bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Free Radical-scavenging Activities of Amaranth (Amaranthus spp. L.) Seed Extracts
Authors: Jo Hyeon-Ju , Chung Kang-Hyun , Yoon Jin-A , Song Byeong Chun , An Jeung Hee
Published: September 2014

This study investigated the antioxidant activities of Amaranth (Amaranthus spp. L.) seed extracts. Methanol and hot water extracts of the seeds were evaluated for their total polyphenol, flavonoid, and tannin content, antioxidant activities, and protective effects against oxidative stress on L-132 cells. The hot water extracts showed higher total phenol (4.23 mg GAE/g) and tannin (0.511 mg TAE/g) content, while the methanol extracts showed higher flavonoid content (1.53 mg CE/g). The methanol extracts performed better than the water extracts for DPPH radical-scavenging activity, while the water extracts performed better for ABTS radical-scavenging activity and SOD-like activity. With L-132 cells, the water extracts showed strong protective effects against oxidative stress in a dose dependent manner with an effect three-fold higher than that of the methanol extracts at a concentration of 500 μg/mL. A higher inhibition activity of nitric oxide in RAW 264.7 cells was observed with the water extracts than with the methanol extracts at a concentration of 250 μg/mL. In summary, the water extracts showed the highest total polyphenol and tannin content and a more powerful protective effect against oxidative stress and inhibition effect of NO. Our results suggest that amaranth seeds may be useful as natural antioxidant compounds.
A Study on Total Sugar Content in Cooked Rice and Side Dishes of Eat-out Korean Food
Authors: Lee Jin-Won , Hwang Jin-Bong , Nahmgung Bae , Park Jang-Woo
Published: September 2014

The objective of this study was to investigate the total sugar content of cooked rice (e.g. Bokkeumbap, Deopbap, Bibimbap, Gimbap, Chobap) and side dishes (Jjigae, Kimchi, Jangajji) by using HPLC analysis. Samples were collected from six regions in Korea (Seoul, Gyeonggi-do, Chungcheong-do, Gangwon-do, Jeonla-do, Gyeongsangdo). In cooked rice, the total sugar content in Bibimbap (8.537 g/100 g), Jangeo-deopbap (3.207 g/100 g), and Saladgimbap (2.394 g/100 g) was higher than that of other cooked rice. Also the analysis results showed that the total sugar content of cooked rice with spice and sauce added was a little higher than that of other kinds of cooked rice. From the analysis of Jjigae, it was shown that Doenjang-jjigae (1.805 g/100 g) from the Jeonla-do region had the highest total sugar content while there was no difference in total sugar content from the other regions. In case of Kimchi, that from Jeonla-do and Gyeongsang-do was very sweet, salty, and spicy, and the total sugar content was higher than that from the other regions. The highest total sugar content among the analyzed Kimchi was in Godeulppaegikimchi with a value of 8.188 g/100 g. In addition, the total sugar content in Jangajjie, as a pickle among side dishes, was shown to be higher than that of the other side dishes with the highest range among Jangajjie of 32.865 g/100 g to 41.846 g/100 g being found in Maesil-jangajji.
An In Situ Quality Estimation of Raw Aloe vera Gel by Using the Flocculation Property of Bentonite Suspension
Authors: Kwon Hye Mi , Hur Won , Lee Shin Young
Published: September 2014

The glucomannan content of Aloe vera gel was measured by a novel method using a bentonite suspension that flocculates upon mixing with gels prepared by hand filleting of aloe leaf. An optimum flocculation condition was determined to be Aloe vera gel diluted in the range of 2 to 5-fold and then a bentonite suspension 1% (w/v) mixed with the gel sample in the ratio of 8:2 (v/v) to provide a mixture volume of 10 mL with the length to diameter ratio of 5. Under the conditions of these experiments, a rapid settling (<3 min) of more than 90% of the bentonite was achieved only when the aloe gel sample was properly diluted. The glucomannan concentrations in various diluted samples with the highest settling rates were identified in the range of 195.7±21.4 mg/L; thus, the results indicate that the glucomannan content may be determined from the dilution rate of the aloe gel sample that exhibits the highest settling rate. This study provides a simple, rapid, and cost-effective assay for the estimation of the glucomannan level in raw Aloe vera gel.
Quality Evaluation of Short-grain Brown Rice During Storage as Affected by the Combined Action of Initial Moisture Content, Storage Temperature, and Packaging of the Kernels
Authors: Kim Byong Ki
Published: September 2014

The short-grain rice cultivar Choochung with a rough rice moisture content of 21% was air-dried to equilibrate the moisture content to 15, 16, and 17%. After dehulling, brown rice was packaged for storage in laminated paper or LDPE/OPP plastic-film bags (10-kg size). After storage of the packaged rice kernels in plastic and paper bags at 10, 15, and 20℃, the quality characteristics of the rice were evaluated weekly for 16 weeks. Serious losses in the internal moisture content of the kernels were observed during storage in paper bags, regardless of the moisture content of the kernels or the storage temperature. The plastic-film packaging was effective in maintaining the weight of the kernels for all treatments, but severe fat oxidation problems were encountered, especially when the initial moisture content of the kernel was 17% and/or the storage temperature of the kernels was 20℃. Before two weeks, the fat acidity value of the kernels reached 20 mL KOH/100 g, a marginal limit for an acceptable taste of cooked rice. Based on this study, the recommended environment for the storage of brown rice for efficient economic storage of the kernels is an initial kernel moisture content of 16%, laminated plastic-film packaging, and a sub-refrigeration temperature of 15℃.
Characteristics of Fermented Curcuma as a Health Food Ingredient
Authors: Woo Sung-Min , Chung Ha-Yull
Published: September 2014

Curcuma, which is well known for its characteristic flavor, was fermented with lactic acid bacteria from kimchi, and the taste and biological activities were examined in order to investigate its use as a health food ingredient. Although the general composition of the fermented curcuma was similar regardless of lactic acid bacteria used for fermentation, the overall acceptability of the curcuma fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum (CLp) was better than that of the other samples. Taste sensing tests showed that the higher overall acceptability of CLp stemmed from an increase in umami and sourness and a decrease in astringency with CLp. There were no statistical differences in curcumin content, DPPH radical scavenging activities, and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities among the curcuma samples; however, CLpe, an extract of CLp, revealed dose dependent inhibition on the production of PG-E2 from RAW cells. Consequently, CLpe may be suitable for use in processed foods in order to provide health benefits without lowering their sensory qualities.
Effect of Beef Bone Broth on the Quality of Cooked Rice as Home Meal Replacement Products
Authors: Cho Eun-Kyung , Wu Hyun-Jung , Kim Byeong-Cheol , Yoo Yeong-Mi , Lee Mi-Yeon
Published: September 2014

The objective of this study is to find the optimal cooking condition of rice for the cold chain as home meal replacement (HMR) products. Two types of rice varieties were cooked either on an electric rice cooker (ERC) or a superheated steamer (SHS) with different concentrations of beef bone broth added before cooking. Cooked rice was stored at 5℃ for 3 days and the quality was analyzed by moisture content, color, reducing sugar content, texture profile, and sensory evaluation. The results indicate that retrogradation of cooked rice prepared using SHS can be reduced during cold storage by the addition of beef bone broth. Also, the addition of more than 40% of beef bone broth caused a deterioration in the quality of the cooked rice, and it appears that the addition of 10-20% of bone broth is optimal for the overall quality of the cooked rice during cold storage.
Expression of ORAI1, a Plasma Membrane Resident Subunit of the CRAC Channel, in Rodent and Non-rodent Species
Authors: Guzman Roberto , Valente Eliane G. , Pretorius Jim , Pacheco Efrain , Qi Meiying , Bennett Brian D. , Fong David H. , Lin Fen-Fen , Bi Vivian , McBride Helen J.
Published: September 2014

We determined the expression of ORAI1 protein in rodent and non-rodent tissues using a monoclonal antibody directed against an extracellular loop of the protein. Previous reports using antibodies directed at the C-terminus of ORAI1 have not detected central nervous system (CNS) expression. Our results demonstrate broad tissue expression that includes the CNS using a unique monoclonal antibody specific to an extracellular loop of ORAI1. In addition, we present in situ hybridization (ISH) results using a probe within the middle of the mouse coding region showing CNS expression of Orai1 RNA. We contrast the patterns of rodent and human tissue expression and conclude that rodents have similar expression of ORAI1 in most tissue types when compared to primates, with an important exception being the male reproductive system, where human-specific expression is observed.
Modeling of useful operating life of radioelectronics
Authors: Nevlyudova V. V.
Published: September 2014

The author considers the possibility of using the laws of nonequilibrium thermodynamics to determine the relationship between controlled parameters of radioelectronics and the displayed environment, as well as the construction of a deterministic model of the processes of manufacturing defects development. This possibility is based on the observed patterns of change in the amount of content area, in accordance with the principles of behavior of the thermodynamic parameters characterizing the state of the real environment (entropy, the quantity of heat, etc.). The equation for the evolution of the technical state of radioelectronics is based on the deterministic kinetic model of the processes occurring in the multi-component environment, and on the observation model, which takes into account the errors caused by external influences instability and uncertainty.
Thermoelectric power source for electronic medical thermometer
Authors: Anatychuk L. I. , Kobylianskyi R. R. , Konstantinovich I. A.
Published: September 2014

At present chemical sources of electricity are used as power supplies for low-powered electronic equipment. Despite continuous quality improvement (CQI) of chemical sources of electricity they still have some critical faults, such as: relatively high specific overall dimensions, presence of self-discharge, short life and limited shelf life under low temperature storage. Moreover, the chemical source of electricity production is power-consuming, costly and environmentally harmful.
The plurality of facts given above stipulates the search for new sources of electric energy eliminating the faults chemical ones possess. Therefore, thermoelectric power supply sources are especially prospective in this respect as thermoelectric generators in general have a long operational life, they are reliable for use in extreme conditions and do not need being changed periodically.
It is a well-known fact that thermoelectric converter efficiency depends on the load resistance and the converter resistance matching, which are stipulated by such converter design. The results of calculations of a thermoelectric converter for a medical thermometer power supply are presented in this paper. The authors define a rational design of such a converter which is limited by technological complexity of small-size legs fabrication, on the one hand, and with the converter overall dimensions, on the other hand. The study carried out has shown the expediency of a thermoelectric converter application for various operational modes to provide an electronic medical thermometer power supply, particularly in the unmatched load mode with the converter efficiency dropping down five to tenfold.
The work confirms the possibility of a thermoelectric converter of human body application for an electronic medical thermometer power supply.
The hybrid energy storages based on batteries and ultracapacitors for contact microwelding
Authors: Bondarenko Yu. V. , Safronov P. S. , Bondarenko O. F. , Sydorets V. M. , Rogozina T. S.
Published: September 2014

Micro resistance welding is an effective way to reliably join small-scale parts. It is widely used in electronics and instrument-making. The important particularities of micro resistance welding are pulse character of energy consumption, non-linear load and special form of current pulses. So, these particularities of welding process cause negative influence on the mains. One of the known ways to avoid it is to use autonomous power supplies for micro resistance welding machines. The important task for building autonomous power supplies is to choose effective energy storages, which have high capacity and small internal resistance, and which are capable to be charged and deliver energy to load very quickly. The solution of this task is seen in using hybrid energy storages, which include accumulators and ultracapacitors. The accumulators are able to provide high energy capacitance and the ultracapacitors are able to provide fast energy delivery. The possibility of application of hybrid energy storages, based on accumulator batteries and ultracapacitors, in micro resistance welding machines is confirmed with computer simulation. Two variants of hybrid energy storages are proposed. These hybrid energy storages have high power and dynamic characteristics, which are sufficient to generate current pulses for welding according to necessary settings.
Sensory-Motor Integration during Speech Production Localizes to Both Left and Right Plana Temporale
Authors: Simmonds Anna J. , Leech Robert , Collins Catherine , Redjep Ozlem , Wise Richard J.S.
Published: September 2014

Speech production relies on fine voluntary motor control of respiration, phonation, and articulation. The cortical initiation of complex sequences of coordinated movements is thought to result in parallel outputs, one directed toward motor neurons while the “efference copy” projects to auditory and somatosensory fields. It is proposed that the latter encodes the expected sensory consequences of speech and compares expected with actual postarticulatory sensory feedback. Previous functional neuroimaging evidence has indicated that the cortical target for the merging of feedforward motor and feedback sensory signals is left-lateralized and lies at the junction of the supratemporal plane with the parietal operculum, located mainly in the posterior half of the planum temporale (PT). The design of these studies required participants to imagine speaking or generating nonverbal vocalizations in response to external stimuli. The resulting assumption is that verbal and nonverbal vocal motor imagery activates neural systems that integrate the sensory-motor consequences of speech, even in the absence of primary motor cortical activity or sensory feedback. The present human functional magnetic resonance imaging study used univariate and multivariate analyses to investigate both overt and covert (internally generated) propositional and nonpropositional speech (noun definition and counting, respectively). Activity in response to overt, but not covert, speech was present in bilateral anterior PT, with no increased activity observed in posterior PT or parietal opercula for either speech type. On this evidence, the response of the left and right anterior PTs better fulfills the criteria for sensory target and state maps during overt speech production.
Two Functionally Distinct Networks of Gap Junction-Coupled Inhibitory Neurons in the Thalamic Reticular Nucleus
Authors: Lee Seung-Chan , Patrick Saundra L. , Richardson Kristen A. , Connors Barry W.
Published: September 2014

Gap junctions (GJs) electrically couple GABAergic neurons of the forebrain. The spatial organization of neuron clusters coupled by GJs is an important determinant of network function, yet it is poorly described for nearly all mammalian brain regions. Here we used a novel dye-coupling technique to show that GABAergic neurons in the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN) of mice and rats form two types of GJ-coupled clusters with distinctive patterns and axonal projections. Most clusters are elongated narrowly along functional modules within the plane of the TRN, with axons that selectively inhibit local groups of relay neurons. However, some coupled clusters have neurons arrayed across the thickness of the TRN and target their axons to both first- and higher-order relay nuclei. Dye coupling was reduced, but not abolished, among cells of connexin36 knock-out mice. Our results suggest that GJs form two distinct types of inhibitory networks that correlate activity either within or across functional modules of the thalamus.
Differential Modulation of Reinforcement Learning by D2 Dopamine and NMDA Glutamate Receptor Antagonism
Authors: Jocham Gerhard , Klein Tilmann A. , Ullsperger Markus
Published: September 2014

The firing pattern of midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons is well known to reflect reward prediction errors (PEs), the difference between obtained and expected rewards. The PE is thought to be a crucial signal for instrumental learning, and interference with DA transmission impairs learning. Phasic increases of DA neuron firing during positive PEs are driven by activation of NMDA receptors, whereas phasic suppression of firing during negative PEs is likely mediated by inputs from the lateral habenula. We aimed to determine the contribution of DA D2-class and NMDA receptors to appetitively and aversively motivated reinforcement learning. Healthy human volunteers were scanned with functional magnetic resonance imaging while they performed an instrumental learning task under the influence of either the DA D2 receptor antagonist amisulpride (400 mg), the NMDA receptor antagonist memantine (20 mg), or placebo. Participants quickly learned to select (“approach”) rewarding and to reject (“avoid”) punishing options. Amisulpride impaired both approach and avoidance learning, while memantine mildly attenuated approach learning but had no effect on avoidance learning. These behavioral effects of the antagonists were paralleled by their modulation of striatal PEs. Amisulpride reduced both appetitive and aversive PEs, while memantine diminished appetitive, but not aversive PEs. These data suggest that striatal D2-class receptors contribute to both approach and avoidance learning by detecting both the phasic DA increases and decreases during appetitive and aversive PEs. NMDA receptors on the contrary appear to be required only for approach learning because phasic DA increases during positive PEs are NMDA dependent, whereas phasic decreases during negative PEs are not.
Rapid and Slow Chemical Synaptic Interactions of Cholinergic Projection Neurons and GABAergic Local Interneurons in the Insect Antennal Lobe
Authors: Warren Ben , Kloppenburg Peter
Published: September 2014

The antennal lobe (AL) of insects constitutes the first synaptic relay and processing center of olfactory information, received from olfactory sensory neurons located on the antennae. Complex synaptic connectivity between olfactory neurons of the AL ultimately determines the spatial and temporal tuning profile of (output) projection neurons to odors. Here we used paired whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in the cockroachPeriplaneta americanato characterize synaptic interactions between cholinergic uniglomerular projection neurons (uPNs) and GABAergic local interneurons (LNs), both of which are key components of the insect olfactory system. We found rapid, strong excitatory synaptic connections between uPNs and LNs. This rapid excitatory transmission was blocked by the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor blocker mecamylamine. IPSPs, elicited by synaptic input from a presynaptic LN, were recorded in both uPNs and LNs. IPSPs were composed of both slow, sustained components and fast, transient components which were coincident with presynaptic action potentials. The fast IPSPs were blocked by the GABAAreceptor chloride channel blocker picrotoxin, whereas the slow sustained IPSPs were blocked by the GABABreceptor blocker CGP-54626. This is the first study to directly show the predicted dual fast- and slow-inhibitory action of LNs, which was predicted to be key in shaping complex odor responses in the AL of insects. We also provide the first direct characterization of rapid postsynaptic potentials coincident with presynaptic spikes between olfactory processing neurons in the AL.
Ganglioside Regulation of AMPA Receptor Trafficking
Authors: Prendergast Jillian , Umanah George K.E. , Yoo Seung-Wan , Lagerlöf Olof , Motari Mary G. , Cole Robert N. , Huganir Richard L. , Dawson Ted M. , Dawson Valina L. , Schnaar Ronald L.
Published: September 2014

Gangliosides are major cell-surface determinants on all vertebrate neurons. Human congenital disorders of ganglioside biosynthesis invariably result in intellectual disability and are often associated with intractable seizures. To probe the mechanisms of ganglioside functions, affinity-captured ganglioside-binding proteins from rat cerebellar granule neurons were identified by quantitative proteomic mass spectrometry. Of the six proteins that bound selectively to the major brain ganglioside GT1b (GT1b:GM1 > 4;p< 10−4), three regulate neurotransmitter receptor trafficking: Thorase (ATPase family AAA domain-containing protein 1), solubleN-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor (NSF) attachment protein (γ-SNAP), and the transmembrane protein Nicalin. Thorase facilitates endocytosis of GluR2 subunit-containing AMPA-type glutamate receptors (AMPARs) in an ATPase-dependent manner; its deletion in mice results in learning and memory deficits (J. Zhang et al., 2011b). GluR2-containing AMPARs did not bind GT1b, but bound specifically to another ganglioside, GM1. Addition of noncleavable ATP (ATPγS) significantly disrupted ganglioside binding, whereas it enhanced AMPAR association with Thorase, NSF, and Nicalin. Mutant mice lacking GT1b expressed markedly higher brain Thorase, whereas Thorase-null mice expressed higher GT1b. Treatment of cultured hippocampal neurons with sialidase, which cleaves GT1b (and other sialoglycans), resulted in a significant reduction in the size of surface GluR2 puncta. These data support a model in which GM1-bound GluR2-containing AMPARs are functionally segregated from GT1b-bound AMPAR-trafficking complexes. Release of ganglioside binding may enhance GluR2-containing AMPAR association with its trafficking complexes, increasing endocytosis. Disrupting ganglioside biosynthesis may result in reduced synaptic expression of GluR2-contianing AMPARs resulting in intellectual deficits and seizure susceptibility in mice and humans.
Peripheral Nerve Regeneration and NGF-Dependent Neurite Outgrowth of Adult Sensory Neurons Converge on STAT3 Phosphorylation Downstream of Neuropoietic Cytokine Receptor gp130
Authors: Quarta Serena , Baeumer Bastian E. , Scherbakov Nadja , Andratsch Manfred , Rose-John Stefan , Dechant Georg , Bandtlow Christine E. , Kress Michaela
Published: September 2014

After nerve injury, adult sensory neurons can regenerate peripheral axons and reconnect with their target tissue. Initiation of outgrowth, as well as elongation of neurites over long distances, depends on the signaling of receptors for neurotrophic growth factors. Here, we investigated the importance of gp130, the signaling subunit of neuropoietic cytokine receptors in peripheral nerve regeneration.

After sciatic nerve crush, functional recoveryin vivowas retarded inSNS-gp130−/−mice, which specifically lackgp130in sensory neurons. Correspondingly, a significantly reduced number of free nerve endings was detected in glabrous skin fromSNS-gp130−/−compared with control mice after nerve crush. Neurite outgrowth and STAT3 activationin vitrowere severely reduced in cultures in gp130-deficient cultured neurons. Surprisingly, in neurons obtained fromSNS-gp130−/−mice the increase in neurite length was reduced not only in response to neuropoietic cytokine ligands of gp130 but also to nerve growth factor (NGF), which does not bind to gp130-containing receptors. Neurite outgrowth in the absence of neurotrophic factors was partially rescued in gp130-deficient neurons by leptin, which activates STAT3 downstream of leptic receptor and independent of gp130. The neurite outgrowth response of gp130-deficient neurons to NGF was fully restored in the presence of leptin.

Based on these findings, gp130 signaling via STAT3 activation is suggested not only to be an important regulator of peripheral nerve regenerationin vitroandin vivo, but as determining factor for the growth promoting action of NGF in adult sensory neurons.
IKKβ Deficiency in Myeloid Cells Ameliorates Alzheimer's Disease-Related Symptoms and Pathology
Authors: Liu Yang , Liu Xu , Hao Wenlin , Decker Yann , Schomburg Robert , Fülöp Livia , Pasparakis Manolis , Menger Michael D. , Fassbender Klaus
Published: September 2014

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by extracellular amyloid-β (Aβ) deposits and microglia-dominated inflammatory activation. Innate immune signaling controls microglial inflammatory activities and Aβ clearance. However, studies examining innate immunity in Aβ pathology and neuronal degeneration have produced conflicting results. In this study, we investigated the pathogenic role of innate immunity in AD by ablating a key signaling molecule, IKKβ, specifically in the myeloid cells of TgCRND8 APP-transgenic mice. Deficiency of IKKβ in myeloid cells, especially microglia, simultaneously reduced inflammatory activation and Aβ load in the brain and these effects were associated with reduction of cognitive deficits and preservation of synaptic structure proteins. IKKβ deficiency enhanced microglial recruitment to Aβ deposits and facilitated Aβ internalization, perhaps by inhibiting TGF-β-SMAD2/3 signaling, but did not affect Aβ production and efflux. Therefore, inhibition of IKKβ signaling in myeloid cells improves cognitive functions in AD mice by reducing inflammatory activation and enhancing Aβ clearance. These results contribute to a better understanding of AD pathogenesis and could offer a new therapeutic option for delaying AD progression.
Optogenetic Activation of Cajal-Retzius Cells Reveals Their Glutamatergic Output and a Novel Feedforward Circuit in the Developing Mouse Hippocampus
Authors: Quattrocolo Giulia , Maccaferri Gianmaria
Published: September 2014

Cajal-Retzius cells orchestrate the development of cortical circuits by secreting the glycoprotein reelin. However, their computational functions are still unknown. In fact, the nature of their postsynaptic targets, major neurotransmitter released, as well as the class of postsynaptic receptors activated by their firing remain unclear. Here, we have addressed these questions by activating Cajal-Retzius cells optogenetically in mouse hippocampal slices. Light delivered to stratum lacunosum-moleculare triggered EPSCs both on local interneurons and on pyramidal cells. Responses recorded under voltage-clamp conditions had identical short latencies and similar amplitudes, but were kinetically different (i.e., faster in interneurons vs pyramidal cells). In both cases, responses were blocked by TTX, indicating that they were generated by action potential-dependent release. Responses in interneurons were rescued by the addition of 4-AP to TTX, and decreased when presynaptic firing in Cajal-Retzius cells was reduced by the chemokine CXCL12, indicating the existence of a direct Cajal-Retzius cell-interneuron monosynaptic connection. Although the combined application of 4-AP and TTX did not rescue responses in pyramidal cells, neither were they affected by the GABAAreceptor blocker gabazine, which would be expected if they were polysynaptic. Both connections showed physiological and pharmacological properties indicating the involvement of AMPA- and NMDA-type glutamate receptors. The connectivity from presynaptic Cajal-Retzius cells to interneurons was strong enough to generate long-latency feedforward GABAergic input onto pyramidal cells. We propose that this newly defined Cajal-Retzius cell-dependent microcircuit may regulate synaptic plasticity and dendritic development in stratum lacunosum-moleculare, thus impacting the integrative properties of the developing hippocampus.
Encoding and Tracking of Outcome-Specific Expectancy in the Gustatory Cortex of Alert Rats
Authors: Gardner Matthew P.H. , Fontanini Alfredo
Published: September 2014

In natural conditions, gustatory stimuli are typically expected. Anticipatory and contextual cues provide information that allows animals to predict the availability and the identity of the substance to be ingested. Recording in alert rats trained to self-administer tastants following a go signal revealed that neurons in the primary gustatory cortex (GC) can respond to anticipatory cues. These experiments were optimized to demonstrate that even the most general form of expectation can activate neurons in GC, and did not provide indications on whether cues predicting different tastants could be encoded selectively by GC neurons. Here we recorded single-neuron activity in GC of rats engaged in a task where one auditory cue predicted sucrose, while another predicted quinine. We found that GC neurons respond differentially to the two cues. Cue-selective responses develop in parallel with learning. Comparison between cue and sucrose responses revealed that cues could trigger the activation of anticipatory representations. Additional experiments showed that an expectation of sucrose leads a subset of neurons to produce sucrose-like responses even when the tastant was omitted. Altogether, the data show that primary sensory cortices can encode for cues predicting different outcomes, and that specific expectations result in the activation of anticipatory representations.
Deficiency of GDNF Receptor GFRα1 in Alzheimer's Neurons Results in Neuronal Death
Authors: Konishi Yoshihiro , Yang Li-Bang , He Ping , Lindholm Kristina , Lu Bai , Li Rena , Shen Yong
Published: September 2014

We have recently developed aged cortical neuron cultures from autopsied human brains with Alzheimer's disease (AD). During the culturing process, we found that glutamatergic cortical neurons from the AD brain lacked a response to glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), including no axonal regrowth, and were starting to undergo apoptosis. Here we showed that, in cortical neurons from age- and gender-matched cognitively normal control (NC) subjects (NC neurons), GDNF enhanced the expression of GDNF family receptor subtype α1 (GFRα1), but not the other three subtypes (GFRα2, GFRα3, and GFRα4), whereas GDNF failed to induce GFRα1 expression in cortical neurons from the AD brain (AD neurons). The exogenous introduction of GFRα1, but not of its binding partner α1-neural cell adhesion molecule, or RET into AD neurons restored the effect of GDNF on neuronal survival. Moreover, between NC and AD neurons, the AMPA receptor blocker CNQX and the NMDA receptor blocker AP-5 had opposite effects on the GFRα1 expression induced by GDNF. In NC neurons, the presence of glutamate receptors was necessary for GDNF-linked GFRα1 expression, while in AD neurons the absence of glutamate receptors was required for GFRα1 expression by GDNF stimulation. These results suggest that, in AD neurons, specific impairments of GFRα1, which may be linked to glutamatergic neurotransmission, shed light on developing potential therapeutic strategies for AD by upregulation of GFRα1 expression.
CYP21A2 polymorphisms in patients with autoimmune Addison's disease, and linkage disequilibrium to HLA risk alleles
Authors: Brønstad Ingeborg , Skinningsrud Beate , Bratland Eirik , Løvås Kristian , Undlien Dag , Sverre Husebye Eystein , Susanne Bøe Wolff Anette
Published: September 2014

Objective

Steroid 21-hydroxylase, encoded byCYP21A2, is the major autoantigen in autoimmune Addison's disease (AAD).CYP21A2is located in the region of the HLA complex on chromosome 6p21.3, which harbours several risk alleles for AAD. The objective was to investigate whetherCYP21A2gene variants confer risk of AAD independently of other risk alleles in theHLAloci.

Design

DNA samples from 381 Norwegian patients with AAD and 340 healthy controls (HC) previously genotyped for theHLA-A, -B, -DRB1, and -DQB1andMICAloci were used for genotyping ofCYP21A2.

Methods

Genotyping ofCYP21A2was carried out by direct sequencing. Linkage ofCYP21A2to theHLAloci was assessed using UNPHASED version 3.0.10 and PHASE version 2.1.

Results

Heterozygotes of the single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs397515394, rs6467, rs6474, rs76565726 and rs6473 were detected significantly more frequently in AAD patients compared with HC (P<0.005), but all SNPs were in a linkage disequilibrium (LD) with high-riskHLA–DRB1haplotypes. rs6472C protected against AAD (odds ratio=0.15, 95% CI (0.08–0.30),P=3.8×10−10). This SNP was not in an LD withHLAloci (P=0.02), but did not increase protection when considering the effect ofHLA–DRB1alleles. Mutations causing congenital adrenal hyperplasia were found in heterozygosity in <1.5% of the cases in both groups.

Conclusion

Genetic variants ofCYP21A2associated to AAD are in LD with the main AAD risk locus HLA-DRB1, andCYP21A2does not constitute an independent susceptibility locus.
CUX1: a modulator of tumour aggressiveness in pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms
Authors: Krug Sebastian , Kühnemuth Benjamin , Griesmann Heidi , Neesse Albrecht , Mühlberg Leonie , Boch Michael , Kortenhaus Juliane , Fendrich Volker , Wiese Dominik , Sipos Bence , Friemel Juliane , Gress Thomas M , Michl Patrick
Published: September 2014

Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PNENs) constitute a rare tumour entity, and prognosis and treatment options depend on tumour-mediating hallmarks such as angiogenesis, proliferation rate and resistance to apoptosis. The molecular pathways that determine the malignant phenotype are still insufficiently understood and this has limited the use of effective combination therapies in the past. In this study, we aimed to characterise the effect of the oncogenic transcription factor Cut homeobox 1 (CUX1) on proliferation, resistance to apoptosis and angiogenesis in murine and human PNENs. The expression and function ofCUX1were analysed using knockdown and overexpression strategies in Ins-1 and Bon-1 cells, xenograft models and a genetically engineered mouse model of insulinoma (RIP1Tag2). Regulation of angiogenesis was assessed using RNA profiling and functional tube-formation assays in HMEC-1 cells. Finally,CUX1expression was assessed in a tissue microarray of 59 human insulinomas and correlated with clinicopathological data.CUX1expression was upregulated during tumour progression in a time- and stage-dependent manner in the RIP1Tag2 model, and associated with pro-invasive and metastatic features of human insulinomas. Endogenous and recombinantCUX1expression increased tumour cell proliferation, tumour growth, resistance to apoptosis, and angiogenesisin vitroandin vivo. Mechanistically, the pro-angiogenic effect ofCUX1was mediated via upregulation of effectors such as HIF1α and MMP9.CUX1mediates an invasive pro-angiogenic phenotype and is associated with malignant behaviour in human insulinomas.
Scalable and Versatile Genome Editing Using Linear DNAs with Microhomology to Cas9 Sites inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Paix Alexandre , Wang Yuemeng , Smith Harold E , Lee Chih-Yung S , Calidas Deepika , Lu Tu , Smith Jarrett , Schmidt Helen , Krause Michael W , Seydoux Geraldine
Published: September 2014

Homology-directed repair (HDR) of double-strand DNA breaks is a promising method for genome editing, but is thought to be less efficient than error-prone nonhomologous end joining in most cell types. We have investigated HDR of double-strand breaks induced by CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) in Caenorhabditis elegans. We find that HDR is very robust in the C. elegans germline. Linear repair templates with short (∼30–60 bases) homology arms support the integration of base and gene-sized edits with high efficiency, bypassing the need for selection. Based on these findings, we developed a systematic method to mutate, tag, or delete any gene in the C. elegans genome without the use of co-integrated markers or long homology arms. We generated 23 unique edits at 11 genes, including premature stops, whole-gene deletions, and protein fusions to antigenic peptides and GFP. Whole-genome sequencing of five edited strains revealed the presence of passenger variants, but no mutations at predicted off-target sites. The method is scalable for multi-gene editing projects and could be applied to other animals with an accessible germline.
Madres descubriendo el amor incondicional en el proceso adaptativo de hospitalización de su bebé prematuro
Authors: Villamizar Carvajal Beatriz , Vargas Porras Carolina , Rueda Nieves Eugenia
Published: September 2014

Introducción: El nacimiento prematuro tiene un impacto social y emocional para la familia, por lo tanto, enfermería tiene el reto de indagar y profundizar sobre las diversas experiencias; para proponer intervenciones que favorezcan el desempeño del rol materno. Objetivo: Describir los resultados de un metaestudio sobre la adquisición del rol materno de la madre con un recién nacido prematuro hospitalizado. Materiales y Métodos: El metaestudio, involucra 3 fases analíticas: análisis metadatos, meta-método, meta-teoría, consideradas a la luz del contexto histórico, sociocultural y disciplinar. La búsqueda se realizó en: CINAHL, Medline, PsycINFO, Dissertation Abstracts. Resultados: Se incluyeron 26 investigaciones de 13 países publicadas en inglés, portugués y español (durante los años 2001-2013). Las expresiones categóricas que emergen de estas investigaciones, son: pérdida de autocontrol; experimentando dolor; buscando significado a los eventos; adaptándose a la situación; adquiriendo el rol materno y descubriendo el amor incondicional. Discusión: El metaestudio permitió el análisis crítico de la información, orientando la investigación dentro de un contexto de patrones sistemáticos, con la construcción de una alternativa de cambio del enfoque tradicional de pérdida y sufrimiento al del redescubrimiento desde la visión positiva y transformativa. Conclusiones: Reconocer la carga emocional de las madres de recién nacido prematuro obliga al equipo de salud a intervenir e idear estrategias de apoyo, para hacer menos doloroso el proceso de hospitalización de sus hijos.  Por ello el cuidado humanizado en la unidad neonatal, debe centrar sus acciones en un cuidado individual, singular, en la integralidad y respeto por la vida.

Palabras clave: Maternidad, Recién Nacido Prematuro, Enfermería Neonatal. (Fuente: DeCs BIREME).

Cómo citar este artículo: Villamizar B, Vargas C, Rueda E. Madres descubriendo el amor incondicional en el proceso adaptativo de hospitalización de su bebe prematuro. Rev Cuid. 2014; 5(2):782-91. http://dx.doi.org/10.15649/cuidarte.v5i2.93
Ensinar e aprender no campo clínico: perspectiva de docentes, enfermeiras e estudantes de enfermagem
Authors: Merighi Miriam Aparecida Barbosa , Jesus Maria Cristina Pinto de , Domingos Selisvane Ribeiro da Fonseca , Oliveira Deíse Moura de , Ito Thaís Norika
Published: September 2014

Estudo qualitativo, com abordagem da fenomenologia social de Alfred Schütz, que teve como objetivo conhecer e discutir as expectativas dos docentes, enfermeiras e estudantes com relação ao ensino em campo clínico. Participaram do estudo nove docentes, 11 enfermeiras e 11 estudantes do Curso de Graduação em Enfermagem de uma universidade pública de São Paulo. A coleta dos dados foi realizada em 2012 e os resultados mostraram que os sujeitos esperam que o ensino clínico subsidie a articulação entre a teoria e a prática profissional; e almejam que tal ensino possibilite o desenvolvimento de uma postura próativa e participativa dos envolvidos na aprendizagem. A reciprocidade de perspectivas foi evidenciada, devendo ser considerada na elaboração de projetos pedagógicos voltados para a formação do enfermeiro.
Alteração de taxa de filtração glomerular em pacientes hipertensos do município de Vitória-ES
Authors: Passigatti Cynthia Perin , Molina Maria Del Carmen , Cade Nágela Valadão
Published: September 2014

Como monitorização da função renal, utiliza-se a estimativa da filtração glomerular (FG). Neste estudo, objetivou-se estimar a FG mediante a equação de Cockcroft-Gault em hipertensos atendidos no município de Vitória-ES. Estudo transversal de dados secundários com 754 hipertensos atendidos nas unidades de saúde, em 2009. Para análise estatística, utilizou-se o teste quiquadrado. Predominou o sexo feminino, excesso de peso e pressão arterial não controlada. A média de idade foi de 58,18 anos (±13,52) e da creatinina sérica (CrS) 0,81mg/dl (±0,28). A prevalência da FG reduzida foi de 19% quando de 30 a 59ml/min e 1,6% quando de 29 a 15ml/min; e apresentou-se 15 vezes maior em idosos, 4,93 vezes maior naqueles com CrS elevada, 2,19 vezes nos hipertensos com baixo peso e 1,6 vez mais prevalente em homem. O estudo evidenciou a importância de monitorar a função renal com vistas à intervenção precoce e retardamento da perda da função renal em hipertensos.
Adesão e dificuldades relacionadas ao tratamento medicamentoso em pacientes com depressão
Authors: Ibanez Grazielle , Mercedes Bruna Paiva do Carmo , Vedana Kelly Graziani Giacchero , Miasso Adriana Inocenti
Published: September 2014

Esta pesquisa verificou a adesão e conhecimento de pessoas com depressão quanto à farmacoterapia prescrita, a satisfação com a equipe de saúde e as dificuldades relacionadas ao tratamento medicamentoso. Trata-se de estudo transversal, descritivo, com abordagem quali-quantitativa. Participaram do estudo 27 pessoas atendidas em um serviço ambulatorial do interior de São Paulo - Brasil. Os dados foram coletados por entrevistas semiestruturadas e revisão de prontuários e analisados por estatística descritiva e análise de conteúdo. Constatou-se que 29,6% dos pacientes não aderiam aos medicamentos e que 51,9% desconheciam a dose dos medicamentos prescritos. Como dificuldades para o seguimento da terapêutica medicamentosa, foram apontados o impacto dos sintomas depressivos sobre o autocuidado, a insatisfação com efeitos dos psicofármacos, a carência de apoio, a polifarmacoterapia e a falta de conhecimento sobre o transtorno e tratamento. Este estudo aponta fatores críticos para a promoção da segurança do paciente no seguimento da terapêutica medicamentosa.
Conjunto Internacional de Dados Mínimos de Enfermagem: estudo comparativo com instrumentos de uma clínica pediátrica
Authors: Marques Daniela Karina Antão , Souza Gabriela Lisieux Lima de , Silva Amanda Benício da , Silva Aline Franco da , Nóbrega Maria Miriam Lima da
Published: September 2014

Estudo descritivo e comparativo, desenvolvido a partir de dois históricos utilizados para a implementação da Sistematização da Assistência de Enfermagem em uma Clínica Pediátrica de um hospital escola. Objetivou-se comparar o Conjunto Internacional de Dados Mínimos de Enfermagem (i-NMDS) com os dados contidos em históricos de enfermagem utilizados para aplicação do Processo de Enfermagem na área de Saúde da Criança e do Adolescente. Dos dezesseis elementos avaliados pertencentes à proposta do i-NMDS, o instrumento para adolescentes hospitalizados contemplou doze e o instrumento para crianças de 0 a 5 anos apresentou sete. Conclui-se que os históricos de enfermagem analisados não contemplam, na sua totalidade, os dados do i-NMDS. Sugere-se a necessidade de um aprimoramento de históricos, utilizando a linguagem padronizada de enfermagem para planejar a assistência, documentar as atividades, identificar e mensurar os resultados da prática.
Diversidade genética de seleções de goiabeiras Cortibel
Authors: Coser Sara Morra , Ferreira Marcia Flores da Silva , Ferreira Adésio , Saraiva Sérgio Henriques
Published: September 2014

O Brasil é um dos maiores produtores de goiaba, Psidium guajava L., do mundo. Pomares de propagação seminal, devido à polinização cruzada, apresentam ampla variabilidade, permitindo a seleção de genótipos ao melhoramento. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a diversidade genética de genótipos de goiabeiras selecionadas em pomar de origem seminal (denominadas Cortibel de I a XIII) e compará-las às cultivares Paluma e Pedro Sato, e ao genótipo Roxa, quanto a características morfológicas e de qualidade de frutos. Verificou-se divergência entre os genótipos Cortibel. A Cortibel I, de polpa vermelha, foi o genótipo mais divergente, exibindo o melhor desempenho para as características de frutos. Os genótipos CVIII e CIV apresentaram os melhores desempenhos dentre os genótipos de polpa clara. As seleções de Cortibel apresentaram desempenho semelhante a cultivares comerciais para a qualidade do fruto, sendo bons materiais para o uso como novas cultivares ou para hibridações em programas de melhoramento.
Composição química e atividade antioxidante da polpa e resíduos de abacate 'Hass'
Authors: Daiuto Érica Regina , Tremocoldi Maria Augusta , Alencar Severino Matias de , Vieites Rogério Lopes , Minarelli Phillip Herbest
Published: September 2014

O abacate é um fruto muito nutritivo, sendo a polpa a principal parte utilizada para consumo in natura, na forma de sobremesa, saladas, molhos e cosméticos, além de ser utilizada para extração de óleo. Os resíduos, casca e semente, ainda são pouco explorados cientificamente quanto ao seu potencial nutritivo e funcional. Neste trabalho, amostras liofilizadas da casca, polpa e semente de abacate 'Hass'foram submetidas a análises de composição centesimal, minerais, teor de compostos fenólicos totais e capacidade antioxidante. A polpa apresentou elevado teor de lipídios em relação à casca e à semente do abacate. Os elementos minerais foram superiores na casca dos abacates. A casca e a semente possuem maior teor de compostos fenólicos e atividade antioxidante em relação à polpa de abacate.
Estabilidade de molho de pequi (Caryocar coriaceum Wittm) armazenado à temperatura ambiente
Authors: Souza Joaci Pereira de , Alves Ricardo Elesbão , Brito Edy de Sousa , Lucena Maria Núbia Gomes de , Rufino Maria do Socorro Moura
Published: September 2014

Avaliou-se a estabilidade de um molho de pequi durante 300 dias, armazenado à temperatura ambiente (24 ± 2 º C). O fluxograma de elaboração do molho de pequi teve as seguintes etapas: matéria-prima, seleção e lavagem, sanificação, lavagem, descascamento, seleção, cozimento, despolpamento, formulação, tratamento térmico, homogeneização, envase e armazenamento. Foi adotado o delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com 3 repetições, sendo que os 6 períodos de armazenamento (0; 60; 120; 180; 240 e 300 dias) constituíram os tratamentos. Os resultados das avaliações das características de qualidade foram submetidos a análises de variância e regressão. Os dados da análise sensorial foram analisados de acordo com a distribuição de frequências. A formulação na proporção de 1:1:1 (polpa + água + ácido acético - vinagre), aliada à adição de sorbato de potássio e tratamento térmico, foi eficaz na manutenção da estabilidade das características de qualidade de molho de pequi por, pelo menos, 300 dias de armazenamento à temperatura ambiente. A aparência e o sabor foram os atributos de melhor aceitação do molho de pequi que também obteve índice satisfatório de intenção de compra. O molho de pequi apresentou condições microbiológicas em conformidade com o estabelecido pela legislação, demonstrando que o processamento efetuado foi efetivo no controle dos microrganismos deteriorantes e patogênicos.