bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved Reflexive Testing Algorithm for Hepatitis C Infection Using Signal-to-Cutoff Ratios of a Hepatitis C Virus Antibody Assay
Authors: Lai Keane KY , Jin Ming , Yuan Shan , Larson Meaghan F , Dominitz Jason A , Bankson Daniel D
Published: May 2011

BACKGROUND

Chemiluminescence immunoassay (CIA) is used to detect hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody status on the basis of signal-to-cutoff (S/Co) ratios. Positive results of antibody to HCV (anti-HCV) are followed by either recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA) to confirm anti-HCV positivity or reverse transcription (RT)-PCR to detect viremia. We hypothesized that by analyzing S/Co ratios, we could determine a strategy to reduce unnecessary supplementary testing in our population.

METHODS

CIA was performed to screen for anti-HCV, and positive results were followed up with RT-PCR testing. Negative RT-PCR results were followed up with RIBA, whereas positive RT-PCR results were assumed to be RIBA positive. ROC curves were analyzed to determine the optimal S/Co ratios to predict HCV infection.

RESULTS

We determined the S/Co ratios on 34 243 veteran patient samples. We found that with the CIA method 9.0% of patients had positive test results for anti-HCV. An S/Co ratio <3.0 ruled out active HCV infection and exposure with 100% negative predictive value. When the S/Co ratio was ≥20.0, positive predictive values were 98.5% compared with RIBA results, and 81.0% compared with RT-PCR results.

CONCLUSIONS

RIBA is not necessary to confirm negative or positive CIA anti-HCV if the S/Co ratio is <3.0 or ≥20.0, respectively. To confirm HCV exposure, samples with an S/Co ratio between 3.0 and 19.9 should be followed up with RIBA unless PCR testing has been performed and the result is positive. Samples with an S/Co ratio ≥20.0 or positive RIBA results should be further tested by RT-PCR to determine HCV viremia status.
Securities Trading of Concepts (STOC)
Authors: Dahan Ely , Kim Adlar J. , Lo Andrew W. , Poggio Tomaso , Chan Nicholas
Published: May 2011

Identifying winning new product concepts can be a challenging process that requires insight into private consumer preferences. To measure consumer preferences for new product concepts, the authors apply a “securities trading of concepts,” or STOC, approach, in which new product concepts are traded as financial securities. The authors apply this method because market prices are known to efficiently collect and aggregate private information regarding the economic value of goods, services, and firms, particularly when trading financial securities. This research compares the STOC approach against stated-choice, conjoint, constant-sum, and longitudinal revealed-preference data. The authors also place STOC in the context of previous research on prediction markets and experimental economics. Across multiple product categories, the authors test whether STOC (1) is more cost efficient than other methods, (2) passes validity tests, (3) measures expectations of others, and (4) reveals individual preferences, not just those of the crowd. The results show that traders exhibit a self-preference bias when trading. Ultimately, STOC offers two key advantages over traditional market research methods: cost efficiency and scalability. For new product development teams deciding how to invest resources, this scalability may be especially important in the Web 2.0 world.
Estimating the Value of Brand-Image Associations: The Role of General and Specific Brand Image
Authors: Sonnier Garrett , Ainslie Andrew
Published: May 2011

The authors present a Bayesian simultaneous choice factor model that measures consumers' willingness to pay for brand-image associations. Previous research has found that general brand effects influence a brand's scores on specific image dimensions. To investigate the value of general versus specific brand image, the authors specify a higher-order factor model in which a set of correlated factor scores arise from a general brand factor and a set of orthogonal residual scores that measure the specific dimensions of brand image. The general brand factor is consistent with the concept of a halo effect, which theory ascribes to either an overall evaluative effect or errors in cognition. The authors apply the model to stated preference data on branded midsized sedans accompanied by data on consumer brand-image associations. The authors find that there is substantial value for the specific dimensions of brand image, but only after controlling for the general brand effect with the higher-order factor decomposition.
Understanding Governance Decisions in a Partially Integrated Channel: A Contingent Alignment Framework
Authors: Kim Stephen K. , McFarland Richard G. , Kwon Soongi , Son Sanggi , Griffith David A.
Published: May 2011

This article examines governance decisions within an emerging and increasingly common form of channel: the partially integrated channel (PIC). The PIC is defined as a single vertical channel in which both market governance and hierarchical governance exist (i.e., the employees of one channel member work on a full-time basis at an exchange partner's facilities, performing functions that the exchange partner traditionally performs). Building on the transaction cost analysis and governance value analysis literature streams, the authors examine ongoing governance decisions within the PIC. Data were collected in the fashion apparel market of South Korea using multisource, reciprocally matched data in which a manufacturer's directly employed sales force is deployed at department store retailers as the sole frontline employees for their brand. The authors find that brand reputation, downstream market uncertainty, and sales force performance ambiguity influence manufacturer control over sales operations and manufacturer flexibility with retailers in unique ways. The authors discuss implications of this work for theory and practice.
Seeing Ourselves in Others: Reviewer Ambiguity, Egocentric Anchoring, and Persuasion
Authors: Naylor Rebecca Walker , Lamberton Cait Poynor , Norton David A.
Published: May 2011

Consumers increasingly inform one another about marketplace offerings in online review forums. The authors demonstrate that when given no information about a reviewer (i.e., when the reviewer's identity is ambiguous), consumers use an accessibility-based egocentric anchor to infer that ambiguous reviewers have similar tastes to their own, leading consumers to be (1) similarly persuaded by reviews written by ambiguous and similar reviewers and (2) more persuaded by reviews written by ambiguous reviewers than by reviews written by dissimilar reviewers. The authors demonstrate that this effect holds in a single-offering, single-reviewer context. The authors also show that when consumers are exposed to multiple offerings with multiple reviewers, there may be a slight “cost” to ambiguity as opposed to similarity but that ambiguity remains much more persuasive than dissimilarity. Finally, the authors demonstrate that the effects of egocentric anchoring on persuasion can be moderated, first, by making other-related thoughts accessible and, second, by providing external cues about potential reviewer heterogeneity. These findings have important implications for both the management and monitoring of consumer-to-consumer online communication.
Multi-steps degradation method for β-O-4 linkage in lignins: γ-TTSA method. Part 1: Reaction of non-phenolic dimeric β-O-4 model compounds
Authors: Ando Daisuke , Takano Toshiyuki , Nakatsubo Fumiaki
Published: May 2011

The so-called γ-TTSA method has been developed for the cleavage of β-O-4 linkages in lignin. It consists of four steps: (1) γ-tosylation, (2) thioetherification (substitution reaction with 1-dodecanethiol to γ-thioether), (3) sulfonylation (oxidation from γ-thioether to γ-sulfone), and (4) mild alkali degradation of γ-sulfone. The method was tested on non-phenolic dimeric β-O-4 lignin model compounds: 1G (4-benzyloxy-3-methoxyphenylglycerol-β-guaiacyl ether), 1S (4-benzyloxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenylglycerol-β-syringyl ether), and 1H (4-benzyloxyphenylglycerol-β-phenyl ether). It is demonstrated that the mild alkali degradation of the γ-sulfone group proceeds efficiently, i.e., the electron-withdrawing sulfone group at γ-position contributes to the cleavage of β-O-4 linkages. The γ-TTSA method may be especially useful for the elucidation of lignin-carbohydrate complex structures containing benzylether bonds.
Merkmal(s?)analyse, Seminar(s?)arbeit und Essen(s?)ausgabe: Zweifelsfälle der Verfugung als Indikatoren für Sprachwandel
Authors: Nübling Damaris , Szczepaniak Renata
Published: May 2011

Contemporary German abounds in doubtful cases where linking elements alternate with zero elements, such as Seminar(+s?+)arbeit ‘term paper’, Respekt(+s?+)person ‘person who commands respect”. This variation indicates a profound language change in the course of which the linking +s+ has spread continuously since Early New High German and is replacing the zero element more and more often. Today, +s+ is the most productive, progressive and most frequently occurring linking element. In this paper, we provide an explanation for the doubtful cases. Most often, the linking +s+ depends directly on the phonological quality of the first part of the compound: the worse its phonological structure, the more likely the occurrence of the linking +s+. It occurs most regularly after first parts of compounds containing a suffix or an unstressed prefix (Verkáuf+s+gespräch ‘sales conversation’), while words with an ideal phonological structure (monosyllabic or trochaic words) rarely attract the linking +s+. The variation concentrates on compounds whose first parts feature a stressed prefix (Éinkauf(+s?+)führer ‘shopping guide’). There is, however, a further factor which leads to fluctuation in the occurrence of the linking +s+. In cases where the second part of synthetic compounds such as Auftrag(+s?+)geber ‘client’ contain a high degree of verbality, the linking +s+ blurs the syntactic relation between the immediate constituents, strengthening the morphological character of the compound.
Discrimination of Features in Natural Scenes by a Dragonfly Neuron
Authors: Wiederman Steven D. , O'Carroll David C.
Published: May 2011

Flying insects engage in spectacular high-speed pursuit of targets, requiring visual discrimination of moving objects against cluttered backgrounds. As a first step toward understanding the neural basis for this complex task, we used computational modeling of insect small target motion detector (STMD) neurons to predict responses to features within natural scenes and then compared this with responses recorded from an identified STMD neuron in the dragonfly brain (Hemicordulia tau). A surprising model prediction confirmed by our electrophysiological recordings is that even heavily cluttered scenes contain very few features that excite these neurons, due largely to their exquisite tuning for small features. We also show that very subtle manipulations of the image cause dramatic changes in the response of this neuron, because of the complex inhibitory and facilitatory interactions within the receptive field.
Impairment of Fear Memory Consolidation in Maternally Stressed Male Mouse Offspring: Evidence for Nongenomic Glucocorticoid Action on the Amygdala
Authors: Lee Eun Jeong , Son Gi Hoon , Chung Sooyoung , Lee Sukwon , Kim Jeongyeon , Choi Sukwoo , Kim Kyungjin
Published: May 2011

The environment in early life elicits profound effects on fetal brain development that can extend into adulthood. However, the long-lasting impact of maternal stress on emotional learning remains largely unknown. Here, we focus on amygdala-related learning processes in maternally stressed mice. In these mice, fear memory consolidation and certain related signaling cascades were significantly impaired, though innate fear, fear memory acquisition, and synaptic NMDA receptor expression in the amygdala were unaltered. In accordance with these findings, maintenance of long-term potentiation (LTP) at amygdala synapses, but not its induction, was significantly impaired in the maternally stressed animals. Interestingly, amygdala glucocorticoid receptor expression was reduced in the maternally stressed mice, and administration of glucocorticoids (GCs) immediately after fear conditioning and LTP induction restored memory consolidation and LTP maintenance, respectively, suggesting that a weakening of GC signaling was responsible for the observed impairment. Furthermore, microinfusion of a membrane-impermeable form of GC (BSA-conjugated GC) into the amygdala mimicked the restorative effects of GC, indicating that a nongenomic activity of GC mediates the restorative effect. Together, these findings suggest that prenatal stress induces long-term dysregulation of nongenomic GC action in the amygdala of adult offspring, resulting in the impairment of fear memory consolidation. Since modulation of amygdala activity is known to alter the consolidation of emotionally influenced memories allocated in other brain regions, the nongenomic action of GC on the amygdala shown herein may also participate in the amygdala-dependent modulation of memory consolidation.
Astrocyte-Derived Adenosine and A1Receptor Activity Contribute to Sleep Loss-Induced Deficits in Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity and Memory in Mice
Authors: Florian Cédrick , Vecsey Christopher G. , Halassa Michael M. , Haydon Philip G. , Abel Ted
Published: May 2011

Sleep deprivation (SD) can have a negative impact on cognitive function, but the mechanism(s) by which SD modulates memory remains unclear. We have previously shown that astrocyte-derived adenosine is a candidate molecule involved in the cognitive deficits following a brief period of SD (Halassa et al., 2009). In this study, we examined whether genetic disruption of solubleN-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attached protein (SNARE)-dependent exocytosis in astrocytes (dnSNARE mice) or pharmacological blockade of A1receptor signaling using an adenosine A1receptor (A1R) antagonist, 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dimethylxanthine (CPT), could prevent the negative effects of 6 h of SD on hippocampal late-phase long-term potentiation (L-LTP) and hippocampus-dependent spatial object recognition memory. We found that SD impaired L-LTP in wild-type mice but not in dnSNARE mice. Similarly, this deficit in L-LTP resulting from SD was prevented by a chronic infusion of CPT. Consistent with these results, we found that hippocampus-dependent memory deficits produced by SD were rescued in dnSNARE mice and CPT-treated mice. These data provide the first evidence that astrocytic ATP and adenosine A1R activity contribute to the effects of SD on hippocampal synaptic plasticity and hippocampus-dependent memory, and suggest a new therapeutic target to reverse the hippocampus-related cognitive deficits induced by sleep loss.
Enhanced Phosphatase Activity Attenuates α-Synucleinopathy in a Mouse Model
Authors: Lee Kang-Woo , Chen Walter , Junn Eunsung , Im Joo-Young , Grosso Hilary , Sonsalla Patricia K. , Feng Xuyan , Ray Neelanjana , Fernandez Jose R. , Chao Yang , Masliah Eliezer , Voronkov Michael , Braithwaite Steven P. , Stock Jeffry B. , Mouradian M. Maral
Published: May 2011

α-Synuclein (α-Syn) is a key protein that accumulates as hyperphosphorylated aggregates in pathologic hallmark features of Parkinson's disease (PD) and other neurodegenerative disorders. Phosphorylation of this protein at serine 129 is believed to promote its aggregation and neurotoxicity, suggesting that this post-translational modification could be a therapeutic target. Here, we demonstrate that phosphoprotein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) dephosphorylates α-Syn at serine 129 and that this activity is greatly enhanced by carboxyl methylation of the catalytic C subunit of PP2A. α-Syn-transgenic mice raised on a diet supplemented with eicosanoyl-5-hydroxytryptamide, an agent that enhances PP2A methylation, dramatically reduced both α-Syn phosphorylation at Serine 129 and α-Syn aggregation in the brain. These biochemical changes were associated with enhanced neuronal activity, increased dendritic arborizations, and reduced astroglial and microglial activation, as well as improved motor performance. These findings support the notion that serine 129 phosphorylation of α-Syn is of pathogenetic significance and that promoting PP2A activity is a viable disease-modifying therapeutic strategy for α-synucleinopathies such as PD.
Towards Social Crowd Environments Using Service-Oriented Architectures
Authors: Skopik Florian , Schall Daniel , Psaier Harald , Treiber Martin , Dustdar Scharam
Published: May 2011

Crowdsourcing has emerged as an important paradigm of human problem solving techniques on the Web. More often than noticed, organizations outsource tasks to humans which cannot be processed by software. In this work we demonstrate the application of service-oriented architectures (SOA) for enterprise crowdsourcing. Crowdsourcing applications typically utilize the capabilities of people in open and dynamic Web-based systems. We extend this concept and introduce knowledge crowds where crowd members collaborate in context of joint tasks. Interactions in such environments are performed using software services. Such highly dynamic socio-technical environments, however, demand for flexible interaction models due to varying interaction styles of people and services. Our main contribution centers around the convergence of process artifacts and emerging social structures. Here, we present the implementation of a real world example, a human assisted image processing service that is provided by a knowledge crowd. We discuss the foundational building blocks for realizing the design, execution, and adaptation of service-oriented crowdsourcing applications.
Broadening Participation in Knowledge Management in Enterprise 2.0
Authors: Back Andrea , Koch Michael
Published: May 2011

Enterprise 2.0 is an approach to broaden participation of employees in enterprise knowledge management. Building on concepts and tools from the Web 2.0, the effort to participate is minimized and a broad audience is provided. This has positive effects on the motivation of employees to participate. In this article we present an overview of the ideas and tools behind Enterprise 2.0, and discuss challenges and approaches for management.
Clinical consequences of chronic hepatitis C virus infection, diabetes mellitus and steatosis hepatitis
Authors: Nemesánszky Elemér
Published: May 2011

Subsequent studies have implicated the hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein in the pathogenesis of hepatic steatosis. Chronic HCV infection may also cause steatosis by impairing fatty acid oxidation. There is relationship between accumulation of fat into the liver and overweight and/or obesity. Another unexpected virus-host interaction is the HCV infection and diabetes. HCV encoded proteins might alter insulin signaling thus explaining impaired insulin sensitivity and the occurrence of glycaemic dysregulation. Some pieces of the puzzle are still not well known; e.g. the factors and the spectrum of disorders associated with insulin resistance, and whether the liver is a trigger or target of metabolic syndrome? In this review article clinical consequence of chronic HCV infection, diabetes mellitus and hepatic steatosis are discussed, as well as their possible effects on antiviral therapy. Orv. Hetil., 2011, 152, 882–886.
The value of liver biopsy in chronic hepatitis
Authors: Schaff Zsuzsa
Published: May 2011

Liver needle biopsies played important role in determining the various forms of chronic hepatitis, the activity of inflammation and the degree of fibrosis. A breakthrough in their evaluation was provided by the so-called Knodell Histology Activity Index (HAI) system, which expressed the dynamics of the process and histological characteristics of therapy response. The HAI system underwent several modifications, the most widely used being the Desmet, Ishak modifications as well as the METAVIR scoring system. These systems examine necroinflammation and degree of fibrosis separately, namely the grade and stage of chronic hepatitis. Determination of fibrosis has become the subject of discussion lately, since the amount of connective tissue deposition (collagen fiber, extracellular matrix) is not clearly identifiable with the stage of chronic hepatitis. Histological evaluation of the liver remains decisive in determining the effect of the various new therapeutic drugs, in particular the protease and polymerase inhibitors of certain nonstructural proteins of the hepatitis C virus. It can be established however, that in recent years liver biopsies have become rather a selective than routine technique. Orv. Hetil., 2011, 152, 856–858.
Thin coatings of ceramics: some new developments in France and in Europe
Authors: Sciau Ph. , Leon Y.
Published: May 2011

The aim of this paper is to focus attention on some current developments in the physical examination of decorative ceramic thin coatings performed in France and in Europe. Thanks to the recent progress in instrumentation and the implication of material science teams, significant new results were obtained concerning the finishing coatings of ceramic ware, and specially regarding the luster decorations of Islamic medieval potteries and the high gloss coatings of Greek and Roman ceramics.
Science at the Interface with Art
Authors: Madsen Lynnette D. , Rosenzweig Zeev , Cook Kelsey D. , Scott Michael J. , Jacobson Amy M.
Published: May 2011

The Cultural Heritage Science (CHS, formerly SCIART) Program seeks to enhance opportunities for chemistry and materials research at the interface between science and art. The objective is to promote collaboration between cultural heritage scientists, mainly located in US museums and chemists and/or materials scientists in US academic institutions to address grand challenges in the science of cultural heritage. Through the first competition, eight projects, two to three years in duration, were funded at $270,000 to 495,000 each. Every successful proposal demonstrated a clear need for collaboration with good synergy between the collaborating groups, and provided plans for meaningful training experiences for students and/or postdoctoral researchers in the field of cultural heritage science. It is anticipated that the CHS Program will continue for two additional years in a similar fashion. During this period, researchers should be able to more easily identify the disciplinary programs in materials research or chemistry relevant to their work, and their proposals will be reviewed together in panels. Proposals falling outside of the CHS specifications may be submitted directly to the relevant program/s of interest at the National Science Foundation (NSF) as unsolicited proposals. After the CHS Program ends, unsolicited proposals will remain the key mechanism for obtaining NSF funding in this research area.
Deterioration in Abstract Expressionist Paintings: Analysis of Zinc Oxide Paint Layers in Works from the Collection of the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Smithsonian Institution
Authors: Maines Christopher A. , Rogala Dawn , Lake Susan , Mecklenburg Marion
Published: May 2011

A recent visual survey of Abstract Expressionist-era paintings in the collection of the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden (HMSG), Smithsonian Institution revealed a particular type of paint layer separation. Earlier work by the authors showed that zinc oxide in oil paint is a contributing factor to the problem. Ten samples from five Abstract Expressionist-era paintings as well as twenty-three samples eight years or older from the Smithsonian Institution’s (SI) Materials Study Collection were analyzed by pyrolysis – gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS), and unexpectedly significant amounts of oleic (cis-octadecenoic) acid were detected in samples containing high proportions of zinc oxide (25 % or greater by weight). In a typical fully cured oil paint, the oleic acid is oxidized to azelaic (nonanedioic) acid. Although the formation of zinc soaps in oil paints is well-known, the detection of zinc oleate in paints by Py-GC-MS has never been described. The close-packing of the oleate chains in the plate-like structure of zinc oleate prevents the oxidation of the cis-double bond, and therefore prevents the formation of azelaic acid. The detection of zinc oleate in paintings is an indication that the paint layers are at risk for future separation.
Metallography, Microanalysis & Corrosion of the Athlit Ram
Authors: Notis M. R. , Hoban M. , Wang D-N.
Published: May 2011

The Athlit ram, a bronze warship ram from a 2nd Century BCE Roman-era galley, was found in 1980 off the coast of Israel at Athlit, and is now displayed at the National Maritime Museum, Haifa, Israel. It meant to fit on the prow of a medium-sized oared warship. This ram is the only known surviving example of this ancient naval weapon. Inside the bronze ram some of the ship’s wood is still preserved. We have recently studied a piece of the ram removed during early conservation. Remnant metal, corrosion products, and mineralized and pseudomorphed wood have all been found and examined by light optical metallography, x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and microanalysis using energy dispersive x-ray mapping. The main corrosion product on the Athlit Ram is identified as covellite (CuS), and the entrained material is pseudomorphed cedar wood. Analysis indicates the lumen to be replaced by calcium carbonate and the cell walls to be replaced by covellite, consistent with the matrix.
Recomendações do Departamento de Neuroendocrinologia da Sociedade Brasileira de Endocrinologia e Metabologia para o diagnóstico e tratamento da acromegalia no Brasil
Authors: Vieira Neto Leonardo , Abucham Julio , Araujo Luiz Antônio de , Boguszewski Cesar L. , Bronstein Marcello D. , Czepielewski Mauro , Jallad Raquel S. , Musolino Nina R. de C. , Naves Luciana A. , Ribeiro-Oliveira Júnior Antônio , Vilar Lucio , Faria Manuel dos S. , Gadelha Mônica R.
Published: May 2011

A acromegalia é uma doença associada à elevada morbidade e à redução da expectativa de vida. Em virtude do seu caráter insidioso e do seu não reconhecimento, o diagnóstico é frequentemente realizado com atraso, o que, associado às complicações relacionadas ao excesso do GH/IGF-I, determina elevada morbimortalidade. No entanto, um diagnóstico precoce e um tratamento efetivo minimizam a morbidade e normalizam a taxa de mortalidade. Nesta publicação, o objetivo do Departamento de Neuroendocrinologia da Sociedade Brasileira de Endocrinologia e Metabologia é divulgar quando suspeitar clinicamente da acromegalia e como diagnosticá-la. Além disso, discute-se a maneira mais eficaz e segura de realizar o tratamento da acromegalia, enfatizando que este deve ser realizado em centros de referência. Assim, com base em dados publicados em periódicos de nível científico reconhecido e na experiência dos autores, são apresentadas as recomendações para o diagnóstico e tratamento da doença.
Índice de massa corporal para triagem de fatores de risco para doenças cardiovasculares na infância
Authors: Bergmann Gabriel Gustavo , Gaya Adroaldo , Halpern Ricardo , Bergmann Mauren Lúcia de Araújo , Rech Ricardo Rodrigo , Constanzi Cristine Boone , Alli Lidiane Requia
Published: May 2011

OBJETIVO: Propor novos pontos de corte para índice de massa corporal (IMC) de escolares de 7 a 12 anos de idade. SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: 1.413 escolares de 7 a 12 anos de idade selecionados de forma aleatória. Foram medidos o IMC, o colesterol total (CT) e as pressões arterial sistólica (PAS) e diastólica (PAD). Os dados foram analisados a partir da curva Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) e da análise bivariada. RESULTADOS: Os pontos de corte para o IMC propostos no presente estudo apresentam adequada capacidade de identificar verdadeiros positivos e negativos em relação à presença de fatores de risco para doenças cardiovasculares (DCV). Além disso, apresentam valores mais altos e equilibrados de sensibilidade e especificidade que outras propostas de pontos de corte. CONCLUSÕES: Os pontos de corte para o IMC propostos no presente estudo configuram-se como a alternativa mais adequada para a triagem de escolares com chances aumentadas de apresentarem fatores de risco para DCV.
Treinamento resistido reduz inflamação em músculo esquelético e melhora a sensibilidade à insulina periférica em ratos obesos induzidos por dieta hiperlipídica
Authors: Panveloski-Costa Ana Carolina , Pinto Júnior Danilo Antônio Correa , Brandão Bruna Brasil , Moreira Rafael Junges , Machado Ubiratan Fabres , Seraphim Patrícia Monteiro
Published: May 2011

OBJETIVO: Investigar em ratos obesos o efeito da prática de exercício resistido sobre a sensibilidade à insulina e sobre a expressão de citocinas pró-inflamatórias e de transportador de glicose em músculo solear. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Ratos Wistar alimentados com dieta hiperlipídica (grupos obesos) foram submetidos ao protocolo de exercício tipo jump squat. A sensibilidade à insulina e a expressão gênica de Tnf-α, SOCS3 e GLUT4 foram comparadas entre os grupos obesos sedentários (OS) e exercitados (OE) e controles sedentários (CS) e exercitados (CE). RESULTADOS: A sensibilidade à insulina estava reduzida no grupo OS e elevada no OE. Os conteúdos de RNAm de Tnf-α e de SOCS3 estavam aumentados no músculo esquelético do grupo OS e reduzidos no OE. O conteúdo proteico e de RNAm de GLUT4 não diferiu entre os grupos. CONCLUSÃO: O exercício resistido reverte o quadro de resistência à insulina periférica e de inflamação no músculo esquelético de obesos induzidos por dieta.
Os primórdios do controle da doença de Chagas (em homenagem a Emmanuel Dias, pioneiro do controle, no centenário de seu nascimento)
Authors: Dias João Carlos Pinto
Published: May 2011

Carlos Chagas se apercebe precocemente da necessidade do controle da doença, frente ao seu impacto social e grande dispersão. O vetor é o elo mais vulnerável e a melhoria da habitação a estratégia mais exeqüível. Em paralelo, há que dar-se visibilidade à doença, para justificar o controle. Como primeiras tentativas concretas, Souza Araújo pleiteará reformas de vivendas, no Paraná (1918), e Ezequiel Dias e cols ensaiarão inúmeros compostos químicos contra os triatomíneos (1921). A luta anti triatomínica será retomada por Emmanuel Dias a partir de 1944, em Bambuí, re testando compostos antigos, lança chamas e gás cianídrico. Em 1946 decepciona-se com o DDT, mas, em 1947, com Pellegrino ensaia com êxito o gammexane (BHC PM). Aliando-se a Pinotti, logo partem para ensaios de campo no Triângulo Mineiro, justificando expansão para outras áreas. A estratégia básica é a luta química continuada, em áreas endêmicas contínuas. Em 1959, Pedreira de Freitas descreve o expurgo seletivo, formatando a etapa de avaliação, da SUCEN e da futura SUCAM. Em 1975, o programa nacional é normatizado e armam-se inquéritos nacionais (triatomíneos e sorológico). Em 1979 ensaiam-se novos piretróides e em1983 o programa nacional é expandido. Estudada desde 1950 pelo grupo de Nussenzweig, em São Paulo, a transmissão transfusional mostra-se vulnerável ao controle por quimioprofilaxia e seleção sorológica de doadores, mas só se implementa, em definitivo, nos anos 1980, com a emergência da pandemia de HIV/AIDS. Praticamente desde os trabalhos pioneiros, o controle da tripanossomíase evidenciou-se eficiente, desde que continuado e sustentado por ações educativas e por decisão política.
Programa de Controle da Doença de Chagas no estado de São Paulo, Brasil: o controle e a vigilância da transmissão vetorial
Authors: Silva Eduardo Olavo da Rocha e , Rodrigues Vera Lúcia Cortiço Corrêa , Silva Rubens Antonio da , Wanderley Dalva Marli Valério
Published: May 2011

Discute-se o controle dos transmissores da doença de Chagas, no Estado de São Paulo, e as atividades que levaram à eliminação do Triatoma infestans. São destacados os fatores coadjuvantes as ações de controle, particularmente o êxodo rural. A partir de 1965, o combate tomou a forma de uma verdadeira campanha, com fases distintas em função das alterações epidemiológicas, experiência adquirida e pressão dos custos. Após 25 anos de trabalho a campanha foi considerada encerrada, com a eliminação dos focos da espécie do planalto paulista. Porém, em função da possibilidade da reintrodução de Triatoma iinfestans(transporte passivo) e da presença, em diversas localidades, de exemplares de espécies vetoras semidomiciliares (Triatoma sordida e Panstrogylus megistus) as atividades de controle não foram interrompidas. Em consequência, continuam em andamento as ações de vigilância entomológica.
Os novos desafios e perspectivas futuras do controle
Authors: Silveira Antônio Carlos
Published: May 2011

A situação epidemiológica da doença de Chagas no país foi substancialmente alterada como resultado das ações de controle e de mudanças ambientais, econômicas e sociais, havidas nas últimas décadas no país. A transmissão vetorial domiciliar por Triatoma infestans foi interrompida, e controlada em níveis importantes por espécies nativas de vetor. A transmissão transfusional tende ao esgotamento, desde que se logrou a triagem praticamente integral de candidatos à doação de sangue. A transmissão congênita, ainda que possível, especialmente em algumas áreas, tende também ao progressivo esgotamento em consequência do controle da transmissão vetorial e transfusional. Os mecanismos primordiais de transmissão, relacionados diretamente ao ciclo enzoótico, como a transmissão vetorial extradomiciliar ou por visitação de vetores silvestres aos domicílios, além da transmissão oral, passaram a ter relevância na produção de casos humanos de infecção por Trypanosoma cruzi. Diante deste quadro, os novos desafios a enfrentar em relação à doença de Chagas incluem I) a necessidade de se preservar os níveis de controle alcançados; II) a concepção e desenvolvimento de novas tecnologias e métodos de vigilância e controle que permitam reduzir os riscos de ocorrência de casos associados à transmissão enzoótica; e, III) a garantia de adequada atenção aos infectados e enfermos crônicos de doença de Chagas.
Structural and successional variability of periphytic algal community in a Amazonian lake during the dry and rainy season (Rio Branco, Acre)
Authors: França Raquel C.S , Lopes Maria Rosélia Marques , Ferragut Carla
Published: May 2011

The colonization process and successional patterns of a periphytic algal community were evaluated in a Amazonian Viveiro Lake (Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil). Sampling was performed over a period of 35 days; at four-day intervals for 20 days, and then at five-day intervals. Water sampling for physical, chemical and biological analyses was done during the dry and rainy season. Glass slides were used as artificial substrates for periphyton colonization. The structural community was evaluated through population density, algae class, diversity indices and descriptive species. Species richness, diversity and evenness increased as succession progressed. While density of Bacillariophyceae, Euglenophyceae and Zygnemaphyceae increased with succession, Cyanobacteria remained dominant. Synechocystis aquatilis, Synechocystis diplococcus and Navicula pseudolanceolata were the main descriptive species in both the dry and rainy season. Cymbela tumida, Frustulia rhomboides, Trachelomonas lacustris and Closterium acicularis was correlated with an increase in hydrologic level during the rainy season. Conversely, the density of Chlamydomonas sp., Chroomonas nordstedtii, Trachelomonas volvocinopsis, Trachelomonas volvocina and Synechococcus linearis was correlated with an increase in water transparency during the dry season. In general, the periphytic algal community showed high diversity and species richness independent of season. Season also had little influence on representation of algae class and main descriptive species. However, successional patterns varied by season, and changes in hydrologic levels acted directly on the succession path of periphytic algae. More research on periphyton dynamics is needed to improve our understanding of tropical lake ecosystems, especially in Amazonian.
Resíduos madeireiros do alburno de pau-rainha (Brosimum rubescens): investigação de metabólitos secundários e alguns aspectos tecnológicos
Authors: Hayasida Willian , Lima Maria da Paz , Nascimento Claudete Catanhede , Ferreira Antonio Gilberto
Published: May 2011

Estudos fitoquímicos prévios com resíduos do cerne de pau-rainha (Brosimum rubescens), identificaram um alto teor de xantiletina, uma cumarina com potencial biológico. Dando prosseguimento aos estudos com serragens desta espécie, este estudo relata a densidade básica bem como o isolamento e identificação do triterpeno 3β-acetoxi-olean-12-eno-28-al e do β- sitosterol nos extratos hexânico e metanólico do alburno da planta. A estrutura do triterpeno foi determinada com base nos espectros de RMN em 1D (¹H e 13C) e 2D (HSQC e HMBC) além de comparação com dados da literatura. A densidade básica encontrada para o alburno foi de 0,58 g cm-3 que, embora seja inferior a do cerne, poderá ser utilizada na confecção de vários produtos, inclusive em técnicas de marchetaria.
Estudio fitoquímico de hojas de Uncaria guianensis y evaluación de actividad antibacteriana
Authors: Prieto Rodríguez Juliet Angélica , Patiño Ladino Oscar Javier , Lesmes Liliana , Lozano Jose Manuel , Cuca Suárez Luis Enrique
Published: May 2011

Del extracto de éter de petróleo de hojas de Uncaria guianensis (Rubiaceae), se aisló un compuesto tipo clorina denominado éster etílico de feoforbida a y una mezcla de esteroles conocidos como β-sitosterol y estigmasterol. Sus estructuras fueron elucidadas por análisis detallado de RMN, incluyendo técnicas bidimensionales, y por comparación con datos reportados en la literatura. Posteriormente, se evaluó la actividad antibacteriana al éster etílico de feoforbida a contra dos cepas Gram(+): S. aureus ATCC 6538 y E. faecalis ATCC 29212 y contra tres cepas Gram (-): E. coli ATCC 25922, S. typhimurium ATCC 14028s y S. typhimurium MS7953. Se encontró actividad significativa contra S. aureus, E. faecalis, E. coli y S. tiphymurium MS7953.
Pseudoscorpionida (Arachnida) em galerias de colônias de Passalidae (Coleoptera, Insecta) em troncos caídos em floresta de terra firme da Amazônia, Brasil
Authors: Aguiar Nair Otaviano , Bührnheim Paulo Friedrich
Published: May 2011

Em sete municípios do Amazonas, um de Rondônia e um de Roraima, foram examinadas 71 colônias de 24 espécies de Passalidae (Coleoptera), pertencentes aos gêneros: Passalus Fabricius, 1792 (14 espécies); Paxillus Mac Leay, 1819 (três); Popilius Kaup, 1871 (três); Spasalus Kaup, 1869 (uma); Verres Kaup, 1871 (uma); Veturius Kaup, 1871 (duas). Foram registradas doze espécies de pseudoscorpiões, incluindo nove gêneros e cinco famílias, listadas a seguir: Chernetidae - Americhernes aff. incertus Mahnert, 1979, Cordylochernes scorpioides (Linnaeus 1758), Lustrochenes similis (Balzan 1892), L. aff. reimoseri Beier, 1932, L. intermedius (Balzan 1892), Phymatochernes crassimanus Mahnert 1979; Chthoniidae - Pseudochthonius homodentatus Chamberlin, 1929; Lechytiidae - Lechytia chthoniiformis (Balzan 1887); Tridenchthoniidae - Tridenchthonius mexicanus Chamberlin & Chamberlin 1945; Withiidae - Cacodemonius sp., Dolichowithius (D.) emigrans (Tullgren 1907), D. (D.) mediofasciatus Mahnert, 1979. Dentre as espécies mais freqüentes (T. mexicanus, L. intermedius e L. aff. reimoseri), ocorreram todos os estágios de desenvolvimento. Foram coletadas de uma a três espécies de pseudoscorpiões em cada colônia individual de besouros passalídeos. T. mexicanus foi a única espécie encontrada em todos os municípios, ocorrendo em 45 colônias de dezenove espécies de passalídeos, sendo a maioria dos exemplares encontrado no subcórtex. L. intermedius foi a segunda espécie mais abundante, ocorrendo em colônias de 11 espécies de Passalidae, a maioria também no subcórtex. L. aff reimoseri ocorreu em 13 colônias de Passalidae, sob a casca, alburno e cerne. L. aff. reimoseri foi a única espécie coletada somente no cerne.
LD5o of the bacteria Aeromonas hydrophila to matrinxã, Brycon amazonicus
Authors: Oliveira Sarah Ragonha de , Souza Rondon Tatsuta Yamane Baptista de , Brasil Elenice Martins , Andrade Jaqueline Inês Alves de , Nunes Érica da Silva Santiago , Ono Eduardo Akifumi , Affonso Elizabeth Gusmão
Published: May 2011

In order to determine the lethal dose (96-h LD50) of the bacteria Aeromonas hydrophila to matrinxã, Brycon amazonicus, to be applied in challenge tests, 90 fish (63.23 ± 6.39 g) were divided into five treatments, with different bacterial solutions: T1 - Control (0.9% NaCl saline solution); T2 (4 x 10(11) cells/ mL); T3 (5 x 10(11) cells/ mL); T4 (1.36 x 10(12) cells/ mL) and T5 (3.06 x 10(12) cells/ mL). Fish were previously anesthetized with benzocaine (60 mg L-1), inoculated in the peritoneal cavity with the bacterial suspensions and then distributed into fifteen 80-L test chambers, where the water variables were monitored and fish mortality was observed. The experiment was randomly designed in three replicates and the 96-h LD50 was estimated according to the trimmed Spearman-Karber method. Water quality variables remained within adequate ranges for fish health and performance. Fish mortality rate increased with the bacterial concentrations of A. hydrophila (T1 = 0%; T2 = 16.66%; T3 = 44.44%; T4 = 72.22% and T5 = 100%), and the first mortalities were observed after 57 h, although the signs of the bacterial infection were already observed 24 h after the inoculation. The results indicate that the 96-h LD50 value of A. hydrophila to matrinxã is 6.66 x 10(11) cells/ mL.
Active teaching-learning methodologies: medical students' views of problem-based learning
Authors: Costa José Roberto Bittencourt , Romano Valéria Ferreira , Costa Rosane Rodrigues , Gomes Andréia Patrícia , Siqueira-Batista Rodrigo
Published: May 2011

The prevailing undergraduate medical training process still favors disconnection and professional distancing from social needs. The Brazilian Ministries of Education and Health, through the National Curriculum Guidelines, the Incentives Program for Changes in the Medical Curriculum (PROMED), and the National Program for Reorientation of Professional Training in Health (PRO-SAÚDE), promoted the stimulus for an effective connection between medical institutions and the Unified National Health System (SUS). In accordance to the new paradigm for medical training, the Centro Universitário Serra dos Órgãos (UNIFESO) established a teaching plan in 2005 using active methodologies, specifically problem-based learning (PBL). Research was conducted through semi-structured interviews with third-year undergraduate students at the UNIFESO Medical School. The results were categorized as proposed by Bardin's thematic analysis, with the purpose of verifying the students' impressions of the new curriculum. Active methodologies proved to be well-accepted by students, who defined them as exciting and inclusive of theory and practice in medical education.
Anatomia ecológica da folha de Eugenia glazioviana Kiaersk (Myrtaceae)
Authors: Esposito-Polesi Natalia Pimentel , Rodrigues Ricardo Ribeiro , Almeida Marcílio de
Published: May 2011

Dos mecanismos com potencial valor adaptativo em resposta ao estresse hídrico merece destaque o apresentado por Eugenia glazioviana Kiaersk cuja perda de turgescência foliar e consequente curvatura do limbo da posição horizontal para a vertical, sem a abscisão das folhas, que estão associados à redução da superfície foliar exposta à luz solar. Dessa forma, o presente trabalho teve por objetivo a caracterização histológica da folha da espécie, visando compreender melhor esse mecanismo de resposta ao estresse hídrico. Para tanto foram realizados cortes transversais e paradérmicos da lâmina foliar, bem como, cortes transversais do pecíolo, sendo estes analisados e as imagens capturadas em microscópio de luz. Os resultados permitem, entre outras coisas, afirmar que E. glazioviania possui características tipicamente xerofíticas, sendo elas: cutícula espessa em ambas as superfícies, folha hipoestomática, com muitos tricomas tectores na face abaxial, além de uma característica que pode ser exclusiva da espécie e que possivelmente justifique tal resposta, a qual relaciona-se a presença de ductos glandulares, que percorrem toda a extensão do pecíolo, em continuidade com a lâmina foliar.
Ambientes protegidos e substratos com doses de composto orgânico comercial e solo na formação de mudas de Jatobazeiro em Aquidauana-MS
Authors: Santos Léia C. R. dos , Costa Edilson , Leal Paulo A. M. , Nardelli Evandro M. V. , Souza Guilherme S. A. de
Published: May 2011

O Cerrado brasileiro possui inúmeras espécies frutíferas com potencial econômico para exploração em cultivo comercial. Neste contexto, desenvolveu-se um experimento com mudas de jatobá-do-cerrado na Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, em Aquidauana - MS, de 29-outubro-2009 a 25-fevereiro-2010, em estufa agrícola coberta com filme de polietileno de 150 μm, difusor de luz, possuindo tela termorrefletora de 50% sob o filme e fechamentos laterais e frontais com tela de monofilamento, malha para 50% de sombreamento e viveiro com tela preta de monofilamento para sombreamento de 50%, fechamento em 45º. Nesses ambientes, as mudas foram formadas em vasos plásticos de 5,0 L, preenchidos com 100% de solo, 100% de composto orgânico e as doses de 10; 20; 30; 40; 50; 60; 70; 80 e 90 de composto orgânico adicionadas ao solo. Utilizou-se um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema de parcelas subdivididas, com cinco repetições. Em ambos os ambientes de cultivo, as plântulas emergiram mais rapidamente, com maior crescimento e acúmulo de biomassa em substrato sem adição de composto orgânico. As plântulas do substrato sem composto orgânico desenvolveram-se melhor na estufa agrícola. As mudas do jatobá-do-cerrado não apresentaram resposta positiva em relação ao aumento das doses do composto orgânico. O composto orgânico utilizado aumentou o pH dos substratos, apresentou excesso de certos nutrientes e não contribuiu para um crescimento efetivo das mudas.
Viabilidade técnica e econômica da produção de ervilha (Pisum sativum L.) cultivada sob diferentes lâminas de irrigação
Authors: Oliveira Eduardo C. , Carvalho Jacinto de A. , Rezende Fátima C. , Freitas Wellington A. de
Published: May 2011

Realizou-se, com o presente trabalho, uma avaliação técnica e econômica da produção de ervilha (Pisum satiums L.) em função de lâminas de irrigação. O experimento foi instalado em casa de vegetação, com delineamento inteiramente casualizado (DIC), com cinco tratamentos de reposição de água no solo (50; 75; 100; 125 e 150% da capacidade de campo) e quatro repetições. O momento de irrigar foi definido quando a tensão média da água no solo, obtida nos tensiômetros instalados na parcela com 100% de reposição de água, atingiu 15 kPa. Concluiu-se que a produção da cultura e o número de vagens por planta foram afetados pelo déficit e pelo excesso hídrico aplicados pelos tratamentos. A máxima produtividade obtida foi igual a 4.197 kg ha-1 com a aplicação de 188,4 mm de água, e a lâmina ótima econômica foi estimada em 187,4 mm; a eficiência no uso da água máxima foi de 27,23 kg ha¹ mm-1, para uma lâmina de 86,25 mm.
Alteração do campo visual em função do uso de cabinas em tratores agrícolas
Authors: Schlosser José F. , Dallmeyer Arno , Debiasi Henrique , Menegas Mauro T. , Nietiedt Gustavo H.
Published: May 2011

Com o objetivo de avaliar a alteração do campo visual de um trator, ocasionada pela instalação de uma cabina, foram determinadas as áreas de visibilidade nula em função da presença ou não da mesma, para cada campo visual. Os procedimentos adotados basearam-se na norma ISO 5721-1981 - Agricultural tractors - Operator's field of vision. A cabina aumentou em 34,42% a área de visibilidade nula. A relação área de projeção do trator/área total sombreada foi de 0,075 para o trator sem cabina, e 0,057 para o trator com cabina, indicando as melhores condições de visibilidade do primeiro em relação ao segundo. No que se refere aos campos visuais, a maior redução ocorreu no campo visual dos olhos e no obtido com o movimento da cabeça, em função dos suportes da cabina e da estrutura de proteção contra o capotamento. A cabina diminui o campo de visão do operador, e adequações no projeto da estrutura avaliada são necessárias para melhorar as condições de visibilidade.