Long-Term Ethanol Consumption Promotes Hepatic Tumorigenesis but Impairs Normal Hepatocyte Proliferation in Rats

Chronic and excessive alcohol consumption has been related to an increased risk of several cancers, including that of the liver; however, studies in animal models have yet to conclusively determine whether ethanol acts as a tumor promoter in hepatic tumorigenesis. We examined whether prolonged alcohol consumption could act as a hepatic tumor promoter after initiation by diethylnitrosamine (DEN) in a rat model. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with 20 mg DEN/kg body weight 1 wk before introduction of either an ethanol liquid diet or an isoenergic control liquid diet. Hepatic pathological lesions, hepatocyte proliferation, apoptosis, PPAR alpha and PPAR gamma, and plasma insulin-like growth factor 1 IGF-1) levels were assessed after 6 and 10 mo. Mean body and liver weights, plasma IGF-1 concentration, hepatic expressions of proliferating cellular nuclear antigen and Ki-67, and cyclin D1 in ethanol-fed rats were all significantly lower after 10 mo of treatment compared with control rats. In addition, levels of hepatic PPAR gamma protein, not PPAR alpha, were significantly higher in the ethanol-fed rats after prolonged treatment. Although ethanol feeding also resulted in significantly fewer altered hepatic foci, hepatocellular adenoma was detected in ethanol-fed rats at 10 mo, but not in control rats given the same dose of DEN. Together, these results indicate that chronic, excessive ethanol consumption impairs normal hepatocyte proliferation, which is associated with reduced IGF-1 levels, but promotes hepatic carcinogenesis. J. Nutr. 141: 1049-1055, 2011.

Pulmonary artery sarcoma and chronic thromboembolism

Pulmonary artery sarcoma is a rare and highly lethal disease whose clinical findings are often indistinguishable from those of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Partial improvement after thrombolytic therapy has suggested that thromboembolic phenomena may be superimposed on the tumor, but, to date, a well-documented statement of these events has not been provided. (C) 2007 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

A Simple and Efficient Device for Demonstrating Cross-sectional Anatomy of the Head

Described in this article is a novel device that facilitates study of the cross-sectional anatomy of the human head. In designing our device, we aimed to protect sections of the head from the destructive action of handling during anatomy laboratory while also ensuring excellent visualization of the anatomic structures. We used an electric saw to create 15-mm sections of three cadaver heads in the three traditional anatomic planes and inserted each section into a thin, perforated display box made of transparent acrylic material. The thin display boxes with head sections are kept in anatomical order in a larger transparent acrylic storage box containing formaldehyde solution, which preserves the specimens but also permits direct observation of the structures and their anatomic relationships to each other. This box-within-box design allows students to easily view sections of a head in its anatomical position as well as to examine internal structures by manipulating individual display boxes without altering the integrity of the preparations. This methodology for demonstrating cross-section anatomy allows efficient use of cadaveric material and technician time while also giving learners the best possible handling and visualization of complex anatomic structures. Our approach to teaching cross-sectional anatomy of the head can be applied to any part of human body, and the value of our device design will only increase as more complicated understandings of cross-sectional anatomy are required by advances and proliferation of imaging technology. Anat Sci Educ 3: 141-143, 2010. (C) 2010 American Association of Anatomists.

Fluoride uptake and acid resistance of enamel irradiated with Er : YAG laser

This study evaluated the resistance to demineralization and fluoride incorporation of enamel irradiated with Er:YAG. A total of 110 bovine teeth were selected and divided into eight groups: unlased, 37% phosphoric acid, and samples irradiated with the Er:YAG laser at several fluences (31.84 J/cm(2), 25.47 J/cm(2), 19.10 J/cm(2), 2.08 J/cm(2), 1.8 J/cm(2), and 0.9 J/cm(2)). The application of acidulated phosphate fluoride was performed after treatments. All samples were immersed in 2 ml of 2.0 M acetic-acetate acid solution at pH 4.5 for 8 h, and fluoride, calcium, and phosphorus ions dissolved were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry and spectrophotometry. The phosphoric acid and 31.84 J/cm(2) groups presented the lowest dissolution of calcium and phosphorus ions. Higher fluoride incorporation was observed on 1.8 J/cm(2) and 0.9 J/cm(2) groups. Based on these results, Er:YAG laser was able to decrease acid dissolution and increase fluoride uptake and can be a promissory alternative for preventive dentistry.

Effect of oxalate desensitizers and dentin moisture during total-etch bonding

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of oxalate during total-etch bonding, under different dentin moisture conditions, over time. The null hypothesis tested was that microtensile bond strength (mu TBS) was not affected by oxalate treatment and dentin moisture during two evaluation periods. Methods: Extracted human third molars had their mid-coronal dentin exposed flat and polished with 600-grit SiC paper. The surfaces were etched with 35% phosphoric acid for 15 seconds, washed and blot dried. After etching, a 3% potassium oxalate gel was applied for 120 seconds, except for the control group (no desensitizer). The surface was then washed and left moist (Wet bonding) or air-dried for 30 seconds (Dry bonding). The surfaces were bonded with: (I) two 2-step etch-and-rinse adhesives: Single Bond (SB); Prime & Bond NT (PBNT) and (2) one 3-step etch-and-rinse adhesive: Scotchbond Multi Purpose (SBMP). Composite buildups were constructed incrementally with Tetric Ceram resin composite. Each increment was cured for 40 seconds. After storage in water for 24 hours or 1 year at 37 C, the specimens were prepared for mu TBS testing with a cross-sectional area of approximately 1 mm(2). They were then tested in tension in an Instron machine at 0.5 mm/minute. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Student-Newman-Keuls at alpha = 0.05. Results: Application of potassium oxalate had no significant effect on the bond strengths of SBMP and PBNT, regardless of the surface moisture condition (P > 0.05). Conversely, reduced bond strengths were observed after oxalate treatment for SB in both moisture conditions, that being significantly lower when using a dry-bonding procedure (P < 0.05). Lower bond strength was obtained for PBNT when a dry-bonding technique was used, regardless of the oxalate treatment (P < 0.05). After aging the specimens for 1 year, bond strengths decreased. Smaller reductions were observed for SBMP, regardless of moisture conditions. For the WB technique, smaller reductions after 1 year were observed without oxalate treatment for SB and after oxalate treatment for PBNT. (Am J Dent 2010;23:137-141).

Blocking systemic nitric oxide production alters neuronal activation in brain structures involved in cardiovascular regulation during polymicrobial sepsis

In a previous study, we concluded that overproduction of nitric oxide (NO) by inducible nitric Oxide synthase (iNOS) in the late phase of sepsis prevents hypothalamic activation, blunts vasopressin secretion and contributes to hypotension, irreversible shock and death. The aim of this follow-up study was to evaluate if the same neuronal activation pattern happens in brain structures related to cardiovascular functions. Male Wistar rats received intraperitoneal injections of aminoguanidine, an iNOS inhibitor, or saline 30 min before cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) or sham surgeries. The animals were perfused 6 or 24 h after the surgeries and the brains were removed and processed for Fos immunocytochemistry We observed an increase (P < 0.001) in c-fos expression 6 h after CLP in the area postrema (AP), nucleus of he tractus solitarius (NTS), ventral lateral medulla (VLM), locus coeruleus (LC) and parabrachial nucleus (PB). At 24 h after CLP, however, c-fos expression was strongly decreased in all these nuclei (P < 0.05), except for the VLM. Aminoguanidine reduced c-fos expression in the AP and NTS at 6 h after CLR but showed an opposite effect at 24 h, with an increase in the AP, NTS, and also in the VLM. No such effect was observed in the LC and PB at 6 or 24 h. In all control animals, c-fos expression was minimal or absent. We conclude that in the early phase of sepsis iNOS-derived NO may be partially responsible for the activation of brain structures related to cardiovascular regulation. During the late phase, however, this activation is reduced or abolished. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cost implications of outpatient teleneurology

A randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare the costs of realtime teleneurology with the cost of conventional neurological care. Two district hospitals in Northern Ireland were equipped with videoconferencing units and were connected to the regional neurological centre by ISDN at 384 kbit/s. Of 168 patients randomized to the study, 141 kept their appointments (76 male, 65 female). Sixty-five patients were randomized to a conventional consultation while 76 were randomized to a teleconsultation. The average age was 44 years of those seen conventionally and 42 years of those seen by telemedicine. The groups had similar diagnoses. The telemedicine group required more investigations and reviews than the conventional group. The average cost of the conventional consultation was pound 49 compared with pound 72 for the teleconsultation. Realtime teleneurology was not as cost-effective as conventional care.

Testicular myxosporidiasis in anurans, with a description of Myxobolus fallax n. sp.

During studies of amphibian sperm cryopreservation, a new species of myxosporidean parasite (Myxozoa, Myxosporae) was observed in the testes of the Australian dwarf green tree frog Litoria fallax (Peters). Myxosporidiasis was found to have no affect on L. fallax body condition or sperm numbers. Myxobolus spores from L. fallax are morphologically distinct from Myxobolus hylae spores (infecting the sympatric Litoria aurea Lesson) and the three previously named (exotic to Australia) Myxobolus species found in anurans. Myxobolus fallax n. sp. is characterised by: pseudocyst white, spherical to ovoid, 141 x74 to 438 x337 mum in diameter (mature); plasmodium with spores loosely arranged within interior. Spores ovoid 13.4 +/- 0.5 (12.6-14.6) mum length, 9.5 +/- 0.4 (8.3-10.6) mum width, 6.8 +/- 0.4 (6.5-7.6) mum depth, 1.4 +/- 0.1 (1.3-1.6) length/width; polar capsules broadly pyriform and equal in size 4.2 +/- 0.3 (3.3-4.7) mum length, 2.4 +/- 0.2 (2.1-2.8) mum width; filament coils 7-8, wound tightly and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the capsule; polar filament 34 +/- 7.0 (18-50) mum length; intercapsular appendix and sutural ridge folds absent; and iodinophilous vacuole and mucous envelope lacking. In addition to this new species, data from archival samples of M. hylae are provided which show two morphologically distinct spore types. Both appeared rarely in the same pseudocysts and we cautiously retain the single species.

Abnormalities of the PTH-vitamin D axis and bone turnover markers in children, adolescents and adults with cystic fibrosis: comparison with healthy controls

Abnormalities of calcium and vitamin D metabolism in cystic fibrosis (CF) are well documented. We tested the hypothesis that alterations in calcium metabolism are related to vitamin D deficiency, and that bone resorption is increased relative to accretion in patients with CF. Calcitropic hormones, electrolytes, osteocalcin (OC) and bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP), (markers of bone mineralisation), urinary deoxypyridinoline [total (t) Dpd, a marker of bone resorption] and lumbar spine bone mineral density (LS BMD), expressed as a z-score, were measured in 149 (81 M) CF and 141 (61 M) control children aged 5.3-10.99 years, adolescents aged 11-17.99 years and adults aged 18-55.9 years. Data were analysed by multiple regression to adjust for age. In patients, FEV1% predicted and CRP (as disease severity markers), genotype and pancreatic status (PS) were recorded. The distribution of PTH differed between groups (P

Genotype and environment effects on dynamics of harvest index during grain filling in sorghum

An approach based on a linear rate of increase in harvest index (141) with time after anthesis has been used as a simple means-to predict grain growth and yield in many crop simulation models. When applied to diverse situations, however, this approach has been found to introduce significant error in grain yield predictions. Accordingly, this study was undertaken to examine the stability of the HI approach for yield prediction in sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]. Four field experiments were conducted under nonlimiting water. and N conditions. The experiments were sown at times that ensured a broad range in temperature and radiation conditions. Treatments consisted of two population densities and three genotypes varying in maturity. Frequent sequential harvests were used to monitor crop growth, yield, and the dynamics of 111. Experiments varied greatly in yield and final HI. There was also a tendency for lower HI with later maturity. Harvest index dynamics also varied among experiments and, to a lesser extent, among treatments within experiments. The variation was associated mostly with the linear rate of increase in HI and timing of cessation of that increase. The average rate of HI increase was 0.0198 d(-1), but this was reduced considerably (0.0147) in one experiment that matured in cool conditions. The variations found in IN dynamics could be largely explained by differences in assimilation during grain filling and remobilization of preanthesis assimilate. We concluded that this level of variation in HI dynamics limited the general applicability of the HI approach in yield prediction and suggested a potential alternative for testing.

A????es premiadas no 14?? Concurso Inova????o na Gest??o P??blica Federal 2009

Nesta publica????o, referente ao 14?? Concurso Inova????o na Gest??o P??blica Federal, o leitor encontrar?? iniciativas inovadoras nas seguintes ??reas: Arranjos institucionais para coordena????o e/ou implementa????o de pol??ticas p??blicas (intra e inter-governamental); avalia????o e monitoramento de pol??ticas p??blicas; gest??o da informa????o; gest??o e desenvolvimento de pessoas; melhoria de processos de trabalho; planejamento, gest??o e desempenho institucional

Disciplina 4.7: monitoramento e avalia????o de pol??ticas p??blicas

Monitoramento e avalia????o de pol??ticas p??blicas: conceitua????o e tipos. O M&A em experi??ncias internacionais selecionadas. Formula????o, monitoramento e avalia????o de pol??ticas p??blicas no Brasil em contexto hist??rico. Experi??ncias de M&A de agendas estrat??gicas no Brasil no per??odo recente

Modelo para aloca????o de vagas de docentes

As discuss??es que se desenvolveram para a formula????o de um novo estatuto para a Universidade procuraram solu????es que solucionassem/amenizassem as defici??ncias encontradas na aloca????o de docentes e conseguisse propiciar condi????es para se incrementar as atividades de pesquisa e de intera????o com a sociedade, al??m de melhores condi????es estruturais para o processo de avalia????o das atividades da Universidade

Introdu????o ?? cr??tica da raz??o desestatizante

O artigo compreende uma vis??o cr??tica sobre os processos de reestrutura????o do Estado baseados na l??gica neoliberal, que caracterizam as reformas minimalistas da d??cada de 80. O tema da reforma do Estado ?? visto como um dos grandes desafios intelectuais e pol??ticos deste fim de s??culo, devendo necessariamente ser contextualizado historicamente, uma vez que n??o existe uma ??nica crise do Estado, mas v??rias crises dos Estados espec??ficas e particulares, cujas solu????es n??o s??o ??nicas nem universais, mas dependentes do diagn??stico de cada caso. Entende-se que a raz??o desestatizante apresenta limita????es, reconhecidas at?? mesmo pelas institui????es financeiras internacionais que antes a defendiam. O cen??rio de um novo modo de atua????o estatal ?? apresentado como mais prov??vel, sendo o conceito de reestatiza????o mais adequado para as mudan??as que se fazem necess??rias.

A face oculta do Leviat??: gest??o da informa????o e transpar??ncia administrativa

As reflex??es sobre a transpar??ncia do Estado no Brasil encontram espa??o particularmente nos anos oitenta, no bojo da conjuntura pol??tica referente aos projetos de democratiza????o do pa??s. No marco de tais reflex??es, o direito ?? informa????o e o direito ?? privacidade face ?? a????o do Estado passam a freq??entar assiduamente o discurso pol??tico. Tais an??lises n??o se expressam ainda em tentativas de formula????o de pol??ticas p??blicas na ??rea de informa????o durante o mesmo per??odo.