bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glial Cells Decipher Synaptic Competition at the Mammalian Neuromuscular Junction
Authors: Darabid Houssam , Arbour Danielle , Robitaille Richard
Published: January 2013

It is now accepted that glial cells actively interact with neurons and modulate their activity in many regions of the nervous system. Importantly, modulation of synaptic activity by glial cells depends on the proper detection and decoding of synaptic activity. However, it remains unknown whether glial cells are capable of decoding synaptic activity and properties during early postdevelopmental stages, in particular when different presynaptic nerve terminals compete for the control of the same synaptic site. This may be particularly relevant because a major determinant of the outcome of synaptic competition process is the relative synaptic strength of competing terminals whereby stronger terminals are more likely to occupy postsynaptic territory and become stabilized while weaker terminals are often eliminated. Hence, because of their ability to decode synaptic activity, glial cells should be able to integrate neuronal information of competing terminals. Using simultaneous glial Ca2+imaging and synaptic recordings of dually innervated mouse neuromuscular junctions, we report that single glial cells decipher the strength of competing nerve terminals. Activity of single glial cells, revealed by Ca2+responses, reflects the synaptic strength of each competing nerve terminal and the state of synaptic competition. This deciphering is mediated by functionally segregated purinergic receptors and intrinsic properties of glial cells. Our results indicate that glial cells decode ongoing synaptic competition and, hence, are poised to influence its outcome.
Selective Ablation of Pillar and Deiters' Cells Severely Affects Cochlear Postnatal Development and Hearing in Mice
Authors: Mellado Lagarde Marcia M. , Cox Brandon C. , Fang Jie , Taylor Ruth , Forge Andrew , Zuo Jian
Published: January 2013

Mammalian auditory hair cells (HCs) are inserted into a well structured environment of supporting cells (SCs) and acellular matrices. It has been proposed that when HCs are irreversibly damaged by noise or ototoxic drugs, surrounding SCs seal the epithelial surface and likely extend the survival of auditory neurons. Because SCs are more resistant to damage than HCs, the effects of primary SC loss on HC survival and hearing have received little attention. We used the Cre/loxP system in mice to specifically ablate pillar cells (PCs) and Deiters' cells (DCs). In Prox1CreERT2+/−;Rosa26DTA/+(Prox1DTA) mice, Cre-estrogen receptor (CreER) expression is driven by the endogenous Prox1 promoter and, in presence of tamoxifen, removes a stop codon in the Rosa26DTA/+allele and induces diphtheria toxin fragment A (DTA) expression. DTA produces cell-autonomous apoptosis. Prox1DTA mice injected with tamoxifen at postnatal days 0 (P0) and P1 show significant DC and outer PC loss at P2–P4, that reaches ∼70% by 1 month. Outer HC loss follows at P14 and is almost complete at 1 month, while inner HCs remain intact. Neural innervation to the outer HCs is disrupted in Prox1DTA mice and auditory brainstem response thresholds in adults are 40–50 dB higher than in controls. The hearing deficit correlates with loss of cochlear amplification. Remarkably, in Prox1DTA mice, the auditory epithelium preserves the ability to seal the reticular lamina and spiral ganglion neuron counts are normal, a key requirement for cochlear implant success. In addition, our results show that cochlear SC pools should be appropriately replenished during HC regeneration strategies.
Laminar Transformation of Frequency Organization in Auditory Cortex
Authors: Winkowski Daniel E. , Kanold Patrick O.
Published: January 2013

The mammalian neocortex is a six-layered structure organized into radial columns. Within sensory cortical areas, information enters in the thalamorecipient layer and is further processed in supragranular and infragranular layers. Within the neocortex, topographic maps of stimulus features are present, but whether topographic patterns of active neurons change between laminae is unknown. Here, we usedin vivotwo-photon Ca2+imaging to probe the organization of the mouse primary auditory cortex and show that the spatial organization of neural response properties (frequency tuning) within the thalamorecipient layer (L3b/4) is more homogeneous than in supragranular layers (L2/3). Moreover, stimulus-related correlations between pairs of neurons are higher in the thalamorecipient layer, whereas stimulus-independent trial-to-trial covariance is higher in supragranular neurons. These findings reveal a transformation of sensory representations that occurs between layers within the auditory cortex, which could generate sequentially more complex analysis of the acoustic scene incorporating a broad range of spectrotemporal sound features.
Distal Dendritic Inputs Control Neuronal Activity by Heterosynaptic Potentiation of Proximal Inputs
Authors: Han Edward B. , Heinemann Stephen F.
Published: January 2013

Synapses onto distal dendritic tufts are believed to function by modulating time-locked proximal inputs; however, the role of these synapses when proximal inputs are asynchronous or silent is unknown. Surprisingly, we found that activation of apical tuft synapses alone resulted in heterosynaptic potentiation of proximal synapses. In mouse adult hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons, we show that activation of distal inputs from the entorhinal cortex (EC) specifically strengthens proximal synapses projecting from CA3. This slow AMPA receptor-mediated potentiation is accompanied by increased synaptic GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors, which are normally restricted to juvenile animals. These two synaptic modifications interact to generate striking bidirectional metaplastic changes. Heterosynaptically potentiated synapses become resistant to subsequent long-term potentiation (LTP) as the two forms of AMPA receptor-mediated potentiation occlude. However, this is only true when the LTP induction protocol is relatively weak. When it is strong and repeated, the magnitude of LTP after heterosynaptic plasticity is greatly increased, specifically through the activation of GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors. Thus, CA1 neurons expressing heterosynaptic potentiation induced by external sensory input from the EC become more strongly driven by internally generated environmental representations from CA3. Furthermore, subsequent SC LTP in this ensemble is shifted to potentiate only strongly activated CA3 inputs, while endowing these synapses with enhanced potentiation. These results show that one set of inputs can exert long-lasting heterosynaptic control over another, allowing the coupling of two functionally and spatially distinct pathways, thereby greatly expanding the repertoire of cellular and network plasticity.
Visual Input Enhances Selective Speech Envelope Tracking in Auditory Cortex at a “Cocktail Party”
Authors: Zion Golumbic Elana , Cogan Gregory B. , Schroeder Charles E. , Poeppel David
Published: January 2013

Our ability to selectively attend to one auditory signal amid competing input streams, epitomized by the “Cocktail Party” problem, continues to stimulate research from various approaches. How this demanding perceptual feat is achieved from a neural systems perspective remains unclear and controversial. It is well established that neural responses to attended stimuli are enhanced compared with responses to ignored ones, but responses to ignored stimuli are nonetheless highly significant, leading to interference in performance. We investigated whether congruent visual input of an attended speaker enhances cortical selectivity in auditory cortex, leading to diminished representation of ignored stimuli. We recorded magnetoencephalographic signals from human participants as they attended to segments of natural continuous speech. Using two complementary methods of quantifying the neural response to speech, we found that viewing a speaker's face enhances the capacity of auditory cortex to track the temporal speech envelope of that speaker. This mechanism was most effective in a Cocktail Party setting, promoting preferential tracking of the attended speaker, whereas without visual input no significant attentional modulation was observed.

These neurophysiological results underscore the importance of visual input in resolving perceptual ambiguity in a noisy environment. Since visual cues in speech precede the associated auditory signals, they likely serve a predictive role in facilitating auditory processing of speech, perhaps by directing attentional resources to appropriate points in time when to-be-attended acoustic input is expected to arrive.
Calcium Channel Agonists Protect against Neuromuscular Dysfunction in a Genetic Model of TDP-43 Mutation in ALS
Authors: Armstrong Gary A.B. , Drapeau Pierre
Published: January 2013

TAR DNA binding protein (TDP-43, encoded by theTARDBPgene) has recently been shown to be associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but the early pathophysiological deficits causing impairment in motor function are unknown. Here we expressed the wild-type human gene (wtTARDBP) or the ALS mutation G348C (mutTARDBP) in zebrafish larvae and characterized their motor (swimming) activity and the structure and function of their neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). Of these groups only mutTARDBPlarvae showed impaired swimming and increased motoneuron vulnerability with reduced synaptic fidelity, reduced quantal transmission, and more orphaned presynaptic and postsynaptic structures at the NMJ. Remarkably, all behavioral and cellular features were stabilized by chronic treatment with either of the L-type calcium channel agonists FPL 64176 or Bay K 8644. These results indicate that expression of mutTARDBPresults in defective NMJs and that calcium channel agonists could be novel therapeutics for ALS.
Glutamatergic Neurotransmission between the C1 Neurons and the Parasympathetic Preganglionic Neurons of the Dorsal Motor Nucleus of the Vagus
Authors: DePuy Seth D. , Stornetta Ruth L. , Bochorishvili Genrieta , Deisseroth Karl , Witten Ilana , Coates Melissa , Guyenet Patrice G.
Published: January 2013

The C1 neurons are a nodal point for blood pressure control and other autonomic responses. Here we test whether these rostral ventrolateral medullary catecholaminergic (RVLM-CA) neurons use glutamate as a transmitter in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV). After injecting Cre-dependent adeno-associated virus (AAV2) DIO-Ef1α-channelrhodopsin2(ChR2)-mCherry (AAV2) into the RVLM of dopamine-β-hydroxylase Cre transgenic mice (DβHCre/0), mCherry was detected exclusively in RVLM-CA neurons. Within the DMV >95% mCherry-immunoreactive(ir) axonal varicosities were tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-ir and the same proportion were vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (VGLUT2)-ir. VGLUT2-mCherry colocalization was virtually absent when AAV2 was injected into the RVLM of DβHCre/0;VGLUT2flox/floxmice, into the caudal VLM (A1 noradrenergic neuron-rich region) of DβHCre/0mice or into the raphe of ePetCre/0mice. Following injection of AAV2 into RVLM of TH-Cre rats, phenylethanolamineN-methyl transferase and VGLUT2 immunoreactivities were highly colocalized in DMV within EYFP-positive or EYFP-negative axonal varicosities. Ultrastructurally, mCherry terminals from RVLM-CA neurons in DβHCre/0mice made predominantly asymmetric synapses with choline acetyl-transferase-ir DMV neurons. Photostimulation of ChR2-positive axons in DβHCre/0mouse brain slices produced EPSCs in 71% of tested DMV preganglionic neurons (PGNs) but no IPSCs. Photostimulation (20 Hz) activated PGNs up to 8 spikes/s (current-clamp). EPSCs were eliminated by tetrodotoxin, reinstated by 4-aminopyridine, and blocked by ionotropic glutamate receptor blockers. In conclusion, VGLUT2 is expressed by RVLM-CA (C1) neurons in rats and mice regardless of the presence of AAV2, the C1 neurons activate DMV parasympathetic PGNs monosynaptically and this connection uses glutamate as an ionotropic transmitter.
Persistent Reversal of Enhanced Amphetamine Intake by Transient CaMKII Inhibition
Authors: Loweth Jessica A. , Li Dongdong , Cortright James J. , Wilke Georgia , Jeyifous Okunola , Neve Rachael L. , Bayer K. Ulrich , Vezina Paul
Published: January 2013

Amphetamine exposure transiently increases Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) α expression in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) shell and this persistently increases local GluA1 S831 phosphorylation and enhances behavioral responding to the drug. Here we assessed whether transiently interfering with CaMKII signaling using a dominant-negative CaMKIIα mutant delivered to the NAcc shell with herpes simplex viral vectors could reverse these long-lasting biochemical and behavioral effects observed following exposure to amphetamine. As expected, transient expression of CaMKIIα K42M in the NAcc shell produced a corresponding transient increase in CaMKIIα and decrease in pCaMKIIα (T286) protein levels in this site. Remarkably, this transient inhibition of CaMKII activity produced a long-lasting reversal of the increased GluA1 S831 phosphorylation levels in NAcc shell and persistently blocked the enhanced locomotor response to and self-administration of amphetamine normally observed in rats previously exposed to the drug. Together, these results indicate that even transient interference with CaMKII signaling may confer long-lasting benefits in drug-sensitized individuals and point to CaMKII and its downstream pathways as attractive therapeutic targets for the treatment of stimulant addiction.
Proteolix: A “Me-Too” Success
Authors: Lasky Larry , Chang Victoria
Published: January 2013

In an industry rife with failures, Proteolix, a biotechnology company, was a rare success. The Proteolix case provides a compelling example of a biotech company that has chosen a “me-too” strategy, a less risky strategy than the strategy of discovering a drug for a novel target. However, even me-too drug strategies in the biotech industry face an uphill battle.
Maxillary Ridge Augmentation with Custom-Made CAD/CAM Scaffolds. A 1-Year Prospective Study on 10 Patients
Authors: Mangano Francesco , Macchi Aldo , Shibli Jamil Awad , Luongo Giuseppe , Iezzi Giovanna , Piattelli Adriano , Caprioglio Alberto , Mangano Carlo
Published: January 2013

Several procedures have been proposed to achieve maxillary ridge augmentation. These require bone replacement materials to be manually cut, shaped, and formed at the time of implantation, resulting in an expensive and time-consuming process. In the present study, we describe a technique for the design and fabrication of custom-made scaffolds for maxillary ridge augmentation, using three-dimensional computerized tomography (3D CT) and computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM). CT images of the atrophic maxillary ridge of 10 patients were acquired and modified into 3D reconstruction models. These models were transferred as stereolithographic files to a CAD program, where a virtual 3D reconstruction of the alveolar ridge was generated, producing anatomically shaped, custom-made scaffolds. CAM software generated a set of tool-paths for manufacture by a computer-numerical-control milling machine into the exact shape of the reconstruction, starting from porous hydroxyapatite blocks. The custom-made scaffolds were of satisfactory size, shape, and appearance; they matched the defect area, suited the surgeon's requirements, and were easily implanted during surgery. This helped reduce the time for surgery and contributed to the good healing of the defects.
Expressão de caracteres de tubérculos em função do tamanho de recipiente usado no cultivo de batata na geração de plântulas
Authors: Verissimo Mario Alvaro Aloisio , Pereira Arione da Silva , Silva Sergio Delmar dos Anjos e , Terres Laerte Reis , Ney Vicenti Gonçalves , Silva Giovani Olegario da
Published: January 2013

No melhoramento genético de batata, para alguns caracteres, é possível eliminar genótipos inferiores já nas gerações iniciais, o que permite reduzir o número de genótipos avaliados a campo, proporcionando redução de custos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a influência do tamanho de vaso na expressão de caracteres de tubérculo, em famílias de batata, na geração de plântula. Em casa de vegetação, dez famílias de batata foram avaliadas em dois tamanhos de recipientes, vaso grande (1 L) e vaso pequeno (250 ml). Os caracteres de tubérculos avaliados foram: cor, aspereza, profundidade de olho, sobrancelha, formato, uniformidade de formato, apontamento, curvatura, achatamento, aparência geral, massa por planta, massa média e número de tubérculos. O vaso grande proporciona maior expressão da variação genética para os caracteres profundidade de olho, sobrancelha, curvatura, achatamento, aparência geral e todos os componentes de rendimento. As maiores médias de produção de tubérculos em número, tamanho e massa foram obtidas no vaso grande, enquanto o maior coeficiente de variação genético para os caracteres formato, uniformidade de formato e apontamento de tubérculo foi obtido no vaso pequeno.
Seleção genômica ampla e novos métodos de melhoramento do milho
Authors: Fritsche-Neto Roberto , Resende Marcos Deon Vilela , Miranda Glauco Vieira , DoVale Júlio César
Published: January 2013

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram verificar a acurácia do método da Seleção Genômica Ampla (GWS) no melhoramento de milho nas condições de estresse nutricional e propor novos métodos de melhoramento baseados em GWS. Foram estimados os dois componentes da eficiência no uso de nitrogênio e de fósforo (eficiência de absorção e de utilização) em 41 combinações híbridas, em dois experimentos, sob baixa e alta disponibilidades de N e P. Para a genotipagem da população de estimação, foram utilizados 80 marcadores microssatélites. As estimativas dos parâmetros genéticos foram obtidas via REML/BLUP, e a predição dos valores genéticos genômicos, via regressão aleatória (Random Regression - RR) aplicada à seleção genômica ampla (RR-BLUP/GWS). Para os caracteres em que a GWS apresentou altos valores de acurácia, essa foi comparada com os métodos de Seleção Recorrente Intra e Interpopulacional. Com o uso da GWS houve aumento significativo na acurácia seletiva e nos ganhos genéticos por unidade de tempo.
Produção e amplitude de colheita de cultivares de nogueira-macadâmia em Itapira, São Paulo
Authors: Pio Rafael , Penoni Edwaldo dos Santos , Rodrigues Filipe Almendagna , Ramos José Darlan , Decarlos Neto Antônio
Published: January 2013

A nogueira-macadâmia produz frutos do tipo folículo, cuja parte comestível é a semente, com alto valor agregado no mercado internacional e com grande aceitação pelos consumidores. No Brasil, sabe-se que a época de colheita dos frutos da nogueira-macadâmia inicia-se em meados de fevereiro, porém, não se conhece o potencial produtivo dos diversos cultivares disponíveis nas condições brasileiras. O objetivo deste trabalho foi quantificar a produção e a amplitude de colheita de cultivares de nogueira-macadâmia, no município de Itapira, SP. Para o experimento, foram utilizados dez cultivares de nogueira-macadâmia (HAES 722, IAC Campinas-B, 791 Fuji, HAES 842, HAES 849, HAES 814, HAES 344, IAC 9-20X, IAC 9-20 e HAES 816), sendo quantificadas durante três safras, em Itapira, SP, o número de frutos e a massa de colheita (produção e produtividade estimada), calculando-se, posteriormente, a massa média dos frutos. Concluiu-se que a produção da nogueira-macadâmia, em Itapira, SP, inicia-se em meados de fevereiro e estende-se até o final de junho. IAC 9-20 foi o cultivar mais precoce e, HAES 722, o mais tardio, enquanto o HAES 344 proporcionou a menor amplitude de colheita e 791 Fuji e HAES 849 as maiores. Os cultivares IAC 9-20X, IAC 9-20 e HAES 816 apresentaram o maior desempenho produtivo.
Production of basic potato seed minitubers in substrate and different nitrogen rates
Authors: Souza Carla de Bem dos Santos , Fontes Paulo Cezar Rezende , Moreira Marialva Alvarenga , Puiatti Mário , Martinez Herminia Emilia Prieto , Araújo Roberto Fontes
Published: January 2013

The optimal dose of nitrogen (N) in potato crop depends on the production system. The objective of this study was to determine the optimal dose of N for the production of basic potato seed minitubers and evaluate the effect of N rates on physiological and nitrogen indices in the youngest fully developed leaf (fourth leaf) and in the oldest leaf of the plants at 60 days after planting. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse at the Departamento de Fitotecnia da Universidade Federal de Viçosa. The treatments consisted of five N rates (0, 45, 90, 180 and 360 mg dm-3), with 10% of each dose applied at planting and the remainder through irrigation water, daily, for 30 days. The nitrogen rates positively influenced the physiological indices (length, width, leaf area, number of leaves, fresh mass and dry mass) and nitrogen (level and content of N and N-NO³ in the dry mass and SPAD) both in the fourth leaf and in the oldest leaf. Likewise, the N rates positively influenced the number and mass of harvested tubers. The largest number (5.44 tubers/plant) and the maximum mass of tubers (243.5 g/plant) were obtained with 360.0 and 332.9 mg N dm-3, respectively. Therefore, the mass and number of tubers were not optimized by the same N rate. The critical SPAD index was 38.8 in the fourth leaf, which was more sensitive to the effect of N rates than the oldest leaf.
Morphology and stability of aggregates of an Oxisol according to tillage system and gypsum application
Authors: Souza Fábio Régis de , Rosa Junior Edgard Jardim , Fietz Carlos Ricardo , Pellin Douglas Martins Pereira , Bergamin Anderson Cristian , Gelain Evandro , Rosa Yara Brito Chaim Jardim
Published: January 2013

Morphological characterization and aggregate stability is an important factor in evaluating management systems. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the stability and morphology of the aggregates of a dystrophic Oxisol managed with no-tillage and conventional tillage with and without the residual action of gypsum. The experimental design was randomized blocks arranged in split-split plot, where the treatments were two soil management systems (plots) with 0 and 2000 kg ha-1 of gypsum (subplots) and five depths (0-0.05, 0.05-0.10, 0.10-0.15, 0.15-0.20 and 0.20-0.30 m) as the subsubplots, with four replications. The aggregate morphology was determined through images and later evaluated by the Quantporo software. Stability was determined by the wet method. The results showed that the no-tillage system, with or without gypsum residual effect, provided the aggregates with the largest geometric diameters. The combination of no-tillage system and the gypsum residual effect provided rougher aggregates.
Projetos de vida de adultos jovens portadores de HIV por transmissão vertical: estudo exploratório com usuários de um ambulatório de infectologia
Authors: Oliveira Lédice Lino de , Negra Marinella Della , Nogueira-Martins Maria Cezira Fantini
Published: January 2013

Esta pesquisa teve o intuito de conhecer os projetos de vida de jovens adultos que convivem com o HIV/aids a partir da transmissão vertical, com relação a: estudo, trabalho e constituição familiar. Outro objetivo foi o de conhecer sua vivência no que diz respeito à assistência recebida. Como instrumentos, foram utilizados: questionário sociodemográfico e entrevista semiestruturada. Foram realizadas 16 entrevistas com jovens de idade entre 18 e 22 anos, usuários de um ambulatório de um hospital público especializado na área de Infectologia. O material obtido nas entrevistas foi analisado segundo os princípios da análise temática. Foram encontradas seis categorias temáticas: estudo e escolaridade; trabalho e emprego; sexualidade e constituição familiar; vivência de preconceito; adesão ao tratamento; acolhimento. Os entrevistados referiram que a escola é importante meio para a inserção social e para a conquista da autonomia. O trabalho foi apresentado como principal fonte de subsistência e de independência. O exercício da sexualidade foi marcado pela situação de existência do HIV, determinando cuidados especiais; quanto à conjugalidade, os projetos dos entrevistados são variados: união informal, casamento oficial, vida sem cônjuge. No que diz respeito à maternidade/paternidade, os projetos são marcadamente influenciados pela portabilidade do HIV, despertando dúvidas e receios. Os entrevistados relataram a existência do preconceito em vários contextos. Quanto à adesão ao tratamento, revelaram a existência tanto de dificuldades como de mecanismos criados para enfrentá-las. O acolhimento por parte de familiares, amigos e profissionais da saúde foi considerado fundamental para o desenvolvimento e a manutenção de seus projetos de vida.
Características da resposta à Aids de secretarias de saúde, no contexto da Política de Incentivo do Ministério da Saúde¹
Authors: Grangeiro Alexandre , Escuder Maria Mercedes Loureiro , Silva Sara Romera da , Cervantes Vilma , Teixeira Paulo Roberto
Published: January 2013

OBJETIVOS: Analisar a cobertura da Política de Incentivo do Ministério da Saúde para Programas de Aids e as características das ações de prevenção, assistência, gestão e apoio às organizações da sociedade civil induzidas nos Estados e municípios. METODOLOGIA: Os Planos de Ações e Metas de 2006, das 27 Unidades Federadas e de 427 municípios incluídos na Política de Incentivo, foram analisados segundo indicadores estabelecidos para aferir a complexidade e a sustentabilidade das ações induzidas, a inclusão de populações prioritárias e a capacidade de intervenção na epidemia. Informações sobre população e casos de aids registrados foram utilizadas para mensurar a cobertura. RESULTADOS: Os municípios incluídos representaram uma cobertura de 85,2% dos casos de aids do País. Houve uma baixa proporção de secretarias estaduais (48,2%) e municipais (32,6%) de saúde que contemplaram, concomitantemente, ações de prevenção para a população geral e as de maior prevalência da doença, assim como ações para o diagnóstico do HIV, o tratamento de pessoas infectadas e a prevenção da transmissão vertical. Em relação às populações prioritárias, 51,9% dos Estados e 31,1% dos municípios propuseram ações específicas na prevenção e na assistência. Estados (44,4%) e municípios (27,9%) com Planos abrangentes estão mais concentrados no Sudeste e em cidades de grande porte, representando a maioria dos casos de aids do País. CONCLUSÃO: A Política de Incentivo do Ministério da Saúde compreende as regiões de maior ocorrência da aids no Brasil, porém, o perfil da resposta induzida encontra-se parcialmente dissociado das características epidemiológicas da doença no País.
Saúde mental na estratégia saúde da família: revisão da literatura brasileira
Authors: Souza Luiz Gustavo Silva , Menandro Maria Cristina Smith , Couto Leandra Lúcia Moraes , Schimith Polyana Barbosa , Lima Rebeca Panceri de
Published: January 2013

A Estratégia Saúde da Família orienta a organização da Atenção Primária à Saúde no Brasil e inclui importantes congruências programáticas com a Reforma Psiquiátrica. Os princípios de territorialização e acompanhamento longitudinal devem favorecer a construção de ações inovadoras de promoção, prevenção e reabilitação em saúde mental. O objetivo desta revisão foi analisar os principais temas da literatura científica brasileira sobre saúde mental na Estratégia Saúde da Família. Foram lidos os títulos de 267 artigos, publicados entre 1999 e 2009, e 38 artigos foram selecionados, segundo critérios específicos, para análise temática. A literatura abordou os temas da demanda em saúde mental, das percepções e práticas dos profissionais e da inserção do psicólogo na Atenção Primária. Os estudos revisados apontaram problemas como visões estereotipadas sobre os transtornos mentais, predominância da lógica manicomial, ausência de registros, fluxos, estratégias, apoio qualificado às famílias e de integração em rede. A meta-análise qualitativa indicou questões que podem fomentar o debate sobre o tópico e a realização de outras pesquisas, bem como a reflexão sobre a atuação profissional na interface entre Saúde Mental e Saúde da Família.
Desafios para a participação popular em saúde: reflexões a partir da educação popular na construção de conselho local de saúde em comunidades de João Pessoa, PB
Authors: Cruz Pedro José Santos Carneiro , Vieira Samara Cíntia Rodrigues , Massa Nayara Moreira , Araújo Thaise Anataly Maria de , Vasconcelos Ana Cláudia Cavalcanti Peixoto de
Published: January 2013

A participação popular constitui uma força social capaz de elencar prioridades e influir nos serviços públicos de saúde, impulsionando a formulação de políticas para a promoção da saúde como um direito, de forma equânime, democrática e participativa. A organização da representação popular em conselhos de saúde vem avançando desde sua garantia na Lei 8.142/90, fazendo deste um espaço para fiscalização de ações e dinamização do controle social. Nesse contexto, o projeto de extensão "Práticas Integrais da Nutrição na Atenção Básica em Saúde - PINAB", do Departamento de Nutrição/UFPB, vem atuando no processo de fortalecimento da participação popular na saúde a partir da construção de um conselho local de saúde (CLS), em uma Unidade de Saúde da Família (USF), em João Pessoa/PB. Este trabalho pretende sistematizar essa experiência, por meio da inserção dos extensionistas no processo e sua participação ativa nas ações desenvolvidas. Utilizando como metodologia a educação popular, o grupo operativo Mobilização Popular atuou por meio de: Visitas domiciliares, no intuito de reconhecer os movimentos sociais locais, para compreender a sua história de luta; e Atividades educativas, que visam contribuir para a participação comunitária no CLS e aprimorar os conhecimentos dos sujeitos envolvidos, favorecendo assim, o diálogo e o compartilhamento de saberes entre os mesmos. Ante o exposto, o PINAB pôde gerar movimentos e interlocuções para colaborar com o fortalecimento da gestão participativa na USF ao apoiar os espaços de formação e informação sobre o CLS, cooperando com o aprimoramento do senso crítico e estimulando a construção de um conselho verdadeiramente democrático.
Limites, traduções e afetos: profissionais de saúde em contextos indígenas
Authors: Pereira Pedro Paulo Gomes
Published: January 2013

Este artigo volta-se simetricamente para profissionais de saúde que atuam em contextos indígenas, elaborando as seguintes perguntas: O que acontece com profissionais de saúde que se veem diretamente relacionados a concepções diferenciadas de corpo, saúde e doença? O que sucede quando as práticas de saúde se dão num processo de tradução da própria conceituação do que seja saúde? De que forma esses profissionais são afetados por essa experiência com a alteridade radical? Na busca de refletir sobre essas indagações, o texto se detém nas histórias de uma médica e de uma enfermeira, destacando motivos constantes em suas narrativas, que nos contam algo sobre limitações, limites e processos de tradução. O cenário descrito talvez possa matizar a percepção de uma biomedicina homogênea e de profissionais de saúde exclusivamente vinculados ao poder - sempre envoltos em relações reificadas e reificadoras.
Crescendo em catingueira: criança, família e organização social no semiárido nordestino
Authors: Pires Flávia F.
Published: January 2013

Este artigo etnográfico tem como objetivo apresentar as crianças catingueirenses (semiárido da Paraíba), destacando sua participação na vida social e familiar, através do desvelamento das contingências cotidianas que enfrentam, assim como as expectativas adultas em relação a elas. Para isso, minha estratégia é, através de três memórias etnográficas - um evento na igreja envolvendo uma criança de 3 anos, o ritual de apresentação dos novos membros à comunidade e um cortejo fúnebre de um anjinho - pensar as crianças pequenas como risíveis, as crianças maiores como aprendizes e a infância como período de trabalho e de aprendizado moral. O texto revela um universo em que as crianças se tornam agentes imprescindíveis para o bom funcionamento da unidade familiar e, de modo mais geral, de toda a comunidade.
The dynamics of L2 vocabulary development: A case study of receptive and productive knowledge
Authors: Caspi Tal , Lowie Wander
Published: January 2013

Many studies have shown that the transfer of receptive L2 vocabulary into production is far from linear, whether production is elicited by a task or spontaneous. The nature and causes of this gap between receptive and productive vocabulary knowledge have been widely debated. This article attempts a novel approach to this topic by investigating vocabulary knowledge development in a detailed case study. Four knowledge levels of ESL vocabulary are traced across time during a 36-week period of intensive exposure to the target language. Detailed analyses reveal that these knowledge levels interact in a complex way over time, simultaneously competing for learner resources and conditionally supporting each other's growth. A model based on dynamic growth equations supports the hypothesis that complex interactions between vocabulary knowledge levels give rise to the receptive-productive gap.
Forensic engineering education reform
Authors: Chen Shen-En , Janardhanam Rajaram
Published: January 2013

Forensic engineering is a critical and unique discipline in the engineering field. However, courses on forensic engineering are not widely offered and a complete forensic engineering curriculum is almost non-existent in the USA. Most existing forensic engineering courses are offered in a failure analysis studio format, where investigation techniques are taught, or as part of a forensic practice lecture series where information about case studies is disseminated along with discussions on ethics and jurisprudential issues. Conventional wisdom suggests that due to the specialised nature of forensic engineering it should be offered in a postgraduate curriculum. However, citing lessons learned from other forensic-related disciplines, this paper recommends that forensic engineering develop a broader base that includes system engineering, inverse problem-solving and research methodology, and should be better integrated into a college curriculum that can include both graduate and undergraduate studies.
Does growing vegetables in plastic greenhouses enhance regional ecosystem services beyond the food supply?
Authors: Chang Jie , Wu Xu , Wang Yan , Meyerson Laura A , Gu Baojing , Min Yong , Xue Hui , Peng Changhui , Ge Ying
Published: January 2013

In recent years, plastic greenhouse vegetable cultivation (PGVC) has expanded worldwide, particularly in China, where it accounts for more than 90% of all global PGVC operations. As compared with conventional agricultural methods, PGVC has doubled crop yields by extending growing seasons and intensifying agriculture. PGVC also offers more ecosystem services relative to conventional approaches, including greater soil carbon sequestration, lower water consumption, and improved soil protection at regional scales. The economic benefits of this easily implemented agricultural method are attractive to small‐holder farmers. However, greater environmental impacts (eg greenhouse‐gas emissions, generation of large amounts of plastic waste) are associated with PGVC than with conventional approaches. Here, we review what is currently known about PGVC and identify future research priorities that will comprehensively assess the ecosystem services offered by this method of cultivation, as well as its environmental impacts and socioeconomic benefits.
Brood parasitism correlates with the strength of spatial autocorrelation of life history and defensive traits in Magpies
Authors: Soler Juan J. , Martín-Gálvez David , de Neve Liesbeth , Soler Manuel
Published: January 2013

Environmental characteristics of neighboring locations are generally more similar than those of distant locations. Selection pressures due to parasitism and other environmental conditions shape life history traits of hosts; thus, the probability of parasitism should be associated with the strength of spatial autocorrelation in life history and defensive traits of their hosts. Here we test this hypothesis in three different subpopulations of Magpie (Pica pica) parasitized by the Great Spotted Cuckoo (Clamator glandarius) during three breeding seasons. In some of the years and study plots, we found evidence of positive spatial autocorrelations for clutch size and parasitism rate, but not for laying date. As predicted, brood parasitism was associated with the strength of these spatial autocorrelations. Magpies that bred close to each other in areas of high risk of parasitism responded similarly to experimental parasitic eggs. Moreover, an elevated risk of parasitism eliminated the spatial autocorrelation for clutch size, which became randomly distributed. We discuss possible mechanisms explaining these associations, which may have important consequences for estimating evolutionary responses of hosts to parasitic infections and, therefore, for epidemiological, ecological, and evolutionary studies of host–parasite relationships.
P-ideal dichotomy and weak squares
Authors: Raghavan Dilip
Published: January 2013

We answer a question of Cummings and Magidor by proving that the P-ideal dichotomy of Todorčević refutes □κ,ωfor any uncountableκ. We also show that the P-ideal dichotomy implies the failure of □κ,ω1.
Random reals, the rainbow Ramsey theorem, and arithmetic conservation
Authors: Conidis Chris J. , Slaman Theodore A.
Published: January 2013

We investigate the question “To what extent can random reals be used as a tool to establish number theoretic facts?” Let 2-RANbe the principle that for every realXthere is a realRwhich is 2-random relative toX. In Section 2, we observe that the arguments of Csima and Mileti [3] can be implemented in the base theoryRCA0and soRCA0+ 2-RANimplies the Rainbow Ramsey Theorem. In Section 3, we show that the Rainbow Ramsey Theorem is not conservative overRCA0for arithmetic sentences. Thus, from the Csima–Mileti fact that the existence of random reals has infinitary-combinatorial consequences we can conclude that 2-RANhas non-trivial arithmetic consequences. In Section 4, we show that 2-RANis conservative overRCA0+BΣ2for-sentences. Thus, the set of first-order consequences of 2-RANis strictly stronger thanP−+IΣ1and no stronger thanP−+BΣ2.
Characterizing quantifier extensions of dependence logic
Authors: Engström Fredrik , Kontinen Juha
Published: January 2013

We characterize the expressive power of extensions of Dependence Logic and Independence Logic by monotone generalized quantifiers in terms of quantifier extensions of existential second-order logic.
Uniform distribution and algorithmic randomness
Authors: Avigad Jeremy
Published: January 2013

A seminal theorem due to Weyl [14] states that if (an) is any sequence of distinct integers, then, for almost everyx∈ ℝ, the sequence (anx) is uniformly distributed modulo one. In particular, for almost everyxin the unit interval, the sequence (anx) is uniformly distributed modulo one for everycomputablesequence (an) of distinct integers. Call such anx UD random. Here it is shown that every Schnorr random real is UD random, but there are Kurtz random reals that are not UD random. On the other hand, Weyl's theorem still holds relative to a particular effectively closed null set, so there are UD random reals that are not Kurtz random.
Increasing Incidence of Type 1 Diabetes in Youth
Authors: Lipman Terri H. , Levitt Katz Lorraine E. , Ratcliffe Sarah J. , Murphy Kathryn M. , Aguilar Alexandra , Rezvani Iraj , Howe Carol J. , Fadia Shruti , Suarez Elizabeth
Published: January 2013

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to describe the incidence of type 1 diabetes in children in Philadelphia from 2000–2004, compare the epidemiology to the previous three cohorts in the Philadelphia Pediatric Diabetes Registry, and, for the first time, describe the incidence of type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Diabetes cases were obtained through a retrospective population-based registry. Hospital inpatient and outpatient records were reviewed for cases of type 1 and type 2 diabetes diagnosed from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2004. The secondary source of validation was the School District of Philadelphia. Time series analysis was used to evaluate the changing pattern of incidence over the 20-year period.

RESULTS

The overall age-adjusted incidence rate in 2000–2004 of 17.0 per 100,000 per year was significantly higher than that of previous cohorts, with an average yearly increase of 1.5% and an average 5-year cohort increase of 7.8% (P = 0.025). The incidence in white children (19.2 per 100,000 per year) was 48% higher than in the previous cohort. Children aged 0–4 years had a 70% higher incidence (12.2 per 100,000 per year) than the original cohort; this increase was most marked in young black children. The overall age-adjusted incidence of type 2 diabetes was 5.8 per 100,000 per year and was significantly higher in black children.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of type 1 diabetes is rising among children in Philadelphia. The incidence rate has increased by 29% since the 1985–1989 cohort. The most marked increases were among white children ages 10–14 years and black children ages 0–4 years. The incidence of type 1 diabetes is 18 times higher than that of type 2 in white children but only 1.6 times higher in black children.
Randomized Crossover Study to Examine the Necessity of an Injection-to-Meal Interval in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Human Insulin
Authors: Müller Nicolle , Frank Thomas , Kloos Christof , Lehmann Thomas , Wolf Gunter , Müller Ulrich Alfons
Published: January 2013

OBJECTIVE

Patients with diabetes and insulin therapy with human insulin were usually instructed to use an interval of 20–30 min between the injection and meal. We examined the necessity of the injection-to-meal interval (IMI) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and flexible insulin therapy with human insulin.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In this randomized, open crossover trial, 100 patients with T2DM (47% men, mean age = 66.7 years) were randomized to the IMI first group (phase 1, IMI 20 min; phase 2, no IMI) or IMI last group (phase 1, no IMI; phase 2, IMI 20 min). The main outcome measures were HbA1c, blood glucose profile, incidence of hypoglycemia, quality of life, treatment satisfaction, and patient preference.

RESULTS

Forty-nine patients were randomized to the IMI first group and 51 patients to the IMI last group. Omitting the IMI only slightly increases HbA1c (average intraindividual difference = 0.08% [95% CI 0.01–0.15]). Since the difference is not clinically relevant, a therapy without IMI is noninferior to its application (P < 0.001). In the secondary outcomes, the incidence of mild hypoglycemia also did not differ between no IMI and IMI significantly (mean of differences = −0.10, P = 0.493). No difference in the blood glucose profile of both groups was found. Treatment satisfaction increased markedly, by 8.08, if IMI was omitted (P < 0.001). The total score of the quality of life measure did not show differences between applying an IMI or not. Insulin therapy without IMI was preferred by 86.5% of patients (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

An IMI for patients with T2DM and preprandial insulin therapy is not necessary.
Tuberculosis practices among private medical practitioners in Kaski district, Nepal
Authors: Nepal AK , Shrestha A , Baral SC , Bhattarai R , Aryal Y
Published: January 2013

INTRODUCTION: Although the evidences suggest that more than one third tuberculosis (TB) cases are being managed in private sector, the quality of care in private sector is major concern. However, the information regarding the private practices were lacking. Therefore the study was conducted to gain insights on current practices of TB management at private sectors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive cross sectional study, applying quantitative method, was conducted at two cities of Kaski among all private practitioners, private pharmacies and private laboratories through self administered questionnaire and structured interview schedule. RESULTS: Nearly one fourth of the TB suspects in the district were found to have consulted private providers with about 20.0% of the total smear positive cases diagnosed in private laboratories. Beside sputum microscopy, Private Medical Practitioners (PMPs) were also found to prefer other tests like X-ray, culture for TB diagnosis. Similarly, PMPs’ varying prescription of anti TB drugs beyond National TB Programme (NTP) recommendation along with their weak recording and case holding were noteworthy, and the cost of TB treatment seemed higher in private sector. Only one third of private institution had their staff trained in TB. Except some informal linkage, no collaboration between public and private sector was noted. CONCLUSIONS: Private sector was managing many TB cases in the district. However, their practice of TB management was not much satisfactory. Therefore NTP should take effective measures for Public Private Mix and to make them aware of the standards through training and orientation in order to improve the quality of care. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijim.v1i2.7085 Int J Infect Microbiol 2012;1(1):68-75
Antimicrobial resistance: a global threat
Authors: Thapa B
Published: January 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijim.v1i2.7405 Int J Infect Microbiol 2012;1(1):41-42
Routine blood cultures in the management of community acquired pneumonia; is it necessary?
Authors: Ibrahim TM
Published: January 2013

INTRODUCTION: The role of blood cultures (BCs) in the management of community acquired pneumonia (CAP) has generated a lot of controversy among clinicians in recent times. The main objectives of this audit were to determine if BC results impact the choice of antibiotics, and hospital outcomes in CAP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study of adults with CAP treated in the ED of Goulbourn Valley Base Hospital, Shepparton in Australia from November 2010 to November 2011. RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty five patients were treated for CAP during the period in review with a mean age of 67.09±19.82 yrs and male:female of 1.5:1. 277 sets of BCs were performed and only 2.2% of the cases had true positive BCs .87% of the total cost of performing these BCs was spent on those with negative cultres.15.1% of the cases had their antibiotics changed during their hospitalization but the results of the BCs had no impact on the antibiotic change. Even though not statistically significant true positive BCs was associated with prolong length of hospital stay (7.6 ± 9.39 days vs 4.89 ± 3.24 days, p=0.44), and duration of IV antibiotic use (4.8±3.27 days vs 3.58±1.97 days, p=0.39). But the case fatality rate was much lower in those with positive BCs, (0 vs 5.7%,p< 0.05). Tachycardia (>120.4±12.46 bpm), neutrophilia (15.0± 8.16 /ul), and high CRP (326.4±146.32 ug/l) were predictors of true positive BCs. CONCLUSIONS: Routine BCs in the management of CAP is not cost-effective with large portion of the cost spent on cultures that returned negative result .Therefore it use show be limited to those likely to return positive cultures. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijim.v1i2.7408 Int J Infect Microbiol 2012;1(1):54-57