bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Demand on Stiffened Steel Shear Panel Dampers in a Rigid-Framed Bridge Pier under Repeated Seismic Ground Motions
Authors: Ge Hanbin , Chen Xi , Kang Lan
Published: April 2012

Destructive earthquakes in recent years show that strong aftershocks are prone to occur frequently, which accelerate the destruction of structures after the main shocks. However, it is difficult to evaluate the intensity of the seismic ground motion by the aftershock. To account for this effect, it is assumed in this study that the structures would sustain three times of severe earthquakes during the service life, and for simplicity the input ground motions are repeated by three times with the same amplitude. Performance requirements on Shear Panel Dampers (SPDs) installed in framed bridge piers under repeated strong earthquakes are examined by dynamic analyses, and the sensitivity of two quantities of the SPD's capacity (maximum shear deformation and cumulative inelastic deformation) is studied. The SPDs are designed to vary on different dimensional and mechanical parameters to be applied in a steel rigid-framed bridge pier, and three kinds of design earthquake motions are used. By comparing the results of three times of earthquakes with that of one time, the performance requirements are concluded and corresponding safety margin of the capacity is discussed for practical seismic design.
Development of the Coach-Athlete Relationship Maintenance Questionnaire (CARM-Q)
Authors: Rhind Daniel J. A. , Jowett Sophia
Published: April 2012

This study developed and gained initial evidence for the reliability and validity of a measure of the use of maintenance strategies within the coach-athlete relationship (coach-athlete relationship maintenance questionnaire: CARM-Q). In study one, 50 items were generated based on Rhind and Jowett's COMPASS model, which suggests that conflict management, openness, motivation, positivity, advice, support, and social networks are key strategies for maintaining the quality of coach-athlete relationships. The content validity of these items was established using an expert panel. The items were then administered to 251 participants (146 athletes and 105 coaches). Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify the latent underlying structure. A 28 item measure was created with 7 sub-scales measuring: conflict management, openness, motivational, preventative, assurance, support, and social network strategies. Initial evidence for the internal consistency and criterion validity of the CARM-Q was found. In study two, the CARM-Q was administered to an independent sample of 212 coaches and athletes. Further statistical support for the structural validity of the new measure was found. Future research directions are considered and the contribution that this research can make to coach and athlete education programs is discussed.
Reviewing Coaches' Knowledge, Attitudes and Beliefs regarding Doping in Sport
Authors: Backhouse Susan H. , McKenna Jim
Published: April 2012

Over two decades, the importance of coaches as potential agents in the prevention of drug use amongst athletes has been emphasised. This article examines the published evidence on coaches' knowledge, attitudes and beliefs towards doping in sport. A systematic search strategy was followed. Research questions and relevance criteria were developed a priori. Potentially relevant studies were located through electronic and hand searches limited to English language articles published between 1990 and Jan 2011. Articles were assessed for relevance by two independent assessors and the results of selected studies were abstracted and synthesised. Outcomes of interest were knowledge, attitudes and beliefs in relation to doping in sport. Four studies met the inclusion criteria and were examined in detail. Samples reflected a range of coaches (n = 566) drawn from Norway, Italy, France and Hong Kong. The investigations varied with respect to outcome focus and quality of evidence. Despite the influential role that coaches might play in an athlete's life, few studies have examined their doping-related knowledge, attitudes and beliefs. While the existing empirical research posits support for the anti-doping movement, it also exposes a limited knowledge of doping effects or governance. The current evidence-base makes it difficult to plan targeted education to span coaching contexts. Addressing this situation in a more systematic and thorough fashion appears warranted.
Error Reduction during Practice: A Novel Method for Learning to Kick Free-Kicks in Soccer
Authors: Savelsbergh Geert , Cañal-Bruland Rouwen , van der Kamp John
Published: April 2012

We examined whether a protocol that intends to reduce errors during practice results in greater improvements in free-kick performance in soccer than traditional training protocols that aim for low and high practice variability with many errors. Four groups (n = 40) underwent different practice protocols. Reducing errors was achieved by gradually increasing task difficulty during practice. This error reducing practice protocol was administered to the increasing difficulty group. The decreasing and random difficulty groups practiced the same task difficulties, but in decreasing and random orders respectively. The constant difficulty group practiced only the most difficult task. The error reducing practice protocol resulted in a permanent increment in free-kick performance. This increment was approximated after practice of the most difficult task only.
Design-Driven Innovation for Sustainability: A New Method for Developing a Sustainable Value Proposition
Authors: Müller Matthias
Published: April 2012

This paper offers two starting points bridged by a question: The first point is the field of sustainability concepts that can help transform a resource-wasting society into a sustainable one. The second point is the field of design-driven innovation that can generate sustainable economic success by designing products and services that meet people's needs. A question bridges these two starting points: How do we design sustainable products to make them more successful? This essay introduces a tool to help companies develop innovative products and services that are sustainable for the environment, the economy and society: the Sustainable Value Proposition Tool (SVPT).
Language Matters: Status Loss and Achieved Status Distinctions in Global Organizations
Authors: Neeley Tsedal B.
Published: April 2012

How workers experience and express status loss in organizations has received little scholarly attention. I conducted a qualitative study of a French high-tech company that had instituted English as a lingua franca, or common language, as a context for examining this question. Results indicate that nonnative English-speaking employees experienced status loss regardless of their English fluency level. Yet variability in their self-assessed fluency—an achieved status marker—was associated with differences in language performance anxiety and job insecurity in a nonlinear fashion: those who believed they had medium-level fluency were the most anxious compared with their low- and high-fluency coworkers. In almost all cases where fluency ratings differed, self-assessed rather than objective fluency determined how speakers explained their feelings and actions. Although nonnative speakers shared a common attitude of resentment and distrust toward their native English-speaking coworkers, their behavioral responses—assertion, inhibition, or learning—to encounters with native speakers differed based on their self-perceived fluencies. No status differences materialized among nonnative speakers as a function of diverse linguistic and national backgrounds. I discuss the theoretical and practical implications of these findings for status, achieved characteristics, and language in organizations.
Management of jejunal pouch dysfunction following total gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y reconstruction for gastric cancer: a case report
Authors: Morar P , Aziz O , Holme TC
Published: April 2012

INTRODUCTION

Total gastrectomy with oesophagojejunal pouch anastomosis and Roux-en-Y reconstruction is a well recognised procedure for patients undergoing curative resections for gastric malignancy. The formation of a jejunai pouch is thought by some to create a reservoir that, when compared with straight oesophagojejunal anastomosis, reduces the incidence of postoperative dumping.

CASE HISTORY

A patient presented two years after a total gastrectomy with oesophagojejunal pouch anastomosis and Roux-en-Y reconstruction for a T3N2M0 adenocarcinoma of the stomach, with postprandial vomiting and dysphagia resulting in massive weight loss and malnutrition. Recurrent cancer and stricturing was ruled out by gastroscopy and computed tomography, and distal obstruction was ruled out by an oral contrast study. The diagnosis of a functional jejunai pouch disorder was made by exclusion. Balloon dilatation of the pouch and the oesophagojejunal anastomosis found little symptomatic improvement. The patient's deteriorating nutritional status prompted us to urgently perform revisionai surgery. A re-laparotomy and pouch-jejunal bypass procedure was performed. Post-operatively, the patient made a full symptomatic recovery and began gaining weight

CONCLUSIONS

A pouch-enteric bypass is a suitable treatment option for patients with functional jejunai pouch dysmotility following a total gastrectomy and jejunai pouch formation in the absence of distal obstruction and recurrent disease.
The appropriateness of blood transfusion following primary total hip replacement
Authors: Joy PJ , Bennet SJ
Published: April 2012

INTRODUCTION

A significant proportion of all red cell transfusions are given to patients undergoing elective orthopaedic surgery. Concern over transfusion safety and cost, coupled with evidence showing that restrictive transfusion policies benefit patients, prompted us to audit our blood prescribing practice at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in order to assess the appropriateness of every transfusion episode following elective primary total hip replacement.

METHODS

All patients undergoing a primary total hip replacement in our department over a six-month period were included in the study. Data were collected retrospectively using case note examination and transfusion service data. Standards were dictated by the British Orthopaedic Association guidelines on blood conservation in elective orthopaedic surgery.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven per cent of patients (39/143) were transfused. Forty-six per cent of these (18/39) were transfused inappropriately and twenty-three per cent (9/39) appropriately. Thirteen per cent (5/39) had a valid indication for transfusion but were over-transfused and in eighteen per cent (7/39) the quality of documentation did not allow an assessment to be made. Fifty-two per cent of patients who had surgical drains (29/56) were transfused. Reaudit following staff education and amendments to the local transfusion policy did not demonstrate a reduction in transfusion rates.

CONCLUSIONS

This audit showed that significant potential exists for reducing transfusion rates based on optimising prescribing practice alone. It also demonstrated that changing local practice based on audit data can be challenging.
Factors predicting significant pathology on ultrasonography in women presenting with non-specific lower abdominal pain
Authors: Bilku DK , Hall TC , Dennison AR , Metcalfe MS , Garcea G
Published: April 2012

INTRODUCTION

Ultrasonography is used frequently to exclude significant pathology in young women presenting with nonspecific lower abdominal pain (NSLAP). This study examined parameters that predicted the likelihood of significant findings on ultrasonography. These results could be used to select patients for priority imaging or identify those who could be managed with no ultrasonography.

METHODS

A total of 65 women with NSLAP were identified from 283 admissions. Group 1 (n=42) consisted of patients with normal imaging. Group 2 (n=23) included patients with ‘positive’ scans requiring treatment. White cell count (WCC), C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, platelet count, age, duration of pain and length of stay in hospital were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

The median WCC and CRP were greater in Group 2 than in Group 1: 15 x 10 9 /l and 123mg/l versus 11 x 1071 and 72mg/l respectively (p=0.01 and p=0.05). CRP was a weak predictor of positive pathology on ultrasonography (area under curve [AUC]=0.66, p=0.027) and WCC was a strong predictor of abnormal pathology on ultrasonography (AUC=0.7, p=0.005). A WCC of >12.8 x 10 9 /l was 65% sensitive and 71% specific in predicting subsequent pathology on ultrasonography. The median wait for ultrasonography was 24 hours (range: 1-96 hours).

CONCLUSIONS

This study failed to define any criteria that could select patients not requiring ultrasonography. Since ultrasonography is a relatively cheap and safe investigation, its continued use to screen women with NSLAP is justified. WCC should be used to prioritise imaging.
Total elbow replacement with the Coonrad-Morrey prosthesis: our medium to long-term results
Authors: Maheshwari R , Vaziri S , Helm RH
Published: April 2012

INTRODUCTION

Semiconstrained total elbow replacement is now a well recognised and reliable surgical option for advanced elbow disease, mainly rheumatoid arthritis.

METHODS

We report a retrospective analysis of 31 primary total elbow replacements in 28 patients with a mean follow-up duration of 55 months. The mean age of the patients was 65 years. The indications included 27 cases of rheumatoid arthritis, 3 fractures and 1 case of osteoarthritis. Twenty-one elbows in nineteen patients were assessed using the Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS) in a special follow-up clinic. In the other nine patients (ten elbows), the assessment was carried out with case notes and x-rays.

RESULTS

The mean pre-operative MEPS in the 21 elbows recalled was 40. This improved to 89 post-operatively (range: 55-100). Sixteen of the twenty-one elbows were considered excellent, two good, two fair and one poor. The range of movement was recorded in eight of the other ten elbows and the mean was 98°. At the last follow-up visit, x-rays were normal in 23 elbows although the ulnar component was loose in 3, the humeral component loose in 2. There were also two cases of nonunion of the medial epicondyle and one patient had mild heterotopic ossification. Complications included one infection, which needed irrigation and debridement with a satisfactory final result, and two cases of ulnar nerve palsy/neurapraxia. Two elbows were considered failures due to severe pain caused by prosthetic loosening. These were referred for revision surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Excellent pain relief and good function can be achieved in the medium and long term with the Coonrad-Morrey semiconstrained total elbow replacement prosthesis in patients with severe destructive elbow arthropathy.
Gallbladder selection for histopathological analysis based on a simple method: a prospective comparative study
Authors: Romero-González RJ , Garza-Flores A , Martínez-PérezMaldonado L , Díaz-Elizondo JA , Muñiz-Eguía JJ , Barbosa-Quintana A
Published: April 2012

INTRODUCTION

After a cholecystectomy, the current and traditional practice is to send each resected gallbladder to the pathologist for analysis. Some reports have suggested the possibility of selecting only those gallbladders that need to be analysed. The purpose of this study was to show a simple method for selecting which gallbladders should be sent to the pathologist.

METHODS

A prospective comparative study was carried out. Two ‘tests’ were performed in 150 patients to detect or rule out gallbladder cancer. The first test included the patient's variables and a macroscopic gallbladder analysis performed by the surgeon (MGAS). The second test was the analysis performed by the pathologist. The results were compared.

RESULTS

Of the 150 patients, 132 were women and 18 men; 130 were under 60 years old. One patient had inflammatory bowel disease, seven had changes on ultrasonography and in four cases intra-operative disturbances were observed. During the MGAS, disturbances were found in 30 patients. Eighty-one cases (54%) had at least one or more risk factors for gallbladder cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

In almost half of the gallbladders, it would be safe not to send the specimen to the pathology department, decreasing costs significantly.
Origin of Saponite-Rich Clays in A Fossil Serpentinite-Hosted Hydrothermal System in The Crustal Basement of The Hyblean Plateau (Sicily, Italy)
Authors: Manuella Fabio C. , Carbone Serafina , Barreca Giovanni
Published: April 2012

A diapiric intrusion of clays in the Carlentini Formation (Tortonian) was discovered in a quarry at S. Demetrio High (Hyblean Plateau, Sicily, Italy). Seven clay samples were analyzed by different analytical methods, including X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, to determine the composition and mechanism of formation (sedimentary vs. hydrothermal) of these clays. Ferric saponite, carbonates (calcite and traces of ankerite), quartz, pyrite, and zeolites (phillipsite and harmotome) were detected using XRD and FTIR. This mineral assemblage, dominated by Fe-rich saponite, and the abundance of light rare-earth elements (LREE), Eu, fluid-mobile elements (FME > 10 × primordial mantle: Li, Be, B, As, Sb, Pb, U, Ba, Sr, Cs), and other incompatible elements (Zr = 169 ppm, Nb = 46 ppm, Th = 11 ppm, on average) imply that S. Demetrio clays precipitated from a mixture of hot Si-rich hydrothermal fluids (350–400°C) and cold seawater. The evidence is in accord with the affinity of clays for hydrothermally modified mafic and ultramafic rocks, forming the Hyblean lower crust, based on multi-element comparisons, and on the occurrence of trace amounts of chrysotile 2Mc1 and sepiolite. The association of long-chain aliphatic-aromatic hydrocarbons (intensity ratios I2927/I2957 > 0.5) with hydrothermal clays, the lack of fossils, and the similarity of the IR absorption bands with those of organic compounds detected previously in some metasomatized Hyblean gabbroic xenoliths suggest a possible abiogenic origin of hydrocarbons via a Fischer-Tropsch-type reaction. The S. Demetrio clay diapir was emplaced at shallow crustal levels in the Late Miocene as a consequence of the interaction, at a greater depth, of an uprising basalt magma and the products of an early, serpentinite-hosted hydrothermal system.
Bernard Walsh’s World Series
Authors: Walsh Bernard
Published: April 2012

This article is written about a series of photographs taken by the artist/writer Bernard Walsh, called Bernard Walsh’s World Series. The photographs are intended to form part of an exhibition that will travel to cities around the world, including those cities where the photographs
were originally taken; Seoul, Tokyo, Istanbul, Lisbon, Rome, Berlin, Kaunas and Los Angeles. This article explores issues raised by the selection of images and the notion of a world series becoming the specific context for this exhibition.
Dendritic BDNF Synthesis Is Required for Late-Phase Spine Maturation and Recovery of Cortical Responses Following Sensory Deprivation
Authors: Kaneko Megumi , Xie Yuxiang , An Juan Ji , Stryker Michael P. , Xu Baoji
Published: April 2012

Sensory experience in early postnatal life shapes neuronal connections in the brain. Here we report that the local synthesis of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in dendrites plays an important role in this process. We found that dendritic spines of layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons of the visual cortex in mutant mice lacking dendriticBdnfmRNA and thus local BDNF synthesis were normal at 3 weeks of age, but thinner, longer, and more closely spaced (morphological features of immaturity) at 4 months of age than in wild-type (WT) littermates. Layer 2/3 of the visual cortex in these mutant animals also had fewer GABAergic presynaptic terminals at both ages. The overall size and shape of dendritic arbors were, however, similar in mutant and WT mice at both ages. By using optical imaging of intrinsic signals and single-unit recordings, we found that mutant animals failed to recover cortical responsiveness following monocular deprivation (MD) during the critical period, although they displayed normally the competitive loss of responsiveness to an eye briefly deprived of vision. Furthermore, MD still induced a loss of responsiveness to the closed eye in adult mutant mice, but not in adult WT mice. These results indicate that dendritic BDNF synthesis is required for spine pruning, late-phase spine maturation, and recovery of cortical responsiveness following sensory deprivation. They also suggest that maturation of dendritic spines is required for the maintenance of cortical responsiveness following sensory deprivation in adulthood.
Direct Evidence for Domain-Sensitive Functional Subregions in Human Entorhinal Cortex
Authors: Schultz Heidrun , Sommer Tobias , Peters Jan
Published: April 2012

The medial temporal lobes (MTL) are known to play a crucial role in memory processes. Anatomical findings from animal studies suggest partially segregated MTL pathways converge in the hippocampus, with a posterior stream including parahippocampal and medial lateral entorhinal cortex and an anterior stream including perirhinal and lateral entorhinal cortex. These streams may operate on spatial and nonspatial information, respectively. In humans, such a functional dissociation has been suggested between parahippocampal and perirhinal cortex. Data from rodents and nonhuman primates suggest a similar dissociation between medial and lateral entorhinal cortex, which are reciprocally connected to parahippocampal and perirhinal cortex, but evidence for functional subregions within entorhinal cortex in humans is lacking. We addressed this issue using high-resolution fMRI with improved spatial normalization. Volunteers (n= 28) performed a working memory paradigm involving the retrieval of spatial (scenes) and nonspatial (faces) information after distraction. A clear dissociation between MTL subcircuits emerged. A perirhinal–lateral entorhinal pathway was more involved in the retrieval of faces after distraction, whereas a parahippocampal–medial entorhinal pathway was more involved in the retrieval of scenes after distraction. A cluster in posterior hippocampus showed a deactivation for the retrieval of faces after distraction. Our data thus provide direct evidence for a functional specialization within human entorhinal cortex and thereby strongly support MTL models that emphasize the importance of partially segregated parallel processing streams.
Distinct Cortical Correlates of Autistic versus Antisocial Traits in a Longitudinal Sample of Typically Developing Youth
Authors: Wallace Gregory L. , Shaw Philip , Lee Nancy Raitano , Clasen Liv S. , Raznahan Armin , Lenroot Rhoshel K. , Martin Alex , Giedd Jay N.
Published: April 2012

In humans, behaviors associated with autism and antisociality, disorders characterized by distinct social impairments, can be viewed as quantitative traits that range from frank impairment to normal variation, as found in the general population. Neuroimaging investigations of autism and antisociality demonstrate diagnostically specific aberrant cortical brain structure. However, little is known about structural brain correlates of social behavior in nonclinical populations. Therefore, we sought to determine whether autistic and antisocial traits exhibit dissociable cortical correlates and whether these associations are stable across development among typically developing youth. Three hundred twenty-three typically developing youth (age at first scan: mean = 10.63, SD = 3.71 years) underwent anatomic magnetic resonance imaging (1–6 scans each; total = 742 scans), and provided ratings of autistic and antisocial traits. Higher autistic trait ratings were associated with thinner cortex most prominently in right superior temporal sulcus while higher antisocial trait ratings were associated with thinner cortex in primarily bilateral anterior prefrontal cortices. There was no interaction with age, indicating that these brain–behavior associations were stable across development. Using assessments of both subclinical autistic and subclinical antisocial traits within a large longitudinal sample of typically developing youth, we demonstrate dissociable neuroanatomic correlations that parallel those found in the frank clinical disorders of autism (e.g., superior temporal cortex) and antisociality (e.g., anterior prefrontal cortex). Moreover, these correlations appear to be established in early childhood and remain fixed into early adulthood. These results support the dimensional view of psychopathology and provide neural signatures that can serve as informative endophenotypes for future genetic studies.
The Fraction of Cortical GABAergic Neurons Is Constant from Near the Start of Cortical Neurogenesis to Adulthood
Authors: Sahara Setsuko , Yanagawa Yuchio , O'Leary Dennis D. M. , Stevens Charles F.
Published: April 2012

Approximately one in five neurons is GABAergic in many neocortical areas and species, forming a critical balance between inhibition and excitation in adult circuits. During development, cortical GABAergic neurons are generated in ventral telencephalon and migrate up to developing cortex where the excitatory glutamatergic neurons are born. We ask here: when during development is the adult GABAergic/glutamatergic neuron ratio first established? To answer this question, we have determined the fraction of all neocortical GABAergic neurons that will become inhibitory (GAD67+) in mice from embryonic day 10.5 (E10.5) to postnatal day 28 (P28). We find that this fraction is close to 1/5, the adult value, starting from early in corticogenesis (E14.5, when GAD67+neurons are still migrating tangentially to the cortex) and continuing at the same 1/5 value throughout the remainder of brain development. Thus our data indicate the one-in-five fraction of GABAergic neurons is already established during their neuronal migration and well before significant synapse formation.
Mautsysteme — Eine Typologie der weltweit in Betrieb stehenden Systeme und ein kurzer Blick in die Zukunft
Authors: Jäkel Erich , Schalk Andreas
Published: April 2012

Bekannt seit der Römerzeit, ist Maut heutzutage ein Thema, das zunehmend an Bedeutung gewinnt. Die ursprünglichen Hauptziele, die Finanzierung der Straßenerhaltung und des -ausbaues sowie die Finanzierung des öffentlichen Budgets, werden von lenkungspolitischen Zielen (Nachfragesteuerung, Umweltentlastung, Internalisierung externer Kosten) immer stärker in den Hintergrund gedrängt. Beginnend bei Mautstationen mit manueller Bezahlung bis hin zu satellitenbasierten Systemen existieren diverse Mauttechnologien, die entsprechende diverser Kriterien ausgewählt werden. Die Mautbetrag variiert entsprechend diverser Fahrzeugkriterien (meist Länge, Höhe und Achszahl). In den letzten Jahren kommen auch das Fahrzeuggewicht und die Emissionsklassen in Ansatz. Dazu werden immer komplexere Klassifizierungs- und Kontrolltechnologien eingesetzt. Eine wesentliche Herausforderung ist, dass viele Mautsysteme trotz aller Bemühungen leider nicht interoperabel sind. Ebenso ist angedacht, dass die Mauttechnologie auch für weitere ITS-Anwendungen genutzt werden kann (z. B. e-Call, div. Informationsdienste). Weiters ist es das politische Ziel (zumindest der EU), dass künftig nicht nur Schwerfahrzeuge, sondern alle Kraftfahrzeuge eine fahrleistungsabhängige Gebühr bezahlen müssen. Und das auf allen Straßen und nicht bloß auf dem höchstrangigen Straßennetz. Dies würde einen wesentlichen Schritt zur Kostenwahrheit im Verkehr darstellen.
Herausforderungen der C2X-Kommunikation
Authors: Rauchhaupt Lutz , Schade Joachim , Wolf Franziska
Published: April 2012

Eine Voraussetzung für den Erfolg zukunftsweisender verkehrstelematischer Anwendungen ist die Bereitstellung zuverlässiger drahtloser Kommunikationssysteme. Gegenstand dieses Beitrages ist eine Methodik zur quantitativen Bewertung des Zeit- und Fehlerverhaltens solcher Kommunikationssysteme. Das Vorgehen wird anhand exemplarischer Tests von Funkgeräten nach IEEE 802.11p beschrieben. Die Ergebnisse unterstreichen die Bedeutung systematischer Tests zur Aufdeckung und Beseitigung von Schwachstellen.
The role of methylglyoxal metabolism in type-2 diabetes and its complications
Authors: Kender Zoltán , Torzsa Péter , Grolmusz K. Vince , Patócs Attila , Lichthammer Adrienn , Veresné Bálint Márta , Rácz Károly , Reismann Péter
Published: April 2012

Transient or chronic hyperglycaemia increases the formation of intracellular reactive oxygen species and aldehydes. The accumulation of reactive aldehydes is implicated in the development of diabetic complications. Methylglyoxal, a glucose dependent α-dicarbonyl might be the most important reactive aldehyde in diabetes and its complications. Diabetes was the first disease in which evidence emerged for the increased formation of methylglyoxal in the cells and in the serum. Methylglyoxal has a toxic effect on insulin secretion from pancreatic beta-cells, and on modifications of proteins and nucleic acids. Moreover, methylglyoxal is one of the major precursors of advanced glycation end-products. The glyoxalase enzyme system that exists in all mammalian cells is catalyzing the detoxification of methylglyoxal. This review summarizes the methylglyoxal metabolism in normoglycaemic and hyperglycamic conditions and the role of methylglyoxal in the development of late diabetic microvascular complications. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 574–585.
Why Participation Matters to Understand Ritual Experience
Authors: Knibbe Kim , Van der Meulen Marten , Versteeg Peter
Published: April 2012

Two cases in which researchers take part in religious ritual show how being a participant enhances the researcher’s understanding of what is happening. Through these cases the authors attempt to shed light on the methodological problems concerning the “intersubjectivity” of research on ritual. Ritual goes beyond the verbal and pulls bodily sensations, emotion and gestures into the domain of intersubjectivity established through fieldwork. Experiencing the emotional and physical sensations that accompany ritual give the researcher a clue as to what other participants experience. But maybe more importantly, the participation of the researcher also triggers reflections on the meaning and efficacy of the ritual. These verbalized interpretations of what has happened may further strengthen the researcher’s understanding. The authors argue that it is exactly through putting this intersubjectivity at the centre of both the actual fieldwork and the subsequent analysis that the ever flexible and contested nature of ritual and the dynamic tension between semantic and tacit meaning can be most fruitfully explored.
Variation of MODIS reflectance and vegetation indices with viewing geometry and soybean development
Authors: Breunig Fábio M. , Galvão Lênio S. , Formaggio Antônio R. , Epiphanio José C.N.
Published: April 2012

Directional effects introduce a variability in reflectance and vegetation index determination, especially when large field-of-view sensors are used (e.g., Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer - MODIS). In this study, we evaluated directional effects on MODIS reflectance and four vegetation indices (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index - NDVI; Enhanced Vegetation Index - EVI; Normalized Difference Water Index - NDWI1640 and NDWI2120) with the soybean development in two growing seasons (2004-2005 and 2005-2006). To keep the reproductive stage for a given cultivar as a constant factor while varying viewing geometry, pairs of images obtained in close dates and opposite view angles were analyzed. By using a non-parametric statistics with bootstrapping and by normalizing these indices for angular differences among viewing directions, their sensitivities to directional effects were studied. Results showed that the variation in MODIS reflectance between consecutive phenological stages was generally smaller than that resultant from viewing geometry for closed canopies. The contrary was observed for incomplete canopies. The reflectance of the first seven MODIS bands was higher in the backscattering. Except for the EVI, the other vegetation indices had larger values in the forward scattering direction. Directional effects decreased with canopy closure. The NDVI was lesser affected by directional effects than the other indices, presenting the smallest differences between viewing directions for fixed phenological stages.
Metabolic syndrome and risk factors for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Souza Mônica Rodrigues de Araújo , Diniz Margareth de Fátima Formiga de Melo , Medeiros-Filho José Eymard Moraes de , Araújo Maria Salete Trigueiro de
Published: April 2012

CONTEXT: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome, has been considered the most common liver disease nowadays, which is also the most frequent cause of elevated transaminases and cryptogenic cirrhosis. The greatest input of fatty acids into the liver and consequent increased beta-oxidation contribute to the formation of free radicals, release of inflammatory cytokines and varying degrees of hepatocytic aggression, whose histological expression may vary from steatosis (HS) to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The differentiation of these forms is required by the potential risk of progression to cirrhosis and development of hepatocellular carcinoma. OBJECTIVE: To review the literature about the major risk factors for NAFLD in the context of metabolic syndrome, focusing on underlying mechanisms and prevention. METHOD: PubMed, MEDLINE and SciELO data basis analysis was performed to identify studies describing the link between risk factors for metabolic syndrome and NAFLD. A combination of descriptors was used, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, metabolic syndrome and risk factors. At the end, 96 clinical and experimental studies, cohorts, meta-analysis and systematic reviews of great impact and scientific relevance to the topic, were selected. RESULTS: The final analysis of all these data, pointed out the central obesity, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia and hypertension as the best risk factors related to NAFLD. However, other factors were highlighted, such as gender differences, ethnicity, genetic factors and the role of innate immunity system. How these additional factors may be involved in the installation, progression and disease prognosis is discussed. CONCLUSION: Risk factors for NAFLD in the context of metabolic syndrome expands the prospects to 1) recognize patients with metabolic syndrome at high risk for NAFLD, 2) elucidate pathways common to other co-morbidities, 3) determine risk factors associated with a worse prognosis, 4) develop therapeutic strategies with goal of reducing risk factors, 5) apply acquired knowledge in public health policies focusing on preventive strategies.
Paratuberculose em caprinos e ovinos no Estado da Paraíba
Authors: Medeiros João M.A , Garino Junior Felício , Almeida Arthur P , Lucena Erasmo A , Riet-Correa Franklin
Published: April 2012

Mediante o teste de ELISA foi determinada a presença de anticorpos para Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (map) em amostras de soro de 734 caprinos e 392 ovinos, sem sinais clìnicos aparentes, provenientes de 14 Municipios do semiárido Paraibano. Em caprinos, a frequência média de anticorpos de 44,86± 22,91% e em ovinos foi de 52,96±31,49. Das 46 propriedades estudadas, 44 (95,65%) apresentaram pelo menos um animal soropositivo. Nos 14 municípios avaliados houve presença de animais sorologicamente positivos, variando de 20% a 70%. Em caprinos sem raça definida e mestiços a frequência (48,56%) foi significativamente inferior (P<0,0270) que a de caprinos de raças puras (57,24%). Em ovinos com escore de 1 a 3 a frequência (59,39%) foi significativamente maior (P=0,0034) que a frequência em ovinos com escore superior a 3 (42,42%). Não houve diferença significativa nas frequências em caprinos e ovinos de diferentes idades, em caprinos com diferente escore corporal e em ovinos de diferentes raças. No exame microbiológico, em cultivos em meio HEYM com micobactina J, foram observadas colônias semelhantes às do Map em 9 (6,58%) das 180 amostras de fezes, sendo uma de caprinos e 8 de ovinos. Na coloração de Ziehl Nieelsen as bactérias apresentavam características morfo-tintorias de Map. Os resultados obtidos indicam alta frequência de caprinos e ovinos infectados com Map no semiárido da Paraíba, tornando-se necessário desenvolver pesquisas sobre a epidemiologia e forma de controle da doença nas condições de criação da região.
Fatores de risco associados à infecção por Toxoplasma gondii em ovinos e caprinos no estado de Pernambuco
Authors: Pereira Márcia de Figueiredo , Peixoto Rodolfo de Moraes , Langoni Hélio , Greca Junior Haroldo , Azevedo Sérgio Santos de , Porto Wagnner José Nascimento , Medeiros Elizabeth Sampaio de , Mota Rinaldo Aparecido
Published: April 2012

Objetivou-se com este estudo investigar a participação de Toxoplasma gondii em falhas reprodutivas em pequenos ruminantes de criatórios situados na Zona da Mata e no Agreste do Estado de Pernambuco e que apresentavam histórico de distúrbios reprodutivos. Foram selecionadas 12 propriedades das quais se coletaram amostras de 262 animais, sendo 167 caprinos e 95 ovinos. Realizou-se a pesquisa de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii, utilizando-se a técnica da Imunofluorescência Indireta (RIFI). Foram aplicados questionários investigativos nas propriedades visitadas para identificar os fatores de risco associados à infecção. Em 100% das propriedades foram encontrados animais soropositivos. Para T. gondii, das 167 amostras de soro caprino analisadas, 31,7% foram positivas, enquanto que na espécie ovina, das 95 amostras, 16,9% foram positivas. Para a espécie ovina, não foram observadas associações significativas. Para os caprinos, houve associação significativa (p<0,05) para as variáveis: manejo intensivo (OR=2,40), exploração leiteira (OR=2,10), animais procedentes de outros estados (OR=7,89) e monta natural (OR=5,69). Conclui-se que a infecção pelo T. gondii encontra-se disseminada nos rebanhos de caprinos e ovinos estudados e que medidas sanitárias devem ser adotadas para controlar os fatores de risco identificados neste estudo.
Efeito da suplementação in vitro de selênio sobre neutrόfilos do leite e sanguíneos em vacas leiteras
Authors: Souza Fernando N , Blagitz Maiara G , Latorre Andréia O. , Mori Clara S , Sucupira Maria Claudia A , Libera Alice M.M.P. Della
Published: April 2012

O presente estudo avaliou o efeito da suplementação in vitro de selênio sobre a produção intracelular de perόxido de hidrogênio (H2O2) por leucόcitos polimorfonucleares do leite e do sangue em bovinos. Assim, 10 e 20 amostras de sangue e leite, respectivamente, foram incubadas com 0 mg (controle) ou 10μM de selenito de sόdio. A determinação da produção intracelular de peróxido de hidrogênio se deu por citometria de fluxo através da utilização do 2´,7´ diclorodihidrofluoresceína diacetato como sonda. A mensuração do conteúdo de selênio foi avaliada pela atividade da glutationa peroxidase eritrocitária. Os leucócitos polimorfonucleares tanto sanguíneos quanto do leite apresentaram significativo aumento na produção intracelular de H2O2 com a suplementação in vitro de selênio. Desta forma, o presente estudo apontou para aumento da produção intracelular de H2O2, indicando aumento da capacidade microbicida dos leucócitos polimorfonucleares sanguíneos e lácteos mesmo em animais com níveis adequados de selênio.
A técnica de Lichtenstein nas hérnias inguinais primárias e recidivadas - cirurgia ambulatorial em hospital universitário
Authors: Peres Marco Antonio de Oliveira , Nieri Tâmara Maria , Barcelos Neto Heitor Sebastião de , Andreollo Nelson Adami
Published: April 2012

RACIONAL: A técnica de Lichtenstein é o padrão-ouro na cirurgia das hérnias inguinais, permitindo fixação de prótese de polipropileno, sem tensão na linha de sutura, baixa recidiva, ampla aplicabilidade, fácil ensino aos jovens cirurgiões, alta precoce e menores custos. OBJETIVO: Análise retrospectiva dos resultados na cirurgia ambulatorial das hérnias inguinais primárias e recidivas pela técnica de Lichtenstein em Hospital Universitário. MÉTODOS: Entre agosto de 1994 a dezembro de 2001 foram realizadas 343 hernioplastias inguinais em 326 portadores de hérnias inguinais primárias ou recidivadas. Eram 304 (88,6%) masculinos, com idade que variou de 19 a 85 anos. Doenças concomitantes foram observadas em 196 casos (60,1%), predominando hipertensão, tabagismo e cardiopatia. Quanto ao lado, 232 apresentavam-se à direita e 94 à esquerda; dezessete doentes (7,3%), todos homens, tinham apresentação bilateral. Dentre as 38 (11,1%) hérnias recidivadas, 27 eram do lado direito. A técnica clássica de Lichtenstein foi realizada com prótese de polipropileno, de 15 x 7,5 cm, fixada com fio do mesmo material. RESULTADOS: A anestesia local foi a primeira escolha em 55,9%. Em apenas um caso (0,3%) foi necessária a intervenção do anestesista e a conversão da anestesia local para geral. Quatro doentes necessitaram permanência hospitalar de um dia. As complicações locais precoces registradas foram de seroma: 15 casos; infecção superficial de ferida operatória: 11 (3,3%); hematoma: 5 casos; e trombose venosa de cordão espermático: 2 casos. No seguimento tardio de cinco anos, a recidiva da hérnia foi observada em três casos (0,87%). CONCLUSÃO: Esta técnica revelou ser de fácil aplicação, segura, eficiente, podendo ser realizada sob anestesia local e ambulatorial, com baixos índices de complicações e baixa taxa de recidiva. Permitiu o ensino de alunos e residentes, bem como atender à demanda reprimida desta doença tão freqüente nos ambulatórios.
Efeito da suplementação de glutamina sobre variáveis hematológicas e do estado nutricional de ratas desnutridas
Authors: Rodrigues Natália Cristina Lima , Nunes Lázaro Alessandro , Horie Lilian M. , Torrinhas R. , Waitzberg Dan L.
Published: April 2012

RACIONAL: A glutamina é o aminoácido mais abundante no sangue, por desempenhar importante papel no sistema imune. É considerado aminoácido condicionalmente essencial em situações como desnutrição protéico-calórica. OBJETIVO: Verificar o efeito da dieta suplementada com glutamina sobre variáveis bioquímicas e hematológicas de ratas submetidas a protocolo de desnutrição, induzido por dieta rica em lactose. MÉTODOS: Ratas Wistar fêmeas (n=20) e com 21 dias de idade, foram submetidas ou não à desnutrição calórico-protéica induzida por diarréia, através da administração de dieta rica em lactose 60% durante 15 dias. Após o período de desnutrição, animais eutróficos ou desnutridos permaneceram durante 30 dias com oferta de diferentes dietas (padrão e experimentais). De acordo com estado e tratamento nutricionais, os animais foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em quatro grupos distintos: 1) GC: animais eutróficos + dieta padrão, 2) GD: animais desnutridos + dieta rica em lactose (60%), 3) GDGLN: animais desnutridos + dieta rica em glutamina (2%); e 4) GDP: animais desnutridos + dieta padrão. Após os 30 dias de tratamento nutricional, amostras de sangue foram obtidas por punção cardíaca para avaliação de variáveis bioquímicas (proteínas totais, albumina, uréia) e hematológicas (quantificação da série vermelha e branca). RESULTADOS: Após 15 dias do início do experimento o ganho de peso dos grupos GD (46,4 ± 2,60g), GDGLN (39,2 ± 8,9g) e GDP (33,2 ± 11,5g) foi menor em relação ao controle (64 ± 4,24g, P<0,05). Nos exames bioquímicos observou-se diferença significativa apenas na dosagem de uréia no GD em relação aos demais grupos (33,4 ± 4,77 mg/dL, P<0,05). A contagem de leucócitos do GD (3,68 ± 1,0 x103 cel/mm3) mostrou-se diminuída em relação aos demais grupos (P<0,05) e a série vermelha não apresentou diferenças significativas. CONCLUSÃO: A desnutrição prejudica o número de leucócitos sanguíneos e esse efeito deletério é revertido pela simples re-nutrição, independente da suplementação com glutamina. A ingestão oral de glutamina não influencia o ganho de peso, variáveis bioquímicas de estado nutricional e número de leucócitos de animais desnutridos por ingestão de dieta rica em lactose.
Hipoglicemia por nesidioblastose: uma complicação rara da cirurgia bariátrica?
Authors: Klaus Daniele Gehlen , Carvalho Diélly Cunha de , Souza Jaime César Gelosa
Published: April 2012

INTRODUÇÃO: A cirurgia bariátrica tem-se mostrado o método mais eficaz na resolução do diabetes mellitus tipo II, chegando a resultados superiores a 80% de cura da doença. Contudo, alguns estudos têm mostrado estado de hiperinsulinemia com hipoglicemia em certos pacientes obesos mórbidos após a realização da cirurgia bariátrica, ao que se denominou nesidioblastose, que corresponde ao hipercrescimento patológico das células beta pancreáticas. O objetivo desse estudo é realizar revisão bibliográfica sobre nesidioblastose pós-cirurgia bariátrica, através da pesquisa por artigos científicos publicados a partir de 2000. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se revisão bibliográfica de artigos científicos publicados a partir de 2000. A base de dados pesquisada foi o PubMed, através do site www.pubmed.gov. cruzando-se os descritores Nesidioblastose. Hiperinsulinismo. Hipoglicemia. Cirurgia bariátrica, complicações. REVISÃO DE LITERATURA: Revisou-se 14 publicações encontradas com o tema. Dentre elas, Cummings defende que após a realização da cirurgia bariátrica, ocorrem alterações no trânsito intestinal gerando estimulação e crescimento excessivo das células beta-pancreáticas e maior atividade dos hormônios pancreáticos, sugerindo possível causa para a nesidioblastose. Corroborando para desvendar a causa dessa doença, autores sugerem que o rápido trânsito alimentar duodenal após o bypass gástrico, eleva os níveis da peptídeo glucagonóide 1 e estimula, assim, a hiperinsulinemia hipoglicêmica nesses pacientes. De forma semelhante, outros defendem que a perda de peso após a cirurgia bariátrica, reduz muito a resistência à insulina devido à hipertrofia e hiperfunção das células beta-pancreáticas, o que é muito comum na obesidade, gerando a nesidioblastose. CONCLUSÃO: A nesidioblastose após cirurgia bariátrica pode representar o extremo patológico de um fenômeno benéfico para a maioria dos pacientes obesos mórbidos com diabetes do tipo II, porém em alguns casos raros esse fenômeno benéfico gera malefícios, ou seja, a nesidioblastose, que deve ser corrigida pela ressecção parcial do pâncreas, sob pena de ameaçar a vida desses pacientes.
Técnica de Lichtenstein sob anestesia local em herniorrafias inguinais
Authors: Ettinger João Eduardo Marques Tavares de Menezes , Santos-Filho Paulo Vicente dos , Amaral Paulo Cézar Galvão do , Fahel Edvaldo
Published: April 2012

RACIONAL: Herniorrafia inguinal, um procedimento cirúrgico comum no mundo todo, representa um importante gasto para saúde pública. Variadas abordagens cirúrgicas e opções de procedimentos anestésicos estão disponíveis para o reparo das hérnias inguinais atualmente. O objetivo do presente trabalho consiste em revisar e avaliar o tratamento cirúrgico inguinal pela técnica de Lichtenstein sob anestesia local. MÉTODOS: Dados de pesquisa constituíram-se de artigos científicos publicados e disponibilizados no site do PubMed (www.pubmed.gov). A revisão de literatura baseou-se no cruzamento dos seguintes descritores: herniorrafia inguinal, anestesia local e técnica de Lichtenstein. Cento e oito publicações relacionadas ao tema foram revisadas. CONCLUSÕES: A combinação entre anestesia local e o emprego da técnica livre de tensão de Lichtenstein para o reparo de hérnia inguinal primária demonstrou resultados positivos. A associação descrita mostrou reduções significativas na recorrência de hérnia inguinal e nas complicações pós-operatórias, assim como diminuição da dor crônica eventualmente presente em uma avaliação tardia. O melhor controle da dor pós-operatória imediata, a alta hospitalar precoce e o retorno às atividades laborativas podem ser atribuídos de maneira direta ou indireta às técnicas empregadas, refletindo na satisfação do paciente e em baixos custos para saúde pública.