bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physiological and sanitary quality, and transmission of fungi associated with Brachiaria brizantha (Hochst. ex. A. Rich.) Stapf seeds submitted to thermal and chemical treatments
Authors: Sbalcheiro Cheila Cristina , José Solange Carvalho Barrios Roveri , Barbosa Jennifer Carine Rodrigues da Costa Molina
Published: January 2015

The Brazilian pastures establishment success depends on the use of seeds with high physiological and sanitary quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of thermal and chemical treatments on quality of Brachiaria brizantha, cv. BRS Piatã and pathogen transmission via seed. The treatments included the use of fungicides, detergent, sodium hypochlorite, sulfuric acid and alcohol, as well as thermal treatments. In addition to seeds without treatment, nine treatments were tested. The tests used to assess the physiological quality of the seeds were first and final count of germination test and root protrusion; germination and root protrusion speed index. A transmitting test and filter paper method had been performed for sanitary quality. Fungal lower incidence was observed in seeds treated with alcohol, however, this treatment reduced the physiological quality of the seeds and higher frequency of fungi transmission from seeds to seedlings was observed for Bipolaris sp., Fusarium sp. and Phoma sp. Treatment with sulfuric acid provided a better seed germination performance and reduced the incidence of fungi.
Educação e prevenção de risco ocupacional: estudo com discentes do curso de enfermagem
Authors: Barroso Maria Grasiela Teixeira , Costa Antonio Wellington Vidal , Colares Márcia Regina Rocha , Pinheiro Patrícia Neyva Da Costa
Published: January 2015

Faz-se um estudo com discentes de enfermagem sobre risco ocupacional, investigando medidas de bio-segurança. Envolveu uma amostra de 30 alunos que haviam cursado as disciplinas básicas, entendendo com isso possuírem os pré-requisitos: conhecimentos, técnicas e procedimentos necessáriosà prevenção da infecção pelo HIV. Foi aplicada entrevista semi-estruturada, obedecendo às normas éticas, versando sobre risco e redução de risco ocupacional, vulnerabilida de, educação e prevenção. Analisando as falas, percebese que os discentes receberam informações, procuraram se informar, portanto tiveram um conhecimento a nível cognitivo, mas não interiorizaram o conhecimento, não houve uma ação conscientizadora que gerasse um comportamento seguro. Ao se tratar do risco de contrair a AIDS, não procuram ter um posicionamento político perante as Instituições para questionarem o risco ocupacional a que possam estar expostos, tanto por falta de uma orientação mais conscientizadora dos riscos oriundos do ensino das práticas, como por não proverem, as Instituições, de meios de proteção.
Determinação do volume de ar no "cuff" de sondas endotraqueais
Authors: Barbosa Pedro Marco Karan , Santos Branca Maria de Oliveira
Published: January 2015

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o melhor ajuste do volume de ar a ser insuflado no "cuff" de diferentes diâmetros de cânulas endotraqueais de alto volume residual e baixa pressão, mantendo a pressão exercida pelo balonete na mucosa da traquéia entre os limites preconizados de 20 a 30 mmHg (menor que a pressão capilar da traquéia). Para tanto, foram insuflados 10 ml de ar no "cuff" de cânulas de pacientes intubados com diferentes diâmetros internos (7,0 - 7,5 - 8,0 8,5 - 9,0), mensurando, uma a uma, a cada ml de ar insuflado, a pressão correspondente do "cuff " na mucosa da traquéia. A monitoração da pressão foi realizada através de um manómetro previamente calibrado. O procedimento foi realizado em 25 pacientes adultos, de ambos os sexos, agrupados em número de 5, para cada diâmetro interno de cânula. Os resultados obtidos foram analisados através da análise de regressão linear que demonstrou a relação aproximada entre ml/ar insuflado, pressão do "cuff", por diâmetro de cânula. Após análise dos resultados, o autor construiu um quadro com a indicação da quantidade de ar a ser insuflado no balonete e a respectiva pressão exercida sobre a mucosa da traquéia, por diâmetro de cânula, oferecendo uma contribuição para o pessoal que presta assistência a pacientes intubados no sentido de minimizar os possíveis danos e complicações e assegurar uma melhor ventilação respiratória.
O significado da nutrição parenteral para o cliente no contexto hospitalar
Authors: Lopes Consuelo Helena Aires de Freitas , Silva Raimunda Magalhães da
Published: January 2015

A necessidade de compreender o significado da nutrição parenteral para o cliente no contexto hospitalar surgiu das nossas inquietações diante do cuidado de enfermagem. Realizaram-se observações participantes, entrevistas e anotações de campo junto a sete clientes hospitalizados, que se encontravam sob nutrição parenteral. O sentido das investigações foi centrado na indagação: como você está se sentindo com a nutrição parenteral? Os dados foram analisados numa abordagem interacionista, mostrando as dificuldades enfrentadas pelos clientes na assistência hospitalar, como percebiam eles a nutrição parenteral e que significados eram atribuídos a essa terapêutica. O estudo revelou os sentimentos, comportamentos e atitudes relacionados aos aspectos biológico, emocional e sócio-cultural do cliente, ligados à nutrição parenteral, demonstrando, também as limitações impostas ao cliente sob esse tratamento, bem como as dificuldades na assistência de enfermagem.
Oficina de trabalho: "mulher-uma viagem ao seu corpo"
Authors: Amorim Maria Helena Costa , Freitas Ana Beatriz Sá de , Batista Eliane Machado , Pacheco Luciana Nogueira
Published: January 2015

Nas mulheres brasileiras, a morbidade por câncer de colo uterino e de mama é alta, mesmo que estas patologias sejam preveníveis e diagnosticadas precocemente. A cobertura dos serviços de saúde nesta área é inadequada, considerando-se a tecnologia simples e barata a ser utilizada na prevenção e detecção precoce destes tipos de câncer. Observamos que poucas são as atividades desenvolvidas com o objetivo de educar a mulher quanto ao auto conhecimento do corpo. Dessa forma, em 1993, elaboramos uma Oficina de Trabalho intitulada: " Mulher-uma viagem ao seu corpo", composta de 6 (seis) dinâmicas onde a participação de cada mulher é intensa por ser um processo envolvente. A Oficina é desenvolvida por 1 (um) docente, 3 (três) enfermeiras e acadêmicos de Enfermagem da Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo. São inscritas 30 (trinta) participantes por Oficina, sendo que cada uma recebe crachá de participação. Esta oficina é composta de 6 (cinco) dinâmicas que se desenvolvem num ambiente descontraído e aconchegante: Dinâmica 1 - História de Bolso; Dinâmica 2 - Toque das Mãos; Dinâmica 3 - Desenho/Modelagem; Dinâmica 4 - Viagem ao Corpo; Dinâmica 5 - O Auto Exame; Dinâmica 6 - Percebendo o corpo.
Análise do grau de conhecimento da população sobre a teratogenia do álcool e a conduta de enfermagem
Authors: Souza Gabriela Trindade de , Rodrigues Márcia de Castro , Ciavaglia Maria do Carmo
Published: January 2015

O álcool, que de início, faz parte de grandes cerimoniais, festas, encontros de amigos, atualmente vem se transformando numa questão preocupante porque o número de mulheres, que faz consumo de bebidas alcoólicas aumentou, e conseqüentemente, o número de gestantes. Considerando-se que não somente o organismo materno como também o do ser em desenvolvimento estão sujeitos às alterações metabólicas, inevitavelmente, tornar-se-ão alvos das modificações induzidas pelo álcool. Durante o desenvolvimento humano é importante levar em consideração a época gestacional, já que, dependendo do estágio, o indivíduo fica susceptível aos agentes teratogenos. O presente trabalho pretende dar uma pequena contribuição perante este problema social, trazendo o conhecimento da ação do álcool no embrião e no feto, suas respectivas alterações, desde a de menor gravidade (irritabilidade, falta de atenção, deficiência no desempenho motor e outros) até a Síndrome Alcoólica Fetal (SAF) e também procura analisar o grau de conhecimento da população sobre as conseqüências da ação do álcool no organismo da mulher grávida e as possíveis alterações que poderão ocorrer com o feto. Para que essa análise fosse possível, foram realizadas entrevistas através de formulários aplicados em amostras populacionais das regiões Norte, Oeste, Sul e Baixada Fluminense, aproximadamente 100 pessoas por região. Visitamos também algumas Instituições públicas e privadas (23), entrevistando Enfermeiras no setor de Pediatria, no intuito de detectar as dificuldades encontradas em relação ao diagnóstico e à conduta frente a Síndrome Alcoólica Fetal.
Tamanho de amostra para estimação da média e do coeficiente de variação em milho
Authors: Toebe Marcos , Cargnelutti Filho Alberto , Burin Cláudia , Casarotto Gabriele , Haesbaert Fernando Machado
Published: January 2015

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar o tamanho de amostra necessário para a estimação da média e do coeficiente de variação em caracteres de híbridos simples, triplo e duplo de milho, em diferentes safras e níveis de precisão, por reamostragem com reposição. Doze caracteres foram mensurados em 361, 373 e 416 plantas, respectivamente, de híbridos simples, triplo e duplo, na safra 2008/2009, e em 1.777, 1.693 e 1.720 plantas, respectivamente, de híbridos simples, triplo e duplo na safra 2009/2010. Calcularam-se as estatísticas descritivas e determinou-se o tamanho de amostra necessário para a estimação da média e do coeficiente de variação, em diferentes níveis de precisão - amplitudes do intervalo de confiança de 95% (AIC95%) de 5, 10, ..., 35% da média e do coeficiente de variação -, por reamostragem com reposição. O tamanho de amostra variou entre híbridos, safras e caracteres. É necessário maior tamanho de amostra para a estimação da média e do coeficiente de variação no híbrido duplo, avaliado na safra 2009/2010. Para um mesmo híbrido, safra, caractere e nível de precisão, é necessário maior tamanho de amostra para a estimação da média, em relação ao necessário para estimação do coeficiente de variação. A mensuração de 325, 150, 80, 60, 35 e 30 plantas, respectivamente, é suficiente para a estimação da média e do coeficiente de variação com AIC95% máximas de 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 e 35%, em todos os híbridos, safras e caracteres.
Incubação de ovos de pacamã com florfenicol
Authors: Batista Áurea Luiza Dayrell , Melillo Filho Reinaldo , Takata Rodrigo , Silva Walisson de Souza e , Santos André Eduardo Heringer , Luz Ronald Kennedy
Published: January 2015

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de doses de florfenicol na incubação de ovos de pacamã (Lophiosilurus alexandri). Na primeira etapa, os ovos foram submetidos a concentrações de florfenicol entre 0 e 500 mg L-1, durante 24 horas. Na segunda etapa, as larvas foram observadas até o sétimo dia após a eclosão. Na terceira etapa, as larvas foram alimentadas por dez dias. Peso e comprimento apresentaram respostas que variaram de acordo com a fase de desenvolvimento e as concentrações de florfenicol. Concentrações menores que 309 mg L-1 de florfenicol podem ser usadas sem afetar as larvas nas fases posteriores.
1492: partos do fecundo oceano: relatos históricos sobre o descobrimento da América em dois tempos (as Décadas de Anglería e de Herrera)
Authors: Reis Anderson Roberti dos , Fernandes Luiz Estevam de Oliveira
Published: January 2015

O artigo busca analisar as concepções de tempo e de escrita da história em dois cronistas, Pedro Mártir de Anglería e Antonio de Herrera y Tordesillas, ambos narradores dos eventos de 1492 em forma de "Décadas". O primeiro escrevendo no calor dos acontecimentos, na virada do XV para o XVI, e o segundo, no início do século XVII. Para atingir tais objetivos, buscamos uma contextualização de suas produções e procuramos verificar como suas concepções de história e de narrativa ligavam-se a preceitos políticos e providenciais. Além disso, realizamos uma discussão sobre o próprio conceito de crônica e seus modos de registrar a história espanhola como um fenômeno atlântico ao longo do século XVI, mostrando o modo pelo qual as fórmulas de Anglería e de Herrera relacionavam-se com a tradição e a modernidade.
Os nomes do nome: o caso da assinatura Alejo Carpentier
Authors: Felippe Eduardo Ferraz
Published: January 2015

Este texto parte do problema do falseamento da assinatura Alejo Carpentier para analisar sua trajetória intelectual e a intenção de controlar lugares de leitura de sua obra. Utiliza-se a troca epistolar com Roberto González Echevarría como um momento privilegiado desse controle por meio de sua escrita de si e da assinatura Alejo Carpentier. Ao fim, utiliza-se do tema da dupla assinatura com o fito de ponderar acerca das relações entre memória, escrita de si e engajamento político.
POLYCHLORINATED DIBENZO-P-DIOXINS, DIBENZOFURANS, AND BIPHENYLS IN FREGATA MAGNIFICENS FROM ILHA GRANDE BAY, RIO DE JANEIRO STATE, SOUTH-EASTERN BRAZIL
Authors: Ferreira Aldo Pacheco
Published: January 2015

The purpose of this paper is to perform analyses in a fish-eating seabird species which is recognized to be at risk of accumulating toxic contaminants due to its high position in the trophic web and to its low ability to metabolize xenobiotic compounds. Fregata magnificens were collected at Ilha Grande Bay, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (23°8'26"S, 44°14'50"W) between February, 2009 and April, 2013. Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), were analyzed in tissue composites, being subsequently identified and quantified using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The concentrations were below the range of concern established by World Health Organization. The sum of PCB-congeners analyzed had the concentration of 968 pg/g lipid weight, and 13.9 pg TEQ/g lipid weight. The PCDD/F-congeners analyzed had the concentration of 331.04 pg/g lipid weight, and 13.4 pg TEQ/g lipid weight. This type of study aims to integrate information from analyses of seabirds with halogenated hydrocarbons and could also make contribution to the scientific support for political decisions on coastal zone management.
MACHADO DE ASSIS E O MITO DE APOLO
Authors: BARBOSA FRANCISCO DE ASSIS
Published: January 2015

O artigo propõe que o ideal e os dons apolíneos teriam norteado a existência e a trajetória literária de Machado de Assis, em oposição ao mito dionisíaco, que teria guiado Lima Barreto.
LIMA BARRETO'S MARGINÁLIA: THE MAGAZINE WRITER'S DREAM
Authors: CORRÊA FELIPE BOTELHO
Published: January 2015

This article analyses Lima Barreto's lifelong relationship with magazines not only as a contributor, but also as a founder, editor, and even collector of these ephemeral publications. His debut in 1902 as a writer for his college magazine, A Lanterna, and his death in 1922 while contributing to A.B.C. and Careta, can be considered symbolic events that epitomize the birth and death of a career wholeheartedly dedicated to this métier. A central argument is that it is highly significant that Barreto published his works in magazines more often than in newspapers. To him, magazines were stores of rhetorical weapons, artefacts that could confront the intellectual values established and concentrated in Rio de Janeiro.
O GUME DA IRONIA EM MACHADO DE ASSIS E JANE AUSTEN
Authors: VASCONCELOS SANDRA GUARDINI TEIXEIRA
Published: January 2015

A partir de uma observação de John Gledson, que sugere "uma profunda afinidade entre Machado de Assis e Austen, sobretudo em sua ironia onipresente, meticulosa e implicitamente agressiva" (cf. "A parasita azul"), tenciono investigar o potencial dessa afinidade, interrogando os usos que ambos fizeram da ironia como arma de crítica social e as possíveis diferenças que se podem estabelecer entre o modo como cada escritor a mobiliza para dar conta de representar o mundo que era o seu.
STERNE EM MEMÓRIAS PÓSTUMAS DE BRÁS CUBAS E DOM CASMURRO
Authors: FREITAS LUANA FERREIRA DE
Published: January 2015

Este trabalho parte da leitura e análise de The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman e A Sentimental Journey, de Laurence Sterne, e de Memórias póstumas de Brás Cubas e Dom Casmurro, de Machado de Assis, para fazer um exame da presença de traços estilísticos do texto machadiano explorados por Sterne 132 anos antes. Para tal, serão consideradas a digressão e a subjetividade dos narradores.
HOMONÍMIA E IRONIA DO NOME EM RESSURREIÇÃO
Authors: CAMPOS RAQUEL
Published: January 2015

No século XIX, o nome próprio tornou-se uma "questão capital" para os romancistas. Machado de Assis não deixou de subscrever a esse lugar-comum de sua época; não obstante, desde seu primeiro romance, Ressurreição(1872), ele procurou singularizar sua poética da nomeação, assentando-a em preceitos distintos daqueles em voga no Romantismo. Além de ter criado um narrador que não se pronuncia sobre os antropônimos das personagens, Machado de Assis lançou mão da homonímia e da nomeação irônica. Trata-se aqui de analisar o funcionamento desses dois dispositivos de nomeação em Ressurreição, destacando-se ainda o fato paradoxal de que, a exemplo dos românticos, o escritor fez do problema do amor e do casamento o lugar de regulação do nome próprio dos protagonistas.
Aquatic macrophyte community varies in urban reservoirs with different degrees of eutrophication
Authors: Silva Suelen Cristina Alves da , Cervi Armando Carlos , Bona Cleusa , Padial André Andrian
Published: January 2015

AIM: Investigate spatial and temporal variation in the aquatic macrophyte community in four urban reservoirs located in Curitiba metropolitan region, Brazil. We tested the hypothesis that aquatic macrophyte community differ among reservoirs with different degrees of eutrophication. METHODS: The reservoirs selected ranged from oligotrophic/mesotrophic to eutrophic. Sampling occurred in October 2011, January 2012 and June 2012. Twelve aquatic macrophytes stands were sampled at each reservoir. Species were identified and the relative abundance of aquatic macrophytes was estimated. Differences among reservoirs and over sampling periods were analyzed: i) through two‑way ANOVAs considering the stand extent (m) and the stand biodiversity - species richness, evenness, Shannon-Wiener index and beta diversity (species variation along the aquatic macrophyte stand); and ii) through PERMANOVA considering species composition. Indicator species that were characteristic for each reservoir were also identified. RESULTS: The aquatic macrophyte stand extent varied among reservoirs and over sampling periods. Species richness showed only temporal variation. On the other hand, evenness and Shannon-Wiener index varied only among reservoirs. The beta diversity of macrophyte stands did not vary among reservoirs or over time, meaning that species variability among aquatic macrophyte stands was independent of the stand extent and reservoir eutrophication. Community composition depended on the reservoir and sampling period. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support our initial expectation that reservoirs of different degrees of eutrophication have different aquatic macrophyte communities. As a consequence, each reservoir had particular indicator species. Therefore, monitoring and management efforts must be offered for each reservoir individually.
Electrical breakdown mechanism in contaminated polyimide coating
Authors: Yi Xiuqiang , Levy Roland Albert
Published: January 2015

In this paper, in order to advance the quality to withstand the high voltage requirement on the polyimide (PI) that is coated on silver-metalised low-emission glass with a slot-die method, the electrical breakdown strength was evaluated experimentally and theoretically on different thicknesses of PI coatings. With a similar direct voltage (DC) applied on the different thicknesses of the PI coatings, the thicker sample has less breakdown occurrence with a lower electric field. The defect areas in all samples lead to electrical breakdown in the lower applied voltage; it is illustrated and explained that the higher electric field was formed near the contamination area by simulating the electric-field patterns with a new two-dimensional finite-element analysis method.
Briefing: Rewards of failure – changes in codes, practices and standards resulting from structural failures
Authors: Ratay Robert T.
Published: January 2015

Structural failures can have serious and sometimes catastrophic consequences. If followed up pragmatically with deliberate effort, they can and often do result in ‘rewards’ to both the profession and society. One form of ‘rewards’ that derives from structural and construction failures is the improvement of codes, standards and practices. It is to the credit of our profession that failures have been used, and continue to be used, to improve design and construction practices. The approach is not just to pay up, rebuild and walk away, but often to delve, learn and improve. The author's intent is to bring awareness to the fact that welcome and beneficial changes in the design–construction industry have come about, and continue to do so, as the result of failures, and to urge that engineering professionals should press for change when warranted, and extract all possible benefits from failures. All of this is for the ultimate purpose of mitigating future failures.
Microbial functional diversity enhances predictive models linking environmental parameters to ecosystem properties
Authors: Powell Jeff R. , Welsh Allana , Hallin Sara
Published: January 2015

Microorganisms drive biogeochemical processes, but linking these processes to real changes in microbial communities under field conditions is not trivial. Here, we present a model‐based approach to estimate independent contributions of microbial community shifts to ecosystem properties. The approach was tested empirically, using denitrification potential as our model process, in a spatial survey of arable land encompassing a range of edaphic conditions and two agricultural production systems. Soil nitrate was the most important single predictor of denitrification potential (the change in Akaike's information criterion, corrected for sample size, ΔAICc = 20.29); however, the inclusion of biotic variables (particularly the evenness and size of denitrifier communities [ΔAICc = 12.02], and the abundance of one denitrifier genotype [ΔAICc = 18.04]) had a substantial effect on model precision, comparable to the inclusion of abiotic variables (biotic R2 = 0.28, abiotic R2 = 0.50, biotic + abiotic R2 = 0.76). This approach provides a valuable tool for explicitly linking microbial communities to ecosystem functioning. By making this link, we have demonstrated that including aspects of microbial community structure and diversity in biogeochemical models can improve predictions of nutrient cycling in ecosystems and enhance our understanding of ecosystem functionality.
Development and Revision of the Wittmann-Price Emancipated Decision-Making Scale
Authors: Wittmann-Price Ruth A. , Price Samuel W.
Published: January 2015

Background and Purpose: The original Emancipated Decision-Making (EDM) scale was revised to test 3 subconcepts (flexible environment, personal knowledge, and awareness of social norms) of an emancipated decision-making process. Methods: The original EDM scale was significantly related to the Satisfaction with Decision (SWD) scale in two separate studies (r = 0.79, r = 0.59). Two of the original 5 subconcepts showed a lack of contribution. The third study (N = 50) had good total scale reliability (r = 0.89). Results: The revised EDM (EDM-r) scale was then leveled to the SWD scores and quantified into 2 categories and the subscales for the 3 subconcepts were reanalyzed for reliability and scale-if-item contribution. Conclusion: The final EDM-r is a generically worded, 20-item, 3-subscale instrument with good total and individual subscale reliability.
Instrument to Measure Health Literacy About Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Authors: Shreffler-Grant Jean , Weinert Clarann , Nichols Elizabeth
Published: January 2015

Background and Purpose: Health literacy is an essential skill for today’s health care consumers. The growth in use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) adds to the complexity of being sufficiently health literate. The purpose of this article is to describe the initial psychometric evaluation of the “Montana State University (MSU) CAM Health Literacy Scale,” a newly developed instrument to measure an individual’s health literacy about CAM. Methods: Exploratory factor analyses, reliabilities, and conceptual considerations were used. Results: The outcome is a 21-item instrument with Cronbach’s alpha of .753 and 42.27% explained variance. Convergent validity assessments revealed weak but significant correlations between the scale and measures of general health literacy. Conclusions: The MSU CAM Health Literacy Scale has promise for use in future research and clinical endeavors.
A national data infrastructure for patient-centered outcomes research
Authors: Dymek Christine , Gingold Janelle , Shanbhag Avinash , Fridsma Doug , Yong Pierre L
Published: January 2015

Concerted efforts are underway to improve healthcare decision-making through patient-centered outcomes research. These efforts are supported by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Trust Fund, which was established within the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. This article focuses on describing national data infrastructure efforts that support patient-centered outcomes research. A national data infrastructure has the potential to decrease research costs and improve research throughput. We describe early and current efforts that demonstrated this potential, how the national effort is utilizing the lessons learned from these predecessor efforts and remaining challenges.
Comparative effectiveness of colony-stimulating factors in febrile neutropenia prophylaxis: how results are affected by research design
Authors: Henk Henry J , Li Xiaoyan , Becker Laura K , Xu Hairong , Gong Qi , Deeter Robert G , Barron Richard L
Published: January 2015

Aims:
To examine the impact of research design on results in two published comparative effectiveness studies.
Methods:
Guidelines for comparative effectiveness research have recommended incorporating disease process in study design. Based on the recommendations, we develop a checklist of considerations and apply the checklist in review of two published studies on comparative effectiveness of colony-stimulating factors. Both studies used similar administrative claims data, but different methods, which resulted in directionally different estimates.
Results:
Major design differences between the two studies include: whether the timing of intervention in disease process was identified and whether study cohort and outcome assessment period were defined based on this temporal relationship.
Conclusion:
Disease process and timing of intervention should be incorporated into the design of comparative effectiveness studies.
Effect of diode laser cyclophotocoagulation in treatment of patients with refractory glaucoma
Authors: Canadanovic Vladimir , Tusek-Ljesevic Ljiljana , Miljkovic Aleksandar , Barisic Sava , Bedov Tatjana , Babic Nikola
Published: January 2015

Background/Aim. Refractory glaucoma is glaucoma resistant to conventional
management (maximally tolerated medical therapy, one or more glaucoma
surgeries) and glaucoma in cases of neovascularisation after panretinal
photocoagulation or cryoablation. The aim of the study was to determine the
intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering efficacy of transscleral diode laser
cyclophotocoagulation (DCPC) treatment in the management of pain and IOP in
patients with refractory glaucoma. Methods. This nonrandomized, retrospective
study, included 95 patients (95 eyes) with refractory glaucoma treated at the
University Eye Clinic, Clinical Center of Vojvodina, Novi Sad, Serbia,
between November 2007 and November 2012 in accordance with the established
protocols (16-18 spots, 270?, up to 5J of energy). All the eyes were treated
with transscleral DCPC (Iris Medical OcuLight SLx, Iridex Co, Mountain View,
USA). Patient's symptoms, bests corrected visual acuity and IOP were recorded
7 days, and 1, 3 and 6 months after the DCPC treatment. Results. Out of 95
patients (95 eyes) enrolled in this study 24 (25.2%) were with primary (the
group I), and 71 (74.5%) with secondary (the group II) glaucoma. The mean
baseline IOP in these two groups was similar: 36.08 ? 8.39 mmHg for the first
group and 37.36 ? 8.19 mmHg in the second group. Measurement of the mean IOP
in the group I showed the following results: on the day 7 it was 13.96 ? 8.30
mmHg (62.1% decrease of the baseline value), on the day 30 it was 18.44 ?
8.85 mmHg (48.9% decrease regarding the baseline value), after 3 months it
was 22.44 ? 7.36 mmHg (37.8% decrease regarding the baseline value), and
after 6 months it was 25.92 ? 7.65 mmHg (28.2% decrease regarding the
baseline value). Measurement of IOP in the group II showed the following
results: on the day 7 it was 15.77 ? 9.73 mmHg (57.8% decrease of the
baseline value), on the day 30 it was 20.14 ? 10.20 mmHg (46.1% decrease
regarding the baseline value), after 3 months it was 23.46 ? 9.83 mmHg (37.2%
decrease regarding the baseline value) and after 6 months it was 27.23 ? 9.87
mmHg (27.2% decrease regarding the baseline value). Pain was the main symptom
in 70 (73.6%) patients before the treatment and it persisted in only 4 (4.2%)
of our patients. Other complaints (burning, stinging, foreign body sensation)
were experienced by 39 (41%) of the patients, postoperatively. A total of 52
(54.7%) patients had no complaints after the treatment. Conclusion. Our study
confirmed that transscleral DCPC is a useful, effective and safe procedure
with predictable amount of IOP decrease, which makes it the treatment of
choice for refractory glaucoma.
Effects of “Face” Consciousness on Status Consumption among Chinese Consumers: Perceived Social Value as a Mediator
Authors: Li Jie , Zhang Xin-An , Sun Gong
Published: January 2015

Chinese consumers are interested in status consumption, i.e., in striving to enhance their social standings through the consumption of luxury products. This study investigates how face consciousness, one's social self-esteem, and desire to be respected influences status consumption behavior in China. The Consciousness of Social Face Scale, the Social Value Scale, and the Status Consumption Scale were administered to 192 MBA students from a university in east China (117 men, 69 women, 6 unreported sex). The results revealed that face consciousness was positively related to Chinese consumers' status consumption. Moreover, the results showed that the effects of face consciousness on status consumption were partly mediated by consumer social value. The findings highlight the importance of face consciousness in understanding Chinese consumer behaviors.
Place of delivery and newborn care practices in Kaski district: a cross sectional study from Nepal
Authors: Acharya Shiva Raj , Pandey Asmi
Published: January 2015

Background: First 28 days of life is known as neonatal period. Newborn care is important for the proper development and healthy life of a baby. During these days they have more risk of mortality, so special care, support and appropriate feeding is needed for healthier life. The main objective of study was to assess the place of delivery and newborn care practices in Pumdi Bhumdi VDC, Kaski, Nepal. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out among 245 mothers having children aged upto 2 years in Pumdi Bhumdi, Kaski district, Nepal. Results: The mean age of mother was 24.91±3.8 years. It was found that 16.3% mother had delivery at home where as 83.7% in health facilities. After delivery, 97.1% had not applied anything on cord. The finding of study also shows that 86.1% of the newborn took bath after 24 hours and 87.3% mother feed colostrums. Place of delivery associated with education, birth order and ethnicity, but not significant with exclusive breastfeeding. Bathing was significant with education. Conclusion: Some unsafe newborn care practices exist in the community of the study area like, delivery at home, frequent visit by relatives, bathing of baby within 24 hour. There is need of education about delivery at institution and newborn care to mother and their family member.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jbs.v1i2.11863Journal of Biomedical Sciences. 2014;1(2):6-11
Biological studies concerning the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Pelargonium species cultivated in Egypt (Family-Geraniaceae)
Authors: Singab Abdel Nasser Badawy , El-Hefnawy Hala Mohamed , El-Kolobby Dalia Galal
Published: January 2015

Plant-derived pharmaceuticals have become prominent in the market place, making it a favored healthcare choice. In this study, air dried samples of aerial parts of Pelargonium X fragrans Willd. and Pelargonium peltatum LHérit. were separately extracted using successive extraction with a soxhlet apparatus. Each extract was tested for its antimicrobial activity using two Gram-negative bacterial strains (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli), two Gram-positive bacterial strains (Bacillus subtillus and Staphyllococcus aureus), and clinical fungal isolates (Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans). Also, their antioxidant activity was tested using a DPPH free radical assay. The ethyl acetate, n-Butanol and the total extracts showed moderate activity against the tested microorganisms with significant high activity against E. coli. The free radical scavenging property was found to be in a concentration dependent manner in all the tested fractions. The most effective antioxidant fractions in both spp. was the n-Butanol fraction (85% and 85.2%) at the concentration of 0.375µg/ml followed by the total ethanolic extracts (78.1% and 84.62%), respectively, with the same concentration compared to the standard reference ascorbic acid which showed a significant radicals scavenging potential (79.1%) in the concentration of 1µg/ml.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v4i2.21481 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, January 2015, 4(2): 340-342
Pharmacoepidemiology of ascites and associated complications in hospitalized patients: descriptive observational study
Authors: Tasneem Hirra , Shahbaz Huda , Sherazi Bushra Ali
Published: January 2015

Ascites is the pathological accumulation of free fluid in peritoneal cavity. The aim of the present study was to observe the prevalence, clinical management and the assessment of complications associated with ascites in hospitalized patients. A Descriptive Observational Study was conducted at two tertiary care hospitals of Lahore. The data was collected on a data collection form containing questions regarding basic patient information, presenting symptoms, clinical management and associated complications. Verbal informed consent was taken and confidentiality was maintained. Pilot study was performed prior to performance of a full-scale research project. The results are expressed in the form of frequency and percentages. A total of fifty (50) ascitic patients were evaluated during two months. It was slightly more common in females (58%) as compared to males (42%). Common causes of Ascites were Liver Cirrhosis (80%), Chronic Renal Failure (10%), Peritoneal Malignancy and Peritoneal Tuberculosis (4%) each and Cardiac Failure (2%). The mainstay for the first line treatment in patients with cirrhosis includes education regarding dietary sodium restriction and oral diuretics. The major complications associated with Ascites were Protein malnutrition (87%), Mental Confusion (73%), Hepatorenal Syndrome (21%) and Spontaneous Bacterial Perotinitis (8%). In most patients ascites was being managed successfully by limiting the salt intake and provision of a diuretic regimen. As, ascites is a starting point for more serious complications; so, its early diagnosis should be ensured. Social media and NGOs should play their role in creating the awareness regarding this deadly disease.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v4i2.21482 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, January 2015, 4(2): 343-346
Pharmacists interventions in reducing the incidences of drug related problems in any practice setting
Authors: Jamal Irsa , Amin Fatima , Jamal Anam , Saeed Amna
Published: January 2015

A drug-related problem is an event or circumstance involving drug treatment that actually or potentially interferes with the patients experiencing an optimum outcome of medical care. The pharmacists can play key role in reducing the incidences of DRPs by making appropriate intervention at each stage and by working with other healthcare professionals. The aim of this study was to observe the Pharmacist clinical knowledge about DRPs and the extent to which they participate in reducing the incidences of DRPs. A questionnaire based survey was conducted among hundred pharmacists selected by random sampling in different health care settings from Lahore district. According to data collected it was found that 100% of Pharmacists had knowledge about DRPs and Pharmaceutical care. Different types of DRPs were identified by Pharmacists but only 41% of Pharmacists reported these DRPs and 37% of Pharmacists intervened to reduce the incidences of DRPs. Majority of the Pharmacists had knowledge about DRPs, other related terms and also about reporting but most of them did not actively participate to reduce incidences of DRPs because of lack of their acceptance by society and other health care professionals, lack of proper reporting system, lack of incentives and lack of time due to managerial job structure specially in case of retail pharmacy setup.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v4i2.21483 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, January 2015, 4(2): 347-352
Hypoglycemic property of cocoa products: potential underlying mechanisms
Authors: Mubarak Ayad S. , Yiquen Tang
Published: January 2015

Cocoa powder and chocolate is most abundant flavonoids-plant product. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is health and epidemically serious metabolic disorder. The treatment and moreover preventing of T2DM is therapeutic target worldwide. This review focuses on antidiabetic mechanisms of cocoa products. Particularly, intensifying insulin sensitivity, which is a superior pathway for chronic glucose level control, and increasing insulin release for acute glucose level control. Accordingly, the hypoglycemic effect results in elevate synthesis and bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO). Subsequently, improve blood flow and capillary recruitment.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v4i2.21485 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, January 2015, 4(2): 362-366
Sartre and Lacan: Considerations on the Concepts of the Subject and of Consciousness
Authors: Tolini Diego , Muller Felipe
Published: January 2015

In this paper we examine Jacques Lacan's work from the late 1940s and early 1950s and Jean-Paul Sartre's The Transcendence of the Ego, published in 1936, in order to establish a conceptual connection between two authors who are usually considered, given their theoretical and methodological perspectives, as having opposing viewpoints. The proposed connection is based on Sartre's concept of unreflective consciousness and Lacan's concept of the subject. There are four notions that allow us to establish this connection: the transcendental, the active, the constitutive and the impersonal/transindividual. Finally, we present a shared epistemological basis for both concepts that is essential to support the considerations in this paper.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Biomolecules in 2014
Authors: Biomolecules Editorial Office
Published: January 2015

The editors of Biomolecules would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2014:[...]
Model Consistent Pseudo-Observations of Precipitation and Their Use for Bias Correcting Regional Climate Models
Authors: Berg Peter , Bosshard Thomas , Yang Wei
Published: January 2015

Lack of suitable observational data makes bias correction of high space and time resolution regional climate models (RCM) problematic. We present a method to construct pseudo-observational precipitation data bymerging a large scale constrained RCMreanalysis downscaling simulation with coarse time and space resolution observations. The large scale constraint synchronizes the inner domain solution to the driving reanalysis model, such that the simulated weather is similar to observations on a monthly time scale. Monthly biases for each single month are corrected to the corresponding month of the observational data, and applied to the finer temporal resolution of the RCM. A low-pass filter is applied to the correction factors to retain the small spatial scale information of the RCM. The method is applied to a 12.5 km RCM simulation and proven successful in producing a reliable pseudo-observational data set. Furthermore, the constructed data set is applied as reference in a quantile mapping bias correction, and is proven skillful in retaining small scale information of the RCM, while still correcting the large scale spatial bias. The proposed method allows bias correction of high resolution model simulations without changing the fine scale spatial features, i.e., retaining the very information required by many impact models.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Games in 2014
Authors: Games Editorial Office
Published: January 2015

The editors of Games would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2014:[...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Materials in 2014
Authors: Materials Editorial Office
Published: January 2015

The editors of Materials would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2014:[...]
Synthesis of Enantiopure Reversed Structured Ether Lipids of the 1-O-Alkyl-sn-2,3-diacylglycerol Type
Authors: Magnusson Carlos , Gudmundsdottir Anna , Hansen Kai-Anders , Haraldsson Gudmundur
Published: January 2015

This report describes the synthesis of reversed structured 1-O-alkyl-2,3-diacyl-sn-glycerols (DAGEs) possessing a pure saturated even number fatty acid (C6:0–C16:0) at the sn-2 position along with a pure EPA or DHA located at the terminal sn-3 position of the glycerol backbone of chimyl, batyl and selachyl alcohols. These adducts were synthesized by a highly efficient two-step chemoenzymatic process involving an immobilized Candida antarctica lipase to introduce pure EPA and DHA activated as oxime esters exclusively to the sn-3 terminal position of enantiopure chimyl, batyl and selachyl alcohols in excellent yields. The saturated fatty acids were subsequently incorporated to the remaining sn-2 position of the resulting 3-monoacylglyceryl ethers (3-MAGEs) using EDAC coupling agent in the presence of DMAP in very high to excellent yields (85%–98%). No losses of enantiomeric composition were observed during these processes. The multiple utilities of the resulting focused library of reversed structured DAGEs are discussed including how such compounds may possibly be utilized within the pharmaceutical area.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Metals in 2014
Authors: Metals Editorial Office
Published: January 2015

The editors of Metals would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2014:[...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Micromachines in 2014
Authors: Micromachines Editorial Office
Published: January 2015

The editors of Micromachines would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2014:[...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Molecules in 2014
Authors: Molecules Editorial Office
Published: January 2015

The editors of Molecules would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2014:[...]
On the Antimicrobial Activity of Various Peptide-Based Dendrimers of Similar Architecture
Authors: Lind Tania , Polcyn Piotr , Zielinska Paulina , Cárdenas Marité , Urbanczyk-Lipkowska Zofia
Published: January 2015

Antimicrobial drug resistance is a major human health threat. Among the many attempts to tackle this problem, the synthesis of antimicrobial compounds that mimic natural antimicrobial peptides appears as a promising approach. Peptide-based dendrimers can be designed to have higher potency than natural antimicrobial peptides and at the same time they can evade the bacterial defense system. Novel dendrimers with similar chemical structure but varying potency in terms of minimum inhibitory concentration were designed. The dependency between dendrimer structure and antibacterial activity as well as their capacity to attack model cell membranes was studied. The data suggests that supramolecular structure in terms of charge distribution and amphiphilicity, rather than net charge, is the main driver for disruption of cellular membranes and this correlates well with dendrimer hemolytic activity.
Isoleojaponin, a New Halimane Diterpene Isolated from Leonurus japonicus
Authors: Wu Hankui , Wang Sensheng , Xu Zhiyong , Sun Shanshan , Liu Haijuan , Wang Jinjin , E Yan , Lv Yanyan , Dong Xuelin , Li Gang , Zhang Liping , Shi Yunfeng
Published: January 2015

Leojaponin (2), a labdane diterpene, was isolated from the EtOH extract of the herb of Leonurus japonicus together with a new halimane diterpene named isoleojaponin (1). Isoleojaponin has a new diterpene skeleton with a unique cross-conjugated α,β-unsaturated ketone system, Their structures were elucidated by physical and spectroscopic analysis, and the relative configuration of the chiral C-9 carbon was determined by a computational method, and analysis of its possible biogenesis pathways.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Polymers in 2014
Authors: Polymers Editorial Office
Published: January 2015

The editors of Polymers would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2014:[...]
A One Year Landsat 8 Conterminous United States Study of Cirrus and Non-Cirrus Clouds
Authors: Kovalskyy Valeriy , Roy David
Published: January 2015

The first year of available Landsat 8 data over the conterminous United States (CONUS), composed of 11,296 acquisitions sensed over more than 11 thousand million 30 m pixel locations, was analyzed comparing the spatial and temporal incidence of 30 m cloud and cirrus states available in the standard Landsat 8 Level 1 product suite. This comprehensive data analysis revealed that on average over a year of CONUS observations (i) 35.9% were detected with high confidence cloud, with spatio-temporal patterns similar to those observed by previous Landsat 5 and 7 cloud analyses; (ii) 28.2% were high confidence cirrus; (iii) 20.1% were both high confidence cloud and high confidence cirrus; and (iv) 6.9% were detected as high confidence cirrus but low confidence cloud. The results illustrate the potential of the 30 m cloud and cirrus states available in the standard Landsat 8 Level 1 product suite but imply that the historical CONUS Landsat archive has about 7% of undetected cirrus contaminated pixels. Systematic cloud detection commission errors over a minority of highly reflective exposed soil/sand surfaces were found and it is recommended that caution be taken when using the currently available Landsat 8 cloud data over similar surfaces.