bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Method for in vivo Evaluation of Antimicrobial Agents by Translocation of Complex Dense Populations of Cutaneous Bacteria
Authors: Leyden James J. , McGinley Kenneth J. , Foglia Arlene N. , Wahrman Julie E. , Gropper Charles N. , Vowels Benjamin R.
Published: April 2009

Previously, we described methods for measuring in vivo antimicrobial activity in which the resident bacterial flora of the forearm is expanded by occlusion with an impermeable plastic film, test agents are applied and quantitative cultures are obtained at varying time points. This methodology allows for an in vivo quantitative assessment of antimicrobial effects directed against a dense flora comprised primarily of staphylococci. This method may not be applicable to situations in which there is a high density of multiple species of bacteria. We describe herein new methods which permit in vivo determination of antimicrobial activity against a dense, mixed flora. Swabs moistened with a dilute nonionic detergent are used to remove bacteria from the subject’s axilla or groin which are then translocated to the subject’s forearm. Occlusion of the forearm with a large, sterile plastic chamber provides the necessary humid environment to yield a dense flora (105–106 CFU) consisting of gram-positive cocci, gram-positive coryneforms and gram-negative rods. In this manner, multiple test sites are created on each forearm allowing for the simultaneous evaluation of multiple antimicrobial agents in a single subject. This method allows for the evaluation of the immediate, as well as sustained, in vivo bactericidal effect of an antimicrobial agent against a dense mixed flora with quantitative cultures obtained at varying time points after application of the test agent. Furthermore, ecological pressures which select for resistant organisms or allow for an overgrowth of nonsensitive bacteria can be evaluated by determining the composition of the flora after single or repeated applications of a test agent. The testing methodologies described herein can provide relevant information regarding the antimicrobial effectiveness of an agent in a variety of situations such as use against the axillary flora (including its utility as a deodorant), use as a perineal cleanser for critically ill, hospitalized patients and use in situations where a dense mixed flora exists, e.g. stasis ulcers and infected intertriginous dermatoses.
Evaluation of the Effect of Zinc Acetate on the Stratum Corneum Penetration Kinetics of Erythromycin in Healthy Male Volunteers
Authors: van Hoogdalem E.J. , Terpstra I.J. , Baven A.L.M.
Published: April 2009

Erythromycin with or without additional zinc acetate is used topically in the treatment of acne vulgaris. A potential effect of zinc on the stratum corneum penetration of erythromycin was investigated in human volunteers. Skin surface washings and tape strippings from the skin of the back were collected after drug applications in 12 subjects for quantification of erythromycin levels. Zinc acetate increased the amount remaining on the back skin at 6 h after application from 40 ± 19 to 56 ± 15% of the dose and, vice versa, reduced the amount in stratum corneum strips from 22 ± 7 to 18 ± 7%, both with statistical significance. The effect varied with body region. Zinc acetate thus provided to prolong the residence time of erythromycin on the skin.
0.05% Clobetasol 17-Propionate Cream and Ointment but Not the Corresponding 0.1 % Triamcinolone Acetonide Preparations Increase Skin Surface Roughness: A Possible Dissociation of Unwanted Epidermal and Dermal Effects
Authors: Kerscher M.J. , Korting H.C. , Mehringer L. , Mätzig R.
Published: April 2009

Repeated open application of clobetasol 17-propionate cream and ointment to normal skin over a period of 6 weeks induced an increase in skin surface roughness as assessed by profilometry (p < 0.05), while 6 weeks’ application of triamcinolone acetonide cream and ointment did not. The increase in skin roughness with clobetasol 17-propionate cream turned out to be greater than with ointment containing identical amounts of clobetasol 17-propionate (p < 0.05). A clear-cut correlation between increase of skin surface roughness and skin thickness as assessed by high-frequency ultrasound could be demonstrated only with clobetasol 17-propionate cream and ointment.
In vitro/in vivo Difference in Enhanced Skin Permeation of Nicardipine Hydrochloride by the 1-Menthol-Ethanol System
Authors: Kobayashi Daisuke , Kawabata Shogo , Sugibayashi Kenji , Morimoto Yasunori , Kimura Masayuki
Published: April 2009

The in vitro/in vivo difference in enhanced skin permeation of nicardipine hydrochloride (NC) by simultaneous use of 1-menthol and ethanol (MEW system, 1-menthol:ethanol:water = 5:40:55) was investigated in hairless rats. First, the cutaneous blood flow clearance (clearance from skin to blood flow) of NC per unit area of skin (CLCB/A), which was comparable to the permeability coefficient across skin (Pc), was calculated from intracutaneous and intravenous injection data using the deconvolution method; the value was 1.67 µ1/h/cm2. Two formulations containing NC and the MEW system, solution (SOL) and 15 % hydroxypropyl cellulose gel (GEL), were used for in vitro and in vivo permeation experiments. The in vitro Pc of NC via excised skin from SOL (23.3 µ1/h/cm2) was significantly higher than CLCB/A, and that from GEL (1.48 µ1/h/cm2) was similar to CLCB/A. Consequently, the steady-state concentration of NC in skin during in vivo application of SOL was 6.6 times higher than corresponding in vitro data. In vivo PcS from SOL and GEL were however significantly lower than CLCB/A. These results may be explained by the findings, using a laser Doppler flowmeter, that cutaneous blood flow was decreased by the application of MEW.
Effect of μ, δ and κ Opioid Receptor Agonists on a Reactive Oxygen Species Mediated Model of Skin Inflammation
Authors: Earl J.R. , Grootveld M.C. , Blake D.R. , Morris C.J.
Published: April 2009

Opioid agents have been shown to protect against tissue damage caused by hypoxia/reperfusion, an event which has a significant reactive-oxygen-species (ROS) involvement. We have investigated the potential anti-inflammatory activity of three opioid agonists, DAMGO, DPDPE and U50488 in rat skin inflammation induced by the ROS hydrogen peroxide. The model involves the intradermal injection of the enzyme glucose oxidase which converts glucose to D-gluconic acid and H2O2 which is locally released. Following injection, a well-delineated inflammatory response develops rapidly, is maximal at 5 h and still measurable after 48 h. Co-administration of the Δ or ĸ opioid agonists DPDPE or U50488 (7.5-60 µg per site) significantly reduced the inflammation, in a dose-dependent manner, for periods of up to 3 h for DPDPE, and up to 5 h with U50488. The µ-opioid agonist DAMGO (7.5-60 µg per site) was ineffective. Co-administration of the opioid antagonist naltrexone (120 µg) partially reversed the anti-inflammatory effects of DPDPE and U50488. We conclude that the Δ and ĸ opioid receptor agonists DPDPE and U50488 are able to inhibit ROS-induced skin inflammation and that this may have clinical implications.
The Effect of Cyclosporin A and FK 506 on the cAMP Content in Psoriatic Keratinocytes
Authors: Ockenfels Hans M. , Nussbaum Gregor , Schneck Birgit , Wagner Stephan N. , Haen Ekkehard , Goos Manfred
Published: April 2009

FK 506 and cyclosporin A (CyA) are two immunosuppressive drugs which are known to be effective in the treatment of psoriasis by inhibiting the activation of T cells. In contrast, their influence on the proliferation of keratinocytes is discussed controversially. The second messenger cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) has been regarded as a regulator for cell growth and proliferation for 20 years. Hyperproliferation of many cells and particularly of psoriatic keratinocytes was speculated to be due to a decrease in cAMP levels in the psoriatic epidermis, whereas new findings could not confirm these observations. To clarify this discussion we determined the intracellular cAMP content in isoprenaline-stimulated keratinocytes from psoriatics and controls after treatment with CyA or FK 506. Ethanol and the Β-blocking drug propranolol served as controls. The basal level of cAMP and the response to isoprenaline in psoriatic keratinocytes did not differ from those of controls. CyA dramatically reduced the cAMP level and FK 506 just slightly diminished it in a dose-dependent manner. Both drugs diminished the cAMP level more effectively in the keratinocytes from lesional psoriatic skin than in keratinocytes from controls. These data provide evidence that CyA influences early signal transduction pathways by depressing the intracellular cAMP in keratinocytes. This supports the view of other groups that CyA and perhaps also FK 506 influence not only immunocompetent cells but also keratinocytes in the treatment of psoriasis. Furthermore, it is doubtful that a low cAMP level is a positive regulator for cell growth and the hyperproliferation of psoriatic keratinocytes.
Topical R-85355, a Potent and Selective 5-Lipoxygenase Inhibitor, Fails To Improve Psoriasis
Authors: van de Kerkhof P.C.M. , van Pelt H. , Lucker G.P.H. , Steijlen P.M. , Heremans A.
Published: April 2009

Inhibitors of 5-lipoxygenase have been studied with respect to antipsoriatic efficacy. Of these compounds, R-68151 is of particular interest as it proved to inhibit 5-lipoxygenase without inhibiting 12-lipoxygenase, cyclooxygenase and thromboxane-A2 synthetase. R-68151 has been shown to have a mild-to-moderate therapeutic effect in psoriasis. In the present study a new 5-lipoxygenase, R-85355, was investigated with respect to its efficacy in psoriasis. R-85355 is 3 times more potent compared to R-68151 with respect to inhibition of in vitro A-23187-stimulated leukotriene-B4 production by polymorpho-nuclear leukocytes. In a left-right double-blind comparative study, the compound was studied at saturation with respect to its antipsoriatic efficacy in 11 patients with chronic stable plaque psoriasis. In addition, various markers for epidermal proliferation, keratinization and inflammation were assessed. In no single patient was a left-right difference observed in favour of R-85355 compared to placebo with respect to clinical severity scores or the cell-biological markers. The present study indicates that a selective and highly potent 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor was not effective in the topical treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis.
On the Occurrence of an Exothermic Transition in Achilles’ Heel Bovine Tendon
Authors: DeLisi C. , Shamos M.H.
Published: April 2009

We report the occurrence of a thermally induced, exothermic transition in Achilles’ heel bovine tendon. The reaction is irreversible and bi-molecular. The activation energy is 0.28 × 10-14 erg.
ACTH-induzierter Strukturwandel des Nucleoproteidkomplexes von Leberzellkernen junger und alter Ratten
Authors: Löhr J.
Published: April 2009

With increasing dosage ACTH was applied intramuscularly to old and young rats. The capacities of stain affinity of hepatic nuclei for acridinorange and phenanthrenquinone were analysed cytophotometrically. There were significant differences between the age groups, which might suggest age-dependent stabilisation of DNA-nucleoprotein complex.
Altersabhängige geschlechtsdifferente Drüsenzellveränderungen. II.
Authors: Paulini K. , Mohr W. , Beneke G. , Kulka R.
Published: April 2009

With autoradiographic and cytophotometric methods, the labelling index and ploidy pattern of the cells of the lacrimal gland, the glandula orbitalis externa and the glandula infraorbitalis of male and female rats of different ages (1,3,6 and 12 months) were investigated. The nuclei of the lacrimal glands showed a predominantly diploid pattern in both sexes. Only the 12-month-old male and female rats showed a small number of tetraploid nuclei In contrast, beginning with 3 months, both male and female rats exhibited a large number of tetraploid nuclei in the glandula orbitalis externa and glandula infraorbitalis. In addition, the female rats displayed round nuclei and the male rats exhibited dumb-bell-shaped nuclei. The dumbbell-shaped nuclei in the males were a result of what appeared to be polyploidisation. With the increase in polyploidisation, there was a simultaneous decrease in the DNA content and an increase in the labelling index. This indicated that these cells had a decreased turnover. The mechanism for the apparent polyploidisation of the male rats, beginning in the 3rd month, is discussed.
Amyloid Degeneration and Tuberculosis in the Aged
Authors: Schwartz Ph.
Published: April 2009

In human pathology, the association of generalized amyloidosis with chronic tuberculosis is a well known fact. Thus, in many cases, amyloidosis has been considered an immunopathy induced by tuberculosis. In our material, necropsies of aged persons, suffering from senile mental deterioration and affected by amyloidosis, often revealed signs of lingering pulmonary and lymphonodular tuberculosis. Systematic clinical investigations of senile patients endorsed these observations, demonstrating a rather frequent occurrence of acid-fast bacilli in smears and cultures of sputa and gastric washings. Also, a causal connection between tuberculosis and amyloidosis was shown in a series of experimentally infected guinea pigs. These studies indicate the possibility of an immunobiologic connection between amyloidosis in aged persons and lingering tuberculosis.
Enzyme Changes in Ageing Mammals
Authors: Wilson Patricia D.
Published: April 2009

Enzyme changes in various organs of ageing mammals have been discussed, with particular reference to the limitations of the methods employed. Many enzymes have been reported to decrease, increase and remain constant in ageing, but many discrepancies exist. It was concluded that very complex patterns of change in enzymes with age exist, that combined biochemical and histochemical studies were desirable and that the old may represent a physiological elite. Bearing these limitations in mind, there may be a tendency towards a general decrease in mitochondrial respiratory enzymes in senescence.
Thymectomy and Immunological Ageing in Mice: Precocious Emergence of Scrapie-Like Antigen
Authors: Field E.J. , Shenton B.K.
Published: April 2009

Thymectomy in neonatal mice leads to the rapid emergence of a new antigen in the tissues which, when injected into guinea pigs, results in their lymphocytes showing marked sensitization to scrapie mouse brain as compared with normal brain. The same anti-genie changes occur though much more slowly in normal ageing animals so that thymectomy appears to have accelerated an ageing process. Lymphocyte sensitization was determined by the macrophageelectrophoresis migration (MEM) test. The relation of scrapie to normal ageing is discussed.
Life-Span of Mosquitoes (Culicidae, Diptera) under Laboratory Conditions
Authors: Briegel Hans , Kaiser Claire
Published: April 2009

Survival data of mosquito males and females under different dietary conditions but constant antecedent and con-temporaneous environmental conditions are presented. Two strains of the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti (L.), a strain of the subspecies Culex pipiens fatigans Wiedemann and an autogenous strain of C. p. pipiens L. have been compared. Mean survival time and 50% survival time are considered to be more representative than maximal life-span. Survival under complete starvation was significantly prolonged by feeding sucrose in all experiments, but less by feeding protein alone. In general, optimal survival was observed when males were fed on sugar and females on sugar and protein. Autogenous females of C. p. pipiens showed reduced survival upon regular blood and sugar feeding after their first gonotrophic cycle.
Intellectual De-Differentiation and Deficit with Age – Artifacts?
Authors: Rudinger Georg
Published: April 2009

147 persons have been tested 3 times (1965–1970) within the ‘Bonn Gerontological Longitudinal Study’ with the ‘Hamburg-Wechsler-Intelligenz-Test für Erwach-sene’ (HAWIE). The results of this study indicate the relatively unimportant role of the chronological age variable, when other determinants (as social criteria – education, profession, sex- and health condition) are statistically controlled. The second task of the study reported here was the comparison of intellectual pattern by means of factor analysis. Factor analyses yielded two factors in each of the three measurement years for both the age groups of the 7th and 8th decade. Re-analyses of about 25 correlational matrices from literature brought identical factors: ‘verbal comprehension’ and ‘perceptual organization’. Conclusion: in all former studies, methodological discrepancies rather than real age differences indicated by less factors with increasing age led to some well-known hypotheses and theories about intellectual de-differentiation – artifacts!
Immunology and Aging
Authors: Robert L. , Robert B.
Published: April 2009

A review of the arguments in favor of the so-called immunologic theory of aging is presented. Recent evidence, showing that arteriosclerosis, one of the main aging diseases, also has important immunological or autoimmunological factors, is in favor of this theory. It can be shown that in several aspects, this theory can be reduced to a ‘differenciation theory’ of the aging process. The macromolecules of the intercellular matrx – collagen, elastin, proteoglycans, and especially strctural glycoproteins – may play an important role in this process and may often become the targets of autosensitization phenomena related to loss of self-discriminating capacity in the aging immunocompetent system. There may be a link here between the autoimmune diseases of connective tissue and the immunological mechanisms of aging.
The Effects of Age on Total DNA and Cell Number in the Mouse Brain
Authors: Franks L.M. , Wilson Patricia D. , Whelan R.D.
Published: April 2009

Total brain DNA, protein, wet and dry weight, and total number of nuclei were measured in animals from a colony of ageing C57BL mice. No significant differences were found in a series of animals from 4 to 158 weeks old.
Age-Related Changes in Testes, Seminal Vesicles and Plasma Testosterone Levels in Male Mice
Authors: Eleftheriou B.E. , Lucas L.A.
Published: April 2009

Determinations were made of testes and seminal vesicle weights as well as plasma testosterone levels in aging male mice of inbred strains DBA/2J and C57BL/6J. Results indicate that plasma testosterone levels are significantly higher in C57BL/6J mice than in DBA/2J, although at 2 months of age the latter strain exhibited significantly higher levels than the former. Of significant interest is the finding that both strains did not exhibit any significant alteration in testosterone levels during their adult life except at 2 months of age. Seminal vesicle weights differed significantly between the two strains only at 20 and 28 months. Suggestion is further made that body weight correction for weight of organs, such as testes and seminal vesicles, may be inappropriate; rather, the most appropriate adjustment of these organ weights to correct for correlations with body weight may be covariance analysis.
The Effect of Age on Mitochondrial Ultrastructure
Authors: Wilson Patricia D. , Franks L.M.
Published: April 2009

The ultrastructure of perfused livers and of mitochondrial fractions from 6-month-old and 30-month-old C57/BL mice were studied. In old mice the liver cell mitochondria were enlarged and rounded with a light ‘foamy’, vacuolated matrix, short cristae and a loss of dense granules. Quantitative studies showed a 60% increase in the mean size and an increased proportion of larger mitochondria in intact 30-month-old perfused livers. Endothelial and Kupffer cell mitochondria were smaller than those of the parenchymal cells. Mitochondria in pellets prepared from 6- and 30-month-old livers were rounded and condensed, although there were a few larger and ‘foamy’ mitochondria in the preparations from old mice. Up to 47% of large mitochondria in the old livers were lost during cell fractionation.
Diskelektrophorese von Kollagenprotein
Authors: Reitmayr P. , Verzár F.
Published: April 2009

The composition of proteins extracted from tendon collagen is investigated by disc electrophoresis. No qualitative differences can be demonstrated between young and old collagen. The action of formaldehyde and methionine on the tendons has no effect on the electrophoretic picture.
Immune Function and Survival in a Long-Lived Mouse Strain Subjected to Undernutrition
Authors: Gerbase-DeLima Maria , Liu Robert K. , Cheney Kay E. , Mickey Ray , Walford Roy L.
Published: April 2009

Functional immune changes were monitored in populations of the long-lived C57BL/6J strain of mice which were subjected to dietary restriction from time of weaning or subjected to such restriction both before and after weaning, along with the appropriate control populations. Responses to T and B cell mitogens (PHA, Con-A, pokeweed, bacterial lipopolysaccharide, and PPD), to injected sheep red blood cells, and measurement of skin allograft rejection rates were followed. Early in life, restricted mice appear immunosuppressed, as judged by all these parameters. Skin allograft rejection remained suppressed until relatively late in life. Other responses tended to reverse from the earlier pattern; by mid-life restricted mice responded better than controls. Dietary restriction profoundly affects the immune system. Mice on such regimes display anatomic and certain immune functional changes which suggest that the immune system may mature less rapidly and stay ‘younger’ longer than in the controls. Furthermore, dietary restriction results in prolongation of life span.
An Electron Microscopic Investigation of Age-Dependent Changes in the Flight Muscle of Musca domestica L.
Authors: Rockstein Morris , Chesky Jeffrey , Philpott Delbert E. , Takahashi Akira , Johnson, jr. John E. , Miquel Jaime
Published: April 2009

The thoracic flight muscle from adult male NAIDM house flies was examined, from emergence to very old age. Thin sections stained with uranyl acetate and bismuth showed no myofibrillar or mitochondrial degeneration from 1 day to 19 days post-emergence, contrary to earlier reports. Some progressive loss in glycogen content and increase in mitochondrial size were observed for muscle from young to very old flies. However, there was no conclusive evidence of fusion of smaller mitochondria into larger ones with advancing age, despite exhaustive examination of representative sections of muscle samples of adult males of different ages.
Predicting Failure Loads of Impact Damaged Honeycomb Sandwich Panels
Authors: Staal R.A. , Mallinson G.D. , Jayaraman K. , Horrigan D.P.W.
Published: April 2009

This article examines the effect of impact damage on minimum gauge sandwich structures. This type of damage can cause panels to fail at significantly lower loads than an equivalent undamaged panel. For this reason, impact damage in sandwich structures has been a focus for numerous studies, including those that examine damage tolerance of structures and also their post-impact residual strength. This study specifically examines thin-gauge Nomex honeycomb panels and is concerned with barely visible impact damage (BVID), the type of damage that can be found on aircraft components. An overview of BVID, including an in-depth examination of the failure modes and failure loads of damaged panels is presented in this article. The study uses nonlinear finite element models to accurately predict failure loads, and understand how this type of damage causes panels to fail at reduced loads. A simplified, closed-form analytical model is developed to predict failure stresses through a complete range of damage sizes and depths. This study finishes by comparing numerical and analytical models against experimental values. Good agreement is seen in all cases for a wide variety of damage sizes.
Is there much variation in variation? Revisiting statistics of small area variation in health services research
Authors: Ibáñez Berta , Librero Julián , Bernal-Delgado Enrique , Peiró Salvador , López-Valcarcel Beatriz González , Martínez Natalia , Aizpuru Felipe
Published: April 2009

Background

The importance of Small Area Variation Analysis for policy-making contrasts with the scarcity of work on the validity of the statistics used in these studies. Our study aims at 1) determining whether variation in utilization rates between health areas is higher than would be expected by chance, 2) estimating the statistical power of the variation statistics; and 3) evaluating the ability of different statistics to compare the variability among different procedures regardless of their rates.

Methods

Parametric bootstrap techniques were used to derive the empirical distribution for each statistic under the hypothesis of homogeneity across areas. Non-parametric procedures were used to analyze the empirical distribution for the observed statistics and compare the results in six situations (low/medium/high utilization rates and low/high variability). A small scale simulation study was conducted to assess the capacity of each statistic to discriminate between different scenarios with different degrees of variation.

Results

Bootstrap techniques proved to be good at quantifying the difference between the null hypothesis and the variation observed in each situation, and to construct reliable tests and confidence intervals for each of the variation statistics analyzed. Although the good performance of Systematic Component of Variation (SCV), Empirical Bayes (EB) statistic shows better behaviour under the null hypothesis, it is able to detect variability if present, it is not influenced by the procedure rate and it is best able to discriminate between different degrees of heterogeneity.

Conclusion

The EB statistics seems to be a good alternative to more conventional statistics used in small-area variation analysis in health service research because of its robustness.
Effect of pioglitazone versus insulin glargine on cardiac size, function, and measures of fluid retention in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Dorkhan Mozhgan , Dencker Magnus , Stagmo Martin , Groop Leif
Published: April 2009

Background

Both insulin and thiazolidinediones (TZDs) are effective in the treatment of hyperglycaemia and amelioration of insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes but have side effects including weight gain and fluid retention. The use of TZDs has been further hampered by the risk of adverse cardiovascular events including heart failure. The present study evaluated the effect of pioglitazone or insulin glargine on cardiac function and size as well as on surrogate markers of fluid retention such as weight, haemoglobin and natriuretic peptides.

Methods

Thirty patients with inadequate glycaemic control on metformin and sulfonylurea were randomised to receive add-on therapy with insulin glargine or pioglitazone for 26 weeks. Echocardiographic data and blood samples were collected from the two groups before the start of the treatment and after 26 weeks. Left ventricular end-diastolic and left atrial end-systolic volumes were quantified, weight measured and blood samples analyzed.

Results

After 26 weeks of treatment, the changes in HbA1c, weight and haemoglobin were similar between the two groups. HDL increased significantly in the pioglitazone group. While there was an increase in natriuretic peptides in the pioglitazone group (NT-proBNP 11.4 ± 19.6 to 22.8 ± 44.0, p = 0.046), the difference between the treatment groups was not significant. Left ventricular end-diastolic volume increased by 11% and left atrial end-systolic volume by 17% in the pioglitazone group (Both, p < 0.05, between treatment groups). There was a borderline significant increase in ejection fraction in the pioglitazone group.

Conclusion

This randomised pilot-study showed that six-month treatment with pioglitazone induced significant increases in natriuretic peptides and alterations of cardiac size. These changes were not observed with insulin glargine, which also is known to induce fluid retention. Larger randomised trials are warranted to confirm these findings.
Hypoxia inducible factor-1α correlates with vascular endothelial growth factor A and C indicating worse prognosis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: orević Gordana , Matušan-Ilijaš Koviljka , Babarović Emina , Hadžisejdić Ita , Grahovac Maja , Grahovac Blaženka , Jonjić Nives
Published: April 2009

Background

The role of angiogenesis in the pathogenesis of renal cell carcinoma is well recognized, however, the influence of tumor cells in this activity has not yet been fully clarified. The aim of this study was to analyze the expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), a regulatory factor of angiogenic switch, in comparison to vascular endothelial growth factor A and C (VEGF-A and VEGF-C), recognized to be involved in blood and lymph vessel neoangiogenesis, with potential association in the prognosis of patients with renal cell carcinoma.

Methods

Ninety-four patients with diagnosis of clear cell renal cell carcinomas (CCRCC), all clinicopathological characteristics and overall survival were unrolled in this study. Immunohistochemicaly VEGF-A, VEGF-C, HIF-1α and Ki67 were detected on tumor cells and the staining was performed on tissue microarrays (TMA). The staining was evaluated as a percentage of cytoplasmic or nuclear positive tumor cells.

Results

Variable expression of all three proteins was confirmed. Both angiogenic factors demonstrated perimembranous or diffuse cytoplasmic staining, with diffuse pattern positively associated (p < 0.001). Nuclear HIF-1α expression (nHIF-1α) showed inverse correlation with diffuse cytoplasmic VEGF-A (p = 0.002) and VEGF-C (p = 0.053), while cytoplasmic HIF-1α expression (cHIF-1α) showed positive correlation with diffuse staining of both angiogenic factors (p < 0.001; p < 0.001, respectively). In comparison to clinicopathological characteristics, a higher nuclear grade (p = 0.006; p < 0.001, respectively), larger tumor size (p = 0.009; p = 0.015, respectively), higher stage (p = 0.023; p = 0.027, respectively) and shorter survival (p = 0.018; p = 0.024, respectively) were associated with overexpression of cHIF-1α and diffuse cytoplasmic VEGF-A expression. In contrary, overexpression of nHIF-1α was associated with better diagnostic parameters i.e. lower nuclear grade (p = 0.006), smaller tumor size (p = 0.057), and longer survival (p = 0.005).

Conclusion

Overexpression of VEGF-A and cHIF-1α in tumor cells highlights a more aggressive subtype of CCRCC that might have some clinical implications. The significance of nHIF-1α expression associated with better differentiated tumors should be further elucidated.
The virtual refraction: Useful spurious energy in seismic interferometry
Authors: Mikesell Dylan , van Wijk Kasper , Calvert Alexander , Haney Matt
Published: April 2009

Seismic interferometry is rapidly becoming an established technique to recover the Green’s function between receivers, but practical limitations in the source-energy distribution inevitably lead to spurious energy in the results. Instead of attempting to suppress all such energy, we use a spurious wave associated with the crosscorrelation of refracted energy at both receivers to infer estimates of subsurface parameters. We named this spurious event the virtual refraction. Illustrated by a numerical two-layer example, we found that the slope of the virtual refraction defines the velocity of the faster medium and that the stationary-phase point in the correlation gather provides the critical offset. With the associated critical time derived from the real shot record, this approach includes all of the necessary information to estimate wave speeds and interface depth without the need of inferences from other wave types.
A matter of comparative music education? Community music in Germany
Authors: Kertz-Welzel Alexandra
Published: April 2009

In German music education, the term community music is almost unknown. There could be various reasons for this fact such as a lack of community music activities in Germany, terminological problems concerning the German translation, or an appropriate explanation of the term community
music. This paper will discuss some of these issues, starting with the common problems Germans have with the concept of community music regarding the notion of community and non-musical goals. Furthermore, an overview of activities that might qualify as community music will lead to a brief
examination of one the most important music education projects of the last decade, Rhythm Is It!. Finally, this paper offers some future perspectives about how to include German music education in the international discussion on community music.
Review
Authors: Tjernstrm Sune
Published: April 2009

From Public Service Broadcasting to Public Service Media, Gregory Ferrell Lowe, Jo Bardoel (eds.) (2007) Kunglv: Nordicom, 259 pp., ISBN 978-91-89471-53-5 (pbk), SEK 280, 30
Much more than a little byte: citizens and broadband
Authors: Kidd Dorothy
Published: April 2009

This article compares the historical role of North American grassroots groups in setting up telephone communications at the turn of the 20th century with contemporary campaigns of grassroots activists to establish broadband communications, in one US metropolitan region, the San Francisco
Bay. The narrative analyses the local and national policy environment, the corporate commercial context and the activist constituencies. It focuses on mapping the frames used, the direction of their campaigns and the outcomes. Drawing from examples of citizens' activity in assessing community
needs, policy-making and political mobilizing, including among historically marginalized communities, the author argues that digital inclusion, and democratic decision-making in broadband, is much more than a narrow technical question of providing access to new information and communication
technologies, or of incorporating consumers in market-based development. The study concludes that democratizing the new communications platforms of the broadband Internet will involve the support of citizens' initiatives in building their own communications technologies and content; challenging
the incumbent corporate players, and supporting a variety of municipally operated systems.
Adubação mineral do feijoeiro: VII - Efeitos de N, P, K, S,da calagem e de uma mistura de micronutrientes, no sul do planalto paulista
Authors: Miyasaka Shiro , Freire E. S. , Mascarenhas H. A. A. , Alcover Milton
Published: April 2009

No sul do Planalto Paulista foram conduzidas, em 1962-63, cinco experiências de adubação do feijoeiro em terra-roxa-misturada com argilito do Glacial. Das quatro experiências em que se estudaram seus efeitos, o fósforo aumentou significativamente a produção em três; o nitrogênio, em uma; o potássio, o enxôfre e uma mistura de micronutrientes (Zn, Cu, B e Mo), em nenhuma. Testada em duas localidades, a calagem só proporcionou aumento significativo naquela cujo solo tinha pH de 4,65.
Adubação mineral do feijoeiro X: Efeitos de N, P, K, Se de uma mistura de micronutrientes, em terra-roxa-legítima e terra-roxa-misturada
Authors: Miyasaka Shiro , Freirek E. S. , Mascarenhas H. A. A. , Igue Toshio , Paranhos Sérgio Bicudo
Published: April 2009

Em seis experiências conduzidas em terra-roxa-legítima e duas em terra-roxa-misturada, para estudar o efeito de diversas adubações sôbre o feijoeiro (Phaseolus vulgarisL.), o fósforo aumentou significativamente a produção em uma, instalada em terra-roxa-legítima, e nas duas localizadas em terra-roxa-misturada. Em uma destas, o efeito do potássio também foi significativo e positivo. O nitrogênio, o enxôfre e a mistura de micronutrientes (Zn, Cu, B e Mo) não proporcionaram aumentos significativos.
Composição florística de plantas daninhas em um lago do Rio Solimões, Amazonas
Authors: Albertino S.M.F. , Miléo L.J. , Silva J.F. , Silva C.A.
Published: April 2009

As áreas inundáveis localizadas na bacia dos rios Amazonas e Solimões são denominadas várzeas. A inundação é um evento natural que promove mudanças na estrutura e composição florística dessas comunidades. O conhecimento da diversidade de espécies é de fundamental importância para o entendimento da dinâmica da regeneração natural de espécies nos ecossistemas amazônicos. Este trabalho teve como objetivo levantar a composição florística do solo do fundo do lago do Manaquiri-AM, em um período de seca excepcional, ocorrida em 2005, na Amazônia. Foram realizadas coletas de material botânico em duas áreas do lago, em novembro de 2005; para a amostragem, utilizou-se um quadrado de madeira de 0,36 m², atirado aleatoriamente por 20 vezes em cada local de estudo. A vegetação emergente foi de 5.958 indivíduos, distribuídos em sete famílias e nove espécies. As famílias mais representativas em número de espécies foram Poaceae e Cyperaceae. Cyperus esculentus e Luziola spruceana foram as mais frequentes, e Mimosa pudica e Alternanthera sessilis, as de maior abundância. C. esculentus e M. pudica apresentaram maior número de indivíduos, de densidade e de valor de importância. As espécies de plantas encontradas neste estudo mantiveram sua capacidade de crescer e se desenvolver mesmo após longo período submersas.
Freqüência de hábitos saudáveis de alimentação medidos a partir dos 10 Passos da Alimentação Saudável do Ministério da Saúde: Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
Authors: Vinholes Daniele Botelho , Assunção Maria Cecília Formoso , Neutzling Marilda Borges
Published: April 2009

O presente estudo tem o objetivo de medir a freqüência e fatores associados ao hábito saudável de alimentação por meio da observação da adesão aos 10 Passos para uma Alimentação Saudável propostos pelo Ministério da Saúde, na população adulta da cidade de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Foi realizado um estudo transversal de base populacional com amostragem por conglomerados, no qual foram entrevistados 3.136 adultos residentes em Pelotas. A freqüência de cada passo da alimentação saudável foi coletada por intermédio de perguntas elaboradas com o objetivo de avaliar a execução do que foi preconizado em cada passo. A análise dos dados consistiu de análise descritiva, seguida de análise bivariada usando-se o teste qui-quadrado. Apenas 1,1% da população segue todos os passos recomendados. O número médio de passos realizados foi seis. O passo que apresentou maior freqüência de realização foi o 4, relativo ao consumo de sal; e o que apresentou menor freqüência foi o 9, relativo à prática de atividade física. O conhecimento dos hábitos alimentares na população e sua distribuição conforme variáveis demográficas e sócio-econômicas são importantes para orientar estratégias locais e nacionais, a fim de promover hábitos saudáveis de alimentação e conseqüente melhoria da qualidade de vida.
The mental health of Korean immigrants in São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Kang Sam , Razzouk Denise , Mari Jair Jesus de , Shirakawa Itiro
Published: April 2009

This study investigated the frequency of lifetime mental disorders among Korean immigrants in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. Snowball sampling with multiple focuses was used to recruit Korean immigrants older than 18 years and living in São Paulo. A total of 324 Korean immigrants were selected and their mental status was evaluated using a structured interview, namely the Portuguese or the Korean version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview 2.1. The diagnoses of mental disorders were made according to the ICD-10. The frequency of any lifetime psychiatric disorder was 41.9%. The frequencies of main disorders were: anxiety disorder, 13% (post-traumatic stress disorder, 9.6%); mood disorder, 8.6%; somatoform disorders, 7.4%; dissociative disorder, 4.9%; psychotic disorder, 4.3%; eating disorder, 0.6%; any substance (tobacco, alcohol, drugs) use disorder, 23.1%. The frequency of any psychiatric disorder except alcohol and tobacco use disorders was 26.2%. Korean immigrants have more psychiatric disorders than the Korean population in Korea, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder, and almost the same rate as the Brazilian population. Mental health authorities should promote a healthier integration and the development of culturally sensitive mental health programs for Korean immigrants.
Papel dos fluxos de calor latente e sensível em superfície associado a um caso de ciclogênese na Costa Leste da América do Sul
Authors: Dal Piva Everson , Moscati Marley Cavalcante de Lima , Gan Manoel Alonso
Published: April 2009

Neste estudo foram realizados experimentos numéricos com um modelo meteorológico regional a fim de verificar o impacto dos Fluxos de Calor Latente (FCL) e Calor Sensível (FCS) em superfície no desenvolvimento de um ciclone intenso ocorrido sobre a costa leste da região sudeste da América do Sul, entre os dias 24 e 26 de julho de 1998. A taxa de intensificação do ciclone foi reduzida em 6 hPa/24 h no experimento em que os FCL e FCS estavam ausentes. Verificou-se que a ausência do FCL apresentou maior impacto do que a ausência do FCS, fazendo com que a taxa de intensificação fosse reduzida em 6 hPa/24 h para o experimento sem FCL e permanecesse inalterada sem FCS, mas neste último a isóbara de menor valor no centro do ciclone ocupou uma área menor. A ausência dos FCL e FCS em superfície gerou uma camada mais seca e mais fria próxima à superfície oceânica, reduzindo a instabilidade potencial do ambiente e diminuindo a intensificação do ciclone. Concluiu-se, portanto que os FCL e FCS em superfície foram importantes antes da fase de mais rápido desenvolvimento do ciclone, agindo no sentido de preparar o ambiente para uma ciclogênese mais intensa, através do fornecimento de energia e umidade para a baixa troposfera. Na fase de mais rápido desenvolvimento, a energia e a umidade disponíveis nas camadas mais baixas da atmosfera (inseridos na fase anterior) também foram importantes, permitindo ao ciclone se desenvolver mais intensamente do que ocorreria em um ambiente mais seco e menos instável termicamente.
Modelagem numérica em alta resolução para previsão de geração de energia eólica no Ceará
Authors: Maria Paulo Henrique Santiago de , Costa Alexandre Araújo , Sombra Sérgio Sousa
Published: April 2009

Neste trabalho, foi utilizado um modelo de atmosfera de mesoescala para previsão de ventos em curto prazo para aplicações em geração de energia eólica. Diferentes resoluções espaciais e parametrizações foram testadas, sendo a comparação entre as simulações feita com base em uma metodologia estatística, que se utiliza de um conjunto de índices e medidas de erro amplamente utilizados em estudos meteorológicos e avaliações de modelos atmosféricos. Tal metodologia foi aplicada para escolha das melhores opções de espaçamento de grade horizontal, parametrização de turbulência e peso do relaxamento newtoniano na representação dos campos de vento do litoral cearense em quatro dias do período de transição entre as estações seca e chuvosa. Os testes revelam que, dentre as opções testadas, a configuração que melhor reproduz as observações ao longo do litoral, conta com espaçamento de grade horizontal de 1 km, turbulência parametrizada com a versão anisotrópica do esquema proposto por Smagorinsky e escala de tempo do relaxamento newtoniano de 12 h.
Identificação de regiões pluviometricamente homogêneas no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, utilizando-se valores mensais
Authors: André Romisio Geraldo Bouhid , Marques Valdo da Silva , Pinheiro Francisca Maria Alves , Ferraudo Antonio Sergio
Published: April 2009

O objetivo deste trabalho é dar uma contribuição ao estudo das condições climáticas do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, visando a uma melhor Classificação Climática por meio da identificação de regiões homogêneas em precipitação. Para isto foram utilizadas médias mensais da precipitação de 48 estações meteorológicas, em um período de 30 anos (1971-2000). A análise hierárquica de agrupamento, a orografia e a proximidade do mar, mostraram que o Estado do Rio de Janeiro pode ser dividido, quanto à precipitação, em seis regiões pluviometricamente homogêneas o que possibilitou classificar as estações meteorológicas pelo método de classificação não hierárquica k-means. A região norte do Estado, com precipitações anuais em torno de 870 mm é a mais seca, e a região da encosta sul da Serra do Mar, com 2020 mm, é a mais chuvosa. Mas, em ambas as regiões, os valores da precipitação da estação chuvosa representam em torno de 70% dos totais anuais.
Percepção das mães sobre a importância das práticas alimentares no tratamento da constipação crônica funcional
Authors: Pereira Vivian Palo , Medeiros Lilian Cristiane S. , Speridião Patrícia da Graça L. , Lisboa Valéria Cristina A. , Tahan Soraia , Morais Mauro Batista de
Published: April 2009

OBJETIVO: Analisar o significado das práticas alimentares compreendendo as percepções, experiências e valores sobre a alimentação de mães de crianças e adolescentes com diagnóstico de constipação crônica funcional. MÉTODOS: 17 mães foram entrevistadas com base em um questionário semidirigido, que compreendia questões relacionadas à alimentação. Para análise, as falas foram agrupadas nos temas: "ambiente familiar durante as refeições", "dificuldades relacionadas à alimentação da criança e do adolescente", "atitudes das mães frente à recusa de alimentos" e "conhecimentos maternos sobre alimentação e sua relação com a constipação crônica funcional". RESULTADOS: A idade das mães variou de 20 a 35 anos. A maioria era casada, possuía ensino fundamental incompleto e renda familiar entre dois e três salários mínimos. Observou-se, no relato das mães, que: muitas não consideram o momento das refeições em família agradável; a limitação financeira é a maior dificuldade relacionada à alimentação dos filhos; a maioria delas, frente à recusa alimentar, adota estratégias para convencer a criança a aceitar a refeição; demonstram ter noção da importância da alimentação para melhora da constipação; creem que alguns alimentos têm efeito "obstipante". CONCLUSÕES: Mães de crianças com constipação intestinal crônica sabem que a alimentação é importante no tratamento dessa afecção e, no entanto, apenas uma parcela reconhece o papel das fibras alimentares. A refeição não é um momento prazeroso e o fator financeiro é limitante para definir os alimentos que compõem a dieta dessas crianças.
Prevalência de anemia ferropriva no Brasil: uma revisão sistemática
Authors: Jordão Regina Esteves , Bernardi Júlia Laura D. , Barros Filho Antônio de Azevedo
Published: April 2009

OBJETIVO: Revisar os estudos de prevalência de anemia no Brasil publicados entre janeiro de 1996 e janeiro de 2007. FONTES DE DADOS: Por meio de revisão sistemática nas bases de dados eletrônicas Medline e Lilacs, foram selecionados títulos científicos publicados no intervalo de onze anos referentes à prevalência de anemia no Brasil em crianças menores de cinco anos de idade. Foram excluídos artigos de revisão, relatos de caso e trabalhos que relacionaram anemia a outras doenças e ao período gestacional. Para a análise comparativa das variáveis categóricas de interesse nos artigos encontrados, realizou-se o teste do qui-quadrado e o teste exato de Fisher, levando-se em conta o nível de significância estatística de 5% (p<0,05). SÍNTESE DOS DADOS: Os dados medianos encontrados para a prevalência de anemia foram de 53%, confirmando valores estimados pela Organização Mundial da Saúde e considerados elevados. Nos 53 artigos analisados, a variável que se associou de forma significante à anemia foi a idade da criança (p=0,012). CONCLUSÕES: Os estudos mostram alta prevalência de anemia, principalmente em crianças menores de dois anos. No entanto, os trabalhos foram realizados em creches, visitas domiciliares e Unidades Básicas de Saúde, indicando a necessidade de pesquisas com amostras de base populacional.