bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Does Body Fat Influence Bone Mass in Childhood? A Mendelian Randomization Approach
Authors: Timpson Nicholas J , Sayers Adrian , Davey-Smith George , Tobias Jonathan H
Published: November 2008

Fat mass may be a causal determinant of bone mass, but the evidence is conflicting, possibly reflecting the influence of confounding factors. The recent identification of common genetic variants related to obesity in children provides an opportunity to implement a Mendelian randomization study of obesity and bone outcomes, which is less subject to confounding and several biases than conventional approaches. Genotyping was retrieved for variants of two loci reliably associated with adiposity (the fat mass and obesity-related gene FTO and that upstream of the MC4R locus) within 7470 children from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) who had undergone total body DXA scans at a mean of 9.9 yr. Relationships between both fat mass/genotypes and bone measures were assessed in efforts to determine evidence of causality between adiposity and bone mass. In conventional tests of association, both with and without height adjustment, total fat mass was strongly related to total body, spinal, and upper and lower limb BMC (ratio of geometric means [RGM]: 1.118 [95% CI: 1.112, 1.123], 1.110 [95% CI: 1.102, 1.119], 1.101 [95% CI: 1.093, 1.108], 1.146 [95% CI: 1.143, 1.155]; p < 10−10 [adjusted for sex, height, and sitting height]). Equivalent or larger effects were obtained from instrumental variable (IV) regression including the same covariates (1.139 [95% CI: 1.064, 1.220], 1.090 [95% CI: 1.010, 1.177], 1.142 [95% CI: 1.049, 1.243], 1.176 [95% CI: 1.099, 1.257]; p = 0.0002, 0.03, 0.002, and 2.3−6 respectively). Similar results were obtained after adjusting for puberty, when truncal fat mass was used in place of total fat, and when bone area was used instead of bone mass. In analyses where total body BMC adjusted for bone area (BA) was the outcome (reflecting volumetric BMD), linear regression with fat mass showed evidence for association (1.004 [95% CI: 1.002, 1.007], p = 0.0001). IV regression also showed a positive effect (1.031 [95% CI: 1.000, 1.062], p = 0.05). When MC4R and FTO markers were used as instruments for fat mass, similar associations with BMC were seen to those with fat mass as measured by DXA. This suggests that fat mass is on the causal pathway for bone mass in children. In addition, both directly assessed and IV-assessed relationships between fat mass and volumetric density showed evidence for positive effects, supporting a hypothesis that fat effects on bone mass are not entirely accounted for by association with overall bone size.
A Rare Haplotype in the Upstream Regulatory Region of COL1A1 Is Associated With Reduced Bone Quality and Hip Fracture
Authors: Jin Huilin , Stewart Tracy L , Van't Hof Rob , Reid David M , Aspden Richard M , Ralston Stuart
Published: November 2008

Three polymorphisms have been identified in the 5′ regulatory region of the COL1A1 gene at positions −1997 (rs1107946), −1663 (rs2412298), and +1245G/T (rs1800012), which combine to form haplotypes that have been associated with BMD in several populations. These polymorphisms and haplotypes have not thus far been studied in relation to biomechanical properties of bone or fracture risk. Genotypes and haplotypes of the COL1A1 gene were related to the biomechanical properties of bone ex vivo in samples of bone tissue obtained from the femoral head of 98 consecutive patients undergoing surgery for low-trauma hip fractures. Genotype and haplotype frequencies in the hip fracture cases were compared with 3418 population-based controls recruited from the same region. All three polymorphisms were associated with material density of the bone core, yield strength, and toughness. The association between −1663InsdelT and +1245G/T alleles, yield strength, and toughness remained significant after adjusting for material density of the core and other confounding factors. A haplotype comprising the unfavorable allele at all three polymorphic sites (−1997T/−1663delT/+1245T) was also associated with yield strength, modulus, and toughness after adjusting for confounding factors. This haplotype was carried by 19/94 (20.2%) patients with hip fracture compared with only 2/3399 (0.06%) female controls drawn from the general population (p < 0.0001). In contrast, there was no significant difference between cases and controls in genotype distribution for the individual polymorphisms. This study shows that common genetic variants in the 5′ regulatory region of COL1A1 are associated with biomechanical properties of bone and reduced bone quality by mechanisms independent of their effects on BMD. The biomechanically unfavorable allele at each polymorphic site defines a haplotype that is extremely rare in the general population but that is ∼400-fold enriched in hip fracture patients. This haplotype may have clinical value as a genetic marker for susceptibility to hip fracture, and further studies to investigate this possibility would be of interest.
Comparison of Effects of the Bisphosphonate Alendronate Versus the RANKL Inhibitor Denosumab on Murine Fracture Healing
Authors: Gerstenfeld Louis C , Sacks Daniel J , Pelis Megan , Mason Zachary D , Graves Dana T , Barrero Mauricio , Ominsky Michael S , Kostenuik Paul J , Morgan Elise F , Einhorn Thomas A
Published: November 2008

The role of osteoclast-mediated resorption during fracture healing was assessed. The impact of two osteoclast inhibitors with different mechanisms of action, alendronate (ALN) and denosumab (DMAB), were examined during fracture healing. Male human RANKL knock-in mice that express a chimeric (human/murine) form of RANKL received unilateral transverse femur fractures. Mice were treated biweekly with ALN 0.1 mg/kg, DMAB 10 mg/kg, or PBS (control) 0.1 ml until death at 21 and 42 days after fracture. Treatment efficacy assessed by serum levels of TRACP 5b showed almost a complete elimination of TRACP 5b levels in the DMAB-treated animals but only ∼25% reduction of serum levels in the ALN-treated mice. Mechanical testing showed that fractured femurs from both ALN and DMAB groups had significantly increased mechanical properties at day 42 compared with controls. μCT analysis showed that callus tissues from DMAB-treated mice had significantly greater percent bone volume and BMD than did both control and ALN-treated tissues at both 21 and 42 days, whereas ALN-treated bones only had greater percent bone volume and BMC than control at 42 days. Qualitative histological analysis showed that the 21-and 42-day ALN and DMAB groups had greater amounts of unresorbed cartilage or mineralized cartilage matrix compared with the controls, whereas unresorbed cartilage could still be seen in the DMAB groups at 42 days after fracture. Although ALN and DMAB delayed the removal of cartilage and the remodeling of the fracture callus, this did not diminish the mechanical integrity of the healing fractures in mice receiving these treatments. In contrast, strength and stiffness were enhanced in these treatment groups compared with control bones.
Understanding Juvenile Offending Trajectories
Authors: Livingston Michael , Stewart Anna , Allard Troy , Ogilvie James
Published: November 2008

Aconsiderable amount of international research has adopted a criminal careers framework to improve our understanding of offending patterns across the life course. Recent innovations in statistical modelling techniques such as Semi-Parametric Group-based Method (SPGM) have provided researchers with tools to model offending trajectories. While this framework and these techniques may improve our understanding of life course offending patterns, few Australian studies have adopted such an approach. SPGM was employed in the current study to model the offending patterns of the 1983–84 Queensland offender cohort (n = 4,470) to address three research questions: (1) How many distinct offending trajectories could be identified and what was the nature of these trajectories? (2) How were sex, Indigenous status, socioeconomic disadvantage, and remoteness related to offending trajectory membership? and (3) Are juvenile offending trajectories predictors of adult offending? Findings indicated that there were three distinct groups of juvenile offenders: Early Peaking-Moderate Offenders, Late Onset-Moderate Offenders, and Chronic Offenders. Males and Indigenous offenders were overrepresented in the chronic offending trajectory. Support for the utility of the model was found, as Chronic Offenders were more likely to have offended as adults. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed and the need for further trajectory research within an Australian context is emphasised.
When Penal Populism Stops: Legitimacy, Scandal and the Power to Punish in New Zealand
Authors: Pratt John
Published: November 2008

This article examines the relationship between the concept of legitimacy and the power to punish in modern society. It argues that the rise of penal populism is related to the way in which criminal justice elites steadily lost legitimacy in the post-1970s period. However, it goes on to argue, using New Zealand as an illustration, that there are limits to the power of penal populism. It too can lose its legitimacy when it breaches the boundaries of morally justifiable punishment levels or when it loses consent for what it promises to do.
Another One Bites the Dust: Recent Initiatives in Correctional Reform in New Zealand
Authors: Greg Newbold
Published: November 2008

Since the end of the 19th century, New Zealand has experimented with a variety of correctional ideas, the majority of which have imitated progressive initiatives taken overseas. However, none of the earlier attempts proved effective in reducing recidivist rates. Undeterred, in recent years, two new and quite different programs, the first known as He Ara Hou; the second as Integrated Offender Management, have been trialled by correctional authorities. This article explains the philosophy and application of the latest two programs, and discusses why they also failed.
A General Strain Theory of Racial Differences in Criminal Offending
Authors: Kaufman Joanne M. , Rebellon Cesar J. , Thaxton Sherod , Agnew Robert
Published: November 2008

Since 1992, General Strain Theory (GST) has earned strong empirical support and has been applied to several key correlates of crime (e.g., age, sex, community), but researchers have yet to fully consider how GST may aid in explaining racial differences in offending. While most explanations focus on macro level and macro-micro control processes, we argue that GST complements these explanations by highlighting the emotional and motivational social psychological processes that underlie criminal behaviour, thereby filling an important theoretical gap. In particular, we argue that African-Americans are likely to experience more and qualitatively unique types of strain compared to Whites, and that these strains in turn lead to higher levels of negative emotions among African-Americans. Further, we argue that the unique social conditions in which many African-Americans live may disproportionately lead them to cope with strain and negative emotions through crime. We believe these theoretical insights can guide future empirical research to create a fuller understanding of racial differences in offending.
Genetic Influences on Thought Problems in 7-Year-Olds: A Twin-Study of Genetic, Environmental and Rater Effects
Authors: Abdellaoui Abdel , Bartels Meike , Hudziak James J. , Rizzu Patrizia , van Beijsterveldt Toos CEM , Boomsma Dorret I.
Published: November 2008

The Thought–Problem scale (TP) of the CBCL assesses symptoms such as hallucinations and strange thoughts/behaviors and has been associated with other behavioral disorders. This study uses parental reports to examine the etiology of variation in TP, about which relatively little is known, in 7-year-old twins. Parental ratings on TP were collected in 8,962 7-year-old twin pairs. Because the distribution of TP scores was highly skewed scores were categorized into 3 classes. The data were analyzed under a threshold liability model with genetic structural equation modeling. Ratings from both parents were simultaneously analyzed to determine the rater agreement phenotype (or common phenotype [TPc]) and the rater specific phenotype [TPs] that represents rater disagreement caused by rater bias, measurement error and/or a unique view of the parents on the child's behavior. Scores on the TP-scale varied as a function of rater (fathers rated fewer problems), sex (boys scored higher) and zygosity (DZ twins scored higher). The TPc explained 67% of the total variance in the parental ratings. Variation in TPc was influenced mainly by the children's genotype (76%). Variance in TPs also showed a contribution of genetic factors (maternal reports: 61%, paternal reports: 65%), indicating that TPs does not only represent rater bias. Shared environmental influences were only found in the TPs. No sex differences in genetic architecture were observed. These results indicate an important contribution of genetic factors to thought problems in children as young as 7 years.
Linkage and Association Analyses of Longitudinally Measured Lipid Phenotypes in Adolescence
Authors: Middelberg Rita P. , Gordon Scott D. , Zhu Gu , McRae Allan , Montgomery Grant W. , Martin Nicholas G. , Whitfield John B.
Published: November 2008

The genetic basis of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is complex and still largely elusive. Plasma lipid concentrations are well-established risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), and have adult heritabilities ranging from 0.48 to 0.87. Estimates for adolescents are slightly higher (range 0.71 to 0.82). To identify loci affecting lipid concentrations across adolescence, we analyzed longitudinal lipid data in a sample of 134 monozygotic and 626 dizygotic twin pairs at ages twelve, fourteen and sixteen, and their siblings, from 760 Australian families. Univariate linkage analysis for each phenotype and time point was supplemented by multivariate analysis across the time points. A genome-wide association scan was also performed on a subset of the subjects (N= 441). The strongest linkage was seen for triglycerides on chromosome 6p24.3 (multivariate –log10p= 6.81; equivalent LOD = 6.13;p= 1.55 × 10–7). Significant linkage was also found for LDL cholesterol on chromosome 2q35 (multivariate –log10p= 5.59; equivalent LOD = 4.53;p= 2.57 × 10–6). In the association analysis, rs10503840 on 8p21.1 was significantly associated with total cholesterol levels at age fourteen (p= 8.24 × 10–7, estimated significance threshold 2.45 × 10–6). Association atp< 2.25 × 10–6was also found between triglycerides at age 12 and rs10507266, in an intron ofTHRAP2(MIM 608771) on 12q24.21; and between HDL-C at age 14 and rs10506325 in an intergenic region of 12q13.13. Suggestive evidence of association at ages twelve and fourteen was found between HDL-C and rs10492859 on 16q23 (p= 2.42 × 10–5and 2.77 × 10–4, respectively). Further longitudinal genetic studies of cardiovascular risk factors, focused on critical periods of development or change, are needed.
The Construction and Prospects of the Chongqing Twin Children Database
Authors: Fu Yixiao , Xie Peng , Meng Huaqing , Qin Qing , Jia Lu , Li Qi , Huang Yi , Hou Xiao , Luo Qinghua , Ma Xiaohong , Deng Wei , Wang Yingcheng , Hu Hua , Du Lian , Feng Kun , Qiu Haitang , Xiang Yun , Li Tao
Published: November 2008

Twins could play a crucial role in our understanding of genetic contributions to numerous etiologically complex disorders. In China, although adult twins are relatively rare, twins will become increasingly available due to increasing twin birth rates. Thus, child twin data will be a valuable resource to contribute to the field of child and adolescent psychopathology. The first twin database of children aged from 6 to 16 was established in Chongqing, R.P., China. In this article, we will discuss our experiences in establishing the twin database, completed in three steps — the first step being to search and identify twins, the second being to keep contact with the twins and the final being to seek cooperation with the twin families, and its future prospects. Our twin database has proven to be an efficient method for the investigation and data collection of twin children in China. The results of our present study suggest that the inclusion of twin information in the residence registration of the public security bureaus in the future may ensure a smooth run of research based on the demographic resources. We propose that school networks may be adopted as the preferred method of collection of twin records for future studies.
Zygosity and Chorionicity in the Prognosis of Triplet Pregnancies: Contribution of Microsatellites
Authors: Guilherme Romain , Drunat Séverine , Delezoide Anne-Lise , Ray Camille Le , Oury Jean-François , Luton Dominique
Published: November 2008

We assess the prognostic values of zygosity and chorionicity in triplet pregnancies (TP) with the assistance of microsatellites analysis. 53 consecutive TP whose prenatal care and delivery occurred in our maternity hospital were included in this prospective study. Zygosity of all sets of triplets (alive or stillbirth, after 22 weeks of gestation) was determined by PCR-amplified microsatellites markers analysis. Chorionicity was determined by placental analysis in our fetopathology referral department and validated by molecular analysis of zygosity. Placental conformations, obstetrical and neonatal outcomes of TP were studied according to their zygosity and chorionicity. Monozygotic and to a greater extent, dizygotic TP were associated with an increase in placental ischemic injuries, velamentous cord insertions, twin-twin transfusion syndromes, fetal anomalies, and perinatal mortality when compared with the trizygotic TP (p<0.05). Monochorionic and more significantly, dichorionic TP presented with the same increases as trichorionic TP (p<0.05). Thus chorionicity easily determined by ultrasound evaluation during the first trimester of the pregnancy must remain the main prognosis criterion in TP. Taking into account the rare indications of prenatal diagnosis of zygosity, it became apparent that chorionicity has a greater impact than zygosity when distinguishing high-risk groups of TP.
Twins and Politics: Political Careers and Political Attitudes / Twin Research Reviews: Pair-Bonding; Facial Expressivity in Reared Apart Twins; Educating Multiples / Stories That Move and Amaze Us: A Military Funeral; A Twins' Reunion; Egyptian Septuplets; Rare Occupations
Authors: Segal Nancy L.
Published: November 2008

Twins and twin research are providing fresh insights into the roots of political behavior. This topic is approached from dual perspectives: why some individuals choose to become politicians, and why individuals vary in their political attitudes and interests. Reviews of timely twin studies in the areas of pair-bonding, facial expressivity and education follow. Finally, some extraordinary events in the lives of twins and their families are revealed.
Indirect Diametrical Tensile Testing with Internal Displacement Measurement and Stiffness Determination
Authors: Gnanendran Carthigesu Thiagarajah , Piratheepan Jegatheesan
Published: November 2008

This paper examines the indirect diametrical tensile (IDT) testing method and its suitability for determining the tensile strength and stiffness modulus properties of a lightly cementitiously stabilized granular base material that are required for the design of a pavement structure involving this material. A new IDT testing setup with internal deformation measurement is presented in this paper. The suitability of this testing arrangement for determining the tensile strength and stiffness characteristics of a lightly stabilized granular base material was examined by studying the IDT strength and stiffness characteristics of two typical granular base materials stabilized with 3–5 % slag-lime and 1.5 % general blend cement-flyash. This study indicates that the internal deformation measurement setup presented in this paper for IDT testing is suitable for carrying out both monotonic and cyclic load IDT tests to determine the IDT strength, static stiffness modulus, and dynamic stiffness modulus properties of lightly cementitiously stabilized granular base materials reliably and consistently.
Troubled Pastures, Troubled Pictures: French Agriculture and Contemporary Rural Sociology
Authors: Hervieu Bertrand , Purseigle Franc¸ois
Published: November 2008

Abstract  In contrast to those of other industrialized western European countries, France's agricultural community continued to represent the majority of the national population for a long time and only became one of many minority groups at the end of the twentieth century. It then came under the influence of various trends, sometimes conflicting but nevertheless presenting a certain sociological and political unity. With the weakening of the demographic, territorial, economic, and political foundations of the French agricultural population, rural sociologists are now required to present a new analysis and a revised assessment of its position in French society. The object of this article is to promote better understanding of the reasons behind the blurring of images and representations associated with French agriculture. It invites readers to review and understand the different facets of an imagery that presents a paradox compared with the ideological constructs associated with the historical record of farming and the farming profession. Working in the tradition of the French school of rural sociology, we have set out to offer a sense of the social realities that now represent the main areas of analysis for French and European rural sociology.
Alternative Processing of Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Protein During Larval Development in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Matthews Krista A , Kunte Amit S , Tambe-Ebot Edward , Rawson Robert B
Published: November 2008

Sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP) is a major transcriptional regulator of lipid metabolism. Nuclear Drosophila SREBP (dSREBP) is essential for larval development in Drosophila melanogaster but dispensable in adults. dSREBP− larvae die at second instar owing to loss of dSREBP-mediated transcription but survive to adulthood when fed fatty acids. Activation of SREBP requires two separate cleavages. Site-1 protease (S1P) cleaves in the luminal loop of the membrane-bound SREBP precursor, cutting it in two. The NH2- and COOH-terminal domains remain membrane bound owing to their single membrane-spanning helices. The NH2-terminal cleavage product is the substrate for site-2 protease (S2P), which cleaves within its membrane-spanning helix to release the transcription factor. In mice, loss of S1P is lethal but the consequences of loss of S2P in animals remain undefined. All known functions of SREBP require its cleavage by S2P. We isolated Drosophila mutants that eliminate all dS2P function (dS2P−). Unexpectedly, larvae lacking dS2P are viable. They are deficient in transcription of some dSREBP target genes but less so than larvae lacking dSREBP. Despite loss of dS2P, dSREBP is processed in mutant larvae. Therefore, larvae have an alternative cleavage mechanism for producing transcriptionally active dSREBP, and this permits survival of dS2P mutants.
Curing of Yeast [URE3] Prion by the Hsp40 Cochaperone Ydj1p Is Mediated by Hsp70
Authors: Sharma Deepak , Stanley Robert F , Masison Daniel C
Published: November 2008

[URE3] is a prion of the yeast Ure2 protein. Hsp40 is a cochaperone that regulates Hsp70 chaperone activity. When overexpressed, the Hsp40 Ydj1p cures yeast of [URE3], but the Hsp40 Sis1p does not. On the basis of biochemical data Ydj1p has been proposed to cure [URE3] by binding soluble Ure2p and preventing it from joining prion aggregates. Here, we mutagenized Ydj1p and find that disrupting substrate binding, dimerization, membrane association, or ability to transfer substrate to Hsp70 had little or no effect on curing. J-domain point mutations that disrupt functional interactions of Ydj1p with Hsp70 abolished curing, and the J domain alone cured [URE3]. Consistent with heterologous J domains possessing similar Hsp70 regulatory activity, the Sis1p J domain also cured [URE3]. We further show that Ydj1p is not essential for [URE3] propagation and that depletion of Ure2p is lethal in cells lacking Ydj1p. Our data imply that curing of [URE3] by overproduced Ydj1p does not involve direct interaction of Ydj1p with Ure2p but rather works through regulation of Hsp70 through a specific J-protein/Hsp70 interaction.
Rationale and Design Issues of the Randomized Intervention for Children With Vesicoureteral Reflux (RIVUR) Study
Authors: Keren Ron , Carpenter Myra A. , Hoberman Alejandro , Shaikh Nader , Matoo Tej K. , Chesney Russell W. , Matthews Ranjiv , Gerson Arlene C. , Greenfield Saul P. , Fivush Barbara , McLurie Gordon A. , Rushton H. Gil , Canning Douglas , Nelson Caleb P. , Greenbaum Lawrence , Bukowski Timothy , Primack William , Sutherland Richard , Hosking James , Stewart Dawn , Elder Jack , Moxey-Mims Marva , Nyberg Leroy
Published: November 2008

Objective

Our goal is to determine if antimicrobial prophylaxis with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole prevents recurrent urinary tract infections and renal scarring in children who are found to have vesicoureteral reflux after a first or second urinary tract infection.

Design, Participants, and Methods

The Randomized Intervention for Children With Vesi-coureteral Reflux (RIVUR) study is a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Six hundred children aged 2 to 72 months will be recruited from both primary and subspecialty care settings at clinical trial centers throughout North America. Children who are found to have grades I to IV vesicoureteral reflux after the index febrile or symptomatic urinary tract infection will be randomly assigned to receive daily doses of either trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole or placebo for 2 years. Scheduled follow-up contacts include in-person study visits every 6 months and telephone interviews every 2 months. Biospecimens (urine and blood) and genetic specimens (blood) will be collected for future studies of the genetic and biochemical determinants of vesicoureteral reflux, recurrent urinary tract infection, renal insufficiency, and renal scarring.

Results

The primary outcome is recurrence of urinary tract infection. Secondary outcomes include time to recurrent urinary tract infection, renal scarring (assessed by dimercaptosuccinic acid scan), treatment failure, renal function, resource utilization, and development of antimicrobial resistance in stool flora.

Conclusions

The RIVUR study will provide useful information to clinicians about the risks and benefits of prophylactic antibiotics for children who are diagnosed with vesicoureteral reflux after a first or second urinary tract infection. The data and specimens collected over the course of the study will allow researchers to better understand the pathophysiology of recurrent urinary tract infection and its sequelae. Pediatrics 2008;122:240-250
ESR Imaging of Conduction Electrons in Organic Conductors
Authors: Dormann Elmar , Feintuch Akiva , Kaplan Noam
Published: November 2008

In organic conductors built from stacks of planar aromatic hydrocarbons the mobility of the conduction electrons perpendicular to the radical cation stacks is more than four orders of magnitude smaller than the respective along‐the‐stack value. Thus the macroscopic properties of real single crystals of such radical cation salts are strongly influenced by the distribution of inevitable defects. Therefore, spatial resolution is required for a meaningful interpretation of the ESR data. Various schemes for 2D and 3D ESR imaging have been realized in the radio frequency and microwave frequency range with a resolution down to 10 m̈m. Spatial distribution of spin density, T1, T2, and spin diffusion coefficient D were recorded, often as a function of temperature. The conducting‐chain length distribution was observed. Our first attempts for the imaging of the integral and the spatially distributed carrier motion caused by an applied electric current were successful.
Manejo da pastagem de azevém, contaminação larval no pasto e infecção parasitária em ovinos
Authors: Pegoraro Eliezer José , Poli César Henrique Espírito Candal , Carvalho Paulo César de Faccio , Gomes Mary Jane Tweedie de Mattos , Fischer Vivian
Published: November 2008

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do manejo da pastagem de azevém sobre o risco de reinfecção parasitária. Foram utilizadas duas ofertas (10 e 20 kg de matéria seca por 100 kg de peso vivo) em dois métodos de pastejo (lotação contínua e intermitente). A infestação parasitária no mantilho e nos diferentes estratos da forragem foi avaliada nos estratos: acima de 15, 10-15, 5-10, 2,5-5 e 0-2,5 cm; a carga parasitária no animal foi avaliada por exames coproparasitológicos; e a seletividade da dieta foi avaliada com afilhos marcados. Independentemente do método, a densidade larval aumentou do topo para a base do dossel forrageiro. No entanto, entre os estratos aptos ao pastejo foram observadas diferenças na oferta de 20% do peso vivo. A oferta influenciou o número de larvas recuperadas na forragem e a infecção no animal para ambos os gêneros de parasitas Haemonchus spp. e Trichostrongylus spp. A maior oferta proporcionou maior contaminação larval e infecção nos ovinos, porém na oferta de 10% do peso vivo, a quantidade de larvas presentes no pasto foi menor em lotação contínua, mas a carga parasitária no animal foi semelhante à da lotação rotacionada, independentemente do método de pastejo.
Production of polyclonal antisera using recombinant coat proteins of Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 2 and Grapevine virus B
Authors: Radaelli Paula , Fajardo Thor Vinícius Martins , Nickel Osmar , Eiras Marcelo , Pio-Ribeiro Gilvan
Published: November 2008

The objective of this work was to produce and characterize specific antisera against Brazilian isolates of Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 2 (GLRaV-2) and Grapevine virus B (GVB), developed from expressed coat proteins (CPs) in Escherichia coli, and to test their possible use for the detection of these two viruses in diseased grapevines. The coat protein (CP) genes were RT-PCR-amplified, cloned and sequenced. The CP genes were subsequently subcloned, and the recombinant plasmids were used to transform E. coli cells and express the coat proteins. The recombinant coat proteins were purified, and their identities were confirmed by SDS-PAGE and Western blot and used for rabbit immunizations. Antisera raised against these proteins were able to recognize the corresponding recombinant proteins in Western blots and to detect GLRaV-2 and GVB in infected grapevine tissues, by indirect ELISA, discriminating healthy and infected grapevines with absorbances (A405) of 0.08/1.15 and 0.12/1.30, respectively. Expressing CP genes can yield high amount of viral protein with high antigenicity, and GLRaV-2 and GVB antisera obtained in this study can allow reliable virus disease diagnosis.
Estabelecimento de leguminosas arbóreas em pastos de capim-marandu e tanzânia
Authors: Dias Paulo Francisco , Souto Sebastião Manhães , Azevedo Bruno Campbell de , Vieira Márcia de Souza , Colombari Aline Alves , Dias Juliana , Franco Avílio Antônio
Published: November 2008

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o desempenho de mudas sem proteção (de cercas ou estacas) de quatro espécies de leguminosas arbóreas e uma mistura eqüitativa dessas espécies, introduzidas em pastagens de Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu e Panicum maximum cv. Tanzânia, na presença de gado. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 2x5, duas gramíneas (marandu e tanzânia) e quatro espécies de leguminosas (Mimosa artemisiana, Pseudosamanea guachapele, Enterolobium contortisiliquum, Acacia farnesiana e uma mistura dessas espécies), com três repetições. Avaliaram-se: altura da muda, diâmetro do caule, diâmetro da copa, sobrevivência da muda, freqüência de pastejo e ocorrência de formigas. As diferenças estatísticas entre as médias da variável canônica principal, pelo teste de Scott-Knott, indicaram a formação de três agrupamentos, tendo-se destacado o grupo formado pelos tratamentos M. artemisiana e mistura de leguminosas, nos dois pastos, mais E. contortisiliquum e A. farnesiana, nos pastos dos capins marandu e tanzânia, respectivamente. Diferenças entre as médias dos tratamentos relativas a cada variável, calculadas por meio de intervalos de confiança de Bonferroni, mostraram que mudas de M. artemisiana apresentaram maior altura e sobrevivência em pasto de capim-marandu. Mudas dessa leguminosa, sem proteção, são indicadas para ser introduzidas, nas pastagens de capim-marandu da região, na presença do gado.
Utilização de fosfatos comerciais para frangos de corte na fase inicial
Authors: Queiroz Livya Stefane Borges de , Bertechini Antonio Gilberto , Rodrigues Paulo Borges , Guerreiro Mário César
Published: November 2008

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o desempenho e a mineralização óssea de frangos de corte, na fase de 1-21 dias de idade, e a biodisponibilidade de fósforo de fosfatos comerciais utilizados na alimentação de frangos de corte. Mil e oito pintos machos de um dia de idade foram distribuídos em 14 tratamentos, com 6 repetições de 12 aves cada, em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso. Os fosfatos avaliados foram o defluorizado, monocálcico B, bicálcico A, bicálcico B e bicálcico C, com dois níveis de fósforo disponível (0,30 e 0,40%). Foi adotada a técnica da abscissa e o fosfato monocálcico A como padrão (valor 100%), com quatro níveis de fósforo disponível: 0,25, 0,35, 0,45 e 0,55% para o cálculo da biodisponibilidade relativa. Todos os fosfatos com 0,40% do fósforo disponível proporcionaram às aves ganho de peso semelhante. Houve maior mineralização óssea das aves com o fosfato monocálcico B, comparado ao fosfato defluorizado. As fontes de fósforo apresentaram pequenas diferenças nos valores de biodisponibilidade relativa, com melhores resultados quanto ao monocálcico B e com maior sensibilidade de resposta da variável cinzas ósseas, em relação ao ganho de peso.
Micropropagación y estimativa de producción de mudas de bananos para la Amazonia Occidental
Authors: Oliveira Janiffe Peres de , Costa Frederico Henrique da Silva , Scherwinski-Pereira Jonny Everson
Published: November 2008

El objetivo del trabajo fue de determinar tasas de multiplicación y estimar la producción in vitro de microplantas de las cultivares del banano Preciosa, Maravilha, Pacovan Ken y Japira, durante seis subcultivos y con diferentes concentraciones de BAP. Después de multiplicadas, las microplantas enraizadas fueron aclimatadas, y la sobrevivencia fue determinada después de 30 días. Las tasas de multiplicación fueron de 2,3 y 2,1 brotes por explante de 'Preciosa' y 'Maravilha', respectivamente, y 2,7 brotes por explante de 'Pacovan Ken' y 'Japira', en 4 mg L-1 de BAP. Las pérdidas por contaminación fueron de 22,4%, y la sobrevivencia por lo menos 96%.
BRS 1002: nova cultivar de milho para o Sul do Brasil
Authors: Emygdio Beatriz Marti , Teixeira Mauro César Celaro , Acosta Adão
Published: November 2008

O híbrido de milho BRS 1002 é um híbrido simples, de ciclo precoce, desenvolvido pela Embrapa Trigo, em Passo Fundo, RS. Apresenta excelente sanidade foliar associada à alta produtividade, ótima estabilidade de produção, porte médio, arquitetura ereta, resistência ao acamamento e quebramento, além de ótimo empalhamento. BRS 1002 é indicado para a época normal de semeadura nos estados do Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina e Sul do Paraná.
Carcinoma folicular de tireóide: estudo retrospectivo
Authors: Araújo Filho Vergilius J. F. , Sondermann Adriana , Cavalheiro Beatriz G. , Romão Rodrigo Luiz P. , Ferraz Alberto Rosseti
Published: November 2008

OBJETIVOS: Abordar o diagnóstico, tratamento e evolução do carcinoma folicular da tireóide. MÉTODOS: Análise retrospectiva dos dados de 38 pacientes submetidos à tireoidectomia por carcinoma folicular puro, num período de 10 anos no HC-FMUSP. O tempo médio de seguimento foi de três anos e três meses. Nove pacientes eram do sexo masculino (23,7%) e 29 do sexo feminino (76,3%), com idades entre 19 e 87 anos (média=49,5). RESULTADOS: Em 17 (58,6%) dos doentes, observou-se nódulo único à ultra-sonografia, e 23 (79,3%) tinham nódulos frios à cintilografia. Sintomatologia esteve presente em 33 pacientes (86,8%). A punção aspirativa por agulha fina (PAAF), realizada em 27 pacientes, revelou padrão folicular em 24 (88,9%), carcinoma papilífero em 2 (7,4%) e bócio em 1 (3,7%). Tireoidectomia total foi o tratamento final em 34 pacientes e esvaziamento cervical foi realizado em três casos. Apenas 5 (13,1%) obtiveram confirmação diagnóstica ao exame de congelação intra-operatória. Houve 2 (5,2%) óbitos pela doença e 5 (13,1%) pacientes apresentam-se vivos com doença. O aumento da tireoglobulina (TG) correlacionou-se com o aparecimento de metástase em 100% dos casos. CONCLUSÕES: Concluímos que pacientes com carcinoma folicular de tireóide geralmente apresentam-se com nódulo único ou predominante ao primeiro exame, cuja PAAF é de padrão folicular. O exame de congelação raramente confirma o diagnóstico. Em nosso serviço, o tratamento de escolha é a tireoidectomia total, permitindo um seguimento mais adequado e confiável do paciente e prevenindo o crescimento de lesões subclínicas no lobo contralateral. A evolução geralmente é favorável.
Avaliação carotídea em doentes submetidos a revascularização miocárdica
Authors: Felizzola Luiz Roberto , Guillaumon Ana Terezinha
Published: November 2008

OBJETIVO: Como a doença carotídea é a principal causa isolada de acidente vascular cerebral de origem tromboembólica, acredita-se ser imprescindível o seu diagnóstico precoce. O presente estudo tem por objetivo realizá-lo, mantendo os conceitos de praticidade e viabilidade econômica, adequando-se às condições socioeconômicas desfavoráveis locais. MÉTODO: No período de 18 meses foram avaliados 50 doentes, sendo 35 homens e 15 mulheres, com média de idade de 67,2 anos. Todos apresentavam indicação de revascularização miocárdica, considerados coronariopatas graves. Avaliou-se a incidência e o grau de estenose carotídea com base no mapeamento dúplex. Da mesma forma, foi avaliada a relação com possíveis fatores de risco: diabetes melito, hipertensão arterial sistêmica, tabagismo, sintomatologia neurológica focal prévia, doença arterial troncular dos membros inferiores e presença de sopro carotídeo. RESULTADOS: A incidência de estenose carotídea hemodinamicamente significativa (>50%) foi de 48%, e crítica (>70%) de 32%. Mostraram-se fatores de risco estatisticamente significativos, antecedentes de diabetes melito, sintomatologia neurológica focal prévia, presença de sopro carotídeo e presença de alterações arteriais tronculares dos membros inferiores. CONCLUSÃO: Concluiu-se que no grupo estudado houve aumento significativo de risco para estenose carotídea hemodinamicamente significativa e crítica, em relação à população geral. Desta forma, justifica-se o rastreamento ultra-sonográfico para doença carotídea em doentes coronariopatas, principalmente quando os fatores de risco significativos se fizerem presentes.
Eficácia da confecção de válvulas colônicas após ressecção retoanal em ratos
Authors: Veloso Sérgio Geraldo , Biet Reginaldo , Rios Adriana Martins , Leite Virginia Hora Rios , Silva Alcino Lázaro da
Published: November 2008

OBJETIVO: Testar a eficácia da construção de válvulas colônicas após a ressecção retoanal em ratos, para se obter retardo do fluxo intestinal. MÉTODO: Análise clínico-evolutiva, radiológica e anatomopatológica de 31 ratos submetidos a duas seromiotomias circunferenciais transversais no cólon com invaginação sero-serosa e ressecção retoanal, com colostomia perineal. RESULTADOS: Sete ratos morreram no pós-operatório e, necropsiados, apresentavam impactação fecal. Houve redução do peso corporal e fecal no pós-operatório imediato (estatisticamente não significante), seguida de aparente normalização dos valores. Fecalitos aderidos uns aos outros foram freqüentes. Dos 24 animais radiografados, em oito, ao menos uma das válvulas estava visível. Após a necropsia de 21 ratos, constatou-se o predomínio absoluto de fezes a montante das válvulas. Macroscopicamente, nem sempre as válvulas foram identificadas. Na microscopia, encontrou-se hipertrofia das fibras musculares e interrupção da camada muscular com alteração na disposição das fibras e fibrose nos locais da seromiotomia. CONCLUSÕES: A operação foi tecnicamente viável. A presença das fezes a montante das válvulas, a eliminação de fezes aderidas, a hipertrofia e a interrupção da camada muscular reforçam a hipótese de que a seromiotomia age como mecanismo frenador, retardando o trânsito intestinal. O modelo experimental não permite aferir sobre continência fecal.
Valor prognóstico do linfonodo metastático e sua relação com a sobrevida livre de doença no câncer de cabeça e pescoço: estudo de 668 casos
Authors: Magalhães Marcos Ribeiro de , Amar Ali , Andrade Sobrinho Josias de , Carvalho Marcos Brasilino de , Rapoport Abrão , Denardin Odilon Victor Porto
Published: November 2008

OBJETIVO: Estudo retrospectivo e comparativo da sobrevida livre de doença, de 31 pacientes com metástase cervical de lesão primária oculta, submetidos a esvaziamento cervical e 637 pacientes submetidos ao mesmo procedimento, para o tratamento de câncer de cavidade oral, orofaringe e hipofaringe, operados no Serviço de Cirurgia de Cabeça e Pescoço do Complexo Hospitalar Heliópolis, São Paulo, Brasil, entre 1977 e 1995. MÉTODO: Levando-se em consideração o fator N do TNM (UICC-AJC 1997) para os pacientes com lesões primárias ocultas, e os fatores T e N para os com lesões primárias identificadas, foram confeccionadas as curvas de sobrevida livre de doença pelo método de Kaplan & Meier e comparadas pelo teste de log-rank. RESULTADOS: Comparamos a sobrevida livre de doença (SLD) das lesões de boca (b), orofaringe (o) e hipofaringe (h) com primário oculto (po) através de nove curvas considerando valores de p; variando os parâmetros. CONCLUSÕES: verificadas as diferentes curvas de sobrevida livre, aferiu-se que não houve diferenças significantes na sobrevida livre de doença nas nove curvas planejadas (todos valores de p>0,05), nos pacientes submetidos a esvaziamento cervical por primário oculto ou lesão identificada na boca, orofaringe e hipofaringe.
Hérnia inguinal na infância
Authors: Gabriel Ennio
Published: November 2008

A persistência do conduto peritoniovaginal (CPV) pode se manifestar como hérnia inguinal indireta, hidrocele comunicante, cisto do cordão ou pela combinação de duas ou até três destas formas. A hérnia é muito comum na infância, seu número vem crescendo com a sobrevida cada vez maior de prematuros de baixo peso, e deve ser operada sem demora devido ao risco de encarceramento. Já o cisto e a hidrocele só serão operados após uma certa espera pela sua cura espontânea. São resumidos o quadro clínico e o diagnóstico de cada uma das três formas de apresentação. A irredutibilidade, seja o simples encarceramento ou o estrangulamento, é analisada, lembrando aspectos característicos da criança, como por exemplo o risco que corre o testículo. A técnica operatória na criança é centralizada na ligadura do conduto peritoniovaginal. A conduta a tomar em situações especiais, como o encontro de uma Síndrome de Testículos Feminizantes é descrita, assim como as variantes técnicas a serem empregadas nos casos mais difíceis. Os casos em que a operação não pode ser limitada à simples ligadura do saco são lembrados. A conduta terapêutica na hérnia irredutível é descrita. O problema de explorar ou não a região inguinal oposta, dada a freqüência com que a persistência do CPV é bilateral, é analisado, mostrando os parâmetros que podem nortear a conduta em cada caso, inclusive o uso da videolaparoscopia. Finalmente, são revistas as complicações peculiares à cirurgia da hérnia na criança, lembrando que a recidiva é muito menos freqüente que no adulto.
Pilobolus species found on herbivore dung from the São Paulo Zoological Park, Brazil
Authors: Viriato Aírton
Published: November 2008

A study of Pilobolus species from 168 dung samples of various herbivoresous animals, collected in the São Paulo Zoological Park, was carried out. Ten species were found, illustrated, described, and a key for their identification is provided.
Microfitoplâncton de águas costeiras amazônicas: Ilha Canela (Bragança, PA, Brasil)
Authors: Sousa Eliane Brabo de , Costa Vanessa Bandeira da , Pereira Luci Carneiro Cajueiro , Costa Rauquírio Marinho da
Published: November 2008

Variações sazonal e nictemeral do microfitoplâncton foram estudadas em uma estação fixa (00º46'37,2''S-046º43'24,5''W), localizada em uma área costeira próxima à ilha Canela (Norte do Brasil), durante os meses de setembro e dezembro/2004 (período seco) e março e junho/2005 (período chuvoso). As amostras destinadas à análise qualitativa do fitoplâncton foram obtidas a partir da filtragem de 400 L de água, através de uma rede planctônica (65 μm de abertura de malha), durante marés de sizígia, em intervalos regulares de três horas, por um período de 24 horas. O material coletado foi fixado com formol neutro a 4%. Paralelamente a essas coletas foi medida a salinidade da superfície da água. A salinidade apresentou variação significativa ao longo do período de estudo, variando entre 26,1 (junho/2005) e 39,0 (dezembro/2004), caracterizando o ambiente como eualino-polialino. Foram identificados 130 táxons incluídos nas divisões Cyanophyta (dois táxons), Bacillariophyta (115 táxons) e Dinophyta (13 táxons). As diatomáceas dominaram o microfitoplâncton da área, sendo Asterionellopsis glacialis, Dimeregramma minor, Skeletonema sp. e Thalassiosira subtilis os táxons mais freqüentes e abundantes. Os altos valores de salinidade condicionaram a maior representatividade das espécies marinhas neríticas, polialóbias. Os processos de ressuspensão provocados pelos ventos e arrebentação das ondas promoveram intercâmbios entre as populações planctônicas e ticoplanctônicas, dentre as quais as espécies Dimeregramma minor, Triceratium biquadratum e T. pentacrinus representaram novas ocorrências para as águas costeiras do litoral amazônico.
Subtribos Eugeniinae O. Berg e Myrtinae O. Berg (Myrtaceae) na Restinga da Marambaia, RJ, Brasil
Authors: Souza Marcelo da Costa , Morim Marli Pires
Published: November 2008

Myrtaceae é uma das famílias com maior riqueza de espécies nas Restingas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi o levantamento das subtribos Eugeniinae e Myrtinae (Myrtaceae) nas diferentes formações vegetais da Restinga da Marambaia, no Estado do Rio de Janeiro (43º32' e 44º01'W; 23º01' e 23º06'S). Foram registrados 17 táxons para Eugeniinae e quatro para Myrtinae, sendo a subtribo com maior número de espécies Eugeniinae. Apresenta-se uma chave de identificação para as espécies, bem como descrições, ilustrações, dados relativos às épocas de floração e de frutificação e distribuição geográfica.
Sinopse taxonômica de Boraginaceae sensu lato A. Juss. no Estado de Alagoas, Brasil
Authors: Melo José Iranildo Miranda de , Lyra-Lemos Rosângela Pereira de
Published: November 2008

Este trabalho consiste no tratamento sinóptico da família Boraginaceae sensu lato no Estado de Alagoas, Nordeste do Brasil. Foram encontrados três gêneros e 23 espécies: Cordia, com 13 espécies e Heliotropium e Tournefortia, representados por cinco espécies cada. São fornecidas chaves para o reconhecimento de gêneros e espécies, bem como ilustrações, dados de distribuição e hábitat.