bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disparities in child mortality trends in two new states of India
Authors: Minnery Mark , Jimenez-Soto Eliana , Firth Sonja , Nguyen Kim-Huong , Hodge Andrew
Published: August 2013

Background

India has the world’s highest total number of under-five deaths of any nation. While progress towards Millennium Development Goal 4 has been documented at the state level, little information is available for greater disaggregation of child health markers within states. In 2000, new states were created within the country as a partial response to political pressures. State-level information on child health trends in the new states of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand is scarce. To fill this gap, this article examines under-five and neonatal mortality across various equity markers within these two new states, pre-and post-split.

Methods

Both direct and indirect estimation using pooled data from five available sources were undertaken. Inter-population disparities were evaluated by mortality data stratification of rural–urban location, ethnicity, wealth and districts.

Results

Both states experienced an overall reduction in under-five and neonatal mortality, however, this has stagnated post-2001 and various disparities persist. In cases where disparities have declined, such as between urban–rural populations and low- and high-income groups, this has been driven by modest declines within the disadvantaged groups (i.e. low-income rural households) and stagnation or worsening of outcomes within the advantaged groups. Indeed, rising trends in mortality are most prevalent in urban middle-income households.

Conclusions

The results suggest that rural health improvements may have come at the expense of urban areas, where poor performance may be attributed to factors such as lack of access to quality private health facilities. In addition, the disparities may in part be associated with geographical access, traditional practices and district-level health resource allocation.
High glucose concentration up-regulates the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and -13 in tendon cells
Authors: Tsai Wen-Chung , Liang Fang-Chen , Cheng Ju-Wen , Lin Li-Ping , Chang Shih-Chieh , Chen Hsiang-Hung , Pang Jong-Hwei S
Published: August 2013

Background

Diabetes mellitus is associated with tendinopathy or tendon injuries. However, the mechanism underlying diabetic tendinopathy is unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of high glucose concentrations on the activity and expression of matrix metalloproteinases, type I collagen, and type III collagen in tendon cells.

Methods

Tendon cells from rat Achilles tendons were treated with 6 mM, 12 mM, and 25 mM glucose, and then cell proliferation was evaluated by the 3-[4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of MMP-2, MMP-8, MMP-9, and MMP-13 and type I and type III collagen was assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The enzymatic activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 was measured by gelatin zymography.

Results

The MTT assay results showed that the glucose concentration did not affect tendon cell proliferation. The results of the real-time PCR assay revealed that the mRNA expression of MMP-9 and MMP-13 was up-regulated by treatment with 25 mM glucose, whereas the mRNA expression of type I and III collagen was not affected. Gelatin zymography showed that 25 mM glucose increased the enzymatic activity of MMP-9.

Conclusions

High glucose concentration up-regulates the expression of MMP-9 and MMP-13 in tendon cells, which may account for the molecular mechanisms underlying diabetic tendinopathy.
High levels of IgG3 anti ICB2-5 in Plasmodium vivax-infected individuals who did not develop symptoms
Authors: Versiani Fernanda G , Almeida Maria EM , Melo Gisely C , Versiani Francivaldo OL , Orlandi Patrícia P , Mariúba Luís André M , Soares Leidiane A , Souza Luciana P , da Silva Balieiro Antonio A , Monteiro Wuelton M , Costa Fabio TM , del Portillo Hernando A , Lacerda Marcus VG , Nogueira Paulo A
Published: August 2013

Background

Plasmodium vivax has the potential to infect 2.85 billion individuals worldwide. Nevertheless, the limited number of studies investigating the immune status of individuals living in malaria-endemic areas, as well as the lack of reports investigating serological markers associated with clinical protection, has hampered development of vaccines for P. vivax. It was previously demonstrated that naturally total IgG against the N-terminus of P. vivax merozoite surface protein 1 (Pv-MSP1) was associated with reduced risk of malarial infection.

Methods

Immune response against Pv-MSP1 (N-terminus) of 313 residents of the Rio Pardo rural settlement (Amazonas State, Brazil) was evaluated in a cross-sectional and longitudinal follow up over two months (on site) wherein gold standard diagnosis by thick blood smear and rRNA gene-based nested real-time PCR were used to discriminate symptomless Plasmodium vivax-infected individuals who did not develop clinical symptoms during a 2-months from those uninfected ones or who have had acute malaria. The acquisition of antibodies against Pv-MSP1 was also evaluated as survival analysis by prospective study over a year collecting information of new malaria infections in surveillance database.

Results

The majority of P. vivax-infected individuals (52-67%) showed immune recognition of the N-terminus of Pv-MSP1. Interesting data on infected individuals who have not developed symptoms, total IgG levels against the N-terminus Pv-MSP1 were age-dependent and the IgG3 levels were significantly higher than levels of subjects had acute malaria or those uninfected ones. The total IgG anti ICB2-5 was detected to be an important factor of protection against new malaria vivax attacks in survival analysis in a prospective survey (p = 0.029).

Conclusions

The study findings illustrate the importance of IgG3 associated to 2-months of symptomless in P. vivax infected individuals and open perspectives for the rationale of malaria vaccine designs capable to sustain high levels of IgG3 against polymorphic malaria antigens.
Health related quality of life and mental distress after PCI: restoring a state of equilibrium
Authors: Sipötz Johann , Friedrich Oliver , Höfer Stefan , Benzer Werner , Chatsakos Thomas , Gaul Georg ,   On behalf of PRODES-Austria investigators
Published: August 2013

Background

Patient self reported measures for Health Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) and mental distress are frequently used to evaluate outcome of therapeutic strategies in cardiac patients.

Our study aims to describe changes in HRQOL and mental distress after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) focusing on temporal pattern of change and interdependences between both outcome measures.

Method

163 PCI patients recruited at 7 cardiovascular care units in Austria answered MacNew Health Related Quality of Life and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaires during hospital stay after intervention and at 1, 6, 12 and 24 months.

Results

Improvement of MacNew HRQOL was found up to 6 month after PCI. Mental distress declined during the first month of the follow-up period. MacNew HRQOL is negatively correlated to mental distress. The relationship could be well described by a linear regression with MacNew HRQOL as dependent and HADS Total score as independent variable. The explained variance (R2) of the regression equation increases drastically from 45% at the baseline to a level between 67% and 77% in the follow up.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that the regression equation describing the relation between MacNew HRQOL and HADS-Total score six month after PCI defines a state of equilibrium: In absence of actual symptoms of coronary artery disease (CAD) both measures reflect the general health status and the general attitude underlying the self-assessment of health. At the baseline this equilibrium is imbalanced because the symptoms of CAD have a more pronounced impact on the disease specific MacNew HRQOL measure than on the non-disease specific HADS measure for mental distress. In order to use the MacNew questionnaire as a monitoring and/or prognostic tool it seems promising to refer to the state of equilibrium to define expectancy values for successful treatment.
First report in South America of companion animal colonization by the USA1100 clone of community-acquired meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (ST30) and by the European clone of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (ST71)
Authors: Quitoco Isidório Mebinda Zuco , Ramundo Mariana Severo , Silva-Carvalho Maria Cícera , Souza Raquel Rodrigues , Beltrame Cristiana Ossaille , de Oliveira Táya Figueiredo , Araújo Rodrigo , Del Peloso Pedro Fernandez , Coelho Leonardo Rocchetto , Figueiredo Agnes Marie Sá
Published: August 2013

Background

Methicillin-resistant staphylococci can colonize and cause diseases in companion animals. Unfortunately, few molecular studies have been carried out in Brazil and other countries with the aim of characterizing these isolates. Consequently, little is known about the potential role of companion animals in transmitting these resistant bacteria to humans. In this work we searched for mecA gene among Staphylococcus isolates obtained from nasal microbiota of 130 healthy dogs and cats attended in a veterinary clinic located in the west region of Rio de Janeiro. The isolates recovered were identified to the species level and characterized using molecular tools.

Results

A community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) isolate related to USA1100 (Southwest Pacific clone) and susceptible to all non-β-lactams was detected in a cat (1.7%, 1/60). Another coagulase-positive isolate harboring mecA was recovered from a dog (1.4%, 1/70) and identified as Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) related to the European clone (ST71). The two isolates of Staphylococcus conhii subsp. urealyticus (1.4%, 1/70 dogs and 1.7%, 1/60 cats), similarly to the MRSP isolate, also presented high-level multiresistance. The majority of the methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci recovered were Staphylococcus saprophyticus (5.7%, 4/70 dogs and 6.7%, 4/60 cats) and all clustered into the same PFGE type.

Conclusions

This work demonstrates that mecA-harboring Staphylococcus isolates are common members of the nasal microbiota of the healthy companion animals studied (9.2%, 12/130 animals), including some high-level multiresistant isolates of S. pseudintermedius and S. conhii subsp. urealyticus. The detection, for the first time in South America, of USA1100-related CA-MRSA and of ST71 MRSP (European clone), colonizing companion animals, is of concern. Both S. pseudintermedius and S. aureus are important agents of infections for animals. The USA1100 CA-MRSA is a causative of severe and disseminated diseases in healthy children and adults. Additionally, MRSP is a nosocomial pathogen in veterinarian settings. It had already been demonstrated that the virulent ST71 MRSP is geographically spread over Europe and USA, with potential for zoonotic infections.
Primulina cardaminifolia (Gesneriaceae), a rare new species from limestone areas in Guangxi, China
Authors: Xu Wei-Bin , Liu Yan , Kono Yoshiko , Chang Hsuan , Peng Ching-I , Chung Kuo-Fang
Published: August 2013

Background

Primulina cardaminifolia Yan Liu & W.B. Xu (Gesneriaceae), a distinct new species with imparipinnate leaves, is described and illustrated from a limestone valley in Guangxi Zhuangzu Autonomous Region, China. To assure its generic placement and phylogenetic affinity, phylogenetic analyses were performed using DNA sequences of nuclear ITS and chloroplast trnL-F intron spacer region. Additionally, somatic chromosome number was counted and pollen stainability was tested.

Results

Phylogenetic analyses support its placement in Primulina; however, two phylogenetically distinct ITS sequence types were detected, suggesting a probable hybrid origin. Its pollen stainability is 100% and its chromosome number, 2n = 36, is congruent with all known counts of diploid species of the genus.

Conclusion

All available data support the recognition of the new species Primulina cardaminifolia and suggest that it could have derived from homoploid hybrid speciation. Color plates, line drawings and a distribution map are provided to aid in identification.
Involvement of free radicals in breast cancer
Authors: Ríos-Arrabal Sandra , Artacho-Cordón Francisco , León Josefa , Román-Marinetto Elisa , del Mar Salinas-Asensio María , Calvente Irene , Núñez Maria Isabel
Published: August 2013

Researchers have recently shown an increased interest in free radicals and their role in the tumor microenvironment. Free radicals are molecules with high instability and reactivity due to the presence of an odd number of electrons in the outermost orbit of their atoms. Free radicals include reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, which are key players in the initiation and progression of tumor cells and enhance their metastatic potential. In fact, they are now considered a hallmark of cancer.

However, both reactive species may contribute to improve the outcomes of radiotherapy in cancer patients. Besides, high levels of reactive oxygen species may be indicators of genotoxic damage in non-irradiated normal tissues. The purpose of this article is to review recent research on free radicals and carcinogenesis in order to understand the pathways that contribute to tumor malignancy.

This review outlines the involvement of free radicals in relevant cellular events, including their effects on genetic instability through (growth factors and tumor suppressor genes, their enhancement of mitogenic signals, and their participation in cell remodeling, proliferation, senescence, apoptosis, and autophagy processes; the possible relationship between free radicals and inflammation is also explored. This knowledge is crucial for evaluating the relevance of free radicals as therapeutic targets in cancer.
Impact on survival of whole-body computed tomography before emergency bleeding control in patients with severe blunt trauma
Authors: Wada Daiki , Nakamori Yasushi , Yamakawa Kazuma , Yoshikawa Yoshiaki , Kiguchi Takeyuki , Tasaki Osamu , Ogura Hiroshi , Kuwagata Yasuyuki , Shimazu Takeshi , Hamasaki Toshimitsu , Fujimi Satoshi
Published: August 2013

Introduction

Whole-body computed tomography (CT) has gained importance in the early diagnostic phase of trauma care. However, the diagnostic value of CT for seriously injured patients is not thoroughly clarified. This study assessed whether preoperative CT beneficially affected survival of patients with blunt trauma who required emergency bleeding control.

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted from January 2004 to December 2010 in two tertiary trauma centers in Japan. The primary inclusion criterion was patients with blunt trauma who required emergency bleeding control (surgery or transcatheter arterial embolization). CT before emergency bleeding control was performed at the attending physician's discretion based on individual patient condition (for example, hemodynamic stability or certain abnormalities in the primary survey). We assessed covariates associated with 28-day mortality with multivariate logistic regression analysis and evaluated standardized mortality ratio (SMR, ratio of observed to predicted mortality by Trauma and Injury Severity Score (TRISS) method) in two subgroups of patients who did or did not undergo CT.

Results

The inclusion criterion was fulfilled by 152 patients with a median Injury Severity Score of 35.3. During the early resuscitation phase, 132 (87%) patients underwent CT and 20 (13%) did not. Severity of injury was significantly higher in the non-CT versus CT group patients. Observed mortality rate was significantly lower in the CT versus non-CT group (18% vs. 80%, P <0.001). Multivariate adjustment for the probability of survival (Ps) by TRISS method confirmed CT as an independent predictor for 28-day mortality (adjusted OR, 7.22; 95% CI, 1.76 to 29.60; P = 0.006). In the subgroup with less severe trauma (TRISS Ps ≥50%), SMR in the CT group was 0.63 (95% CI, 0.23 to 1.03; P = 0.066), indicating no significant difference between observed and predicted mortality in the CT group. In contrast, in the subgroup with more severe trauma (TRISS Ps <50%), SMR was 0.65 (95% CI, 0.41 to 0.90; P = 0.004) only in the CT group, whereas the difference between observed and predicted mortality was not significant in the non-CT group, suggesting a possible beneficial effect of CT on survival only in trauma patients at high risk of death.

Conclusion

CT performed before emergency bleeding control might be associated with improved survival, especially in severe trauma patients with TRISS Ps of <50%.
Brivanib Versus Sorafenib As First-Line Therapy in Patients With Unresectable, Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Results From the Randomized Phase III BRISK-FL Study
Authors: Johnson Philip J. , Qin Shukui , Park Joong-Won , Poon Ronnie T.P. , Raoul Jean-Luc , Philip Philip A. , Hsu Chih-Hung , Hu Tsung-Hui , Heo Jeong , Xu Jianming , Lu Ligong , Chao Yee , Boucher Eveline , Han Kwang-Hyub , Paik Seung-Woon , Robles-Aviña Jorge , Kudo Masatoshi , Yan Lunan , Sobhonslidsuk Abhasnee , Komov Dmitry , Decaens Thomas , Tak Won-Young , Jeng Long-Bin , Liu David , Ezzeddine Rana , Walters Ian , Cheng Ann-Lii
Published: August 2013

Purpose

Brivanib is a dual inhibitor of vascular-endothelial growth factor and fibroblast growth factor receptors that are implicated in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our multinational, randomized, double-blind, phase III trial compared brivanib with sorafenib as first-line treatment for HCC.

Patients and Methods

Advanced HCC patients who had no prior systemic therapy were randomly assigned (ratio, 1:1) to receive sorafenib 400 mg twice daily orally (n = 578) or brivanib 800 mg once daily orally (n = 577). Primary end point was overall survival (OS). Secondary end points included time to progression (TTP), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR) based on modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST), and safety.

Results

The primary end point of OS noninferiority for brivanib versus sorafenib in the per-protocol population (n = 1,150) was not met (hazard ratio [HR], 1.06; 95.8% CI, 0.93 to 1.22), based on the prespecified margin (upper CI limit for HR ≤ 1.08). Median OS was 9.9 months for sorafenib and 9.5 months for brivanib. TTP, ORR, and DCR were similar between the study arms. Most frequent grade 3/4 adverse events for sorafenib and brivanib were hyponatremia (9% and 23%, respectively), AST elevation (17% and 14%), fatigue (7% and 15%), hand-foot-skin reaction (15% and 2%), and hypertension (5% and 13%). Discontinuation as a result of adverse events was 33% for sorafenib and 43% for brivanib; rates for dose reduction were 50% and 49%, respectively.

Conclusion

Our study did not meet its primary end point of OS noninferiority for brivanib versus sorafenib. However, both agents had similar antitumor activity, based on secondary efficacy end points. Brivanib had an acceptable safety profile, but was less well-tolerated than sorafenib.
Comparison of Outcomes After Fluorouracil-Based Adjuvant Therapy for Stages II and III Colon Cancer Between 1978 to 1995 and 1996 to 2007: Evidence of Stage Migration From the ACCENT Database
Authors: Shi Qian , Andre Thierry , Grothey Axel , Yothers Greg , Hamilton Stanley R. , Bot Brian M. , Haller Daniel G. , Van Cutsem Eric , Twelves Chris , Benedetti Jacqueline K. , O'Connell Michael J. , Sargent Daniel J.
Published: August 2013

Purpose

With improved patient care, better diagnosis, and more treatment options after tumor recurrence, outcomes after fluorouracil (FU) -based treatment are expected to have improved over time in early-stage colon cancer. Data from 18,449 patients enrolled onto 21 phase III trials conducted from 1978 to 2002 were evaluated for potential differences in time to recurrence (TTR), time from recurrence to death (TRD), and overall survival (OS) with regard to FU-based adjuvant regimens.

Methods

Trials were predefined as old versus newer era using initial accrual before or after 1995. Outcomes were compared between patients enrolled onto old- or newer-era trials, stratified by stage.

Results

Within the first 3 years, recurrence rates were lower in newer- versus old-era trials for patients with stage II disease, with no differences among those with stage III disease. Both TRD and OS were significantly longer in newer-era trials overall and within each stage. The lymph node (LN) ratio (ie, number of positive nodes divided by total nodes harvested) in those with stage III disease declined over time. TTR improved slightly, with larger number of LNs examined in both stages.

Conclusion

Improved TRD in newer trials supports the premise that more aggressive intervention (oxaliplatin- and irinotecan-based chemotherapy and/or surgery for recurrent disease) improves OS for patients previously treated in the adjuvant setting. Lower recurrence rates with identical treatments in those with stage II disease enrolled onto newer-era trials reflect stage migration over time, calling into question historical data related to the benefit of FU-based adjuvant therapy in such patients.
Stomach Cancer Risk After Treatment for Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Morton Lindsay M. , Dores Graça M. , Curtis Rochelle E. , Lynch Charles F. , Stovall Marilyn , Hall Per , Gilbert Ethel S. , Hodgson David C. , Storm Hans H. , Johannesen Tom Børge , Smith Susan A. , Weathers Rita E. , Andersson Michael , Fossa Sophie D. , Hauptmann Michael , Holowaty Eric J. , Joensuu Heikki , Kaijser Magnus , Kleinerman Ruth A. , Langmark Frøydis , Pukkala Eero , Vaalavirta Leila , van den Belt-Dusebout Alexandra W. , Fraumeni Joseph F. , Travis Lois B. , Aleman Berthe M. , van Leeuwen Flora E.
Published: August 2013

Purpose

Treatment-related stomach cancer is an important cause of morbidity and mortality among the growing number of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) survivors, but risks associated with specific HL treatments are unclear.

Patients and Methods

We conducted an international case-control study of stomach cancer nested in a cohort of 19,882 HL survivors diagnosed from 1953 to 2003, including 89 cases and 190 matched controls. For each patient, we quantified cumulative doses of specific alkylating agents (AAs) and reconstructed radiation dose to the stomach tumor location.

Results

Stomach cancer risk increased with increasing radiation dose to the stomach (Ptrend < .001) and with increasing number of AA-containing chemotherapy cycles (Ptrend = .02). Patients who received both radiation to the stomach ≥ 25 Gy and high-dose procarbazine (≥ 5,600 mg/m2) had strikingly elevated stomach cancer risk (25 cases, two controls; odds ratio [OR], 77.5; 95% CI, 14.7 to 1452) compared with those who received radiation < 25 Gy and procarbazine < 5,600 mg/m2 (Pinteraction < .001). Risk was also elevated (OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.3 to 6.4) among patients who received radiation to the stomach ≥ 25 Gy but procarbazine < 5,600 mg/m2; however, no procarbazine-related risk was evident with radiation < 25 Gy. Treatment with dacarbazine also increased stomach cancer risk (12 cases, nine controls; OR, 8.8; 95% CI, 2.1 to 46.6), after adjustment for radiation and procarbazine doses.

Conclusion

Patients with HL who received subdiaphragmatic radiotherapy had dose-dependent increased risk of stomach cancer, with marked risks for patients who also received chemotherapy containing high-dose procarbazine. For current patients, risks and benefits of exposure to both procarbazine and subdiaphragmatic radiotherapy should be weighed carefully. For patients treated previously, GI symptoms should be evaluated promptly.
Molecular causes of aneuploidy in mammalian eggs
Authors: Jones Keith T. , Lane Simon I. R.
Published: August 2013

Mammalian oocytes are particularly error prone in segregating their chromosomes during their two meiotic divisions. This results in the creation of an embryo that has inherited the wrong number of chromosomes: it is aneuploid. The incidence of aneuploidy rises significantly with maternal age and so there is much interest in understanding this association and the underlying causes of aneuploidy. The spindle assembly checkpoint, a surveillance mechanism that operates in all cells to prevent chromosome mis-segregation, and the cohesive ties that hold those chromosomes together, have thus both been the subject of intensive investigation in oocytes. It is possible that a lowered sensitivity of the spindle assembly checkpoint to certain types of chromosome attachment error may endow oocytes with an innate susceptibility to aneuploidy, which is made worse by an age-related loss in the factors that hold the chromosomes together.
Female-biased dimorphism underlies a female-specific role for post-embryonic Ilp7 neurons inDrosophilafertility
Authors: Castellanos Monica C. , Tang Jonathan C. Y. , Allan Douglas W.
Published: August 2013

In Drosophila melanogaster, much of our understanding of sexually dimorphic neuronal development and function comes from the study of male behavior, leaving female behavior less well understood. Here, we identify a post-embryonic population of Insulin-like peptide 7 (Ilp7)-expressing neurons in the posterior ventral nerve cord that innervate the reproductive tracts and exhibit a female bias in their function. They form two distinct dorsal and ventral subsets in females, but only a single dorsal subset in males, signifying a rare example of a female-specific neuronal subset. Female post-embryonic Ilp7 neurons are glutamatergic motoneurons innervating the oviduct and are required for female fertility. In males, they are serotonergic/glutamatergic neuromodulatory neurons innervating the seminal vesicle but are not required for male fertility. In both sexes, these neurons express the sex-differentially spliced fruitless-P1 transcript but not doublesex. The male fruitless-P1 isoform (fruM) was necessary and sufficient for serotonin expression in the shared dorsal Ilp7 subset, but although it was necessary for eliminating female-specific Ilp7 neurons in males, it was not sufficient for their elimination in females. By contrast, sex-specific RNA-splicing by female-specific transformer is necessary for female-type Ilp7 neurons in females and is sufficient for their induction in males. Thus, the emergence of female-biased post-embryonic Ilp7 neurons is mediated in a subset-specific manner by a tra- and fru-dependent mechanism in the shared dorsal subset, and a tra-dependent, fru-independent mechanism in the female-specific subset. These studies provide an important counterpoint to studies of the development and function of male-biased neuronal dimorphism in Drosophila.
Imp3 unfolds stem structures in pre-rRNA and U3 snoRNA to form a duplex essential for small subunit processing
Authors: Shah Binal N. , Liu Xin , Correll Carl C.
Published: August 2013

Eukaryotic ribosome biogenesis requires rapid hybridization between the U3 snoRNA and the pre-rRNA to direct cleavages at the A0, A1, and A2 sites in pre-rRNA that liberate the small subunit precursor. The bases involved in hybridization of one of the three duplexes that U3 makes with pre-rRNA, designated the U3-18S duplex, are buried in conserved structures: box A/A′ stem–loop in U3 snoRNA and helix 1 (H1) in the 18S region of the pre-rRNA. These conserved structures must be unfolded to permit the necessary hybridization. Previously, we reported that Imp3 and Imp4 promote U3-18S hybridization in vitro, but the mechanism by which these proteins facilitate U3-18S duplex formation remained unclear. Here, we directly addressed this question by probing base accessibility with chemical modification and backbone accessibility with ribonuclease activity of U3 and pre-rRNA fragments that mimic the secondary structure observed in vivo. Our results demonstrate that U3-18S hybridization requires only Imp3. Binding to each RNA by Imp3 provides sufficient energy to unfold both the 18S H1 and the U3 box A/A′ stem structures. The Imp3 unfolding activity also increases accessibility at the U3-dependent A0 and A1 sites, perhaps signaling cleavage at these sites to generate the 5′ mature end of 18S. Imp4 destabilizes the U3-18S duplex to aid U3 release, thus differentiating the roles of these proteins. Protein-dependent unfolding of these structures may serve as a switch to block U3-pre-rRNA interactions until recruitment of Imp3, thereby preventing premature and inaccurate U3-dependent pre-rRNA cleavage and folding events in eukaryotic ribosome biogenesis.
The Compact Mutation of Myostatin Causes a Glycolytic Shift in the Phenotype of Fast Skeletal Muscles
Authors: Baán Júlia Aliz , Kocsis Tamás , Keller-Pintér Anikó , Müller Géza , Zádor Ernö , Dux László , Mendler Luca
Published: August 2013

Myostatin is an important negative regulator of skeletal muscle growth. The hypermuscular Compact ( Cmpt) mice carry a 12-bp natural mutation in the myostatin propeptide, with additional modifier genes being responsible for the phenotype. Muscle cellularity of the fast-type tibialis anterior (TA) and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) as well as the mixed-type soleus (SOL) muscles of Cmpt and wild-type mice was examined by immunohistochemical staining of the myosin heavy chain (MHC) proteins. In addition, transcript levels of MHC isoforms were quantified by qPCR. Based on our results, all investigated muscles of Cmpt mice were significantly larger compared with that of wild-type mice, as characterized by fiber hyperplasia of different grades. Fiber hypertrophy was not present in TA; however, EDL muscles showed specific IIB fiber hypertrophy while the (I and IIA) fibers of SOL muscles were generally hypertrophied. Both the fast TA and EDL muscles of Cmpt mice contained significantly more glycolytic IIB fibers accompanied by a decreased number of IIX and IIA fibers; however, this was not the case for SOL muscles. In summary, despite the variances found in muscle cellularity between the different myostatin mutant mice, similar glycolytic shifts were observed in Cmpt fast muscles as in muscles from myostatin knockout mice.
O Trabalho de Salvação de Cada Um
Authors: Silva Bernardo Melgaço da
Published: August 2013

Quando eu fazia Terapias Holísticas, no Rio de Janeiro, tomei conhecimento de um conto muito interessante. E começava assim...Era uma vez um escritor que necessitando de paz para concentração na confecção de um livro que estava escrevendo alugou uma casa bem próxima de uma praia praticamente deserta. De sua janela dava para ver a areia da praia e as ondas do mar. E logo que começou a morar na casa, colocou sua escrivaninha próxima à janela de tal forma que dava para ver a beleza das ondas do mar. Certa vez, avistou bem longe um homem que fazia um gesto muito estranho. Ele aguçou o seu olhar mas como era muito longe – mesmo! – só via uma figura humana se abaixando como se estivesse fazendo uma ginástica ou um ritual com os braços lançando algo em direção ao mar. Ele ficou curioso com a cena. E decidiu constatar o fenômeno. Saiu de casa e seguiu caminhando pela areia da praia. Caminhou centenas de metros e na medida que ía se aproximando do estranho, a cena ficava mais nítida. E logo que se aproximou do homem, indagou ao estranho: “O que senhor está fazendo?”.  O estranho, então, respondeu: “O senhor pode ver que a praia está cheia de estrelas-do-mar  encalhadas na areia. Eu estou tentando salvá-las devolvendo-as ao mar”. O escritor respondeu dizendo: “O que adianta o senhor fazer isso se são milhares que estão encalhadas e nem todas poderão ser salvas”.
Análise Bioenergética: Uma Revisão Sistemática da Literatura
Authors: Oliveira Gislene Farias de , Silva Regina Coeli Araújo da , Rolim Solange Gonçalves
Published: August 2013

A análise bioenergética é uma proposta de compreensão da personalidade à partir do corpo, dos seus movimentos e de seus processos energéticos. Respiração, expressão à partir dos movimentos, descarga energética e acumulação de energia são funções naturais do corpo, ao tempo que são expressões dos nossos sentimentos. A análise bioenergética parte do princípio de que o corpo e a mente funcionam de maneira semelhante e se auto-influenciam mutuamente. O presente estudo é uma revisão sistemática da literatura, com a finalidade de identificar e discutir pesquisas científicas relacionadas a análise bioenergética, produzidas na última década e disponíveis em periódicos científicos. A busca bibliográfica foi realizada a partir da consulta em artigos indexados às bases de dados Medline, Scielo e Lilacs, contendo as palavras-chave (e suas associações): “Bioenergética, psicologia corporal”.  Os resultados nos levaram a crer que ainda é incipiente os artigos disponíveis em periódicos indexados no Brasil. Espera-se que este estudo possa despertar um maior interesse em divulgar estudos sobre essa temática, de maneira que, mais e mais pessoas possam se beneficiar dos conhecimentos desta importante teoria. Também que novos estudos sejam realizados, com um maior controle e rigor metodológicos, de forma a reafirmar os resultados benéficos da utilização dos princípios da Psicologia Corporal e da Análise Bioenergética.
Reflexões sobre o Medo: Aspectos históricos e contextuais
Authors: Lobo Karla Rossana Gomes , Neves Fernanda Pereira de Brito , Alencar Maria Carmem Batista de
Published: August 2013

O medo é um tema recorrente na atualidade. Tem despertado a atenção das pessoas, por fazer parte do cotidiano social, ante as diversas mudanças que tem impactado a sociedade contemporânea, em suas diversas dimensões. O presente estudo discute o medo e suas implicações sociais e individuais, sob a ótica de diversos autores. A literatura estudada nos levou a crer que como consequência dos tempos atuais, de violência, de globalização e  de constantes mudanças, o medo tem se tornado mais banal, parte do cotidiano junto a sentimentos mais exacerbados de desamparo nos indivíduos. Conhecer mais sobre nossas limitações talvez seja o início, na busca de uma estratégia para lidar com nossas experiências no mundo.
Terceira idade: Características e Políticas Públicas Associadas
Authors: Marinho Ana Olívia De Oliveira , Barroso Marianna Leite , Marinho Gisanne De Oliveira
Published: August 2013

É notório o quanto o envelhecimento populacional vem crescendo graças à longevidade proporcionada pelos avanços da medicina. O envelhecimento é um fenômeno extremamente complexo, cujo conceito se deve a estrita interdependência dos aspectos biopsicosociais. Diversos estudos têm demonstrado uma associação entre envelhecimento e estados motivacionais depressivos. Embora se perceba uma melhora com relação à assistência aos idosos,  associadas à uma maior participação dos mesmos em  atividades voltadas para esta faixa etária e, a uma maior assistência por parte da implementação de diversos novos programas nas áreas assistenciais e de saúde, ainda é pequena a participação desses nos programas oferecidos. Sabemos que uma parcela significativa da  população, principalmente no Nordeste do Brasil, encontra-se submetida a condições precárias de vida e, conseqüentemente, exposta a fatores de risco. Assim, a falta de atenção ao idoso e às suas problemáticas peculiares,  parece ainda representar um problema de saúde pública no Brasil. Uma discussão sobre essa faixa etária e a efetividade de programas assistenciais para os mesmos, certamente ajudará na promoção de uma maior promoção de ações que considerem a melhoria do bem-estar desta parcela da população.
The Effects of Medicaid Earnings Limits on Earnings Growth among Poor Workers
Authors: Hamersma Sarah
Published: August 2013

Strict earnings limits for public health insurance eligibility may distort work incentives for low-earning workers. Since 1996, states may vary their parental Medicaid eligibility criteria independently of other assistance programs. The result is substantial variation across states and over time in the earnings thresholds to which workers must adhere to maintain eligibility. Utilizing this variation, I identify the effects of Medicaid earnings thresholds on labor force behavior of low-income single mothers, examining both static and dynamic patterns. I find some evidence that allocating government funds to increasing these thresholds could be used as a policy lever to help drive increased earnings among low-income women.
Fault Location Methods for Ungrounded Distribution Systems Using Local Measurements
Authors: Xiu Wanjing , Liao Yuan
Published: August 2013

This article presents novel fault location algorithms for ungrounded distribution systems. The proposed methods are capable of locating faults by using obtained voltage and current measurements at the local substation. Two types of fault location algorithms, using line to neutral and line to line measurements, are presented. The network structure and parameters are assumed to be known. The network structure needs to be updated based on information obtained from utility telemetry system. With the help of bus impedance matrix, local voltage changes due to the fault can be expressed as a function of fault currents. Since the bus impedance matrix contains information about fault location, superimposed voltages at local substation can be expressed as a function of fault location, through which fault location can be solved. Simulation studies have been carried out based on a sample distribution power system. From the evaluation study, it is evinced that very accurate fault location estimates are obtained from both types of methods.
Consensus Recovery from Intentional Attacks in Directed Nonlinear Multi-agent Systems
Authors: Shang Yilun
Published: August 2013

Resilience or recovery of multi-agent systems against attacks is believed to be one of the most important topics in control and management of complex systems. Previous studies have mainly focused on the random failure and intentional attack targeted on node degrees, whereas consensus recovery is much less investigated. In this paper, two kinds of targeted attacks are introduced and corresponding recovery strategies are proposed to address the consensus recovery of continuous-time nonlinear multi-agent systems under directed topologies against subsequent attacks. The cut-nodes and cut-edges are chosen as the targets of attack, and the multi-agent system becomes disconnected when they are deleted from the system. The neighbor nodes of the cut-node and end nodes of the cut-edge are used to recover the connectivity of the network. It is shown that our proposed strategies can significantly improve the convergence speed of reaching consensus of the resulting multi-agent systems. A cost function is also proposed to compare different recovery strategies.
Tri-integrable Couplings by Matrix Loop Algebras
Authors: Ma Wen-Xiu , Meng Jinghan , Zhang Huiqun
Published: August 2013

We create a class of non-semisimple matrix loop algebras, and use the associated zero curvature equations to construct tri-integrable couplings. An application is made for the AKNS equations as an illustrative example. Hamiltonian structures of the resulting tri-integrable couplings are furnished by the variational identities over the presented matrix loop algebras, which implies the commutativity of the sequences of symmetries and conserved functionals.
Representatives of elliptic Weyl group elements in algebraic groups
Authors: Zaremsky Matthew C. B.
Published: August 2013

An element
Limiting Early-Age Cracking in Concrete Bridge Decks
Authors: ElSafty Adel , Abdel-Mohti Ahmed , Jackson Mike , Lasa Ivan , Paredes Mario
Published: August 2013

Early-age bridge-deck cracking is a major problem affecting the durability of U.S. bridges. Many factors can cause early-age bridge-deck cracking including change in temperature, hydration, plastic shrinkage, autogenous shrinkage, and drying shrinkage. The presence of cracking may increase the effect of freeze and thaw cycles and may lead to corrosion of reinforcement, which may result in deterioration of the entire bridge. It is crucial to investigate the issue of early-age cracking in bridge decks to provide solutions to improve the safety of U.S. bridges. This research examines the use of different sealing materials to seal the developed cracks while the performance criteria can be achieved. An analytical study was performed to study the importance of major parameters that may affect the transverse deck cracking, such as concrete strength, shrinkage, thermal effect, load patterns, load magnitude, span length, number of spans, and continuity. A finite-element model was developed to investigate the factors affecting tensile stresses and crack tendency. Also, a tool was developed to predict the likelihood and initiation of early-age cracking in bridge decks. The outcomes of this study identify suitable sealant materials and identify a set of recommendations to limit the cracking problem and, hence, resulting in a longer service life to bridges.
Expansive Clay Suction Measurements Using Filter Paper and Polymer-Capacitance Sensor Methods
Authors: Lee Landris T.
Published: August 2013

Total suction values of undisturbed partially saturated expansive soil samples were synchronously measured using filter paper and miniature polymer-capacitance sensors. Soil suction-water content curves derived from enclosed headspace water vapor measurements were obtained for each method. Shrink-swell measurements were then correlated to the total suction values in order to demonstrate the applicability of either test method for estimating potential volume change.
Mechanical Properties of Frozen Soil
Authors: Zubeck Hannele , Yang Zhaohui
Published: August 2013

Description

Thirteen peer-reviewed papers cover the latest information on: research needed in frozen soil related engineering and frozen soil standard development needs including thaw consolidation test, shear stress test, triaxial compression test, unfrozen water content test, segregation potential test, handling-transportation-storage of frozen samples for laboratory testing, and sample preparation for laboratory testing.

The papers are divided into four topics
Mechanical Properties of Naturally Frozen Ice-Rich Silty Soils
Authors: Ge Xiaoxuan , Yang Zhaohui (Joey) , Still Benjamin
Published: August 2013

Frozen soils, especially seasonally frozen soil, have great impact on the seismic performance of bridge pile foundations. To account for its impact on pile foundations during seismic events, it is necessary to evaluate the mechanical properties of naturally frozen soil samples. This paper focuses on the mechanical properties of naturally frozen silty soil in Alaska. High-quality specimens of both permafrost and seasonally frozen soil were prepared by block sampling and machining. Both horizontal and vertical specimens were prepared to investigate the effect of specimen orientation. Unconfined compression tests were performed at temperatures ranging from −0.7°C to −11.6°C at a constant deformation rate corresponding to a strain rate of about 0.1 %/s, which is consistent to the strain level expected in the frozen soil during a design earthquake in interior Alaska. Testing results including soil characteristics and mechanical properties such as stress–strain curves, compressive strength, yield strength, and modulus of elasticity are presented. The impact of temperature, dry density, water content, and specimen orientation on the mechanical properties is discussed.
Sampling, Machining, and Testing of Naturally Frozen Soils
Authors: Still Benjamin , Yang Zhaohui (Joey) , Ge Xiaoxuan
Published: August 2013

For designing infrastructure foundations in cold regions, it is essential to evaluate the mechanical properties and characteristics of naturally frozen soils obtained from the field. However, sampling frozen soils is a difficult task especially when looking for minimally disturbed naturally frozen soil samples. The less disturbed the samples, the more reliably one can evaluate the mechanical properties of the frozen soils at its in situ condition. This paper describes the processes used to extract and machine naturally frozen soil samples for mechanical property testing. The extraction process involves a chainsaw with a carbide chain to cut a square into the ground of the desired size and the isolated block is snapped from the ground by using a wedge. The machining process involves cutting the block sample into octagons. During this process, particular attention is paid to the orientation of soil fabric. Once an octagon is made, a lathe is used with a special holding bit to avoid disturbing the octagon ends. Carbide cutting tools are needed as standard cutters dull very quickly and heat begins affecting the soil. The rate of lathing is carefully controlled to minimize the heat disturbance and roughness of the cylinder surface. A four-jaw chuck is used to face both sides of the specimen with the lathe to ensure that the two faces are parallel. This machining process is believed to minimize the thermal and mechanical disturbance to the specimen. The testing equipment and sensors used to measure stress–strain behavior are described. Testing data obtained from four samples with different orientation angle are presented.
Practice of Testing Frozen Soils
Authors: Oestgaard Finn E. , Zubeck Hannele K.
Published: August 2013

When designing building foundations, infrastructure, or operations for natural resource retrieval in cold regions, mechanical properties of frozen soils need to be known in order to avoid sudden bearing capacity failures, excessive creep settlements, and slope failures. Several methods exist to measure the mechanical properties of frozen soils, some of them specified by the ASTM International; however, it is not clear if these test methods are in current use. Do they need to be modified or, in the light of several new developments in the Arctic areas, are new test methods needed? To investigate these issues as well as issues with the rest of the D18.19 standards, a survey was created and sent to laboratories around the world testing frozen soils. The purpose of this paper is to present the survey results. Responses were received from Alaska, Canada, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and the continental United States. According to the survey results, none of the practices and standard test methods currently under the jurisdiction of the D18.19 are considered outdated; they are all relevant to current industry practice, are utilized as references for their corresponding test methods, and are used by several laboratories. Laboratory tests not currently standardized by ASTM International are performed on a regular basis in the frozen soil industry. The standardization of the following frozen soil tests is recommended: Thaw Consolidation Test, Shear Stress Test and Tri-axial Compression Test. The standardization of the field tests examined in this study is not recommended until further investigation regarding these test methods are performed. The current D18.19 standard test methods and practices do not require major modifications. The only recommended modification for the current standards relates to ASTM D4083-89: Standard Practice for Description of Frozen Soils, Annual Book of ASTM Standards, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2007. These results can be used to guide the future development of D18.19 standards.