bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Individual, Social, and Neighborhood Influences on the Launch of Adolescent Antisocial Behavior
Authors: Sullivan Christopher J.
Published: July 2013

This study attempts to develop further insight into the initiation and continuance of antisocial behavior during adolescence using a “launch” perspective in conjunction with several risk/protective factor measures from prior research on substance use and delinquency. Data from the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods (PHDCN) were analyzed using multilevel latent growth curve models across three waves for three age cohorts ( n = 2,130 youth; 78 neighborhoods). After considering typical trends and their variation, the relationships between covariates and different characteristics of the growth curves were analyzed. Implications of the findings for understanding developmental trends and prevention strategy are considered.
Gender, Race, and Juvenile Court Outcomes
Authors: Peck Jennifer H. , Leiber Michael J. , Brubaker Sarah Jane
Published: July 2013

The intersectionality perspective suggests that the treatment of females and minority youth may be based on one’s social location in terms of oppression and privilege. Applying this perspective to juvenile court outcomes and based on prior research, the current study attempts to understand the individual and joint effects of gender and race on the treatment of status offenders at two decision-making stages of the juvenile justice system. Results from juvenile court referrals in two mid-Atlantic states indicate that gender and race, both individually and in combination, impact case outcomes in terms of both severity and leniency. While results are not always in the anticipated direction, the findings reveal that gender and race still matter in the decision to receive a court referral at intake and whether to adjudicate status offenders.
Segmental duplications in the silkworm genome
Authors: Zhao Qian , Zhu Zhenglin , Kasahara Masahiro , Morishita Shinichi , Zhang Ze
Published: July 2013

Background

Segmental duplications (SDs) or low-copy repeats play important roles in both gene and genome evolution. SDs have been extensively investigated in many organisms, however, there is no information about SDs in the silkworm, Bombyx mori.

Result

In this study, we identified and annotated the SDs in the silkworm genome. Our results suggested that SDs constitute ~1.4% of the silkworm genome sequence (≥1 kb in length and ≥90% in the identity of sequence); the number is similar to that in Drosophila melanogaster but smaller than mammalian organisms. Almost half (42%) of the SD sequences are not assigned to chromosomes, indicating that the SDs are challenges for the assembling of genome sequences. We also provided experimental validation of large duplications using qPCR. The analysis of SD content indicated that the genes related to immunity, detoxification, reproduction, and environmental signal recognition are significantly enriched in the silkworm SDs.

Conclusion

Our results suggested that segmental duplications have been problematic for sequencing and assembling of the silkworm genome. SDs may have important biological significances in immunity, detoxification, reproduction, and environmental signal recognition in the silkworm. This study provides insight into the evolution of the silkworm genome and an invaluable resource for insect genomics research.
Disclosure of the differences of Mesorhizobium loti under the free-living and symbiotic conditions by comparative proteome analysis without bacteroid isolation
Authors: Tatsukami Yohei , Nambu Mami , Morisaka Hironobu , Kuroda Kouichi , Ueda Mitsuyoshi
Published: July 2013

Background

Rhizobia are symbiotic nitrogen-fixing soil bacteria that show a symbiotic relationship with their host legume. Rhizobia have 2 different physiological conditions: a free-living condition in soil, and a symbiotic nitrogen-fixing condition in the nodule. The lifestyle of rhizobia remains largely unknown, although genome and transcriptome analyses have been carried out. To clarify the lifestyle of bacteria, proteome analysis is necessary because the protein profile directly reflects in vivo reactions of the organisms. In proteome analysis, high separation performance is required to analyze complex biological samples. Therefore, we used a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry system, equipped with a long monolithic silica capillary column, which is superior to conventional columns. In this study, we compared the protein profile of Mesorhizobium loti MAFF303099 under free-living condition to that of symbiotic conditions by using small amounts of crude extracts.

Result

We identified 1,533 and 847 proteins for M. loti under free-living and symbiotic conditions, respectively. Pathway analysis by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) revealed that many of the enzymes involved in the central carbon metabolic pathway were commonly detected under both conditions. The proteins encoded in the symbiosis island, the transmissible chromosomal region that includes the genes that are highly upregulated under the symbiotic condition, were uniquely detected under the symbiotic condition. The features of the symbiotic condition that have been reported by transcriptome analysis were confirmed at the protein level by proteome analysis. In addition, the genes of the proteins involved in cell surface structure were repressed under the symbiotic nitrogen-fixing condition. Furthermore, farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) was found to be biosynthesized only in rhizobia under the symbiotic condition.

Conclusion

The obtained protein profile appeared to reflect the difference in phenotypes under the free-living and symbiotic conditions. In addition, KEGG pathway analysis revealed that the cell surface structure of rhizobia was largely different under each condition, and surprisingly, rhizobia might provided FPP to the host as a source of secondary metabolism. M. loti changed its metabolism and cell surface structure in accordance with the surrounding conditions.
Ciprofloxacin prophylaxis in high risk neutropenic patients: effects on outcomes, antimicrobial therapy and resistance
Authors: Garnica Marcia , Nouér Simone A , Pellegrino Flávia LPC , Moreira Beatriz M , Maiolino Angelo , Nucci Marcio
Published: July 2013

Background

The use of quinolone prophylaxis in high-risk neutropenic patients is considered standard of care but the development of resistance is a concern. Previous studies have focused mainly on quinolone resistance among patients receiving prophylaxis, with very few data reporting its impact on the hospital microbial epidemiology.

Methods

We analyzed a cohort of 329 episodes of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia in adults, and compared two periods: 2005 (period 1, no prophylaxis, n=110) and 2006-2008 (period 2, ciprofloxacin prophylaxis, n=219). Outcomes analyzed were the frequency of febrile neutropenia, bacteremia, duration of antibiotic therapy and hospitalization, and antimicrobial resistance to ciprofloxacin and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase [ESBL] production. We analyzed resistance rates (by patients-day) in the cohort, as well as in other patients (neutropenic and non-neutropenic, 11,975 patients-day) admitted to the hematology unit in the same period, taking into consideration the general resistance patterns in the hospital.

Results

Quinolone prophylaxis (period 2) resulted in fewer episodes of febrile neutropenia (159/219 [73%] vs. 102/110 [93%], Chi-square 18.09, p = 0.00002), and bacteremia (49/219 [22] vs. 36/110 [33%], Chi-square 4.10, p = 0.04), shorter duration of antibiotic therapy (p = 0.0002) and hospitalization (p = 0.002), but more frequent use of carbapenems (79/219 [36%] vs. 15/110 [14%], Chi-square 18.06, p = 0.0002). In addition, period 2 was associated with higher rates of quinolone resistance (6.77 vs. 3.02 per 1,000 patients-day, p = 0.03). The rate of ESBL-producing enterobacteria in the two periods was slightly higher in patients receiving quinolone prophylaxis (1.27 vs. 0.38 per 1,000 patients-day, p = 0.26) as well as in the hematology unit overall (1.59 vs. 0.53 per 1,000 patients-day, p = 0.08), but remained stable in the whole hospital (0.53 vs. 0.56 per 1,000 patients-day, p = 0.74).

Conclusions

Ciprofloxacin prophylaxis was beneficial in high risk neutropenic patients, but important modifications in the prescription of carbapenems and on antimicrobial resistance patterns of isolates were observed. The importance of hospital or ward ecology must be taken into account when deciding for quinolone prophylaxis in high-risk neutropenic patients.
Inflammasome activation mediates inflammation and outcome in humans and mice with pneumococcal meningitis
Authors: Geldhoff Madelijn , Mook-Kanamori Barry B , Brouwer Matthijs C , Troost Dirk , Leemans Jaklien C , Flavell Richard A , Van der Ende Arie , Van der Poll Tom , Van de Beek Diederik
Published: July 2013

Background

Inflammasomes are multi-protein intracellular signaling complexes that have recently been hypothesized to play a role in the regulation of the inflammation response. We studied associations between inflammasome-associated cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with bacterial meningitis and clinical outcome, and pneumococcal serotype. In a murine model of pneumococcal meningitis we examined the pathophysiological roles of two inflammasome proteins, NLRP3 (Nod-like receptor protein-3) and adaptor protein ASC (apoptosis-associated speck-like protein).

Methods

In a nationwide prospective cohort study, CSF cytokine levels were measured and related to clinical outcome and pneumococcal serotype. In a murine model of pneumococcal meningitis using Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 3, we examined bacterial titers, cytokine profiles and brain histology at 6 and 30 hours after inoculation in wild-type (WT), Asc and Nlrp3 deficient mice.

Results

In patients with bacterial meningitis, CSF levels of inflammasome associated cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 were related to complications, and unfavorable disease outcome. CSF levels of IL-1β were associated with pneumococcal serotype (p<0.001). In our animal model, Asc and Nlrp3 deficient mice had decreased systemic inflammatory responses and bacterial outgrowth as compared to WT mice. Differences between Asc
−/− and WT mice appeared sooner after bacterial inoculation and were more widespread (lower pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in both blood and brain homogenate) than in Nlrp3
-/-mice. Nlrp3 deficiency was associated with an increase of cerebral neutrophil infiltration and cerebral hemorrhages when compared to WT controls.

Conclusions

Our results implicate an important role for inflammasome proteins NLRP3 and ASC in the regulation of the systemic inflammatory response and the development of cerebral damage during pneumococcal meningitis, which may dependent on the pneumococcal serotype.
Severity of imported malaria: protective effect of taking malaria chemoprophylaxis
Authors: Vliegenthart-Jongbloed Klaske , de Mendonça Melo Mariana , van Wolfswinkel Marlies E , Koelewijn Rob , van Hellemond Jaap J , van Genderen Perry JJ
Published: July 2013

Background

Although chemoprophylaxis remains an important strategy for preventing malaria in travellers, its effectiveness may be compromised by lack of adherence. Inappropriate use of chemoprophylaxis is likely to increase the risk of acquiring malaria, but may probably also worsen the severity of imported cases. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of use of malaria chemoprophylaxis on clinical features and outcome of imported malaria.

Methods

Demographic, clinical and laboratory data of patients included in the Rotterdam Malaria Cohort between 1998 and 2011 were systematically collected and analysed. Patients were classified as self-reported compliant or non-compliant users or as non-users of chemoprophylaxis. Severe malaria was defined using the 2010 WHO criteria.

Results

Details on chemoprophylaxis were available for 559 of the 604 patients, of which 64.6% were non-users, 17.9% were inadequate users and 17.5% reported to be adequate users. The group of non-users was predominated by patients with African ethnicity, partial immunity and people visiting friends and relatives. The majority contracted Plasmodium falciparum malaria. In contrast, compliant users acquired non-falciparum malaria more frequently, had significant lower P. falciparum loads on admission, shorter duration of hospitalization and significant lower odds for severe malaria as compared with non-users. Patients with P. falciparum malaria were more likely to have taken their chemoprophylaxis less compliantly than those infected with non-P. falciparum species. Multivariate analysis showed that self-reported adequate prophylaxis and being a partially immune traveller visiting friends and relatives was associated with significantly lower odds ratio of severe malaria. In contrast, age, acquisition of malaria in West-Africa and being a non-immune tourist increased their risk significantly.

Conclusions

Compliant use of malaria chemoprophylaxis was associated with significantly lower odds ratios for severe malaria as compared with non-compliant users and non-users of chemoprophylaxis. After correction for age, gender and immunity, this protective effect of malaria chemoprophylaxis was present only in individuals who adhered compliantly to use of chemoprophylaxis. Patients with P. falciparum malaria were more likely to have used their chemoprophylaxis less compliantly than patients with non-P. falciparum malaria who were more likely to have contracted malaria in spite of compliant use of chemoprophylaxis.
FGFR3 has tumor suppressor properties in cells with epithelial phenotype
Authors: Lafitte Marie , Moranvillier Isabelle , Garcia Stéphane , Peuchant Evelyne , Iovanna Juan , Rousseau Benoit , Dubus Pierre , Guyonnet-Dupérat Véronique , Belleannée Geneviève , Ramos Jeanne , Bedel Aurélie , de Verneuil Hubert , Moreau-Gaudry François , Dabernat Sandrine
Published: July 2013

Background

Due to frequent mutations in certain cancers, FGFR3 gene is considered as an oncogene. However, in some normal tissues, FGFR3 can limit cell growth and promote cell differentiation. Thus, FGFR3 action appears paradoxical.

Results

FGFR3 expression was forced in pancreatic cell lines. The receptor exerted dual effects: it suppressed tumor growth in pancreatic epithelial-like cells and had oncogenic properties in pancreatic mesenchymal-like cells. Distinct exclusive pathways were activated, STATs in epithelial-like cells and MAP Kinases in mesenchymal-like cells. Both FGFR3 splice variants had similar effects and used the same intracellular signaling. In human pancreatic carcinoma tissues, levels of FGFR3 dropped in tumors.

Conclusion

In tumors from epithelial origin, FGFR3 signal can limit tumor growth, explaining why the 4p16.3 locus bearing FGFR3 is frequently lost and why activating mutations of FGFR3 in benign or low grade tumors of epithelial origin are associated with good prognosis. The new hypothesis that FGFR3 can harbor both tumor suppressive and oncogenic properties is crucial in the context of targeted therapies involving specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). TKIs against FGFR3 might result in adverse effects if used in the wrong cell context.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Neuropathological and neuroprotective features of vitamin B12 on the dorsal spinal ganglion of rats after the experimental crush of sciatic nerve: an experimental study
Authors: Hobbenaghi Rahim , Javanbakht Javad , Hosseini Ehan , Mohammadi Shahin , Rajabian Mojtaba , Moayeri Pedram , Aghamohammad hassan Mehdi
Published: July 2013

Background

Spinal motoneuron neuroprotection by vitaminB12 was previously reported; the present study was carried out to evaluate neuroprotectivity in the dorsal root ganglion sensory neuron.

Methods

In present study thirty-six Wister-Albino rats (aged 8–9 weeks and weighing 200–250 g) were tested. The animals were randomly divided into 6 groups which every group contained 6 rats. Group A: received normal saline (for 42 days); Group B: vitamin B12 was administered (0.5 mg/kg/day for 21 days); Group C: received vitamin B12 (1 mg/kg/day for 21days); Group D: received vitamin B12 (0.5 mg/kg/day for 42 days); Group E; received vitamin B12 (1 mg/kg/day for 42 days); Group F; received no treatment. The L5 Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) neurons count compared to the number of left and right neurons .Furthermore, DRG sensory neurons for regeneration were evaluated 21 or 42 days after injury (each group was analyzed by One-Way ANOVA test).

Results

(1): The comparison of left crushed neurons (LCN) number with right non-crushed neurons in all experimental groups (B, C, D and C), indicating a significant decline in their neurons enumeration (p<0/05). (2): The comparison of test group’s LCN with the control group’s LCN revealed a significant rise in the number of experimental group neurons (p<0/05). (3): Moreover, comparing the number of right neurons in experimental groups with the number of neurons in crushed neurons indicated that the average number of right neurons showed a significant increase in experimental groups (p<0/05).

Conclusion

Consequently, the probability of nerve regeneration will be increased by the increment of the administered drug dosage and duration. On the other hand, the regeneration and healing in Dorsal Spinal Ganglion will be improved by increase of administration time and vitamin B12 dose, indicating that such vitamin was able to progress recovery process of peripheral nerves damage in experimental rats. Finally, our results have important implications for elucidating the mechanisms of nerve regeneration. Moreover, the results showed that vitaminB12 had a proliferative effect on the dorsal root ganglion sensory neuron.

Virtual slides

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/7395141841009256
Estimating exome genotyping accuracy by comparing to data from large scale sequencing projects
Authors: Heinrich Verena , Kamphans Tom , Stange Jens , Parkhomchuk Dmitri , Hecht Jochen , Dickhaus Thorsten , Robinson Peter N , Krawitz Peter M
Published: July 2013

With exome sequencing becoming a tool for mutation detection in routine diagnostics there is an increasing need for platform-independent methods of quality control. We present a genotype-weighted metric that allows comparison of all the variant calls of an exome to a high-quality reference dataset of an ethnically matched population. The exome-wide genotyping accuracy is estimated from the distance to this reference set, and does not require any further knowledge about data generation or the bioinformatics involved. The distances of our metric are visualized by non-metric multidimensional scaling and serve as an intuitive, standardizable score for the quality assessment of exome data.
The human fetal lymphocyte lineage: identification by CD27 and LIN28B expression in B cell progenitors
Authors: McWilliams Laurie , Su Kuei-Ying , Liang Xiaoe , Liao Dongmei , Floyd Serina , Amos Joshua , Moody M Anthony , Kelsoe Garnett , Kuraoka Masayuki
Published: July 2013

CD27, a member of the TNFR superfamily, is used to identify human memory B cells. Nonetheless, CD27+ B cells are present in patients with HIGM1 syndrome who are unable to generate GCs or memory B cells. CD27+IgD+ fetal B cells are present in umbilical cord blood, and CD27 may also be a marker of the human B1-like B cells. To define the origin of naïve CD27+IgD+ human B cells, we studied B cell development in both fetal and adult tissues. In human FL, most CD19+ cells coexpressed CD10, a marker of human developing B cells. Some CD19+CD10+ B cells expressed CD27, and these fetal CD27+ cells were present in the pro-B, pre-B, and immature/transitional B cell compartments. Lower frequencies of phenotypically identical cells were also identified in adult BM. CD27+ pro-B, pre-B, and immature/transitional B cells expressed recombination activating gene-1, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase and Vpre-B mRNA comparably to their CD27− counterparts. CD27+ and CD27− developing B cells showed similar Ig heavy chain gene usage with low levels of mutations, suggesting that CD27+ developing B cells are distinct from mutated memory B cells. Despite these similarities, CD27+ developing B cells differed from CD27− developing B cells by their increased expression of LIN28B, a transcription factor associated with the fetal lymphoid lineages of mice. Furthermore, CD27+ pro-B cells efficiently generated IgM+IgD+ immature/transitional B cells in vitro. Our observations suggest that CD27 expression during B cell development identifies a physiologic state or lineage for human B cell development distinct from the memory B cell compartment.
Behavioral Welfare Economics and Redistribution
Authors: Fleurbaey Marc , Schokkaert Erik
Published: July 2013

Behavioral economics has shaken the view that individuals have welldefined, consistent, and stable preferences. This raises a challenge for welfare economics, which takes as a key postulate that individual preferences should be respected. We argue, in agreement with Bernheim (2009) and Bernheim and Rangel (2009), that behavioral economics is compatible with consistency of partial preferences, and explore how the Bernheim-Rangel approach can be extended to deal with distributive issues. We revisit some key results of the theory in a framework with partial preferences, and show how one can derive partial orderings of individual and social situations. (JEL D03, D63, D71, H23)
Platform Competition under Asymmetric Information
Authors: Hałaburda Hanna , Yehezkel Yaron
Published: July 2013

We consider platform competition in a two-sided market, where the two sides (buyers and sellers) have ex ante uncertainty and ex post asymmetric information concerning the value of a new technology. We find that platform competition may lead to a market failure: competition may result in a lower level of trade and lower welfare than a monopoly, if the difference in the degree of asymmetric information between the two sides is below a certain threshold. Multi-homing solves the market failure resulting from asymmetric information. However, if platforms can impose exclusive dealing, then they will do so, which results in market inefficiency. (JEL D41, D42, D82, D83, L11, L12)
The advisability of oral health education of patients treated with fixed orthodontic appliances
Authors: Czaplińska Joanna , Pobol-Aidi Małgorzata , Aidi Nedal , Matthews-Brzozowska Teresa
Published: July 2013

Introduction. Oral health contributes much to people’s quality of life. Proper oral hygiene is one of the most important methods of preventing the development of caries
and periodontopathy.
Aim. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of providing oral health instructions to orthodontic patients once and more frequently in a 2-year study.
Material and methods. The study group consisted of 60 patients with malocclusion aged 10-20 years. The patients were divided into 2 groups: group A – patients with malocclusion treated using fixed dental appliances to whom dental hygiene instructions were provided on a regular basis, group B – patients with malocclusion treated using fixed dental appliances to whom dental hygiene instructions were provided only once. Group A received dental hygiene instructions at several points in time (T0, T1, T2, T3, T4 and during check-up appointments), whereas group B was presented with the instructions at T0 only. The study was performed using the plaque indices PlI and API, and the gingival indices GI and SBI. The differences between the groups were evaluated using the ANOVA test and the NIR value.
Results. It has been confirmed that correct form of providing information about oral hygiene to patients undergoing orthodontic treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances
and regular contact with the patients during check-up appointments is beneficial for the state of periodontium and oral hygiene in general. For this reason, it decreases the risk of complications during orthodontic treatment.
Conclusions. Orthodontic treatment is not detrimental to oral health provided that comprehensive oral hygiene instructions are given to the patient.
Vaccine adverse effects of children hospitalized during 1999-2009
Authors: Skawiński Dariusz , Dutkiewicz Sławomir , Patrzałek Marian ,   Oncological Prevention and Epidemiology Department, Institute of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, J.Kochanowski University in Kielce, Poland
Published: July 2013

Introduction. Protective vaccines are linked with the risk of Adverse Events Following Vaccinations (AEFV). In 1991, WHO introduced AEFV supervision.
Aim. The aim of the work was the epidemiological analysis of the medical documentation of all hospitalized children in the Kielce Voivodeship Children’s Hospital with diagnosed AEFV.
Material and methods. The documentation of 29 children who received polyvalent vaccinations and were hospitalized due to AEFV from 1999 to 2009 was analyzed and the results were statistically analyzed.
Results. Medical records of 29 patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of AEFV. It was found that 64 of the vaccine may be the cause of AEFV: 19 were against Polio; 18 followed diphtheria, tetanus, and whole-cell pertussis vaccine (DTP); 10 after Haemophilus influenzae type B; five following each, INFANRIX hexa and DTaP and pneumococcus, hepatitis B virus, rotavirus and measles vaccines. These were second and third doses according to the sequence of administration. It was the following types of AEFV: hypotonic-hyporeactive episode (HHE) and continuous crying in seven, febrile convulsions in six, non-febrile convulsions in four. Seven children presented co-existing diseases after vaccination (pneumonia in two, pharyngitis in two, urinary tract infection
in two, and viral gastroenteritis in one child). Recuperation allowed further vaccination.
Conclusions. Polio, DTaP, and Hib vaccines most frequently caused AEFV (HHE, continuous crying, and febrile convulsions). A positive correlation between the number of vaccine components and AEFV frequency was not evident. All children with AEFV were cured without temporary or permanent disqualification from continued vaccinations, while a less reactogenic DTaP vaccine was recommended. We encourage registration of AEFV, even when patients do not require hospitalization.
Benefits in treatment of congenital clubfoot using the Ponseti method – less aggressive with more efficiency
Authors: Matuszewski Łukasz , Okoński Marek , Gil Leszek , Ostrowski Jerzy , Okoński Piotr
Published: July 2013

Introduction. Clubfoot is one of the most common problems in pediatric orthopaedics. The treatment of clubfoot is controversial and continues to be one of the biggest challenges in pediatric orthopaedics.
Aim. The main objective of this paper is to present advantages and benefits in treatment of congenital clubfoot by Ponseti method.
Material and methods. The paper is based on material taken from patients treated in Children’s Orthopaedic Clinic and Rehabilitation Department Medical University of Lublin between the years 2007-2011. A group of 58 pa-tients with 69 idiopathic clubfeet was followed prospectively while being managed with the Ponseti method.
Results. During the analysis of our final results we presented the data after follow-up of all patients (median 26 months), together with a sub-analysis of patients according to Pirani’s scale. It assessed the severity of clubfoot deformity and the response for treatment. The scores for all patients before the treatment ranged from 4.5 to 6 points. After the treatment we accomplished a score of 0.5 to1.5 points in all 69 treated feet. We evaluated the results of treatment as good or very good for 92% of patients. As comparison we retrospectively analyzed 125 patients treated between 1990-2000 with various type of operations. Those procedures ranged from a percutaneous heelcord lengthening to a wide release of medial, posterior, and lateral structures, with or without transfer of the anterior tibial tendon.
Conclusions. Our study supports the principles of Ponseti’s method, because in cases when these principles were strictly obeyed all patients accomplished satisfactory results and there have been no recurrences that are known to us. Therefore, we strongly recommend using this method to avoid more invasive surgery in future. Non-operative treatment of clubfoot provides a lower complication rate, less pain, and higher function as the patient ages than operative treatment. That kind of treatment has led us to far to better results than the former more aggressive procedures. We emphasize the fact that other operational techniques have not been such efficient so far. Former surgery methods were either more complicated or more invasive.
An attempt to assess the knowledge of nurses about the scope of professional responsibility under the amended provisions of law – a preliminary report
Authors: Gotlib Joanna , Maliszewska Agnieszka
Published: July 2013

Introduction. The professional responsibility of nurses is regulated by the Act on Professional Self-Government of Nurses and Midwives of July 1st, 2011.
Aim. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of nurses about the scope of professional responsibility under the amended provisions of the law.
Material and methods. The study involved 73 randomly selected people (71 women) practising as nurses in selected Warsaw hospitals. The mean length of time in professional work amounted to 13 years. Group 1 comprised 44 people with a higher education degree. Group 2 comprised 29 people with a secondary school certificate. Voluntary and anonymous questionnaire study using a questionnaire developed by the authors, 22 questions.
Results. The level of knowledge of nurses about their professional responsibility was insufficient and required supplementation. The degree of education did not influence the level of knowledge. Statistically significant differences between the study groups were observed only in the case of civil and professional responsibility (p<0.001).
Conclusions.
1. The knowledge of nurses from the study group about the provisions of law regulating their professional responsibility was insufficient and required supplementation.
2. In the study group, the degree of education did not influence the knowledge of nurses on the scope of professional responsibility.
3. There is a need to constantly update the knowledge of nurses on legal issues regarding their profession and professional responsibility since this knowledge is essential for correct and safe performance of professional activities.
Dentin Sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) Plays an Essential Role in the Postnatal Development and Maintenance of Mouse Mandibular Condylar Cartilage
Authors: Liu Q. , Gibson M. P. , Sun Hongchen , Qin C.
Published: July 2013

Recently, dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) was found to be expressed in the mandibular condylar cartilage (MCC), but the possible roles of this molecule in the formation, growth, and maintenance of the cartilage are largely unclear. To analyze such roles, we examined Dspp null mice compared with wild-type mice to assess the consequences of Dspp deletion on the morphology and structure of the MCC. Our data showed that DSPP is expressed in the prechondroblastic, chondroblastic, hypertrophic layers of the MCC. Dspp null mice exhibited decreases in the amount of MCC, with reduced formation of articular and prechondroblastic layers in which progenitor cell proliferation levels were distinctly affected. The expression of extracellular matrix molecules, including biglycan and collagen II, IX, and X, was remarkably altered. The findings in this study indicate that continuous DSPP action is required for the growth and/or maintenance of the MCC.
Targeting focal adhesion kinase in ER+/HER2+ breast cancer improves trastuzumab response
Authors: Lazaro Glorianne , Smith Chris , Goddard Lindy , Jordan Nicola , McClelland Richard , Barrett-Lee Peter , Nicholson Robert I , Hiscox Stephen
Published: July 2013

The HER2 transmembrane receptor is a well-characterised predictive marker for trastuzumab benefit and may be associated with decreased benefit from endocrine therapy use. Despite the clinical effectiveness of anti-HER2 agents in such cases, resistance represents a significant limiting factor. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) plays an important role in HER2 signalling, mediating downstream Akt activation in addition to HER2 cross talk with other growth factor receptors. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of FAK in oestrogen receptor-positive (ER+)/HER2+ breast cancer using the novel FAK-specific inhibitor PF4554878 (‘PF878’). The activation of the FAK/HER2 signalling pathway was assessed in ER+/HER2− (MCF7 and T47D) and ER+/HER2+ (BT-474 and MDAMB361) breast cancer cells in the presence or absence of PF878 and PF878±trastuzumab. The effects of PF878 on cell growth as a monotherapy and in combination with trastuzumab were assessed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and Coulter counting with isobologram analysis to determine synergy/additive effects. FAK activation (at Y861 but not at Y397) was highest in ER+/HER2+ cells, which also demonstrated the greatest sensitivity to PF878. As a monotherapy, PF878 prevented heregulin-induced MDA361 cell migration, but had no significant effect on cell growth. The treatment of ER+/HER2+ cells with PF878 and trastuzumab in combination resulted in the synergistic inhibition of cell proliferation. Underlying this was an abrogation of Akt activity and increased poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage, effects that were greatest in trastuzumab-refractory MDA361 cells. Collectively, these data support a role for FAK in ER+/HER2+ breast cancer, where its targeting has the potential to improve trastuzumab response. This is particularly important in the context of ER+/HER2+, trastuzumab-refractory disease, where FAK inhibition may present an important strategy to restore trastuzumab sensitivity.
Incidência de disfunção sexual em pacientes com obesidade e sobrepeso
Authors: Silva Benedito Martins e , Rêgo Lerika Moreira , Galvão Márcio Almeida , Florêncio Telma Maria de Menezes Toledo , Cavalcante Jairo Calado
Published: July 2013

OBJETIVO: avaliar a prevalência de disfunção sexual em pacientes com obesidade e sobrepeso atendidos no Hospital Universitário Professor Alberto Antunes (HUPAA - UFAL). MÉTODOS: trata-se de um estudo descritivo transversal. A amostra foi constituída por pacientes do sexo feminino com sobrepeso ou obesidade. Foram coletados os dados antropométricos para avaliação do índice de massa corporal (IMC) e da circunferência da cintura (CC). Em todos os indivíduos foi realizada a avaliação dos níveis séricos de glicose, colesterol total e triglicerídeos. Aplicou-se a versão validada em português do Índice de Função Sexual Feminina (IFSF), que analisa a resposta sexual quanto a desejo, excitação, lubrificação vaginal, orgasmo, satisfação sexual e dor. O escore total é a soma dos escores para cada domínio multiplicada pelo fator correspondente e pode variar de '2' a '36', considerando risco para disfunção sexual um escore total menor ou igual a '26'. RESULTADOS: foram avaliadas 23 mulheres com média de idade de 44 anos, onde 73,9% eram obesas e 82,6% apresentaram risco muito aumentado para complicações metabólicas (CC e"88cm). O risco aumentado para disfunção sexual esteve presente em 78,3% das entrevistadas, ocasionando prejuízos biopsicossociais. HAS, DM e dislipidemia estavam presentes em 33,3%, 22,2% e 61,1%, respectivamente, das pacientes sob risco para disfunção sexual. CONCLUSÃO: a análise dos resultados demonstra a necessidade de uma melhor investigação e atenção dos médicos para com pacientes com obesidade ou sobrepeso.
Tratamento cirúrgico da litíase vesical: revisão de literatura
Authors: Torricelli Fabio Cesar Miranda , Mazzucchi Eduardo , Danilovic Alexandre , Coelho Rafael Ferreira , Srougi Miguel
Published: July 2013

Cálculos vesicais são raros e a maioria dos casos ocorre em homens adultos com obstrução infravesical. Atualmente, existem poucos dados sobre o melhor tratamento desta doença. O objetivo desta revisão foi discutir alguns aspectos da patogênese e abordar o tratamento da litíase vesical. Uma ampla pesquisa na base de dados da "National Library of Medicine"/Pubmed foi realizada com os seguintes unitermos e descritores: vesical ou bexiga associados a cálculo, pedra ou litíase, e cistolitotripsia. Cento e setenta e um artigos foram identificados. Os artigos foram avaliados independentemente por dois revisores com experiência em urolitíase. Foram incluídos quando os resultados, complicações e seguimento foram claramente reportados. No final, 32 estudos preencheram os critérios de inclusão. Nota-se que diversas opções para o tratamento da litíase vesical estão disponíveis, porém não há estudos randomizados comparando-as. Diferentes taxas de pacientes livres de cálculo são descritas, sendo: litotripsia extracorpórea com ondas de choque (75-100%), cistolitotripsia transureteroscópica (63-100%), cistolitotripsia percutânea (89-100%) e cirurgia aberta (100%). O acesso percutâneo apresenta menor morbidade com resultados semelhantes ao tratamento transuretral, enquanto a litotrispsia extracorpórea apresenta as menores de taxas de eliminação de cálculos e fica reservada aos pacientes de alto risco cirúrgico.
Máquina de educar, máquina de prevenir: o modelo escolar ocidental e a emergência da prevenção às drogas na educação
Authors: Ribeiro Tiago
Published: July 2013

O texto aborda aspectos de como a prevenção ao uso de drogas tornou-se um assunto educacional. O objetivo é entender como o modelo de educação escolar operou enquanto condição de possibilidade para que, diante do aumento do uso de drogas, e da percepção desse fenômeno como um "problema social", a prevenção emergisse, nos tempos e espaços escolares, como uma tecnologia voltada ao governamento da população e à gestão dos riscos sociais. Entende-se que a inclusão da prevenção às drogas como temática escolar faz parte do aprofundamento de uma racionalidade política voltada à gestão dos riscos sociais e examina-se os anais de um evento que, realizado no ano de 1970, propôs uma série de medidas de combate às drogas, dentre as quais se destaca a abordagem escolar de tal tema. Examina-se enunciados circulantes nesse documento e conclui-se haver um processo histórico de instrumentalização da educação para fins políticos de controle social.
Goiabeiras Paluma, Pedro Sato e Cortibel 6 propagadas por miniestaquia e miniestaquia seriada
Authors: Freitas Jalille Amim Altoé , Marinho Cláudia Sales , Freitas Ismael Lourenço de Jesus
Published: July 2013

A técnica da miniestaquia seriada consiste na coleta de brotações de miniestacas previamente enraizadas e tem proporcionado efeito positivo sobre o revigoramento de alguns clones de eucalipto. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a sobrevivência e o enraizamento de miniestacas seriadas de goiabeiras Paluma, Pedro Sato e Cortibel 6. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento de blocos casualizados (DBC), com quatro repetições, sendo cada parcela constituída por três miniestacas. Sessenta e dois dias após o estaqueamento, as miniestacas de Paluma, Pedro Sato e Cortibel 6 apresentaram sobrevivência de 100, 100 e 92% e enraizamento de 100, 75 e 62,5%, respectivamente. Os resultados deste trabalho demonstram que a miniestaquia seriada possibilita sobrevivência e enraizamento de miniestacas de goiabeiras Paluma, Pedro Sato e Cortibel 6 semelhantes aos da miniestaquia, podendo ser empregada na multiplicação dessas cultivares.
Influência do ambiente no desenvolvimento de colônias iniciais de formigas cortadeiras (Atta sexdens rubropilosa)
Authors: Camargo Roberto da Silva , Fonseca Juliana Amorim , Lopes Juliane Floriano Santos , Forti Luiz Carlos
Published: July 2013

Anualmente, as colônias maduras de Atta spp. produzem formigas aladas, machos e fêmeas, que abandonam a colônia na qual foram produzidas para formarem novas colônias e, dessa forma, continuarem a perpetuação da espécie. A fundação de colônias de Atta spp. sempre envolve grande esforço da rainha, única responsável pelo cultivo do fungo e pelos cuidados consigo mesma e com sua prole. Nesse período de fundação ocorre o consumo de grande parte de suas reservas. O presente estudo investigou como o ambiente influencia o desenvolvimento das colônias recém-fundadas de Atta sexdens rubropilosa. Para tanto, foram comparadas colônias de campo coletadas cinco meses após a revoada e colônias mantidas em laboratório desde o voo nupcial. Foram analisados o peso e o tamanho da população (número de operárias, de larvas, de pupas e de ovos), o tamanho das operárias, o volume e peso do jardim de fungo e o esforço para a fundação dos ninhos (teor de lipídeos e peso das rainhas). Comparadas às colônias de campo, as colônias de laboratório apresentaram maiores valores no tamanho e no peso da população, no volume e no peso do jardim de fungo. As medidas das operárias, por classe de tamanho, não variaram entre as colônias de campo e de laboratório. O esforço da fundação dos ninhos foi maior nas colônias de campo, cujas rainhas apresentaram menor porcentagem de lipídeos e menor peso em relação às colônias de laboratório. Esses resultados demonstram que o ambiente exerce forte influência no desenvolvimento das colônias durante a fase de fundação, bem como sobre o status fisiológico das rainhas, sendo, portanto, a sobrevivência, o desenvolvimento e o sucesso da colônia reflexos das condições do ambiente e do esforço da rainha.
Formas de fósforo no solo após o cultivo de braquiária e tremoço branco
Authors: Janegitz Moniki Campos , Inoue Beatriz Shizue , Rosolem Ciro Antonio
Published: July 2013

A deficiência de fósforo (P) é um dos principais fatores limitantes da produtividade em solos tropicais, mas há indicações de que algumas plantas podem melhorar a disponibilidade do P no solo. O trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar as transformações do P durante o cultivo da braquiária e do tremoço-branco, além de um possível aumento de formas orgânicas de P no solo. O experimento foi instalado em casa de vegetação, onde foram cultivados braquiária (Urochloa ruziziensis) e tremoço branco (Lupinus albus L.), fertilizados com 0; 20; 40; 60 e 80mg dm-3 de P. As plantas foram cultivadas por 60 dias. A adubação com P aumentou a produção de matéria seca da braquiária e tremoço branco. O P bioativo (extraído com EDTA) é aumentado pelas doses de P, mas não é afetado pelas espécies vegetais. O tremoço branco é mais eficiente em absorver o P, enquanto a braquiária é mais eficiente em reduzir a capacidade máxima de adsorção de P do solo.
Implicações do processo de seleção de candidatos na competição partidária: o caso brasileiro
Authors: Braga Maria do Socorro Sousa , Amaral Oswaldo E. do
Published: July 2013

Os partidos políticos, apesar de crescentes questionamentos quanto à sua capacidade de representação, continuam exercendo funções fundamentais para o bom funcionamento dos regimes democráticos. Entre essas funções está a de articulação entre os cidadãos e as esferas de poder político, que acontece, especialmente, por meio do processo de seleção de candidatos a cargos eletivos. Mas quais são os efeitos do processo de seleção de candidatos sobre a competição política para a Câmara dos Deputados no Brasil? Com o objetivo de responder a essa questão, o artigo cumpre com uma dupla tarefa: Identificar os fatores que teoricamente afetam o processo de seleção de candidatos a cargos eletivos proporcionais, e suas consequências para o sistema partidário; e verificar qual é o controle que as lideranças dos partidos analisados apresentam sobre a composição da lista partidária. Para cumprirmos os objetivos levantados, analisamos os dados relativos às eleições para a Câmara dos Deputados, no estado de São Paulo, em 2006 e 2010. Mostramos que há uma coordenação que envolve o número de candidatos, o espaço geográfico em que competem e o seu perfil socioocupacional, além da própria distribuição de recursos partidários. O trabalho aponta que os partidos brasileiros não são tão fracos e desorganizados como parte da literatura indica. Sugerimos que os partidos são capazes de agir de maneira coordenada nas eleições para a Câmara, estabelecendo estratégias de acordo com elementos mais conjunturais (a perspectiva de contar com "puxadores" de votos, por exemplo) ou estruturais (a necessidade de organizar a lista geográfica e socialmente para coordenar recursos).
Globalización, cambios en la estructura de poder y nuevas elites empresariales: una mirada comparada de Uruguay
Authors: Serna Miguel
Published: July 2013

El artículo tiene como objetivo principal abordar la problemática de los cambios en la composición de las elites empresariales en el último ciclo de globalización económica neoliberal desde la literatura teórica comparada reciente y luego un análisis específico a partir de los estudios existentes en la temática sobre Uruguay. El trabajo desarrolla un análisis comparativo de enfoques y estudios sobre elites económicas que señalan cinco tipos de procesos de cambios en las últimas décadas de hegemonía del ciclo de desarrollo neoliberal. En primer término, procesos de convergencia y divergencia entre las trayectorias de las elites políticas y económicas. En segundo lugar, procesos de especialización funcional y diversificación de grupos dirigentes en las distintas fuentes de poder económico. Tercero, la existencia de mecanismos de reclutamiento y reproducción de las elites económicas que se relacionan con las formas de dominación en la sociedad. Cuarto, la producción nuevos y viejos mecanismos de legitimación del poder económico, que combinan formas de capital económico y simbólico. Por último, la creciente centralidad de las redes globales y modos de transnacionalización del capital en la conformación de los grupos de elites empresariales. El análisis de la literatura y estudios sobre elites empresariales en el Uruguay en las últimas décadas muestra tendencias similares (a escala de una economía y país pequeño) donde se está asistiendo a cambios en las composición de las elites empresariales con una creciente importancia del capital transnacional, y de nuevos elencos ejecutivos que se apoyan más en una forma de control y gestión profesionalizada de las empresas, en redes globales y nuevas formas de capital social. Estas transformaciones contrastan con los perfiles clásicos de empresarios reclutados por medio del capital familiar y prestigio heredado y la pertenencia a gremiales tradicionales y círculos empresariales exclusivos, así como de una canalización colectiva más orgánica de las relaciones con el Estado y la política. El estudio de las elites económicas es una temática clásica que en las últimas dos décadas es una temática que ha regresado al debate académico y público debido a los impactos de los procesos de la globalización económica. En Uruguay la temática adquiere fuerte relevancia debido a que se trata de una economía de escala pequeña, alto desarrollo humano y que en los últimos años ha atravesado múltiples transformaciones en el modelo de desarrollo económico, la creciente presencia de capital y empresas trasnacionales, con la emergencia de nuevos actores empresariales en la escena nacional y en un contexto político de giro a la izquierda.