bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recruitment of aged donor heart with pharmacological stress echo. A case report
Authors: Arpesella Giorgio , Gherardi Sonia , Bombardini Tonino , Picano Eugenio
Published: January 2006

Background

The heart transplant is a treatment of the heart failure, which is not responding to medications, and its efficiency is already proved: unfortunately, organ donation is a limiting step of this life-saving procedure.

To counteract heart donor shortage, we should screen aged potential donor hearts for initial cardiomyopathy and functionally significant coronary artery disease.

Donors with a history of cardiac disease are generally excluded. Coronary angiography is recommended for most male donors older than 45 years and female donors older than 50 years to evaluate coronary artery stenoses. A simpler way to screen aged potential donor hearts for initial cardiomyopathy and functionally significant coronary artery disease should be stress echocardiography.

Case report

A marginal donor (A 57 year old woman meeting legal requirements for brain death) underwent a transesophageal (TE) Dipyridamole stress echo (6 minutes accelerated protocol) to rule out moderate or severe heart and coronary artery disease. Wall motion was normal at baseline and at peak stress (WMSI = 1 at baseline and peak stress, without signs of stress inducible ischemia). The pressure/volume ratio was 9.6 mmHg/ml/m2 at baseline, increasing to 14 mmHg/ml/m2 at peak stress, demonstrating absence of latent myocardial dysfunction.

The marginal donor heart was transplanted to a recipient "marginal" for co-morbidity ( a 63 year old man with multiple myeloma and cardiac amyloidosis , chronic severe heart failure, NYHA class IV).

Postoperative treatment and early immunosuppressant regimen were performed according to standard protocols.

The transplanted heart was assessed normal for dimensions and ventricular function at transthoracic (TT) echocardiography on post-transplant day 7.

Coronary artery disease was ruled out at coronary angiography one month after transplant; left ventriculography showed normal global and segmental LV function of the transplanted heart.

Conclusion

For the first time stress echo was successfully used in the critical theater of screening potential donor hearts. This method is enormously more feasible, less expensive, and more environmentally sustainable than any possible alternative strategy based on stress scintigraphy perfusion imaging or coronary angiography. The selection of hearts "too good to die" on the basis of bedside resting and stress echo can be a critical way to solve the mismatch between donor need and supply.
Patterns of drug use among a sample of drug users and injecting drug users attending a General Practice in Iran
Authors: Day Carolyn , Nassirimanesh Bijan , Shakeshaft Anthony , Dolan Kate
Published: January 2006

Aim

This study aimed to examine drug use, drug treatment history and risk behaviour among a sample of Iranian drug users seeking treatment through a general practice clinic in Iran.

Methods

Review of medical records and an intake questionnaire at a large general practice in Marvdasht, Iran, with a special interest in drug dependence treatment. Records from a random sample of injecting drug users (IDU), non-injecting drug users (DU) and non-drug using patients were examined.

Results

292 records were reviewed (34% IDU, 31% DU and 35% non-drug users). Eighty-three percent were males; all females were non-drug users. The mean age of the sample was 30 years. Of the IDU sample, 67% reported sharing a needle or syringe, 19% of these had done so in prison. Of those who had ever used drugs, being 'tired' of drug use was the most common reason for seeking help (34%). Mean age of first drug use was 20 years. The first drugs most commonly used were opium (72%), heroin (13%) and hashish/ other cannabinoids (13%). Three quarters reported having previously attempted to cease their drug use. IDU were more likely than DU to report having ever been imprisoned (41% vs 7%) and 41% to have used drugs in prison.

Conclusion

This study has shown that there is a need for general practice clinics in Iran to treat drug users including those who inject and that a substantial proportion of those who inject have shared needles and syringes, placing them at risk of BBVI such as HIV and hepatitis C. The expansion of services for drug users in Iran such as needle and syringe programs and pharmacotherapies are likely to be effective in reducing the harms associated with opium use and heroin injection.
Gender differences in health-related quality of life of adolescents with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Arrington-Sanders Renata , Yi Michael S , Tsevat Joel , Wilmott Robert W , Mrus Joseph M , Britto Maria T
Published: January 2006

Background

Female patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) have consistently poorer survival rates than males across all ages. To determine if gender differences exist in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of adolescent patients with CF, we performed a cross-section analysis of CF patients recruited from 2 medical centers in 2 cities during 1997–2001.

Methods

We used the 87-item child self-report form of the Child Health Questionnaire to measure 12 health domains. Data was also collected on age and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1). We analyzed data from 98 subjects and performed univariate analyses and linear regression or ordinal logistic regression for multivariable analyses.

Results

The mean (SD) age was 14.6 (2.5) years; 50 (51.0%) were female; and mean FEV1was 71.6% (25.6%) of predicted. There were no statistically significant gender differences in age or FEV1. In univariate analyses, females reported significantly poorer HRQOL in 5 of the 12 domains. In multivariable analyses controlling for FEV1and age, we found that female gender was associated with significantly lower global health (p < 0.05), mental health (p < 0.01), and general health perceptions (p < 0.05) scores.

Conclusion

Further research will need to focus on the causes of these differences in HRQOL and on potential interventions to improve HRQOL of adolescent patients with CF.
Disaggregation and invasion of ovarian carcinoma ascites spheroids
Authors: Burleson Kathryn M , Boente Matthew P , Pambuccian Stefan E , Skubitz Amy PN
Published: January 2006

Background

Malignant ascites often develops in advanced stages of ovarian carcinoma, consisting of single and aggregated tumor cells, or spheroids. Spheroids have commonly been used as tumor models to study drug efficacy, and have shown resistance to some chemotherapies and radiation. However, little is known about the adhesive or invasive capabilities of spheroids, and whether this particular cellular component of the ascites can contribute to dissemination of ovarian cancer. Here, we examined the invasive ability of ascites spheroids recovered from seven ovarian carcinoma patients and one primary peritoneal carcinoma (PPC) patient.

Methods

Ascites spheroids were isolated from patients, purified, and immunohistochemical analyses were performed by a pathologist to confirm diagnosis. In vitro assays were designed to quantify spheroid disaggregation on a variety of extracellular matrices and dissemination on and invasion into normal human mesothelial cell monolayers. Cell proliferation and viability were determined in each assay, and statistical significance demonstrated by the student's t-test.

Results

Spheroids from all of the patients' ascites samples disaggregated on extracellular matrix components, with the PPC spheroids capable of complete disaggregation on type I collagen. Additionally, all of the ascites spheroid samples adhered to and disaggregated on live human mesothelial cell monolayers, typically without invading them. However, the PPC ascites spheroids and one ovarian carcinoma ascites spheroid sample occasionally formed invasive foci in the mesothelial cell monolayers, suggestive of a more invasive phenotype.

Conclusion

We present here in vitro assays using ascites spheroids that imitate the spread of ovarian cancer in vivo. Our results suggest that systematic studies of the ascites cellular content are necessary to understand the biology of ovarian carcinoma.
Effect of lateral perturbations on psychophysical acceleration detection thresholds
Authors: Richerson Samantha J , Morstatt Scott M , O'Neal Kristopher K , Patrick Gloria , Robinson Charles J
Published: January 2006

Background

In understanding how the human body perceives and responds to small slip-like motions, information on how one senses the slip is essential. The effect of aging and plantar sensory loss on detection of a slip can also be studied. Using psychophysical procedures, acceleration detection thresholds of small lateral whole-body perturbations were measured for healthy young adults (HYA), healthy older adults (HOA) and older adults with diabetic neuropathy (DOA). It was hypothesized that young adults would require smaller accelerations than HOA's and DOA's to detect perturbations at a given displacement.

Methods

Acceleration detection thresholds to whole-body lateral perturbations of 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 mm were measured for HYAs, HOAs, and DOAs using psychophysical procedures including a two-alternative forced choice protocol. Based on the subject's detection of the previous trial, the acceleration magnitude of the subsequent trial was increased or decreased according to the parameter estimation by sequential testing methodology. This stair-stepping procedure allowed acceleration thresholds to be measured for each displacement.

Results

Results indicate that for lateral displacements of 1 and 2 mm, HOAs and DOAs have significantly higher acceleration detection thresholds than young adults. At displacements of 8 and 16 mm, no differences in threshold were found among groups or between the two perturbation distances. The relationship between the acceleration threshold and perturbation displacement is of particular interest. Peak acceleration thresholds of approximately 10 mm/s2 were found at displacements of 2, 4, 8, and 16 mm for HYAs; at displacements of 4, 8, and 16 mm for HOAs; and at displacements of 8 and 16 mm for DOAs. Thus, 2, 4, and 8 mm appear to be critical breakpoints for HYAs, HOAs, and DOAs respectively, where the psychometric curve deviated from a negative power law relationship. These critical breakpoints likely indicate a change in the physiology of the system as it responds to the stimuli.

Conclusion

As a function of age, the displacement at which the group deviates from a negative power law relationship increases from 2 mm to 4 mm. Additionally, the displacement at which subjects with peripheral sensory deficits deviate from the negative power law relations increases to 8 mm. These increases as a function of age and peripheral sensory loss may help explain the mechanism of falls in the elderly and diabetic populations.
Identification of a Signaling Pathway Involving Progesterone Receptor, Calcitonin, and Tissue Tranglutaminase in Ishikawa Endometrial Cells
Authors: Li Quanxi , Bagchi Milan K. , Bagchi Indrani C.
Published: January 2006

Previous studies indicated that calcitonin (CT), a peptide hormone involved in calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis, is transiently induced by steroid hormone progesterone (P) in the uterine epithelia of the rat and human within the window of implantation. Targeted disruption of uterine CT expression markedly impaired implantation in the rat. To gain insight into the molecular events underlying CT action in the endometrium, we performed gene expression profiling in response to CT in a human endometrial adenocarcinoma cell line, Ishikawa. We identified the gene encoding tissue tranglutaminase type II (tTGase), which participates in Ca2+-dependent, protein-protein cross-linking, as a downstream target of CT. Interestingly, addition of P alone to Ishikawa cells led to a marked induction in the level of both CT and tTGase, indicating the existence of a pathway involving P receptors, CT, and tTGase in these cells. Other studies revealed that regulation of the tTGase gene by CT occurs via its cell surface receptor and uses both cAMP and Ca2+ signaling pathways. We also noted that tTGase protein is expressed in human endometrium during the P-dominated midsecretory phase of the menstrual cycle, and it is localized at the basal membrane of glandular epithelium and the surrounding stroma. The spatio-temporal expression of tTGase in human endometrium during the cycle closely overlapped with that of CT. In summary, we have uncovered a novel steroid-regulated signaling cascade in which P induces CT, which, in turn, induces tTGase and potentially plays a critical role in the human endometrium during implantation.
Spironolactone Preserves Cardiac Norepinephrine Reuptake in Salt-Sensitive Dahl Rats
Authors: Buss Sebastian J. , Backs Johannes , Kreusser Michael M. , Hardt Stefan E. , Maser-Gluth Christiane , Katus Hugo A. , Haass Markus
Published: January 2006

An impairment of cardiac norepinephrine (NE) reuptake via the neuronal NE transporter (NET) enhances the effects of increased cardiac NE release in heart failure patients. Increasing evidence suggests that aldosterone and endothelins promote sympathetic overstimulation of failing hearts. Salt-sensitive Dahl rats (DS) fed a high-salt diet developed arterial hypertension and diastolic heart failure as well as elevated plasma levels of endothelin-1 and NE. Cardiac NE reuptake and NET-binding sites, as assessed by clearance of bolus-injected [3H]NE in isolated perfused rat hearts and [3H]mazindol binding, were reduced. Treatment of DS with the mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist spironolactone preserved the plasma levels of endothelin-1 and NE, cardiac NE reuptake, and myocardial NET density. Moreover, the ventricular function and survival of spironolactone-treated DS were significantly improved compared with untreated DS. The α1-inhibitor prazosin decreased blood pressure in DS similar to spironolactone treatment, but did not normalize the plasma levels of endothelin-1 and NE, NE reuptake, or ventricular function. In a heart failure-independent model, Wistar rats that were infused with aldosterone and fed a high-salt diet developed impaired cardiac NE reuptake. Treatment of these rats with the endothelin A receptor antagonist darusentan attenuated the impairment of NE reuptake. In conclusion, spironolactone preserves NET-dependent cardiac NE reuptake in salt-dependent heart failure. Evidence is provided that aldosterone inhibits NET function through an interaction with the endothelin system. Selective antagonism of the mineralocorticoid and/or the endothelin A receptor might represent therapeutic principles to prevent cardiac sympathetic overactivity in salt-dependent heart failure.
Estradiol Reduces Nonclassical Transcription at Cyclic Adenosine 3′,5′-Monophosphate Response Elements in Glioma Cells Expressing Estrogen Receptor Alpha
Authors: Mhyre Andrew J. , Shapiro Robert A. , Dorsa Daniel M.
Published: January 2006

Estradiol can protect the brain from a variety of insults by activating membrane-initiated signaling pathways, and thereby modulate gene expression and lead to functional changes in neurons. These direct neuronal effects of the hormone have been well documented; however, it is less understood what effects estradiol may have on nonneuronal cells of the central nervous system. There is evidence that estradiol levels can induce the release of glial-derived growth factors and other cytokines, suggesting that estradiol may both directly and indirectly protect neurons. To determine whether 17β-estradiol (E2) can activate rapid signaling and modulate nonclassical transcription in astrocytes, we stably transfected the C6 rat glioblastoma cell line with human estrogen receptor (ER) α (C6ERα) or rat ERβ (C6ERβ). Introduction of a cAMP response element-luciferase reporter gene into C6, C6ERα, and C6ERβ cells leads to the observation that E2 treatment reduced isoproterenol-stimulated luciferase activity by 35% in C6ERα but had no effect on reporter gene expression in C6ERβ or untransfected C6 cells. A similar effect was seen with a membrane-impermeable estrogen (E2-BSA), suggesting the modulation of nonclassical transcription by estradiol treatment is mediated by the activation of a membrane-initiated signaling pathway. Furthermore, pretreatment with wortmannin (phosphatidylinsositol 3-kinase) or U73122 (phospholipase C) attenuated the E2-induced reduction in nonclassical transcription. We conclude that E2 treatment reduces cAMP response element-mediated transcription in glioma cells expressing ERα and that this reduction is dependent on the activation of membrane-initiated signaling. These findings suggest a novel model of estrogen rapid signaling in astrocytes that leads to modulation of nonclassical transcription.
Perinatal Glucocorticoid Treatment Disrupts the Hypothalamo-Lactotroph Axis in Adult Female, But Not Male, Rats
Authors: McArthur S. , Siddique Z.-L. , Christian H. C. , Capone G. , Theogaraj E. , John C. D. , Smith S. F. , Morris J. F. , Buckingham J. C. , Gillies G. E.
Published: January 2006

This study aimed to test the hypothesis that the tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic neurons of the arcuate nucleus and/or the lactotroph cells of the anterior pituitary gland are key targets for the programming effects of perinatal glucocorticoids (GCs). Dexamethasone was administered noninvasively to fetal or neonatal rats via the mothers’ drinking water (1 μg/ml) on embryonic d 16–19 or neonatal d 1–7, and control animals received normal drinking water. At 68 d of age, the numbers of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive (TH+) cells in the arcuate nucleus and morphometric parameters of pituitary lactotrophs were analyzed. In control animals, striking sex differences in TH+ cell numbers, lactotroph cell size, and pituitary prolactin content were observed. Both pre- and neonatal GC treatment regimens were without effect in adult male rats, but in females, the overriding effect was to abolish the sex differences by reducing arcuate TH+ cell numbers (pre- and neonatal treatments) and reducing lactotroph cell size and pituitary prolactin content (prenatal treatment only) without changing lactotroph cell numbers. Changes in circulating prolactin levels represented a net effect of hypothalamic and pituitary alterations that exhibited independent critical windows of susceptibility to perinatal GC treatments. The dopaminergic neurons of the hypothalamic periventricular nucleus and the pituitary somatotroph populations were not significantly affected by either treatment regimen in either sex. These data show that the adult female hypothalamo-lactotroph axis is profoundly affected by perinatal exposure to GCs, which disrupts the tonic inhibitory tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic pathway and changes lactotroph morphology and prolactin levels in the pituitary and circulation. These findings provide new evidence for a long-term disruption in prolactin-dependent homeostasis in females, but not males, after inappropriate GC exposure in perinatal life.
Hydrocortisone and Purinergic Signaling Stimulate Sodium/Iodide Symporter (NIS)-Mediated Iodide Transport in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Dohán Orsolya , De la Vieja Antonio , Carrasco Nancy
Published: January 2006

The sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) mediates a remarkably effective targeted radioiodide therapy in thyroid cancer; this approach is an emerging candidate for treating other cancers that express NIS, whether endogenously or by exogenous gene transfer. Thus far, the only extrathyroidal malignancy known to express functional NIS endogenously is breast cancer. Therapeutic efficacy in thyroid cancer requires that radioiodide uptake be maximized in tumor cells by manipulating well-known regulatory factors of NIS expression in thyroid cells, such as TSH, which stimulates NIS expression via cAMP. Similarly, therapeutic efficacy in breast cancer will likely depend on manipulating NIS regulation in mammary cells, which differs from that in the thyroid. Human breast adenocarcinoma MCF-7 cells modestly express endogenous NIS when treated with all-trans-retinoic acid (tRa). We report here that hydrocortisone and ATP each markedly stimulates tRa-induced NIS protein expression and plasma membrane targeting in MCF-7 cells, leading to at least a 100% increase in iodide uptake. Surprisingly, the adenyl cyclase activator forskolin, which promotes NIS expression in thyroid cells, markedly decreases tRa-induced NIS protein expression in MCF-7 cells. Isobutylmethylxanthine increases tRa-induced NIS expression in MCF-7 cells, probably through a purinergic signaling system independent of isobutylmethylxanthine’s action as a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. We also observed that neither iodide, which at high concentrations down-regulates NIS in the thyroid, nor cAMP has a significant effect on NIS expression in MCF-7 cells. Our findings may open new strategies for breast-selective pharmacological modulation of functional NIS expression, thus improving the feasibility of using radioiodide to effectively treat breast cancer.
Foxf1andFoxf2control murine gut development by limiting mesenchymal Wnt signaling and promoting extracellular matrix production
Authors: Ormestad Mattias , Astorga Jeanette , Landgren Henrik , Wang Tao , Johansson Bengt R. , Miura Naoyuki , Carlsson Peter
Published: January 2006

Development of the vertebrate gut is controlled by paracrine crosstalk between the endodermal epithelium and the associated splanchnic mesoderm. In the adult, the same types of signals control epithelial proliferation and survival, which account for the importance of the stroma in colon carcinoma progression. Here, we show that targeting murine Foxf1 and Foxf2, encoding forkhead transcription factors, has pleiotropic effects on intestinal paracrine signaling. Inactivation of both Foxf2alleles, or one allele each of Foxf1 and Foxf2, cause a range of defects, including megacolon, colorectal muscle hypoplasia and agangliosis. Foxf expression in the splanchnic mesoderm is activated by Indian and sonic hedgehog secreted by the epithelium. In Foxf mutants, mesenchymal expression of Bmp4 is reduced, whereas Wnt5a expression is increased. Activation of the canonical Wnt pathway – with nuclear localization of β-catenin in epithelial cells – is associated with over-proliferation and resistance to apoptosis. Extracellular matrix,particularly collagens, is severely reduced in Foxf mutant intestine, which causes epithelial depolarization and tissue disintegration. Thus, Foxf proteins are mesenchymal factors that control epithelial proliferation and survival, and link hedgehog to Bmp and Wnt signaling.
The highly ordered assembly of retinal axons and their synaptic partners is regulated by Hedgehog/Single-minded in theDrosophilavisual system
Authors: Umetsu Daiki , Murakami Satoshi , Sato Makoto , Tabata Tetsuya
Published: January 2006

During development of the Drosophila visual center, photoreceptor cells extend their axons (R axons) to the lamina ganglion layer, and trigger proliferation and differentiation of synaptic partners (lamina neurons) by delivering the inductive signal Hedgehog (Hh). This inductive mechanism helps to establish an orderly arrangement of connections between the R axons and lamina neurons, termed a retinotopic map because it results in positioning the lamina neurons in close vicinity to the corresponding R axons. We found that the bHLH-PAS transcription factor Single-minded (Sim) is induced by Hh in the lamina neurons and is required for the association of lamina neurons with R axons. In sim mutant brains, lamina neurons undergo the first step of differentiation but fail to associate with R axons. As a result, lamina neurons are set aside from R axons. The data reveal a novel mechanism for regulation of the interaction between axons and neuronal cell bodies that establishes precise neuronal networks.
Phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase is required for endosomal trafficking and degradation of the EGF receptor
Authors: Minogue Shane , Waugh Mark G. , De Matteis Maria Antonietta , Stephens David J. , Berditchevski Fedor , Hsuan J. Justin
Published: January 2006

The type II alpha isoform of phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase has recently been shown to function in the recruitment of adaptor protein-1 complexes to the trans-Golgi network. Here we show that phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase IIα is also a component of highly dynamic membranes of the endosomal system where it colocalises with protein markers of the late endosome and with endocytosed epidermal growth factor. When phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase IIα activity was inhibited in vivo using the monoclonal antibody 4C5G or by depression of endogenous phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase IIα protein levels using RNA interference, ligand-bound epidermal growth factor receptor failed to traffic to late endosomes and instead accumulated in vesicles in a sub-plasma membrane compartment. Furthermore, lysosomal degradation of activated epidermal growth factor receptor was dramatically impaired in small inhibitory RNA-treated cells. We demonstrate that phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase IIα is necessary for the correct endocytic traffic and downregulation of activated epidermal growth factor receptor.
Cellular adaptation to mechanical stress: role of integrins, Rho, cytoskeletal tension and mechanosensitive ion channels
Authors: Matthews Benjamin D. , Overby Darryl R. , Mannix Robert , Ingber Donald E.
Published: January 2006

To understand how cells sense and adapt to mechanical stress, we applied tensional forces to magnetic microbeads bound to cell-surface integrin receptors and measured changes in bead displacement with sub-micrometer resolution using optical microscopy. Cells exhibited four types of mechanical responses: (1) an immediate viscoelastic response; (2) early adaptive behavior characterized by pulse-to-pulse attenuation in response to oscillatory forces; (3) later adaptive cell stiffening with sustained (>15 second) static stresses; and (4) a large-scale repositioning response with prolonged (>1 minute) stress. Importantly, these adaptation responses differed biochemically. The immediate and early responses were affected by chemically dissipating cytoskeletal prestress (isometric tension), whereas the later adaptive response was not. The repositioning response was prevented by inhibiting tension through interference with Rho signaling, similar to the case of the immediate and early responses, but it was also prevented by blocking mechanosensitive ion channels or by inhibiting Src tyrosine kinases. All adaptive responses were suppressed by cooling cells to 4°C to slow biochemical remodeling. Thus, cells use multiple mechanisms to sense and respond to static and dynamic changes in the level of mechanical stress applied to integrins.
Detergent-resistant membrane domains but not the proteasome are involved in the misfolding of a PrP mutant retained in the endoplasmic reticulum
Authors: Campana Vincenza , Sarnataro Daniela , Fasano Carlo , Casanova Philippe , Paladino Simona , Zurzolo Chiara
Published: January 2006

Inherited prion diseases are neurodegenerative pathologies related to genetic mutations in the prion protein (PrP) gene, which favour the conversion of PrPC into a conformationally altered pathogenic form, PrPSc. The molecular basis of PrPC/PrPSc conversion, the intracellular compartment where it occurs and how this process leads to neurological dysfunction are not yet known.

We have studied the intracellular synthesis, degradation and localization of a PrP mutant associated with a genetic form of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), PrPT182A, in transfected FRT cells. PrPT182A is retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), is mainly associated with detergent-resistant microdomains (DRMs) and is partially resistant to proteinase K digestion. Although an untranslocated form of this mutant is polyubiquitylated and undergoes ER-associated degradation, the proteasome is not responsible for the degradation of its misfolded form, suggesting that it does not have a role in the pathogenesis of inherited diseases. On the contrary, impairment of PrPT182A association with DRMs by cholesterol depletion leads to its accumulation in the ER and substantially increases its misfolding. These data support the previous hypothesis that DRMs are important for the correct folding of PrP and suggest that they might have a protective role in pathological scrapie-like conversion of PrP mutants.
The β2-adrenergic receptor activates pro-migratory and pro-proliferative pathways in dermal fibroblasts via divergent mechanisms
Authors: Pullar Christine E. , Isseroff R. Rivkah
Published: January 2006

Dermal fibroblasts are required for skin wound repair; they migrate into the wound bed, proliferate, synthesize extracellular matrix components and contract the wound. Although fibroblasts express β2-adrenergic receptors (β2-AR) and cutaneous keratinocytes can synthesize β-AR agonists (catecholamines), the functional significance of this hormonal mediator network in the skin has not been addressed. Emerging studies from our laboratory demonstrate that β2-AR activation modulates keratinocyte migration, essential for wound re-epithelialization. Here we describe an investigation of the effects of β2-AR activation on the dermal component of wound healing. We examined β2-AR-mediated regulation of biological processes in dermal fibroblasts that are critical for wound repair: migration, proliferation, contractile ability and cytoskeletal conformation.

We provide evidence for the activation of at least two divergent β2-AR-mediated signaling pathways in dermal fibroblasts, a Src-dependent pro-migratory pathway, transduced through the epidermal growth factor receptor and extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and a PKA-dependent pro-proliferative pathway. β2-AR activation attenuates collagen gel contraction and alters the actin cytoskeleton and focal adhesion distribution through PKA-dependent mechanisms. Our work uncovers a previously unrecognized role for the adrenergic hormonal mediator network in the cutaneous wound repair process. Exploiting these divergent β2-AR agonist responses in cutaneous cells may generate novel therapeutic approaches for the control of wound healing.
Newborn Screening for Hepatorenal Tyrosinemia: Tandem Mass Spectrometric Quantification of Succinylacetone
Authors: Sander Johannes , Janzen Nils , Peter Michael , Sander Stefanie , Steuerwald Ulrike , Holtkamp Ute , Schwahn Bernd , Mayatepek Ertan , Trefz Friedrich K , Das Anibh M
Published: January 2006

Background: False-positive and false-negative results occur in current newborn-screening programs for hepatorenal tyrosinemia, which measure tyrosine concentrations in blood spots, sometimes in combination with other metabolites, including succinylacetone. We present our experience with a newly described method for succinylacetone quantification in routine newborn screening.

Methods: Succinylacetone was extracted from blood spots that had already been extracted with absolute methanol for acylcarnitine and amino acid analysis. The solvent was acetonitrile–water (80:20 by volume) containing formic acid, hydrazine hydrate, and 100 nmol/L 5,7-dioxooctanoic acid as internal standard. Analysis was performed by tandem mass spectrometry in a separate run.

Results: Of 61 344 samples, 99.6% had succinylacetone concentrations ≤5 μmol/L. With a cutoff of 10 μmol/L, no false-positive results were obtained. In 2 patients, the succinylacetone concentrations in the dried blood spots from the 36th and 56th hours of life were 152 and 271 μmol/L, respectively, and the tyrosine concentrations were 54 and 129 μmol/L. Hepatorenal tyrosinemia was subsequently confirmed in both patients. Retrospective analysis of the neonatal screening samples of 2 additional known patients revealed increased succinylacetone concentrations of 46 and 169 μmol/L, respectively.

Conclusions: Tandem mass spectrometric quantification directly from residual blood spots is a useful method for the early detection of hepatorenal tyrosinemia in newborn-screening programs.
Effect of Sex and Assay Method on Serum Concentrations of Growth Hormone in Patients with Acromegaly and in Healthy Controls
Authors: Markkanen Helene , Pekkarinen Tuula , Välimäki Matti J , Alfthan Henrik , Kauppinen-Mäkelin Ritva , Sane Timo , Stenman Ulf-Håkan
Published: January 2006

Background: Diagnosis and follow-up of acromegaly is based on measurements of serum growth hormone (GH) concentrations during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). A nadir value <1 μg/L is commonly used to define a normal response, but some authors suggest lower cutoff values.

Methods: To compare the results and subsequent patient classification obtained with 3 GH assays, we obtained basal serum samples from 78 apparently healthy adult controls (43 women and 35 men; median age, 32.5 years) and from 71 treated (44 women and 27 men; median age, 55.2 years) and 7 untreated acromegaly patients (4 women and 3 men; median age, 54.6 years), and OGTT was performed on all patients and on 72 of the 78 controls. GH was determined by 2 immunometric assays—a double monoclonal (AutoDELFIA; Wallac) and a monopolyclonal (Immulite 2000; DPC) assay—and in a limited set of samples by an RIA (Spectria RIA; Orion).

Results: There was a strong correlation (r = 0.995; P <0.001) between the 2 immunometric methods, but the results obtained with the Immulite 2000 were, on average, 1.4-fold higher than those obtained with the AutoDELFIA. At concentrations around the cutoff (1 μg/L), however, the difference was ∼2-fold. Overall, the Orion RIA method also showed a good correlation (r = 0.951–0.959) with the other methods, but it did not measure concentrations <2 μg/L. Women had higher basal and OGTT nadir GH concentrations than men.

Conclusion: Reference intervals should be determined separately for each method, and the need for establishing sex-specific reference values should be investigated.
Efeito de fertilizantes nitrogenados na produtividade de melão
Authors: Soares José Monteiro , Brito Luiza Teixeira de Lima , Costa Nivaldo Duarte , Maciel José Lins , Faria Clementino Marcos Batista de
Published: January 2006

Em Petrolina, PE, foi realizado um estudo com a cultura do melão (Cucumis melo L.), Valenciano Amarelo, num Latossolo, para avaliar o efeito de fontes de fertilizantes nitrogenados e de suas combinações. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados com arranjo em faixa, com quatro repetições e nove tratamentos englobando a testemunha e os fertilizantes nitrogenados na dose de 80 kg/ha de N, aplicados no solo e, ou, via água de irrigação, por um período de 42 dias após a germinação. Esses tratamentos foram: Uréia e Sulfato de Amônio isolados; Uréia (15 dias) + Nitrato de Potássio (16-42 dias); Uréia (15 dias) + Sulfato de Amônio (16-42 dias); Uréia (30 dias) + Nitrato de Potássio (31-42 dias); Uréia (15 dias) + Sulfato de Amônio (16-30 dias) + Nitrato de Potássio (31-42 dias). A uréia aplicada via fertirrigação até 42 dias proporcionou maior rendimento (31,14 t/ha), embora não estatisticamente diferente dos demais tratamentos. A testemunha e o sulfato de amônio mostraram-se menos produtivos, com rendimentos de 25,06 e 24,65 t/ha, respectivamente. O peso médio do fruto variou de 1,63 a 1,84 kg/fruto, e o teor de sólidos solúveis totais, de 12,1 a 13,1 ºBrix; não se verificaram diferenças estatísticas.
Nitrogênio e molibdênio na adubação do feijoeiro irrigado
Authors: Fullin Eli Antonio , Zangrande Moema Bachour , Lani José Antônio , Mendonça Luciano Furtado de , Dessaune Filho Nilton
Published: January 2006

Procurou-se avaliar o efeito da aplicação do nitrogênio (N) associado ou não à aplicação do molibdênio (Mo) no feijoeiro, cultivar Goytacazes, sob irrigação, em Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo coeso distrófico de Linhares, ES. Os tratamentos foram dispostos em blocos ao acaso, com três repetições. As doses de N como uréia, foram de 0 e 10 kg/ha no plantio e 0 e 40 kg/ha em cobertura. No Mo como molibdato de amônio, foram aplicados, 0 e 20 g/ha na peletização das sementes, e 0 e 20 g/ha via foliar. Um tratamento adicional constou da aplicação de 10 kg/ha de N e 40 kg/ha de FTE BR 9 no plantio e 40 kg/ha de N em cobertura. A maior produtividade de grãos foi obtida com a aplicação de 10 kg/ha e 40 kg/ha de N no plantio e em cobertura, respectivamente, associados a 20 g/ha de Mo via foliar.
Plant architecture of Paspalum vaginatum schwartz modified by nitrate and ammonium nutrition
Authors: Beltrano José , Ronco Marta Guillermina , Barreiro Roberto , Montaldi Edgardo Raúl
Published: January 2006

Paspalum vaginatum Schwartz plants were grown under greenhouse conditions in a continuous-flow hydroponic culture, containing NO3- or NH4+or NH4NO3 as nitrogen source. After 30 days, the size of aerial biomass and root system decreased significantly when plants were supplied with NH4+as exclusive nitrogen source. Compared to NO3- treatment, reducing and non-reducing sugars were decreasing together with a significant increase in amino acids content. NH4+-nutrition caused tillers to grow toward an orthogravitropic position (average angle of 68° with respect to the horizontal), and with NO3--nutrition, tillers tended to become diagravitropic (average angle of 23°). With NH4NO3 all the parameters measured had values in between those of the other two sources. Thus, the morphologic differences among plants growing in NO3- or NH4+ nutrition confirm the hypothesis that nitrogen source determines the growth habit of tillers in P. vaginatum by modulating the endogenous levels of reducing-non-reducing sugars.
Effect of soil interacting herbicides on soybean nodulation in Balcarce, Argentina
Authors: Gonzalez Norma , Eyherabide Juan Jose , Barcelonna Maria Ignacia , Gaspari Alfredo , Sanmartino Silvina
Published: January 2006

Two trials were performed in Balcarce, Argentina (37° 45' LS; 58° 18' LW) during 1993-94, to assess the effect of eight herbicides applied individually or in tank mixtures, on nodule number, nodule dry weight, seed yield and N percent in seed in soybean Asgrow 3205, inoculated with Bradyrhizobium japonicum CB 1809. Individual herbicides and doses in kg ha-1 of a.i. were metribuzin (0.48), acetochlor (0.90), metolachlor (1), flumioxazin (0.075), trifluralin (0.96), imazaquin (0.20), imazethapyr (0.10) and chlorimuron ethyl (0.0125). The mixtures were metribuzin+acetochlor (0.48+0.9), flumioxazin+acetochlor (0.075+0.9), imazaquin+acetochlor (0.2+0.9), metribuzin+metolachlor (0.48+1.92), and flumioxazin+ metolachlor (0.075+1.92). A control treatment without herbicides was included. Both trials were laid out as randomized complete blocks with four replicates, on a loam illitic thermic petrocalcic Paleudoll, 5.7% organic matter (OM), 25% clay, 30.4 cmol kg-1 CEC. Nodules were sampled at V2 (second node), V6 (sixth node) and R5 (beginning seed) growth stages. Herbicides did not significantly affect the beginning of nodulation or nodule number and mass at R5, not either grain yield or N accumulation. This indicates lack of interference between soil interacting herbicides and N fixation in the high organic matter, loam soils of SE Buenos Aires province, even though a tendency in less number and dry weight of nodules was evident at the two latter growth stages.
Produtividade, estabilidade e adaptabilidade de cultivares de amendoim em três níveis de controle de doenças foliares
Authors: Godoy Ignácio José de , Moraes Sérgio Almeida de , Siqueira Walter José , Pereira José Carlos Vila Nova Alves , Martins Antonio Lúcio de Mello , Paulo Edson Martins
Published: January 2006

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o desempenho produtivo, a estabilidade da produção e a adaptabilidade de três cultivares de amendoim em diversos ambientes típicos de cultivo e severidade das doenças foliares que podem ocorrer no Estado de São Paulo. Foram avaliadas as cultivares Tatu, Florunner e IAC-Caiapó sob três níveis de controle de doenças foliares, em experimentos onde as doenças predominantes foram a mancha-preta (Cercosporidium personatum) e a ferrugem (Puccinia arachidis). Os experimentos utilizaram delineamento em parcelas subdivididas com quatro repetições, em subparcelas de quatro linhas de 5 m de comprimento. As parcelas principais consistiram de controle químico com duas ou quatro pulverizações, e um tratamento sem controle das doenças. Estimaram-se, também, a estabilidade e adaptabilidade entre os ambientes, dentro de cada nível de controle das doenças. A cultivar Florunner mostrou as maiores respostas ao controle químico, em relação à produtividade e adaptabilidade aos ambientes onde as doenças foram bem controladas. As cultivares Tatu e IAC-Caiapó apresentaram comportamentos semelhantes em resposta ao controle das doenças e superaram a cultivar Florunner em produtividade, na qual a pressão das doenças foi maior. A cultivar IAC-Caiapó mostrou produtividade, maior que a da cultivar Tatu e desempenho produtivo mais estável (previsível) do que as outras cultivares, nos três níveis de controle das doenças.
Absorção de macronutrientes por explantes de bananeira in vitro
Authors: Diniz Josefa Diva Nogueira , Gonçalves Antonio Natal , Hernandez Fernando Felipe Ferreyra , Torres Antonio Carlos
Published: January 2006

Com o objetivo de estudar a absorção de macronutrientes (N, P, K, Ca, Mg e S) em explantes de bananeira cv. Prata Anã, foram utilizados explantes de plantas estabelecidas in vitro, inoculados em meio básico de Murashige & Skoog (1962) contendo sacarose (30 g/L), e BAP (3,5 mg/L) com sete tratamentos, representados pelos períodos de 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 e 60 dias de cultivo e três repetições. As quantidades de macronutrientes totais absorvidas pelos explantes seguiram a ordem: K > N > Ca > ou = P > Mg @ S. O P foi o nutriente absorvido mais rapidamente pelos explantes, com 75% extraído do meio de cultivo nos primeiros 30 dias, cessando sua absorção aos 50 dias, restando ainda 9% no meio de cultivo. A absorção do S cessou também aos 50 dias, quando 66% deste nutriente ainda permanecia no meio de cultivo. Este resultado sugere haver uma relação, quanto à absorção, entre esses dois nutrientes. As maiores taxas de absorção de todos os nutrientes foram verificadas nos primeiros 20 dias. O rizoma, o pseudocaule e as folhas, se diferenciaram quanto à concentração e extração ou acúmulo de nutrientes.
Uso da vinhaça no abacaxizeiro em solo de baixo potencial de produção
Authors: Paula Miralda Bueno de , Holanda Francisco Sandro Rodrigues , Mesquita Hugo Adelande , Carvalho Vânia Déa de
Published: January 2006

O trabalho foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de avaliar a vinhaça como fonte de K para o abacaxizeiro (Ananas Comosus L.), em substituição ao KCl, e seus efeitos sobre as características químicas do solo. O experimento foi instalado em um LV, textura argilosa, utilizando a cv. Smooth Cayenne. Os tratamentos constaram de quatro doses de vinhaça (0 - 100 - 200 - 400 m³/ha), mais um tratamento adicional: 12 g/planta K2O (KCl). O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso, com três repetições. Verificou-se efeito significativo da vinhaça e do KCl sobre a produção. Com 400 m³/ha de vinhaça e 20,5 g/planta de KCl , os rendimentos tiveram um acréscimo de 70% e 73%, respectivamente, em relação à testemunha. O fornecimento de K elevou a porcentagem de acidez titulável total e sólidos solúveis totais nos frutos, porém não houve diferença significativa entre as fontes. Os teores foliares de K foram aumentados significativamente pela aplicação de vinhaça e de KCl, e os teores de Mg decresceram. A aplicação de vinhaça contribuiu para aumento, no solo, dos teores dos cátions K, Ca, Mg e para a lixiviação de K. Vinhaça e KCl elevaram a níveis adequados, para cultura, a porcentagem de K na soma de bases.
Utilização do resíduo do leite de soja na elaboração de paçoca
Authors: Wang Sin-Huei , Cabral Lair Chaves , Borges Geraldo Gonçalves
Published: January 2006

O presente estudo teve como objetivo utilizar resíduo do leite de soja (RLS), farinha de trigo e amendoim para formular uma paçoca de boa qualidade protéica e com boas características sensoriais. Foram misturadas 40% de farinha de trigo torrada com 30:0 (I); 25:5 (II); 20:10 (III); 15:15 (IV); 10:20 (V) e 5:25 (VI) de farinha de amendoim torrado e decorticado, e RLS torrado, respectivamente, para o preparo de paçocas. Mediante análises químicas, foi verificado que houve uma diminuição no teor de extrato etéreo (de 19,54 a 11,51%), porém um aumento nos teores de cinzas (de 0,99 a 1,23%), fibra crua (de 1,56 a 5,08%) e carboidrato (de 56,06 a 61,40%) com o aumento das proporções do RLS. Por outro lado, o teor de proteína não foi afetado. O perfil de aminoácidos essenciais foi melhorado com o aumento das proporções do RLS nas paçocas formuladas. Resultados da avaliação sensorial indicam que as paçocas formuladas com até 15% do RLS mostraram boas características na aparência, no sabor e na textura, sendo a de 10% do RLS a mais apreciada pela equipe massal de provadores não treinados.
Quantificação de conídios de Pyricularia grisea no plantio direto e convencional de arroz de terras altas
Authors: Silva Gisele B. da , Prabhu Anne S.
Published: January 2006

Foi estudada a liberação de conídios de Pyricularia grisea no plantio convencional (PC) e direto (PD) de arroz (Oryza sativa) de terras altas, nas fases de desenvolvimento vegetativo e emissão de panículas nos experimentos de campo realizados em dois anos (1998/2000). As coletas de conídios de P. grisea foram realizadas com as armadilhas volumétricas Rotorod sampler. Objetivando quantificar os conídios viáveis e com potencial para causar infecção em folhas novas foram também utilizadas bandejas com plantas de arroz com 25 dias de idade das cultivares Carajás e Primavera expostas no campo, como armadilhas vivas. Na safra 1998/1999, o número de conídios de P. grisea aumentou linearmente com o tempo, entre o estádio de grão pastoso e maduro. Na safra de 1999/2000, a quantidade de conídios coletada aumentou de maneira exponencial, iniciando ao final do estádio emborrachamento até na fase de grão semi-maduro. O número de conídios coletados com a armadilha volumétrica diminuiu exponencialmente com o aumento da precipitação pluviométrica, assim como, reduziu a severidade da brusone nas plantas da armadilha viva tanto para a cultivar Carajás como para Primavera. A produção e a liberação de conídios foi menor no plantio direto tanto na fase vegetativa como durante o enchimento dos grãos nas panículas.
Termoterapia de banana 'Prata-Anã' no controle de podridões em pós-colheita
Authors: Moraes Wilson da S. , Zambolim Laércio , Lima Juliana D. , Salomão Luiz C. C. , Cecon Paulo
Published: January 2006

O objetivo desse estudo foi determinar a tolerância de banana (Musa spp.) 'Prata-Anã' (AAB) e do fungo Colletotrichum musae à termoterapia no controle de podridões em pós-colheita. Experimentos in vivo e in vitro foram instalados em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, seguindo um esquema fatorial 4x5 (temperatura x tempo). Os tratamentos consistiram na imersão dos frutos (buquês) e do fungo (esporos e micélio) em água aquecida a 47, 50, 53 e 56 ºC, durante 0, 3, 6, 9 e 12 min. A exposição dos frutos a 56 ºC durante 9 min causou escurecimento da casca nas extremidades dos frutos, porém, as características físicas e químicas dos frutos não foram alteradas pelos tratamentos. Frutos inoculados e tratados a 56 ºC durante 6 min não apresentaram podridões nem escurecimento da casca, enquanto aqueles não tratados apresentaram 64% da área lesionada / fruto. A partir das combinações 53 ºC / 9 mi. e 56 ºC / 3 min a germinação de esporos foi reduzida para 4% e 0%, respectivamente. A combinação 56 ºC / 12 min reduziu, mas não paralisou o crescimento micelial. O tratamento 56 ºC / 6 min retardou mas não paralisou o crescimento micelial in vitro, porém foi efetivo no controle completo das podridões in vivo. Esse tratamento evitou a manifestação de podridões no inverno (maio), mas não no verão (novembro), mostrando-se influenciado pelas condições climáticas próximas à colheita dos cachos. A termoterapia pode ser recomendada para controle de podridão em pós-colheita de banana devendo ser ajustada para diferentes estações do ano.