bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Envelhecimento e deficiência auditiva referida: um estudo de base populacional
Authors: Paiva Karina Mary de , Cesar Chester Luis Galvão , Alves Maria Cecília Goi Porto , Barros Marilisa Berti de Azevedo , Carandina Luana , Goldbaum Moises
Published: August 2011

O objetivo do estudo foi estimar a prevalência da deficiência auditiva referida por idosos do Município de São Paulo, Brasil, segundo características sociodemográficas e descrever características atribuídas a esta deficiência. Os dados são provenientes do Inquérito de Saúde do Município de São Paulo (ISA-Capital/2003), com análise do subgrupo dos idosos (n = 872). Realizaram-se o teste do χ2 e a análise de regressão de Poisson. A prevalência da deficiência auditiva referida pelos idosos foi 11,2% e foi maior entre os homens (RP = 1,86; IC95%: 1,19-2,92). Observou-se grande desconhecimento dos idosos quanto às causas da deficiência auditiva referida (42,5%), 25,5% relataram ter dificuldades em atividades de lazer, 11,4% necessitavam de ajuda para atividades cotidianas e 63,3% relataram não necessitar de assistência em decorrência deste déficit. A alta prevalência de deficiência auditiva referida pelos idosos, principalmente do sexo masculino, remete à relevância deste problema para a saúde pública, já que o envelhecimento populacional é uma realidade nova e vem acompanhada de exigências ainda desconhecidas por profissionais e pelo poder público.
Cobertura e fatores associados à realização do exame de detecção do câncer de colo de útero em área urbana no Sul do Brasil: estudo de base populacional
Authors: Gasperin Simone Iara , Boing Antonio Fernando , Kupek Emil
Published: August 2011

A cobertura do teste de Papanicolaou e fatores associados foram investigados entre mulheres de 20 a 59 anos de idade, residentes na área urbana de Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brasil. Foi realizado estudo transversal de base populacional com amostra aleatória por conglomerados. Examinaram-se dois desfechos: realização do Papanicolaou em algum momento na vida e exames em atraso (período maior que três anos desde o último teste ou nunca realizado). Entre 952 mulheres entrevistadas, 93% (IC95%: 91,5-94,7) realizaram o teste pelo menos uma vez na vida e 14% (IC95%: 11,8-16,2) estavam com o procedimento em atraso. Por meio da regressão de Poisson, constatou-se que estado civil, escolaridade, doenças crônicas autorreferidas e consulta médica foram fatores significativamente associados com ambos os desfechos. Idade, renda e internação hospitalar no último ano estiveram associadas somente com a realização do Papanicolaou na vida. A cobertura do teste de Papanicolaou foi elevada, porém existem disparidades socioeconômicas e demográficas, além do predomínio do rastreamento oportunístico.
Tendência das taxas de mortalidade por linfoma não-Hodgkin na Região Sudeste do Brasil, 1980-2007
Authors: Luz Laércio Lima , Mattos Inês Echenique
Published: August 2011

A mortalidade por linfoma não-Hodgkin vem diminuindo em vários países, porém, para o Brasil, as estimativas apontam crescimento em ambos os sexos. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a tendência da mortalidade por linfoma não-Hodgkin em indivíduos com 20 ou mais anos, nas capitais da Região Sudeste, entre 1980 e 2007. Utilizou-se como fonte de dados o Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade (SIM) e o Departamento de Informática do SUS (DATASUS). A tendência das taxas de mortalidade por linfoma não Hodgkin por faixas etárias foi analisada por meio de modelos de regressão polinomial. Foi observada tendência linear de incremento estatisticamente significativa em Belo Horizonte (Minas Gerais) e São Paulo para faixa etária de 60 ou mais anos. Ao analisar de forma separada os períodos 1980-1995 e 1996-2007, só se observou tendência de incremento estatisticamente significativa no período inicial. Os resultados sugerem que o incremento observado entre 1980-2007 poderia ser resultante do crescimento das taxas de mortalidade entre 1980-1995, já que, no último período, não foram observadas tendências estatisticamente significativas nessas cidades.
Estimates of thyroid cancer incidence in Brazil: an approach using polynomial models
Authors: Brito Alexandre dos Santos , Coeli Cláudia Medina , Barbosa Flávia dos Santos , Caetano Rosangela , Santos Marceli de Oliveira , Vaisman Mario
Published: August 2011

This study aimed to estimate thyroid cancer incidence in Brazil in 2006 using polynomial models that take age and birth cohort effects into account in the estimation process. Estimates were based on new cases of thyroid cancer in nine Brazilian cities (Manaus, Palmas, Natal, Recife, Cuiabá, Belo Horizonte, São Paulo, Porto Alegre, and Curitiba) and the Federal District from 1997 to 2001. We estimated 6,066 new cases, of which 1,065 in men and 5,001 in women. The incidence rates were, respectively, 1.16 and 5.27 per 100,000 inhabitants. Rates increased with age in both genders, especially after 30 years. The size and profile of rates according to age and gender indicate that the method yields plausible estimates.
Avaliação da atenção à saúde da criança no contexto da Saúde da Família no município de Teixeiras, Minas Gerais (MG, Brasil)
Authors: Costa Glauce Dias da , Cotta Rosângela Minardi Mitre , Reis José Roberto , Ferreira Maria de Lourdes da Silva Marques , Reis Roberta Sena , Franceschini Sylvia do Carmo Castro
Published: August 2011

Este estudo tem como objetivo analisar a atenção à saúde da criança pelo Programa de Saúde da Família (PSF) do município de Teixeiras, MG, Brasil. Foi aplicado um questionário a 161 mães de crianças menores de dois anos. Utilizou-se um sistema de escores específicos para análise das dimensões de estrutura, processo e resultado e seus respectivos atributos, classificando o município nos cenários incipiente, intermediário e avançado. Configurou-se, na síntese, um cenário intermediário (49,6%) para o PSF, caracterizado por uma atenção à saúde da criança fragmentada, mas com avanços na organização da atenção para este grupo. Foram consideradas incipientes as instalações físicas, a qualidade do cuidado no controle da diarréia e das infecções respiratórias, a participação comunitária e a intersetorialidade. Os avanços estiveram relacionados ao acolhimento realizado pelo programa, no entanto, as atividades preventivas e promocionais do PSF demonstram que o programa surge como um suporte do hospital e mais um local de atendimento médico. A atuação do PSF na atenção a saúde das crianças distancia-se da proposta de reorientação do modelo assistencial hegemônico, pela qual foi criado, dificultando estratégias na prevenção de doenças e na promoção da saúde.
Conhecimento dos pacientes sobre os medicamentos prescritos após consulta médica e dispensação
Authors: Oenning Diony , Oliveira Bruna Volpato de , Blatt Carine Raquel
Published: August 2011

As orientações sobre medicamentos fornecidas aos pacientes são fundamentais para o sucesso do tratamento, uma vez que a ausência delas é uma das principais causas do uso incorreto dos medicamentos. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar o conhecimento dos pacientes sobre seu tratamento medicamentoso, após consulta médica e dispensação, realizadas na unidade básica de saúde do município de Grão Pará, em Santa Catarina. Foram entrevistados 111 indivíduos, 70 após a consulta médica e 41 após a dispensação dos medicamentos. O nível de conhecimento foi verificado mediante perguntas relativas ao nome do medicamento, indicação, dose, frequência de uso, duração do tratamento, efeitos adversos e precauções. Após a consulta médica, 28,5% foram classificados com nível bom de conhecimento; 17,1%, regular; e 64,4%, insuficiente. Após a dispensação, 4,9% dos pacientes foram classificados com bom nível de conhecimento; 87,8%, regular; e 7,3%, insuficiente. A maioria dos entrevistados não possui bom nível de informação para a administração de medicamentos. Os resultados encontrados após a dispensação foram melhores que os resultados encontrados após a consulta médica, o que sugere a importância do farmacêutico na orientação dos pacientes para a correta utilização dos medicamentos.
O que acontece atrás das grades: estratégias de prevenção desenvolvidas nas delegacias civis contra HIV/AIDS e outras doenças sexualmente transmissíveis
Authors: Reis Cássia Barbosa , Bernardes Erica Bento
Published: August 2011

A Política de Saúde Preventiva brasileira tem realizado importantes estratégias de combate a disseminação do HIV/AIDS. Porém, existem indivíduos que, teoricamente, não fazem parte da sociedade e são receptores e transmissores de doenças: os encarcerados. Esta população interage com a comunidade por meio dos familiares, visitantes, servidores prisionais e das diversas reincidências. Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo conhecer as estratégias desenvolvidas para prevenir a infecção e a disseminação das DST/AIDS nas Delegacias Civis. De desenho qualitativo, foi realizada com internos das cadeias públicas de quatro municípios da regional de Naviraí/MS, sendo a análise realizada através da técnica do discurso do sujeito coletivo. Resultados mostram que apesar de reconhecerem a importância da prevenção, o preservativo masculino é utilizado apenas na primeira relação, sendo que quando se trata de relacionamento com parceiro (a) fixo (a) este não é usado. É notória a falta de orientação em relação à prevenção das DST/AIDS e a precária assistência à saúde dos presos, relacionado principalmente ao preconceito e à discriminação da sociedade. Ficou evidenciada a necessidade de que a política de atenção à saúde dos prisioneiros precisa ser implantada também nas cadeias públicas.
Experiment and analysis of strength behaviour of soil reinforced with horizontal–vertical inclusions
Authors: Hou J. , Zhang M.X. , Javadi A.A. , Peng M.Y.
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACT: By conducting a series of plane strain experiments on samples of a soil reinforced with new horizontal–vertical (H–V) reinforcing elements. The influences of minor principal stress, configurations of horizontal and H–V inclusions, and the height of vertical element on the behaviour of the soil are presented and discussed. The experimental results showed that the strength of the soil reinforced with H–V inclusions is higher than that of the sandy soil with horizontal inclusions. The strength of the soil reinforced with H–V inclusions rises with increasing height of the vertical elements, reinforcing ratio of the inclusions and the minor principal stress. Based on limit equilibrium theory, a strength model was developed for the soil reinforced with H–V inclusions under plane strain conditions. The predictions from the strength model are in good agreement with the experimental results.
Fraudulent Tax Refunds: The Notorious Career of Harriette Walters
Authors: Jacoby Philip F. , Lorigo Sebastian , McCallum Brent T.
Published: August 2011

SYNOPSIS: Harriette Walters embezzled more than $48 million from the District of Columbia by processing fraudulent real estate tax refunds. This paper describes the Walters scheme and discusses, from the perspective of the COSO framework, internal control weaknesses that enabled the fraud to go undetected for more than 20 years. While this analysis of the Walters fraud should be of interest to both accounting academics and audit professionals, it should be particularly helpful to students, financial managers, and inexperienced auditors in understanding the importance of effective internal controls for preventing and detecting fraud in a wide variety of organizational settings.
Registration of ‘Croissant’ Pinto Bean
Authors: Brick Mark A. , Ogg James B. , Schwartz Howard F. , Johnson Jerry J. , Judson Fred , Singh Shree P. , Miklas Phillip N. , Pastor-Corrales Marcial A.
Published: August 2011

‘Croissant’ (Reg. No. CV‐299, PI 656597), a new medium‐maturity (92–98 d) pinto bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivar was released by the Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station to provide dry bean producers in the USA with a high‐yielding cultivar that combines resistance to rust [caused by Uromyces appendiculatus (Pers.) Unger], most strains of Bean common mosaic virus (BCMV) and Bean common mosaic necrosis virus (BCMNV), and field resistance to common bacterial blight (CBB) [caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli (Smith) Vauterin et al.; Synonym: X. campestris pv. phaseoli Smith (Dye)]. Croissant has an indeterminant growth habit with semi‐upright plant architecture (Type IIb) in most environments; however, in environments with high soil N and moisture it can express semi‐vine architecture (Type IIIa). Resistance to rust is conditioned by the Ur‐3 (Middle American) and Ur‐6 (Andean) dominant alleles, and resistance to BCMV and BCMNV is conditioned by the recessive allele bc‐22. Croissant possesses the SAP6 marker linked with a quantitative trait locus (QTL) that confers a moderate level of field resistance to CBB endemic to the High Plains of the USA. In 2008 and 2009, the mean seed yield for Croissant was 3102 and 2895 kg ha−1 and the mean seed weights were 36.2 and 36.3 g/100 seed compared with 3142 and 3095 kg ha−1 and 38.2 and 37.7 g/100 seed for the mean of five test entries, respectively. Croissant is unique to other recent upright architecture pinto cultivars because it possesses two genes for resistance to rust and the SAP6‐linked QTL to provide a moderate level of resistance to CBB.
Registration of 25 Sheath Blight Disease–Resistant Germplasm Lines of Rice with Good Agronomic Traits
Authors: Rush M. C. , Groth D. E. , Sha X.
Published: August 2011

Sheath blight (SB; caused by Rhizoctonia solani Kühn AG1–1A [teleomorph: Thanatephorus cucumeris (A. B. Frank) Donk.]) is one of the most important rice diseases in the southern United States. Twenty‐five rice (Oryza sativa L.) germplasm lines (Reg. No. GP‐115, PI 658312 to Reg. No. GP‐139, PI 658336) with high levels of resistance to SB were developed and released by the Department of Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology at the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, and the Rice Research Station, Rayne, LA. The lines were developed from 25 yr of recurrent selections of crosses and backcrosses of various SB‐resistant sources and U.S. cultivars. Sources for SB resistance included LSBR‐5,LSBR‐33, H4/CODF, ‘Taducan’, Rice/Grass, ‘Teqing’, ‘Jasmine 85’, ‘Katy’, ‘Yangdao‐6’, and ‘Azmil’, combined with SB resistance sources from previous crosses. Panicle rows tested in 2007 were derived from crosses made in 1997–2004, based on a modified recurrent‐selection scheme and inoculated each year with SB inoculum. Short‐stature, early‐maturing, high‐yielding lines similar to the commercial rice cultivar ‘Cocodrie’ were selected and yield tested in small plots in 2008. Their SB ratings ranged from 3.3 to 5.2 on a scale of 0 to 9, indicating reactions ranging from resistant to moderately resistant, compared with 8.8 and 7.3 for the susceptible cultivars Cocodrie and ‘CL151’, respectively. The lines should be useful for breeders and researchers interested in developing new varieties with resistance to SB.
Registration of TAM 04WB‐33s Upland Cotton with Improved Fiber and Yarn Properties
Authors: Smith C. W. , Hague S. , Hequet E. F. , Jones D.
Published: August 2011

TAM 04WB‐33s upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) germplasm line (Reg. No. GP‐940, PI 662041) was developed by the Cotton Improvement Laboratory, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Texas A&M AgriLife Research and released in 2010 as part of an ongoing effort to create germplasm with combinations of improved fiber‐quality parameters, especially upper half mean length (UHML) and fiber bundle strength (FBS), that contribute to the production of improved yarn. TAM 04WB‐33s exhibited high volume instrument (HVI) UHML and FBS greater than the comparison cultivars when grown under irrigated culture at multiple locations in central and south Texas during 2007, 2008, and 2009. Limited yarn evaluation indicated that TAM 04WB‐33s produced 30‐count carded yarn that was 27% stronger and required 43% more force to break than either ‘DP 491’ or ‘FiberMax 832’. This germplasm line is competitive in all other fiber properties and in yield potential with current upland cotton cultivars adapted to central and south Texas.
Registration of ‘CP 03‐1912’ Sugarcane
Authors: Gilbert Robert A. , Comstock Jack C. , Glaz Barry , del Blanco Isabel A. , Edmé Serge J. , Davidson R. Wayne , Glynn Neil C. , Sood Sushma , Zhao Duli , Miller Jimmy D. , Tai Peter Y.P.
Published: August 2011

‘CP 03‐1912’ (Reg. No. CV‐145, PI 660674) sugarcane (a complex hybrid of Saccharum spp.) was developed through cooperative research conducted by the USDA‐ARS, the University of Florida, and the Florida Sugarcane League, Inc.,and was released to growers in Florida on 18 Feb. 2011. CP 03‐1912 was selected from the cross X00‐656 (genotypesCP 92‐1167 × CP 95‐1039) made at Canal Point, FL on 20 Dec. 2000. Both parents were advanced to the final selection stage (stage 4) of the Canal Point (CP) sugarcane cultivar breeding and selection program (CP program) but not considered for commercial release. CP 03‐1912 was tested in stage 4 only on sand soils in Florida and was released for these soils because of its high cane yield and acceptable commercial recoverable sucrose (CRS); its resistance to brown rust (caused by Puccinia melanocephala H. & P. Sydow), orange rust (caused by Puccinia kuehnii E.J. Butler), and Sugarcane mosaic virus strain E (the causal agent of mosaic); and its moderate resistance to leaf scald [caused by Xanthomonas albilineans (Ashby) Dowson], smut (caused by Ustilago scitaminea H. & P. Sydow), and ratoon stunt (caused by Leifsonia xyli subsp. xyli Evtsuhenko et al.) in Florida. CP 03‐1912 had poor tolerance to freezes based on its rank of 15 in CRS after it and 23 other genotypes were exposed to 93 h of temperatures ≤ −3°C between 10 Dec. 2010 and 27 Jan. 2011.
Age-related Biological Characterization of Mesenchymal Progenitor Cells in Human Articular Cartilage
Authors: Chang Hong-Xing , Yang Liu , Li Zhong , Chen Guangxing , Dai Gang
Published: August 2011

Adult articular cartilage has a low regeneration capacity due to lack of viable progenitor cells caused by limited blood supply to cartilage. However, recent studies have demonstrated the existence of chondroprogenitor cells in articular cartilage. A critical question is whether these mesenchymal progenitor cells are functionally viable for tissue renewal and cartilage repair to postpone cartilage degeneration.

This study was designed to compare the number and function of mesenchymal progenitor cells in articular cartilage collected from human fetuses, healthy adults (aged 28–45 years), and elderly adults (aged 60–75 years) and cultured in vitro. We detected multipotent mesenchymal progenitor cells, defined as CD105+/CD166+ cells, in human articular cartilage of all ages. However, mesenchymal progenitor cells accounted for 94.69%±2.31%, 4.85%±2.62%, and 6.33%±3.05% of cells in articular cartilage obtained from fetuses, adults, and elderly patients, respectively (
P
<.001). Furthermore, fetal mesenchymal progenitor cells had the highest rates of proliferation measured by cell doubling times and chondrogenic differentiation as compared to those from adult and elderly patients. In contrast, alkaline phosphatase levels, which are indicative of osteogenic differentiation, did not show significant reduction with aging. However, spontaneous osteogenic differentiation was detected only in mesenchymal progenitor cells from elderly patients (with lower Markin scales). The lower chondrogenic and spontaneous osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal progenitor cells derived from elderly patients may be associated with the development of primary osteoarthritis. These results suggest that measuring cartilage mesenchymal progenitor cells may not only identify underlying mechanisms but also offer new diagnostic and therapeutic potential for patients with osteoarthritis.
Posterior Short-segmental Fixation Combined With Intermediate Screws vs Conventional Intersegmental Fixation for Monosegmental Thoracolumbar Fractures
Authors: Tian Ji-wei , Wang Lei , Xia Tian , Liu Cheng-yi , Zhao Qing-hua , Dong Shuang-hai
Published: August 2011

Posterior short-segmental fixation is reliable for the management of thoracolumbar fractures; however, it is associated with recurrence of kyphosis and failure of fixation. This study compared the short-term results of short-segmental fixation combined with intermediate screws with those of conventional intersegmental fixation in the treatment of monosegmental thoracolumbar fractures. The records of 62 consecutive patients with thoracolumbar monosegmental fractures who underwent conventional 4-screw intersegmental fixation (35 patients) or short-segmental fixation combined with intermediate screws (27 patients) were reviewed. The study population included 43 men and 19 women (mean age, 44.1±13.6 years). The majority of fractures were L1 (28 [45.1%]) and T12 (21 [33.9%]) fractures. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups with respect to the preoperative relative height of the fractured vertebra or the segmental kyphotic angle. There was a significant difference in the restoration rate between the conventional and short-segmental fixation groups (62.6±38.7% vs 100.4±25.4%, respectively;
P
<.001). However, a statistically significant decrease in postoperative segmental kyphotic angle was noted in both groups (
P
<.001). The mean change of segmental kyphotic angle in the short-segmental fixation group was greater than in the conventional fixation group (14.4±6.8° vs 8.3±7.9°, respectively;
P
<.002). Patients in the short-segmental fixation group ambulated an average of 10 days earlier than those in the conventional fixation group. These findings indicate that compared to conventional intersegmental fixation, short-segmental fixation combined with intermediate screws more effectively restores fractured vertebral height, is associated with a decrease in the segmental kyphotic angle, and allows earlier ambulation.
A Qualitative and Quantitative Needs Assessment of Pain Management for Hospitalized Orthopedic Patients
Authors: Cordts Grace A. , Grant Marian S. , Brandt Lynsey E. , Mears Simon C.
Published: August 2011

Despite advances in pain management, little formal teaching is given to practitioners and nurses in its use for postoperative orthopedic patients. The goal of our study was to determine the educational needs for orthopedic pain management of our residents, nurses, and physical therapists using a quantitative and qualitative assessment. The needs analysis was conducted in a 10-bed orthopedic unit at a teaching hospital and included a survey given to 20 orthopedic residents, 9 nurses, and 6 physical therapists, followed by focus groups addressing barriers to pain control and knowledge of pain management. Key challenges for nurses included not always having breakthrough pain medication orders and the gap in pain management between cessation of patient-controlled analgesia and ordering and administering oral medications. Key challenges for orthopedic residents included treating pain in patients with a history of substance abuse, assessing pain, and determining when to use long-acting vs short-acting opioids. Focus group assessments revealed a lack of training in pain management and the need for better coordination of care between nurses and practitioners and improved education about special needs groups (the elderly and those with substance abuse issues). This needs assessment showed that orthopedic residents and nurses receive little formal education on pain management, despite having to address pain on a daily basis. This information will be used to develop an educational program to improve pain management for postoperative orthopedic patients. An integrated educational program with orthopedic residents, nurses, and physical therapists would promote understanding of issues for each discipline.
Percutaneous Distraction Lengthening in Brachymetacarpia
Authors: Volpi Alexander D. , Fragomen Austin T.
Published: August 2011

Brachymetacarpia is a condition manifesting a shortened metacarpal that is caused by early closure of the epiphyseal plate and believed to arise idiopathically. The correction for brachymetacarpia is usually for cosmetic reasons as brachymetacarpia does not impair function. The literature indicates several different approaches to lengthening digits, including single-stage lengthening and rapid distraction lengthening with a bone graft. However, gradual distraction is the preferred method due to excellent cosmetic outcomes and few postoperative complications. This article reports a case of brachymetacarpia treated with distraction lengthening using a minimally invasive, percutaneous approach.

A 16-year-old girl presented with a shortened left ring finger and underwent surgery to correct the deformity. The left ring finger measured 12 mm shorter than her right ring finger; however, there was normal mobility at the joints. In the operating room, an external fixator was attached using 4 self-drilling, self-tapping pins through several 3-mm skin incisions. The total fixation time was 14 weeks; however, the achieved length of 12 mm was achieved 6 weeks postoperatively. The healing index of the fixation period was 81 days/cm. The postoperative course and fixation period were uneventful, with no complications except for 2 pin infections that were treated with oral antibiotics. The method of gradual distraction lengthening in this case successfully achieved the desired length and yielded an excellent cosmetic result.
Malignant Granular Cell Tumor of the Thigh
Authors: Hwang John S. , Beebe Kathleen S. , Rojas Javier , Peters Stephen R.
Published: August 2011

Malignant granular cell tumor is a rare neural tumor characterized by abundant granular-appearing tumor cells. These tumors account for <2% of all granular cell tumors. Unlike its benign counterpart, a malignant granular cell tumor presents primarily in the lower limb and is notably larger. Both the uncommon occurrence of malignant granular cell tumors and its similarities in feature with their benign counterparts make diagnosis of this particular malignancy difficult. By 1998, Fanburg-Smith et al developed a diagnostic criteria in which granular cell tumors were divided into 3 categories—benign, atypical, and malignant—based on 6 histological characteristics of the tumor: necrosis, spindling, vesicular nuclei with large nucleoli, increased mitotic activity, high nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio, and pleomorphism.

This article presents a case of a large malignant granular cell tumor in the right thigh of a 69-year-old woman. Gross examination of the mass showed the well-demarcated, tan, white tumor measuring 18.2 cm long and 7.6 cm wide at its largest width. Histological examination of the mass, performed by an oncological pathologist, demonstrated foci of tumor necrosis, scattered apoptotic cells, prominent nucleoli, increased nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio, increased mitotic activity, and areas of spindling with significant atypia.

To our knowledge, this is the largest reported case of malignant granular cell tumor in the lower limb diagnosed using the histological criteria established by Fanburg-Smith et al. This case stresses the importance of thorough evaluation in instances of atypical granular cell tumor presentations.
IL-1 Blockade Attenuates Islet Amyloid Polypeptide-Induced Proinflammatory Cytokine Release and Pancreatic Islet Graft Dysfunction
Authors: Westwell-Roper Clara , Dai Derek L. , Soukhatcheva Galina , Potter Kathryn J. , van Rooijen Nico , Ehses Jan A. , Verchere C. Bruce
Published: August 2011

Islets from patients with type 2 diabetes exhibit β cell dysfunction, amyloid deposition, macrophage infiltration, and increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. We sought to determine whether human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP), the main component of islet amyloid, might contribute to islet inflammation by recruiting and activating macrophages. Early aggregates of hIAPP, but not nonamyloidogenic rodent islet amyloid polypeptide, caused release of CCL2 and CXCL1 by islets and induced secretion of TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-1β, CCL2, CCL3, CXCL1, CXCL2, and CXCL10 by C57BL/6 bone marrow-derived macrophages. hIAPP-induced TNF-α secretion was markedly diminished in MyD88-, but not TLR2- or TLR4-deficient macrophages, and in cells treated with the IL-1R antagonist (IL-1Ra) anakinra. To determine the significance of IL-1 signaling in hIAPP-induced pancreatic islet dysfunction, islets from wild-type or hIAPP-expressing transgenic mice were transplanted into diabetic NOD/SCID recipients implanted with mini-osmotic pumps containing IL-1Ra (50 mg/kg/d) or saline. IL-1Ra significantly improved the impairment in glucose tolerance observed in recipients of transgenic grafts 8 wk following transplantation. Islet grafts expressing hIAPP contained amyloid deposits in close association with F4/80-expressing macrophages. Transgenic grafts contained 50% more macrophages than wild-type grafts, an effect that was inhibited by IL-1Ra. Our results suggest that hIAPP-induced islet chemokine secretion promotes macrophage recruitment and that IL-1R/MyD88, but not TLR2 or TLR4 signaling is required for maximal macrophage responsiveness to prefibrillar hIAPP. These data raise the possibility that islet amyloid-induced inflammation contributes to β cell dysfunction in type 2 diabetes and islet transplantation.
Emergence of Fibroblasts with a Proinflammatory Epigenetically Altered Phenotype in Severe Hypoxic Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Li Min , Riddle Suzette R. , Frid Maria G. , El Kasmi Karim C. , McKinsey Timothy A. , Sokol Ronald J. , Strassheim Derek , Meyrick Barbara , Yeager Michael E. , Flockton Amanda R. , McKeon B. Alexandre , Lemon Douglas D. , Horn Todd R. , Anwar Adil , Barajas Carlos , Stenmark Kurt R.
Published: August 2011

Persistent accumulation of monocytes/macrophages in the pulmonary artery adventitial/perivascular areas of animals and humans with pulmonary hypertension has been documented. The cellular mechanisms contributing to chronic inflammatory responses remain unclear. We hypothesized that perivascular inflammation is perpetuated by activated adventitial fibroblasts, which, through sustained production of proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines and adhesion molecules, induce accumulation, retention, and activation of monocytes/macrophages. We further hypothesized that this proinflammatory phenotype is the result of the abnormal activity of histone-modifying enzymes, specifically, class I histone deacetylases (HDACs). Pulmonary adventitial fibroblasts from chronically hypoxic hypertensive calves (termed PH-Fibs) expressed a constitutive and persistent proinflammatory phenotype defined by high expression of IL-1β, IL-6, CCL2(MCP-1), CXCL12(SDF-1), CCL5(RANTES), CCR7, CXCR4, GM-CSF, CD40, CD40L, and VCAM-1. The proinflammatory phenotype of PH-Fibs was associated with epigenetic alterations as demonstrated by increased activity of HDACs and the findings that class I HDAC inhibitors markedly decreased cytokine/chemokine mRNA expression levels in these cells. PH-Fibs induced increased adhesion of THP-1 monocytes and produced soluble factors that induced increased migration of THP-1 and murine bone marrow-derived macrophages as well as activated monocytes/macrophages to express proinflammatory cytokines and profibrogenic mediators (TIMP1 and type I collagen) at the transcriptional level. Class I HDAC inhibitors markedly reduced the ability of PH-Fibs to induce monocyte migration and proinflammatory activation. The emergence of a distinct adventitial fibroblast population with an epigenetically altered proinflammatory phenotype capable of recruiting, retaining, and activating monocytes/macrophages characterizes pulmonary hypertension-associated vascular remodeling and thus could contribute significantly to chronic inflammatory processes in the pulmonary artery wall.
Notch Ligand Delta-Like 4 Blockade Alleviates Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis by Promoting Regulatory T Cell Development
Authors: Bassil Ribal , Zhu Bing , Lahoud Youmna , Riella Leonardo V. , Yagita Hideo , Elyaman Wassim , Khoury Samia J.
Published: August 2011

Notch signaling pathway plays an important role in T cell differentiation. Delta-like ligand (Dll)4, one of five known Notch ligands, has been implicated in regulating Th2 cell differentiation in animal models of human diseases. However, the role of Dll4 in Th1/Th17-mediated autoimmune diseases remains largely unknown. Using an anti-Dll4 blocking mAb, we show that neutralizing Dll4 during the induction phase of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in C57BL/6 mice significantly increased the pool of CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) in the periphery and in the CNS, and decreased the severity of clinical disease and CNS inflammation. Dll4 blockade promoted induction of myelin-specific Th2/Treg immune responses and impaired Th1/Th17 responses compared with IgG-treated mice. In vitro, we show that signaling with recombinant Dll4 inhibits the TGF-β–induced Treg development, and inhibits Janus kinase 3-induced STAT5 phosphorylation, a transcription factor known to play a key role in Foxp3 expression and maintenance. Depletion of natural Treg using anti-CD25 Ab reversed the protective effects of anti-Dll4 Ab. These findings outline a novel role for Dll4–Notch signaling in regulating Treg development in EAE, making it an encouraging target for Treg-mediated immunotherapy in autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis.
Trypanosoma lewisi or T. lewisi-like Infection in a 37-Day-Old Indian Infant
Authors: Verma Archana , Manchanda Samiksha , Kumar Nirmal , Sharma Archna , Goel Masha , Banerjee Partha Sarathi , Garg Rajat , Singh Brahma Pal , Balharbi Fatima , Lejon Veerle , Deborggraeve Stijn , Singh Rana Udai Veer , Puliyel Jacob
Published: August 2011

Trypanosomes were observed in the peripheral blood smear of a 37-day-old Indian infant admitted off feeds, with fever and convulsions. Trypanosoma (Herpetosoma) lewisi was identified in the blood. The species identification was confirmed by morphometry, polymerase chain reaction, and sequencing. Human infection with this organism is rare. Only seven cases of this infection have been reported previously in humans. The cases reported are reviewed to develop a composite picture of this disease.
Technical Note: Comparing the effectiveness of recent algorithms to fill and smooth incomplete and noisy time series
Authors: Musial J. P. , Verstraete M. M. , Gobron N.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. Geophysical time series often feature missing data or data acquired at irregular times. Procedures are needed to either resample these series at systematic time intervals or to generate reasonable estimates at specified times in order to meet specific user requirements or to facilitate subsequent analyses. Interpolation methods have long been used to address this problem, taking into account the fact that available measurements also include errors of measurement or uncertainties. This paper inspects some of the currently used approaches to fill gaps and smooth time series (smoothing splines, Singular Spectrum Analysis and Lomb-Scargle) by comparing their performance in either reconstructing the original record or in minimizing the Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Mean Bias Error (MBE), chi-squared test statistics and autocorrelation of residuals between the underlying model and the available data, using both artificially-generated series or well-known publicly available records. Some methods make no assumption on the type of variability in the data while others hypothesize the presence of at least some dominant frequencies. It will be seen that each method exhibits advantages and drawbacks, and that the choice of an approach largely depends on the properties of the underlying time series and the objective of the research.
Effects of ocean acidification on calcification of symbiont-bearing reef foraminifers
Authors: Fujita K. , Hikami M. , Suzuki A. , Kuroyanagi A. , Sakai K. , Kawahata H. , Nojiri Y.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. Ocean acidification (decreases in carbonate ion concentration and pH) in response to rising atmospheric pCO2 is generally expected to reduce rates of calcification by reef calcifying organisms, with potentially severe implications for coral reef ecosystems. Large, algal symbiont-bearing benthic foraminifers, which are important primary and carbonate producers in coral reefs, produce high-Mg calcite shells, whose solubility can exceed that of aragonite produced by corals, making them the "first responder" in coral reefs to the decreasing carbonate saturation state of seawater. Here we report results of culture experiments performed to assess the effects of ongoing ocean acidification on the calcification of symbiont-bearing reef foraminifers using a high-precision pCO2 control system. Living clone individuals of three foraminiferal species (Baculogypsina sphaerulata, Calcarina gaudichaudii, and Amphisorus hemprichii) were subjected to seawater at five pCO2 levels from 260 to 970 μatm. Cultured individuals were maintained for about 12 weeks in an indoor flow-through system under constant water temperature, light intensity, and photoperiod. After the experiments, the shell diameter and weight of each cultured specimen were measured. Net calcification of B. sphaerulata and C. gaudichaudii, which secrete a hyaline shell and host diatom symbionts, increased under intermediate levels of pCO2 (580 and/or 770 μatm) and decreased at a higher pCO2 level (970 μatm). Net calcification of A. hemprichii, which secretes a porcelaneous shell and hosts dinoflagellate symbionts, tended to decrease at elevated pCO2. Observed different responses between hyaline and porcelaneous species are possibly caused by the relative importance of elevated pCO2, which induces CO2 fertilization effects by algal symbionts, versus associated changes in seawater carbonate chemistry, which decreases a carbonate concentration. Our findings suggest that ongoing ocean acidification might favor symbiont-bearing reef foraminifers with hyaline shells at intermediate pCO2 levels (580 to 770 μatm) but be unfavorable to those with either hyaline or porcelaneous shells at higher pCO2 levels (near 1000 μatm).
Towards an online-coupled chemistry-climate model: evaluation of COSMO-ART
Authors: Knote C. , Brunner D. , Vogel H. , Allan J. , Asmi A. , Äijälä M. , Carbone S. , van der Gon H. D. , Jimenez J. L. , Kiendler-Scharr A. , Mohr C. , Poulain L. , Prévôt A. S. H. , Swietlicki E. , Vogel B.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. The online-coupled, regional chemistry transport model COSMO-ART is evaluated for periods in all seasons against several measurement datasets to assess its ability to represent gaseous pollutants and ambient aerosol characteristics over the European domain. Measurements used in the comparison include long-term station observations, satellite and ground-based remote sensing products, and complex datasets of aerosol chemical composition and number size distribution from recent field campaigns. This is the first time these comprehensive measurements of aerosol characteristics in Europe are used to evaluate a regional chemistry transport model. We show a detailed analysis of the simulated size-resolved chemical composition under different meteorological conditions. The model is able to represent trace gas concentrations with good accuracy and reproduces bulk aerosol properties rather well though with a clear tendency to underestimate both total mass (PM10 and PM2.5) and aerosol optical depth. We find indications of an overestimation of shipping emissions. Time evolution of aerosol chemical composition is captured, although some biases are found in relative composition. Nitrate aerosol components are on average overestimated, and sulfates underestimated. The accuracy of simulated organics depends strongly on season and location. While strongly underestimated during summer, organic mass is comparable in spring and autumn. We see indications for an overestimated fractional contribution of primary organic matter in urban areas and an underestimation of SOA at many locations. Aerosol number concentrations can be simulated well, size distributions are comparable. Our work sets the basis for subsequent studies of aerosol characteristics and climate impacts with COSMO-ART, and highlights areas where improvements are necessary for current regional modeling systems in general.
The spatio-temporal distribution of lightning over Israel and the neighboring area and its relation to regional synoptic systems
Authors: Shalev S. , Saaroni H. , Izsak T. , Yair Y. , Ziv B.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. The spatio-temporal distribution of lightning flashes over Israel and the neighboring area and its relation to the regional synoptic systems has been studied, based on data obtained from the Israel Lightning Location System (ILLS) operated by the Israel Electric Corporation (IEC). The system detects cloud-to-ground lightning discharges in a range of ~500 km around central Israel (32.5° N, 35° E). The study period was defined for annual activity from August through July, for 5 seasons in the period 2004–2010. The spatial distribution of lightning flash density indicates the highest concentration over the Mediterranean Sea, attributed to the contribution of moisture as well as sensible and latent heat fluxes from the sea surface. Other centers of high density appear along the coastal plain, orographic barriers, especially in northern Israel, and downwind from the metropolitan area of Tel Aviv, Israel. The intra-annual distribution shows an absence of lightning during the summer months (JJA) due to the persistent subsidence over the region. The vast majority of lightning activity occurs during 7 months, October to April. Although over 65 % of the rainfall in Israel is obtained during the winter months (DJF), only 35 % of lightning flashes occur in these months. October is the richest month, with 40 % of total annual flashes. This is attributed both to tropical intrusions, i.e., Red Sea Troughs (RST), which are characterized by intense static instability and convection, and to Cyprus Lows (CLs) arriving from the west. Based on daily study of the spatial distribution of lightning, three patterns have been defined; "land", "maritime" and "hybrid". CLs cause high flash density over the Mediterranean Sea, whereas some of the RST days are typified by flashes over land. The pattern defined "hybrid" is a combination of the other 2 patterns. On CL days, only the maritime pattern was noted, whereas in RST days all 3 patterns were found, including the maritime pattern. It is suggested that atmospheric processes associated with RST produce the land pattern. Hence, the occurrence of a maritime pattern in days identified as RST reflects an "apparent RST". The hybrid pattern was associated with an RST located east of Israel. This synoptic type produced the typical flash maximum over the land, but the upper-level trough together with the onshore winds it induced over the eastern coast of the Mediterranean resulted in lightning activity over the sea as well, similar to that of CLs. It is suggested that the spatial distribution patterns of lightning may better identify the synoptic system responsible, a CL, an "active RST" or an "apparent RST". The electrical activity thus serves as a "fingerprint" for the synoptic situation responsible for its generation.
La necesidad de sistemas de información abiertos no excluyentes: Entrevista a Ana María Cetto Kramis
Authors: Santillán-Aldana Julio
Published: August 2011

Entrevista a Ana María Cetto Kramis, investigadora del Instituto de Física de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) y Presidenta del Sistema Regional de Información en Línea para Revistas Científicas de América Latina, el Caribe, España y Portugal (Latindex).
El libro electrónico en la biblioteca universitaria y de investigación
Authors: Arévalo Julio Alonso , Cordón García José Antonio , Gómez Díaz Raquel
Published: August 2011

La integración del libro electrónico en las bibliotecas universitarias supone una oportunidad de adaptación de las mismas a los nuevos contextos de aprendizaje, donde lo digital cada vez adquiere una mayor importancia. Esta incorporación implica una serie de cuestiones que afectan tanto a las editoriales que se están viendo obligadas a replantear sus modelos de negocio como a las bibliotecas a las que el libro electrónico está obligando a variar el sistema de adquisición, el acceso a los contenidos, la gestión, la promoción y difusión así como el uso que pueden hacer los usuarios de sus fondos.
Assessment of Mitochondrial Toxicity in HepG2 Cells Cultured in High‐Glucose‐ or Galactose‐Containing Media
Authors: Swiss Rachel , Will Yvonne
Published: August 2011

Drug‐induced mitochondrial toxicity has been recognized as contributing to a variety of organ toxicities, such as liver, heart, kidney, and CNS, and has been found to contribute to drug attrition and black box warnings. Here, we describe a cell‐based assay that can detect direct drug‐induced mitochondrial toxicity, providing protocols for screening in 96‐ and 384‐well format. Cultured cells grown in glucose media produce their ATP by glycolysis, largely bypassing the mitochondria, and hence are fairly resistant to drugs that affect mitochondrial function. However, when growing the same cells in media supplemented with galactose as opposed to glucose, they are forced to produce ATP through oxidative phosphorylation, which then makes them vulnerable to mitochondrial insult. By measuring viability of cells grown in either glucose‐ or galactose‐supplemented media, direct mitochondrial impairment can be detected. Curr. Protoc. Toxicol. 49:2.20.1‐2.20.14. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Measuring Intracellular hsp70 in Leukocytes by Flow Cytometry
Authors: Agnew Linda L.
Published: August 2011

Heat shock or stress proteins are constitutively expressed redox‐sensitive proteins, the synthesis of which is induced in almost all organisms exposed to a range of stressors, including heat shock, oxidative stress, free radicals, UV radiation, and heavy metals. This unit details a method, with supporting protocols, for the measurement of their expression in peripheral blood leukocytes by flow cytometry. Curr. Protoc. Toxicol. 49:2.21.1‐2.21.12. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Multi‐Layered, Covalently Supported Ionic Liquid Phase (mlc‐SILP) as Highly Cross‐Linked Support for Recyclable Palladium Catalysts for the Suzuki Reaction in Aqueous Medium
Authors: Gruttadauria Michelangelo , Liotta Leonarda Francesca , Salvo Anna Maria Pia , Giacalone Francesco , La Parola Valeria , Aprile Carmela , Noto Renato
Published: August 2011

The reaction between an excess of 1,4‐bis(3‐vinylimidazolium‐1‐yl) bromide and a mercaptopropyl‐modified amorphous silica gel or ordered mesoporous silica SBA‐15 in the presence of azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) afforded new materials, which have a high loading of imidazolium moieties. These materials, which contain a highly cross‐linked polymeric network, have been denoted as multi‐layered, covalently supported ionic liquid phase (mlc‐SILP) and have been used as support for palladium catalysts containing a high loading of the metal (10 wt%). Such materials were characterized by several techniques (13C magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance, the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller technique, small‐angle X‐ray scattering, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy). The presence of a homogeneous distribution of palladium nanoparticles was established. The palladium catalysts displayed good activity allowing the synthesis of several biphenyl compounds in high yields working with only 0.1 mol% of palladium loading at mild temperatures (room temperature or 50 °C) in ethanol/water. Reactions carried out on a 10‐mmol scale required only 10 mg of catalysts. Good recyclability was observed.