alignment device (WAD), consists of flexible electrogoniometers attached to a Lycra® glove and a control box housing the WAD circuitry. The WAD controls the wrist ROM within set limits by means of presetting the joint angle ranges prior to commencing measurements, thereby preventing or reducing extreme wrist ulnar deviation, wrist hyperflexion, and wrist hyperextension. Additionally, the device consists of a window comparator, which allows the joint movement always to remain within the set limits. Where the subject's wrist ROM is outside the presettings, a piezo-buzzer is triggered which alerts the subject to reduce the ROM, thereby ensuring that the joint angles are always kept within the preset angle range. All instrumentation associated with the development of the device underwent calibration. As a device, it has widespread applications within the office and clinical environment. Preliminary results indicate that reliable measurements based on ROM settings can be obtained when using the WAD.
The effect of polyethylene thickness in fixed- and mobile-bearing total knee replacements
Authors: Shi J F , Wang C J , Berryman F , Hart W
Published: July 2008

In this paper fixed- and mobile-bearing implants were simulated using a multibody dynamic model and a finite element model to investigate the contact pressure distribution in the ultra high molecular weight polyethylene tibial bearing component. The thickness of polyethylene varied from 6.8 to 12.3 mm and the polyethylene was modelled as a non-linear material. It was found that the contact pressure on the polyethylene decreased in the fixed-bearing implant when the thickness of polyethylene increased from 6.8 to 8 and 9.6 mm, but there was little further decrease in pressure with the increase of polyethylene thickness from 9.6 to 11.0 and 12.3 mm. In the mobile-bearing implant, no increase in contact pressure on the superior surface was found with the increase in the thickness of the polyethylene; however, the contact pressures on the inferior contact surface of the thicker designs were higher than those in the 6.8 mm design. The numerical results obtained in this paper are in good agreement with published experimental test results. Moreover, the paper presents a detailed pressure distribution on the tibial bearing component during a full gait cycle.
Regulation of Natural Gas Distribution Using Policy Benchmarks
Authors: Muthuraman Kumar , Aouam Tarik , Rardin Ronald
Published: July 2008

Local distribution companies (LDCs) play the role of purchasing and delivering natural gas to their consumers, and state regulators oversee the pricing of natural gas to consumers. The common method of regulation, based on the cost of service, provides arguably little incentive for the LDC to optimally manage their procurement activities. In the light of recent deregulation and other changes, benchmarking-based regulatory schemes are being increasingly perceived as the right direction to pursue. Various states are experimenting with simple benchmark mechanisms that have inherent deficiencies and are often criticized. In this paper, we propose and characterize a new kind of benchmark that we call a policy benchmark as a mechanism for regulation. Using variance as the measure of risk, we formulate the regulator's and the LDC's problems as multiple-objective optimizations. We provide rigorous characterizations of the dominance frontiers for a two-stage model. We also provide multistage formulations that take into account various natural gas market microstructures. We compute solutions under parameters estimated from relevant real-world data and illustrate that the structures of the dominance frontiers remain unaltered from the characterizations provided by a stylized two-stage model.
microRNAs: a new frontier in kallikrein research
Authors: Yousef George M.
Published: July 2008

microRNAs (miRNAs) are a recently discovered class of small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression. Rapidly accumulating evidence has revealed that miRNAs are associated with cancer. The human tissue kalli-krein gene family is the largest contiguous family of proteases in the human genome, containing 15 genes. Many kallikreins have been reported as potential tumor markers. In this review, recent bioinformatics and experimental evidence is presented indicating that kallikreins are potential miRNA targets. The available experimental approaches to investigate these interactions and the potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications are also discussed. miRNAs represent a possible regulatory mechanism for controlling kallikrein expression at the post-transcriptional level. Many miRNAs were predicted to target kallikreins and a single miRNA can target more than one kallikrein. Recent evidence suggests that miRNAs can also exert ‘quantitative’ control of kallikreins by utilizing multiple targeting sites in the kallikrein mRNA. More research is needed to experimentally verify the in silico predictions and to investigate the possible role in tumor initiation and/or progression.
Kallikreins and proteinase-mediated signaling: proteinase-activated receptors (PARs) and the pathophysiology of inflammatory diseases and cancer
Authors: Hollenberg Morley D. , Oikonomopoulou Katerina , Hansen Kristina K. , Saifeddine Mahmoud , Ramachandran Rithwik , Diamandis Eleftherios P.
Published: July 2008

Proteinases such as thrombin and trypsin can affect tissues by activating a novel family of G protein-coupled proteinase-activated receptors (PARs 1–4) by exposing a ‘tethered’ receptor-triggering ligand (TL). Work with synthetic TL-derived PAR peptide sequences (PAR-APs) that stimulate PARs 1, 2 and 4 has shown that PAR activation can play a role in many tissues, including the gastrointestinal tract, kidney, muscle, nerve, lung and the central and peripheral nervous systems, and can promote tumor growth and invasion. PARs may play roles in many settings, including cancer, arthritis, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, neurodegeneration and cardiovascular disease, as well as in pathogen-induced inflammation. In addition to activating or disarming PARs, proteinases can also cause hormone-like effects via PAR-independent mechanisms, such as activation of the insulin receptor. In addition to proteinases of the coagulation cascade, recent data suggest that members of the family of kallikrein-related peptidases (KLKs) represent endogenous PAR regulators. In summary: (1) proteinases are like hormones, signaling in a paracrine and endocrine manner via PARs or other mechanisms; (2) KLKs must now be seen as potential hormone-like PAR regulatorsin vivo; and (3) PAR-regulating proteinases, their target PARs, and their associated signaling pathways appear to be novel therapeutic targets.
Functions of KLK4 and MMP-20 in dental enamel formation
Authors: Lu Yuhe , Papagerakis Petros , Yamakoshi Yasuo , Hu Jan C.-C. , Bartlett John D. , Simmer James P.
Published: July 2008

Two proteases are secreted into the enamel matrix of developing teeth. The early protease is enamelysin (MMP-20). The late protease is kallikrein 4 (KLK4). Mutations in MMP20 and KLK4 both cause autosomal recessive amelogenesis imperfecta, a condition featuring soft, porous enamel containing residual protein. MMP-20 is secreted along with enamel proteins by secretory-stage ameloblasts. Enamel protein-cleavage products accumulate in the space between the crystal ribbons, helping to support them. MMP-20 steadily cleaves accumulated enamel proteins, so their concentration decreases with depth. KLK4 is secreted by transition- and maturation-stage ameloblasts. KLK4 aggressively degrades the retained organic matrix following the termination of enamel protein secretion. The principle functions of MMP-20 and KLK4 in dental enamel formation are to facilitate the orderly replacement of organic matrix with mineral, generating an enamel layer that is harder, less porous, and unstained by retained enamel proteins.
Tissue kallikrein and kinin infusion promotes neovascularization in limb ischemia
Authors: Smith Robert S. , Gao Lin , Chao Lee , Chao Julie
Published: July 2008

Adenovirus-mediated kallikrein delivery has been shown to promote blood vessel growth in the limb under both ischemic and normoperfused conditions. Here we investigated whether a continuous supply of kallikrein and kinin peptide can induce neovascularization in a rat model of hindlimb ischemia. Rats underwent femoral artery ligation and localized injection of tissue kallikrein, bradykinin or B1 receptor agonist, followed by infusion of proteins by osmotic minipump. Regional blood flow was monitored weekly by laser Doppler perfusion imaging. Three weeks after surgery, rats receiving kallikrein and kinins showed a significant increase in the perfusion ratio of ischemic vs. normoperfused limb compared to control rats. Similarly, a microsphere assay showed that kallikrein and kinins significantly increased regional blood flow without altering blood pressure. Moreover, kallikrein and kinins significantly augmented capillary and arteriole densities, as quantified by immunostaining with CD-31 and smooth muscle α-actin. Both tissue kallikrein and bradykinin increased hemoglobin content in Matrigel implants in mice, providing further evidence of the angiogenic properties. Kinins, when delivered subcutaneously via Matrigel in rats, also increased regional perfusion. This is the first demonstration that local application of tissue kallikrein protein or kinin peptide has therapeutic value in the treatment of ischemic disease by promoting neovascularization.
Allantoin as a marker of oxidative stress in human erythrocytes
Authors: Kand'ár Roman , Žáková Pavla
Published: July 2008

: Uric acid is the final product of purine metabolism in humans. It was determined that this compound has important antioxidative properties and it may be oxidized to allantoin by various reactive oxygen species. Therefore, the measurement of allantoin may be useful for the determination of oxidative stress in humans.

: We measured allantoin and uric acid in human plasma and erythrocytes obtained from patients with chronic renal failure before hemodialysis (n=30) and blood donors (n=30). We used a method based on selective isolation of allantoin from deproteinized plasma and erythrocyte lysate samples on AG 1-X8 resin and its derivatization to glyoxylate-2, 4-dinitrophenylhydrazone. Separation of glyoxylate-2, 4-dinitrophenylhydrazone from interfering substances was achieved on reversed phase HPLC with gradient elution and UV/VIS detection at 360 nm. Uric acid was determined by reversed phase HPLC with UV/VIS detection at 292 nm.

: We found significant differences in allantoin and uric acid concentration between the patients with chronic renal failure and the control group both in plasma (20.5±6.5 μmol/L and 323.9±62.9 μmol/L vs. 2.1±1.1 μmol/L and 270.1±62.3 μmol/L, p<0.05) and erythrocytes [82.8±39.1 nmol/g hemoglobin (Hb) and 110.7±28.8 nmol/g Hb vs. 20.1±6.1 nmol/g Hb and 82.1±23.7 nmol/g Hb, p<0.05].

: Significant higher levels of allantoin in both plasma and erythrocytes of patients with chronic renal failure indicate that allantoin may be used as a good marker of oxidative stress.

Clin Chem Lab Med 2008;46:1270–4.
Low serum vitamin B12 is associated with recurrent pregnancy loss in Syrian women
Authors: Hübner Ulrich , Alwan Ahmad , Jouma Muhidin , Tabbaa Mohammad , Schorr Heike , Herrmann Wolfgang
Published: July 2008

: Hyperhomocysteinemia and B-vitamin deficiency are associated with recurrent abortion. Recent studies have not investigated functional markers of vitamin B12 deficiency, such as methylmalonic acid.

: A total of 43 consecutive Syrian women with unexplained recurrent abortion and 32 pregnant controls were enrolled in the study. Serum folate, vitamin B12, methylmalonic acid and plasma homocysteine were determined.

: Vitamin B12 was significantly decreased in patients with recurrent abortion compared to controls (mean concentrations 197 vs. 300 pg/mL, p=0.004). The lowest mean serum vitamin B12 (172 pg/mL) was observed in primary aborters. Homocysteine was elevated in aborters in comparison to controls (8.3 vs. 7.1 μmol/L, p=0.093). Folate and methylmalonic acid did not differ significantly between the study groups. A highly significant correlation between homocysteine and methylmalonic acid and vitamin B12 was observed only in patients but not in controls (p<0.001 and p=0.002, respectively). In the logistic regression model, only serum vitamin B12 emerged with a significant odds ratio.

: The results confirm low serum vitamin B12 in recurrent abortion patients. However, methylmalonic acid did not support that functional vitamin B12 plays a role in this group. This unexpected result might be due to a decrease of the metabolically inert vitamin B12 fraction (holohaptocorrin) or confounding factors. Further studies are necessary to investigate the role of vitamin B12 deficiency in recurrent abortion.

Clin Chem Lab Med 2008;46:1265–9.
Search for the “missing” α-decay branch in 239Cm
Authors: Qin Zhi , Brüchle W. , Ackermann D. , Eberhardt Klaus , Heßberger F. P. , Jäger E. , Kratz Jens Volker , Kuusiniemi P. , Liebe D. , Münzenberg G. , Nayak Dalia , Novikov Yu. N. , Schädel M. , Schausten B. , Schimpf E. , Semchenkov A. , Sulignano B. , Thörle P. , Wu X.L.
Published: July 2008

A search for the α-decay of 239Cm was carried out via the fusion reaction 232Th(12C,5n) 239Cm at GSI, applying nuclear chemistry techniques. The 239Cm α-decay would provide a link between known nuclear masses and α-decay energies measured in the region of the superheavy elements. Three different 12C beam energies were chosen in the present experiments. The α peaks of 238,240Cm were observed clearly at a 12C energy of 74 MeV, while 238Cm disappeared at 70 MeV to provide an undisturbed α-spectrum for a sensitive search of 239Cm decay. No α-events between 6.34 and 6.50 MeV, which could be assigned to 239Cm with confidence, were observed in this experiment. The upper limit of the α-branch of 239Cm was less than 1.0×10−5.
New Instruments and the Meaning of Quantum Mechanics
Authors: Bromberg Joan Lisa
Published: July 2008

Historians tracing the development of research into the foundations of quantum mechanics have yet to factor in the role of new scientific instrumentation. Yet physicists repeatedly stress its importance when they write about recent work. This paper looks at two experiments done in the 1980s to illuminate Niels Bohr's concept of complementarity. It lays out the novel instruments that were used and examines the motives of the theorists who proposed the experiments and the experimentalists who carried them out. Understanding their attitudes is one step towards exploring the part that "real" experiments played in reconfiguring foundations research.
Colpocleisis revisited
Authors: Latthe Pallavi M , Karri Kamakshi , Arunkalaivanan Angamuthu S
Published: July 2008

Colpocleisis is used to treat advanced pelvic organ prolapse in older women who are too frail for conventional surgery and who are no longer sexually active.

It is quick, easy, effective and associated with low recurrence rates and high patient satisfaction.

Other procedures can be performed concomitantly for stress urinary incontinence and deficient perineum.

Learning objectives:

To understand the indications, alternatives, advantages and procedure of colpocleisis.

To review the available data on effectiveness and complications.

Ethical issues:

Is colpocleisis an appropriate choice in sexually inactive women under 70 years in whom other corrective procedures have failed?

Please cite this article as: Latthe PM, Karri K, Arunkalaivanan AS. Colpocleisis revisited. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2008;10:133–138.
Postnatal affective disorders. Part 1: an introduction
Authors: Oates Margaret
Published: July 2008

Emotional and behavioural changes affect 50–80% of new mothers between days 3 and 5 of the postnatal period.

Ten percent of all recently‐delivered women develop a depressive illness.

The incidence of puerperal psychosis is 2 per 1000 births.

Women with puerperal psychosis face a 50% risk of serious mental illness at other times in their lives.

Learning objectives:

To learn about the emotional changes following childbirth.

To be aware of the risk factors, clinical features and prognosis of postnatal affective disorders.

To be able to prescribe the appropriate care for women with puerperal psychosis and postnatal depression.

Ethical issues:

Should all women be screened for postnatal mood disorders?

Please cite this article as: Oates M. Postnatal affective disorders. Part 1: an introduction. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2008;10:145–150.
Maternal depression: risk factors and treatment options during pregnancy
Authors: Conlon Orla , Lynch Janine
Published: July 2008

Psychiatric illness was identified as the leading cause of indirect death in the fifth and sixth CEMACH reports; the decrease in the rate of suicide in the seventh report may indicate that previous recommendations are having a beneficial effect.

Half of the women identified in the earlier reports had a history of serious mental illness.

Depression during pregnancy is complex and difficult to treat.

Learning objectives:

To learn about the background, diagnosis and management.

Ethical issues:

How aggressive should any active approach be to reduce the risk of maternal death?

Can the use of pharmacological agents, which can cause fetal toxicity and neonatal withdrawal problems, be justified?

Please cite this article as: Conlon O, Lynch J. Maternal depression: risk factors and treatment options during pregnancy. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2008;10:151–155.
Increased risk of maternal death among ethnic minority women in the UK
Authors: Ameh Charles Anawo , van den Broek Nynke
Published: July 2008

The most recent CEMACH report indicates that the UK maternal mortality rate has not fallen in recent years.

This was attributed, in part, to increasing numbers of deaths amongst immigrant women.

It is likely that newly‐arrived refugees are affected most.

Learning objectives:

To be able to identify the factors contributing to the increased maternal mortality and morbidity.

To review the published evidence for effectiveness of interventions.

To identify appropriate research groups and organisations.

Ethical issues:

There is evidence to suggest that the care given to women from ethnic minority backgrounds, especially asylum seekers and newly‐arrived refugees, is substandard.

Please cite this article as: Ameh CA, van den Broek N. Increased risk of maternal death among ethnic minority women in the UK. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2008;10:177–182.
Website reviews @ TOG
Authors: Edey Katharine , Barnfield Sonia , Keay Stephen
Published: July 2008

Continuing our series on allied specialties, we consider psychiatry and mental health websites. Mental health problems affect a significant proportion of pregnant women and suicide is a major contributor to maternal death. Antenatal mental health problems present ethical and practical dilemmas, particularly if capacity to consent is questioned. Postnatal depression may present more often in primary care but mental health problems frequently present to the obstetrician or gynaecologist directly. Information for women and their clinicians needs to be accessible: online information can be helpful.
Seroprevalence of NMO-IgG antibody in Brazilian patients with neuromyelitis optica
Authors: Adoni Tarso , Lino Angelina Maria Martins , Marchiori Paulo Eurípedes , Kok Fernando , Callegaro Dagoberto
Published: July 2008

OBJECTIVE: To determine the seroprevalence of neuromyelitis optica antibody (NMO)-IgG in Brazilian patients with clinical diagnosis of relapsing neuromyelitis optica, also known as Devic's disease. METHOD: We determined NMO-IgG titers in 28 patients (25 of them females) that fulfilled the 1999 NMO diagnostic criteria proposed by Wingerchuk et al. RESULTS: NMO-IgG was detected in 18 NMO patients (64.3%). CONCLUSION: Our results showed that seroprevalence of NMO-IgG in Brazilian NMO patients was similar to the observed in other studies.
Effects of semantic relations, repetition of words, and list length in word list recall of Alzheimer's patients
Authors: Bueno Orlando F.A. , Bertolucci Paulo H.F. , Oliveira Maria Gabriela M. , Abrisqueta-Gomez Jacqueline
Published: July 2008

INTRODUCTION: Semantic relations among words and repetition enhance free recall, but it is unknown if these facilitating factors are effective in dementia. METHOD: Alzheimer's patients (MILD-Alz, MOD-Alz) were compared to healthy elderly. Fifteen-word lists were read out to the subjects. In four sets of lists the words in intermediary input positions were semantically related or not, or the midlist words were repeated, or they were repeated and semantically related. RESULTS: The usual third peak of recall of semantically related words was not observed in MOD-Alz, repetition of words did not increase recall of the patients, and the combination of relatedness and repetition benefited only MID-Alz. In a second experiment, with related or unrelated midlist words, and list length shortened from 15 to 9 words, semantic facilitation was observed in mild and moderate Alzheimer´s patients, although diminished compared to controls. CONCLUSION: Progression of dementia turns facilitating factors of recall less effective.
Posterior parietal cortex role in a sensorimotor task performance
Authors: Nader Sergio , Machado Sergio , Cunha Marlo , Portella Cláudio Elidio , Silva Julio Guilherme , Velasques Bruna , Bastos Victor Hugo , Basile Luis , Cagy Mauricio , Piedade Roberto , Ribeiro Pedro
Published: July 2008

This study aimed to elucidate electrophysiological and cortical mechanisms involved in anticipatory actions when individuals had to catch balls in free drop; specifically through quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) alpha absolute power changes. The sample was composed for 23 health subjects, both sexes, with ages varying between 25 and 40 years, absence of mental and physical illness, right handed and don't make use of any psychoactive or psychotropic substance at the time of the study. The experiment consisted of a task of catching balls in free drop. The three-way ANOVA analysis demonstrated an interaction between moment and position factors in left parietal posterior cortex (PPC) (p=0.001). Through the experimental task employed, this area demonstrated a differentiated activity involving expectation, planning and preparedness in the ball's drop task.
Spinal cord injury: epidemiologycal study of 386 cases with emphasis on those patients admitted more than four hours after the trauma
Authors: Leal-Filho Manoel Baldoino , Borges Guilherme , Almeida Bruno Ribeiro de , Aguiar Aline de Almeida Xavier , Vieira Marcelo Adriano da Cunha e Silva , Dantas Karoline da Silva , Morais Ricardo Keyson Paiva de , Santos Carlos Rogério Nogueira dos , Mendes Sumihara de Sousa , Pinheiro Luciana Maria
Published: July 2008

We studied 386 cases of spinal cord injury to analyze the follow up of the patients admitted most of the time more than four hours, the majority of the injuries happening far from the attending health service and first specialized care received long after the accident. This is a clinical study based on data collected during hospitalization of the patients, operated or not, in a Brazilian public health service. The lesion mainly seen was fracture and dislocation, isolated or on multiple levels, and the most important clinical complications were due to respiratory failure and hypotension, especially because 73.8% were from outside and they were admitted more then four hours after the trauma. The mortality rate was 11.9%, but just 2.1% had undergone a surgery. The complications resulted in major risk of death when the trauma was at the cervical level and the patients were over 50 years old, especially when admitted more than four hours after the trauma. We emphasize the importance of the first health care concerning the clinical treatment, aiming to reduce the mortality rate.
Immunohistochemical expression of markers Ki-67, neun, synaptophysin, p53 and HER2 in medulloblastoma and its correlation with clinicopathological parameters
Authors: Meurer Rosalva Thereza , Martins Daniele Tondolo , Hilbig Arlete , Ribeiro Marlise de Castro , Roehe Adriana Vial , Barbosa-Coutinho Ligia Maria , Fernandes Marilda da Cruz
Published: July 2008

Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant brain tumor in childhood. The alterations found include: presence of oncoproteins p53 and HER2, elevated mitotic index, and presence of neuronal differentiation. The aim of this study was to determine the immunohistochemical expression of markers Ki-67, NeuN, synaptophysin, HER2 and p53 in 40 MB samples and their correlation with clinicopathologic parameters and survival. In 29 patients (72.5%), >20% of cells were positive for Ki-67. Males showed greater ki-67 expression (p=0.02) and smaller survival rates (p=0.002). NeuN and synaptophysin were negative in 16 (40%) and 8 (20%) cases, respectively. P53 was positive in 18 (45%) cases, with 11 (61%) weakly positive and 7 (39%) strongly positive. HER2 was positive in 23 (57.5%) of the samples and did not show statistical association with survival (p=0.07).
Anticonvulsants to treat idiopathic restless legs syndrome: systematic review
Authors: Conti Cristiane Fiquene , Oliveira Márcio Moysés de , Valbuza Juliana Spelta , Prado Lucila Bizari F. , Carvalho Luciane Bizari Coin de , Prado Gilmar Fernandes do
Published: July 2008

BACKGROUND: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sensory motor disorder characterized by a distressing urge to move the legs and sometimes also other parts of the body usually accompanied by a marked sense of discomfort or pain in the leg or other affected body part. Many treatments have been used to minimize the discomfort of the disease, among them the anticonvulsant therapy. AIM: This review aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of anticonvulsant treatment for idiopathic RLS. METHOD: Systematic review of randomized or quasi-randomized, double blind trials on anticonvulsant treatment for RLS. Outcomes: relief of RLS symptoms, subjective and objective sleep quality, quality of life, and adverse events associated with the treatments. RESULTS: A total of 231 patients were randomized in three cross over studies and one parallel study. Three studies with carbamazepine, one with sodium valproate, and one with gabapentin, and they were very heterogeneous so we could not perform a metanalyses. CONCLUSIONS: There is no scientific evidence on RLS treatment with anticonvulsants for clinical practice.
Neurobiology of apathy in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Guimarães Henrique Cerqueira , Levy Richard , Teixeira Antônio Lúcio , Beato Rogério Gomes , Caramelli Paulo
Published: July 2008

Apathy is considered the most frequent neuropsychiatric disturbance in dementia and its outcome is generally deleterious. Apathy can be related to a dysfunction of the anatomical-system that supports the generation of voluntary actions, namely the prefrontal cortex and/or the prefrontal-subcortical circuits. In Alzheimer's disease, pathological and neuroimaging data indicate that apathy is likely due to a dysfunction of the medial prefrontal cortex. Accordingly, in this review article, we propose a pathophysiological model to explain apathetic behavior in Alzheimer's disease, combining data from neuroimaging, neuropathology and experimental research on the role of orbito-frontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, basal ganglia and dopamine in decision-making neurobiology.
Banco de sementes em cerrado sensu stricto sob queimada e sistemas de cultivo
Authors: Ikeda Fernanda Satie , Mitja Danielle , Vilela Lourival , Silva José Carlos Sousa
Published: July 2008

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de queimada e de sistemas de cultivo sobre o banco de sementes em solo de Cerrado. Foi realizada amostragem em área sob cerrado sensu stricto queimada e não queimada, assim como em área de pastagem e lavoura com preparo convencional do solo. Não houve redução no banco de sementes, embora tenha havido menor número de espécies e de famílias, e dos índices de diversidade, com a queimada. Houve maior índice de valor de importância (IVI) e número de espécies nativas, na área não queimada, e de espécies invasoras na área queimada. Na área de lavoura, houve maior densidade de sementes do que na área de pastagem e de cerrado. Asespécies com o maior IVI nas áreas foram aquelas consideradas invasoras e forrageiras. A área de lavoura apresentou menores IVI de espécies nativas, índices de diversidade (Shannon e Simpson) e percentagem de espécies nativas do que as áreas de pastagem e cerrado. O cultivo com lavoura causa maior perturbação nas áreas do que a queimada.
Fertilizantes de leguminosas como fontes alternativas de nitrogênio para produção orgânica de alface
Authors: Almeida Maxwell Merçon Tezolin Barros , Lixa Alice Teodorio , Silva Edmilson Evangelista da , Azevedo Pedro Henrique Sabadin de , De-Polli Helvécio , Ribeiro Raul de Lucena Duarte
Published: July 2008

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o potencial de dois fertilizantes de leguminosas - produtos derivados do corte, desidratação e moagem da biomassa aérea das leguminosas mucuna-cinza (Mucuna pruriens) e gliricídia (Gliricidia sepium) - como fontes alternativas de nitrogênio (N) para a produção orgânica de alface (Lactuca sativa cv. Vera), e a influência dessas adubações sobre a vida útil pós-colheita da hortaliça, em condições de laboratório. Esses fertilizantes foram empregados em cobertura e comparados com cama-de-aviário industrial, assegurando-se doses equivalentes de N total. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos e quatro repetições: T1: adubação pré-plantio, com termofosfato sílico-magnesiano + sulfato de potássio; T2: T1 + esterco bovino, em pré-plantio; T3: T2 + fertilizante de mucuna-cinza, em cobertura; T4: T2 + fertilizante de gliricídia, em cobertura; T5: T2 + cama-de-aviário em cobertura. Não houve diferença entre os fertilizantes de ambas as espécies de leguminosas e a cama-de-aviário, quanto à produtividade, teor de N, padrão comercial e período de vida útil pós-colheita das alfaces, o que indica potencial de uso desses fertilizantes como fontes de N para sistemas orgânicos de produção de hortaliças.
Desenvolvimento e rendimento de clones de batata na primavera e no outono
Authors: Bisognin Dilson Antônio , Müller Douglas Renato , Streck Nereu Augusto , Andriolo Jerônimo Luiz , Sausen Darlene
Published: July 2008

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos da radiação solar, da temperatura do ar e do fotoperíodo, no desenvolvimento e rendimento de clones de batata, cultivados em condições climáticas de primavera e outono. Foram avaliados os clones SMIJ461-1, SMINIA793101-3, SMINIA97145-2 e a cultivar Macaca, nos cultivos de primavera e outono, em Santa Maria, RS. Foram determinados: número de folhas no início da tuberização e no final, filocrono, soma térmica acumulada da emergência ao início da tuberização e do início da tuberização ao início da senescência, e rendimento. As condições de temperatura e fotoperíodo modificaram os valores de soma térmica acumulada nas fases emergência-início da tuberização e início da tuberização-início da senescência, o rendimento e o número de folhas no início da tuberização, porém, não afetaram o filocrono e o número de folhas final. A soma térmica acumulada necessária ao aparecimento de folhas variou entre os clones. A determinação do número de folhas no início da tuberização, na primavera e no outono, pode ser utilizada para a identificação de clones com potencial de cultivo, em ambas as estações. O desenvolvimento das plantas de batata é pouco afetado pelas condições de cultivo. A disponibilidade de radiação solar determina as diferenças de rendimento dos cultivos de primavera e outono, no Rio Grande do Sul.
Base genética da resistência de um acesso de tomate silvestre ao mosaico-amarelo do pimentão
Authors: Juhász Ana Cristina Pinto , Silva Derly José Henriques da , Zerbini Júnior Francisco Murilo , Carneiro Pedro Crescêncio Souza , Soares Bruno Oliveira , Cruz Cosme Damião
Published: July 2008

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a base genética da resistência de Lycopersicon hirsutum ao potyvírus Pepper yellow mosaic virus (PepYMV). Foram avaliadas 540 plantas, inclusive os parentais 'Santa Clara' (suscetível) e 'BGH 6902' (resistente), e as gerações F1, F2, RC1:1 e RC1:2, derivadas do cruzamento desses parentais. As plantas receberam inoculações mecanicamente, e a concentração viral de PepYMV em cada planta foi determinada por ELISA indireto. Foram realizadas as análises quantitativa e qualitativa. A primeira, baseada na concentração viral de cada planta, indicou herança oligogênica com herdabilidade de 99%. Os mesmos dados, quando analisados de forma qualitativa, indicaram herança governada por dois genes, com interação epistática dominante e recessiva. Entretanto, quando foi analisada a geração F2:3, oriunda da autofecundação de plantas F2 resistentes, a hipótese de dois genes foi descartada e a de um gene, com dominância completa entre os alelos, foi a que melhor se ajustou aos dados. A análise qualitativa, pela sintomatologia observada, demonstrou que a herança da resistência ao PepYMV é determinada por um gene recessivo, com ausência de dominância entre os seus alelos.
Caracterização do fruto de ameixa silvestre (Ximenia americana L.)
Authors: Silva Geomar Galdino da , Souza Pahlevi Augusto de , Morais Patrícia Lígia Dantas de , Santos Elizângela Cabral dos , Moura Renata Damasceno , Menezes Josivan Barbosa
Published: July 2008

A Caatinga nordestina apresenta diversificada riqueza em espécies vegetais. No entanto, a potencialidade dessas espécies como fonte de nutrientes importantes para dieta humana ainda é muito pouco conhecida. Dentre estas espécies, encontra-se a ameixa silvestre (Ximenia americana L.). O presente trabalho teve como objetivo caracterizar os frutos da ameixa silvestre em dois estádios de maturação. Os frutos foram colhidos na Caatinga próxima ao município de Mossoró-RN, em dois estádios de maturação, verde (casca verde) e maduro (casca amarela), sendo 90 frutos para cada estádio. Para a caracterização do fruto, realizaram-se as seguintes análises: massa fresca, comprimentos longitudinal e transversal, rendimento de polpa, vitamina C, sólidos solúveis (SS), acidez titulável (AT), pH e relação SS/AT. Adotou-se o delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com dois tratamentos e seis repetições de 15 frutos para cada parcela. O fruto da ameixa silvestre é de formato arredondado, suculento e apresenta uma única semente tipo amêndoa. Considerando a polpa, ocorre mudança de coloração, passando da cor verde para a amarela, à medida que o fruto amadurece. Este fruto é considerado rica fonte de vitamina C que se encontra naturalmente na Caatinga nordestina, assim como um fruto com elevados teores de sólidos solúveis e acidez.
Comportamento pós-colheita de mamões Formosa 'Tainung 01' acondicionados em diferentes embalagens para o transporte
Authors: Santos Carlos Eduardo Magalhães dos , Couto Flávio Alencar D'araújo , Salomão Luiz Carlos Chamhum , Cecon Paulo Roberto , Wagner Júnior Américo , Bruckner Claudio Horst
Published: July 2008

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a comportamento pós-colheita de mamões do grupo Formosa híbrido 'Tainung 01', submetidos a diferentes formas de acondicionamento para o transporte rodoviário, desde o local da produção até o mercado atacadista. Foram utilizados mamões colhidos nos estádios 1 (até 10% da área superficial da casca com cor amarela) e 3 (25 a 40% da área superficial da casca com cor amarela), acondicionados sob diferentes formas: a granel, em caixas de madeira, em caixas de papelão ondulado e em caixas plásticas forradas com plástico-bolha (controle), e transportados a Viçosa-MG, distante 750 km da produção, onde os frutos foram avaliados. Após seleção e novo acondicionamento, os frutos foram armazenamento a 24,5 ± 2ºC por 8 dias, com amostragens a cada 2 dias, para avaliação de índice de cor da casca, perda de massa fresca, taxa respiratória, firmeza da polpa e o índice de injúrias mecânicas. Os resultados evidenciaram os efeitos depreciativos das injúrias mecânicas na qualidade final do mamão, sendo que o transporte de frutos a granel, em relação ao controle, promoveu alterações na qualidade pós-colheita dos frutos, com aumento do índice de cor da casca, redução na firmeza da polpa, elevada perda de massa fresca e taxa respiratória, e maiores percentagens de área da casca injuriada, nos dois estádios de coloração estudados (1,14 e 1,21%, respectivamente). As caixas de papelão ondulado e caixas plásticas forradas com plástico-bolha mantiveram baixa a percentagem de área injuriada em relação aos transportados a granel, constituindo-se em alternativas promissoras na manutenção da qualidade pós-colheita de mamão Formosa destinado ao mercado interno.
Evaluación del nivel de aceptabilidad para las variedades Italia, Napoleón y Redglobe en el mercado español
Authors: Piva Cesar Rosso , Lopez Garcia José Luiz , Morgan Wyn
Published: July 2008

Con el objetivo de evaluar el nivel de aceptabilidad para tres variedades tardías de uva de mesa, la Unidad de Comercialización y Divulgación Agraria del Departamento de Economía y Ciencias Sociales Agrarias (E.T.S.I.Agrónomos), de la Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, realizó la presente investigación en octubre de 1999. Se utilizó el análisis sensorial en Sala de Catas como herramienta para la evaluación del nivel de aceptabilidad de tres variedades de uva de mesa. Se puso énfasis en conocer las posibles diferencias de carácter sensorial entre las variedades Itália, Redglobe y Napoleón, variedades que coinciden en su época de cosecha y comercialización en España. En los análisis hechos, la variedad Itália fue la más preferida. El sabor, seguido de la jugosidad, fueron los elementos determinantes en el proceso de aceptación de la uva.
Efeito da temperatura e taxa de cisalhamento nas propriedades de escoamento da polpa de Cupuaçu (T. grandiflorum Schum) integral
Authors: Ferreira Gilvanete Maria , Guimarães Maria José de Oliveira Cavalcanti , Maia Maria Cristina Antun
Published: July 2008

O comportamento reológico da polpa de cupuaçu integral foi determinado na faixa de temperatura de 10 a 60ºC. Os efeitos da temperatura e da taxa de deformação foram avaliados por meio de testes em cisalhamento estacionário. As análises reológicas foram conduzidas num reômetro Thermo Haake RheoStress 1. Os reogramas foram descritos pelos modelos reológicos de Ostwald-de-Waelle e o de Herschel-Bulkley. As curvas de escoamento mais bem ajustadas pelo modelo de Ostwald-de-Waelle. O produto apresentou comportamento pseudoplástico, e o índice de comportamento de fluxo (n) decresceu com o aumento da temperatura. O efeito da temperatura sobre a viscosidade aparente foi descrita por uma equação tipo Arrhenius e discutida em termos de energia de ativação. Essa energia aumentou com o aumento da taxa de deformação, sendo obtidos valores na faixa de 1 a 2 kcal/gmol.
Growth of lulo (Solanum quitoense Lam.) plants affected by salinity and substrate
Authors: Flórez Sandra Liliana , Lasprilla Diego Miranda , Chaves Bernardo , Fischer Gerhard , Magnitskiy Stsnislav
Published: July 2008

The effects of 0, 30 and 60 mM NaCl and substrates (red peat, sand or 3:1:1 [w/w] mixture of peat, sand, or soil) on vegetative growth of lulo, an Andean fruit species, during 12 weeks were studied. The experiment was carried out by using 2000 cm³ of polypropylene plastic pots under greenhouse conditions. Plant height, number of leaves and nodes, leaf area, total plant dry matter (DM), and shoot/root ratio were evaluated. With the increase of salt concentration, the plant height, the number of leaves and nodes, the leaf areas and plant dry mass DM decreased, whereas shoot/root ratio increased. Sand grown lulo plants were most affected by salinity and presented total mortality at 60 mM NaCl. On the other hand, plants held either in peat or in substrate mixture developed larger height, greater leaf and node numbers, higher leaf area and dry matter content. Shoot/root ratio in control (soil) and sand-grown plants (30 mM NaCl) was lower.
Desenvolvimento do porta-enxerto de tangerineira 'Cleópatra'
Authors: Cruz Maria do Céu Monteiro da , Hafle Oscar Mariano , Ramos José Darlan , Ramos Patrícia de Siqueira
Published: July 2008

Perdas por percolação e lixiviação são evidentes em substratos para produção de mudas cítricas, notadamente na primeira fase, antes da repicagem dos porta-enxertos. Assim, o trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos do polímero hidroabsorvente e do lithothamnium sobre o desenvolvimento da tangerineira 'Cleópatra' até a repicagem. A semeadura foi realizada em tubetes (50 mL) contendo substrato comercial, acrescido dos tratamentos: 2 doses de lithothamnium (0 e 5 g L-1) e 5 doses do polímero (0; 15; 30; 45 e 60 g L-1). Foi utilizado o delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 5 x 2, com 4 repetições e sete plantas por parcela. Para avaliar o desenvolvimento das mudas, as seguintes características foram determinadas: comprimento da parte aérea e do sistema radicular (cm), número de folhas por planta e matéria seca da parte aérea e das raízes (mg). A incorporação do polímero hidroabsorvente ao substrato favoreceu o desenvolvimento de porta-enxertos de tangerineira 'Cleopatra' na fase inicial de produção. A dose de polímero utilizada não deve ultrapassar 50 g L-1 para evitar o excesso de umidade no substrato e a deficiência de aeração do sistema radicular. A adição do lithothamnium ao substrato de cultivo proporcionou o melhor desenvolvimento das mudas.
Propagação da pitangueira através da enxertia de garfagem
Authors: Franzon Rodrigo Cezar , Gonçalves Rafael da Silva , Antunes Luís Eduardo Corrêa , Raseira Maria do Carmo Bassols , Trevisan Renato
Published: July 2008

A pitangueira é uma frutífera nativa com potencial para exploração comercial. Entretanto, os métodos de propagação mais comuns não são satisfatórios para a multiplicação desta espécie em larga escala. O objetivo do trabalho foi o de avaliar o uso do método de enxertia de garfagem no topo, em fenda cheia e dupla fenda, bem como a melhor época para a realização desta prática (julho, agosto e setembro), nas condições do Sul do Brasil. O experimento foi conduzido no ano de 2005, na Embrapa Clima Temperado, Pelotas-RS. O delineamento foi o inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 2 x 3 (tipo de garfagem x época de enxertia), com 5 repetições. Conclui-se que a enxertia de garfagem no topo, em fenda cheia e/ou em dupla fenda, pode ser utilizada para a propagação vegetativa da pitangueira durante o inverno, sendo que a enxertia de garfagem em fenda cheia proporcionou melhores percentuais de pegamento dos enxertos (60,0%) do que a garfagem em dupla fenda (44,2%). Quanto à época, os melhores percentuais foram obtidos no mês de setembro, com 67,5% de pegamento dos enxertos, seguido pelo mês de agosto e julho, com 51,3% e 37,5%, respectivamente.
Uso de coprólitos de minhoca na produção de mudas de mamoeiro
Authors: Kusdra Jorge Ferreira , Moreira Dirceu Félix , Silva Sonaira Souza da , Araújo Neto Sebastião Elviro de , Silva Rodrigo Guedes da
Published: July 2008

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar o efeito de substratos preparados com diferentes proporções de solo e de coprólitos de minhoca na produção de mudas de mamoeiro. Foram realizados dois experimentos no viveiro de produção de mudas da Universidade Federal do Acre - UFAC, ambos obedecendo ao delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com 11 tratamentos e 10 repetições. Os tratamentos foram definidos pela mistura de diferentes concentrações (0; 10;20; 30; 40;50;60; 70; 80; 90 e 100%) de coprólitos de minhoca (Chibui bari) e de solo, sendo este distrófico (V = 29%) no experimento 1 e eutrófico (V = 80%) no experimento 2. Após 60 dias da semeadura, avaliaram-se altura das plantas e as massas da matéria seca da parte aérea, da raiz e total. Verificou-se que a adição de doses crescentes de coprólitos na composição do substrato resultou em aumento do crescimento das plantas no experimento 1 e em redução no experimento 2. Os resultados dos experimentos indicam que o uso de coprólitos de minhoca em substratos preparados com solo somente contribui para o aumento do crescimento de mudas de mamão formosa se a condição química desse material orgânico for mais adequada que a do solo em atender às necessidades nutricionais das plantas. Os resultados do experimento com solo distrófico indicam a possibilidade de uso dos coprólitos na produção tradicional de mudas de mamoeiro, especialmente em situações onde o solo apresenta restrições quanto à condição química.