bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mediators of a long-term movement abnormality in a Drosophila melanogaster model of classic galactosemia
Authors: Ryan Emily L. , DuBoff Brian , Feany Mel B. , Fridovich-Keil Judith L.
Published: June 2012

Despite neonatal diagnosis and life-long dietary restriction of galactose, many patients with classic galactosemia grow to experience significant long-term complications. Among the more common are speech, cognitive, behavioral, ovarian, and neurological/movement difficulties. Despite decades of research, the pathophysiology of these long-term complications remains obscure, hindering prognosis and attempts at improved intervention. As a first step to overcome this roadblock we have begun to explore long-term outcomes in our previously reported GALT-null Drosophila melanogaster model of classic galactosemia. Here we describe the first of these studies. Using a countercurrent device, a simple climbing assay, and a startle response test to characterize and quantify an apparent movement abnormality, we explored the impact of cryptic GALT expression on phenotype, tested the role of sub-lethal galactose exposure and galactose-1-phosphate (gal-1P) accumulation, tested the impact of age, and searched for potential anatomical defects in brain and muscle. We found that about 2.5% residual GALT activity was sufficient to reduce outcome severity. Surprisingly, sub-lethal galactose exposure and gal-1P accumulation during development showed no effect on adult phenotype. Finally, despite the apparent neurological or neuromuscular nature of the complication we found no clear morphological differences between mutants and controls in brain or muscle, suggesting that the defect is subtle and/or may be physiologic rather than structural. Combined, our results confirm that, like human patients, GALT-null Drosophila experience significant long-term complications that occur independent of galactose exposure, and serve as a proof of principle demonstrating utility of the GALT-null Drosophila model as a tool to explore genetic and environmental modifiers of long-term outcome in GALT deficiency.
Symmorphosis and the insect respiratory system: a comparison between flight and hopping muscle
Authors: Snelling Edward P. , Seymour Roger S. , Runciman Sue , Matthews Philip G. D. , White Craig R.
Published: June 2012

Weibel and Taylor's theory of symmorphosis predicts that the structural components of the respiratory system are quantitatively adjusted to satisfy, but not exceed, an animal's maximum requirement for oxygen. We test this in the respiratory system of the adult migratory locust Locusta migratoria by comparing the aerobic capacity of hopping and flight muscle with the morphology of the oxygen cascade. Maximum oxygen uptake by flight muscle during tethered-flight is 967 ± 76 μmol h-1 g-1 (body mass-specific, ± 95% CI), whereas the hopping muscles consume a maximum of 158 ± 8 during jumping. The 6.1-fold difference in aerobic capacity between the two muscles is matched by a 6.4-fold difference in tracheole lumen volume, which is 3.5×108 ± 1.2×108 μm3 g-1 in flight muscle and 5.5×107 ± 1.8×107 in the hopping muscles, a 6.4-fold difference in tracheole inner cuticle surface area, which is 3.2×109 ± 1.1×109 μm2 g-1 in flight muscle and 5.0×108 ± 1.7×108 in the hopping muscles, and a 6.8-fold difference in tracheole radial diffusing capacity, which is 113 ± 47 μmol kPa-1 h-1 g-1 in flight muscle and 16.7 ± 6.5 in the hopping muscles. However, there is little congruence between the 6.1-fold difference in aerobic capacity and the 19.8-fold difference in mitochondrial volume, which is 3.2×1010 ± 3.9×109 μm3 g-1 in flight muscle and only 1.6×109 ± 1.4×108 in the hopping muscles. Therefore, symmorphosis is upheld in the design of the tracheal system, but not in relation to the amount of mitochondria, which might be due to other factors operating on the molecular level.
Macroeconomics and the Term Structure
Authors: Gürkaynak Refet S , Wright Jonathan H
Published: June 2012

This paper provides an overview of the analysis of the term structure of interest rates with a special emphasis on recent developments at the intersection of macroeconomics and finance. The topic is important to investors and also to policymakers, who wish to extract macroeconomic expectations from longer-term interest rates, and take actions to influence those rates. The simplest model of the term structure is the expectations hypothesis, which posits that long-term interest rates are expectations of future average short-term rates. In this paper, we show that many features of the configuration of interest rates are puzzling from the perspective of the expectations hypothesis. We review models that explain these anomalies using time-varying risk premia. Although the quest for the fundamental macroeconomic explanations of these risk premia is ongoing, inflation uncertainty seems to play a large role. Finally, while modern finance theory prices bonds and other assets in a single unified framework, we also consider an earlier approach based on segmented markets. Market segmentation seems important to understand the term structure of interest rates during the recent financial crisis. (JEL E31, E43, E52, E58)
Temperature Shocks and Economic Growth: Evidence from the Last Half Century
Authors: Dell Melissa , Jones Benjamin F , Olken Benjamin A
Published: June 2012

This paper uses historical fluctuations in temperature within countries to identify its effects on aggregate economic outcomes. We find three primary results. First, higher temperatures substantially reduce economic growth in poor countries. Second, higher temperatures may reduce growth rates, not just the level of output. Third, higher temperatures have wide-ranging effects, reducing agricultural output, industrial output, and political stability. These findings inform debates over climate's role in economic development and suggest the possibility of substantial negative impacts of higher temperatures on poor countries. (JEL E23, O13, Q54, Q56)
Characterizing emergency admissions of patients with sickle cell crisis in NHS brent: observational study
Authors: Green Stuart A , Aljuburi Ghida , Majeed Azeem , Okoye Ogo , Amobi Carole , Banarsee Ricky , Phekoo Karen J
Published: June 2012

Objectives

To characterize emergency admissions for patients with sickle cell crisis in NHS Brent and to determine which patients and practices may benefit most from primary care intervention.

Design

Observational study

Setting

Emergency departments attended by residents of the London borough of Brent

Participants

Patients with sickle cell disease registered with a general practitioner (GP) in the borough of Brent

Main outcome measures

Analysis of admissions between January 2008 and July 2010 that included length of stay (average and <2 days versus ≥2 days) by age group and registered GP practice.

Results

Thirty six percent of sickle cell disease admission spells resulted in a length of stay of less than two days. Seventy four percent of total bed days are associated with patients with more than one admission during the period of analysis, i.e. multiple admissions. Two general practices in Brent were identified as having the highest number of patients admitted to the emergency department for sickle cell crisis and may benefit most from primary care intervention.

Discussion

Patients with short length of stay and multiple admissions may be potentially amenable to primary care intervention. The practices which have the highest numbers of sickle cell disease patients who frequently seek emergency care will be earmarked for an education intervention designed to help further engage general practitioners in the care and management of their sickle cell patients.
Fuzzy Logic and Interval Arithmetic-Based TOPSIS Method for Multicriteria Reverse Auctions
Authors: Singh Ritesh Kumar , Benyoucef Lyes
Published: June 2012

Most of the existing reverse auction methods are restricted to the price dimension and assume that the qualitative criteria are fixed prior to competitive source selection. Multicriteria reverse auctions (MCRAs) facilitate the negotiation of price and other qualitative and quantitative criteria. In this paper, the winner determination (WD) problem of MCRAs is formulated as a multicriteria decision-making problem. An extension of the TOPSIS (technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution) method based on fuzzy logic and interval arithmetic is proposed to solve the WD problem where some attributes are qualitative and imprecise in nature and others are quantitative but difficult to represent in precise numerical values. In some cases, precise values are inadequate to model the criteria in real life. Moreover, because of the personalities of human beings, the decision is based less on information and more on personal judgments, resulting in a biased decision. Therefore, fuzzy linguistic variables are used here to map qualitative criteria, and at the same time intervals, data are used for quantitative preferences that are difficult to represent in exact numerical values. The correlation coefficient and standard deviation integrated method is used for automatic enumeration of the criteria weights, and a mechanism is also developed to determine the preferences of qualitative criteria using fuzzy linguistic variables. We present illustrative example to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed method.
The influence of process and patient factors on the recall of consent information in mentally competent patients undergoing surgery for neck of femur fractures
Authors: Khan SK , Karuppaiah K , Bajwa AS
Published: June 2012

INTRODUCTION

Informed consent is an ethical and legal prerequisite for major surgical procedures. Recent literature has identified ‘poor consent’ as a major cause of litigation in trauma cases. We aimed to investigate the patient and process factors that influence consent information recall in mentally competent patients (abbreviated mental test score [AMTS] ≥6) presenting with neck of femur (NOF) fractures.

METHODS

A prospective study was conducted at a tertiary unit. Fifty NOF patients (cases) and fifty total hip replacement (THR) patients (controls) were assessed for process factors (adequacy and validity of consent) as well as patient factors (comprehension and retention) using consent forms and structured interview proformas.

RESULTS

The two groups were matched for ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) grade and AMTS. The consent forms were adequate in both groups but scored poorly for validity in the NOF group. Only 26% of NOF patients remembered correctly what surgery they had while only 48% recalled the risks and benefits of the procedure. These results were significantly poorer than in THR patients (p=0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms that NOF patients are poor at remembering the information conveyed to them at the time of consent when compared with THR patients despite being intellectually and physiologically matched. We suggest using pre-printed consent forms (process factors), information sheets and visual aids (patient factors) to improve retention and recall.
Parenting Young Children with and Without Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Sterling Audra , Barnum Leah , Skinner Debra , Warren Steven F. , Fleming Kandace
Published: June 2012

The purpose of this study was to examine maternal parenting styles across age-matched siblings using a within-family design, in which one child has Fragile X syndrome. Thirteen families participated; children were aged 16 to 71 months. Mothers completed several videotaped activities with each child separately as well as an interview. Mothers used a consistent, responsive style with both children, using the same degree of positive affect and warmth. Differences included using more behavior management strategies with the child with Fragile X and a conversational style of interaction with the sibling. Differences in approaches suggest the mothers adapted to the developmental differences between the children. The interview data supported these findings; mothers were aware of the changes made to accommodate the developmental differences.
Vaccine-Related Beliefs and Practices of Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Bazzano Alicia , Zeldin Ari , Schuster Erica , Barrett Christopher , Lehrer Danise
Published: June 2012

Although the assertion of a link between vaccines and autism has been scientifically rejected, the theory continues to be popular and may influence the attitudes of parents of children with autism spectrum disorders. The authors sought to assess how often parents change or discontinue their child's vaccine schedule after autism spectrum disorder diagnosis and whether beliefs about the etiology of autism affect their decision to do so. The authors surveyed 197 (43%) of 460 eligible parents of children under 18 years of age with autism spectrum disorders who were enrolled in a state-funded agency that provides services to those with developmental disabilities in western Los Angeles County. Half of the parents discontinued or changed vaccination practices, and this was associated with a belief that vaccines contributed to autism spectrum disorders, indicating a potential subset of undervaccinated children. Educational tools should be designed to assist physicians when talking to parents of children with autism spectrum disorders about vaccination.
Numb Expression and Asymmetric versus Symmetric Cell Division in Distal Embryonic Lung Epithelium
Authors: El-Hashash Ahmed H. K. , Warburton David
Published: June 2012

Proper balance between self-renewal and differentiation of lung-specific progenitors is absolutely required for normal lung morphogenesis/regeneration. Therefore, understanding the behavior of lung epithelial stem/progenitor cells could identify innovative solutions for restoring normal lung morphogenesis and/or regeneration. The Notch inhibitor Numb is a key determinant of asymmetric or symmetric cell division and hence cell fate. Yet Numb proximal-distal expression pattern and symmetric versus asymmetric division are uncharacterized during lung epithelial development. Herein, the authors find that the cell fate determinant Numb is highly expressed and asymmetrically distributed at the apical side of distal epithelial progenitors and segregated to one daughter cell in most mitotic cells. Knocking down Numb in MLE15 epithelial cells significantly increased the number of cells expressing the progenitor cell markers Sox9/Id2. Furthermore, cadherin hole analysis revealed that most distal epithelial stem/progenitor cells in embryonic lungs divide asymmetrically; with their cleavage, planes are predicted to bypass the cadherin hole, resulting in asymmetric distribution of the cadherin hole to the daughter cells. These novel findings provide evidence for asymmetric cell division in distal epithelial stem/progenitor cells of embryonic lungs and a framework for future translationally oriented studies in this area.
A New Method for Numerical Analysis of Reinforced Soil
Authors: Jie Yu-xin , Zhang Bin , Li Guang-xin
Published: June 2012

There are two general approaches to the analysis of reinforced soil. One is to deal with the soil and the reinforcement separately, assuming that they interact with each other through friction on the interface between them. The other is to consider the reinforced soil as an anisotropic homogeneous composite, such that the forces of interaction between soil and reinforcement material become internal, something that does not appear in calculations of the stress and deformation of the composite. In this paper, a new method is proposed for the analysis of reinforced soil. The basic principle of this method is that only the soil skeleton is taken into account, while the reinforcing effect is considered as an equivalent additional stress acting on the soil skeleton in the direction of the reinforcement bedding. The existing constitutive model for soil can be directly used in this method without having to formulate new models. The procedures involved in the determination of the equivalent additional stress and other relevant parameters are also presented in the paper. Examples show that the new method can reasonably describe the stress–strain relationship of fiber-reinforced soil and soil structures reinforced with layers of reinforcement.
Genotypes associated with lipid metabolism contribute to differences in serum lipid profile of GH-deficient adults before and after GH replacement therapy
Authors: Barbosa Edna J L , Glad Camilla A M , Nilsson Anna G , Filipsson Nyström Helena , Götherström Galina , Svensson Per-Arne , Vinotti Isabela , Bengtsson Bengt-Åke , Nilsson Staffan , Boguszewski Cesar Luiz , Johannsson Gudmundur
Published: June 2012

Objective

GH deficiency (GHD) in adults is associated with an altered serum lipid profile that responds to GH replacement therapy (GHRT). This study evaluated the influence of polymorphisms in genes related to lipid metabolism on serum lipid profile before and after 1 year of GHRT in adults.

Design and methods

In 318 GHD patients, total cholesterol (TC) serum concentrations, LDL-C, HDL-C, and triglycerides (TG) were assessed. Using a candidate gene approach, 20 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped. GH dose was individually titrated to obtain normal serum IGF1 concentrations.

Results

At baseline, the minor alleles of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) gene SNPs rs708272 and rs1800775 were associated with higher serum TC and apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene SNP rs7412 with lower TC concentrations;CETPSNPs rs708272, rs1800775, and rs3764261 and apolipoprotein B (APOB) gene SNP rs693 with higher serum HDL-C;APOESNP rs7412, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG) gene SNP rs10865710 with lower LDL-C, andCETPSNP rs1800775 with higher LDL-C; andAPOE/C1/C4/C2cluster SNP rs35136575 with lower serum TG. After treatment,APOBSNP rs676210 GG genotype was associated with larger reductions in TC and LDL-C andPPARGSNP rs10865710 CC genotype with greater TC reduction. All associations remained significant when adjusted for age, sex, and BMI.

Conclusions

In GHD adults, multiple SNPs in genes related to lipid metabolism contributed to individual differences in baseline serum lipid profile. The GH treatment response in TC and LDL-C was influenced by polymorphisms in theAPOBandPPARGgenes.
A novel OTX2 mutation in a patient with combined pituitary hormone deficiency, pituitary malformation, and an underdeveloped left optic nerve
Authors: Gorbenko Del Blanco Darya , Romero Christopher J , Diaczok Daniel , de Graaff Laura C G , Radovick Sally , Hokken-Koelega Anita C S
Published: June 2012

Orthodenticle homolog 2 (OTX2) is a homeobox family transcription factor required for brain and eye formation. Various genetic alterations inOTX2have been described, mostly in patients with severe ocular malformations. In order to expand the knowledge of the spectrum ofOTX2mutation, we performedOTX2mutation screening in 92 patients with combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD). We directly sequenced the coding regions and exon–intron boundaries ofOTX2in 92 CPHD patients from the Dutch HYPOPIT study in whom mutations in the classical CPHD genesPROP1,POU1F1,HESX1,LHX3, andLHX4had been ruled out. Among 92 CPHD patients, we identified a novel heterozygous missense mutation c.401C>G (p.Pro134Arg) in a patient with CPHD, pituitary malformation, and an underdeveloped left optic nerve. Binding of both the wild-type and mutant OTX2 proteins to bicoid binding sites was equivalent; however, the mutantOTX2exhibited decreased transactivation. We describe a novel missense heterozygousOTX2mutation that acts as a dominant negative inhibitor of target gene expression in a patient with CPHD, pituitary malformation, and optic nerve hypoplasia. We provide an overview of allOTX2mutations described till date, which show thatOTX2is a promising candidate gene for genetic screening of patients with CPHD or isolated GH deficiency (IGHD). As the majority of theOTX2mutations found in patients with CPHD, IGHD, or short stature have been found in exon 5, we recommend starting mutational screening in those patients in exon 5 of the gene.
Plasma soluble α-klotho protein levels in premature and term neonates: correlations with growth and metabolic parameters
Authors: Siahanidou Tania , Garatzioti Maria , Lazaropoulou Christina , Kourlaba Georgia , Papassotiriou Ioannis , Kino Tomoshige , Imura Akihiro , Nabeshima Yo-ichi , Chrousos George
Published: June 2012

Objective

α-Klotho (α-KL), a protein with antiaging properties, regulates phosphate, calcium, and bone metabolism, induces resistance to oxidative stress, and may participate in insulin signaling. The role of α-KL in neonates, known to be prone to metabolic disturbances and oxidative stress, is not known. The aim of this study was to evaluate circulating soluble α-KL concentrations in preterm and full-term neonates and unravel possible correlations with growth, metabolism, and indices of oxidative stress.

Design

Prospective study.

Methods

Plasma-soluble α-KL levels were determined by specific ELISA in 50 healthy neonates (25 preterm, mean (s.d.) gestational age (GA) 33.7 (1.1) weeks, and 25 full-term infants) at days 14 and 28 of life. Associations of α-KL with anthropometric, metabolic parameters, and indices of oxidative stress were examined.

Results

α-KL levels were significantly higher in full-term than in preterm infants at both days 14 (1099 (480) pg/ml vs 884 (239) pg/ml respectively; P<0.05) and 28 (1277 (444) pg/ml vs 983 (264) pg/ml respectively; P<0.01). In both preterm and full-term infants, α-KL levels increased significantly from day 14 to 28 of life (P<0.001). Circulating α-KL concentrations correlated with GA (β=0.32, P=0.001), body weight (β=0.34, P=0.001), body length (β=0.33, P=0.001), 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D level (β=0.24, P<0.05), and malondialdehyde level (β=0.20, P<0.05) but not with glucose, insulin, or homeostasis model assessment index of insulin resistance values.

Conclusions

Soluble α-KL levels rise as GA and postnatal age advance in neonates and may have an impact on vitamin D metabolism and oxidative stress. Whether α-KL may have a role in the regulation of infants' growth should be further studied.
Using Online Lectures to Make Time for Active Learning
Authors: Prunuske Amy J , Batzli Janet , Howell Evelyn , Miller Sarah
Published: June 2012

To make time in class for group activities devoted to critical thinking, we integrated a series of short online lectures into the homework assignments of a large, introductory biology course at a research university. The majority of students viewed the online lectures before coming to class and reported that the online lectures helped them to complete the in-class activity and did not increase the amount of time they devoted to the course. In addition, students who viewed the online lecture performed better on clicker questions designed to test lower-order cognitive skills. The in-class activities then gave the students practice analyzing the information in groups and provided the instructor with feedback about the students’ understanding of the material. On the basis of the results of this study, we support creating hybrid course models that allow students to learn the fundamental information outside of class time, thereby creating time during the class period to be dedicated toward the conceptual understanding of the material.
Ultraconserved Elements in the Human Genome: Association and Transmission Analyses of Highly Constrained Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms
Authors: Chiang Charleston W K , Liu Ching-Ti , Lettre Guillaume , Lange Leslie A , Jorgensen Neal W , Keating Brendan J , Vedantam Sailaja , Nock Nora L , Franceschini Nora , Reiner Alex P , Demerath Ellen W , Boerwinkle Eric , Rotter Jerome I , Wilson James G , North Kari E , Papanicolaou George J , Cupples L Adrienne ,   Genetic Investigation of ANthropometric Traits (GIANT) Consortium, Murabito Joanne M , Hirschhorn Joel N
Published: June 2012

Ultraconserved elements in the human genome likely harbor important biological functions as they are dosage sensitive and are able to direct tissue-specific expression. Because they are under purifying selection, variants in these elements may have a lower frequency in the population but a higher likelihood of association with complex traits. We tested a set of highly constrained SNPs (hcSNPs) distributed genome-wide among ultraconserved and nearly ultraconserved elements for association with seven traits related to reproductive (age at natural menopause, number of children, age at first child, and age at last child) and overall [longevity, body mass index (BMI), and height] fitness. Using up to 24,047 European-American samples from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Candidate Gene Association Resource (CARe), we observed an excess of associations with BMI and height. In an independent replication panel the most strongly associated SNPs showed an 8.4-fold enrichment of associations at the nominal level, including three variants in previously identified loci and one in a locus (DENND1A) previously shown to be associated with polycystic ovary syndrome. Finally, using 1430 family trios, we showed that the transmissions from heterozygous parents to offspring of the derived alleles of rare (frequency ≤0.5%) hcSNPs are not biased, particularly after adjusting for the rates of genotype missingness and error in the data. The lack of transmission bias ruled out an immediately and strongly deleterious effect due to the rare derived alleles, consistent with the observation that mice homozygous for the deletion of ultraconserved elements showed no overt phenotype. Our study also illustrated the importance of carefully modeling potential technical confounders when analyzing genotype data of rare variants.
Gene Discovery Using Mutagen-Induced Polymorphisms and Deep Sequencing: Application to Plant Disease Resistance
Authors: Zhu Ying , Mang Hyung-gon , Sun Qi , Qian Jun , Hipps Ashley , Hua Jian
Published: June 2012

Next-generation sequencing technologies are accelerating gene discovery by combining multiple steps of mapping and cloning used in the traditional map-based approach into one step using DNA sequence polymorphisms existing between two different accessions/strains/backgrounds of the same species. The existing next-generation sequencing method, like the traditional one, requires the use of a segregating population from a cross of a mutant organism in one accession with a wild-type (WT) organism in a different accession. It therefore could potentially be limited by modification of mutant phenotypes in different accessions and/or by the lengthy process required to construct a particular mapping parent in a second accession. Here we present mapping and cloning of an enhancer mutation with next-generation sequencing on bulked segregants in the same accession using sequence polymorphisms induced by a chemical mutagen. This method complements the conventional cloning approach and makes forward genetics more feasible and powerful in molecularly dissecting biological processes in any organisms. The pipeline developed in this study can be used to clone causal genes in background of single mutants or higher order of mutants and in species with or without sequence information on multiple accessions.
Parallel Genetic Changes and Nonparallel Gene–Environment Interactions Characterize the Evolution of Drug Resistance in Yeast
Authors: Gerstein Aleeza C , Lo Dara S , Otto Sarah P
Published: June 2012

Beneficial mutations are required for adaptation to novel environments, yet the range of mutational pathways that are available to a population has been poorly characterized, particularly in eukaryotes. We assessed the genetic changes of the first mutations acquired during adaptation to a novel environment (exposure to the fungicide, nystatin) in 35 haploid lines of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Through whole-genome resequencing we found that the genomic scope for adaptation was narrow; all adapted lines acquired a mutation in one of four late-acting genes in the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway, with very few other mutations found. Lines that acquired different ergosterol mutations in the same gene exhibited very similar tolerance to nystatin. All lines were found to have a cost relative to wild type in an unstressful environment; the level of this cost was also strongly correlated with the ergosterol gene bearing the mutation. Interestingly, we uncovered both positive and negative effects on tolerance to other harsh environments for mutations in the different ergosterol genes, indicating that these beneficial mutations have effects that differ in sign among environmental challenges. These results demonstrate that although the genomic target was narrow, different adaptive mutations can lead populations down different evolutionary pathways, with respect to their ability to tolerate (or succumb to) other environmental challenges.
Treatment of anaemia in medical oncology
Authors: Kullmann Tamás , Culine Stéphane
Published: June 2012

Development of cytotoxic chemotherapy, which has several side effects, has resulted in the development in supportive care as well. Two families of novel drugs have spread in the care of chemotherapy induced anaemia: human recombinant erythropoietin and intravenous iron. They were praised for the decreased transfusion demand and the increased quality of life. However, if we read the literature critically, our enthusiasm should be decreased. New data show an unfavourable impact of erythropoietin on life expectancy. Furthermore, the health care policy has changed since the introduction of erythropoietin 25 years ago. Transfusion control has improved and cost awareness in health care has increased. Recommendations of the American Societies of Haematology and Clinical Oncology reflect on these considerations. Erythropoietin is not recommended in adjuvant settings. The choice between erythropoietin and transfusion is conferred to the clinician in case of the development of metastases. No sufficient scientific argument was found to support the use of intravenous iron supplementation. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 973–977.
Effects of rectal indomethacin in the prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis
Authors: Döbrönte Zoltán , Toldy Erzsébet , Márk Levente , Sarang Krisztina , Lakner Lilla
Published: June 2012

Recently non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have seemed to reduce the frequency of post-ERCP pancreatitis in some prospective controlled trials, but the results have to be confirmed by further studies. Aim: to evaluate the efficacy of rectally administered indomethacin for the reduction of incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis. Method: A prospective randomized placebo-controlled study was conducted in 228 patients who underwent ERCP. Patients were randomized to receive a suppository containing 100 mg indomethacin or an inert placebo 10 mins before ERCP. Patients were evaluated clinically and biochemically by using serum amylase levels measured 24 h after the procedure. Results: Pancreatitis and hyperamylasemia occurred more frequently in the placebo group, but the difference was not significant. In respect to the rate of pancreatitis, this tendency could particularly be observed in females, in patients older than 60 years and in patients with BMI lower than 25; however, it completely failed in cases with pancreatic duct filling or in those with pancreatic EST. Conclusions: Rectal indomethacin given before ERCP did not prove to be statistically effective in the reduction of the incidence of post-procedure pancreatitis. Further, controlled multicenter studies are required to assess safely the potential efficacy of indomethacin in the prevention of pancreatitis following ERCP. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 990–996.
Pinnularia (Bacillariophyta) do curso inferior do rio Negro, Amazonas, Brasil: taxonomia e distribuição temporal
Authors: Pereira Andreia Cavalcante , Torgan Lezilda Carvalho , Melo Sérgio
Published: June 2012

Este estudo relata a taxonomia e distribuição temporal do gênero Pinnularia ocorrente no curso inferior do rio Negro (03º02'46,5"S e 60º15'13,1"W) ao longo de um ciclo anual. O trabalho foi conduzido a partir da análise de amostras coletadas na coluna d'água, em escala mensal, entre os meses de outubro de 2002 a setembro de 2003. As espécies foram descritas e comentadas com base na sua morfologia e morfometria. Onze espécies e quatro variedades foram identificadas, ilustradas e incluídas em chave taxonômica. Dois táxons registrados neste estudo, P. sterrenburgii var. sterrenburgii Metzeltin & Lange-Bertalot e P. subgibba var. capitata Metzeltin & Krammer, constituem primeira citação de ocorrência para o rio Negro. Temporalmente, a maior riqueza de espécies ocorreu entre os meses de outubro a dezembro de 2002, período de águas baixas, quando houve provavelmente maior interação entre água e sedimento possibilitando aporte de indivíduos da região bentônica. Considerando a ocorrência dos táxons ao longo do estudo, somente P. confirma foi considerada frequente, estando presente em mais de 50% das amostras analisadas.
Estruturas secretoras em cipó-d'alho (Mansoa standleyi (Steyerm.) A. H. Gentry, Bignoniaceae): ocorrência e morfologia
Authors: Vilhena-Potiguara Raimunda Conceição , Aguiar-Dias Ana Cristina Andrade de , Kikuchi Tatiani Yuriko Souza , Santos Ana Carla Feio dos , Silva Rolf Junior Ferreira
Published: June 2012

Espécies de Mansoa são denominadas de "cipó-d'alho", por exalarem odor de alho das partes vegetativas e reprodutivas. Contudo, dados sobre morfologia e distribuição das estruturas secretoras presentes em Mansoa são escassos e ausentes para M. standleyi. O presente trabalho objetivou caracterizar a ocorrência e morfologia das estruturas secretoras do eixo vegetativo aéreo de M. standleyi. Para tanto, amostras da lâmina foliolar e de regiões nodais foram fixadas e submetidas às técnicas histológicas e de microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Testes histoquímicos, com os respectivos controles foram aplicados nas estruturas secretoras em fase secretora. Indivíduos de formigas e moscas, que visitavam a espécie foram amostrados, preservados e identificados por entomólogo. As estruturas secretoras do eixo vegetativo aéreo de M. standleyi estão representadas por tricomas glandulares dos tipos pateliformes e peltados. Todos com desenvolvimento assincrônico e presentes nas regiões nodais e lâmina foliolar, principalmente nas partes mais jovens. Nas regiões nodais, os tricomas formam um complexo secretor e, na lâmina foliolar, estão dispersos. As análises histoquímicas revelaram que os tricomas pateliformes são de fato nectários extraflorais e que os tricomas peltados, apresentam uma fração de alcaloides. Os visitantes das glândulas nodais correspondem a formigas Crematogaster (Formicidae) e Ectatomma brunea (Vespoidea, Formicidae) e moscas Oxysarcodexia (Sarcophagidae, subfamília Utitidae (Ulidiidae). Mansoa standleyi possui as estruturas secretoras do eixo vegetativo aéreo semelhantes às citadas pela literatura para Bignoniaceae, sendo esta a primeira vez, que um nectário extrafloral é descrito para a espécie.
Tendências de índices de extremos climáticos para a região de Manaus-AM
Authors: Santos Carlos Antonio Costa dos , Satyamurty Prakki , Santos Edilanê Mendes dos
Published: June 2012

Foram estudadas tendências nos índices de extremos climáticos baseados em dados de precipitação para três estações localizadas em Manaus e na região circunvizinha para o período de 1971-2007. Baseado nos resultados obtidos pode ser observado que houve aumento da precipitação total anual sobre a região estudada. A estação localizada na zona urbana de Manaus (INMET) teve aumento, com significância estatística, dos eventos de precipitação iguais ou superiores a 50 mm (R50mm), na precipitação máxima acumulada em cinco dias consecutivos (Rx5day) e nos dias úmidos (R95p), indicando que Manaus poderá sofrer com o aumento das chuvas extremas. Aumento das anomalias positivas de TSM no Oceano Pacífico Equatorial leva a um aumento dos dias consecutivos secos e diminuição dos eventos extremos de chuva e da precipitação total sobre a bacia amazônica. As anomalias positivas de TSM no Oceano Atlântico Sul induz o deslocamento da ZCIT mais ao sul do Equador levando a um aumento da precipitação sobre a região de Manaus. Os resultados obtidos aqui têm potencial para possíveis previsões das características da precipitação em Manaus.
Estudos etnoictiológicos sobre o pirarucu Arapaima gigas na Amazônia Central
Authors: Lima Liane Galvão de , Batista Vandick da Silva
Published: June 2012

O presente estudo visou identificar saberes comuns entre o conhecimento científico e o conhecimento local sobre a ecologia e biologia do pirarucu (Arapaima gigas), contribuindo com informações úteis para a implementação e consolidação de projetos de manejo participativo pesqueiro na região. Foram realizadas 57 entrevistas semi-estruturadas, com pescadores profissionais de Manaus e pescadores de subsistência de Manacapuru durante o período de junho a dezembro do ano de 2002. Foi observado que os pescadores profissionais possuem informações igualmente precisas e abrangentes em relação aos saberes dos pescadores ribeirinhos de subsistência nos aspectos de reprodução, predação, migração, crescimento e mortalidade. Os aspectos que não são equivalentes entre os pescadores profissionais comerciais citadinos e ribeirinhos de subsistência são nos aspectos de tipo de alimentação e no tamanho de recrutamento pesqueiro. Concluímos que os pescadores da Amazônia central possuem os conhecimentos necessários que possibilitam o manejo participativo do pirarucu, como um profundo saber nos aspectos comportamentais, biológicos e ecológicos desta espécie, podendo assim contribuir de fato com a participação de gestão nos recursos pesqueiros locais.
Dieta y comportamiento alimentario de un grupo de mico maicero Cebus apella de acuerdo a la variación en la oferta de frutos y artrópodos, en la Amazonía colombiana
Authors: Gómez-Posada Carolina
Published: June 2012

Se analizó la relación entre la abundancia de artrópodos y frutos maduros, con el comportamiento alimentario y dieta de un grupo de Cebus apella en la Amazonía colombiana durante 1999. La oferta de frutos se midió por transectos fenológicos y la abundancia de artrópodos por capturas manuales. La oferta de ambos recursos varió a lo largo del año, lo que permitió establecer tres períodos de disponibilidad combinada: abundancia, oferta intermedia y escasez. Se completaron 708 horas de seguimiento al grupo y con el método de barrido lento se determinó una dieta omnívora, siendo principalmente insectívora - frugívora (48.8% - 42.9%). Los maiceros consumieron 96 especies de plantas y la diversidad mensual de frutos en la dieta, no se correlacionó con la oferta de los mismos. En los meses de abundancia de recursos, tanto frutos como artrópodos fueron consumidos en altas cantidades, y los frutos presentaron una distribución agrupada. Durante los períodos de escasez de recursos, la dieta incluyó pocas especies de frutos, considerados clave, de difícil manipulación, como Cariniana micrantha (Lecythidaceae), y fue complementada con partes vegetales. A diferencia de otros estudios, durante la escasez de frutos, no se presentó el mayor consumo de artrópodos, puesto que éstos igualmente escaseaban. Los maiceros mostraron una dieta generalista - oportunista y utilizaron los recursos en la proporción en la que estuvieron disponibles. Así por ejemplo, los valores de selectividad para frutos fueron muy bajos, y las tasas de éxito de captura de artrópodos se correlacionaron con la disponibilidad de los mismos.
Topossequência de solos na transição campos naturais-floresta na região de Humaitá, Amazonas
Authors: Campos Milton César Costa , Ribeiro Mateus Rosas , Souza Júnior Valdomiro Severino de , Ribeiro Filho Mateus Rosas , Almeida Maria Conceição
Published: June 2012

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar as relações solo-relevo em uma topossequência de transição campo/floresta na região de Humaitá, AM. A área do estudo foi selecionada com base na representatividade regional e no grau de preservação do ambiente. O estudo foi realizado ao longo de um caminhamento que atravessou os diferentes pedoambientes, partindo do ambiente de campo natural até o ambiente de floresta. Esses pedoambientes foram identificados e delimitados conforme a curvatura do terreno, expressão dos padrões vegetacionais e características pedológicas. Foram abertas trincheiras nos diversos segmentos e os perfis foram caracterizados morfologicamente e coletados por horizonte. Foram realizadas análises físicas e químicas para caracterização e determinados SiO2, Al2O3 e Fe2O3 por ataque sulfúrico, óxidos de Fe "livres" com ditionito-citrato-bicarbonato e o ferro mal cristalizado com oxalato de amônio. Análises mineralógicas foram realizadas por difratometria de raios X. Os resultados sugerem que a variação dos solos na topossequência tem relação direta com a variação do relevo, que condiciona a drenagem e o nível do lençol freático.
First record of Trichodina heterodentata (Ciliophora: Trichodinidae) from Arapaima gigas cultivated in Peru
Authors: Henostroza Miranda Luis , Marchiori Natalia , Rebaza Alfaro Carmela , Martins Maurício Laterça
Published: June 2012

This study characterized morphologically Trichodina heterodentata Duncan, 1977 from cultivated fingerlings of "pirarucu" Arapaima gigas in Peru. Body and gill smears were air-dried at room temperature, impregnated with silver nitrate and/or stained with gomori trichromic. Prevalence was 100%. Trichodina heterodentata was considered a medium-sized trichodinid with mean body diameter of 56.0+ 5.25 (47.3-76.0) μm, denticulate ring 28.21± 2.71 (20-34.7) μm, adhesive disc 45.7±3.8 (37.1-57.3) μm diameter and number of denticles of 20.7± 2.6 (12-24). The present study reports not only the first occurrence of T. heterodentata in Peru but also the first record of this trichodinid infesting A. gigas. Camparative tables of all reports of T. heterodentata are also presented.
Quadro citológico vaginal, concentração plasmática de progesterona durante a gestação e medidas fetais em paca (Cuniculus paca Linnaeus, 1766)
Authors: Ribeiro Vânia Maria França , Rumpf Rodolfo , Satrapa Rodolpho , Satrapa Rafael Augusto , Razza Eduardo Montanari , Carneiro Junior José Marques , Portela Maria do Carmo
Published: June 2012

Em 27 pacas (Cuniculus paca Linnaeus, 1766) objetivou-se descrever aos 30, 60 e 90 dias (D) de prenhez diagnosticada por ultrassonografia (US), os tipos celulares do epitélio vaginal em esfregaços vaginais, relatar as condições de abertura da vulva e as características do muco vaginal, determinar a concentração plasmática de progesterona (P4) por radioimunoensaio, e ainda, mensurar por ultrassonografia (US) o diâmetro biparietal (DBP) fetal aos 60 e 90 dias de prenhez. No D30, 40% das amostras exibiram células (com características estrogênicas) superficiais e presença de núcleos nus. Nos D60 e D90, células parabasais, intermediárias, superficiais e naviculares estavam presentes nas mesmas proporções, mas células endocervicais foram descritas em apenas 73,9% e 69% das amostras daqueles dias, respectivamente. No D30 a maior proporção de células naviculares e superficiais diferiu (p < 0,05) em relação aos outros tipos celulares presentes. O muco vaginal apresentou-se cristalino e fluido em 100% e em 70% das fêmeas nos D30 e D60, respectivamente. Observou-se o vestíbulo vaginal aberto em torno de 50% das fêmeas em todos os dias de exames. Valores mínimos detectáveis de P4 foram obtidos em 72% e em 83% das fêmeas, enquanto que as médias das medidas dos DBP foram 1,25 cm (± 0,16) e 2,34 cm (± 0,25) nos D60 e D90, respectivamente. O quadro citológico vaginal nos D30, D60 e D90 e o DBP fornecem elementos que contribuem para diagnóstico de gestação em pacas. A concentração de P4 demonstra a necessidade de maiores estudos da endocrinologia da gestação em pacas.
Determinação da capacidade de infiltração do solo para fins de irrigação por aspersão
Authors: Moretti Filho Justo , Manfrinato Helio A.
Published: June 2012

O presente trabalho estuda a capacidade de infiltração do solo para fins de irrigação por aspersão, através de dois métodos conhecidos, isto é, do infiltrômetro cilíndrico de Muntz-modificado (ESALQ 1963) e de irrigação por aspersão. No primeiro, mede-se a quantidade de água absorvida pelo solo num intervalo de tempo, água essa que se mantém à uma carga constante dentro do cilindro. No segundo, mede-se a água absorvida, por diferença entre a quantidade de água aplicada por aspersão e a enxurrada. O infiltrômetro cilíndrico usado foi o do tipo de anéis concêntricos. Obteve-se boa correlação entre os dados obtidos pelos dois métodos (r = 0,89). Foram introduzidas modificações no infiltrômetro de Muntz a fim de obter-se uma carga hidráulica constante e maior sensibilidade nas leituras. Da correlação a ser obtida para experimentos em todos os tipos de solo, será permitido ao agricultor fazer êle próprio as determinações da capacidade de infiltração apenas com o infiltrômetro, cujos resultados deverão ser ajustados com fatôres de correção, segundo tabelas que doravante estaremos organizando para cada tipo de solo, declive do terreno e natureza da cobertura vegetal.
Estudos sôbre a fertilidade dos solos do cerrado: I. efeito da calagem na disponibilidade do fósforo (Nota prévia)
Authors: Malavolta E. , Crocomo O. J. , Andrade R. G. de , Alvizuri C. , Vencowsky R. , de Freitas L. M. M.
Published: June 2012

O método da diluição isotópica foi empregado com êxito para estudar a influência de doses crescentes de calcário na disponibilidade do fósforo do solo de cerrado. Os valores A foram determinados usando-se uma técnica simplificada; as amostras de solos de cerrado usadas no trabalho haviam sido submetidas prèviamente ao tratamento com diferentes dosagens de calcário em condições de campo. Tais amostras foram colhidas nas localidades de Orlandia, Pirassununga e Matão, todas elas no Estado de São Paulo. As seguintes conclusões puderam ser tiradas: (1) os três tipos de solos de cerrado apresentaram teores diferentes de fósforo assimilável; (2) nos casos das amostras de Pirassununga e Matão a calagem aumetou a disponibilidade do fósforo de modo linear; em Orlandia, entretanto, a dose mais alta de calcário diminuiu significativamente o teor de fósforo disponível.
Determinação de cálcio e magnésio em plantas, pelo método do EDTA
Authors: Glória N. A. da , Catani R. A. , Matuo T.
Published: June 2012

O presente trabalho relata o estudo sôbre a determinação de cálcio e magnésio em material vegetal, pelo método quelatométrico, baseado no uso do sal dissódico do ácido etileno-diamino-tetra-acético (EDTA). Foi estudada a influência de diversos íons (Fe3+, PO4(3-), Al3+, Mn² +, SO4(2-)) nas determinações em apreço. Verificou-se que dentre os íons estudados, a principal interferência é causada pelo íon fosfato, a qual pode ser eliminada, precipitando-se o citado ânion, na forma de fosfato férrico em presença de íons acetato. A técnica proposta foi empregada na determinação de cálcio e magnésio em material vegetal e os resultados obtidos foram comparados com os fornecidos pelo método permanganométrico (pára o cálcio) e o colorimétrico (para o magnésio).