bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mito-protective autophagy is impaired in erythroid cells of aged mtDNA-mutator mice
Authors: Li-Harms XiuJie , Milasta Sandra , Lynch John , Wright Christopher , Joshi Aashish , Iyengar Rekha , Neale Geoffrey , Wang Xi , Wang Yong-Dong , Prolla Tomas A. , Thompson James E. , Opferman Joseph T. , Green Douglas R. , Schuetz John , Kundu Mondira
Published: November 2014

Key Points

Mitochondrial dysfunction in aged mtDNA-mutator mice is associated with activation of mechanistic target of rapamycin and suppression of autophagy in erythroid cells. Autophagy maintains mitochondrial function in erythroid progenitors of mtDNA-mutator mice, and disrupting it accelerates onset of anemia.
Limited niche availability suppresses murine intrathymic dendritic-cell development from noncommitted progenitors
Authors: Łyszkiewicz Marcin , Ziętara Natalia , Föhse Lisa , Puchałka Jacek , Diestelhorst Jana , Witzlau Katrin , Prinz Immo , Schambach Axel , Krueger Andreas
Published: November 2014

Key Points

DCs and T-lineage cells in the thymus have separate origins. Availability of microenvironmental niches in the thymus determines lineage fate.
Prevalence and risk factors for cervical neoplasia: a cervical cancer screening program in Beijing
Authors: Tao Lixin , Han Lili , Li Xia , Gao Qi , Pan Lei , Wu Lijuan , Luo Yanxia , Wang Wei , Zheng Zihe , Guo Xiuhua
Published: November 2014

Background

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer and cause of cancer-related death for women worldwide. The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence of cervical neoplasia and examine factors associated with high-grade cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) among women taking part in a cervical cancer screening program in Beijing.

Methods

Women aged 25–65 years were screened using the ThinPrep cytologic test and gynecologic examination. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were conducted to investigate factors associated with HSIL.

Results

Among 728,704 women screened, the prevalence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) I, II, III was 50.2, 34.0, and 36.4 per 100,000, respectively. Prevalence of cervical cancer was 12.2 per 100,000. Risk factors for HSIL included being in age group of 46–55 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.07–1.44, compared with the 25–35 age group), bleeding after intercourse (aOR = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.40–3.10), and presence of trichomonas vaginalis infection (aOR = 2.62, 95% CI: 1.35–5.07), cervical inflammation (aOR = 4.22, 95% CI: 3.39–5.26), and genital warts (aOR = 3.89, 95% CI: 2.54–7.70). High education level (college and above compared with junior middle school or lower) was found to be protective (aOR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.37–0.90).

Conclusions

The prevalence of cervical neoplasia is relatively high in Beijing. Women aged 46–55 years, those with a lower education level, those reporting bleeding after intercourse, and those affected byTrichomonas vaginalisinfection, cervical inflammation and genital warts are at higher risk for HSIL. Particular efforts should be made to ensure these women are included in cervical cancer screening programs.
Unraveling the associations of osteoprotegerin gene with production traits in a paternal broiler line
Authors: Fornari Marcelo B , Zanella Ricardo , Ibelli Adriana MG , Fernandes Lana T , Cantão Maurício E , Thomaz-Soccol Vanete , Ledur Mônica C , Peixoto Jane O
Published: November 2014

Improvements on growth and carcass traits in the poultry industry have been achieved by intense selection for heavier chickens at early ages. This faster growth has caused serious problems due to insufficient skeletal structure development needed to support the musculature of modern broilers. The osteoprotegerin gene (OPG), located on GGA2, is an important regulator of bone metabolism and reabsorption, being suggestive as a possible functional candidate gene associated with bone integrity in chickens. This study reports associations of a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the OPG gene with production traits in a parental broiler line. Different phenotypic groups were evaluated: performance, carcass and skeletal traits. SNPs were identified within the OPG gene and the most informative SNP g.9144C > G was chosen for association analyses. Chickens (n = 1230) were genotyped using PCR-RFLP. The association was carried out with QxPaK v4.0 software using a mixed model including sex, hatch and SNP as fixed effects, and the infinitesimal and residual as random effects. The OPG SNP was associated with important traits as body weight at 21 days, weights of tibia and drumstick skin, leg muscle yield, and tibia breaking strength (P < 0.05). Associations were explained by the additive effect of the SNP and the additive effect within sex. This SNP could be considered a potential marker to improve bone resistance in chickens; however, caution should be taken because of its negative effect in other important traits evaluated in this study. Furthermore, these findings suggest a possible involvement of the OPG gene in fat deposition in poultry.
An audiometric study of the effects of paraspinal stimulation on hearing acuity in human subjects understanding the Harvey Lillard phenomenon
Authors: Demers Mark , Gajic Zehra , Gerretsen Everett , Budgell Brian
Published: November 2014

Background

The founder of chiropractic, Daniel David Palmer, constructed a model of causation of disease based on his seminal experience with a patient, Harvey Lillard, who lost his hearing at the instant of injuring his upper back, but had his hearing restored suddenly 17years later after receiving spinal manipulation. Palmers model of disease causation, that of displaced vertebrae impinging on spinal nerves and thereby disrupting the innervation of dependent organs, was in fact incongruent with what was known at the time about human neuroanatomy and neurophysiology. The current study proposes and tests an alternative hypothesis: that increased afferent input from paraspinal muscles attenuates the central transmission of auditory information.

Methods

Between September 13 and November 13, 2013, forty healthy young adults were recruited and randomly divided into two cohorts: one receiving successive trials of sham TENS, and the second receiving sham and then authentic TENS. During the administration of sham and authentic TENS to the upper thoracic spine, hearing acuity was measured to determine perception thresholds at the frequencies normally tested clinically.

Results

In the first cohort, there were no differences in perception thresholds in the first and second trials of sham TENS, speaking to the reliability of the testing process. In the second cohort, there were no significant differences in perception thresholds during sham and authentic TENS.

Conclusions

Within the constraints of the current study design, including demographic characteristics and TENS parameters, there was no evidence that innocuous afferent input to upper thoracic paraspinal muscles modulated thresholds of audibility.
In vivo retention and bioactivity of IL-1ra microspheres in the rat intervertebral disc: a preliminary investigation
Authors: Gorth Deborah J , Martin John T , Dodge George R , Elliott Dawn M , Malhotra Neil R , Mauck Robert L , Smith Lachlan J
Published: November 2014

Background

Inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) contribute to the progression of intervertebral disc degeneration. Previously we demonstrated, in vitro, that by delivering interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) from poly(lactic co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres, we could attenuate the degradative effects of IL-1β on the nucleus pulposus (NP) for up to 20 days. The objective of this study was to undertake a preliminary investigation into whether microspheres could be successfully delivered to and retained in the disc in vivo, and whether IL-1ra released from those microspheres remained biologically active. For retention studies, fluorescently-labeled microspheres were delivered to the NPs of rat caudal discs. Rats were sacrificed at time points up to 56 days, and microspheres were localized using fluorescent microscopy. To investigate whether IL-1ra microspheres could effectively inhibit the effects of IL-1β in vivo, four disc levels were allocated to the following treatment groups: intact; saline; IL-1β; or IL-1β + IL-1ra microspheres. Rats were sacrificed after seven days and NP glycosaminoglycan content was measured.

Findings

Microspheres were visible in the disc at all time points up to 28 days, and localized to the NP, the annulus fibrosus (AF), or both. Glycosaminoglycan content for discs injected with IL-1β alone was significantly lower than for intact controls. For discs injected with IL-1β along with IL-1ra microspheres, glycosaminoglycan content was not significantly different from intact controls.

Conclusions

Microspheres can successfully be delivered to the disc in vivo and retained for a clinically relevant time frame. IL-1ra released from microspheres can effectively prevent IL-1β-induced NP glycosaminoglycan loss in vivo.
Leptin May Play a Role in Bone Microstructural Alterations in Obese Children
Authors: Dimitri P. , Jacques R. M. , Paggiosi M. , King D. , Walsh J. , Taylor Z. A. , Frangi A. F. , Bishop N. , Eastell R.
Published: November 2014

Context:

Bone mass is low and fracture risk is higher in obese children. Hormonal changes in relation to skeletal microstructure and biomechanics have not been studied in obese children.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to ascertain the relationships of obesity-related changes in hormones with skeletal microstructure and biomechanics.

Design:

High resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) was used to compare three-dimensional cortical and trabecular microstructure and biomechanics at load-bearing and nonload bearing sites in obese and lean children. The relationship between leptin, adiponectin, testosterone, estrogen, osteocalcin and sclerostin and skeletal microstructure was also determined.

Setting:

The study was conducted at a tertiary pediatric endocrine unit in the United Kingdom.

Participants:

Obese and lean children were matched by gender and pubertal stage.

Results:

Radial cortical porosity (mean difference −0.01 [95% CI: −0.02, −0.004], P = .003) and cortical pore diameter (mean difference −0.005 mm [95% CI: −0.009, −0.001], P = .011) were lower in obese children. Tibial trabecular thickness was lower (mean difference −0.009 mm [95% CI: −0.014, −0.004], P = .003), and trabecular number was higher (mean difference 0.23 mm−1 [95% CI: 0.08, 0.38], P = .004) in obese children. At the radius, fat mass percentage negatively correlated with cortical porosity (r = −0.57, P < .001) and pore diameter (r = −0.38, P = .02) and negatively correlated with trabecular thickness (r = −0.62, P < .001) and trabecular von Mises stress (r = −0.39, P = .019) at the tibia. No difference was observed in the other biomechanical parameters of the radius and tibia. Leptin was higher in obese children (805.3 ± 440.6 pg/ml vs 98.1 ± 75.4 pg/ml, P < .001) and was inversely related to radial cortical porosity (r = 0.60, 95% CI: [−0.80, −0.30], P < .001), radial cortical pore diameter (r = 0.51, 95% CI [−0.75, −0.16], P = .002), tibial trabecular thickness (r = 0.55, 95% CI: [−0.78, −0.21], P = .001) and tibial trabecular von Mises stress (r = −0.39, 95% CI: −0.65, 0.04, P = .02).

Conclusion:

Childhood obesity alters radial and tibial microstructure. Leptin may direct these changes. Despite this, the biomechanical properties of the radius and tibia do not adapt sufficiently in obese children to withstand the increased loading potential from a fall. This may explain the higher incidence of fracture in obese children.
Both Rare and Common Variants in PCSK9 Influence Plasma Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Level in American Indians
Authors: Tsai Ching-Wei , North Kari E. , Tin Adrienne , Haack Karin , Franceschini Nora , Saroja Voruganti V. , Laston Sandy , Zhang Ying , Best Lyle G. , MacCluer Jean W. , Beaty Terri H. , Navas-Acien Ana , Kao W. H. Linda , Howard Barbara V.
Published: November 2014

Context:

Elevated LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) is an important risk factor for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Variants in the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) gene have been associated not only with plasma LDL-C concentration, but also with ischemic heart disease. Little is known about the genetic architecture of PCSK9 and its influence on LDL-C in American Indians.

Objective:

We aimed to investigate the genetic architecture in the 1p32 region encompassing PCSK9 and its influence on LDL-C in American Indians.

Design:

The Strong Heart Family Study (SHFS) is a family-based genetic study.

Participants:

Two thousand four hundred fifty eight American Indians from Arizona, Oklahoma, North Dakota, and South Dakota, who were genotyped by Illumina MetaboChip.

Results:

We genotyped 486 SNPs in a 3.9 Mb region at chromosome 1p32 encompassing PCSK9 in 2458 American Indians. We examined the association between these SNPs and LDL-C. For common variants (MAF ≥ 1%), meta-analysis across the three geographic regions showed common variants in PCSK9 were significantly associated with higher LDL-C. The most significant SNP rs12067569 (MAF = 1.7 %, β = 16.9 ± 3.7, P = 5.9 × 10−6) was in complete LD (r2 = 1) with a nearby missense SNP, rs505151 (E670G) (β = 15.0 ± 3.6, P = 3.6 × 10−5). For rare variants (MAF < 1%), rs11591147 (R46L, MAF = 0.9%) was associated with lower LDL-C (β = − 31.1 ± 7.1, P = 1.4 × 10−5). The mean (SD) of LDL-C was 76.9 (7.8) and 107.4 (1.0) mg/dL for those with and without the R46L mutation, respectively. One person who was homozygous for R46L had LDL-C levels of 11 mg/dL. In one family, 6 out of 8 members carrying the R46L mutation had LDL-C levels below the lower 10% percentile of LDL-C among all study participants.

Conclusions:

Both rare and common variants in PCSK9 influence plasma LDL-C levels in American Indians. Follow-up studies may disclose the influence of these mutations on the risk of CVD and responses to cholesterol-lowering medications.
“Self-Interest Ennobled”: The Family in German Political Economy
Authors: Van Zee Marynel Ryan
Published: November 2014

This article examines conceptions of the family, and the relationships within it, as checks to individual self-interest in German economic thought over the nineteenth century. Across various discourses, marriage and the family emerged as symbols of commitment to the common good and set important terms for a simultaneous criticism and valorization of Smithian economic ideas by the historical economists after 1848. Hildebrand, Schmoller, and others drew on understandings of sex and gender roles shaped by moral and legal philosophy, biology, and anthropology, as well within an expansive, liberal public sphere, in order to argue for the central role of the family in containing the “egoism” of individual male economic actors and to link its moral status with the protection of private property. Rather than the reorganization of society proposed by their socialist competitors, the historical economists urged a revived attention to the common good through social policy sponsored by the state and reform activities taken up in gender-appropriate ways by civil-societal actors.
Programmed cell cycle arrest is required for infection of corn plants by the fungus Ustilago maydis
Authors: Castanheira Sónia , Mielnichuk Natalia , Pérez-Martín José
Published: November 2014

Ustilago maydis is a plant pathogen that requires a specific structure called infective filament to penetrate the plant tissue. Although able to grow, this filament is cell cycle arrested on the plant surface. This cell cycle arrest is released once the filament penetrates the plant tissue. The reasons and mechanisms for this cell cycle arrest are unknown. Here, we have tried to address these questions. We reached three conclusions from our studies. First, the observed cell cycle arrest is the result of the cooperation of at least two distinct mechanisms: one involving the activation of the DNA damage response (DDR) cascade; and the other relying on the transcriptional downregulation of Hsl1, a kinase that modulates the G2/M transition. Second, a sustained cell cycle arrest during the infective filament step is necessary for the virulence in U. maydis, as a strain unable to arrest the cell cycle was severely impaired in its ability to infect corn plants. Third, production of the appressorium, a structure required for plant penetration, is incompatible with an active cell cycle. The inability to infect plants by strains defective in cell cycle arrest seems to be caused by their failure to induce the appressorium formation process. In summary, our findings uncover genetic circuits to arrest the cell cycle during the growth of this fungus on the plant surface, thus allowing the penetration into plant tissue.
Self-Assembled Fluorescent Nanoprobe for the Detection of Fluoride Ions in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Nakata Eiji , Nazumi Yoshijiro , Yukimachi Yoshihiro , Uto Yoshihiro , Hori Hitoshi , Morii Takashi
Published: November 2014

A fluorescent nanoprobe was designed based on self-assembled seminaphthorhodafluor (SNARF) derivatives (SNARF-OTBDPS) to detect the fluoride ions present in aqueous solutions. The tert-butyldiphenylsilyl (TBDPS) group in SNARF-OTBDPS showed good stability against hydrolysis by forming self-assembled clusters and retained good selectivity towards fluoride ions in aqueous solution.
Interaction between the poly(A)-binding protein Pab1 and the eukaryotic release factor eRF3 regulates translation termination but not mRNA decay in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Roque Sylvain , Cerciat Marie , Gaugué Isabelle , Mora Liliana , Floch Aurélie G. , de Zamaroczy Miklos , Heurgué-Hamard Valérie , Kervestin Stephanie
Published: November 2014

Eukaryotic release factor 3 (eRF3) is implicated in translation termination and also interacts with the poly(A)-binding protein (PABP, Pab1 in yeast), a major player in mRNA metabolism. Despite conservation of this interaction, its precise function remains elusive. First, we showed experimentally that yeast eRF3 does not contain any obvious consensus PAM2 (PABP-interacting motif 2). Thus, in yeast this association is different from the well described interaction between the metazoan factors. To gain insight into the exact function of this interaction, we then analyzed the phenotypes resulting from deleting the respective binding domains. Deletion of the Pab1 interaction domain on eRF3 did not affect general mRNA stability or nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) pathway and induced a decrease in translational readthrough. Furthermore, combined deletions of the respective interacting domains on eRF3 and on Pab1 were viable, did not affect Pab1 function in mRNA stability and harbored an antisuppression phenotype. Our results show that in Saccharomyces cerevisiae the role of the Pab1 C-terminal domain in mRNA stability is independent of eRF3 and the association of these two factors negatively regulates translation termination.
Dissecting noncoding and pathogen RNA–protein interactomes
Authors: Flynn Ryan A. , Martin Lance , Spitale Robert C. , Do Brian T. , Sagan Selena M. , Zarnegar Brian , Qu Kun , Khavari Paul A. , Quake Stephen R. , Sarnow Peter , Chang Howard Y.
Published: November 2014

RNA–protein interactions are central to biological regulation. Cross-linking immunoprecipitation (CLIP)-seq is a powerful tool for genome-wide interrogation of RNA–protein interactomes, but current CLIP methods are limited by challenging biochemical steps and fail to detect many classes of noncoding and nonhuman RNAs. Here we present FAST-iCLIP, an integrated pipeline with improved CLIP biochemistry and an automated informatic pipeline for comprehensive analysis across protein coding, noncoding, repetitive, retroviral, and nonhuman transcriptomes. FAST-iCLIP of Poly-C binding protein 2 (PCBP2) showed that PCBP2-bound CU-rich motifs in different topologies to recognize mRNAs and noncoding RNAs with distinct biological functions. FAST-iCLIP of PCBP2 in hepatitis C virus-infected cells enabled a joint analysis of the PCBP2 interactome with host and viral RNAs and their interplay. These results show that FAST-iCLIP can be used to rapidly discover and decipher mechanisms of RNA–protein recognition across the diversity of human and pathogen RNAs.
Race and Health Disparities in Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Living in the United States
Authors: Scott Haleigh M , Havercamp Susan M
Published: November 2014

Research has documented disparities in health care and access for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and people in racial and ethnic minority groups. Though both populations are underserved, the additive impact of being both a member of a racial/ethnic minority and having IDD is largely unknown. This study uses data from a nationally representative survey to explore health service utilization among adults with IDD belonging to minority racial/ethnic groups compared to adults with IDD who are White. The results of this study indicated that racial/ethnic minority groups are disadvantaged in several essential areas of health care utilization and that Hispanic Americans are particularly underserved. Additional research is needed to identify and address the factors driving this difference.
Clinical Exome Performance for Reporting Secondary Genetic Findings
Authors: Park Jason Y , Clark Peter , Londin Eric , Sponziello Marialuisa , Kricka Larry J , Fortina Paolo
Published: November 2014

BACKGROUND

Reporting clinically actionable incidental genetic findings in the course of clinical exome testing is recommended by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). However, the performance of clinical exome methods for reporting small subsets of genes has not been previously reported.

METHODS

In this study, 57 exome data sets performed as clinical (n = 12) or research (n = 45) tests were retrospectively analyzed. Exome sequencing data was examined for adequacy in the detection of potentially pathogenic variant locations in the 56 genes described in the ACMG incidental findings recommendation. All exons of the 56 genes were examined for adequacy of sequencing coverage. In addition, nucleotide positions annotated in HGMD (Human Gene Mutation Database) were examined.

RESULTS

The 56 ACMG genes have 18 336 nucleotide variants annotated in HGMD. None of the 57 exome data sets possessed a HGMD variant. The clinical exome test had inadequate coverage for >50% of HGMD variant locations in 7 genes. Six exons from 6 different genes had consistent failure across all 3 test methods; these exons had high GC content (76%–84%).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of clinical exome sequencing for the interpretation and reporting of subsets of genes requires recognition of the substantial possibility of inadequate depth and breadth of sequencing coverage at clinically relevant locations. Inadequate depth of coverage may contribute to false-negative clinical exome results.
Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease in Dogs - an Update and Perspectives
Authors: Petrič Aleksandra Domanjko
Published: November 2014

Myxomatous mitral valve disease is a common cause of congestive heart failure in geriatric dogs. Many studies have been done in terms of epidemiology, pathology, associated neurohormonal changes in the disease progression, prognostic factors, and survival and treatment modalities. The presented paper presents a review of some of the studies in the mitral valve disease story.
Determining light suppression of mitochondrial respiration for three temperate marine macrophytes using the Kok method
Authors: Rasmusson Lina M. , Björk Mats
Published: November 2014

To properly calculate the carbon budgets of coastal marine habitats, potential fluctuations in oxygen consumption due to mitochondrial respiration must be taken into account. As mitochondrial respiration is sometimes inhibited in light, we used the Kok method to estimate whether such suppression occurs in the seagrasses Zostera marina and Ruppia maritima as well as in the macroalga Ulva intestinalis. For Z. marina and U. intestinalis, the respiration rate was clearly downregulated in light, a finding that might be important when determining the impact of respiration on estimated net primary productivity in these marine habitats.
Genotoxic assessment of calcium hypochlorite and Strychnos potatorum Linn. seeds—two commonly used water purifying agents
Authors: Neelamkavil Sandhya Vincent , Thoppil John E.
Published: November 2014

The role of water in our daily lives cannot be highlighted enough, and ensuring the availability of pure water is an urgent need. Bleaching powder (calcium hypochlorite) and Strychnos potatorum Linn. seeds are commonly used in water purification as a disinfectant and anticoagulant, respectively, yet their safety levels have not been analyzed so far. Hence, a genotoxic assessment was conducted using Allium cepa chromosome aberration assay. Reduction in mitotic index and increase in abnormality percentage was observed for both, but this effect was dose dependent. All values were statistically significant at p<0.05%. Bleaching powder was found to be cytotoxic and genotoxic compared with the control. Abnormality percentage was found to be significantly high when compared with the positive control. Chromosome aberrations like binucleate condition, micronuclei formation, stickiness, and lesions could only be observed in root meristems treated with positive control and bleaching powder. The seeds of S. potatorum expressed mild cytotoxicity, but the genotoxic effect was found to be negligible when compared with positive control. Other chromosome aberrations observed included chromosome bridges, c-metaphases, chromosome laggards, shift in microtubule organizing centre, polyploidy, early movement of chromosomes, vagrant chromosomes, as well as diagonal, disturbed, and scattered arrangement of chromosomes. Thus, the genotoxic effect of bleaching powder warns people to use a safer choice of S. potatorum in water purification, whenever possible, as in the condition of muddy, coagulated water.
Pathway connectivity and signaling coordination in the yeast stress‐activated signaling network
Authors: Chasman Deborah , Ho Yi‐Hsuan , Berry David B , Nemec Corey M , MacGilvray Matthew E , Hose James , Merrill Anna E , Lee M Violet , Will Jessica L , Coon Joshua J , Ansari Aseem Z , Craven Mark , Gasch Audrey P
Published: November 2014

Stressed cells coordinate a multi‐faceted response spanning many levels of physiology. Yet knowledge of the complete stress‐activated regulatory network as well as design principles for signal integration remains incomplete. We developed an experimental and computational approach to integrate available protein interaction data with gene fitness contributions, mutant transcriptome profiles, and phospho‐proteome changes in cells responding to salt stress, to infer the salt‐responsive signaling network in yeast. The inferred subnetwork presented many novel predictions by implicating new regulators, uncovering unrecognized crosstalk between known pathways, and pointing to previously unknown ‘hubs’ of signal integration. We exploited these predictions to show that Cdc14 phosphatase is a central hub in the network and that modification of RNA polymerase II coordinates induction of stress‐defense genes with reduction of growth‐related transcripts. We find that the orthologous human network is enriched for cancer‐causing genes, underscoring the importance of the subnetwork's predictions in understanding stress biology.
Transabdominal ultrasonographic evaluation of fetal well-being in the late-term mare and cow
Authors: Baska-Vincze Boglárka , Baska Ferenc , Szenci Ottó
Published: November 2014

In the equine practice, attempts have been made to examine the fetus in the second and third trimester of pregnancy but all of the available methods have limitations. Until now, transabdominal ultrasonography has been regarded as the most informative examination. This method allows us to measure fetal heart rate, fetal activity as well as the quality and quantity of the fetal fluids. A modified biophysical profile for horses was used by several researchers in the USA from the 1990s as a gold standard. However, it is not sensitive enough and, in the authors’ experience, professionals can face difficulties during its application (e.g. for measuring aortic diameter and fetal breathing movements). In cows, this method was first used for this purpose by a Canadian research group in 2007. They reported that transabdominal ultrasound was promising but showed low sensitivity in this species. The present studies show that birth weight cannot be predicted from fetal aortic diameter measurement in cows as suggested by other researchers. Transabdominal ultrasound needs special equipment (2–3.5 MHz convex transducer) and basic ultrasonographic knowledge; however, we suggest that in most cases it can be performed with the dam placed in a stock and without shaving the examination area. The method provides useful information within 30–40 minutes, enabling the examiner to determine whether or not the fetus is alive and to recognise placentitis or twins. This technique also allows measuring the combined thickness of the uteroplacental unit, and the authors’ ongoing study showed higher normal values in Lipizzaner mares compared to values in other breeds. In conclusion, with the help of advanced techniques, simple and low-cost methods should be developed for the evaluation of the pregnant dam and its fetus to assess fetal viability in the veterinary practice.
Morphological evaluation of experimental autologous rectus fascia sheath vascular grafts used for arterial replacement in a dog model
Authors: Csébi Péter , Jakab Csaba , Patonai Attila , Arany-Tóth Attila , Kóbori László , Németh Tibor
Published: November 2014

Although experimental autologous patch or tubular conduit vascular grafts made from the internal rectus fascia sheath (IRFS) have been reported in the literature, thorough morphological evaluation and verification of the histological arterialisation of such grafts are lacking. Four purpose-bred Beagle dogs were utilised to create eight arterial internal rectus fascia sheath (ARFS) grafts implanted between bisected ends of the external iliac arteries. Four out of the eight ARFS grafts were patent after three months. Haematoxylin-eosin and Azan staining verified that the grafts gained a vessel-like layered structure with the presence of large amounts of collagen fibres. Although the inner surface of the intact IRFS was originally covered with claudin-5-negative and pancytokeratin-positive mesothelial cells in control samples, the internal cells of the ARFS grafts became claudin-5 positive and pancytokeratin negative like in intact arteries. Spindle-shaped cells of the wall of ARFS grafts were α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) positive just like the smooth muscle cells of intact arteries, but α-SMA immunoreactivity was negative in the intact IRFS. According to these findings, the fibroblast cells of the ARFS graft have changed into myofibroblast cells. The study has proved that ARFS grafts may be used as an alternative in arterial replacement, since the graft becomes morphologically and functionally similar to the host vessel via arterialisation.
A voz do beneficiário: uma análise da eficácia do Programa Bolsa Família
Authors: Santos Michelle Costa Marques dos , Gouveia Junior Antonio , Oliveira Paulo Roberto Marques de , Melo Daniel Reis Armond de , Souza Waldemar Antonio da Rocha de
Published: November 2014

Esta pesquisa analisa a eficácia do Programa Bolsa Família (PBF), pela perspectiva dos beneficiários deste programa de transferência de renda. Para tanto, foi desenvolvida uma pesquisa quali-quantitativa com 50 beneficiários e seu resultado analisado pela metodologia do discurso do sujeito coletivo (DSC), desenvolvida por Lefèvre e Lefèvre (2003). Da análise dos discursos, foi constatado que o beneficiário percebe como resultado de sua inserção no PBF o aumento da renda e a melhoria da qualidade de vida da sua família. Contudo, observaram-se falhas na percepção de alguns objetivos do programa, principalmente relacionados com a emancipação sustentada das famílias.
Aproveitamento tecnológico do "mel de cacau" (Theobroma cacao L) na produção de geleia sem adição de açúcar
Authors: Santos Carine Oliveira dos , Bispo Eliete da Silva , Santana Ligia Regina Radomille de , Carvalho Rosemary Duarte Sales de
Published: November 2014

O "mel de cacau" é uma denominação regional do líquido transparente extraído da polpa do cacau, que cobre as sementes, antes do processo de fermentação do cacau. Este material é atrativo do ponto de vista de seus aspectos sensorial e tecnológico; entretanto, seu uso para o consumo ainda é restrito. O propósito deste estudo foi produzir geleia dietética usando o "mel de cacau" e realizar a caracterização química e sensorial dos produtos. Para a preparação das geleias, foram usados os seguintes ingredientes: pectina de baixo grau de metoxilação, polidextrose, sorbitol, maltitol, fosfato tricálcico, sorbato de potássio e cacau em pó. As geleias dietéticas estudadas foram: F1 (0,0015% taumatina e 0,005% sucralose); F2 (0,0015% taumatina e 0,002% acessulfame-k); F3 (0,005% sucralose e 0,002% acessulfame-k). Foi produzido, também, um tratamento-controle (com 40,0% de sacarose). Os dados químicos e sensoriais foram analisados por ANOVA, teste de Tukey e Mapa de Preferência Interno (MDPREF). O tratamento F3 (sucralose e acessulfame-k) foi a geleia dietética preferida dos consumidores. Esta diferiu significativamente (p<0.05) dos tratamentos F1 (taumatina e sucralose) e F2 (taumatina e acessulfame-k) em relação aos atributos cor, aroma de chocolate, gosto doce, gosto ácido, sabor de chocolate e consistência; obteve, também, maior nota para intenção de compra. O uso do adoçante taumatina mostrou-se inadequado por não prover doçura à geleia de "mel de cacau". Os resultados indicaram a viabilidade do aproveitamento tecnológico do "mel de cacau" como matéria-prima na preparação de geleia dietética, que apresentou boas características sensoriais e nutricionais.
Pineapple (Ananas comosus) cv. pérola ex vitro growth and mycorrhizal colonization affected by in vitro sucrose concentration
Authors: Kunze Alceu , Lovato Paulo Emílio , Costa Murilo Dalla , Dal Vesco Lírio Luiz
Published: November 2014

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of sucrose concentration in the culture medium on growth and on the establishment of mycorrhizas during the acclimatization of pineapple cv. Pérola. The plantlets were micropropagated in MS culture medium with 0, 10, 20 and 30 g L-1 of sucrose and then they were acclimatized during 12 weeks under greenhouse conditions, in a sandy soil - compost mixture, uninoculated or inoculated with a Rhizophagus clarus isolate. Plantlets from the culture medium with 20 g and 30 g of sucrose L-1 showed higher shoot and root biomass than those from sugar-free medium. Mycorrhizal colonization was lower in plantlets micropropagated in sucrose-free medium, but the intensity of arbuscules did not differ among treatments. In the 12-week period of acclimatization, mycorrhizal colonization had no effect on plant biomass.
Fertilidade e reservas de carbono e nitrogênio em gemas de ramos das viníferas 'carbernet sauvignon' e 'nebbiolo'
Authors: Rosa Aline Mabel , Pescador Rosete , Silva Aparecido lima da , Brighenti Alberto Fontanella , Brunetto Gustavo
Published: November 2014

O trabalho objetivou avaliar a fertilidade e as reservas de C e N em gemas de ramos, na entrada da dormência e dormência plena, das variedades 'Cabernet Sauvignon' e 'Nebbiolo'. Em um vinhedo de 'Cabernet Sauvignon' e outro de 'Nebbiolo', em São Joaquim (SC), foram coletadas gemas em ramos de ano, em duas épocas: na entrada da dormência (maio de 2012) e na dormência plena (agosto de 2012). Os tratamentos foram: (T1) gemas basais (1ª a 5ª); (T2) gemas medianas (6ª a 10ª), e (T3) gemas distais (11ª a 15ª). Em cada planta, foram coletados três ramos, um localizado no lado esquerdo, outro no lado direito e o terceiro no centro da planta. A presença ou ausência de primórdios de inflorescência foi realizada apenas nas gemas dos ramos coletados na dormência plena, usando um estereomicroscópio. Foram quantificados em gemas na entrada da dormência e na dormência plena, os teores de carboidratos solúveis totais, amido, proteínas totais, carbono orgânico total, nitrogênio total e relação C/N. A 'Cabernet Sauvignon' apresentou o maior número de gemas férteis na porção mediana dos ramos de ano. Mas, na cultivar 'Nebbiolo', o maior número de gemas férteis foi observado nas porções medianas e distais do ramo. As maiores concentrações de reservas de carbono nas gemas da 'Cabernet Sauvignon' podem ser responsáveis pela maior fertilidade de gemas. A carga de gemas férteis na 'Cabernet Sauvignon' pode ser aumentada com a poda de inverno média a longa e, na 'Nebbiolo', com poda longa, acima da 6ª gema, como o Guyot.
Avaliação dos efeitos da radiação gama na conservação da qualidade da polpa de amora-preta (Rubus spp. L.)
Authors: Silva Michele Paula da , Gomes Flavia dos Santos , Freire Junior Murillo , Cabral Lourdes Maria Corrêa
Published: November 2014

A amora-preta é uma fruta que vem despertando a atenção de produtores e consumidores devido ao seu sabor agradável, cor atrativa e por apresentar em sua composição elevado teor de compostos bioativos. O grande entrave para consumo e a comercialização dos frutos da amoreira é sua elevada taxa respiratória, o que reduz sua vida útil. Uma alternativa viável para o aproveitamento econômico dessas frutas consiste em sua industrialização, podendo ser congeladas, enlatadas, processadas na forma de polpa, ou na forma de sucos e geleias. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos da radiação gama na conservação da polpa de amora. A irradiação foi realizada no laboratório de irradiação gama do Centro de Desenvolvimento da Tecnologia Nuclear (CDTN), em uma fonte de cobalto 60, com as seguintes doses de radiação: 0,75 kGy; 1,5 kGy e 3 kGy, sob uma taxa de dose de 3,24 kGy.h-1 . A polpa não irradiada foi utilizada como controle. As polpas de amora irradiadas foram armazenadas à temperatura de 4ºC, sendo avaliadas nos tempos de 0; 7; 15; 30 e 60 dias. Para verificar os efeitos da radiação gama no processamento na polpa, foi realizada a caracterização físico-química e química através das análises de acidez, pH, sólidos solúveis, sólidos totais, teor de antocianinas, atividade antioxidante e cor. Também foi feita análise microbiológica de acordo com a legislação brasileira vigente. O processo de irradiação aumentou a vida útil de prateleira da polpa em até 60 dias, sendo que o tratamento com uma dose de 1,5 kGy foi a que proporcionou a melhor qualidade microbiológica.
Caracterizacion y analisis de la variabilidad genética de la granadilla (Passiflora ligularis juss.) en Colombia empleando marcadores microsatélites
Authors: Bernal-Parra Nathalia , Ocampo-Pérez John , Hernández-Fernández Javier
Published: November 2014

La granadilla es la segunda especie en importancia económica del género Passiflora y Colombia es el principal productor del mundo con 53.000 t/año. Son pocos los estudios sobre la diversidad intraespecifica en la especie que permitan establecer las relaciones genéticas entre individuos. El objetivo de esta investigación fue explorar la variabilidad genética de la granadilla cultivada en Colombia por medio de marcadores microsatélites. Diez marcadores microsatélites fueron evaluados en 41 accesiones (82 individuos) provenientes de los principales departamentos productores. Un total de cinco microsatélites fueron amplificados con 66 alelos identificados y un promedio de 12,2, entre ellos 7 únicos y 13 raros. Los índices de diversidad mostraron un contenido de información polimórfica de 0,74 (PIC), y una heterocigocidad promedio observada (Ho) y esperada (He) de 0,98 y 0,96 bajo condiciones de equilibrio de Hardy-Weinberg. La distancia genética promedio dentro y entre poblaciones fue de 0,65 y 0,80, siendo Boyacá, Valle del Cauca y Putumayo los más distantes (>0,87). Los análisis de clasificación arbórea (nj) y factorial de correspondencia múltiple (AFCM) revelaron poca estructuración geográfica de las accesiones y dispersión de los individuos de un mismo origen. La carencia de estructuración y la alta variabilidad intraespecífica podría explicarse por el fenómeno de alogamia presente en la especie y el intercambio de semillas entre productores. En conclusión, estos resultados sugieren una evaluación agromorfológica complementaria que permita establecer la variabilidad genética total e implementar un programa de mejoramiento genético por medio de la selección asistida de genotipos superiores en búsqueda de cultivares más productivos y resistentes a problemas fitosanitarios que afectan los cultivos.
Análise discriminante múltipla do mercado varejista de açaí em Belém do Pará
Authors: Santana Antônio Cordeiro de , Santana Ádamo Lima de , Santana Ádina Lima de , Santos Marcos Antônio Souza dos , Oliveira Cyntia Meireles de
Published: November 2014

O açaí é um dos principais alimentos da população paraense e de maior consumo per capita em 2010. A venda de açaí em Belém é realizada por diversas unidades que operam no mercado varejista. O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar os segmentos de mercado: quitandas, microempreendedores e supermercados, a partir da análise de um conjunto de variáveis que definem as decisões dos consumidores de açaí. Utilizou-se do método stepwise da análise discriminante múltipla para estimar as funções discriminantes. Os resultados mostram que o segmento identificado com maior precisão foi o de quitandas, com 100%, seguido do segmento de supermercado com 96,5% dos casos classificados corretamente, e o segmento de microempreendedores, com 90,9%, apresentou a menor precisão no enquadramento dos consumidores. O modelo estimado apresentou elevada significância no processo de estimação, uma vez que as funções, incluindo as variáveis quantidade de açaí, renda dos consumidores, preço do açaí, qualidade do açaí, preço do peixe e preço da farinha, classificaram corretamente 95,6% dos elementos originais.
Saldo de radiação em cafeeiros e limeiras: relações com saldo de radiação de gramado e radiação global
Authors: Simon Jones , Angelocci Luiz R.
Published: November 2014

O balanço de radiação da copa das árvores (Rnc) é uma das principais variáveis de interesse em estudos hídricos e de crescimento de culturas de espécies lenhosas, mas sua determinação direta é tarefa difícil e limitada a trabalhos experimentais. O uso da técnica de varredura da copa por radiômetros com integração espaço-temporal da absorção pela folhagem permite testar modelos de estimativa e estabelecer relações entre Rnc e variáveis meteorológicas, como saldo de radiação de gramado (Rng) e radiação solar global (Rg). A técnica de varredura foi usada em um trecho de renque de pomar de limeira ácida e de cafezal, em Piracicaba, SP, tendo-se verificado bons ajustes por equações lineares e polinomiais quadráticas, para a relação de Rnc com Rng e com Rg nas várias estações do ano para o cafezal, em dados integrados a cada 15 min e na escala horária e para a estação de inverno no pomar; entretanto, o ajuste não foi bom para o verão. Para valores integrados no período diurno ocorreram bons ajustes nas duas culturas, em todos os períodos estudados.
Doses de fósforo e irrigação na nutrição foliar do cafeeiro
Authors: Dominghetti Anderson W. , Scalco Myriane S. , Guimarães Rubens J. , Silva Douglas R. G. , Carvalho João P. S. , Pereira Vinícius A.
Published: November 2014

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar, em doses crescentes de fósforo, o efeito de lâminas de irrigação no teor foliar de fósforo de cafeeiros em estágio de primeiro ano de produção. O plantio (Topázio MG-1190) foi realizado em janeiro de 2010 e os tratamentos diferenciados a partir de novembro de 2011. Utilizou-se o delineamento experimental em blocos ao acaso com três repetições, com tratamentos dispostos no esquema fatorial 5 x 4 os quais se compunham por cinco lâminas de irrigação correspondentes às frações (0,4; 0,7; 1,0; 1,3 e 1,6) da lâmina calculada pelo coeficiente de cultura e quatro doses de fósforo (0, 80, 240 e 720 kg ha-1). Foi utilizado o sistema de irrigação por gotejamento enquanto a adubação fosfatada (monoamônio fosfato purificado) foi feita via fertirrigação, em doze parcelamentos iguais durante o ano. Foram avaliados os teores foliares de fósforo aos dois, quatro, seis, oito, dez e doze meses após o início dos tratamentos. Tanto em aplicação única de fósforo, no plantio, quanto na aplicação de doses crescentes parceladas via fertirrigação, observou-se que no primeiro ano de produção o teor foliar de fósforo de cafeeiros aumenta com aumento da lâmina de irrigação.
A new spiny species of Hypostomus Lacépède (Loricariidae: Hypostominae) from thermal waters, upper rio Paraná basin, central Brazil
Authors: Martins Fernanda O. , Langeani Francisco , Zawadzki Cláudio H.
Published: November 2014

A new species of Hypostomus is described from the rio Quente, rio Paranaíba drainage, in the upper rio Paraná basin in central Brazil. The rio Quente is a peculiar small and shallow fast water stream with water temperatures around 34ºC. The new species is distinguished from all congeners by having the five lateral series of plates with hypertrophied odontodes not aligned in rows and more conspicuous on flanks of caudal peduncle of the larger specimens. The new species is only known from the rio Quente.
A geomorfologia perante a ciência geográfica: algumas reflexões
Authors: Pedrosa António de Sousa
Published: November 2014

O primeiro objectivo da Geografia é explorar e explicar o espaço geográfico. A ciência moderna necessita de um corpo teórico e não de uma obsessão de classificação, ou seja, existe a necessidade de um modelo epistemológico em que se defina teoricamente o seu objecto, trabalhe com conceitos e se estabeleça leis. Para que se compreenda a posição actual do geógrafo e, mais especificamente do geógrafo físico, é importante entender, como se processou evolução desta ciência e quais os conceitos fundamentais pelos quais ela se rege. Neste trabalho discute-se alguns problemas inerentes ao seu estatuto epistemológico pretendo-se contribuir para a compreensão de alguns conceitos e tendências evolutivas que estão na base da ciência geográfica e mais especificamente da Geografia Física. Pretende-se, igualmente, destacar a importância da Geomorfologia na formação de base de um geógrafo tendo como intenção provocar a reflexão e, ao mesmo tempo, suscitar uma tomada de consciência da relação que existe entre a formação teórica fundamental e a actividade prática futura dos geógrafos.
A ciência das ilhas e os estudos insulares: breves reflexões sobre o contributo da geografia
Authors: Espínola Paulo , Cravidão Fernanda
Published: November 2014

Ao longo das últimas décadas tem-se verificado um aumento do interesse pelos estudos insulares, atraindo investigadores de diversas áreas disciplinares que em conjunto tem sido capazes de promover esta “nova” linha de investigação. Tendo em conta a perspetiva internacional o presente texto pretende dar a conhecer as principais tendências ao nível da investigação sobre os espaços insulares, com particular destaque para a nova “ciência das ilhas”. Partindo de uma análise retrospetiva recente sobre a evolução dos estudos insulares, o objetivo principal deste artigo passa por compreender a relação entre a Geografia (bem como dos geógrafos) e as ilhas, realçando o tipo de contributo que a ciência geográfica tem prestado a este tipo de análise territorial. Esta investigação inscreve-se num trabalho mais vasto no âmbito do doutoramento em Geografia que estamos a realizar.