bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Randomized Controlled Trial on the Usefulness of Mobile Text Phone Messages to Improve the Quality of Care of HIV and AIDS Patients in Cameroon
Authors: Nsagha Dickson Shey , Lange Innocent , Fon Peter Nde , Nguedia Assob Jules Clement , Tanue Elvis Asangbeng
Published: May 2016

Background:

HIV and AIDS are major public health problems in the world and Africa. In Cameroon, the HIV prevalence is 5.1%. Cellphones have been found to be useful in the provision of modern health care services using short message services (SMS). This study assessed the effectiveness of SMS in improving the adherence of people living with HIV and AIDS to their treatment and care in Cameroon.

Methods:

This intervention study used a randomized controlled trial design. Ninety participants seeking treatment at the Nkwen Baptist Health Center were recruited between August and September 2011 using a purposive sampling method. They were randomly allocated into the intervention and control groups, each containing 45 participants. In the intervention group, each participant received four SMSs per week at equal intervals for four weeks. The patients were investigated for adherence to ARVs by evaluating the number of times treatment and medication refill appointments were missed. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire before and after intervention and analysed on STATA.

Results:

The baseline survey indicated that there were 55(61.1%) females and 35(38.9%) males aged 23 - 62 years; the mean age was 38.77 ± 1.08. Most participants were teachers [12 (13.3%)], farmers [11 (12.2%)], and businessmen [24 (26.7%)]. Adherence to ARVs was 64.4% in the intervention group and 44.2% in the control group (p= 0.05). 2(4.4%) patients in the control group failed to respect their drug refill appointments while all the 45(100%) participants in the intervention group respected their drug refill appointments. 54.17% of married people and 42.9% of the participants with primary and secondary levels of education missed their treatment. Key reasons for missing treatment were late home coming (54%), forgetfulness (22.5%), and travelling out of station without medication (17.5%). Other factors responsible for non-adherence included involvement in outdoor business (60.87%), ARV stock out (37.8%), and not belonging to a support group (10.23%). Twenty eight (62.22%) subjects in the intervention group were able to take their treatment regularly and on time.

Conclusion:

SMS improved adherence to ARVs. Key constraints which affect adhere to ARV medication can be addressed using SMS.
Validating Machine Learning Algorithms for Twitter Data Against Established Measures of Suicidality
Authors: Braithwaite Scott R , Giraud-Carrier Christophe , West Josh , Barnes Michael D , Hanson Carl Lee
Published: May 2016

Background

One of the leading causes of death in the United States (US) is suicide and new methods of assessment are needed to track its risk in real time.

Objective

Our objective is to validate the use of machine learning algorithms for Twitter data against empirically validated measures of suicidality in the US population.

Methods

Using a machine learning algorithm, the Twitter feeds of 135 Mechanical Turk (MTurk) participants were compared with validated, self-report measures of suicide risk.

Results

Our findings show that people who are at high suicidal risk can be easily differentiated from those who are not by machine learning algorithms, which accurately identify the clinically significant suicidal rate in 92% of cases (sensitivity: 53%, specificity: 97%, positive predictive value: 75%, negative predictive value: 93%).

Conclusions

Machine learning algorithms are efficient in differentiating people who are at a suicidal risk from those who are not. Evidence for suicidality can be measured in nonclinical populations using social media data.
In vitro dissolution profile study of mucolytic drug ambroxol hydrochloride from solid oral dosage form by UHPLC-MS/MS
Authors: Vujovic Maja , Jokanovic Milan , Nikolic Goran
Published: May 2016

In this paper a simplified dissolution test was performed for the release of
ambroxol from tablets according to the European Pharmacopoeia. In vitro,
three different dissolution media; 0.1 M HCl pH 1.2, acetate buffer (ABS) pH
4.5 and phosphate buffer (PBS) pH 6.8 were used for the simulation of the
gastrointestinal conditions at temperature of 37.0?0.5?C. The drug release
was evaluated by a new ultra - high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC)
- tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) method. The method was validated to meet
requirements as per ICH guidelines which include linearity, specificity,
precision, accuracy and robustness. The corresponding dissolution profiles
showed more than 80% drug release within 30 minutes without significant
differences. Further, the developed and validated UHPLC-MS/MS method could
find a useful application in the process of production, quality control and
bioavailability/bioequivalence studies of new pharmaceutical formulations of
drugs in order to achieve a safe therapeutic efficacy.
Assessment of vertical changes during maxillary expansion using quad helix or bonded rapid maxillary expander
Authors: Conroy-Piskai Cara , Galang-Boquiren Maria Therese S. , Obrez Ales , Viana Maria Grace Costa , Oppermann Nelson , Sanchez Flavio , Edgren Bradford , Kusnoto Budi
Published: May 2016

Objective: To determine if there is a significantly different effect on vertical changes during phase I palatal expansion treatment using a quad helix and a bonded rapid maxillary expander in growing skeletal Class I and Class II patients.

Materials and Methods: This retrospective study looked at 2 treatment groups, a quad helix group and a bonded rapid maxillary expander group, before treatment (T1) and at the completion of phase I treatment (T2). Each treatment group was compared to an untreated predicted growth model. Lateral cephalograms at T1 and T2 were traced and analyzed for changes in vertical dimension.

Results: No differences were found between the treatment groups at T1, but significant differences at T2 were found for convexity, lower facial height, total facial height, facial axis, and Frankfort Mandibular Plane Angle (FMA) variables. A comparison of treatment groups at T2 to their respective untreated predicted growth models found a significant difference for the lower facial height variable in the quad helix group and for the upper first molar to palatal plane (U6-PP) variable in the bonded expander group.

Conclusion: Overall, both the quad helix expander and the bonded rapid maxillary expander showed minimal vertical changes during palatal expansion treatment. The differences at T2 suggested that the quad helix expander had more control over skeletal vertical measurements. When comparing treatment results to untreated predicted growth values, the quad helix expander appeared to better maintain lower facial height and the bonded rapid maxillary expander appeared to better maintain the maxillary first molar vertical height.
Implementation of Preconception Care for Women With Diabetes
Authors: Yehuda Irma
Published: May 2016

IN BRIEF Women with diabetes who are of reproductive age should receive preconception risk assessment and counseling to maximize pregnancy outcomes. This article summarizes the concept of preconception care for women with diabetes and provides a description of an implementation of collaborative preconception care for primary care and obstetrics and gynecology specialty providers.
Macronutrient Composition or Social Determinants? Impact on Infant Outcomes With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Trout Kimberly K. , Homko Carol J. , Wetzel-Effinger Lisa , Mulla Wadia , Mora Ricardo , McGrath Joanna , Basel-Brown Lisa , Arcamone Angelina , Sami Parichehr , Makambi Kepher H.
Published: May 2016

The purpose of this study was to examine, through a randomized, controlled trial, the effects of a maternal carbohydrate-restricted diet on maternal and infant outcomes in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Women diagnosed with GDM were randomly allocated into one of two groups: an intervention group that was placed on a lower-carbohydrate diet (35–40% of total calories) or a control group that was placed on the usual pregnancy diet (50–55% carbohydrate). A convenience sample of participants diagnosed with GDM (ages 18–45 years) was recruited from two different sites: one urban and low-income and the other suburban and more affluent. Individual face-to-face diet instruction occurred with certified diabetes educators at both sites. Participants tested their blood glucose four times daily. Specific socioeconomic status indicators included enrollment in the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children or Medicaid-funded health insurance, as well as cross-sectional census data. All analyses were based on an intention to treat. Although there were no differences found between the lower-carbohydrate and usual-care diets in terms of blood glucose or maternal-infant outcomes, there were significant differences noted between the two sites. There was a lower mean postprandial blood glucose (100.59 ± 7.3 mg/dL) at the suburban site compared to the urban site (116.3 ± 15 mg/dL) (P <0.01), even though there was no difference in carbohydrate intake. There were increased amounts of protein and fat consumed at the suburban site (P <0.01), as well as lower infant complications (P <0.01). Further research is needed to determine whether these disparities in outcomes were the result of macronutrient proportions or environmental conditions.
Insulin Use in Pregnancy: An Update
Authors: Blum Alyson K.
Published: May 2016

IN BRIEF Insulin remains the standard of care for the treatment of type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and uncontrolled gestational diabetes. Tight control maintained in the first trimester and throughout pregnancy plays a vital role in decreasing poor fetal outcomes, including structural anomalies, macrosomia, hypoglycemia of the newborn, adolescent and adult obesity, and diabetes. Understanding new insulin formulations and strengths is important in assessing risks, since no data on their use in human pregnancy exist.
Validation of a Food Frequency Questionnaire for Bone Nutrients in Pregnant Women
Authors: Perreault Maude , Xu Victoria Y. Y. , Hamilton Suzanne , Wright Deslyn , Foster Warren , Atkinson Stephanie A.
Published: May 2016

Purpose: The aim was to validate a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) against a 3-day food record (3DFR) for pregnant women with a focus on nutrients important for bone health from food and supplements.

Methods: The FFQ and 3DFR were administered to pregnant women (n = 42) aged 18–45 years in their third trimester of pregnancy in Hamilton, Ontario. Nutrient analysis of intakes was conducted using an FFQ calculator and Nutritionist-Pro software. The average daily serving consumption of Milk and alternatives group and Vegetable subgroup from Canada’s Food Guide were also compared.

Results: There was a high positive correlation between methods for total dietary vitamin D (r = 0.83). Low positive associations were observed for total protein (r = 0.37), calcium (r = 0.36), vitamin K (r = 0.41), and servings of Milk and alternatives (r = 0.36). A cross-classification analysis using participants’ intake quartiles revealed no major misclassifications. Bland–Altman analysis showed that the FFQ mildly underestimated the intake for protein, whereas it grossly overestimated the intake of vitamin K, and daily servings of Milk and alternatives and Vegetable.

Conclusions: This FFQ can serve as a useful tool in clinical and research settings to assess key bone nutrients from foods and supplement sources in pregnant women.
Assessment of Registered Dietitians’ Beliefs and Practices for a Nutrition Counselling Approach
Authors: Taylor Lorian M. , Moriartey Stephanie , Stadnyk Janet , Basualdo-Hammond Carlota
Published: May 2016

Purpose: This study describes registered dietitians’ (RDs) perceptions and use of a nutrition counselling approach (NCA) as defined by the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Nutrition Care Process terminology (NCPT).

Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was administered to approximately 500 RDs in Alberta, Canada. Items included demographics, job characteristics, perceived knowledge, competence, use of an NCA, training experience, and theory of planned behaviour salient beliefs. Descriptive analyses compared RDs who counselled “all or most” of their clients with those who counselled “some or none.” Salient beliefs were analyzed using content analysis.

Results: Of the 349 RDs who completed the survey, 64.2% provided an NCA to “all or most” of their patients. RDs were supportive of using an NCA (mean = 8.7/10, SD = 1.9) and most RDs (84.5%) had received training on an NCA. Salient beliefs included advantages (e.g., improved behaviour change in patients) and disadvantages (e.g., inadequate time). Normative referents included colleagues (e.g., multidisciplinary team), managers, patients/clients, College of RDs of Alberta, and counsellors. The barriers and enablers were related to patients’ situations, infrastructure, and RD supports.

Conclusions: These results may enable decision makers to more effectively design and target training and implementation programs to improve RDs’ NCA.
Factors Associated with the Intention of Registered Dietitians to Discuss Nutrigenetics with their Patients/Clients
Authors: Bouchard-Mercier Annie , Desroches Sophie , Robitaille Julie , Vohl Marie-Claude
Published: May 2016

Purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate factors affecting the intention of Registered Dietitians (RDs) to discuss nutrigenetics with their patients/clients.

Methods: A survey based on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB; attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioural control) was developed and sent by email to RD members of the Ordre professionnel des diététistes du Québec. Multiple regression analyses were performed to examine the determinants of intention and behaviour.

Results: A total of 141 RDs completed the questionnaire (5.8% response rate). On a scale from −2 to 2 (from strongly disagree to strongly agree), the intention of discussing nutrigenetics with patients/clients was neutral (mean of −0.07 ± 0.92). The TPB construct of attitude was the most strongly associated with intention (β = 0.66, P < 0.0001) followed by perceived behavioural control (β = 0.33, P < 0.0001) and subjective norm (β = 0.21, P = 0.03). Finally, 13 out of 141 RDs (~9%) actually practiced the behaviour, which was to have discussed nutrigenetics with their patients/clients in the last 3 months. Only perceived behavioural control contributed to explain the behaviour (β = 0.17, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions: Main determinants of the intention of RDs to discuss nutrigenetics with their patients/clients were determined. This knowledge will help inform the design of future educational content about nutrigenetics.
Synthesis and Crystal Structures of Some New 2-(Diphenylamino)-4,5-Disubstituted Thiazole Derivatives
Authors: Heydari Reza , Shahrekipour Fahimeh , Graiff Claudia , Tahamipour Batool
Published: May 2016

The reactions of diphenylamine and benzoyl isothiocyanates with phenacyl bromide or methyl 2-bromoacetate in the presence of triethylamine yield 2,4,5-trisubstituted thiazole derivatives. The molecular structures of [2-(diphenylamino)-4-phenylthiazol-5-yl]( o-tolyl) methanone and methyl 4-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(diphenylamino)thiazole-5-carboxylate have been fully determined by means of single crystal X-ray diffraction methods.
Fully Automated Islet Cell Counter (ICC) for the Assessment of Islet Mass, Purity, and Size Distribution by Digital Image Analysis
Authors: Buchwald Peter , Bernal Andres , Echeverri Felipe , Tamayo-Garcia Alejandro , Linetsky Elina , Ricordi Camillo
Published: May 2016

For isolated pancreatic islet cell preparations, it is important to be able to reliably assess their mass and quality, and for clinical applications, it is part of the regulatory requirement. Accurate assessment, however, is difficult because islets are spheroid-like cell aggregates of different sizes (<50 to 500 μm) resulting in possible thousandfold differences between the mass contribution of individual particles. The current standard manual counting method that uses size-based group classification is known to be error prone and operator dependent. Digital image analysis (DIA)-based methods can provide less subjective, more reproducible, and better-documented islet cell mass (IEQ) estimates; however, so far, none has become widely accepted or used. Here we present results obtained using a compact, self-contained islet cell counter (ICC3) that includes both the hardware and software needed for automated islet counting and requires minimal operator training and input; hence, it can be easily adapted at any center and could provide a convenient standardized cGMP-compliant IEQ assessment. Using cross-validated sample counting, we found that for most human islet cell preparations, ICC3 provides islet mass (IEQ) estimates that correlate well with those obtained by trained operators using the current manual SOP method ( r2= 0.78, slope = 1.02). Variability and reproducibility are also improved compared to the manual method, and most of the remaining variability (CV = 8.9%) results from the rearrangement of the islet particles due to movement of the sample between counts. Characterization of the size distribution is also important, and the present digitally collected data allow more detailed analysis and coverage of a wider size range. We found again that for human islet cell preparations, a Weibull distribution function provides good description of the particle size.
HABITABLE ZONES OF POST-MAIN SEQUENCE STARS
Authors: Ramirez Ramses M. , Kaltenegger Lisa
Published: May 2016

Once a star leaves the main sequence and becomes a red giant, its Habitable Zone (HZ) moves outward, promoting detectable habitable conditions at larger orbital distances. We use a one-dimensional radiative-convective climate and stellar evolutionary models to calculate post-MS HZ distances for a grid of stars from 3700 to 10,000 K (∼M1 to A5 stellar types) for different stellar metallicities. The post-MS HZ limits are comparable to the distances of known directly imaged planets. We model the stellar as well as planetary atmospheric mass loss during the Red Giant Branch (RGB) and Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) phases for super-Moons to super-Earths. A planet can stay between 200 million years up to 9 Gyr in the post-MS HZ for our hottest and coldest grid stars, respectively, assuming solar metallicity. These numbers increase for increased stellar metallicity. Total atmospheric erosion only occurs for planets in close-in orbits. The post-MS HZ orbital distances are within detection capabilities of direct imaging techniques.
ELECTRON CYCLOTRON MASER EMISSIONS FROM EVOLVING FAST ELECTRON BEAMS
Authors: Tang J. F. , Wu D. J. , Chen L. , Zhao G. Q. , Tan C. M.
Published: May 2016

Fast electron beams (FEBs) are common products of solar active phenomena. Solar radio bursts are an important diagnostic tool for understanding FEBs and the solar plasma environment in which they propagate along solar magnetic fields. In particular, the evolution of the energy spectrum and velocity distribution of FEBs due to the interaction with the ambient plasma and field during propagation can significantly influence the efficiency and properties of their emissions. In this paper, we discuss the possible evolution of the energy spectrum and velocity distribution of FEBs due to energy loss processes and the pitch-angle effect caused by magnetic field inhomogeneity, and we analyze the effects of the evolution on electron-cyclotron maser (ECM) emission, which is one of the most important mechanisms for producing solar radio bursts by FEBs. Our results show that the growth rates all decrease with the energy loss factor Q, but increase with the magnetic mirror ratio σ as well as with the steepness index δ. Moreover, the evolution of FEBs can also significantly influence the fastest growing mode and the fastest growing phase angle. This leads to the change of the polarization sense of the ECM emission. In particular, our results also reveal that an FEB that undergoes different evolution processes will generate different types of ECM emission. We believe the present results to be very helpful for a more comprehensive understanding of the dynamic spectra of solar radio bursts.
THE ACS LCID PROJECT. XI. ON THE EARLY TIME RESOLUTION OF SFHs OF LOCAL GROUP DWARF GALAXIES: COMPARING THE EFFECTS OF REIONIZATION IN MODELS WITH OBSERVATIONS*
Authors: Aparicio Antonio , Hidalgo Sebastian L. , Skillman Evan , Cassisi Santi , Mayer Lucio , Navarro Julio , Cole Andrew , Gallart Carme , Monelli Matteo , Weisz Daniel , Bernard Edouard , Dolphin Andrew , Stetson Peter
Published: May 2016

The analysis of the early star formation history (SFH) of nearby galaxies, obtained from their resolved stellar populations, is relevant as a test for cosmological models. However, the early time resolution of observationally derived SFHs is limited by several factors. Thus, direct comparison of observationally derived SFHs with those derived from theoretical models of galaxy formation is potentially biased. Here we investigate and quantify this effect. For this purpose, we analyze the duration of the early star formation activity in a sample of four Local Group dwarf galaxies and test whether they are consistent with being true fossils of the pre-reionization era; i.e., if the quenching of their star formation occurred before cosmic reionization by UV photons was completed. Two classical dSph (Cetus and Tucana) and two dTrans (LGS-3 and Phoenix) isolated galaxies with total stellar masses between

and

have been studied. Accounting for time resolution effects, the SFHs peak as much as 1.25 Gyr earlier than the optimal solutions. Thus, this effect is important for a proper comparison of model and observed SFHs. It is also shown that none of the analyzed galaxies can be considered a true fossil of the pre-reionization era, although it is possible that the outer regions of Cetus and Tucana are consistent with quenching by reionization.
ALMA RESOLVES THE TORUS OF NGC 1068: CONTINUUM AND MOLECULAR LINE EMISSION
Authors: García-Burillo S. , Combes F. , Almeida C. Ramos , Usero A. , Krips M. , Alonso-Herrero A. , Aalto S. , Casasola V. , Hunt L. K. , Martín S. , Viti S. , Colina L. , Costagliola F. , Eckart A. , Fuente A. , Henkel C. , Márquez I. , Neri R. , Schinnerer E. , Tacconi L. J. , Werf P. P. van der
Published: May 2016

We used the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) to map the emission of the CO(6–5) molecular line and the 432 μm continuum emission from the 300 pc sized circumnuclear disk (CND) of the nearby Seyfert 2 galaxy NGC 1068 with a spatial resolution of ∼4 pc. These observations spatially resolve the CND and, for the first time, image the dust emission, the molecular gas distribution, and the kinematics from a 7–10 pc diameter disk that represents the submillimeter counterpart of the putative torus of NGC 1068. We fitted the nuclear spectral energy distribution of the torus using ALMA and near- and mid-infrared (NIR/MIR) data with CLUMPY torus models. The mass and radius of the best-fit solution for the torus are both consistent with the values derived from the ALMA data alone:

M

gas

torus

=
(
1
±
0.3
)
×

10

5

M

☉

and R
torus = 3.5 ± 0.5 pc. The dynamics of the molecular gas in the torus show strong non-circular motions and enhanced turbulence superposed on a surprisingly slow rotation pattern of the disk. By contrast with the nearly edge-on orientation of the H2O megamaser disk, we found evidence suggesting that the molecular torus is less inclined (i = 34°–66°) at larger radii. The lopsided morphology and complex kinematics of the torus could be the signature of the Papaloizou–Pringle instability, long predicted to likely drive the dynamical evolution of active galactic nuclei tori.
O CONCEITO DE BELEZA ESTÁ MUDANDO: OUTROS MESMOS SENTIDOS NO “CATRACA LIVRE”
Authors: Baumgärtner Carmen Teresinha , Back Jaqueline Morgana
Published: May 2016

Apesar de o Círculo de Bakhtin não ter proposto um método de análise do discurso, os estudos dos pesquisadores russos podem ser utilizados como fundamentação teórica para tal prática (BRAIT, 2006). Assim, utilizando princípios teóricos e metodológicos da Análise Dialógica do Discurso, no presente artigo objetiva-se analisar o discurso apresentado pelo site Catraca Livre, em matéria publicada em 22/07/14, “Modelo de 55 anos prova que o conceito de beleza está mudando”. Nesse intuito, recorremos aos estudos de Eco, para pavimentar a discussão sobre o conceito de beleza, como ele se constrói e como ele se modifica no decorrer da história.
A memória de Rahul
Authors: Rocha Morganna Sousa
Published: May 2016

Este artigo busca através da fenomenologia da lembrança, do hermeneuta e fenomenológo francês Paul Ricoeur, problematizar e compreender a manifestação da memória do narrador personagem Rahul, o qual narra suas lembranças da forma como lhe aparecem, no último romance de Lygia Fagundes Telles intitulado As Horas Nuas. Para alcançar mais aspectos do texto literário organizamos este artigo segundo suas três memórias. O desejo é compreender suas falhas e dúvidas na atividade rememorativa além de delinearmos o que foi verdade ou imaginação. Para esta análise é muito importante o estilo narrativo e visual do qual se apropria a escritora neste texto literário.

 
CONSTRUÇÕES CAUSATIVAS SINTÉTICAS: UMA ANÁLISE COMPARATIVA ENTRE A GRAMÁTICA GERATIVA E A GRAMÁTICA DE CONSTRUÇÕES
Authors: Milanio Glenda Queiroz
Published: May 2016

O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar comparativamente as causativas simples derivadas de cenários convencionalizados do inglês com as causativas sintéticas do português brasileiro (PB). Para realização dessa pesquisa, adotamos como quadro teórico a Teoria Gerativa (CHOMSKY, 1981,1999, 2002; RAPOSO, 1992; MIOTO, 2007; PYLKKÄNEN 2002, 2008; BLANCO 2010, 2011; SILVA, 2009 e AUTOR, 2014) e a Gramática de Construções (GOLDBERG, 1995). Em relação às propriedades semânticas dessas construções, identificamos que elas apresentam uma leitura ambígua de papel temático na posição de sujeito. Além disso, são formadas com verbos que possuem como propriedade semântica a necessidade de um instrumento artificial alienável, que possa ser transferido de um indivíduo para outro. Assim, assumimos que essas construções possuem um causado com traço [+ agentivo], que não é realizado fonologicamente, embora faça parte da estrutural argumental do verbo. Esse causado [+agentivo] apresenta uma interpretação arbitrária como sujeito indeterminado capaz de executar a ação verbal. Em relação às propriedades sintáticas, essas construções necessitam dos núcleos funcionais VoiceP e vPCAUSE, para possibilitarem as projeções dos argumentos causador e causado [+agentivo], respectivamente. Desse modo, essa análise translinguística possibilitou constatarmos que as causativas simples do inglês e as causativas sintéticas do PB compartilham propriedades sintáticas e semânticas.
A Literatura como Direito Fundamental e a viabilização deste direito pelo Método Recepcional e outras metodologias
Authors: Lacerda Lóide , Matsuda Alice Atsuko
Published: May 2016

A Constituição Federal do Brasil prevê amplo acesso à educação como direito fundamental da criança e do adolescente e há mecanismos legais que combatem e punem a falta de efetividade desse direito. Entretanto, sabe-se que há vários problemas educacionais no sistema educacional público brasileiro, principalmente no ensino de estratégias para o desenvolvimento de habilidades de leitura e escrita dos alunos e, como resposta a essa problemática, pesquisadores desenvolveram métodos efetivos para melhorar o desempenho linguístico e literário dos alunos. Este artigo objetiva descrever os estudos teóricos realizados no Plano de Trabalho em Iniciação Científica intitulado “A Literatura como Direito Fundamental e a viabilização desse direito pelo Método Recepcional”, vinculado ao Projeto de pesquisa homologado no edital 04/2013 – PR 0058, “Literatura infanto-juvenil e a formação do leitor: a representação discursiva do trabalho e da tecnologia”, do grupo de pesquisa “Discursos sobre Tecnologia, Trabalho e Identidades Nacionais”, do Programa de Pós-graduação em Tecnologia da Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná – UTFPR (Campus Curitiba). A pesquisa busca fazer um levantamento bibliográfico dos Direitos Fundamentais, da Teoria da Estética da Recepção e de propostas metodológicas de ensino de Literatura. A pesquisa também se propõe a analisar obras sociológicas acerca da educação e da cultura na sociedade contemporânea, a fim de estabelecer relações entre o acesso à literatura como direito fundamental e as demandas da atualidade. O artigo busca desenvolver uma sequência didática para auxílio da prática pedagógica a partir de obras da literatura infantil e juvenil, focalizando a representação da tecnologia, do trabalho e da construção de identidades.
Exploring Fatigue Trajectories in Early Symptomatic Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis: 6-year Results from the CHECK Study
Authors: Botterman Jadran , Bode Christina , Siemons Liseth , van de Laar Mart A.F.J. , Dekker Joost
Published: May 2016

Objective.

To examine whether different groups of fatigue trajectories can be identified among patients with early symptomatic osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee or hip, to describe the level of fatigue severity within each of these fatigue groups, and to investigate the involvement of age, sex, use of medication, comorbidity, and OA severity in relation to group membership.

Methods.

Six years of followup data on fatigue (Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 Vitality scale) came from the Cohort Hip and Cohort Knee (CHECK) cohort. Growth mixture modeling was applied to identify distinct fatigue trajectories as well as to take into account the effects of the patient characteristics.

Results.

Three fatigue trajectories were identified: low fatigue, low-to-high fatigue, and high fatigue. Latter trajectories showed considerable overlap from years 2 to 6, but differed in some patient characteristics in comparison with each other and in comparison with the low fatigue group. Comorbidity, medication use, and sex were significantly associated with the identified trajectories. Women, individuals with a comorbid disease, and those who used medication were more likely to follow a high fatigue trajectory.

Conclusion.

These findings suggest heterogeneous development of fatigue in the early OA population associated with varying patient characteristics. Further, this study shows that a considerable number of patients with OA already experience elevated levels of fatigue at an early stage of OA. While these findings need to be replicated, the identification of these trajectories with differing patient characteristics may warrant tailored psychosocial interventions for patients with elevated levels of fatigue.
Tocilizumab in Giant Cell Arteritis: A Multicenter Retrospective Study of 34 Patients
Authors: Régent Alexis , Redeker Serge , Deroux Alban , Kieffer Pierre , Ly Kim Heang , Dougados Maxime , Liozon Eric , Larroche Claire , Guillevin Loïc , Bouillet Laurence , Espitia Olivier , Costedoat-Chalumeau Nathalie , Soubrier Martin , Brihaye Benoît , Lifermann François , Lefevre Guillaume , Puéchal Xavier , Mouthon Luc , Toussirot Eric ,   for the French Vasculitis Group, the Groupe Francais pour l’Etude de l’Artérite à Cellules Géantes, and the Club Rhumatismes et Inflammation
Published: May 2016

Objective.

To report the efficacy and safety of tocilizumab (TCZ) for giant cell arteritis (GCA).

Methods.

A retrospective multicenter study that included 34 patients receiving TCZ for GCA.

Results.

TCZ was effective in all but 6 patients, who still had mild symptoms. Mean glucocorticoid dose was tapered. One patient died and 3 patients had to stop TCZ therapy because of severe adverse events. Twenty-three patients stopped treatment; 8 of these experienced relapses after a mean of 3.5 ± 1.3 months.

Conclusion.

TCZ is effective in GCA. However, side effects occur. Whether this treatment has only a suspensive effect remains to be determined.
Focal Nonperfusion of Deep Retinal Capillary Plexus in Eyes With Epiretinal Membranes Revealed by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography
Authors: Lin Tai-Chi , Chung Yu-Chien , Lin Che-Yu , Lee Fenq-Lih , Chen Shih-Jen
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the leakage pattern in eyes with idiopathic epiretinal membranes (ERM) using fluorescein angiography (FA) and the structure of the retinal capillary plexus with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

The authors enrolled patients with idiopathic macular ERM in the consecutive case series study. All patients were evaluated using FA at the central macula area and OCTA at the central 3 mm × 3 mm.

RESULTS:

Six patients (seven eyes) with ERM completed this preliminary study. The authors examined five eyes that showed increased macular thickness without a lamellar hole and two eyes that showed combined ERM with a lamellar hole. In the five eyes with ERM alone, the irregular focal hypofluorescent areas in FA corresponded to the locations of absent or low flow signals within vasculatures in the deep retinal capillary plexus seen in OCTA, whereas most of the superficial retinal capillary plexus was not affected, except vascular tortuosity in OCTA. In the two eyes combined with lamellar hole, OCTA showed central cystic lesions without vasculatures, but no low flow signals within vasculatures in the deep retinal capillary plexus beyond the hole. These focal irregular, absent, or low flow signals within vasculatures in the deep retinal plexus improved 1 month after surgical removal of the ERM in one eye.

CONCLUSION:

Mechanical stress exerted from the ERM might affect deep retinal capillary flow more profoundly than the superficial capillary flow, which would account for the fluorescence changes seen in FA.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2016;47:404–409.]
Quantitative Assessment of Optic Nerve Changes in Patients With Diabetic Macular Edema Treated With Fluocinolone Acetonide Vitreous Implants
Authors: Parrish Richard K. , Traverso Carlo E. , Green Ken , Danis Ronald P. ,   FAME Study Group
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate glaucomatous changes in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) treated with intravitreal implants releasing 0.2 µg/day or 0.5 µg/day fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) (Iluvien 0.2 µg/day; Alimera Sciences, Alpharetta, GA) or sham control.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Fundus photographs were assessed to determine clinically significant changes in glaucomatous indicators.

RESULTS:

The mean cup-to-disc ratio (CDR) change was similar with all three treatments. Compared with sham control, a significantly greater proportion of patients treated with 0.5 µg/day but not 0.2 µg/day FAc experienced a CDR increase of greater than 0.1. There was no significant increase in the proportion of patients experiencing a CDR increase of greater than 0.2 with either dose of implant versus sham control. Other indicators of glaucomatous change did not differ significantly with treatment. Subgroup analyses showed no differences in cupping based on ocular or baseline characteristics.

CONCLUSION:

Treatment with FAc for 36 months was not associated with significant glaucomatous optic nerve head changes in patients with DME with or without increased intraocular pressure.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2016;47:418–425.]
Characterization of Intraocular Pressure Increases and Management Strategies Following Treatment With Fluocinolone Acetonide Intravitreal Implants in the FAME Trials
Authors: Parrish Richard K. , Campochiaro Peter A. , Pearson P. Andrew , Green Ken , Traverso Carlo E. ,   FAME Study Group
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To compare elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) management and outcomes among patients with diabetic macular edema who received fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) implants versus sham-control treatment and explore the prior ocular steroid exposure impact on IOP outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was measured using Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study charts or electronic VA testers. Goldmann applanation tonometry was used to measure IOP.

RESULTS:

Elevated IOP was more common in FAc-versus sham control-treated patients. Medication, and less often trabeculoplasty or surgery, was used to lower IOP without affecting VA outcomes. No patient treated with 0.2 µg/day FAc who received prior ocular steroid required IOP-lowering surgery.

CONCLUSION:

Elevated IOP may occur following FAc implant receipt; however, in the present study, it was manageable and did not impact vision outcomes. Patients previously treated with ocular steroid did not require IOP-lowering surgery following 0.2 µg/day FAc implant administration.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina.
2016;47:426–435.]
Comparative Evaluation of Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness After Conventional Brilliant Blue Assisted Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling Versus Brilliant Blue Selective Staining Using Whole Blood in Macular Hole Surgery
Authors: Arora Supriya , Goel Neha , Arora Tarun , Sharma Prateeksha , Raina Usha Kaul , Thakar Meenakshi , Ghosh Basudeb
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness after conventional brilliant blue (BB) assisted macular hole (MH) surgery versus BB selective staining using whole blood (WB) in MH surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Sixty eyes with stage 4 idiopathic MH with a clear media were randomly divided into two equal groups. Group A eyes underwent sequential intraoperative use of autologous heparinized WB followed by BB dye for staining internal limiting membrane, whereas eyes in group B were subjected to conventional BB staining. Clinical examination and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography was done preoperatively and postoperatively up to 6 months.

RESULTS:

Mean global RNFL thickness and mean temporal RNFL thickness decreased in both groups postoperatively, but the reduction in RNFL thickness in group B was greater than group A at all postoperative visits (
P
< .05).

CONCLUSION:

BB toxicity may be responsible for reduction of RNFL thickness and WB appears to protect RNFL against dye toxicity.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2016;47:436–442.]
Choroidal Neovascularization Associated With Birdshot Chorioretinopathy
Authors: Shantha Jessica G. , Ho Vincent Y. , Patel Purnima , Forooghian Farzin , Yeh Steven
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Patients with birdshot chorioretinopathy (BCR) may develop visual compromise due to choroidal neovascularization (CNV), and few series address management strategies in the anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) era. The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical outcomes of combination anti-VEGF and immunosuppressive therapy for CNV associated with BCR.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Retrospective, interventional case series. Patients with BCR from two tertiary uveitis and retina practices were reviewed. Patients with CNV in association with BCR were identified and reviewed in detail. Clinical features, treatments utilized (ie, anti-VEGF injections, immunosuppressive therapy), and functional and structural outcomes over long-term follow-up were recorded. Outcomes measured included Snellen visual acuity, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography macular thickness during treatment, number and type of anti-VEGF injections, the need for initiation or escalation of immunosuppression, and incidence of CNV in macula-involved versus macula-sparing BCR.

RESULTS:

Four of 36 BCR patients were diagnosed with choroidal neovascularization (11%). Identification of CNV in all patients prompted treatment with intravitreal anti-VEGF injections and an increase or initiation of local or systemic immunosuppression. Mean Snellen visual acuity improved from 20/60 to 20/30 at final follow-up (
P
= .02). Mean central subfield thickness improved from 443 μ to 254 μ (
P
= .04). CNV in association with BCR occurred at a rate of 0.11 events per patient-year (95% CI, 0.02–0.31) in macula-involved BCR versus zero events/patient-year in macula-spared BCR (95% CI, 0–0.058;
P
= .009).

CONCLUSION:

Anti-VEGF therapy was effective for the treatment of CNV in BCR patients. A combination of systemic or local immunosuppression and anti-VEGF therapy may be useful in the management of CNV associated with BCR.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2016;47:450–457.]
Factors Associated With Poor Response to Aflibercept After Switching From Ranibizumab or Bevacizumab in Neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Cheng Sarah , Leng Theodore
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this study was to analyze demographic and ocular features of patients with age-related macular degeneration who failed aflibercept (Eylea; Regeneron, Tarrytown, NY) treatment after switching from ranibizumab (Lucentis; Genentech, South San Francisco, CA) or bevacizumab (Avastin; Genentech, South San Francisco, CA).

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Retrospective chart review of patients treated with aflibercept at the Byers Eye Institute from November 2011 to August 2014. Patient visual acuity was noted prior to aflibercept; after 1, 3, and 12 months; and on the most recent visit. Patients who improved vision after switching were compared to patients who lost vision. Demographic and imaging features were analyzed using univariate and multivariate statistics.

RESULTS:

Patients who lost vision had significantly higher BMI (
P
= .013, multivariate) and geographic atrophy (
P
= .0381, univariate;
P
= .1, multivariate) compared to patients who improved vision.

CONCLUSION:

BMI and geographic atrophy may be considered as potential indicators for poor response to aflibercept after switching from ranibizumab or bevacizumab.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina.
2016;47:458–465.]
Ultra Wide-Field Indocyanine Green Angiogram Highlights Choroidal Perfusion Delay Secondary to Giant Cell Arteritis
Authors: Tang Peter H. , Lee Michael S. , van Kuijk Frederik J.G.M.
Published: May 2016

Vision loss in giant cell arteritis (GCA) often presents as anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and central retinal artery occlusion. Previous studies have established an acute delay in choroidal perfusion on fluorescein angiography (FA) as a classic sign of GCA. The authors present a unique imaging case report of GCA where ultra wide-field (UWF) indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) offers improved characterization of delayed choroidal perfusion compared to FA. Routine use of ICGA, particularly UWF imaging, in patients with suspected GCA should be studied in a larger cohort to determine whether it may improve detection of choroidal perfusion delay.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2016;47:471–473.]
Current Practice Patterns for Treatment of Retinopathy of Prematurity
Authors: Tawse Kirstin L. , Jeng-Miller Karen W. , Baumal Caroline R.
Published: May 2016

To evaluate current practice patterns for the treatment of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and characterize factors influencing clinical decisions, a database of all ophthalmologists subspecializing in pediatrics and retina was compiled from membership directories of subspecialty societies and academic institutions in the United States. A web-based survey was emailed to these subspecialists to obtain information regarding demographics, treatment practices, and preferences in hypothetical clinical scenarios. From 2,977 retina and pediatric ophthalmology subspecialists surveyed, 302 self-reported as treating ROP, of whom 56% reported having performed intra-vitreal anti-VEGF injection for ROP. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injection was the initial treatment for posterior type 1 high risk ROP preferred by the majority of surveyed ROP treaters, whereas 66% reported uncertainty regarding long-term side effects as the largest barrier to its use. Geographic practice location was associated with anti-VEGF use (
P
= .019). Anti-VEGF injection as ROP therapy was preferred in some scenarios in our sample. Concerns regarding potential anti-VEGF side effects warrant further investigation. Clinical Implications: Intravitreal anti-VEGF injection was chosen as the initial therapeutic option by the majority of ROP treatment providers for posterior type 1 ROP in this survey that assessed treatment preferences for a range of clinical scenarios. Uncertainty regarding long-term side effects was the largest reported barrier to use of anti-VEGF for ROP treatment.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2016;47:491–495.]
Cyber Risk
Authors: Arcuri Maria Cristina , Brogi Marina , Gandolfi Gino
Published: May 2016

The dependence on cyberspace has considerably increased over time, as such, people look at risk associated with cyber technology. This chapter focuses on the cyber risk issue. The authors aim to describe the global state of the art and point out the potential negative consequences of this type of systemic risk. Cyber risk increasingly affects both public and private institutions. Some of the risks that entities face are the following: computer security breaches, cyber theft, cyber terrorism, cyber espionage. Developed nations but also emerging markets suffer from cyber risk. It is therefore important to examine the different security regulation implemented across different markets. Moreover, cyber risk is a concern for all economic sectors. In particular, it is a crucial issue in banking sector because of the negative effects of cyber attacks, among others, the financial losses and the reputational risk. However, the awareness is increasing and cyber insurance is growing.
Security in Ad Hoc Network and Computing Paradigms
Authors: Saini Poonam , Singh Awadhesh Kumar
Published: May 2016

Resource sharing is the most attractive feature of distributed computing. Information is also a kind of resource. The portable computing devices and wireless networks are playing a dominant role in enhancing the information sharing and thus in the advent of many new variants of distributed computing viz. ubiquitous, grid, cloud, pervasive and mobile. However, the open and distributed nature of Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs), Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs) and cloud computing systems, pose a threat to information that may be coupled from one user (or program) to another. The chapter illustrates the general characteristics of ad hoc networks and computing models that make obligatory to design secure protocols in such environments. Further, we present a generic classification of various threats and attacks. In the end, we describe the security in MANETs, VANETs and cloud computing. The chapter concludes with a description of tools that are popularly used to analyze and access the performance of various security protocols.
Discovering Periodicity in Network Flows for Security Monitoring
Authors: Hubballi Neminath , Goyal Deepanshu
Published: May 2016

Increasingly system software and user applications are becoming automated and thus many of inter machine communications are not user action driven. Some of these automated communications like OS updates, database synchronization will not pose security threats, while others can have malicious behavior. Automated communications pose a threat to the security of systems if initiated by unwanted programs like keyloggers and Botnets. As these applications are programmed to contact a peer host regularly, most of these communications are periodic in nature. In this chapter we describe a method for detecting periodic communications by analyzing network flows for security monitoring. In particular we use a clustering technique to identify periodic communications between hosts. We experiment with both simulated and real world data to evaluate the efficacy of method.