bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Percutaneous biopsy of lesions in the cavernous sinus region through the foramen ovale: diagnostic accuracy and limits in 50 patients
Authors: Messerer Mahmoud , Dubourg Julie , Saint-Pierre Ghislaine , Jouanneau Emmanuel , Sindou Marc
Published: November 2011

Object

The cavernous sinus and surrounding regions—specifically the Meckel cave, posterior sector of the cavernous sinus itself, and the upper part of the petroclival region—are the location of a large variety of lesions that require individual consideration regarding treatment strategy. These regions may be reached for biopsy by a percutaneous needle inserted through the foramen ovale. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of percutaneous biopsy in a consecutive series of 50 patients referred for surgery between 1991 and 2010.

Methods

Seven biopsies (14%) were unproductive and 43 (86%) were productive, among which 28 lesions subsequently underwent histopathological examination during a second (open) surgery. To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the procedure, results from surgery were compared with those from the biopsy.

Results

Sensitivity of the percutaneous biopsy was 0.83 (95% CI 0.52–0.98), specificity was 1 (95% CI 0.79–1), and κ coefficient was 0.81.

Conclusions

Because of its valuable diagnostic accuracy, percutaneous biopsy of the cavernous sinus and surrounding regions should be performed in patients with parasellar masses when neuroimaging does not provide sufficient information of a histopathological nature. This procedure would enable patients to obtain the most appropriate therapy, such as resective surgery, corticosteroids, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or radiosurgery.
The Vicissitudes of ‘Democracy to Come’: Political Community, Khôra, the Human
Authors: Lechte John
Published: November 2011

After beginning by situating the author's (possible) relation to Derrida's expression, ‘democracy to come’, the article proceeds from the position that Derrida's phrase is to be understood as part of a political intervention. Indeed, the inseparability of democracy and deconstruction confirms this. After setting out some of the pertinent features of ‘democracy to come’ – seen, in part, in the General Will – the notion of political community in the thought of Hannah Arendt is brought into question, if not deconstructed. Political community as presented by Arendt is seen to limit the inclusiveness of democracy. In the final section, the article suggests that Agamben's critique of the very structure of the nation-state opens the way for a renewal of the notion of the human in the ‘community to come’.
Illustration of the Structure of Arthropod Assemblages (Collembola and Lepidoptera) in Different Forest Types: An Example in the French Pyrenees
Authors: Luque Carine , Legal Luc , Winterton Peter , Mariano Nestor A. , Gers Charles
Published: November 2011

To analyze the impact of management choices on diversity in Pyrenean forests, we selected two ecological indicators: springtails; indicators of long-term responses to perturbation, and moths; which respond quickly to changes in their environment. Our data show that monoculture has a short-term impact on overall diversity and richness of species but with a relative resilience capacity of the forest ecosystem. More precisely, real impacts are visible on dynamics and abundances of certain species, depending on the vertical distribution of the biota and on the composition of soil and forest floor.
Conservation and Occurrence of Trans-Encoded sRNAs in the Rhizobiales
Authors: Reinkensmeier Jan , Schlüter Jan-Philip , Giegerich Robert , Becker Anke
Published: November 2011

Post-transcriptional regulation by trans-encoded sRNAs, for example via base-pairing with target mRNAs, is a common feature in bacteria and influences various cell processes, e.g., response to stress factors. Several studies based on computational and RNA-seq approaches identified approximately 180 trans-encoded sRNAs in Sinorhizobium meliloti. The initial point of this report is a set of 52 trans-encoded sRNAs derived from the former studies. Sequence homology combined with structural conservation analyses were applied to elucidate the occurrence and distribution of conserved trans-encoded sRNAs in the order of Rhizobiales. This approach resulted in 39 RNA family models (RFMs) which showed various taxonomic distribution patterns. Whereas the majority of RFMs was restricted to Sinorhizobium species or the Rhizobiaceae, members of a few RFMs were more widely distributed in the Rhizobiales. Access to this data is provided via the RhizoGATE portal [1,2].
Different Reactive Oxygen Species Lead to Distinct Changes of Cellular Metal Ions in the Eukaryotic Model Organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Wu Ming J. , O’Doherty Patrick J. , Murphy Patricia A. , Lyons Victoria , Christophersen Melinda , Rogers Peter J. , Bailey Trevor D. , Higgins Vincent J.
Published: November 2011

Elemental uptake and export of the cell are tightly regulated thereby maintaining the ionomic homeostasis. This equilibrium can be disrupted upon exposure to exogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to reduction or elevation of the intracellular metal ions. In this study, the ionomic composition in the eukaryotic model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae was profiled using the inductively-coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) following the treatment with individual ROS, including hydrogen peroxide, cumen hydroperoxide, linoleic acid hydroperoxide (LAH), the superoxide-generating agent menadione, the thiol-oxidising agent diamide [diazine-dicarboxylic acid-bis(dimethylamide)], dimedone and peroxynitrite. The findings demonstrated that different ROS resulted in distinct changes in cellular metal ions. Aluminium (Al3+) level rose up to 50-fold after the diamide treatment. Cellular potassium (K+) in LAH-treated cells was 26-fold less compared to the non-treated controls. The diamide-induced Al3+ accumulation was further validated by the enhanced Al3+ uptake along the time course and diamide doses. Pre-incubation of yeast with individual elements including iron, copper, manganese and magnesium failed to block diamide-induced Al3+ uptake, suggesting Al3+-specific transporters could be involved in Al3+ uptake. Furthermore, LAH-induced potassium depletion was validated by a rescue experiment in which addition of potassium increased yeast growth in LAH-containing media by 26% compared to LAH alone. Taken together, the data, for the first time, demonstrated the linkage between ionomic profiles and individual oxidative conditions.
C57BL/KsJ-db/db-ApcMin/+ Mice Exhibit an Increased Incidence of Intestinal Neoplasms
Authors: Hata Kazuya , Kubota Masaya , Shimizu Masahito , Moriwaki Hisataka , Kuno Toshiya , Tanaka Takuji , Hara Akira , Hirose Yoshinobu
Published: November 2011

The numbers of obese people and diabetic patients are ever increasing. Obesity and diabetes are high-risk conditions for chronic diseases, including certain types of cancer, such as colorectal cancer (CRC). The aim of this study was to develop a novel animal model in order to clarify the pathobiology of CRC development in obese and diabetic patients. We developed an animal model of obesity and colorectal cancer by breeding the C57BL/KsJ-db/db (db/db) mouse, an animal model of obesity and type II diabetes, and the C57BL/6J-ApcMin/+ (Min/+) mouse, a model of familial adenomatous polyposis. At 15 weeks of age, the N9 backcross generation of C57BL/KsJ-db/db-ApcMin/+ (db/db-Min/+) mice developed an increased incidence and multiplicity of adenomas in the intestinal tract when compared to the db/m-Min/+ and m/m-Min/+ mice. Blood biochemical profile showed significant increases in insulin (8.3-fold to 11.7-fold), cholesterol (1.2-fold to 1.7-fold), and triglyceride (1.2-fold to 1.3-fold) in the db/db-Min/+ mice, when compared to those of the db/m-Min/+ and m/m-Min/+ mice. Increases (1.4-fold to 2.6-fold) in RNA levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, IRF-1R, and IGF-2 were also observed in the db/db-Min/+ mice. These results suggested that the IGFs, as well as hyperlipidemia and hyperinsulinemia, promoted adenoma formation in the db/db-Min/+ mice. Our results thus suggested that the db/db-Min/+ mice should be invaluable for studies on the pathogenesis of CRC in obese and diabetes patients and the therapy and prevention of CRC in these patients.
Protective Effect of the Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Sargassum muticum against Ultraviolet B–Irradiated Damage in Human Keratinocytes
Authors: Piao Mei Jing , Yoon Weon Jong , Kang Hee Kyoung , Yoo Eun Sook , Koh Young Sang , Kim Dong Sam , Lee Nam Ho , Hyun Jin Won
Published: November 2011

The aim of this study was to investigate the cytoprotective properties of the ethyl acetate fraction of Sargassum muticum (SME) against ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced cell damage in human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells). SME exhibited scavenging activity toward the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and UVB-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). SME also scavenged the hydroxyl radicals generated by the Fenton reaction (FeSO4 + H2O2), which was detected using electron spin resonance spectrometry. In addition, SME decreased the level of lipid peroxidation that was increased by UVB radiation, and restored the level of protein expression and the activities of antioxidant enzymes that were decreased by UVB radiation. Furthermore, SME reduced UVB-induced apoptosis as shown by decreased DNA fragmentation and numbers of apoptotic bodies. These results suggest that SME protects human keratinocytes against UVB-induced oxidative stress by enhancing antioxidant activity in cells, thereby inhibiting apoptosis.
The Apparent Involvement of ANMEs in Mineral Dependent Methane Oxidation, as an Analog for Possible Martian Methanotrophy
Authors: House Christopher H. , Beal Emily J. , Orphan Victoria J.
Published: November 2011

On Earth, marine anaerobic methane oxidation (AOM) can be driven by the microbial reduction of sulfate, iron, and manganese. Here, we have further characterized marine sediment incubations to determine if the mineral dependent methane oxidation involves similar microorganisms to those found for sulfate-dependent methane oxidation. Through FISH and FISH-SIMS analyses using 13C and 15N labeled substrates, we find that the most active cells during manganese dependent AOM are primarily mixed and mixed-cluster aggregates of archaea and bacteria. Overall, our control experiment using sulfate showed two active bacterial clusters, two active shell aggregates, one active mixed aggregate, and an active archaeal sarcina, the last of which appeared to take up methane in the absence of a closely-associated bacterial partner. A single example of a shell aggregate appeared to be active in the manganese incubation, along with three mixed aggregates and an archaeal sarcina. These results suggest that the microorganisms (e.g., ANME-2) found active in the manganese-dependent incubations are likely capable of sulfate-dependent AOM. Similar metabolic flexibility for Martian methanotrophs would mean that the same microbial groups could inhabit a diverse set of Martian mineralogical crustal environments. The recently discovered seasonal Martian plumes of methane outgassing could be coupled to the reduction of abundant surface sulfates and extensive metal oxides, providing a feasible metabolism for present and past Mars. In an optimistic scenario Martian methanotrophy consumes much of the periodic methane released supporting on the order of 10,000 microbial cells per cm2 of Martian surface. Alternatively, most of the methane released each year could be oxidized through an abiotic process requiring biological methane oxidation to be more limited. If under this scenario, 1% of this methane flux were oxidized by biology in surface soils or in subsurface aquifers (prior to release), a total of about 1020 microbial cells could be supported through methanotrophy with the cells concentrated in regions of methane release.
Antimicrobial Evaluation of Diterpenes from Copaifera langsdorffii Oleoresin Against Periodontal Anaerobic Bacteria
Authors: Souza Ariana B. , Souza Maria G. M. de , Moreira Maísa A. , Moreira Monique R. , Furtado Niege A. J. C. , Martins Carlos H. G. , Bastos Jairo K. , Santos Raquel A. dos , Heleno Vladimir C. G. , Ambrosio Sergio Ricardo , Veneziani Rodrigo C. S.
Published: November 2011

The antimicrobial activity of four labdane-type diterpenes isolated from the oleoresin of Copaifera langsdorffii as well as of two commercially available diterpenes (sclareol and manool) was investigated against a representative panel of microorganisms responsible for periodontitis. Among all the evaluated compounds, (−)-copalic acid (CA) was the most active, displaying a very promising MIC value (3.1 µg mL−1; 10.2 µM) against the key pathogen (Porphyromonas gingivalis) involved in this infectious disease. Moreover, CA did not exhibit cytotoxicity when tested in human fibroblasts. Time-kill curve assays performed with CA against P. gingivalis revealed that this compound only inhibited the growth of the inoculums in the first 12 h (bacteriostatic effect). However, its bactericidal effect was clearly noted thereafter (between 12 and 24 h). It was also possible to verify an additive effect when CA and chlorhexidine dihydrochloride (CHD, positive control) were associated at their MBC values. The time curve profile resulting from this combination showed that this association needed only six hours for the bactericidal effect to be noted. In summary, CA has shown to be an important metabolite for the control of periodontal diseases. Moreover, the use of standardized extracts based on copaiba oleoresin with high CA contents can be an important strategy in the development of novel oral care products.
Pharmacokinetic Drug Interactions of Antimicrobial Drugs: A Systematic Review on Oxazolidinones, Rifamycines, Macrolides, Fluoroquinolones, and Beta-Lactams
Authors: Bolhuis Mathieu S. , Panday Prashant N. , Pranger Arianna D. , Kosterink Jos G. W. , Alffenaar Jan-Willem C.
Published: November 2011

Like any other drug, antimicrobial drugs are prone to pharmacokinetic drug interactions. These drug interactions are a major concern in clinical practice as they may have an effect on efficacy and toxicity. This article provides an overview of all published pharmacokinetic studies on drug interactions of the commonly prescribed antimicrobial drugs oxazolidinones, rifamycines, macrolides, fluoroquinolones, and beta-lactams, focusing on systematic research. We describe drug-food and drug-drug interaction studies in humans, affecting antimicrobial drugs as well as concomitantly administered drugs. Since knowledge about mechanisms is of paramount importance for adequate management of drug interactions, the most plausible underlying mechanism of the drug interaction is provided when available. This overview can be used in daily practice to support the management of pharmacokinetic drug interactions of antimicrobial drugs.
HBV Genotypes: Relevance to Natural History, Pathogenesis and Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B
Authors: Kim Beom Kyung , Revill Peter A , Ahn Sang Hoon
Published: November 2011

Although chronic HBV infection is the leading cause of chronic liver disease and death worldwide, there are substantial differences in its clinical courses regarding prevalence, mode of transmission, characteristics of each phase, responses to antiviral therapy, and development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, according to geographical areas (Asia versus Western Europe and North America versus Africa). Furthermore, the clinical course in infected individuals depends on a complex interplay among various factors including viral, host, environmental and other factors. Recently, understanding of molecular characteristics of the prevailing HBV genotypes, frequently accompanied mutations and their clinical implications might explain these geographical differences more pertinently. Hence, in this article, we review the global epidemiology and the natural history of HBV infection, with emphasis on summarizing the different HBV genotypes according to regions.
Laboratory diagnosis of human brucellosis in Egypt and persistence of the pathogen following treatment
Authors: Marei Ayman , Boghdadi Ghada , Abdel-Hamed Nahla , Hessin Rasha , Abdoel Theresia , Smits Henk , Fathey Fayza
Published: November 2011

Introduction: Brucellosis is a major public health problem in Egypt. The Brucella IgM/IgG lateral flow assay was developed as a point-of-care test for the diagnosis of human brucellosis. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of the lateral flow assay for use in Egypt. Methodology: Fifty samples of patients who presented with clinical suspicion of brucellosis over a one-year period were collected.  All samples were subjected to the Brucella IgM/IgG lateral flow assay, serum agglutination test (SAT), rose bengal RB Test (RB), 2- mercapteoethanol (2-ME), culture and PCR. SAT, 2- ME, culture and PCR were retested after the end of the treatment. Results: Culture and SAT confirmed the diagnosis of brucellosis in twenty patients.  While 90% of the samples were positive by SAT, only 30% and 85% were positive by culture and PCR respectively. The sensitivity of the lateral flow assay calculated for the Brucella IgM/IgG was 95% and specificity was 97%. Conclusion: These data show that the lateral flow assay is more suitable for diagnosis of brucellosis in Egypt than culture and SAT.  Application of the PCR on serum samples collected during follow-up revealed that the DNA of the pathogen was yet not completely cleared almost 60 days after the start of treatment with doxycycline and ciprofloxacin.
Assessment of the current practice of antibiotic skin testing in a tertiary Hospital in United Arab Emirates
Authors: AbdulAzeez Shemeena , Al Tajir Ghada Khalil , Sulieman Hana
Published: November 2011

Introduction: Skin testing can be a useful diagnostic tool to identify patients who are allergic to penicillin. Procedures for skin testing in the United Arab Emirates have not been standardized. The aim of this study was to examine the current practice of antibiotic skin testing in a tertiary hospital in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methodology: This was a prospective cross-sectional study conducted in Al Qassimi Hospital, in which the medical records of all patients who were prescribed antibiotics over an eight-week period were screened to evaluate patients' history, indication for performing the test, results, and documentation of findings. Results: During the study period 357 patients received parenteral antibiotics, of which 238 had one skin test, 21 had two skin tests, and one patient had four skin tests. Skin testing was performed without regard for patient history. Documentation of both positive and negative results was poor. There was no standard technique for skin testing used within the institution, and significant variations were noted between wards. In most cases the techniques used deviated from recommended procedures in the medical literature. Conclusions: Standardized guidelines for antibiotic skin testing should be established and implemented as soon as possible using recommended international guidelines.
Social Vulnerabilities and Hurricane Katrina: An Unnatural Disaster in New Orleans
Authors: Laska Shirley , Morrow Betty Hearn
Published: November 2011

Social science research on natural disasters documents how a natural hazard such as a hurricane becomes a disaster through social processes and social structures that place human populations in general, and certain segments in particular, at risk. After a description of Hurricane Katrina
and its impact, we describe how patterns of land development, and the economic and political history of New Orleans, set the stage for this disaster. An overview of past research findings on the relationship between citizen vulnerability and poverty, minority status, age and disability, gender
and tenancy is followed by evidence of the extent to which each risk factor was present in the pre-Katrina New Orleans population. The authors then cite evidence of how social vulnerability influenced outcomes at various stages of the Hurricane Katrina catastrophe, including mitigation, preparation,
evacuation, storm impacts, and recovery. The concluding section discusses how the goal of disaster resilient communities cannot be reached until basic issues of inequality and social justice are addressed.
On Developing Disaster Resilient Communications Infrastructure
Authors: Clark Andrew M.
Published: November 2011

The August 29, 2005 landfall of Hurricane Katrina on the U.S. Gulf Coast revealed a number of local, regional, state and national shortcomings. Destruction of communications infrastructure hindered emergency response during and immediately after the storm and further contributed to
a lagging recovery and rebuilding process. While critical of some government agencies' actions, The Federal Response to Hurricane Katrina Lessons Learned Report compiled by the White House specifically cited the vital role that the U.S. private sector played through their voluntary
response. This paper explores the response by some of the U.S. communications technology industry. Detailed are some of the technologies that were deployed and how each was employed to re-establish communication lifelines during the Katrina recovery effort. While simple good luck is attributed
to facilitating the positive outcomes described, recommendations are provided that would ensure flexible solutions are in place for future disaster response operations to facilitate timely restoration of communications infrastructure. Though the focus of this paper is on destruction caused
by coastal inundation, these solutions are applicable to other natural disasters, accidents, and acts of terrorism.
Vulnerability to Inundation and Climate Change Impacts in California: Coastal Managers' Attitudes and Perceptions
Authors: Moser Susanne C. , Tribbia John
Published: November 2011

Coastal California has witnessed persistent sea-level rise (10-20 cm) along its southern and central open ocean coastal sections and in San Francisco Bay over the past century. This paper aims to understand the perceptions of local coastal managers in California of current inundation-related
risks, the added risks from climate change, and vulnerability to the growing coastal problems. We also explore the extent to which coastal managers are beginning to think about and tackle these increasing management challenges. Survey results presented here suggest that inundation already
creates critical management challenges in California, but other, non-inundation-related coastal problems also vie for managers' attention. Despite high awareness of global warming and moderately good understanding of potential impacts of climate change on coastal areas, currently pressing
issues and limited staff time and resources constrain their ability to begin dealing with the growing risks from sea-level rise. The sobering conclusion is that California is inadequately preparing for the impacts of climate change on coastal areas at this time. Local government will need
substantial support from state and federal agencies if the level of preparedness for climate change and other inundation-related risks is to be elevated in the future.
Evaluating Education Information Systems: Implementation of Longitudinal Student Data Systems in Six School Districts
Authors: Hinze-Pifer Rebecca , Ramsey Daniel S.
Published: November 2011

Education reformers are currently spending significant resources and effort advocating for school districts to adopt integrated, longitudinal computer systems. They hope the systems will help teachers understand their students as well as adapt their teaching methods. Additionally, they argue higher-quality data will help administrators and policymakers determine if schools are successful. This paper describes the experiences of six districts as they adopted education information systems, discusses emergent themes based on their cases, and explores implications for policymakers and school leaders.
The Climate War: True Believers, Power Brokers, and the Fight to Save the Earth
Authors: Williams Jeff
Published: November 2011

No abstract available.
Distortion-Product Otoacoustic Emissions: Body Position Effects with Simultaneous Presentation of Tone Pairs
Authors: Atcherson Samuel R. , Mattheis Amy
Published: November 2011

This study examined the effect of three different body positions on distortion-product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) amplitude and noise levels with multiple primary tone pairs simultaneously-presented to 36 normal-hearing female human adults. Other studies have demonstrated that the simultaneously presented tone pairs method shows clinical promise as a screener, but the sequential method remains in widespread clinical use. Postural changes have been suggested to have an effect not only on DPOAEs, but also transient-evoked OAEs and stimulus- frequency OAEs. DPOAE amplitude and noise levels were recorded in seated, supine, and side-lying positions to the following order of simultaneously-presented tone pairs relative to the f2 frequencies: 1187, 2375, and 4812 Hz; 1500, 3000, and 6062 Hz; and 1875, 3812, and 7625 Hz. No DPOAE could be detected reliably at 7625 Hz as result of poor signal-to-noise ratio. For remaining DPOAEs, statistical analyses revealed that amplitudes were not significantly different among the three body positions. However, at 1500 Hz and below, body position did have a statistically significant effect on noise levels though they are likely clinically negligible. Except at 7625 Hz, results suggest that DPOAEs recorded using a simultaneously presented tone pairs appear to be comparably recorded regardless of an individual’s body position.
Taking a precautionary approach to nanotechnology
Authors: O’Mathúna Dónal P.
Published: November 2011

Nanotechnology is developing at a rapid pace. Concerns have been raised about the risks nanotechnology may carry for human health and the environment. The precautionary principle has developed within environmental ethics as a way to reduce the risk of harm with emerging technologies. It has been incorporated into a number of documents addressing nanotechnology risks, including the European Commission’s Code of Conduct for Responsible Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies Research. The central features of the precautionary principle are reviewed here. These include addressing situations of scientific uncertainty and serious or irreversible harm, developing a proportionate response, and having reasonable grounds for concern. These factors will be applied to carbon nanotubes to demonstrate how the precautionary principle can lead to practical guidelines during the development of nanotechnology.
Determinants of Forward Stage Transition from Precontemplation and Contemplation for Fruit Consumption
Authors: de Vet Emely , de Nooijer Jascha , de Vries Nanne K. , Brug Johannes
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

To examine associations between decisional balance, self-efficacy, fruit intake, and stage of change transition from precontemplation and contemplation with cross-sectional and longitudinal methods.

Design.

A longitudinal cohort study with the use of electronic questionnaires was conducted. Three measurements were analyzed cross-sectionally, and the two intervals between the measurements were analyzed longitudinally.

Setting.

A random sample of 1500 individuals from an existing Dutch Internet panel resulted in a cohort of 735 individuals. Of the cohort, 648 (response rate 88%), 592 (response rate 81%), and 570 (response rate 78%) respondents completed questionnaires at the start of the present study (T1), 53 days after T1 (T2), and 106 days after T1 (T3), respectively.

Subjects.

Mean age was 37.5 years, 51% were women, and 57% ate less than the recommended intake of 250 g of fruit per day.

Measures.

Questionnaires included items measuring stage of change, factors favoring (pros) or working against (cons) behavior change, and self-efficacy. A food frequency questionnaire was used to assess fruit intake.

Results.

Logistic regression analyses showed that pros, fruit intake, and self-efficacy predicted forward stage transition from precontemplation. Self-efficacy predicted forward stage transition from contemplation. Cons did not predict stage transitions. Results from longitudinal analyses were similar to cross-sectional results, except for self-efficacy: no differences between early stages in self-efficacy were found, whereas self-efficacy predicted these early stage transitions.

Conclusions.

Within the limitations posed by the sampling frame, results provided support for the Transtheoretical Model, although determinants might not always be stage specific.
Smoking Cessation and Exercise Promotion Counseling in Psychologists Who Practice Psychotherapy
Authors: Wendt Sally J.
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

Little is known about health promotion within the context of psychotherapy. The present study assessed a sample of psychologists' attitudes and behavior with their psychotherapy clients regarding smoking cessation and exercise promotion counseling.

Design.

This is a cross-sectional survey study.

Setting.

Surveys were mailed.

Subjects.

Licensed psychologists (1000) in Massachusetts were randomly selected to receive surveys. Psychologists practicing psychotherapy at least 5 h/wk were invited to participate. Out of 496 responses, 328 completed surveys were analyzed.

Measures.

Two parallel surveys were developed for smoking (N = 154) and exercise (N = 174) assessing health promotion behaviors and attitudes.

Results.

Approximately 43% of respondents inquire about smoking and 53% inquire about exercise with new clients. Over 45% advise smoking clients to quit and 50% advise sedentary clients to exercise. Over 80% of respondents felt smoking and exercise should be addressed in psychotherapy; however only 41% of smoking and 65% of exercise respondents felt confident in their counseling abilities. Lack of confidence, beliefs about relevance of smoking and exercise to psychological functioning, and beliefs that such personal choices should not be addressed in psychotherapy significantly predicted smoking cessation and exercise promotion behaviors.

Conclusion.

Many respondents are engaging in health promotion with their psychotherapy clients. Exercise promotion is occurring more frequently and is viewed more favorably compared with smoking cessation counseling. Health promotion attitudes are associated with counseling behaviors. Limitations include self-selection bias and small sample size.
Intention to Quit Smoking, Attempts to Quit, and Successful Quitting among Hong Kong Chinese Smokers: Population Prevalence and Predictors
Authors: Abdullah Abu Saleh M. , Yam HK
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

To assess the prevalence of each step in the smoking-cessation process (intention to quit, attempts to quit, and successful quitting) and to examine the factors associated with them among Chinese smokers.

Design.

A cross-sectional survey of subjects from randomly selected households.

Setting.

Four thousand one hundred forty-two households in Hong Kong.

Subjects.

A total of 11,779 persons, aged 15 years or older, were enumerated (response rate = 74.0%).

Measures.

A validated structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The questionnaire sought information on the subject's sociodemographic background, smoking habits, and workplace attitude to smoking. The predictors for successful quitting, past quitting attempts, and intention to quit were assessed by χ2 tests and multiple logistic regression.

Results.

Of the respondents, 14.4% were current smokers, 7.5% were ex-smokers, and 78.1% were nonsmokers. Of the daily smokers, 52% intended to quit. The factors associated with quitting were being married, being in the student/retired/others category, being older, having received higher education, not smoking to kill time, and smoking because of curiosity. Being married and not smoking to kill time were associated with past quitting attempts. Being male, married, and not smoking to kill time were associated with the intention to quit smoking.

Conclusion.

The findings of this study indicate that differing predictors may contribute to the different transitional stages of smoking cessation. Population-based smoking-cessation programs should take these predictors into consideration in the design of interventions.
Characteristics of Adults Who Use Prayer as an Alternative Therapy
Authors: O'Connor Patrick J. , Pronk Nicolaas P. , Tan Agnes , Whitebird Robin R.
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

To describe the demographics, health-related and preventive-health behaviors, health status, and health care charges of adults who do and do not pray for health.

Design.

Cross-sectional survey with 1-year follow-up.

Setting.

A Minnesota health plan.

Subjects.

A stratified random sample of 5107 members age 40 and over with analysis based on 4404 survey respondents (86%).

Measures.

Survey data included health risks, health practices, use of preventive health services, satisfaction with care, and use of alternative therapies. Health care charges were obtained from administrative data.

Results.

Overall, 47.2% of study subjects reported that they pray for health, and 90.3% of these believed prayer improved their health. After adjustment for demographics, those who pray had significantly less smoking and alcohol use and more preventive care visits, influenza immunizations, vegetable intake, satisfaction with care, and social support and were more likely to have a regular primary care provider. Rates of functional impairment, depressive symptoms, chronic diseases, and total health care charges were not related to prayer.

Conclusions.

Those who pray had more favorable health-related behaviors, preventive service use, and satisfaction with care. Discussion of prayer could help guide customization of clinical care. Research that examines the effect of prayer on health status should adjust for variables related both to use of prayer and to health status.
Health Promotion Referrals in an Urban Clinic: Removing Financial Barriers Influences Physician but Not Patient Behavior
Authors: Bartlett-Prescott Jennifer D. , Klesges Lisa M. , Kritchevsky Stephen B.
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

This study describes the prevalence and characteristics of physician health promotion referrals and patient adherence to referrals in a community-based primary care clinic and associated wellness facility. The role of reimbursement for attendance to the wellness facility was specifically examined.

Design.

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting.

The Church Health Center of Memphis, Tennessee: a low-income urban clinic and its affiliated wellness center.

Subjects.

Patients were primarily African-American, lower-income, urban residents of Shelby County, Tennessee.

Measures.

All study data came from existing medical clinic and wellness facility records of utilization, patient history, and diagnoses.

Results.

Of 6321 clinic patients, 16.7% (n = 1069) received a provider health promotion referral. Logistic regression analyses identified that physician referral was related to patient factors of access to free wellness-facility membership, employment status, receiving a behavior-related diagnosis, and being African-American and female. Of patients receiving a referral, 17.2% (n = 184) adhered to this advice and visited the wellness facility. New patients were more likely to adhere to a referral than established patients.

Conclusion.

Demographic, financial, and patient characteristics influenced whether health behavior change referrals were made by primary care physicians in a community clinic. Removing financial barriers did not influence patient adherence, but new patients were more likely to follow the recommendation than those previously seen at the clinic.
Factors Related to Participatory Employee Advisory Boards in Small, Blue-Collar Worksites
Authors: Thompson Beti , Hannon Peggy A. , Bishop Sonia K. , West Briana E. , Peterson Amber K. , Beresford Shirley A. A.
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

To identify factors related to formation, participation, and characteristics of employee advisory boards (EABs) in blue-collar worksites.

Design.

This study used a nonexperimental qualitative design to assess EAB formation, activity, and enthusiasm levels and examined those factors relative to employee participation in worksite-wide health promotion activities.

Setting.

Twenty-two blue-collar worksites with a total of 113 EAB members in the greater Seattle area.

Subjects.

Individuals who agreed to serve on EABs in the intervention worksites.

Intervention.

Participants received training in involving employees in the 5-A-Day project intervention activities.

Measures.

Measures include type of worksite, number of EAB members, method of EAB recruitment, and variables describing EAB functioning, including attendance at meetings, assistance at project activities, and level of enthusiasm.

Results.

All worksites formed EABs. There was no association between the way the EAB was formed and subsequent EAB attendance at meetings, participation in project activities, representativeness of the EAB, or level of EAB enthusiasm. Enthusiasm of the EAB was associated with employee participation, and EABs with a higher level of enthusiasm showed more participation by employees than worksites with less enthusiastic EABs.

Conclusions.

It is possible to develop participatory structures in small, blue-collar worksites. More information is needed about factors related to levels of enthusiasm of EABs.
Validation of a Five-Point Self-Rated Stress Score
Authors: Lim Lionel S. , Williams Donald E. , Hagen Philip T.
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

To validate a five-point self-rated stress score (SRSS) with the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) questionnaire in identifying psychological distress.

Methods.

A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving 266 consecutive patients seen in the division of clinical health psychology. Patients were asked to rate their stress level on a numeric score from 1 (low stress) to 5 (high stress). Patients also completed the SCL-90-R questionnaire, from which the Global Severity Index (GSI) was calculated.

Results.

The SRSS correlated positively with the GSI (r = .40, p < .001). After multivariate adjustment, the odds ratio of psychological distress for patients with an SRSS of 2, 3, 4, and 5 relative to those with low stress were 2.6 (p = .30), 2.4 (p = .30), 6.1 (p < .05), and 24.8 (p < .001).

Discussion.

Patients with the highest self-rated stress levels have a significantly increased risk of psychological distress. The SRSS is simple to administer in the outpatient setting and may be a useful instrument in screening for psychological distress.
Produção do Conhecimento sobre o Sistema Eletrônico de Editoração de Revistas – SEER no Brasil nos anos de 2003 a 2010
Authors: Moraes Maria Helena Machado de , Miranda Angélica Conceição Dias
Published: November 2011

O processo de editoração das produções científicas beneficia-se na contemporaneidade com a editoração eletrônica. Agiliza o processo, reduz custos e divulga mundialmente as publicações científicas das instituições. No Brasil foi disponibilizado pelo Instituto Brasileiro de Informação em Ciências e Tecnologia - IBICT, o Sistema Eletrônico de Editoração de Revistas – SEER cujo propósito é colaborar para a disseminação do conhecimento produzido. O objetivo principal deste estudo é avaliar a produção do conhecimento sobre o SEER no Brasil nos anos de 2003 a 2010, busca investigar, analisar, descrever e apresentar quantitativamente os resultados encontrados. A pesquisa foi realizada nas revistas eletrônicas de Biblioteconomia que utilizam o sistema para disponibilizar suas publicações. A referida plataforma é vista como um gerenciador de publicações científicas faz da tecnologia uma ferramenta para suas propostas, tornando-se valioso para visibilidade das publicações científicas no Brasil.
Uso e expectativas sobre o sistema eletrônico de editoração de revistas (SEER)
Authors: Souza Rodrigo Rodrigues , Márdero Arellano Miguel Ángel
Published: November 2011

Este estudo teve o objetivo de investigar o uso das funcionalidades do Sistema Eletrônico de Editoração de Revistas (SEER) dentro dos papeis de Administrador do Sistema, Editor Gerente, Editor e Editor de Seção. Para alcançar este objetivo foi realizada uma pesquisa descritiva com 153 Editores. O instrumento de pesquisa foi desenvolvido pelos autores com base nas funcionalidades existentes no SEER. A coleta de dados foi viabilizada via e-mail com o uso de um site de pesquisa. Os resultados mais relevantes apontaram que 20% dos usuários dos papeis analisados desconhecem as funcionalidades do sistema e 31% não usam funcionalidades importantes no processo de editoração. Esta pesquisa de natureza aplicada, disponibiliza dados relevantes para desenvolvimento de cursos de capacitação no uso do SEER.
A frágil confiabilidade do tribunal de contas de Santa Catarina na fiscalização dos recursos da educação: governo estadual deixou de aplicar mais de R$ 2,1 bilhões em educação de 1998 a 2008 mas TC aprovou as contas estaduais
Authors: Davies Nicholas
Published: November 2011

O estudo examinou procedimentos adotados pelo Tribunal de Contas de Santa Catarina para a verificação da receita e despesa em educação, com base em seus relatórios sobre as contas estaduais de 1998 a 2008, e chegou a vários resultados, alguns indicados a seguir. Entre os aspectos positivos cabe ressaltar (1) o registro da ilegalidade e inconstitucionalidade do governo estadual em subtrair impostos da educação e saúde através de mecanismos de desvinculação, como o SEITEC e o Fundo Social e (2) o descumprimento de várias exigências constitucionais e legais. Entre os pontos negativos cabe destacar (1) a provável confusão entre gastos na função orçamentária Educação (definida pela Lei no 4.320) e em MDE (definida pelos artigos 70 e 71 da LDB, (2) a aceitação da contabilização das despesas educacionais por órgãos diferentes, contrariando o que estabelece a LDB, (3) a oscilação nos critérios de despesas, ora empenhadas, ora liquidadas, ora pagas, e (4) a falta de uma posição firme sobre a inclusão dos inativos no cálculo das despesas legais em MDE, adotando dois cálculos (com e sem inativos), mas na prática contabilizando os inativos no cálculo do percentual mínimo. A debilidade maior do TC, no entanto, foi o fato de ele, apesar de ter constatado que o governo estadual não aplicou o percentual mínimo (25%) dos impostos em educação, nem os 15% dos impostos no ensino fundamental, nem a receita do Fundef, não emitiu parecer prévio contrário à aprovação das contas estaduais, limitando-se a fazer ressalvas e recomendações, quase sempre descumpridas pelo governo estadual, o que levanta a questão  sobre a utilidade do TC.
Estado, democracia e institucionalização das lutas sociais nas práticas educativas do mst : um estudo de caso da escola itinerante
Authors: Viegas Moacir Fernando , Luciano Charles Luiz Policena
Published: November 2011

No artigo analisamos as características e contradições das práticas educativas desenvolvidas nos acampamentos do Movimento dos Trabalhadores Rurais Sem Terra (MST) tendo como referência a Escola Itinerante. Enfocamos especialmente o problema da democracia e da institucionalização das lutas sociais, questão central com a qual se debatem os movimentos sociais na atualidade. Apoiamos a pesquisa no materialismo histórico e dialético e, nesse artigo, na crítica de Ellen Meiksins Wood à democracia representativa e às limitações do conceito de “sociedade civil”. Desenvolvemos o estudo em dois acampamentos do MST localizados no Rio Grande do Sul por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas, observação participante e análise de documentos. Os resultados a que chegamos apontam que a  institucionalização das práticas educativas do movimento, ao atenderem as formalidades do Estado, tendem à burocratização, distanciando-se das necessidades da classe trabalhadora.
Knowledge transfer and transformation: moving knowledge from research to policy
Authors: Ozga Jenny
Published: November 2011

This paper focuses on Knowledge Transfer (KT) as a policy initiative. Knowledge transfer/translation has developed from policy concerns about the gap between research-based knowledge trapped in disciplinary silos and the growing information and knowledge needs of various users. In addition KT maps closely against knowledge economy assumptions as effective KT is believed to provide competitive system advantage. In this context, what is distinctive in contemporary global economic development is ‘the action of knowledge on itself as the main source of productivity’. But the production of such knowledge does not take place in a vacuum. The challenge, then, for governments driving towards knowledgebased economies is not just to promote active knowing as an economic resource but to seek to manage and contain the knowledge that generates as a collective community resource, within acceptable limits. It is the difficulties that this simultaneous need for  freedom and control presents that form the core of this paper.
O planejamento das políticas educativas no Brasil e seus desafios atuais
Authors: Ferreira Eliza Bartolozzi , Fonseca Marília
Published: November 2011

O presente texto tem por objetivo apresentar reflexões preliminares procedentes de uma pesquisa interinstitucional focada no Plano de Ações Articuladas – PAR. Os procedimentos metodológicos adotados foram os seguintes: análise bibliográfica sobre planejamento no Brasil; análise dos documentos legais e normativos de criação e implantação do PAR; entrevistas com os técnicos responsáveis pelo planejamento dos municípios participantes da amostra. Com o PAR, o governo Lula inaugurou uma forma de planejamento sistêmico por meio da adoção de um mecanismo que instaura um regime de colaboração entre os entes federativos. A proposta do Ministério da Educação foi fortalecer o regime de colaboração, comprometendo-se em ir ao encontro dos entes federados para conhecer a sua realidade e assumir o compromisso de assisti-los técnica e financeiramente. Esta pesquisa evidenciou a tradicional dificuldade de equilíbrio entre as políticas locais e a central, sobretudo atualmente com as novas regulações introduzidas pelas reformas educativas implantadas desde a década de 1990. A gestão pública tornou-se mais técnica, oferecendo soluções racionais, supostamente neutras, para o enfrentamento dos problemas econômicos e sociais. Além disso, as entrevistas revelaram as dificuldades das equipes em prever as ações futuras, o que constitui a base de um bom planejamento, com o agravante da baixa participação dos segmentos da comunidade e da escola devido à falta de informações e/ou às injunções decorrentes das relações de poder local que inibem o posicionamento autônomo dos sujeitos.
Application of simulation technique on debris flow hazard zone delineation: a case study in the Daniao tribe, Eastern Taiwan
Authors: Tsai M. P. , Hsu Y. C. , Li H. C. , Shu H. M. , Liu K. F.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. Typhoon Morakot struck Taiwan in August 2009 and induced considerable disasters, including large-scale landslides and debris flows. One of these debris flows was experienced by the Daniao tribe in Taitung, Eastern Taiwan. The volume was in excess of 500 000 m3, which was substantially larger than the original design mitigation capacity. This study considered large-scale debris flow simulations in various volumes at the same area by using the DEBRIS-2D numerical program. The program uses the generalized Julien and Lan (1991) rheological model to simulate debris flows. In this paper, the sensitivity factor considered on the debris flow spreading is the amount of the debris flow initial volume. These simulated results in various amounts of debris flow initial volume demonstrated that maximal depths of debris flows were almost deposited in the same area, and also revealed that a 20% variation in estimating the amount of total volume at this particular site results in a 2.75% variation on the final front position. Because of the limited watershed terrain, the hazard zones of debris flows were not expanded. Therefore, the amount of the debris flow initial volume was not sensitive.