bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation between PET/CT results and histological and immunohistochemical findings in breast carcinomas
Authors: Bitencourt Almir Galvão Vieira , Lima Eduardo Nóbrega Pereira , Chojniak Rubens , Marques Elvira Ferreira , Souza Juliana Alves de , Graziano Luciana , Andrade Wesley Pereira , Osório Cynthia Aparecida Bueno de Toledo
Published: May 2014

Objective To correlate the results of 18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) performed with a specific protocol for assessment of breasts with histological/immunohistochemical findings in breast carcinoma patients. Materials and Methods Cross-sectional study with prospective data collection, where patients with biopsy-confirmed breast carcinomas were studied. The patients underwent PET/CT examination in prone position, with a specific protocol for assessment of breasts. PET/CT findings were compared with histological and immunohistochemical data. Results The authors identified 59 malignant breast lesions in 50 patients. The maximum diameter of the lesions ranged from 6 to 80 mm (mean: 32.2 mm). Invasive ductal carcinoma was the most common histological type (n = 47; 79.7%). At PET/CT, 53 (89.8%) of the lesions demonstrated anomalous concentrations of 18F-FDG, with maximum SUV ranging from 0.8 to 23.1 (mean: 5.5). A statistically significant association was observed between higher values of maximum SUV and histological type, histological grade, molecular subtype, tumor diameter, mitotic index and Ki-67 expression. Conclusion PET/CT performed with specific protocol for assessment of breasts has demonstrated good sensitivity and was associated with relevant histological/immunohistochemical factors related to aggressiveness and prognosis of breast carcinomas.
Radiographic adenoid evaluation: proposal of an objective parameter
Authors: Feres Murilo Fernando Neuppmann , Hermann Juliana Sato , Sallum Ana Carolina , Pignatari Shirley Shizue Nagata
Published: May 2014

Objective The objective of the present study was to evaluate current radiographic parameters designed to investigate adenoid hypertrophy and nasopharyngeal obstruction, and to present an alternative radiographic assessment method. Materials and Methods In order to do so, children (4 to14 years old) who presented with nasal obstruction or oral breathing complaints were submitted to cavum radiographic examination. One hundred and twenty records were evaluated according to quantitative radiographic parameters, and data were correlated with a gold-standard videonasopharyngoscopic study, in relation to the percentage of choanal obstruction. Subsequently, a regression analysis was performed in order to create an original model so the percentage of the choanal obstruction could be predicted. Results The quantitative parameters demonstrated moderate, if not weak correlation with the real percentage of choanal obstruction. The regression model (110.119*A/N) demonstrated a satisfactory ability to “predict” the actual percentage of choanal obstruction. Conclusion Since current adenoid quantitative radiographic parameters present limitations, the model presented by the present study might be considered as an alternative assessment method in cases where videonasopharyngoscopic evaluation is unavailable.
Relationship between two year PSA nadir and biochemical recurrence in prostate cancer patients treated with iodine-125 brachytherapy
Authors: Franca Carlos Antônio da Silva , Vieira Sérgio Lannes , Carvalho Antonio Carlos Pires , Bernabe Antonio Jose Serrano , Penna Antonio Belmiro Rodrigues Campbell
Published: May 2014

Objective To evaluate the relationship between two year PSA nadir (PSAn) after brachytherapy and biochemical recurrence rates in prostate cancer patients. Materials and Methods In the period from January 1998 to August 2007, 120 patients were treated with iodine-125 brachytherapy alone. The results analysis was based on the definition of biochemical recurrence according to the Phoenix Consensus. Results Biochemical control was observed in 86 patients (71.7%), and biochemical recurrence, in 34 (28.3%). Mean PSAn was 0.53 ng/ml. The mean follow-up was 98 months. The patients were divided into two groups: group 1, with two year PSAn < 0.5 ng/ml after brachytherapy (74 patients; 61.7%), and group 2, with two year PSAn ≥ 0.5 ng/ml after brachytherapy (46 patients; 38.3%). Group 1 presented biochemical recurrence in 15 patients (20.3%), and group 2, in 19 patients (43.2%) (p < 0.02). The analysis of biochemical disease-free survival at seven years, stratified by the two groups, showed values of 80% and 64% (p < 0.02), respectively. Conclusion Levels of two year PSAn ≥ 0.5 ng/ml after brachytherapy are strongly correlated with a poor prognosis. This fact may help to identify patients at risk for disease recurrence.
Bosniak classification of renal cystic lesions according to multidetector computed tomography findings
Authors: Miranda Christiana Maia Nobre Rocha de , Maranhão Carol Pontes de Miranda , Santos Carla Jotta Justo dos , Padilha Igor Gomes , Farias Lucas de Pádua Gomes de , Rocha Milzi Sarmento da
Published: May 2014

Renal cystic lesions are usually diagnosed in the radiologists' practice and therefore their characterization is crucial to determine the clinical approach to be adopted and prognosis. The Bosniak classification based on computed tomography findings has allowed for standardization and categorization of lesions in increasing order of malignancy (I, II, IIF, III and IV) in a simple and accurate way. The present iconographic essay developed with multidetector computed tomography images of selected cases from the archives of the authors' institution, is aimed at describing imaging findings that can help in the diagnosis of renal cysts.
Análise probabilística de ocorrência de incompatibilidade da qualidade da água com o enquadramento legal de sistemas aquáticos - estudo de caso do rio Pariquera-Açu (SP)
Authors: Cunha Davi Gasparini Fernandes , Calijuri Maria do Carmo
Published: May 2014

Embora relativamente comuns no Brasil, programas de monitoramento da qualidade da água frequentemente não transformam os resultados em elementos que norteiem o poder público para a recuperação dos sistemas aquáticos. Assim, a presente pesquisa teve por objetivo discutir a utilização das curvas probabilísticas de incompatibilidade da qualidade da água com o enquadramento legal dos corpos de água como ferramenta complementar ao monitoramento. As probabilidades de inconformidade com a resolução CONAMA 357/05 (Classe 2) para o rio Pariquera-Açu (SP) em 2007 foram de 35, 8, 44, 1, 0, 0 e 0%, respectivamente para oxigênio dissolvido, turbidez, fósforo, nitrogênio amoniacal, nitrito, nitrato e clorofila-a. Concluiu-se que o grau de condensação de informações gerado pelas curvas probabilísticas representa uma contribuição para a gestão da qualidade de água.
Desempenho de sistema de tratamento de lixiviado de aterro sanitário com recirculação do efluente
Authors: Martins Cláudia Lavina , Castilhos Júnior Armando Borges de , Costa Rejane Helena Ribeiro da
Published: May 2014

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o desempenho de um sistema de tratamento de lixiviado de aterro sanitário, em escala piloto, formado por três lagoas em série (L1, L2 e L3) seguidas por um filtro de pedras (FP). Foram estudadas três condições operacionais, verificando-se o efeito da recirculação do efluente da L3 para a L1: 0, 50 e 100% da vazão. O sistema absorveu bem as flutuações de cargas, apresentando remoções superiores a 80% para DBO F, 70% para DQO T e 98% para nitrogênio amoniacal. Na lagoa L2 houve nitrificação parcial, com acúmulo de nitritos. Ocorreu presença marcante do gênero Chlamydomonas nas lagoas L2 e L3 fotossintéticas. Observou-se diminuição da toxicidade do lixiviado, com reduções superiores a 95% na saída do sistema. A melhor eficiência de remoção para as três condições operacionais estudadas foi obtida com 100% de recirculação.
Avaliação Pós-Ocupação do conjunto habitacional Moradias União Ferroviária Bolsão Audi/União, Curitiba (PR)
Authors: Schäfer Eduardo Francisco , Gomide Fernanda Paes de Barros
Published: May 2014

Este trabalho consiste em uma Avaliação Pós-Ocupação (APO) do conjunto habitacional Moradias União Ferroviária, participante do Sistema Nacional de Habitação de Interesse Social (SNHIS), que promove habitações com qualidade para a população de baixa renda por meio da retirada das famílias de áreas de risco e de insalubridade, fornecendo a elas acesso a todos os equipamentos urbanos necessários. De acordo com a metodologia APO, foram analisados os serviços de esgotamento sanitário, abastecimento de água, drenagem pluvial e coleta de resíduos e a situação de risco quanto a inundações. Assim, por intermédio de avaliações técnicas e comportamentais, buscou-se reconhecer os pontos positivos e negativos do ambiente construído.
Correlação entre uso da terra e qualidade da água subterrânea
Authors: Menezes João Paulo Cunha de , Bertossi Ana Paula Almeida , Santos Alexandre Rosa , Neves Mirna Aparecida
Published: May 2014

Este trabalho descreve a correlação entre parâmetros de uso da terra (área agricultada, área edificada, pastagem, solo exposto e vegetação intermediária) e de qualidade da água subterrânea (pH, sólidos totais dissolvidos - STD, K+, Na+, Fe+3, Ca+2, Mg+2, NO2-, NO3-, P total e coliformes), no sul do estado do Espírito Santo. A delimitação da área de influência de poços e a identificação das classes de uso da terra foram feitas utilizando-se Sistema de Informações Geográficas. Por meio da análise de correlação canônica, foi possível estimar dois índices: índice de uso da terra e índice de qualidade da água, ambos padronizados. A correlação canônica foi significativa entre o primeiro par de variáveis canônicas, indicando relação linear entre os grupos. Desta forma, é possível afirmar que o uso da terra influenciou a qualidade da água subterrânea, principalmente pelo incremento da concentração de alguns elementos químicos.
Tratamento de Resíduos de Serviços de Saúde pelo processo de pirólise
Authors: Tôrres-Filho Artur , Ferreira Alison Frederico Medeiros , Melo Gilberto Caldeira Bandeira de , Lange Liséte Celina
Published: May 2014

O presente trabalho apresenta a avaliação técnica e ambiental de uma planta piloto de tratamento de Resíduos de Serviços de Saúde (RSS) por pirólise quanto à produtividade, ao consumo de combustível, ao rendimento gravimétrico do processo, às emissões atmosféricas, aos efluentes líquidos e ao produto carbonizado obtido. O processo apresentou valores para perda de massa entre 46,75 e 58,77%, para tempos de processamento variando entre 2 e 6 horas. A tecnologia empregada demonstrou maior segurança ambiental na terceira condição de operação testada, em relação às emissões de contaminantes para a atmosfera, levando-se em consideração o valor obtido na concentração de dioxinas e furanos de 0,0162 ng/Nm3. Nessa condição, a operação ocorreu com dois combustores, gás de pirólise sendo injetado no duto de alimentação de biomassa e com incremento de 15% no volume do fluxo de ar na zona de combustão dos cavacos, em mistura com o gás de pirólise. A solução proposta apresentou potencial para ser aplicada em municípios que enfrentam o gerenciamento adequado dos RSS como um desafio a ser transposto.
Erosividade da chuva para o bioma Pantanal
Authors: Machado Daniel Okamoto , Alves-Sobrinho Teodorico , Ribeiro Aline da Silva , Ide Carlos Nobuyoshi , Oliveira Paulo Tarso Sanches
Published: May 2014

A escassez de dados pluviográficos na região do Pantanal fez com que muitos autores utilizassem equações de regressão obtidas em outras regiões do Brasil para calcular o Fator R da Equação Universal de Perda de Solo (USLE). O presente estudo define equações para a previsão da erosividade em região do bioma Pantanal, correlacionando a erosividade das chuvas calculada pelo índice EI30 e o coeficiente de chuva (Rc). A equação desenvolvida, do tipo potencial, apresenta consistência e correlação significativa com os dados observados, obtendo valor de coeficiente de determinação de 97%. Portanto, a equação de erosividade proposta pode ser utilizada para estimativa do fator R da USLE a partir dos dados mensais e anuais de precipitação da região e de outras regiões com características climáticas semelhantes.
Aptidão física relacionada à saúde de adolescentes participantes de programa esportivo
Authors: NOGUEIRA Julia Aparecida Devide , PEREIRA Cleilton Holanda
Published: May 2014

O presente estudo analisa a aptidão física relacionada à saúde (AFRS) dos adolescentes participantes das Vilas Olímpicas (VO) de Fortaleza, Ceará de acordo com sexo, faixa etária e tempo de participação no programa. É um estudo transversal analítico com amostra representativa e aleatória de 344 adolescentes de ambos os sexos, com idade entre 11 e 16 anos. A massa e estatura corporal foram medidas para cálculo do índice de massa corporal (IMC). Para avaliar AFRS foram medidas flexibilidade, força/resistência muscular (FRM) e aptidão cardiorrespiratória (ApC) utilizando o protocolo do Projeto Esporte Brasil (PROESP-BR). A análise estatística descritiva foi utilizada, seguida de teste t de student, ANOVA "one-way" e regressão logística binária. Dos participantes, 15,1% não atingiu os critérios mínimos para IMC; 28,2% para flexibilidade; 32,6% para FRM e 45,6% para ApC, com influência significativa do sexo e faixa etária. Meninos apresentaram maior dificuldade em atender os critérios de flexibilidade (χ2 = 5,96; p < 0,01) e FRM (χ2 = 12,33; p < 0,001); e o grupo mais velho apresentou maior dificuldade em atender os critérios para FRM (χ2 = 5,74; p < 0,05). Adolescentes que participam há mais tempo das VO tendem a apresentar, de forma não significativa, maiores chances de atingir níveis desejados para flexibilidade (RC = 1,23; IC95%: 0,65-2,33) e ApC (RC = 1,35; IC95%: 0,77-2,36) e menores chances para IMC (RC = 0,43; IC95%: 0,17-1,08) que os que participam há menos tempo. Adolescentes participantes das VO apresentam elevada prevalência de inaptidão física com algumas diferenças significativas por sexo e faixa etária, mas sem diferença significativa por tempo de participação no programa. Estes resultados indicam a necessidade de reflexão, principalmente por parte dos profissionais da educação física, a respeito das estratégias adotadas nos projetos esportivos para otimizar a promoção de melhoras efetivas na AFRS da população.
Bem estar do trabalhador docente de educação física da região sul do Brasil de acordo com os ciclos vitais
Authors: BOTH Jorge , NASCIMENTO Juarez Vieira do , SONOO Christi Noriko , LEMOS Carlos Augusto Fogliarini , BORGATTO Adriano Ferreti
Published: May 2014

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o nível de associação entre os ciclos vitais e os parâmetros socioambiental (satisfação no trabalho) e individual (estilo de vida) do Bem Estar do Trabalhador Docente em Educação Física dos magistérios públicos estaduais da região sul do Brasil. Na investigação, 1645 professores responderam um questionário sócio-demográfico e profissional, além dos instrumentos QVT-PEF e PEVI. Os testes qui-quadrado, razão de verossimilhança e regressão logística multinomial, na forma bruta e em dois modelos ajustados, foram empregados para avaliar as associações. Os resultados evidenciaram que a utilização de variáveis moderadoras nas análises ajustadas do constructo da satisfação no trabalho auxiliou na compreensão das alterações de percepções dos professores ao longo da vida. Situação contrária foi demonstrada na avaliação do estilo de vida, o qual revelou que a análise bruta foi a principal maneira de observar diferenças significativas na maioria dos componentes e no computo geral.
A eficácia organizacional na percepção do presidente da Federação Portuguesa de Canoagem
Authors: FREITAS Daiane Miranda , FONSECA António Manuel , CARVALHO Maria José
Published: May 2014

O presente estudo tem o objetivo de perceber como se configura a eficácia organizacional na perspectiva do Presidente da Federação Portuguesa de Canoagem e identificar os fatores que são privilegiados pelo mesmo para avaliar a eficácia da sua federação, pautada na Abordagem dos Valores Contrastantes. Baseado num estudo de caso, caracterizado por uma investigação qualitativa, este trabalho fundamentou-se na análise de conteúdo de uma entrevista semiestruturada e análise documental do Plano de Atividades 2010. Verificou-se que o Presidente privilegia os fatores que constam nos quadrantes correspondentes ao Modelo de Sistema Aberto, como inovação e aquisição de recursos, e ao Modelo do Objetivo Racional, como produtividade e realização, para avaliar a eficácia da sua Federação, apesar de considerar a eficácia como um conceito unidimensional, baseado, sobretudo no alcance dos resultados desportivos, com foco exclusivo do Modelo do Objetivo Racional.
Telenomus remus (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) Parasitism on Eggs of Anticarsia gemmatalis (Lepidoptera: Eribidae) Compared With Its Natural Host Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Bueno Regiane Cristina Oliveira De Freitas , Bueno Adeney De Freitas , Xavier Maria Fernanda Da Costa , Carvalho Marina Mouzinho
Published: May 2014

The capacity of Telenomus remus to parasitize eggs of Anticarsia gemmatalis, compared with its natural host, Spodoptera frugiperda, was evaluated under different temperatures. The parasitoid T. remus was reared at 25 ± 1°C for a single generation on both hosts. After reaching the adult stage, they were allowed to parasitize both hosts to study parasitoid biology and parasitism capacity at temperatures between 19°C and 37 ± 1°C. Egg-to-adult developmental time was similar on both hosts. The number of A. gemmatalis eggs parasitized was lower than that of S. frugiperda eggs at all temperatures. Parental female longevity of parasitoids was greater on A. gemmatalis eggs. This indicated a smaller metabolic expense during parasitism, acommonfeature observed on nonpreferable hosts. In general, sex ratio was little affected by temperature or hosts. When parental T. remus were reared on A. gemmatalis before the experiment, base temperature (Tb) and the thermal constant (K) were 9.53°C and 209.57 DD on eggs of A. gemmatalis and 9.68°C and 197.79 DD on eggs of S. frugiperda, respectively. When parental T. remus were reared on S. frugiperda eggs, Tb and K were 10.12°C and 188.46 DD and 9.69°C and 190.24 DD for the evaluated host eggs of A. gemmatalis and S. frugiperda, respectively. Therefore, T. remus develops in eggs of A. gemmatalis. This can be beneficial for its use in field crops where outbreaks of both Spodoptera spp. and A. gemmatalis occur. However, A. gemmatalis is a less favorable host for the parasitoid development.
Pseudostenosagola, A New Genus from New Zealand (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae: Faronitae)
Authors: Park J-S , Carlton C E
Published: May 2014

A new genus and three new species of New Zealand endemic pselaphine staphylinid beetles belonging to the supertribe Faronitae are described as follows: Pseudostenosagola Park and Carlton, gen. nov.; Pseudostenosagola coromandelensis Park and Carlton, sp. nov.; Pseudostenosagola wellingtonensis Park and Carlton, sp. nov.; and Pseudostenosagola solodovnikovi Park and Carlton, sp. nov. In total, 30 specimens were available for study. Illustrations of habitus and major diagnostic characters, distributional maps, and an identification key of all species are provided.
Discordance in Hormone Receptor Status Among Primary, Metastatic, and Second Primary Breast Cancers: Biological Difference or Misclassification?
Authors: Sighoko Dominique , Liu Juxin , Hou Ningqi , Gustafson Paul , Huo Dezheng
Published: May 2014

Introduction.

Discordance in hormone receptor status has been observed between two breast tumors of the same patients; however, the degree of heterogeneity is debatable with regard to whether it reflects true biological difference or the limited accuracy of receptor assays.

Methods.

A Bayesian misclassification correction method was applied to data on hormone receptor status of two primary breast cancers from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database between 1990 and 2010 and to data on primary breast cancer and paired recurrent/metastatic disease assembled from a meta-analysis of the literature published between 1979 and 2014.

Results.

The sensitivity and specificity of the estrogen receptor (ER) assay were estimated to be 0.971 and 0.920, respectively. After correcting for misclassification, the discordance in ER between two primary breast cancers was estimated to be 1.2% for synchronous ipsilateral pairs, 5.0% for synchronous contralateral pairs, 14.6% for metachronous ipsilateral pairs, and 25.0% for metachronous contralateral pairs. Technical misclassification accounted for 53%–83% of the ER discordance between synchronous primary cancers and 11%–25% of the ER discordance between metachronous cancers. The corrected discordance in ER between primary tumors and recurrent or metastatic lesions was 12.4%, and there were more positive-to-negative changes (10.1%) than negative-to-positive changes (2.3%). Similar patterns were observed for progesterone receptor (PR), although the overall discordance in PR was higher.

Conclusion.

A considerable proportion of discordance in hormone receptor status can be attributed to misclassification in receptor assessment, although the accuracy of receptor assays was excellent. Biopsy of recurrent tumors for receptor retesting should be conducted after considering feasibility, cost, and previous ER/PR status.
Penaeoid Decapoda (Dendrobranchiata) from the Luoping Biota (Middle Triassic) of China: Systematics and Taphonomic Framework
Authors: Schweitzer Carrie E. , Feldmann Rodney M. , Hu Shixue , Huang Jinyuan , Zhou Changyong , Zhang Qiyue , Wen Wen , Xie Tao
Published: May 2014

Two new genera,AnisaegerandDistaeger, and three new species,Anisaeger brevirostrus,A. spiniferus, andDistaeger prodigiosus, extend the range of the Aegeridae (Dendrobranchiata, Penaeoidea) into the Middle Triassic (Anisian) of China. Seven decapod crustacean species are now known from the Luoping biota of southern China. Morphological features of shrimp that are present but rarely mentioned in the neontological literature are recognized as potentially useful in classifying fossil material, including a diaeresis on the exopod of the uropods and multiarticulate flagellae on pleopods. Unusual taphonomic features of the shrimp include fractured cuticle, preservation in lateral, dorsal, and ventral position, and twisted cephalothoraxes.
A New Genus and Species of Freshwater Stingray (Myliobatiformes, Dasyatoidea) from the Latest Middle Eocene of Utah, U.S.A.
Authors: Cook Todd D. , Eaton Jeffrey G. , Newbrey Michael G. , Wilson Mark V. H.
Published: May 2014

Teeth of a new freshwater dasyatoid ray recovered from the latest middle Eocene Brian Head Formation of southern Utah represent the youngest freshwater stingray so far known in the fossil record of North America. The crown morphology of Saltirius utahensis n. gen. n. sp. exhibits strong sexual dimorphism, with the presumed males bearing two prominent margino-labial protuberances and a bifid cusp that produces a saltire-like outline. This unique crown separates this genus and species from any known extinct or extant myliobatiform, but does have some resemblance to the crown of Asterotrygon maloneyi from the lower Eocene Green River Formation of Wyoming. The occurrence of S. utahensis in the Brian Head Formation provides additional evidence for the persistence of warm subtropical temperatures during the late Eocene in southern Utah.
Middle and Late Miocene Cricetidae (Rodentia, Mammalia) from Denizli Basin (Southwestern Turkey) and a New Species of Megacricetodon
Authors: Erten Hüseyin , Sen Sevket , Görmüş Muhittin
Published: May 2014

The occurrences of Cricetidae and the description of a new species, Megacricetodon yenicekentensis new species from the Denizli terrestrial Neogene Basin are considered herein. The Miocene sediments of the area mainly include terrestrial siliciclastic sediments and have a significant mammal fauna. Fieldwork was carried out in the six localities in the basin and the following rodents were identified: Cricetodon candirensis, Cricetulodon hartenbergeri, Megacricetodon minor and Megacricetodon yenicekentensis n. sp. This is the first study of rodent faunas from the Denizli Basin, which is still poorly documented. This study contributes to a better understanding of the stratigraphic and geological features of the Denizli Basin, which is one of the grabens formed within the Neotectonic period of Western Anatolia and has a significant role in explaining the tectonic evolution of the region. Its sedimentary units are, in stratigraphic order, the Kızılburun, Sazak, Kolankaya and Ulubey formations. Based on the systematics and biochronological implications of cricetids and the bulk faunas from six localities, the time range of these formations is discussed, and an age between the early middle Miocene (MN 6) and late Miocene (MN 10) is proposed for this stratigraphic succession. In addition, the dating of the Ulubey Formation, which is observed both in the Denizli and Uşak-Selendi basins, provides new data about the time of connection between these two basins.
The influence of high air entry filter on the testing of unsaturated soils using the axis translation technique
Authors: Sivakumar V.
Published: May 2014

Suction is an important stress variable that is required for reliable predictions of the likely performance of unsaturated soils. The axis translation technique is the best established method of measuring or controlling suction; however, the success of this application is heavily dependent on the rating of the high air entry filter (HAF) and how it is incorporated into the testing system. This paper reports some basic experiments in which samples of unsaturated kaolin were brought to saturation in stages using 5 bar and 15 bar HAFs. The results have shown that the water equilibrium in unsaturated soils is greatly affected by the rating of filters. The findings also suggest that the flow through unsaturated soils is not necessarily governed by the one-dimensional consolidation theory that was developed for saturated soils, and this may be attributed to the bimodal pore size distribution of unsaturated soils.
Ex-vivo Assessment of Coronary Artery Atherosclerosis by Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Correlation with Histopathology
Authors: Gomes Everli P. S. Gonçalves , Rochitte Carlos Eduardo , Azevedo Clerio F. , Lemos Pedro A. , Gutierrez Paulo Sampaio , César Luiz Antonio M.
Published: May 2014

Introduction:In recent years, high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has emerged as a very promising technique for studying atherosclerotic disease in humans.Aim:In the present study we sought to determine whether MRI allowed for the morphological characterization of the coronary vessel wall and atherosclerotic plaques using histopathological assessment as the reference standard.Methods:The study population consisted of 13 patients who died of acute myocardial infarction and underwent autopsy. The proximal portions of the coronary arteries were excised and were evaluated both by MRI and by histopathology. For each arterial segment, the following parameters were calculated through manual planimetry: 1. total vessel area (TVA); 2. luminal area (LA) and 3. plaque area (PA).Results:A total of 207 coronary artery cross-sections were found to be suitable for analysis by both MRI and histopathology and were included in the final analyses. Both methods demonstrated moderate to good agreement for the quantification of TVA (mean difference = 2.4±2.4 mm2, 95‰ limits of agreement from -2.4 to +7.2 mm2; CCC = 0.69, 95‰ CI from 0.63 to 0.75), LA (mean difference = 0.0±1.7 mm2, 95‰ limits of agreement from -3.3 to + 3.3 mm2; CCC = 0.84, 95‰ CI from 0.80 to 0.88) and PA (mean difference = 2.4±2.4 mm2, 95‰ limits of agreement from -2.3 to + 7.1 mm2; CCC = 0.64, 95‰ CI from 0.58 to 0.71).Conclusion:In thisex vivoexperimental model we demonstrated good agreement between coronary artery morphometrical measurements obtained by high-resolution MRI and by histopathology.
New Insights into the Management of Hypertension and Cardiovascular
Risk with Angiotensin Receptor Blockers: Observational Studies Help Us?
Authors: Goudev Assen
Published: May 2014

Post-marketing observational studies are valuable for establishing the real-world effectiveness of treatment
regimens in routine clinical practice as they typically monitor a diverse population of patients over many months. This article
reviews recent observational studies of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) for the management of hypertension:
the 6-month eprosartan POWER study (n~29,400), the 3-month valsartan translational research programme (n~19,500),
the 9-month irbesartan Treat to Target study (n=14,200), the 6-month irbesartan DO-IT survey (n~3300) and the 12-week
candesartan CHILI survey programme (n=4600). Reduction in blood pressure with ARBs reported across these studies
appears to be comparable for the different agents, although direct comparisons between studies cannot be made owing to
different treatment durations and baseline patient demographics. Of these studies, the eprosartan POWER study, 2 of the 7
studies in the valsartan translational research programme, and the candesartan CHILI Triple T study measured total cardiovascular
risk, as recommended in the 2013 European Society of Cardiology-European Society of Hypertension guidelines.
The POWER study confirmed the value of the Systemic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) to accurately assess
total cardiovascular risk.

With the advent of new healthcare practices, such as the use of electronic health records (EHRs), observational studies in
larger patient populations will become possible. In the future, algorithms embedded in EHR systems could evolve as decision
support tools to inform on patient care.
Role of Endocannabinoids in Neuron-Glial Crosstalk
Authors: Luongo Livio , Palazzo Enza , Novellis Vito de , Maione Sabatino
Published: May 2014

Evidence shows bidirectional crosstalk between neurons and glia, suggesting that glia play an active role in synaptic plasticity leading to chronic pain. Importantly, gliosis has been implicated in the development and maintenance of hyperalgesia or allodynia following chronic inflammation or nerve injury. Anandamide (AEA) and 2- arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), or the lipoamino acid N-arachydonoyldopamine (NADA), are fatty acid derivative neurotransmitters, named endocannabinoids (eCBs). These perform several biological actions, via the activation of cannabinoid type 1 and 2 (CB1/CB2) receptors belonging to the G-protein-coupled receptor family. The eCBs are produced on demand by neurons or glial cells and it has been suggested that they might be involved in the crosstalk between astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes and neurons. In chronic pain, the modified glial or neural activity also seems to be associated with changes in eCB levels in pain processing areas either in the spinal cord or the brain. The activation of the eCB system in microglia or astrocytes could be crucial in modulating axonal growth and synaptogenesis at the base of neural phenotypic changes. Furthermore, changes in eCBs levels have been suggested to affect the destiny of cells: death or survival may depend on a specific pain condition. Thus, although eCBs are emerging as neurotransmitters responsible for the regulation of glia-neuron crosstalk in chronic pain, the precise mechanisms leading to eCB production, the origin and the timecourse of eCB release, the eCB release switch from one cell type to the other and their movement or catabolism across the glial or neural cell membrane nevertheless still remain unknown. These issues together with alternative eCB targets will be addressed in the current review.
The Role of Suggestions in Hypnosis for Chronic Pain: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Dillworth Tiara , Jensen Mark P.
Published: May 2014

Several controlled trials have demonstrated that hypnosis is an efficacious treatment for chronic pain. However, less attention has been given to the specific procedures and suggestions used in hypnotic treatments in research. The goal of this review was to address the issue of differences in the content of hypnotic suggestions, including pain management suggestions, non-pain related suggestions, and posthypnotic suggestions, in the context of published clinical trials of hypnosis for chronic pain management. This review focused on the types of suggestions used in twenty five studies comparing hypnosis to active treatments (e.g., relaxation, biofeedback), non-treatment control groups (e.g., standard care/wait-list control, supportive attention), or both in adult populations with various chronic pain conditions. Overall, these studies found hypnosis to be more effective than non-treatment control groups and similarly effective when compared to active treatments on pain-related outcomes when either pain-related suggestions or non-pain related suggestions were used. However, for studies that included both pain-specific and non-pain related suggestions, hypnosis was found to be superior to active treatments on a variety of pain-related outcomes.
Evidence Based Review of Natural Health Products for Non-Specific Low Back Pain
Authors: Gagnier Joel J.
Published: May 2014

Introduction - Natural health products (e.g., vitamins, minerals, herbal medicines) are frequently used for musculoskeletal pain and there is an increasing amount of high quality research being done to test the efficacy of these interventions. Low back pain is a very common condition and individuals suffering from these conditions are frequently seeking out these products.

Objective - The objective of this paper is to review and summarize the evidence surrounding natural health products for chronic non-specific low back pain.

Methods - We searched for systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials in PubMed and the Cochrane Library. We performed a best evidence synthesis of the resulting papers.

Results - We included two systematic reviews and 2 additional randomized controlled trials published subsequently to these reviews. We found strong evidence for 50 mg harpagoside per dose of an aqueous extract of Harpagophytum procumbens per day reduces pain more than placebo. We found moderate evidence for 100 mg harpagoside per dose of an aqueous extract of Harpagophytum procumbens compared to placebo, for an extract of willow bark yielding 120 mg salicin per day compared with placebo, for 240 mg of salicin per day in reducing pain to a greater extent than placebo, for 240 mg of salicin per day as equivalent to 120 mg salicin, for no differences in pain and function between a 60 mg daily harpagoside dose of an aqueous extract of Harpagophytum procumbens and 12.5 mg rofecoxib per day, for no difference in pain and overall improvement between Spiroflor SRL homeopathic gel (SRL) and Cremor Capsici Compositus FNA, the capsici oleoresin gel, for intramuscular B12 when compared with placebo. We found limited evidence for topical Capsicum frutescens in the form of Rado-Salil cream or a Capsicum plaster for reducing pain more than placebo, for lavender oil in the treatment of chronic NSLBP, or vitamin C, zinc, and manganese in addition to prolotherapy. Adverse events for all interventions appeared to be mild and transient though we did not attempt to identify all relevant literature concerning adverse events.

Conclusions - There is some evidence for several natural health products in the treatment of chronic non-specific low back pain. More research is needed for all of these interventions before they are incorporated into routine clinical practice and their reporting must be improved by referring to the recently published extensions of the CONSORT statement.
Molecular Mechanisms of TRPV1 Channel Activation
Authors: Jara-Oseguera Andrés , Nieto-Posadas Andrés , Szallasi Arpad , Islas León D. , Rosenbaum Tamara
Published: May 2014

Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) cation channels participate in various fundamental processes in cell- andorganism-physiology in unicellular eukaryotes, invertebrates and vertebrates. Interestingly, many TRP channels function as detectors of sensory stimuli. The TRPV1 (vanilloid 1) channel serves as an integrator of noxious chemical and physical stimuli known to cause irritation and pain, such as elevated temperatures, acids, and irritant chemical compounds, and its activation has been linked to acute nociceptive pain and neurogenic inflammation. The mechanisms by which the channel detects incoming stimuli, how the sensing domains are coupled to channel gating and how these processes are connected to specific structural regions in the channel are not fully understood, but valuable information is available. Many sites involved in agonist detection have been characterized and gating models that describe many features of the channel’s behavior
have been put forward. Structural and functional information indicates TRP channels are similar to voltage-activated potassium channels, with a tetrameric organization and six-transmembrane-region subunits, a pore domain with multi-ion binding properties and an intracellular S6 gate that seems to be the point of convergence of the many activation modalities leading to the opening of the ion conduction pathway. Furthermore, TRPV1 expression is altered in various disease states and TRPV1 gene polymorphism was speculated to play a role in pain sensation. The complex activation and regulation of TRPV1 may have important implications for drug development
Sensitisation of Nociceptors – What are Ion Channels Doing?
Authors: Fischer Michael J.M. , Mak Stephanie W.Y. , McNaughton Peter A.
Published: May 2014

Nociceptors are peripheral sensory neurones which respond to painful (noxious) stimuli. The terminals of nociceptors, which have a high threshold to stimulation in their native state, undergo a process known as sensitisation, or lowering of threshold, following injury or inflammation. Amongst sensory receptors, sensitisation is a property unique to nociceptors. A shift in the stimulus-response function of nociceptors renders them more sensitive, resulting in both a reduction in the activation threshold, such that previously non-noxious stimuli are perceived as noxious (allodynia) and an increased response to suprathreshold stimuli (hyperalgesia). Sensitisation protects us from harm and is essential for survival, but it can be disabling in conditions of chronic inflammation. This review focuses on three stages in sensitisation: 1) Inflammatory mediators, which are released from damaged resident cells and from others that invade in response to inflammation, and include bradykinin, prostaglandins, serotonin, low pH, ATP, neurotrophins, nitric oxide
and cytokines; 2) Intracellular signalling molecules which are important in transmitting the actions of inflammatory mediators and include protein kinase A and C, Src kinase, mitogen-activated protein kinases and the membrane lipid PIP2; and 3) Ion channel targets of intracellular signalling which ultimately cause sensitisation and include the temperaturesensitive transient receptor potential channels, acid-sensitive ion channels, purinoceptor-gated channels, and the voltagesensitive sodium, potassium, calcium and HCN channels.
Cathepsin S Inhibition Attenuates Neuropathic Pain and Microglial Response Associated with Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: K.Clark Anna , Marchand Fabien , D’ Auria Marta , Davies Meirion , Grist John , Malcangio Marzia , B.McMahon Stephen
Published: May 2014

Loss of function is usually considered the major consequence of spinal cord injury (SCI). However, chronic pain severely compromises the quality of life of many SCI patients. Recently, microglial cells in enhanced response states have been proposed to contribute to chronic pain following SCI. Here we report that following contusion injury, the microglial cysteine protease cathepsin S (CatS) is critical for the maintenance of SCI-induced neuropathic pain and spinal microglial response. Following SCI, significant mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity developed in both hind-paws.Prolonged intrathecal administration of the CatS inhibitor LHVS (morpholinurea-leucine-homophenylalanine- vinyl sulfone-phenyl), commencing day 26 post-SCI, resulted in significant attenuation of established mechanical and thermal pain behaviours compared to vehicle. This attenuation was evident as early as 24hrs following treatment initiation, and was maintained throughout the 7 day duration of drug administration. In addition, following the 7 day treatment period
LHVS significantly attenuated the SCI-induced response of microglial in the lumbar dorsal horn of the spinal cord. We suggest that following SCI, CatS expressed by spinal microglia, is critical for the maintenance of below the level pain induced by contusion injury and suggest that CatS inhibition constitutes a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of chronic pain associated with SCI.
Pain-Related Endurance, Fear-Avoidance and Somatosensory Sensitivity as Correlates of Clinical Status after Lumbar Disc Surgery
Authors: Held Sabine Melanie , Rolke Roman , Treede Rolf-Detlef , Schmieder Kirsten , Karimi Zohra , Sudhaus Sigrid Christa , Hasenbring Monika Ilona
Published: May 2014

Most pain and disability variance in patients with low back pain still remains unexplained. The aim of this study was to enhance the degree of explained variance by including measures of pain and tactile sensitivity as well as pain-related endurance and fear-avoidance responses. Thirty-six post lumbar disc surgery patients completed psychometric questionnaires (Avoidance-Endurance Questionnaire, Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory) and underwent quantitative sensory testing (QST) with measures of pain (pressure (PPT) and mechanical pain threshold) and tactile sensitivity (MDT). Bivariate correlations and hierarchical multiple regression analysis were computed. In addition to the contribution of fear-avoidance responses, pressure pain sensitivity and endurance behavior significantly contributed to explanations of pain variance, whereas disability was primarily predicted by fear-avoidance. While all psychological variables and MDT were positively related to pain or disability, PPT was negatively related to
pain. The regression model accounted for 69 % of the variance in back pain intensity and 68 % of the variance in disability. Tactile hypaesthesia was related to increased clinical pain. Pain-related endurance responses and pressure pain hyperalgesia were significant additional predictors for pain, but not for disability. These findings are compatible with generalized disinhibition via descending pathways and a general inhibition of tactile acuity by ongoing pain.
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone/Luteinizing Hormone Ratio as an Independent Predictor of Response to Controlled Ovarian Stimulation
Authors: Kofinas Jason D , Elias Rony T
Published: May 2014

Aim: To determine whether a follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)/luteinizing hormone (LH) ratio over 3 in the setting of a normal FSH (<12 IU/l) is associated with a higher rate of failed controlled ovarian stimulation cycles. Design: Retrospective cohort. Materials & methods: A total of 676 patients were identified; 198 patients had a FSH/LH ratio >3 and 477 patients had a FSH/LH ratio <3. Exclusion criteria included: age >40 years; estradiol (E2) prime protocols; E2 at start >70 pg/ml; and FSH at start >12 IU/l. The main outcome measure was cycle cancellation. Results: An elevated FSH/LH ratio >3 was more likely to result in the individual's cycle cancelled (15 vs 5.24%; p = 0.0001). The total gonadotropin dosage was greater in the higher ratio versus lower ratio group (2636 vs 2242 IU; significant). Peak E2 was significantly lower in the FSH/LH >3 group (peak E2: 1635 vs 1942 pg/ml). Conclusion: The value of the FSH/LH ratio in patients with normal FSH levels, may have a role in determining the appropriate stimulation protocol and predict cycle cancellations.
Sorption of cadmium ions from saline waters onto Fe(III)-zeolite
Authors: Ahribesh Aysha , Lazarevic Slavica , Potkonjak Branislav , Bjelajac Andjelika , Janackovic Djordje , Petrovic Rada
Published: May 2014

The sorption of Cd2+ from natural seawater, artificial seawater, distilled
water and NaCl solution of the same ionic strength as the seawater onto
zeolite modified by iron(III) oxide (Fe(III)-zeolite) was investigated. The
sorption was found to be time, concentration and pH dependent. The sorption
capacity at the initial pH = 7 decreased in the following order: distilled
water > NaCl solution > artificial seawater > natural seawater. The isotherm
study showed that Langmuir isotherm model could be adequately applied for the
sorption in distilled water, indicating the homogeneous monolayer coverage at
Fe(III)-zeolite surface, while the Freundlich isotherm model showed a better
fit than the Langmuir model of the sorption data in saline waters, indicating
multilayer heterogeneous coverage at the sorbent surface. The values of
Freundlich parameter n suggested that the sorption was a favorable process
and bonds between Cd2+ and Fe(III)-zeolite surface were stronger in NaCl
solution than in natural and artificial seawater. Kinetics analyzes showed
that the mechanism of Cd2+ sorption from natural seawater differed from the
sorption mechanism out of distilled water, NaCl solution and artificial
seawater. The intra-particle diffusion kinetic model indicated that both
boundary layer diffusion and intra-particle diffusion influenced the rate of
sorption.
Application of goal programming model for allocating time and cost in project management: A case study from the company of construction SEROR
Authors: Yahia-Berrouiguet Abdelkrim , Tissourassi Khadija
Published: May 2014

The objective of this paper is to apply one of the techniques of
multipleobjective programming (goal programming) in a project management
problem. Mubiru (2010) proposed a goal programming model for allocating time
and cost in project management. In order to test this model, a case study was
accomplished in the company of construction SEROR, Algeria.
Guidance for Treasury in Drafting Regulations Interpreting Section 469(g)
Authors: Orbach Kenneth N. , Nash Claire Y.
Published: May 2014

Section 469 provides generally that losses from passive activities may offset income from passive activities, but cannot be deducted against nonpassive income. Any excess of passive losses over passive income in a taxable year is suspended and carried forward as a passive loss to subsequent years. Under Section 469(g), a taxpayer's suspended passive losses from an activity are freed up when the taxpayer sells his entire interest in the activity to an unrelated person in a fully taxable transaction. However, if the sale is to a related party, then the suspended losses remain suspended (but remain with the taxpayer) until the activity thereafter is sold in a fully taxable transaction to a party unrelated to the taxpayer. In our analysis, we consider legal, conceptual, and practical concerns affecting transactions governed by Section 469(g) and show that Section 469(g) should be interpreted under a hybrid theory for passthrough entities, rather than under a pure aggregate theory or pure entity theory. Through examples, we provide guidance to Treasury in drafting long-overdue regulations interpreting Section 469(g) for Chapter 1 (income tax) and Chapter 2A (Section 1411) purposes. In addition, we recommend that Congress amend Section 469(g)(1)(B) to require that in order to free up a taxpayer's suspended losses, the acquirer in a subsequent sale of the passive activity interest must be unrelated to the seller in that transaction, rather than to the taxpayer.