bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suspended matter and nutrient gradients of a small-scale river plume in Sepetiba Bay, SE-Brazil
Authors: Rodrigues Raphael Paiva , Knoppers Bastiaan Adriaan , Souza Weber Friederichs Landim de , Santos Elisamara Sabadini
Published: May 2009

Coastal river plumes represent one of the final stages of material transport across the land-sea interface. Most studies, however have focused on the behavior of medium to large sized river plumes of coastal-shelf waters, whereas small sized river plumes acting within estuaries have been neglected. This study addressed the behavior of suspended particulate matter (SPM), dissolved inorganic nutrients (DIN, DIP and DSi) and Chlorophyll a (Chl. a) of a small sized river plume derived from the closely lain São Francisco and Guandú river channels, set in the Sepetiba Bay estuary, SE-Brazil. Two surface water sampling campaigns were conducted, one in January 2003 (humid summer conditions) and the other in June 2003 (dry winter conditions). On both occasions, the plumes dispersed in a SE direction towards the inner portion of the bay. The "wet" event plume was more turbid, nutrient rich and dispersed beyond nearshore waters, whereas the "dry" event plume proliferated as a narrow, less turbid and more nutrient poor film alongshore. Both exhibited a marked degree of patchiness, induced by the differential input of materials from the river sources and resuspension processes from the shallow nearshore bottom. The São Francisco river channel was the main source of freshwater, SPM and nutrients, except for ammonia (NH4+-N) derived from domestic effluents of the Guandú river. The mesohaline portion of the estuarine mixing zone of the plumes behaved as a slight source for SPM, DSi and DIP, due to bottom resuspension processes. N:P molar ratios ranged between 80:1 and 20:1 along the estuarine gradient, being higher in the summer than in the winter event, indicating that DIP was the potential nutrient limiting primary production. Chl. a concentrations increased at the outer premises of the plume, suggesting that the short residence times and turbidity of the plume waters, hampered primary production nearshore, particularly during the summer occasion. The small sized plume lacked the spatial decoupling between the estuarine mixing and turbidity zones, generally observed in larger sized coastal-shelf plumes.
Avaliação de concreto de cimento Portland contendo resíduos de PET
Authors: Modro N.L.R. , Modro N.R. , Modro N.R. , Oliveira A.P.N.
Published: May 2009

O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a influência da adição de resíduos de poli (tereftalato de etileno) - PET - sobre a resistência mecânica em concreto de cimento Portland. O PET foi utilizado no formato encontrado em indústria de reciclagem de embalagens. Os resíduos foram utilizados como substitutos de parte dos agregados do concreto e, para cada um dos resíduos, foram preparados quatro traços (10%, 20%, 30% e 40%, em volume). Para a preparação dos traços foi utilizado cimento Portland de Alta Resistência Inicial (CPV - ARI) fornecido pela Votoran. A partir de cada uma das misturas obtidas foram confeccionados quinze corpos-de-prova em formato cilíndrico conforme a norma NBR 5738. Foram preparados também corpos-de-prova sem substituição de agregados que serviram como material de referência. Os ensaios de compressão foram realizados de acordo com a norma NBR 5739, nas idades de um, três e sete dias e, em cada uma destas idades, foram testados cinco corpos-de-prova de cada traço. Para todos os traços obtidos e, em todas as idades das amostras ensaiadas, pode-se notar uma tendência de redução da resistência mecânica com o aumento da fração volumétrica de substituição de agregados. O maior valor de resistência à compressão axial com a idade de sete dias foi apresentado pelo traço sem substituição de agregados (15,38 MPa), e o menor valor, para a mesma idade, foi apresentado pelo traço com 40 % de substituição de agregados por resíduos de PET (1,94 MPa).
Estudo do desgaste de cortadores PDC (polycrystalline diamond)
Authors: Matos M.R. , Bobrovnitchii G.S. , Dias C.A. , Guimarães R.S. , Plácido R.J.C. , Filgueira M.
Published: May 2009

Pastilhas PDC (polycrystalline diamond compact) são compósitos diamantados, onde o suporte de metal duro (WC/Co) absorve a energia de impacto sofrida pela camada diamantada, aumentando a vida útil da ferramenta. A pastilha é formada através da compactação e sinterização de pós de diamante com materiais ligantes (cobalto) utilizando técnicas de alta pressão e alta temperatura (HPHT). Esta ferramenta é utilizada para corte e usinagem, e em perfuração de poços de óleo e gás (brocas). Face à questão estratégica industrial, poucos estudos foram publicados sobre o processamento e caracterização destas ferramentas. Neste tocante, este trabalho visa o estudo da influência de alguns parâmetros de corte no desgaste dos cortadores PDC, simulando a situação de corte, quais sejam: forças sobre o cortador, temperatura na zona de corte, rotação da mesa de granito e ângulo de corte. Correlacionando estes parâmetros, descobrem-se quais deles influenciam mais no desgaste das pastilhas. Os ensaios foram realizados em um simulador físico de corte e abrasão que forneceu os resultados para análise. No presente estudo, a condição de corte que propiciou melhores resultados, foi 15kgf/30rpm/10º, onde se obteveram-se os menores valores de desgaste - 0,00002g.
Efeitos do exercício físico na expressão e atividade da AMPKα em ratos obesos induzidos por dieta rica em gordura
Authors: Pauli José Rodrigo , Ropelle Eduardo Rochete , Cintra Dennys Esper , Souza Cláudio Teodoro de
Published: May 2009

INTRODUÇÃO: A ingestão de dieta hiperlipídica é um fator de risco singular no desenvolvimento de resistência à insulina e diabetes do tipo 2. OBJETIVO: O estudo investigou os efeitos do exercício físico na expressão e atividade da AMPKα em ratos obesos. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados ratos Wistar, aleatoriamente divididos em quatro grupos, que receberam dieta padrão de manutenção (grupo controle) ou dieta hiperlipídica (DHL) (grupos sedentários e exercitados), por período de quatro meses. Dois diferentes protocolos de exercícios foram utilizados: exercício agudo ou crônico de natação. O teste de tolerância à insulina foi realizado para estimar a sensibilidade à insulina. Os níveis protéicos da AMPKα e do GLUT4 e também de p-AMPKα e pACC no músculo esquelético dos ratos foram determinados através da técnica de Western blot. RESULTADOS: O teste de tolerância à insulina revelou significativo prejuízo na ação da insulina após a alimentação com a DHL, indicando insulino-resistência quando comparado com grupo controle (p < 0,05). O tratamento por quatro meses com a DHL resultou em significativa redução no conteúdo protéico de AMPKα (2,2 vezes) e do GLUT4 (2,5 vezes) e nos níveis de p-AMPKα (2,4 vezes) e p-ACC (2,5 vezes) no músculo esquelético dos ratos sedentários quando comparado aos ratos controles. Ambos os protocolos de exercícios resultaram em aumento na fosforilação da AMPKα e ACC e aumento da sensibilidade à insulina, enquanto apenas o programa de exercício crônico promoveu o aumento da expressão dessas proteínas (p < 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: A alimentação com uma DHL causa redução na expressão e na atividade da AMPKα, enquanto a ativação da AMPKα pelo exercício físico melhora a sensibilidade à insulina, indicando que ratos obesos mantêm preservada a funcionalidade da via AMPKα.
Influência do intervalo de tempo entre as sessões de alongamento no ganho de flexibilidade dos isquiotibiais
Authors: Gama Zenewton André da Silva , Dantas Alexandre Vinícyus Ribeiro , Souza Túlio Oliveira de
Published: May 2009

CONTEXTO: A otimização do treino de flexibilidade está relacionada com o uso de parâmetros adequados de alongamento. Entretanto, o intervalo de tempo adequado entre as sessões de alongamento tem sido pouco investigado. OBJETIVO: Verificar se a variação no intervalo de tempo entre sessões de alongamento influencia no ganho de flexibilidade. MÉTODOS: 28 mulheres, com idade de 22,5 ± 1,8 anos, foram distribuídas aleatoriamente em três grupos. Aplicaram-se 10 sessões de alongamento nos isquiotibiais do membro direito. O grupo 0X (n = 8) foi o controle e não recebeu alongamento. O grupo 3X (n = 10) alongou três vezes por semana (intervalo de 48 horas) e o grupo 5X (n = 10), cinco vezes (intervalo de 24 horas). Aplicaram-se 10 sessões de alongamento (sustentar-relaxar) nos isquiotibiais direitos. As medidas foram tomadas por análise fotométrica no programa AutoCad® 2000. A análise estatística foi realizada com ANOVA e teste post hoc de Newman-Keuls adotando um p-valor referencial de 0,05. RESULTADOS: Após 10 sessões, identificou-se aumento da flexibilidade nos grupos experimentais, porém sem diferença entre estes. O grupo 3X aumentou significativamente a partir do 10º dia do programa (quinta sessão) e o grupo 5X, a partir do terceiro (terceira sessão). CONCLUSÕES: O alongamento aumenta a flexibilidade dos isquiotibiais, independente do tempo entre as sessões (24 ou 48 horas); e a variável tempo não influencia o ganho de flexibilidade total. Porém, com cinco sessões semanais, ganha-se flexibilidade mais rapidamente. Isso sugere que o ganho de flexibilidade é sessão-dependente.
Suplementação proteica não aumenta a concentração plasmática de óxido nítrico em homens saudáveis
Authors: Moraes Milton Rocha de , Aoki Marcelo Saldanha , Araújo Ronaldo de Carvalho , Higa Elisa Mieko Suemitsu , Mouro Margaret Gori , Bacurau Reury Frank Pereira
Published: May 2009

Suplementos nutricionais, supostamente, capazes de potencializar a produção endógena de óxido nítrico (NO) têm experimentado crescente popularidade entre os indivíduos fisicamente ativos. Diante da carência de informações sobre o assunto, o objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o efeito de um suplemento comercial à base de proteínas e aminoácidos sobre a produção endógena de NO. MÉTODOS: A amostra foi constituída de 12 homens sedentários, mas sem fatores de risco para doenças cardiovasculares. O protocolo de suplementação foi conduzido conforme o arranjo experimental duplo-cego cruzado. Os participantes receberam, aleatoriamente, placebo (PLA) ou suplemento proteico (SP), em dois momentos diferentes, separados por uma semana. Com o intuito de determinar a concentração plasmática de NO, amostras de sangue foram coletadas antes (24h e imediatamente antes) e depois (30 e 60 minutos) do consumo da substância PLA ou do SP. RESULTADOS: Não foi observada alteração na concentração plasmática de NO após a ingestão do SP em comparação com o PLA (pós-suplementação 30min - PLA: 19,3 ± 4,7µmol.L- 1 vs. SP: 18,9 ± 4,4µmol.L-1 e pós-suplementação 60min - PLA: 21,3 ± 6,5µmol.L-1 vs. SP: 20,3 ± 4,9µmol.L-1). Também não foi verificada alteração da pressão arterial. CONCLUSÃO: O suplemento nutricional à base de proteínas e aminoácidos, testado no presente estudo, não potencializou a produção endógena de NO.
Efeitos fisiológicos agudos da taurina contida em uma bebida energética em indivíduos fisicamente ativos
Authors: Agnol Tatyana Dall' , Souza Paulo Fernando Araújo de
Published: May 2009

Segundo a Secretaria de Vigilância Sanitária do Ministério da Saúde, bebidas energéticas são identificadas como compostos líquidos prontos para o consumo, sendo estas constituídas de carboidratos, taurina, cafeína, glucoronolactona, inositol e vitaminas do complexo B. Existem poucas pesquisas sobre o uso de taurina contida em bebidas energéticas relacionado com a melhora de desempenho. Este trabalho teve como objetivo analisar as respostas metabólicas e hemodinâmicas decorrentes da administração da associação de taurina e cafeína durante teste ergoespirométrico em indivíduos fisicamente ativos. Para esse fim, 20 indivíduos do sexo masculino, 26 ± 4,32 anos e índice de massa corporal 23,79 ± 2,95, praticantes de atividades aeróbicas, foram submetidos a duas sessões de testes em cicloergômetro ligado a analisador metabólico de gases. O esquema das sessões foi duplo- cego e 60 minutos antes do início dos testes foi oferecida bebida experimental ou bebida placebo. Durante os testes, foram mensuradas: frequência cardíaca (FC), pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) e diastólica (PAD), lactato sanguíneo (Lac), percepção subjetiva de esforço por escala de Borg (PSE), consumo máximo de oxigênio (VO2máx), consumo de oxigênio no ponto de compensação respiratório (RCP), tempo de exercício (TE) e carga de trabalho (CAR). Para a análise dos dados, foi realizado um teste t pareado (p â‰¤ 0,05). Na carga de trabalho, os resultados indicaram que houve aumento de 10 watts com a administração da bebida experimental, contudo, sem significância estatística (BE: 342 ± 40,60; P: 332,50 ± 56,83). Os principais resultados deste estudo indicam que a administração de taurina contida em bebida energética não influenciou os resultados das variáveis investigadas. Assim, podemos concluir que a dose de 2g utilizada não foi capaz de aumentar o desempenho.
Efeito do tratamento clínico de um corredor de longa distância com broncoespasmo induzido pelo exercício: relato de caso
Authors: Teixeira Renata Nakata , Gonçalves Raquel Calvo , Costa Luiz Augusto Riani , Silva Leonardo Borges de Barros e , Martins Milton de Arruda , Teixeira Luzimar Raimundo , Carvalho Celso Ricardo Fernandes
Published: May 2009

O broncoespasmo induzido pelo exercício (BIE) é uma condição que se caracteriza pelo estreitamento transitório das vias aéreas durante ou após o esforço físico e afeta principalmente portadores de asma. Em atletas profissionais que praticam esportes de alta intensidade, a prevalência também é alta; no entanto, seu diagnóstico permanece subestimado. O presente estudo descreve o caso de um atleta do sexo masculino, 23 anos, corredor de longa distância sem histórico de asma, que após um teste gradual de exercício apresentou chiado no peito e queda da função pulmonar. Após um teste específico, o atleta foi diagnosticado como BIE positivo. Iniciou-se, então, um tratamento clínico com broncodilatador e após 30 dias verificou-se melhora importante em seu consumo máximo de oxigênio, obtido no pico do esforço (VO2 pico).
Crescimento físico de escolares: comparação com a referência do Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mediante o método LMS
Authors: Guedes Dartagnan Pinto , Martini Fábio Antônio Néia , Borges Marcelo Brandão , Bernardelli Júnior Rinaldo
Published: May 2009

OBJETIVOS: analisar o crescimento físico em amostra representativa de crianças e adolescentes da população escolar da cidade de Londrina, Paraná, em comparação com a referência proposta pelo Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC-2000). MÉTODOS: a amostra foi constituída por 6084 sujeitos (3135 do sexo feminino e 2949 do sexo masculino) com idades entre 7 e 18 anos. Os percentis equivalentes às medidas de massa corporal e de estatura para a idade foram obtidos mediante o método LMS. As comparações estatísticas e gráficas foram estabelecidas com os correspondentes percentis da referência CDC-2000, calculados por intermédio do mesmo método. RESULTADOS: em geral, os valores dos parâmetros L, M e S e dos percentis calculados se aproximaram dos valores da referência CDC-2000, sobretudo nos adolescentes de ambos os sexos com mais de 14 anos de idade. As discrepâncias entre os valores calculados e publicados variaram entre 0,02 e 0,71% para os valores positivos e -0,01 e -2,84% para os valores negativos. CONCLUSÕES: os percentis equivalentes às medidas de massa corporal e de estatura para a idade de amostra representativa de escolares de Londrina, Paraná, obtidos pelo método LMS não diferem substancialmente da referência CDC-2000.
Aplicação do protocolo do "Projeto Nascer Maternidades" em uma maternidade de referência em Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brasil
Authors: Santos Normeide Pedreira dos , Castro Bernardo Galvão , Rios-Grassi Maria Fernanda
Published: May 2009

OBJETIVOS: analisar a aplicação do protocolo do "Projeto Nascer Maternidades", estratégia do Ministério da Saúde para a adoção de medidas profiláticas e/ou terapêuticas no momento do parto, para gestantes com sorologias para sífilis/Aids desconhecidas, no primeiro ano de implantação em uma maternidade de referência em Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brasil. MÉTODOS: foram analisadas sorologias para HIV e sífilis solicitadas no pré-natal e na maternidade e a adoção de medidas profiláticas e/ou terapêuticas. Os dados foram coletados em uma amostra randomizada de 337 prontuários de gestantes admitidas para assistência obstétrica no período de julho de 2003 a julho de 2004. RESULTADOS: no pré-natal, 8,4% das gestantes realizaram sorologia para HIV e 8% para sífilis. Na maternidade, o teste rápido para HIV foi realizado para 17,7% das gestantes e o VDRL para 97,8%. A profilaxia das gestantes infectadas pelo HIV foi aplicada no momento do parto. Quanto à sífilis, não houve tratamento para 80% das mulheres com VDRL reagente. Os recém-nascidos foram tratados. CONCLUSÕES: as determinações do "Projeto Nascer-Maternidades" não foram seguidas no primeiro ano de implantação na maternidade estudada.
Non-Swirling Steady and Transient Flow Simulations in Short-Form Spray Dryers
Authors: Woo Meng Wai , Daud Wan Ramli Wan , Mujumdar Arun Sadashiv , Wu Zhonghua , Talib Meor Zainal Meor , Tasirin Siti Masrinda
Published: May 2009

This paper numerically investigated the effect of chamber aspect ratio and operating conditions on flow stability within a short form spray dryer without the inclusion of droplet injection. Extensive analysis using different mesh configurations led to a new finding on the effect of expansion ratio on flow stability. A larger expansion ratio produces a more stable flow, which is due to the limitation of the jet fluctuation by the outlet geometry constriction. However, the flow might not be completely steady as fluctuations are magnified at higher inlet velocities, which can be explained by the confined jet feed-back mechanism. Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis of the computed instantaneous velocity at selected spatial locations in the chamber revealed the effect of the chamber expansion ratio on periodicity of the flow structure. It is observed that changes in the expansion ratio primarily affect the amplitude of the 'noise' region in the frequency spectrum.
Superstatistics and renewal critical events
Authors: Paradisi Paolo , Cesari Rita , Grigolini Paolo
Published: May 2009

An approach to intermittent systems based on renewal processes is reviewed. The Waiting Times (WTs) between events are the main variables of interest in intermittent systems. A crucial role is played by the class of critical events, characterized by Non-Poisson statistics and non-exponential WT distribution. A particular important case is given by WT distributions with power tail. Critical events play a crucial role in the behavior of a property known as Renewal Aging. Focusing on the role of critical events, the relation between superstatistics and non-homogeneous Poisson processes is discussed, and the role of Renewal Aging is illustrated by comparing a Non-Poisson model with a Poisson one, both of them modulated by a periodic forcing. It is shown that the analysis of Renewal Aging is sensitive to the presence of critical events and that this property can be exploited to detect Non-Poisson statistics in a time series. As a consequence, it is claimed that, apart from the characterization of superstatistical features such as the distribution of the intensive parameter or the separation of the time scales, the Renewal Aging property can give some effort to better determine the role of Non-Poisson critical events in intermittent systems.
Effect of Plasmodium and Salmonella co-infection in a murine model
Authors: Shukla Geeta , Singh Divya , Sharma Lalita , Koul Ashwani , Rishi Praveen
Published: May 2009

The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of Plasmodium and Salmonella co-infection in LACA mice. The parasitaemic level, bacterial load, histological alterations and levels of oxidants/antioxidant activity were measured. Co-infected mice had a high parasitaemic level, increased bacterial load, and died earlier than Plasmodium-infected mice. Histologically, co-infected mice had more architectural damage in the liver, spleen, kidney, and brain than the control groups. The level of lipid peroxidation was significantly increased and the activities of antioxidative enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) were decreased in all organs of co-infected mice compared to the control groups, indicating depression of the antioxidant defense system. The present study demonstrates more severe histological and biochemical alterations in co-infected mice, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis for selection of appropriate treatments and reducing the likelihood of further complications.
Efficacy of preoperative embolization in management of carotid body tumours — a pilot study
Authors: Arnold Divya , Bit Nupur , Turel Mazda , Shyamkumar N. , Stephen Edwin , Agarwal Sunil
Published: May 2009

Henoch The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of preoperative embolization in the management of carotid body tumours. Of the 15 patients admitted to the Department of Vascular Surgery (General Surgery Unit II), Christian Medical College, Vellore, from January 1st 2002 to December 31st 2006 for management of carotid body tumours, 4 patients underwent preoperative embolization and were grouped together. Of the remaining 9 patients who underwent surgical excision, there were 5 with comparable tumour size and these were grouped together into the control group. Surgical outcome of both the groups were compared in terms of operating time, intraoperative blood loss, nerve injury, postoperative morbidity and mortality. There was statistically significant reduction in blood loss and duration of surgery in patients who underwent preoperative embolization. In conclusion, the preoperative embolization is effective in the management of Shamblin type III carotid body tumours.
Reliability and validity of the EORTC QLQ-C30 in palliative care cancer patients
Authors: Jocham Hubert , Dassen Theo , Widdershoven Guy , Halfens Ruud
Published: May 2009

Palliative care aims at improving the patient’s quality of life. The assessment of this quality of life (QoL) is crucial for the evaluation of palliative care outcome. Many patients require hospital admissions for symptom control during their cancer journey and most of them die in hospitals, although they would like to stay at home until the end of their lives. In 1986, the European Organization for Research and Treatment (EORTC) initiated a research programme to develop an integrated, modular approach for evaluating the quality of life of patients participating in international clinical trials. This questionnaire measures cancer patients’ physical, psychological and social functions and was used in a wide range of clinical cancer trials with large numbers of research groups and also in various other non-trial studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties, especially the reliability, validity and applicability of the EORTC QLQ-C30 in a German sample of terminally ill cancer patients receiving palliative care in different settings. The questionnaire was well accepted in the present patient population. Scale reliability was good (pre-treatment 0.80) especially for the functional scale. The results support the reliability and validity of the QLQ-C30 (version 3.0) as a measure of the health-related quality of life in German cancer patients receiving palliative care treatment.
Neoangiogenesis after direct intramyocardial implantation of bone marrow-derived stem cells in a patient with severe coronary artery disease ineligible for percutaneous or surgical revascularization
Authors: Harmandar Bugra , Tansel Turkan , Onursal Ertan , Gurses Nuray , Besisik Sevgi , Sargin Deniz
Published: May 2009

Bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSC) may be an alternative for the treatment of patients with severe coronary artery disease ineligible for either percutaneous or surgical revascularization. This case report presents a 65-year-old male patient with untreatable angina pectoris (Canadian Cardiovascular Society Class III) and severe coronary artery disease. A mixture of BMSC containing approximately 3×106 CD34+ cells was directly injected into preoperatively determined ischemic regions of the myocardium by median sternotomy. At baseline, at 3 months, and at 1 year of follow-up, echocardiography (demonstrating wall motions of 16 segments), single-photon emission computed tomography, and coronary angiography (at baseline and at 1 year) were performed to assess myocardial perfusion, left ventricular (LV) function and coronary anatomy. The patient reached Canadian Cardiovascular Society Class I after 6 months of cell implantation. The ejection fraction increased from 34% to 37% at the third month and 40% at 1 year of follow-up. At 1 year of follow-up, preoperatively akinetic mid-base septum and anteroseptal regions progressed to mild hipokinesia and severe hypokinetic mid-base-apical anterior regions and apical lateral-inferior regions became normokinesia. Single-photon emission computed tomography revealed a visible improvement in anterior and lateral segments at 1 year of follow-up. Coronary angiography showed newly developed collateral arteries at 1 year of follow-up. BMSC transplantation in a patient with severe coronary artery disease resulted in increase of LV ejection fraction, an increase of the perfusion of ischemic myocardial regions, and improvement in wall motion defects without any adverse events.
Unusual case of calciphylaxis associated with digital necrosis and penile necrosis
Authors: Uygur Fatih , Sever Celalettin , Noyan Nurettin , Küçükodaci Zafer
Published: May 2009

Calciphylaxis is a relatively rare disorder associated with calcification of small- and medium-sized blood vessels, progressive ischemic skin necrosis, and ulcerations. This situation is a potentially life-threatening condition seen in patients with endstage renal disease (ESRD). A 64-year-old man with ESRD on dialysis for 6 years was admitted to our clinic with severe pain and partial necrosis of some fingers on his right hand. In addition, the patient had suffered from diabetes for 22 years and had been on insulin therapy for 17 years. His necrotic fingers were amputated. After two months, necrosis on his glans penis developed despite medical management. Penile amputation was performed. In this case report, the patient serves to illustrate the spectrum of complications with which calciphylaxis can be associated.
Lipase/amylase ratio distinguishes mild acute biliary pancreatitis from nonpancreatitis
Authors: Choi Joon , Kang Nam , Choi Sang
Published: May 2009

The report by Gumaste et al. [Gastroenterology 1991;101:1361–1366] that the lipase/amylase ratio (Lip/Amy) could be a new index distinguishing acute episodes of alcoholic (Lip/Amy >2) from nonalcoholic pancreatitis (Lip/Amy <2), with the critical value being Lip/Amy =2, has been followed by some debate between supporters and opponents. By comparing the Lip/Amy in a group of 16 carefully selected patients with mild acute gallstone-related (biliary) pancreatitis with that in a reference group of 44 controls, this study examines whether or not this ratio could be a useful index for diagnosing biliary pancreatitis. Considering that both pancreatic and hepatobiliary systems are blocked by stones, hepatic biochemical parameters such as serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin (TB) were also included in fitting the regression equation. The average value of Lip/Amy in the biliary pancreatitis group was 2.29 ± 0.93, while that in the control group was 1.30 ± 0.99. Thus, Lip/Amy was found to be a significant index for distinguishing mild acute biliary pancreatitis from nonpancreatitis. However, the critical value of Lip/Amy seemed to depend on the diet pattern and cultural background.
Primary prevention of nephropathy in obese type 2 diabetic patient
Authors: Yovchevski Plamen , Boneva Zhivka
Published: May 2009

We report a case of a 36-year-old obese man who presented with newly onset diabetes mellitus type 2 and hypertension. The estimated value of glomerular filtration rate — 203.7 ml/min was associated with the patient being at high risk of developing progressive renal disease. In this case, in order to prevent nephropathy, the preferred therapy was a gradual bodyweight reduction. A low-calorie diet providing an 800 kcal/day deficit was recommended to the patient, as well as an increase in physical activity. After a total weight reduction of 50 kg (33% of initial bodyweight), the patient’s glomerular filtration, body mass index, and blood pressure normalized without any drug therapy. Glucose, blood pressure and lipid target levels can only be simultaneously achieved through body-weight reduction. In the presented case, we show the beneficial effects of bodyweight reduction, and dietary and physical activity changes on high glomerular filtration rate. Bodyweight reduction stops the cascade of events that are caused by glomerular hyperfiltration and the progression toward irreversible renal damage.
Does appendectomy increase the risk of colorectal adenocarcinoma?
Authors: Ergul Emre , Gozetlik Erdal
Published: May 2009

Colorectal cancer ranks third as the most common malignancy in the United States and represents the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality. The appendix is thought to have a productive effect against colorectal carcinoma by the immune function based on its association with substantial lymphatic tissue. But, an appendectomy is still the most commonly performed emergency surgical procedure. It is aimed to assess the association between colorectal cancer and appendicectomy. The medical records of 455 patients who received medical and/or surgical treatment with the diagnosis of colorectal carcinoma in two medical centers in a-five-year period were reviewed. The patients were divided into subgroups according to the colonic localization of the tumor, appendectomy status and their body mass indexes (BMI). In order to define independent predictors of colon adeno-cancer, multiple logistic regression analysis was used. Statistically significant variables according to the univariate statistics were selected as candidate variables for multiple logistic regression analysis. A p-value<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Out of 455 colorectal adenocarcinoma patients, 122 (26.81%) were in right colon adenocarcinoma (CA) group, 267 (56.68%) were in left CA group and 66 (14.5%) were in the rectum adenocarcinoma group. Appendectomy was found as the second highest risk factor in rectum and right colon adenocarcinoma. Being appendectomized increases the risk of rectum adenocarcinoma 3.232 times (95%CI: 1.670–6.254), left CA 2.537 times (95%CI: 1.544–4.168) and right CA 3.607 times (95%CI: 2.056–6.330). In the light of our findings, we suggest that being appendectomized might increase the risk of colorectal adenocarcinoma in sporadic cases.
Total serum testosterone estimation and ultrasonographic volumetric evaluation of testes in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis
Authors: Jabłonowski Zbigniew , Kuydowicz Jan , Sosnowski Marek , Różański Waldemar , Jabłośki Sławomir , Jabłonowska Elżbieta
Published: May 2009

In the course of cirrhosis, a variety of disturbances of endocrine glands occur. Degenerative changes in the testes with atrophia and fibrosis of the glandular tissue are often found in men. Twenty-one males with compensated alcoholic liver cirrhosis were studied. The age ranged from 29 to 61 years (mean 47,1). Efficiency of the liver was evaluated according to Child classification. HBC (this needs to be spelled out in parenthesis) or HBV (Hepatitis B Virus) infections were excluded. Levels of serum testosterone were determined and the volume size of the testes was measured using 7,5 MHz sector probe, B&K Medical ultrasonograph, 3535 model. Volume size of the testes was measured in 22 healthy control volunteers, as well; age ranged from 25 to 66 years (mean-46,6). All patients were interviewed about sexual function, particularly possible erectile dysfunction using IIEF-5 questionnaire. The mean testosterone level was 8,89 umol/l (ranged: 7,4–10,9 umol/l) in the study patients [the normal range interval: 8,2–34,6 umol/l]. The level was below the normal range in 4 patients, and low but within the normal range in the remaining patients. Statistically significant lower values of both testes volumes were estimated in patients with compensated alcoholic liver cirrhosis in comparison to healthy controls (p<0,001), however only 5 (23,81 %) study group subjects admitted impaired libido and erectile dysfunction. Decreased levels of testosterone in the peripheral blood and diminished volume size of testes are found in patients suffering from alcoholic liver cirrhosis. Erectile dysfunction in patients with liver cirrhosis needs further evaluation.
A case of type I dual left anterior descending coronary to pulmonary artery fistula
Authors: Celik Turgay , Agac M.
Published: May 2009

We report a case of Type I dual left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) giving rise to a pulmonary artery fistula via a short LAD branch, causing symptoms of typical angina. This rare coronary artery anomaly is importance to classify; it shows features of both intrinsic coronary artery anatomy anomaly and coronary drainage anomaly.
Improvements in the selection of real components forming a substitute mixture for petroleum fractions
Authors: Eckert Egon , Vaněk Tomáš
Published: May 2009

Complex mixtures, particularly petroleum fractions, usually need to be suitably modeled before providing the simulation and other types of chemical engineering calculations. The most convenient way is to describe the original mixture by a substitute mixture. The formerly published approach based on the employment of substitute mixtures of real components can be improved in order to get a closer match between the behavior of the original and substitute mixtures. In the first phase of the algorithm, a new concept of a band around the characterization curves brings wider possibilities for the selection of real components into the substitute mixture. The second phase, which is used to determine the composition of the substitute mixture, can be also improved by considering the global or bulk properties of the original mixture if available. Typically, some of the properties e.g. liquid density, molecular mass and PNA (Paraffinic/Naphthenic/Aromatic carbon) analysis can be measured and used to improve the adjustment of the composition. The improved algorithm is illustrated by an example.
Who Is Exposed to Secondhand Smoke? Self-Reported and Serum Cotinine Measured Exposure in the U.S., 1999-2006
Authors: Max Wendy , Sung Hai-Yen , Shi Yanling
Published: May 2009

This study presents self-reported and serum cotinine measures of exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) for nonsmoking children, adolescents, and adults. Estimates are disaggregated by time periods and sociodemographic characteristics based on analyses of the 1999-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Self-reported exposure rates are found to be highest for children, followed by adolescents and adults. Important differences in exposure are found by socioeconomic characteristics. Using serum cotinine to measure exposure yields much higher prevalence rates than self-reports. Rates of SHS exposure remain high, but cotinine levels are declining for most groups.
The Risks of Inappropriateness in Cardiac Imaging
Authors: Picano Eugenio
Published: May 2009

The immense clinical and scientific benefits of cardiovascular imaging are well-established, but are also true that 30 to 50% of all examinations are partially or totally inappropriate. Marketing messages, high patient demand and defensive medicine, lead to the vicious circle of the so-called Ulysses syndrome. Mr. Ulysses, a typical middle-aged “worried-well” asymptomatic subject with an A-type coronary personality, a heavy (opium) smoker, leading a stressful life, would be advised to have a cardiological check-up after 10 years of war. After a long journey across imaging laboratories, he will have stress echo, myocardial perfusion scintigraphy, PET-CT, 64-slice CT, and adenosine-MRI performed, with a cumulative cost of >100 times a simple exercise-electrocardiography test and a cumulative radiation dose of >4,000 chest x-rays, with a cancer risk of 1 in 100. Ulysses is tired of useless examinations, exorbitant costs. unaffordable even by the richest society, and unacceptable risks.
Predicting Complexation Thermodynamic Parameters of β-Cyclodextrin with Chiral Guests by Using Swarm Intelligence and Support Vector Machines
Authors: Prakasvudhisarn Chakguy , Wolschann Peter , Lawtrakul Luckhana
Published: May 2009

The Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Support Vector Machines (SVMs) approaches are used for predicting the thermodynamic parameters for the 1:1 inclusion complexation of chiral guests with β-cyclodextrin. A PSO is adopted for descriptor selection in the quantitative structure-property relationships (QSPR) of a dataset of 74 chiral guests due to its simplicity, speed, and consistency. The modified PSO is then combined with SVMs for its good approximating properties, to generate a QSPR model with the selected features. Linear, polynomial, and Gaussian radial basis functions are used as kernels in SVMs. All models have demonstrated an impressive performance with R2 higher than 0.8.
Evaluation of Cholinesterase Activities During in Vivo Intoxication Using an Electrochemical Sensor Strip – Correlation With Intoxication Symptoms
Authors: Pohanka Miroslav , Novotný Ladislav , Misík Jan , Kuca Kamil , Zdarova-Karasova Jana , Hrabinova Martina
Published: May 2009

Cholinesterase activity in blood of laboratory rats was monitored. Rats were intoxicated with paraoxon at dosis of 0 – 65 – 125 – 170 – 250 – 500 nmol. The 250 nmol dose was found to be the LD50. An electrochemical sensor was found useful to provide information about cholinesterase activity. The decrease of cholinesterase activity was correlated to intoxication symptoms and mortality level. It was found that the symptoms of intoxication are not observed while at least 50% of cholinesterase activity in blood remains. The minimal cholinesterase activity essential to survival is around 10%, when compared with the initial state. No changes in levels of low moleculary weight antioxidants were observed.
Entre ombre et lumière : quelques aspects du travail des femmes à Montpellier (1293-1408)
Authors: Béghin Cécile
Published: May 2009

Between 1293 and 1408, sources from Montpellier as a whole confirm the existence of a feminine professional activity indispensable for the city's economic vitality, particularly in domestic work and in trades dealing with food and textiles. But wathever their professional status, women's labour is underestimated as subordinate. Cloaked in silence, women at work are ever victims of the perception society had of them and of their roles.
Chronologie de la déglaciation des Pyrénées françaises. Dynamique de sédimentation et contenu pollinique des paléolacs ; application à l'interprétation du retrait glaciaire
Authors: Andrieu-Ponel Valérie , Hubschman Jacques , Jalut Guy , Hérail Gérard
Published: May 2009

Le début de la déglaciation würmienne dans les Pyrénées est antérieur à 38 Ka. La régression des glaciers a été interrompue à plusieurs reprises par des phases de progression précédées de phases de stationnement comme le montre la géométrie des édifices morainiques frontaux. La phase de retrait la plus anciennement datée a été enregistrée sur la marge glaciaire externe de Lourdes, avant 38 Ka. Dans le bassin glaciaire terminal de la Garonne, une récurrence glaciaire antérieure à 26 Ka (datation en cours) et probablement contemporaine de la construction des moraines internes est notée. Mais, en l'absence de données itératives fournies par d'autres sites, on ne peut trancher entre l'hypothèse d'une récurrence locale et celle d'une réavancée glaciaire plus générale. A partir de 26-24 Ka débute la phase de déglaciation définitive des bassins glaciaires terminaux de la Garonne et de l'Ossau. Au même moment, la sécheresse atmosphérique s'accroît sur le versant nord des pyrénées et sur son piémont molassique, particulièrement au sud de Toulouse où des lœss sont déposés dès 24 Ka au moins. Jusqu'à 16-15 Ka, les glaciers reculent progressivement. Les séries lacustres et fluvioglaciaires situées à moyenne altitude indiquent que la montagne est, à cette époque, largement déglacée, des glaciers résiduels pouvant demeurer dans des zones favorables. La déglaciation de la haute montagne est donc virtuellement terminée pendant la phase d'aridité maximale enregistrée en Europe vers 15 Ka.
L'évolution des relations de dépendance depuis la période pré-coloniale jusqu'à nos jours chez les Iullemmeden Kel Dinnik
Authors: Bernus Edmond
Published: May 2009

The study of Tuareg society has nearly always been focused on the warrior aristocracy. The dependents —free men, neither overlords nor captives — who constitute the majority of society among the Iullemeden Kel Dinnik, are studied in this article. The nature of dependency relationships are also examined. The intrusion of colonialism and the subsequent struggle against it were followed by a general social restructuring : suppression of the ettebel or general chieftaincy, break-down into autonomous "groups", creation of new chieftaincies, arbitrary redistribution of dependents. Thus, past relationships of dependency disappear, insofar as the protection guaranteed by the overlord is replaced by that of the administrative authorities.
Historique des Béni Amer d'Oranie, des origines au Senatus Consulte.
Authors: Boyer Pierre
Published: May 2009

The Beni Amer who came to the Maghreb during the Hilalian invasion are settled by Yarmoracen, south of Tlemcen. Throughout the Middle Ages, they acted as makhzen for the Abd el-Wadid. Accumulating honours and wealth, they were finally to gain control over the entire kingdom; at that time, the ethnic unity of the Confederation wa already compromised. The arrival of the Turks and the Spaniards relegated them into the background. Certain tribes, clinging to their status of makhzen, entered the service of the Spaniards. The remaining groups abandoned their warfaring way of life and merged with the Berber populations of the area. This accordingly reinforced the position of the marabouts and when, during the XVIIIth century, the Turks sought to treat the Beni Amer as «raïa», the latter were entreated to unite by the Derqawiya. They participated in the great revolt of 1803 and emigrated to Morocco for the first time. Having followed Abd el-Kader only with reticence, the Beni Amer were to yield in 1842. Faithful to the Derqawyia, they attacked thegarrisonof Sidi bel Abbés in 1845. On the behest of the Emir, the majority of the Beni Amer emigrated to Morocco the following year, only to abandon the former the year after and ask the French Consul in Tangiers to facilitate their return to Algeria. The land of the emigrants having in the meantime been sequestrated, their return proved to be a serious problem for the administration. The situation was to be aggravated when the Moroccans crushed at Ressifa, the large contingent of Beni Amer who had revolted against the Sultan, and the completely forlorn survivors of this defeat appeared at the border. The sequestrations were proportionate to the number of emigrants; certain tribes thus found themselves in a tragic situation. Land value (in the case of wheat lands open to colonization) was, however, quickly to become a more important criterion of confiscation than emigration up until the moment when the sequestration procedure was laid down by the Senatus Consult.
La conquête ottomane et le développement des grandes villes arabes
Authors: Raymond André
Published: May 2009

A continuous decline of the Arab provinces of the Empire is generally regarded as the main feature of the Ottoman domination (XVIth to XlXth century). A careful study of the modern history of Syria and Egypt seems however to show that the integration of those provinces within the Ottoman Empire brought, in the XVIth century, a progress of trading due to the development of the currents of exchanges inside a political structure which stretched over 2 500 000 square kM. Of this growth the main cities of the Arab Near East, Cairo, Damascus and Aleppo, bear testimony, first through the development of their commercial substructures expanding of the cantral districts where market places and caravansérails clustered), and then through the conspicuous spreading of the urbanized zone (about 50 % in Damascus and Aleppo). Then, the incontestable decline of these towns underwent in the XVIIIth and XlXth century is wrongly ascribed to the whole penod of the Ottoman domination, since the beginning of that period seems, on the contrary, to reveal a real urban growth.
Dr. Faust, Great Sodomite and Necromancer
Authors: Couliano Ioan Petru
Published: May 2009

The origin of the Faust myth, such as it appears in the Protestant "Volksbuch" of 1587 is ancient. It is already present in several late antique sources like the novel of Clement of Rome and the legends of Cyprian of Antioch and Theophilus of Adana. On the other hand, the history of Faust's myth continues well after the "Volksbuch", both in religion and in literature. Analysing several versions of Faust across the ages, the author intends to evince their religious content and to show that myth is nothing but a hollow narrative pattern which can be filled up at will with the most disparate messages. Consequently, myth should not be envisaged as a semantic, but as a merely narrative category.
Tullus Hostilius et le thème indo-européen des trois péchés du guerrier
Authors: Briquel Dominique
Published: May 2009

Dans la série des rois pré-étrusques de Rome, les analyses de G. Dumézil ont amené à reconnaître en Tullus Hostilius la figure d'un roi guerrier comme le fait attendre la tripartition fonctionnelle indoeuropéenne. A partir de cette constatation, G. Dumézil avait essayé de retrouver dans la geste de ce roi l'application d'un modèle légendaire courant, celui des trois péchés du guerrier. Mais la comparaison avec la mythologie du dieu indien Indra telle qu'elle apparaît dans le "Markandeyapurana" qu'il avait proposée n'est pas entièrement satisfaisante. On propose de rendre compte de la geste de Tullus par une autre structure fondée sur une série de trois péchés, ceux d'Horace tuant sa sœur, Mettius Fufetius trahissant Rome et les Albains abandonnant leurs cultes ancestraux.
Perceiving patterns in dynamic action sequences: Investigating the processes underpinning stimulus recognition and anticipation skill
Authors: North Jamie S. , Williams A. Mark , Hodges Nicola , Ward Paul , Ericsson K. Anders
Published: May 2009

We examined whether skilled and less‐skilled participants process dynamic sequences comprised of numerous elements using relational information or specific display features. Moreover, the processes underpinning anticipation and recognition judgments were compared. Participants viewed dynamic film sequences showing multiple display features and anticipated what would happen next. New and previously viewed action sequences were then presented in film or point‐light display format. Participants attempted to recognize previously viewed sequences. Skilled participants demonstrated superior anticipation skill and were more sensitive in discriminating previously viewed and novel clips than their less‐skilled counterparts. Skilled participants fixated more locations than less‐skilled participants, implying that they process dynamic scenes as a series of relations between display features. The patterns of eye fixation measures differed between the anticipation and recognition tasks suggesting that different processes underpin these two types of judgments. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.