bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantifying the Benefits of Link-Tracing Designs for Partnership Network Studies
Authors: adams jimi , Moody James , Muth Stephen Q. , Morris Martina
Published: April 2012

Difficult-to-reach populations are frequently sampled through various link tracing-based designs, which rely on interpersonal networks to identify members of the population. This article examines the substantive returns to one such multiple-link tracing design in the Colorado Springs “project 90” human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk networks study. Cross-links were respondents who were targeted for enrollment because of being named as partners by at least two other respondents in the sample. The authors compare cross-links to other respondents on sociodemographic characteristics and network properties using bivariate and multivariate adjusted statistics. The authors evaluate their contributions to observed network structure by creating a set of counterfactual networks deleting the information they provided. Results suggest that the link-tracing techniques led to identifying populations that would have otherwise been missed and that their absence would have underestimated potential HIV risk by distorting epidemiologically relevant measures within the network.
AMC
Authors: Jaramillo Deborah L.
Published: April 2012

AMC offers an intriguing case study in the evolution of scripted series on cable television. At its inception, the network boasted one of the most stable and coherent brands on cable, and it now harbors one of the least. In spite of this shift, it has cultivated successful and noteworthy dramatic series. This article explores AMC’s contribution to the twenty-first-century television canon by examining its financial constraints, industrial misfortunes, and leadership changes. This article will construct a history of AMC by drawing from an interview with Vlad Wolynetz, former VP of production, series, and movies at AMC, and from two decades of trade and journalistic articles. AMC has adjusted its programming over time to accommodate the challenges that its minimal resources could not surmount, and its history calls into question the power of the brand and its connection to quality television.
Know Your Audience
Authors: Cesari Whitney A. , Vaikunth Sumeet S. , Lewis Jim B. , Panda Mukta
Published: April 2012

Purpose: To identify the chief complaints and demographics at Clinica Esperanza, a student-run free clinic for an underserved Hispanic population. Methods: A retrospective chart review of patient files from 2005 through 2010 was undertaken, as approved by the University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s Institutional Review Board. Results: From 2005 through 2010, Clinica Esperanza fielded 2551 patient visits, consisting of 951 unique patients, 609 females and 342 males. Mean age was 34 years, and 60% of patients presented once, while 13% followed up for 1 year, 9% for 2 years, 6% for 3, 6% for 4, and 4% for 5. “Pap smear,” “abdominal pain,” and “follow-up lab results” ranked, in order, as the 3 top chief complaints. Discussion: Resulting data have led to several improvements. The clinic has remained open weekly to improve patient continuity. With the top 10 chief complaints identified, they are better addressed. More funding is allocated for speculums and proper training of Pap smear technique. Systematic reporting of lab results is being implemented. Physical therapists and pharmacists now participate to address musculoskeletal and medication-based needs, respectively. A volunteer gastroenterologist has been recruited to provide specialized care for abdominal pain. An electrocardiogram machine is now used to evaluate chest pain. To improve student-patient communication, online language learning modules have been created. Conclusions: Based on these data, improvements in health care services have been made, including better continuity, emphasis on top chief complaints, and provider education in medical Spanish. Future plans include on-site pharmacy, smoother referrals, and similar clinics on the University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s other campuses.
PM10, and children's respiratory symptoms and lung function in the PATY study
Authors: Hoek Gerard , Pattenden Sam , Willers Saskia , Antova Temenuga , Fabianova Eleonora , Braun-Fahrländer Charlotte , Forastiere Francesco , Gehring Ulrike , Luttmann-Gibson Heike , Grize Leticia , Heinrich Joachim , Houthuijs Danny , Janssen Nicole , Katsnelson Boris , Kosheleva Anna , Moshammer Hanns , Neuberger Manfred , Privalova Larisa , Rudnai Peter , Speizer Frank , Slachtova Hana , Tomaskova Hana , Zlotkowska Renata , Fletcher Tony
Published: April 2012

Studies of the impact of long-term exposure to outdoor air pollution on the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and lung function in children have yielded mixed results, partly related to differences in study design, exposure assessment, confounder selection and data analysis.

We assembled respiratory health and exposure data for >45,000 children from comparable cross-sectional studies in 12 countries. 11 respiratory symptoms were selected, for which comparable questions were asked. Spirometry was performed in about half of the children. Exposure to air pollution was mainly characterised by annual average concentrations of particulate matter with a 50% cut-off aerodynamic diameter of 10 μm (PM10) measured at fixed sites within the study areas.

Positive associations were found between the average PM10concentration and the prevalence of phlegm (OR per 10 μg·m−31.15, 95% CI 1.02–1.30), hay fever (OR 1.20, 95% CI 0.99–1.46), bronchitis (OR 1.08, 95% CI 0.98–1.19), morning cough (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.02–1.29) and nocturnal cough (OR 1.13, 95% CI 0.98–1.29). There were no associations with diagnosed asthma or asthma symptoms. PM10was not associated with lung function across all studies combined.

Our study adds to the evidence that long-term exposure to outdoor air pollution, characterised by the concentration of PM10, is associated with increased respiratory symptoms.
Dehydroepiandrosterone reverses chronic hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced right ventricular dysfunction in rats
Authors: Dumas de La Roque Eric , Bellance Nadège , Rossignol Rodrigue , Begueret Hugues , Billaud Marie , Dos Santos Pierre , Ducret Thomas , Marthan Roger , Dahan Diana , Ramos-Barbón David , Amor-Carro Óscar , Savineau Jean-Pierre , Fayon Michael
Published: April 2012

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) prevents chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension and associated right ventricle dysfunction in rats. In this animal model, reoxygenation following hypoxia reverses pulmonary hypertension but not right ventricle dysfunction. We thus studied the effect of DHEA on the right ventricle after reoxygenation,i.e.after a normoxic recovery phase secondary to chronic hypoxia in rats.

Right ventricle function was assessedin vivoby Doppler echocardiography andin vitroby the isolated perfused heart technique in three groups of animals: control, recovery (21 days of hypoxia followed by 21 days of normoxia) and recovery DHEA (30 mg·kg−1every 2 days during the recovery phase). Right ventricle tissue was assessed by optical and electron microscopy.

DHEA abolished right ventricle diastolic dysfunction, as the echographic E wave remained close to that of controls (mean±sd76.5±2.4 and 79.7±1.7 cm·s−1, respectively), whereas it was diminished to 40.3±3.7 in the recovery group. DHEA also abolished right ventricle systolic dysfunction, as shown by the inhibition of the increase in the slope of the pressure–volume curve in isolated heart. The DHEA effect was related to cardiac myocytes proliferation.

In conclusion, DHEA prevents right ventricle dysfunction in this animal model by preventing cardiomyocyte alteration.
Expressed wishes and incidence of euthanasia in advanced lung cancer patients
Authors: Pardon Koen , Deschepper Reginald , Vander Stichele Robert , Bernheim Jan L. , Mortier Freddy , Schallier Denis , Germonpré Paul , Galdermans Daniella , Van Kerckhoven Willem , Deliens Luc
Published: April 2012

This study explores expressed wishes and requests for euthanasia (i.e.administration of lethal drugs at the explicit request of the patient), and incidence of end-of-life decisions with possible life-shortening effects (ELDs) in advanced lung cancer patients in Flanders, Belgium.

We performed a prospective, longitudinal, observational study of a consecutive sample of advanced lung cancer patients and selected those who died within 18 months of diagnosis. Immediately after death, the pulmonologist/oncologist and general practitioner (GP) of the patient filled in a questionnaire. Information was available for 105 out of 115 deaths.

According to the specialist or GP, one in five patients had expressed a wish for euthanasia; and three in four of these had made an explicit and repeated request. One in two of these received euthanasia. Of the patients who had expressed a wish for euthanasia but had not made an explicit and repeated request, none received euthanasia. Patients with a palliative treatment goal at inclusion were more likely to receive euthanasia. Death was preceded by an ELD in 62.9% of patients.

To conclude, advanced lung cancer patients who expressed a euthanasia wish were often determined. Euthanasia was performed significantly more among patients whose treatment goal after diagnosis was exclusively palliative.
Pulmonary hypertension associated with benfluorex exposure
Authors: Savale Laurent , Chaumais Marie-Camille , Cottin Vincent , Bergot Emmanuel , Frachon Irène , Prevot Grégoire , Pison Christophe , Dromer Claire , Poubeau Patrice , Lamblin Nicolas , Habib Gilbert , Reynaud-Gaubert Martine , Bourdin Arnaud , Sanchez Olivier , Tubert-Bitter Pascale , Jaïs Xavier , Montani David , Sitbon Olivier , Simonneau Gérald , Humbert Marc
Published: April 2012

Benfluorex was marketed in France until 2009, despite its similar pharmacological properties with fenfluramine and its derivatives known to be a cause of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

The aim of this study is to report clinical and haemodynamic characteristics for patients suffering from pulmonary hypertension (PH) associated with benfluorex exposure that had been identified by the French PAH Network.

85 cases of PH associated with benfluorex exposure were identified by the French PAH Network from June 1999 to March 2011. Of these, 70 patients had confirmed pre-capillary PH. The median duration of exposure was 30 months, with a median of 108 months between start of exposure and diagnosis of the pulmonary vascular disease. 33% of all patients also had prior exposure to fenfluramine or dexfenfluramine, and an additional risk factor for PH was identified in 20 (30%) out of 70 patients with pre-capillary PH. A quarter of patients in this current series showed coexisting PH and mild-to-moderate cardiac valve involvement.

The results of our study, together with the accumulated data regarding the known toxic effects of fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine, strongly suggest that benfluorex exposure is a potent trigger for PAH.
Pulse transit time as a measure of respiratory effort under noninvasive ventilation
Authors: Contal Olivier , Carnevale Claudio , Borel Jean-Christian , Sabil AbdelKébir , Tamisier Renaud , Lévy Patrick , Janssens Jean-Paul , Pépin Jean-Louis
Published: April 2012

Among the respiratory events that may occur during nocturnal noninvasive ventilation (NIV), differentiating between central and obstructive events requires appropriate indicators of respiratory effort. The aim of the present study was to assess pulse transit time (PTT) as an indicator of respiratory effort under NIV in comparison with oesophageal pressure (Poes).

During wakefulness, PTT was compared toPoesduring spontaneous breathing and under NIV with or without induced leaks in 11 healthy individuals. In addition, the contribution of PTTversus Poesto differentiation of central from obstructive respiratory events occurring under NIV during sleep was evaluated in 10 patients with obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS).

From spontaneous breathing to NIV without leaks, respiratory effort decreased significantly whereas, with increasing level of leaks, there was a significant increase in respiratory effort. Changes in PTT accurately reflected changes inPoes. In OHS patients during nocturnal NIV, intraclass correlation coefficients betweenPoesand PTT were 0.970 for total number of events and 0.970 for percentage of central events.

PTT accurately reflects the unloading of respiratory muscles induced by NIV and the increase in respiratory effort during leaks. PTT during sleep is also useful to differentiate central from obstructive respiratory events occurring under NIV.
Aα-Val360: a marker of neutrophil elastase and COPD disease activity
Authors: Carter Richard I. , Ungurs Michael J. , Mumford Richard A. , Stockley Robert A.
Published: April 2012

Forced expiratory volume in 1 s is currently the most widely used marker of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) severity; however, it is a poor surrogate of the emphysematous component and the underlying pathophysiological mechanism, and therefore new markers are urgently needed. Neutrophil elastase (NE) is likely to play a key pathophysiological role in COPD and the current study explores a marker of NE activity as a potential indicator of COPD disease activity.

Aα-Val360was measured in 81 subjects with a clinical diagnosis of COPD, both in the stable state and at presentation with an acute exacerbation, and comparisons were made using lung function tests and computed tomography imaging. The relationship of Aα-Val360with disease progression was also assessed in 40 of the subjects over a 4-yr period.

Baseline Aα-Val360related to physiological and radiological markers of disease severity, was higher at presentation with an acute exacerbation than in the stable state and (at least partly) related to disease progression over the subsequent 4 yrs.

We demonstrate that Aα-Val360is a marker of cross-sectional COPD disease severity and possibly disease progression, and represents a new concept of specific biomarkers. This study therefore reports the firstin vivodata to support the pathophysiological role of NE in COPD.
Matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Chelladurai Prakash , Seeger Werner , Pullamsetti Soni Savai
Published: April 2012

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a severe and progressive disease characterised by high pulmonary artery pressure, usually culminating in right heart failure. Current therapeutic approaches in PH largely provide symptomatic relief while the prognosis rate is lower due to the lack of specific molecular targets and the involvement of several factors in the development of PH. Numerous studies have suggested a crucial role of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) axis during development and disease states, specifically with regard to extracellular matrix remodelling and vascular homeostasis. Increased MMP activity has been demonstrated in experimental animal models of PH, and MMP inhibition has been shown to either attenuate or enhance vascular remodelling. Moreover, several studies emphasise that restoration of deregulated MMPs to physiological MMP/tissue inhibitor of MMPs ratios would potentiate reverse remodelling in PH. This article will highlight the pathophysiological role of MMPs in vascular remodelling and the establishment of PH. In particular, we will focus on the MMP expression and regulation in pulmonary vasculature and pulmonary vascular remodelling. We will also provide an overview of recent clinical and experimental findings and their impact on achieving maximum reversal of PH, as well as current issues and future perspectives.
Src tyrosine kinase is crucial for potassium channel function in human pulmonary arteries
Authors: Nagaraj Chandran , Tang Bi , Bálint Zoltán , Wygrecka Malgorzata , Hrzenjak Andelko , Kwapiszewska Grazyna , Stacher Elvira , Lindenmann Joerg , Weir E. Kenneth , Olschewski Horst , Olschewski Andrea
Published: April 2012

The potassium channel TWIK-related acid sensitive potassium (TASK)-1 channel, together with other potassium channels, controls the low resting tone of pulmonary arteries. The Src family tyrosine kinase (SrcTK) may control potassium channel function in human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (hPASMCs) in response to changes in oxygen tension and the clinical use of a SrcTK inhibitor has resulted in partly reversible pulmonary hypertension.

This study aimed to determine the role of SrcTK in hypoxia-induced inhibition of potassium channels in hPASMCs.

We show that SrcTK is co-localised with the TASK-1 channel. Inhibition of SrcTK decreases potassium current density and results in considerable depolarisation, while activation of SrcTK increases potassium current in patch-clamp recordings. Moderate hypoxia and the SrcTK inhibitor decrease the tyrosine phosphorylation state of the TASK-1 channel. Hypoxia also decreases the level of phospho-SrcTK (tyr419) and reduces the co-localisation of the TASK-1 channel and phospho-SrcTK. Corresponding to this, hypoxia reduces TASK-1 currents before but not after SrcTK inhibition and, in the isolated perfused mouse lung, SrcTK inhibitors increase pulmonary arterial pressure.

We propose that the SrcTK is a crucial factor controlling potassium channels, acting as a cofactor for setting a negative resting membrane potential in hPASMCs and a low resting pulmonary vascular tone.
Cell-based analysis of Chikungunya virus E1 protein in membrane fusion
Authors: Kuo Szu-Cheng , Chen Ying-Ju , Wang Yu-Ming , Tsui Pei-Yi , Kuo Ming-Der , Wu Tzong-Yuan , Lo Szecheng J
Published: April 2012

Background

Chikungunya fever is a pandemic disease caused by the mosquito-borne Chikungunya virus (CHIKV). E1 glycoprotein mediation of viral membrane fusion during CHIKV infection is a crucial step in the release of viral genome into the host cytoplasm for replication. How the E1 structure determines membrane fusion and whether other CHIKV structural proteins participate in E1 fusion activity remain largely unexplored.

Methods

A bicistronic baculovirus expression system to produce recombinant baculoviruses for cell-based assay was used. Sf21 insect cells infected by recombinant baculoviruses bearing wild type or single-amino-acid substitution of CHIKV E1 and EGFP (enhanced green fluorescence protein) were employed to investigate the roles of four E1 amino acid residues (G91, V178, A226, and H230) in membrane fusion activity.

Results

Western blot analysis revealed that the E1 expression level and surface features in wild type and mutant substituted cells were similar. However, cell fusion assay found that those cells infected by CHIKV E1-H230A mutant baculovirus showed little fusion activity, and those bearing CHIKV E1-G91D mutant completely lost the ability to induce cell-cell fusion. Cells infected by recombinant baculoviruses of CHIKV E1-A226V and E1-V178A mutants exhibited the same membrane fusion capability as wild type. Although the E1 expression level of cells bearing monomeric-E1-based constructs (expressing E1 only) was greater than that of cells bearing 26S-based constructs (expressing all structural proteins), the sizes of syncytial cells induced by infection of baculoviruses containing 26S-based constructs were larger than those from infections having monomeric-E1 constructs, suggesting that other viral structure proteins participate or regulate E1 fusion activity. Furthermore, membrane fusion in cells infected by baculovirus bearing the A226V mutation constructs exhibited increased cholesterol-dependences and lower pH thresholds. Cells bearing the V178A mutation exhibited a slight decrease in cholesterol-dependence and a higher-pH threshold for fusion.

Conclusions

Cells expressing amino acid substitutions of conserved protein E1 residues of E1-G91 and E1-H230 lost most of the CHIKV E1-mediated membrane fusion activity. Cells expressing mutations of less-conserved amino acids, E1-V178A and E1-A226V, retained membrane fusion activity to levels similar to those expressing wild type E1, but their fusion properties of pH threshold and cholesterol dependence were slightly altered.
Factors contributing to therapeutic effects evaluated in acupuncture clinical trials
Authors: Shi Guang-Xia , Yang Xiao-Min , Liu Cun-Zhi , Wang Lin-Peng
Published: April 2012

Acupuncture treatment has been widely used for many conditions, while results of the increasing numbers of randomized trials and systematic reviews remain controversial. Acupuncture is a complex intervention of both specific and non-specific factors associated with therapeutic benefit. Apart from needle insertion, issues such as needling sensation, psychological factors, acupoint specificity, acupuncture manipulation, and needle duration also have relevant influences on the therapeutic effects of acupuncture. Taking these factors into consideration would have considerable implications for the design and interpretation of clinical trials.
The Adult Pituitary Shows Stem/Progenitor Cell Activation in Response to Injury and Is Capable of Regeneration
Authors: Fu Qiuli , Gremeaux Lies , Luque Raul M. , Liekens Daisy , Chen Jianghai , Buch Thorsten , Waisman Ari , Kineman Rhonda , Vankelecom Hugo
Published: April 2012

The pituitary gland constitutes, together with the hypothalamus, the regulatory core of the endocrine system. Whether the gland is capable of cell regeneration after injury, in particular when suffered at adult age, is unknown. To investigate the adult pituitary's regenerative capacity and the response of its stem/progenitor cell compartment to damage, we constructed a transgenic mouse model to conditionally destroy pituitary cells. GHCre/iDTR mice express diphtheria toxin (DT) receptor after transcriptional activation by Cre recombinase, which is driven by the GH promoter. Treatment with DT for 3 d leads to gradual GH+ (somatotrope) cell obliteration with a final ablation grade of 80–90% 1 wk later. The stem/progenitor cell-clustering side population promptly expands after injury, concordant with the immediate increase in Sox2+ stem/progenitor cells. In addition, folliculo-stellate cells, previously designated as pituitary stem/progenitor cells and significantly overlapping with Sox2+ cells, also increase in abundance. In situ examination reveals expansion of the Sox2+ marginal-zone niche and appearance of remarkable Sox2+ cells that contain GH. When mice are left after the DT-provoked lesion, GH+ cells considerably regenerate during the following months. Double Sox2+/GH+ cells are observed throughout the regenerative period, suggesting recovery of somatotropes from stem/progenitor cells, as further supported by 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) pulse-chase lineage tracing. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that the adult pituitary gland holds regenerative competence and that tissue repair follows prompt activation and plausible involvement of the stem/progenitor cells.
Ultra-low dose dual-source high-pitch computed tomography of the paranasal sinus: diagnostic sensitivity and radiation dose
Authors: Schulz Boris , Potente Stefan , Zangos Stefan , Friedrichs Ingke , Bauer Ralf W , Kerl Matthias , Vogl Thomas J , Mack Martin M
Published: April 2012

Background

Today's gold standard for diagnostic imaging of inflammatory diseases of the paranasal sinus is computed tomography (CT).

Purpose

To evaluate diagnostic sensitivity and radiation dose of an ultra-low dose dual-source CT technique.

Material and Methods

Paranasal sinuses of 14 cadaveric heads were independently evaluated by two readers using a modern dual-source CT with lowest reasonable dosage in high-pitch mode (100 kV, 10 mAs, collimation 0.6 mm, pitch value 3.0). Additionally the head part of an anthropomorphic Alderson-Rando phantom was equipped with thermoluminiscent detectors to measure radiation exposure to the eye lenses and thyroid gland.

Results

Diagnostic accuracy regarding sinusoidal fluid, nasal septum deviation, and mucosal swelling was 100%. Mastoid fluid was detected in 76% and 92%, respectively. In the phantom study, average measured eye lens dosage was 0.64 mGy; radiation exposure of the thyroid gland was 0.085 mGy.

Conclusion

Regarding evaluation of inflammatory diseases of the paranasal sinus this study indicates sufficient accuracy of the proposed CT protocol at a very low dosage level.
A surgical technique for a terminal intracranial hypertension model in pigs
Authors: Janda M , Bajorat J , Simanski O , Nöldge-Schomburg G , Hofmockel R , Schütze M
Published: April 2012

The life-threatening effects of intracranial hypertension on brain perfusion and cerebral metabolism are the subject of current research in different animal models. The purpose of this study was to describe an efficient, reliable and inexpensive surgical method for temporary elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) in acutely instrumented pigs in a research setting. Therefore, a balloon catheter was inserted into the left lateral ventricle and an ICP sensor was placed in the parenchyma of the right cerebral hemisphere. Ten acutely instrumented pigs were studied while under deep terminal general anaesthesia. The step-by-step inflation of the intraventricular balloon allows one to achieve the desired ICP up to 46 mmHg and maintain it at this level. ICP values ranged from a median of 2 (1–2) mmHg to 43 (29–45) mmHg. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first detailed description of a minimally invasive surgical technique for temporary ICP elevation in pigs via stepwise inflation of an intraventricular balloon.
Isoflurane but not halothane minimum alveolar concentration-sparing response of dexmedetomidine is enhanced in rats chronically treated with selective α2-adrenoceptor agonist
Authors: Santos M , Ibancovichi J A , Millán I , Tendillo F J
Published: April 2012

Halothane minimum alveolar concentration (MAC)-sparing response is preserved in rats rendered tolerant to the action of dexmedetomidine. It has been shown that halothane and isoflurane act at different sites to produce immobility. The authors studied whether there was any difference between halothane and isoflurane MAC-sparing effects of dexmedetomidine in rats after chronic administration of a low dose of this drug. Twenty-four female Wistar rats were randomly allocated into four groups of six animals: two groups received 10 μg/kg intraperitoneal dexmedetomidine for five days (treated groups) and the other two groups received intraperitoneal saline solution for five days (naive groups) prior to halothane or isoflurane MAC determination (one treated and one naive group of halothane and one treated and one naive group of isoflurane). Halothane or isoflurane MAC determination was performed before (basal) and 30 min after an intraperitoneal dose of 30 μg/kg of dexmedetomidine (post-dex) from alveolar gas samples at the time of tail clamp. Administration of an acute dose of dexmedetomidine to animals that had chronically received dexmedetomidine resulted in a MAC-sparing effect that was similar to that seen in naive animals for halothane; however, the same treatment increased the MAC-sparing response of dexmedetomidine for isoflurane. Isoflurane but not halothane MAC-sparing response of acutely administered dexmedetomidine is enhanced in rats chronically treated with this drug.
Vitamin D deficiency is not associated with early stages of thyroid autoimmunity
Authors: Effraimidis Grigoris , Badenhoop Klaus , Tijssen Jan G P , Wiersinga Wilmar M
Published: April 2012

Context

Vitamin D deficiency has been identified as a risk factor for a number of autoimmune diseases including type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis.

Objective

We hypothesized that low levels of vitamin D are related to the early stages of autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD).

Design

Two case–control studies were performed. In the cross-sectional study A, euthyroid subjects with genetic susceptibility for AITD but without thyroid antibodies were compared with controls. Cases were subjects from the Amsterdam AITD cohort (euthyroid women who had first- or second-degree relatives with overt AITD) who at baseline had normal TSH and no thyroid antibodies; controls were healthy women examined at the same period. In the longitudinal study B, subjects who developed de novo thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO-Ab) were compared with those who did not. Cases and controls were subjects from the Amsterdam AITD cohort who at baseline had normal TSH and no thyroid antibodies and during follow-up developed TPO-Ab (cases) or remained without thyroid antibodies (controls). Controls in both studies were matched for age, BMI, smoking status, estrogen use, month of blood sampling, and in study B for the duration of follow-up.

Results

Serum 25(OH)D levels were as follows: study A: 21.0±7.9 vs 18.0±6.4 ng/ml (78 cases vs 78 controls, P=0.01); study B: baseline, 22.6±10.3 vs 23.4±9.1; follow-up 21.6±9.2 vs 21.2±9.3 ng/ml (67 cases vs 67 controls, NS).

Conclusions

Early stages of thyroid autoimmunity (in study A genetic susceptibility and in study B development of TPO-Ab) are not associated with low vitamin D levels.
Nutrição mineral de leguminosas tropicais II. Carências nutricionais em Leucaena leucocephala (Lamb.) de Wit
Authors: Haag H.P. , Mitidieri J.
Published: April 2012

Plantas de Leucanena leuoocephala (lamb.) De Wit foram submetidas a tratamentos em soluções nutritivas carentes em N, P. K, Ca, Mg, S e B com o objetivo de se obter o quadro sintomatológivo das carências, assim como teores dos elementos na raiz, caule e folhas. Os sintomas apareceram após 200 dias de cultivo e foram de difícil caracterização. Os teores encontrados nas folhas de plantas com sintomas enormais foram respectivamente: N%-2,77-3,51; P% - 0,11-0,14; K% - 1,33 - 2,75 ; Ca% - 0,41-1,11; Mg% - 0,18-0,42; S% -0,11-0,22; B ppm - 25-127.
Sobre a possibilidade de correção de deficiências minerais no arroz (Oryza sativa L. cv. IAC 47 E IAC 435)
Authors: Medeiros A.A. , Malavolta E.
Published: April 2012

Plantas de arroz dos cultivares IAC 47 (sequeiro) e IAC 435 (de irrigação) foram cultivadas em solução nutritiva deficiente em N, P, K, S, B, Cu ou Zn até o estádio de perfilhamento. O elemento em falta foi, então, for necido por via radicular ou foliar na tentativa de correção da deficiência. Foram notadas, em termos de produção de grãos, respostas diferentes em funcão de: cultivar, elemento aplicado e modo de aplicação.
Efeito da densidade de população de plantas sobre a cultura do repolho (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.)
Authors: Minami Keigo , Victoria Filho Ricardo
Published: April 2012

Com a finalidade de avaliar o efeito da densidade de população de plantas sobre a cultura de repolho (Brassica cleraoea var, capitata L.), foi realizado um experimento no Campo Experimental do Setor de Horticultura da Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz", Piracicaba, São Paulo, em um Latossol Roxo, Série Luiz de Queiroz, utilizando-se os espaçamentos de 0,60 mx 0,80 m; 0,60 m x 0,65 m; 0,60 m x 0,45 m; 0,60 m x 0,30 m e 0,60 m x 0,15 m. À medida em que se aumentou a densidade de população, houve as seguintes alterações na planta de repolho: mudança de for mato chato da "cabeça" para cônico, redução do numero de folhas, tamanho (peso, volume e diâmetros transversal e longitudinal) , aumento na densidade da "cabeça" (peso/volume) e aumento na porcentagem de plantas que não produziram "cabeça.
Tolerância de cultivares de trigo (Triticum aestivum L.) ao alumínio e ao manganês: II. determinação da tolerância ao manganês
Authors: Brauner J.L. , Sarruge J.R.
Published: April 2012

O objetivo do presente estudo foi identificar em 30 cultivares de trigo o grau de tolerância ao manganês. Para isso, foi realizado um experimento em casa de vegetação onde as plantas foram desenvolvidas em soluções nutritivas 0,0, 8,0, 16,0, 24,0 e 32,0 ppm de manganês, durante um período de 17 dias. Nos dados de peso de matéria seca das raízes e peso da matéria seca das partes aéreas, procedeu se uma análise de variância e nos cultivares onde houve efeitos significativos de um ou outro parâmetro, realiizou-se uma análise de regressão ate o 3º grau, considerando-se a equação significativa de maior grau como representativa. Em função das analises de variância e das equações de regressão obtidas, constatou-se que os cultivares CNTl e Frontana foram suscetíveis ao manganês, Sonora 63 e Maringá medianamente tolerante e as demais (26) tolerantes.
Níveis críticos de fósforo em Brachiaria decunbens (Stapf) Prain, Brachiaria humidicola (Rendle) Schweickerdt, Digitaria decumbens Stent, Hypharrhenia rufa (Ness) Stapf, Melinis minutiflora Pal de Beauv, Panicum maximum Jacq. e Pennisetum purpureum Schum
Authors: Martinez H.E.P. , Haag H.P.
Published: April 2012

Plantas dos capins braquiaria brachiaria decumbens Stapf (Prain) , quicuio da Amazonia, (Brachiaria humidicola (Rendle) Schweickerdt), pangola (Digitaria decumbens Stent), jaraguá (Hyphrrhenia rufa (Ness) Stapf), gordura (Melinis minutiflora Pal de Beauv), colonião (Panicum maximum Jacq) e napier (Pennisetwn purpure um Schum) foram cultivadas em solução nutritiva completa contendo, 0,12; 0,48; 1,94; 7,75 e 31,00 mg de fósforo por litro, com o objetivo de determinar os níveis críticos internos e externos de fosforo, e avaliar a eficiência com que absorvem e utilizam o fósforo. Aos setenta e cinco dias as plantas foram coletadas, separadas em caules, folhas, bainhas e raízes. Após secagem a 80ºC, as amostras foram pesadas e analisadas para fósforo na matéria seca. Curvas representativas do peso da matéria seca e da concentração de fósforo na matéria seca em função dos níveis de fosforo da solução nutritiva foram obtidas a partir de dados calculados de equações de regressão. Verificou-se que: - As espécies diferiram quanto à necessidade externa de fósforo, sendo B. humidicola e H. rufa as menos exigentes. Seguiram-se em ordem crescente B. decumbens, M. minutiflora, P. maximum, P. purpureum e D. decumbens. - Os níveis críticos internos de fósforo variaram entre as espécies, sendo maior em D. decumbens (0,38%) que nas demais. Seguiram-se em ordem decrescente B. decumbens (0,32%), B. humidioola (0,26%), M. minutiflora (0,24%), P. maximum (o,24%) e P. purpureum (0,20%). - A eficiência de absorção e utilização, do fósforo foi maior para B. humidicola. Seguiram-se em ordem decrescente P. purpureum, P. maximum, D. decumbens , B. decumbens e M. minutiflora.
Contribuição ao estudo da interrelação flúor-manganês em ratos
Authors: Oliveira Ida Maria Vianna de , Pourchet-Campos Maria Apparecida
Published: April 2012

Devido a numerosas discrepâncias nos resultados de estudos experimentais relativos à interação flúor-manganês, propusemo-nos a verificar se a adição de manganês 5 água fluoretada (1 ppm), em diferentes proporções fluor-manganês, levaria a uma diferente fixaçao do halogênio. Para tanto, 24 ratos Wistar, recém-desmamados, foram mantidos em dieta padrão de caseína a 27%, recebendo na sua água de consumo: 1) H2O destilada (controle); 2) 1,0 ppm de flúor: 3) 1,0 ppm de flúor + 0,5 ppm de manganês (F:Mn = 2,0); 4) 1,0 ppm de flúor +1,0 ppm de manganês (F: Mn = 1,0). Foram anotados o peso ganho e o consumo de alimento e água, durante os 60 dias de experimento, após o qual as patas traseiras, dos animais sacrificados, foram autoclavadas e desossadas, e os femures retirados. Posteriormente, foram estes submetidos à secagem, extração da gordura, pulverização e analise do flúor fixado. Também foram efetuadas analises da composição centesimal da ração e de flúor e manganês nesta e nas diferentes águas de consumo. Os resultados de percentagem do flúor ingerido fixado nos femures, foram analisados estatisticamente pelo teste não-paramétrico de Kruskal-Wallis (níveis de 1% e 5%) mostrando que, para as proporções consideradas, o flúor na taxa de 1 ppm, o manganês, quando administrado após o desmame, parece não afetar a fixaçao do flúor. Contudo, faz-se necessário dar continuidade aos estudos com novas proporções e taxas mais elevadas de flúor e manganês.
Orchid in vitro growth as affected by nitrogen levels in the culture medium
Authors: Tavares Armando R , Young Jorge Luiz M , Ori Sandra S , Kanashiro Shoey , Lima Giuseppina PP , Chu Edison Paulo , Suzuki Rogério M
Published: April 2012

In vitro cultivation is the main propagation method for the family Orchidaceae, whereas nitrogen is the most important nutrient in the culture media. This work was carried out to study the influence of different nitrogen concentrations on the in vitro growth of the orchid Phalaenopsis amabilis. Nitrogen concentrations varied by altering the ionic balance of the Murashige & Skoog (MS) culture medium. Plants, 360 days old, were cultivated in liquid MS, modified with 7.5, 15, 30, 45, and 60 mM N. After 180 days, we assessed plant and root length, number of leaves and roots, and fresh and dry weight of leaves, roots and plants. Treatments were assigned to completely randomized plots, with four replications. Plots consisted of five three-plant flasks. The lowest nitrogen level (7.5 mM) in the medium induced root development in length, number, and fresh and dry weight. The concentration 30 mM N stimulated both emission and dry weight accumulation of leaves. The original nitrogen concentration in the MS medium (60 mM) was excessive for the in vitro growth of P. amabilis.
Determinação do tempo de hidrodestilação e do horário de colheita no óleo essencial de menta
Authors: Oliveira Ariana RMF de , Jezler Caroline N , Oliveira Rosilene A , Mielke Marcelo S , Costa Larissa CB
Published: April 2012

O tempo de hidrodestilação e o horário de colheita são informações importantes no estudo com plantas aromáticas, pois permitem maximizar o processo de extração e a quantidade de óleo essencial produzido. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi determinar o tempo de hidrodestilação e avaliar o efeito do horário de colheita no teor, rendimento e composição química do óleo essencial de Mentha x piperita var citrata. Os tratamentos constituíram-se de quatro tempos de extração (30, 60, 90 e 120 min) e cinco horários de colheita (9:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00 e 17:00 horas) com quatro repetições, dispostos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. Após 60 minutos de hidrodestilação em aparelho de Clevenger ocorre estabilização do volume extraído. Em relação ao horário de colheita, ocorre uma variação significativa no teor de óleo essencial ao longo do dia, sendo o maior valor (1,33%) encontrado na colheita realizada às 13:00h. Também foi verificada variação na composição química do óleo essencial, sendo que o α-fenchol apresentou maior teor pela manhã e o cis-mirtanol pela tarde.
Exercício resistido no cardiopata: revisão sistemática
Authors: Gonçalves Ana Clara Campagnolo Real , Pastre Carlos Marcelo , Camargo Filho José Carlos Silva , Vanderlei Luiz Carlos Marques
Published: April 2012

INTRODUÇÃO: A perda de massa muscular secundária à idade e à inatividade física é clinicamente relevante na população cardíaca; contudo, a prescrição do exercício resistido dinâmico para esses pacientes apresenta-se inconclusiva na literatura. OBJETIVOS: Reunir informações e apresentar as principais diretrizes relacionadas à prescrição de exercícios resistidos em cardiopatas. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foi realizada busca sistemática de literatura, a partir das bases de dados LILACS, SciELO e MEDLINE, utilizando os seguintes descritores na língua portuguesa: força muscular, exercício isométrico, esforço físico, cardiopatia e coronariopatia, e seus correspondentes na língua inglesa (muscle strength, isometric exercise, physical effort, heart disease e artery coronary disease), os quais foram pesquisados separadamente e em cruzamentos, sendo considerados para esta revisão apenas artigos publicados entre 2005 e 2010. RESULTADOS E DISCUSSÃO: De um total de 806 artigos foram selecionados 22 para integrar a revisão, sendo 14 estudos classificados como artigos originais, 2 artigos de atualização da literatura e 6 artigos de revisão, além do capítulo 8 do livro intitulado Diretrizes do ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) para os testes de esforço e sua prescrição, publicado em 2007. CONCLUSÃO: O exercício resistido, independente da variada metodologia utilizada na prescrição dos componentes específicos do treinamento, mostrou-se eficiente para aumentar a força muscular de membros superiores e inferiores em cardiopatas e sua aplicação pode ser considerada segura para esses pacientes, desde que prescrito corretamente.
Characterization of insect galls, gall makers, and associated fauna of Platô Bacaba (Porto de Trombetas, Pará, Brazil)
Authors: Maia Valéria Cid
Published: April 2012

Seventy six morphotypes of insect galls were found on 38 plant species and one subspecies distributed among 27 genera and 22 families in Platô Bacaba (Porto de Trombetas, Pará, Brazil). The majority of these galls (about 80%) occurred on leaves and 20% on stems. Burseraceae was the plant family with the greatest number of gall morphotypes (N = 23), followed by Fabaceae (N = 11) and Melastomataceae (N = 6). Protium Burm. f. (N = 17), Inga Miller (N = 8), and Tetragastris Gaertn (N = 6) were the plant genera, and Protium sagotianum Marchand (N = 7), Tetragastris panamensis (N = 6), and Miconia stenostachya DC. (N = 5) were the plant species that supported the highest diversity of galls. The galling inducers belong to Diptera (Cecidomyiidae) and Lepidoptera orders. Galls of Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, Hemiptera and Thysanoptera were not found. This study adds evidences that Diptera (Cecidomyiidae) are the most frequent galling insects in different zoogeographical regions.
A new species of Saetherocryptus Andersen et Mendes, 2007 from Brazil (Diptera: Chironomidae, Orthocladiinae)
Authors: Andersen Trond , Mendes Humberto Fonseca , Pinho Luiz Carlos
Published: April 2012

Saetherocryptus Andersen et Mendes, 2007 was described as monotypic, based on S. clavatus Andersen et Mendes, 2007 from Mata Atlântica in south and southeast Brazil. A second species, S. temimino sp. n., is described and figured below based on an adult male from São Paulo State.
Pollination biology and reproduction of Seemannia sylvatica (Kunth) Hanstein (Gesneriaceae) in the Serra da Bodoquena National Park, Mato Grosso do Sul
Authors: Camargo Eduardo , Rodrigues Licléia da Cruz , Araujo Andréa Cardoso
Published: April 2012

In Brazil, the family Gesneriaceae is represented by 23 genera and approximately 200 species. Seemannia sylvatica is an herb that occurs in dense populations in the riverbeds at Serra da Bodoquena. Goals of this study were to report the floral biology (on the first five days of anthesis), as well as to determine the breeding system and the pollinators of S. sylvatica. Data collection was conducted from June 2005 to July 2006 through monthly field trips, lasting for five days. Data on floral biology, breeding system and on the floral visitors were taken from individuals located along a track 2500 m long, in riparian forest of Salobrinha river. Flowers of S. sylvatica are tubular, red, with no perceptive odor and lasted more than five days (ca. 10 - 20 days in individuals transferred to an urban garden and kept in vases). Seemania sylvatica is protandrous, and the male phase occurred between the first and the fourth days of anthesis, while the female one started in the fifth day. Mean nectar volume secreted was 4.77 ± 3.2 µl, with a significative variation among flowers of different ages. Otherwise, nectar concentration average was 9.71 ± 4.41%, and did not varied significantly in flowers of different ages. The flowers of S. sylvatica were pollinated mainly by the hummingbirds Phaethornis pretrei and Thalurania furcata, and pierced by the bee Ceratina chloris. The butterfly Parides anchises orbygnianus was considered an occasional pollinator of these flowers. Seemannia sylvatica is self-compatible, since fruit set occurred on the experiments of spontaneous self-pollination, manual self-pollination, cross-pollination and open pollination (control). The protandry, coupled with the pattern of nectar production, characterized by low volume and solute concentration, which induces the pollinators to visit different flowers in a given circuit foraging, act maximizing the likelihood of cross-pollination in S. sylvatica. Moreover, the high proportion of fruit set by autogamy is an important strategy considering that S. sylvatica is visited by few species, being pollinated mainly by P. pretrei. Therefore, in the absence of these visitors, the formation of fruits may be achieved.
Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea and Hesperioidea) of the Parque Ecológico João Vasconcelos Sobrinho, Caruaru, Pernambuco, Brazil
Authors: Paluch Márlon , Mielke Olaf Hermann Hendrik , Nobre Carlos Eduardo Beserra , Casagrande Mirna Martins , Melo Douglas Henrique Alves , Freitas André Victor Lucci
Published: April 2012

Comprising a natural reserve with 359 ha of "montane forest" inserted on the Brazilian semi-arid, the Parque Ecológico João Vasconcelos Sobrinho (PEJVS), locally known as "Brejo dos Cavalos" is currently under high anthropogenic pressure. A list of 197 species of butterflies belonging to six families is presented, being 59 species of Hesperiidae, 4 of Papilionidae, 18 of Pieridae, 17 of Lycaenidae, 12 of Riodinidae and 87 of Nymphalidae. The butterfly community was composed mainly by widespread species commonly found in open habitats. There were also many species typical of forested areas such as Scada karschina delicata Talbot, 1932 (Danainae: Ithomiini), which is an endangered butterfly.
Ephemeroptera (Insecta) ocorrentes no leste do Estado do Mato Grosso, Brasil
Authors: Shimano Yulie , Salles Frederico Falcão , Cabette Helena Soares Ramos
Published: April 2012

Com o objetivo de apresentar um levantamento da fauna de Ephemeroptera no Estado do Mato Grosso, investigamos as ninfas de Ephemeroptera, principalmente de duas bacias hidrográficas do leste do estado. Sessenta e sete espécies/morfoespécies em 41 gêneros e oito famílias foram encontradas. Quatro espécies (Cloeodes redactus Waltz & McCafferty, 1987 e Waltzoyphius roberti Thomas & Peru, 2002 [Baetidae], Tricorytopsis chiriguano Molineri, 2001 [Leptohyphidae] e Microphlebia surinamensis Savage & Peters, 1983 [Leptophlebiidae]) foram registradas pela primeira vez no Brasil. As famílias Euthyplociidae, Polymitarcyidae e Coryphoridae foram registradas pela primeira vez para o Mato Grosso, assim como 19 gêneros e 18 espécies. Vinte e cinco espécies não foram identificadas devido à falta de informação envolvendo o estágio ninfal de seus respectivos gêneros. Assim como demonstrado em outros trabalhos com o grupo, a ordem se mostrou mais diversa do que se conhece atualmente, especialmente se considerarmos as várias fisionomias e bacias hidrográficas do estado que se mantêm desconhecidas.
Inventário de Elateridae (Coleoptera) de Vila Dois Rios, Ilha Grande, Angra Dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Corrêa Vinícius Amaral , Casari Sônia Aparecida , Mermudes José Ricardo Miras
Published: April 2012

Os resultados do inventário das espécies de Elateridae da Mata Atlântica em Vila Dois Rios (Ilha Grande, Angra dos Reis, RJ) são apresentados. Sete coletas foram realizadas entre janeiro e dezembro de 2008 com guarda-chuva entomológico e armadilha luminosa em trilhas nas proximidades do Centro de Estudos Ambientais e Desenvolvimento Sustentável, da Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (CEADS), 5 m altitude, 23º 11' 05'' S e 44º 11' 27'' O. No total foram capturados 212 espécimes para cinco subfamílias, representando o primeiro registro de 19 gêneros e 28 espécies para a Ilha Grande. Elaterinae foi a subfamília mais rica e dominante com Pomachilius terminatus destacando-se como a espécie mais abundante. Agrypninae e Cardiophorinae corresponderam a 19,34% da abundância total, a primeira mais rica com 11 espécies e a segunda com quatro. As subfamílias raras foram Lissominaee e Denticollinae, com apenas um representante.