bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Desempenho em consciência fonológica, nomeação rápida, leitura e escrita em escolares com dislexia secundária a retardo mental e com bom desempenho acadêmico
Authors: Germano Giseli Donadon , Pinheiro Fábio Henrique , Padula Niura Aparecida de Moura Ribeiro , Lorencetti Maria Dalva , Capellini Simone Aparecida
Published: December 2011

OBJETIVOS: caracterizar o desempenho em provas de consciência fonológica, de nomeação rápida e de leitura e escrita em escolares com dislexia secundária a retardo mental e com bom desempenho acadêmico. MÉTODO: participaram deste estudo 20 escolares da 1ª a 4ª séries do ensino fundamental da rede pública municipal da cidade de Marília-SP, com faixa etária de 8 a 12 anos de idade, de ambos os sexos, divididos em GI (10 escolares com o diagnóstico interdisciplinar de dislexia secundária a retardo mental leve) e GII (10 escolares com bom desempenho acadêmico, pareados segundo sexo e faixa etária com o GI). Os escolares foram submetidos à Prova de Consciência Fonológica, à Prova de Leitura e Escrita e à Prova de Nomeação Automatizada Rápida. RESULTADOS: houve diferença significante em relação ao desempenho dos escolares nas provas silábicas e fonêmicas, na prova de leitura e escrita e na prova de nomeção rápida; os escolares de GII apresentaram melhor desempenho que os escolares de GI. CONCLUSÃO: houve relação entre os achados de velocidade de nomeação, leitura oral e escrita sob ditado, sendo relacionados ao déficit fonológico, à característica cognitivo-linguística do GI e à interferência da falta de instrução direta da correspondência grafofonêmica em situação de atividades acadêmicas para ambos os grupos.
Desempenho de crianças e adolescentes em tarefas envolvendo habilidade auditiva de ordenação temporal simples
Authors: Mourão Aline Mansueto , Esteves Carolina Campos , Labanca Ludimila , Lemos Stela Maris Aguiar
Published: December 2011

OBJETIVO: analisar o desempenho de crianças e adolescentes na habilidade auditiva de ordenação temporal simples segundo as variáveis: idade, sexo, queixas e hipóteses diagnósticas fonoaudiológicas. MÉTODO: trata-se de 400 sujeitos, na faixa etária de 4 e 14 anos, avaliados no período 2006 a julho de 2010. Os instrumentos de coleta de dados foram anamnese e os testes de sequencialização de sons verbais (MSV) e não-verbais (MSNV). Para análise dos dados foi utilizado o programa SPSS versão 12, cálculo do risco relativo (RR) e o teste do qui-quadrado de Pearson. O nível de significância considerado foi de 5%. O presente estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética e Pesquisa da instituição. RESULTADOS: dos 400 pacientes, 262 (65,6%) do gênero masculino e 138 (34,5%) do gênero feminino. 138 pacientes (34,5%) apresentaram MSV alterado e 109 (27,5%) MSNV alterado. Não houve relação com significância estatística com a variável gênero. Ao associar os resultados dos testes MSV e MSNV à variável queixa fonoaudiológica, observou-se associação estatística nas queixas de fala, voz e leitura/escrita. Ao comparar os resultados dos testes aos da avaliação fonoaudiológica, obteve-se relação estatisticamente significante com alterações de fala, voz, leitura/escrita, consciência fonológica, funções e aspectos cognitivos da linguagem. Houve melhora estatisticamente significante no desempenho auditivo com o avanço da idade. CONCLUSÃO: o processamento auditivo temporal está envolvido na maioria das habilidades de comunicação, e sujeitos com alterações fonoaudiológicas possuem desempenhos inferiores quando comparados a sujeitos sem alterações.
Influência do tipo de transdutor no mascaramento em deficiência auditiva condutiva e mista bilateral
Authors: Oshiro Lívia Tamie , Silveira Marcela Rosana Maia da , Gil Daniela
Published: December 2011

OBJETIVO: verificar a influência do tipo de transdutor na quantidade de mascaramento necessária para obtenção de limiares por vias aérea e óssea em indivíduos com deficiência auditiva condutiva e mista. MÉTODO: foram avaliados 16 indivíduos com presença de deficiência auditiva condutiva ou mista bilateral simétrica com gap aéreo-ósseo de no mínimo 15dBNA. Os indivíduos foram submetidos à anamnese, meatoscopia, medidas de imitância acústica, audiometria tonal liminar e audiometria vocal, realizadas com fones supra-aurais TDH-39 e com os fones de inserção ER-3A. RESULTADOS: não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre as orelhas independentemente do tipo de transdutor. A quantidade de mascaramento utilizada com o fone de inserção ER-3A para testar a via aérea, nas frequências de 250Hz e 500Hz, foi menor do que a utilizada com o fone supra-aural, com significância estatística. CONCLUSÕES: há influência do tipo de transdutor na quantidade de mascaramento utilizada para obtenção dos limiares de via aérea e via óssea, principalmente nas frequências baixas, sendo que a quantidade de mascaramento com o fone de inserção é menor tanto para testar a via aérea como a via óssea.
Woody encroachment decreases diversity across North American grasslands and savannas
Authors: Ratajczak Zakary , Nippert Jesse B. , Collins Scott L.
Published: December 2011

Woody encroachment is a widespread and acute phenomenon affecting grasslands and savannas worldwide. We performed a meta‐analysis of 29 studies from 13 different grassland/savanna communities in North America to determine the consequences of woody encroachment on plant species richness. In all 13 communities, species richness declined with woody plant encroachment (average decline = 45%). Species richness declined more in communities with higher precipitation (r2 = 0.81) and where encroachment was associated with a greater change in annual net primary productivity (ANPP; r2 = 0.69). Based on the strong positive correlation between precipitation and ANPP following encroachment (r2 = 0.87), we hypothesize that these relationships occur because water‐limited woody plants experience a greater physiological and demographic release as precipitation increases. The observed relationship between species richness and ANPP provides support for the theoretical expectation that a trade‐off occurs between richness and productivity in herbaceous communities. We conclude that woody plant encroachment leads to significant declines in species richness in North American grassland/savanna communities.
Migration Dynamics and Directional Preferences of Passerine Migrants in Azraq (E Jordan) in Spring 2008
Authors: Stȩpniewska Katarzyna , El-Hallah Ashraf , Busse Przemysław
Published: December 2011

Stêpniewska K., El-Hallah A., Busse P. 2011. Migration dynamics and directional preferences
of passerine migrants in Azraq (E Jordan) in spring 2008. Ring 33, 1-2: 3-25. Azraq ringing station is located in the Azraq Wetland Reserve in the eastern part of Jordan, on the Eastern Palearctic Flyway. It covers different types of habitat: reedbeds and a dry area with tamarisks (Tamarix sp.) and nitre bushes (Nitraria billardierei). In total, from 18 March till 28 April 2008, we caught 2767 birds from 64 species. Three species dominated distinctly, constituting 58% of total number of caught birds: the Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus
scirpaceus) - 570, the Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita) - 535 and the Lesser Whitethroat (Sylvia curruca) - 488 birds. The catching dynamics reveals the highest numbers of birds in the beginning of the studied period. The total number constantly decreased till 6 April and then subsequently increased. The first high peak of the dynamics at the end of March was due to intensive migration of Chiffchaffs and Lesser Whitethroats. The second one at the end of April was caused by pronounced migration of Reed Warblers and Blackcaps. High numbers of migrants in the beginning and at the end of the catching period reveal that we did not cover the whole migration season in Azraq, so it is necessary to begin the study much earlier and to finish later there.

We performed also 1169 directional preferences tests using Busse’s orientation cage, mostly for the Reed Warbler. Directional preferences of tested birds reveal clear dominance of NW headings - towards European breeding grounds. The NE headings towards Asian breeding grounds were also present. There was a low share of reversed headings, especially SE. We suppose that birds showing NW headings could migrate from wintering grounds in Africa across the most southern coasts of the Arabian Peninsula; these flying to the NE seem to have crossed Egypt and then fly along the Arava Valley. Many species presented in this paper, like the Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio), could show loopmigration, flying in spring more eastern than in autumn.

High numbers of caught and observed birds, including habitat-specialists like numerous Acrocephalus warblers, reveal that the Azraq Wetland Reserve is a very important place for Palearctic migrants during their migration through desert areas of the Middle-East.
Autumn Migration of Passerines in Bahariya Oasis, Egypt – Where Do They Come from and Where Do They Go?
Authors: Stêpniewski Krzysztof , White Matthew L. J. , Megalli Mary
Published: December 2011

Stêpniewski K., White M.L.J., Megalli M. 2011. Autumn migration of passerines in Bahariya
Oasis in Egypt - where do they come from and where do they go? Ring 33, 1-2: 27-36. We present the results of studies on directional preferences of passerine migrants in Bahariya Oasis, Western Desert, Egypt. Fieldwork was conducted in August and September 2010. Birds were mist-netted, ringed and tested in Busse’s orientation cage; in total 66 tests were analysed. The most pronounced direction was W, which was surprising and remains unexplained. Southern directions were also prominent, particularly SW; among the northern directions NW were distinct and NE less so. Our results are in line with those at other ringing stations in Egypt, suggesting a common migration pattern in this region. They also allow for tracking probable migration routes through Bahariya. Birds may arrive at the oasis from the Nile Delta and Mediterranean coast, then the majority head SW towards Lake Chad, while others may fly directly S or SE towards the Nile Valley. Bahariya Oasis appears to be an important crossing point of passerine migration routes across the Sahara and it is important to continue further studies in this area.
An Overview of Bird Migration Studies in Egypt
Authors: Latif Ibrahim Wed Abdel
Published: December 2011

Ibrahim W.A.L. 2011. An overview of bird migration studies in Egypt. Ring 33, 1-2: 55-75. This is an overview of ornithological studies carried out in Egypt since the beginning of XXth century till the present time made on the basis of several more or less general publications. Geographical location and climate descriptions give the background information about the area. The literature overview stresses especially problems connected with the migration of passerines, but wider avifaunistic background is discussed as well. Special attention is paid to the passerines’ strategy of migration through the Mediterranean Sea and Sahara Desert, its direction and timing, as well as to the factors affecting passerines migration and bird ringing in Egypt. In conclusion, it is stressed that the studies on bird migration were done sporadically, from time to time and from one place to another, and there is a dramatic lack of permanent ringing / bird migration study field stations, despite the fact that some suitable and promising localities have been found, in which the studies have been carried out since 2001 by the SE European Bird Migration Network in cooperation with some protected areas managements.
Burullus Ringing Station (N Egypt) – Ringing Results and Seasonal Bird Migration Dynamics in 2005-2007
Authors: Zaniewicz Grzegorz , Chruoeciel Jacek
Published: December 2011

Zaniewicz G., Chruoeciel J. 2011. Burullus ringing station (N Egypt) - ringing results and
seasonal bird migration dynamics in 2005-2007. Ring 33, 1-2: 77-87. Burullus Ringing Station is one of the several stations belonging to the SEEN organization (SE European Bird Migration Network). This station is situated close to the border of Burullus Protected Area in the northern part of Egypt and it started work in 2005. Data were collected during two spring and three autumn seasons. Birds were caught in mist-nets, which were placed mainly in reedbeds. Over 12 thousands of birds from 74 species were caught and ringed during five migratory seasons. Many of them were also tested for directional preferences in Busse’s cage.
Feasibility and Validity of a Graded One-Legged Cycle Exercise Test to Determine Peak Aerobic Capacity in Older People With a Lower-Limb Amputation
Authors: Wezenberg Daphne , de Haan Arnold , van der Woude Lucas H. , Houdijk Han
Published: December 2011

Background

Information concerning exercise tolerance and aerobic capacity is imperative for generating effective and safe exercise programs. However, for older people with a lower-limb amputation, a standard exercise test is not available.

Objective

The primary aim of the present study was to determine whether a graded 1-legged peak exercise test is feasible and provides a valid assessment of peak aerobic capacity in older people walking with a lower-limb prosthesis.

Design

This was a quasi-experimental case-control study.

Methods

A total of 36 older people with a lower-limb prosthesis and 21 people who were able-bodied (controls) (overall mean age=61.7 years, SD=6.1) performed a discontinuous graded 1-legged exercise test. The peak respiratory exchange ratio was used as an indicator of maximal effort. The controls performed an additional 2-legged exercise test to provide insight into differences between the testing modes.

Results

All participants were able to perform the exercise test. Electrocardiographic tracings and blood pressure were adequately monitored. The controls and the people with a lower-limb amputation were able to stress the cardiovascular system to a similar extent. Analyses of construct validity revealed that the peak aerobic capacity measured with the 1-legged exercise test was able to distinguish between participants on the basis of age, body mass index, and sex to a similar extent as the conventional 2-legged exercise test.

Limitations

The results can be generalized only to people who are able to ambulate with their prosthesis.

Conclusions

The graded 1-legged exercise test was feasible and provided a valid assessment of peak aerobic capacity and exercise tolerance in older people walking with a lower-limb prosthesis.
Addressing the Nonexercise Part of the Activity Continuum: A More Realistic and Achievable Approach to Activity Programming for Adults With Mobility Disability?
Authors: Manns Patricia J. , Dunstan David W. , Owen Neville , Healy Genevieve N.
Published: December 2011

Participation in physical activity is fundamental for the maintenance of metabolic health and the prevention of major chronic diseases, particularly type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. A whole-of-day approach to physical activity promotion is increasingly advocated and includes not only increasing moderate-intensity physical activity but also reducing sedentary time and increasing light-intensity activity (the “nonexercise” part of the activity continuum). This whole-of-day approach to tackling the challenge of inactivity may be particularly relevant for adults with mobility disabilities, who are among the most inactive segment of the population. Focusing on nonexercise activity by striving to reduce sedentary time and increase light-intensity activity may be a more successful place to begin to change behavior in someone with mobility disability. This article discusses what is known about the metabolic health consequences of sedentary behavior and light-intensity activity in adults with and without mobility disability. The concept of inactivity physiology is presented, along with possible applications or evidence from studies with adults with mobility disability. Mobility disability discussions and examples focus on stroke and spinal cord injury. Finally, clinical implications and future research directions related to sedentary behavior in adults with mobility disability are discussed.
Hepatocellular carcinoma in a green iguana – a case study
Authors: Knotek Zdeněk , Dorrestein Gerry M. , Hrdá Anna , Tomek Aleš , Proks Pavel , Knotková Zora , Jekl Vladimír , Lewis William
Published: December 2011

A 3.10 kg, six-year old male green iguana (Iguana iguana) suffered several weeks of decreased activity, loss of body weight, anorexia and change of skin colour. Physical examination revealed a cachectic depressed lizard, with marked pale mucous membranes. The complete blood count revealed a leukocytosis (46.5 × 109/l), elevated heterophils (23.25 × 109/l) and azurophils (23.25 × 109/l), decreased haemoglobin concentration (29.00 g/l), low haematocrit (0.16 l/l) and erythropenia (0.35 × 1012/l). Abnormalities of the plasma chemistry panel included increased activity of aspartate aminotransferase (6.05 μkat/l) and creatinephosphokinase (217.91 μkat/l), increased concentrations of uric acid (321.58 μmol/l), phosphorus (4.04 mmol/l) and bile acids (120.21 μmol/l), as well as a decreased concentration of glucose (3.72 mmol/l), cholesterol (0.637 mmol/l) and triglycerides (0.09 mmol/l). A lateral radiograph revealed soft-tissue opacity present in the region of the liver. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a markedly enlarged left liver lobe distended caudally and displacing the other abdominal organs. The signal intensity of the liver parenchyma was slightly hyperintense, the ventro-medial part of the left lobe showed a hypointense signal. Endoscopic examination of the coelomic cavity revealed a greatly enlarged pale liver and the presence of a straw-coloured modified transudate. Based on histopathological examination of the liver hepatocellular carcinoma was diagnosed. Despite supportive treatment the patient died on the sixth day of hospitalisation.
Prevalence of Malassezia pachydermatis in dogs with suspected Malassezia dermatitis or otitis in Slovakia
Authors: Čonková Eva , Sesztáková Edina , Páleník Ľubomír , Smrčo Peter , Bílek Ján
Published: December 2011

The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of yeastMalassezia pachydermatisin dogs from Slovakia in relation to different predisposition factors (sex, age, body localisation, hair type, and season). Samples of ear swabs (58) and dermal swabs (131) from 147 dogs with clinical symptoms of suspected yeast dermatitis and/or otitis, were examined between June 2005 to June 2007. Relatively higher prevalence ofM. pachydermatiswas found in samples taken from males (45.2%) than in females (35.2%), and in geriatric dogs (63.6%) than in young (42.5%) or adult (38.5%) dogs.Malassezia pachydermatiswas isolated more often from ear swabs (44.8%) than from skin swabs (38.9%). Prevalence ofM. pachydermatiswas significantly higher (p< 0.05) in samples from the trunk area (60.3%) than in samples from other skin areas. Significantly higher prevalence was found in samples from long-haired (51.5%) and short-haired (45.9%) dogs compared to smooth-haired (21.4%) dogs. The prevalence was relatively higher in the samples taken in autumn (52.6%), than the other seasons: spring (36.1%), summer (27.3%), winter (45.7%); those differences were not significant.Malassezia pachydermatisis one of the most frequent yeasts isolated in dogs. Knowledge of factors predisposing to development of infection is valuable attribute of the correct diagnostic approach and case management.
Case report of goose haemorrhagic polyomavirus in 4-day-old goslings indicating vertical transmissibility
Authors: Farsang Attila , Bernath Sandor , Dobos-Kovacs Mihaly
Published: December 2011

Haemorrhagic nephritis and enteritis of geese (HNEG) is a fatal disease caused by goose haemorrhagic polyomavirus (GHPV). The aim of our study was to investigate a field outbreak of HNEG by pathological methods and real-time PCR assay using light upon extension (LUX PCR) with special regard to the possibility of vertical transmission. This is the first time that presence of GHPV was confirmed in goslings that died within 4 days after hatching showing typical symptoms of HNEG, which indicates vertical transmissibility as the shortest incubation period of HNEG is 6 days. The way of viral transmission is a key issue and thus the disease control measurements and HNEG epizootiology may be revised based on the findings of this study.
Studies on the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of Jatropha curcas leaf extract
Authors: Olukunle Johnny O. , Adenubi Olubukola T. , Oladele Gbenga M. , Sogebi Emmanuella A. , Oguntoke Patience C.
Published: December 2011

The anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of the aqueous extract of Jatropha curcas leaves were investigated. Anti-inflammatory effect was studied using acute rat model (carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema) in which aspirin at 150 mg·kg-1, indomethacin at 10 mg·kg-1 (both are standard anti-inflammatory drugs) and aqueous extract of Jatropha curcas leaves at 150 mg·kg-1 were administered orally to 24 Wistar rats 1 h before induction of oedema and compared with a negative control given 10 ml·kg-1 saline. Using the same dose of the plant extract, the analgesic effect of the aqueous extract of Jatropha curcas leaves was also investigated by measuring the number of acetic acid-induced writhing in 18 mice. The mean percentage inhibition of paw volume of rats treated with indomethacin was 83.9% followed by aspirin treated group with 64.3%, and the Jatropha curcas treated group with 60.7%. The mean number of writhing was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in mice given aqueous extract of Jatropha curcas leaves (34.0) compared to the control group (55.8) but higher than that of the standard analgesic, paracetamol (23.5). This result suggests that Jatropha curcas has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties comparable with those of standard drugs and may be useful for the treatment of painful inflammatory conditions.
Determination of buffering capacity of selected fermented feedstuffs and the effect of dietary acid-base status on ruminal fluid pH
Authors: Bujňák Lukáš , Maskaľová Iveta , Vajda Vladimír
Published: December 2011

The aim of this study was to evaluate the buffering capacity of some fermented feedstuffs and the effect of dietary acid-base status on ruminal fluid pH. The first experiment was performed with different types (n = 24) of wet and dry fermented feedstuffs to determine the buffering capacity and buffer value index. The buffer value index of wet corn silages was more negative than for dry corn silages account on acid loss during drying. In the second experiment, the effects of different concentrations of lactic acid on base-buffering capacity, buffer value index and indicators of fermentation process were studied in two groups of corn silages (n = 21). Two groups of analyzed values were compared using unpaired t-test. Differences among the groups in base-buffering capacity (P < 0.001) and buffer value index (P < 0.01) were significant. In the third experiment, rumen fluid pH was measured using 8 total mixed rations on 48 lactating dairy cows. In the present study no significant (P > 0.05) correlation was found between ruminal pH and dietary buffer value index. These results confirmed that dietary acid-base status alone is not adequate as a predictor of the need for buffers in the diet of lactating cows. It is the first report about using of buffering capacity determination methods for evaluation of feedstuffs and dietary acid-base status in dairy cows.
The effect of intensive fattening of bulls with a high-concentrate diet on ruminal mucosa – a morphometric study
Authors: Černík Julius , Štercová Eva , Šterc Jan , Fictum Petr , Luňáček Jiří , Halouzka Roman
Published: December 2011

The aim of the study was to identify the effect of fattening of experimental Simmental bulls (a total of 10 animals) with a high-concentrate diet on ruminal mucosa and dimensions of ruminal papillae, and to assess the intensity of keratinization of papillary epithelium. The experimental period lasted from weaning to slaughter (359 days). Histopathological and morphometric examinations of ruminal mucosa indicated that the ruminal papillae of bulls from the experimental group were better developed (long with a lower degree of keratinization) compared to the control group. Significant differences between the experimental and control groups were found in the length of ruminal papillae (p = 0.005), width of stratum corneum (p = 0.034) and degree of mucosal keratinization on the surface of ruminal papillae (p = 0.014). Conclusive results of morphometric analysis prove the facility of the use of morphometrics as a method useful for veterinary pathology, mainly for the accuracy of the histological diagnosis.
Zinc as a feed supplement and its impact on plasma cholesterol concentrations in breeding cocks
Authors: Parák Tomáš , Straková Eva
Published: December 2011

The aim of this work was to verify the impact of feed supplemented with selected inorganic and organic zinc compounds on the total cholesterol concentrations and other blood plasma indices in breeding cocks. A total of 250 RIR 05 breeding cocks, 9 weeks old, were used. The cocks were divided into 5 groups of 50 animals each (four experimental groups and one control group). Cocks were fed a commercial feed mixture specifically for breeding cocks, containing 30.4 mg·kg-1 of zinc. The feed for experimental groups of cocks was fortified to 100 mg Zn·kg-1: zinc sulphate in first group, zinc oxide in second group, fodder yeast (Minvital Zn) in third group and Bioplex Zn in fourth group. Blood samples for biochemical examination were taken from the basilic vein. The contents of total cholesterol (Chol), total proteins (TP), glucose (Glu), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and magnesium (Mg) in blood plasma were spectrophotometrically measured using a biochemical analyser, Cobas EMira, and commercial kits (Biovendor a.s., Czech Republic). In the 15th week of age, third and fourth groups showed a significant (P ≤ 0.05) and highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) decrease of total cholesterol in blood plasma compared to the control. In the 20th and 25th week of age, all of the experimental groups showed a significantand highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) decrease of total cholesterol in blood plasma compared to the control. Other monitored indices (total proteins, glucoses, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium) did not reveal any significant changes between the experimental and the control groups. The presented work provides the first available experimental evidence regarding the impact of zinc supplementation on the cholesterol levels in blood plasma of breeding cocks.
The effect of feeding a diet naturally contaminated with deoxynivalenol on production traits and selected biochemical indicators of broiler chickens
Authors: Erdélyi Márta , Weber Mária , Balogh Krisztián , Ancsin Zsolt , Mézes Miklós
Published: December 2011

The effect of feeding a diet naturally contaminated with deoxynivalenol (DON) (0-21 days: 1.50 mg·kg-1; 22-39 days: 1.54 mg·kg-1) was studied in 40 broiler chickens. Birds were divided into two groups fed a control diet and a diet contaminated with DON (n = 20 in each). Feed intake was measured daily and individual live weight weekly; daily weight gain and feed to gain ratio were calculated. Five animals from each group were euthanized on days 21and 39 when blood (blood plasma and red blood cell haemolysates) and liver samples were collected. Concentration of triglyceride, uric acid and glucose and activities of ALT, AST and LDH were measured in blood plasma. Indicators of lipid peroxide and glutathione redox status, malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione concentration and glutathione-peroxidase activity were measured in blood plasma, red blood cell haemolysates and liver homogenates. The low dose of DON did not cause difference in the production traits, but caused significantly lower concentration of uric acid and glucose, and significantly higher concentration of triglyceride in blood plasma on day 21. Enzyme activities in blood plasma did not differ significantly between the treatment groups. Among the markers of lipid peroxide and glutathione redox status, malondialdehyde content was significantly higher in liver homogenate on day 21 in the group fed with DON contaminated diet, but reduced glutathione content and glutathione peroxidase activity did not differ significantly between the treatment groups. The results showed that diet contaminated even with a low content of deoxynivalenol caused alterations in selected biochemical indicators of blood and liver of broiler chicken.
The acute toxicity of clove oil to fish Danio rerio and Poecilia reticulata
Authors: Doleželová Petra , Mácová Stanislava , Plhalová Lucie , Pištěková Vladimíra , Svobodová Zdeňka
Published: December 2011

Clove oil (active substance eugenol) is an anaesthetic used in aquaculture for stress prevention and prevention of mechanical damage during veterinary procedures. The aim of this study was to determine the acute toxicity of clove oil in two aquarium fish species - zebrafish (Danio rerio) and guppy (Poecilia reticulata), which are considered the most commonly used model organisms in toxicity testing. The semi-static method according to OECD no. 203 (Fish, Acute toxicity test) was used for testing the toxicity of clove oil for juvenile fish. A series of 5 acute toxicity tests was performed, with 10 fish of both species used for each concentration and for the control. The results obtained (number of dead individuals at particular test concentrations) were subjected to a probit analysis using the EKO-TOX 5.2 program in order to determine 96hLC50 clove oil values. The significance of the difference between 96hLC50 values in D. rerio and P. reticulata was tested using the Mann-Whitney non-parametric test. The 96hLC50 mean value for clove oil was 18.2 ± 5.52 mg·l–1 in juvenile D. rerio and 21.7 ± 0.8 mg·l–1 in P. reticulata. In spite of variability in clove oil composition, acute toxicity values of clove oil for juvenile stages of both fish species were comparable. The results did not show different sensitivities to clove oil in tested fish species. This is the first similar study in these fish species.
Exploring School Choice in Canada: Who Chooses What and Why?
Authors: Davies Scott , Aurini Janice
Published: December 2011

A variety of policies fall under the banner of “school choice,” each aiming to facilitate educational options beyond a standard public school. This paper pursues three empirical questions. First, at what rates do Canadian parents choose various school options and engage in different forms of choosing? Second, what demographics predict these choices? Third, what educational attitudes and behaviours predict choosing? Data come from a 2005 national survey of Canadian parents that contains comprehensive measures of school options and forms of choosing. Three sets of findings are reported. First, the prevalence of choosing is substantial, with one-third of families opting for a school other than a “standard” public school, and two-thirds exercising some form of school choosing. Second, many of these choices are shaped by parental income and education, though interesting exceptions emerge. Third, school choosing appears to be an extension of parents' participation in their children's education. Policy implications of these findings are discussed.
Socioeconomic Status and the Use of Medicines in the Ontario Public Drug Program
Authors: Allin Sara , Laporte Audrey
Published: December 2011

Residents of Ontario aged 65 years and older are covered by a provincially funded prescription drug program. The aim of this paper is to assess the extent of inequity in prescription drug use for people eligible for Ontario Drug Benefit coverage, and to explore the different possible explanations for inequities. The analyses draw on the Canadian Community Health Survey from 2005, which is linked to pharmacy and Ontario Health Insurance Plan claims data. We model the number of therapeutically different prescription drugs and the total expenditures on medications on a set of health, demographic, and socioeconomic indicators, and we calculate the concentration index of income-related inequality in medicine use. The results show that low-income individuals who have enrolled in the reduced cost-sharing program on average use more medications than those with higher income, even after adjusting for a comprehensive set of health and demographic variables. While Ontario's public drug program appears to have ensured access to medications for low-income seniors, the results of this study raise concerns about the potential inappropriateness of medication use and point to a gap in drug policy in Ontario.
Evaluation of an Internal Research Funding Program in a School of Veterinary Medicine
Authors: Baker David G. , Kearney Michael T.
Published: December 2011

The present article describes a paradigm for evaluating the internal research funding program of a college or school of veterinary medicine, using as an example a similar exercise recently conducted at the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine (LSU SVM). The purpose of the exercise was to quantify and evaluate the effectiveness of the LSU SVM internal research funding mechanism known as the Competitive Organized Research Program (CORP). The evaluation resulted in several important observations that will allow us to further improve the effectiveness of our internal research funding program investment. Among the most important of these was the greater return on investment for CORP projects funded with smaller awards (approximately $10,000 US) compared to projects funded with larger awards (approximately $52,000 US). Other colleges and schools of veterinary medicine may find such an exercise similarly informative and beneficial.
Secretory Unit of Islet Transplant Objects (SUITO) Index Can Predict Severity of Hypoglycemic Episodes in Clinical Islet Cell Transplantation
Authors: Takita Morihito , Matsumoto Shinichi , Qin Huanying , Noguchi Hirofumi , Shimoda Masayuki , Chujo Daisuke , Itoh Takeshi , Sugimoto Koji , Onaca Nicholas , Naziruddin Bashoo , Levy Marlon F.
Published: December 2011

One endpoint of clinical islet cell transplantation for type 1 diabetic patients is the elimination or reduction of hypoglycemia. We previously developed a simple tool to evaluate islet graft function: the secretory unit of islet transplant objects (SUITO) index. The aim of this study is to clarify the association between the SUITO index and hypoglycemic episodes. Data from 310 clinical evaluations of 11 islet recipients were included in this study. Fasting plasma C-peptide and glucose levels were measured at every evaluation. The SUITO index was calculated according to the following formula: 1500 × C-peptide level (ng/ml)/[blood glucose level (mg/dl) – 63]. The number of hypoglycemic events (<3.8 mmol/L) and severe hypoglycemic events (<2.2 mmol/L or hypoglycemic unawareness) was assessed on the basis of interviews and self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to determine the cut-off values of the SUITO index for hypoglycemic events. Based on the ROC study, follow-up data after transplantations were divided into the following three groups: low-SUITO (SUITO index <10, n = 91), middle-SUITO (10 ≤SUITO index <26, n = 83), high-SUITO (SUITO index ≤26, n = 125). The frequency of total hypoglycemia in the high-SUITO group was significantly decreased when compared to the other groups (value with Kruskal-Wallis test p < 0.001). The frequency of total severe hypoglycemia was significantly decreased in the low-SUITO group compared to pretransplant status and further decreased in the middle- and high-SUITO group. Spearman correlation coefficients were −0.663 ( p < 0.001) between the number of total hypoglycemic events per one month and the SUITO index and −0.521 ( p < 0.001) between that of severe events and the SUITO index. The SUITO index could predict the severity of hypoglycemic episodes in type 1 diabetic patients who received islet cell transplantations.
Evaluation of Viable β-Cell Mass is Useful for Selecting Collagenase for Human Islet Isolation: Comparison of Collagenase NB1 and Liberase HI
Authors: Misawa R. , Ricordi C. , Miki A. , Barker S. , Molano R. D. , Khan A. , Miyagawa S. , Inverardi L. , Alejandro R. , Pileggi A. , Ichii H.
Published: December 2011

The selection of enzyme blend is critical for the success of human islet isolations. Liberase HI collagenase (Roche) was introduced in the 1990s and had been widely used for clinical islet transplantation. More recently, a blend collagenase NB1 has been rendered available. The aim of this study was to evaluate the isolation outcomes and islet quality comparing human islet cells processed using NB1 and Liberase HI. A total of 90 isolations processed using NB1 ( n = 40) or Liberase HI ( n = 50) was retrospectively analyzed. Islet yield, function in vitro and in vivo, cellular (including β-cell-specific) viability and content, as well as isolation-related factors were compared. No significant differences in donor-related factors were found between the groups. There were also no significant differences in islet yields (NB1 vs. Liberase: 263,389 ± 21,550 vs. 324,256 ± 27,192 IEQ; p = n.s., respectively). The pancreata processed with NB1 showed a significantly longer digestion time (18.6 ± 0.7 vs. 14.5 ± 0.5 min, p < 0.01), lower β-cell viability (54.3 ± 3.4% vs. 72.0 ± 2.1%, p < 0.01), β-cell mass (93,671 ± 11,150 vs. 148,961 ± 12,812 IEQ, p < 0.01), and viable β-cell mass (47,317 ± 6,486 vs. 106,631 ± 10,228 VβIEQ, p < 0.01) than Liberase HI. In addition, islets obtained with Liberase showed significantly better graft function in in vivo assessment of islet potency. The utilization of collagenase NB1 in human islet isolation was associated with significantly lower β-cell viability, mass, and islet potency in vivo in our series when compared to Liberase HI, even though there was no significant difference in islet yields between the groups. Evaluation of viable β-cell mass contained in human islet preparations will be useful for selecting enzyme blends.
B7-H4 Induces Donor-Specific Tolerance in Mouse Islet Allografts
Authors: Wang Xiaojie , Hao Jianqiang , Metzger Daniel L. , Mui Alice , Ao Ziliang , Verchere C. Bruce , Chen Lieping , Ou Dawei , Warnock Garth L.
Published: December 2011

Negative cosignaling molecules play an important role in regulating T-cell responses to alloantigen stimulation. We recently reported that adenoviral-mediated transduction of islet allografts with B7-H4 inhibits allograft rejection. In this study, we investigate the mechanism for B7-H4-induced prolongation of mouse islet allograft survival. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic C57BL/6 mice were rendered normoglycemic by renal subcapsular implants of B7-H4-transduced BALB/c islets. Grafts and spleens were removed after days 2, 10, and 60 ( n = 8 each) for characterization of kinetics of Foxp3 and interleukin 10 (IL-10) expression. Mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) was done at day 60. Ten mice were subjected to nephrectomy at 60 days and then five were implanted with secondary BALB/c islets and five were given third-party CBA/J islets. An increase in Foxp3 and IL-10 mRNA expression was detected in recipients' spleens at day 60 and this was associated with increased quantities of Foxp3+cells. Splenocytes at day 60 showed hyporesponsiveness during MLR to alloantigen stimulation. Proliferation was partially restored after CD25+T-cell depletion. Secondary BALB/c islets survived for 79 ± 29 days compared with 21 ± 3.6 days for CBA/J islets ( p < 0.001). Local expression of B7-H4 induces long-term unresponsiveness to donor-specific alloantigens, and is associated with T regulatory cells, suggesting the development of tolerance.
Cationic Gd-DTPA Liposomes for Highly Efficient Labeling of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Cell Tracking with MRI
Authors: Guenoun Jamal , Koning Gerben A. , Doeswijk Gabriela , Bosman Lizanne , Wielopolski Piotr A. , Krestin Gabriel P. , Bernsen Monique R.
Published: December 2011

In the current study cell labeling was performed with water-soluble gadolinium (Gd)-DTPA containing liposomes, to allow for cell tracking by MRI. Liposomes were used to assure a highly concentrated intracellular build up of Gd, aiming to overcome the relatively low MRI sensitivity of Gd (compared to T2 contrast agents). Liposomes were positively charged (cationic) to facilitate uptake by binding to anionic charges in the cell membrane of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). We determined the cellular Gd load by variations in labeling time (1, 4, and 24 h) and liposome concentration (125, 250, 500, 1000 μM lipid), closely monitoring effects on cell viability, proliferation rate, and differentiation ability. Labeling was both time and dose dependent. Labeling for 4 h was most efficient regarding the combination of processing time and final cellular Gd uptake. Labeling for 4 h with low-dose concentration (125 μM lipid, corresponding to 52 ± 3 μM Gd) yielded an intracellular load of 30 ± 2.5 pg Gd cell–1, without any effects on cell viability, proliferation, and cell differentiation. Gd liposomes, colabeled with fluorescent dyes, exhibited a prolonged cellular retention, with an endosomal distribution pattern. In vitro assay over 20 days demonstrated a drop in the average Gd load per cell, as a result of mitosis. However, there was no significant change in the sum of the Gd load in all daughter cells at endpoint (20 days), indicating an excellent cellular retention of Gd. MSCs labeled with Gd liposomes were imaged with MRI at both 1.5T and 3.0T, resulting in excellent visualization both in vitro and in vivo. Prolonged in vivo imaging of 500,000 Gd-labeled cells was possible for at least 2 weeks (3.0T). In conclusion, Gd-loaded cationic liposomes (125 μM lipid) are an excellent candidate to label cells, without detrimental effects on cell viability, proliferation, and differentiation, and can be visualized by MRI.
Altered Oxygen Metabolism Associated to Neurogenesis of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Derived from a Schizophrenic Patient
Authors: Da Silveira Paulsen Bruna , De Moraes Maciel Renata , Galina Antonio , Da Silveira Mariana Souza , Souza Cleide Dos Santos , Drummond Hannah , Pozzatto Ernesto Nascimento , Junior Hamilton Silva , Chicaybam Leonardo , Massuda Raffael , Setti-Perdigão Pedro , Bonamino Martin , Belmonte-De-Abreu Paulo Silva , Castro Newton Gonçalves , Brentani Helena , Rehen Stevens Kastrup
Published: December 2011

Schizophrenia has been defined as a neurodevelopmental disease that causes changes in the process of thoughts, perceptions, and emotions, usually leading to a mental deterioration and affective blunting. Studies have shown altered cell respiration and oxidative stress response in schizophrenia; however, most of the knowledge has been acquired from postmortem brain analyses or from nonneural cells. Here we describe that neural cells, derived from induced pluripotent stem cells generated from skin fibroblasts of a schizophrenic patient, presented a twofold increase in extramitochondrial oxygen consumption as well as elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), when compared to controls. This difference in ROS levels was reverted by the mood stabilizer valproic acid. Our model shows evidence that metabolic changes occurring during neurogenesis are associated with schizophrenia, contributing to a better understanding of the development of the disease and highlighting potential targets for treatment and drug screening.
Radiofrequency Energy Loop Primes Cardiac, Neuronal, and Skeletal Muscle Differentiation in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells: A New Tool for Improving Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Maioli Margherita , Rinaldi Salvatore , Santaniello Sara , Castagna Alessandro , Pigliaru Gianfranco , Gualini Sara , Fontani Vania , Ventura Carlo
Published: December 2011

Radiofrequency (RF) waves from Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity) technologies have become ubiquitous, with Internet access spreading into homes, and public areas. The human body harbors multipotent stem cells with various grading of potentiality. Whether stem cells may be affected by Wi-Fi RF energy remains unknown. We exposed mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells to a Radio Electric Asymmetric Conveyer (REAC), an innovative device delivering Wi-Fi RF of 2.4 GHz with its conveyer electrodes immersed into the culture medium. Cell responses were investigated by real-time PCR, Western blot, and confocal microscopy. Single RF burst duration, radiated power, electric and magnetic fields, specific absorption rate, and current density in culture medium were monitored. REAC stimulation primed transcription of genes involved in cardiac (GATA4, Nkx-2.5, and prodynorphin), skeletal muscle (myoD) and neuronal (neurogenin1) commitment, while downregulating the self renewal/pluripotency-associated genes Sox2, Oct4, and Nanog. REAC exposure enhanced the expression of cardiac, skeletal, and neuronal lineage-restricted marker proteins. The number of spontaneously beating ES-derived myocardial cells was also increased. In conclusion, REAC stimulation provided a “physical milieu” optimizing stem cell expression of pluripotentiality and the attainment of three major target lineages for regenerative medicine, without using chemical agonists or vector-mediated gene delivery.
Normal Hepatocyte Transplantation Delays the Emergence of Chemically Induced Preneoplastic Nodules in Rat Liver
Authors: Serra Maria Paola , Doratiotto Silvia , Marongiu Fabio , Laconi Ezio
Published: December 2011

Cancer often arises in a background of chronic tissue damage. It is also increasingly appreciated that such an injured tissue microenvironment might foster the selective emergence of altered cells, leading to neoplasia. Accordingly, reversal of chronic tissue damage could represent a potential strategy to counteract neoplastic disease. In these studies, we aim to investigate whether transplantation of normal cells in the context of an injured, neoplastic-prone microenvironment might impact on the evolution of the carcinogenic process. A rat model of chemically induced hepatocarcinogenesis was used. Animals were given a single dose of diethylnitrosamine (DENA), followed by two injections of retrorsine (RS), a pyrrolizidine alkaloid that imposes a persistent block on hepatocyte cell cycle. At the end of this protocol, rats were either given no further treatment or injected, via the portal circulation, with 4 million normal hepatocytes isolated from a syngenic donor. After 3 months, rats given DENA+RS alone displayed numerous discrete nodular lesions (up to 30 per liver), ranging 1 to 3 mm in size. On the other hand, in animals receiving DENA+RS and transplantation, donor hepatocytes were able to repopulate over 50% of the host liver, as expected. Most importantly, both the number and the size of hepatocyte nodules were greatly reduced in these animals (percent nodular area was 1.8 ± 0.3, down from a control value of 8.5 ± 2.8). The above data indicate that strategies aimed at reestablishing a normal tissue microenvironment might be relevant to the management of neoplastic disease.