bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The panorama of urban violence in Brazil and its capitals
Authors: Souza Edinilsa Ramos de , Lima Maria Luiza Carvalho de
Published: October 2007

This article presents a descriptive epidemiological analysis of accidents and violence in Brazil and in the Brazilian capitals in recent years. The data used were made available by several sources: the Mortality Information System and the Hospital Information System of the Ministry of Health; the National Safety Department of the Ministry of Justice and the National Department of Transit of the Ministry of the Cities. The population data for the years 2002 and 2003 were made available by the DATASUS of the Ministry of Health. The authors emphasize some already known aspects: the high homicide rates and high death rates due to traffic accidents, the concentration of these events in the population of young black males and the complexity and multiplicity of determinants of these phenomena. The text points to a new scenery involving the spreading of homicides to neighbor communities of metropolitan areas and to the inner regions of the States. They further verify higher morbidity than mortality rates. It calls attention to Porto Velho, Macapá, Vitória, Rio de Janeiro and Cuiabá with the highest indicators for intentional violence - high rates of homicides and injuries - and to Palmas, with high death rates from traffic accidents and non-fatal victims per 10 thousand vehicles.
Brazilian responses to violence and new forms of mediation: the case of the Grupo Cultural AfroReggae and the experience of the project "Youth and the Police"
Authors: Ramos Sílvia
Published: October 2007

This article discusses some aspects of the Brazilian response to urban violence, focusing both official public safety policies and actions of the civil society. The text identifies the lack of a national public safety policy, indicates successful governmental experiences carried out in some states and municipalities, and concentrates on the actions of the police. Analyzing the responses of the civil society, the paper is emphasizing the campaign for disarming the population and the role played by the media. It shows the appearance of groups of young people living in the favelas, organized in turn of cultural experiences that, in multiple aspects, are characterized as "new mediators" in society. These groups thematize violence and try to build new stereotypes dissociating them from the image of criminality. The article describes in particular the cases of the Grupo Cultural AfroReggae, of Rio de Janeiro, and the pilot experience carried out in collaboration with the Minas Gerais Military Police, called "Youth and the Police". The AfroReggae group is a typical example of such a "new mediator", and the initiative of carrying out a work in cooperation with the police opens new perspectives for the traditionally scarce participation of civil organizations engaged in public safety in cooperative projects with the police.
The Chernobyl accident 20 years on: an assessment of the health consequences and the international response
Authors: Baverstock Keith , Williams Dillwyn
Published: October 2007

Twenty years after the Chernobyl accident the WHO and the International Atomic Energy Authority issued a reassuring statement about the consequences. Our objectives in this study were to evaluate the health impact of the Chernobyl accident, assess the international response to the accident, and consider how to improve responses to future accidents. So far, radiation to the thyroid from radioisotopes of iodine has caused several thousand cases of thyroid cancer but very few deaths; exposed children were most susceptible. The focus on thyroid cancer has diverted attention from possible nonthyroid effects. The international response to the accident was inadequate and uncoordinated, and has been unjustifiably reassuring. Accurate assessment in future health effects is not currently possible in the light of dose uncertainties, current debates over radiation actions, and the lessons from the late consequences of atomic bomb exposure. Because of the uncertainties from and the consequences of the accident, it is essential that investigations of its effects should be broadened and supported for the long term. The United Nations should initiate an independent review of the actions and assignments of the agencies concerned, with recommendations for dealing with future international-scale accidents. These should involve independent scientists and ensure cooperation rather than rivalry.
Respostas correlacionadas em características reprodutivas no programa de melhoramento do ecótipo Mantiqueira para produção de leite
Authors: Silva Marcos Vinícius Gualberto Barbosa da , Cobuci Jaime Araujo , Ferreira William José , Guaragna Guilherme Paes , Oliveira Paulo Rogério Palma de
Published: October 2007

Por meio de análises bivariadas entre produção total de leite (PL) e idade ao primeiro parto (IDP), ou intervalo de partos (IDP), ou período de serviço (PSERV), objetivou-se com este trabalho estimar parâmetros genéticos, correlações simples e de ordem entre os valores genéticos, bem como as respostas correlacionadas nas características reprodutivas, utilizando-se registros provenientes das cinco primeiras lactações de 1406 vacas do ecótipo Mantiqueira, filhas de 113 reprodutores, com partos entre os anos de 1952 e 1997, pertencentes ao programa de melhoramento do NPZGJRA/IZ/APTA/SAA-SP. Nas análises, foi utilizado o sistema MTDFREML com modelos que incluíam, para as características PL, IDP e PSERV, os efeitos fixos de ano-estação de parto; como covariável, a idade da vaca ao parto, em meses, com termos linear e quadrático, além dos efeitos aleatórios de animal, de ambiente permanente e erro. Nas análises envolvendo a PL, incluiu-se, ainda, o efeito fixo da duração da lactação. No estudo de IPP, o modelo utilizado considerou o efeito fixo de ano-estação de nascimento e, como efeitos aleatórios, animal e erro. As correlações genéticas entre PL e IPP, ou IDP, ou PSERV, foram, respectivamente de, -0,63, -0,41 e -0,37. Esses valores evidenciam associações desejáveis entre as características reprodutivas e produção de leite. As respostas correlacionadas, as diretas e a eficiência da seleção indireta foram -0,8904, 1,0165 e -0,8759, para IPP; -3,3520, 2,4651 e -1,3598, para IDP; e -3,0120, 2,4544 e -1,227,2 para PSERV. Esses valores sugerem que a resposta direta para IPP seria mais efetiva que a indireta, ao contrário de IDP e PSERV. As correlações simples e de ordem entre PL e as características reprodutivas foram altas, indicando associação linear e favorável entre os valores genéticos preditos.
Avaliação qualitativa da pastagem de capim tanner-grass (Brachiaria arrecta), por três diferentes métodos de amostragem
Authors: Goes Rafael Henrique de Tonissi e Buschinelli de , Mancio Antonio Bento , Lana Rogério de Paula , Valadares Filho Sebastião de Campos , Cecon Paulo Roberto , Queiroz Augusto César de , Costa Rodrigo M. da
Published: October 2007

Objetivou-se avaliar a qualidade da pastagem de Brachiaria arrecta, classificada anteriormente como B. radicans utilizando-se as metodologias da extrusa, pastejo simulado e disponibilidade total. Para a coleta da extrusa, utilizaram-se três novilhos fistulados no esôfago. A disponibilidade total do pasto foi obtida pelo corte rente ao solo, com um quadrado metálico (0,5 x 0,5 m), e o pastejo simulado foi colhido manualmente. Para a digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca, ocorreu efeito do mês de amostragem, mas não entre as metodologias de coleta utilizadas, em que a extrusa apresentou maiores valores (62,10%). Não ocorreu diferença para os teores de proteína bruta, entre os métodos do pastejo simulado e da extrusa. Os valores de PB para o método de disponibilidade total foram abaixo de 7% e os de FDN (72,3%) e FDA (38,2%), encontrados para os três métodos, confirmaram que as forrageiras tropicais são ricas em parede celular. As amostras obtidas pela disponibilidade total não foram representativas da dieta ingerida pelos bovinos. O método de amostragem influiu na determinação da composição química da pastagem. O pastejo simulado pode servir para uma estimativa satisfatória da dieta selecionada por bovinos.
Desempenho de novilhos Nelore em pastejo na época das águas: ganho de peso, consumo e parâmetros ruminais
Authors: Goes Rafael Henrique de Tonissi e Buschinelli de , Mancio Antonio Bento , Lana Rogério de Paula , Valadares Filho Sebastião de Campos , Cecon Paulo Roberto , Queiroz Augusto César de , Lopes Aloízio Moraes
Published: October 2007

Avaliou-se a suplementação a pasto de novilhos, durante o período das águas. O experimento foi realizado na Fazenda do Braga, em Araponga-MG, no período de janeiro a abril de 1999. Foram utilizados 24 novilhos Nelore, inteiros, com idade média de 24 meses e peso inicial de 335 kg, e nove novilhos fistulados, em pastagens de capim-gordura (Melinis minutiflora) e capim-braquiária (Brachiaria radicans). Utilizou-se três suplementos comerciais: suplementação com sal mineral (SM), suplementação com sal proteínado à base de milho, farelo de trigo e uréia (MT), e um suplemento com sal proteínado à base de farelo de trigo e farelo de soja (TS). O delineamento utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado e as médias foram comparadas pelo teste SNK, a 5% de probabilidade. Os animais foram divididos em grupos de oito e distribuídos em três piquetes e apresentaram ganhos de peso de 0,60; 0,76; e 0,88 kg/dia para os suplementos SM, TS e MT, respectivamente. Não houve diferença entre médias, para os animais que receberam os dois suplementos protéicos, apresentando consumo de suplemento de 0,13; 0,23; e 0,20 kg/dia, para SM, TS e MT, respectivamente. A concentração de amônia ruminal foi maior nos animais suplementados com MT e o pH, para todos os tratamentos, manteve-se acima de 6,2. Os animais recebendo suplementação protéica apresentaram melhor desempenho, quando comparados aos que receberam a SM.
Planos de nutrição para leitoas com alto potencial genético para deposição de carne magra dos 65 aos 105 kg
Authors: Kill João Luís , Donzele Juarez Lopes , Oliveira Rita Flávia Miranda de , Ferreira Aloízio Soares , Lopes Darci Clementino , Silva Francisco Carlos de Oliveira , Silva Marcos Vinícius Gualberto Barbosa da
Published: October 2007

Para avaliar o efeito dos planos de nutrição, com base em níveis de lisina, sobre o desempenho e as características de carcaça de leitoas em terminação, utilizaram-se 96 leitoas híbridas comerciais de alto potencial genético para deposição de carne magra, com peso médio inicial de 65,93 ± 2,78 kg e final de 105,50 ± 2,18 kg. Os animais foram distribuídos em um delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, com quatro tratamentos (planos de nutrição), doze repetições e dois animais por baia, considerada a unidade experimental. Os tratamentos consistiram de planos nutricionais (estabelecidos por níveis seqüenciais de lisina) para duas diferentes faixas de peso, 65 a 95 kg e 95 a 105 kg. As rações foram isoenergéticas e os níveis de lisina foram obtidos variando a proporção entre o milho e o farelo de soja da ração. Não foi observado efeito dos tratamentos sobre o ganho de peso diário e sobre o consumo de ração diário. Houve efeito dos planos de nutrição sobre a conversão alimentar, sendo que o plano 3 propiciou melhora de 7,86% em relação ao plano 1, não diferindo dos demais. O consumo de lisina aumentou de acordo com a elevação dos níveis de lisina dos planos de nutrição. No plano 4, o consumo de lisina foi superior em 25,43%, em relação aos demais planos. Não houve diferença dos planos de nutrição sobre a taxa de conversão em músculo, conversão alimentar em músculo, comprimento de carcaça, espessura de toucinho na região entre a última e a penúltima vértebra lombar, a espessura de toucinho a 6,5 cm da linha dorso-lombar (P2), o rendimento de carcaça, o rendimento de carne magra, o rendimento de gordura e sobre o rendimento de pernil. O estudo da análise econômica indicou que o plano de nutrição 2, proporcionou o melhor retorno econômico sobre o custo da ração. Portanto, conclui-se que o plano de nutrição 3 (1,00 - 0,90% de lisina) proporcionou os melhores resultados de desempenho e características de carcaça.
Efeito da ausência de trato dos bezerros de rebanhos leiteiros aos domingos sobre seus desempenhos até os seis meses de idade
Authors: Campos Oriel Fajardo de , Junqueira Marcos Macedo , Cunha Daniel de Noronha Figueiredo Vieira da , Lizieire Rosane Scatamburlo
Published: October 2007

Vinte quatro bezerros mestiços Holandês x Zebu foram usados para comparar os seguintes tratamentos experimentais: 1) presença do tratador todos os dias da semana; 2) ausência do tratador aos domingos, com compensação na quantidade de leite oferecida (seis litros de leite integral aos sábados e às segundas-feiras); e 3) ausência do tratador aos domingos, sem compensação na quantidade de leite oferecida. Os bezerros receberam quatro litros de leite integral/animal/dia até as oito semanas de idade, quando foram abruptamente desaleitados. A partir da segunda semana de vida, receberam concentrado limitado em 2 kg/animal/dia. Conclui-se que: a ausência do tratador aos domingos não afetou o peso vivo (72,3 vs 71,7 kg) e o ganho de peso médio diário (479 vs 451 g/animal/dia) aos seis meses de idade e o consumo médio de concentrado durante as dez primeiras semanas de vida (784 vs 732 g/animal/dia); a compensação na quantidade oferecida de leite resultou em animais mais pesados ao desaleitamento (63,0 vs 58,2 kg), mas não aos seis meses de idade (114,3 vs 113,8 kg).
Uréia para vacas leiteiras no pós-parto: desempenhos produtivo e reprodutivo
Authors: Oliveira Margarida Maria Nascimento Figueirêdo de , Torres Ciro Alexandre Alves , Valadares Filho Sebastião de Campos , Santos Anselmo Domingos Ferreira , Properi Cláudio Pories
Published: October 2007

Quinze vacas mestiças (Holandês-Zebu) com peso médio de 511,8 kg foram distribuídas ao acaso em quatro tratamentos, sendo quatro animais nos tratamentos 1, 2 e 4 e três animais no tratamento 3. Os tratamentos foram constituídos de dietas à base de volumoso (silagem de milho) e concentrado (60:40), fornecidas individualmente e à vontade, e definidos como: T1=0,0; T2=0,7; T3=1,4 e T4=2,1% de uréia, correspondendo às concentrações de 2,08; 4,01; 5,76 e 8,07% de proteína bruta na forma de compostos nitrogenados não-protéicos (NNP), respectivamente. As médias do consumo de matéria seca foram de 16,04; 16,49; 11,64; e 11,93, em kg/dia, e 3,29; 3,09; 2,47; e 2,35, em % PV, e as da produção de leite corrigida para 3,5% de gordura, de 21,18; 24,92; 20,63; e 18,83 kg/dia, para as concentrações de NNP de 2,08; 4,01; 5,76; e 8,07, respectivamente, e reduziram com o aumento de NNP nas rações. As médias dos teores plasmáticos de uréia e N-uréia foram de 46,33 e 21,59 mg/dL e não foram influenciadas pelos teores de NNP das dietas. O número de ondas de crescimento folicular por ciclo estral, a emergência da primeira e segunda ondas de crescimento folicular e o diâmetro máximo do folículo ovulatório não foram influenciados pelas concentrações de NNP nas rações. A primeira ovulação e o primeiro estro no pós-parto foram observados aos 55±23 e 81±36 dias, respectivamente, e não foram influenciados pelas concentrações de NNP nas dietas.
Relação da taxa de gestação com sêmen bovino congelado e testes de avaliação espermática in vitro
Authors: Siqueira Jeanne Broch , Guimarães José Domingos , Costa Eduardo Paulino da , Henry Marc , Torres Ciro Alexandre Alves , Silva Marcos Vinícius Gualberto Barbosa da , Silveira Thiago da Silva
Published: October 2007

Avaliou-se a relação entre os testes complementares (teste hiposmótico, teste de termorresistência lento e teste de reação acrossômica) e os testes de avaliações convencionais (aspectos físicos e morfológicos) de sêmen bovino congelado/descongelado e os índices de prenhez. Os valores médios da motilidade espermática progressiva retilínea avaliados pelo teste de termorresistência foram de 53,48 (pós-descongelamento), 43,69 (60 minutos), 35,88 (120 minutos) e 33,04% (180 minutos) e a porcentagem de células reativas ao teste hiposmótico foi de 37,89%. Correlação positiva e de média intensidade foi encontrada para a motilidade espermática progressiva retilínea pós-descongelamento e o teste hiposmótico (0,21). Entretanto, a correlação da motilidade aos 180 minutos com o teste hiposmótico foi alta (0,64). A porcentagem de células que tiveram acrossoma reagido pós-descongelamento foi de 9,85%, apresentando correlações negativas de média e alta intensidade (-0,25 e -0,46, respectivamente) com a motilidade espermática progressiva retilínea pós-descongelamento e após 3 horas de incubação. Não houve correlação dos testes complementares e da motilidade pós-descongelamento com a taxa de gestação. Nenhum parâmetro considerado isoladamente serviu para avaliar a capacidade fertilizante do sêmen congelado/descongelado.
Desempenho de cordeiros deslanados terminados em confinamento e em pastagem com suplementação em alimentador restrito no Litoral Norte da Bahia
Authors: Freitas Davi Correia de , Oliveira Gabriel Jorge Carneiro de , Jaeger Soraya Maria Palma , Ledo Carlos Alberto da Silva , Torres Paulo Emílio Landulfo Medrado de Vinhaes , Santana Paulo Fontes de Amorim e , Almeida Danilo Câmara de
Published: October 2007

Objetivou-se determinar a melhor idade de desmame de cordeiros deslanados mestiços Santa Inês e comparar a eficiência dos sistemas de terminação em confinamento e em pastagem com suplementação de concentrado. Utilizaram-se 48 cordeiros (24 machos e 24 fêmeas) deslanados mestiços Santa Inês criados até o desmame em pastagem de Brachiaria humidicola com suplementação em alimentador restrito (creep-feeding). Os dados foram analisados em delineamento inteiramente casualisado, com um esquema fatorial 6 x 2, com seis idades de desmame (56, 70, 84, 98, 126 e 140 dias) e dois sexos. Os animais desmamados com 56 a 98 dias foram confinados até o abate, aos 126 dias de idade, enquanto os ovinos desmamados aos 126 e 140 dias foram abatidos ao desmame. Houve efeito significativo da interação idade de desmame x sexo sobre o ganho de peso total (GPT) e o ganho de peso diário do nascimento ao abate (GPD), de modo que os cordeiros desmamados aos 84 dias foram superiores às cordeiras desmamadas em mesma idade. Verificou-se efeito dessa interação também sobre o rendimento de carcaça quente (RCQ), observando-se que as fêmeas desmamadas aos 70 dias de idade apresentaram maior RCQ que os machos desmamados na mesma época. Houve efeito linear decrescente da idade de desmame sobre o GPT e o GPD e efeito quadrático sobre o RCQ. O efeito de sexo foi significativo apenas sobre o RCQ, para o qual as cordeiras foram superiores. O ganho de peso total (GPT) do nascimento ao abate foi de 16,49 kg, o ganho de peso diário do nascimento ao abate (GPD), de 128,72 g, e o rendimento de carcaça quente (RCQ), de 40,10%.
Desempenho, variáveis fisiológicas e comportamento de bezerros mantidos em diferentes instalações: época seca
Authors: Cunha Daniel de Noronha Figueiredo Vieira da , Campos Oriel Fajardo de , Pereira José Carlos , Pires Maria de Fátima Avila , Oliveira Rita Flávia Miranda de , Martuscello Janaina Azevedo
Published: October 2007

Objetivou-se neste estudo avaliar o desempenho, o conforto térmico e o comportamento de bezerros mestiços Holandês × Zebu mantidos em abrigos móveis, sob sombrites ou a céu aberto durante a época seca do ano (26/04/2002 a 30/08/2002). Foram utilizados 24 bezerros do nascimento aos 70 dias de idade, distribuídos em blocos casualizados, nas instalações: 1 - abrigos móveis; 2 - sob telas de polipropileno (sombrite); 3 - a céu aberto. Os animais mantidos a céu aberto apresentaram, à tarde, maior temperatura retal e maior frequência respiratória. Não foram observadas diferenças entre intalações quanto às variáveis relacionadas ao comportamento animal. Bezerros mantidos em abrigos móveis passaram a maior parte do tempo fora das instalações. O desempenho dos animais não diferiu entre os tratamentos. Nos três tipos de instalação, os bezerros intensificaram, à tarde, os mecanismos latentes de perda de calor elevando a frequência respiratória acima da faixa considerada normal. Os animais mantidos a céu aberto não conseguem manter a temperatura retal na faixa considerada normal. Bezerros mantidos em abrigos móveis, sob telas de polipropileno ou a céu aberto apresentam desempenhos semelhantes.
Desempenho, variáveis fisiológicas e comportamento de bezerros mantidos em diferentes instalações: época chuvosa
Authors: Cunha Daniel de Noronha Figueiredo Vieira da , Campos Oriel Fajardo de , Pereira José Carlos , Pires Maria de Fátima Ávila , Lizieire Rosane Scatamburlo , Martuscello Janaina Azevedo
Published: October 2007

Objetivou-se avaliar o desempenho, o conforto térmico e o comportamento de bezerros mestiços Holandês ´ Zebu mantidos em abrigos móveis, sob sombrites ou a céu aberto durante a estação chuvosa do ano (dezembro a abril). Foram utilizados 24 bezerros mestiços do nascimento aos 70 dias de idade, distribuídos em blocos casualizados, nas seguintes instalações: abrigos móveis, telas de polipropileno e a céu aberto. Os animais mantidos a céu aberto apresentaram, à tarde, maior temperatura retal e maior frequência respiratória. Não foi observada influência dos tipos de instalação sobre as variáveis relacionadas ao comportamento, entretanto, os bezerros mantidos em abrigos móveis passaram a maior parte do tempo do lado de fora das instalações. As instalações não afetaram o desempenho dos animais. Nos três tipos de instalação, no período da tarde, os bezerros elevaram a frequência respiratória acima da faixa considerada fisiologicamente normal, o que caracteriza condição de desconforto térmico. Bezerros permanecem a maior parte do tempo do lado de fora dos abrigos móveis, mesmo nos horários de radiação solar mais intensa ou durante as horas de chuva. Bezerros mantidos em abrigos individuais, sob sombrites ou a céu aberto apresentam desempenhos semelhantes.
Functional Waning of Naturally Occurring CD4+ Regulatory T-Cells Contributes to the Onset of Autoimmune Diabetes
Authors: Tritt Michael , Sgouroudis Evridiki , d'Hennezel Eva , Albanese Alexandre , Piccirillo Ciriaco A.
Published: October 2007

OBJECTIVE—In this study, we asked whether a possible quantitative or qualitative deficiency in naturally occurring Foxp3+CD4+ regulatory T-cells (nTreg), which display potent inhibitory effects on T-cell functions in vitro and in vivo, may predispose to the development of type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We assessed the frequency and function of Foxp3+ nTreg cells in primary and secondary lymphoid tissues in the NOD animal model of type 1 diabetes.

RESULTS—We show that the cellular frequency of Foxp3+ nTreg cells in primary and secondary lymphoid tissues is stable and does not decline relative to type 1 diabetes–resistant mice. We show that thymic and peripheral CD4+CD25+ T-cells are fully functional in vivo. We also examined the functional impact of CD4+Foxp3+ nTreg cells on the development of autoimmune diabetes, and we demonstrate that nTreg cells do not affect the initial priming or expansion of antigen-specific diabetogenic T-cells but impact their differentiation in pancreatic lymph nodes. Moreover, CD4+Foxp3+ nTreg cells also regulate later events of diabetogenesis by preferentially localizing in the pancreatic environment where they suppress the accumulation and function of effector T-cells. Finally, we show that the nTreg cell functional potency and intra-pancreatic proliferative potential declines with age, in turn augmenting diabetogenic responses and disease susceptibility.

CONCLUSIONS—This study demonstrates that Foxp3-expressing nTreg cells in NOD mice regulate diabetogenesis, but temporal alterations in nTreg cell function promote immune dysregulation and the onset of spontaneous autoimmunity.
Resistance to Diet-Induced Obesity and Improved Insulin Sensitivity in Mice With a Regulator of G Protein Signaling–Insensitive G184S Gnai2 Allele
Authors: Huang Xinyan , Charbeneau Raelene A. , Fu Ying , Kaur Kuljeet , Gerin Isabelle , MacDougald Ormond A. , Neubig Richard R.
Published: October 2007

OBJECTIVE—Guanine nucleotide binding protein (G protein)–mediated signaling plays major roles in endocrine/metabolic function. Regulators of G protein signaling (RGSs, or RGS proteins) are responsible for the subsecond turn off of G protein signaling and are inhibitors of signal transduction in vitro, but the physiological function of RGS proteins remains poorly defined in part because of functional redundancy.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We explore the role of RGS proteins and Gαi2 in the physiologic regulation of body weight and glucose homeostasis by studying genomic “knock-in” mice expressing RGS-insensitive Gαi2 with a G184S mutation that blocks RGS protein binding and GTPase acceleration.

RESULTS—Homozygous Gαi2G184S knock-in mice show slightly reduced adiposity. On a high-fat diet, male Gαi2G184S mice are resistant to weight gain, have decreased body fat, and are protected from insulin resistance. This appears to be a result of increased energy expenditure. Both male and female Gαi2G184S mice on a high-fat diet also exhibit enhanced insulin sensitivity and increased glucose tolerance despite females having similar weight gain and adiposity compared with wild-type female mice.

CONCLUSIONS—RGS proteins and Gαi2 signaling play important roles in the control of insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. Identification of the specific RGS proteins involved might permit their consideration as potential therapeutic targets for obesity-related insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
The Role of Nitric Oxide and the Unfolded Protein Response in Cytokine-Induced β-Cell Death
Authors: Chambers Kari T. , Unverferth Julie A. , Weber Sarah M. , Wek Ronald C. , Urano Fumihiko , Corbett John A.
Published: October 2007

OBJECTIVE—The unfolded protein response (UPR) is a conserved cellular response designed to alleviate damage and promote survival of cells experiencing stress; however, prolonged UPR activation can result in apoptotic cell death. The UPR, activated by cytokine-induced nitric oxide (NO) production, has been proposed to mediate β-cell death in response to cytokines. In this study, the role of UPR activation in cytokine-induced β-cell death was examined.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—The effects of cytokine treatment of rat and human islets and RINm5F cells on UPR activation, NO production, and cell viability were examined using molecular and biochemical methodologies.

RESULTS—UPR activation correlates with β-cell death in interleukin (IL)-1–treated rat islets. NO mediates both cytokine-induced UPR activation and β-cell death as NO synthase inhibitors attenuate each of these IL-1–stimulated events. Importantly, cytokines and tunicamycin, a classical UPR activator, induce β-cell death by different mechanisms. Cell death in response to the classical UPR activator is associated with a 2.5-fold increase in caspase-3 activity, while IL-1 fails to stimulate caspase-3 activity. In addition, cell death is enhanced by ∼35% in tunicamycin-treated cells expressing an S51A eIF2α mutant that cannot be phosphorylated or in cells lacking PERK (protein kinase regulated by RNA/endoplasmic reticulum–like kinase). In contrast, neither the absence of PERK nor the expression of the S51A eIF2α mutant affects the levels of cytokine-induced death.

CONCLUSIONS—While cytokine-induced β-cell death temporally correlates with UPR activation, the lack of caspase activity and the ability of NO to attenuate caspase activity suggest that prolonged UPR activation does not mediate cytokine-induced β-cell death.
Differential Antidiabetic Efficacy of Incretin Agonists Versus DPP-4 Inhibition in High Fat–Fed Mice
Authors: Lamont Benjamin J. , Drucker Daniel J.
Published: October 2007

OBJECTIVE— We examined whether chronic administration of a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist exendin-4 (Ex-4), a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist d-Ala2-GIP (DA-GIP), or a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor (DPP-4i) des-fluoro-sitagliptin produced comparable antidiabetic actions in high fat–fed mice.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— High fat–fed mice were administered twice-daily injections of Ex-4, DA-GIP, vehicle (saline), or vehicle with the addition of des-fluoro-sitagliptin (DPP-4i) in food to produce sustained inhibition of DPP-4 activity.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS— Mice treated with vehicle alone or DA-GIP exhibited progressive weight gain, whereas treatment with Ex-4 or DPP-4i prevented weight gain. Although Ex-4 improved oral glucose tolerance and insulin-to-glucose ratios after an intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT), DPP-4i had no significant effect after IPGTT but improved glucose excursion and insulin levels after an oral glucose tolerance test. The extent of improvement in glycemic control was more sustained with continuous DPP-4 inhibition, as evidenced by loss of glucose control evident 9 h after peptide administration and a significant reduction in A1C observed with DPP-4i but not with DA-GIP or Ex-4 therapy. DA-GIP, but not Ex-4 or DPP-4i, was associated with impairment in insulin sensitivity and increased levels of plasma leptin and resistin. Although none of the therapies increased β-cell mass, only Ex-4–treated mice exhibited increased pancreatic mRNA transcripts for Irs2, Egfr, and Gck. These findings highlight significant differences between pharmacological administration of incretin receptor agonists and potentiation of endogenous GLP-1 and GIP via DPP-4 inhibition.
Sol–Gel Modified Electrode Films
Authors: Dong Winny , Dunn Bruce
Published: October 2007

The sections in this article are

Introduction

Synthesis of Sol–gel Films

Sol–gel Chemistry

Film Formation

Heat Treatment of Films

Typical Heat Treatments

Further Modification of the Sol–gel Electrodes

Silica

Transition Metal Oxides

Type
I
Composites

Impregnation with Biomolecules

Type
II
Composites
Dynamin 2 mutations cause sporadic centronuclear myopathy with neonatal onset
Authors: Bitoun Marc , Bevilacqua Jorge A. , Prudhon Bernard , Maugenre Svetlana , Taratuto Ana Lia , Monges Soledad , Lubieniecki Fabiana , Cances Claude , Uro‐Coste Emmanuelle , Mayer Michèle , Fardeau Michel , Romero Norma B. , Guicheney Pascale
Published: October 2007

We report four heterozygous dynamin 2 (DNM2) mutations in five centronuclear myopathy patients aged 1 to 15 years. They all presented with neonatal hypotonia with weak suckling. Thereafter, their phenotype progressively improved. All patients demonstrated muscle weakness prominent in the lower limbs, and most of them also presented with facial weakness, open mouth, arched palate, ptosis, and ophthalmoparesis. Electrophysiology showed only myopathic changes, and muscle biopsies showed central nuclei and type 1 fiber hypotrophy and predominance. Our results expand the phenotypic spectrum of dynamin 2–related centronuclear myopathy from the classic mild form to the more severe neonatal phenotype. Ann Neurol 2007
Neuroanatomy of fragile X syndrome is associated with aberrant behavior and the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP)
Authors: Gothelf Doron , Furfaro Joyce A. , Hoeft Fumiko , Eckert Mark A. , Hall Scott S. , O'Hara Ruth , Erba Heather W. , Ringel Jessica , Hayashi Kiralee M. , Patnaik Swetapadma , Golianu Brenda , Kraemer Helena C. , Thompson Paul M. , Piven Joseph , Reiss Allan L.
Published: October 2007

Objective

To determine how neuroanatomic variation in children and adolescents with fragile X syndrome is linked to reduced levels of the fragile X mental retardation‐1 protein and to aberrant cognition and behavior.

Methods

This study included 84 children and adolescents with the fragile X full mutation and 72 typically developing control subjects matched for age and sex. Brain morphology was assessed with volumetric, voxel‐based, and surface‐based modeling approaches. Intelligence quotient was evaluated with standard cognitive testing, whereas abnormal behaviors were measured with the Autism Behavior Checklist and the Aberrant Behavior Checklist.

Results

Significantly increased size of the caudate nucleus and decreased size of the posterior cerebellar vermis, amygdala, and superior temporal gyrus were present in the fragile X group. Subjects with fragile X also demonstrated an abnormal profile of cortical lobe volumes. A receiver operating characteristic analysis identified the combination of a large caudate with small posterior cerebellar vermis, amygdala, and superior temporal gyrus as distinguishing children with fragile X from control subjects with a high level of sensitivity and specificity. Large caudate and small posterior cerebellar vermis were associated with lower fragile X mental retardation protein levels and more pronounced cognitive deficits and aberrant behaviors.

Interpretation

Abnormal development of specific brain regions characterizes a neuroanatomic phenotype associated with fragile X syndrome and may mediate the effects of FMR1 gene mutations on the cognitive and behavioral features of the disorder. Fragile X syndrome provides a model for elucidating critical linkages among gene, brain, and cognition in children with serious neurodevelopmental disorders. Ann Neurol 2007
Lab‐scale fermentation tests of microchip with integrated electrochemical sensors for pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen and viable biomass concentration
Authors: Krommenhoek Erik E. , van Leeuwen Michiel , Gardeniers Han , van Gulik Walter M. , van den Berg Albert , Li Xiaonan , Ottens Marcel , van der Wielen Luuk A.M. , Heijnen Joseph J.
Published: October 2007

This article shows the development and testing of a microchip with integrated electrochemical sensors for measurement of pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen and viable biomass concentration under yeast cultivation conditions. Measurements were done both under dynamic batch conditions as well as under prolonged continuous cultivation conditions. The response of the sensors compared well with conventional measurement techniques. The biomass sensor was based on impedance spectroscopy. The results of the biomass sensor matched very well with dry weight measurements and showed a limit of detection of ∼1 g/L. The dissolved oxygen concentration was monitored amperometrically using an ultra‐microelectrode array, which showed an accuracy of ∼0.2 mg/L and negligible drift. pH was monitored using an ISFET with an accuracy well below 0.1 pH unit. The platinum thin‐film temperature resistor followed temperature changes with ∼0.1°C accuracy. The dimensions of the multi sensor chip are chosen as such that it is compatible with the 96‐well plate format. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;99: 884–892. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Utility of an Escherichia coli strain engineered in the substrate uptake system for improved culture performance at high glucose and cell concentrations: An alternative to fed‐batch cultures
Authors: Lara Alvaro R. , Caspeta Luis , Gosset Guillermo , Bolívar Francisco , Ramírez Octavio T.
Published: October 2007

Overflow metabolism is an undesirable characteristic of aerobic cultures of Escherichia coli. It results from elevated glucose consumption rates that cause a high substrate conversion to acetate, severely affecting cell physiology and bioprocess performance. Such phenomenon typically occurs in batch cultures under high glucose concentration. Fed‐batch culture, where glucose uptake rate is controlled by external addition of glucose, is the classical bioprocessing alternative to prevent overflow metabolism. Despite its wide‐spread use, fed‐batch mode presents drawbacks that could be overcome by simpler batch cultures at high initial glucose concentration, only if overflow metabolism is effectively prevented. In this study, an E. coli strain (VH32) lacking the phosphoenolpyruvate: carbohydrate phosphotransferase system (PTS) with a modified glucose transport system was cultured at glucose concentrations of up to 100 g/L in batch mode, while expressing the recombinant green fluorescence protein (GFP). At the highest glucose concentration tested, acetate accumulated to a maximum of 13.6 g/L for the parental strain (W3110), whereas a maximum concentration of only 2 g/L was observed for VH32. Consequently, high cell and GFP concentrations of 52 and 8.2 g/L, respectively, were achieved in VH32 cultures at 100 g/L of glucose. In contrast, maximum biomass and GFP in W3110 cultures only reached 65 and 48%, respectively, of the values attained by the engineered strain. A comparison of this culture strategy against traditional fed‐batch culture of W3110 is presented. This study shows that high cell and recombinant protein concentrations are attainable in simple batch cultures by circumventing overflow metabolism through metabolic engineering. This represents a novel and valuable alternative to classical bioprocessing approaches. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;99: 893–901. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development of a bioreactor for evaluating novel nerve conduits
Authors: Sun Tao , Norton David , Vickers Naomi , L. McArthur Sally , Neil Sheila Mac , Ryan Anthony J. , Haycock John W.
Published: October 2007

We describe an experimental closed bioreactor device for studying novel tissue engineered peripheral nerve conduits in vitro. The system integrates a closed loop system consisting of one, two, or three experimental nerve conduits connected in series or parallel, with the ability to study novel scaffolds within guidance conduits. The system was established using aligned synthetic microfiber scaffolds of viscose rayon and electrospun polystyrene. Schwann cells were seeded directly into conduits varying from 10 to 80 mm in length and allowed to adhere under 0 flow for 1 h, before being cultured for 4 days under static or continuous flow conditions. In situ viability measurements showed the distribution of live Schwann cells within each conduit and enabled quantification thereafter. Under static culture viable cells only existed in short conduit scaffolds (10 mm) or at the ends of longer conduits (20–80 mm) with a variation in viable cell distribution. Surface modification of scaffold fibers with type‐1 collagen or acrylic acid increased cell number by 17% and 30%, respectively. However, a continuous medium flow of 0.8 mL/h was found to increase total cell number by 2.5‐fold verses static culture. Importantly, under these conditions parallel viability measurements revealed a ninefold increase compared to static culture. Fluorescence microscopy of scaffolds showed cellular adhesion and alignment on the longitudinal axis. We suggest that such a system will enable a rigorous and controlled approach for evaluating novel conduits for peripheral nerve repair, in particular using hydrolysable materials for the parallel organization of nerve support cells, prior to in vivo study. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;99: 1250–1260. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Electrochemical characterization of Geobacter sulfurreducens cells immobilized on graphite paper electrodes
Authors: Srikanth Shweta , Marsili Enrico , Flickinger Michael C. , Bond Daniel R.
Published: October 2007

Bacteria able to transfer electrons to conductive surfaces are of interest as catalysts in microbial fuel cells, as well as in bioprocessing, bioremediation, and corrosion. New procedures for immobilization of Geobacter sulfurreducens on graphite electrodes are described that allow routine, repeatable electrochemical analysis of cell–electrode interactions. Immediately after immobilizing G. sulfurreducens on electrodes, electrical current was obtained without addition of exogenous electron shuttles or electroactive polymers. Voltammetry and impedance analysis of pectin‐immobilized bacteria transferring electrons to electrode surfaces could also be performed. Cyclic voltammetry of immobilized cells revealed voltage‐dependent catalytic current similar to what is commonly observed with adsorbed enzymes, with catalytic waves centered at −0.15 V (vs. SHE). Electrodes maintained at +0.25 V (vs. SHE) initially produced 0.52 A/m2 in the presence of acetate as the electron donor. Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy of coatings was also consistent with a catalytic mechanism, controlled by charge transfer rate. When electrodes were maintained at an oxidizing potential for 24 h, electron transfer to electrodes increased to 1.75 A/m2. These observations of electron transfer by pectin‐entrapped G. sulfurreducens appear to reflect native mechanisms used for respiration. The ability of washed G. sulfurreducens cells to immediately produce electrical current was consistent with the external surface of this bacterium possessing a pathway linking oxidative metabolism to extracellular electron transfer. This electrochemical activity of pectin‐immobilized bacteria illustrates a strategy for preparation of catalytic electrodes and study of Geobacter under defined conditions. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;99: 1065–1073. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Zinc chloride inhibition of Nitrosococcus mobilis
Authors: Radniecki T.S. , Ely R.L.
Published: October 2007

Nitrosococcus mobilis, a halophilic nitrifier, plays an important role in global nitrogen cycling and in the removal of nitrogen from wastewater treatment plants. However, ammonia oxidation is sensitive to a wide variety of inhibitors, including the heavy metal, zinc. Using a metabolic‐steady‐state reactor, shotgun DNA microarrays, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), this research looked at the dynamic physiological and transcriptional responses of N. mobilis to 1 and 10 µM ZnCl2. By oxygen uptake rate measurements, zinc was determined to act directly on the ammonia monooxygenase (AMO) enzyme. The addition of excess copper prevented the inhibition of AMO by ZnCl2 suggesting that zinc and copper compete for placement in the metal active site in AMO. Shotgun DNA microarrays identified four previously unsequenced genes that were up‐ or down‐regulated in response to 10 µM ZnCl2. Genes up‐regulated in response to zinc inhibition include methionine synthase I, UbiA prenyltransferase and a recG‐like helicase. RuBisCO was the lone down‐regulated gene identified. qPCR was used to track the gene expression of the identified genes over the course of the 4‐h experiment for both ZnCl2 concentrations. Because of their physiological importance, the expressions of AMO and hydroxylamine oxidoreductase (HAO) were also monitored via qPCR. The qPCR results showed general agreement with the shotgun DNA microarray results for metH, UbiA, recG and RuBisCO, and revealed that AMO and HAO expression levels were maintained or modestly up‐regulated during ZnCl2 inhibition. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;99: 1085–1095. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Biodegradation of PCBs in two‐phase partitioning bioreactors following solid extraction from soil
Authors: Rehmann Lars , Daugulis Andrew J.
Published: October 2007

This article demonstrates the feasibility of a novel process concept for the remediation of PCB contaminated soil. The proposed process consists of PCB extraction from soil using solid polymer beads, followed by biodegradation of the extracted PCBs in a solid–liquid two‐phase partitioning bioreactor (TPPB), where PCBs are delivered from the polymer beads to the degrading organisms. The commercially available thermoplastic polymer Hytrel™ was used to extract Aroclor® 1242 from contaminated artificial soil in bench scale experiments. Initial PCB contamination levels of 100 and 1,000 mg kg−1 could be reduced to 32% ± 1 to 41% ± 7 of the initial value after 48 h mixing in the presence of a mobilizing agent at polymer‐to‐soil ratios of 1% (w/w) and 10% (w/w). The decrease of detectable PCBs in the soil was consistent with an increase of PCBs in the polymer beads. It was further shown that Aroclor® 1242 could be delivered to the PCB degrading organism Burkholderia xenovorans LB400 in a solid–liquid TPPB via Hytrel™ beads. A total of 70 mg Aroclor® 1242 could be degraded in a 1 L solid–liquid TPPB within 80 h of operation. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;99: 1273–1280. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prognostic significance of magnetic resonance imaging-detected extramural vascular invasion in rectal cancer
Authors: Smith N J , Barbachano Y , Norman A R , Swift R I , Abulafi A M , Brown G
Published: October 2007

Background

Extramural vascular invasion (EMVI) is a poor prognostic feature in colorectal cancer. The accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in detecting EMVI and predicting relapse-free survival (RFS) was compared retrospectively with the histological reference standard.

Methods

Preoperative magnetic resonance images from patients diagnosed with rectal and sigmoid cancer were reviewed and an MRI-EMVI score (range 0 to 4) was assigned. Comparison was made with histology and clinical outcome.

Results

Some 142 patients with a median follow-up of 3·3 (range 0·9–5·7) years were reviewed. Histological EMVI was reported in a quarter of patients. The sensitivity and specificity of MRI detection of EMVI in 94 patients undergoing primary surgery were 62 and 88 per cent respectively. On univariable analysis, RFS at 3 years was 35 per cent for patients with an MRI-EMVI score of 3–4, compared with 74 per cent for those with a score of 0–2 (P < 0·001), similar to values in patients with positive and negative histological EMVI status respectively (34 versus 73·7 per cent; P < 0·001).

Conclusion

High MRI-EMVI scores may help in predicting disease relapse.
Glycochips from Polyanionic Glycopolymers as Tools for Detecting Shiga Toxins
Authors: Uzawa Hirotaka , Ito Hiroki , Neri Paola , Mori Hiroshi , Nishida Yoshihiro
Published: October 2007

An alternating layer‐by‐layer adsorption methodology was applied to the assembly of glycochips by using synthetic polyanionic glycopolymers. Three glycochips carrying globobioside (Gb2), β‐lactoside (β‐Lac), or α‐D‐mannoside (α‐Man) residues were prepared, and used for the detection of Shiga toxins, Stx‐1 and Stx‐2, by using surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Using this method, we could confirm that both Stx‐1 and Stx‐2 show binding specificity for the Gb2 glycochip as well as a weak affinity for the β‐Lac glycochip. The affinity constants of these toxins depended strongly on the sugar content of the Gb2 polymer used to prepare the glycochip. Greater affinity was observed for chips with a higher sugar content (up to 43 %) in the Gb2 glycopolymer. The maximal affinity constants of Stx‐1 and Stx‐2 (Ka=108–109 M−1) enabled highly sensitive and facile analysis (10 ng mL−1, 30 min). When Gb2 glycopolymers were used as competitors, Stx‐1 and Stx‐2 behaved differently from one another in terms of their SPR response; this allowed us to perform discriminative analysis between the two toxins.
Intravascular ultrasound‐guided wiring for chronic total occlusion
Authors: Furuichi Shinichi , Airoldi Flavio , Colombo Antonio
Published: October 2007

This report describes a wiring technique for a blunt chronic total occlusion with a side branch at the site of occlusion for which the operator has difficulty of awareness of the proper entry point angiographically. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Retrograde application of the buddy wire technique
Authors: Henderson, David , Gunalingam Brendan
Published: October 2007

We report the case of an 85‐year‐old man who presented with worsening exertional dyspnoea 18 months after coronary artery bypass surgery for critical three vessel coronary artery disease. Coronary angiography revealed an anastomotic stricture between a radial artery graft and the first diagonal branch. Percutaneous coronary intervention utilizing a retrograde application of the “buddy” wire technique was then performed. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.