bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid S-Nitrosylation of Actin by NO-Generating Donors and in Inflammatory Pain Model Mice
Authors: Lu Jingshan , Katano Tayo , Uta Daisuke , Furue Hidemasa , Ito Seiji
Published: December 2011

Background:

S-Nitrosylation, the reversible post-translational modification of reactive cysteine residues in proteins, has emerged as an important mechanism by which NO acts as a signaling molecule. We recently demonstrated that actin is a major S-nitrosylated protein in the spinal cord and suggested that NO directly attenuates dopamine release from PC12 cells by causing the breakdown of F-actin. However, the occurrence of S-nitrosylation of actin remained unclarified in animal pain model. Kinetic analysis of S-nitrosylation of actin in the present study was made by using NO-generating donors. The biotin-switch assay and purification on streptavidin-agarose were employed for identification of S-nitrosylated actin.

Results:

Dopamine release from PC12 cells was markedly attenuated by NOR1 ( t1/2 = 1.8 min) and much less by NOR3 ( t1/2 = 30 min), but not by S-nitroso-glutathione, an endogenous NO donor. A membrane-permeable cGMP analogue could not substitute for NOR1 as a suppressor nor could inhibitors of soluble guanylate cyclase and cGMP-dependent protein kinase attenuate the suppression. S-Nitrosylated actin was detected by the biotin-switch assay at 5 min after the addition of NOR1. Consistent with the kinetic analysis, actin in the spinal cord was rapidly and maximally S-nitrosylated in an inflammatory pain model at 5 min after the injection of 2% formalin into the hind paws. In vivo patch-clamp recordings of the spinal dorsal horn, NOR3 showed an inhibitory action on inhibitory synaptic transmission in interneurons of the substantia gelatinosa.

Conclusions:

The present study demonstrates that rapid S-nitrosylation of actin occurred in vitro in the presence of exogenous NO-generating donors and in vivo in inflammatory pain model mice. Our data suggest that, in addition to the well-known cGMP-dependent protein kinase pathway, S-nitrosylation is involved in pain transmission via disinhibition of inhibitory neurons.
Bush animal attacks: management of complex injuries in a resource-limited setting
Authors: Mitchell Katrina B , Kotecha Vihar R , Chandika Alphonce
Published: December 2011

Introduction

Though animal-related injuries and fatalities have been documented throughout the world, the variety of attacks by wild animals native to rural East Africa are less commonly described. Given the proximity of our northwestern Tanzania hospital to Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika, and the Serengeti National Park, and presentation of several patients attacked by bush animals and suffering a variety of complex injuries, we sought to report the pattern of attacks and surgical management in a resource-limited setting.

Materials and methods

Four patients who were admitted to the northwestern Tanzania tertiary referral hospital, Bugando Medical Centre (BMC), in 2010-2011 suffered attacks by different bush animals: hyena, elephant, crocodile, and vervet monkey. These patients were triaged as trauma patients in the Casualty Ward, then admitted for inpatient monitoring and treatment. Their outcomes were followed to discharge.

Results

The age and gender of the patients attacked was variable, though all but the pediatric patient were participating in food gathering or guarding activities in rural locations at the time of the attacks. All patients required surgical management of their injuries, which included debridement and closure of wounds, chest tube insertion, amputation, and external fixation of an extremity fracture. All patients survived and were discharged home.

Discussion

Though human injuries secondary to encounters with undomesticated animals such as cows, moose, and camel are reported, they often are indirect traumas resulting from road traffic collisions. Snake attacks are well documented and common. However, this series of unique bush animal attacks describes the initial and surgical management of human injuries in the resource-limited setting of the developing world.

Conclusion

Animal attacks are common throughout the world, but their pattern may vary in Africa throughout jungle and bush environmental settings. It is important to understand the management of these attacks in resource-limited health care environment. Further, the growing population and human encroachment on previously wild habitats such as the northwestern Tanzania bush argues for increased community awareness to assist in prevention of human injuries by animals.
A chemokine gene expression signature derived from meta-analysis predicts the pathogenicity of viral respiratory infections
Authors: Chang Stewart T , Tchitchek Nicolas , Ghosh Debashis , Benecke Arndt , Katze Michael G
Published: December 2011

Background

During respiratory viral infections host injury occurs due in part to inappropriate host responses. In this study we sought to uncover the host transcriptional responses underlying differences between high- and low-pathogenic infections.

Results

From a compendium of 12 studies that included responses to influenza A subtype H5N1, reconstructed 1918 influenza A virus, and SARS coronavirus, we used meta-analysis to derive multiple gene expression signatures. We compared these signatures by their capacity to segregate biological conditions by pathogenicity and predict pathogenicity in a test data set. The highest-performing signature was expressed as a continuum in low-, medium-, and high-pathogenicity samples, suggesting a direct, analog relationship between expression and pathogenicity. This signature comprised 57 genes including a subnetwork of chemokines, implicating dysregulated cell recruitment in injury.

Conclusions

Highly pathogenic viruses elicit expression of many of the same key genes as lower pathogenic viruses but to a higher degree. This increased degree of expression may result in the uncontrolled co-localization of inflammatory cell types and lead to irreversible host damage.
Isolation, characterization, and in vitro propagation of infantile hemangioma stem cells and an in vivo mouse model
Authors: Xu Dan , O Teresa M , Shartava Archil , Fowles Taylor C , Yang Jianchang , Fink Louis M , Ward David C , Mihm Martin C , Waner Milton , Ma Yupo
Published: December 2011

Background

Infantile hemangiomas (IH) are the most common benign tumors of infancy. The typical clinical course consists of rapid growth during the first year of life, followed by natural and gradual involution over a multi-year time span through unknown cellular mechanisms. Some tumors respond to medical treatment with corticosteroids or beta-blockers, however, when this therapy fails or is incomplete, surgical extirpation may be necessary. Noninvasive therapies to debulk or eliminate these tumors would be an important advance. The development of an in vitro cell culture system and an animal model would allow new insights into the biological processes involved in the development and pathogenesis of IH.

Results

We observed that proliferative stage IH specimens contain significantly more SALL4+ and CD133+ cells than involuting tumors, suggesting a possible stem cell origin. A tumor sphere formation assay was adapted to culture IH cells in vitro. Cells in IH tumor spheres express GLUT1, indicative of an IH cell of origin, elevated levels of VEGF, and various stem/progenitor cell markers such as SALL4, KDR, Oct4, Nanog and CD133. These cells were able to self-renew and differentiate to endothelial lineages, both hallmarks of tumor stem cells. Treatment with Rapamycin, a potent mTOR/VEGF inhibitor, dramatically suppressed IH cell growth in vitro. Subcutaneous injection of cells from IH tumor spheres into immunodeficient NOD-SCID mice produced GLUT1 and CD31 positive tumors with the same cellular proliferation, differentiation and involution patterns as human hemangiomas.

Conclusions

The ability to propagate large numbers of IH stem cells in vitro and the generation of an in vivo mouse model provides novel avenues for testing IH therapeutic agents in the future.
Accuracy of a Novel Non-Invasive technology based EZSCAN system for the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus in Chinese
Authors: Sheng Chang-Sheng , Zeng Wei-Fang , Huang Qi-Fang , Deslypere Jean-Paul , Li Yan , Wang Ji-Guang
Published: December 2011

Background

A new simple technique based on iontophoresis technology (EZSCAN, Impeto Medical, Paris, France) has recently been developed for the screening of diabetes. In the present study, we investigated the accuracy of this system for the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus in Chinese.

Methods

We performed the EZSCAN test in diabetic and non-diabetic subjects. EZSCAN measures electrochemical conductance (EC) at forehead, hands and feet, and derives a diabetes index with a value ranging from 0 to 100. Diabetes mellitus was defined as a plasma glucose concentration of at least 7 mmol/l at fasting or 11.1 mmol/l at 2 hours after glucose load, or as the use of antidiabetic drugs.

Results

The 195 study participants (51% men, mean age 52 years) included 75 diabetic patients (use of antidiabetic drugs 81%) and 120 non-diabetic subjects. EC (micro Siemens, μSi) was significantly (P < 0.001) lower in diabetic patients at the hands (44 vs. 61) and feet (51 vs. 69) locations, but not at the forehead (15 vs. 17, P = 0.39). When a diabetes index of 40 (suggested by the manufacturer) was used as the threshold, the sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus was 85% and 64%, respectively. In 80 patients who underwent an oral glucose tolerance test, EC at hands and feet and the diabetes index were significantly (P < 0.001) associated with both 2-hour post-load plasma glucose and serum glycosylated haemoglobin.

Conclusions

EZSCAN might be useful in screening diabetes mellitus with reasonable sensitivity and specificity.
Lack of EGFR-activating mutations in European patients with triple-negative breast cancer could emphasise geographic and ethnic variations in breast cancer mutation profiles
Authors: Jacot William , Lopez-Crapez Evelyne , Thezenas Simon , Senal Romain , Fina Frédéric , Bibeau Frédéric , Romieu Gilles , Lamy Pierre-Jean
Published: December 2011

Introduction

Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) are characterised by lack of expression of hormone receptors and epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2). As they frequently express epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs), anti-EGFR therapies are currently assessed for this breast cancer subtype as an alternative to treatments that target HER-2 or hormone receptors. Recently, EGFR-activating mutations have been reported in TNBC specimens in an East Asian population. Because variations in the frequency of EGFR-activating mutations in East Asians and other patients with lung cancer have been described, we evaluated the EGFR mutational profile in tumour samples from European patients with TNBC.

Methods

We selected from a DNA tumour bank 229 DNA samples isolated from frozen, histologically proven and macrodissected invasive TNBC specimens from European patients. PCR and high-resolution melting (HRM) analyses were used to detect mutations in exons 19 and 21 of EGFR. The results were then confirmed by bidirectional sequencing of all samples.

Results

HRM analysis allowed the detection of three EGFR exon 21 mutations, but no exon 19 mutations. There was 100% concordance between the HRM and sequencing results. The three patients with EGFR exon 21 abnormal HRM profiles harboured the rare R836R SNP, but no EGFR-activating mutation was identified.

Conclusions

This study highlights variations in the prevalence of EGFR mutations in TNBC. These variations have crucial implications for the design of clinical trials involving anti-EGFR treatments in TNBC and for identifying the potential target population.
Common-image gathers in the incident phase-angle domain from reverse time migration in 2D elastic VTI media
Authors: Zhang Qunshan , McMechan George A.
Published: December 2011

Reverse time migration (RTM) was implemented with a modified crosscorrelation imaging condition for data from 2D elastic vertically transversely isotropy (VTI) media. The computation cost was reduced because scalar qP- and qS-wavefield separations are performed in VTI media, for the source and receiver wavefields only at the RTM imaging time, to calculate the migrated qP and qS images. Angle-domain common-image gathers (CIGs) were extracted from qPqP and qPqS common-source RTM images. The local incident angle was produced as the difference between the qP-wave phase angle, obtained directly from the source wavefield polarization, and the normal to the reflector, calculated as the instantaneous wavenumber direction via a directional Hilbert transform of the stacked image. Angle-domain CIGs were extracted by reordering the prestack-migrated images by local incident phase angle, source by source. Vector decomposition of the source qP-wavefield was required to calculate the qP-wave phase polarization direction for each image point at its imaging time. RTM and angle-domain CIG extraction were successfully implemented and illustrated with a synthetic 2D elastic VTI example.
Notch signaling modulates proliferation and differentiation of intestinal crypt base columnar stem cells
Authors: VanDussen Kelli L. , Carulli Alexis J. , Keeley Theresa M. , Patel Sanjeevkumar R. , Puthoff Brent J. , Magness Scott T. , Tran Ivy T. , Maillard Ivan , Siebel Christian , Kolterud Åsa , Grosse Ann S. , Gumucio Deborah L. , Ernst Stephen A. , Tsai Yu-Hwai , Dempsey Peter J. , Samuelson Linda C.
Published: December 2011

Notch signaling is known to regulate the proliferation and differentiation of intestinal stem and progenitor cells; however, direct cellular targets and specific functions of Notch signals had not been identified. We show here in mice that Notch directly targets the crypt base columnar (CBC) cell to maintain stem cell activity. Notch inhibition induced rapid CBC cell loss, with reduced proliferation, apoptotic cell death and reduced efficiency of organoid initiation. Furthermore, expression of the CBC stem cell-specific marker Olfm4 was directly dependent on Notch signaling, with transcription activated through RBP-Jκ binding sites in the promoter. Notch inhibition also led to precocious differentiation of epithelial progenitors into secretory cell types, including large numbers of cells that expressed both Paneth and goblet cell markers. Analysis of Notch function in Atoh1-deficient intestine demonstrated that the cellular changes were dependent on Atoh1, whereas Notch regulation of Olfm4 gene expression was Atoh1 independent. Our findings suggest that Notch targets distinct progenitor cell populations to maintain adult intestinal stem cells and to regulate cell fate choice to control epithelial cell homeostasis.
Characterisation of adiponectin multimers and the IGF axis in humans with a heterozygote mutation in the tyrosine kinase domain of the insulin receptor gene
Authors: Højlund Kurt , Beck-Nielsen Henning , Flyvbjerg Allan , Frystyk Jan
Published: December 2011

Objective

Low levels of adiponectin, IGF-binding protein 1 (IGFBP1) and IGFBP2 and high levels of leptin correlate with several indices of insulin resistance and risk of type 2 diabetes. However, in insulin receptoropathies, plasma adiponectin is paradoxically increased despite severe insulin resistance, whereas the IGF axis is sparsely described. Here, we aimed to characterise the multimeric distribution of adiponectin and the IGF axis in humans with a heterozygous INSR mutation (Arg1174Gln).

Methods

Blood samples obtained from six Arg1174Gln carriers and ten lean, healthy controls before and after a euglycaemic–hyperinsulinaemic clamp were examined for plasma adiponectin multimers, leptin, total IGF1, IGF2, free IGF1, IGFBP1 and IGFBP2.

Results

Despite tenfold elevated fasting insulin and marked insulin resistance in Arg1174Gln carriers, the levels of total adiponectin, leptin, IGFBP1 and IGFBP2 were similar to those observed in controls, while total IGF1, IGF2 and free IGF1 levels were increased. The relative fraction of high-molecular weight adiponectin was increased, whereas both the absolute concentration and the fraction of low-molecular weight adiponectin were decreased in Arg1174Gln carriers. Interestingly, exogenous insulin failed to suppress total adiponectin in Arg1174Gln carriers, but reduced IGFBP1 and increased IGFBP2 as in controls.

Conclusion

The normal levels of adiponectin, IGFBP1 and IGFBP2 in the face of highly elevated insulin levels suggest an impaired ability of insulin to suppress markers of common insulin resistance in carriers of a dominant-negative INSR mutation. However, together with the adaptive increases in IGF1 and IGF2 and a potentially improved distribution of adiponectin multimers, these changes may contribute to rescue insulin action in insulin receptor-deficient individuals.
Cover plants with potential use for crop-livestock integrated systems in the Cerrado region
Authors: Carvalho Arminda Moreira de , Souza Lara Line Pereira de , Guimarães Júnior Roberto , Alves Pedro Cesar Almeida Castro , Vivaldi Lúcio José
Published: December 2011

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of lignin, hemicellulose, and cellulose concentrations in the decomposition process of cover plant residues with potential use in no-tillage with corn, for crop-livestock integrated system, in the Cerrado region. The experiment was carried out at Embrapa Cerrados, in Planaltina, DF, Brazil in a split plot experimental design. The plots were represented by the plant species and the subplots by harvesting times, with three replicates. The cover plants Urochloa ruziziensis, Canavalia brasiliensis, Cajanus cajan, Pennisetum glaucum, Mucuna aterrima, Raphanus sativus, Sorghum bicolor were evaluated together with spontaneous plants in the fallow. Cover plants with lower lignin concentrations and, consequently, higher residue decomposition such as C. brasiliensis and U. ruziziensis promoted higher corn yield. High concentrations of lignin inhibit plant residue decomposition and this is favorable for the soil cover. Lower concentrations of lignin result in accelerated plant decomposition, more efficient nutrient cycling, and higher corn yield.
Concentração de íons na solução de um Latossolo Vermelho sob diferentes sistemas de manejo
Authors: Oliveira Maria Inês Lopes de , Becquer Thierry , Goedert Wenceslau J. , Vilela Lourival , Deleporte Philippe
Published: December 2011

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as concentrações de íons na solução de um Latossolo Vermelho, em diferentes sistemas de manejo. Foram avaliados os sistemas de lavoura e pastagem contínua, assim como os rotacionados em integração lavoura-pecuária. O experimento foi iniciado em 1991, e as coletas das soluções foram realizadas em 2005 e 2006. Cápsulas porosas foram instaladas às profundidades de 20 e 150 cm, e as soluções foram extraídas em seis épocas de cada ano. As concentrações de Cl-, SO4(2-), NO3-, H2PO4-, K+, Mg2+ e Ca2+ foram determinadas. Independentemente das profundidades e dos sistemas de manejo, a concentração de íons nas soluções, em ordem decrescente de grandeza, foi: NO3- >Cl- >SO4(2-) >H2PO4- e Ca2+ >K+ >Mg2+. Entre os sistemas de cultivo, a concentração dos íons na solução decresceu e foi maior em lavoura contínua sob preparo convencional, seguida de lavoura contínua sob plantio direto e, finalmente, pelo sistema de integração lavoura-pecuária e pela pastagem contínua. À profundidade de 150 cm, as concentrações dos íons na solução do solo sob pastagem contínua e integração lavoura-pecuária foram sempre baixas, o que indica baixo risco de lixiviação.
A política dos discursos políticos: as duas retóricas da segurança pública do Paraná
Authors: Berlatto Fábia
Published: December 2011

O artigo apresenta e discute o discurso da "segurança pública" tal como formulado e difundido pela Secretaria de Segurança Pública do Estado do Paraná. Esse discurso, parte importante da própria política de segurança pública, é analisado aqui como um dispositivo de controle social perverso. O uso do adjetivo "perverso" refere-se a um tipo de controle social que ao invés de primar pelo bem-estar social, investe simultaneamente na defesa retórica dos direitos humanos, na exaltação de critérios técnico-científicos de "guerra" ao crime, assim como em ações práticas de combate legal da pobreza. Essa estratégia faz parte de uma luta simbólica cujo efeito é, antes de tudo, criminalizar o Outro. No caso em análise, esse Outro é o pobre. Minha hipótese é que essa prática discursiva mobiliza duas doxas diferentes, direcionadas a públicos também diferentes. Sugiro que a adesão a essas doxas, dos direitos humanos e do combate técnico ao crime, estão ligadas a um jogo cujas regras são dadas pelas lutas no campo político. Esse processo faz parte não só do mecanismo de manutenção do monopólio do uso legítimo da força física e simbólica pelo Estado, mas também da luta político-eleitoral daqueles agentes do Estado que formulam e pronunciam esse novo discurso da segurança pública.
Identificando necessidades de crianças com deficiência auditiva: uma contribuição para profissionais da saúde e educação
Authors: Scarpitta Thais Pereira , Vieira Sheila de Souza , Dupas Giselle
Published: December 2011

Por tratar-se de condição crônica de graves consequências para criança, família e sociedade, a deficiência auditiva tem sido objeto de preocupação por parte dos profissionais de saúde. Este estudo objetivou identificar crianças em idade escolar, matriculadas no ensino fundamental da rede pública do município, conhecer o tipo de acompanhamento de saúde que recebem e identificar junto à família as necessidades que vivenciam em decorrência da deficiência auditiva. Utilizamos o Interacionismo Simbólico (IS) e a Narrativa como referenciais teórico e metodológico, respectivamente. Participaram da pesquisa seis famílias. As entrevistas foram gravadas e transcritas na íntegra. A família sente falta de suporte e infraestrutura do município para diagnóstico e reabilitação, além da falta de recursos e investimento no contexto escolar, sendo obrigada a se mobilizar para enfrentar essa situação. Esta pesquisa oferece subsídios para que ações de enfermagem e políticas públicas sejam pensadas para qualificar o cuidado à saúde desta população.
Longitudinalidade do cuidado: compreensão dos enfermeiros que atuam na estratégia saúde da família
Authors: Baratieri Tatiane , Marcon Sonia Silva
Published: December 2011

Objetivou-se identificar como os enfermeiros conceituam a longitudinalidade do cuidado na Estratégia Saúde da Família e verificar sua compreensão sobre a efetivação dessa em seu trabalho e junto à equipe. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo-exploratório com abordagem qualitativa. Os dados foram coletados de 20 enfermeiros que atuam na saúde da família de municípios no âmbito da 10ª Regional de Saúde do Paraná, por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas, no mês de abril de 2010, e submetidos à análise de conteúdo categorial. Os enfermeiros compreendem a longitudinalidade como algo duradouro, atendendo o indivíduo integralmente. Esse profissional assiste aos usuários nos diferentes ciclos de vida, e a equipe é participativa, com maior atuação do Agente Comunitário de Saúde e menor participação do médico. Conclui-se que a longitudinalidade é importante no trabalho da equipe de saúde da família, e que sua prática está em conformidade com os princípios do modelo assistencial em questão.
O teatro em foco: estratégia lúdica para o trabalho educativo na saúde da família
Authors: Soares Sônia Maria , Silva Líliam Barbosa , Silva Patrícia Aparecida Barbosa
Published: December 2011

Trata-se de relato de experiência de acadêmicas de enfermagem que utilizaram o teatro como estratégia lúdica para o trabalho educativo com as equipes de Saúde da Família. Realizou-se Diagnóstico Situacional de Saúde no interior de Minas Gerais, cujas morbidades mais prevalentes serviram de temáticas a serem abordadas nos esquetes. Em três meses, foram escritos nove esquetes, encenados para um público diversificado. Percebeu-se uma ruptura no cotidiano da comunidade, em que, sob a dimensão lúdica, as pessoas deixaram fluir o lado prazeroso da vida, decodificando o mundo de seu jeito: uma mistura agradável de arte e ciência. O teatro possibilitou vislumbrar as várias aplicações na Saúde da Família: estratégia lúdica eficaz para aquisição de conceitos de saúde; recurso de lazer; e espaço de convivência. Constatou-se necessidade de promover capacitação de multiplicadores na comunidade como forma de dar continuidade à montagem de oficinas de teatro em prol da construção do conhecimento coletivo.
A crise de paradigmas na ciência e as novas perspectivas para a enfermagem
Authors: Santos Quintila Garcia , Azevedo Dulcian Medeiros de , Costa Roberta Kaliny de Sousa , Medeiros Flávio Pereira de
Published: December 2011

O paradigma é entendido como um padrão a ser seguido, e inclui o conjunto de crenças, valores, técnicas e teorias partilhadas, sendo influenciado por fatores culturais, políticos, econômicos e sociais vigentes. Objetivou-se realizar uma reflexão acerca da crise paradigmática do conhecimento científico e de suas implicações no âmbito da enfermagem, apresentando uma visão panorâmica do desenvolvimento da pesquisa nessa área. É premente a necessidade de novos princípios norteadores da prática científica, os quais vêm emergindo na ética, sustentabilidade ambiental, interdisciplinaridade, valorização da complexidade, respeito à subjetividade. Para que a enfermagem se fortaleça enquanto ciência, profissão e prática social, é imprescindível a utilização das ferramentas disponíveis, na promoção de ações sociopolíticas que apontem para uma maior qualidade de vida da sociedade. O processo do trabalho em saúde e seus paradigmas exigem do enfermeiro clareza dos seus limites de atuação, intervenção e habilidade para construir conhecimento novo, promovendo a inovação da produção em saúde.
Construção de um paradigma de cuidado de enfermagem pautado nas necessidades humanas e de saúde
Authors: Oliveira Denize Cristina de , Gomes Antonio Marcos Tosoli , Pontes Ana Paula Munhen de , Costa Camila Perroni Marouço da
Published: December 2011

Propõe-se a problematização da adoção dos conceitos de necessidades básicas humanas e de necessidades de saúde para a constituição das bases epistemológicas de um conceito de cuidado de enfermagem que possibilite a orientação da ação profissional para o seu atendimento, no contexto da pós-modernidade. A proposição básica desenvolvida é a do acesso às necessidades humanas e de saúde através das representações sociais, com suas derivações conceituais para o cuidado em enfermagem e suas tecnologias de trabalho. Demonstra-se que as necessidades de saúde podem ser proveitosamente acessadas através da exploração tanto das dimensões objetivas, quanto das subjetivas do processo saúde-doença, como representadas pelos sujeitos e subjacentes às suas demandas. Discute-se, ainda, a necessidade de repensar o modelo tecnológico de trabalho e a de estabelecer novas bases teóricas para o processo de cuidar em enfermagem, a partir das necessidades negociadas entre os sujeitos individuais e coletivos e os profissionais nas instituições de saúde.
O Efeito da lateralidade em teste de fala no ruído em normo-ouvintes
Authors: Becker Karine Thaís , Costa Maristela Julio , Lautenschlager Larissa , Schuster Larissa Cristina , Hennig Tais Regina , Tochetto Tania Maria
Published: December 2011

OBJETIVO: verificar o efeito da lateralidade em teste monoaural, na presença de ruído competitivo, que utiliza sentenças como estímulo em indivíduos normo-ouvintes. MÉTODO: 81 indivíduos normo-ouvintes, com idades entre 18 e 44 anos, divididos em 2 grupos de acordo com a lateralidade - 45 indivíduos destros e 36 canhotos -, foram avaliados por meio do teste Listas de Sentenças em Português (LSP), e obtida a relação sinal-ruído (S/R) para cada orelha. RESULTADOS: os valores médios obtidos para as relações S/R na orelha direita, para os indivíduos destros e canhotos, foram, respectivamente, -6,5 dB e -4,5 dB. Para a orelha esquerda, foram -7,0 dB e -7,5 dB. As orelhas direitas apresentaram resultados significantemente piores, tanto nos indivíduos destros, como nos canhotos. No entanto a orelha direita dos canhotos foi sensivelmente pior em comparação a dos destros. CONCLUSÃO: existe diferença quanto ao reconhecimento de fala, na presença de ruído competitivo, em indivíduos destros e canhotos. A orelha direita apresentou pior desempenho em ambos os grupos, sendo que esse resultado negativo é mais acentuado nos canhotos.
Caracterização acústica da sonoridade dos fones plosivos do português brasileiro
Authors: Melo Roberta Michelon , Mota Helena Bolli , Mezzomo Carolina Lisbôa , Brasil Brunah de Castro , Lovatto Liane , Arzeno Leonardo
Published: December 2011

Objetivo investigar e comparar as características acústicas das plosivas surdas e sonoras na fala de crianças com desenvolvimento fonológico típico e, de adultos com padrões de fala típicos da língua. Método a amostra do estudo é composta por dois grupos - 17 adultos e 11 crianças com desenvolvimento fonológico típico. Por meio de palavras/pseudopalavras ([’papa], [’baba], [’tata], [’dada], [’kaka] e [’gaga]) inseridas em frases-veículo (“Fala ___ papa de novo”;), mediu-se o voice onset time, a duração da vogal, a amplitude do burst e a duração da oclusão. Foram comparados os registros acústicos de plosivas surdas e sonoras intra e intergrupo por meio de testes estatísticos (p<0,05). Resultados em geral, observou-se que: (1) o voice onset time foi maior para as plosivas sonoras em comparação às surdas; (2) a duração da vogal quando seguida ou precedida por uma plosiva sonora foi mais longa do que diante de uma plosiva surda; (3) a amplitude do burst foi levemente superior durante a produção dos segmentos sonoros e; (4) a duração da oclusão se mostrou superior no contexto de plosivas surdas. Também se observou que adultos e crianças apresentam muitas similaridades em relação à produção desses parâmetros. Conclusão pode-se concluir que as pistas acústicas investigadas apresentam-se como fortes parâmetros envolvidos na caracterização do contraste de sonoridade das plosivas. Além disso, os resultados também indicam muitas semelhanças entre adultos e crianças com padrões fonológicos típicos. No entanto, quando algumas diferenças são evidentes, essas ocorrem na posição de sílaba átona e medial.
The impact of a history of psychotic symptoms on cognitive function in euthymic bipolar patients: a comparison with schizophrenic patients and healthy controls
Authors: Brissos Sofia , Dias Vasco Videira , Soeiro-de-Souza Márcio Gerhardt , Balanzá-Martínez Vicent , Kapczinski Flavio
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND: About two-thirds of patients with bipolar disorder (BD) have a lifetime history of at least one psychotic symptom. Objective: To compare the neurocognitive performance of four groups: BD patients with and without a history of psychotic symptoms (BD HPS+ and BD HPS-, respectively); patients with schizophrenia (SZ); and healthy control (HC) subjects. METHOD: In this cross-sectional study, 35 stabilized patients with SZ, 79 euthymic (44 HPS+ and 35 HPS-) patients with BD, and 50 HC were administered a comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests. RESULTS: There was worse neurocognitive functioning in both BD and SZ patients compared to HC. Overall, data from both groups of BD patients did not differ on sociodemographic, clinical, or neurocognitive variables. However, BD HPS+ patients had significantly more negative symptoms, as measured by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), and showed a trend toward worse performance on executive functions compared to BD HPS- patients. Moreover, both BD groups had better performance on all neurocognitive tests compared to SZ group. CONCLUSIONS: Neurocognitive dysfunction may be more marked in SZ than in BD, yet qualitatively similar. A history of past psychotic symptoms in BD was not associated with more severe cognitive impairment during euthymia. Therefore, BD with psychotic symptoms does not appear to be a distinct neurocognitive phenotype.
Bacteria removal effectiveness of ceramic pot filters not applied with colloidal silver
Authors: Clark K. N. , Elmore A. C.
Published: December 2011

In many developing countries such as Guatemala, access to safe drinking water is very limited. Many sources of water that are available are contaminated with bacteria, particularly Escherichia coli and other coliform bacteria. In order to provide a means of obtaining safe drinking water in developing countries, various methods of treating water at the household level have been developed and implemented throughout the world. One of the more promising treatment mechanisms is the ceramic pot filter, which is typically applied with colloidal silver because of it supposed disinfection purposes. During this study, the bacteria removal effectiveness of 30 filters without colloidal silver was determined by adding water contaminated with Escherichia coli to the filters, and then measuring bacteria concentrations in the filter effluent. The average log reduction values of E. coli and total coliforms determined in this study are 2.1 and 2.3, respectively, and are comparable to other studies of bacteria removal of CPFs. This situation suggests that colloidal silver may indeed not be necessary for the filters to effectively remove bacteria from source water. This study was completed in a period of two weeks, however, while the effect of silver may provide disinfection for several months of use.
Anion exchange pretreatment for the removal of natural organic matter from humic rich water
Authors: Molczan M. , Szlachta M.
Published: December 2011

The treatment of humic rich water using anion exchange, coagulation and PAC-adsorption was studied, both independently and in sequence in that order. The commercial aluminium-based coagulant PAX-16, powdered activated carbon W35 and the magnetic ion exchange resin (MIEX®) were used in the study. The source of humic substances was natural water (25.0 g C/m3 as DOC) flowing out from the Great Batorow Peat-Bog (Lower Silesia, Poland). In addition to DOC, color, UV254 absorbance, specific UV absorbance (SUVA254), turbidity, pH and alkalinity were also analyzed. Regardless of the applied technology, in the phase of raw water treatment extraordinary solutions were necessary to treat the humic rich water – a high coagulant (13.1 g Al/m3) or PAC (>200 mg/dm3) dose or a low bed volume (200 BVs) in the case of anion exchange. MIEX®DOC pretreatment had a very positive influence on the course and effects of coagulation resulting in a higher coagulant efficiency for removing organic compounds. In this respect, MIEX®DOC pretreatment allowed the application of a required coagulant dose four times lower compared to the coagulation of raw water. In testing the sequence of processes (MIEX®DOC – coagulation – PAC-adsorption), coagulation was the main process responsible for reducing the SUVA254 value. The improvement in water quality after PAC-adsorption was not significant, although the process removed DOC fractions that could not be removed by coagulation. Each of the applied methods played a role in the treatment of humic rich water and the nearly complete removal of NOM was achieved (in the sequence of processes) under relatively rational operating conditions for the treatment techniques.
Rapid method for viable Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts detection
Authors: Chu X. N. , Hu J. Y. , Guo H. L. , Tan X. L.
Published: December 2011

Cryptosporidium parvum is a waterborne coccidian protozoan parasite known to infect humans, resulting in an illness known as cryptosporidiosis. The widely used USEPA method 1622 to detect Cryptosporidium is time consuming, and unable to provide the information on oocysts viability and species. In order to develop a fast detection method for viable C. parvum oocysts, a 0.2 μm pore size hollow fiber membrane and 0.45 μm pore size disc membrane were used to filter tap water. Modified Immunomagnetic separation (IMS) purification was followed, and the IMS condition was optimized to shorten the purification time. Finally, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and FITC-conjugated monoclonal antibody (FMAb) staining were combined to detect viable oocysts, and results indicated that the viable oocysts detection by FISH/FMAb can be achieved in 20 min. The total viable oocysts detection time can be shortened to less than 1.5 h without affecting oocysts recovery.
Analysis of pesticide residues in drinking water samples using solid-phase micro-extraction (SPME) coupled to a gas chromatography-electron-capture detector (GC-ECD)
Authors: Chaturvedi Prashant , Kumari Rupender , Murthy Ramesh Chandra , Patel Devendra Kumar
Published: December 2011

The headspace solid-phase micro-extraction (HS-SPME) method with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS, 100 μm) fiber is a cost-effective technique for the determination of different pesticide residues in environmental and biological samples followed by a gas chromatography-electron-capture detector (GC-ECD). In the present study more than 147 water samples collected in and around Lucknow city were analyzed. The method detection limits and recovery percentages were found in the ranges of 0.05–0.20 μg/L and 87.1–95.3% respectively. The average concentration of organochlorine and organophosphorus pesticides in water samples within the city were ranged between 0.258–0.829 μg/L and 0.143–0.294 μg/L respectively. Organochlorine and organophosphorus pesticides in highway water samples ranged between 0.261–2.80 μg/L and 0.129–0.53 μg/L. Pyrethroid pesticides were not found in any of the water samples tested. The levels of pesticide residues were compared with their MRL values recommended by the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act (PFA), Government of India (1954).
The use of “High Dose” Dexmedetomidine in a Patient with Critical
Tracheal Stenosis and Anterior Mediastinal Mass
Authors: Voscopoulos C. , Kirk F.L. , Lovrincevic M. , Lema M.
Published: December 2011

The anterior medial mass patient continues to offer great challenges for the anesthesiologist. As such, newer
and safer methods of providing anesthetic care are continually being sought. To this end, there is a growing body of
evidence that may suggest that higher than Food and Drug Administration approved dosages of dexmedetomidine may
offer another option in the arsenal of the anesthesiologist in this patient population.

We recently cared for a middle aged male who presented with a large mediastinal mass, extrinsic compression critical
tracheal stenosis, superior vena cava syndrome, and massive supraclavicular lymphadenopathy, scheduled for tracheal
stent placement, biopsy, and diagnostic evaluation of the esophagus. After reviewing anesthetic options, we deemed the
safest technique available to us to be the use of a high dose dexmedetomidine based technique with continuous infusion
rate of 2mcg/kg/hr. Spontaneous respirations were maintained throughout the case, with a stable heart rate and blood
pressure, and our patient tolerated the procedure without complications.
Putting People at the Center of Climate Change Adaptation Plans: A Vulnerability Approach
Authors: Rumbach Andrew J. , Kudva Neema
Published: December 2011

The majority of research and writing on climate change and planning focuses on mitigation, reducing emissions and climate change impacts over long time cycles. However, the realization that human settlements will see immediate and near‐term impacts, regardless of emissions reductions, has given urgency to questions about how communities will adapt. We are interested in municipal level adaptation plans: “incipient plans” where implementation has either just begun or not even started, and evaluation and rethinking belong to the future. Our intention is to inform this process. We reviewed more than a dozen municipal and regional climate change and adaptation planning processes, and selected six to examine further. Our case selection includes plans from coastal and inland cities, both large and small, and all but one are from counties amongst the most vulnerable in the U.S. We found that while mitigation of green house gases (GHGs), which is important and necessary, was central to all plans, adaptation strategies were not considered to the same extent or left out completely. We argue that an adaptation strategy that uses a vulnerability approach can be the most effective way to assess climate risk because it puts people and communities at the center of the analysis; helps planners and policy makers to design adaptation strategies that will reduce suffering in local areas while making effective use of scarce resources; and enables better coordination among different elements of planning. To be efficient and effective, adaptation plans must be generated at different scales and must downscale climate information to a local level. Most importantly, the first step in adaptation planning must be to understand vulnerability and the full range of variables that contribute to it. We conclude by suggesting that cities must integrate climate action strategies into their long‐range Comprehensive Plans to take full advantage of the targeting and coordination possibilities that a vulnerability approach offers.
Forced convection of radiating gas over an inclined backward facing step using the blocked-off method
Authors: Ansaria Amir , Gandjalikhan Nassaba
Published: December 2011

The present work investigates the laminar forced convection flow of a
radiating gas over an inclined backward facing step (BFS) in a horizontal
duct. The momentum and energy equations are solved numerically by the CFD
techniques to obtain the velocity and temperature fields. Since, the
twodimensional Cartesian coordinate system is used to solve the governing
equations; the flow over inclined surface is simulated by considering the
blocked-off region in regular grid. Discretized forms of the governing
equations in the (x,y) plane are obtained by the control volume method and
solved using the SIMPLE algorithm. The fluid is treated as a gray,
absorbing, emitting and scattering medium. Therefore, all of the convection,
conduction and radiation heat transfer mechanisms take place simultaneously
in the gas flow. For computation of the radiative term in the gas energy
equation, the radiative transfer equation (RTE) is solved numerically by the
discrete ordinates method (DOM) to find the radiative heat flux distribution
inside the radiating medium. In the numerical results, effects of
inclination angle, optical thickness, scattering albedo and the
radiation-conduction parameter on the heat transfer behavior of the
convection flow are investigated. This research work is a new one in which a
combined convection-radiation thermal system with a complex flow geometry is
simulate by efficient numerical techniques.
Study on impact properties of creep-resistant steel thermally simulated heat affected zone
Authors: Mitrovic Radivoje , Momcilovic Dejan , Eric Olivera , Atanasovska Ivana , Hut Nenad
Published: December 2011

The steam pipe line (SPL) and steam line material, along with its welded
joints, subject to damage that accumulates during operation in coal power
plants. As a result of thermal fatigue, dilatation of SPL at an operating
temperature may lead to cracks initiation at the critical zones within heat
affected zone (HAZ) of steam pipe line welded joints. By registration of
thermal cycle during welding and subsequent HAZ simulation is possible to
obtain target microstructure. For the simulation is chosen heat resisting
steel, 12H1MF (designation 13CrMo44 according to DIN standard). From the
viewpoint of mechanical properties, special attention is on impact toughness
mostly because very small number of available references. After simulation of
single run and multi run welding test on instrumented Charpy pendulum.
Metallographic and fractographic analysis is also performed, on simulated
12H1MF steel from service and new, unused steel. The results and correlation
between microstructure and impact toughness is discussed, too.
Study on effective parameter of the triple-pressure reheat combined cycle performance
Authors: Ibrahim Thamir , Rahman M.M.
Published: December 2011

The thermodynamic analyses of the triple-pressure reheat combined cycle gas
turbines with duct burner are presented and discussed in this paper. The
overall performance of a combined cycle gas turbine power plant is influenced
by the ambient temperature, compression ratio and turbine inlet temperature.
These parameters affect the overall thermal efficiency, power output and the
heat-rate. In this study a thermodynamic model was development on an existing
actual combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) (In this case study, an effort has
been made to enhance the performance of the CCGT through a parametric study
using a thermodynamic analysis. The effect of ambient temperature and
operation parameter, including compression ratio and turbine inlet
temperature, on the overall performance of CCGT are investigated. The code of
the performance model for CCGT power plant was developed utilizing the
THERMOFLEX software. The simulating results show that the total power output
and overall efficiency of a CCGT decrease with increase the ambient
temperature because increase the consumption power in the air compressor of a
GT. The totals power of a CCGT decreases with increase the compression rate,
while the overall efficiency of a CCGT increases with increase the
compression ratio to 21, after that the overall efficiency will go down. Far
there more the turbine inlet temperature increases the both total power and
overall efficiency increase, so the turbine inlet temperature has a strong
effect on the overall performance of CCGT power plant. Also the simulation
model give a good result compared with MARAFIQ CCGT power plant. With these
variables, the turbine inlet temperature causes the greatest overall
performance variation.
Perceiving Need for Lifestyle Counseling
Authors: Salmela Sanna M. , Vähäsarja Kati A. , Villberg Jari J. , Vanhala Mauno J. , Saaristo Timo E. , Lindström Jaana , Oksa Heikki H. , Korpi-Hyövälti Eeva A.-L. , Moilanen Leena , Keinänen-Kiukaanniemi Sirkka , Poskiparta Marita E.
Published: December 2011

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the proportion of individuals at high risk of type 2 diabetes who perceive the need for lifestyle counseling, factors associated with this perception, and whether the perceived need is associated with subsequent attendance in lifestyle intervention.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Baseline and intervention data were obtained from 10,149 participants in a Finnish National Diabetes Prevention Project.

RESULTS

In total, 36% of men and 52% of women perceived the need for counseling. Most of the risk factors did not increase the perceived need for counseling. Those agreeing to attend supervised lifestyle intervention were more likely to report a perceived need than those who agreed on a self-initiated lifestyle change or those who refused to attend lifestyle intervention. The perceived need was associated with actual attendance in the lifestyle intervention only among women.

CONCLUSIONS

It will be vital to find additional means to support lifestyle change.