bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Etnografia: esteatégia metodológica utilizada para contextualizar o cenário cultural do CTI de um hospital universitário
Authors: Bastos Marisa Antonini Ribeiro
Published: December 2008

O presente trabalho é parte de um estudo etnográfico realizado em um CTI de um hospital universitário que teve o objetivo de descrever a cultura dos intensivistas. São apresentados domínios e taxonomias culturais elaborados a partir dos relatos dos intensivistas. Os resultados aqui apresentados demostraram que a etnografia é uma estratégia metodológica adequada para contextualização do cenário cultural sob o ponto de vista de quem vivencia o cotidiano do trabalho na terapia intensiva.
Políticas de saúde e de saúde mental no Brasil: a exclusão/inclusão social como intenção e gesto
Authors: Silva Ana Tereza de M. C. da , Barros Sônia , Oliveira Márcia Aparecida Ferreira de
Published: December 2008

Trata-se de um ensaio que focaliza as políticas de saúde mental como política de saúde no âmbito das políticas sociais no Brasil. Busca refletir as articulações entre sociedade/Estado/saúde no plano político estrutural e político específico, por meio do resgate histórico das referidas políticas, identificando as características e os problemas de cada momento.Conclui que há na atualidade, um embate entre duas estratégias de assistência psiquiátrica: a do modelo hegemônico, hospitalocéntrico, que seqüestra vidas, mutila corpos e mentes e mercantiliza a saúde, e a do modelo contra-hegemônico, que busca a ruptura pela crítica àquela lógica, para produzir a tolerância para com a diferença, na sociedade brasileira.
Educação conscientizadora do idoso diabético: uma proposta de intervenção do enfermeiro
Authors: Tavares Darlene Mara dos Santos , Rodrigues Rosalina A. Partezani
Published: December 2008

Este estudo teve como objetivo identificar as necessidades educativas dos idosos, de acordo com as suas percepções, elaborando uma proposta educativa. Os dados foram coletados de setembro de 96 a março de 97 e a amostra constituiu-se de 26 idosos diabéticos cadastrados na Associação dos Diabéticos de Uberaba - M.G. Utilizou-se a observação participante e a entrevista semi estruturada. Os dados foram analisados de acordo com os pressupostos dos temas geradores, segundo Paulo Freire. Os resultados mostraram que a Associação dos Diabéticos tem como objetivo a educação em saúde de seus freqüentadores. Emergiram quatro temas geradores: Diabetes mellitus tipo 2, Atenção nos serviços de saúde, Doenças associadas e O idoso diabético.
Infecção hospitalar e mortalidade
Authors: Turrini Ruth Natalia Teresa
Published: December 2008

Realizou-se estudo retrospectivo do registro de 69 óbitos ocorridos em hospital pediátrico em 1993 para identificar a relação da infecção hospitalar com o óbito. As principais infecções diagnosticadas foram as pneumonias e infecções de corrente sangüínea com um predomínio de bactérias gram-negativas. Em 30,4% das crianças, a infecção hospitalar foi causa direta do óbito e em 50,8% foi contribuinte. A infecção hospitalar foi mais importante como causa de óbito nos pacientes com afecção classificada como não fatal à admissão.
Instrumento de classificação de pacientes de Perroca: teste de confiabilidade pela concordância entre avaliadores - correlação
Authors: Perroca Marcia Galan , Gaidzinski Raquel Rapone
Published: December 2008

Esta pesquisa foi conduzida com o intuito de estudar, analisar e testar a confiabilidade do instrumento de classificação de pacientes proposto por Perroca (' ,baseado nas necessidades individualizadas de cuidado de enfermagem. O instrumento foi aplicado pelas enfermeiras lotadas na UTI de um hospital de ensino, em 50 pacientes escolhidos aleatoriamente. O coeficiente de correlação de Pearson foi utilizado para a avaliação do grau de concordância nos escores totais obtidos pelas enfermeiras. A análise de confiabilidade revelou que as correlações são altas e positivas entre os escores dados pelas enfermeiras.
Avaliação de tanques de escorva utilizados em substituição à válvula-de-pé em instalações de bombeamento
Authors: Betini Marcos O. , Zanini José R. , Foratto Leticia C. , Pereira Gener T.
Published: December 2008

A maioria das instalações de abastecimento de água utiliza bombas hidráulicas do tipo turbobombas, requerendo que o interior de sua carcaça e da tubulação de sucção esteja preenchido com água (escorvados) para que a sucção da água possa ser efetivada. O escorvamento das bombas pode ser efetuado instalando-as abaixo do reservatório de captação (bomba afogada). Quando a bomba está acima do reservatório e o escorvamento é manual, é necessário usar válvulas-de-pé, que são suscetíveis ao mau funcionamento, limitando a confiabilidade do sistema, principalmente em caso de automação. Como alternativa à válvula-de-pé, neste trabalho, foram estudados dois tanques escorva, testados no Laboratório de Hidráulica e Irrigação da FCAV/UNESP - Jaboticabal, avaliando-se situações de altura manométrica de sucção de bomba centrífuga e relações entre volume útil do tanque e volume do tubo de sucção, tendo-se concluído: a) o volume do tanque de escorva é função do volume do tubo de sucção da instalação de bombeamento e da altura manométrica de sucção; b) o volume do tanque de escorva pode ser calculado seguindo-se a Lei de Boyle, com percentagem de acréscimo que, neste estudo, foi de 10% para um modelo de tanque e de 30% para o segundo modelo.
Computational modeling for irrigated agriculture planning. Part I: general description and linear programming
Authors: Borges Júnior João C. F. , Ferreira Paulo A. , Andrade Camilo L. T. , Hedden-Dunkhorst Bettina
Published: December 2008

Linear programming models are effective tools to support initial or periodic planning of agricultural enterprises, requiring, however, technical coefficients that can be determined using computer simulation models. This paper, presented in two parts, deals with the development, application and tests of a methodology and of a computational modeling tool to support planning of irrigated agriculture activities. Part I aimed at the development and application, including sensitivity analysis, of a multiyear linear programming model to optimize the financial return and water use, at farm level for Jaíba irrigation scheme, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, using data on crop irrigation requirement and yield, obtained from previous simulation with MCID model. The linear programming model outputted a crop pattern to which a maximum total net present value of R$ 372,723.00 for the four years period, was obtained. Constraints on monthly water availability, labor, land and production were critical in the optimal solution. In relation to the water use optimization, it was verified that an expressive reductions on the irrigation requirements may be achieved by small reductions on the maximum total net present value.
Evaluation of alternative containers to determining the working width of fertilizer spreaders
Authors: Primo Marcelo A. , Gurgacz Flavio , Kunz Vilson L. , Primo Lucas I. , Furlan Fernando , Silva Suedêmio L. , Gabriel Filho Antonio
Published: December 2008

Farmers have difficult of determining the evenness of transverse distribution and the working width, due the tests with this aim require equipments and complex methodologies. So, this study evaluates some alternative containers with the aim to allow a more accessible adjustment of the full width of the solid fertilizer spreaders. Four different containers were tested: i) standard container constructed in accordance with ISO 5690/1; ii) container of polyethylene (plastic trays) with screen shading to prevent the ricochet of material; iii) containers composed by boxes of long-life milk, and iv) containers composed by flowerpots (number 3.5). Also, three different spreaders were used for the tests. Alternative containers showed greater retention of particles than the standardized containers. The full width of work obtained for the coefficients of variation of 12.5; 15; 17.5 and 20%, ranged due the containers in the different pathways. The flowerpots of polyethylene showed similar results to the standardized containers. The heights of the containers were more important for its efficiency than its area of collection.
Modificações morfométricas e do conteúdo protéico na obstrução experimental do cólon esquerdo
Authors: Aguilar-Nascimento José Eduardo de , Salomão Alberto Bicudo , Klein Erlon , Figueiredo Paulo Roberto Vieira de , Silva Maria Helena Gaiva Gomes da
Published: December 2008

OBJETIVO: Pouco se conhece a respeito das alterações colônicas que ocorrem em resposta à obstrução. O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar as modificações morfológicas e do conteúdo de colágeno e proteínas no cólon obstruído. MÉTODO: 36 ratos Wistar foram submetidos à ligadura obstrutiva do cólon esquerdo com um fio de algodão 2-0 a 2,5cm da reflexão peritoneal. Grupos de seis animais foram sacrificados logo em seguida (0h; grupo controle) ou após 6, 12, 24, 48 e 72 horas. O comprimento e o peso do cólon foram mensurados, assim como os diâmetros 1cm acima e abaixo da ligadura; na flexura esplênica e ceco. Desses mesmos pontos foram obtidas biópsias para quantificação da concentração de hidroxiprolina e proteínas. RESULTADOS: O comprimento colônico diminuiu entre a obstrução e as observações de 6, 12 e 24 horas, retornando a valores iniciais após 48 e 72 horas. No cólon proximal à ligadura ocorreu aumento de diâmetro a partir de 6 horas, 1cm acima, após 12 horas na flexura esplênica e após 24 horas no ceco. O peso do cólon aumentou após 48h (4,6 ± 0,5g vs 3,4 ± 1,1g; p < 0,05). Abaixo da ligadura obstrutiva não ocorreu variação no peso das biópsias, nas dosagens de hidroxiprolina e proteínas. Proximalmente, houve aumento no peso dos espécimes após 6 horas e na concentração de hidroxiprolina após 24 horas. A dosagem de proteínas diminuiu em todos os segmentos proximais. CONCLUSÕES: O cólon num primeiro momento se contrai para depois alongar-se, distender-se e tornar-se mais pesado. Ocorre queda na concentração normal de proteína tecidual e uma elevação transitória seguida de diminuição de colágeno na parede colônica.
Anastomose colônica com adesivo de fibrina em ratos diabéticos
Authors: Prado Filho Orlando Ribeiro , Fontes Carlos Edmundo Rodrigues , Seidel Amélia Cristina , Tomasi Monice Dall'Ago , Tomasi Heloise Dall'Ago
Published: December 2008

OBJETIVO: Estudar aspectos da cicatrização na anastomose colônica com adesivo de fibrina em ratos normais e diabéticos. MÉTODO: Foram utilizados 160 ratos Wistar (Rattus novergicus albinus), machos, com peso variando de 250 a 300g, sendo que oitenta destes animais eram não diabéticos e os outros oitenta animais apresentavam diabetes mellitus induzido pela aloxana, Os animais foram submetidos a procedimento operatório padronizado que consistiu em colectomia parcial esquerda e anastomose primária por sutura manual ou com adesivo de fibrina. Foram reavaliados no quarto ou sétimo dia de pós-operatório quando se observou a presença de coleção líquida ou purulenta na tela subcutânea; integridade da sutura; presença de aderências; presença de deiscência; resistência da anastomose (pressão máxima de insuflação) em mmHg, e a concentração tecidual de hidroxiprolina. RESULTADOS: Em relação à presença de deiscência de anastomose e mortalidade ocorreram piores resultados nos animais diabéticos no quarto e sétimo dias de observação em comparação ao controle. Nos grupos e subgrupos estudados os resultados com o uso do adesivo de fibrina não foram melhores que os da sutura manual. Em relação à concentração tecidual de hidroxiprolina não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos. CONCLUSÃO: O diabetes mellitus induzido pela aloxana impede a reparação normal da anastomose colônica em ratos e o uso adesivo de fibrina na anastomose colônica em ratos normais e diabéticos não trouxe benefícios na evolução pós-operatória.
A doença de Alzheimer: aspectos fisiopatológicos e farmacológicos
Authors: Sereniki Adriana , Vital Maria Aparecida Barbato Frazão
Published: December 2008

A doença de Alzheimer é a patologia neurodegenerativa mais freqüente associada à idade, cujas manifestações cognitivas e neuropsiquiátricas resultam em deficiência progressiva e incapacitação. A doença afeta aproximadamente 10% dos indivíduos com idade superior a 65 anos e 40% acima de 80 anos. Estima-se que, em 2050, mais de 25% da população mundial será idosa, aumentando, assim, a prevalência da doença. O sintoma inicial da doença é caracterizado pela perda progressiva da memória recente. Com a evolução da patologia, outras alterações ocorrem na memória e na cognição, entre elas as deficiências de linguagem e nas funções vísuo-espaciais. Esses sintomas são freqüentemente acompanhados por distúrbios comportamentais, incluindo agressividade, depressão e alucinações. O objetivo deste trabalho foi revisar, na literatura médica, os principais aspectos que envolvem a doença de Alzheimer, como as características histopatológicas, a neuroinflamação e a farmacoterapia atual.
Comprar compulsivo: revisão sistemática das opções terapêuticas
Authors: Tonelli Helio , Alvarez Cristiano Estevez , Bertolucci Cristina , Rosa Dayane Diomario
Published: December 2008

O presente estudo inclui ensaios clínicos randomizados, controlados ou não, a respeito do tratamento farmacológico de comprar compulsivo, publicados em inglês ou em português nas bases MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Biological Abstracts e Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. De todos os seis artigos selecionados, apenas dois eram estudos duplo-cegos controlados com placebo desde o princípio, e um terceiro era composto de uma fase inicial aberta seguida de uma segunda fase randomizada e placebo-controlada. É importante destacar que, em todos os estudos, pacientes com transtorno afetivo bipolar foram excluídos. Todos os ensaios envolveram amostras pequenas (variaram de 10 a 42 pacientes). De maneira geral, as evidências atualmente disponíveis a respeito do tratamento farmacológico de comprar compulsivo são pobres, em virtude da escassez de mais estudos metodologicamente bem conduzidos.
Práticas e desafios na preparação da produção em projetos de novos produtos de higiene pessoal
Authors: Tarallo Felipe Botta , Amaral Daniel Capaldo
Published: December 2008

A literatura sobre o processo de desenvolvimento de produtos (PDP) dedica pouca atenção à etapa de preparação dos meios de manufatura. Em certos produtos, porém, o diferencial tecnológico está justamente no processo de fabricação. É o caso de bens de consumo que se caracterizam pela produção em alto volume, predominando processos produtivos com elevado nível de automação. Este trabalho apresenta um estudo de caso em um produtor de bens de consumo para higiene pessoal, cuja característica principal é o volume de produção elevado. Partindo de uma análise detalhada do PDP, demonstram-se a importância desta etapa, as dificuldades enfrentadas pela empresa e questões de pesquisa relevantes. A análise contemplou a modelagem do processo de negócio, entrevistas com os principais atores e análise documental. Além de apresentar e discutir a experiência da empresa estudada, descrevem-se lacunas importantes na teoria gestão do desenvolvimento de produtos e recomendações para pesquisas futuras.
Conhecimento e inovação em sistemas locais de produção de revestimentos cerâmicos e os novos desafios da concorrência internacional
Authors: Scur Gabriela , Garcia Renato
Published: December 2008

Este trabalho tem como objetivo contribuir para a compreensão das novas dinâmicas de geração de conhecimento e inovação em sistemas locais de produção a partir dos desafios da concorrência internacional, por meio da realização de estudos em dois sistemas locais da indústria de cerâmica de revestimento no Brasil, um localizado em Santa Gertrudes/SP e outro em Criciúma/SC. O estudo mostrou que os principais movimentos que caracterizaram o cenário competitivo global no período recente foram a expansão da China no mercado internacional; a expansão da indústria espanhola, fortemente calcada na interação com seus fornecedores de colorifícios; e a perda de participação da indústria italiana, a despeito da forte presença da indústria de máquinas e equipamentos. Mesmo com esse contexto de acirramento da concorrência internacional, a indústria brasileira atravessou um período de expansão, com o crescimento concomitante do mercado doméstico e das exportações. Esse crescimento traduziu-se em um elevado dinamismo da indústria, que contou tanto com a expansão da oferta de revestimentos cerâmicos como com mudanças expressivas nos parâmetros técnico-produtivos das empresas, motivadas em grande parte por um conjunto de benefícios decorrentes da aglomeração das empresas.
Empresários e ação política no contexto das reformas para o mercado: o caso da aviação comercial
Authors: Monteiro Cristiano Fonseca
Published: December 2008

O artigo aborda as transformações no estilo de atuação política do empresariado do setor de aviação comercial no Brasil, analisando o padrão dos períodos anteriores e posteriores às reformas para o mercado. Especialmente a partir dos anos 1960, os empresários constituíram um padrão de atuação de natureza bastante particularista, marcado por uma relação direta com a burocracia estatal responsável pelo controle da atividade (o Departamento de Aviação Civil, ligado ao Ministério da Aeronáutica). Essa aproximação permitiu que os empresários desfrutassem de uma situação de mercado privilegiada, em um modelo regulatório voltado para as estabilidades financeira e operacional das poucas empresas existentes. Com a redemocratização, esse modelo passou a ser crescentemente desafiado. As políticas de combate à inflação, o questionamento do controle exercido pelos militares sobre o setor, o retorno dos trabalhadores à cena política, assim como a chegada ao poder de uma elite tecnocrática disposta a extinguir as conexões entre Estado e agentes econômicos, obrigaram os empresários a redefinir as suas estratégias. Assim, são analisados diferentes momentos da atuação empresarial na década de 1990 e nos primeiros anos do novo século, procurando mostrar como o novo ambiente, marcado pela incerteza política e pela crise econômica, abre espaço para posturas menos particularistas, acenando para questões como a competitividade das empresas e a maior abertura a fóruns públicos de interlocução, apostando mesmo no diálogo com trabalhadores e outros atores sociais.
Irmã de índio, mulher de branco: perspectivas femininas no alto rio Negro
Authors: Lasmar Cristiane
Published: December 2008

A posição "deslocada" das mulheres é um traço constitutivo da experiência social feminina no alto rio Negro, em contraste com a masculina, esta fortemente centrada na noção de "pertencimento". Tomando isso por pressuposto, realiza-se, neste artigo, uma reflexão sobre a experiência social das mulheres indígenas que residem na cidade de São Gabriel da Cachoeira, principal pólo urbano da bacia do alto rio Negro. Com base em análise etnográfica, discute-se o modo como os casamentos com brancos na cidade contribuem para o processo de transformação da experiência social feminina.
Crítica de cultura no feminino
Authors: Pontes Heloisa
Published: December 2008

O artigo analisa as inflexões de gênero no campo intelectual brasileiro, em sua interface com a crítica de cultura e literária, entre os anos de 1920 e 1960, por meio das trajetórias sociais de três mulheres expressivas, que fizeram "nome" como críticas de cultura, ensaístas e escritoras: Lúcia Miguel Pereira, Patrícia Galvão e Gilda de Mello e Souza. As três pertencem a gerações distintas e cobrem o espectro político da época: do comunismo ao socialismo, no caso de Patrícia Galvão, passando pelos círculos dos intelectuais católicos, no caso de Lúcia Miguel Pereira, ou mantendo certa distância destas questões e firmando uma identidade intelectual de tipo acadêmico, como Gilda de Mello e Souza. Vistas em conjunto e em meio aos constrangimentos derivados das relações de gênero, elas delineiam alguns dos espaços possíveis para a atuação intelectual das mulheres na época. Para não essencializar marcadores sociais que só ganham vigor analítico quando postos em relação, o artigo se fecha com uma comparação entre o campo intelectual e teatral, com o propósito de contrastar as oportunidades de carreiras e as maneiras distintas de fazer um "nome" que se abriram para as intelectuais e as atrizes no período.
Predictors of quality of life among patients on dialysis in southern Brazil
Authors: Bohlke Maristela , Nunes Diego Leite , Marini Stela Scaglioni , Kitamura Cleison , Andrade Marcia , Von-Gysel Maria Paula Ost
Published: December 2008

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Quality of life (QoL) is considered important as an outcome measurement, especially for long-term diseases such as chronic renal failure. The present study searched for predictors of QoL in a sample of patients undergoing dialysis in southern Brazil. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a cross-sectional study developed in three southern Brazilian dialysis facilities. METHODS: Health-related QoL of patients on hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis was measured using the generic Short Form-36 (SF-36) health survey questionnaire. The results were correlated with sociodemographic, clinical and laboratory variables. The analysis was adjusted through multiple linear regression. RESULTS: A total of 140 patients were assessed: 94 on hemodialysis and 46 on peritoneal dialysis. The mean age was 54.2 ± 15.4 years, 48% were men and 76% were white. The predictors of higher (better) physical component summary in SF-36 were: younger age (β-0.16; 95% confidence interval, CI: -0.27 to -0.05), shorter time on dialysis (β-0.06; 95% CI: -0.09 to -0.02) and lower Khan comorbidity-age index (β 5.16; 95% CI: 1.7-8.6). The predictors of higher mental component summary were: being employed (β 8.4; 95% CI: 1.7-15.1), being married or having a marriage-like relationship (β 4.56; 95% CI: 0.9-8.2), being on peritoneal dialysis (β 4.9; 95% CI: 0.9-8.8) and not having high blood pressure (β 3.9; 95% CI: 0.3-7.6). CONCLUSIONS: Age, comorbidity and length of time on dialysis were the main predictors of physical QoL, whereas socioeconomic issues especially determined mental QoL.
Kidney failure in the elderly due to hypothyroidism: a case report
Authors: Silva Graziela Cristina Pichinin Ledo , Carneiro Jaqueline Brotto , Tardelli Cecília Carboni , Risso Maviane , Ventura Mauricio de Miranda
Published: December 2008

CONTEXT: Hypothyroidism is more prevalent in the elderly and its symptoms can be confused with other changes due to aging. Doctors caring for the elderly need to be attentive to this diagnostic possibility. This case report case is notable not only because it presents a rare complication of hypothyroidism (kidney failure), but also because patients with chronic kidney failure of any etiology may suffer increased renal dysfunction as a result. CASE REPORT: This was a 66-year-old male outpatient with a history of generalized edema over the preceding eight years, with periods of worsening, that was intractable to treatment with diuretics. Physical examination revealed bradycardia (heart rate: 52 bpm), pallor, dry and infiltrated skin, macroglossia, edema in the lower limbs and a palpable thyroid with hard consistency. Laboratory tests showed: creatinine 3.9 mg/dl; urea 95 mg/dl; potassium 6.0 mEq/l; thyroid-stimulating hormone > 100 mUI/ml; triiodothyronine 0.01 ng/dl; free thyroxin 0.01 ng/dl; antithyroglobulin 31 IU/ml (normal values: < 40 IU/ml); antithyroperoxidase 85 IU/ml (normal values: < 15 IU/ml); creatinine clearance 30 ml/min/1.73 m²; and proteinuria 122 mg/24 h. After five months of treatment with thyroxin (100 mcg/day), the patient returned without any symptoms and presented the following test results: urea 48 mg/dl; creatinine 1.4 mg/dl; creatinine clearance 67 ml/min/1.73 m²; potassium 4.2 mEq/l; thyroid-stimulating hormone: 20.85 mUI/ml; free thyroxin: 0.71 ng/dl. Hypothyroidism alone can cause renal impairment or worsen renal function in preexisting illnesses. Its treatment can stabilize the clinical condition, or possibly improve it.
Ginecomastia: um efeito colateral raro da isoniazida
Authors: Morrone Nelson , Morrone Junior Nelson , Braz Alessandra Garcia , Maia José Antonio Freire
Published: December 2008

Relata-se o caso de um paciente que desenvolveu ginecomastia duas vezes após tratamento para tuberculose. Homem de 18 anos de idade foi tratado com o esquema isoniazida-rifampicina-pirazinamida; no terceiro mês desenvolveu ginecomastia bilateral, dolorosa, com regressão parcial ao final do tratamento. Foi retratado oito anos após com o mesmo regime, e a ginecomastia recorreu após seis meses de tratamento. Dosagens hormonais foram normais, e a mamografia revelou ginecomastia bilateral. A isoniazida foi suspensa, tendo a ginecomastia regredido parcialmente no final do tratamento. Quatro anos após, não foi constatada ginecomastia. Conclui-se que a ginecomastia relacionada à isoniazida regride totalmente após a suspensão da droga e, portanto, o tratamento cirúrgico ou medicamentoso deve ser evitado.
Changes and Predictive and Prognostic Value of the Mitotic Index, Ki-67, Cyclin D1, and Cyclo-oxygenase-2 in 710 Operable Breast Cancer Patients Treated with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Penault-Llorca Frédérique , Abrial Catherine , Raoelfils Inès , Chollet Philippe , Cayre Anne , Mouret-Reynier Marie-Ange , Thivat Emilie , Mishellany Florence , Gimbergues Pierre , Durando Xavier
Published: December 2008

The current study expands upon previous work using a database of 710 patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. First, we studied phenotypic characteristics of tumors before and after chemotherapy using the following factors: the mitotic index of the Scarff–Bloom–Richardson grade, Ki-67, cyclin D1, and cyclo-oxygenase-2. Second, the predictive value of these factors on response was assessed. Third, we measured the prognostic impact of these markers post-therapy in comparison with clinical and pathological responses according to the Chevallier and Sataloff classifications.

Patients were treated using different neoadjuvant chemotherapy combinations, mainly in successive prospective phase II trials. They received a median number of six cycles (range, 1–9). After neoadjuvant chemotherapy, patients underwent surgery and radiotherapy. In cases of important residual disease, some received additional courses of chemotherapy. In addition, menopausal patients with hormone receptor–positive tumors received tamoxifen for 5 years.

According to our analysis, we found significant variations before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy only for cyclin D1 and the mitotic index. Concerning the predictive value of biomarkers for response, Ki-67 and the mitotic index were predictive on univariate analysis, both for objective clinical and pathological complete responses. Because these two factors were correlated, no multivariate analyses were conducted. We then assessed the prognostic impact of the biopathological factors. When the factors were measured before chemotherapy, all were prognostic. When evaluated after chemotherapy, the mitotic index, objective clinical response, and pathological complete response were prognostic. Because these factors were correlated, no multivariate model was done.

The main clinical fact is that there were significant correlations between clinical and pathological responses and variations in the biological factors studied.
Multidisciplinary Strategy for Managing Cardiovascular Risks When Treating Patients with Early Breast Cancer
Authors: Lenihan Daniel J. , Esteva Francisco J.
Published: December 2008

Adjuvant systemic therapies for the treatment of early-stage breast cancer (EBC) effectively treat the tumor and significantly decrease the risk for recurrence. However, some of these treatments are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular adverse events. Cardiovascular complications related to cancer therapy may be a prominent concern in postmenopausal women with existing cardiovascular disease or in those who are at high risk for developing cardiovascular disease. The increased risk for cardiac toxicity in women receiving radiation, anthracyclines, and/or trastuzumab for the adjuvant treatment of EBC is well established. The risk of thromboembolic disease is higher in patients with estrogen receptor–positive EBC receiving tamoxifen in the adjuvant setting, whether it is given before or instead of an aromatase inhibitor. In addition, while available data suggest no substantial differences in the risk for ischemic cardiovascular events between aromatase inhibitors and tamoxifen, investigation is still ongoing. Based on this information, it is important for health care providers to understand the cardiovascular risks of treatment and how to monitor at-risk patients, particularly when multiple agents are used in combination or in succession. Improving cardiovascular outcomes in patients with EBC requires cardiovascular risk assessment, management, and long-term follow-up care. Because of the multimodal treatment of EBC patients, their care requires a multidisciplinary approach to reduce not only the risk for breast cancer recurrence but also the risk for treatment-related cardiac toxicities.
Modelling of Pb release during Portland cement alteration
Authors: Bénard A. , Rose J. , Hazemann J.-L. , Proux O. , Trotignon L. , Borschneck D. , Nonat A. , Chateau L. , Bottero J.-Y.
Published: December 2008

Complex cementitious matrices undergo weathering with environmental exchange and can release metallic pollutants during alteration. The molecular mechanisms responsible for metal release are difficult to identify, though this is necessary if such processes are to be controlled. The present study determines and models the molecular mechanisms of Pb release during Portland cement leaching. As Pb release is strongly related to its speciation (i.e. atomic environment and the nature of bearing phases), the first objective of the present study was to investigate the evolution of Pb retention sites together with the evolution of the cement mineralogy during leaching. Complementary and efficient investigation tools were used, namely X-ray diffraction, micro-X-ray fluorescence and X-ray absorption fine structures. The second objective was to reproduce our results with a reactive transport code (CHESS/HYTEC) in order to test the proposed speciation model of Pb. Combined results indicate that in both the unaltered core and the altered layer of the leached cement, Pb(II) would be retained through C–S–H ’nano-structure', probably linked to a Q1 or Q2P silicate tetrahedra. Moreover in the altered layer, the presence of Fe atoms in the atomic environment of Pb is highly probable. Unfortunately little is known about Fe phases in cement, which makes the interpretation difficult. Can Fe-substituted hydrogranet (C3AH6) be responsible for Pb retention? Modelling results were consistent with Pb retention through C–S–H in layers and also in an additional, possibly Fe-containing, Pb-retention phase in the altered layer.
Electrochemical incineration of vinasse in filter-press-type FM01-LC reactor using 3D BDD electrode
Authors: Nava J. L. , Recéndiz A. , Acosta J. C. , González I.
Published: December 2008

This work shows results obtained in the electrochemical incineration of a synthetic vinasse with initial chemical oxygen demand (COD) of 75.096 g L−1 in aqueous media (which resembles vinasse industrial wastewater). Electrolyses in a filter-press-type FM01-LC electrochemical reactor equipped with a three-dimensional (3D) boron doped diamond electrode (BDD) were performed at Reynolds values between 22 ≤ Re ≤ 109, and a fixed current density of 10 mA cm−2. The electrochemical incineration achieved up to 97% in vinasse mineralization with current efficiencies that surpass unity and energy consumption of 168 KW-h m−3, at Re =109. The mineralization of vinasse indicates that such degradation occurs via hydroxyl radicals formed by the oxidation of water on the BDD surface. Experimental data revealed that hydrodynamic conditions slightly influence the vinasse degradation rate and current efficiency, indicating that the oxidation involves a complex pathway.
Application of water framework directive in Hungary: development of biological classification systems
Authors: Szilágyi F. , Ács É. , Borics G. , Halasi-Kovács B. , Juhász P. , Kiss B. , Kovács T. , Müller Z. , Lakatos G. , Padisák J. , Pomogyi P. , Stenger-Kovács C. , Szabó K. É. , Szalma E. , Tóthmérész B.
Published: December 2008

The classification according to the Water Framework Directive (WFD) includes numerous challenges in contrast with the previously applied water qualification standards. The most important element of the ecological status, the biological one, is based on five groups of living organisms: phytoplankton, phytobenthon, macrophytes, macro-invertebrates and fish. The results of a three-year research project financed by the Ministry of Environment and Water (MoEW) and the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (HAS) are reported in this work. The objective of the project was the elaboration of a proposal for biological classification according to the WFD for the related groups of living organisms. In the course of the project the biological characteristics to be measured were selected for each of the above listed groups which served as the basic data for Biological Quality Elements (BQEs). In the BQEs we estimated the type-specific reference values for most of the Hungarian surface water types. Then we created the structure of the qualification system for these groups, including specification of class boundaries between the five classes for the Environmental Quality Ratio (EQR) values on the basis of expert estimation. A Non-Taxonomic Periphyton Index (NTPI, not included in the WFD) was also developed and tested for qualification. The elaborated classification systems were tested on the basis of existing scarce data for numerous Hungarian water types.
Microbial diversity and population dynamics of activated sludge microbial communities participating in electricity generation in microbial fuel cells
Authors: Ki D. , Park J. , Lee J. , Yoo K.
Published: December 2008

In this study, we performed microbial community analysis to examine microbial diversity and community structure in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) seeded with activated sludge from a municipal wastewater treatment plant in South Korea. Because anode-attached biofilm populations are particularly important in electricity transfer, the ecological characteristics of anode-attached biofilm microbes were explored and compared with those of microbes grown in suspension in an anode chamber. 16S rDNA-based community analysis showed that the degree of diversity in anode-attached biofilms was greater than that of the originally seeded activated sludge as well as that of the suspension-grown microbes in the anode bottle. In addition, Bacteroidetes and Clostridia grew preferentially during MFC electricity generation. Further phylogenetic analysis revealed that the anode biofilm populations described in this work are phylogenetically distant from previously characterized MFC anode biofilm microbes. These findings suggest that a phylogenetically diverse set of microbes can be involved in the electricity generation of MFC anode compartments, and that increased microbial diversity in anode biofilms may help to stabilize electricity production in the MFC.
Long-term impacts of pasture irrigation with treated sewage effluent on shallow groundwater quality
Authors: Gwenzi W. , Munondo R.
Published: December 2008

The study investigated the effects of 26 years of effluent irrigation on chemical and bacteriological quality of shallow (<3.0 m) groundwater. Annual loading rates for N and P exceeded pasture requirements, while trace metals were either lower or higher than guideline limits. Effluent irrigation removed TN (44–71%), TP (80%), Cr (96%) and coliform bacteria (87–99.9%) while Zn, Cu and Cd removal was negligible probably due to their enhanced mobility. Analysis of groundwater samples from effluent-irrigated and non-irrigated control sites showed that effluent irrigation increased the levels of all measured parameters compared to the control. Average groundwater quality parameters from effluent-irrigated sites compared to the control were: pH (6.1 vs. 5.7), EC (0.71 vs. 0.53 dS m−1), concentrations (mg L−1) for TP (2.3 vs. 0.3), DP (1.0 vs. 0.1), TN (15.1 vs. 2.5), NH4–N (2.6 vs. 0.5), NO3–N (4.1 vs. 1.3), Zn (0.4 vs. 0.05), Cu (0.13 vs. 0.02), Cd (0.05 vs. 0.01) and Cr (0.06 vs. 0.03). Across effluent-irrigated sites, FC and TC were 25 and 288 cfu/100 ml, respectively, versus nil for the control. Overall, effluent irrigation led to groundwater contamination by N, P, trace metals and coliform bacteria, which could threaten the long-term sustainability of the practice.
Comparative reductions of bacterial indicators, bacteriophage-infecting enteric bacteria and enteroviruses in wastewater tertiary treatments by lagooning and UV-radiation
Authors: Gomila Margarita , Solis Javier J. , David Zoyla , Ramon Cristina , Lalucat Jorge
Published: December 2008

A two-year monitoring program of microbiological and physical–chemical parameters at 2 waste water treatment plants (WWTPs) in Mallorca (Spain) was performed in order to (1) evaluate the efficiency of lagooning and UV radiation as tertiary treatment processes; (2) determine the characteristics of wastewater effluent for its potential agricultural reuse; and (3) establish correlations between bacteriological and virological parameters. The presence of currently established bacterial indicators (total coliforms, faecal coliforms, Escherichia coli, enterococci, and spores of sulphite-reducing clostridia), virological (enteroviruses, somatic coliphages, F-specific coliphages, and phages infecting Bacteroides fragilis and Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron), and helminth eggs were tested during this study. Bacterial and viral indicators were removed at least with one log reduction in the lagooning system, and to a lesser extent with UV-radiation treatment. The lagooning system was less efficient in removing phages and viruses than were bacterial indicators, with the exception of F-specific phages. Phages of B. fragilis and B. thetaiotaomicron were less removed than all of the other microbiological parameters. In the UV-radiation treatment, however, the faecal coliforms proved the most sensitive, while clostridial spores, somatic coliphages, Bacteroides phages, and enteric viruses were the more resistant. Helminth eggs were not detected in any samples from effluents of either the secondary or tertiary treatments.

Indicator levels in both treatments met the established regulations of both local and national authorities for the disposal or reuse of wastewater in irrigation for non-human crop. We demonstrate that somatic coliphages are effective indicators of enteric viruses in both of the WWTPs studied.
Water quality improvement by implementation of Proposition O in the Los Angeles river watershed, California
Authors: Park Mi-Hyun , Pincetl Stephanie , Stenstrom Michael K.
Published: December 2008

Proposition O was created to help the City of Los Angeles comply with the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) requirements under the Clean Water Act. In this study, the effectiveness of the Proposition O projects in Los Angeles River watershed was examined to show whether it achieves the goal of meeting water quality standards. Our analysis shows the most effective single project will remove at most 2% of pollutant loads from Los Angeles River Watershed and will not achieve TMDL compliance, although several projects can make important contributions to achieve compliance. The ranking results show that the projects that treat the runoff from the largest drainage area have the greatest impact on the water quality of Los Angeles river.
Atrazine remediation in agricultural infiltrate by bioaugmented polyvinyl alcohol immobilized and free Agrobacterium radiobacter J14a
Authors: Siripattanakul Sumana , Wirojanagud Wanpen , McEvoy John M. , Casey Francis X. M. , Khan Eakalak
Published: December 2008

Bench-scale sand column breakthrough experiments were conducted to examine atrazine remediation in agricultural infiltrate by Agrobacterium radiobacter J14a (J14a) immobilized in phosphorylated-polyvinyl alcohol compared to free J14a cells. The effects of cell loading and infiltration rate on atrazine degradation and the loss of J14a were investigated. Four sets of experiments, i) tracers, ii) immobilized dead cells, iii) immobilized cells, and iv) free cells, were performed. The atrazine bioremediation at the cell loadings of 300, 600, and 900 mg dry cells l−1 and the infiltration rates of 1, 3, and 6 cm d−1 were tested for 5 column pore volumes (PV). The atrazine breakthrough results indicated that the immobilized dead cells significantly retarded atrazine transport. The atrazine removal efficiencies at the infiltration rates of 1, 3, and 6 cm d−1 were 100%, 80–97%, and 50–70% respectively. Atrazine remediation capacity for the immobilized cells was not significantly different from the free cells. Both infiltration rate and cell loading significantly affected atrazine removal for both cell systems. The bacterial loss from the immobilized cell system was 10 to 100 times less than that from the free cell system. For long-term tests at 50 PV, the immobilized cell system provided consistent atrazine removal efficiency while the atrazine removal by the free cells declined gradually because of the cell loss.
Estimation of the impact of particulate organic matter drained from a freshwater reservoir on the sea using diatom tracking
Authors: Shiratani Eisaku , Kiri Hirohide , Shimokawa Hiroaki , Yokoyama Yoshihiro , Nakashima Masataka
Published: December 2008

We estimated the extent of suspended solids (SS) and particulate organic matter (POM) discharged from a freshwater reservoir, called the Isahaya Reservoir, into a sea area by tracking the diatom frustules produced in the reservoir. The estimation method is based on the fact that Skeletonema subsalsum and S. costatum, are the predominant diatoms in the reservoir and the sea, respectively, and the discharged SS and POM contain the freshwater diatom, S. subsalsum, and that the diatom frustules remain undecomposed in the environment even after the plankton decays. The results of the sediment trap experiment and bottom sediment survey showed that the distribution of diatom frustules in the bottom sediment had good agreement with that in the water column in the sea, and the greatest amounts of the drained SS and POM were estimated to have reached and settled down on the bottom sediment in the sea area within approximately 2 km from the drainage gates of the reservoir.
Importance of diffuse pollution control in the Patzcuaro Lake Basin in Mexico
Authors: Carro Marco Mijangos , Dávila Jorge Izurieta , Balandra Antonieta Gómez , López Rubén Hernández , Delgadillo Rubén Huerto , Chávez Javier Sánchez , Inclán Luís Bravo
Published: December 2008

In the catchment area of the Lake Patzcuaro in Central Mexico (933 km2) the apportionments of erosion, sediment, nutrients and pathogen coming from thirteen micro basins were estimated with the purpose of identifying critical areas in which best management practices need to be implemented in order to reduce their contribution to the lake pollution and eutrophication. The ArcView Generalized Watershed Loading Functions model (AV-GWLF) was applied to estimate the loads and sources of nutrients. The main results show that the total annual contribution of nitrogen from point sources were 491 tons and from diffuse pollution 2,065 tons, whereas phosphorus loads where 116 and 236 tons, respectively during a thirty year simulation period. Micro basins with predominant agricultural and animal farm land use (56% of the total area) accounts for a high percentage of nitrogen load 33% and phosphorus 52%. On the other hand, Patzcuaro and Quiroga micro basins which comprise approximately 10% of the total catchment area and are the most populated and visited towns by tourist 686,000 people every year, both contributes with 10.1% of the total nitrogen load and 3.2% of phosphorus. In terms of point sources of nitrogen and phosphorus the last towns contribute with 23.5% and 26.6% respectively. Under this situation the adoption of best management practices are an imperative task since the sedimentation and pollution in the lake has increased dramatically in the last twenty years.
Reductive characteristics of washed-off pollution loads by best management practices
Authors: Ha Sung Ryong , Lee Seung Chul
Published: December 2008

Best management practices (BMPs) were used to reduce the NPS in various fields. The Korean Ministry of Environment has developed a total maximum daily load (TMDL) and adapted it to prevent water resources from pollutants in four major rivers. However, many water bodies in Korea are still polluted. It is anticipated that the NPS pollution flows into the water bodies without treatment. Nowadays, BMPs are enforced to reduce the NPS pollutant in Korean TMDL.This paper analyzes the characteristics of the reduced pollution loads by two different BMPs. We also calculate the reduced pollutant mass and the reduced pollutant loading rate to help make a plan for the pollution reduction in the Korean TMDL.The characteristics of the pollutant reduction in the BMPs were revealed through analysis of the EMC, first flush phenomenon and reduced pollution loads. Integrated facilities which combined two facilities were more effective to reduce the pollutant than the single and it was better to remove the beginning of the runoff as a first flush effectively than treat all runoff in the facilities.
Nitrate removal by entrapped zero-valent iron nanoparticles in calcium alginate
Authors: Krajangpan Sita , Bermudez Juan J. Elorza , Bezbaruah Achintya N. , Chisholm Bret J. , Khan Eakalak
Published: December 2008

Zero-valent iron nanoparticles (nZVI) were successfully entrapped in calcium alginate beads. The potential use of this technique in environmental remediation using nitrate as a model contaminant was investigated. Kinetics of nitrate degradation using bare nZVI (∼35 nm dia) and entrapped nZVI were compared. Calcium alginate beads show promise as the entrapment medium for nZVI for possible use in permeable reactive barriers for groundwater remediation. Based on scanning electron microscopy images it can be inferred that the alginate gel cluster acts as a bridge that binds the nZVI particles together. Kinetic experiments with 100, 60, and 20 mg NO3−-N L−1 indicate that 50–73% nitrate-N removal was achieved with entrapped nZVI as compared to 55–73% with bare nZVI over a 2 h period. The controls ran simultaneously show little or no NO3−-N removal. Statistical analysis indicates that there was no significant difference between the reaction rates of bare and entrapped nZVI. The authors have shown for the first time that nZVI can be effectively entrapped in Ca-alginate beads and no significant decrease in the reactivity of nZVI toward the model contaminant (nitrate here) was observed after the entrapment.
Joint Market of Energy and Reserves Requirements considering Lost Opportunity Cost
Authors: Aghaei Jamshid , Jadid Shahram , Shayanfar Heidarali , Derakhshan Ghasem
Published: December 2008

A detailed Mixed Integer Non-Linear Programming (MINLP) formulation for the provision of ancillary services - AGC, spinning, non-spinning and operating reserves- as well as energy in simultaneous auctions by integrated market systems are presented. The paper provides clear definitions of lost opportunity cost for ancillary services in terms of the market clearing price (MCP) and evaluates the conditions under which opportunity costs are incurred to units that provide reserve requirements. It is particularly shown that the inclusion of these units' Lost Opportunity Cost (LOC) in the optimization objective function (offered cost minimization or augmented social welfare maximization) improves market efficiency and provides valuable economic insights. The model has been applied to the hypothetical 15-machine system with constant loads and IEEE 30-bus test system with varying loads and detailed simulation studies have been carried out to examine the performance of the proposed scheme.