bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Model for Plastic-Viscoelastic Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) Flow with Radiation Thermal Transfer
Authors: Zheng Liancun , Liu Yaqing , Zhang Xinxin
Published: November 2013

This paper presents a research for plastic-viscoelastic magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow with radiation thermal transfer. A new model is firstly proposed by modifying the classical Maxwell viscoelastic fluid model with the power-law fluid as the damping fluid to substitute the Newtonian fluid as a dashpot. The serial connection gives the nonlinear partial differential equation models. Taylor expansion is used to reduce the nonlinear equation models into linear ones and the analytical solutions are obtained for velocity and temperature fields in terms of G function and Pochhammer polynomial. Moreover, some graphs are presented for associated parameters and the corresponding flow and heat transfer characteristics are analyzed. The ideas and methods of this paper may be used to study other fluid model, such as the generalized Oldroyd-B Fluid or the generalized Burgers' fluid.
Effects of blood lead level on biochemical and hematological parameters in children with neurological diseases of Western Maharashtra, India
Authors: Pratinidhi Shilpa A. , Patil Arun J. , Behera Manaskumar , Patil Maya , Ghadage Dnyaneshwari P. , Pratinidhi Asha K.
Published: November 2013

Background: Lead is found in small but appreciable quantities in air, soil, drinking water, and food. Exposure to such amounts of lead does not lead to acute lead toxicity but produces subtle effects particularly in children. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of blood lead level on biochemical and hematological parameters in children with neurological diseases in Western Maharashtra, India, and to estimate the blood lead level by liver and kidney function tests and hematological parameters in children with neurological disorders admitted to the pediatric ward and compare them with healthy controls.

Methods: In this study, 30 children with various neurological disorders admitted to the pediatric ward of Smt. Kashibai Navale Medical College and General Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, India, were compared with 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Four milliliters of venous blood was collected for estimation of blood lead level, and biochemical and hematological parameters were determined using standard methods.

Results: Blood lead level was significantly increased in the study group (p<0.01, 65.38%) compared to that in the control group. When different neurological conditions were grouped into three groups according to blood lead levels, there was a significant difference between the groups. All other biochemical and hematological parameters were not significantly altered in the study group as compared to the control group.

Conclusions: Neurologically challenged children are more vulnerable to lead intoxication. It is imperative for the parents to take extra care of their children’s food habits and limit hand-to-mouth activities to prevent lead intoxication.
Licht und Erleuchtung im Rappoltsteiner Parzifal
Authors: Dietl Cora
Published: November 2013

Die aktuelle Forschung hat wiederholt beobachtet, dass in der höfischen Literatur des 13. Jahrhunderts dem Licht und dem Schauen eine besondere Bedeutung zukommt und dass ab der zweiten Hälfte des 13. Jahrhunderts auch die religiöse Literatur das Licht-Motiv für sich entdeckt: Hier gilt das Licht als eine Form der Mitteilung des Göttlichen, das sich jedoch einem vollkommenen Einblick entzieht. Wo im fiktionalen Raum über das Göttliche gesprochen wird, wie insbesondere in den Gralsromanen, lässt sich ein besonders reicher und differenzierter Gebrauch von Lichtmetaphorik erwarten. Diese Vermutung bestätigt der vorliegende Beitrag am Beispiel des Rappoltsteiner Parzifal, einer spätmittelalterlichen deutschen Kompilation und recht getreuen deutschen Übersetzung der französischen Perceval-Fortsetzungen, die mit Wolframs Parzival und der der Elucidation kombiniert werden. Die in der Elucidation (welche bereits in ihrem Titel mit Lichtmetaphorik spielt) zum Ausdruck gebrachte Problematik des Sprechens vom Gral und die in Wolframs Prolog formulierte narrative Verdunkelungstechnik werden im Rappoltsteiner Parzifal zusammengefasst zu einer Idee des Erzählens von einer aufgrund ihrer Durchtränktheit mit Licht unsagbaren Erzählung. Der Roman weist durchgängig einen sehr gezielten Umgang mit Licht- und Dunkelheitsmomenten auf, die in der deutschen Bearbeitung noch stärker hervorgehoben sind als in den französischen Vorlagen. Ein helles Licht, das in eine tiefe Dunkelheit einbricht, scheint hier eine Nähe des Göttlichen anzuzeigen. Es regt die Protagonisten dazu an, dem Licht zu folgen, in der Hoffnung, dass sie ein Wissen über Gott und den Gral erringen könnten. Der Handlungsverlauf deckt jedoch auf, dass das Licht viel eher als eine Versuchung zu verstehen ist, den menschlichen intellektuellen Kräften zu vertrauen, dass sie über die Sinneswahrnehmung zu Wissen gelangen könnten, nicht auf dem Weg des Vertrauens in die göttliche Offenbarung. Vielleicht kann man in dieser Wendung einen Einfluss der spätmittelalterlichen Spiritualität auf den späten Artusroman erkennen.
A comparison of regularization methods for identifying unknown source problem for the modified Helmholtz equation
Authors: Zhao Jingjun , Liu Songshu , Liu Tao
Published: November 2013

In this paper, three regularization methods,
such as the mollification method, the modified Tikhonov regularization
method, the Fourier regularization method, for the identification of an
unknown source for the modified Helmholtz equation are considered
and compared. We have solved the model problem with these methods,
investigated the differences between them, analyzed their
convergence estimates under a priori choice of the regularization
parameter and proved the effectiveness of these methods. Two
numerical examples are provided to show the main results.
Special Education Referrals and Disciplinary Actions for Latino Students in the United States
Authors: Moreno Gerardo , Segura-Herrera Theresa
Published: November 2013

Latino students are the largest growing minority group in the U.S. school system. However, there are critical barriers that impeded the development of sustained academic success for this particular population. Latino students have been found to be over-represented in the delivery of disciplinary actions and in the identification of disabilities in special education populations. While the two concerns may appear to be separate, they are interdependent as a history of disciplinary actions can lead to an unjustified referral to special education for evaluation. The coupling of high disciplinary actions and biased referrals to special education has led to the over-representation of Latino students with emotional/behavioral disorders (EBD). In this article, we discuss the contextual background of Latino students in today’s schools, the excessive use of disciplinary actions for them, and their disproportionate representation in special education populations. Additionally, we present two recommended actions as a pair of first steps to address the improper referral pipeline.
The Substance of Things Hoped For: Do State Faith-Based and Community Partnership Offices and Liaisons Help Grassroots Organizations Get Federal Funding?
Authors: Sloan Margaret F.
Published: November 2013

In response to The White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives (FBCI, later renamed the Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, FBNP), many states either created an FBCI office within state government or established a state liaison to the federal program through a nonprofit organization. While the offices have multiple stated goals, the acquisition of federal funding for community organizations within their respective states is a fairly consistent, and critical, goal for most of these offices. Using a multivariate regression model and a survey of state liaison offices, this mixed methods study finds that there is no difference between states with liaisons and states without with respect to federal funding for community organizations in their states and identifies barriers to their successful achievement of funding objectives. A survey of state FBNP offices detailing budgets, staffing, and reporting structures, among other things, indicates that a lack of unrestricted funds, lack of adequate staffing, and decreasing political salience are contributing factors.
Post-irradiation effects on gamma-irradiated nylon 6,12 fibers
Authors: Menchaca-Campos Carmina , Martínez-Barrera Gonzalo , López-Valdivia Héctor , Carrasco Héctor , Álvarez-Castillo Alberto
Published: November 2013

Post-irradiation effects on nylon 6,12 crystalline fibers gamma-irradiated 6 years previously (6YI) were studied, including thermal stability and morphology; their relationship with storage time was also studied. The results of these studies were compared with those obtained for non-irradiated (NI) and namely freshly irradiated (FI) crystalline fibers. The results include analyses like thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential thermal analysis (DTA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical images for (6YI and FI) both kinds of nylon 6,12 fibers. The results showed that the most prominent effect is related to the reaction progress. The chain scission and/or crosslinking mechanisms, as well as the free radicals, allow proceeding with the reaction, and consequently, changes on the properties of the FI samples. The melting point, degree of crystallinity, degradation temperature and morphology prove that additional chemical reactions and surface modifications keep occurring in the fibers long after the irradiation process has ended. With storage time, the surface becomes rougher, the color turns yellowish, the melting point diminishes and the degree of crystallinity increases.
Study on the effect of virgin and recycled chloroprene rubber (vCR and rCR) on the properties of natural rubber/chloroprene rubber (NR/CR) blends
Authors: Salleh Siti Z. , Ismail Hanafi , Ahmad Zulkifli
Published: November 2013

The effects of various ratios of virgin chloroprene rubber (vCR) and recycled chloroprene rubber (rCR) with a constant content of carbon black (CB) on the properties of natural rubber/chloroprene rubber NR/CR blends were studied. The minimum torque (ML), maximum torque (MH), scorch time, and cure time increased with the addition of both CRs and the effects of rCR were more pronounced than vCR on these properties. The tensile strength and fatigue life of the NR/vCR blends increased with an addition of vCR up to 25 phr and then decreased with a higher vCR. However, NR/rCR blends reflected otherwise for both properties. The elongation at break and swelling percentage of NR/CR blends decreased with the addition of both vCR and rCR.
Synthesis of a novel silicone based copolymeric surfactant and application in emulsion polymerization
Authors: Naghash Hamid Javaherian , Sheikhbahaei Mohammad Hossein
Published: November 2013

A novel silicone-containing acrylic monomer, trimethylsiloxybutoxy dimethylsiloxybutyl acrylate (TSBA) and diethylene glycol monoallyl ether (DGME) was synthesized successfully. Then, a novel copolymeric surfactant was prepared by the free radical polymerization of TSBA and DGME in the presence of dioxane and azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as a solvent and initiator, respectively. Next, a series of polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (2-EHA) and polystyrene (PSt) latexes were successfully synthesized, each one throughout by the emulsion copolymerization in the presence of a copolymeric surfactant. This copolymeric surfactant exhibited excellent surface activity and the surface tension decreased with an increase in the concentration of the copolymeric surfactant.
Solvent-initiator compatibility and sensitivity of conversion of styrene homo-polymerization
Authors: Kehinde Abiola J. , Usman Mohammed A. , Owolabi Rasheed U.
Published: November 2013

Efforts were made to synthesize polystyrene (PS) using free radical solution polymerization. Four common solvents with dissimilar polarities, acetone, chloroform, benzene and toluene, with two different initiators, were selected. The homo-polymerization was conducted in an ace round-bottom pressure flask of diameter 62 mm, with a thermo well, which housed the thermometer. The reaction temperature was maintained at 120°C using a heater with a temperature controller, coupled with a magnetically driven stirrer. One hundred experimental runs of 8 different groups were carried out. Polymerization was conducted in the mass concentration of 0.1 g for each initiator [benzoyl peroxide (BPO) and its blend]. The key parameter considered is the volume ratio of monomer to solvents under different types of solvents, initiators and reaction time. Initially, there was an increase in conversion with the solvent volume and time, until a certain point where there was a gradual decline in monomer conversion. Polymerization rate and monomer conversion were observed to be higher in polar solvents (acetone). Further presented in this study is the macromolecular architecture (molecular weight) and micro-structure of some of the solution polymerized monomer. A kinetic model was also presented to predict the conversion with time profile of the polymerization process. Molecular weight determined were between acceptable ranges while the model presented though with considerable error margin but seems to respond just fairly at extremely low monomer conversion. Similar response was observed from earlier model reported in literature when tested with our experimental data.
Augmented-Reality-basierte Interaktion mit Smartphone-Systemen zur
Unterstützung von Servicetechnikern
Authors: Bockholt Ulrich , Wientapper Folker , Wuest Harald , Fellner Dieter
Published: November 2013

Smartphonesysteme erfordern neue Interaktionsparadigmen, die
die integrierte Sensorik auswerten (GPS, Inertial, Kompass), die
aber insbesondere auf die Smartphonekamera aufsetzten, mit der die
Umgebung aufgezeichnet wird. In diesem Zusammenhang liefern
Augmented Reality Verfahren großes Potential besonders für
industrielle Anwendung bei Wartungs- und
Instandsetzungsarbeiten.
Multimodale blickbasierte Interaktion
Authors: Pfeiffer Thies , Wachsmuth Ipke
Published: November 2013

Unsere Augen sind für die Wahrnehmung unserer Umwelt wichtig
und geben gleichzeitig wertvolle Informationen über unsere
Aufmerksamkeit und damit unsere Denkprozesse preis. Wir Menschen
nutzen dies ganz natürlich in der alltäglichen Kommunikation. Mit
einer echtzeitfähigen Blickbewegungsmessung ausgestattet können
auch technische Systeme den Nutzern wichtige Informationen von den
Augen ablesen. Der Artikel beschreibt verschiedene Ansätze wie in
der Konstruktion, der Instruktion von Robotern oder der Medizin
Blickbewegungen nutzbringend eingesetzt werden können.
Visuelle Perzeption für die multimodale Mensch-Maschine-Interaktion in und mit aufmerksamen Räumen
Authors: Voit Michael , van de Camp Florian , Ijsselmuiden Joris , Schick Alexander , Stiefelhagen Rainer
Published: November 2013

Im Rahmen des Fraunhofer-internen Attract-Förderprojektes
„Visuelle Perzeption für die Mensch-Maschine Interaktion –
Interaktion in und mit aufmerksamen Räumen” wird am Fraunhofer
IOSB an der Entwicklung interaktiver, wahrnehmender Umgebungen
gearbeitet, welche mit Kameras Personen, deren Position,
Körperhaltung, Kopfdrehung und Gestik in Echtzeit erfassen können.
Die gewonnene Information wird dazu genutzt, Personen bei Ihrer
Zusammenarbeit sowie bei der Interaktion, beispielsweise mit einer
großen Videowand oder anderen Geräten, zu unterstützen. Dieser
Artikel gibt einen Überblick über die im Rahmen des Projektes
entworfene Infrastruktur einer aufmerksamen Umgebung sowie
praxisnahe Anwendungsfälle, in denen die entwickelten Technologien
neuartige Lösungsansätze zur Optimierung bestehender Prozesse
ermöglichen.
Biosignale-basierte Mensch-Maschine Schnittstellen
Authors: Schultz Tanja , Amma Christoph , Wand Michael , Heger Dominic , Putze Felix
Published: November 2013

Menschliche Kommunikation basiert auf Signalen wie Sprache,
Mimik oder Gestik und deren Interpretation erscheint uns Menschen
sehr natürlich. Aus diesem Grund wird seit langem daran
geforscht, diese Fähigkeiten auf die Mensch-Maschine-Interaktion
(MMI) zu übertragen. Die Fokussierung auf die Imitation
menschlicher Kommunikation lässt allerdings außer Acht, dass
neuartige Sensoren mittlerweile Möglichkeit für Schnittstellen
eröffnen, die Informationen nutzen können, welche dem Menschen
unzugänglich sind. Dieser Artikel stellt laufende
Forschungsarbeiten im Bereich der biosignalbasierten
Mensch-Maschine Interaktion vor, wie beispielsweise „Airwriting“,
das dreidimensionale Bewegungen der Hand beim Schreiben in die
Luft erfasst und diese Eingabe in Text konvertiert, die Lautlose
Sprachkommunikation, die auf artikulatorischen Muskelbewegungen
basiert, sowie adaptive Interaktionssysteme, die Gehirnaktivitäten
des Benutzers interpretieren, um ermittelten mentalen Zustände wie
kognitive Aktivität und Arbeitsbelastung zur dynamischen Anpassung
des Systemverhaltens heranzuziehen. Das Ziel dieser Forschung ist
es, eine neue Generation von menschenzentrierten
Interaktionssystemen zu entwickeln, die sich den Bedürfnissen
seiner Nutzer anpassen, um so intuitive, effiziente, robuste und
adaptive Mechanismen zur Interaktion und Kommunikation mit
Maschinen und durch Maschinen zu realisieren.
Intravenous Magnesium Sulfate for Vaso-occlusive Episodes in Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Goldman Ran D. , Mounstephen William , Kirby-Allen Melanie , Friedman Jeremy N.
Published: November 2013

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Vaso-occlusive episodes (VOEs) are the most common complication of sickle cell disease in children. Treatment with magnesium seems to improve cellular hydration and may result in reduced vaso-occlusion. This study aimed to determine if intravenous (IV) magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) reduces length of stay (LOS) in hospital, pain scores, and cumulative analgesia when compared with placebo.

METHODS:

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in children aged 4 to 18 years requiring admission to hospital with a sickle cell disease VOE requiring IV analgesia. Participating children received IV MgSO4 (100 mg/kg) every 8 hours or placebo in addition to standard therapy. We used a t test or Mann-Whitney test (continuous variables), Fisher’s exact test, or χ2 test (frequencies). P values were considered significant if <.05, and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for the difference between groups.

RESULTS:

One hundred six children were randomly assigned to the study, and 104 were included. Fifty-one (49%) received MgSO4. Children’s mean age was 12.4 years (range: 4–18 years; SD: 3.8 years), and 56 (54%) were females. There was no significant difference in the primary outcome measure, LOS in hospital, with a mean of 132.6 and 117.7 hours in the MgSO4 and placebo groups, respectively (P = .41). There was no significant difference between groups for the secondary outcomes of mean pain scores (4.9 ± 2.6 vs 4.8 ± 2.6, respectively; P = .92) or analgesic requirements (continuous morphine infusion [P = .928], boluses of IV morphine [P = .82], acetaminophen [P = .34], ibuprofen [P = .15], naproxen [P = .10]). Only minor adverse events were recorded in both groups. Pain at the infusion site was more common in the MgSO4 group.

CONCLUSIONS:

IV MgSO4 was well tolerated but had no effect on the LOS in hospital, pain scores, or cumulative analgesia use in admitted children with a VOE.
The use of physiotherapy tools in medical treatment. The use of heat, light, electric, magnetic, ultrasound and shock wave therapy as well as medical massage in Hungarian medical practice
Authors: Bálint Géza , Bálint Péter
Published: November 2013

The authors overview the possible use of different modalities of passive physiotherapy in the Hungarian medical practice. These modalities can be used in most of the medical specialities as well as family practice, not only in the treatment of the musculoskeletal disorders and medical rehabilitation. Orv. Hetil., 154(48), 1905–1911.
Particle motion with air resistance
Authors: Sitkei Gy.
Published: November 2013

Motion of particles with air resistance (e.g. horizontal and inclined throwing) plays an important role in many technological processes in agriculture, wood industry and several other fields. Although, the basic equation of motion of this problem is well known, however, the solutions for practical applications are not sufficient. In this article working diagrams were developed for quick estimation of the throwing distance and the terminal velocity. Approximate solution procedures are presented in closed form with acceptable error. The working diagrams provide with arbitrary initial conditions in dimensionless form of general validity.
The use of the Er:YAG 2940nm laser associated with amorolfine lacquer in the treatment of onychomycosis
Authors: Morais Orlando Oliveira de , Costa Izelda Maria Carvalho , Gomes Ciro Martins , Shinzato Dayane Higa , Ayres Guilherme Marreta Cavalcanti , Cardoso Rayane Marques
Published: November 2013

Onychomycosis is a common disease, accounting for up to 50% of all ungual pathologies. We have been developing a clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01528813) using a 2940nm Er:YAG laser to fractionally ablate human nails in vivo, aiming to increase topical amorolfine lacquer delivery to the nail unit, increasing the efficacy of topical treatment of distal and lateral subungual onychomycosis. Partial results have shown an increase in areas of nail plate free of disease. We believe that ablative lasers can increase the efficacy of topical onychomycosis treatment.
Do you know this syndrome?
Authors: Meotti Carolina Degen , Pulga Raquel Fonseca Ferreira da Silva , Fernandes Karen de Almeida Pinto , Gusmao Paula Regazzi de , Fernandes Karina de Almeida Pinto , Rocha Ana Rita
Published: November 2013

Cowden's disease or multiple hamartoma syndrome is an autosomal dominant inherited disease and the main dermatological features are facial trichilemmomas (hamartomas of the follicular infundibula), oral fibroma and benign acral keratoses. The importance of this disease lays in the increased susceptibility to malignization of some lesions, especially breast, thyroid and genitourinary tract. Despite its varied phenotypic expression, this disease is generally unknown. Consequently, many cases are undiagnosed or diagnosis comes at a late stage, which reinforces the importance of an early investigation of the disease so the patient may have periodic check-ups to discover and treat malignancies.
Psoriasis: correlation between severity index (PASI) and systemic treatment
Authors: Silva Maria Flavia Pereira da , Fortes Maria Rita Parise , Miot Luciane Donida Bartoli , Marques Silvio Alencar
Published: November 2013

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin that affects patients of all ages andboth genders. The impact of the disease on quality of life is greater among patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. OBJECTIVE: to establish a correlation between the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) and theDermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) based on a quality of life questionnaire adapted to the Brazilian contextfor patients with plaque psoriasis before and after systemic treatment. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study of psoriasis patients who did not undergo treatment or who manifested clinical activity of the disease. Patients were evaluated according to the PASI and the quality of life questionnaire adapted to theBrazilian context before and 60 days after systemic treatment. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients participated in thestudy. Twenty-six were men, with a mean age of 46 years. There was no correlation between the PASI and thequality of life questionnaire adapted to the Brazilian context, but there was a correlation between the PASI andsome items of the quality of life questionnaire adapted to the Brazilian context, such as jobs involving public contact. CONCLUSION: The non-correlation between the PASI and the quality of life questionnaire adapted to the Brazilian context in this work may be associated with a history of chronic disease, which implies greater acceptance of the illness, or may be related to the low income and social status of the patients studied. The correlationobserved among patients with careers involving public contact suggests that some professions are more impacted by the disease. It may be necessary to adapt the quality of life questionnaire to patients with a low income andcultural and social limitations. The small sample size (n=35 patients) and the short follow-up period of 60 dayswere some of the limitations of this work.
Chronic graft-versus-host disease: clinical presentation of multiple lesions of lichenoid and atrophic pattern
Authors: Vasconcelos Luiza , Vieira Erica Cristina , Minicucci Eliana Maria , Salvio Ana Gabriela , Souza Mair Pedro de , Marques Mariangela Esther Alencar , Marques Silvio Alencar
Published: November 2013

Graft-versus-host disease is observed mainly in recipients of hematopoietic cell transplantation and is expressed by cutaneous or systemic signals and symptoms. Graft-versus-host disease is clinically classified as acute or chronic. Chronic Graft-versus-host disease occurs in up to 70% of hematopoietic cell transplanted patients and its clinical manifestations have important impact on morbidity and quality of life. The authors report an expressive cutaneous, oral and adnexal involvement in a patient with chronic Graft-versus-host disease with multiple lesions of lichenoid and atrophic pattern.
Folliculitis decalvans: the use of dermatoscopy as an auxiliary tool in clinical diagnosis
Authors: Fabris Mariana Rocha , Melo Clarisse Pereira , Melo Daniel Fernandes
Published: November 2013

Folliculitis decalvans is an inflammatory presentation of cicatrizing alopecia characterized by inflammatory perifollicular papules and pustules. It generally occurs in adult males, predominantly involving the vertex and occipital areas of the scalp. The use of dermatoscopy in hair and scalp diseases improves diagnostic accuracy. Some trichoscopic findings, such as follicular tufts, perifollicular erythema, crusts and pustules, can be observed in folliculitis decalvans. More research on the pathogenesis and treatment options of this disfiguring disease is required for improving patient management.
American cutaneous leishmaniasis: epidemiological profile of patients treated in Londrina from 1998 to 2009
Authors: Pontello Junior Rubens , Gon Airton dos Santos , Ogama Alessandra
Published: November 2013

BACKGROUND: American cutaneous leishmaniasis is a dermatozoonosis of compulsory notification with relevant morbidity. The disease is considered endemic in northern Paraná. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical, laboratory and epidemiological aspects of patients with American cutaneous leishmaniasis treated at Clinics Hospital, State University of Londrina, Brazil (Paraná). METHODS: This was an observational, cross-sectional, retrospective and descriptive study. The medical records of patients with American cutaneous leishmaniasis treated at the University Hospital of Londrina - Paraná, from 1998 to 2009 were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 470 patients, with prevalence of 8.72 cases / 100,000 inhabitants, participated in the study. Most patients were male, aged 21-40 years, with a single ulcerated lesion as the most common clinical presentation, located mainly in an exposed area of the body. With regard to immunological tests, the Montenegro intradermal reaction was positive in 84.4% of cases. Treatment with pentavalent antimony was well tolerated, and patient follow-up for a year occurred in 59% of cases. CONCLUSION: American cutaneous leishmaniasis is still an endemic disease in the region, with a high potential for morbidity, but with a cure rate of around 95% after treatment. The use of immunological techniques facilitates the diagnosis of clinically suspicious cases.
Atrophic dermatofibroma
Authors: Mota Amanda Nascimento C. de Macedo , Tortelly Violeta Duarte , Obadia Daniel Lago , Silva Roberto Souto da
Published: November 2013

Dermatofibroma is a benign fibrohistiocytic tumor, common and easily diagnosed when classical clinicopathologic features are present. The atrophic variant of dermatofibroma is of uncertain origin. This lesion is characterized clinically by a flat or atrophic and depressible surface. Histopathological features show reduction of the thickness of the dermis and elastic fibers. We report a typical case of this uncommon and probably underdiagnosed variant.
Characterization of salt consumption among hypertensives according to socio-demographic and clinical factors
Authors: Perin Milena Sia , Cornelio Marilia Estevam , Rodrigues Roberta Cunha Matheus , Gallani Maria Cecilia Bueno Jayme
Published: November 2013

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the relationship between the behaviors of salt consumption and socio-demographic and clinical variables. METHOD: sodium consumption was evaluated using the methods: self-reporting (considering 3 different behaviors related to salt consumption), 24- hr dietary recall, discretionary salt, food frequency questionnaire, estimation of total sodium intake and 24-hr urinary excretion of sodium (n=108). RESULTS: elevated salt intake according to the different measurements of consumption of the nutrient was associated with the variables: male sex, low level of schooling and monthly income, being Caucasian, and being professionally inactive; and with the clinical variables: elevated Body Mass Index, tensional levels, ventricular hypertrophy and the number of medications used. CONCLUSION: the data obtained shows a heterogenous association between the different behaviors related to salt consumption and the socio-demographic and clinical variables. This data can be used to optimize the directing of educational activities with a view to reducing salt consumption among hypertensives.
The experience of the illness and of the treatment for the person with systemic arterial hypertension: an ethnographic study
Authors: Fava Silvana Maria Coelho Leite , Zago Marcia Maria Fontao , Nogueira Maria Suely , Dazio Eliza Maria Rezende
Published: November 2013

OBJECTIVE: to interpret the meanings of the experience of the condition and of the treatment among people with arterial hypertension. METHOD: the authors adopted the frames of reference of interpretive and medical anthropology and of the ethnographic method. 22 people with arterial hypertension, and 10 Family Health Strategy health workers, all from Minas Gerais, participated. The authors used interviews, participant observation, focus groups, field diaries and analysis of medical records. Ethical precepts were respected. RESULTS: two nuclei of meaning emerged: "The condition as an expression of way of living", and "The perspective of the cure of the condition". Nervous problems represent the nosological and symptomatic categories, caused by the urban way of living. The participants are supported by the belief of the curing of the problem. The family, spirituality and religion constitute social support networks. The therapeutic routes interpenetrate for the cure of the problem. The 'folk' health subsystem constitutes an important route because it provides better well-being and remission of the symptoms. CONCLUSION: the gaps evidenced between the points of view of the health professionals and the interviewees allow one to re-think the praxis so as to provide comprehensive, contextualized and humanized care, which encourages the people's potential for living, for empowerment, and for self-care.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices of nurses and doctors about the vertical transmission of hepatitis B
Authors: Goncalves Isabela Cristina de Miranda , Goncalves Maria Jacirema Ferreira
Published: November 2013

OBJECTIVE: to identify knowledge, attitudes and practices of physicians and nurses of the Family Health Strategy and a maternity hospital unit about vertical transmission of hepatitis B. METHOD: a cross-sectional study with a self-administered questionnaire applied to professionals. The data were analyzed according to professional category and site of action, whose differences were tested by χ2 and significance <5%. RESULTS: professionals recognize viral hepatitis as a disease of compulsory notification; however, not everyone knows its mechanisms of transmission. A large portion of professionals requested serological tests, specifying the marker, especially physicians. The majority of family health nurses did not indicate hepatitis B vaccine for pregnant women, although they knew the immunization schedule. The majority of physicians on the maternity unit had proper knowledge about prevention of vertical transmission. CONCLUSION: the differences in the knowledge, attitudes and practices about vertical transmission of hepatitis B revealed that the population is at risk, since not all the professionals involved know or properly perform control strategies for vertical transmission of hepatitis B. Nurses dominated vaccination aspects and physicians dominated aspects related to the management of cases with positive serology.
Efficiency of Calatonia on clinical parameters in the immediate post-surgery period: a clinical study
Authors: Lasaponari Elaine Ferreira , Peniche Aparecida de Cassia Giani , Turrini Ruth Natalia Teresa , Grazziano Eliane da Silva
Published: November 2013

OBJECTIVE: to assess the efficiency of the Calatonia technique about clinical parameters and pain in the immediate post-surgical phase. METHOD: a randomised study was carried out with 116 patients subjected to a cholecystectomy, by laparoscopy, divided into an experimental group (58 patients) and a placebo group (58 patients). The experimental group received the Calatonia technique, while the placebo was only subjected to non-intentional touches. RESULTS: The placebo group and the experimental group were considered homogeneous in terms of the variables: sex, age, physical status classification, duration of surgical procedures and also the time spent recovering in the Post-Anaesthetic Recovery Room. The only variable to show a statistically significant difference was the axillary temperature of the body. In relation to pain, the experimental group showed significant results, and hence it is possible to deduce that the relaxation caused by the Calatonia technique brought some relief of the general situation of pain. CONCLUSION: The application of Calatonia can take up the function of a resource complementary to assistance in the period immediately after surgery. Brazilian Register of Clinical Trials, UTN U1111-1129-9629.
The association between the functional incapacity of the older adult and the family caregiver's burden
Authors: Nardi Edileuza de Fatima Rosina , Sawada Namie Okino , Santos Jair Licio Ferreira
Published: November 2013

OBJECTIVE: to identify the association between the older adult's functional capacity and the caregiver's burden. METHOD: a cross-sectional, quantitative study, undertaken in a municipality in the north of the Brazilian state of Paraná, with 178 older adults with functional incapacity, and their caregivers. The Functional Independence Measure was used for evaluating the older adults' functional capacity, and the Zarit Burden Interview was used for evaluating the caregiver burden, with the results being analyzed quantitatively. The majority of the older adults were females, widowed, with a mean age of 79.9 years old, and needing assistance for up to 50% of the daily living tasks. The majority of the caregivers were females, daughters, married, and had a mean age of 56.7 years old. RESULT: the majority of the caregivers reported moderate burden; the men presented higher probabilities of lower burden than the women; and the more independent the older adult was, the higher the probabilities of the caregiver having low burden. CONCLUSION: encouraging actions directed at the promotion of active and healthy ageing centered on the maintenance of functional capacity and the older adult's autonomy, and implanting strategies for the organizing of care in the home which include the caregiver's health, can contribute to minimizing the effects of burden and improve quality of life.
Relation between workplace accidents and the levels of carboxyhemoglobin in motorcycle taxi drivers
Authors: Silva Luiz Almeida da , Robazzi Maria Lucia do Carmo Cruz , Terra Fabio de Souza
Published: November 2013

OBJECTIVE: to investigate the relation between workplace accidents and the levels of carboxyhemoglobin found in motorcycle taxi drivers. METHOD: correlational, quantitative study involving 111 workers and data obtained in July 2012 through a questionnaire to characterize the participants and blood collection to measure carboxyhemoglobin levels. RESULT: 28.8% had suffered workplace accidents; 27.6% had fractured the lower limbs and significant symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure were verified in smokers. The carboxyhemoglobin levels were higher among smokers and victims of workplace accidents. CONCLUSION: motorcycle taxi drivers had increased levels of carboxyhemoglobin, possibly due to the exposure to carbon monoxide; these levels are also increased among smokers and victims of workplace accidents. The study provides advances in the knowledge about occupational health and environmental science, and also shows that carboxyhemoglobin can be an indicator of exposure to environmental pollutants for those working outdoors, which can be related to workplace accidents.
Women in nursing teams: organizational identification and experiences of pleasure and suffering
Authors: Vieira Adriane , Alves Marilia , Monteiro Plinio Rafael Reis , Garcia Fernando Coutinho
Published: November 2013

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the degree of influence of the organizational identification on the experiences of pleasure and suffering of women who are members of the nursing staff of two general hospitals in Belo Horizonte. METHOD: a quantitative study was conducted with 97 nurses and 414 nursing technicians chosen by convenience in their workplaces. We used a self-administered questionnaire containing four Likert-type scales: self and hetero-perceptions; identification with the organization; and experiences of pleasure and pain at work. RESULTS: the structural relations explained a small percentage of the variability of organizational identification, showing that the self and hetero-perception are presented as relevant factors in professional identification with the organization. When considering how much the self and the hetero-perception and organizational identification all together impact in the experiences of pleasure and pain, a higher explanatory power is observed for: professional exhaustion, lack of recognition, freedom of expression and professional achievement.
Study of Lipid profile in a population of university students
Authors: Freitas Roberto Wagner Junior Freire de , Araujo Marcio Flavio Moura de , Lima Adman Camara Soares , Pereira Dayse Christina Rodrigues , Alencar Ana Maria Parente Garcia , Damasceno Marta Maria Coelho
Published: November 2013

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the lipid profile in a population of university students. METHODS: cross-sectional study with 702 students, of both genders enrolled in various courses at a public university in Fortaleza-CE. The demographic data and data on lifestyle habits were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. The blood collection was performed in a clinical laboratory. RESULTS: showed a predominantly young population, with a mean age of 21.5 years with more females (62.7%). High levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol and cholesterol associated with low density lipoprotein (LDL-c) were found in 23.0%, 9.7% and 5.9% of students, respectively. The cholesterol associated with high density lipoprotein (HDL-c) was at reduced values in 12.0% of subjects and was significantly associated with smoking (p=0.0231) and physical inactivity (p=0.0357). CONCLUSION: changes in lipid profile are present in the young population and intervention studies should be encouraged in order to reduce the prevalence of cardiovascular disease in adulthood.
Record of hospitalizations for ambulatory care sensitive conditions: validation of the hospital information system
Authors: Rehem Tania Cristina Morais Santa Barbara , Oliveira Maria Regina Fernandes de , Ciosak Suely Itsuko , Egry Emiko Yoshikawa
Published: November 2013

OBJECTIVE: to estimate the sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values of the Unified Health System's Hospital Information System for the appropriate recording of hospitalizations for ambulatory care-sensitive conditions. METHOD: the hospital information system records for conditions which are sensitive to ambulatory care, and for those which are not, were considered for analysis, taking the medical records as the gold standard. Through simple random sampling, a sample of 816 medical records was defined and selected by means of a list of random numbers using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. RESULT: the sensitivity was 81.89%, specificity was 95.19%, the positive predictive value was 77.61% and the negative predictive value was 96.27%. In the study setting, the Hospital Information System (SIH) was more specific than sensitive, with nearly 20% of care sensitive conditions not detected. CONCLUSION: there are no validation studies in Brazil of the Hospital Information System records for the hospitalizations which are sensitive to primary health care. These results are relevant when one considers that this system is one of the bases for assessment of the effectiveness of primary health care.
Best practice of nurse managers in risk management
Authors: Costa Veridiana Tavares , Meirelles Betina Horner Schlindwein , Erdmann Alacoque Lorenzini
Published: November 2013

OBJECTIVE: to identify the actions, undertaken by nurse managers in a risk management program, considered as best practice. METHOD: a case study undertaken in a private hospital in the south of Brazil. A risk manager and nurse managers working in a risk management program participated in this study. The data was collected between May and September 2011 through analysis of documents, semi-structured interviews and non-participant observation. Based on the triangulation, the data was analyzed through practical measures. RESULTS: educational actions, the critical analysis of the context, and the multiple dimensions of the management were evidenced as best practice. CONCLUSIONS: the broadening of understanding regarding risk management best practice offers further support for nurse managers to achieve excellence in their actions and thus provide safe and quality care.
Motivations, contradictions and ambiguities in the leadership of nurses in management positions in a university hospital
Authors: Dall'Agnol Clarice Maria , Moura Gisela Maria Schebella Souto de , Magalhaes Ana Maria Muller de , Falk Maria Lucia Rodrigues , Riboldi Caren de Oliveira , Oliveira Andreia Peres de
Published: November 2013

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the contradictions and ambiguities which permeate nurses' motivation for exercising leadership in management positions, in a university hospital. METHOD: this study has a qualitative approach and is exploratory and descriptive, and used a total of 33 semi-structured interviews which were submitted to thematic analysis. RESULTS: the information converged on five categories: Motivation to take on a management position; The view of nursing managers on the exercising of leadership; The emblematic aspect of working with people; Leadership in nursing - mediatory and conciliatory; Time: a dilemma between managing and caring. CONCLUSION: leading people can be both a great encouragement, and an impeding aspect, bearing in mind the nuances of teamwork and the complexity of the context in which this process is constructed. In addition to this, conciliatory and mediatory attitudes are shown to be fundamental for a healthy and productive organizational atmosphere; however, the lack of time was indicated as a dilemma between managing and caring.
Bridging disciplines to better elucidate the evolution of early Homo sapiens in southern Africa
Authors: Lombard Marlize , Schlebusch Carina , Soodyall Himla
Published: November 2013

Elucidating the history of Homo sapiens has been a passion shared by many researchers spanning several decades. There are now overwhelming lines of evidence from genetic, archaeological, palaeoanthropological and, to some extent, palaeoenvironmental research, that place Africa as the region of origin of our species. The different fields of study use diverse types of data, and methods are subject to variances introduced by mutation rates, time estimates and/or sampling biases. All of these approaches have their respective shortcomings and error ranges and are accompanied by intense debate. Yet, it is timeous to review the most recent and salient highlights that the different approaches are contributing towards explaining our deep history and ancestry. It is, after all, one history, and consequently, there ought to be several convergent patterns between data sets. Our focus is to present an updated regional synthesis from each discipline for a specific window in time within the southern African context, namely between ~160 ka and 85 ka, and to speculate about possible connections between data sets for this period. Even though our focus is specific in time and space, it is not intended to consider southern Africa in isolation from the rest of Africa or to suggest a singular ‘origins’ locale for modern Homo sapiens. We hope that this integrated approach will stimulate discussions to include broader time periods within Africa and between continents.
Molecular characterisation of Mycoplasma gallisepticum genotypes from chickens in Zimbabwe and South Africa
Authors: Moretti Serena A. , Boucher Charlotte E. , Bragg Robert R.
Published: November 2013

Mycoplasma gallisepticum is an economically important pathogen of poultry worldwide. Yet the characterisation of M. gallisepticum field strains present in southern Africa has not previously been reported. We characterised various M. gallisepticum genotypes within the region and highlight the unique differences between two genotypes found in South Africa and Zimbabwe. PCR targeting a partial region of the mgc2 gene was used to screen various poultry farms in South Africa and Zimbabwe for M. gallisepticum. Samples were characterised using multilocus gene-targeted sequencing. Portions of the surface protein encoding pvpA, gapA and mgc2 genes and the uncharacterised surface lipoprotein gene designated MGA_0319 were sequenced and analysed. Nucleotide sequences were compared to vaccine and reference strains as well as to strains from different countries. The South African genotype contained unique mgc2 and pvpA gene regions, while the Zimbabwean genotype proved to be even more distinct with unique gapA, mgc2 and pvpA gene regions. In addition, BLAST results showed high similarities in the partial mgc2 gene region between the South African and Zimbabwean genotypes and the ‘atypical’ Israeli RV-2 strain, suggesting a link in its epidemiology. These results also allow for improved control strategies for southern Africa, and the use of more effective vaccine strains.