bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Statistics and Parameterizations of the Effect of Turbulence on the Geometric Collision Kernel of Cloud Droplets
Authors: Franklin Charmaine N. , Vaillancourt Paul A. , Yau M. K.
Published: March 2007

Collision statistics of cloud droplets in turbulent flow have been calculated for 12 droplet size combinations in four flow fields with levels of the eddy dissipation rate of turbulent kinetic energy ranging from 95 to 1535 cm2 s−3. The flow fields were generated by using a direct numerical simulation technique and large numbers of droplets were explicitly tracked through the flow field for each experiment. The effect of turbulence on the collision kernel increases with both increasing radius ratio and eddy dissipation rate. These increases range from fairly modest values to almost 10 times the gravitational geometric collision kernel. The two physical processes responsible for these increases are the radial relative velocities and the preferential concentration or clustering of the droplets. The radial relative velocities increased by up to 3 times the corresponding gravitational value and the greatest increase in the clustering, as measured by the radial distribution function, is 4.5 times the value for a random distribution as for the gravitational case. Parameterizations have been developed for the effect of turbulence on the radial relative velocities and the clustering of the droplets. These models reduce the average root-mean-squared errors in the existing velocity parameterization of Saffman and Turner and Wang et al. by 32% and the clustering parameterization of Zhou et al. by up to 58%.
Multiscale Mountain Waves Influencing a Major Orographic Precipitation Event
Authors: Garvert Matthew F. , Smull Bradley , Mass Cliff
Published: March 2007

This study combines high-resolution mesoscale model simulations and comprehensive airborne Doppler radar observations to identify kinematic structures influencing the production and mesoscale distribution of precipitation and microphysical processes during a period of heavy prefrontal orographic rainfall over the Cascade Mountains of Oregon on 13–14 December 2001 during the second phase of the Improvement of Microphysical Parameterization through Observational Verification Experiment (IMPROVE-2) field program. Airborne-based radar detection of precipitation from well upstream of the Cascades to the lee allows a depiction of terrain-induced wave motions in unprecedented detail.

Two distinct scales of mesoscale wave–like air motions are identified: 1) a vertically propagating mountain wave anchored to the Cascade crest associated with strong midlevel zonal (i.e., cross barrier) flow, and 2) smaller-scale (<20-km horizontal wavelength) undulations over the windward foothills triggered by interaction of the low-level along-barrier flow with multiple ridge–valley corrugations oriented perpendicular to the Cascade crest. These undulations modulate cloud liquid water (CLW) and snow mixing ratios in the fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University–National Center for Atmospheric Research (PSU–NCAR) Mesoscale Model (MM5), with modeled structures comparing favorably to radar-documented zones of enhanced reflectivity and CLW measured by the NOAA P3 aircraft.

Errors in the model representation of a low-level shear layer and the vertically propagating mountain waves are analyzed through a variety of sensitivity tests, which indicated that the mountain wave’s amplitude and placement are extremely sensitive to the planetary boundary layer (PBL) parameterization being employed. The effects of 1) using unsmoothed versus smoothed terrain and 2) the removal of upstream coastal terrain on the flow and precipitation over the Cascades are evaluated through a series of sensitivity experiments. Inclusion of unsmoothed terrain resulted in net surface precipitation increases of ∼4%–14% over the windward slopes relative to the smoothed-terrain simulation. Small-scale waves (<20-km horizontal wavelength) over the windward slopes significantly impact the horizontal pattern of precipitation and hence quantitative precipitation forecast (QPF) accuracy.
Evaporation and Condensation of Large Droplets in the Presence of Inert Admixtures Containing Soluble Gas
Authors: Elperin T. , Fominykh A. , Krasovitov B.
Published: March 2007

In this study the mutual influence of heat and mass transfer during gas absorption and evaporation or condensation on the surface of a stagnant droplet in the presence of inert admixtures containing noncondensable soluble gas is investigated numerically. The performed analysis is pertinent to slow droplet evaporation or condensation. The system of transient conjugate nonlinear energy and mass conservation equations was solved using anelastic approximation. Using the material balance at the droplet surface the authors obtained equations for Stefan velocity and the rate of change of the droplet radius taking into account the effect of soluble gas absorption at the gas–liquid interface. The authors also derived boundary conditions at gas–liquid interface taking into account the effect of nonisothermal gas absorption. It is demonstrated that the average concentration of the dissolved species in a droplet strongly depends on the relative humidity (RH) for highly soluble and for slightly soluble gaseous atmospheric pollutants. Therewith the difference between the average concentration of the dissolved species in water droplets attains tens of percent for different values of RH.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of a Transdermal Contraceptive Patch and an Oral Contraceptive
Authors: Devineni Damayanthi , Skee Donna , Vaccaro Nicole , Massarella Joseph , Janssens Luc , LaGuardia Katherine D. , Leung Albert T.
Published: March 2007

This open‐label, randomized, 2‐way crossover study characterized the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of a transdermal contraceptive patch and a norgestimate‐containing oral contraceptive. Healthy women (n = 34) applied a patch once weekly for 3 consecutive weeks during each of 2 cycles and received an oral contraceptive for 21 consecutive days during each of 2 cycles. Plasma concentrations of norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol peaked and waned after daily oral contraceptive administration, whereas they rose and reached steady‐state levels after first patch application. Norelgestromin exposure was similar; ethinyl estradiol exposure was higher for the patch than oral contraceptive. Hepatic estrogenic activity, assessed by hepatic globulin synthesis, was similar for corticosteroid‐binding globulin and corticosteroid‐binding globulin‐binding capacity and higher for sex hormone–binding globulin for the patch versus oral contraceptive. The clinical significance of the differences in pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles between the patch and oral contraceptive is not fully known. No serious adverse events or discontinuations due to adverse events were recorded.
Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Tolerability of the Novel Oral Direct Renin Inhibitor Aliskiren in Elderly Healthy Subjects
Authors: Vaidyanathan Sujata , Reynolds Christine , Yeh Ching‐Ming , Bizot Marie‐Noëlle , Dieterich Hans Armin , Howard Dan , Dole William P.
Published: March 2007

This open‐label, multicenter study compared the pharmacokinetics and safety of the oral direct renin inhibitor aliskiren in 29 elderly (≤65 years) and 28 young (18–45 years) healthy subjects. Plasma drug concentrations were determined for up to 168 hours following a single 300‐mg oral dose of aliskiren. In elderly compared with young subjects, AUC0‐∞ was 57% higher (ratio of geometric means 1.57, 90% confidence interval: 1.19, 2.06; P = .008) and Cmax was 28% higher (1.28, 90% confidence interval: 0.91, 1.79; P = .233). Other parameters, including tmax and Vd/F, were similar between age groups. No differences in aliskiren exposure were observed between subjects ages 65 to 74 years (n = 16) and ≤75 years (n = 13). Aliskiren was well tolerated by all age groups, including the very elderly. In conclusion, aliskiren exposure is modestly increased in elderly subjects. Based on its wide therapeutic index and shallow dose response for blood pressure lowering, no initial dose adjustment should be needed for elderly patients.
International graduate students' perceptions of their academic experience
Authors: Trice Andrea G. , Jin Eun Yoo
Published: March 2007

This study used a mailed questionnaire to examine the academic experiences of 497 international graduate students who were studying at an American university. Most students viewed their academic experience positively, although a majority did not believe the curriculum had an international focus. Fully 77% felt prepared to work in their home country following graduation, but only 32% planned to return home immediately after completing their degrees. Significant predictors of post-graduation plans included home region, field of study, and perceived preparedness to work at home and in the USA.
`The Fact that I'm a Woman May Have Been the Defining Factor'
Authors: Lárusdóttir Steinunn Helga
Published: March 2007

This article reports on the values and moral dilemmas of one Icelandic headteacher. The article draws on doctoral research currently being conducted with educational leaders in Icelandic basic schools. The research explores the values underpinning the work of female and male educational leaders and how values impact upon their actions, in particular when encountering moral dilemmas. Data were collected from semi-structured interviews with participants who all work in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. The main tool of analysis is an adapted version of Begley's `arenas of administration'. This article adds another theoretical dimension, that of gender, to Begley's model. Results show that the motivation behind the headteachers' values is primarily based on consensus. They also show how the headteacher attempts to act as a mediator between competing values of the various leadership arenas while coming to terms with her own. Gender was found to effect on the headteacher in various ways as she felt the need to negotiate and contest her values and leadership actions against stakeholders of various arenas.
Beginning Reading Materials: A National Survey of Primary Teachers' Reported Uses and Beliefs
Authors: Heidi Anne E. Mesmer
Published: March 2007

This study examined the opinions of more than 300 primary teachers. The first purpose of the study was to investigate the reported frequency with which teachers used various beginning reading materials (e.g., literature, basals, workbooks, predictable text, leveled text, decodable text, and vocabulary-controlled text). The second purpose of the study was to inspect how instructional purposes, state text policies, programs, grade levels, and freedom of choice influenced reported uses. The results suggested that teachers of beginning readers use many different types of materials and are guided primarily by instructional purposes rather than programs or grade levels. Teachers reported using decodable text and literature for very particular instructional purposes but reportedly used other materials less specifically. Respondents in states with strong text mandates, like Texas and California, did differ from respondents in other states. In sum, the results suggested that teachers believed that different materials can serve different purposes with different readers.
Word Study Instruction and Second-Grade Children's Independent Writing
Authors: Williams Cheri , Phillips-Birdsong Colleen
Published: March 2007

This project investigated six 2nd-grade students' use of word study instruction to mediate spelling while writing in their journals. In particular, the researchers examined the students' use of the orthographic principles, sample words, and spelling strategies that had been taught during developmental word study lessons. Results of the project suggest that some students may need explicit instruction on how to apply what they have learned through word study instruction to the writing process. Findings also point to a number of issues that need to be addressed before the efficacy of word study as a comprehensive approach to spelling instruction can be fully determined.
Glossary of terms used in photochemistry, 3rd edition (IUPAC Recommendations 2006)
Authors: Braslavsky S. E.
Published: March 2007

Abstract: The second edition of the Glossary of Terms Used in Photochemistry [Pure Appl. Chem.68, 2223-2286 (1996); ] has been both corrected and updated. Terms have been added related to molecular anisotropy, the use of polarized radiation, nonlinear optical phenomena, and the emerging field of computation of excited species. Some changes have been introduced in this "Glossary" regarding the terms related to radiation energy to make this collection fully compatible with internationally agreed-upon terms. Many links are included to various Web pages listing quantities relevant to the work of photochemists and scientists using photochemical tools.
Solvation-Shell Effect on the Cyanine-Dye Fluorescence in Binary Liquid Mixtures
Authors: Petrov N. Kh. , Gulakov M. N. , Alfimov M. V. , Busse G. , Techert S.
Published: March 2007

The steady-state fluorescence anisotropy and the relative quantum yield of fluorescence of cyanine dyes, 3,3′-diethyl-thiacarbocyanine iodide (DTCI) and chloride (DTCC), were measured in toluene/dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) liquid mixtures. It has been found that in toluene-rich mixtures the fluorescence quantum yield of DTCC is larger by about one order of magnitude than that of DTCI, the fluorescence quantum yields being the same for both cyanines in neat DMSO. Estimations based on the Perrin formula show that on decreasing DMSO volume fraction (less than 20 vol.%) the size of the preferential solvation shell around the DTCI increases up to 23 DMSO molecules at 3 vol.% DMSO as the solvation shell of DTCC does not vary. The influence of nearby solvent environment on the cyanine dye photophysics can be explained in terms of the Onsager model by taking into account the effect of the dynamic properties of DMSO solvation shell on the dye fluorescent rate constant.
Order–Disorder Transition at the Liquid/Vapor Interface of Imidazolium Based Ionic Liquids: A Surface Light Scattering Study
Authors: Halka V. , Tsekov R. , Mechdiev I. , Freyland W.
Published: March 2007

The liquid/vapor interface of imidazolium based ionic liquids, [C6mim][PF6] and [C6mim][BTI], has been probed by capillary wave spectroscopy at various temperatures up to 400K. Separately, the corresponding surface tensions have been measured by the maximum bubble pressure method. Interpretation of the capillary wave spectra with a modified dispersion relation yields the surface dipole moment density γ(T) as a function of temperature. In both systems γ(T) exhibits a characteristic decrease with temperature which indicates an interfacial order–disorder transition. Within the mean field approximation, fits of γ(T) yield the following critical temperatures for this transition: T
c = 364K for [C6mim][BTI], and T
c = 383K for [C6mim][PF6].
GH response to ghrelin in subjects with congenital GH deficiency: evidence that ghrelin action requires hypothalamic–pituitary connections
Authors: Maghnie Mohamad , Pennati Maria Cristina , Civardi Elisa , Di Iorgi Natascia , Aimaretti Gianluca , Foschini Maria Loreta , Corneli Ginevra , Tinelli Carmine , Ghigo Ezio , Lorini Renata , Loche Sandro
Published: March 2007

Objectives: Evaluation of GH response to ghrelin in patients with GH deficiency (GHD) may help to elucidate the site and mechanism of action of ghrelin. We aimed to investigate the GH-releasing effect of ghrelin in children and young adults with childhood-onset GHD.

Design: All subjects underwent ghrelin testing and neuro-imaging examination. Magnetic resonance imaging evidenced the presence of a vascular pituitary stalk (VPS) or its complete absence (PSA).

Patients and methods: Seventeen prepubertal children and nine adult patients with childhood-onset GHD were selected for the study. The children were enrolled at a median age of 5.8 years. The adult subjects were included at a median age of 23.3 years. The diagnosis of GHD in the adult patients had been established at a median age of 8.5 years. Ghrelin was administered at a dose of 1 μg/kg body weight, i.v. at time zero, and blood for GH determination was obtained at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105 and 120 min.

Results: Median GH response after ghrelin was similar between children and adults. Median peak GH response to ghrelin (7.45 μg/l, IQR: 3.9–11.3 μg/l) was significantly higher in patients with VPS (10.9 μg/l, IQR: 2.4–15.1 μg/l) than in those with PSA (IQR: 2.3–6.7 μg/l; P = 0.001). It was significantly higher in subjects with isolated GHD (12.5 μg/l, IQR: 10.8–15.5 μg/l) than in those with multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies (5.15 μg/l, IQR: 2.4–9.0 μg/l; P = 0.003). No correlation was found between the GH peak after ghrelin and body mass index.

Conclusion: The GH response to ghrelin in patients with congenital hypopituitarism depends on the degree of the anatomical abnormalities and lends further support to the assumption that the main action of the peptide is exerted at the hypothalamic level and requires the integrity of hypothalamic–pituitary connections.
Chronic iodine excess does not increase the incidence of hyperthyroidism: a prospective community-based epidemiological survey in China
Authors: Yang Fan , Shan Zhongyan , Teng Xiaochun , Li Yushu , Guan Haixia , Chong Wei , Teng Di , Yu Xiaohui , Fan Chenling , Dai Hong , Yu Yang , Yang Rong , Li Jia , Chen Yanyan , Zhao Dong , Mao Jinyuan , Teng Weiping
Published: March 2007

Objective: An increasing incidence of hyperthyroidism has been observed when iodine supplementation has been introduced to an iodine-deficient population. Moreover, the influence of chronic more than adequate or excessive iodine intake on the epidemiological features of hyperthyroidism has not been widely and thoroughly described. To investigate the influences of different iodine intake levels on the incidence of hyperthyroidism, we conducted a prospective community-based survey in three communities with mild-deficient, more than adequate (previously mild deficient iodine intake), and excessive iodine intake.

Subjects and methods: In three rural Chinese communities, a total of 3761 unselected inhabitants aged above 13 years participated in the original investigation and 3018 of them received identical examinations after 5 years. Thyroid function, levels of thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb), thyroglobulin antibody and urinary iodine excretion were measured and thyroid ultrasound examination was also performed.

Results: In three communities, median urinary iodine excretion was 88, 214, and 634 μg/l (P<0.05) respectively. The cumulative incidence of hyperthyroidism was 1.4, 0.9, and 0.8% (P>0.05) respectively. Autoimmune hyperthyroidism was predominant in thyroid hyperfunction in all the three cohorts. Either positive TPOAb (>50 U/ml) or goiter in original healthy participants was associated with the occurrence of unsuspected hyperthyroidism in 5 years (logistic regression, OR=4.2 (95% CI 1.7–8.8) for positive TPOAb, OR=3.1 (95% CI 1.4–6.8) for goiter).

Conclusion: Iodine supplementation may not induce an increase in hyperthyroidism in a previously mildly iodine-deficient population. Chronic iodine excess does not apparently increase the risk of autoimmune hyperthyroidism, suggesting that excessive iodine intake may not be an environmental factor involved in the occurrence of autoimmune hyperthyroidism.
Endothelial dysfunction is related to insulin resistance and inflammatory biomarker levels in obese prepubertal children
Authors: Jiménez Miguel Valle , Estepa Rosario Martos , Camacho Rosario MaMorales , Estrada Ramón Cañete , Luna Félix Gascón , Guitarte Francisco Bermudo
Published: March 2007

Background: The metabolic syndrome (MS) is associated with insulin resistance (IR), a systemic low-grade inflammatory state and endothelial dysfunction. These disorders may arise at a very early age in obese children. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between endothelial dysfunction and both IR and inflammation in prepubertal obese children.

Methods and results: Von Willebrand factor (vWF) and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) levels were measured in 46 obese prepubertal children aged 6–9, and in 46 non-obese, age-and sex-matched controls; the possible association of these levels with MS, various inflammatory biomarkers and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) was analyzed. Obese children displayed significantly elevated values for sICAM-1 (P = 0.008), vWF (P = 0.034), insulin (P = 0.006), homeostasis model assessment for IR (HOMA-IR; P = 0.003), C-reactive protein (CRP) (P < 0.001), PAI-1 (P = 0.002) and leptin (P < 0.001). Nonsignificant differences were found in interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels. In the obese group, sICAM-1 showed a positive correlation with insulin (P = 0.013), HOMA-IR (P = 0.015), CRP (P = 0.020), IL-6 (P = 0.023) and PAI-1 (P = 0.015). Corrected for age and sex, insulin, HOMA-IR, IL-6 and CPR were found to be independent predictive factors for sICAM-1.

Conclusions: Prepubertal obese children displayed alterations indicative of endothelial dysfunction as well as disorders typical of MS. An association was established between endothelial dysfunction, IR, inflammation and inappropriate fibrinolysis in the children studied.
Role of the activating mutation Val617Phe of Janus kinase 2 gene in myeloproliferative diseases and significance of its detection
Authors: Andrikovics Hajnalka , Szilvási Anikó , Meggyesi Nóra , Király Viktória , Halm Gabriella , Lueff Sándor , Nahajevszky Sarolta , Mikala Gábor , Sipos Andrea , Lovas Nóra , Csukly Zoltán , Mátrai Zoltán , Tamáska Júlia , Tordai Attila , Masszi Tamás
Published: March 2007

The Val617Phe point mutation of Janus kinase 2 gene is believed to participate in the pathogenesis of myeloproliferative syndrome characterised by the clonal alteration of hematopoetic stem cells. According to current results, the frequency of Val617Phe activating mutation is around 80% in polycythaemia vera, 35% in essential thrombocythaemia, and 50% in chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis. The diagnoses of polycythaemia vera, essential thrombocythaemia and idiopathic myelofibrosis were so far based on the exclusion of secondary factors as well as bone marrow biopsy histology. The goal of the present work was to establish simple molecular genetic techniques for the routine testing of Janus kinase 2 gene Val617Phe mutation, and to compare the clinical phenotypes of Val617Phe mutation positive and negative myeloproliferative syndromes. We employed the allele specific polymerase chain technique for detection of Val617Phe mutation in 252 patients with myeloproliferative syndrome. We measured Val617Phe frequency as 85,4% (117/137) in polycytaemia vera, 56,6% (56/99) in essential thrombocythaemia, and 87,5% (14/16) in idiopathic myelofibrosis. We found significantly elevated hemoglobin levels and white blood cell counts (measured at the time of diagnosis) in Val617Phe-positive polycythaemia vera and essential thrombocythaemia patient groups compared to Val617Phe-negative patients. However, the frequencies of splenomegaly and other complications (thrombosis, bleeding, transformation to acute leukemia) were not significantly different between the mutation-positive and negative groups. In conclusion, the non-invasive mutation analysis of the Janus kinase 2 Val617Phe is suitable for routine laboratory application and helps the differential diagnosis of myeloproliferative syndrome. Althought the exact role of Val617Phe mutation testing has not yet been identified on the basis of a broad professional consensus, the testing is suggested in cases of erythrocytoses and thrombocytoses of unknown origin.
Adulthood atopic dermatitis: epidemiology, clinical symptoms, provoking and prognostic factors
Authors: Pónyai Györgyi , Temesvári Erzsébet , Kárpáti Sarolta
Published: March 2007

Az atópiás dermatitis krónikus, egyéni lefolyást mutató kórkép, amelynek gyermekkori és felnőttkori prevalenciája világszerte emelkedő tendenciát mutat. Etiológiája nem teljesen feltárt, de ismert, hogy alapját a genetikai hajlam és immunológiai reguláció-zavar képezi. Ezek talaján, környezeti provokáló faktorok hatására jelennek meg a bőrtünetek. A betegség rendszerint csecsemőkorban indul, később is elsősorban a gyermekeket érinti, azonban sok esetben a tünetek felnőttkorban is megmaradnak. Ekkor a száraz bőr, a hajlati lichenifikáció, az arcra és nyakra, valamint kézre lokalizálódó tünetek jellemzőek. Az atópiás dermatitis gyermekkori formájáról számos közlemény látott napvilágot, a felnőttkorban is megmaradó, illetve a felnőttkorban kialakuló forma azonban csak néhány éve került az érdeklődés középpontjába. A kórkép modern megközelítésében nagy szerepet kap a bőrtüneteket kiváltó, vagy fenntartó faktorok feltérképezése, majd lehetőség szerinti elkerülése. A szerzők az aktuális irodalmat áttekintve, összefoglalják a felnőttkori atópiás dermatitis tüneteinek fellobbanását és fenntartását okozó környezeti és egyéb tényezőket, közöttük a nem, a családszerkezet, a fertőzések, a ruházat, az aero- és kontaktallergének, a migráció, a lakókörnyezet és a pszichés faktorok szerepét tárgyalva. Kitérnek a felnőttkorban jellemző klinikai képre és a prognosztikai tényezőkre is.
Cooperation or false authorship? – Scientometric investigations on the connections between the number of authors, the scientific cooperation and the effectivity
Authors: Marton János , Báló Szilvia
Published: March 2007

Bevezetés:
A kutatási teljesítmények tudománymetriai értékelésének realitását befolyásolhatja a „feliratkozás”, a nem érdemi szerzőség. Ugyanakkor a vizsgálatok eredményességéhez és színvonalához érdemben járul hozzá a több kutató, illetve több intézet közös munkája. Magyarországon különösen fontos ez a kérdés a tudománytámogatáshoz kapcsolódó tudománymetriai értékelések validitása szempontjából.
Célkitűzés:
A szerzők módszert kívántak kidolgozni a feliratkozás leleplezésére, pontosabban a szerzők és intézetek közötti együttműködés, valamint a közlemények impakt faktorral kifejezett színvonala közt elvárható pozitív összefüggés ellenőrzésére.
Módszerek:
A Szegedi Tudományegyetem Általános Orvostudományi Kar (ÁOK) impakt faktoros folyóiratokban megjelent cikkeit csoportosították a klinikai és elméleti szakterületek szerint, valamint e csoportokon belül a tulajdonossá minősített ÁOK-intézet kutatóinak az egyes cikkek szerzői közti többsége illetve kisebbsége szerint. Az egyes csoportok cikkeit rangsorolták az impakt faktor szerint, s összehasonlították a rangsor két fele közt az átlagos szerzőszámot.
Eredmények:
Az átlagos szerzőszám minden esetben kisebb volt a cikkek alacsonyabb impakt faktorú felében. Az is kiderült, hogy mind a szerzőszám-növekedés, mind az intézetek közti együttműködés emelte az impakt faktorral kifejezett színvonalat. Megerősítést nyert tehát a vizsgált esetben a hipotézis, miszerint a szerzői és intézeti együttműködés javítja a kutatás eredményességét.
Psychiatric disorders leading to noncompliance in a consultation psychiatric practice
Authors: Gazdag Gábor , Sebestyén Gábor
Published: March 2007

Bevezetés:
A noncompliance összetett probléma, amely megjelenthet az orvosi kezelés minden fázisában. Az együttműködés hiánya gondot okozhat a kivizsgálás, a diagnózis felállítását követő invazív beavatkozás vagy a gyógyszeres kezelés során. A noncompliance-hez vezető okok között jelentős szerepet töltenek be a szomatikus betegséggel párhuzamosan fennálló pszichiátriai zavarok.
Célkitűzés:
Noncompliance miatt kért pszichiátriai konzíliumok alapján a betegek hiányos együttműködését okozó leggyakoribb pszichiátriai zavarok feltérképezése.
Módszer:
A Szent László Kórház konzultációs-kapcsolati pszichiátriai ambulanciájának 5 éves beteganyagán végeztek a szerzők retrospektív vizsgálatot. Ebben a közleményben a noncompliance miatt kért pszichiátriai konzultációkról számolnak be.
Eredmények:
Demencia (27,3%) és hangulatzavar (40,9%) fordult elő leggyakrabban a noncompliance betegeknél. A cukorbetegség, a tüdő- és a vesebetegség volt gyakoribb a noncompliance miatt konzultáló betegek között, a teljes konzíliumi beteganyaghoz viszonyítva.
Következtetések:
Egyes krónikus, szomatikus betegségekben szenvedőknél gyakrabban előforduló komorbid depresszió és a depressziósok körében gyakrabban fellépő noncompliance miatt a cukorbetegeknél, a tüdő- és vesebetegeknél a depresszió szűrése és megfelelő kezelése hatékony eszköz lehet a noncompliance megelőzésében.
Importance of hereditary haemochromatosis in the care of diabetes mellitus
Authors: Wittmann István , Wagner László , Markó Lajos , Tamaskó Mónika , Laczy Boglárka , Mohás Márton , Cseh Judit , Melegh Béla
Published: March 2007

Szerzők a vas- és a szénhidrátanyagcsere kapcsolatait vizsgálták saját és irodalmi eredmények tükrében. Különös hangsúlyt fektettek a szabad gyökös folyamatok ismertetésére, mivel a hereditaer haemochromatosis és a diabetes mellitus is, mint a vas- és a szénhidrátanyagcsere-zavarok leggyakoribbjai oxidatív stressz keltése révén vezetnek szövődményekhez. A nagy vér és szöveti glükózkoncentráció elektronfelesleget eredményez. Ez redukálhatja a redox ciklusban részt vevő, transzport- vagy raktárfehérjéhez nem kötött vasat, és ez vezet az oxidatív stresszhez. A hereditaer haemochromatosis mind a válogatás nélküli, mind pedig a diabeteses populációban a szöveti redox-aktív vas szintjének emelkedését okozhatja. A hereditaer haemochromatosis leggyakoribb mutációit hordozók aránya hazánkban, szelekció nélküli népességben 30,4%-ot és diabetesben 35,8%-ot tesz ki. Az irodalom adatai szerint feltételezhető, hogy már a hereditaer haemochromatosis leggyakoribb mutációi (HFE-C282Y és HFE-H63D) szempontjából heterozigotákban is megemelkedik a szöveti vasszint, bár a fenotípusban a hereditaer haemochromatosis ilyenkor általában nem jelenik meg, mivel penetranciája alacsony. Mégis, ez a megemelkedett vas-ellátottság a már más okból – például diabetes mellitus miatt – károsodott szövetek betegségének progresszóját okozhatja. Másrészt a hereditaer haemochromatosis olyan endothelkárosodáshoz vezethet, ami miatt – a diabetes mellitus manifesztálódását megelőzően – hypertonia alakulhat ki. Feltételezhető, hogy a vérnyomásemelkedés a hereditaer haemochromatosis egyik legkorábbi klinikai jele. Nehezen beállítható hypertonia és szénhidrátanyagcsere-zavar esetén érdemes gondolni a hereditaer haemochromatosis lehetőségére.
Hepatitis C viral infection and depression
Authors: Lengyel Gabriella , Aszalós Zsuzsa , Tulassay Zsolt
Published: March 2007

A világon kb. 170 millió ember szenved krónikus C hepatitisben. A krónikus C vírushepatitisesek között a depresszió előfordulása gyakoribb, mint az egészséges lakosságban, a betegek kb. 58%-ában ismerhető fel. A szerzők az irodalmi adatok alapján áttekintik a májbetegségben fellépő depresszió etiológiáját, vizsgálva a HCV neuropatogén hatását. Ismertetik azokat a kutatási eredményeket, amelyek bizonyítékul szolgálhatnak a hepatitis C vírus központi idegrendszerben okozott elváltozásaira. A HCV kezelésére alkalmazott α-interferon egyik mellékhatása a depresszió. A szerzők ismertetik az interferon okozta depresszió biológiai alapjait, keletkezését, következményeit krónikus C hepatitisben, és áttekintik a depressziós beteg kivizsgálásának menetét. Összefoglalják a krónikus májbetegségek pszichiátriai gyógyszeres kezelésének lépéseit. Fontos annak a mérlegelése is, hogy a depressziós krónikus C hepatitises beteg kezelhető-e interferonnal. Az interferon-kezelés elmulasztása a májbetegség fatális kimeneteléhez vezethet. A helyes döntés meghozatalához megfelelő együttműködés szükséges a belgyógyász és a pszichiáter között.
Bioética e biossegurança: uso de biomateriais na prática odontológica
Authors: Bugarin Júnior João Geraldo , Garrafa Volnei
Published: March 2007

OBJETIVO: Analisar o uso de biomateriais em odontologia por cirurgiões dentistas especialistas sob os aspectos da Teoria Bioética do Princiapialismo e da Ética da Responsabilidade individual e Coletiva. MÉTODOS: Foram aplicados questionários a 95 cirurgiões dentistas registrados no Conselho Regional de Odontologia do Distrito Federal, 2002. sobre o uso de biomateriais em sua prática. Dados relativos ao controle sanitário foram obtidos por meio das respostas desses cirurgiões dentistas e de pesquisa nos órgãos competentes. RESULTADOS: Os profissionais entrevistados utilizavam rotineiramente biomateriais, sendo que 45% relataram acreditar não haver riscos para os pacientes; 48% não consideram biomaterial como medicamento e 70% se sentiam seguros com relação à origem, apesar de membranas e osso serem os itens mais adquiridos por meio de vendedores autônomos. Apesar disso, 96% dos entrevistados afirmaram que deveria haver maior controle das autoridades sanitárias. Mais da metade dos entrevistados (51%) referiu pouca ou nenhuma participação do paciente no processo de escolha terapêutica. O termo de consentimento informado foi anexado por 12% dos cirurgiões dentistas pesquisados. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados mostraram que os profissionais utilizam biomateriais desconhecendo riscos e efeitos adversos, distanciando-se do princípio da beneficência. A ética da responsabilidade pública não é observada pelos organismos públicos responsáveis e órgãos de categoria profissional. O consentimento informado ainda não está incorporado à prática profissional, permanecendo a relação profissional-paciente em odontologia excessivamente vertical.
Satisfação com o trabalho e impacto causado nos profissionais de serviço de saúde mental
Authors: Rebouças Denise , Legay Letícia Fortes , Abelha Lúcia
Published: March 2007

OBJETIVO: Analisar o nível de satisfação no emprego e o impacto causado nos profissionais de um serviço de saúde mental e possíveis associações com variáveis sociodemográficas e funcionais. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com 321 profissionais de uma instituição de saúde mental de longa permanência, no Rio de Janeiro, RJ, em 2005. Os instrumentos utilizados foram: as escalas de avaliação da Satisfação da Equipe em Serviços de Saúde Mental e a do Impacto do Trabalho em Serviços de Saúde Mental, e um questionário sobre características sociodemográficas e profissionais. Para a análise das associações entre variáveis foram empregados os testes Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney, qui-quadrado e regressão linear múltipla. RESULTADOS: O escore médio de satisfação foi 3,29±0,64 e o de impacto do trabalho foi 1,77±0,62. Dos profissionais estudados, 61,8% apresentaram nível intermediário de satisfação. Foram observadas associações positivas da satisfação com: ter sido contratado por organização não-governamental, exercer atividades sem contato direto com pacientes, trabalhar em projeto inovador, ter idade mais avançada e nível de escolaridade mais baixo. Os níveis mais elevados de impacto do trabalho foram observados entre servidores públicos, jovens e do sexo feminino. CONCLUSÕES: A maioria das características associadas aos menores níveis de satisfação no emprego esteve associada aos mais elevados níveis de impacto do trabalho. Embora os resultados tenham revelado nível intermediário de satisfação, é evidente a necessidade de mudanças por parte do poder público, especialmente no que diz respeito à ampliação de recursos humanos e materiais e à reforma das edificações.
Avaliação do efeito residual de piretróides sobre anofelinos da Amazônia brasileira
Authors: Santos Roseli La Corte dos , Fayal Arnaldo da Silva , Aguiar Antonio Edvaldo F , Vieira Durval Bertran Rodrigues , Póvoa Marinete Marins
Published: March 2007

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a duração do efeito residual de piretróides sobre a mortalidade de anofelinos e verificar sua efetividade na borrifação intradomiciliar em regiões da Amazônia Brasileira. OBJETIVO: O estudo foi desenvolvido no conjunto habitacional, município de Belém, Pará, em 2003. Foram sorteadas 12 casas, três de cada uma das quatro áreas estabelecidas. Foram aplicados nas paredes internas das casas os inseticidas: piretróides cipermetrina pó molhável, deltametrina suspensão concentrada, lambdacialotrina pó molhável e etofemprox pó molhável. Seu efeito sobre a mortalidade de anofelinos foi avaliado durante os meses de julho a novembro. Utilizou-se a técnica de prova biológica de parede com a utilização de cones plásticos e mosquitos selvagens do município de Peixe Boi. RESULTADOS: A taxa de mortalidade variou de acordo com o tipo de parede e inseticida aplicado. Os aplicados em madeira e paredes de tijolo sem reboco foram mais estáveis e duradouros. O lambdacialotrina apresentou efeito mais curto que os demais inseticidas e o etofemprox apresentou efeito residual de quatro meses e foi mais efetivo em paredes de tijolo sem reboco. Não houve diferença estatística entre deltametrina e cipermetrina em todas as superfícies testadas, e a duração do efeito residual foi satisfatória até três meses após a borrifação. CONCLUSÕES: Os inseticidas deltametrina e etofemprox apresentaram melhor desempenho quando comparados aos demais. Para esses inseticidas e formulações, deve considerar-se seguro o intervalo de três meses entre aplicações sucessivas. Em comunidades com predomínio de casas de alvenaria rebocadas, deve ser considerada a menor efetividade das formulações, bem como a pertinência do emprego da borrifação residual como método para o controle vetorial na área.
Avaliação das farmácias virtuais brasileiras
Authors: Gondim Ana Paula Soares , Falcão Cláudio Borges
Published: March 2007

O crescente número de usuários de internet desencadeou um aumento na busca dos serviços de farmácias virtuais brasileiras. Com o objetivo de avaliar a validade das informações divulgadas nesses sites, realizou-se estudo descritivo com 18 farmácias virtuais quanto aos aspectos legais, acessibilidade, fontes de informação e propagandas de medicamentos. Verificou-se que 15 não possuíam autorização de funcionamento da Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária; 17 não tinham o nome do farmacêutico responsável pelo funcionamento; 17 comercializavam medicamentos sem registro, especialmente fitoterápicos, e não dispunham de informações sobre reações adversas a medicamentos e nem exibiam alertas e recomendações sanitárias determinadas por essa Agência. Como o controle sanitário e o comércio de medicamentos nas farmácias virtuais brasileiras ainda não estão regulamentados pelos órgãos governamentais competentes, essas falhas encontradas nos sites podem colocar em risco a saúde de seus usuários.
Prevalência de maus-tratos na terceira idade: revisão sistemática
Authors: Espíndola Cybele Ribeiro , Blay Sérgio Luís
Published: March 2007

OBJETIVO: Identificar estudos sobre prevalência de abuso na terceira idade e analisar a qualidade dos estudos. MÉTODOS: Revisão sistemática estudos de base populacional em bases de dados eletrônicos (PubMed, LILACS, Embase, ISI, PsycInfo), referente aos anos de 1988 a 2005. Foram incluídos os estudos de base populacional e excluídos os estudos sem definição metodológica delineada e estudos realizados em clientela de serviços especializados. RESULTADOS: Foram encontrados 440 artigos, mas apenas 11 artigos foram selecionados. A maioria dos artigos foi de corte transversal, apenas dois apresentaram desenho longitudinal. Os estudos foram conduzidos em diversas regiões do mundo, sobretudo dos Estados Unidos e da Europa. Observou-se variação nas definições de abuso. Os estudos de prevalência encontraram coeficientes de abuso físico entre 1,2% (Holanda) e 18% (Finlândia). CONCLUSÕES: Existe substancial variação de prevalência entre os países, parecendo haver uma variável cultural importante. Como o número de idosos é crescente no mundo, são necessários mais estudos de base populacional representativos dessa faixa etária para melhor compreensão do fenômeno.
Salivary gland proteins of the human malaria vector, Anopheles dirus B (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Jariyapan Narissara , Choochote Wej , Jitpakdi Atchariya , Harnnoi Thasaneeya , Siriyasatein Padet , Wilkinson Mark C. , Junkum Anuluck , Bates Paul A.
Published: March 2007

Salivary gland proteins of the human malaria vector, Anopheles dirus B were determined and analyzed. The amount of salivary gland proteins in mosquitoes aged between 3 - 10 days was approximately 1.08 ± 0.04 µg/female and 0.1 ± 0.05 µg/male. The salivary glands of both sexes displayed the same morphological organization as that of other anopheline mosquitoes. In females, apyrase accumulated in the distal regions, whereas alpha-glucosidase was found in the proximal region of the lateral lobes. This differential distribution of the analyzed enzymes reflects specialization of different regions for sugar and blood feeding. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed that at least seven major proteins were found in the female salivary glands, of which each morphological region contained different major proteins. Similar electrophoretic protein profiles were detected comparing unfed and blood-fed mosquitoes, suggesting that there is no specific protein induced by blood. Two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel analysis showed the most abundant salivary gland protein, with a molecular mass of approximately 35 kilodaltons and an isoelectric point of approximately 4.0. These results provide basic information that would lead to further study on the role of salivary proteins of An. dirus B in disease transmission and hematophagy.
Sympathetic overactivity and arrhythmias in tetanus: electrocardiographic analysis
Authors: Henriques Filho Gustavo Trindade , Lacerda Heloisa Ramos , Albuquerque Afonso , Ximenes Ricardo Arraes de Alencar
Published: March 2007

As a result of the advances in the control of pulmonary insufficiency in tetanus, the cardiovascular system has increasingly been shown to be a determining factor in morbidity and mortality but detailed knowledge of the cardiovascular complications in tetanus is scanty. The 24h-Holter was carried out in order to detect arrhythmias and sympathetic overactivity in 38 tetanus patients admitted to an ICU. The SDNN Index (standard deviation from the normal R-to-R intervals), was useful in detecting adrenergic tonus, and ranged from 64.1 ± 27 in the more severe forms of tetanus to 125 ± 69 in the milder ones. Sympathetic overactivity occurred in 86.2% of the more severe forms of the disease, but was also detected in 33% of the milder forms. Half the patients had their sympathetic overactivity detected only by the Holter. The most frequent arrhythmias were isolated supraventricular (55.2%) and ventricular (39.4%) extrasystoles. There was no association of the arrhythmias with the clinical form of tetanus or with the presence of sympathetic overactivity. The present study demonstrated that major cardiovascular dysfunction, particularly sympathetic overactivity, occurs in all forms of tetanus, even in the milder ones. This has not been effectively detected with traditional monitoring in ICU and may not be properly treated.
Genotyping, serotyping and determination of mating-type of Cryptococcus neoformans clinical isolates from São Paulo State, Brazil
Authors: Matsumoto Marcelo Teruyuki , Fusco-Almeida Ana Marisa , Baeza Lilian Cristiane , Melhem Márcia de Souza Carvalho , Medes-Giannini Maria José Soares
Published: March 2007

The basidiomycetous yeast Cryptococcus neoformans is an important fungal pathogen mainly in immunocompromised patients. In this study, 47 clinical isolates of C. neoformans from regions of São Paulo State were studied serologically by using the Crypto Check Iatron RM 304-K kit, their genetic diversity was estimated by PCR-fingerprinting with a microsatellite-specific sequence (GACA)4, RAPD with primer 6 (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech), PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of the phospholipase B gene (PLB1) digested with AvaI and mating type analysis by PCR. All 47 strains isolated from HIV positive patients included in this study were serotype A and MATalpha. The majority of the isolates (45/47) were VNI and only two were VNII by PCR-fingerprinting and PCR-RFLP analysis. High degree of homogeneity was observed when (GACA)4 was used, being highly correlated (> 0.9). In contrast, the RAPD analysis was more heterogeneous with higher number of molecular profiles. By PCR-RFLP, no new molecular type was found, enhancing the suggestion that the differences based on conserved gene as PLB1, can be resultant of ongoing divergent evolution within the C. neoformans complex, into the current eight subtypes. Our results furnish new information on the molecular epidemiology of C. neoformans in the southeast region of Brazil.
The pattern of immune cell infiltration in chromoblastomycosis: involvement of macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha/CCL3 and fungi persistence
Authors: Sá Vanuza Cristina , Silva Tarcília Aparecida , Reis Carmelia Matos Santiago , Cunha Fernando Queiroz , Figueiredo Florêncio , Bocca Anamélia Lorenzetti
Published: March 2007

Chromoblastomycosis (CR) is a subcutaneous chronic mycosis characterized by a granulomatous inflammatory response. However, little is known regarding the pattern of leukocyte subsets in CR and the pathways involved in their recruitment. The objective of this study was to assess the cellular subsets, chemokine, chemokine receptors and enzymes in CR. The inflammatory infiltrate was characterized by immunohistochemistry using antibodies against macrophages (CD68), Langerhans'cells (S100), lymphocytes (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD45RO, CD20 and CD56) and neutrophils (CD15). The expression of MIP-1alpha (Macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha), chemokine receptors (CXCR3 and CCR1) and enzymes (superoxide dismutase-SOD and nitric oxide synthase-iNOS) was also evaluated by the same method. We observed an increase in all populations evaluated when compared with the controls. Numbers of CD15+ and CD56+ were significantly lower than CD3+, CD4+, CD20+ and CD68+ cells. Statistical analysis revealed an association of fungi numbers with CD3, CD45RO and iNOS-positive cells. Furthermore, MIP-1alpha expression was associated with CD45RO, CD68, iNOS and CXCR3. Our results suggest a possible role of MIP-1alpha and fungi persistence in the cell infiltration in CR sites.
Characterization of Xanthomonas spp. strains by bacteriocins
Authors: Bonini Marcel , Maringoni Antonio Carlos , Rodrigues Neto Julio
Published: March 2007

Twenty-five strains of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri and 14 strains of Xanthomonas spp. were tested for bacteriocin production. X. axonopodis pv. passiflorae strains were sensitive to the bacteriocins produced by the 25 X. axonopodis pv. citri strains evaluated in this study while strains of X. axonopodis pv. manihotis and X. campestris pv. campestris showed variable sensitivity. Only five of the 25 X. axonopodis pv. citri strains were not inhibited by the bacteriocins produced by the two X. axonopodis pv. passiflorae strains. The bacteriocins produced by the Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri (FDC-806) and X. axonopodis pv. passiflorae (Mar-2850 A) strains were thermolabile, resistant to lysozyme and sensitive to DNAse. The bacteriocin produced by X. axonopodis pv. passiflorae was resistant to the action of proteinase K, trypsin and RNAse while the bacteriocin produced by X. axonopodis pv. citri was sensitive to these enzymes. The bacteriocins produced by X. axonopodis pv. passiflorae and X. axonopodis pv. citri were called passifloricin and citricin, respectively.