bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Augmented Renal Clearance in the Critically Ill: How to Assess Kidney Function
Authors: Grootaert Veerle , Willems Ludo , Debaveye Yves , Meyfroidt Geert , Spriet Isabel
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND:

Augmented renal clearance in critically ill patients can result in underdosing of life-saving drugs, potentially leading to therapeutic failure. To detect this phenomenon, correct assessment of the kidney function is essential. Currently, little is known about the validity of mathematical formulas to estimate renal function in this subset of patients.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the validity of different methods to estimate kidney function in critically ill patients with augmented renal clearance by comparing measured renal clearance with estimated clearance using different formulas.

METHODS:

An observational, retrospective, single-center study was conducted in a 34-bed surgical intensive care unit (SICU) of the University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. Adults admitted to the SICU in 2010 with a measured creatinine clearance (CrCl) of 120 mL/min or more (based on 24-hour urinary collection) were included. The measured clearance values were compared with estimated clearance values as calculated by the Cockcroft-Gault (CrClCG) method and the re-expressed 4-variable Modification of Diet in Renal Disease estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) formula. Spearman rank order correlation was performed to determine the relationship between measured and estimated clearances. Bland-Altman plots were evaluated to assess bias and limits of agreement between the 2 methods.

RESULTS:

Records on 1317 patients were screened. Augmented renal clearance was present in 390 patients. Spearman correlation showed fair correlation between measured and estimated clearances (rs = 0.343; p < 0.001 [CrClCG] and rs = 0.290; p < 0.001 [eGFR]). Bias was −11.2 mL/min with limits of agreement (–131.7; 109.3 mL/min [CrClCG]) and −19.9 mL/min with limits of agreement (–170.4; 130.7 mL/min [eGFR]).

CONCLUSIONS:

Estimated renal clearances, such as the eGFR estimated by the MDRD formula or CrCl estimated by CG, showed poor agreement with measured CrCl values in our critically ill population displaying augmented renal clearance. Clinicians should be cautious when interpreting kidney function based on estimating equations in this subset of patients. Instead, measured CrCl using urinary collection is recommended in patients suspected of displaying augmented renal clearance.
Effect of Cd(II) on the Ripening of Ferrihydrite in Alkaline Media
Authors: Alvarez Mariana , Horst María Fernanda , Sileo Elsa E. , Rueda Elsa H.
Published: June 2012

To acquire a better understanding of the influence exerted by the presence of Cd2+ during the process of transforming ferrihydrite to goethite, the morphological and structural changes of several samples obtained by the addition of Cd2+ to a suspension of nascent goethite were explored, and their chemical reactivity in acid media assessed. The samples (series Gi) were obtained by adding, at different times during the synthesis process, Cd2+ ions to ferrihydrite (Fe5HO8.4H2O) formed in alkaline media. The suspensions were aged for 5 days at 70°C, and the amorphous materials were extracted using a HCl solution (series GHCl-i). The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns showed that a goethite-like phase was formed, and chemical analyses indicated that the Cd content, xCd, increased with the earlier addition of the Cd2+ ions to the Fe oxyhydroxide suspension. Lattice parameters and cell volume, obtained by the Rietveld simulation of XRD data, indicated an enlargement of the cell parameters of goethite in line with the Cd-for-Fe substitution. In order to determine the influence of oxalate ions on the non-extracted solids, a second set of samples was also prepared that was kept in contact with an ammonium oxalate solution for 4 h (series Gox-i). The dissolution behavior of two series of Cd goethites and of a third series, obtained from coprecipitation of Fe3+ and Cd2+ ions in alkaline media, was observed. Kinetics measurements in 4 M HCl showed that the initial dissolution rate of samples Gox-i decreased with aging time, while the opposite effect was observed for series GHCl-i. Dissolution–time curves were well described by the Kabai equation, and activation energies were calculated using the Arrhenius equation. The results indicate that the presence of Cd during the crystallization process of goethite leads to the formation of a Cd goethite with modified morphology, structural parameters, and chemical reactivity.
The Effects of Salinity and Shear History on The Rheological Characteristics of Illite-Rich and Na-Montmorillonite-Rich Clays
Authors: Jeong Sueng Won , Locat Jacques , Leroueil Serge
Published: June 2012

Particle–particle interactions in natural clays can be evaluated by their rheological behavior, but the results are often affected by the physicochemical properties of the clays. The behaviors of two fundamentally different types of clays (low-activity and high-activity) differ with respect to salinity and a time factor (duration of shearing at a given shear rate): illite-rich Jonquiere clay (low-activity clay, Canada) and montmorillonite-rich Wyoming bentonite (high-activity clay, USA). The purpose of the present study was to investigate these different behaviors. Most natural clays exhibit shear-thinning and thixotropic behavior with respect to salinity and the volumetric concentration of the solids. Natural clays also exhibit time-dependent non-Newtonian behavior. In terms of index value and shear strength, lowactivity and high-activity clays are known to exhibit contrasting responses to salinity. The geotechnical and rheological characteristics as a function of salinity and the shearing time for the given materials are compared here. The clay minerals were compared to estimate the inherent shear strengths, such as remolded shear strength (which is similar to the yield strength). Low-activity clay exhibits thixotropic behavior in a time-dependent manner. High-activity clay is also thixotropic for a short period of shearing, although rare cases of rheopectic behavior have been measured for long periods of shearing at high shear rates. The change from thixotropic to rheopectic behavior by bentonite clay has little effect at low shearing speeds, but appears to have a significant effect at higher speeds.
Ni Enrichment and Stability of Al-Free Garnierite Solid-Solutions: A Thermodynamic Approach
Authors: Galí S. , Soler J. M. , Proenza J. A. , Lewis J. F. , Cama J. , Tauler E.
Published: June 2012

Garnierites represent significant Ni ore minerals in the many Ni-laterite deposits worldwide. The occurrence of a variety of garnierite minerals with variable Ni content poses questions about the conditions of their formation. From an aqueous-solution equilibrium thermodynamic point of view, the present study examines the conditions that favor the precipitation of a particular garnierite phase and the mechanism of Ni-enrichment, and gives an explanation to the temporal and spatial succession of different garnierite minerals in Ni-laterite deposits. The chemical and structural characterization of garnierite minerals from many nickel laterite deposits around the world show that this group of minerals is formed essentially by an intimate intermixing of three Mg-Ni phyllosilicate solid solutions: serpentine-népouite, kerolite-pimelite, and sepiolite-falcondoite, without or with very small amounts of Al in their composition. The present study deals with garnierites which are essentially Al-free. The published experimental dissolution constants for Mg end-members of the above solid solutions and the calculated constants for pure Ni end-members were used to calculate Lippmann diagrams for the three solid solutions, on the assumption that they are ideal. With the help of these diagrams, congruent dissolution of Ni-poor primary minerals, followed by equilibrium precipitation of Ni-rich secondary phyllosilicates, is proposed as an efficient mechanism for Ni supergene enrichment in the laterite profile. The stability fields of the solid solutions were constructed using [log aSiO2(aq), log ((aMg2+aNi2+)/(aH+)2)] (predominance) diagrams. These, combined with Lippmann diagrams, give an almost complete chemical characterization of the solution and the precipitating phase(s) in equilibrium. The temporal and spatial succession of hydrous Mg- Ni phyllosilicates encountered in Ni-laterite deposits is explained by the small mobility of silica and the increase in its activity.
Sorption of Naringin from Aqueous Solution by Modified Clay
Authors: Arellano-Cardenas Sofia , Gallardo-Velazquez Tzayhri , Poumian-Gamboa Gloria V. , Osorio-Revilla Guillermo , Lopez-Cortez Socorro , Rivera-Espinoza Yadira
Published: June 2012

The flavonoid naringin is the main source of the undesirable bitter taste in some citrus juices. In commercial debittering processes, the naringin is adsorbed on non-ionic polymeric resins. Organo-clays (OCs), which have been used as sorbents for organic pollutants, could also have affinity for the naringin molecule, and thus potentially could serve as a debittering agent. The objective of the present study was to characterize the sorption capacity of a prepared OC to evaluate its ability to remove naringin from aqueous solutions, investigating the effect of adsorbent dose, initial concentration of naringin, temperature, contact time, and pH. The OC was prepared by the intercalation of cationic surfactant hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide in a Mexican bentonite. The host clay and the OC were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared, and nitrogen gas adsorption. The OC showed a surface area of 9.3 m2 g-1, 11.35 nm average pore diameter, and a basal spacing, d001, of 2.01 nm. The adsorbent removed naringin at the rate of 60-72% at 25°C and pH 3. The sorption capacity increased with pH and temperature. Experimental data were well fitted by both Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models. Most of the sorption took place during the first 10 min and the equilibrium time was reached within 720 min. The rate of sorption was adjusted to pseudo second-order kinetics.
Interlaboratory CEC and Exchangeable Cation Study of Bentonite Buffer Materials: I. Cu(II)-Triethylenetetramine Method
Authors: Dohrmann Reiner , Genske Dieter , Karnland Ola , Kaufhold Stephan , Kiviranta Leena , Olsson Siv , Plötze Michael , Sandén Torbjörn , Sellin Patrik , Svensson Daniel , Valter Martin
Published: June 2012

Bentonites are candidate materials for encapsulation of radioactive waste. The cation exchange capacity (CEC) has proved to be one of the most sensitive parameters for detecting changes of mineral properties such as swelling capacity and illitization in alteration experiments. Whether measured differences in CEC values of bentonite buffer samples before and after an experiment are (1) actual differences caused by clay structural changes such as illitization or (2) simply data scatter due to the different methods used by international research teams is an open question. The aim of this study was to measure the CEC of clay samples in five different laboratories using the same method and to evaluate the precision of the values measured. The Cu-trien method and four reference materials of the Alternative Buffer Material (ABM) test project in Äspö, Sweden, were chosen for this interlaboratory study. The precision of the Cu-trien method, which uses visible spectroscopy, was very good with a standard deviation of ±0.7–2.1 meq/100 g for CECs that ranged from 11 to 87 meq/100 g. For the same CEC range, analysis of Cu-trien index cations using inductively coupled plasma (mass spectrometry) and atomic absorption spectroscopy were less precise with a standard deviation of ±2.8–3.9 meq/100 g. Based on the measured precision, greater measured differences in Cu-trien CEC and exchangeable cation values of bentonite buffer samples, before and after an experiment, might be actual differences. Great care must be taken when interpreting measured CEC differences, and analytical characterization of any structural changes may be needed. Compared with results from the ‘International Soil-Analytical Exchange’ (iSE) program for soils, most absolute concentrations were much larger for the clays studied; however, for the two parameters exchangeable Ca2+ and CEC the range was similar to the iSE ring test and, most importantly, the precision was comparable. Future studies should discuss the accuracy of CEC and exchangeable cation values and compare them to alternative CEC methods in which care is taken to prevent dissolution of soluble minerals, such as calcite and gypsum.
Interlaboratory CEC and Exchangeable Cation Study of Bentonite Buffer Materials: II. Alternative Methods
Authors: Dohrmann Reiner , Genske Dieter , Karnland Ola , Kaufhold Stephan , Kiviranta Leena , Olsson Siv , Plötze Michael , Sandén Torbjörn , Sellin Patrik , Svensson Daniel , Valter Martin
Published: June 2012

Bentonites are candidate materials for encapsulation of radioactive waste. The cation exchange capacity (CEC) has proven to be one of the most sensitive parameters for detecting changes in mineral properties in bentonite-alteration experiments. An interlaboratory study of CECs and exchangeable cations for three reference bentonite buffer materials that were used in the Alternative Buffer Material test (ABM) project in Äspö, Sweden, was conducted to create a suitable database. The present study focused on CEC accuracy and compared CEC methods where care was taken to prevent dissolution of soluble minerals such as calcite and gypsum. The overall quality of the CEC and exchangeable cation values measured using non-Cu-trien CEC methods were good, with CECs of 74–91±0.5–3.3 meq/100 g and exchangeable cation values of 22–61±1.2–3.9 meq/100 g Na+, 7–23±0.8–1.5 meq/100 g Mg2+, and 19–39±0.8–1.6 meq/ 100 g Ca2+. The precision was comparable to the standard Cu-trien method even for exchangeable Ca2+, although the laboratories used different solution/solid ratios and reaction-time parameters for Cu-trien which affect carbonate dissolution. The MX80 and Dep.CAN bentonite exchangeable Ca2+ values were more accurate than standard-Cu-trien values. Using the optimized methods of this study, MX80 and Dep.CAN exchangeable Ca2+ values averaged 20.2±1.6 and 38.8±1.4 meq/100 g which amounts to ~70% of the inflated Cu-trien values. A more complex analysis of the CEC data using different methods, anion analyses, and mineralogical analysis is necessary to obtain plausible and accurate CEC values. Even with a more complicated analytical procedure, the CEC and exchangeable cation values were still not accurate enough because of excess anions. Chloride, sulfate, and dolomite might have increased the exchangeable Na+, Mg2+, and Ca2+ values.
Tritium Content of Clay Minerals
Authors: Marston Thomas M. , Parry W. T. , Bowman John R. , Solomon D. Kip
Published: June 2012

The presence, percentage, origins, and rate of formation of clay minerals have been important components in studies involving the geochemical and structural composition of waste-rock piles. The objective of the present study was to investigate the use of tritium as an indicator of the origin of clay minerals within such piles. Tritium values in pore water, interlayer water, and structural hydroxyl sites of clay minerals were examined to evaluate the origins of clay minerals within waste-rock piles located near Questa, New Mexico. Five clay minerals were identified: kaolinite, chlorite, illite, smectite, and mixedlayer illite-smectite, along with the hydrous sulfate minerals gypsum and jarosite. Analysis of waters derived from clay minerals was achieved by thermal reaction of dry-sieved bulk material obtained from the Questa site. In all Questa samples, the low-temperature water derived from pore-water and interlayer sites, as well as the intermediate-temperature water derived from interlayer cation sites occupied by hydronium and structural hydroxyl ions, show tritium values at or near modern levels for precipitation. Pore water and interlayer water ranged from 5.31 to 12.19 tritium units (TU) and interlayer hydronium and structurally derived water ranged from 3.92 to 7.93 TU. Tritium levels for local precipitation ranged from ~4 to 8 TU. One tritium unit (TU) represents one molecule of 3H1HO in 1018 molecules of 1H1HO. The elevated levels of tritium in structural sites can be accounted for by thermal incorporation of significant amounts of hydronium ions in interlayer cation sites for illite and mixed-layer clays, both common at the Questa site. In low-pH environments, such as those found within Questa waste-rock piles (typically pH ~3), the hydronium ion is an abundant species in the rock-pile pore-water system.
Experimental Study of the Stability and Phase Relations of Clays at High Temperature in a Thermal Gradient
Authors: Vidal O. , Baldeyrou A. , Beaufort D. , Fritz B. , Geoffroy N. , Lanson B.
Published: June 2012

Clays are involved in a variety of natural and managed processes, and calculation of their stability conditions is important. Such calculations are still fraught with large uncertainties owing to the lack of experimental constraints on the thermodynamic properties of clays, and bracketing of equilibrium reactions at low temperature is barely possible. Experiments aimed at studying the thermal stabilities of, and composition-temperature relations among, smectite, illite, kaolinite, pyrophyllite, mica, and chlorite at different levels of SiO2, K2O, MgO, and Al2O3 species in solution were conducted under a strong thermal gradient in the simple K2O-Al2O3-SiO2-H2O (KASH), MgO-Al2O3-SiO2-H2O (MASH), and KMASH systems. The crystallization series observed in the different experiments match to some degree those observed in active geothermal systems where clay minerals precipitate from oversaturated solutions. Smectite and/or ordered mixed-layer materials, smectite-donbassite, or possibly pyrophyllite-donbassite were observed to crystallize in both KASH and MASH experiments. Similar crystallization sequences and clay composition variations with temperature were observed in most cases when the relative positions of the starting solids were switched. The experimental results were used to refine the thermodynamic properties of K- and Mg-smectite. Stability diagrams calculated by energy minimization and activityactivity diagrams are consistent with the experimental mineral variations, suggesting that smectite is thermodynamically stable at temperatures as high as 300°C in the presence of diluted water and quartz and K-feldspar-free systems.
Arsenic Localization and Speciation in the Root–Soil Interface of the Desert Plant Prosopis juliflora-velutina
Authors: Castillo-Michel Hiram , Hernandez-Viezcas Jose A. , Servin Alia , Peralta-Videa Jose R. , Gardea-Torresdey Jorge L.
Published: June 2012

The bioavailability and mobility of arsenic (As) in soils depends on several factors such as pH, organic matter content, speciation, and the concentration of oxides and clay minerals, among others. Plants modify As bioavailability in the rhizosphere; thus, the biogeochemical processes of As in vegetated and non-vegetated soils are different. Changes in As speciation induced by the rhizosphere can be monitored using micro-focused synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence (μXRF) combined with μX-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (μXANES). This research investigated As speciation in the rhizosphere of mesquite ( Prosopis juliflora-velutina) plants grown in a sandy clay loam treated with As(III) and As(V) at 40 mg kg−1. Rhizosphere soil and freeze-dried root tissues of one-month-old plants were analyzed by bulk XAS. Bulk XAS results showed that As(V) was the predominant species in the soil (rhizosphere and non-vegetated), whereas As(III) was dominant in the root tissues from both As(V) and As(III) treated plants. μXAS and μXRF studies of thin sections from resin embedded soil cores revealed the As(III)–S interactions in root tissues and a predominant As–Fe interaction in the soil. This research demonstrated that the combination of bulk XAS and μXAS techniques is a powerful analytical technique for the study of As speciation in soil and plant samples
Rapid Prediction of past Climate Condition from Lake Sediments by Near-Infrared (NIR) Spectroscopy
Authors: Inagaki Tetsuya , Shinozuka Yoshitsugu , Yamada Kazuyoshi , Yonenobu Hitoshi , Hayashida Akira , Tsuchikawa Satoru , Yoshida Akihiro , Hoshino Yasuharu , Gotanda Katsuya , Yasuda Yoshinori
Published: June 2012

This study explored the feasibility of rapid, nondestructive near-infrared (NIR) reflection spectroscopy for the prediction of conventional physical properties, carbon-nitrogen-sulfur (CNS) analysis, and concentration of inorganic components in sediment cores from a brackish lake. A long core sample, which consisted of well-preserved annually formed lamina from Lake Ogawara along the Pacific coast in Aomori Prefecture, northeastern Japan, was used to investigate the past environmental record. The core was previously analyzed for physical properties, CNS, and inorganic components. Calibration models were developed from NIR reflection spectra of 149 core samples. Partial least squares (PLS) analysis provided good regression models between measured and predicted values for water content, total nitrogen (TN), total organic carbon (TOC), total sulfur (TS), Al2O3, S/Al2O3, Fe2O3/Al2O3, Sc/Al2O3, Cu/Al2O3, and Zn/Al2O3 with coefficients of determination ( r 2 ) for cross-validation of 0.73, 0.89, 0.88, 0.73, 0.92, 0.81, 0.82, 0.75, 0.82, and 0.82, respectively. The variation of predicted component values as a function of depth showed the same trend as that of conventionally measured values. This study also showed the possibility of NIR spectroscopy as an on-site, rapid analytical tool for the identification of tephra (fragmental material produced by a volcanic eruption regardless of composition, fragment size, or emplacement mechanism), which is important for dating.
Subdomain structure of the co-chaperone SGTA and activity of its androgen receptor client
Authors: Trotta Andrew P , Need Eleanor F , Butler Lisa M , Selth Luke A , O'Loughlin Melissa A , Coetzee Gerhard A , Tilley Wayne D , Buchanan Grant
Published: June 2012

Ligand-dependent activity of steroid receptors is affected by tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR)-containing co-chaperones, such as small glutamine-rich tetratricopeptide repeat-containing alpha (SGTA). However, the precise mechanisms by which the predominantly cytoplasmic TPR proteins affect downstream transcriptional outcomes of steroid signaling remain unclear. In this study, we assessed how SGTA affects ligand sensitivity and action of the androgen receptor (AR) using a transactivation profiling approach. Deletion mapping coupled with structural prediction, transcriptional assays, andin vivoregulation of AR-responsive promoters were used to assess the role of SGTA domains in AR responses. At subsaturating ligand concentrations of ≤0.1 nM 5α-dihydrotestosterone, SGTA overexpression constricted AR activity by an average of 32% (P<0.002) across the majority of androgen-responsive loci tested, as well as on endogenous promotersin vivo. The strength of the SGTA effect was associated with the presence or absence of bioinformatically predicated transcription factor motifs at each site. Homodimerizaion of SGTA, which is thought to be necessary for chaperone complex formation, was found to be dependent on the structural integrity of amino acids 1–80, and a core evolutionary conserved peptide within this region (amino acids 21–40) necessary for an effect of SGTA on the activity of both exogenous and endogenous AR. This study provides new insights into the subdomain structure of SGTA and how SGTA acts as a regulator of AR ligand sensitivity. A change in AR:SGTA ratio will impact the cellular and molecular response of prostate cancer cells to maintain androgenic signals, which may influence tumor progression.
Gender-specific early postnatal catch-up growth after intrauterine growth retardation by food restriction in swine with obesity/leptin resistance
Authors: Gonzalez-Bulnes A , Ovilo C , Lopez-Bote C J , Astiz S , Ayuso M , Perez-Solana M L , Sanchez-Sanchez R , Torres-Rovira L
Published: June 2012

The effects of undernutrition during pregnancy on prenatal and postnatal development of the offspring were evaluated in sows with obesity/leptin resistance. Females were fed, from day 35 of pregnancy onwards, a diet fulfilling either 100% (group control,n=10) or 50% of the nutritional requirements (group underfed,n=10). In the control group, maternal body weight increased during pregnancy (P<0.05) while it decreased or remained steady in the underfed group. At days 75 and 100 of gestation, plasma triglycerides were lower but urea levels were higher in restricted than in control sows (P<0.05 for both). Assessment of the offspring indicated that the trunk diameter was always smaller in the restricted group (P<0.01 at day 50,P<0.005 at days 75 and 100 andP<0.0001 at birth) while head measurements were similar through pregnancy, although smaller in the restricted than in the control group at birth (P<0.05). Newborns from restricted sows were also lighter than offspring from control females (P<0.01) and had higher incidence of growth retardation (P<0.01). Afterwards, during lactation, early postnatal growth in restricted piglets was modulated by gender. At weaning, males from restricted sows were still lighter than their control counterparts (P<0.05), while females from control and underfed sows were similar. Thus, the current study indicates a gender-related differential effect in the growth patterns of the piglets, with females from restricted sows evidencing catch-up growth to neutralise prenatal retardation and reaching similar development than control counterparts.
Physicians’ and medical students’ knowledge on rehabilitation
Authors: Dénes Zoltán , Fazekas Gábor , Zsiga Katalin , Péter Orsolya
Published: June 2012

There are few data on the rehabilitation knowledge of medical specialists and medical students. Aim: Assessment of the rehabilitation knowledge of medical specialists working in general hospitals and of final year medical students. Methods: A paper form survey was performed using a questionnaire containing seven multiple choice questions and three definitions. Questionnaires were filled in independently on the spot. The three answering groups were physicians (specialized in orthopedic surgery, neurology or neurosurgery) working in a general hospital that had a rehabilitation ward, final year medical students from Semmelweis University, and trainees in rehabilitation medicine. The survey was voluntary and anonymous. Results: Forty physicians, 42 students and 39 rehabilitation trainees filled in the questionnaire. Half of the students gave correct answers to questions about rehabilitation specialization, the existing university chairs, the percentage of people with disabilities in Hungary, and the way of sending patients for rehabilitation consultation. The number of beds designed for rehabilitation was unknown, but with regard to the existence of regulation by law the rights of people with disabilities were well-known by all groups. Very few were able to define the basic categories (rehabilitation, disability). Rehabilitation knowledge of physicians was not better than that of students, but rehabilitation trainees were better informed. Conclusions: According to findings of the authors, students and physicians do not have enough rehabilitation knowledge to perform medical activities adequately. Enlargement of the medical curriculum with basic rehabilitation knowledge is essential. A rehabilitation training course is necessary for physicians to be better equipped to carry out their daily hospital work. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 954–961.
Neuroendocrine dysfunctions and their consequences following traumatic brain injury
Authors: Czirják Sándor , Rácz Károly , Góth Miklós
Published: June 2012

Posttraumatic hypopituitarism is of major public health importance because it is more prevalent than previously thought. The prevalence of hypopituitarism in children with traumatic brain injury is unknown. Most cases of posttraumatic hypopituitarism remain undiagnosed and untreated in the clinical practice, and it may contribute to the severe morbidity seen in patients with traumatic brain injury. In the acute phase of brain injury, the diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency should not be missed. Determination of morning serum cortisol concentration is mandatory, because adrenal insufficiency can be life threatening. Morning serum cortisol lower than 200 nmol/L strongly suggests adrenal insufficiency. A complete hormonal investigation should be performed after one year of the trauma. Isolated growth hormone deficiency is the most common deficiency after traumatic brain injury. Sports-related chronic repetitive head trauma (because of boxing, kickboxing, football and ice hockey) may also result in hypopituitarism. Close co-operation between neurosurgeons, endocrinologists, rehabilitation physicians and representatives of other disciplines is important to provide better care for these patients. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 927–933.
Leprosy late-onset neuropathy: an uncommon presentation of leprosy
Authors: Nascimento Osvaldo J.M. , Freitas Marcos R. G. de , Escada Tania , Marques Junior Wilson , Cardoso Fernando , Pupe Camila , Duraes Sandra
Published: June 2012

Clinical and pathological findings in leprosy are determined by the natural host immune response to Mycobacterium leprae. We previously described cases of painful neuropathy (PN) with no concurrent cause apart from a past history of leprosy successfully treated. Four leprosy previously treated patients who developed a PN years after multidrug therapy (MDT) are reported. The mean patient age was 52.75 years (47-64). The mean time interval of the recent neuropathy from the previous MDT was 19 years (12-26). A painful multiplex neuritis or polyneuropathy were observed respectively in two cases. Electrophysiological studies disclosed a sensory axonal neuropathy in two cases. Microvasculitis with no bacilli was seen in nerve biopsy. Neuropathic symptoms were improved with prednisone. We consider these cases as being a leprosy late-onset neuropathy (LLON) form of presentation. A delayed immune reaction could explain the late appearance of LLON.
Motor assessment in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Diniz Gabriela Palhares Campolina , Lasmar Laura Maria de Lima Belizário Facury , Giannetti Juliana Gurgel
Published: June 2012

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate muscle force and motor function in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in a period of six months. METHOD: Twenty children and adolescents with diagnosis of DMD were evaluated trough: measurement of the strength of the flexors and extensors of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, knee and ankle through the Medical Research Council (MRC), and application of the Motor Function Measure (MFM). The patients were evaluated twice within a six-month interval. RESULTS: Loss of muscle strength was identified in the MRC score for upper proximal members (t=-2.17, p=0.04). In the MFM, it was noted significant loss in the dimension 1 (t=-3.06, p=0.006). Moderate and strong correlations were found between the scores for muscular strength and the MFM dimensions. CONCLUSION: The MFM scale was a useful instrument in the follow up of patients with DMD. Moreover, it is a more comprehensive scale to assess patients and very good for conducting trials to evaluate treatment.
Quality of sleep and quality of life in adolescents infected with human immunodeficiency virus
Authors: Gazini Carina Caires , Reimão Rubens Nelson do Amaral Assis , Rossini Sueli Regina Gottochilich , Centeville Maraisa , Mazzola Tais Nitsch , Vilela Maria Marluce dos Santos , Silva Marcos Tadeu Nolasco da
Published: June 2012

OBJECTIVES: To assess sleep characteristics of adolescents infected by HIV, and to ascertain whether psychosocial aspects are associated to the quality of sleep. METHODS: A cross-sectional study assessing 102 HIV-infected adolescents of both genders, aged between 10 and 20 years-old and 120 Controls. Data collection was performed by applying the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory. RESULTS: A sleep disturbance prevalence of 77.4% was found in patients, and a 75% prevalence in controls, and there was correlation between quality of sleep and of life. HIV-infected adolescents scored higher for sleep breathing disorders and had higher prevalence of excessive daytime sleepiness. CONCLUSIONS: HIV-infected adolescents had similar quality of sleep compared to healthy adolescents. This may be explained by the steady improvements in daily living as a result of successful anti-retroviral therapy, and by the vulnerability that affects Brazilian adolescents living in major urban centers.
Movement disorders emergencies: a review
Authors: Munhoz Renato P. , Moscovich Mariana , Araujo Patrícia Dare , Teive Hélio A. G.
Published: June 2012

Movement disorders (MD) encompass acute and chronic diseases characterized by involuntary movements and/or loss of control or efficiency in voluntary movements. In this review, we covered situations in which the main manifestations are MDs that pose significant risks for acute morbidity and mortality. The authors examine literature data on the most relevant MD emergencies, including those related to Parkinson's disease, acute drug reactions (acute dystonia, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, serotonergic syndrome and malignant hyperthermia), acute exacerbation of chronic MD (status dystonicus), hemiballism and stiff-person syndrome, highlighting clinical presentation, demographics, diagnosis and management.
Ocorrência de aflatoxina em pastas de amendoim (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Authors: Fonseca Homero , Nery Humberto Del
Published: June 2012

No presente trabalho os autores analisaram, para aflatoxina, 30 amostras de pasta de amendoim (Arachis hypogaea L.), sendo 10 de urna firma nacional (A), 10 de outra firma nacional (B) e 10 procedentes de 7 firmas dos EE.UU. A extração da aflatoxina foi feita com cloroformio, separada por cromatografia em camada delgada de silicagel-G e quantificada sob luz ultra-violeta. Os resultados mostraram que apenas 3 amostras (10%) não acusaram aflatoxina e eram de procedencia norte-americana; 6 (20%) tinham-na abaixo de 0,05 ppm; 15 (50%) estavam entre 0,05 e 0,25 ppm; 5 outras (16,6%) entre 0,25 e 1,00 ppm e 1 (3,3%) acima de 1,00 ppm. Estes dados exprimem a toxidez total, em termos de Bl. Os autores concluem, que, das amostras nacionais de pasta de amendoim, apenas 3 estariam em condições de serem con sumidas, ainda assim, com restrições. Ressaltam que, uma das amostras da Fabrica B, apresentou um nível de aflatoxina bastante elevado.
Efeito de operadores, dia de observação e tamanho de amostra e de grânulos na determinação do arredondamento de grânulos da fração areia de solos
Authors: Marconi Arary , Abrahao Ibrahim O. , Nogueira Izaias R.
Published: June 2012

Estudam-se, através da carta de comparação visual de Krumbein, os efeitos do dia de observação, observadores e tamanho de amostra na determinação do arredondamento de granulos de quartzo, nas frações areia media, areia fina e areia muito fina de solos do arenito Botucatu, no Município de Piracicaba. Conclui-se que amostras de 25 granulos sao suficientes. Não foi observado efeito estatisticamente significativo do dia de observação. Efeito de observadores foi verificado apenas para as frações media e fina.
Observações preliminares sobre a malformação em inflorescencias de mangueira (Mangifera indica L.) e fungo, alguns insetos e ácaro nelas encontrados
Authors: Flechtmann Carlos H.W. , Kimati Hiroshi , Medcalf James C. , Ferre Jorge
Published: June 2012

A malformação de inflorescências e o superbrotamento de gemas terminais e axilares de mangueiras dos Estados de São Paulo e Pernambuco são relacionados com o ácaro Aceria mangiferae Sayed, 1946 (Acarina, Eriophyidae) e o fungo Fusarium moniliforme subglutinans, sendo êste último considerado, empíricamente, como o principal agente causal da doença. Varios insetos associados às inflorescências de mangueiras foram coletados: lagarta de Eupithecia sp. (Tephroclystis), (Lepidoptera, Geometriidae, Hydriomeninae); Frankliniella cubensis Hood, 1925 (Thysanoptera, Thripidae); coleopteros pertencentes às familias Nitidulidae e Cryptophagidae.
Aspectos da determinação da área basal em função da média aritmética dos diametros III: vícios na determinação da área basal remanescente
Authors: Veiga Ricardo A. A. , Gomes F. Pimentel , Cruz Vivaldo F. da , Godói Cássio R. M.
Published: June 2012

São determinados vícios no cálculo da área basal remanescente a partir da média aritmética dos diâmetros, em comparação com o método de cálculo a partir da soma dos quadrados dos diâmetros. Os estudos são conduzidos tanto teòricamente como em amostras geradas em computador, com confirmações com dados coletados em desbastes de povoamentos florestais. Os resultados mostram-se desfavoráveis ao uso da média aritmética para determinações da área basal remanescente.
A idade adulta do Eucalyptus saligna Smith em, Rio Claro Estado de São Paulo, determinada pelas dimensões das fibras
Authors: Santos Clóvis F. O. , Nogueira Isaias Rangel
Published: June 2012

O presente trabalho, faz parte de um plano de estudo em desenvolvimento, sôbre fibras lenhosas de Eucalyptus saligna, Smith no Departamento de Botânica (Disciplina Anatomia de Madeira) desde 1966. Nêle apresentamos os resultados da determinação da idade adulta do E. saligna em função da variação do comprimento e da espessura da parede das fibras nos diferentes anéis de crescimento do lenho, de duas árvores com mais de 20 anos de idade. Os resultados das mensurações microscópicas das fibras analisadas num setor apenas e em dois discos tomados ao nível do D.A.P., nos permite afirmar que nas condições do Hôrto de Rio Claro, as duas árvores atingiram a idade adulta entre o 9.º e 10.º anel de crescimento os quais corresponde respectivamente a idade de 9 e 10 anos. Os resultados apresentados nêste trabalho nos forneceu informações importantes para a continuação do plano em desenvolvimento, qual seja o estudo de outros fatôres (longa e curta duração) que afetam a estrutura e as características dos elementos constituintes do lenho que apresentam valor industrial.
Extração do fósforo nativo e do adicionado ao solo com várias soluções
Authors: Catani R. A. , Nakamura P. N.
Published: June 2012

A extração do fósforo nativo e do adicionado a amostras de solos (horizonte Ap) Latosol Roxo (LR), Latosol Vermelho Amarelo, fase arenosa (LVa), Podzolizado Vermelho Amarelo-orto (PV) e Podzolizado Lins-Marília, variação Marília (Pml), com diversas soluções (H2S0(4) 0,05N; HCl 0,05N +H2SO4 0,025N; H2SO4 0,05N + NH4F 0,025N; e CH3C00H 0,10N), decresceu pronunciadamente (50% ou mais), em muitos casos, quando a relação peso da amostra (em gramas) para volume (em ml) da solução extratora variou de 5:100 para 20:100. A solução de H2SO4 0,05N + NH4F 0,025N extraiu mais fósforo nativo e adicionado ao solo do que as demais soluções nos solos LR, LVa e PV, isto é, solos com um certo teor de sesquióxidos, de pH baixo, indicando a ação solubilizante do ânion fluoreto, quer pela ação complexante frente ao ferro e alumínio, libertando o fosfato, quer pela troca aniônica ou, ainda, evitando a refixação ou readsorção do fósforo extraido. A solução de ácido acético 0,10N extraiu fósforo nativo e adicionado em quantidade relativamente elevada apenas do solo Pml, isto é, com pH = 7,1, baixo teor em sesquióxidos e teor razoável em Ca + Mg, onde o fósforo provavelmente tende a integrar sistemas cálcicos. Nos demais solos, com pH baixo e teor de sesquióxidos mais elevado, a solução de CH3COOH 0,10N praticamente não extraiu o fósforo nativo e o adicionado. Os dados obtidos apresentam importância no estabelecimento de técnicas utilizadas em análises de solos para fins de fertilidade.
Hume jusnaturalista
Authors: Limongi Maria Isabel
Published: June 2012

Trata-se de investigar a relação de Hume com a tradição jusnaturalista moderna, indicando que, sua ênfase na necessidade de um consentimento ou acordo entre os homens como fundamento da propriedade pode ser vista como a reabilitação de uma certa vertente do jusnaturalismo contra aquela que se tornou preponderante a partir de Locke.
Hume: a teoria social como sistema
Authors: Kuntz Rolf
Published: June 2012

Hume defende na Investigação sobre o Entendimento Humano a parcimônia no uso de princípios explicativos. Tenta-se mostrar, neste artigo, como ele procurou seguir essa diretriz em seus trabalhos sobre os sentimentos morais, a história, a política e a economia. Explora-se, ao mesmo tempo, o caráter sistemático do projeto enunciado no começo do Tratado da Natureza Humana.
Different pathways in the larval development of the crab Ucides cordatus (Decapoda, Ocypodidae) and their relation with high mortality rates by the end of massive larvicultures
Authors: Silva Ubiratã A.T. da , Cottens Kelly , Ventura Robson , Boeger Walter A. , Ostrensky Antonio
Published: June 2012

One of the most limiting factors affecting the larval rearing of Ucides cordatus in the laboratory is a period of high mortality, which usually occurs late in the course of the larviculture during the metamorphosis from the zoeal to the megalopal phase. The objective of the present research was to analyze the post-embryonic development of U. cordatus on an individual basis and, in particular, to search for patterns linking disturbances in the molting process to the high larval death rates observed in massive larvicultures. A total of 50 larvae were individually reared from hatching to metamorphosis into the megalopal phase under controlled conditions, fed a combination of microalgae and rotifers. The survivorship rate was 70% until zoea V. The 35 surviving zoea V larvae followed two different pathways. Eleven underwent metamorphosis directly to megalopa, eighteen molted to zoea VI and six died as zoea V. In the last molting event, only two zoea VI larvae reached the megalopal stage, while the remaining sixteen died. In further observation under microscope, 13 of the dead zoea VI showed characteristics of the pre-molt stage and pereiopods disproportionably large in relation to the carapace. The observed pattern resembles the Molt Death Syndrome (MDS) described for other decapod species, in which larvae die in the late pre-molt phase of the molting cycle. We suggest that U. cordatus larvae develop disturbances in the molting process similar to the MDS described for other species and that these disturbances are related to a more complex pathway involving the emergence of larval stage zoea VI.
Cysticercosis in experimentally and naturally infected pigs: parasitological and immunological diagnosis
Authors: Silva Márcia R.M. da , Uyhara Cibele N.S. , Silva Flavio H. , Espindola Noeli M. , Poleti Mirele D. , Vaz Adelaide J. , Meirelles Flávio V. , Maia Antonio A.M.
Published: June 2012

Our objective was to evaluate the diagnosis of swine cysticercosis by examining "ante mortem" (inspection of the tongue), "post mortem" (inspection and detailed necropsy) and ELISA for research in serum of antibodies (Ab-ELISA) and antigens (Ag-ELISA). Seven (7) pigs were experimentally infected orally with eggs of Taenia solium and another 10 were naturally infected. In the pigs experimentally infected, inspection of the tongue was negative in all animals, in the routine inspection detailed necropsy and cysticercis were identified in all of them. In pigs with heavy natural infection, inspection of the tongue identified cysticerci in two (20%), while at inspection with necropsy the parasites were identified in large quantities in all animals. In ELISA for antibody search (Ab-ELISA) TS-14 recombinant protein was used, and in search for antigen (Ag-ELISA) a monoclonal antibody against this protein. In animals experimentally infected, blood was collected weekly for 140 days. The Ab-ELISA identified an increase in titers of antibody to cysticerci 21 days after infection, and at the end of the experimental period six animals (86%) were positive to the test. The search for circulating antigens (Ag-ELISA) was positive in two pigs 28 to 91 days after infection. All naturally infected pigs were positive for Ag-ELISA and Ab-ELISA. The search for antibodies and antigens by ELISA in serum from 30 pigs of a local farm and without history of cysticercosis was negative. Thus, the use of TS-14 antigen in ELISA test (Ab-ELISA) can be useful for the diagnosis of cysticercosis in pigs with low infection.
Interstitial nephritis of slaughtered pigs in the State of Mato Grosso, Brazil
Authors: Oliveira Filho João X. , Paula Daphine A.J. de , Morés Nelson , Pescador Caroline A. , Ciacci-Zanella Janice R. , Coldebella Arlei , Dutra Valéria , Nakazato Luciano
Published: June 2012

This study evaluated histological lesions in kidney samples from pigs with nephritis in two slaughterhouses in the State of Mato Grosso, Brazil. Four hundred samples were subjected to histology, anti-porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) immunohistochemistry (IHC), anti-Leptospira sp. immunofluorescence (IF), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for PCV2, porcine parvovirus (PPV), and Torque teno virus type 1 and 2 (TTV1, TTV2) detection. Histological lesions were found in 81% of the samples, and mononuclear interstitial nephritis was the most frequent lesion (77.50%). A follicular pattern was observed in 40.97% of the interstitial nephritis lesions. PCV2, PPV, TTV1, and TTV2 were identified in the kidneys by PCR in 27.25%, 28.50%, 94%, and 87.5% of the samples, respectively. Leptospira sp. was not detected through IF. Infection by PCV2 (PCR) and the presence of histological lesions (P=0.008) and giant cells (P=0.0016) were significantly associated. An association was observed between the TTV2-TTV1 co-infection (P<0.0001) and the risk for pathogenesis. These findings indicated that PCV2, PPV, TTV1, and TTV2 were widely distributed among pigs in the local farms and that the presence of these agents should be considered in the differential diagnosis of kidneys with interstitial nephritis in pigs.