bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE EFFECT OF CAFFEINE ON SHORT-TERM SPATIAL LEARNING IN PERIPLANETA AMERICANA
Authors: Broder Evan D , Cattoi Kristen M , Clinkscales William B , Triana Taylor S
Published: September 2014

The American cockroach, Periplaneta americana, has been used extensively in recent years to study aspects of the complex vertebrate nervous system as a simple and accessible invertebrate model. This experiment examined the effects of caffeine on short-term spatial learning in cockroaches using a modified Barnes maze. Prior to every trial, the treatment group was injected with a caffeine solution and the control group was injected with a saline solution. The amount of time required for the cockroach to complete the maze during the initial learning trial was recorded. One hour later, the amount of time required for the subjects to complete a second memory trial was also recorded.

A one-tailed t-test between the individual trial times for the control group established that learning had occurred. A two-tailed t¬-test between the individual trial times for the treatment group showed no significant difference. A t-test of means compared the difference in maze completion times between the groups and proved there was a significant difference. Therefore, caffeine did not positively affect short-term spatial learning in cockroaches.
Gender-based Persecution and US Asylum Policy
Authors: Chaffin Samuel Jack
Published: September 2014

Abstract

Over the past decades, gender-based persecution has moved into the forefront of immigration policy debate in the US. Beginning in the 1980s, recognition of the special circumstances women refugees face has slowly dawned on policy-makers and academics alike. The discussion of women refugees’ rights comes at a pivotal historical moment in US history; women now make up the majority of refugees, but restrictions have become stricter since 9/11. The current process, designed with the standard of the male refugee in mind, adds extra difficulties for female refugees making their asylum claims and disproportionately penalizes them for an array of reasons. Recent court cases indicate indecision among US justices about whether or not gender-based persecution constitutes legitimate grounds for admittance. The international implications of progressive policy change show the potential for both negative political consequences and positive human rights contributions on a global scale. To remedy the current stalemate in the fight to include gender-based persecution in asylum law, the United States could look to Canada for a progressive model applied to a similar legal system.
Reality and Existentialism in House of Leaves
Authors: Scarano Matthew Scott , Krause Jennifer Ann
Published: September 2014

House of Leaves, by Mark Z. Danielewski, is a novel first published in 2000 that has since developed notoriety in literary circles for its arguably unique experimentation with a multi-layered plot, varied visual typography, and multi-media format. Despite being widely read and influential over the past decade, little scholarly analysis has been done on House of Leaves. As House of Leaves could represent an entire new genre of literature, it is important that we understand its themes and the ways in which various writerly techniques function within the novel.

In this paper, I analyze House of Leaves through an existential lens, specifically utilizing the ideas of Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus to examine the psyche of one of the novel’s main characters, Johnny Truant. In addition to primary sources by Danielewski, Sartre and Camus, I employ a 2002 analysis of House of Leaves by Katherine N. Hayles to aid my research. I conclude that Johnny’s story, and House of Leaves as a whole, breaks down traditional notions of reality, but retains existential hope for individuals who are able to find a purpose in life, even if that “purpose” is necessarily subjective.

My analysis presents an original take on House of Leaves, and contains wider implications for future novels that emulate its experimental style. Past analyses have focused on post-modern aspects of House of Leaves, but I analyze it through an existential lens. Beyond adding to the body of work on House of Leaves, my existential take on an otherwise post-modern text may prove influential to analyses of other “post-modern” novels in the future.
Nationalist Composers and Fiddle Music: A Reflection of Removal from Traditional Culture, with Specific Attention to Copland and Grieg
Authors: Baiman Rachel D
Published: September 2014

The late Romantic period of classical music was characterized by a new enthusiasm for the inclusion of folk music in classical composition. Edvard Grieg and Aaron Copeland are two composers who characterize this period, and both used traditional fiddle tunes from their respective countries in their Nationalist compositions. This essay explores the extent to which folk traditions were honored and exploited in each composer’s music. The author concludes that while Grieg was more successful in authentically portraying the fiddle music of his nation, Copeland’s comparable work became a much more popular Nationalist symbol.
A Qualitative Examination of the Political and Policy Development of Indiana’s School Scholarship Act (House Bill 1003)
Authors: Ellis Shawn
Published: September 2014

This research investigation examines the policy context of Indiana’s School Scholarship Act. John Kingdon’s work on agenda setting will serve as the conceptual framework for analyzing the problems, policies, and politics that arose prior to and during the passage of this legislation. The goal of this study is to identify specific social, economic, and political problems that drew attention to the need for this Act as well as to understand of the political behaviors and decision-making of stakeholders during the legislation’s drafting. This cross-sectional qualitative study will use multiple in-depth interviews conducted with key stakeholders in addition document analyses in order to understand this phenomenon. Unfortunately due to time restraints, interviews were not conducted and only press releases and public statements made by stakeholders were coded to discern thematic opinions and behaviors. This investigation found that the document analysis supports the literature on this subject. Concepts that emerged include: civic capacity, equal opportunity, and quality of education. The conclusion is drawn that political parties struggled to define vouchers and charters as a solution to Indiana’s educational issues. Overall, the state Republican Party had more agenda setting power and greater influence than Democrats and thus was able to gain wider support for vouchers. Implications of this research are such that political endeavor may not directly support the education of children. Recommendations for corrective actions are discussed. Limitations of this research are discussed.
The National Association of Professional Base Ball Players: The Origins of Professional Baseball and the American Identity
Authors: Rosenberg Eric
Published: September 2014

Baseball has been proudly coined “the national pastime” for nearly its entire existence. The sport evolved from several English bat and ball games and quickly became part of the American identity in the 19th century. Only a few decades after the first baseball club formed in New York City, amateur clubs began to organize into loose confederations as competition and glory entered a game originally associated with fraternal leisure. Soon after, clubs with enough fans and capital began to pay players for their services and by 1871 and league of solely professionals emerged. Known as The National Professional Base Ball Players Association, this league would only last five seasons but would lay the groundwork for the American tradition of professional sports that exists today. In this paper, I analyze the development of the sport of baseball into a professional industry alongside the concurrent industrialization and urbanization of the United States. I used primary documents from the era describing the growing popularity of the sport as well as modern historians’ accounts of early baseball. In addition, I rely on sources focusing on the changing American identity during this period known as The Gilded Age, which many attribute to be the beginnings of the modern understanding of American values. Ultimately, I conclude that baseball’s progression into a professional league from grassroots origins compared to a broader trend of the ideal American being viewed as urban, skilled, and affluent despite the majority not able to fit this characterization. How certain attributes become inherent to a group identity and the types of individuals able to communicate these messages are also explored. My analysis of the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players provides insight on the formative experience of the modern collective American identity and baseball’s place in it as our national pastime.
Executive Legislation and the Expansion of Presidential Power
Authors: Covington Megan
Published: September 2014

The increased use of executive legislation in the absence of challenges from Congress or the Supreme Court has expanded the power of the president beyond constitutional bounds and poses a serious threat to our democracy. The author concludes that fears of the president becoming some type of dictator are overblown, but the tendency by modern presidents to use executive legislation to expand the scope of their power is especially dangerous considering that neither the Supreme Court nor Congress is very likely to challenge an executive order, rendering the most important check on presidential legislation virtually nonexistent.
The Effect of Infrastructure on Water-Related Diseases in Rural African Communities
Authors: Bates Victoria M.
Published: September 2014

Water-related diseases are still a leading cause of death in developing countries. Though the relationship between water-related disease mortality rates and water sanitation and hygiene measures is well documented, the means to provide proper water and sanitation treatment remain elusive. This paper examines the effect of hard infrastructure on water-related disease rates and proposes that building infrastructure is the best way to reduce the prevalence of water-related disease in rural African villages. It examines the history of sanitation infrastructure in developed countries as well as why similar measures are difficult to implement in sub-Saharan Africa. This paper analyzes three rural African countries’ sanitation infrastructure systems (Botswana, Rwanda, Swaziland) to recommend best practices in rural African villages. Recommendations for future infrastructure systems are given as well as how governments can best implement those systems to reduce water-related disease mortality rates.
Brahms, Rhythm, and the Renaissance
Authors: Heisey Eleanor
Published: September 2014

Johannes Brahms’s deep engagement with the past contributed to his compositional style in many ways. This article considers Brahms techniques that look back to and expand on those of Renaissance composers, in particular metric conflict and cadences, voice displacement, changes in proportion, rhythmic augmentation and diminution, and the hocket. Examples are taken from Brahms’s Academic Festival Overture, Variations On A Theme By Haydn, Piano Quartet in A Major, and Symphony No. 3 in F Major.
Share-Issue Privatization in China: 2002-2008
Authors: Gressly Karl
Published: September 2014

The purpose of this article is to evaluate the effectiveness of China’s incremental approach to denationalization, share-issue privatization, wherein the government sells shares of state-owned enterprises to the public, while retaining an ownership position in the firm. The effectiveness of this approach to denationalization will be evaluated based on four widely-used measures of firm well-being and productivity--returns on assets, returns on sales, sales per employee, and profits per employee, based on data retrieved from the China Stock Market and Accounting Research (CSMAR) Database and the Private Listed Companies Database.
Black and Gold... and Army Green
Authors: Colletta Christopher Charles
Published: September 2014

This essay investigates the rise and sudden fall of Vanderbilt’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps unit around the time of World War I, and illustrates how it serves as an example of general trends in higher education that were occurring in other universities across America while being decidedly exceptional. With information pulled almost entirely from primary sources such as Chancellor James H. Kirkland’s handwritten letters and contemporary issues of The Hustler, it becomes clear that the administration saw the ROTC program as a way to replace the Methodist Episcopal Church, South as a source of moral education while establishing an ideological bulwark against perceived Bolshevik influences. While Kirkland was successful in bringing an ROTC unit to campus like many of his counterparts at other universities, Vanderbilt’s story is almost entirely unique in that the students revolted en masse, ending the program only a few short years after it had been established. In examining the evidence, it was Kirkland’s personality that led to his administration’s hasty implementation of the program, forcing seemingly un- necessary mandatory military training on the student body without considering its opinion first, a student body already weary from wartime training in a program called the Students’ Army Training Corps. In a gritty battle of wills between the Chancellor and the student body, the lifeblood of any ROTC unit, these students stuck to their guns and refused to participate, and the administration simply had to accede to their demands. As soon as it appeared, Vanderbilt’s first ROTC unit vanished.
CARP Plays a Key Role in Cellular Growth Under Hypertrophic Stimuli in Neonatal Rat Ventricular Myocytes
Authors: Shrout Tara A
Published: September 2014

Cardiac hypertrophy is a growth process that occurs in response to stress stimuli or injury, and leads to the induction of several pathways to alter gene expression. Under hypertrophic stimuli, sarcomeric structure is disrupted, both as a consequence of gene expression and local changes in sarcomeric proteins. Cardiac-restricted ankyrin repeat protein (CARP) is one such protein that function both in cardiac sarcomeres and at the transcriptional level. We postulate that due to this dual nature, CARP plays a key role in maintaining the cardiac sarcomere. GATA4 is another protein detected in cardiomyocytes as important in hypertrophy, as it is activated by hypertrophic stimuli, and directly binds to DNA to alter gene expression. Results of GATA4 activation over time were inconclusive; however, the role of CARP in mediating hypertrophic growth in cardiomyocytes was clearly demonstrated. In this study, Neonatal Rat Ventricular Myocytes were used as a model to detect changes over time in CARP and GATA4 under hypertrophic stimulation by phenylephrine and high serum media. Results were detected by analysis of immunoblotting. The specific role that CARP plays in mediating cellular growth under hypertrophic stimuli was studied through immunofluorescence, which demonstrated that cardiomyocyte growth with hypertrophic stimulation was significantly blunted when NRVMs were co-treated with CARP siRNA. These data suggest that CARP plays an important role in the hypertrophic response in cardiomyocytes.
Mainstreaming Third-Gender Healers: The Changing Perceptions of South Asian Hijras
Authors: Jagadish Pooja
Published: September 2014

Mainstreaming is the act of bringing public light to a population or issue, but it can have a deleterious impact on the individuals being discussed. Hijras comprise a third-gender group that has long had cultural and religious significance within South Asian societies. Described as being neither male nor female, hijras were once called upon for their religious powers to bless and curse. However, after the British rule and in the wake of more-recent media attention, the hijra identity has been scrutinized under a harsh Western gaze. It forces non-Western populations to be viewed in terms of binaries, such as either male or female, and it classifies them by inapplicable Western terms. For example, categorizing a hijra as transgendered obfuscates the cultural significance that the term hijra conveys within their societies. Furthermore, media representations of hijras cause consumers to view themselves as more natural, while hijras become objectified as occupying a false identity. This has caused them to be pigeonholed within the very societies that once legitimated their existence and respected them for their powers. With their cultural practices being seen as outmoded, and their differences from Western people be- ing pointed out in the news and on television, hijras have faced significant discrimination and ridicule. After providing a discussion of relevant Western and non-Western concepts, I seek to describe hijras and the effects of mainstreaming on their lives. Finally, I offer a critique of cur- rent research on this population and provide solutions to improve their plight.
Predição de pré-eclâmpsia em suas formas tardia e precoce pela dilatação fluxo-mediada da artéria braquial
Authors: Brandão Augusto Henriques Fulgêncio , Evangelista Aline Aarão , Martins Raphaela Menin Franco , Leite Henrique Vítor , Cabral Antônio Carlos Vieira
Published: September 2014

Objetivo:Avaliar a capacidade de predição das formas precoce e tardia da pré-eclâmpsia pela dilatação fluxo-mediada da artéria braquial (FMD), marcador biofísico de disfunção endotelial.Materiais e Métodos:Um total de 91 pacientes de alto risco para desenvolvimento de pré-eclâmpsia foi submetido a FMD entre 24 e 28 semanas de gestação.Resultados:Das pacientes selecionadas, 19 desenvolveram pré-eclâmpsia, sendo 8 em sua forma precoce e 11 em sua forma tardia. Usando-se um valor de corte de 6,5%, a sensibilidade (S) da FMD para predição de pré-eclâmpsia precoce foi 75,0%, com especificidade (E) de 73,3%, valor preditivo positivo (VPP) de 32,4% e valor preditivo negativo (VPN) de 91,9%. Para predição de pré-eclâmpsia tardia, encontrou-se valor de S de 83,3%, E de 73,2%, VPP de 34,4% e VPN de 96,2%. Para a predição de todas as formas associadas de pré-eclâmpsia, encontrou-se valor de S de 84,2%, E de 73,6%, VPP de 45,7% e VPN de 94,6%.Conclusão:A FMD se mostrou uma ferramenta com boa capacidade de predição de pré-eclâmpsia, nas suas formas tardia e precoce, o que pode representar um impacto positivo no acompanhamento de gestantes de alto risco para desenvolvimento dessa síndrome.
C-reactive protein and cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight or obese children and adolescents
Authors: Cardoso Anajás da Silva , Cardoso Renata Oliveira , Carvalho Danielle Franklin de , Collet Neusa , Medeiros Carla Campos Muniz
Published: September 2014

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between ultrasensitive C-reactive protein and cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight or obese childrenand adolescents. METHODS: Cross-sectional study conducted at the Center for Childhood Obesity in the period from April 2009 to April 2010, involving 185 overweight children and adolescents aged 2 to 18 years. Measures of ultrasensitive C-reactive protein according to age, nutritional status, gender, race, cardiometabolic risk factors (waist circumference, lipid profile, impaired fasting glucose, high blood pressure and presence of insulin resistance) were compared through the Chi-square test and analysis of variance. All analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software version 17.0, adopting a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: Altered high-density lipoprotein was the most frequent cardiometabolic risk factor, and there was a significant association between altered ultrasensitive C-reactive protein values and severe obesity (p=0.005), high waist circumference (p<0.001), hypertriglyceridemia (p=0.037) and insulin resistance (p=0.002), as well as significantly higher body mass index (p=0.000), waist circumference (p=0.001), insulin (p=0.005) and index of glucose homeostasis values(p=0.005). CONCLUSION: High prevalence of altered ultrasensitive C-reactive protein and significant association with severe obesity, waist circumference, hypertriglyceridemia and insulin resistance were observed.
Organic foods from family farms in the National School Food Program: Perspectives of social actors from Santa Catarina, Brazil
Authors: Silverio Gabriela de Andrade , Sousa Anete Araújo de
Published: September 2014

OBJECTIVE: To analyze suggestions that facilitate the use of organic foods produced by family farms made by the social actors responsible for Santa Catarina's school meals. METHODS: This qualitative and exploratory study used an electronic questionnaire for surveying 293 municipalities in the state of Santa Catarina in 2010 and identified the percentage of organic school foods purchased from family farms. The social actors from 52 municipalities who were responsible for organic food acquisition were interviewed in person. Their suggestions were categorized and analyzed by content analysis. RESULTS: A total of 446 social actors made 684 suggestions categorized into four themes: Awareness strategies for the use of organic foods (n=286) were proposed by principals and dieticians, who emphasized the need of educating social actors and community and raising community awareness; Better Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar management (n=148) was suggested by principals and family farmers, who wanted less bureaucracy and outsourcing, fewer taxes, and more management involvement; Better coordination between the demand and supply of organic foods (n=130) was suggested by principals, family farmers, and cooks because of logistic and supply problems; and Better management of school food production (n=120) was suggested by principals and cooks, who reported problems with the supply of specific foods, low organic food diversity, and lack of certification. CONCLUSION: For the social actors, the use of organic foods in the schools of Santa Catarina requires the education of those involved (technical support, educational strategies, and community awareness), government support, coordination between demand and supply, and better management of organic food production.
Hygienic, sanitary, physical, and functional conditions of Brazilian public school food services
Authors: Almeida Kênia Machado de , André Maria Cláudia Porfirio , Campos Maria Raquel Hidalgo , Díaz Mário Ernesto Piscoya
Published: September 2014

OBJECTIVE: To verify the physical, functional, hygienic, and sanitary conditions of the food services of municipal schools located in the Brazilian Midwest region. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of 296 school food services conducted from February to June 2012. The food services were assessed by a semi-structured check list divided into the following sections: physical conditions, available equipment, food handlers' conduct, and food service cleaning processes and procedures. The study variables were classified as compliant or noncompliant with the regulations passed by the National Sanitary Surveillance Agency. RESULTS: Noncompliances were found in all study food services, especially with respect to food service conditions, and the wiring and plumbing in the food preparation area. In this section, 62.7 to 95.9% of the food services did not comply with nine out of the thirteen study items. The main problems were: poorly cleaned external areas, deteriorated walls, floors, ceilings, roofs, drains, and roof gutters; and unscreened doors and windows, allowing the entrance of insects; among others. The main noncompliance regarding processes and procedures was the uncontrolled temperature of the ready-to-eat foods. CONCLUSION: The conditions of the study food services are unsatisfactory for the production of safe meals, possibly compromising meal quality, food safety, and the effectiveness of the School Food Program.
Transtornos alimentares e insatisfação com a imagem corporal em bailarinos
Authors: Guimarães Aline Dias , Machado Soraia Pinheiro , França Ana Karina Texeira da Cunha , Calado Isabela Leal
Published: September 2014

INTRODUÇÃO: Os transtornos alimentares (TA) tornaram-se um problema relevante de saúde pública. Paralelamente a esse fato, observa-se aumento na frequência de problemas associados à percepção da imagem corporal. Esses transtornos alimentares são mais incidentes em praticantes de esportes que preconizam o baixo peso corporal, como o balé clássico.OBJETIVO: Determinar a prevalência de comportamentos de risco de transtornos alimentares e insatisfação com a imagem corporal em bailarinos adolescentes na cidade de São Luís, MA, Brasil.MÉTODOS: Realizou-se estudo transversal com 30 bailarinos clássicos, não profissionais de ambos os sexos, com idade de 15 a 19 anos. Para avaliação do comportamento de risco de anorexia nervosa, utilizou-se o teste de atitudes alimentares (EAT-26), e para o comportamento de risco de bulimia nervosa, o teste de investigação bulímica de Edimburgo (BITE). A imagem corporal foi avaliada por meio do questionário de imagem corporal (BSQ).RESULTADOS: A prevalência de comportamentos de risco de TA foi de 30,0% para anorexia nervosa, de acordo com o EAT-26 e, segundo a escala de sintomas do BITE, 40,0% apresentaram comportamento de risco de bulimia nervosa. Além disso, o BSQ identificou que 26,7% dos bailarinos estavam insatisfeitos com sua imagem. Analisando o comportamento de risco de TA e a insatisfação com a imagem corporal, por sexo, não houve diferença estatisticamente significante (p > 0,05).CONCLUSÃO: A alta incidência de insatisfação com a imagem corporal associada à grande prevalência de comportamentos de risco de TA encontrada neste estudo ratifica que a prática do balé parece ser um fator primordial para o aumento da suscetibilidade desses bailarinos desenvolverem TA.
Dinâmica do apoio em corredores veteranos com relação ao incremento da velocidade e da fadiga
Authors: Sánchez Jesús Salas , Román Pedro Ángel Latorre , Campos María Aparecida Santos e , Hermoso Víctor Manuel Soto
Published: September 2014

INTRODUÇÃO: Nas últimas décadas, o número de participantes nas corridas populares de resistência tem aumentado, especialmente, dos atletas da categoria de veteranos (acima de 35 anos), assim como o número de provas organizadas.OBJETIVO: Analisar a dinâmica de apoio na corrida do atleta veterano com relação ao incremento da velocidade e da fadiga.MÉTODOS: Participaram 43 atletas, 40 homens (média de idade: 41,3 ± 1,10 anos) e 3 mulheres (média de idade 44,3 ± 3,17 anos). Depois do aquecimento, foram realizados três protocolos de corrida: confortável, ritmo de competição e ritmo de competição até o incremento dos valores da escala de Borg, escolhidos livremente por cada atleta. A dinâmica do apoio (superfície de contato, rotação lateral e inclinação do pé) e sua sequência temporal foram analisadas em vídeo de alta velocidade.RESULTADOS: Do total, 84,5% dos atletas apresentaram apoio atrasado, com incremento correspondente ao aumento da velocidade e da fadiga na corrida. Dos atletas, 52,7% apresentaram rotação externa leve e 69% apresentaram inclinação lateral leve. Não foi encontrada relação entre atletas lesionados ou não nem entre a dinâmica de apoio nos três tipos de corrida. O tempo de contato na fase de amortecimento foi superior no apoio atrasado com relação ao resto dos tipos de passadas na corrida confortável e no ritmo de competição.CONCLUSÃO: As descobertas deste estudo podem ser importantes para o desenho de tênis esportivos e para aportar informações sobre a relação entre o padrão da passada do corredor veterano e o risco de lesões.
Dor muscular e atividade de creatina quinase após ações excêntricas: uma análise de cluster
Authors: Nogueira Felipe Romano Damas , Chacon-Mikahil Mara Patricia Traina , Vechin Felipe Cassaro , Berton Ricardo Paes de Barros , Cavaglieri Claudia Regina , Libardi Cleiton Augusto
Published: September 2014

INTRODUÇÃO: O exercício excêntrico máximo promove queda da capacidade de geração de força, aumento de dor muscular de início tardio (DMIT) e extravasamento de creatina quinase (CK) no sangue. No entanto, essas respostas ao exercício excêntrico demonstram alta variabilidade interindivíduos.OBJETIVOS: Classificar e analisar essas respostas segundo a vulnerabilidade individual, por meio da magnitude da redução dos níveis de força após exercício excêntrico.MÉTODOS: Dezoito sujeitos (11 homens e sete mulheres com idade entre 18 e 71 anos) saudáveis realizaram cinco séries de seis ações excêntricas máximas para flexores do cotovelo em dinamômetro isocinético (90°s-1, amplitude de movimento de 80 a 20°). Foram analisadas contração voluntária muscular concêntrica máxima (CVM), DMIT e CK pré, pós (exceto CK), 24 h, 48 h, 72 h e 96 h após o protocolo. Os indivíduos foram classificados como "baixos" (BR) e "altos" respondedores (AR) ao pico de queda de CVM pós-exercício seguindo-se uma análise de cluster e comparação entre grupos para CVM, DMIT e CK com teste-t independente.RESULTADOS: A comparação entre BR e AR indicou maiores valores de queda de CVM para o grupo AR (AR: -30,7 ± 3,3%; BR: -14,1 ± 2,2%, p< 0,001) e maior DMIT também para o grupo AR (AR: 33,0 ± 8,6 mm; BR: 10,2 ± 2,5 mm, p= 0,033); no entanto, os valores de pico de atividade de CK não diferiram entre os grupos (AR: 232,1 ± 54,8 UI.L-1; BR: 306,1 ± 82,3 UI.L-1, p= 0,490).CONCLUSÃO: A classificação dos indivíduos em grupos de baixos e altos respondedores foi importante para demonstrar que o grupo mais responsivo à queda de força após exercício excêntrico também evidencia maiores níveis de DMIT; contudo, para a CK essa relação não pôde ser estabelecida.
Validação da escala de humor de Brunel para programa de reabilitação cardiovascular
Authors: Sties Sabrina Weiss , Gonzáles Ana Inês , Netto Almir Schmitt , Wittkopf Priscilla Geraldine , Lima Daiane Pereira , Carvalho Tales de
Published: September 2014

INTRODUÇÃO: Os programas de reabilitação cardiopulmonar e metabólica (RCPM) vêm adotando protocolos de treinamento físico que valorizam o volume e a alta intensidade, sendo possível o aparecimento da síndrome do excesso de treinamento (SET). Neste contexto, o uso sistemático de instrumentos para investigação do estado de humor pode auxiliar na detecção precoce da SET.OBJETIVO: Validar a escala de Humor de Brunel (BRUMS) em participantes de RCPM.MÉTODOS: Fizeram parte do estudo 247 indivíduos, com média de idade de 63,3±10,5 anos, participantes há pelo menos três meses de programa de RCPM. A análise descritiva foi apresentada em média, desvio padrão e distribuição de frequência. Para avaliar a validade de construto foi utilizada a análise fatorial confirmatória. Para verificar a adequação dos dados foi utilizado o índice de Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO). Para interpretação da matriz, foi aplicado o método de extração dos componentes principais, por meio do método varimax. A consistência foi avaliada por meio do coeficiente alfa de Cronbach.RESULTADOS: Todas as questões do BRUMS obtiveram médias superiores a nove, demonstrando que as questões do instrumento foram julgadas muito claras pelos participantes. Foi verificado que 83,3% das questões relacionaram-se corretamente com seus respectivos domínios. No que se refere à análise de consistência interna, todos os domínios apresentaram valor acima de 0,6.CONCLUSÃO: A Escala de Humor de Brunel é válida para pacientes que participam de programa de reabilitação cardiopulmonar e metabólica.
Nível de desidratação após treinamento de ciclismo indoor
Authors: Nery Fernanda , Guttierres Ana Paula Muniz , Dias Marcelo Ricardo Cabral
Published: September 2014

INTRODUÇÃO: A desidratação no ciclismo indoor é um tema pouco estudado na literatura.OBJETIVO: Verificar o nível de desidratação dos praticantes de ciclismo indoorapós a atividade, assim como a presença de proteínas na urina.MÉTODOS: Foram recrutados 30 homens (25,5 ± 3,9 anos), praticantes de ciclismo indoor,que realizaram um treinamento de 50 minutos de ciclismo indoor de característica intermitente: a) 5 minutos de aquecimento sem carga e com alta velocidade; b) 40 minutos de treinamento intermitente (alternando seis ciclos intensos de 5 minutos e cinco ciclos leves de 3 minutos); c) cinco minutos de volta à calma sem carga e com regressão da velocidade. Para a verificação do estado de hidratação, foram avaliados: massa corporal, desidratação relativa e absoluta, grau de desidratação, taxa de sudorese e densidade da urina. A intensidade do treino foi verificada por meio da frequência cardíaca e percepção subjetiva de esforço.RESULTADOS: A perda de massa corporal após o treinamento foi significativa (0,523 ± 0,362 kg) e correspondeu a um percentual de desidratação de 0,69 ± 0,47%. Nenhum sujeito apresentou nível elevado de desidratação. Com relação à perda proteica na urina, 83,3% dos sujeitos apresentaram baixo nível de proteínas na urina, enquanto 16,7% apresentaram níveis moderados.CONCLUSÃO: A desidratação e a perda de proteínas na urina apresentaram baixos níveis após o treinamento de ciclismo indoor.
Prevalence of rhinitis among 6 and 7-year old students in Fortaleza
Authors: Luna Maria de Fátima G. de , Fisher Gilberto B. , Luna João Rafael G. de , Silva Marcelo G. C. da , Almeida Paulo César de , Chiesa Daniela
Published: September 2014

Objective: to evaluate the prevalence of rhinitis symptoms among 6 and 7-year old schoolchildren in Fortaleza, Brazil. Methods: a cross-sectional study using the rhinitis module of the ISAAC (International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood) questionnaire. The sample included 2,020 students from public and private schools, in 2010. Results: the prevalence of cumulative rhinitis, active rhinitis, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and physician-diagnosed rhinitis was 49.9%, 42%, 15.4% and 28.1%, respectively, being significantly more prevalent among private school students (OR = 0.55, 95CI: 0.46 - 0.66, p < 0.001; OR = 0.50, 95CI: 0.41 - 0.60, p < 0.001; OR = 0.67, 95CI: 0.52 - 0.85, p < 0.001; OR = 0.15, 95CI: 0.12 - 0.19, p < 0.001, respectively), without differences between genders. Interference with daily activities was reported by 25.3%, while 5.7% reported to be moderately or severely affected, without a difference between genders. Conclusion: the prevalence of rhinitis symptoms and associated morbidity among 6-7-year old schoolchildren in Fortaleza was above the Brazilian average, with predominance among private school students, without difference between genders. It was observed that rhinitis was underdiagnosed in this population.
Influence of the arm position in myocardial perfusion imaging acquisition
Authors: Izaki Marisa , Soares Junior José , Giorgi Maria Clementina Pinto , Meneghetti Jose Claudio
Published: September 2014

Objective: despite the technologic advances in myocardial perfusion imaging, we keep using an uncomfortable and sometimes impracticable patient position - supine with arms raised above the head (U). The purpose of this study was to investigate whether perfusion and functional cardiac gated SPECT scan results of acquisition U are equivalent to another position modality: supine with arms down at the sides of the trunk (D). Methods and Results: we performed U acquisition and in sequence D acquisition in 120 patients (pts) using a one-day MPI (rest-gated/stress), with 99mTc-sestamibi (370 MBq and 1110 MBq). Images were processed by the iterative reconstruction method (OSEM). Rest (R) and stress (S) studies were scored using 17-segments model. Functional parameters (left ventricular ejection fraction, and volumes) were automatically obtained by the quantitative gated SPECT (QGS) program. According to the degree of stress defects observed in U study, the patients were categorized in two subgroups: normal (SSS ≤ 3 or < 5%) and abnormal (SSS>3 or ≥ 5%). Shoulder/back pain occurred in 23.3% of U patients and in 5% of D. No significant differences between U and D were found for SSS (p = 0.82) and SRS (p = 0.74) in normal group. In abnormal group, good correlation was found between U and D modes for SSS (Rho = 0.95, p = 0.0001) and SRS (Rho = 0.96 p = 0.0001), but the mean SSS (12.53 ± 7.54) and SRS (10.60 ± 7.08) values of D were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than SSS (13.43 ± 6.81) and SRS (11.33 ± 6.97) of U mode. Function measurements presented good correlations, except for end-diastolic volume (p = 0.0001). Conclusion: although D mode appears to be more comfortable and presented a good correlation with U values of SSS and SRS, in abnormal pts, the extent and severity of defects can be underestimated. Considering clinical implications of an accurate perfusion measurement, the acquisition with the arms down should be avoided.
A study of a couple with type 2 diabetes: dyadic adjustment and psychological morbidity
Authors: Pereira M. Graça , Machado José C. , Sousa M. Rui , Pedras Susana
Published: September 2014

Objective: this study assessed dyadic adjustment and psychological morbidity in type 2 diabetic patients and their partners, focusing on the role of gender. Methods: 214 diabetic patients and their partners participated in the cross-sectional study and were assessed on psychological morbidity (HADS) and marital adjustment (RDAS). Data was analyzed using dyadic analysis, a statistical process that studies the patient/partner dyads simultaneously. Results: results revealed that the negative relationship between dyadic adjustment and psychological morbidity in female patients was stronger than in male diabetic patients or in partners of male diabetic patients. On the other hand, the relationship between dyadic adjustment and psychological morbidity in partners of diabetic men was stronger than the same relationship in partners of diabetic women. Conclusion: since gender is a moderator, it is important to attend to the different needs of female and male patients and the education of diabetic patients should be centered on the patient/partner dyad.
History of syphilis in women living with AIDS and associated risk factors in São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Pinto Valdir Monteiro , Tancredi Mariza Vono , Buchalla Cassia Maria , Miranda Angelica Espinosa
Published: September 2014

Objective: to describe the epidemiological profile, risk behaviors, frequency of prior history of syphilis in women living with AIDS and to investigate associated factors. Methods: a cross-sectional study conducted with women living with HIV attending at Reference Center for AIDS in São Paulo. Demographic, behavioral, and clinical data were analyzed based on medical records. Results: a total of 598 women were included in the study and the prevalence of previous syphilis was 6.2% (95% CI 4,3-8,1). Seventy-three percent of women were less than 40 years of age when diagnosed with AIDS and 49.6% had more than eight years of formal education. 67.2% were white and 65.9% were not married or living with a partner, 53.2% reported that their first sexual intercourse aged more than 15 years, 56.5% reported having only one partner in the last year and 13% reported drug use. Regarding laboratory data, 83.8% had CD4+ <500 cells/ mm3 upon diagnosis of AIDS. Previous syphilis was associated with the use of crack cocaine [AOR = 6.8 (95% CI 1.7 - 27.5)], >1 sexual partner in the last year [AOR = 6.6 (95% CI 1.2 - 37.1)], CD4 + <500 cells/mm3 [AOR = 3.8 (women 1.1 - 13.6)], HIV diagnosis > 8 years [AOR = 2.4 (95% CI 1.0 - 5.8)]. Conclusion: a high prevalence of previous syphilis was found in the population studied, and crack use was identified among the main associated risk factors. Interventions to reduce the risk of sexual transmission of HIV and syphilis must be strengthened, with the implementation of control actions, screening strategies, early diagnosis and treatment, preventing complications, reducing morbidity and improving sexual and reproductive health.
Optimism on quality of life in Portuguese chronic patients: moderator/mediator?
Authors: Vilhena Estela , Pais-Ribeiro José , Silva Isabel , Pedro Luísa , Meneses Rute F. , Cardoso Helena , Silva António Martins da , Mendonça Denisa
Published: September 2014

Objective: optimism is an important variable that has consistently been shown to affect adjustment to quality of life in chronic diseases. This study aims to clarify if dispositional optimism exerts a moderating or a mediating influence on the personality traits-quality of life association, in Portuguese chronic patients. Methods: multiple regression models were used to test the moderation and mediation effects of dispositional optimism in quality of life. A sample of 729 patients was recruited in Portugal's main hospitals and completed self-reported questionnaires assessing socio-demographic and clinical variables, personality, dispositional optimism, quality of life (QoL) and subjective well-being (SWB). Results: the results of the regression models showed that dispositional optimism did not moderate the relationships between personality traits and quality of life. After controlling for gender, age, education level and severity of disease perception, the effects of personality traits on QoL and in SWB were mediated by dispositional optimism (partially and completely), except for the links between neuroticism/openness to experience and physical health. Conclusion: dispositional optimism is more likely to play a mediating, rather than a moderating role in personality traits-quality of life pathway in Portuguese chronic patients, suggesting that "the expectation that good things will happen" contributes to a better quality of life and subjective well-being.
Female breast cancer mortality in Brazil and its regions
Authors: Kluthcovsky Ana Claudia Garabeli Cavalli , Faria Thaisa Nogueira Palozi , Carneiro Fabio Henrique , Strona Robson
Published: September 2014

Objective: to analyze female breast cancer mortality trends in Brazil and its regions. Methods: female breast cancer mortality in Brazil and its regions was analyzed using mortality data from the Ministry of Health's Mortality Information System and the National Cancer Institute between 1991 and 2010. The variables analyzed were. proportional mortality from female breast cancer in relation to total deaths in women, mortality rates of the five primary locations of the neoplasms most common in women, and mortality rates for female breast cancer: Linear regression models were estimated to analyze mortality trends: Results: a growth in proportional mortality due to female breast cancer in Brazil and its regions was observed: In relation to the mortality rates for the five primary types of cancer, breast cancer persisted in first place in Brazil and its regions, except the North region, where cervical cancer was the most frequent: Rising female breast cancer mortality rates were observed for Brazil (p = 0.017), Northeastern (p < 0.001), North (p < 0.001) and the Mid-West (p = 0.001), regions, and declining rates for the Southeast region (p = 0.047), and stable rates for the South region. Conclusion: the results emphasize the importance of the disease in terms of public health in the country, reinforcing the need for early detection and appropriate treatment.
Communication difficulties perceived by parents of children with developmental disorders
Authors: Sun Ingrid Ya I , Fernandes Fernanda Dreux Miranda
Published: September 2014

INTRODUCTION: The child's inclusion in his/her social-cultural context is very important to his/her adaptation and well-being. The family has a major role as a facilitator of this process. Therefore the difficulties of these families in communicating with children with communication disorders are an important issue to be assessed in order to support orientations to families.PURPOSE: The present study aimed to identify and compare communication difficulties perceived by parents of children with Down Syndrome (DS), Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Specific Language Impairment (SLI).METHODS: Information was gathered with the use of a questionnaire with 24 questions regarding the perception of parents about their child communication disorders and the difficulties they identify. The questions were divided into four domains: 1 - Parents' personal difficulties; 2 - Parents' impression about themselves regarding their child; 3 - Parents' impressions about other persons' reactions to their child and 4 - Parents' impression about their child. Sixty parents were the subjects of this study: 20 had children with DS, 20 with SLI and 20 with ASD. All children had ages between 6 and 12 years.RESULTS: It was possible to observe that there was significant difference between the parents of ASD children with those of DS and SLI on the second, third and fourth domains.CONCLUSION: The questionnaire is effective to the identification of the communication disorders of ASD children based on their parents' reports but not to other developmental disorders.
Reading comprehension on the last grades of cicles I and II of elementary school
Authors: Chang Eliane Mi , Avila Clara Regina Brandão de
Published: September 2014

PURPOSE: To characterize students' performance in Cycle I and II of the Elementary School (EF), in decoding, reading comprehension and underlying skills of reading, and investigate correlations between these variables, in the absence and presence of reading comprehension deficits, identified by their teachers.METHODS: 125 students from ES were grouped according to Cycle and presence or absence of reading comprehension impairments. Two Control (good readers from both Cycles) and two Research groups (poor readers from both Cycles) were established. Assessment involved: fluency and reading comprehension; oral comprehension; working and short-term phonological memory; grammar closure. It was compared (Mann-Whitney test): in intragroup study, both Control and Research groups; in intergroup study, Control and Research from different cycles, and Control I and Research II. Spearman coefficient investigated correlations.RESULTS: Analyzing reading comprehension, we observed better performance of Control Groups in all tasks in comparison to the respective Research Groups, and better performance of Control II in comparison to Control I. Research Groups had similar results in most tests. Positive correlations have been observed between most of the variables.CONCLUSION: Students without reading comprehension impairments showed better performance in reading in both Cycles. Working memory and oral comprehension did not differentiate students with and without complaints in Cycle I, differently from what was observed in Cycle II. Research II presented similar or better performance than Research I and similar or worse performance than Control I. Underlying skills showed different profiles of correlation with reading comprehension capacity, according to the group.