bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Território e pandemia: aprofundamento da desigualdade e resistências no conjunto de favelas da Maré (RJ)
Authors: Farage Eblin , Barros Camila
Published: February 2023

O presente artigo aborda o direito à cidade e o agravamento das condições de vida dos trabalhadores residentes em favelas com a pandemia do novo Coronavírus e a intensificação da regressão dos direitos sociais no último período. A partir de projetos e da experiência da Redes da Maré, entidade da sociedade civil, o artigo tem por objetivo dar visibilidade aos impactos dos retrocessos sociais na vida dos moradores da favela e também a expressões de resistência coletiva nesse território, partindo de uma revisão bibliográfica que considera a favela como expressão do desenvolvimento desigual e combinado do capitalismo. A partir da inserção no território e da prática profissional e de pesquisa, analisa-se a campanha “Maré diz NÃO ao Coronavírus” e a construção da ADPF 635 (conhecida como ADPF das favelas), que expressam formas de atendimento às demandas imediatas das parcelas mais pauperizadas da classe trabalhadora residentes na favela da Maré e também a resistência coletiva. Partindo de autores clássicos no tratamento da questão urbana e direito à cidade e do método da pesquisa-ação, a presente elaboração se utiliza de pesquisa empírica e da vivência em projetos desenvolvidos no conjunto de favelas da Maré para demonstrar a precariedade das condições de vida dos residentes nesse território e o impacto na diminuição da violência armada do Estado a partir da ADPF. Assim, busca explicitar a necessidade de uma intervenção qualificada do poder público e a resistência através da organização coletiva no território.
Espaços espontâneos e estéreis em cidades médias: um estudo a partir do deslocamento da feira livre na cidade de Marília-SP
Authors: Carvalho Marcus Vinicius de Souza Perez de
Published: February 2023

A tradicional feira livre que ocorre aos domingos na cidade de Marília, localizada no interior do estado de São Paulo, foi deslocada para margem da região central em 2015 por interesses da igreja Universal do Reino de Deus com mediação do poder público. Contudo, essa disputa não ocorreu isoladamente, ela se desenvolveu no contexto urbano contemporâneo, que é orientado, majoritariamente, pelos interesses neoliberais do mercado imobiliário. Com a intenção de demonstrar a relação entre a mudança da feira e o desenvolvimento urbano influenciado pelo capital imobiliário, este artigo apresenta uma análise do tensionamento a partir de duas categorias analíticas, espaços espontâneos e espaços estéreis, que foram desenvolvidas por pesquisa qualitativa sobre espaços da cidade que se relacionam direta e indiretamente com a feira. Os espaços selecionados por meio de entrevistas com feirantes e seus fregueses foram o supermercado da rede Tauste, o Marília Shopping e o Terminal rodoviário urbano. As categorias contribuíram para localizarmos a feira livre na teia de relações sociais da cidade e para entendermos o significado do seu deslocamento para o projeto de desenvolvimento urbano nas cidades médias. Portanto, a aproximação da feira com os espaços espontâneos e da igreja Universal com os espaços estéreis indica o grau de conformidade da cidade de Marília com a tendência de um projeto neoliberal de cidade, cujo modelo está presente há décadas nos grandes centros urbanos do país.
Mulheres na tecelagem artesanal ´resencostense´: o que dizem os dados do censo demográfico de 2010
Authors: Soares Junior Glauber , Carvalho Angelita Alves de
Published: February 2023

Este artigo buscou compreender as diferentes ocupações e o perfil das trabalhadoras e dos trabalhadores do setor artesanal têxtil em Resende Costa (MG), destacando a participação feminina na manutenção dessa práxis. Foram utilizados os dados do Censo Demográfico de 2010 do IBGE, por ser a única fonte possível de analisar o município de interesse. Entre os principais resultados, destaca-se que foram mapeadas pelo menos quatro ocupações ligadas ao setor do artesanato na Classificação de Ocupações para Pesquisas Domiciliares utilizadas pelo IBGE. O trabalho no setor artesanal no município é caracterizado por ser majoritariamente informal e com baixos salários. Apesar de as mulheres representarem 63% da força de trabalho nesse setor, seus rendimentos eram quase a metade dos recebidos pelos homens. Enquanto principal resultado, constata-se que o setor de artesanato têxtil é marcado por diferenciais de gênero importantes em Resende Costa.
As tramas dos textos e dos têxteis: Uma experiência com a literatura e a arte
Authors: Lazzari Letícia , Alves Izandra , Diehl Viviane
Published: February 2023

A arte e literatura se conectam na experiência descrita neste trabalho com o intuito de tecer relações entre os textos e os têxteis. Essas conexões foram costuradas via ação dos projetos de extensão “Experiências de leitura compartilhadas” e “Artistando, ceramicando e muito mais”, do Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Rio Grande do Sul (IFRS) - Campus Feliz, em parceria com a biblioteca Pedro Hahn e as escolas municipais de Feliz/RS. O objetivo consiste em mobilizar a experiência estética, por meio da educação literária e da arte, nas proposições teórico-práticas que nutrem significativamente a vida. As oficinas estético-pedagógicas foram planejadas coletivamente e desenvolvidas com cinquenta estudantes de duas escolas municipais, os quais vivenciaram aspectos da criação inventiva. Tal processo se deu através de memórias e histórias que se conectaram e produziram experiências significativas, associando literatura e arte.
Hipótesis y tener por verdadero en Kant
Authors: Reyna Fortes Rafael
Published: February 2023

En este artículo me propongo analizar dos aspectos, a menudo obviados, de la teoría kantiana del conocimiento. Se trata de la teoría del dar por verdadero y de su conexión con las hipótesis. En una primera aproximación intentaré precisar qué distingue a la opinión de otros modos de dar por verdadero como lo son el saber y la creencia. En segundo lugar, habiendo dado debida cuenta de qué son las opiniones, intentaré explicar por qué Kant considera que las hipótesis son opiniones. En tercer y último lugar, pondré de manifiesto qué entiende Kant por hipótesis y de qué tipo de inferencia tiene en mente cuando habla de éstas.
Making a Manual: The Manual for the Curation and Display of Interactive New Media Art
Authors: G. Cepeda Rene
Published: February 2023

While the study of new media art is diverse and encompasses a wide range of art practices, curatorial and art historical concerns, as well as philosophical questions regarding the coexistence of art and technology, research and training on the practical aspects of curating new media art and in particular its interactive manifestations is sparse, and what does exist often becomes obsolete within a decade. Having identified this gap in knowledge, The Manual for the Curation and Display of Interactive New Media Art is a creative commons living document aimed at assisting curators and exhibition designers, particularly non-specialist curators seeking to engage with interactive new media art. This paper will explain the design philosophy of the manual as well as the methodologies.
L’HISTOIRE DU DÉVELOPPEMENT DU DRAINAGE SOUTERRAIN AU QUÉBEC DE 1850 À 1970
Authors:   Environmental Engineer, Consumaj Inc., 2550 Vanier, St-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 6L7 Canada,, Barrington Suzelle
Published: February 2023

Peu documenté, le drainage souterrain fait partie de l’histoire du Québec depuis son tout début en 1850, et depuis son achat de la première draineuse mécanisée au Canada en 1902. Le but du présent article est donc de documenter cette historie de 1850 à 1967. L’église catholique a activement participé à l’éducation des communautés rurales francophones du Québec en fondant plusieurs écoles d’agriculture. Du côté anglophone, le Collège Macdonald (Campus Macdonald de l’Université McGill University) jouait un rôle important surtout pour la préparation de plans, en plus de sa vulgarisation. Le Ministère de l’Agriculture encourageait le drainage souterrain à compter de 1912 mais lui adressait peu d’importance pour défricher et excaver les cours d’eaux, afin de trouver des emplois à la suite des deux grandes guerres mondiales, et de la grande dépression de 1930. Une fois les travaux de creusage de cours d’eau pratiquement réalisés vers le début des années 1960, le Ministère lançait un important programme de drainage souterrain pour ensuite laisser la relève aux entrepreneurs privés peu après 1967. En dépit de ses nombreux changements de nom même après 1967, le présent article utilise simplement le nom de ‘Ministère de l’Agriculture’. Pour comparer le taux d’installation de drainage souterrain, un écartement moyen de 15m sera présumé. Le présent article vise a souligner les éléments importants de l’histoire du drainage souterrain au Québec, ne pouvant mentionner tous ceux-ci ni toutes les personnes impliquées.
COVID-19 mortality prediction using ensemble learning and grey wolf optimization
Authors: Lou Lihua , Xia Weidong , Sun Zhen , Quan Shichao , Yin Shaobo , Gao Zhihong , Lin Cai
Published: February 2023

COVID-19 is now often moderate and self-recovering, but in a significant proportion of individuals, it is severe and deadly. Determining whether individuals are at high risk for serious disease or death is crucial for making appropriate treatment decisions. We propose a computational method to estimate the mortality risk for patients with COVID-19. To develop the model, 4,711 reported cases confirmed as SARS-CoV-2 infections were used for model development. Our computational method was developed using ensemble learning in combination with a genetic algorithm. The best-performing ensemble model achieves an AUCROC (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve) value of 0.7802. The best ensemble model was developed using only 10 features, which means it requires less medical information so that the diagnostic cost may be reduced while the prognostic time may be improved. The results demonstrate the robustness of the used method as well as the efficiency of the combination of machine learning and genetic algorithms in developing the ensemble model.
Estudio preliminar de correlación fenotipo-genotipo en miocardiopatías de pacientes derivados a un centro de alta complejidad del conurbano bonaerense
Authors: Streitenberger Gisela , Reyes Graciela R. , Velazco María P. , Pasquevich Viviana , De Santos Mariela , Granillo Fernández Marcos , Potito Mauricio , Kociubinski Pablo , Mariani Javier
Published: February 2023

Introducción: Las miocardiopatías se definen como un  rastorno del miocardio en el que el músculo cardíaco es  estructural y funcionalmente anormal, en ausencia de enfermedad arterial coronaria, hipertensión arterial (HTA), enfermedad valvular y enfermedad cardíaca congénita. Estas enfermedades son relativamente frecuentes, y suponen una importante causa de morbimortalidad a nivel global. Aunque el estudio genético se recomienda para el cribado familiar, la falta de datos robustos sobre asociaciones genotipofenotipo específicas ha reducido su impacto en el manejo clínico.Objetivos: El objetivo de este estudio es analizar la frecuencia de mutaciones en una población de pacientes con miocardiopatía derivados a un centro de alta complejidad y el análisis de la correlación genotipo fenotipo en las mutaciones identificadas.
Material y métodos: Se estudiaron en forma  prospectiva 102 pacientes con sospecha de  miocardiopatía hipertrófica (MCH) familiar, de los  cuales 70 constituían casos índices, de una cohorte ambispectiva de pacientes con miocardiopatías controladas en un hospital público de alta complejidad de tercer nivel de atención de la provincia de Buenos Aires, desde enero 2012 al 30 agosto 2022.Resultados: Se comprobó que realizar estudio molecular guiado por el Score de Mayo permitió obtener un alto grado de probabilidad de detectar mutaciones. Se evidenció la importancia del estudio molecular debido a la existencia de solapamiento fenotípico y genotípico de las miocardiopatías.
Conclusiones: El conocimiento de la variante genética causal actualmente no afecta el manejo clínico de la mayoría de los pacientes con MCH, pero es de ayuda ante un pequeño grupo de genes que tienen opciones de tratamiento.
How to Promote WOM from Platform Attachment in Gastronomy Context
Authors: Fa Hongliang , Cai Ping , Yen Tsaifa (TF)
Published: February 2023

With the increasing popularity of social media, consumers browsing, evaluating and sharing online content has become a popular electronic word-of-mouth (WOM) behavior. Perceived value and attachment have been the important antecedents of WOM. Fewer studies, however, were presented to clarify the mediating and moderating effect among three variables. Therefore, this study aims to clarify the relationships among user perceived value, platform attachment and word-of-mouth in the relationship between food platform and users; to verify the mediating effect of platform attachment; to validate the influence of involvement on the relationships among these three variables; and to provide managerial implications. Data was collected by online questionnaire survey and a total of 411 samples were received yielding an effective recovery rate of 93%. Findings reveal that positive relationships were confirmed. The mediating role of platform attachment were confirmed while its effect was insignificant. Moreover, user’s involvement was proved to be a moderator on perceived value-platform attachment relationships. Managers of food platforms should focus on enhancing the value of food programs and making fans feel the benefits of browsing such programs was suggested to food platforms.
Study on Physical Properties of Minor Millets
Authors: Nithyashree K. , Vijayalaxmi K. G.
Published: February 2023

Millets are important food in many underdeveloped countries because of their ability to grow under adverse weather conditions like limited rainfall. The aim of the study was to investigate the physical properties of the selected minor millets. The mean thousand seeds weight and seeds volume of millets ranged from 1.70 to 4.60 g and 2.28 to 4.40 ml per 1000 seeds respectively. Among the millets hydration capacity was highest in proso millet (1.13 g) and lowest in little millet (0.26 g) and proso millet (2.40 ml) had highest swelling capacity and lowest was in little millet (0.48 ml). Swelling index was highest in finger millet (0.81) and lowest in little millet (0.20).The specific gravity and bulk density of millets studied ranged from 0.64 to 1.88 and 0.62 to 1.55 g/ml respectively. Results showed that ‘F’ value indicated a significant difference to exist among the selected millets for all the physical characteristics studied (p≤0.05).The information of the present study would be useful foroptimizing milling operations, designing the storage structures and machinery, which will help to avoid the post-harvest and milling losses.
Causes of Unplanned Pregnancies in Secondary School and its Impact on the School Performance
Authors: Baptiste Ndagijimana Jean , Ugiriwabo Prudencienne
Published: February 2023

The main objective of this study is to analyze causes of unplanned pregnancies in the secondary school and its impact on the school performance.

The researcher distributed questionnaires to students and teachers. Deputy Head teacher of Studies was interviewed the school Dean of the Studies. The direct observation was conducted and reading other existing documents related to the causes of unplanned pregnancies in secondary school and its impact on the school performance. The sample population of 84 people was used in this study, and data analyzed were for years 2016, 2017 and 2018.

From research findings, unplanned pregnancies have serious impact on school performance where the female adolescents drop out, fail lessons and to irregularly attend classes due to many responsibilities.

The research outcomes will help students, teachers, parents, and educational stakeholders to overcome causes of unplanned pregnancies for the purpose of getting good performance. The research addresses some recommendations to the Government, whereby the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC) should determine and overcome the factors that associated with the unplanned pregnancies, especially for the female adolescents and their impact on the school performance. The research further suggested that training of teachers and other educational stakeholders are helpful when they effectively provided to overcome such issues. Teachers were recommended collaboration with parents on the students’ behaviors and success. Teachers should lastly know and report the number of pregnant girls and encourage them returning back to school after childbirth.
The structure of the NF‐κB p50:DNA‐complex a starting point for analyzing the Rel family
Authors: Müller Christoph W. , Harrison Stephen C.
Published: July 2002

The Rel family comprises a group of structurally related, eukaryotic transcription factors. The similarity extends over about 300 amino acid residues, the Rel homology region, which is responsible for DNA binding and dimerization. Two independently determined structures of homodimeric NF‐κB p50 bound to DNA show the Rel homology regions and the DNA target sites. The protein consists of two β‐barrel domains connected by a short linker. Five loops per monomer contact the DNA. Different half‐site spacings in the two structures lead to different relative orientations of N‐ and C‐terminal domains.
Formation of native structure by intermolecular thiol‐disulfide exchange reactions without oxidants in the folding of bovine pancreatic ribonuclease A
Authors: Song Myeong-Cheol , Scheraga Harold A
Published: July 2002

It has been shown previously that the oxidative folding of bovine pancreatic ribonuclease A proceeds through parallel pathways with two major native‐like three‐disulfide (3S) intermediates. We show here that, under some conditions, the native disulfide bonds can also be regenerated through disproportionation reactions; in other words, the protein can serve as its own redox reagent. The results also show that disulfide species of the unstructured 3S ensemble have a strong propensity to participate in intermolecular interactions. These interactions are favored at high protein concentration, temperature and pH, and lead to formation of the native structure during disulfide reshuffling in the rate‐determining step.
Isolation and characterization of circulating fragments of the insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐3
Authors: Kübler Bernd , Draeger Claudia , John Harald , Andag Uwe , Scharf Jens-Gerd , Forssmann Wolf-Georg , Braulke Thomas , Ständker Ludger
Published: July 2002

Proteolysis of insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐3 (IGFBP‐3), the major carrier of IGFs in the circulation, is an essential mechanism to regulate IGF bioavailability. To analyze naturally occurring IGFBP‐3 fragments a peptide library established from human hemofiltrate was screened. Three IGFBP‐3 fragments were detected with apparent molecular masses of 34, 16, and 11 kDa. Mass spectrometric and sequence analysis identified the 16 and 11 kDa peptides as glycosylated and non‐glycosylated N‐terminal fragments spanning residues Gly1–Ala98 of IGFBP‐3. Both the circulating forms and those secreted from IGFBP‐31–98 overexpressing cells bound IGF. Additionally, two smaller fragments (IGFBP‐3139–157 and IGFBP‐3139–159) were identified in the hemofiltrate. The data indicate that proteolysis of circulating IGFBP‐3 occurs in the variable domain at residues alanine 98, phenylalanine 138, glutamine 157, and tyrosine 159.
Stability of Subtilisin and Lysozyme under High Hydrostatic Pressure
Authors: Webb Jonathan N. , Carpenter John F. , Randolph Theodore W.
Published: July 2002

The stabilities of subtilisin and lysozyme under hydrostatic pressures up to 200 MPa were investigated for up to 7 days at 25 °C. Methods were chosen to assess changes in tertiary and secondary protein structure as well as aggregation state. Tertiary structure was monitored in situ with second derivative UV spectroscopy and after pressure treatment by dynamic light scattering and second derivative UV spectroscopy. Secondary structure and potential secondary structural changes were characterized by second derivative FTIR spectroscopy. Changes in aggregation state were assessed using dynamic light scattering. Additionally, protein concentration balances were carried out to detect any loss of protein as a function of pressure. For the conditions tested, neither protein shows measurable changes in tertiary or secondary structure or signs of aggregation. Lysozyme concentration balances show no dependence on pressure. Subtilisin concentration balances at high protein concentration (4 mg/mL and higher) do not show pressure dependence. However, the concentration balances carried out at 0.4 mg/mL show a clear sign of pressure dependence. These results may be explained by protein interaction with the vial surface and appear to be rate limited by the equilibrium between active and inactive protein on the surface. Pressure increases protein loss, and the estimated partial molar volume change between the two states is estimated to be −20 ± 10 mL/mol.
Two‐Stage Culture Process for Improved Production of Ganoderic Acid by Liquid Fermentation of Higher Fungus Ganoderma lucidum
Authors: Fang Qing‐Hua , Zhong Jian‐Jiang
Published: July 2002

Investigations on the impact of pellet size on the cellular oxygen uptake and accumulation of ganoderic acid (GA) suggested the favorable effect of oxygen limitation on GA formation by the higher fungus Ganoderma lucidum. A two‐stage fermentation process was thus proposed for enhanced GA production by combining conventional shake‐flask fermentation with static culture. A high cell density of 20.9 g of DW/L (DW = dry cell weight) was achieved through a 4‐day shake‐flask fermentation followed by a 12‐day static culture. A change in the cell morphology and a decrease in the sugar consumption rate were observed during the static culture. The GA production in the new two‐stage process was considerably enhanced with its content increased from 1.36 (control) to 3.19 mg/100 mg of DW, which was much higher than previously observed.
Production of 2‐Phenylethyl Alcohol by Kluyveromyces marxianus
Authors: Fabre Cathy E. , Blanc Philippe J. , Goma Gerard
Published: July 2002

Among the numerous yeasts able to produce flavor compounds, several strains of Kluyveromyces species are known for the synthesis of large amounts of aromatic compounds. In particular, the accumulation of 2‐phenylethyl alcohol in liquid cultures of Kluyveromyces marxianus was observed after incubation on a semisynthetic medium at 30 °C, 125 rpm. Changes in the carbon sources led to a significant modification of the amount of this aromatic compound; moreover, the variations in the level of dl‐phenylalanine and the exclusive use of a precursor isomer (l) also affected the synthesis of 2−phenylethyl alcohol. Finally, this study revealed the growth inhibition of K. marxianus when the concentration of 2‐phenylethyl alcohol reached a critical value near 1.4 g/L; the use of an exponential model allowed the inhibition constant ki to be determined (ki = 0.35 g/L) .
(αMe)Nva: stereoselective syntheses and preferred conformations of selected model peptides
Authors: Moretto A. , Peggion C. , Formaggio F. , Crisma M. , Toniolo C. , Piazza C. , Kaptein B. , Broxterman Q.B. , Ruiz I. , Diaz‐de‐Villegas M.D. , Galvez J.A. , Cativiela C.
Published: July 2002

Abstract: Using different stereoselective chemical and chemoenzymatic approaches we synthesized the chiral, Cα‐methylated α‐amino acid l‐(αMe)Nva with a short, linear side‐chain. A set of terminally protected model peptides to the pentamer level containing either (αMe)Nva or Nva in combination with Ala and/or Aib was prepared using solution methods and characterized fully. Two (αMe)Nva peptides were also synthesized using side‐chain hydrogenation of the corresponding Cα‐methyl, Cα‐allylglycine (Mag) peptides. A detailed solution and crystal‐state conformational analysis based on FT‐IR absorption, 1H NMR and X‐ray diffraction techniques allowed us to define that: (i) (αMe)Nva is an effective β‐turn and 310‐helix former; and (ii) the relationship between (αMe)Nva chirality and the screw sense of the turn/helix formed is that typical of protein amino acids, i.e. l‐(αMe)Nva induces the preferential formation of right‐handed folded structures. In more general terms, this study reinforced previous conclusions that peptides based on α‐amino acids with a Cα‐methyl substituent and a Cα‐linear alkyl substituent are characterized by a strong tendency to fold into turn and helical structures.
Analogs of oxytocin conformationally restricted in the N‐terminal part of the molecule
Authors: Łempicka E. , Derdowska I. , Jastrze¸bska B. , Lammek B. , Kunčarova P. , Slaninova J.
Published: July 2002

Abstract:In this study we describe the synthesis and some pharmacological properties of four analogs of oxytocin. Three of these peptides contain the ethylene‐bridged dipeptided‐Phe‐d‐Phe at positions 2 and 3; one had twoN‐Me‐d‐Phe residues. All analogs were tested for vasopressor and uterotonic activitiesin vitro. Although the results obtained demonstrate that the proposed modifications either suppressed or greatly reduced all the activities verified, two peptides are very selective, because they do not seem to interact with V1areceptors. Our results may open up new possibilities for the design of antagonists of oxytocin.
Prevalence of fluconazole‐resistant strains ofCandida albicansin otherwise healthy outpatients
Authors: Haberland‐Carrodeguas Christel , Allen Carl M. , Beck F. Michael , Buesching William J. , Koletar Susan L. , Sundstrom Paula
Published: July 2002

Background: In contrast to the immunosupressed patient population, the prevalence of fluconazole‐resistant strains ofCandida albicansamong healthy individuals has not been extensively studied.

Methods: Candidaspecies were cultured form 50 healthy outpatients with clinical signs of oral candidiasis. Following one week of the recommended fluconazole regimen, post‐treatment cultures were obtained. Both pre‐ and post‐treatment yeasts were identified andin vitrosusceptibility testing was performed using the NCCLS M‐27A method. Strains were further differentiated using established cDNA probes.

Results: Forty‐four patients (88%) had positiveC.albicanscultures prior to treatment. Antifungal susceptibility testing of these strains demonstrated noin vitroresistance to fluconazole. At post‐treatment evaluation, eight patients (18%) had persistent signs of infection and 10 patients (23%) had positiveCandidasp. cultures despite no clinical signs of infection. DNA analysis confirmed that the sameC. albicansstrain was present both in the pre‐treatment and the post‐treatment cultures.

Conclusions: Our results showed that the presence of fluconazole‐resistant strains ofC.albicansdoes not appear to be prevalent among healthy outpatients furthermore,in vitroantifungal susceptibility testing does not always predict successful therapy in these patients.
Mapping the human translation elongation factor eEF1H complex using the yeast two-hybrid system
Authors: MANSILLA Francisco , FRIIS Irene , JADIDI Mandana , NIELSEN Karen M. , CLARK Brian F.C. , KNUDSEN Charlotte R.
Published: July 2002

In eukaryotes, the eukaryotic translation elongation factor eEF1A responsible for transporting amino-acylated tRNA to the ribosome forms a higher-order complex, eEF1H, with its guanine-nucleotide-exchange factor eEF1B. In metazoans, eEF1B consists of three subunits: eEF1Bα, eEF1Bβ and eEF1Bγ. The first two subunits possess the nucleotide-exchange activity, whereas the role of the last remains poorly defined. In mammals, two active tissue-specific isoforms of eEF1A have been identified. The reason for this pattern of differential expression is unknown. Several models on the basis of in vitro experiments have been proposed for the macromolecular organization of the eEF1H complex. However, these models differ in various aspects. This might be due to the difficulties of handling, particularly the eEF1Bβ and eEF1Bγ subunits in vitro. Here, the human eEF1H complex is for the first time mapped using the yeast two-hybrid system, which is a powerful in vivo technique for analysing protein—protein interactions. The following complexes were observed: eEF1A1:eEF1Bα, eEF1A1:eEF1Bβ, eEF1Bβ:eEF1Bβ, eEF1Bα:eEF1Bγ, eEF1Bβ:eEF1Bγ and eEF1Bα:eEF1Bγ:eEF1Bβ, where the last was observed using a three-hybrid approach. Surprisingly, eEF1A2 showed no or only little affinity for the guanine-nucleotide-exchange factors. Truncated versions of the subunits of eEF1B were used to orientate these subunits within the resulting model. The model unit is a pentamer composed of two molecules of eEF1A, each interacting with either eEF1Bα or eEF1Bβ held together by eEF1Bγ. These units can dimerize via eEF1Bβ. Our model is compared with other models, and structural as well as functional aspects of the model are discussed.
Methylation of the p15INK4B gene in myelodysplastic syndrome: it can be detected early at diagnosis or during disease progression and is highly associated with leukaemic transformation
Authors: Tien Hwei‐Fang , Tang Jih‐Luh , Tsay Woei , Liu Ming‐Chi , Lee Fenn‐Yu , Wang Chiu‐Hwa , Chen Yao‐Chang , Shen Ming‐Ching
Published: July 2002

To investigate the time sequence of occurrence of p15INK4B gene methylation in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and its correlation with leukaemic transformation and survival of patients, the methylation status of the p15INK4B promoter region was analysed in 50 patients and was serially studied in 22 of them. Of the 50 patients, 17 (34%) showed p15INK4B gene methylation, first demonstrated at diagnosis or during follow‐up. When FAB subtypes at the time of study were used in the analysis, the incidence of p15INK4B methylation in each risk group of MDS remained stable throughout the course: 0% for low‐risk MDS [refractory anaemia (RA) and RA with ring sideroblasts] and from 23% at diagnosis to 30% for high‐risk MDS [RA with excess of blasts (RAEB), RAEB in transformation and chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia] respectively. The incidence of p15INK4B methylation rose to 60% at initial study and, finally, to 75% in cases of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) evolved from MDS. Most patients (69%) with p15INK4B methylation showed disease progression to AML; it could be detected before, at the time or after the diagnosis of leukaemic transformation. p15INK4B methylation in MDS patients implicated a shorter survival time in univariate analyses, but its prognostic significance disappeared in multivariate analyses. In conclusion, p15INK4B methylation can be detected early at the diagnosis of MDS or acquired during disease progression. It may play an important role in the pathogenesis of some high‐risk MDS and is related to leukaemic transformation of MDS.
Differences in autonomic modulation of heart rate during arm and leg exercise
Authors: Tulppo M. P. , Mäkikallio T. H. , Laukkanen R. T. , Huikuri H. V.
Published: July 2002

Heart rate (HR) is higher during dynamic arm exercise than during leg exercise at equal oxygen consumption levels, but the physiological background for this difference is not completely understood. The vagally mediated beat‐to‐beat R‐R interval fluctuation decreases until the level of ≈50% of maximal oxygen consumption during an incremental bicycle exercise, but the vagal responses to arm exercise are not well known. Changes in autonomic modulation of HR were compared during arm and leg exercise by measuring beat‐to‐beat R‐R interval variability from a Poincaré plot normalized for the average R‐R interval (SD1n), a measure of vagal activity, in 14 healthy male subjects (age 20 ± 4 years) who performed graded bicycle and arm cranking tests until exhaustion. Seven of the subjects also performed the dynamic arm and leg tests after β‐adrenergic blockade (propranolol 0·2 mg kg−1 i.v.). More rapid reduction occurred in SD1n during the low‐intensity level of dynamic arm exercise than during dynamic leg exercise without beta‐blockade (e.g. 11 ±6 vs. 20 ± 10 at the oxygen consumption level of 12 1 min−1; P<0·001) and with beta‐blockade (e.g. 13 ± 4 vs. 25 ± 10 at the level of 1·0 l min−1; P<0·05), and the mean HR was significantly higher during submaximal arm work than during leg work in both cases (e.g. during beta‐blockade 81 ± 12 vs. 74 ± 6 beats min−1 at the level of 10 1 min−1; P<0·05). These data show that dynamic arm exercise results in more rapid withdrawal of vagal outflow than dynamic leg exercise.
Why appraise the evidence? a case study of vitamin C and the healing of pressure sores
Authors: North G. , Booth A.
Published: July 2002

Background: The adoption of ‘evidence‐based healthcare’ requires that practitioners can identify and interpret findings from rigorous research with a view to introducing them into clinical practice. This, in turn, necessitates the prior acquisition of skills in information retrieval and critical appraisal.

Aim: To examine how the systematic retrieval and subsequent appraisal of research might usefully inform clinical practice.

Method: A community dietitian investigated the effect of vitamin C on the healing of pressure sores using skills acquired from a course on systematic reviews and critical appraisal.

Results: A systematic search across a range of databases identified two randomized controlled trials which were critically appraised and a critical commentary produced.

Conclusion: There is insubstantial evidence to support use of a daily vitamin C supplement for healing pressure sores. Over 20 years’ treatment of pressure sores has been found to be based on a single flawed study.
The immediate effect of hard and soft splints on the EMG activity of the masseter and temporalis muscles
Authors: Al Quran F. A. M. , Lyons M. F.
Published: July 2002

Summary The aim of this study was to compare the effects of hard and soft splints on the activity of the anterior temporalis and masseter muscles. Surface EMG recordings were made from these muscles during clenching at 10% of maximum, 50% of maximum and at maximum clench, both before and after insertion of a hard splint. This sequence was then repeated with a soft splint. The relative level of activity in the anterior temporalis and masseter muscles at all three activity levels was quantified by means of an Activity Index, which provides a measure of the balance of activity in the masseter relative to the activity in the anterior temporalis muscle. It was found that hard splints led to a decrease in EMG activity in relation to activity with no splint in both muscles at maximum clench and particularly the anterior temporalis. Soft splints produced a slight increase in activity of both muscles, but particularly the masseter muscle. The Activity Index indicated a shift in the balance of activity away from the anterior temporalis muscles with both splints, particularly at 10% of the maximum clenching level. It is possible that the decrease in activity of the temporalis muscles relative to the masseter muscles may be a factor in the therapeutic effect of both a hard and a soft splint, although the decrease is clearly greater with the hard splint.
Interferon treatment in hepatitis B surface antigen‐positive hepatitis B e antibody‐positive chronic hepatitis B: role of hepatitis B core antibody IgM titre in patient selection and treatment monitoring
Authors: Lobello S. , Lorenzoni U. , Vian A. , Floreani A. , Brunetto M. R. , Chiaramonte M.
Published: July 2002

Chronic hepatitis B infection with the hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)‐negative variant is associated with a severe clinical course and a low response rate to interferon (IFN). In an attempt to improve the chances of sustained response to interferon we designed a pilot study, using titres of IgM antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAb IgM) to guide treatment initiation. Eighteen adults who were HBeAg‐negative with biopsy‐proven chronic active hepatitis (seven with cirrhosis) entered the study. They were followed‐up bimonthly with routine liver function tests, and HBcAb IgM titres were also determined. Treatment (lymphoblastoid IFN 5 million units (MU) m–2 three times weekly for 6 months) was started when the HBcAb IgM titre was increasing. Fifteen (83.3%) patients had normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and undetectable HBV DNA at the end of treatment. HBcAb IgM decreased in all responders. We observed a relapse in four patients (three with cirrhosis), in the first year after treatment, with an increase in ALT, HBV DNA and titre of HBcAb IgM. Eleven patients (61.1%) had a sustained response and eight of these 11 patients were followed‐up for more than 18 months; two responders cleared hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Hence, the rate of sustained response to IFN in HBeAb‐positive patients with chronic hepatitis is improved if treatment is started when HBcAb IgM levels are increasing.
Dietary lactulose decreases apparent nitrogen absorption and increases apparent calcium and magnesium absorption in healthy dogs
Authors: Beynen A. C. , Kappert H. J. , Yu S.
Published: July 2002

To study the effect of lactulose on the route of nitrogen excretion, we fed six healthy, adult dogs on diets containing either 0, 1 or 3 g lactulose/MJ metabolizable energy according to a 3 × 3 Latin square design. The results were analysed to identify statistically significant linear trend effects of lactulose. Faecal pH was significantly lowered by lactulose. Faecal ammonium and nitrogen excretion tended to be raised by lactulose feeding whereas urinary urea excretion was significantly reduced. Lactulose feeding significantly lowered apparent nitrogen digestibility. It is concluded that lactulose feeding shifts nitrogen excretion from urine to faeces in dogs which may be beneficial for liver patients. The data are in line with the concept that lactulose stimulates bacterial growth in the colon which in turn enhances faecal nitrogen excretion and lowers the entry of colonic ammonia into the bloodstream, leading to a lesser workload for the liver and less urinary nitrogen excretion. Lactulose consumption was also found to produce a dose‐dependent increase in the apparent absorption of calcium and magnesium, but not phosphorus.
Feed intake, growth, digestibility of dry matter and nitrogen in young pigs as affected by dietary cation–anion difference and supplementation of xylanase1
Authors: Dersjant‐Li Y. , Schulze H. , Schrama J. W. , Verreth J. A. , Verstegen M. W. A.
Published: July 2002

An experiment was conducted to test the effect of dietary cation–anion difference (CAD, Na+ + K+‐Cl−, mEq/kg diet) and xylanase addition on feed consumption, digestibility of nutrients, plasma electrolyte balance and growth performance in young pigs. A 2 × 3 factorial arrangement with three dietary CAD levels (−100, 200, and 500 mEq/kg) and two levels of xylanase supplementation (0 and 0.1% xylanase derived from Trichoderma longibrachiatum) was used. Thirty‐six individually housed, castrated pigs (5 weeks old) with an initial body weight of 9.34 ± 0.28 kg (mean ± SEM) were randomly assigned to the six treatments. Diets were provided to pigs as cold pellets. Pigs had ad libitum access to feed and water. Venous plasma Cl− concentration was higher (p < 0.0001) in dietary CAD of − 100 mEq/kg group compared with the other two CAD groups. Dietary CAD did not affect Na+ and K+ concentrations in the venous plasma. Growth rates were higher (p < 0.05) in pigs receiving dietary CAD of 200 mEq/kg (657 g/pig.day) and dietary CAD of 500 mEq/kg (603 g/pig.day) than in pigs receiving dietary CAD of −100 mEq/kg (484 g/pig.day). Faecal dry matter and nitrogen decreased with increasing dietary CAD. Faecal apparent digestibility of dry matter and nitrogen was higher (p < 0.05) in the dietary CAD of 500 mEq/kg compared to the two lower level CAD groups. Supplementation of xylanase did not affect the performance of pigs. Xylanase addition in the diet significantly increased apparent faecal digestibility of dry matter and tended to increase apparent digestibility of nitrogen. No interaction between dietary CAD and xylanase was found. In conclusion, dietary CAD influenced the performance and digestibility of nutrients of pigs. Xylanase supplementation improved digestibility of dry matter.
Optimal treatment for duodenal ulcer disease: A cost–decision analysis in Malaysian patients
Authors: Goh Kl , Cutler A , Chua Abs , Ding Rph , Kandasami P , Mazlam Mz , Raj Sm
Published: July 2002

The aim of the present study was to determine the cost‐efficiency of different duodenal ulcer disease treatment practices in Malaysia. Six Malaysian gastroenterologists met to discuss the direct costs related toHelicobacter pylori(HP) eradication treatment. Five treatment strategies were compared: (i) histamine H2receptor antagonists (H2RA), acid suppression therapy for 6 weeks followed by maintenance therapy as needed; (ii) bismuth triple + proton pump inhibitor (PPI), bismuth (120 mg, q.i.d.), metronidazole (400 mg; t.i.d.), tetracycline (500 mg, q.i.d.) for 7 days and PPI, b.i.d., for 7 days; (iii) OAC, omeprazole (20 mg, b.i.d.), amoxycillin (1000 mg, b.i.d.) and clarithromycin (500 mg, b.i.d.) for 7 days; (iv) OMC, omeprazole (20 mg, b.i.d.), metronidazole (400 mg, b.i.d.) and clarithromycin (500 mg, b.i.d.) for 7 days; and (v) OAM, omeprazole (20 mg, b.i.d.), amoxycillin (1000 mg, b.i.d.) and metronidazole (400 mg, b.i.d.) for 7 days. A decision tree model was created to determine which therapy would be the most cost‐effective. The model considered eradication rates, resistance to anti‐microbial agents, compliance and cost implications of treatment regimens, physician visits and ulcer recurrences during a 1 year time period assumption. The H2RA maintenance therapy was the most expensive treatment at Malaysian Ringgit (MR) 2335, followed by bismuth triple therapy (MR 1839), OMC (MR 1786), OAM (MR 1775) and OAC, being the most cost‐effective therapy, at MR 1679. In conclusion, HP eradication therapy is superior to H2RA maintenance therapy in the treatment of duodenal ulcer disease. Of the HP eradication regimens, OAC is the most cost‐effective.
MICROSCOPIC HAEMATURIA IN PREGNANCY
Authors: Brown Ma , Murray N , Mangos G , Curtis J
Published: July 2002

Objectives to determine (1) the prevalence of microscopic haematuria in pregnancy (2) whether this is a marker for adverse pregnancy outcome, and (3) whether this persists post‐partum.

Methods 951 women attending the antenatal clinic were enrolled in a prospective study of urinalysis and urine microscopy in pregnancy. Urinalysis was performed using an automated device on a carefully collected midstream urine sample at each antenatal visit. After initial or de novo dipstick microscopic haematuria was confirmed at a second antenatal visit, urine infection was excluded by urine culture. In the absence of infection women were referred for assessment by one of two nephrologists, including repeat urinalysis, urine microscopy and measurement of antinuclear antibody, serum creatinine and renal ultrasound. Women were followed up at delivery and three months post‐partum.

Results 106 (11%) women were referred for haematuria. 56% had only a trace of haematuria and 16% had associated proteinuria. All were normotensive at referral. At nephrologist assessment haematuria persisted in 79% of women, 56% being a trace only and 54% having dysmorphic haematuria. Creatinine was normal (≤ 0.08 mmol/L) in all cases, as was ANA. One ultrasound revealed asymptomatic renal calculi but no other abnormalities were found. To date 30 women have delivered, 4 with hypertensive complications (13%).

Conclusion Microscopic haematuria is a common occurrence in pregnancy but is generally mild and does not appear to be associated with an increased incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Further data will determine whether assessment of such women can be left until persistent post‐partum haematuria is documented.
X‐LINKED DOMINANT CHARCOT‐MARIE‐TOOTH NEUROPATHY: ANALYSIS OF A PEDIGREE WITH A NOVEL MUTATION OF CONNEXIN 32
Authors: Fabrizi G.M. , Polo A. , Cavallaro T. , Pinardi C. , Taioli F. , Corra' C. , Rizzuto N.
Published: July 2002

Objective: To report a family with X‐linked Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth neuropathy (CMTX) with a novel mutation of connexin 32 (Cx32).

Background: Cx32, a gap‐junction protein, is expressed in various neural and non‐neural tissues. In the peripheral nervous system (PNS), Cx32 is expressed by the Schwann cell and it is believed to form reflexive gap‐junctions at the Schmidt‐Lantermann incisures and paranodes; in the central nervous system, Cx32 is expressed by neurons and oligodendrocytes. Mutations of Cx32 causes an apparently tissue‐specific disorder of PNS: CMTX.

Methods: We examined, clinically and electrophysiologically, 2 brothers with CMT and their asymptomatic mother. We performed a sural nerve biopsy in the 29‐year‐old proband and analysed the Cx32 gene (GJB1) by direct nucleotide sequencing.

Results: We detected a novel GTA→GAA of GJB1 that is predicted to cause a Val23Glu substitution in the first transmembrane domain of Cx32. NCV studies disclosed features of a demyelinating neuropathy in the severely‐affected hemizygous brother, and slowing of the sensory conduction velocity in the sural nerve in the mother who showed pes cavus and areflexia. In all three examined patients, BAEPs showed both delayed wave 1 and prolonged interpeak‐latency‐time (IPL I‐V); central motor conduction time by MEPs was normal. The nerve biopsy in the proband was consistent with a primary axonal degeneration.

Conclusions: Cx32 mutations may lead also to a dysfunction of the CNS. Electrophysiological abnormalities of the CNS pathways may orientate the diagnosis of CMT towards Cx32.
NEUROPATHY AND S.L.E. (REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE AND PERSONAL RESULTS)
Authors: Francia A. , Restante R. , Finamore L. , Martini L. , Vitale A. , Manfredi M.
Published: July 2002

In 1950, for the first time, some authors described neuropathy in patients affected by SLE. This manifestation rarely was described like a beginning symptom, its incidence increased during the last ten years (from 1% to 10%).

Pathogenesis is usually linked up to the evidence of vasculitic lesions due to the presence of self‐antibodies which precipitation produce vasa nervorum occlusion or promote relasing of inflammatory factors.

Neuropathy has until now four well‐known main manifestations:

–Sensory‐Motory Polineuropathy: the most frequent assonal, symmetric, distal, and subacute neuropathy.

–Radicular Neuropathy: with acute beginning, axonal and demielinating damage with a pathogenesis linked up to the presence of Antifosfolipidi antibodies.

–Mononeuropathy Multiplex: it can be a SLE beginning symptom, assonal, also with the involvement of cranial nerves.

–Autonomic Neuropathy: it can be isolated or it can be only one manifestation of a wide nervous system involvement.

Between Sept. 1998 and Dec. 1999, we studied 30 patients affected by SLE; 5 patients presented a polineuropathy prevalently sensitive, assonal, distal, involving frequently inferior limbs, which represents 16.6% of the population.

Even if we think necessary an enlargment of the casistic, we consider appropriate to point to the increase of neuropathy incidence in SLE patients, probably due to a neurological approach. Immunological study of these patients usually doesn't allow a correct evaluation of the peripheral nervous system involvment.

Therefore, peripheric and central nervous system complications of SLE must be considered important for the course of the systemic disease and for therapeutic choice.