Teaching Neuroimages: Neuropathy Caused by Mycobacterium Leprae

Neurology. Aug, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21825271

A Nonionic Porphyrin As a Noninterfering DNA Antibacterial Agent

Photochemistry and Photobiology. Nov-Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21834867

The increasing interest in clinical bacterial photodynamic inactivation has led to the search for photosensitizers with higher bactericidal efficiency and less side effects on the surrounding tissues. We present a novel nonionic porphyrin, the 5,10,15-tris(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-20-[4-N-(6-amino-hexyl)sulfonamido)phenyl]-porphyrin (ACS769F4) with substantial improvements in the efficiency of nonionic sensitizers. This porphyrin causes eradication of both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus by the photodynamic effect but in higher concentrations compared with 5,10,15,20-tetrakis (4-N,N,N-trimethylammoniumphenyl)-porphyrin p-tosylate (TTAP(4+)), a known bactericidal tetracationic porphyrin. More important, under such conditions, ACS769F4 proved to be harmless to two mammalian cells lines (human embryonic and baby hamster kidney), causing no reduction in their viability or negative impact on their cytoskeleton, despite its accumulation in cellular structures. On the contrary, TTAP(4+) is shown to accumulate in the nucleus of mammalian cells, in association to DNA, causing chromatin condensation after exposure to light. Furthermore, dark incubation with TTAP(4+) was shown to have a deleterious effect on the microtubule network. Based on its bactericidal efficiency, also observed without exposure to light, and on the low tendency to be harmful or genotoxic to mammalian cells, ACS769F4 should be looked at as an interesting photosensitizer to be evaluated for clinical purposes.

B1 and B2 Kinin Receptor Participation in Hyperproliferative and Inflammatory Skin Processes in Mice

Journal of Dermatological Science. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21840178

Kinins are released during dermal injury and inflammation and seem to contribute to the pathogenesis of cutaneous diseases.

Orofacial Manifestations in Patients with Sickle Cell Anemia

Quintessence International (Berlin, Germany : 1985). Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21842010

To compare the prevalence of orofacial manifestations between patients with and without sickle cell anemia and to investigate the distribution of such events in patients with sickle cell anemia by sex and age.

The Novel Leptospiral Surface Adhesin Lsa20 Binds Laminin and Human Plasminogen and is Probably Expressed During Infection

Infection and Immunity. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21844229

Leptospirosis is an emerging infectious disease caused by pathogenic species of Leptospira. In this work, we report the cloning, expression, purification, and characterization of two predicted leptospiral outer membrane proteins, LIC11469 and LIC11030. The LIC11469 protein is well conserved among leptospiral strains, while LIC11030 was identified only in Leptospira interrogans. We confirmed by surface proteolysis of intact leptospires with proteinase K that these proteins are most likely new surface leptospiral proteins. The recombinant proteins were evaluated for their capacity to attach to extracellular matrix (ECM) components and to plasminogen. The leptospiral protein encoded by LIC11469, named Lsa20 (leptospiral surface adhesin of 20 kDa), binds to laminin and to plasminogen. The binding with both components was not detected when Lsa20 was previously denatured or blocked with anti-Lsa20 antibodies. Moreover, Lsa20 binding to laminin was also confirmed by surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Laminin competes with plasminogen for binding to Lsa20, suggesting the same ligand-binding site. Lsa20-bound plasminogen could be converted to enzymatically active plasmin, capable of cleaving plasmin substrate d-valyl-leucyl-lysine-p-nitroanilide dihydrochloride. Lsa20 was recognized by antibodies in confirmed-leptospirosis serum samples, suggesting that this protein is expressed during infection. Taken together, our results indicate that Lsa20 is a novel leptospiral adhesin that in concert with the host-derived plasmin may help the bacteria to adhere and to spread through the hosts.

Infection Intensity-dependent Responses of Anopheles Gambiae to the African Malaria Parasite Plasmodium Falciparum

Infection and Immunity. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21844236

Malaria remains a devastating disease despite efforts at control and prevention. Extensive studies using mostly rodent infection models reveal that successful Plasmodium parasite transmission by the African mosquito vector Anopheles gambiae depends on finely tuned vector-parasite interactions. Here we investigate the transcriptional response of A. gambiae to geographically related Plasmodium falciparum populations at various infection intensities and different infection stages. These responses are compared with those of mosquitoes infected with the rodent parasite Plasmodium berghei. We demonstrate that mosquito responses are largely dependent on the intensity of infection. A major transcriptional suppression of genes involved in the regulation of midgut homeostasis is detected in low-intensity P. falciparum infections, the most common type of infection in Africa. Importantly, genes transcriptionally induced during these infections tend to be phylogenetically unique to A. gambiae. These data suggest that coadaptation between vectors and parasites may act to minimize the impact of infection on mosquito fitness by selectively suppressing specific functional classes of genes. RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated gene silencing provides initial evidence for important roles of the mosquito G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in controlling infection intensity-dependent antiparasitic responses.

Update on the Telavancin Activity Tested Against European Staphylococcal Clinical Isolates (2009-2010)

Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease. Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21851873

This study evaluated telavancin activity against 3868 Staphylococcus aureus and 1003 coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) collected from 33 European hospitals (2009-2010). Studies of telavancin potency included analysis of strains with decreased susceptibility to glycopeptides. Telavancin (MIC(50/90), 0.12/0.25 μg/mL) showed high activity against S. aureus and CoNS, regardless of the stratification analysis performed (year sampled, infection source, or methicillin susceptibility). In addition, telavancin (MIC(50/90), 0.25/0.5 μg/mL) retained activity against S. aureus isolates with higher vancomycin (MIC, 2 μg/mL) or teicoplanin (MIC, 2-8 μg/mL) MIC results. Overall, telavancin exhibited higher potency (at least 2-fold greater) than tested comparators (vancomycin, daptomycin, and linezolid) against European staphylococci. Alongside published clinical data, the telavancin in vitro activity observed against these pathogens supports this drug as an option for treating S. aureus infections in Europe, including those infections caused by strains with decreased susceptibility to vancomycin and/or teicoplanin.

Characteristics of Children Hospitalized with Dengue Fever in an Outbreak in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21855101

During a dengue epidemic in Rio de Janeiro in 2007-2008 the Instituto de Puericultura e Pediatria Martagão Gesteira Hospital was a reference for admitted children. The World Health Organization (WHO) considered several manifestations as warning signs of severe dengue This is a retrospective cohort study of all children admitted with dengue fever. Clinical variables considered warning signs by WHO were evaluated in the multivariate analysis, to investigate if they were independently associated with severe dengue. One hundred and eighty one children were admitted, aged from 4 months to 15 years; 30 were classified as severe dengue. Abdominal pain (OR=2.63, 95% CI 1.06-6.53) and lethargy (OR=3.40, 95% CI 1.45-7.99) were independently associated with severe dengue.

Plasmid-borne Vga(A)-encoding Gene in Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus ST398 Recovered from Swine and a Swine Farmer in the United States

Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21856108

We report a novel vga(A) detected in 3 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ST398 recovered from swine and a swine caretaker in the United States. Strains were wild type for L3 and L4, but positive for vga(A) and tet(M). vga(A) was plasmid-located (ca. 24-kb) and demonstrated mobilization genes upstream and a transposase belonging to the IS3 family located downstream.

Metallization and Investigation of Electrical Properties of in Vitro Recrystallized MSbsC-eGFP Assemblies

Nanotechnology. Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21857099

Surface layer (SL) proteins are self-assembling nanosized arrays which can be recrystallized in solution or on surfaces. In this paper, we investigate the metallization, contact potential difference and conductivity of in vitro recrystallized mSbsC-eGFP tube-like assemblies for possible applications in nanobiotechnology. Treatment of mSbsC-eGFP tube-like structures with 150 mM Pt salt solution resulted in the formation of metallized SL assemblies decorated with Pt nanoparticles (∅ > 3 nm) which were closely packed and aggregated into metal clusters. Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) measurements revealed that metallized and unmetallized SL templates showed different surface potential behaviours, demonstrating that the metal coating changes the electrostatic surface characteristics of SL assemblies. In situ conductivity measurements showed that unmetallized SL assemblies were not conductive. Metallized samples showed linear I-V dependence between - 1 and + 1 V with a conductivity of ∼ 10(3) S m( - 1).

Intensity of Official Futsal Matches

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research / National Strength & Conditioning Association. Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21869629

The purpose of this study was to assess the intensity of official Futsal matches, expressed in different ways. Fourteen male professional Futsal players from a First Division Brazilian team volunteered to participate in this study. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2)max) and the heart hate (HR) and oxygen uptake (VO(2)) correlation were determined for each player. The match intensity was estimated from the players' average HR measured during 13 National Futsal League matches. The HR measurements were obtained while the players were in the court but the values recorded while the players were sitting on the bench were not considered. In addition, these HR values were used to estimate the intensity of the effort expressed as a percentage of the maximal HR (% HRmax), percentage of VO(2)max (% VO(2)max), kilocalories per minute (kcal·min(-1)), and total caloric expenditure. The mean intensity of the matches was 86.4 ± 3.8% HRmax, 79.2 ± 9.0% VO(2)max, 18.0 ± 2.2 kcal·min(-1), and 313 ± 9.3 kcal. It was concluded that official Futsal matches have high intensity when expressed in the different ways used in this study. The information provided by this research can be used for planning the athletes' workouts, diets, and resting periods.

Phenylalanine Hydroxylase Deficiency: Molecular Epidemiology and Predictable BH4-responsiveness in South Portugal PKU Patients

Molecular Genetics and Metabolism. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21871829

Hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA, OMIM #261600), which includes phenylketonuria (PKU), is caused by mutations in the gene encoding phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH), being already described more than 600 different mutations. Genotype-phenotype correlation is a useful tool to predict the metabolic phenotype, to establish the better tailored diet and, more recently, to assess the potential responsiveness to BH(4) therapy, a current theme on PKU field. The aim of this study was the molecular analysis of the PAH gene, evaluation of genotype-phenotype relationships and prediction of BH(4)-responsiveness in the HPA population living in South Portugal. We performed the molecular characterization of 83 HPA patients using genomic DNA extracted from peripheral blood samples or Guthrie cards. PAH mutations were scanned by PCR amplification of exons and related intronic boundaries, followed by direct sequence analysis. Intragenic polymorphisms were determined by PCR-RFLP analysis. The results allowed the full characterization of 67 patients. The mutational spectrum encompasses 34 distinct mutations, being the most frequent IVS10nt-11G>A (14.6%), V388M (10.8%), R261Q (8.2%) and R270K (7.6%), which account for 46% of all mutant alleles. Moreover, 12 different haplotypes were identified and most mutations were associated with a single one. Notably, more than half of the 34 mutations belong to the group of more than 70 mutations already identified in BH(4)-responsive patients, according to BIOPKU database. Fifty one different genotypic combinations were found, most of them in single patients and involving a BH(4)-responsive mutation. In conclusion, a significant number (30-35%) of South Portugal PKU patients may potentially benefit from BH(4) therapy which, combined with a less strict diet, or eventually in special cases as monotherapy, may contribute to reduce nutritional deficiencies and minimize neurological and psychological dysfunctions.

[Adult Renal Cancer in Senegal: Current Epidemiological, Clinical Features, Profile's Evolution over the Two Past Decades]

Progrès En Urologie : Journal De L'Association Française D'urologie Et De La Société Française D'urologie. Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21872154

To study current epidemiological and clinical features of adult renal cancer in Senegal and the evolution of these features over the two past decades.

(99m)Tc-anti-TNF-α Scintigraphy in RA: a Comparison Pilot Study with MRI and Clinical Examination

Rheumatology (Oxford, England). Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21873267

To compare the use of radiolabelled human monoclonal anti-TNF-α scintigraphy with clinical examination and MRI of hands and wrists joints in patients with active RA.

Concentration of Hyaluronic Acid in Human Vocal Folds in Young and Old Subjects

Otolaryngology--head and Neck Surgery : Official Journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21873595

To compare and evaluate concentrations of hyaluronic acid (HA) in normal vocal folds of both young and elderly people of both sexes.

Subclavian Steal Syndrome in a Coronary Patient

Revista Portuguesa De Cardiologia : Orgão Oficial Da Sociedade Portuguesa De Cardiologia = Portuguese Journal of Cardiology : an Official Journal of the Portuguese Society of Cardiology. Jun, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21874929

Measuring the Social Recreation Per-day Net Benefit of the Wildlife Amenities of a National Park: a Count-data Travel-cost Approach

Environmental Management. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21913046

In this article, we apply count-data travel-cost methods to a truncated sample of visitors to estimate the Peneda-Gerês National Park (PGNP) average consumer surplus (CS) for each day of visit. The measurement of recreation demand is highly specific because it is calculated by number of days of stay per visit. We therefore propose the application of altered truncated count-data models or truncated count-data models on grouped data to estimate a single, on-site individual recreation demand function, with the price (cost) of each recreation day per trip equal to out-of-pocket and time travel plus out-of-pocket and on-site time costs. We further check the sensitivity of coefficient estimations to alternative models and analyse the welfare measure precision by using the delta and simulation methods by Creel and Loomis. With simulated limits, CS is estimated to be 194 (range 116 to 448). This information is of use in the quest to improve government policy and PNPG management and conservation as well as promote nature-based tourism. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to measure the average recreation net benefits of each day of stay generated by a national park by using truncated altered and truncated grouped count-data travel-cost models based on observing the individual number of days of stay.

Rapid Nongenomic Actions of Inhaled Corticosteroids on Long-acting β(2)-agonist Transport in the Airway

Pulmonary Pharmacology & Therapeutics. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21914487

Corticosteroids inhibit organic cation transporters (OCTs) that play an important role in drug absorption, tissue distribution and elimination. Corticosteroid sensitivity of bronchodilator trafficking in the airway tissue, however, is poorly understood. To assess the effects of inhaled corticosteroids on airway absorption and disposal mechanisms of long-acting β(2)-agonists, human airway epithelial and smooth muscle cell uptake of tritiated formoterol and salmeterol was measured in vitro. Corticosteroids caused a rapid, concentration-dependent inhibition of uptake of the cationic formoterol by airway smooth muscle cells, but not airway epithelial cells. Uptake of the non-charged lipophilic salmeterol was corticosteroid-insensitive in both cell types. In smooth muscle cells, inhaled corticosteroids inhibited formoterol uptake with a novel potency rank order: des-ciclesonide > budesonide > beclomethasone 17-monopropionate > beclomethasone dipropionate > ciclesonide > fluticasone. The inhibitory action was rapidly reversible, and was not enhanced by prolonged corticosteroid exposure or sensitive to a transcription inhibitor. Suppression of OCT3 expression using lentivirus-mediated production of shRNA reduced corticosteroid sensitivity of formoterol uptake by smooth muscle cells. Our data support a corticosteroid insensitive absorption and a corticosteroid-sensitive disposition mechanism for cationic long-acting β(2)-agonist bronchodilators in the airway. Potency rank order and other 'classical' features of anti-inflammatory effects do not apply to inhaled corticosteroids' rapid drug transport actions.

SvO(2)-guided Resuscitation for Experimental Septic Shock: Effects of Fluid Infusion and Dobutamine on Hemodynamics, Inflammatory Response, and Cardiovascular Oxidative Stress

Shock (Augusta, Ga.). Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21921835

The pathogenetic mechanisms associated to the beneficial effects of mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO(2))-guided resuscitation during sepsis are unclear. Our purpose was to evaluate the effects of an algorithm of SvO(2)-driven resuscitation including fluids, norepinephrine and dobutamine on hemodynamics, inflammatory response, and cardiovascular oxidative stress during a clinically resembling experimental model of septic shock. Eighteen anesthetized and catheterized pigs (35-45 kg) were submitted to peritonitis by fecal inoculation (0.75 g/kg). After hypotension, antibiotics were administered, and the animals were randomized to two groups: control (n = 9), with hemodynamic support aiming central venous pressure 8 to 12 mmHg, urinary output 0.5 mL/kg per hour, and mean arterial pressure greater than 65 mmHg; and SvO(2) (n = 9), with the goals above, plus SvO(2) greater than 65%. The interventions lasted 12 h, and lactated Ringer's and norepinephrine (both groups) and dobutamine (SvO(2) group) were administered. Inflammatory response was evaluated by plasma concentration of cytokines, neutrophil CD14 expression, oxidant generation, and apoptosis. Oxidative stress was evaluated by plasma and myocardial nitrate concentrations, myocardial and vascular NADP(H) oxidase activity, myocardial glutathione content, and nitrotyrosine expression. Mixed venous oxygen saturation-driven resuscitation was associated with improved systolic index, oxygen delivery, and diuresis. Sepsis induced in both groups a significant increase on IL-6 concentrations and plasma nitrate concentrations and a persistent decrease in neutrophil CD14 expression. Apoptosis rate and neutrophil oxidant generation were not different between groups. Treatment strategies did not significantly modify oxidative stress parameters. Thus, an approach aiming SvO(2) during sepsis improves hemodynamics, without any significant effect on inflammatory response and oxidative stress. The beneficial effects associated with this strategy may be related to other mechanisms.

CTGF/CCN2 Has a Chemoattractive Function but a Weak Adhesive Property to Embryonic Carcinoma Cells

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21925146

Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) is a protein of the CCN family that modulates cell-ECM interactions in a variety of cell types. In this study, we investigated the chemotactic and adhesive properties of CCN2 protein in embryonic teratocarcinoma P19 cells. Initially, P19 cells were attracted to CCN2-coated agarose beads. In Boyden chamber experiments, CCN2-containing medium induced a threefold greater migration of P19 cells. CCN2 adhesion properties were studied by using optical tweezers. The specific adhesion times of P19 cells to polystyrene beads coated with laminin, fibronectin, CCN2 and bovine serum albumin were 1.8 ± 0.5s, 2.7 ± 0.4s, 10 ± 2s and 13 ± 2s, respectively, revealing an unexpectedly low adhesive capacity of CCN2 protein for P19 cells. In conclusion, our findings support the chemoattractive role of CCN2 for P19 cells, but not its adhesive role when compared to laminin or fibronectin.

Hospital Deaths and Adverse Events in Brazil

BMC Health Services Research. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21929810

Adverse events are considered a major international problem related to the performance of health systems. Evaluating the occurrence of adverse events involves, as any other outcome measure, determining the extent to which the observed differences can be attributed to the patient's risk factors or to variations in the treatment process, and this in turn highlights the importance of measuring differences in the severity of the cases. The current study aims to evaluate the association between deaths and adverse events, adjusted according to patient risk factors.

Contribution of Casein Kinase 2 and Spleen Tyrosine Kinase to CFTR Trafficking and Protein Kinase A-induced Activity

Molecular and Cellular Biology. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21930781

Previously, the pleiotropic "master kinase" casein kinase 2 (CK2) was shown to interact with CFTR, the protein responsible for cystic fibrosis (CF). Moreover, CK2 inhibition abolished CFTR conductance in cell-attached membrane patches, native epithelial ducts, and Xenopus oocytes. CFTR possesses two CK2 phosphorylation sites (S422 and T1471), with unclear impact on its processing and trafficking. Here, we investigated the effects of mutating these CK2 sites on CFTR abundance, maturation, and degradation coupled to effects on ion channel activity and surface expression. We report that CK2 inhibition significantly decreased processing of wild-type (wt) CFTR, with no effect on F508del CFTR. Eliminating phosphorylation at S422 and T1471 revealed antagonistic roles in CFTR trafficking: S422 activation versus T1471 inhibition, as evidenced by a severe trafficking defect for the T1471D mutant. Notably, mutation of Y512, a consensus sequence for the spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) possibly acting in a CK2 context adjacent to the common CF-causing defect F508del, had a strong effect on both maturation and CFTR currents, allowing the identification of this kinase as a novel regulator of CFTR. These results reinforce the importance of CK2 and the S422 and T1471 residues for regulation of CFTR and uncover a novel regulation of CFTR by SYK, a recognized controller of inflammation.

Genetic Evidence Supporting the Association of Protease and Protease Inhibitor Genes with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: a Systematic Review

PloS One. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21931648

As part of the European research consortium IBDase, we addressed the role of proteases and protease inhibitors (P/PIs) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), characterized by chronic mucosal inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, which affects 2.2 million people in Europe and 1.4 million people in North America. We systematically reviewed all published genetic studies on populations of European ancestry (67 studies on Crohn's disease [CD] and 37 studies on ulcerative colitis [UC]) to identify critical genomic regions associated with IBD. We developed a computer algorithm to map the 807 P/PI genes with exact genomic locations listed in the MEROPS database of peptidases onto these critical regions and to rank P/PI genes according to the accumulated evidence for their association with CD and UC. 82 P/PI genes (75 coding for proteases and 7 coding for protease inhibitors) were retained for CD based on the accumulated evidence. The cylindromatosis/turban tumor syndrome gene (CYLD) on chromosome 16 ranked highest, followed by acylaminoacyl-peptidase (APEH), dystroglycan (DAG1), macrophage-stimulating protein (MST1) and ubiquitin-specific peptidase 4 (USP4), all located on chromosome 3. For UC, 18 P/PI genes were retained (14 proteases and 4 protease inhibitors), with a considerably lower amount of accumulated evidence. The ranking of P/PI genes as established in this systematic review is currently used to guide validation studies of candidate P/PI genes, and their functional characterization in interdisciplinary mechanistic studies in vitro and in vivo as part of IBDase. The approach used here overcomes some of the problems encountered when subjectively selecting genes for further evaluation and could be applied to any complex disease and gene family.

Light Concentration in the Near-field of Dielectric Spheroidal Particles with Mesoscopic Sizes

Optics Express. Aug, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21934983

This paper presents a numerical study of the light focusing properties of dielectric spheroids with sizes comparable to the illuminating wavelength. An analytical separation-of-variables method is used to determine the electric field distribution inside and in the near-field outside the particles. An optimization algorithm was implemented in the method to determine the particles' physical parameters that maximize the forward scattered light in the near-field region. It is found that such scatterers can exhibit pronounced electric intensity enhancement (above 100 times the incident intensity) in their close vicinity, or along wide focal regions extending to 10 times the wavelength. The results reveal the potential of wavelength-sized spheroids to manipulate light beyond the limitations of macroscopic geometrical optics. This can be of interest for several applications, such as light management in photovoltaics.

Molecular Mechanisms of Disease for Mutations at Gly-90 in Rhodopsin

The Journal of Biological Chemistry. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21940625

Two different mutations at Gly-90 in the second transmembrane helix of the photoreceptor protein rhodopsin have been proposed to lead to different phenotypes. G90D has been classically associated with congenital night blindness, whereas the newly reported G90V substitution was linked to a retinitis pigmentosa phenotype. Here, we used Val/Asp replacements of the native Gly at position 90 to unravel the structure/function divergences caused by these mutations and the potential molecular mechanisms of inherited retinal disease. The G90V and G90D mutants have a similar conformation around the Schiff base linkage region in the dark state and same regeneration kinetics with 11-cis-retinal, but G90V has dramatically reduced thermal stability when compared with the G90D mutant rhodopsin. The G90V mutant also shows, like G90D, an altered photobleaching pattern and capacity to activate Gt in the opsin state. Furthermore, the regeneration of the G90V mutant with 9-cis-retinal was improved, achieving the same A(280)/A(500) as wild type isorhodopsin. Hydroxylamine resistance was also recovered, indicating a compact structure around the Schiff base linkage, and the thermal stability was substantially improved when compared with the 11-cis-regenerated mutant. These results support the role of thermal instability and/or abnormal photoproduct formation in eliciting a retinitis pigmentosa phenotype. The improved stability and more compact structure of the G90V mutant when it was regenerated with 9-cis-retinal brings about the possibility that this isomer or other modified retinoid analogues might be used in potential treatment strategies for mutants showing the same structural features.

Mind over Matter: Reappraising Arousal Improves Cardiovascular and Cognitive Responses to Stress

Journal of Experimental Psychology. General. Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21942377

Researchers have theorized that changing the way we think about our bodily responses can improve our physiological and cognitive reactions to stressful events. However, the underlying processes through which mental states improve downstream outcomes are not well understood. To this end, we examined whether reappraising stress-induced arousal could improve cardiovascular outcomes and decrease attentional bias for emotionally negative information. Participants were randomly assigned to either a reappraisal condition in which they were instructed to think about their physiological arousal during a stressful task as functional and adaptive, or to 1 of 2 control conditions: attention reorientation and no instructions. Relative to controls, participants instructed to reappraise their arousal exhibited more adaptive cardiovascular stress responses-increased cardiac efficiency and lower vascular resistance-and decreased attentional bias. Thus, reappraising arousal shows physiological and cognitive benefits. Implications for health and potential clinical applications are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved).

The NAC Domain-containing Protein, GmNAC6, is a Downstream Component of the ER Stress- and Osmotic Stress-induced NRP-mediated Cell-death Signaling Pathway

BMC Plant Biology. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21943253

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a major signaling organelle, which integrates a variety of responses against physiological stresses. In plants, one such stress-integrating response is the N-rich protein (NRP)-mediated cell death signaling pathway, which is synergistically activated by combined ER stress and osmotic stress signals. Despite the potential of this integrated signaling to protect plant cells against different stress conditions, mechanistic knowledge of the pathway is lacking, and downstream components have yet to be identified.

Impact of Traumatic Dental Injuries and Malocclusions on Quality of Life of Young Children

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21943368

The presence of traumatic dental injuries and malocclusions can have a negative impact on quality of life of young children and their parents, affecting their oral health and well-being. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of traumatic dental injuries and anterior malocclusion traits on the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) of children between 2 and 5 years-old.

PDZ Dimerization Brings Proteins Together

Chemistry & Biology. Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21944744

Protein Nanoarrays for High-resolution Patterning of Bacteria on Gold Surfaces

Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.). 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21948416

In recent years, the majority of research on surface patterning, as a means of precisely controlling cell -positioning and adhesion on surfaces, has focused on eukaryotic cells. Such research has led to new insights into cell biology, advances in tissue engineering, and cell motility. In contrast, considerably less work has been reported on tightly controlled patterning of bacteria, despite its potential in a wide variety of applications, including fabrication of in vitro model systems for studies of bacterial processes, such as quorum sensing and horizontal gene transfer. This is partly due to their small size - often 1-3 μm or less. To study these processes, microscale and nanoscale engineered material surfaces must be developed to create in vitro bacteria arrays, which can allow valuable insights into natural systems such as the soil or the human gut, and are often complex and spatially structured habitats. Here, we outline a protocol to create defined patterns of bacteria to study such systems at the single cell level that is based on the formation of protein nanoarrays on mannoside-terminated self-assembled monolayers via nanocontact printing and the subsequent deposition of bacteria from solution on the unpatterned regions of the mannoside-terminated substrate.

Bioinformatics Tools for Cancer Metabolomics

Metabolomics : Official Journal of the Metabolomic Society. Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21949492

It is well known that significant metabolic change take place as cells are transformed from normal to malignant. This review focuses on the use of different bioinformatics tools in cancer metabolomics studies. The article begins by describing different metabolomics technologies and data generation techniques. Overview of the data pre-processing techniques is provided and multivariate data analysis techniques are discussed and illustrated with case studies, including principal component analysis, clustering techniques, self-organizing maps, partial least squares, and discriminant function analysis. Also included is a discussion of available software packages.

Effects of Treadmill Inclination on the Gait of Individuals with Chronic Hemiparesis

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21963126

To analyze the effects of electric treadmill inclination on the gait of individuals with chronic hemiparesis.

A Dual Function of Drosophila Capping Protein on DE-cadherin Maintains Epithelial Integrity and Prevents JNK-mediated Apoptosis

Developmental Biology. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21963538

E-cadherin plays a pivotal role in epithelial cell polarity, cell signalling and tumour suppression. However, how E-cadherin dysfunction promotes tumour progression is poorly understood. Here we show that the actin-capping protein heterodimer, which regulates actin filament polymerization, has a dual function on DE-cadherin in restricted Drosophila epithelia. Knocking down capping protein in the distal wing disc epithelium disrupts DE-cadherin and Armadillo localization at adherens junctions and upregulates DE-cadherin transcription. In turn, DE-cadherin provides an active signal, which prevents Wingless signalling and promotes JNK-mediated apoptosis. However, when cells are kept alive with the Caspase inhibitor P35, the activity of the JNK pathway and of the Yorkie oncogene trigger massive proliferation of cells that fail to stably retain associations with their neighbours. Moreover, loss of capping protein cooperates with the Ras oncogene to induce massive tissue overgrowth. Taken together, our findings argue that in some epithelia, the dual effect of capping protein loss on DE-cadherin triggers the elimination of mutant cells, preventing them from proliferating. However, the appearance of a second mutation that blocks cell death may allow for the development of some epithelial tumours.

Malakoplakia

Pediatric Dermatology. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21967602

  Malakoplakia is a rare, chronic disease with pleomorphic presentation. It occurs most frequently in immunocompromised patients. It is believed that this entity represents an unusual response to bacterial infection in which macrophages fail to phagocytose them properly. It involves many organs, particularly the urinary and gastrointestinal tracts. It is uncommon on the skin and less common in children. The diagnosis is usually based on histopathologic findings.

The Forbidden Legacy of Madness

CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association Journal = Journal De L'Association Medicale Canadienne. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21969416

Anthropometric and Musculoskeletal Assessment of Patients with Marfan Syndrome

Revista Brasileira De Fisioterapia (São Carlos (São Paulo, Brazil)). Aug-Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21971724

Marfan syndrome (MS) is an autosomic dominant condition of the connective tissue that involves the ocular, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems. MS is caused by mutations in the fibrillin-1 gene, leading to joint ligaments flaccidity, joint hypermobility and an overgrowth of the long bones.

Ergodic Parameters and Dynamical Complexity

Chaos (Woodbury, N.Y.). Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21974678

Using a cocycle formulation, old and new ergodic parameters beyond the Lyapunov exponent are rigorously characterized. Dynamical Renyi entropies and fluctuations of the local expansion rate are related by a generalization of the Pesin formula. How the ergodic parameters may be used to characterize the complexity of dynamical systems is illustrated by some examples: clustering and synchronization, self-organized criticality and the topological structure of networks.

Assessment of the Morphological, Biochemical, and Kinetic Properties for Candida Rugosa Lipase Immobilized on Hydrous Niobium Oxide to Be Used in the Biodiesel Synthesis

Enzyme Research. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21876790

Lipase from Candida rugosa (CRL) was immobilized by covalent attachment on hydrous niobium oxide. The matrix could effectively be attached to the enzyme with high retention of activity and prevent its leakage. Following immobilization, CRL exhibited improved storage stability and performed better at higher incubation temperatures. In addition, the enzyme retained most of its catalytic efficiency after successive operational cycles. The immobilized derivative was also fully characterized with respect to its morphological properties: particle size, surface specific area, and pore size distribution. Structural integrity and conformational changes, such as surface cavities in the support, set by the lipase procedure, were observed by Scanning Electron Microscopy. Additionally, a comparative study between free and immobilized lipases was provided in terms of pH, temperature, and thermal stability. CRL derivative was evaluated for the synthesis of biodiesel employing babassu oil and short chain alcohols. The process was feasible only for oil and butanol reaction system.

[Indicators of Local Actions for Reporting and Recording Cases of Domestic Violence and Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents]

Cadernos De Saúde Pública / Ministério Da Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Escola Nacional De Saúde Pública. Aug, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21877011

Information is essential for combating violence against children and adolescents and reclaiming their rights. This study presents indicators for the evaluation of local government actions for reporting and recording cases of domestic violence and sexual exploitation of children and adolescents, based on participatory, consensus-based methodologies: the nominal group technique (NGT) and the Delphi method. The frame of reference was the set of Brazilian policies focusing on the issue of violence against children and adolescence. Experts from Brazil's five major regions participated in the study. The consensus produced two different analytical scenarios, with three and 20 indicators, respectively.

Endothelial Nitric Oxide-dependent Vasorelaxant Effect of Isotirumalin, a Dihydroflavonol from Derris Urucu, on the Rat Aorta

Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21881240

The present work aimed to investigate the vasorelaxant effect of isotirumalin, a dihydroflavonol isolated from Derris urucu (Leguminosae). The vasorelaxant effect of isotirumalin was investigated in the rat aorta, in the presence and in the absence of a functional endothelium. The production of nitric oxide (NO) induced by isotirumalin was measured simultaneously with its vasorelaxation using carbon microsensors. In endothelium-intact aortic rings, isotirumalin induced a concentration-dependent vasodilator effect the concentration required to produce 30% of relaxation (pIC₃₀=4.84±0.24) that was abolished in endothelium-denuded aortic rings or in the presence of Nω-nitro-L-arginine-methyl-ester (L-NAME; 300 µM). In addition, isotirumalin (100 µM) induced a simultaneous and significant increase on NO production, which was blunted in the presence of L-NAME. The present results demonstrate that isotirumalin is a vasodilator in the rat aorta and act by a mechanism dependent on the presence of a functional endothelium and on NO production.

Periodontal Regeneration Using a Bilayered PLGA/calcium Phosphate Construct

Biomaterials. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21885122

The regeneration of tissues affected by periodontal disease is a complex process; it encompasses the formation of bone, cementum and periodontal ligament. We developed a semi-rigid PLGA (polylactide-co-glycolide acid)/CaP (calcium phosphate) bilayered biomaterial construct to promote periodontal regeneration, which has a continuous outer barrier membrane and an inner topographically complex component. Our experimental model compared periodontal prophylaxis alone with prophylaxis and biomaterial implantation in the treatment of class II furcation defects in dogs. Clinical evaluation, micro-computed tomography, histology and backscattered electron imaging were used for data analysis. Healing occurred uneventfully and bone volumetric values, trabecular number and trabecular thickness were all significantly greater in the treated group; while trabecular separation was significantly greater in the control group. New cementum, bone, and periodontal ligament with Sharpey fibre insertions were only seen in the treated group. Although periodontal regeneration has been reported elsewhere, the advantages of employing our bilayered PLGA + CaP construct are twofold: 1)it did not collapse into the defect; and, 2) its inner side was able to retain the blood clot throughout the buccal defect. The result was greater periodontal regeneration than has previously been reported with traditional flexible membranes.

Synergistic Action of Azoreductase and Laccase Leads to Maximal Decolourization and Detoxification of Model Dye-containing Wastewaters

Bioresource Technology. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21890348

The azoreductase PpAzoR from Pseudomonas putida shows a broader specificity for decolourization of azo dyes than CotA-laccase from Bacillus subtilis. However, the final products of PpAzoR activity exhibited in most cases a 2 to 3-fold higher toxicity than intact dyes themselves. We show that addition of CotA-laccase to PpAzoR reaction mixtures lead to a significant drop in the final toxicity. A sequential enzymatic process was validated through the use of 18 representative azo dyes and three model wastewaters that mimic real dye-containing effluents. A heterologous Escherichia coli strain was successfully constructed co-expressing the genes coding for both PpAzoR and CotA. Whole-cell assays of recombinant strain for the treatment of model dye wastewater resulted in decolourization levels above 80% and detoxification levels up to 50%. The high attributes of this strain, make it a promising candidate for the biological treatment of industrial dye containing effluents.

Folklore and Traditional Ecological Knowledge of Geckos in Southern Portugal: Implications for Conservation and Science

Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21892925

Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and folklore are repositories of large amounts of information about the natural world. Ideas, perceptions and empirical data held by human communities regarding local species are important sources which enable new scientific discoveries to be made, as well as offering the potential to solve a number of conservation problems. We documented the gecko-related folklore and TEK of the people of southern Portugal, with the particular aim of understanding the main ideas relating to gecko biology and ecology. Our results suggest that local knowledge of gecko ecology and biology is both accurate and relevant. As a result of information provided by local inhabitants, knowledge of the current geographic distribution of Hemidactylus turcicus was expanded, with its presence reported in nine new locations. It was also discovered that locals still have some misconceptions of geckos as poisonous and carriers of dermatological diseases. The presence of these ideas has led the population to a fear of and aversion to geckos, resulting in direct persecution being one of the major conservation problems facing these animals. It is essential, from both a scientific and conservationist perspective, to understand the knowledge and perceptions that people have towards the animals, since, only then, may hitherto unrecognized pertinent information and conservation problems be detected and resolved.

Beneficial Effects of Physical Activity in an HIV-infected Woman with Lipodystrophy: a Case Report

Journal of Medical Case Reports. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21892961

ABSTRACT:

Melatonin Reduces LH, 17 Beta-estradiol and Induces Differential Regulation of Sex Steroid Receptors in Reproductive Tissues During Rat Ovulation

Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology : RB&E. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21810236

Melatonin is associated with direct or indirect actions upon female reproductive function. However, its effects on sex hormones and steroid receptors during ovulation are not clearly defined. This study aimed to verify whether exposure to long-term melatonin is able to cause reproductive hormonal disturbances as well as their role on sex steroid receptors in the rat ovary, oviduct and uterus during ovulation.

Immobilization of a Commercial Lipase from Penicillium Camembertii (Lipase G) by Different Strategies

Enzyme Research. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21811674

The objective of this work was to select the most suitable procedure to immobilize lipase from Penicillium camembertii (Lipase G). Different techniques and supports were evaluated, including physical adsorption on hydrophobic supports octyl-agarose, poly(hydroxybutyrate) and Amberlite resin XAD-4; ionic adsorption on the anionic exchange resin MANAE-agarose and covalent attachment on glyoxyl-agarose, MANAE-agarose cross-linked with glutaraldehyde, MANAE-agarose-glutaraldehyde, and epoxy-silica-polyvinyl alcohol composite. Among the tested protocols, the highest hydrolytic activity (128.2 ± 8.10 IU·g(-1) of support) was achieved when the lipase was immobilized on epoxy-SiO(2)-PVA using hexane as coupling medium. Lipase immobilized by ionic adsorption on MANAE-agarose also gave satisfactory result, attaining 55.6 ± 2.60 IU·g(-1) of support. In this procedure, the maximum loading of immobilized enzyme was 9.3 mg·g(-1) of gel, and the highest activity (68.8 ± 2.70 IU·g(-1) of support) was obtained when 20 mg of protein·g(-1) was offered. Immobilization carried out in aqueous medium by physical adsorption on hydrophobic supports and covalent attachment on MANAE-agarose-glutaraldehyde and glyoxyl-agarose was shown to be unfeasible for Lipase G. Thermal stability tests revealed that the immobilized derivative on epoxy-SiO(2)-PVA composite using hexane as coupling medium had a slight higher thermal stability than the free lipase.

Bone Microarchitecture is Impaired in Adolescent Amenorrheic Athletes Compared with Eumenorrheic Athletes and Nonathletic Controls

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21816790

Bone mineral density (BMD) is lower in young amenorrheic athletes (AA) compared to eumenorrheic athletes (EA) and nonathletic controls and may contribute to fracture risk during a critical time of bone accrual. Abnormal bone microarchitecture is an independent determinant of fracture risk and has not been assessed in young athletes and nonathletes.

[Mothers Experience in Participating in the Care of Their Hospitalised Children]

Enfermería Clínica. Nov-Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21903440

The purpose of this study was to describe the experience, the meaning and importance to them, of mothers participating in the care process of their child, as well as to identify interventions in which mothers were involved.

Acute Effects of Salmeterol and Fluticasone Propionate Alone and in Combination on Airway Blood Flow in Subjects with Asthma

Chest. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21980058

AbstractRationale:The airway contains airway smooth muscle and airway vascular smooth muscle. While the acute effects of inhaled long-acting β2-adrenergic agonists (LABAs) alone or in combination with an inhaled glucocorticoid (ICS) on airway smooth muscle tone in asthma are known, their effect on airway vascular smooth muscle tone have not previously been investigated. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the immediate effect of a LABA and an ICS alone and in combination on airway blood flow (Qaw) as an index of airway vascular smooth muscle tone in patients with stable asthma. METHODS:Fourteen subjects with moderate asthma inhaled single doses of salmeterol (50 μg), fluticasone (250 μg), salmeterol/fluticasone (50/250 μg) or placebo; Qaw was measured before and serially for 240 min post drug administration.Main RESULTS:Mean Qaw increased after salmeterol and salmeterol/fluticasone with a peak at 60 min of 34% and 40 %, respectively; mean Qaw returned toward baseline by 240 min post inhalation. Fluticasone alone caused a transient decrease in mean Qaw. The maximum changes in Qaw, which occurred at different times, were 60% for salmeterol, 67% for salmeterol/fluticasone, and -19 % for fluticasone (p< 0.05 vs. placebo for all). CONCLUSIONS:The LABA salmeterol has an acute vasodilator action in the airway of subjects with stable asthma. The addition of fluticasone, which by itself causes vasoconstriction, does not attenuate the salmeterol-induced vasodilation, suggesting that fluticasone potentiates the vasodilator effect of salmeterol. The vasodilation could be of clinical benefit by promoting the vascular clearance of inflammatory mediators including spasmogens from the airway. Registered at Clinicaltrials.gov - NCT01231230 URL: clinicaltrials.gov.

In Vitro Anti-HMPV Activity of Meroditerpenoids from Marine Alga Stypopodium Zonale (Dictyotales)

Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21986522

In this paper, we evaluated the antiviral activity against HMPV replication of crude extract of the marine algae Stypopodium zonale and of two meroditerpenoids obtained from it, atomaric acid and epitaondiol, and a methyl ester derivative of atomaric acid. Their selectivity indexes were 20.78, >56.81, 49.26 and 12.82, respectively. Compared to ribavirin, the substances showed a relatively low cytotoxicity on LLC-MK2 cells, with a significant antiviral activity, inhibiting at least 90% of viral replication in vitro, which demonstrates the potential of these marine natural products to combat infections caused by HMPV in vitro.

Cardiac Autonomic Modulation During Progressive Upper Limb Exercise by Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research = Revista Brasileira De Pesquisas Médicas E Biológicas / Sociedade Brasileira De Biofísica ... [et Al.]. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22002089

The purpose of this study was to investigate the behavior of heart rate (HR) and HR variability (HRV) during different loads of resistance exercise (incline bench press) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and healthy sedentary controls. Ten healthy men (65 ± 1.2 years, control group, CG) and 10 men with clinically stable CAD (66 ± 2.4 years, CADG) were recruited. A discontinuous progressive protocol was applied with an initial load of 10% of the maximum load achieved in the 1RM (1 repetition maximum) with increases of 10% until 30% 1RM was reached, which was followed by subsequent increases of 5% 1RM until exhaustion. HRV was analyzed by linear and non-linear methods. There was a significant reduction in rMSSD (CG: 20 ± 2 to 11 ± 3 ms; CADG: 19 ± 3 to 9 ± 1 ms) and SD1 indexes (CG: 14 ± 2 to 8 ± 1 ms; CADG: 14 ± 2 to 7 ± 1 ms). An increase in HR (CG: 69 ± 5 to 90 ± 5 bpm; CADG: 62 ± 4 to 75 ± 4 bpm) and in systolic blood pressure (CG: 124 ± 3 to 138 ± 3 mmHg; CADG: 122 ± 6 to 126 ± 9 bpm) were observed (P < 0.05) when comparing pre-effort rest and 40% 1RM in both groups. Furthermore, an increase in RMSM index was also observed (CG: 28 ± 3 to 45 ± 9 ms; CADG: 22 ± 2 to 79 ± 33 ms), with higher values in CADG. We conclude that loads up to 30% 1RM during incline bench press result in depressed vagal modulation in both groups, although only stable CAD patients presented sympathetic overactivity at 20% 1RM upper limb exercise.

Validity and Reliability of Foods and Beverages Intake Obtained by Telephone Survey in Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Revista Brasileira De Epidemiologia = Brazilian Journal of Epidemiology. Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22002145

To evaluate the validity and reproducibility markers of food and beverage intake obtained by means of a telephone-based surveillance system.

The Collective Construction of a Guide for Caregivers of Bedridden Patients: Experience Report

Jornal Da Sociedade Brasileira De Fonoaudiologia. Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22012165

This is a qualitative descriptive-exploratory study that adopts as data gathering method the participant observation of healthcare processes carried out by caregivers of bedridden patients from the coverage area of a Family Health Team of a Basic Health Unit (BHU) in São Paulo (SP), Brazil. The aim of this study was to report the construction of a guide for caregivers of bedridden patients and/or patients confined to the home. This guide was prepared based in a partnership among the Family Healthcare (FHT) and the speech-language pathologists and audiologists teams, and the caregivers of patients from the BHU. The guide was motivated by the construction of a common knowledge, with the aim to contribute with the creation of collaborative networks, apt to be places of discussion and exchange of knowledge, in order to optimize the ability of caregivers to early identify situations that require intervention. The networks also contributed to the valorization of caregivers' role; their knowledge on how to perform in daily living activities; overcoming of limitations; demonstration of actions aimed at the physical and mental well-being of the sick person; expansion of the capacity of ownership of processes of illnesses, autonomy and co-responsibility in healthcare. The guide was printed and delivered to FHT members, healthcare professionals and the community. The feedback was positive and, therefore, the guide was successful for the proposed objective.

The Presence of Helicobacter Pylori in the Liver Depends on the Th1, Th17 and Treg Cytokine Profile of the Patient

Memórias Do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz. Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22012231

The hypothesis that Helicobactermight be a risk factor for human liver diseases has arisen after the detection of Helicobacter DNA in hepatic tissue of patients with hepatobiliary diseases. Nevertheless, no explanation that justifies the presence of the bacterium in the human liver has been proposed. We evaluated the presence of Helicobacterin the liver of patients with hepatic diseases of different aetiologies. We prospectively evaluated 147 patients (106 with primary hepatic diseases and 41 with hepatic metastatic tumours) and 20 liver donors as controls. Helicobacter species were investigated in the liver by culture and specific 16S rDNA nested-polymerase chain reaction followed by sequencing. Serum and hepatic levels of representative cytokines of T regulatory cell, T helper (Th)1 and Th17 cell lineages were determined using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The data were evaluated using logistic models. Detection of Helicobacter pylori DNA in the liver was independently associated with hepatitis B virus/hepatitis C virus, pancreatic carcinoma and a cytokine pattern characterised by high interleukin (IL)-10, low/absent interferon-γ and decreased IL-17A concentrations (p < 10(-3)). The bacterial DNA was never detected in the liver of patients with alcoholic cirrhosis and autoimmune hepatitis that are associated with Th1/Th17 polarisation. H. pylori may be observed in the liver of patients with certain hepatic and pancreatic diseases, but this might depend on the patient cytokine profile.

E-learning Used in a Training Course on Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) for Brazilian Dentists

Journal of Dental Education. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22012785

The purpose of this study was to assess the benefits of using e-learning resources in a dental training course on Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART). This e-course was given in a DVD format, which presented the ART technique and philosophy. The participants were twenty-four dentists from the Brazilian public health system. Prior to receiving the DVD, the dentists answered a questionnaire regarding their personal data, previous knowledge about ART, and general interest in training courses. The dentists also participated in an assessment process consisting of a test applied before and after the course. A single researcher corrected the tests, and intraexaminer reproducibility was calculated (kappa=0.89). Paired t-tests were carried out to compare the means between the assessments, showing a significant improvement in the performance of the subjects on the test taken after the course (p<0.05). A linear regression model was used with the difference between the means as the outcome. A greater improvement on the test results was observed among female dentists (p=0.034), dentists working for a shorter period of time in the public health system (p=0.042), and dentists who used the ART technique only for urgent and/or temporary treatment (p=0.010). In conclusion, e-learning has the potential of improving the knowledge that dentists working in the public health system have about ART, especially those with less clinical experience and less knowledge about the subject.

Hemangioblastoma of the Conus Medullaris

British Journal of Neurosurgery. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22026471

Florida Red Tide Toxins (Brevetoxins) and Longitudinal Respiratory Effects in Asthmatics

Harmful Algae. Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22053149

Having demonstrated significant and persistent adverse changes in pulmonary function for asthmatics after 1 hour exposure to brevetoxins in Florida red tide (Karenia brevis bloom) aerosols, we assessed the possible longer term health effects in asthmatics from intermittent environmental exposure to brevetoxins over 7 years. 125 asthmatic subjects were assessed for their pulmonary function and reported symptoms before and after 1 hour of environmental exposure to Florida red tide aerosols for upto 11 studies over seven years. As a group, the asthmatics came to the studies with normal standardized percent predicted pulmonary function values. The 38 asthmatics who participated in only one exposure study were more reactive compared to the 36 asthmatics who participated in ≥4 exposure studies. The 36 asthmatics participating in ≥4 exposure studies demonstrated no significant change in their standardized percent predicted pre-exposure pulmonary function over the 7 years of the study. These results indicate that stable asthmatics living in areas with intermittent Florida red tides do not exhibit chronic respiratory effects from intermittent environmental exposure to aerosolized brevetoxins over a 7 year period.

Exercise Lowers Blood Pressure in University Professors During Subsequent Teaching and Sleeping Hours

International Journal of General Medicine. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22069373

University professors are subjected to psychological stress that contributes to blood pressure (BP) reactivity and development of hypertension. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of exercise on BP in university professors during teaching and sleeping hours.

Understanding the Shape-memory Alloys Used in Orthodontics

ISRN Dentistry. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21991455

Nickel-titanium (NiTi) shape-memory alloys (SMAs) have been used in the manufacture of orthodontic wires due to their shape memory properties, super-elasticity, high ductility, and resistance to corrosion. SMAs have greater strength and lower modulus of elasticity when compared with stainless steel alloys. The pseudoelastic behavior of NiTi wires means that on unloading they return to their original shape by delivering light continuous forces over a wider range of deformation which is claimed to allow dental displacements. The aim of this paper is to discuss the physical, metallurgical, and mechanical properties of NiTi used in Orthodontics in order to analyze the shape memory properties, super-elasticity, and thermomechanical characteristics of SMA.

Force Relaxation Characteristics of Medium Force Orthodontic Latex Elastics: a Pilot Study

ISRN Dentistry. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21991478

To evaluate force extension relaxation of different brands and diameters of latex elastics subjected to static tensile testing under an apparatus designed to simulate oral environments, sample sizes of 5 elastics from American Orthodontics (AO), Tp, and Morelli Orthodontics (Mo) of equivalent medium force, (3/16, 1/4, and 5/16 inch size) were tested. The forces were read after 1-, 3-, 6-, 12- and 24-hour periods in Emic testing machine with 30 mm/min cross-head speed and load cell of 20 N. Two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni tests were used to identify statistical significance. There were statistically differences among different manufacturers at all observation intervals (P < 0.0001). The relationships among loads at 24-hour time period were as follows: Morelli>AO>Tp for 3/16, 1/4, and 5/16 elastics. The force decay pattern showed a notable drop-off of forces until 3 hours, a slight increase in some groups from 3-6 hours and a more homogeneous force pattern over 6-24 hours.

The Role of Septal Cartilage in Rhinoplasty: Cadaveric Analysis and Assessment of Graft Selection

Aesthetic Surgery Journal / the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22001343

In addition to providing nearly 50% of total airway resistance via the internal valve, the nasal septum provides support for the cartilaginous portion of the nasal dorsum, and it is responsible for determining the projection of the nasal tip. In modern rhinoplasty, septal cartilage plays an important role as a donor graft material.

Diarrhea Associated with Shigella in Children and Susceptibility to Antimicrobials

Jornal De Pediatria. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22089139

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the distribution and susceptibility to antimicrobials of Shigella isolated from children with acute diarrhea and without diarrhea in Teresina, state of Piauí, Brazil. METHODS: Four hundred children aged up to 60 months were studied. Stools were collected from all the patients between January 2004 and August 2007. Shigella was identified by conventional methods and antibiogram and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) were performed by agar diffusion. RESULTS: Shigellosis was only detected in children with acute diarrhea (26/250; 10.4%), especially in those aged from 6 to 24 months and in the rainy months. Shigella was susceptible to ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin and nalidixic acid. More than half of the strains were resistant to sulphametoxazole-trimethoprim and ampicillin. ESBL was not detected. CONCLUSIONS: S. flexneri is common in Teresina. The resistance to ampicillin and sulphametoxazole-trimethoprim gives cause for concern, as these drugs are widely used in practice and sulphametoxazole-trimethoprim is also recommended for treating children suspected of having shigellosis.

Objective Structured Clinical Evaluation As an Assessment Method for Undergraduate Chest Physical Therapy Students: a Cross-sectional Study

Revista Brasileira De Fisioterapia (São Carlos (São Paulo, Brazil)). Nov-Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22094547

The Objective Structured Clinical Evaluation (OSCE) has been considered a reliable method for the evaluation of students' clinical skills in health sciences, but it has been rarely applied in the teaching of physical therapy.

The SuBliMinaL Toolbox: Automating Steps in the Reconstruction of Metabolic Networks

Journal of Integrative Bioinformatics. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22095399

The generation and use of metabolic network reconstructions has increased over recent years. The development of such reconstructions has typically involved a time-consuming, manual process. Recent work has shown that steps undertaken in reconstructing such metabolic networks are amenable to automation. The SuBliMinaL Toolbox (http://www.mcisb.org/subliminal/) facilitates the reconstruction process by providing a number of independent modules to perform common tasks, such as generating draft reconstructions, determining metabolite protonation state, mass and charge balancing reactions, suggesting intracellular compartmentalisation, adding transport reactions and a biomass function, and formatting the reconstruction to be used in third-party analysis packages. The individual modules manipulate reconstructions encoded in Systems Biology Markup Language (SBML), and can be chained to generate a reconstruction pipeline, or used individually during a manual curation process. This work describes the individual modules themselves, and a study in which the modules were used to develop a metabolic reconstruction of Saccharomyces cerevisiae from the existing data resources KEGG and MetaCyc. The automatically generated reconstruction is analysed for blocked reactions, and suggestions for future improvements to the toolbox are discussed.

Single Primer-based DNA Amplification As a Suitable and Low-cost Tool for Assessing Genetic Diversity in Mangrove Crabs

Genetics and Molecular Research : GMR. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22095479

We used single primer-based DNA markers to assess genetic variability of the mangrove crab, Ucides cordatus, collected from four different localities from Pará to Santa Catarina States in Brazil (almost 5000 km distant). Five primers were chosen based on the consistency of the amplified bands and the polymorphism of each locus. A total of 78 loci were amplified in 76 samples; high polymorphism rates were detected in the entire sample (80.8%) and within each locality (73.5-79.5%). Analysis of molecular variance demonstrates significant differences between localities (P < 0.001); however, the Φ(ST) value (0.078) indicates a low level of genetic differentiation, which suggests that U. cordatus larvae can spread over large distances. The variation was distributed among the samples, and most of it was attributed to differences among individuals within localities. Cluster analysis, based on the Jaccard similarity coefficient, and the Mantel test gave similar results to the analysis of molecular variance data. Despite the low level of population structuring, these markers could be used for studying U. cordatus diversity, due to the high level of polymorphism.

[Chest Pain, Elevated Troponin and Moderate Coronary Stenosis - a Clinical Puzzle Solved by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance]

Revista Portuguesa De Cardiologia : Orgão Oficial Da Sociedade Portuguesa De Cardiologia = Portuguese Journal of Cardiology : an Official Journal of the Portuguese Society of Cardiology. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22118134

[Micronuclei in Uterine Cervical Cells of Women HIV+ According to Immunocompetence Markers]

Revista Brasileira De Ginecologia E Obstetrícia : Revista Da Federação Brasileira Das Sociedades De Ginecologia E Obstetrícia. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22231164

to investigate the micronucleation (MN) of exfoliated cells from the uterine cervix of HIV+ women according to immunocompetence status. We investigated the clinical conditions of immunocompetence by analyzing the levels of CD4+ lymphocytes and viral count for HIV (VC).

[Contamination by Bacillus Cereus on Equipment and Utensil Surfaces in a Food and Nutrition Service Unit]

Ciência & Saúde Coletiva. Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21987337

The confirmation that Bacillus cereus is a microorganism that represents a special problem in food processing plants, such as university cafeterias, inspired this work, the scope of which was to evaluate the risks consumers are exposed to by identifying the contamination points from whence the microorganism can be transferred on to food. The presence of B. cereus was detected in 38.3% of the equipment and utensils studied. Counts of up to 5.7 x 10 ² CFU/cm² were found, with the highest values being found in samples from distribution sectors, indicating the importance of these areas as potential sources of microorganism transmission on to food.

Efficacy of Two Methods for Restorative Materials' Removal in Primary Teeth

The Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice. Sep-Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22269199

This in vitro study aimed to compare the time required for removal, the presence of residues of restorative material, tooth structure loss and dental surface morphology after removal of composite resin and amalgam restorations from occlusal cavities in primary molars using conventional high-speed bur and CVDentus® ultrasonic diamond tips.

Dermoscopic Aspects of Syringocystadenoma Papilliferum Associated with Nevus Sebaceus

Anais Brasileiros De Dermatologia. Nov-Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22281917

Syringocystadenoma papilliferum is a rare benign adnexal tumor that frequently shows apocrine differentiation. It usually develops on the scalp and is associated with a nevus sebaceus in 40% of cases. Although the clinical presentation may differ, its histology is characteristic. Reports have been made of dermoscopy used in cases of adnexal tumors such as eccrine poromas, hidradenomas and angiohistiocytomas; however, up to the present moment there have been no reports of dermoscopy in a case of syringocystadenoma. This paper describes the dermoscopic features found in a case of syringocystadenoma associated with a nevus sebaceus, revealing a polymorphous vascular pattern including a horseshoe-shaped arrangement of vessels.

Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Rv2419c, the Missing Glucosyl-3-phosphoglycerate Phosphatase for the Second Step in Methylglucose Lipopolysaccharide Biosynthesis

Scientific Reports. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22355692

Mycobacteria synthesize intracellular methylglucose lipopolysaccharides (MGLP) proposed to regulate fatty acid synthesis. Although their structures have been elucidated, the identity of most biosynthetic genes remains unknown. The first step in MGLP biosynthesis is catalyzed by a glucosyl-3-phosphoglycerate synthase (GpgS, Rv1208 in Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv). However, a typical glucosyl-3-phosphoglycerate phosphatase (GpgP, EC3.1.3.70) for dephosphorylation of glucosyl-3-phosphoglycerate to glucosylglycerate, was absent from mycobacterial genomes. We purified the native GpgP from Mycobacterium vanbaalenii and identified the corresponding gene deduced from amino acid sequences by mass spectrometry. The M. tuberculosis ortholog (Rv2419c), annotated as a putative phosphoglycerate mutase (PGM, EC5.4.2.1), was expressed and functionally characterized as a new GpgP. Regardless of the high specificity for glucosyl-3-phosphoglycerate, the mycobacterial GpgP is not a sequence homolog of known isofunctional GpgPs. The assignment of a new function in M. tuberculosis genome expands our understanding of this organism's genetic repertoire and of the early events in MGLP biosynthesis.

Barium Titanate Thin Films Deposited by Electrophoresis on P-Doped Si (001) Substrates

Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22400246

Barium titanate (BaTiO3) thin films have been prepared by electrophoretic deposition on p-doped and platinum covered silicon (Si) substrates. Their structure, nanostructure and dielectric properties were characterized. The as-deposited films were polycrystalline and composed by barium titanate nanograins with an average grain size approximately 9 nm. Annealing at high temperatures promoted grain growth, so that the samples annealed at 600 degrees C presented average grain sizes approximately 24 nm. From Raman spectroscopy measurements it was found that the tetragonal (ferroelectric) BaTiO3 phase was stabilized on the films. Also, at higher annealing temperatures, cation disorder was reduced on the films. From measurements of the temperature dependence of the dielectric permittivity the corresponding paraelectric-ferroelectric phase transition was determined. The observed transition temperature (approximately 100 degrees C) was found to be below the BaTiO3 bulk or thick film values, due to the small nanosized grains composing the films.

An Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy Study of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells Electrocatalyst Single Wall Carbon Nanohorns-supported

Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22400295

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to study the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) performance when using single wall carbon nanohorns (SWNH) to support Pt nanoparticles. Additionally, as-prepared and oxidized SWNH Pt-supports were compared with conventional carbon black. Two different oxidizing treatments were considered: oxygen flow at 500 degrees C and reflux in an acid solution at 85 degrees C. Both oxidizing treatments increased SWNH surface area; oxygen treatment increased surface area 4 times while acid treatment increased 2.6 times. The increase in surface area should be related to the opening access to the inner tube of SWNH. Acid treatment of SWNH increased chemical fragility and decreased electrocatalyst load in comparison with as-prepared SWNH. On the other hand, the oxygen treated SWNH sample allowed to obtain the highest electrocatalyst load. The use of as-prepared and oxygen treated SWNH showed in both cases catalytic activities 60% higher than using conventional carbon black as electrocatalyst support in PEMFC. Moreover, EIS analysis indicated that the major improvement in performance is related to the cathode kinetics in the as-prepared SWNH sample, while concerning the oxidized SWNH sample, the improvements are related to the electrokinetics in both anode and cathode electrodes. These improvements should be related with differences in the hydrophobic character between SWNH and carbon black.

The Prevalence of Intentional and Unintentional Injuries in Selected Johannesburg Housing Settlements

South African Medical Journal = Suid-Afrikaanse Tydskrif Vir Geneeskunde. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22272967

Intentional and unintentional injuries were reported to be the second leading cause of Disability Adjusted Life Years in South Africa in 2000. We present household experiences of such injuries in 5 impoverished housing settlements in Johannesburg, Gauteng Province. Data for this study were extracted from the database of the Health, Environment and Development (HEAD) project. The incidence of reported intentional injuries was determined to be double that of unintentional injuries. Households in the Hospital Hill and Riverlea settlements reported the highest prevalence of stabbing and gunshot incidents. We concluded that impoverished South African neighbourhoods bear a high burden of intentional injury; surveillance mechanisms are required to inform prevention strategies at an individual, community and societal level.

Gold(I) Complexes with Thiosemicarbazones: Cytotoxicity Against Human Tumor Cell Lines and Inhibition of Thioredoxin Reductase Activity

Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22005449

Complexes [Au(H2Ac4DH)Cl]∙MeOH (1) [Au(H(2)2Ac4Me)Cl]Cl (2) [Au(H(2)2Ac4Ph)Cl]Cl∙2H(2)O (3) and [Au(H(2)2Bz4Ph)Cl]Cl (4) were obtained with 2-acetylpyridine thiosemicarbazone (H2Ac4DH), its N(4)-methyl (H2Ac4Me) and N(4)-phenyl (H2Ac4Ph) derivatives, as well as with N(4)-phenyl 2-benzoylpyridine thiosemicarbazone (H2Bz4Ph). The compounds were cytotoxic to Jurkat (immortalized line of T lymphocyte), HL-60 (acute myeloid leukemia), MCF-7 (human breast adenocarcinoma) and HCT-116 (colorectal carcinoma) tumor cell lines. Jurkat and HL-60 cells were more sensitive than MCF-7 and HCT-116 cells. Upon coordinating to the gold(I) metal centers in complexes (2) and (4), the cytotoxic activity of the H2Ac4Me and H2Bz4Ph ligands increased against the HL-60 and Jurkat tumor cell lines. 2 was more active than auranofin against both leukemia cells. Most of the studied compounds were less toxic than auranofin to peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). All compounds induced DNA fragmentation in HL-60 and Jurkat cells indicating their pro-apoptotic potential. Complex (2) strongly inhibited the activity of thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), which suggests inhibition of TrxR to be part of its mechanism of action.

[Hypersensitivity to Local Anesthetics]

Acta Médica Portuguesa. Mar-Apr, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22011602

Local anesthetics (LA) are frequently used in medical and surgical and dental procedures. Adverse reactions to LA are rare, and hypersensitivity reactions are very rare. Nevertheless, they are the third more frequent cause of referral to Allergy Clinics due to drug allergy, after betalactamic antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. In this paper we review hypersensitivity reactions to LA and propose a diagnostic approach to them.

[Influence of Reproductive Factors in the Clinical and Laboratory Parameters of Rheumatoid Arthritis]

Revista Brasileira De Ginecologia E Obstetrícia : Revista Da Federação Brasileira Das Sociedades De Ginecologia E Obstetrícia. Jul, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22012422

To study if rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is influenced by age at menarche, number of pregnancies and reproductive life span.

A Toolbox to Study Liver Stage Malaria

Trends in Parasitology. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22015112

The first obligatory phase of mammalian infection by Plasmodium parasites, the causative agents of malaria, occurs in the liver of the host. This stage of Plasmodium infection bears enormous potential for anti-malarial intervention. Recent technological progress has strongly contributed to overcoming some of the long-standing difficulties in experimentally assessing hepatic infection by Plasmodium. Here, we review appropriate infection models and infection assessment tools, and provide a comprehensive description of recent advances in experimental strategies to investigate the liver stage of malaria. These issues are discussed in the context of current challenges in the field to provide researchers with the technical tools that enable effective experimental approaches to study liver stage malaria.

Controlled Vocabularies and Semantics in Systems Biology

Molecular Systems Biology. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22027554

The use of computational modeling to describe and analyze biological systems is at the heart of systems biology. Model structures, simulation descriptions and numerical results can be encoded in structured formats, but there is an increasing need to provide an additional semantic layer. Semantic information adds meaning to components of structured descriptions to help identify and interpret them unambiguously. Ontologies are one of the tools frequently used for this purpose. We describe here three ontologies created specifically to address the needs of the systems biology community. The Systems Biology Ontology (SBO) provides semantic information about the model components. The Kinetic Simulation Algorithm Ontology (KiSAO) supplies information about existing algorithms available for the simulation of systems biology models, their characterization and interrelationships. The Terminology for the Description of Dynamics (TEDDY) categorizes dynamical features of the simulation results and general systems behavior. The provision of semantic information extends a model's longevity and facilitates its reuse. It provides useful insight into the biology of modeled processes, and may be used to make informed decisions on subsequent simulation experiments.

Outcomes of Drug-eluting Stents Compared to Bare-metal Stents in ST-segment Elevation Acute Myocardial Infarction

Revista Portuguesa De Cardiologia : Orgao Oficial Da Sociedade Portuguesa De Cardiologia = Portuguese Journal of Cardiology : an Official Journal of the Portuguese Society of Cardiology. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22030326

INTRODUCTION: Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) has become the treatment of choice in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Drug-eluting stents (DES) reduce restenosis compared to bare-metal stents (BMS) but there is conflicting data concerning their use in the setting of STEMI. We aimed to evaluate the influence of the type of stent on the outcomes of PPCI. METHODS: This was a single-center longitudinal study including 213 consecutive patients (76% men, mean age 60±12 years) with STEMI undergoing PPCI between 2003 and 2007, divided into two groups: BMS (43.7%) and DES (56.3%). We assessed clinical and demographic features as well as angiographic and electrocardiographic signs of myocardial reperfusion. The composite outcome of death, myocardial infarction (MI) or target-lesion revascularization (TLR) was evaluated. RESULTS: At a median follow-up of 26 months there were no differences in the composite outcome of death/MI/TLR (BMS 18.3% vs DES 15.8%) or in the incidence of stent thrombosis. Angiographic results of the procedure were also similar. Independent predictors of the composite outcome were age (HR=1.06, 95% CI [1.02-1.11], left anterior descending artery as infarct-related vessel (HR=2.69, 95% CI [1.17-6.19]) and use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (HR=0.33, 95% CI [0.13-0.83]). CONCLUSIONS: There was no benefit in angiographic outcomes or major cardiac events after treatment with drug-eluting stents compared to bare-metal stents in this group of patients with STEMI.

Hyponatremia - an Unusual Trigger of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy

Revista Portuguesa De Cardiologia : Orgao Oficial Da Sociedade Portuguesa De Cardiologia = Portuguese Journal of Cardiology : an Official Journal of the Portuguese Society of Cardiology. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22030327

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is an acute cardiac entity with clinical manifestations similar to myocardial infarction, accounting for 1-2% of acute coronary syndrome admissions. Its underlying pathophysiology is not yet well established. It is usually associated with acute physical or emotional stress, but the list of potential triggers has grown as the condition attracts the attention of the medical community. In order to diagnose the condition correctly and to gain new insights into it, we need to know its potential triggers as well as its clinical presentation and diagnostic criteria. We report a case of takotsubo cardiomyopathy triggered by hyponatremia.

Combination Effect of Fluoride Dentifrices and Varnish on Deciduous Enamel Demineralization

Brazilian Oral Research. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22031057

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anticaries potential of 500 or 1100 ppm F dentifrices combined with fluoride varnish using a pH-cycling regimen. Seventy primary canines were covered with nail polish, leaving a 4×4 mm window on their buccal surface, and randomly assigned into 7 groups (n = 10): S: sound enamel not submitted to the pH-cycling regimen or treatment; N: negative control, submitted to the pH-cycling regimen without any treatment; D1 and D2: subjected to the pH-cycling regimen and treated twice daily with 1100 or 500 ppm F dentifrice, respectively; VF: fluoride varnish (subjected to F-varnish before and in the middle of the pH-cycling regimen); and VF+D1 and VF+D2. After 10 days, the teeth were sectioned, and enamel demineralization was assessed by cross-sectional hardness at different distances from the dental surface. Data were analyzed using a two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's test. Dentifrice with 1100 ppm F and the combination of F-varnish with the dentifrices significantly reduced enamel demineralization compared with the negative control (p < 0.05), but the isolated effects of F-varnish and dentifrice with low concentration were not significant (p > 0.05). The effect of combining F-varnish with the dentifrices was not greater than the effect of the dentifrices alone (p < 0.05). The data suggest that the combination of F-varnish with dentifrices containing 500 and 1100 ppm F is not more effective in reducing demineralization in primary teeth than the isolated effect of dentifrice containing 1100 ppm F.

[Pediatric Care in Brazil's Unified Health System: Reflections on the Role of Pediatricians in Family Healthcare Strategy]

Ciência & Saúde Coletiva. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22031151

This essay seeks to contribute to the elucidation of the potential activities of pediatricians in the Family Healthcare Strategy. The origins, types of care and inherent implications to the process of change in the Healthcare Model that are being implemented in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) since the Basic Operational Norms were instituted in 1996 are duly presented.

Recurrent and De Novo Autoimmune Liver Diseases

Clinics in Liver Disease. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22032533

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) each account for approximately 5% of liver transplants per year performed in the United States and Europe. Even though outcomes are excellent, with reported 5-year patient and graft survival exceeding 90% and 80%, 80% and 75%, 72% and 65% for PBC, PSC, and AIH, respectively, the issue of recurrent autoimmune liver disease after orthotopic liver transplantation is increasingly recognized as a cause of graft dysfunction, death, and need for retransplantation. This article reviews diagnostic criteria, epidemiology, risk factors, and outcomes of recurrent PBC, PSC, and AIH after liver transplantation.

BPP-5a Produces a Potent and Long-lasting NO-dependent Antihypertensive Effect

Therapeutic Advances in Cardiovascular Disease. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22032921

The bradykinin potentiating peptides (BPPs) are oligopeptides found in different animal venoms. BPPs isolated from Bothrops jararaca venom were the first natural inhibitors described for somatic angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE). They were used in the structural modeling for captopril development, a classical ACE inhibitor widely used to treat human hypertension.

Death Ideation in Cancer Patients: Contributing Factors

Journal of Psychosocial Oncology. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22035536

Advances in cancer research and therapy have improved prognosis and the quality of life of many patients. However, previous epidemiological studies in oncologic patients have shown an increased risk of suicide. Suicidal thoughts, relatively well known in those terminally ill, may be just as important for cancer patients who are survivors or are living with the disease. Nonetheless, there is a relative paucity of data about suicidality in this setting. The authors conducted a prospective observational study to identify death thoughts and to explore the factors associated with suicidal ideation in cancer patients. A sample of 130 patients referred for psychiatric consultation was obtained following informed consent and authorization from the local ethics committee. A semistructured interview assessed sociodemographic data, psychosocial support, and information regarding the cancer process and its treatment. Psychometric instruments were used to evaluate psychopathology, namely the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Beck Hopelessness Scale, and the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation. Psychiatric diagnoses were obtained through the application of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Death ideation was identified in 34.6% of patients, yet only 10% had active suicidal thoughts. Risk of suicide was associated with female gender, a psychiatric diagnosis (major depressive disorder, panic disorder, or dysthymia), difficult interpersonal relationships, associated pain, high hopelessness, and depressive and anxiety symptoms. Although suicidal thoughts are frequent in cancer patients at different stages of disease, most are transitory. Risk factors for suicidal ideation have been identified, such as depression, hopelessness, uncontrolled pain, and difficult interpersonal relationships. Further assessment is necessary to identify those at higher risk of attempting suicide, and underlying psychiatric disorders should be vigorously treated.

Genomic Analyses, Gene Expression and Antigenic Profile of the Trans-sialidase Superfamily of Trypanosoma Cruzi Reveal an Undetected Level of Complexity

PloS One. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22039427

The protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi is the etiologic agent of Chagas disease, a highly debilitating human pathology that affects millions of people in the Americas. The sequencing of this parasite's genome reveals that trans-sialidase/trans-sialidase-like (TcS), a polymorphic protein family known to be involved in several aspects of T. cruzi biology, is the largest T. cruzi gene family, encoding more than 1,400 genes. Despite the fact that four TcS groups are well characterized and only one of the groups contains active trans-sialidases, all members of the family are annotated in the T. cruzi genome database as trans-sialidase. After performing sequence clustering analysis with all TcS complete genes, we identified four additional groups, demonstrating that the TcS family is even more heterogeneous than previously thought. Interestingly, members of distinct TcS groups show distinctive patterns of chromosome localization. Members of the TcSgroupII, which harbor proteins involved in host cell attachment/invasion, are preferentially located in subtelomeric regions, whereas members of the largest and new TcSgroupV have internal chromosomal locations. Real-time RT-PCR confirms the expression of genes derived from new groups and shows that the pattern of expression is not similar within and between groups. We also performed B-cell epitope prediction on the family and constructed a TcS specific peptide array, which was screened with sera from T. cruzi-infected mice. We demonstrated that all seven groups represented in the array are antigenic. A highly reactive peptide occurs in sixty TcS proteins including members of two new groups and may contribute to the known cross-reactivity of T. cruzi epitopes during infection. Taken together, our results contribute to a better understanding of the real complexity of the TcS family and open new avenues for investigating novel roles of this family during T. cruzi infection.

Hope in Africa?: Social Representations of World History and the Future in Six African Countries

International Journal of Psychology : Journal International De Psychologie. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22044307

Data on social representations of world history have been collected everywhere in the world except sub-Saharan Africa. Two studies using open-ended data involving university students from six African countries fill this gap. In Study 1, nominations from Cape Verde and Mozambique for the most important events in world history in the past 1000 years were dominated by war and politics, recency effects, and Western-centrism tempered by African sociocentrism on colonization and independence. The first three findings replicated previous research conducted in other parts of the world, but the last pattern contrasted sharply with European data. Study 2 employed a novel method asking participants how they would begin the narration of world history, and then to describe a major transition to the present. Participants most frequently wrote about the evolution of humanity out of Africa, followed by war and then colonization as a beginning, and then replicated previous findings with war, colonization, and technology as major transitions to the present. Finally, when asked about how they foresaw the future, many participants expressed hope for peace and cooperation, especially those facing more risk of collective violence (Burundi and Congo). A colonial/liberation narrative was more predominant in the data from former Portuguese colonies (Angola, Cape Verde, and Guinea-Bissau) than from former Belgian colonies (Burundi and Congo).

Crosstalk Between ROS Homeostasis and Secondary Metabolism in S. Natalensis ATCC 27448: Modulation of Pimaricin Production by Intracellular ROS

PloS One. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22114674

Streptomyces secondary metabolism is strongly affected by oxygen availability. The increased culture aeration enhances pimaricin production in S. natalensis, however the excess of O(2) consumption can lead to an intracellular ROS imbalance that is harmful to the cell. The adaptive physiological response of S. natalensis upon the addition of exogenous H(2)O(2) suggested that the modulation of the intracellular ROS levels, through the activation of the H(2)O(2) inducible catalase during the late exponential growth phase, can alter the production of pimaricin. With the construction of defective mutants on the H(2)O(2) related enzymes SodF, AhpCD and KatA1, an effective and enduring modulation of intracellular ROS was achieved. Characterization of the knock-out strains revealed different behaviours regarding pimaricin production: whilst the superoxide dismutase defective mutant presented low levels of pimaricin production compared to the wild-type, the mutants defective on the H(2)O(2)-detoxifying enzymes displayed a pimaricin overproducer phenotype. Using physiological and molecular approaches we report a crosstalk between oxidative stress and secondary metabolism regulatory networks. Our results reveal that the redox-based regulation network triggered by an imbalance of the intracellular ROS homeostasis is also able to modulate the biosynthesis of pimaricin in S. natalensis.

Influence of Moisture and Plaque on the Performance of a Laser Fluorescence Device in Detecting Caries Lesions in Primary Teeth

Lasers in Medical Science. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22116373

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of dental plaque and moisture on performance of a laser fluorescence device in detecting occlusal and proximal caries lesions in primary teeth. Fifty-five occlusal and 58 proximal sites on primary molars were evaluated using a DIAGNOdent pen (LFpen) device. For the drying time study, the evaluations were performed in: (I) moist teeth; (II) teeth dried for 3 s, or (III) dried for 15 s. For the plaque study, the evaluations were done in sites: (I) without plaque; (II) with plaque, and (III) after cleaning. Evaluation of the teeth sections in stereomicroscope was the reference standard method. LF pen values, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were compared. The values obtained after 15 s of drying were higher than those obtained with moist teeth or dried for 3 s at both occlusal and proximal surfaces. However, there was no change in the performance in detecting caries lesions. With regard to the presence of plaque, there was no significant change in the readings of the device, but specificity was decreased in occlusal surfaces with plaque. At proximal surfaces, however, no significant differences were observed. In conclusion, the moisture conditions do not influence significantly the performance of the LFpen, but the presence of plaque can affect its performance in detecting occlusal caries lesions in primary teeth.

[Prognostic Implications of Left Ventricular End-diastolic Pressure in Acute Coronary Syndromes with Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction of 40% or Over]

Revista Portuguesa De Cardiologia : Orgão Oficial Da Sociedade Portuguesa De Cardiologia = Portuguese Journal of Cardiology : an Official Journal of the Portuguese Society of Cardiology. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22118128

There is still debate concerning the impact of left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) on long-term prognosis after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Paediatric Dentistry Education of Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) in Brazilian Dental Schools

European Archives of Paediatric Dentistry : Official Journal of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22122849

To evaluate the degree of knowledge, use and teaching of atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) of paediatric dentistry lecturers in dental schools throughout Brazil.

Immunostimulatory Property of a Synthetic Peptide Belonging to the Soluble ATP Diphosphohydrolase Isoform (SmATPDase 2) and Immunolocalisation of This Protein in the Schistosoma Mansoni Egg

Memórias Do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22124552

A peptide (SmB2LJ; r175-194) that belongs to a conserved domain from Schistosoma mansoni SmATPDase 2 and is shared with potato apyrase, as predicted by in silico analysis as antigenic, was synthesised and its immunostimulatory property was analysed. When inoculated in BALB/c mice, this peptide induced high levels of SmB2LJ-specific IgG1 and IgG2a subtypes, as detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. In addition, dot blots were found to be positive for immune sera against potato apyrase and SmB2LJ. These results suggest that the conserved domain r175-194 from the S. mansoni SmATPDase 2 is antigenic. Western blots were performed and the anti-SmB2LJ antibody recognised in adult worm (soluble worm antigen preparation) or soluble egg antigen antigenic preparations two bands of approximately 63 and 55 kDa, molecular masses similar to those predicted for adult worm SmATPDase 2. This finding strongly suggests the expression of this same isoform in S. mansoni eggs. To assess localisation of SmATPDase 2, confocal fluorescence microscopy was performed using cryostat sections of infected mouse liver and polyclonal antiserum against SmB2LJ. Positive reactions were identified on the external surface from the miracidium in von Lichtenberg's envelope and, in the outer side of the egg-shell, showing that this soluble isoform is secreted from the S. mansoni eggs.

Multiple Myeloma-amyloidosis Presenting As Pseudomyopathy

Revista Brasileira De Reumatologia. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22124598

Amyloidosis is a generic term that refers to the deposition of amyloid fibrils in bodily tissues. Its onset is usually after 40 years of age, with localized or systemic involvement associated with multiple myeloma or chronic inflammatory diseases, and can mimic various rheumatic syndromes. We report the case of a patient with amyloidosis associated with multiple myeloma, showing clinical characteristics of pseudomyopathy.

[Acceptance by Blood Donors of the Public Blood Bank in Recife, Brazil]

Ciência & Saúde Coletiva. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22124922

This study evaluated the acceptance of blood donors concerning the donation stages (attendance, medical and nursing selection and collection) at the Recife public blood bank with emphasis on the attendance. A sample of 527 donors was obtained: each 19th person sequentially was invited to answer a questionnaire. Chi-square (x2) was used in the analysis. Of those interviewed, 81.4% were men, 81% were repeat donors, 50.3% were dissatisfied regarding the time spent in donation and 36.4% had difficulties in reaching the service. The firm acceptance given to the attendance was due mainly to the communication and the quality of treatment. Of statistical significance were women donors of higher educational level who asked for more information and men who had a more positive perception towards the selection process. The best evaluation was attributed to the collection sector. However, mention was made of impersonal treatment, persistence of doubts and the cursory nature of the medical interview. Attention focused on the donor requires that ongoing education should concentrate on the humanitarian formation of the professionals involved.

Mandibular Overdentures with Immediate Loading: Satisfaction and Quality of Life

The International Journal of Prosthodontics. Nov-Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22146252

The aim of this study was to verify quality of life related to oral health and satisfaction with dentures. Conventional mandibular complete dentures were converted to overdentures retained by two implants with immediate loading (bar-clip system, n = 16).

Predictive Value of SYNTAX Score in Risk Stratification of Patients Undergoing Unprotected Left Main Coronary Artery Angioplasty

The Journal of Invasive Cardiology. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22147395

The SYNTAX score is a useful tool to evaluate percutaneous coronary intervention risk regarding the number, complexity, and location of lesions. Despite its proven value in the prognosis of three-vessel disease, there are few data about its usefulness in other selected subsets of patients. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of the SYNTAX score in a population of patients who underwent unprotected left main coronary artery (ULMCA) angioplasty in our hospital.

[A Case of Native Valve Infective Endocarditis in an Immunocompromised Patient.]

Revista Portuguesa De Cardiologia : Orgao Oficial Da Sociedade Portuguesa De Cardiologia = Portuguese Journal of Cardiology : an Official Journal of the Portuguese Society of Cardiology. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22153311

Infective endocarditis continues to be associated with high mortality, despite the medical and surgical therapeutic options available. Surgical intervention is indicated in cases of heart failure or uncontrolled infection and sometimes for the prevention of embolic phenomena. The authors present the case of a 56-year-old male patient, with fibro-calcific mitral-aortic valve disease, splenectomized and with recently relapsed Hodgkin's lymphoma, who was admitted with infective endocarditis due to Streptococcus dysgalactiae. On the thirtieth day of directed antibiotic therapy, the mitral vegetation showed a significant increase in size and mobility. Surgery was considered at this point. However, given the patient's clinical stability and laboratory results, it was decided to adopt a conservative approach and to extend antibiotic therapy. The vegetation had regressed considerably seven days later. Given this atypical vegetation behavior, with slower than usual regression for the causative agent, the authors suggest that antibiotic therapy should be extended in patients with some degree of immunosuppression.

Wireless Instrumentation System Based on Dry Electrodes for Acquiring EEG Signals

Medical Engineering & Physics. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22153322

This paper presents a complete non-invasive Wireless acquisition system based on dry electrodes for electroencephalograms (WiDE-EEG) with emphasis in the electronic system design. The WiDE-EEG is composed by a 2.4GHz radio-frequency (RF) transceiver, biopotential acquisition electronics and dry electrodes. The WiDE-EEG can acquire electroencephalogram (EEG) signals from 5 unipolar channels, with a resolution of 16bits and minimum analog amplitude of 9.98μV(pp), at a sampling rate of 1000samples/s/channel and sends them to a processing unit through RF in a 10m range. The analog channels were optimized for EEG signals (with amplitudes in the range 70-100μV) and present the following characteristics: a signal gain of 66dB and a common mode rejection ratio of 56.5dB. Each electrode is composed by 16 microtip structures that were fabricated through bulk micromachining of a 〈100〉-type silicon substrate in a potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution. The microtips present solid angles of 54.7°, a height of 100-200μm and 2μm spaced apart. The electrodes have a thin layer (obtained by sputtering) of iridium oxide (IrO) to guaranty their biocompatibility and improve the contact with the skin. These dry electrodes are in direct contact with the electrolyte fluids of the inner skin layers, and avoid the use of conductive gels. The complete WiDE-EEG occupies a volume of 9cm×8.5cm×1cm, which makes it suitable for true mobility of the subjects and at the same time allows high data transfer rates. Since the WiDE-EEG is battery-powered, it overcomes the need of galvanic isolation for ensuring patient safety observed on conventional EEG instrumentation systems. The WiDE-EEG presents a total power consumption of 107mW, divided as follows: the acquisition system contributes with 10mW per channel, whereas the commercial MICAz module contributes with 57mW (e.g., 24mW from the microcontroller and 33mW from the RF chip). The WiDE-EEG also presents autonomy of about 25h with two class AA 1.5V batteries.

Percutaneous Revascularization Strategies in Saphenous Vein Graft Lesions: Long-term Results

Revista Portuguesa De Cardiologia : Orgao Oficial Da Sociedade Portuguesa De Cardiologia = Portuguese Journal of Cardiology : an Official Journal of the Portuguese Society of Cardiology. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22154288

AIMS: Although half of saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) present obstructive atherosclerotic disease 10 years after implantation, controversy remains concerning the ideal treatment. Our aim was to compare percutaneous revascularization (PCI) options in SVG lesions, according to intervention strategy and type of stent. METHODS: A retrospective single-center analysis selected 618 consecutive patients with previous bypass surgery who underwent PCI between 2003 and 2008. Clinical and angiographic parameters were analyzed according to intervention strategy - PCI in SVG vs. native vessel vs. combined approach - and type of stent implanted - drug-eluting (DES) vs. bare-metal (BMS) vs. both. A Cox regressive analysis of event-free survival was performed with regard to the primary outcomes of death, myocardial infarction (MI) and target vessel failure (TVF). RESULTS: During a mean follow-up of 796±548 days the rates of death, MI and TVF were 10.9%, 10.5% and 29.5%, respectively. With regard to intervention strategy (74.4% of PCI performed in native vessels, 17.2% in SVGs and 8.4% combined), no significant differences were seen between groups (death p=0.22, MI p=0.20, TVF p=0.80). The type of stents implanted (DES 83.2%, BMS 10.2%, both 3.2%) also did not influence long-term prognosis (death p=0.09, MI p=0.11, TVF p=0.64). The implantation of DES had a favorable impact on survival (p<0.001) in the subgroup of patients treated in native vessels but not in SVG. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with SVG lesions, long-term mortality, MI and TVF were not affected by intervention options, except for the favorable impact on survival of DES in patients treated in native vessels.

Association Between Environmental Factors and CDX2 Expression in Gastric Cancer Patients

European Journal of Cancer Prevention : the Official Journal of the European Cancer Prevention Organisation (ECP). Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22157086

Intestinal differentiation, mediated by CDX2, may occur both in intestinal and in diffuse gastric carcinomas. In an attempt to ascertain the environmental determinants of the intestinal differentiation pathway, we aimed to compare the exposure to environmental factors in gastric cancer cases according to the CDX2 expression status. We evaluated 270 patients undergoing gastrectomy due to gastric adenocarcinoma. Cases were classified according to tumour location within the stomach, Laurén's histological type and CDX2 expression. Participants completed a comprehensive structured questionnaire on sociodemographic and behavioural characteristics and provided a blood sample for assessment of Helicobacter pylori infection status. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were computed by unconditional logistic regression to compare cancer cases according to histological type and CDX2 expression status. Approximately 80% of the patients expressed CDX2, regardless of the histological type and location of the tumour. No statistically significant or consistent associations between sociodemographic or environmental exposures and CDX2 expression status were observed, except for a decreased risk of CDX2 expression in those with higher coffee consumption for tumours of the intestinal type (≥1 vs. <1 cup/day: odds ratio =0.36, 95% confidence interval: 0.13-0.97). In conclusion, this is the first study to use CDX2 expression as a finer marker of intestinal differentiation to distinguish aetiologically distinct subgroups of gastric cancer, adding new evidence to the previous research on the determinants of cancer of Laurén's intestinal and diffuse types.

The MADS Box Genes SEEDSTICK and ARABIDOPSIS B(sister) Play a Maternal Role in Fertilization and Seed Development

The Plant Journal : for Cell and Molecular Biology. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22176531

The haploid generation of flowering plants develops within the sporophytic tissues of the ovule. After fertilization, the maternal seed coat develops in a coordinated manner with formation of the embryo and endosperm. In the arabidopsis bsister (abs) mutant, the endothelium, which is the most inner cell layer of the integuments that surround the haploid embryo sac, does not accumulate proanthocyanidins and the cells have an abnormal morphology. However, fertility is not affected in abs single mutants. SEEDSTICK regulates ovule identity redundantly with SHATTERPROOF 1 (SHP1) and SHP2 while a role in the control of fertility was not reported previously. Here we describe the characterization of the abs stk double mutant. This double mutant develops very few seeds due to both a reduced number of fertilized ovules and seed abortions later during development. Morphological analysis revealed a total absence of endothelium in this double mutant. Additionally, massive starch accumulation was observed in the embryo sac. The phenotype of the abs stk double mutant highlights the importance of the maternal-derived tissues, particularly the endothelium, for the development of the next generation.

Low Paternity Skew and the Influence of Maternal Kin in an Egalitarian, Patrilocal Primate

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22065786

Levels of reproductive skew vary in wild primates living in multimale groups depending on the degree to which high-ranking males monopolize access to females. Still, the factors affecting paternity in egalitarian societies remain unexplored. We combine unique behavioral, life history, and genetic data to evaluate the distribution of paternity in the northern muriqui (Brachyteles hypoxanthus), a species known for its affiliative, nonhierarchical relationships. We genotyped 67 individuals (22 infants born over a 3-y period, their 21 mothers, and all 24 possible sires) at 17 microsatellite marker loci and assigned paternity to all infants. None of the 13 fathers were close maternal relatives of females with which they sired infants, and the most successful male sired a much lower percentage of infants (18%) than reported for the most successful males in other species. Our findings of inbreeding avoidance and low male reproductive skew are consistent with the muriqui's observed social and sexual behavior, but the long delay (≥2.08 y) between the onset of male sexual behavior and the age at which males first sire young is unexpected. The allocation of paternity implicates individual male life histories and access to maternal kin as key factors influencing variation in paternal--and grandmaternal--fitness. The apparent importance of lifelong maternal investment in coresident sons resonates with other recent examinations of maternal influences on offspring reproduction. This importance also extends the implications of the "grandmother hypothesis" in human evolution to include the possible influence of mothers and other maternal kin on male reproductive success in patrilocal societies.

Bone Development in Children and Adolescents with PKU

Journal of Inherited Metabolic Disease. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22076426

INTRODUCTION: Individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU, OMIM 261600) have shown bone disease from childhood. Factors such as non-adherence to treatment, nutritional inadequacy, and high phenylalanine levels are associated with bone disease in several studies. This research aimed to describe the impact of dietary factors (consumption of energy, protein, calcium, phosphorus, and phenylalanine), and the control of plasma phenylalanine levels on bone age (BA) and bone mineral density (BMD). METHODOLOGY: Thirteen patients of both genders, from 8 to 16 years old participated in this study. Control data were collected of phenylalanine levels, food frequency and record, hand and fist X-rays, and spinal bone densitometry. RESULTS: In children group (CG), individuals non-adherent to diet (NAD) consumed lower amounts of calcium (472 ± 100 mg/day) and energy (1743 ± 486 Kcal); they had higher rates of phenylalanine (564 ± 94 μmol/L) in blood, intake phenylalanine (701 ± 334 mg/g), and higher protein intake from free foods (14 ± 6.67 g/day); bone age (BA) values higher than the chronological age (CA) and less BMD values (-0.7 ± 1.6 SD) also were verified. In adolescent group (AG, N = 8) of NAD, values were lower for energy intake (1379 ± 258 Kcal), calcium (801 ± 152 mg/day), phosphorus (657 ± 102 mg/day), food protein (25 ± 7.6 g/day), and intake phenylalanine (1067 ± 382 mg/day) than recommended. Higher levels of plasma phenylalanine (851 ± 244 μmol/L), bone age greater than chronological age and lower BMD values (-2.4 ± -2.5 SD) were observed. CONCLUSION: The results suggest effects on BA and on BMD, in both children and adolescent groups. The bone development is expressed differently in children and adolescents. The non-adherence to the diet verified in both groups and the consequent imbalance in the nutrients intake involved in bone metabolism suggest that these factors influence the failure to thrive in children and reduced bone mineralization in adolescents.

Reclaiming the Social in Community Movements: Perspectives from the USA and Brazil/South America: 25 Years After Ottawa

Health Promotion International. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22080077

Since the Ottawa Charter 25 years ago, community participation has been adopted worldwide by nation states and communities as a core health promotion strategy. Rising inequities since that time, however, have been largely unchecked in the Americas and globally, and have presented us with an acutely paradoxical time for community participation and action. On the one hand, transnational globalized markets and accompanying economic and environmental devastation have challenged the effectiveness of community action to create health. On the other hand, hopeful signs of local through national and international activism and of new mechanisms for community engagement continue to surface as meaningful and effective democratic acts. This article presents a dialogue on these issues between colleagues in the United States and Brazil, and considers the broader applicability to Latin America and worldwide. We begin by discussing how community participation and community organizing grew out of our respective histories. We consider the catalytic role of the Ottawa Charter in spurring a reorientation of health promotion and the genesis of healthy city and community initiatives, as well as other current community organizing strategies and the growth of participatory research/CBPR. We unpack the potential for co-optation of both community and social participation and end with recommendations for what we can do to maintain our integrity of belief in democratic social participation to promote improved health and health equity.

Efficient Discovery of Anti-inflammatory Small-molecule Combinations Using Evolutionary Computing

Nature Chemical Biology. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22020553

The control of biochemical fluxes is distributed, and to perturb complex intracellular networks effectively it is often necessary to modulate several steps simultaneously. However, the number of possible permutations leads to a combinatorial explosion in the number of experiments that would have to be performed in a complete analysis. We used a multiobjective evolutionary algorithm to optimize reagent combinations from a dynamic chemical library of 33 compounds with established or predicted targets in the regulatory network controlling IL-1β expression. The evolutionary algorithm converged on excellent solutions within 11 generations, during which we studied just 550 combinations out of the potential search space of ~9 billion. The top five reagents with the greatest contribution to combinatorial effects throughout the evolutionary algorithm were then optimized pairwise. A p38 MAPK inhibitor together with either an inhibitor of IκB kinase or a chelator of poorly liganded iron yielded synergistic inhibition of macrophage IL-1β expression. Evolutionary searches provide a powerful and general approach to the discovery of new combinations of pharmacological agents with therapeutic indices potentially greater than those of single drugs.

Non-compliance with Health Surveillance is a Matter of Biosafety: a Survey of Latent Tuberculosis Infection in a Highly Endemic Setting

BMJ Open. Jan, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22021753

Objective This study aimed at identifying demographic, socio-economic and tuberculosis (TB) exposure factors associated with non-compliance with the tuberculin skin test, the management and prevention of non-compliance to the test. It was carried out in the context of a survey of latent TB infection among undergraduate students taking healthcare courses in two universities in Salvador, Brazil, a city highly endemic for TB. Methods This is a cross-sectional study of 1164 volunteers carried out between October 2004 and June 2008. Bivariate analysis followed by logistic regression was used to measure the association between non-compliance and potential risk factors through non-biased estimates of the adjusted OR for confounding variables. A parallel evaluation of occupational risk perception and of knowledge of Biosafety measures was also conducted. Results The non-compliance rate was above 40% even among individuals potentially at higher risk of disease, which included those who had not been vaccinated (OR 3.33; 95% CI 1.50 to 7.93; p=0.0018), those reporting having had contact with TB patients among close relatives or household contacts (p=0.3673), or those whose tuberculin skin test status was shown within the survey to have recently converted (17.3% of those completing the study). In spite of the observed homogeneity in the degree of Biosafety knowledge, and the awareness campaigns developed within the study focussing on TB prevention, the analysis has shown that different groups have different behaviours in relation to the test. Family income was found to have opposite effects in groups studying different courses as well as attending public versus private universities. Conclusions Although the data presented may not be directly generalisable to other situations and cultural settings, this study highlights the need to evaluate factors associated with non-compliance with routine testing, as they may affect the efficacy of Biosafety programs.

Karyotype Diversity of Four Species of the Incertae Sedis Group (Characidae) from Different Hydrographic Basins: Analysis of AgNORs, CMA3 and 18S RDNA

Genetics and Molecular Research : GMR. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22179995

A large number of genera in the tropical fish family Characidae are incertae sedis. Cytogenetic analysis was made of four of these species: Astyanax eigenmanniorum, Deuterodon stigmaturus, Hyphessobrycon luetkenii, and H. anisitsi, collected from various hydrographic basins: hydrographic system from Laguna dos Patos/RS, Tramandaí basin/RS and Tibagi River basin/PR. The first two species were collected in their type locality in the State of Rio Grande do Sul. The 2n = 48 karyotype was observed only in A. eigenmanniorum, while the other species had 2n = 50 chromosomes, with different karyotypic formulas. There was weak heterochromatin staining in the pericentromeric region of A. eigenmanniorum, D. stigmaturus and H. luetkenni chromosomes. In H. anisitsi, heterochromatin appeared to be more abundant and distributed in the pericentromeric and terminal regions of the chromosomes; three pairs showed more evident heterochromatic blocks. There were multiple Ag-NORs in all populations, visualized by FISH with an 18S rDNA probe. While D. stigmaturus and H. luetkenii had conserved AgNOR, CMA3 and 18S rDNA sites, the other two species showed intra- and interindividual variation at these sites. The karyotype variability was high, as is common in this group of fish. Different species arising from isolated hydrographic basins maintain an elevated level of karyotype differentiation, mainly with respect to chromosome structure, heterochromatin distribution and rDNA localization. This is the first report with cytogenetic data for D. stigmaturus and H. luetkenii.

Belief-propagation Algorithm and the Ising Model on Networks with Arbitrary Distributions of Motifs

Physical Review. E, Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22181124

We generalize the belief-propagation algorithm to sparse random networks with arbitrary distributions of motifs (triangles, loops, etc.). Each vertex in these networks belongs to a given set of motifs (generalization of the configuration model). These networks can be treated as sparse uncorrelated hypergraphs in which hyperedges represent motifs. Here a hypergraph is a generalization of a graph, where a hyperedge can connect any number of vertices. These uncorrelated hypergraphs are treelike (hypertrees), which crucially simplifies the problem and allows us to apply the belief-propagation algorithm to these loopy networks with arbitrary motifs. As natural examples, we consider motifs in the form of finite loops and cliques. We apply the belief-propagation algorithm to the ferromagnetic Ising model with pairwise interactions on the resulting random networks and obtain an exact solution of this model. We find an exact critical temperature of the ferromagnetic phase transition and demonstrate that with increasing the clustering coefficient and the loop size, the critical temperature increases compared to ordinary treelike complex networks. However, weak clustering does not change the critical behavior qualitatively. Our solution also gives the birth point of the giant connected component in these loopy networks.

Increasing Antibiotic Activity Against a Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter Spp by Essential Oils of Citrus Limon and Cinnamomum Zeylanicum

Natural Product Research. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22191514

The genus Acinetobacter has gained importance in recent years due to involvement in serious infections and antimicrobial resistance. Many plants have been evaluated not only for direct antimicrobial activity, but also as resistance modifying agents. The Essential oil of Citrus limon (EOCL) addition at 156.25 µgmL(-1) (MIC/8) sub-inhibitory concentration in the growth medium led to MIC decrease for amikacin, imipenem and meropenem. The Essential oil of Cinnamomum zeylanicum (EOCZ) addition at 78.125 µg mL(-1) (MIC/8) sub-inhibitory concentrations in the growth medium caused drastic MIC reduction of amikacin. Results of combining antibiotics and essential oils had shown us a synergistic effect with both essential oils/amikacin combinations. An additive effect was observed with the combinations of both essential oils and gentamicin. The results of this study suggest that essential oil of C. limon and C. zeylanicum may suppress the growth of Acinetobacter species and could be a source of metabolites with antibacterial modifying activity.

Variations in Maternal Care Alter Corticosterone and 17beta-estradiol Levels, Estrous Cycle and Folliculogenesis and Stimulate the Expression of Estrogen Receptors Alpha and Beta in the Ovaries of UCh Rats

Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology : RB&E. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22192617

Variations in maternal care are associated with neonatal stress, hormonal disturbances and reproductive injuries during adulthood. However, the effects of these variations on sex hormones and steroid receptors during ovary development remain undetermined. This study aimed to investigate whether variations in maternal care are able to influence the hormonal profile, follicular dynamics and expression of AR, ER-alpha and ER-beta in the ovaries of UCh rat offspring.

Nasal Patency After Open Rhinoplasty with Spreader Grafts

Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery : JPRAS. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22197029

BACKGROUND: Spreader grafts have been used in cosmetic rhinoplasty, but little information is available about the objective results of treatment. This study sought to determine subjective and objective functional results of open cosmetic rhinoplasty with spreader grafts. METHODS: Twenty patients (14 women, six men; mean age, 31 ± 6 years) had open cosmetic rhinoplasty. Surgery included dissection of the upper lateral cartilages, from the septum, and placement of spreader grafts, symmetrically, along the dorsal edge of the septal cartilage. Preoperative and postoperative evaluation included breathing quality score, acoustic rhinometry and a modified Glatzel mirror test. RESULTS: Evaluation after surgery (range, 5-18 months) showed significant improvement of breathing quality (before surgery, 8; after surgery, 9.4; P ≤ 0.001) and a mean minimal cross-sectional area of the left side (before surgery, 0.6 cm(2); after surgery, 0.9 cm(2); P ≤ 0.01). There was no significant change of the mean minimal cross-sectional area of the right side (acoustic rhinometry) or nasal patency (modified Glatzel mirror test) between preoperative and postoperative evaluation. Complications included postoperative synechiae in two patients and septal granuloma in one patient. CONCLUSIONS: Open structure rhinoplasty using spreader grafts is effective in reconstructing the internal nasal valve and preserving or improving nasal patency. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: : IV (case series with preoperative and postoperative testing).

[Incidence of In-hospital Adverse Events in the State of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil: Evaluation of Patient Medical Record]

Revista Brasileira De Epidemiologia = Brazilian Journal of Epidemiology. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22218664

To evaluate the quality of information obtained from medical records of three teaching hospitals in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which participated in a previous study on the incidence of adverse events (AE).

Letter to Freud: on the Plight of Psychoanalysis

Psychoanalytic Review. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22221041

In the form of a letter, the writer communicates to Freud her appreciation for the incomparable richness and complexity of the psychoanalytic enterprise in its century-long evolution from classical, Freudian origins to new developments in theory and technique. At the same time, concern is expressed about the continuity and survival of psychoanalysis in a cultural milieu that has absorbed its once radical ideas about sexuality and unconscious motivation while resisting its viability as a method of treatment.

Africanized Honeybee Stings: How to Treat Them

Revista Da Sociedade Brasileira De Medicina Tropical. Nov-Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22231250

In 1956, Africanized honeybees (AHB) migrated from Brazil to other regions of the Western Hemisphere, including South, Central, and North America, except for Canada. Despite being productive, they are highly aggressive and cause fatal accidents. This study aimed to evaluate patients at the Clinical Hospital of Botucatu Medical School (HC-FMB) and to propose treatment guidelines.

The Temporal Pattern of Mating Behavior of the Fruit Fly, Anastrepha Zenildae in the Laboratory

Journal of Insect Science (Online). 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22236152

The state of Rio Grande do Norte is an important fruit-producing and exporting area in northeastern Brazil. The success of this industry depends on fruit fly population control, especially in fly-free exporting zones. However, many fruits are not exported because of quarantine restrictions imposed by importing countries. A survey in the state has detected a considerable increase of the fruit fly, Anastrepha zenildae Zucchi (Diptera: Tephritidae), probably a result of the introduction of irrigated guava orchards that make fruit available all year. Knowledge of the sexual behavior of Tephritidae has great importance to pest control programs, particularly those that employ the Sterile Insect Technique. In order to characterize the reproductive behavior of A. zenildae, 32 individuals (16 males; 16 females) in each of six generations were submitted to an artificial 12:12 L:D cycle (750: < 1 lux, lights on 07:00-19:00) and observed over their lifetimes. The courtship and copulation occurred in leks and the episodes varied with the time of day, courtship being most frequent between Zeitgeber time (ZT) 3 and ZT 7, peaking at ZT 5-6. Copulations occurred between ZT 2 and ZT 8, with a higher frequency between ZT 5-7 and a peak at ZT 6. Mean duration was 0.28 ± 0.03 min/male (range: 5-163 min). Males in the leks attempted to copulate mainly between ZT 3 and ZT 7 with a peak at ZT 6, and males outside leks peaked at ZT 7. The different timing of sexual behaviors among related sympatric species, including A. zenildae, may contribute to species isolation.

White Enamel Lesions and Their Progression from Childhood to Adolescence: a Prospective Study

Oral Health & Preventive Dentistry. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22238735

To assess the current situation of white enamel lesions on vestibular surfaces of permanent maxillary incisors, diagnosed 6 years ago, without clinical intervention.

Quantitative Ultrasound and Risk of Fractures in Elderly Women

Revista Da Associação Médica Brasileira (1992). Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22249544

To verify the prevalence of women with risk of fractures estimated by ultrasonometry of the calcaneus (UOC) in a population of elderly women and its association with clinical risk factors.

Fusion of Risk Assessment Models with Application to Coronary Artery Disease Patients

Conference Proceedings : ... Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. Conference. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22254449

Several risk score models are available in literature to predict death/myocardial infarction event for coronary artery disease (CAD) patients, within a short period of time. However, the choice of the most adequate model is not straightforward since there might not be a consensus about the best model to use in clinical practice Moreover, individually, these models present some weaknesses, such as the inability to deal with missing information. This work addresses these problems, proposing a Bayesian classifier strategy enabling the simultaneous use of several models (models' fusion). Thus, a higher number of risk factors can be used in the common model, while it can deal with missing information. The validation of the strategy is carried out through the combination of three current risk score models (GRACE, TIMI, PURSUIT). Results were obtained based on a dataset that comprises 460 consecutive patients admitted to the Cardiology Department of Santa Cruz Hospital, Lisbon, from 1999 to 2001. A comparison with the voting scheme, which considers exclusively the outputs of models to combine (models output combination) is also carried out. The proposed Bayesian approach had very satisfactory results, confirming the potential of its application to the clinical practice.

Influence of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on the Conduction Velocity Measured Using EMG Signals Provided by Linear Arrays of Electrodes

Conference Proceedings : ... Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. Conference. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22255183

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) can alter the functioning of muscles and even assist muscle rehabilitation. In this paper, we evaluate the effect of NMES on the conduction velocity (CV) of the brachial biceps' motor units. We used a linear array of electrodes to acquire electromyographic signals, as different subjects perform isometric voluntary contractions (IVCs), with and without prior NMES. Our results show that, after NMES, the CVs at the beginning of the IVCs tend to increase, with respect to the case without NMES. Also, we observed that, while in the absence of NMES, the CVs tend to decrease over time with continued IVCs, this does not happen after 20 minutes of NMES, and the CVs can, in some cases, increase with the contractions.

[The Woman and the Use of Alcohol]

Revista Brasileira De Ginecologia E Obstetrícia : Revista Da Federação Brasileira Das Sociedades De Ginecologia E Obstetrícia. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22267109

[User's Representations of Chronic Diseases and Educational Practice]

Revista Gaúcha De Enfermagem / EENFUFRGS. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22299266

This is a qualitative research study held between October, 2008, and March, 2009, with 45 users over 60 years of age from a Health Unit, which aimed to identify their representations of chronic disease. Inerviews were carried out to collect chronic disease's representation. Three team meetings were also carried out, with an average of 8 users. Twenty-four (24) users participated in this step. The themes brought out of their discourses were: "The arrival of the disease: explanatory factors"; "The mystery of the bodyly changes: an obligation to change", and "The importance of learning and sharing the experience". Participants recognized the factors related to the disease onset and their commitments, the changes necessary to keep living and put off complications, and they also valued the exchange of experiences through dialogue in educational activities.

Cervical and Intracranial MRI Findings in Tetralogy of Fallot: Association with a Persistent Hypoglossal Artery

Journal of Pediatric Neurosciences. Jul, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22408681

INTERSEPT Study: We Still Need More Clarity

Critical Care (London, England). Mar, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22410246

Innovative Moments and Change in Client-centered Therapy

Psychotherapy Research : Journal of the Society for Psychotherapy Research. Mar, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22417171

Abstract Previous studies have used the Innovative Moments Coding System (IMCS) to describe the process of change in Narrative Therapy (NT) and in Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT). This study aims to extend this research program to a sample of Client-Centered Therapy (CCT). The IMCS was applied to six cases of CCT for depression to track the Innovative Moments (IMs) which are exceptions to the problematic self-narrative in therapeutic conversation. Results suggest that IMCS can be applied to CCT, allowing the tracking of IMs' emergence. The analysis based on a generalized linear model revealed that the overall amount of IMs is significantly associated with symptom improvement, which is congruent with former studies done with the IMCS.

An Unusual Case of Pacemaker Endocarditis in a Patient with Antiphospholipid Syndrome

Revista Portuguesa De Cardiologia : Orgao Oficial Da Sociedade Portuguesa De Cardiologia = Portuguese Journal of Cardiology : an Official Journal of the Portuguese Society of Cardiology. Mar, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22425342

We report the case of a 50-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus who had previously undergone pacemaker implantation. She developed recurrent pulmonary thromboembolism and was diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome. During investigation, pacemaker endocarditis was discovered, and the system was surgically explanted. Surprisingly, all microbiological studies, including culture of the extracted material and extensive serological analysis, were negative and she remained well with anticoagulation plus her usual immunosuppressant regimen. The data indicate that her pacemaker endocarditis could be an equivalent of the nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis often described in native valves.

Glow-to-arc Transition Events in H2-Ar Direct Current Pulsed Plasma: Automated Measurement of Current and Voltage

The Review of Scientific Instruments. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22299991

The glow-to-arc transition phenomena (arcing) observed in plasma reactors used in materials processing was studied through the arcs characteristic current and voltage waveforms. In order to capture these arcs signals, a LABVIEW™ based automated instrumentation system (ARCVIEW) was developed, including the integration of an oscilloscope equipped with proper current and voltage probes. The system also allows capturing the process parameters at the arc occurrence moments, which were used to map the arcs events conditions. Experiments in H(2)-Ar DC pulsed plasma returned signals data from 215 arcs events, which were analyzed through software routines. According to the results, an anti-arcing system should react in the time order of few microseconds to prevent most of the damage caused by the undesired arcing phenomena.

Comparative Study of RK39 Leishmania Antigen for Serodiagnosis of Visceral Leishmaniasis: Systematic Review with Meta-analysis

PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22303488

The rK39 recombinant protein is derived from a specific antigen produced by the Leishmania donovani complex, and has been used in the last two decades for the serodiagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis. We present here a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies evaluating serologic assays to diagnose visceral leishmaniasis to determine the accuracy of rK39 antigen in comparison to the use of other antigen preparations.

α-6 Integrin Expression in Bovine Spermatogonial Cells Purified by Discontinuous Percoll Density Gradient

Reproduction in Domestic Animals = Zuchthygiene. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22320406

The study of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) provides a model to better understand adult stem cell biology. Besides the biomedical potential to perform studies of infertility in many species, SSCs hold a promising application at animal transgenesis. Because stem cells are thought to be associated with basement membranes, expression of α-6 integrin has been investigated as a marker of type A spermatogonial cells, which are considered SSCs because of their undifferentiated status and self-renewal ability. In this manner, the aim of this study was to isolate type A SSCs from adult bulls by a two-step enzymatic procedure followed by a discontinuous Percoll density gradient purification and verify the expression of α-6 integrin by flow cytometry and real-time RT-PCR before and after Percoll purification. Spermatogonial cells were successfully obtained using the two-step enzymatic digestion. An average of 1 × 10(5) viable cells per gram of testis was isolated. However, the discontinuous Percoll did not purify isolated cells regarding α-6 integrin expression. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated no differences in the α-6 integrin expression between cell samples before and after Percoll purification (p = 0.5636). The same was observed in the real-time PCR analysis (p > 0.05). In addition to α-6 integrin, the expression of GFRa-1 and PGP9.5, known bovine SSCs markers, was detected in all samples studied. Considering that Percoll can reduce cell viability, it is possible to conclude that Percoll density gradient is not suitable to purify bovine SSC, according to α-6 integrin expression.

Assessment of Risk Factors for In-hospital Mortality After Intensive Care Unit Discharge

Biomarkers : Biochemical Indicators of Exposure, Response, and Susceptibility to Chemicals. Mar, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22324487

Context: Post-intensive care unit (ICU) mortality predictors are unknown. Objective: To assess post-ICU in-hospital mortality predictors. Materials and methods: Analysis of 296 patients discharged alive from a medical-surgical ICU during an 18-month period. Results: Post-ICU in-hospital mortality was 22.6%. Nonsurvivors had significantly higher Charlson comorbidity score and more often had a tracheostomy. C-reactive protein (CRP) "alert measurement", ≥ 6 mg/dL, independently discriminated survivors from nonsurvivors. Discussion: A CRP "alert measurement" or the need for tracheostomy may be used to identify patients with high risk of dying after ICU discharge. Conclusions: Charlson comorbidity score, CRP and tracheostomy predicted post-ICU in-hospital mortality.

A Rat Model of Diabetic Wound Infection for the Evaluation of Topical Antimicrobial Therapies

Comparative Medicine. 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22330650

Diabetes mellitus is an epidemic multisystemic chronic disease that frequently is complicated by complex wound infections. Innovative topical antimicrobial therapy agents are potentially useful for multimodal treatment of these infections. However, an appropriately standardized in vivo model is currently not available to facilitate the screening of these emerging products and their effect on wound healing. To develop such a model, we analyzed, tested, and modified published models of wound healing. We optimized various aspects of the model, including animal species, diabetes induction method, hair removal technique, splint and dressing methods, the control of unintentional bacterial infection, sampling methods for the evaluation of bacterial burden, and aspects of the microscopic and macroscopic assessment of wound healing, all while taking into consideration animal welfare and the '3Rs' principle. We thus developed a new wound infection model in rats that is optimized for testing topical antimicrobial therapy agents. This model accurately reproduces the pathophysiology of infected diabetic wound healing and includes the current standard treatment (that is, debridement). The numerous benefits of this model include the ready availability of necessary materials, simple techniques, high reproducibility, and practicality for experiments with large sample sizes. Furthermore, given its similarities to infected-wound healing and treatment in humans, our new model can serve as a valid alternative for applied research.

A Call to Action: Women and Peripheral Artery Disease: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Circulation. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22343782

'Asthma' Cured After Cardiac Surgery

Archives of Disease in Childhood. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22294665

Narcolepsy After A/H1N1 Vaccination

Clinics (São Paulo, Brazil). 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22249484

[Complications of Endomyocardial Biopsy After Heart Transplantation: A Lesser Evil.]

Revista Portuguesa De Cardiologia : Orgao Oficial Da Sociedade Portuguesa De Cardiologia = Portuguese Journal of Cardiology : an Official Journal of the Portuguese Society of Cardiology. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22222062

Endomyocardial biopsy is still the principal method for diagnosing cardiac allograft rejection. However, this procedure can be associated, albeit rarely, with potentially serious complications. We describe the case of a patient with extensive anterior myocardial infarction without revascularization, who developed cardiogenic shock and required heart transplantation. Post-transplantation, a coronary artery fistula to the right ventricle associated with an aneurysm and two restrictive ventricular septal defects were detected.

An Improved and Fast UHPLC-PDA Methodology for Determination of L-ascorbic and Dehydroascorbic Acids in Fruits and Vegetables. Evaluation of Degradation Rate During Storage

Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22222913

This study provides a versatile validated method to determine the total vitamin C content, as the sum of the contents of L-ascorbic acid (L-AA) and dehydroascorbic acid (DHAA), in several fruits and vegetables and its degradability with storage time. Seven horticultural crops from two different origins were analyzed using an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatographic-photodiode array (UHPLC-PDA) system, equipped with a new trifunctional high strength silica (100% silica particle) analytical column (100 mm × 2.1 mm, 1.7 μm particle size) using 0.1% (v/v) formic acid as mobile phase, in isocratic mode. This new stationary phase, specially designed for polar compounds, overcomes the problems normally encountered in HPLC and is suitable for the analysis of large batches of samples without L-AA degradation. In addition, it proves to be an excellent alternative to conventional C18 columns for the determination of L-AA in fruits and vegetables. The method was fully validated in terms of linearity, detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) limits, accuracy, and inter/intra-day precision. Validation experiments revealed very good recovery rate of 96.6 ± 4.4% for L-AA and 103.1 ± 4.8 % for total vitamin C, good linearity with r ( 2 )-values >0.999 within the established concentration range, excellent repeatability (0.5%), and reproducibility (1.6%) values. The LOD of the method was 22 ng/mL whereas the LOQ was 67 ng/mL. It was possible to demonstrate that L-AA and DHAA concentrations in the different horticulture products varied oppositely with time of storage not always affecting the total amount of vitamin C during shelf-life. Locally produced fruits have higher concentrations of vitamin C, compared with imported ones, but vegetables showed the opposite trend. Moreover, this UHPLC-PDA methodology proves to be an improved, simple, and fast approach for determining the total content of vitamin C in various food commodities, with high sensitivity, selectivity, and resolving power within 3 min of run analysis.

Kinetic Analysis of Constructed Systems for the Recovery of Contaminated Areas by Acid Mine Drainage

Environmental Science and Pollution Research International. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22227807

INTRODUCTION: Flowing of the acid mine drainage may contaminate the adjacent water bodies causing substantial changes in the aquatic ecosystem. This aspect is the most relevant problem in the southern of Santa Catarina once the contaminated areas are inserted in the watershed of the Araranguá, Urussanga, and Tubarão rivers, increasing the need for recovery studies. These areas are between Criciúma, Içara, Urussanga, Siderópolis, Lauro Müller, Orleans, and Alfredo Wagner towns where a conservation unit exist called the Environmental Preservation Area of Baleia Franca. Aiming to compare the kinetics of the ash derived from burning coal and to neutralize acid mine drainage, different neutralizer, limestone, fly, and bottom ash, was mounted on a pilot scale experiment. DISCUSSION: The transport parameters showed the same order of infiltration and dispersion: fly ash < bottom ash < limestone. The order of measured alkalinity was: limestone < fly ash < bottom ash, with pH values of 9.34, 12.07, and 12.25, respectively. The limestone kinetics of acidic drainage neutralization was first order with reaction rate constant k = 0.0963 min(-1), bottom ash was 3/4 with k = 0.0723 mol(1/4) L(-1/4) min(-1), and the fly ash had higher order kinetics, 4/3, with reaction rate constant k = 27.122 L(1/3) mol(-1/3) min(-1). However, by mathematical modeling, it was found that due to a combination of transport and kinetics, only limestone treatment reached a pH above 6 within 5 years, corresponding to the ideal as planned.

Complete Genome Sequences of Three Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Isolates with Phenotypes of Polymyxin B Adaptation and Inducible Resistance

Journal of Bacteriology. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22207740

Clinical "superbug" isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were previously observed to be resistant to several antibiotics, including polymyxin B, and/or to have a distinct, reproducible adaptive polymyxin resistance phenotype, identified by observing "skipped" wells (appearance of extra turbid wells) during broth microdilution testing. Here we report the complete assembled draft genome sequences of three such polymyxin resistant P. aeruginosa strains (9BR, 19BR, and 213BR).

Fish Gills Alterations As Potential Biomarkers of Environmental Quality in a Eutrophized Tropical River in South-Eastern Brazil

Anatomia, Histologia, Embryologia. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22211803

Gill anomalies in three common fish species of different taxonomic order, habitat dwelling and feeding habits (one Characiformes, Oligosarcus hepsetus; one Siluriformes, Hypostomus auroguttatus; and one Perciformes, Geophagus brasiliensis) from a eutrophized tropical river in south-eastern in Brazil were compared. The aim of this study was to search for sentinel species that could be used as potential biomarkers of environmental quality. Most fish had gills with histological changes, namely epithelial lifting, interstitial oedema, leucocyte infiltration, hyperplasia of the epithelial cells, lamellar fusion, vasodilatation and necrosis. On the other hand, lamellar blood congestion and lamellar aneurysm, which are more serious and often irreversible changes, were recorded for the water column carnivorous O. hepsetus and, to a lesser extent, for the bottom-dwelling detritivorous H. auroguttatus. A histopathological alteration index (HAI) based on the occurrence and severity of gills anomalies indicated that O. hepsetus (mean score = 11.4) had significantly higher values (Kruskall-Wallis H(2,41)  = 15.95, P = 0.0003) compared with G. brasiliensis (mean score = 7.0). Overall, the omnivorous G. brasiliensis had comparatively lesser occurrence of most gill anomalies compared with other two species, being less suitable as biomarker of environmental quality. In contrast, the water column-dweller O. hepsetus (water column) and the bottom-dweller H. auroguttatus had gills most susceptible to changes, making them more suitable for using as histological biomarkers of the environmental quality in entrophized tropical rivers.

Encapsulation and Survival of a Chondrocyte Cell Line Within Xanthan Gum Derivative

Macromolecular Bioscience. Mar, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22213743

A chemical derivative of xanthan gum polysaccharide is investigated as a new artificial matrix for the encapsulation of chondrocytic cells. Toward this goal, a novel micro-droplet generator is developed to produce microcapsules. Microcapsules with an average diameter of 500 µm, smooth surface, and homogeneous size distribution are obtained. ATDC5 cells encapsulated in carboxymethyl xanthan (CMX) microcapsules remain viable and are observed to proliferate for prolonged culture periods with enhanced metabolic activity. Furthermore, retention of the chondrogenic phenotype is exhibited by the cells within CMX, suggesting the ability of this material to be applied in cell-delivery therapies.

Host-parasite Associations and Host-specificity in Haemoparasites of Reed Bed Passerines

Parasitology. Mar, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22217333

SUMMARYThe host specificity and host sharing of avian haemoparasites (genera Haemoproteus and Plasmodium) is still poorly known, although they infect a large proportion of several studied bird populations. This study used molecular techniques to detect haemoparasites in marsh warblers and in other passerines that feed in reed beds, at 4 sites in Portugal. The host-specificity of the parasite lineages was analysed and compared with other cases described in the literature to assess whether apparent host specificity changes according to the studied system. Nine lineages of Haemoproteus and 15 of Plasmodium were found, of which only 10 Plasmodium were proven to have local transmission. Each lineage was confined to a distinct set of host species. The distribution of parasites in the host species was non-nested, meaning that specialist lineages did not always share hosts with generalists. The most prevalent lineages were those with a wider host range, indicating that the ability to infect more hosts will enhance a parasite's prevalence in its entire host range. We also found that in our areas, a specialist parasite (H. MW1) appears to have a more generalist character than described in the literature, suggesting that a parasite's apparent specialization can depend on the type of host species sampled.

Oritavancin Activity Against Vancomycin-Susceptible and Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci with Molecularly Characterized Glycopeptide Resistance Genes Recovered from Bacteremic Patients, 2009-2010

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. Mar, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22183169

Oritavancin exhibited potent activity against vancomycin-susceptible (MIC(50) and MIC(90), 0.015/0.03 μg/ml) and vanB-carrying E. faecalis isolates (MIC(50) and MIC(90), 0.015 and 0.015 μg/ml). Higher (16- to 32-fold) MIC(50)s and MIC(90)s for vanA-harboring E. faecalis were noted (MIC(50) and MIC(90), 0.25 and 0.5 μg/ml), although oritavancin inhibited all strains at ≤0.5 μg/ml. Vancomycin-susceptible and vanB-carrying E. faecium strains (MIC(50) and MIC(90), ≤0.008 and ≤0.008 μg/ml for both) were very susceptible to oritavancin, as were VanA-producing isolates (MIC(50) and MIC(90), 0.03 and 0.06 μg/ml). Oritavancin exhibited good in vitro potency against this collection of organisms, including vancomycin-resistant enterococci.

Underuse of Generic Medicines in Portugal: an Empirical Study on the Perceptions and Attitudes of Patients and Pharmacists

Health Policy (Amsterdam, Netherlands). Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22024369

The objectives of this study were to identify: perceptions regarding underuse and characteristics of generic medicines; patients' attitudes towards drug substitution and pharmacists' attitudes towards substitution recommendation.

Similarities in Effluent Organic Matter Characteristics from Connecticut Wastewater Treatment Plants

Water Research. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22104296

Effluent organic matter (EfOM) from five Connecticut (USA) municipal wastewater treatment plants was isolated with DAX8 (hydrophobic fraction) and XAD4 (transphilic fraction) resins. Isolate recoveries ranged from 18 to 42% of the total organic carbon for DAX8 resin and from 6 to 12% for XAD4 resin. Isolated EfOM was characterized by traditional organic geochemistry techniques. Weight-averaged molecular weights of extracted EfOM by size exclusion chromatography were 450-670 Da with higher weights observed for the hydrophobic fractions than the transphilic fractions. Fluorescence characterization showed both humic- and fulvic-like fluorescence, as well as tryptophan- and tyrosine-like fluorescence, the latter not commonly observed for terrestrial organic matter. Fluorescence indices were between 1.5 and 1.9 with lower values observed for hydrophobic EfOM fractions than for transphilic fractions. Specific ultraviolet absorbance was measured between 0.8 and 3.0 L mg(-1)m(-1) with higher values for the hydrophobic EfOM fractions. Together these results indicated that isolated EfOM is similar in characteristics to microbially derived organic matter from natural aquatic systems. Little variation in EfOM characteristics was observed between the five wastewater treatment plants, suggesting that the characteristics of EfOM are similar, regardless of treatment plant design.

Deletion of the RMGA and CHD2 Genes in a Child with Epilepsy and Mental Deficiency

European Journal of Medical Genetics. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22178256

We describe a novel chromosome microdeletion at 15q26.1 detected by oligo-array-CGH in a 6-year-old girl presenting with global development delay, epilepsy, autistic behavior and facial dysmorphisms. Although these features are often present in Angelman syndrome, no alterations were present in the methylation pattern of the Prader-Willi-Angelman critical region. The deletion encompasses only 2 genes: CHD2, which is part of a gene family already involved in CHARGE syndrome, and RGMA which exerts a negative control on axon growth. Deletion of either or both genes could cause the phenotype of this patient. These results provide a further chromosome region requiring evaluation in patients presenting Angelman features.

Stress-induced Cortisol Facilitates Threat-related Decision Making Among Police Officers

Behavioral Neuroscience. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22141468

Previous research suggests that cortisol can affect cognitive functions such as memory, decision making, and attentiveness to threat-related cues. Here, we examine whether increases in cortisol, brought on by an acute social stressor, influence threat-related decision making. Eighty-one police officers completed a standardized laboratory stressor and then immediately completed a computer simulated decision-making task designed to examine decisions to accurately shoot or not shoot armed and unarmed Black and White targets. Results indicated that police officers who had larger cortisol increases to the social-stress task subsequently made fewer errors when deciding to shoot armed Black targets relative to armed White targets, suggesting that hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) activation may exacerbate vigilance for threat cues. We conclude with a discussion of the implications of threat-initiated decision making.

Non-classical HLA-E Gene Variability in Brazilians: a Nearly Invariable Locus Surrounded by the Most Variable Genes in the Human Genome

Tissue Antigens. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22050290

The non-classical human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I genes present a very low rate of variation. So far, only 10 HLA-E alleles encoding three proteins have been described, but only two are frequently found in worldwide populations. Because of its historical background, Brazilians are very suitable for population genetic studies. Therefore, 104 bone marrow donors from Brazil were evaluated for HLA-E exons 1-4. Seven variation sites were found, including two known single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at positions +424 and +756 and five new SNPs at positions +170 (intron 1), +1294 (intron 3), +1625, +1645 and +1857 (exon 4). Haplotyping analysis did show eight haplotypes, three of them known as E*01:01:01, E*01:03:01 and E*01:03:02:01 and five HLA-E new alleles that carry the new variation sites. The HLA-E*01:01:01 allele was the predominant haplotype (62.50%), followed by E*01:03:02:01 (24.52%). Selective neutrality tests have disclosed an interesting pattern of selective pressures in which balancing selection is probably shaping allele frequency distributions at an SNP at exon 3 (codon 107), sequence diversity at exon 4 and the non-coding regions is facing significant purifying pressure. Even in an admixed population such as the Brazilian one, the HLA-E locus is very conserved, presenting few polymorphic SNPs in the coding region.

Clinical and Bacteriological Survey of Diabetic Foot Infections in Lisbon

Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22019426

An epidemiological survey of diabetic foot infections (DFIs) in Lisbon, stratifying the bacterial profile based on patient demographical data, diabetic foot characteristics (PEDIS classification), ulcer duration and antibiotic therapy.

Performance of Fluorescence-based and Conventional Methods of Occlusal Caries Detection in Primary Molars - an in Vitro Study

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry / the British Paedodontic Society [and] the International Association of Dentistry for Children. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22276618

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2012 Aim.  This in vitro study aimed to test the performance of fluorescence-based methods in detecting occlusal caries lesions in primary molars compared to conventional methods. Design.  Two examiners assessed 113 sites on 77 occlusal surfaces of primary molars using three fluorescence devices: DIAGNOdent (LF), DIAGNOdent pen (LFpen), and fluorescence camera (VistaProof-FC). Visual inspection (ICDAS) and radiographic methods were also evaluated. One examiner repeated the evaluations after one month. As reference standard method, the lesion depth was determined after sectioning and evaluation in stereomicroscope. The area under the ROC curve (Az), sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the methods were calculated at enamel (D1) and dentine caries (D3) lesions thresholds. The intra and interexaminer reproducibility were calculated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and kappa statistics. Results.  At D1, visual inspection presented higher sensitivities (0.97-0.99) but lower specificities (0.18-0.25). At D3, all the methods demonstrated similar performance (Az values around 0.90). Visual and radiographic methods showed a slightly higher specificity (values higher than 0.96) than the fluorescence based ones (values around 0.88). In general, all methods presented high reproducibility (ICC higher than 0.79). Conclusions.  Although fluorescence-based and conventional methods present similar performance in detecting occlusal caries lesions in primary teeth, visual inspection alone seems to be sufficient to be used in clinical practice.

Connectivity of Caribbean Coral Populations: Complementary Insights from Empirical and Modelled Gene Flow

Molecular Ecology. Mar, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22276913

Understanding patterns of connectivity among populations of marine organisms is essential for the development of realistic, spatially explicit models of population dynamics. Two approaches, empirical genetic patterns and oceanographic dispersal modelling, have been used to estimate levels of evolutionary connectivity among marine populations but rarely have their potentially complementary insights been combined. Here, a spatially realistic Lagrangian model of larval dispersal and a theoretical genetic model are integrated with the most extensive study of gene flow in a Caribbean marine organism. The 871 genets collected from 26 sites spread over the wider Caribbean subsampled 45.8% of the 1900 potential unique genets in the model. At a coarse scale, significant consensus between modelled estimates of genetic structure and empirical genetic data for populations of the reef-building coral Montastraea annularis is observed. However, modelled and empirical data differ in their estimates of connectivity among northern Mesoamerican reefs indicating that processes other than dispersal may dominate here. Further, the geographic location and porosity of the previously described east-west barrier to gene flow in the Caribbean is refined. A multi-prong approach, integrating genetic data and spatially realistic models of larval dispersal and genetic projection, provides complementary insights into the processes underpinning population connectivity in marine invertebrates on evolutionary timescales.

Sensitivity and Salience of Form-function Correlations of Objects: Evidence from Feature Tasks

Memory & Cognition. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22278396

The present research evaluates the sensitivity and salience of form-function correlations in contrast with other types of feature correlations (function-function, form-form) in adults and using real object features (from tools and utensils). In Experiment 1, the participants judged the relation between the form and function features of tools. In Experiment 2, participants were asked to generate a second feature related to a given form or function feature. In Experiment 3, participants were asked to make a lexical decision in which form and function features were used as primes and targets. The results showed that even though participants were sensitive to form-function correlations, these were not particularly salient when compared with other feature-type correlations, notably function-function correlations. Our data underline the overall importance of function information to object representations and the impact of the statistical co-occurrence of features when processing object features.

Different Diffusive Regimes, Generalized Langevin and Diffusion Equations

Physical Review. E, Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22400552

We investigate a generalized Langevin equation (GLE) in the presence of an additive noise characterized by the mixture of the usual white noise and an arbitrary one. This scenario lead us to a wide class of diffusive processes, in particular the ones whose noise correlation functions are governed by power laws, exponentials, and Mittag-Leffler functions. The results show the presence of different diffusive regimes related to the spreading of the system. In addition, we obtain a fractional diffusionlike equation from the GLE, confirming the results for long time.

Developmental Venous Anomaly of the Internal Auditory Canal in a Child with Unilateral Sensorineural Hearing Loss-a Rare Association

Pediatric Radiology. Mar, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22402831

Developmental venous anomalies (DVAs) are extremely unusual in the cerebellopontine angle region and internal auditory canal, and constitute a rare etiology of unilateral sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in children. We report, to the best of our knowledge, one of the first documented cases of DVA as a probable cause of unilateral SNHL in a child. Our emphasis is on the radiological features.

Direct Stereotactic Targeting of the Ventrointermediate Nucleus of the Thalamus Based on Anatomic 1.5-T MRI Mapping with a White Matter Attenuated Inversion Recovery (WAIR) Sequence

Brain Stimulation. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22405744

BACKGROUND: The ventrointermediate nucleus (Vim) of the thalamus is still considered "invisible" on current magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), requiring indirect methods based on stereotactic atlases for estimation of its location. Direct visualization of Vim is desirable to improve targeting. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the ability of Inversion-Recovery 1.5-T MR images to produce high-resolution, anatomical depiction of the thalamus suitable for direct Vim targeting. METHODS: Twenty patients with essential tremor or tremor associated with Parkinson's disease received Vim deep brain stimulation (DBS). Fahn-Tolosa-Marin and Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) tremor scores were assessed pre- and postoperatively. Preoperative stereotactic 1.5-T MR images of the thalamus were acquired using a White Matter Attenuated Inversion Recovery (WAIR) sequence. Thalamic nuclei were manually contoured on the basis of spontaneous MRI contrasts; labeling relied on 3D identification from stereotactic books and in-house ex vivo 4.7-T microscopic MRI atlas. Vim was then directly probed for electrophysiological confirmation and determination of the optimal site for electrode placement. RESULTS: The shape, spatial orientation, and signal contrast of Vim as depicted on our WAIR images were similar to those observed on the Schaltenbrand and Bailey atlas, as well as in our high-field MRI atlas. These images were successfully used for pure direct Vim targeting: at the last follow-up (median = 46.3 months), the average tremor score improved from 3.80 preoperatively to 0.50 postoperatively (on stimulation; P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: 1.5-T MRI with WAIR sequence provides high-quality images of Vim suitable in DBS surgery, for accurate preoperative planning, direct targeting and anatomic analysis.

Technical Note: Evaluation of Bimodal Distribution Models to Determine Meal Criterion in Heifers Fed a High-grain Diet

Journal of Animal Science. Mar, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22408083

Meals are clusters of feedbunk visit (BV) events that are differentiated from the next meal by a non-feeding interval that is longer compared to the non-feeding intervals within a meal. The longest non-feeding interval considered to be part of a meal is defined as the meal criterion. The objective of this study was to determine which combination of 2 probability density functions (PDF: Gaussian normal (G), Weibull (W), Log-Normal, Gamma, and Gumbel) used in a bimodal distribution model had the best fit of non-feeding interval data collected in beef heifers. Feeding behavior traits (572,627 total BV events) were measured in 119 heifers fed a high-grain diet (3.08 Mcal ME/kg DM) using a GrowSafe system for 66 d. The frequency and duration of BV events averaged 75 ± 15 events/d and 73.0 ± 22.3 min/d, respectively. The bimodal PDF combinations were fitted to the log(10)-transformed interval lengths between BV events for each animal using R mixdist package (2.13). The Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) was used to assess goodness of fit of the 25 bimodal PDF combinations. The PDF model with the least AIC value was selected as the best fit for each individual. A χ(2) analysis of the selected best PDF distribution across individuals revealed that 78.2% of the heifers best fit were G-W or W-W PDF models. The likelihood probability estimates were calculated from each model's average AIC deviation from the standard G-G model. The G-W likelihood probability estimate was greater (P = 0.001) than the W-W combination (0.997 vs. 0.727). Our analysis indicated the G-W model had a statistically better fit and is most likely the best approach to define meal criterion in beef heifers fed high-grain diets.

Discrimination and the Stress Response: Psychological and Physiological Consequences of Anticipating Prejudice in Interethnic Interactions

American Journal of Public Health. Mar, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22420818

Objectives. We sought to demonstrate that individuals who anticipate interacting with a prejudiced cross-race/ethnicity partner show an exacerbated stress response, as measured through both self-report and hemodynamic and vascular responses, compared with individuals anticipating interacting with a nonprejudiced cross-race/ethnicity partner. Methods. Through a questionnaire exchange with a White interaction partner (a confederate) Latina participants learned that their partner had racial/ethnic biased or egalitarian attitudes. Latina participants reported their cognitive and emotional states, and cardiovascular responses were measured while participants prepared and delivered a speech to the White confederate. Results. Participants who believed that their interaction partner held prejudiced attitudes reported greater concern and more threat emotions before the interaction, and more stress after the interaction, and showed greater cardiovascular response than did participants who believed that their partner had egalitarian attitudes. Conclusions. This study shows that merely anticipating prejudice leads to both psychological and cardiovascular stress responses. These results are consistent with the conceptualization of anticipated discrimination as a stressor and suggest that vigilance for prejudice may be a contributing factor to racial/ethnic health disparities in the United States. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print March 15, 2012: e1-e7. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2011.300620).

Plasma Membrane Cholesterol Depletion Disrupts Prechordal Plate and Affects Early Forebrain Patterning

Developmental Biology. Mar, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22426006

Cholesterol-rich membrane microdomains (CRMMs) are specialized structures that have recently gained much attention in cell biology because of their involvement in cell signaling and trafficking. However, few investigations, particularly those addressing embryonic development, have succeeded in manipulating and observing CRMMs in living cells. In this study, we performed a detailed characterization of the CRMMs lipid composition during early frog development. Our data showed that disruption of CRMMs through methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD) cholesterol depletion at the blastula stage did not affect Spemann's organizer gene expression and inductive properties, but impaired correct head development in frog and chick embryos by affecting the prechordal plate gene expression and cellular morphology. The MβCD anterior defect phenotype was recapitulated in head anlagen (HA) explant cultures. Culture of animal cap expressing Dkk1 combined with MβCD-HA generated a head containing eyes and cement gland. Together, these data show that during Xenopus blastula and gastrula stages, CRMMs have a very dynamic lipid composition and provide evidence that the secreted Wnt antagonist Dkk1 can partially rescue anterior structures in cholesterol-depleted head anlagen.

Avian Malaria Infections in Western European Mosquitoes

Parasitology Research. Mar, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22427023

In the complex life cycle of avian malaria parasites (Plasmodium sp.), we still have a poor understanding on the vector-parasite relationships. This study described the community of potential avian malaria vectors in four Portuguese reedbeds. We tested if their geographical distribution differed, and investigated on their Plasmodium infections. The mosquitoes' feeding preferences were evaluated using CO(2), mice, and birds as baits. The most abundant species were Culex pipiens, Culex theileri, and Ochlerotatus caspius (and, in one site, Coquillettidia richiardii). Plasmodium lineages SGS1 and SYAT05 were found in unengorged Cx. pipiens and Cx. theileri, respectively, suggesting that these mosquitoes were competent vectors of those lineages. The species' abundance was significantly different among sites, which may help to explain the observed differences in the prevalence of SGS1. At the study sites, SGS1 was detected in the most abundant mosquito species and reached a high prevalence in the most abundant passerine species. Probably, this parasite needs abundant hosts in all phases of its cycle to keep a good reservoir of infection in all its stages. Cq. richiardii showed an opportunistic feeding behavior, while Cx. pipiens appeared to be more mammophilic than previously described, perhaps because the used avian bait was not its preferential target. In one of the study sites, mosquitoes seem to be attracted to the Spotless Starling Sturnus unicolor, an abundant bird species that may be an important local reservoir of avian malaria infections. To our knowledge, this is the first report of detection of avian Plasmodium DNA from European mosquitoes.

Reproduction and Structure of the Population of the Chaetognath Parasagitta Friderici in Guanabara Bay (Brazil) Based on Short Term Sampling

Anais Da Academia Brasileira De Ciencias. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22358170

The aim of this study was to describe the total density, densities of developmental stages and the reproduction period of Parasagitta friderici. Weekly samples were collected at one station in the channel of Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro, during one year. Three vertical hauls were made for each sample, and P. friderici was separated, the developmental stages were identified, and body length (BL), ovary length (OL) and seminal vesicle width (SVW) were measured. Throughout the year P. friderici was the most abundant chaetognath species occurring in all four developmental stages, the densities of which varied from week to week. Higher densities of adults occurred in the spring, followed by peaks of juveniles in the summer. Although P. friderici seems to reproduce continuously in Guanabara Bay, a reproductive peak was apparent during the spring. The intensification of reproduction during the spring, with juveniles occurring in the summer, seems to be related to the period of higher food supply during the rainy season and intrusions of the South Atlantic Central Water.

Micropropagation, Antinociceptive and Antioxidant Activities of Extracts of Verbena Litoralis Kunth (Verbenaceae)

Anais Da Academia Brasileira De Ciencias. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22358172

This work describes an efficient micropropagation protocol for Verbena litoralis and the study of the antinociceptive and antioxidant activities in extracts of this species. For the establishment in vitro, surface-sterilization procedures and PVPP showed high efficiency in fungal-bacterial contamination and phenol oxidation controls. Nodal segments cultivation in MS medium supplemented with 6-benzyladenine (7.5 μM)/α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA; 0.005 μM) induced multiple shoots. Elongated shoots were rooted with IAA (0.2 μM). Acclimatization rates were elevated and the plants showed the typical features of this species. The hexanic fraction (HF) of powdered leaves presented a radical scavenging activity with IC50 = 169.3 μg mL-1. HF showed a non-dose dependent analgesic activity in the writhing test; its antinociceptive activity in the hot plate test was restricted to 500 mg kg-1, which is the highest dose. The results of this study showed the potential of tissue culture on conservation and large scale multiplication and confirmed the traditional folk medicine use of V. litoralis.

Uncommon Acquired Gerbode Defect Following Extensive Bicuspid Aortic Valve Endocarditis

Cardiovascular Ultrasound. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22360824

ABSTRACT: Gerbode defect is a rare type of left ventricle to right atrium shunt. It is usually congenital in origin, but acquired cases are also described, mainly following infective endocarditis, valve replacement, trauma or acute myocardial infarction. We report a case of a 50-year-old man who suffered an extensive and complex infective endocarditis involving a bicuspid aortic valve, the mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa and the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve. After dual valve replacement and annular reconstruction, a shunt between the left ventricle and the right atrium - Gerbode defect, and a severe leak of the mitral prosthesis were detected. Reintervention was performed with successful shunt closure with an autologous pericardial patch and paravalvular leak correction. No major complications occurred denying the immediate post-surgery period and the follow-up at the first year was uneventful.

Combined Effect of Anterior Malocclusion and Inadequate Lip Coverage on Dental Trauma in Primary Teeth

Dental Traumatology : Official Publication of International Association for Dental Traumatology. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22364272

Abstract -  Objectives:  The main objective of this study was to investigate whether the interaction of malocclusion (open bite or increased overjet) combined with inadequate lip coverage strengthens its association with traumatic dental injury (TDI) in the primary teeth of preschool children compared to the presence of malocclusion alone. Subjects and methods:  A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 376 children aged 36-59 months who attended the National Day of Children's Vaccination. Presence of TDI, tooth discoloration, and sinus tract were evaluated in the children. Variables associated with occlusion were also evaluated. A Poisson regression analysis was performed to verify the association between the explanatory variables and TDI as well as possible interactions among the variables. Then, the prevalence ratio was calculated. Results:  The prevalence of TDI was 27.7%. The maxillary central incisor was the most affected tooth, without differences between the right and left sides. Boys had more dental trauma than girls (P = 0.04). The most common TDI was crown fracture restricted to the enamel (58.4%). Children with a combination of anterior open bite or increased overjet and inadequate lip coverage presented a higher prevalence of TDI than when the malocclusions were presented alone (P < 0.05). The same trends were observed when we included, in the final adjusted model, increased overjet instead of open bite. Conclusions:  Anterior malocclusions of primary teeth such as increased overjet and anterior open bite are statistically significantly associated with dental trauma only when inadequate lip coverage is also present.

Families' Experience of Oncogenetic Counselling: Accounts from a Heterogeneous Hereditary Cancer Risk Population

Familial Cancer. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22367452

This paper reports the results of semi-structured family interviews conducted with a purposive sample of nine families (comprising 50 individuals) involved in cancer genetic counselling at a Portuguese public hospital. Qualitative analysis resulted in thematic categories illustrating: (1) how families go through cancer genetic counselling (eliciting risk awareness, the motivators, risk management, the psychosocial context of familial engagement in genetic counselling, and the familial pathways of cancer risk tracking); and (2) how families incorporate genetic risk into family life (strategies for family resilience, and the meanings and values that permeate the experience). Families have recognised the value of genetic counselling in enabling participants to take measures to confront disease risk; however, the experience was dominated by distressing feelings. A set of ethical-relational principles guided the experience. Familial experiences on genetic counselling and tracking of cancer susceptibility encompass a sense of trajectory that takes the form of an historical and intergenerational narrative process, linking past, present and possible futures. Such process implies an ongoing set of individual and interactional experiences taking place over time. Specific changes associated with the illness timeline and with individual and family developmental lifespan transitions are thus acknowledged. These results may help genetics healthcare practitioners understand how families perceive, respond to and accommodate cancer risk counselling, and thus illuminate family-oriented tenets for planning and practice.

Influence of Children's Oral Health-related Quality of Life on School Performance and School Absenteeism

Journal of Public Health Dentistry. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22372974

Objective: This study assessed the relation of child oral health-related quality of life with school performance and school absenteeism. Methods: We followed a cross-sectional design with a multistage random sample of 312 12-year-old schoolchildren living in Brazil. The participants completed the child perceptions questionnaire (CPQ(11-14) ) that provides information about psychological factors, while their parents or guardians answered questions on their socioeconomic status measured by parents' education level and household income. A dental examination of each child provided information on the prevalence of caries and dental trauma. Data on school performance, which included the results of baseline Brazilian language (Portuguese) tests, and school absenteeism (school days missed) were obtained from the school register. Multilevel linear regression was used to investigate the association among psychological and socioeconomic status and children's school performance. Results: In the multiple model, after adjusting for individual covariates, being a girl was associated with higher school performance (P < 0.05), whereas low household income (P < 0.05), higher mean of CPQ(11-14) (P < 0.05), and higher school days missed (P < 0.001) were identified as individual determinants of lower school performance. When the school-level covariates were included in the model, the association between subjects' level characteristics and school performance still persisted. Conclusion: Children's school performance and absence were influenced by psychological and socioeconomic conditions.

Local Hemodynamic Effects of Radiation on the Rabbit Orbitozygomatic Complex with and Without Cytoprotection

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Mar, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22373966

BACKGROUND:: The authors have previously demonstrated that radiation-induced craniofacial bone growth inhibition may be ameliorated using the known cytoprotectant amifostine in the infant rabbit orbitozygomatic complex. The authors' hypothesis is that reduction in blood supply plays an important role in inhibiting craniofacial bone growth following radiotherapy and that cytoprotective pretreatment exerts its protective effect by maintaining blood supply. METHODS:: Seven-week-old New Zealand male infant rabbits underwent single-dose orthovoltage irradiation to the right orbitozygomatic complex using established protocols: 0 Gy (sham), 35 Gy, and 35 Gy following pretreatment with amifostine (300 mg/kg administered intravenously). Blood flow to the orbitozygomatic complex, orbitozygomatic complex periosteum, masseter, hemimandible, and overlying skin was measured 1, 14, and 63 days after irradiation, using the modified 15-μm radioactive microsphere technique (n = 18 per group, n = 6 per time point). Orbitozygomatic complex bone specimens were harvested for blood vessel morphometry using safranin O stains at days 1 and 100 after irradiation (n = 20 per group, n = 10 per time point). RESULTS:: Blood flow to the irradiated orbitozygomatic complex was significantly (p < 0.05) greater 1 day after single-dose orthovoltage irradiation compared with nonirradiated controls. This increase was not observed in the amifostine-pretreated animals and was also not seen 14 and 63 days after irradiation. No histomorphometric vessel changes were detected at any time point after irradiation in this study. CONCLUSIONS:: Single-dose orthovoltage irradiation results in a temporary elevation in regional blood flow to the orbitozygomatic complex, returning to control levels within 14 days. Although pretreatment with amifostine attenuates this response, radiation-induced craniofacial bone growth inhibition in this model does not appear to be secondary to hemodynamic alterations.

Spatial Memory Decline After Masticatory Deprivation and Aging is Associated with Altered Laminar Distribution of CA1 Astrocytes

BMC Neuroscience. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22376223

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Chewing imbalances are associated with neurodegeneration and are risk factors for senile dementia in humans and memory deficits in experimental animals. We investigated the impact of long-term reduced mastication on spatial memory in young, mature and aged female albino Swiss mice by stereological analysis of the laminar distribution of CA1 astrocytes. A soft diet (SD) was used to reduce mastication in the experimental group, whereas the control group was fed a hard diet (HD). Assays were performed in 3-, 6- and 18-month-old SD and HD mice. RESULTS: Eating a SD variably affected the number of astrocytes in the CA1 hippocampal field, and SD mice performed worse on water maze memory tests than HD mice. Three-month-old mice in both groups could remember/find a hidden platform in the water maze. However, 6-month-old SD mice, but not HD mice, exhibited significant spatial memory dysfunction. Both SD and HD 18-month-old mice showed spatial memory decline. Older SD mice had astrocyte hyperplasia in the strata pyramidale and oriens compared to 6-month-old mice. Aging induced astrocyte hypoplasia at 18 months in the lacunosum-moleculare layer of HD mice. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, these results suggest that the impaired spatial learning and memory induced by masticatory deprivation and aging may be associated with altered astrocyte laminar distribution and number in the CA1 hippocampal field. The underlying molecular mechanisms are unknown and merit further investigation.

A Heartfelt Response: Oxytocin Effects on Response to Social Stress in Men and Women

Biological Psychology. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22387929

BACKGROUND: Animal research indicates that oxytocin is involved in social behavior, stress regulation, and positive physiologic adaptation. This study examines whether oxytocin enhances adaptive responses to social stress and compares effects between men and women. METHODS: Hypotheses were tested with a placebo-controlled, double-blind experiment. Social stress was induced. Changes in cardiovascular reactivity, affect, and behavior were assessed. RESULTS: Participants given oxytocin, relative to placebo, responded to social stress with a challenge orientation characterized by a benign pattern of cardiovascular reactivity. Gender differences emerged. Men given oxytocin reported less negative affect and had greater vagal rebound, while women given oxytocin reported more anger and had better math performance following social stress. DISCUSSION: Findings indicate oxytocin stimulates an approach-oriented cardiovascular profile during social stress, suggesting mechanisms by which oxytocin might improve physical health. However, before considering oxytocin as therapeutic or uniformly enhancing health, greater understanding of possible gender differences in effects is needed.

P-Cadherin is Co-Expressed with Cd44 and Cd49f and Mediates Stem Cell Properties in Basal-Like Breast Cancer

Stem Cells (Dayton, Ohio). Mar, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22389315

Although the luminal progenitor cell of the normal mammary gland hierarchy has been proposed as the cell-of-origin for basal-like breast cancers, finding the cancer stem cell (CSC) phenotype for this malignancy has proven a difficult task, mostly due to the lack of specific markers. Recently, basal-like sporadic and familial cases of breast cancer have been linked to BRCA1 gene inactivation, which enables the up-regulation of the target repressed CDH3/P-cadherin gene, an important biomarker of basal-like breast carcinomas. Previously, we demonstrated that P-cadherin overexpression can mediate aggressive behavior in these tumors. Thus, our aim was to test whether P-cadherin mediates stem cell properties in basal-like breast carcinomas. Using a series of breast cancer cell lines and primary tumors, we showed that P-cadherin was directly associated with the expression of the breast stem markers CD44, CD49f and ALDH1 in the basal subtype. Moreover, cell populations enriched for P-cadherin expression comprised increased in vitro mammosphere forming efficiency and capacity to grow colonies in 3D cultures, as well as greater tumorigenicity. Importantly, an association was found with stem/progenitor-like phenotypes of the breast, including the luminal progenitor population, CD49f(+) CD24(+) . Additionally, P-cadherin expression conferred resistance to X-ray induced cell death, sustaining a role for this molecule in another stem cell property. In summary, we demonstrated, for the first time, that P-cadherin mediates stem cell properties, which could be explored in order to better define the CSC phenotype of basal-like breast tumors and the cell-of-origin of this malignancy.

[Costs of the Chain of Treatment Procedures in Acute Myocardial Infarction in Brazilian Reference and Specialized Hospitals]

Revista Da Associação Médica Brasileira (1992). Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22392324

To present the methodology and the results of a field survey to assess the chain costs of procedures for treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), carried out in 11 Brazilian reference and specialized hospitals.

Effectiveness of Influenza Vaccine in Aging and Older Adults: Comprehensive Analysis of the Evidence

Clinical Interventions in Aging. 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22393283

Foremost amongst the diseases preventable by vaccination is influenza. Worldwide, influenza virus infection is associated with serious adverse events leading to hospitalization, debilitating complications, and death in elderly individuals. Immunization is considered to be the cornerstone for preventing these adverse health outcomes, and vaccination programs are timed to optimize protection during the annual influenza season. Trivalent inactivated influenza virus vaccines are believed to be both effective and cost-saving; however, in spite of widespread influenza vaccination programs, rates of hospitalization for acute respiratory illness and cardiovascular diseases have been increasing in this population during recent annual influenza seasons. From meta-analyses summarizing estimates of influenza vaccine effectiveness from available observational clinical studies, this review aims to examine how effective current influenza vaccine strategies are in the aging and older adult population and to analyze which are the most important biases that interfere with measurements of influenza vaccine effectiveness. Furthermore, consideration is given to strategies that should be adopted in order to optimize influenza vaccine effectiveness in the face of immune exhaustion.

(99m)Tc(I)/Re(I) Tricarbonyl Complexes for In Vivo Targeting of Melanotic Melanoma: Synthesis and Biological Evaluation

European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. Apr, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22397924

The (99m)Tc (I) tricarbonyl complexes fac-[(99m)Tc(κ(3)-L)(CO)(3)] (Tc1-Tc6) containing N-ethylpyrrolidine and N,N-diethylethylamine groups for melanin binding, were evaluated in vitro and in vivo as radioactive probes for the targeting of melanotic melanoma. Aiming at the modification of their size, topology and lipophilicity, Tc1-Tc6 were obtained based on an S,N,O-donor bifunctional chelator (BFC) derived from cysteamine and on pyridyl- and pyrazolyl-containing N,N,O-donor BFCs. Tc1-Tc6 were chemically identified by HPLC comparison with the Re congeners (Re1-Re6) that were synthesized at the macroscopic level and fully characterized by common analytical techniques. With the exception of Tc5 and Tc6, these (99m)Tc complexes are moderately lipophilic, and bind to melanin with moderate to high affinity (23-87%). The cell uptake of Tc1-Tc6, expressed as a percentage of total activity per million cells, spanned between 0.86 and 21.02% for the melanotic B16-F1 cell line and between 0.49% and 13.58% for the amelanotic A375 cell line. In the B16-F1 cell line, Tc1, Tc3 and Tc4 showed moderate cellular uptake values (>10% at 4 h of incubation). In the amelanotic A375 cell line, only Tc4 has shown a moderate cell uptake (>10% at 4 h of incubation), with all the other compounds displaying a relatively poor uptake, i.e. inferior to 5%. Competition studies with haloperidol have shown that the involvement of sigma receptors in cellular uptake and retention is likely to occur for Tc4. Complex Tc1, stabilized with the S,N,O-donor BFC and containing a N,N-diethylethylamine group, presented the most promising biological profile for in vivo targeting of melanoma, showing a moderate tumor uptake of 2.17% ID/g at 1 h p.i in a B16-F1 melanoma-bearing mouse and rather favorable target/non-target ratios with values as high as 16.9 and 5.2 for tumor/muscle and tumor/blood ratios, respectively.

Characterization of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Displaying Increased MICs of Ceftaroline

The Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. Mar, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22398650

OBJECTIVES: To characterize the mechanisms responsible for elevated MICs of ceftaroline for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). METHODS: During the 2008 Assessing Worldwide Antimicrobial Resistance Evaluation ('AWARE') surveillance programme, four S. aureus collected from separate patients in Athens, Greece, demonstrated ceftaroline MICs of 4 mg/L. These isolates were clonally related and one strain (13101) was selected for further characterization. Two strains (4981 and 4977) displaying ceftaroline MICs of 1 and 2 mg/L, respectively, were included for comparison. All strains originated from the same hospital. Penicillin-binding protein (PBP) affinities for ceftaroline and comparators were determined. Strains were typed by single-locus typing (i.e. spa typing), multilocus sequence typing ('MLST') and by multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat fingerprinting (MLVF). The presence of Pantone-Valentine leucocidin and the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec types was assessed. We also performed nucleotide sequencing of the mecA (encoding PBP2a) promoter and ribosomal binding site (rbs) regions and mecR1. RESULTS: Ceftaroline demonstrated the highest PBP2a affinity with strain 4981 (ST5-MRSA-II) (IC(50) 0.06 mg/L; MIC 1 mg/L). Strains 4977 and 13101 (both ST239-MRSA-III) showed indistinguishable MLVF profiles. Ceftaroline PBP2a binding affinity in strains 4977 (IC(50) 0.25 mg/L; MIC 2 mg/L) and 13101 (IC(50) 1 mg/L; MIC 4 mg/L) was 4- and 16-fold lower than 4981, respectively. Strain 4981 contains a wild-type PBP2a, while strains 4977 and 13101 have N(146)K and E(150)K alterations in the non-penicillin-binding domain. Additionally, 13101 has one substitution (H(351)N) in the transpeptidase domain. Alterations in the mecR1, mecA promoter or rbs regions were not observed. CONCLUSIONS: Increased ceftaroline MICs were associated with decreased PBP2a binding affinity and reflected alterations in PBP2a.

Evaluation of Immobilized Lipases on Poly-hydroxybutyrate Beads to Catalyze Biodiesel Synthesis

International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. Apr, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22285987

Five microbial lipase preparations from several sources were immobilized by hydrophobic adsorption on small or large poly-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) beads and the effect of the support particle size on the biocatalyst activity was assessed in the hydrolysis of olive oil, esterification of butyric acid with butanol and transesterification of babassu oil (Orbignya sp.) with ethanol. The catalytic activity of the immobilized lipases in both olive oil hydrolysis and biodiesel synthesis was influenced by the particle size of PHB and lipase source. In the esterification reaction such influence was not observed. Geobacillus thermocatenulatus lipase (BTL2) was considered to be inadequate to catalyze biodiesel synthesis, but displayed high esterification activity. Butyl butyrate synthesis catalyzed by BTL2 immobilized on small PHB beads gave the highest yield (≈90mmolL(-1)). In biodiesel synthesis, the catalytic activity of the immobilized lipases was significantly increased in comparison to the free lipases. Full conversion of babassu oil into ethyl esters was achieved at 72h in the presence of Pseudozyma antarctica type B (CALB), Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase (Lipex(®) 100L) immobilized on either small or large PHB beads and Pseudomonas fluorescens (PFL) immobilized on large PHB beads. The latter preparation presented the highest productivity (40.9mg of ethyl estersmg(-1) immobilized proteinh(-1)).

The Core Control System of Intracellular Iron Homeostasis: A Mathematical Model

Journal of Theoretical Biology. May, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22286016

Iron is a metal essential for cellular metabolism. However, excess iron available for reactions contributes to the formation of dangerous reactive oxygen species, such as the hydroxyl radical, via the Fenton reaction. Therefore, intracellular iron levels are tightly constrained by a control system of proteins. This paper contains a mathematical model, in the form of a system of five ordinary differential equations, of the core of this control system, including the labile iron pool as well as proteins that regulate uptake, storage, and export and are connected through negative feedback loops. The model is validated using data from an overexpression experiment with cultured human breast epithelial cells. The parameters in the mathematical model are not known for this particular cell culture system, so the analysis of the model was done for a generic choice of parameters. Through a mixture of analytical arguments and extensive simulations it is shown that for any choice of parameters the model reaches a unique stable steady state, thereby ruling out oscillatory behavior. It is shown furthermore that the model parameters are identifiable through suitable experiments.

Degradation Studies of Hydrophilic, Partially Degradable and Bioactive Cements (HDBCs) Incorporating Chemically Modified Starch

Journal of Materials Science. Materials in Medicine. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22286227

The degradation rate in Hydrophilic, Degradable and Bioactive Cements (HDBCs) containing starch/cellulose acetate blends (SCA) is still low. In order to increase degradation, higher amounts of starch are required to exceed the percolation threshold. In this work, gelatinization, acetylation and methacrylation of corn starch were performed and assessed as candidates to replace SCA in HDBCs. Formulations containing methacrylated starch were prepared with different molar ratios of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate in the liquid component and the amount of residual monomer released into water was evaluated. The concentration of reducing sugars, percentage of weight loss and morphologic analyses after degradation all confirmed increased degradation of HDBC with α-amylase, with the appearance of pores and voids from enzymatic action. Methacrylated starch therefore is a better alternative to be used as the solid component of HDBC then SCA, since it leads to the formation of cements with a lower release of toxic monomers and more prone to hydrolytic degradation while keeping the other advantages of HDBCs.

Cytotoxic Gold Compounds: Synthesis, Biological Characterization and Investigation of Their Inhibition Properties of the Zinc Finger Protein PARP-1

Dalton Transactions (Cambridge, England : 2003). Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22289927

The new gold(iii) complexes: [Au{2-(2'-pyridyl)imidazolate}Cl(2)] and [Au{2,6-bis(2'-benzimidazolate)pyridine}(OCOCH(3))] and the mono- and binuclear gold(i) complexes: [Au{2-(2'-pyridyl)imidazole}(PPh(3))](PF(6)), [Au(2-phenylimidazolate)(DAPTA)] (DAPTA = 3,7-diacetyl-1,3,7-triaza-5-phosphabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane), [(PPh(3)Au)(2)(2-R-imidazolate)](PF(6)) (R = 2-C(5)H(4)N, Ph) have been synthesized and characterized. The structure of the [(PPh(3)Au)(2){2-(2'-pyridyl)imidazolate)](PF(6)) complex was also characterized by X-ray crystallography. The antiproliferative properties of the complexes were assayed against human ovarian carcinoma cell lines, either sensitive (A2780) or resistant to cisplatin (A2780cisR), human mammary carcinoma cells (MCF7) and non-tumorigenic human kidney (HEK293) cells. Most of the studied compounds showed important cytotoxic effects. Interestingly, the compounds containing the 2-(2'-pyridyl)imidazolate ligand showed selectivity towards cancer cells with respect to the non-tumorigenic ones, with the dinuclear compound [(PPh(3)Au)(2){2-(2'-pyridyl)imidazolate)](PF(6)) being the most active. Some compounds were also screened for their inhibitory effect of the zinc-finger protein PARP-1, essential for DNA repair and relevant to the mechanisms of cancer cell resistance to cisplatin. Interaction studies of the compounds with the model protein ubiquitin were undertaken by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI MS). The results are discussed in relation to the putative mechanisms of action of the cytotoxic gold compounds.

Development of a Novel Microextraction by Packed Sorbent-based Approach Followed by Ultrahigh Pressure Liquid Chromatography As a Powerful Technique for Quantification Phenolic Constituents of Biological Interest in Wines

Journal of Chromatography. A. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22305355

A novel analytical approach, based on a miniaturized extraction technique, the microextraction by packed sorbent (MEPS), followed by ultrahigh pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC) separation combined with a photodiode array (PDA) detection, has been developed and validated for the quantitative determination of sixteen biologically active phenolic constituents of wine. In addition to performing routine experiments to establish the validity of the assay to internationally accepted criteria (linearity, sensitivity, selectivity, precision, accuracy), experiments are included to assess the effect of the important experimental parameters on the MEPS performance such as the type of sorbent material (C2, C8, C18, SIL, and M1), number of extraction cycles (extract-discard), elution volume, sample volume, and ethanol content, were studied. The optimal conditions of MEPS extraction were obtained using C8 sorbent and small sample volumes (250μL) in five extraction cycle and in a short time period (about 5min for the entire sample preparation step). The wine bioactive phenolics were eluted by 250μL of the mixture containing 95% methanol and 5% water, and the separation was carried out on a HSS T3 analytical column (100mm×2.1mm, 1.8μm particle size) using a binary mobile phase composed of aqueous 0.1% formic acid (eluent A) and methanol (eluent B) in the gradient elution mode (10min of total analysis). The method gave satisfactory results in terms of linearity with r(2)(-values)>0.9986 within the established concentration range. The LOD varied from 85ngmL(-1) (ferulic acid) to 0.32μgmL(-1) ((+)-catechin), whereas the LOQ values from 0.028μgmL(-1) (ferulic acid) to 1.08μgmL(-1) ((+)-catechin). Typical recoveries ranged between 81.1 and 99.6% for red wines and between 77.1 and 99.3% for white wines, with relative standard deviations (RSD) no larger than 10%. The extraction yields of the MEPS(C8)/UHPLC-PDA methodology were found between 78.1 (syringic acid) and 99.6% (o-coumaric acid) for red wines and between 76.2 and 99.1% for white wines. The inter-day precision, expressed as the relative standard deviation (RSD%), varied between 0.2% (p-coumaric and o-coumaric acids) and 7.5% (gentisic acid) while the intra-day precision between 0.2% (o-coumaric and cinnamic acids) and 4.7% (gallic acid and (-)-epicatechin). On the basis of analytical validation, it is shown that the MEPS(C8)/UHPLC-PDA methodology proves to be an improved, reliable, and ultra-fast approach for wine bioactive phenolics analysis, because of its capability for determining simultaneously in a single chromatographic run several bioactive metabolites with high sensitivity, selectivity and resolving power within only 10min. Preliminary studies have been carried out on 34 real whole wine samples, in order to assess the performance of the described procedure. The new approach offers decreased sample preparation and analysis time, and moreover is cheaper, more environmentally friendly and easier to perform as compared to traditional methodologies.

A Novel Protein Refolding Protocol for the Solubilization and Purification of Recombinant Peptidoglycan-associated Lipoprotein from Xylella Fastidiosa Overexpressed in Escherichia Coli

Protein Expression and Purification. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22306742

Xylella fastidiosa is a Gram-negative xylem-limited plant pathogenic bacterium responsible for several economically important crop diseases. Here, we present a novel and efficient protein refolding protocol for the solubilization and purification of recombinant X. fastidiosa peptidoglycan-associated lipoprotein (XfPal). Pal is an outer membrane protein that plays important roles in maintaining the integrity of the cell envelope and in bacterial pathogenicity. Because Pal has a highly hydrophobic N-terminal domain, the heterologous expression studies necessary for structural and functional protein characterization are laborious once the recombinant protein is present in inclusion bodies. Our protocol based on the denaturation of the XfPal-enriched inclusion bodies with 8M urea followed by buffer-exchange steps via dialysis proved effective for the solubilization and subsequent purification of XfPal, allowing us to obtain a large amount of relatively pure and folded protein. In addition, XfPal was biochemically and functionally characterized. The method for purification reported herein is valuable for further research on the three-dimensional structure and function of Pal and other outer membrane proteins and can contribute to a better understanding of the role of these proteins in bacterial pathogenicity, especially with regard to the plant pathogen X. fastidiosa.

Exposure Assessment of Pesticides in a Shallow Groundwater of the Tagus Vulnerable Zone (Portugal): a Multivariate Statistical Approach (JCA)

Environmental Science and Pollution Research International. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22307895

PURPOSE: To assess groundwater exposure to pesticides, in agricultural areas of 'Ribatejo' region (Portugal), and the influence of some key factors in that exposure, field, laboratory and modelling studies were carried out. METHODS: The study was performed in maize, potato, sugar beet, tomato and vegetables agricultural areas, located in a shallow aquifer, with pesticides use and, in most cases, with irrigation practices. Pesticides used in the studied agricultural areas and having leaching potential were selected, being considered also other pesticides included in priority lists, defined in Europe. Evaluation of groundwater exposure to pesticides was carried out by successively: (1) groundwater sampling in seven campaigns over the period 2004-2006; (2) pesticide analysis [including isolation and concentration from the groundwater samples and further determination by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) of 14 herbicides, four insecticides and two metabolites]; and (3) analysis and discussion of the results by applying joint correspondence analysis (JCA). RESULTS: From the 20 pesticides and metabolites selected for the study, 11 were found in groundwater. Pesticides and metabolites most frequently detected were atrazine, alachlor, metolachlor, desethylatrazine, ethofumesate, α-endosulfan, metribuzine, lindane and β-endosulfan. The results showed that groundwater exposure to pesticides is influenced by local factors-either environmental or agricultural, as precipitation, soil, geology, crops and irrigation practices. Spring and autumn were more associated with the detection of pesticides being more likely to observe mixtures of these compounds in a groundwater sample in these transition seasons. CONCLUSIONS: This work evidences the importance of models, which evaluate pesticides environmental behaviour, namely their water contamination potential (as Mackay multicompartimental fugacity model) and, specially, groundwater contamination potential (as GUS and Bacci and Gaggi leaching indices), in pesticide selection. Moreover, it reveals the importance to adapt proper statistical methods according to level of left-censored data. Using JCA was still possible to establish relations between pesticides and their temporal trend in a case study where there were more than 80% of data censored. This study will contribute to the Tagus river basin management plan with information on the patterns of pesticide occurrence in the alluvial aquifer system.

Are Family-oriented Interventions in Portuguese Genetics Services a Remote Possibility? Professionals' Views on a Multifamily Intervention for Cancer Susceptibility Families

Journal of Community Genetics. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22314708

This article examines genetics healthcare professionals' opinions about a multifamily psychoeducational programme for hereditary cancer susceptibility families, implemented at a Portuguese genetics service. Their views on how a family-oriented approach is envisioned to be incorporated in Portuguese genetic counselling services are also reported. Six focus groups and three individual interviews were undertaken comprising 30 professionals working in the provision of genetic counselling and genetic counsellor trainees. Participants were given a page-summary describing the intervention and asked to comment the strengths and limitations of the multifamily intervention. All interviews were fully transcribed and analysed using the constant comparison method. The qualitative analysis generated data comprising four thematic categories in relation to the professionals' views: (a) usefulness of the programme; (b) programme's methodological and practical obstacles; (c) genetics services constraints; and (d) suggestions for improving the programme and further family-oriented interventions. We reflect on the reported views examining the intervention, and on how current constraints of genetic services limit the provision of psychosocial support for cancer susceptibility families. The implications of these findings regarding the purpose of genetic counselling are discussed. Results may sensitise stakeholders and policy makers for the need to deliver family-based services in cancer genetic counselling, with adequate planning and collaborative involvement of different professionals.

[(Cp-R)M(CO)(3) ] (M=Re or (99m) Tc) Arylsulfonamide, Arylsulfamide, and Arylsulfamate Conjugates for Selective Targeting of Human Carbonic Anhydrase IX

Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English). Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22344779

Enhanced receptor selectivity: Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors are relevant for both, cancer diagnosis and therapy. Combining non-radioactive Re compounds with their radioactive (99m) Tc homologs enables the use of identical molecules for therapy and imaging (theragnostic). The syntheses and in vitro evaluation of [(Cp-R)M(CO)(3) ] (CP=cyclopentadienyl, M=Re, (99m) Tc) with R being a highly potent carbonic-anhydrase-targeting vector is reported.

Denosumab for Treatment of Breast Cancer Bone Metastases and Beyond

Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy. Apr, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22348344

Introduction: Bone metastases develop in approximately 70 - 85% of patients with metastatic breast cancer, are incurable and can result in debilitating skeletal complications. Bone-modifying agents to treat breast cancer bone metastases include bisphosphonates. Denosumab is a humanized monoclonal IgG2 antibody targeting receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) and provides an alternative therapy for treatment of breast cancer bone metastases. Areas covered: This review provides an overview on denosumab and the RANKL-RANK pathway. Denosumab pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, efficacy, safety and tolerability are discussed. Based on the review of clinical studies, denosumab is efficacious in the treatment of breast cancer bone metastases. Adverse events rates of denosumab are similar to those for bisphosphonates. Preclinical studies have indicated a role of the RANKL-RANK pathway in non-bone-related mechanisms such as mammary gland development and tumorigenesis. Expert opinion: Clinical use of denosumab remains limited and its place in therapy will continue to be defined. Clinical questions, such as the optimal duration of therapy, remain unanswered and need to be addressed.

A Biomimetic Polyketide-inspired Approach to Small-molecule Ligand Discovery

Nature Chemistry. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22270625

The discovery of new compounds for the pharmacological manipulation of protein function often embraces the screening of compound collections, and it is widely recognized that natural products offer beneficial characteristics as protein ligands. Much effort has therefore been focused on 'natural product-like' libraries, yet the synthesis and screening of such libraries is often limited by one or more of the following: modest library sizes and structural diversity, conformational heterogeneity and the costs associated with the substantial infrastructure of modern high-throughput screening centres. Here, we describe the design and execution of an approach to this broad problem by merging principles associated with biologically inspired oligomerization and the structure of polyketide-derived natural products. A novel class of chiral and conformationally constrained oligomers is described (termed 'chiral oligomers of pentenoic amides', COPA), which offers compatibility with split-and-pool methods and can be screened en masse in a batch mode. We demonstrate that a COPA library containing 160,000 compounds is a useful source of novel protein ligands by identifying a non-covalent synthetic ligand to the DNA-binding domain of the p53 transcription factor.

E-cadherin Impairment Increases Cell Survival Through Notch-dependent Upregulation of Bcl-2

Human Molecular Genetics. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 21989054

The role of E-cadherin in tumorigenesis has been attributed to its ability to suppress invasion and metastization. However, E-cadherin impairment may have a wider impact on tumour development. We have previously shown that overexpression of mutant human E-cadherin in Drosophila produces a phenotype characteristic of downregulated Notch. Hence, we hypothesized that Notch signalling may be influenced by E-cadherin and may mediate tumour development associated with E-cadherin deficiency. De novo expression of wild-type E-cadherin in two cellular models led to a significant decrease in the activity of the Notch pathway. In contrast, the ability to inhibit Notch-1 signalling was lost in cells transfected with mutant forms of E-cadherin. Increased Notch-1 activity in E-cadherin-deficient cells correlated with increased expression of Bcl-2, and increased resistance to apoptotic stimuli. After Notch-1 inhibition, E-cadherin-deficient cells were re-sensitized to apoptosis in a similar degree to wild-type E-cadherin cells. We also show that Notch-inhibiting drugs are able to significantly inhibit the growth of E-cadherin-deficient cells xenografted into nude mice. This effect was comparable with the one observed in animals treated with the chemotherapeutic agent taxol, a chemical inducer of cell death. In conclusion, our results show that aberrant Notch-1 activation, Bcl-2 overexpression and increased cell survival are likely to play a crucial role in neoplastic transformation associated with E-cadherin impairment. These findings highlight the possibility of new targeted therapeutical strategies for the treatment of tumours associated with E-cadherin inactivation.

Effectiveness of High-throughput Miniaturized Sorbent- and Solid Phase Microextraction Techniques Combined with Gas Chromatography-mass Spectrometry Analysis for a Rapid Screening of Volatile and Semi-volatile Composition of Wines--a Comparative Study

Talanta. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22265473

In this study the feasibility of different extraction procedures was evaluated in order to test their potential for the extraction of the volatile (VOCs) and semi-volatile constituents (SVOCs) from wines. In this sense, and before they could be analysed by gas chromatography-quadrupole first stage masss spectrometry (GC-qMS), three different high-throughput miniaturized (ad)sorptive extraction techniques, based on solid phase extraction (SPE), microextraction by packed sorbents (MEPS) and solid phase microextraction (SPME), were studied for the first time together, for the extraction step. To achieve the most complete volatile and semi-volatile signature, distinct SPE (LiChrolut EN, Poropak Q, Styrene-Divinylbenzene and Amberlite XAD-2) and MEPS (C(2), C(8), C(18), Silica and M1 (mixed C(8)-SCX)) sorbent materials, and different SPME fibre coatings (PA, PDMS, PEG, DVB/CAR/PDMS, PDMS/DVB, and CAR/PDMS), were tested and compared. All the extraction techniques were followed by GC-qMS analysis, which allowed the identification of up to 103 VOCs and SVOCs, distributed by distinct chemical families: higher alcohols, esters, fatty acids, carbonyl compounds and furan compounds. Mass spectra, standard compounds and retention index were used for identification purposes. SPE technique, using LiChrolut EN as sorbent (SPE(LiChrolut EN)), was the most efficient method allowing for the identification of 78 VOCs and SVOCs, 63 and 19 more than MEPS and SPME techniques, respectively. In MEPS technique the best results in terms of number of extractable/identified compounds and total peak areas of volatile and semi-volatile fraction, were obtained by using C(8) resin whereas DVB/CAR/PDMS was revealed the most efficient SPME coating to extract VOCs and SVOCs from Bual wine. Diethyl malate (18.8±3.2%) was the main component found in wine SPE(LiChrolut EN) extracts followed by ethyl succinate (13.5±5.3%), 3-methyl-1-butanol (13.2±1.7%), and 2-phenylethanol (11.2±9.9%), while in SPME(DVB/CAR/PDMS) technique 3-methyl-1-butanol (43.3±0.6%) followed by diethyl succinate (18.9±1.6%), and 2-furfural (10.4±0.4%), are the major compounds. The major VOCs and SVOCs isolated by MEPS(C8) were 3-methyl-1-butanol (26.8±0.6%, from wine total volatile fraction), diethyl succinate (24.9±0.8%), and diethyl malate (16.3±0.9%). Regardless of the extraction technique, the highest extraction efficiency corresponds to esters and higher alcohols and the lowest to fatty acids. Despite some drawbacks associated with the SPE procedure such as the use of organic solvents, the time-consuming and tedious sampling procedure, it was observed that SPE(LiChrolut EN), revealed to be the most effective technique allowing the extraction of a higher number of compounds (78) rather than the other extraction techniques studied.

Tailoring 3D Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Anchored to Indium Tin Oxide for Natural Cellular Uptake and Intracellular Sensing

Nano Letters. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22268573

The ability to monitor intracellular events in real time is paramount to advancing fundamental biological and clinical science. We present the first demonstration of a direct interface of vertically aligned single-walled carbon nanotubes (VASWCNTs) with eukaryotic cells, RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage cell line. The cells were cultured on indium tin oxide with VASWCNTs. VASWCNTs entered the cells naturally without application of any external force and were shown to sense the intracellular presence of a redox active moiety, methylene blue. The technology developed provides an alluring platform to enable electrochemical study of an intracellular environment.

IL28B Polymorphisms Are Markers of Therapy Response and Are Influenced by Genetic Ancestry in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients from an Admixed Population

Liver International : Official Journal of the International Association for the Study of the Liver. Mar, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22098416

IL28B polymorphisms are predictors of therapy response in hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients. We do not know whether they are markers of treatment response in admixed populations or not.

Attaching and Effacing Escherichia Coli and Shiga Toxin-producing E. Coli in Children with Acute Diarrhoea and Controls in Teresina/PI, Brazil

Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22099006

This 3.5-year prospective study was conducted to ascertain the level of attaching and effacing Escherichia coli (AEEC) associated diarrhoea in children from Teresina, a northeastern state of Brazil. Passed faecal specimens from 400 patients (250 with and 150 without diarrhoea) up to 60 months of age attending from 2004 to 2007 at two public hospitals were investigated. Conventional microbiology methods and PCR were employed. Escherichia coli was isolated from 390 children, 240 of them with diarrhoea. A total of 117 AEEC strains were cultivated from specimens from 63 children, 37 with and 26 without diarrhoea. No association between AEEC and diarrhoea was observed. Atypical enteropathogenic E. coli (a-EPEC) (79.4%) was more commonly found than typical EPEC (t-EPEC). Association between EPEC and EPEC subtypes and diarrhoea was not detected. Mixed infection by t-EPEC and a-EPEC and infection by Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) were rare. Enteropathogenic E. coli was more common in males and in children aged less than 12 months. Correlation between serotyping and PCR results was 0.19. High resistance rates of AEEC to ampicillin, cephalotin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole were found. In conclusion, EPEC is very common in children with diarrhoea and controls in the population we studied, with a-EPEC predominating. This diarrhoeagenic E. coli (DEC) pathotype is more common in infant males and is resistant to drugs frequently used in clinical practice.

Annexin A1 Protein Attenuates Cyclosporine-induced Renal Hemodynamics Changes and Macrophage Infiltration in Rats

Inflammation Research : Official Journal of the European Histamine Research Society ... [et Al.]. Mar, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22101490

Cyclosporine (CsA) remains an important immunosuppressant for transplantation and for treatment of autoimmune diseases. The most troublesome side effect of CsA is renal injury. Acute CsA-induced nephrotoxicity is characterized by reduced renal blood flow (RBF) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) due to afferent arteriole vasoconstriction. Annexin A1 (ANXA1) is a potent anti-inflammatory protein with protective effect in renal ischemia/reperfusion injury. Here we study the effects of ANXA1 treatment in an experimental model of acute CsA nephrotoxicity.

Humoral Immune Response in Goats Immunised with Cathepsin L1, Peroxiredoxin and Sm14 Antigen and Experimentally Challenged with Fasciola Hepatica

Veterinary Parasitology. Apr, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22001704

The humoral immune response was analysed in goats immunised with FhCL1, FhPrx, Sm14, and experimentally challenged with Fasciola hepatica. All immunised animals developed significant levels of anti-fluke specific antibodies and those immunised with FhCL1 showed the highest antibody titre. After experimental infection, an increase in the antibody level was detected only in goats immunised with FhCL1. In the adjuvant-control animals, the experimental challenge induced significant production of specific antibodies against FhCL1, FhPrx and Sm14. While liver fluke specific humoral responses were seen in all groups, no significant protection in any of the vaccinated groups was found.

Telavancin Activity Tested Against a Contemporary Collection of Gram-positive Pathogens from USA Hospitals (2007-2009)

Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22078909

This study updates the activity of telavancin against Gram-positive pathogens collected from USA hospitals (2007-2009). Telavancin (MIC(50/90), 0.12/0.25 μg/mL) was active against coagulase-negative staphylococci and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (100% susceptible), for which only daptomycin (MIC(50/90), 0.25/0.5 μg/mL; 99% susceptible) and quinupristin/dalfopristin (MIC(50/90), ≤ 0.25-0.5/0.5 μg/mL; 99% susceptible) exhibited similar activity. Telavancin (MIC(50/90), 0.25/0.5 μg/mL) inhibited 96.5% of Enterococcus faecalis at the Food and Drug Administration breakpoint (MIC, ≤ 1 μg/mL), where ampicillin (99.9% susceptible), daptomycin (99.9% susceptible), and linezolid (100% susceptible) also demonstrated high-level coverage. Telavancin inhibited, respectively, 100.0% and 91.7% of VanB-phenotype E. faecalis and E. faecium at ≤ 1 μg/mL, whereas it was less active against VanA strains. Telavancin was uniformly active against Streptococcus pneumoniae and resistant subsets, and demonstrated good potency (MIC(90), 0.06-0.12 μg/mL) against other streptococci, regardless of resistance to other drugs. This assessment reveals potent activity of telavancin against Gram-positive isolates collected from USA hospitals with no evidence of emergence of resistance.

Studies of the Myocardial Uptake and Excretion Mechanisms of a Novel 99mTc Heart Perfusion Agent

Nuclear Medicine and Biology. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22079035

(99m)Tc-TMEOP is a novel heart perfusion radiotracer exhibiting high initial and persistent heart uptake associated with rapid blood and liver clearance. This study aimed at determining the mechanisms of myocardial localization and fast liver clearance of (99m)Tc-TMEOP.

Radiohalogenated 4-anilinoquinazoline-based EGFR-TK Inhibitors As Potential Cancer Imaging Agents

Nuclear Medicine and Biology. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22079040

The overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in tumors underlines the recent interest in EGFR as attractive target for the development of new cancer imaging agents. EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) based on the anilinoquinazoline scaffold have been explored as potential probes for EGFR imaging. However, up to now, no optimal radiotracer is available. Herein, we report the synthesis and biological evaluation of three novel halogenated 6-substituted 4-anilinoquinazoline based EGFR-TKIs. Radiosynthesis ((125)I and (18)F) of the corresponding analogues was also performed.

Incidence and Risk Factors for Axillary Web Syndrome After Breast Cancer Surgery

Breast Cancer Research and Treatment. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 21987036

The objective of the study is to estimate the incidence and risk factors of axillary web syndrome (AWS) in early postoperative period (45 days). From the prospective cohort of women undergoing breast cancer surgery, we collected the variables related to patient characteristics, treatment, tumor, and postoperative complications. We performed bivariate and logistic regression. A total of 193 patients are included with a mean age of 58.26 years, majority of which are women who are overweight or obese (72.3%). The incidence of AWS was 28.1%. The presence of pain in the ipsilateral upper-limb associated with AWS was reported in 5.4% of the patients, and the shoulder joint restriction was observed in 11.4%. When controlling for confounding between AWS and the factors that showed statistical significance in bivariate analysis, the variables that explain the occurrence of the AWS were the type of axillary surgery, where women who underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy showed 68% less risk compared with those that underwent axillary lymphadenectomy (AL) (RR = 0.32; 95% CI, 0.13-0.79; P value = 0.014) and numbness in the arm after an injury of the intercostobrachial nerve, which is 3.19 times the risk of the AWS (RR = 3.19; 95% CI, 1.40-7.29, P value = 0.006). From the above findings, we concluded that the incidence of AWS was 28.1%, and it was associated with AL and numbness in the arm after injury of the intercostobrachial nerve.

The Hierarchical Organization of Semantic Memory: Executive Function in the Processing of Superordinate Concepts

NeuroImage. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 21906688

Research on the processing of objects at different hierarchical levels has suggested that understanding superordinate concepts (e.g. fruit), relative to basic level concepts (e.g. apple), requires greater semantic control demands. Yet, it is unclear which factors underlie this difference in executive processing. We built on previous research showing that superordinate concepts have less shared features among their members and therefore may involve higher semantic control requirements. To test this hypothesis, we developed an fMRI study in which we orthogonally manipulated feature sharedness (more shared vs. less shared) and concept level (superordinate vs. basic) in a sentence verification task. Sentences involving less shared features, relative to more shared features, significantly engaged the L lateral PFC. Importantly, sentences that included superordinate concepts, relative to those with basic level concepts, also revealed a stronger response in L lateral PFC, along with posterior temporal gyrus activation. There was also a significant interaction between feature sharedness and concept level in several PFC regions and L posterior temporal areas. The results suggest that relative to basic level concepts, processing superordinate concepts requires extra semantic control in L lateral PFC to coordinate information that is less shared by other members of the category level. These findings demonstrate that feature sharedness impacts the neural basis of semantic knowledge, and is a critical dimension in the processing of superordinate concepts.

Simulating Murder: the Aversion to Harmful Action

Emotion (Washington, D.C.). Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 21910540

Diverse lines of evidence point to a basic human aversion to physically harming others. First, we demonstrate that unwillingness to endorse harm in a moral dilemma is predicted by individual differences in aversive reactivity, as indexed by peripheral vasoconstriction. Next, we tested the specific factors that elicit the aversive response to harm. Participants performed actions such as discharging a fake gun into the face of the experimenter, fully informed that the actions were pretend and harmless. These simulated harmful actions increased peripheral vasoconstriction significantly more than did witnessing pretend harmful actions or to performing metabolically matched nonharmful actions. This suggests that the aversion to harmful actions extends beyond empathic concern for victim harm. Together, these studies demonstrate a link between the body and moral decision-making processes.

Correlative BOLD MR Imaging of Stages of Synovitis in a Rabbit Model of Antigen-induced Arthritis

Pediatric Radiology. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 21818554

Because of the ability of blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) MRI to assess blood oxygenation changes within the microvasculature, this technique holds potential for evaluating early perisynovial changes in inflammatory arthritis.

Characterization of Chars Produced in the Co-pyrolysis of Different Wastes: Decontamination Study

Journal of Hazardous Materials. Mar, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 21899951

The present work is devoted to the study of the decontamination of chars obtained in the co-pyrolysis of plastics, biomass and tyre wastes. The chars were extracted with several organic solvents of different polarities either individually or in sequence. The ability of each selected extractant to remove toxic pollutants was evaluated by comparing the extraction yields and by characterizing the crude extracts with a combination of chemical analysis and toxicity bioassays. Also, the mineral composition of the treated and non-treated chars was assessed. The results obtained in this study indicate that hexane is the more efficient extraction solvent to be used in the organic decontamination of chars obtained in the co-pyrolysis of plastics, tyres and biomass. A sequential extraction with solvents of increasing polarity can provide a better decontamination of the raw pyrolysis char than any individual extraction. The compounds removed from the char during the decontamination process are mainly aliphatic hydrocarbons and aromatic hydrocarbons, therefore a material that may be upgraded to be used as a fuel and/or as raw material for the organic chemical industry.

Applicability of in Vitro Bioassays for the Diagnosis of Ivermectin Resistance in Rhipicephalus Microplus (Acari: Ixodidae)

Veterinary Parasitology. Mar, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 21978742

The applicability of laboratory bioassays to diagnose ivermectin (IVM) resistance in Rhipicephalus microplus was evaluated. Adult immersion tests (AITs), larval immersion tests (LITs) and larval packet tests (LPTs) were performed to characterise the effects of ivermectin toxicity on adults and larvae of a susceptible reference strain. The AIT was determined to be a reasonable assay but requires a large number of individuals to attain interpretable results. The LIT and LPT were validated with an IVM resistant strain, revealing resistance ratios (RRs) of 6.73 and 1.49, respectively. In a field survey, nine different populations of cattle tick from the states of São Paulo and Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, were analysed with the LIT. Populations without previous exposure to ivermectin exhibited RRs between 0.87 and 1.01. Populations previously exposed to IVM showed RRs between 1.83 and 4.62. The LIT was more effective at discriminating between resistant and susceptible populations than the LPT. The use of the LIT is recommended for the diagnosis of ivermectin resistance in R. microplus.

Trends in Nanotechnology Patents Applied to the Health Sector

Recent Patents on Nanotechnology. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 21875404

The aim of the article is to present a method for identifying trends in patent applications for nanotechnology applied to the health sector around the world, based on the International Patent Classification. This classification divides the sector into: dental care, drugs, diagnostic kits, and medical apparatus & medical care. The Derwent database was mined for patent documents using nanotechnology terms associated with the IPC subclasses from the health subsectors. The number of patents was found to be rising, led by the United States, particularly universities and R centers. In the dental care subsector, nanotechnology was found to be used in composite material for manufacturing dental appliances. In drugs, the focus is on the use of nanoparticulate compositions comprising agents that are useful for a variety of diseases. In diagnostic kits, nanostructures have been patented that are capable of detecting target analytes. Meanwhile, in medical apparatus & medical care, patent applications have been made for nanocapsules and/or nanocomposite materials inserted in devices and guide catheters. A study was also made of patents in Brazil, where the same assignees and the same country (United States) as in the survey of global patents were found to be the leading patent applicants / holders.