bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circulatory Responses to propofol-ketamine combination compared to propofol alone for sedation during spinal anaesthesia
Authors: Nengroo Showkat , Lone Abdul , Naqash Imtiaz
Published: July 2017

The present study was undertaken to establish the efficacy of low dose ketamine infusion in combination with propofol in maintaining hemodynamic stability when used for sedation during spinal anaesthesia compared to propofol alone. Sixty adult with ASA physical status I and II patients undergoing urological procedures were studied after giving informed consent. Patients receiving spinal anaesthesia with 0.5% bupivacaine were randomly assigned to sedation with propofol - ketamine [Group I (n=30)] or propofol only [Group II (n=30)]. Group I patients received a loading dose of propofol (0.4 mg/kg) and ketamine (0.1 mg/kg) followed by a continuous infusion of low dose propofol (1.2 mg/kg/hr) and ketamine (9.3 mg/kg/hr) whereas group II patients received a bolus dose of propofol (0.5 mg/kg?) only followed by a continuous infusion of propofol (1.5 mg/kg/hr). Monitored parameters included: heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and sedation scores rated on a five point scale. Parameters were recorded at baseline and at predetermined intervals of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 minutes after spinal anaesthesia. Heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure were all significantly higher in group I patients at various intervals as compared to group II patients. Sedation scores revealed no significant difference at the predetermined time intervals between the two groups. In conclusion, the propofolketamine combination confers hemodynamic stability during spinal anaesthesia as compared to Propofol alone.
Evaluation of neck node metastasis from oral cancer in an Indian population: A comparative pilot study
Authors: Mohan M , Paul G , Thomas S , Jaber M
Published: July 2017

Introduction: Cervical node metastasis in oral cancer is an indicator of advanced disease. It is therefore important to evaluate neck node involvement as a predictor of progression and treatment planning.

Materials & Methods: Eleven patients with age range between 38 to 63 years (median age 54 years) undergoing neck dissection simultaneously with the resection of primary intraoral squamous cell carcinoma formed the basis of the present study. A pre-operative assessment of neck by clinical examination, ultrasonography and computed tomography scan was done, which was then compared to the histopathological assessment. The histopathological examination formed the reference.

Results: The percentage of sensitivity by clinical examination was 46%. The percentage of sensitivity by ultrasonogram was 69%. The percentage of sensitivity by computed tomography (CT scan) was 85%. These were against the histopathological examination.

Conclusion: The study reported an error of almost 50% for the clinical examination alone. The margin of error decreases when combining ultrasonography or CT scan in the examination. However, in the existing economic condition in India, even the use of CT scan can be prohibitive. Nevertheless, it is advised to combine other diagnostic modalities during the clinical examination of cervical metastasis.
Efficacy of spirulina supplementation on isometric strength and isometric endurance of quadriceps in trained and untrained individuals – a comparative study
Authors: Sandhu J , Dheera Bhardwaj , Shweta Shenoy
Published: July 2017

Objective: To determine the efficacy of spirulina supplementation in enhancing isometric muscle strength and endurance in trained and untrained human beings.

Design: Placebo controlled, different subject experimental.

Setting: University level athletes and college students of Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, India.

Subjects: Forty healthy subjects (20 trained and 20 untrained) participated in the study and were divided into 4 groups, supplemented untrained (n=10), placebo untrained (n=10), supplemented trained (n=10), placebo trained (n=10). Subjects in both supplemented groups volunteered to take spirulina for 8 weeks in addition to their normal diet. Subjects in the placebo groups served as control and were given capsules filled with flour.

Outcome measures: Peak force, average force and fatigue index of dominant quadriceps muscle were measured before and after 8 week of supplementation. Values were compared within and between the groups.

Results: The results show that spirulina supplementation is effective with time in increasing peak force (p<0.01), average force (p<0.01) and decreasing fatigue index (p<0.01) on paired t-test. Significant group and supplementation effects were also found with ANOVA analysis for peak and average force. However no significant effects (p>0.05) were found between the groups with ANOVA in decreasing fatigue index.

Conclusion: Spirulina for 8 weeks is effective in increasing the isometric muscle strength and isometric muscle endurance. Spirulina supplementation with training was found to be better than the spirulina only and training only in increasing muscle strength but no group was found to be better in increasing muscular endurance.
Relationship of diabetes control to periodontal status in type 1 diabetic patients
Authors: Abufanas Salem , Omer Suleiman , Jaber Mohamed , Thomas Sam
Published: July 2017

Objectives: To find the relationship of diabetes control to periodontal status in type 1 diabetic patients and to compare the severity of periodontal disease of type-1 diabetics (IDDM) and non-diabetics and to further compare the periodontal status in the controlled and uncontrolled diabetics in a group of Libyan population to form a baseline reference for future researches.

Materials & Methods: The periodontal status of 30 diabetic and 30 control subjects was examined. The diabetic group was further subdivided into controlled and uncontrolled groups.

Results: There were significant differences between the whole diabetic group and the control group in terms of the periodontal status. A comparison between the controls and diabetic subgroups revealed that controlled diabetic patients had poor periodontal health than controls. Within the diabetic subgroups, there was more loss of attachment in the uncontrolled diabetics.

Conclusion: Better periodontal health in the diabetic patients may be related to good control of diabetes, indicating better resistance of the periodontium.
Plasma zinc and copper levels in children of families with history of cardio-vascular disease
Authors: Sheriff S , Sheriff Dhastagir , Jarari Abdalla
Published: July 2017

Zinc and copper are beneficial to health, growth and development, and also for the prevention of cardiovascular- disease (CVD) with regard to improved dietary habits as a preliminary step in CVD prevention. This study was conducted among 2-18-year old children with significant family risk for premature CVD in comparison to controls.

Materials and Methods: One hundred randomly selected children of parents who had premature myocardial infarctions were included in the study. The controls were 100 individuals randomly selected from the case group's neighbors and matched for age, sex and socioeconomic status. A four-day food record questionnaire was used to assess zinc and copper intakes

Results: The daily average intake of zinc was significantly lower in the case than in the control group (6.89±2.97 vs. 8.30±2.45 mg, P=0.047). The mean serum zinc level was not significantly different between both groups (82.12±14.1 vs. 92.26±23.7 μg/dL, P>0.05). The daily intake and serum level of copper were not significantly different between the case and the control groups. No case of copper deficiency was found. The mean systolic blood pressure was not significantly different between the zinc-deficient and zinc-sufficient subjects.

Although the mean diastolic blood pressure of the former was higher than the latter, there was no statistically significant difference. About 23.7% of all studied sample had mild to moderate degrees of failure to thrive, with significantly lower daily intake and serum zinc level than other subjects (5.41±1.06 mg, 82.09±12.74 μg/dL vs. 6.89±2.14 mg, 99.25±27.15 μg/dL, respectively, P<0.05).

Conclusion: We propose that children, especially those with significant family risk of premature CVD, place increased emphasis on the consumption of foods rich in zinc.
Technical note: Minimally invasive ‘second look’ in the era of laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Hussey Keith , Chircop Kieran , Ali Abdulmajid
Published: July 2017

Benefits associated with minimally invasive surgery, in both elective and emergency practice, are well established. In recent years, laparoscopic surgery has been embraced, and has gained increasing popularity. We describe a modification of a previously described technique in the context of the ‘second look’ in the era of laparoscopic surgery.

A seventy year old patient with type one respiratory failure presented with an acute abdomen. Pre-operative imaging suggested mesenteric ischaemia. A decision was made to proceed with laparoscopic surgical intervention. An infarcted small bowel segment was identified and resected. A primary anastomosis was constructed, but in view of the underlying pathological process, it was felt that a ‘second look’ was required. This was facilitated by leaving an 11mm port in left lower quadrant after the primary procedure, so that twenty four hours post-operatively the anastomosis could be inspected.

The concept of the ‘second look’ is well established in the context of mesenteric ischaemia. A laparoscopic ‘second look’ following open surgery has been previously described. We have embraced the ‘second look’ concept and we were able to perform both procedures in a minimally invasive fashion.
Causes and pattern of tooth mortality among adult patients in a Teaching Dental Hospital
Authors: Thomas Sam , Al-Maqdassy Summer
Published: July 2017

Aim: This study aims to determine the causes and pattern of tooth mortality among adult patients visiting the dental clinics of Ajman University of Science and Technology (AUST), Faculty of Dentistry, UAE, and compare results with other international studies. The study was also aiming to determine the future preventive measures.

Materials & method: Retrospective study design, 1000 files of the adult patients from September 2006 till April 2007 have been selected randomly. Results: Out of 519 patients undergone extraction, 1301 teeth were extracted for different reasons. The results of the study show that the major reason for extraction was caries (40.96%) followed by periodontitis (33.7%), 21.1% for the endo-perio lesions. Patients were commonly from the twenties age group (28.1%). Male patients were generally more than female patients except in the age group 12-30. Minitab 15 was used to statistically analyze the data. Conclusions: Caries was the main reason for tooth loss in AUST dental clinics among all patients, upper molars were the teeth most commonly extracted and the twenties age group was the commonest age group came for extraction.
Urinary bladder pheochromocytoma: A good lesson
Authors: Sallami S , Rhouma S , Horchani A
Published: July 2017

We report a case of urinary bladder pheochromocytoma in a normotensive 45-year-old female with lower urinary tract symptoms who presented with headache and palpitations after voiding. A bladder tumor was found on radiological imaging and cystoscopy. A pheochromocytoma was suspected by clinical presentation and cystoscopy and confirmed by histopathology examination following the removal of the mass. The clinical symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of bladder pheochromocytomas are reviewed.
Cardiac biomarkers: The troponins and CK- MB
Authors: Peela Jagannadha , Jarari Abdalla , Hai Abdul , Rawal Avinaash , Kolla Shoba , Sreekumar Shakila , Khurana Lokesh , Sidhanathi Narsinga
Published: July 2017

With the prevalence of ischemic heart disease, early diagnosis and management of myocardial infarction is important, and necessitates the need for cardiac biomarkers. Since several markers have evolved over time, it becomes important to understand which markers are best in different clinical situations. After a review of the literature, we have summarized the most frequent markers used. Though the search for an ideal cardiac biomarker remains, troponins seem to have evolved as the most advantageous. Features of troponins include high specificity, sensitivity, a wide diagnostic window allowing prompt, early diagnosis, as well as enhancing detection of myocardial injury in patients presenting late. Enabling risk stratification, estimation of infarct size, detecting reperfusion, usefulness in predicting prognostic outcomes, and offering therapeutic guidance also are among the advantageous features of troponins. Troponins also aid in detecting perioperative myocardial injuries and cardiac injury in renal failure patients. CK myocardial band (CK-MB), however, seems to be more advantageous in detecting reinfarction, though it has limitations in terms of early diagnosis. Troponins are being increasingly used, compared to other cardiac biomarkers, in the detection of acute coronary events and myocardial damage, though CK-MB is still preferred in selective situations.
Chronic musculoskeletal pain in females as a manifestation of vitamin D deficiency in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Siddiqui Aisha
Published: July 2017

Objective: To determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among females presenting with chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Methods: One hundred female patients with chronic pain were screened between January 2007 and November 2008 in the medical out-patient clinics in King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah. Serum (25- hydroxycholecalciferol) and bone chemistry levels were done. Vitamin D deficient patients were identified, treated with supplements, and followed for improvement of symptoms.

Results: 84% were vitamin D deficient. Of that group, 67% were of childbearing age, and 50% were noted to have a severe deficiency. Only 14% were hypocalcaemic, 8% had hypophosphatemia, while 13% had high alkaline phosphatase levels. All responded after vitamin D and calcium supplement therapy was initiated, and symptoms improved.

Conclusions: Consideration of vitamin D deficiency during consultations for chronic musculoskeletal pain is warranted. Screening of such patients should be standard practice in clinical care. Diagnosis is missed or delayed if 25- hydroxycholecalciferol levels are not evaluated. Treatment is beneficial and improvement is rapid.
Chemopreventive and antilipidperoxidative potential of thespesia populnea (L.) on experimental buccal pouch carcinogenesis
Authors: Dhanarasu Sasikumar , Al-hazimi Awdah , Sethuraman Prema , Selvam Mathi
Published: July 2017

The present study has investigated the chemopreventive potential and antilipidperoxidative effect of ethanolic extract of Thespesia populnea (L.)bark on 7,12-dimethylbenz[a] anthracene (DMBA) induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis. Oral squamous cell carcinoma had developed in Syrian golden hamsters by exposing the buccal mucosa to 0.5 % DMBA in liquid paraffin thrice a week for 14 weeks. The tumor incidence, tumor volume and tumor burden that occurred in the hamster buccal pouch were determined. Oral administration of ethanolic extract of T.populnea bark at a dose of 300 mg/kg b.wt to DMBA painted animals on alternate days of DMBA treated for 14 weeks significantly prevented the tumor incidence, tumor volume and tumor burden. Ethanolic extract of T.populnea bark showed potent antilipidperoxidative effect as well as enhanced the antioxidants status in DMBA painted animals. We thus conclude that ethanolic extract of T.populnea bark has potent chemopreventive efficacy and significant antilipidperoxidative effect in DMBA induced oral carcinogenesis. Further studies are needed to isolate and characterize the bioactive chemopreventive component from the bark of T.populnea.
Laparoscopic management of acute cholecystitis: A single centre experience in Benghazi Libya
Authors: Glessa Abdalla , Elgazwi Khaled
Published: July 2017

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is often performed early for treatment of acute cholecystitis (AC), and has become the treatment of choice for this diagnosis. This has reduced length of stay and is cost effective. It may, however, carry a higher morbidity and an increased rate of conversion to open cholecystectomy. In this article we evaluated the role of early laparoscopic cholecystectomy in surgical treatment of acute cholecystitis at our center.

Patients and methods: A retrospective analytical review of 114 cases of acute cholecystitis treated by laparoscopic cholecystectomy is presented. All cases were performed by the authors between 2002 to 2008. All patient records were reviewed and analyzed for age, sex, duration of symptoms, operative findings, conversion rate to open cholecystectomy, length of hospital stay, and any postoperative complications.

Results: the mean age of patients was 34.5 years (range 25 to 80). Female to male ratio was 4:1. Operative interventions were performed within the first five days from onset of attack. Operative findings included acute inflammation of the gall bladder with superficial adhesions in 84 (74%) patients. An inflammatory mass with difficult adhesions was found in 20 (18%) patients. Empyema of gall bladder was noted in 10 (9%) cases. Mean length of stay was 2.5 days. Conversion to open cholecystectomy totaled nine (7%) cases. Two cases (1.7%) developed postoperative bile leaks, two (1.7%) cases had postoperative bleeding, 10 (8.7%) cases had postoperative chest infections and two (1.7%) cases had wound infection at the entry port of extracting the gall bladder. There was zero mortality.

Conclusion: Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis is feasible and safe and is today's treatment of choice for this event. The primary benefits are shorter hospital stay and quicker recovery.
Excellence in diabetes and endocrinology-2010: Cutting edge topics in clinical diabetes and endocrinology
Authors: Beshyah Salem , Deeb Asma
Published: July 2017

These are the abstracts of a 2.5 days of continuous medical education meeting that was held in Abu Dhabi, UAE to mark the World Diabetes Day 2010. It brought together doctors taking care of children and adults with diabetes and other metabolic and endocrine disorders. The organizers thought it would be particularly relevant to bring pediatric and adult endocrinologists together to exchange experiences because the age gap between pediatric and adult is fairly small. The lectures covered a wide range of issues, such as growth, pituitary tumours, neonatal diabetes, old and new antidiabetic drugs, type 2 diabetes in the adolescence, and calcium disorders. Special emphasis was given to thalasaemia as an important medical problem with medical and endocrine ramifications in this region, management of hypoituitarism in adults, and interdisciplinary issues in endocrinology.
The practices and outcomes of diabetic patients during ramadan fast: A survey in a specialist clinic
Authors: Beshyah S , Benbarka M , Khalil A
Published: July 2017

Assessment was made by semi-structured interview of the practices and outcomes of diabetic patients during Ramadan fasting. Data collected included demographic data, diabetes details, medications and HbA1c levels. Patients were questioned about fasting, changes in medications, and outcomes in terms of hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, and emergency hospital visits. Three hundred and thirteen nonpregnant adult patients were surveyed during the six weeks after Ramadan. Median age was 53 (range 11 to 87) years. One hundred and sixty nine patients (54%) were women and the majority were UAE nationals. The median duration of known diabetes was 10 years (range 1-35). The majority had type 2 diabetes (n=276 or 88%) and 37 patients had type 1 diabetes. The majority of patients with type 1 diabetes (n=30/38) received intensive insulin regimens. Patients with type 2 diabetes were treated with intensive insulin regimen (n=28 or 10%), twice daily insulin regimen (n=40 or 14%) and basal insulin (n=52 or 19%) with or without oral agents. Oral anti-diabetic therapy was used in 156 (57%). The mean HbA1c was 8.7% with a median of 8.1(5.5-17.6%) measured at a median of two months (range 1-12) before Ramadan. Fifteen patients did not fast (4.8%) of whom four did not fast for other medical reasons, and of the total five had type 1 diabetes. Fasting was observed by 258 patients (82%), for > 20 days by 31 patients (10%), between 10-20 days by 7 patients (2.2%) and for <10 days by two patients (0.6%). The total daily dose was unchanged in 209/298 (70%), was reduced by 83 (28%) and stopped completely by 5 patients (2%). Patients took their medication as three doses (6.4%), two doses (81%) or a single dose (12%). No hypoglycemia was reported in 253 patients. However, in 26, 6, and 11 patients hypoglycemia lead to breaking the fast in 1-3, 4-6 and >7 days respectively. Unusually high hyperglycemia was reported by 33 patients with values around 200-400 mg/dL. Admission to hospital was needed by three patients. In conclusion, most patients with diabetes do fast during Ramadan with changes in their medications' total dose and frequency. Hypoglycemia is the most common complication in insulin-dependent diabetic patients.
The management of rhinosinusitis with intensive combined medical treatment: Auditing of a practice
Authors: Benamer Mohamed , Hammed Mohammed
Published: July 2017

The medical treatment of chronic and recurrent rhinosinusitis remains up to the primary care doctors if not the patients themselves. It is always a debate among physicians what should we order. In this study we audit our management as a secondary referral centre. We prospectively followed twelve patients after receiving intensive medical treatment with antibiotics, intranasal decongestants and intranasal steroids. It was found that with intensive combined medical treatment 84% of the patients improved, and only on 8% required surgical intervention. Hospital visits were reduced from 2.7 visits per patient to one. The mean time for decision taken reduced from 141.1days to 55.5 days and time waited for operation to take time reduced from 249.4 to 17 days. This treatment reduces the need to treat surgically, reduces hospital visits and save time.
Emphysematous cystitis: An unusual disease of the bladder diagnosed on imaging
Authors: Sallami Sataa , Rhouma Sami , Horchani Ali
Published: July 2017

Emphysematous cystitis (EC) is defined by the presence of gas in the urinary bladder wall. This rare disease entity is caused by gas fermenting bacterial and fungal pathogens. It complicates urinary tract infections especially in diabetic patients but other disabling general medical conditions may be present. Because the clinical symptoms are nonspecific, the diagnosis is often made incidentally on X-rays. Early diagnosis and treatment improve the outcome.

We report a case of 83-year-old diabetic female who presented with fever, dysuria and gross hematuria. Ultrasonography and computed tomography revealed gas accumulation in the wall and lumen of the bladder leading to the diagnosis of emphysematous cystitis. She was treated with antibiotics, insulin, rehydratation and a Foley catheter placement.

Diabetic patients with urinary tract infections who are severely ill should have radiological investigations to rule out the prsence of emphysematous complications.
Effects of radiation: The paradigm shifts, adaptive response and bystander models
Authors: Ugwu A , Imo A , Ikamaise V
Published: July 2017

Evidence accumulated over the last 50 years shows that radiation also has indirect ‘non-target’ actions in which effects of radiation on cells or tissues are transported to cells or tissues that were not ‘hit’ by radiation, leading to changes in their function. Radiation- induced cytotoxic and genotoxic effects by the bystander effect is in contrast to the observations of the adaptive responses, which are generally induced following exposure to low dose, low linear energy transfer radiation and which tend to attenuate radiation – induced damage. In this paper the evidence of the radiation induced bystander effect and adaptive response are discussed. The implications of these non-targeted effects to radiotherapy and radiation protection practices are also highlighted.
A secure and expandable electronic patient record system using web-based technology
Authors: Howie Michael , del Río Carlos , Khan Furrukh , Lopez Luis , Dzwonczyk Roger , Bergese Sergio
Published: July 2017

Introduction: In its 2000 report regarding medical errors, the Quality Interagency Coordination Task Force highlighted the unacceptably high rate of errors in health care. The report recognized that information technology (IT) offers a tremendous opportunity to reduce errors and recommended the adoption of electronic patient records (EPRs). However, providing EPR-enabled solutions is challenging due to the constraints of security and confidentiality imposed by the healthcare domain. Adding to the complexity is the need for healthcare organizations to exchange confidential EPRs safely across the security policy boundaries of healthcare enterprises and its partners (e.g. insurance companies).

Methods: We developed an EPR system that utilizes Microsoft Web Services architecture.

Results: The current system has three components: OR-Eye, OR-Med and OR-Track. The system was built using Webbased communication technology; it offers the security, stability and expendability required for a hospital EPR system. Our most developed component of the EPR system, OR-Eye, allows authorized users to view real-time and achieve intraoperative patient data wirelessly in a graphical form similar to an intraoperative anesthesia record on a variety of available devices. A unique feature of OR-Eye is a time line graphic that displays the sequence of patient and hospital actions that can be viewed in detail and strung together to form various hospital records.

Conclusion: Our EPR system is secure, stable and expandable. It interfaces with our existing hospital wireless network. It has the potential to improve patient care, patient safety and hospital efficiency as well as enhance medical research and medical education.
Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy: Experience at King Abdullah University Hospital, Jordan
Authors: Al-Rashdan Abdullah
Published: July 2017

Background: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG)

tubes are widely used for nutritional support of patients with dysfunctional swallowing of various etiologies and an otherwise intact gastrointestinal tract. The short and longterm outcomes of enteral nutrition using this technique in Jordan are largely unknown.

Objective: We aimed to describe the indications, the rate of successful placement, complication rates, and long term outcome of PEG tubes placed in a variety of patients at King Abdullah University Hospital in Northern Jordan.

Methods: Between the period from April, 2003, until March, 2007, 155 consecutive patients with PEG tubes inserted during this period (using the Ponsky pull technique) were identified from our database. The demographic data, primary and secondary underlying medical conditions, and post-placement complications were analyzed. Phone calls with caregivers were made to gather information about the short and long-term outcomes of using PEG tubes.

Results: Complete data were available for 85/155 (55%) of the patients reviewed. PEG tubes were successfully placed in 99% of cases, with no procedure-related complications. The most common indication for PEG tube placement was neuromuscular dysphagia documented in 46%, followed by decrease in level of consciousness or coma in 38% of the patients. Post placement major complications were noted in 5% of cases in the form of sepsis, bleeding, and stoma mucosa necrosis. Minor complications such as stoma leak, skin irritation, and gastrointestinal upset were noted in 41% of patients. At four year follow up, the overall mortality was 53%. Twenty-one percent of patients had their tube replaced, 27% recovered normal swallowing function and had their tube removed, while 20% of patients were still dependent on the tube for nutritional support.

Conclusions: PEG tube placement at our institution has an acceptable success rate. Short and long-term outcomes are comparable to published series. Proper selection of patients with expected survival benefit would likely minimize the mortality and the complication rate.
The Epidemiology of Scabies and Impetigo in Relation to Demographic and Residential Characteristics: Baseline Findings from the Skin Health Intervention Fiji Trial
Authors: Romani Lucia , Whitfeld Margot J. , Koroivueta Josefa , Kama Mike , Wand Handan , Tikoduadua Lisi , Tuicakau Meciusela , Koroi Aminiasi , Ritova Raijieli , Andrews Ross , Kaldor John M. , Steer Andrew C.
Published: July 2017

Scabies and associated impetigo are under-recognized causes of morbidity in many developing countries. To strengthen the evidence base for scabies control we undertook a trial of mass treatment for scabies. We report on the occurrence and predictors of scabies and impetigo in participants at baseline. Participants were recruited in six island communities and were examined for the presence of scabies and impetigo. In addition to descriptive analyses, logistic regression models were fit to assess the association between demographic variables and outcome of interest. The study enrolled 2051 participants. Scabies prevalence was 36.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 34.3–38.5), highest in children 5–9 years (55.7%). Impetigo prevalence was 23.4% (95% CI 21.5–25.2) highest in children aged 10–14 (39.0%). People with scabies were 2.8× more likely to have impetigo. The population attributable risk of scabies as a cause of impetigo was 36.3% and 71.0% in children aged less than five years. Households with four or more people sharing the same room were more likely to have scabies and impetigo (odds ratios [OR] 1.6, 95% CI 1.2–2.2 and OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.6–3.2 respectively) compared to households with rooms occupied by a single individual. This study confirms the high burden of scabies and impetigo in Fiji and the association between these two conditions, particularly in young children. Overcrowding, young age, and clinical distribution of lesion are important risk factors for scabies and impetigo. Further studies are needed to investigate whether the decline of endemic scabies would translate into a definite reduction of the burden of associated complications.
Perspectivas e Desafios na Transparência das Contas Públicas: um estudo numa Instituição de Ensino Superior brasileira
Authors: Gama Janyluce Rezende , Rodrigues Georgete Medleg
Published: July 2017

Este artigo visa analisar o processo de implementação da lei de acesso à informação (LAI) numa universidade federal brasileira e identificar as perspectivas e desafios dos gestores públicos em relação a esta legislação. Para isto, utilizou como metodologia uma abordagem qualitativa, que envolve a pesquisa de campo com a coleta de dados realizada por meio da aplicação de questionários. Os resultados mostram que no processo de implementação da LAI foi realizado um plano de ações, porém, este não foi implementado, pois o governo federal disponibilizou um sistema de uso obrigatório para todos os órgãos do executivo federal. Em relação às perspectivas dos gestores, o item que parece ter mais chances de se realizar foi “mais transparência nas contas de contratos, balanços, relatórios de auditoria, etc.” Sobre os desafios, o item que mais se ressaltou foi “a falta de infraestrutura dos sistemas de informação e demais tecnologias”. Conclui-se que faltam ações de apoio do governo federal para a efetiva implementação da LAI.
Bens culturais digitais: reflexões conceituais a partir do contexto virtual
Authors: Gowert dos Reis Marina , Conceição Primon Serres Juliane , Igansi Nunes João Fernando
Published: July 2017

O patrimônio cultural digital, seja de gênese digital ou de duplicação, é categoria considerada em documentos oficiais sobre preservação, como é o caso da Carta sobre a Preservação do Patrimônio Digital, publicada pela UNESCO em 2003, sendo também prática compreendida por instituições patrimoniais, que buscam nesses recursos proteção e ampliação de acesso a acervos. O foco nesse artigo é problematizar os bens culturais digitais que surgem a partir dessas práticas. Para tanto, discute-se as modificações na dicotomia original-cópia, o bem digital passando pelas ações de lembrar, observar e imaginar, e a aproximação das diretrizes conceituais e preservacionistas com o patrimônio cultural imaterial.
Sobre a contribuição conceitual da inteligência coletiva ao regime de informação
Authors: Bezerra Emy Pôrto , Sá de Pinho Júlio Afonso
Published: July 2017

O presente artigo propõe-se a abertura de um diálogo sobre a contribuição do conceito de Inteligência Coletiva desenvolvido por Lévy (2000) ao de Regime de Informação proposto por González de Gómez (2003). Para tanto, analisa-se o desenvolvimento do conceito de Inteligência Coletiva sob a perspectiva de autores como: Castells (1999), Freire (2013), Lévy (1996) e Pinho (2008), buscando encontrar um elo entre este e o conceito de Regime de Informação. Assim, foram levantadas algumas reflexões críticas sobre a construção do conceito de Inteligência Coletiva acreditando nela como uma ‘forma de vida’ que se consolida a partir de uma ação de informação formativa, sendo assim, um dos pilares que sustenta também o conceito de Regime de Informação.
A descrição sob o ponto de vista da catalogação, da bibliografia e da catalografia
Authors: Tolentino Vinicius De Souza , Ortega Cristina Dotta
Published: July 2017

Por intermédio da linguagem o mundo ganha sentido e pela língua é categorizado. Essa atividade simbólica expressa pelas palavras produz conceitos, ordenando a realidade. No contexto dos sistemas de informação, a escrita usada na representação dos documentos é trabalhada na produção de diversas camadas de produção de sentido. Propomos, assim, apresentar um processo específico da representação da informação – a descrição –, que é constituído pelo conjunto de procedimentos que visa à identificação de documentos. Considerando que sistemas de informação podem ter objetivos diferentes – como arquivísticos, museológicos e bibliográficos –, a descrição é trabalhada sob esta última abordagem. O objetivo é o de explorar o conceito de descrição dos documentos na Catalogação, na Bibliografia e na Catalografia, considerando que essas áreas propõem fundamentos necessários aos desafios da atividade de produção dos diversos repertórios bibliográficos contemporâneos, além de constituírem a gênese do processo descritivo. A pesquisa é de cunho exploratório e o seu método é o bibliográfico. Conclui que a discussão entre as três áreas é interessante, pois não é mais possível dar respostas práticas ou acadêmicas predominantemente em torno de normas ou tecnologia.
Miopia em Informação
Authors: Presser Nadi Helena , Quirino Daniel Cunha Santana
Published: July 2017

Este artigo reflete sobre os modos de apropriação de informação nas organizações. A analogia com a noção de Miopia em Informação se caracteriza pelo desconhecimento das potencialidades informacionais disponibilizadas nas organizações, revelando uma visão restrita do ambiente informacional. As análises têm como objeto o processo de renovação de contratos de licenças de softwares de um grupo multinacional de grande porte, em sua iniciativa de gerenciar, com base em informações, os ativos organizacionais em tecnologia da informação. As informações coletadas, explicitadas e justificadas embasaram uma proposta de ação, se constituindo na criação de um novo conhecimento organizacional. Na sua dimensão teórica, o valor da informação se materializou pelo seu uso, num processo coletivo de aprendizagem organizacional.
Temáticas em biblioteconomia e ciência da informação no Brasil: enfoque nos periódicos científicos eletrônicos
Authors: Mendonça Marina Alves de
Published: July 2017

Destaca os periódicos científicos eletrônicos nacionais de biblioteconomia e ciência da informação com objetivo de identificar as temáticas mais debatidas em ciência da informação, por meio da análise dos artigos publicados de 2003 a 2013, além de detectar os temas dos artigos analisados visando conceber semelhanças e diferenças temáticas no âmbito da interdisciplinaridade, incluindo a identificação dos “vazios”, ou seja, de temas importantes e não contemplados. Incluem-se as revistas de biblioteconomia em virtude de parte dos títulos relevantes atualmente originarem-se de publicações antes dedicadas à biblioteconomia e que, após, concentraram-se em estudos de ciência da informação. Para consecução desta pesquisa de abordagem quali-quantitativa, natureza descritiva e concepção de estudo de caso, recorrem-se à análise documental e análise de conteúdo temática como técnicas de coleta e análise de dados, respectivamente. Verifica-se que o incremento da pesquisa nesse campo acompanha a expansão dos Programas de Pós-Graduação em Ciência da Informação e se expande à medida que encontra nos periódicos eletrônicos, os meios para intensificar a comunicação científica e ratificar relações interdisciplinares. Registram-se 48 categorias temáticas, dentre elas, Gestão apresenta incidência mais elevada (191 artigos) em contraposição às classes Administração; e Meio Ambiente e Sustentabilidade, ambas com apenas sete estudos, cada. Biblioteconomia aparece com o maior número de relações interdisciplinares. Recomenda-se que pesquisadores da área voltem sua atenção a temas em ascensão ainda pouco explorados no âmbito da ciência da informação, a exemplo de Estudos Cognitivos e Comportamentais; e Arquitetura da Informação, haja vista as perspectivas de crescimento e de contribuição ao campo.
Flash-flood forecasting in two Spanish Mediterranean catchments: a comparison of distinct hydrometeorological ensemble prediction strategies
Authors: Vincendon Beatrice , Amengual Arnau
Published: July 2017

Abstract. Hydrological Ensemble Prediction Systems (HEPSs) are becoming more and more popular methods to deal with the meteorological and hydrological uncertainties that affect discharge forecasts. These uncertainties are particularly difficult to handle when dealing with Mediterranean flash-flood forecasting as many hydrological and meteorological factors take place and precipitation comes from small scale convective systems. In this work, the performances of distinct HEPS are compared for two heavy precipitation events that affected two different semi-arid Spanish Mediterranean catchments: the cases of the 03 November 2011 on the Llobregat River in Catalonia, and the 28 September 2012 on the Guadalentín River near in Murcia. The latter case corresponds to the IOP8 of HYMEX field campaign. The uncertainty on quantitative precipitation forecasting is sampled by using two different meteorological ensemble generation strategies. First, a convection-permitting EPS, which consists in dynamically downscaling the ECMWF-EPS directly by means of the WRF model. The second EPS strategy is based on the AROME-WMED convective-scale model. Its deterministic QPFs are perturbed based on a previous rainfall forecast error climatology and by using the probability density functions of the errors, in term of total amounts and location of the heaviest rainfalls. The population of both ensembles is of 50 members, which are used to drive the HEC-HMS and ISBA-TOP hydrological models. For each HEPS, the performance is assessed in term of the quantitative discharge forecasts. The results point out the benefits of using (i) a hydrological model when evaluating highly-variable and convective-driven precipitation fields and (ii) an EPS to better encompass these uncertainties arising from different level of the HEPS. Issues about the optimal number of ensemble members and impact of the ensemble forecasting lead time are addressed for optimal flash-flood forecasting purposes as well.
Mudanças climáticas e prioridades para a conservação da biodiversidade - Climate change and priorities for biodiversity conservation
Authors: Lemes Priscila , Loyola Rafael Dias
Published: July 2017

Processos globais como a perda de habitat, superexploração de recursos naturais, invasão biológica e mudanças climáticas estão conduzindo muitas espécies à extinção. Nesse cenário de alto risco de extinção, qual deve ser o critério para determinar prioridades de conservação? O que, onde e como proteger a biodiversidade? A resposta não é simples. Entre os efeitos esperados das mudanças climáticas, pode-se incluir o deslocamento das espécies para um espaço climático mais favorável, até mesmo fora de uma unidade de conservação. No entanto, eleger prioridades para a conservação da biodiversidade implica ir além das espécies, fazendo-se necessário a inclusão da história evolutiva e da manutenção dos processos nas comunidades. Aqui, apresentamos um panorama sobre os efeitos das mudanças climáticas sobre biodiversidade e como incluí-los em estudos de priorização espacial para a conservação. Ressaltamos a importância da conservação de anfíbios da Mata Atlântica, grupo mais ameaçado de extinção entre os vertebrados e, finalmente, apresentamos e discutimos estratégias de conservação consideram mais que a riqueza de espécies, incluindo também informações sobre a diversidade filogenética e funcional.
Influência da temperatura ambiental sobre a criação de adultos de Chrysoperla externa (Hagen, 1861) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae)-Influence of environmental temperature on the establishment of adults of Chrysoperla externa (Hagen,1861)(Neuroptera:Chrysopidae)
Authors: Martins Caleb Califre , De Freitas Sérgio
Published: July 2017

Chrysoperla externa (Hagen, 1861)  destaca-se em estudos de controle de pragas agrícolas, porém, o sucesso destes inimigos naturais depende de vários fatores em sua criação massal, dentre os quais podemos realçar o fator temperatura do ambiente. Com o objetivo de descobrir qual a influência da temperatura ambiental sobre o potencial de oviposição de C. externa, esse estudo comparou casais desta espécie mantidos em três ambientes com temperaturas diferentes: 18 ± 1°C, 25 ± 1°C e temperatura ambiente (média de 21,8 ± 2°C). Foram realizadas três repetições de dez casais por ambiente, cada casal foi mantido em uma gaiola de PVC (20 x 10 cm), e então foi avaliado o período de pré-oviposição, o número de ovos/fêmea diários, a viabilidade dos ovos e a mortalidade de adultos. As médias dos ambientes foram comparadas pelo teste de Tukey a 5% de probabilidade. Com o aumento da temperatura o período pré-ovipositivo diminuiu, o número de ovos/fêmeas e a viabilidade dos ovos aumentaram, e a mortalidade dos adultos não apresentou diferença significativa, ou seja, conclui-se que a temperatura do ambiente em que adultos de C. externa são criados interfere em seu potencial de oviposição, sendo a temperatura de 25 °C ótima para sua criação.
Estudo dos nervos do membro pélvico do Tamandua tetradactyla / Study of the nerves of the pelvic limb of Tamandua tetradactyla
Authors: Vieira de Freitas Paula Warley , Nogueira Ulisses Saraiva , Cruz Viviane Souza , Benetti Edson José , Qualhato Gabriel , Cardoso Júlio Roquete
Published: July 2017

O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever a distribuição dos nervos do membro pélvico do T. tetradactyla. Para tanto, foram utilizados quatro cadáveres de animais adultos cedidos pelo IBAMA-GO. Cada animal teve o membro pélvico de ambos os antímeros dissecados após fixação em solução de formaldeído a 10%. Os nervos genitofemoral e cutâneo femoral lateral distribuíram-se na pele medial e craniomedial e craniolateral da coxa, respectivamente. O nervo femoral emitiu ramos para os músculos psoas menor, iliopsoas, sartório e pectíneo; terminando por penetrar no músculo quadríceps femoral. Emitiu o nervo safeno, que em seu trajeto, inervou a pele da face medial da coxa e perna e região dorsomedial do pé. O nervo obturador emitiu ramos para músculos mediais da coxa. Os nervos glúteos cranial e caudal inervaram a musculatura glútea. O nervo isquiático inervou os músculos gêmeos, quadrado femoral, semimembranoso, semitendinoso, bíceps femoral longo e curto e terminou dividindo-se nos nervos cutâneo lateral da sura, tibial, e fibular comum. O nervo cutâneo lateral da sura inerva a região cutânea craniolateral do joelho e perna, enquanto os nervos fibular comum e tibial inerva a musculatura da perna e terminam distribuindo-se no pé.
A Justiça Social como princípio essencial à transição da Sociedade Civil para o Estado Ético
Authors: Padovini Pleti Ricardo
Published: July 2017

Este artigo objetiva demonstrar que é essencial respeitar o princípio da justiça social para que ocorra a transição da sociedade civil para o Estado Ético, segundo a filosofia de Hegel. Portanto, a liberdade só atinge sua plena realização quando a igualdade é assegurada. E isso somente pode ocorrer quando a dignidade é garantida a todos, tornando-se imprescindível, para atingir esse resultado, erradicar a pobreza e oferecer idênticas oportunidades a cada um dos cidadãos. Enquanto os filósofos da época analisaram a estrutura do Estado Liberal, Hegel foi além, ao vislumbrar a ordem jurídica, associada à administração e ao governo segundo as leis, como mecanismo para que o Espírito alcançasse a liberdade.
Justiça, Educação e Epistemologia Políticas
Authors: Gonçalves Neto João da Cruz , Derani Cristiane
Published: July 2017

Neste artigo desenvolvem-se algumas hipóteses problemáticas no interior de um projeto de epistemologia política, todas comprometidas com o esforço de constituição de um modelo cognitivo de nossa estrutura política atual a partir da teoria da justiça de John Rawls. Essas hipóteses, reconhecidamente preliminares, se situam em torno da possibilidade de constituição de um sujeito político, da possibilidade de descrição da atualidade política, de como caracterizar o que chamamos de justiça cognitiva e de como conceber um modelo de cultura política pensado no interior de um projeto pedagógico.
O Formalismo Jurídico, a Educação Jurídica e a Prática Profissional do Direito na América Latina
Authors: Bonilla Maldonado Daniel Eduardo
Published: July 2017

Na América Latina, predomina o modelo formalista de ensino jurídico e concepção do direito, que o idealiza como emanação exclusiva da legislação e conjunto de normas piramildamente escalonado e mecanicamente aplicável, sem conjeturas acerca de sua moralidade, ensinado nas faculdades por meio de exposição teórica do conteúdo legal. Este artigo pretende descrever os defeitos do formalismo jurídico e propor a criação e efetivação de núcleos de prática de interesse público, para aprimoramento do aprendizado jurídico e construção de um novo conceito do direito na América Latina, a partir da experiência de imersão social proporcionada pela vivência dos casos práticas na formação jurídica.
Reconhecimento aos índios do direito originário sobre as terras que tradicionalmente ocupam: Raposa Serra do Sol
Authors: Rejane Magalhães Lopes Syglea
Published: July 2017

Este estudo aborda a temática indígena com o objetivo de realizar uma analise comparativa e crítica das normas jurídicas relativas ao reconhecimento do direito ao território por parte dos povos indígenas tomando como referência o Caso da Terra Indígena Raposa Serra do Sol julgado pelo Supremo Tribunal Federal (STF). A abordagem metodológica baseou-se em uma pesquisa teórica, com levantamento bibliográfico, doutrinário, legislativo, das convenções internacionais e da literatura nacional. Os resultados indicam um enfrentamento do STF dos direitos indígenas com base no princípio da unidade.  As interpretações resultaram em um novo olhar referente à necessidade de conciliar interesses da nação, orientando quando necessárias restrições.