bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laser de baixa intensidade (830 nm) na recuperação funcional do nervo isquiático de ratos
Authors: Marcolino Alexandre Marcio , Barbosa Rafael Inacio , Neves Lais Mara Siqueira das , Vinas Thomas Selvaggio , Duarte Danilo Teixeira de Barros , Mazzer Nilton , Fonseca Marisa de Cássia Registro
Published: August 2010

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito do laser de baixa intensidade na melhora funcional da marcha de ratos após esmagamento do nervo ciático. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 18 ratos divididos alea-to-riamente em dois grupos: controle (sham) e irradiado com densidade de energia de 40J/cm², em 21 dias consecutivos, utilizando o laser 830nm (AsGaAl). Os animais foram submetidos ao esmagamento do nervo ciático direito com o dispositivo portátil de peso morto e avaliados pelo "Índice Funcional do Ciático" (IFC). As pegadas foram coletadas no pré-operatório, 7º, 14º e 21º dias pós-operatório. RESULTADOS: Os resultados do IFC foram significantes quando comparados os grupos no 7º e 14º dia pós-operatório (p<0,05). No 21º dia pós-operatório não houve diferença entre os grupos. Na avaliação intra-grupos houve diferença entre todas as semanas avaliadas (p<0,01). Os animais irradiados apresentaram melhora no padrão da marcha, demonstrada pelos valores do IFC nos períodos iniciais, mas ao final das 3 semanas, houve uma recuperação similar. CONCLUSÃO: A laserterapia de baixa intensidade mostrou ser eficaz no estímulo da aceleração da regeneração nervosa do ciático de ratos após esmagamento.
Evolução da qualidade do substrato de uma área minerada no cerrado revegetada com Stylosanthes spp
Authors: Silva Lucas C. R. , Corrêa Rodrigo S.
Published: August 2010

A retirada da camada superficial do solo e a escavação do subsolo pela mineração deixam expostos materiais inadequados ao estabelecimento e desenvolvimento de plantas. Nesses locais a regeneração natural é incipiente, de modo que intervenções que visem à melhoria do substrato são necessárias para o restabelecimento da vegetação. Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar a evolução física, química e biológica de um substrato minerado no Distrito Federal após a introdução de uma cobertura herbácea de Stylosanthes spp. Os resultados mostram que as operações necessárias para a implantação do estrato herbáceo e o desenvolvimento das plantas melhoraram significativamente os atributos avaliados. Os parâmetros químicos foram os mais modificados e os físicos, os que menos evoluíram após dois anos da revegetação. Houve, ainda, recuperação satisfatória do teor de matéria orgânica do substrato, mas a atividade microbiana permaneceu em cerca de 60% da encontrada em solos sob vegetação nativa de Cerrado.
Influência de tensões compressivas na pressão de precompactação e no índice de compressão do solo
Authors: Macedo Vera R. M. , Silva Apolino J. N. da , Cabeda Mário S. V.
Published: August 2010

Este trabalho objetivou determinar os parâmetros de compressibilidade de um Argissolo Vermelho através de ensaios de compressão uniaxial, com três tempos de aplicação de pressão compressiva (7,5 s, 1 e 2 min) em duas umidades do solo (0,113 e 0,164 kg kg-1) e verificar o comportamento mecânico do solo após o alívio das cargas. O Argissolo Vermelho foi coletado em experimento conduzido em parcelas fisicamente degradadas e recuperadas na Estação Experimental Agronômica da UFRGS. A condição de degradação apresentou os maiores valores de pressão de precompactação em relação à condição fisicamente recuperada, nas duas umidades estudadas. Não houve diferença significativa entre os valores das pressões de precompactação do solo determinados com as curvas de compressão nos tempos de aplicação da pressão compressiva de 7,5 s, 1 e 2 min, nas duas umidades e nas duas condições físicas do solo. A condição fisicamente recuperada apresentou maior índice de compressão em relação à condição degradada em ambas as umidades. O alívio promovido pela remoção das pressões compressivas impostas ao solo promoveu um pequeno incremento na porosidade total do solo e decréscimo na sua densidade.
Cenários de mudanças climáticas e seus impactos na produção leiteira em estados nordestinos
Authors: Silva Thieres G. F. da , Moura Magna S. B. de , Sá Ivan I. S. , Zolnier Sérgio , Turco Sílvia H. N. , Souza Luciana S. B. de
Published: August 2010

A pecuária leiteira é uma atividade de grande importância no nordeste brasileiro, podendo ser afetada de forma direta e indireta, caso as atuais previsões climáticas sejam confirmadas até o final do século. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar os impactos das mudanças climáticas sobre a produção leiteira nos estados de Alagoas, Bahia e Sergipe. Os valores do índice de temperatura e umidade (ITU), do declínio da produção de leite (DPL) e da redução do consumo alimentar (RCA) de vacas leiteiras foram calculados para os cenários climáticos B1 e A1F1 do IPCC. Utilizou-se um modelo multiplicativo para estimar o efeito das alterações de temperatura sobre os valores normais da umidade relativa do ar. Com base em ambos os cenários do IPCC, as regiões produtoras, situadas no norte e litoral do estado da Bahia e áreas litorâneas dos estados de Alagoas e Sergipe, serão afetadas expressivamente em decorrência do aumento do estresse térmico, com reduções marcantes na produção de leite e no consumo alimentar, especialmente de animais com alto potencial genético de produção. Este cenário pode afetar as atuais regiões produtoras dos estados nordestinos, de forma que a exploração leiteira seja limitada aos animais com baixo desempenho produtivo.
Avaliação do desempenho dos diferentes métodos de interpoladores para parâmetros do balanço hídrico climatológico
Authors: Castro Fábio da S. , Pezzopane José E. M. , Cecílio Roberto A. , Pezzopane José R. M. , Xavier Alexandre C.
Published: August 2010

A geoestatística está associada a uma classe de técnicas utilizadas para analisar e inferir valores de uma variável distribuída no espaço ou no tempo, mediante o que se propôs, no presente trabalho avaliar, através de diferentes técnicas de interpolação, os seguintes parâmetros climáticos: precipitação, deficiência hídrica, excedente hídrico, evapotranspiração potencial, evapotranspiração real e disponibilidade hídrica, no estado do Espírito Santo. Para tanto, utilizaram-se dados meteorológicos de temperatura do ar e precipitação pluviométrica, compreendidos no período de 1977 a 2006, para o cálculo do balanço hídrico climatológico conforme método proposto por Thornthwaite & Mather (1955), adotando uma capacidade de armazenamento de 100 mm. Os resultados mostram que o método da krigagem é o mais eficiente para a espacialização dos parâmetros climáticos, baseado no menor valor da Raiz do Erro Médio Quadrático (REMQ) e outros parâmetros calculados que auxiliaram na escolha do melhor modelo.
As quatro faces de RH: analisando a performance da gestão de Recursos Humanos em empresas no Brasil
Authors: Tanure Betania , Evans Paul , Cançado Vera L.
Published: August 2010

Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar o desempenho do RH em empresas brasileiras, a partir do modelo das Quatro Faces da GRH, proposto por Tanure, Evans e Pucik (2007): o executor, o construtor, o parceiro de mudança e o navegador. Para tal, foram utilizados dados secundários de uma survey com 172 presidentes das 500 maiores empresas no Brasil; e se analisaram os resultados de um estudo de caso, realizado em uma empresa financeira - Brasilprev. Os dados do estudo de caso foram coletados por meio de 14 entrevistas individuais, de três grupos focais com 15 colaboradores de diversos níveis hierárquicos, e de 68 questionários. Os resultados da survey com os presidentes indicaram que o RH é considerado predominantemente executor em empresas de capital nacional; para as de capital multinacional, predomina o RH construtor e o parceiro de mudança. Os resultados do estudo de caso indicam que, na percepção dos colaboradores da Brasilprev, o RH está caminhando para a face de parceiro de mudança. Entretanto as práticas de RH adotadas pela empresa, apesar de serem de última geração e modernas, não estão articuladas entre si e não apresentam consistência interna e externa. Pode-se concluir que, para empresas brasileiras, o RH executor ainda prevalece, apesar da utilização de modernas práticas de gestão de recursos humanos.
A produção científica sobre cultura organizacional em organizações públicas no período de 1997 a 2007: um convite à reflexão
Authors: Silva Lindomar Pinto da , Fadul Élvia
Published: August 2010

Este trabalho analisa a produção científica sobre cultura organizacional em organizações públicas no Brasil, no período de 1997 a 2007. A pesquisa privilegiou os periódicos brasileiros mais conhecidos na comunidade acadêmica e os encontros promovidos pela ANPAD neste período. A produção foi analisada a partir dos aspectos relativos à continuidade da pesquisa em cultura organizacional em organizações públicas, características das pesquisas, métodos de pesquisa, instrumentos de medida, modelo de tratamento dos dados, teorias de base, vertente teórica e o alinhamento dos pesquisadores com o tema analisado. Os resultados mostram que a produção nesta temática é baixa, considerando que foram encontrados apenas 47 trabalhos publicados no período estudado. Indicam, ainda, que não há continuidade na produção de pesquisa voltada especificamente para os estudos culturais em organizações públicas, pois os autores, na sua maioria, publicaram apenas um trabalho neste período sobre este tema.
Colletotrichum isolates related to Anthracnose of cashew trees in Brazil: morphological and molecular description using LSU rDNA sequences
Authors: Lopez Ana Maria Queijeiro , Lucas John Alexander
Published: August 2010

Thirty six isolates of fungi obtained from anthracnose lesions of cashew and associated host plants in Brazil, were compared by their cultural, morphological and partial sequences of the 28S ribosomal DNA characters. They showed a high degree of cultural variability. The average mycelial growth rate on all tested media ranged from 10.2-13.3 mm/day between the isolates. Most of them produced perithecia (sterile and fertile) and some produced setae (sterile and fertile). All the isolates produced acervuli with predominantly cylindrical conidia (12.4-17.7 µmX 4.8-6.0 µm in width) with round ends, which became septate on germination, and produced unlobed or slightlylobed appressoria. Comparison of the D2 domain of the large subunit (LSU) rDNA sequences with those of other defined species of Colletotrichum and Glomerella grouped 35 of the isolates with known strains of C. gloeosporioides from different hosts (> 98.9% homology). The one exception (LARS 921) was identical to G. cingulata (LARS 238) from Vigna unguiculata.
Evaluation of sugar-cane bagasse as bioadsorbent in the textile wastewater treatment contaminated with carcinogenic congo red dye
Authors: Raymundo Aline Sartório , Zanarotto Romina , Belisário Marciela , Pereira Madson de Godoi , Ribeiro Joselito Nardy , Ribeiro Araceli Verónica Flores Nardy
Published: August 2010

A methodology involving sugar cane bagasse bioadsorbent was developed in order to remove the carcinogenic congo red dye from aqueous medium. The results showed high efficiency with retention of 64 ± 6% in synthetic congo red solution and 94 ± 5% in effluent enriched with congo red, at 10.0 g of the bioadsorbent. The adsorption system provided a maximum adsorption capacity of 4.43 mg/g. Tests showed independence adsorption properties, when compared with the column flow rates. The treatment units could be operated with flexibility. From the results, it was possible to conclude that sugar cane bagasse could be an adequate bioadsorbent.
Influence of a native strain of Staphylococcus xylosus on the microbiological, physicochemical and sensorial characteristics on milano salami type
Authors: Fiorentini Ângela Maria , Sawitzki Maristela Cortez , Bertol Teresinha Marisa , Cunha Júnior Anildo , Sant'Anna Ernani Sebastião
Published: August 2010

In this work, the influence of native starter cultures on the microbiological, physicochemical and sensorial characteristics of Milano salami type was studied. Two batches of Milano salami type were produced: Batch A, with the addition of Staphylococcus xylosus U5 and Batch B (control) without the starter culture. The Milano salami type was characterized by an important microbial activity of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) that resulted in substantial growth in Batch A during the ripening with an initial count of 7.60 log cfu.g-1 and reached 9.84 log CFU.g-1 after 14 days. Bacterial enzymes that showed efficient activity under the conditions found in Milano salami type were catalase, nitrite and nitrate reductase, contributing for sensory and physicochemical properties of the product. There were no significant differences in general free fatty acids composition among the batches, while the color parameters (L *, a * and b *) in the Batch A presented significantly higher values in relation to Batch B. Moreover, batch A had the higher preference in sensorial analysis.
Lowering of phytic acid content by enhancement of phytase and acid phosphatase activities during sunflower germination
Authors: Agostini Juliana da Silva , Nogueira Rosicler Balduíno , Ida Elza Iouko
Published: August 2010

The objective of this work was to investigate the germination of hybrid sunflowers BRS191 and C11 as a means of lowering phytic acid (PA) content by enhancing the activity of endogenous phytase and acid phosphatase. The concentration of PA in hybrid sunflower achenes varied from 2.16 to 2.83g/100g of sample (p < 0.05). The phytase and acid phosphatase activities of sunflowers BRS191 and C11 were the highest on the 4th and 5th days of germination, respectively, with the release of the phosphorus. These results indicated that hybrid sunflower PA reduced and enhance phytase activity at distinct germination periods, which could open up the possibility of applying these enzymes in the control of PA content in cereals, thus improving their nutritional value.
Bioactivity of the red algae Asparagopsis taxiformis collected from the Southwestern coast of India
Authors: Manilal Aseer , Sujith Sugathan , Sabarathnam Balu , Kiran George Seghal , Selvin Joseph , Shakir Chippu , LIPTON Aaron Premnath
Published: August 2010

Among the diverse variety of red algae, Asparagopsis taxiformis constitutes one of the abundant biomass in the Kollam coast (Southwest coast of India). Therefore, in the present study, A. taxiformis was collected, extracted and fractionated using column chromatography. The individual fractions were evaluated in vitro for their antifouling, anticyanobacterial, piscicidal and crustaceans toxicity assays. The fraction eluted with 2:8, petroleum ether and ethyl acetate exhibited strong and broad spectrum of bioactivity. In antifouling assay against Limnea truncatula, the active algal fraction produced 80% of foot repellency at 150 mg/L whereas in anticyanobacterial assay, the active fraction inhibited 100% growth of Trichodesmium sp. at 320 mg/L. The algal fraction showed higher piscicidal effect at the level of 60 mg/L. The crustacean toxicity of the active fraction was also evaluated to find compounds without toxicity in non target organisms, Penaeus monodon and Macrobrachium rosenbergii. It was found that column fraction showed less toxicity against the non target organisms. The chemical constituents of the active fraction were identified by means of chromatographic systems such as TLC, reverse phase HPLC and GC-MS. The overall activity profile envisages that the active column fraction of A. taxiformis might contain synergistic bioactive metabolites that could be utilized for the control of fouling organisms, algal bloom and herbivorous/predaceous fishes in aquaculture ponds.
Spice Race:The Island Princessand the Politics of Transnational Appropriation
Authors: Nocentelli Carmen
Published: August 2010

Recent scholarship has located John Fletcher'sThe Island Princess(1621) in the historical context of the early modern “spice race” but has not addressed the extent to which the intra‐European tensions staged in the play also enact an international contest for symbolic and cultural resources. Taking as its starting point Fletcher's acknowledged sources, Bartolomé Leonardo de Argensola'sConquista de las islas Malucas(1609) and Louis Gédoyn de Bellan's “Histoire memorable de Dias espagnol, et de Quixaire princesse de Moluques” (1615), this essay placesThe Island Princessin the thick of an appropriative process that moved from Portugal's periphery to Spain, from Spain to France, and from the Continent to England. In doing so, it also traces the contours of a mercantilist logic that linked political dominance, literary hegemony, and economic supremacy—and pursued all three as mutually reinforcing national goals.
“A Thousand Bamboo Fangs down My Throat”: Césaire'sCahier d'un retour au pays natal
Authors: Rosello Mireille
Published: August 2010

Before Undertaking This Essay, I was Afraid That I had Nothing New to Say About Aimé Césaire's Work. I WAS RIGHT AND WRONG. What can I tell you that you have not heard a thousand times? That Césaire was born in Martinique in 1913? That he studied in Paris with Léopold Sédar Senghor? That his return to his island, just before World War II, is celebrated inCahier d'un retour au pays natal (Notebook of a Return to My Native Land)?That he is one of the founders of negritude? Either you already know all this and much more about Césaire's work, or such facts and figures (i.e., stories that have produced an effect of truth) are so readily available to trained scholars that my intervention is pointless. Since the poet's death, in 2008, all the facets of his life and work are being reread and reexamined. The flow of information about them ranges from illuminating presentations (Scharfman; Irele; Smith) to the most sophisticated analyses of his literary and political work (Arnold, “Forty Years”; Eshleman; Brent; Wilder).
“Phillis Wheatley's First Effort”
Authors: Carretta Vincent
Published: August 2010

Biographical Research at the Massachusetts Historical Society has Discovered in The 1773 Diary of Jeremy Belknap (1744-98), a Congregationalist clergyman, what is likely a text by Phillis Wheatley that predates any known before now. Belknap's diary is interleaved in Bickerstaff's Boston Almanack. For the Year of Our Lord, 1773. The last page includes a twenty-word poem in Belknap's hand that he identifies as “Phillis Wheatley's first Effort———-AD 1765. EE 11.” Belknap transcribes the text twice. The first version is in three lines, as if he could not decide whether it was prose or poetry, with an inserted two-word phrase placed above the first line and located by a caret below it:

Unto Salvation

MrsThacher's Son is gonê her Daughter too

so I conclude

They are both gone to be renewed
Excerpts from Old Solomon; or, A Slave Family in the Nineteenth Century
Authors: Testut Charles , Kim Heidi Kathleen
Published: August 2010

Introduction: The Francophone Uncle Tom's Cabin

The Overlooked American Francophone Novel Le Vieux Salomon, Ou Une Famille D'Esclaves Au XIXE Siècle (OLD SOLOMON; OR, A Slave Family in the Nineteenth Century), by Charles Testut (1819-92), offers a contemporaneous description of slavery as a global commerce with international causes and effects. The novel's geographic scope, as well as Testut's interest in contrasting the life in the French Caribbean with slavery in the United States, makes Old Solomon an ideal text through which to examine the representation of economic and cultural circulation in the Americas. Old Solomon is a clear response to Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin (1852), with some similar characters and situations, but is more trangressive and violent.
Enhanced Levels of microRNA-125b in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells of Diabetic db/db Mice Lead to Increased Inflammatory Gene Expression by Targeting the Histone Methyltransferase Suv39h1
Authors: Villeneuve Louisa M. , Kato Mitsuo , Reddy Marpadga A. , Wang Mei , Lanting Linda , Natarajan Rama
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVE

Diabetes remains a major risk factor for vascular complications that seem to persist even after achieving glycemic control, possibly due to “metabolic memory.” Using cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (MVSMC) from type 2 diabetic db/db mice, we recently showed that decreased promoter occupancy of the chromatin histone H3 lysine-9 methyltransferase Suv39h1 and the associated repressive epigenetic mark histone H3 lysine-9 trimethylation (H3K9me3) play key roles in sustained inflammatory gene expression. Here we examined the role of microRNAs (miRs) in Suv39h1 regulation and function in MVSMC from diabetic mice.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We used luciferase assays with Suv39h1 3′untranslated region (UTR) reporter constructs and Western blotting of endogenous protein to verify that miR-125b targets Suv39h1. We examined the effects of Suv39h1 targeting on inflammatory gene expression by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and H3K9me3 levels at their promoters by chromatin immunoprecipitation assays.

RESULTS

We observed significant upregulation of miR-125b with parallel downregulation of Suv39h1 protein (predicted miR-125b target) in MVSMC cultured from diabetic db/db mice relative to control db/+. miR-125b mimics inhibited both Suv39h1 3′UTR luciferase reporter activity and endogenous Suv39h1 protein levels. Conversely, miR-125b inhibitors showed opposite effects. Furthermore, miR-125b mimics increased expression of inflammatory genes, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and interleukin-6, and reduced H3K9me3 at their promoters in nondiabetic cells. Interestingly, miR-125b mimics increased monocyte binding to db/+ MVSMC toward that in db/db MVSMC, further imitating the proinflammatory diabetic phenotype. In addition, we found that the increase in miR-125b in db/db VSMC is caused by increased transcription of miR-125b-2.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate a novel upstream role for miR-125b in the epigenetic regulation of inflammatory genes in MVSMC of db/db mice through downregulation of Suv39h1.
Insulin Suppresses Endotoxin-Induced Oxidative, Nitrosative, and Inflammatory Stress in Humans
Authors: Dandona Paresh , Ghanim Husam , Bandyopadhyay Arindam , Korzeniewski Kelly , Ling Sia Chang , Dhindsa Sandeep , Chaudhuri Ajay
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether insulin reduces the magnitude of oxidative, nitrosative, and inflammatory stress and tissue damage responses induced by endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide [LPS]).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Nine normal subjects were injected intravenously with 2 ng/kg LPS prepared from Escherichia coli. Ten others were infused with insulin (2 units/h) for 6 h in addition to the LPS injection along with 100 ml/h of 5% dextrose to maintain normoglycemia.

RESULTS

LPS injection induced a rapid increase in plasma concentrations of nitric oxide metabolites, nitrite and nitrate (NOM), and thiobarbituric acid–reacting substances (TBARS), an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs), and marked increases in plasma free fatty acids, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), macrophage migration inhibition factor (MIF), C-reactive protein, resistin, visfatin, lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP), high mobility group-B1 (HMG-B1), and myoglobin concentrations. The coinfusion of insulin led to a total elimination of the increase in NOM, free fatty acids, and TBARS and a significant reduction in ROS generation by PMNLs and plasma MIF, visfatin, and myoglobin concentrations. Insulin did not affect TNF-α, MCP-1, IL-6, LBP, resistin, and HMG-B1 increases induced by the LPS.

CONCLUSIONS

Insulin reduces significantly several key mediators of oxidative, nitrosative, and inflammatory stress and tissue damage induced by LPS. These effects of insulin require further investigation for its potential use as anti-inflammatory therapy for endotoxemia.
Age and Sex Differences in the Clustering of Metabolic Syndrome Factors
Authors: Kuk Jennifer L. , Ardern Chris I.
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVE

The metabolic syndrome is a general term given to a clustering of cardiometabolic risk factors that may consist of different phenotype combinations. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of the different combinations of factors that make up the metabolic syndrome as defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program and to examine their association with all-cause mortality in younger and older men and women.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 2,784 men and 3,240 women from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey with public-access mortality data linkage (follow-up = 14.2 ± 0.2 years) were studied.

RESULTS

Metabolic syndrome was present in 26% of younger (aged ≤65 years) and 55.0% of older (aged >65 years) participants. The most prevalent metabolic syndrome combination was the clustering of high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, and elevated blood pressure in younger men (4.8%) and triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, and elevated waist circumference in younger women (4.2%). The presence of all five metabolic syndrome factors was the most common metabolic syndrome combination in both older men (8.0%) and women (9.2%). Variation existed in how metabolic syndrome combinations were associated with mortality. In younger adults, having all five metabolic syndrome factors was most strongly associated with mortality risk, whereas in older men, none of metabolic syndrome combinations were associated with mortality. In older women, having elevated glucose or low HDL as one of the metabolic syndrome components was most strongly associated with mortality risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Metabolic syndrome is a heterogeneous entity with age and sex variation in component clusters that may have important implications for interpreting the association between metabolic syndrome and mortality risk. Thus, metabolic syndrome used as a whole may mask important differences in assessing health and mortality risk.
Restoration of Nasal Cytology after Endoscopic Turbinoplasty versus Laser-Assisted Turbinoplasty
Authors: Cassano Michele , Granieri Carla , Del Giudice Alessandro Maselli , Mora Francesco , Fiocca-Matthews Emily , Cassano Pasquale
Published: August 2010

Background

Insult from surgical trauma leads to a degeneration of the nasal epithelium, resulting in morphological–volumetric changes involving the entire cell or a specific cell component. Alterations in normal nasal mucosa were assessed by nasal cytology and other functional tests after either endoscopic turbinoplasty or laser-assisted turbinoplasty for reducing inferior turbinate enlargement.

Methods

A total of 150 patients with chronic nasal obstruction due to inferior turbinate hypertrophy were randomly assigned to undergo laser-assisted turbinoplasty or endoscopic turbinoplasty. Preoperative and postoperative assessment at 1 and 3 months follow-up included active anterior rhinomanometry, measurement of mucociliary transport time (MCTt), and nasal cytology to determine whether improved nasal breathing was accompanied by a restoration of preoperative nasal cytology and MCTt. One year after the operation, nasal cytology was repeated to definitively evaluate the presence of surgery-related cytological damage.

Results

At both postoperative visits, nasal resistance had decreased similarly in both treatment groups; mean MCTt was significantly shorter in the endoscopic turbinoplasty-treated group (p < 0.05); at both visits, the number of altered ciliated cells had increased in the laser-assisted turbinoplasty-treated group but decreased in the endoscopic turbinoplasty-treated group, which, unlike the laser-assisted turbinoplasty-treated group, was also noted to have progressed toward a significant improvement in the goblet-to-ciliated cell ratio (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

When compared with laser-assisted turbinoplasty, endoscopic turbinoplasty is a conservative technique for inferior turbinate reduction that allows better restoration of preoperative nasal cytology and shorter MCTt.
Biometric Predictive Models for the Evaluation of Olfactory Recovery after Endoscopic Sinus Surgery in Patients with Nasal Polyposis
Authors: Katotomichelakis Michael , Gouveris Haralampos , Tripsianis Gregory , Simopoulou Maria , Papathanassiou Jannis , Danielides Vassilios
Published: August 2010

Background

Determination of predictive factors and specific values of olfactory function after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) using objective diagnostic methods may support consultation of respective patients. This study was designed to assess the longitudinal olfactory functional outcome after ESS in patients with severe chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyposis, to evaluate associated clinical factors and to provide statistical models for prediction of olfactory recovery.

Methods

One hundred sixteen patients with nasal polyposis refractory to medical treatment underwent ESS. Olfactory testing was performed preoperatively and 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery using “Sniffin’ Sticks” (Burghardt, Wedel, Germany). Using multivariate linear and logistic regression analysis, statistical models were generated to predict (i) the 6th-month composite threshold-discrimination-identification (TDI) score and (ii) the probability of attaining normal olfaction at 6 months.

Results

A significant stepwise increment of all olfactory function indices was found over time. Factors influencing final olfactory recovery were patients’ age, duration of olfactory deficit, previous paranasal sinus surgery, and aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease. The first model explained 70% of the observed variation in postoperative TDI scores. The second model correctly classified 76% of the patients.

Conclusion

A significant progressive improvement of olfaction for at least 6 months was observed after ESS. The statistical models developed may be useful for consultation of ESS candidates in clinical practice.
Ethmoid Histopathology does not Predict Olfactory Outcomes after Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Authors: Soler Zachary M. , Sauer David A. , Mace Jess C. , Smith Timothy L.
Published: August 2010

Background

Histological inflammation correlates with the degree of baseline olfactory dysfunction in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS); however, factors associated with improvement in olfactory status after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) remain elusive. Our purpose was to compare histopathological findings in CRS patients with olfactory loss and evaluate whether inflammatory markers can predict long-term olfactory improvement after ESS.

Methods

Adult (≥18 years) patients with CRS were prospectively enrolled after electing ESS due to failed medical management. Mucosal tissue specimens were collected at the time of surgery and underwent pathological review in a blinded fashion. Subjects completed the 40-item Smell Identification Test (SIT) preoperatively and at least 6 months postoperatively. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify histological factors associated with postoperative improvement in SIT score.

Results

The final cohort was comprised of 101 patients with a mean follow-up of 16.7 ± 6.0 months. Mean mucosal eosinophil count was higher in patients with hyposmia and anosmia (p < 0.001). Patients with preoperative anosmia were more likely to have greater severity of basement membrane (BM) thickening compared with subjects with hyposmia or normosmia (p = 0.021). In patients with olfactory dysfunction, 54.7% reported olfactory improvement of at least 4 points on postoperative SIT scores. After controlling for nasal polyposis, histological variables were not associated with postoperative improvement in olfaction.

Conclusion

Patients with severe olfactory dysfunction were more likely to have mucosal eosinophilia and BM thickening on ethmoid histopathological examination compared with normosmic patients. The presence of specific histological inflammatory findings did not, however, predict olfactory improvement after surgery.
The Role of Hepatocyte Growth Factor/c-Met in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps
Authors: Reh Douglas D. , Ramanathan Murugappan , Sultan Babar , Wang Yadong , May Lindsey , Lane Andrew P.
Published: August 2010

Background

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a growth factor thought to attenuate Th2-driven eosinophilic airway inflammatory responses. Increased expression of HGF and its receptor c-Met in nasal polyps suggests a role in disease pathogenesis. The effect of HGF on human sinonasal epithelial cell (SNEC) responses to Th2 inflammatory cytokines in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) has not been explored.

Methods

SNECs isolated from patients with CRSwNP and control subjects were grown in cell culture at the air–liquid interface. The Th2 cytokine IL-13 was applied for 24 hours in the presence or absence of HGF. Eotaxin-3 and c-Met expression was assessed using real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry.

Results

SNECs obtained from both CRSwNP and control subjects showed markedly increased expression of eotaxin-3 after exposure to IL-13. HGF significantly blocked IL-13–induced expression of eotaxin-3 in control SNECs, but not in SNECs derived from CRSwNP subjects.

Conclusion

SNECs are active participants in sinonasal mucosal immunity, expressing inflammatory mediators in response to potential pathogens and endogenous cytokines. Although Th2 cytokines can elicit expression of proeosinophilic mediators by SNECs, HGF appears to have a down-regulating effect on this response. In patients with CRSwNP, SNECs are resistant to this attenuation, showing continued IL-13–induced eotaxin-3 expression despite HGF treatment. Abnormalities in the regulation of epithelial cell responses to endogenous cytokines and growth factors may contribute to the persistent eosinophilic inflammatory state in CRSwNP.
Impact of Baseline Nasal Polyp Size and Previous Surgery on Efficacy of Fluticasone Delivered with a Novel Device: A Subgroup Analysis
Authors: Djupesland Per G. , Vlckova Ingrid , Hewson Graeme
Published: August 2010

Background

Little information exists on the impact of baseline polyp size and previous nasal surgery on the efficacy of intranasal steroids. This study was designed to investigate whether baseline polyp size and previous nasal surgery influence the efficacy of an intranasal steroid delivered with a novel device.

Methods

A post hoc analysis of recently published results with intranasal administration using a novel bidirectional delivery device containing fluticasone propionate (Opt-FP) was performed in 109 patients with mild-to-moderate bilateral polyposis. Patients were allocated to subgroups based on summed polyp score at baseline (2, 3, or 4) and on their history of previous sinus surgery.

Results

A highly significant and progressive reduction in summed polyp size was observed for Opt-FP versus placebo in all three polyp size subgroups (p < 0.001). A greater relative reduction in polyp size (p < 0.05) and an increase in peak nasal inspiratory flow (p < 0.001) were observed for Opt-FP at 12 weeks in the 28 patients with a baseline summed score of 3 and 4 compared with the 27 with a summed score of 2. Nevertheless, in patients with small polyps at baseline, the polyps were completely resolved on both sides in 7 of 27 patients. Previous sinus surgery had no impact on efficacy.

Conclusion

The highly significant progressive treatment effect of Opt-FP was observed regardless of baseline polyps score. Coupled with the complete removal of polyps in many patients with small polyps, this suggests that improved deposition to target sites achieved with the bidirectional delivery device may translate into true clinical benefits and reduced need for surgery.
Effect of Replacing Soybean Meal with Lupin Seed-based Meal in Chicken Diet on Performance, Carcass Value and Meat Quality
Authors: Suchý Pavel , Straková Eva , Herzig Ivan , Steinhauser Ladislav , Vopálenský Josef , Kroupa Leo
Published: August 2010

The main objective of this experimental study was to determine how diets containing lupin meal affect the performance indicators, carcass value, and chemical composition of breast and thigh muscles in broiler chickens. The diets tested in experimental groups E1 and E2 differed as follows: in group E1, one third of nitrogen-containing substances (NSs) from extracted soybean meal was replaced with NSs from lupin meal; in group E2, two thirds were replaced compared to the control group. The replacement of soybean meal with lupin meal in experimental diets failed to produce any significant effect on the average live weight of chickens on Day 42 of the fattening period compared to the control group. The replacement of soybean meal with lupin meal resulted in decreased average weight of carcass and breast muscles and in decreased yield of breast muscles. Differences between the control group (C) and group E2 were significant (P ⪬ 0.01). Chickens in group E2 also showed a significant increase (P ⪬ 0.01) in the yield of the heart and stomach compared to the control group. The differences in weight and yield of thigh muscles between the control group and the experimental groups (E1 and E2) were not significantly affected. As far as chemical composition is concerned, chickens receiving the lupin-containing feed showed a significant (P ⪬ 0.01) increase in the ash content in breast muscles. On the contrary, in thigh muscles in group E2, the ash content decreased significantly (P ⪬ 0.01). The content of calcium showed an increasing trend in both breast and thigh muscles in both experimental groups. In contrast, the content of magnesium in chicken muscles in both experimental groups decreased. These differences were significant (P ⪬ 0.01) only in thigh muscles. Our results show that lupin seed is a suitable substitute for NSs contained in soybean extracted meal. It is considered optimal to replace up to one third of NSs contained in soybean meal with lupin seed. Higher inclusion rate of lupin meal in diets may reduce the growth intensity of chickens, particularly the yield of breast muscles. Due to substantial inter-varietal differences, it is necessary to optimize individual nutrients, particularly amino acids when formulating lupin-containing diets.
Dietary Fibre Content in Lupine (Lupinus albus L.) and Soya (Glycine max L.) Seeds
Authors: Písaříková Bohumila , Zralý Zdeněk
Published: August 2010

The objective of this study was to determine the concentrations of total dietary fibre (TDF), insoluble dietary fibre (IDF) and soluble dietary fibre (SDF) in the samples of whole or dehulled seeds of Lupinus albus (L.) and Glycine max (L.), and to assess the effect of dehulling on the concentrations obtained. The results showed a higher content of TDF and IDF and a lower content of SDF in lupine seeds compared to soybeans. Lupine seed dehulling resulted in a lower content of TDF (P < 0.05) and IDF (P < 0.05), and a higher content of SDF. Following soybean dehulling, the increase of SDF (P < 0.05) and decrease of IDF but no effect on TDF was reported. The proportion of IDF (90.4 vs. 96.0%) and SDF (9.6 vs. 4.0%) in TDF changed only slightly following lupine seed dehulling, whereas in soybeans, the proportion of IDF markedly decreased (91.8 vs. 73.0%), and SDF increased (8.2 vs. 27.0%). The effectiveness of dehulling with regard to soluble fibre was higher in soybeans compared to lupine seeds. In lupine, dehulling did not show any significant increase of nutritional value concerning the proportion of insoluble fibre in cotyledon. Due to the content of insoluble fibre in lupine seeds, their proportion in the ration of animals should be considered.
Associations between Leptin Gene Polymorphisms and Somatic Cell Count in Milk of Jersey Cows
Authors: Kulig Hanna , Kmieć Marek , Wojdak-Maksymiec Katarzyna
Published: August 2010

A total of 181 Jersey cows were used to investigate how leptin gene polymorphisms affect somatic cell count (SCC) in milk. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped, namely the R4C polymorphism in exon 2, the Sau3AI polymorphism in intron 2 and the A59V polymorphism in exon 3. The genotype and allele frequencies for each polymorphism and the haplotype frequencies for all polymorphisms were estimated in the herd under study. Statistical analysis revealed that the R4C and Sau3AI polymorphisms significantly affected SCC (P ⪬ 0.01) with C and T as a desirable allele, respectively. No associations were found between the A59V polymorphism and SCC in this study. However, all the genotype combinations (haplotypes) significantly affected this trait. The results indicate that selection for the R4C CC and Sau3AI TT animals might contribute to a reduction of SCC in Jersey cattle.
Genotypic Characterization of Coagulase-negative Staphylococci Isolated from Sheep Milk in Slovakia
Authors: Pilipčincová Ivana , Bhide Mangesh , Dudriková Eva , Trávniček Milan
Published: August 2010

Hitherto very few reports are available presenting identification and molecular characterization of the coagulase negative staphylococci (CNS) from sheep milk in the subclinical stage of mastitis. Furthermore, very scanty data are available on the epidemiological status of CNS in different Slovak provinces. Milk samples from 54 sheep farms located in eastern Slovak region were screened. A total 240 CNS were identified with series of biochemical testes (STAPH-API) and subjected further for genotyping with the help of pulse field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). The most frequently occurring CNS species according the biochemical characterization were:S. epidermidis(36.3 %),S. caprae(21.3 %),S. hominis(6.6 %),S. chromogenes(6.3 %),S. xylosus(5.8 %),S. warneri(5.0 %) andS. capitis(4.6 %). Further PFGE-based characterization of these isolates revealed six pulsotypes of theS. epidermidis, two ofS. caprae, three ofS. chromogenes, nine ofS. hominis, five ofS. capitisand seven ofS. xylosus. These results contribute to knowledge of the epidemiological situation of the CNS from the subclinical form of mastitis in Slovakia.
Detection of Brucella abortus in Bovine Milk by Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Al-Mariri Ayman , Haj-Mahmoud Nermeen
Published: August 2010

This study compares milk ring test and three different polymerase chain reaction techniques (direct DNA extraction by column purification system, alkaline DNA extraction, and filtrated milk), in order to identifyBrucella abortusinfection in bovine milk. Milk ring test sensitivity and specificity were 72% and 80%, respectively. While specificity of the three polymerase chain reaction techniques was 100%; sensitivity was 92%, 88% and 100%, respectively, for the three polymerase chain reaction procedures. We conclude that the filtered animal’s milk polymerase chain reaction is the best procedure to make the diagnosis ofB. abortusinfections.
A New Route to 5-Chloropyrazole-4-Carbaldehydes and their Behaviour in the Baylis–Hillman Reaction
Authors: Zhong Weihui , Chen Xiao , Shen Yanyan
Published: August 2010

5-Chloropyrazole-4-carbaldehydes were efficiently prepared via Vilsmeier reaction of 1H-pyrazol-5(4H)-ones with bis(trichloromethyl) carbonate-DMF instead of the traditional POCl3–DMF system. The Baylis–Hillman reaction of these aldehydes with activated alkenes promoted by various catalysts were investigated. It was found DMAP accelerated the reaction of methyl acrylate or acrylonitrile with the aldehydes, while in the case of but-3-en-2-one, a catalyst mixture of imidazole and L-proline (1:1) was efficient. Overall, the reactivities of the aldehydes were low.
Synthesis and Photophysical Properties of Novel Fluorescent Quinoline-Based Aryl Substituted Styryl Systems
Authors: Li Qian , Li Bao , Liu Bin , Yu Mingxin
Published: August 2010

Synthesis of (E)-2-(4-bromostyryl)quinoline has been easily achieved by an acid catalysed condensation of 2-methylquinoline with 4-bromobenzaldehyde. Various boronic acid derivatives reacted with (E)-2-(4-bromostyryl)quinoline to afford a series of novel quinoline-based aryl substituted styryl derivatives by the catalysis of Pd(PPh3)4 at 85 °C in dimethoxyethane. The UV-Vis absorption and photoluminescent spectra of them in CH2Cl2 were investigated.
Indium-Mediated Microwave-Assisted One-Pot Synthesis of α,β-Unsaturated Amides
Authors: Feng Sunlin , Jiang Shilei , Zhang Zhiying , Yu Xiaochun
Published: August 2010

A stereoselective synthesis of α,βunsaturated-N,N-diethyl amides was achieved by a one-pot reaction of triphenylphosphine, an aromatic aldehyde, and N,N-diethyl chloroacetamide in the presence of indium under microwave-assisted and solvent-free condition.
A New Norsesquiterpenoid from the Roots of Ligularia Fischeri
Authors: Guo Zhen , Weng Cheng Wu , Liu Wu Xia , Shen Tong
Published: August 2010

A new norsesquiterpenoid, (4aS,5S)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-3-hydroxy-4a,5-dimethylnaphthalen-2(4aH)-one, along with three known compounds were isolated from the roots of Ligularia fischeri. Their structures were identified by IR, EI-MS, HR-ESI-MS, 1D NMR and 2D NMR.
Registration of ‘Ambassador’ Wheat
Authors: Lewis Janet M. , Siler Lee , Souza Edward , Ng Perry K. W. , Dong Yanhong , Brown-Guedira Gina , Jiang Guo-Liang , Ward Richard W.
Published: August 2010

‘Ambassador’ (Reg. No. CV‐1048, PI 656845) soft white winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was developed by the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station and released in 2007 via an exclusive licensing agreement through Michigan State University (MSU) Technologies. Ambassador was selected from the cross Pioneer ‘2737W’/D1148 made in 1994 at MSU. The objective of the cross was to create a high‐yielding soft white winter wheat variety adapted to Michigan and the surrounding region with good agronomic performance and acceptable quality. Soft white winter wheat is used in many wheat‐related industries and is a large portion of the wheat market in Michigan. Ambassador is an F7 derived line, with the original experimental number E0028. In addition to the standard yield‐test criteria, milling and baking performances were also considered for selection. Ambassador was released because of its excellent grain yield, flour yield, and good winterhardiness. Its primary weaknesses include low test weight and high susceptibility to Fusarium head blight (caused by Fusarium graminearum Schwabe) and associated deoxynivalenol accumulation. Ambassador is well adapted to Michigan and Ontario, Canada and has also produced high yields throughout the region. The name was chosen because Ambassador's performance excels in both the United States (Michigan) and Canada (Ontario), bringing together white‐wheat growers on both sides of the border.
Registration of Three Soybean Germplasm Lines Resistant to Phakopsora pachyrhizi (Soybean Rust)
Authors: Paul C. , Bowen C. R. , Bandyopadhyay R. , Tefera H. , Adeleke R. , Sikora E. , Pegues M. D. , Hartman G. L.
Published: August 2010

Soybean rust, caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi Sydow, is one of the most important foliar diseases of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Development of rust‐resistant lines is one objective of many soybean breeding programs. Three soybean germplasm lines designated as TGx 1987–76F (Reg. No. GP‐369, PI 657702), TGx 1987–118F (Reg. No. GP‐370, PI 657703), and TGx 1987–129F (Reg. No. GP‐368, PI 657701) with resistance to P. pachyrhizi and to Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. glycines (Nakano) Vauterin, Hoste, Kersters & Swings (bacterial pustule) were selected from lines developed by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in collaboration with the USDA‐ARS at the University of Illinois. These lines were derived from a tropical soybean rust‐resistant cultivar UG5, and a rust‐susceptible, high‐yielding elite breeding line, TGx 1805–31F. A total of 297 F7 lines were evaluated for rust resistance under greenhouse conditions using whole inoculated plants, in the laboratory using detached leaves, and under field conditions in Nigeria and Alabama (287 lines). Based on assessments from these various tests, these three lines have combinations of high levels of rust and bacterial pustule resistance, good agronomic traits, and adaptable maturity to the southern U.S. soybean breeding programs. Breeders will find the three lines useful as rust‐resistant parental material in rust‐prone areas.