bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Successful Return to Work for Cancer Survivors
Authors: Nachreiner Nancy M. , Dagher Rada K. , McGovern Patricia M. , Baker Beth A. , Alexander Bruce H. , Gerberich Susan Goodwin
Published: July 2015

This study investigated factors associated with successful return to work for cancer survivors in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. A focus group was held with seven female cancer survivors. Participants discussed return-to-work issues following a cancer diagnosis. Factors such as coworker support and job flexibility improved their experiences, whereas coworker and supervisor ignorance about cancer and lack of support made returning to work more stressful. Participants discussed personal, environmental, and cancer-related factors that influenced their experiences with returning to work following a cancer diagnosis. Knowledge of factors that support employees helps occupational health nurses ease their transition, and may improve quality of life for employees. Physicians and health care provider teams may play a critical role in the employees' positive evaluation of their recovery process. This pilot study serves as a basis for a larger, population-based study.
Identifying Health and Safety Risks for Childcare Workers
Authors: McGrath Belinda J.
Published: July 2015

Childcare workers are exposed to several health and safety risks in their work environment, the most common being infectious diseases, musculoskeletal injuries, accidents, and occupational stress. Pregnant childcare workers have an additional risk of potential harm to the fetus. Occupational health nurses can work collaboratively with childcare workers to reduce these risks and provide workplace health promotion programs. This article explores the occupational health and safety issues for childcare workers and suggests health promotion strategies that could be implemented by occupational health nurses working in this arena.
How Can Case Managers Develop Positive and Effective Relationships with Clients by Phone?
Authors: Brown Norman DePaul , Sliski Susan Katz
Published: July 2015

The panel approach provides a forum for sharing ideas, viewpoints, and perspectives. Panel members come with expertise from a variety of case management arenas and have agreed to share their opinions and perspectives in response to specific questions or scenarios. Opinions and perspectives are those of the panel members and do not necessarily represent the views of AAOHN, the Editor, or the Publisher. We encourage readers to submit their questions or scenarios for the panel. This month's panel members include Norman DePaul Brown, EdD, FNP, and Susan Katz Sliski, MSN, RN, CCM.
Occupational Exposures to Blood and Body Fluid
Authors: Askew Shana M.
Published: July 2015

Medical students and health professions students may be at high risk for occupational exposures to blood-borne pathogens. This retrospective chart review explored the rates and types of self-reported blood and body fluid exposures among medical students and health professions students at Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS), the University of Virginia School of Medicine, and Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2005, to determine an average rate of exposure reported by the student population at EVMS and in Virginia. Students at EVMS reported 126 exposures: 105 were needlestick and sharps injuries and 21 were blood and body fluid exposures. Fifty-one percent of the EVMS students reported not being the original user of the device causing their exposure. Students in Virginia reported 519 exposures. The majority of the exposures occurred in the operating room. Limitations of this study included student curricula not being reviewed and the medical schools' data collection methods not being compared. Student blood and body fluid exposures should be considered a serious and possibly deadly occupational hazard. Students must be deemed competent in basic health care procedures, universal precautions, and suturing techniques before being allowed to assist with or perform patient procedures.
Process of Behavioral Change as it Relates to Intentional Physical Activity
Authors: Yap Tracey L. , Davis L. Sue
Published: July 2015

During the past 100 years, America has changed from an agrarian society, where the intent of physical activity was to produce needed materials, to a postindustrial society, where 60% of American adults are not regularly physically active and 25% are not active at all (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1999). With sedentary lifestyle and its attendant consequences on the rise, the occupational health nurse can increase individuals' knowledge, facilitate their decision making, and motivate them to try new behaviors and change existing behaviors. The occupational health nurse can use a model to organize individual workers' information and clarify strategies to promote behavior change. The goal is to decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with sedentary lifestyles of American workers by using the model when individuals present to the occupational health service. Individuals benefit from health care professionals who understand personal risks and communicate strategies to address barriers and concerns when they consider behavior changes such as increasing physical activity.
Prevalence of Obesity and Cardiovascular Risk Factors among Manufacturing Company Employees in Kentucky
Authors: Brehm Bonnie , Gates Donna , Singler Mary , Poeppelman Amanda , Succop Paul , D'Alessio David
Published: July 2015

The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of obesity and cardiovascular risk factors among male and female employees of eight small manufacturing companies in Kentucky. Randomly selected employees were screened using anthropometric and metabolic measures and a food frequency questionnaire. More than 77% of participants were classified as overweight or obese, higher than national estimates. Obesity was associated with a higher prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and elevated fasting glucose. Consistent with national data, males had an increased prevalence of specific risk factors (i.e., elevated blood pressure, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and hypertriglyceridemia), while females had an increased prevalence of at-risk waist circumference. One potential contributor to high prevalence rates was dietary practices that did not meet recommended guidelines for health. Results suggest an increased risk for cardiovascular disease among employees of Kentucky manufacturing companies and the need for interventions to reduce obesity and its comorbidities in this target population.
Employee Health Surveillance in the Health Care Industry
Authors: Hood Joyce , Larrañaga Michael
Published: July 2015

This article provides an overview of the fundamental and inherent challenges in developing a health surveillance program for a health care facility. These challenges are similar to those facing individuals responsible for developing health surveillance programs for multiple industries because several “mini-industries” exist within hospitals. Hazards can range from those that are regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to those that are unregulated but pose a threat to health care workers. Occupational hazards that are unique to the health care industry also exist. A health surveillance program can be developed with focused assessment and a strong occupational safety and health program. Implementation can occur within a health care setting with the buy-in of the many stakeholders involved, especially supervisors managing departments where chemical and other hazards are present.
Ergonomics and Patient Handling
Authors: McCoskey Kelsey L.
Published: July 2015

This study aimed to describe patient-handling demands in inpatient units during a 24-hour period at a military health care facility. A 1-day total population survey described the diverse nature and impact of patient-handling tasks relative to a variety of nursing care units, patient characteristics, and transfer equipment. Productivity baselines were established based on patient dependency, physical exertion, type of transfer, and time spent performing the transfer. Descriptions of the physiological effect of transfers on staff based on patient, transfer, and staff characteristics were developed. Nursing staff response to surveys demonstrated how patient-handling demands are impacted by the staff's physical exertion and level of patient dependency. The findings of this study describe the types of transfers occurring in these inpatient units and the physical exertion and time requirements for these transfers. This description may guide selection of the most appropriate and cost-effective patient-handling equipment required for specific units and patients.
Nursing Injury Rates and Negative Patient Outcomes—Connecting the Dots
Authors: Charney William , Schirmer Joseph
Published: July 2015

The connection between nursing injury rates and patient outcomes has not been totally grasped in the health care occupational health setting. This article concludes that nursing injury rates are linked to the nursing shortage and less nursing time at the bedside, both of which have been scientifically linked to negative patient outcomes. Because nurses' working conditions affect patients' outcomes, more funding and changes are needed to improve these conditions.
How Can Occupational Health Nurses Work Effectively with Third-Party Administrators Who Disagree with Their Approach to Case Management?
Authors: Haag Annette B. , Kalina Christine M. , Brown Norman DePaul , Sliski Susan Katz
Published: July 2015

The panel approach provides a forum for sharing ideas, viewpoints, and perspectives. Panel members come with expertise from a variety of case management arenas and have agreed to share their opinions and perspectives in response to specific questions or scenarios. Opinions and perspectives are those of the panel members and do not necessarily represent the views of AAOHN, the Editor, or the Publisher. We encourage readers to submit their questions or scenarios for the panel. This month's panel members include Annette B. Haag, Christine M. Kalina, Norman DePaul Brown, and Susan Katz Sliski.
Health and Safety Needs of Older Farmers
Authors: Lizer Shannon K. , Petrea Robert E.
Published: July 2015

Farming is an occupation that blends the work and home environments and traditionally involves active participation of all family members, including older farmers. The work patterns of older farmers, including typical work hours, range of activities, and health status, are not well documented. This study, surveying a random sample of older Illinois farmers ( N = 87), focused on these gaps in the literature. Older farmers were found to work long hours in many farm tasks, more than would be expected in other occupational groups. Further, older farmers were found to have several chronic diseases at higher rates than the general population of the same age and gender; mental health implications were also identified. Rural occupational health nurses are in an optimal position to positively impact older farmers' mental and physical health status.
Addressing Hospital Nurses' Fear of Abandonment in a Bioterrorism Emergency
Authors: Good Linda
Published: July 2015

Most hospitals' disaster plans are extensive and effective at establishing an incident command center, directing material and personnel resources, and triaging patients. However, few organizations have assessed caregivers' needs and fears related to disaster response. When nurses have been interviewed on this topic, findings indicated complex concerns involving fear of loss (e.g., loss of order in their work environment, loss of safe work conditions, loss of freedom to come and go at will, and loss of trust in their hospital's commitment to their best interest). The sobering result of anticipating these losses is fear of abandonment. The purpose of this article is to address factors identified by hospital-based nurses that contribute to their fears of abandonment in a bioterrorism emergency. Hospitals that choose to respond to these concerns will exemplify best practice toward care of the community and care of their own nurses.
Using a Strengths-Based Approach to Build Caring Work Environments
Authors: Henry Linda S. , Henry James D.
Published: July 2015

The current health care environment has a growing shortage of nurses and other health care professionals. Health care organizations face the twofold task of retaining employees and preventing “brain drain.” A caring work environment can be instrumental in attracting and retaining productive and loyal employees, leading to increased employee and patient satisfaction and a positively impacted bottom line. A strengths-based approach powerfully and effectively promotes and nurtures a caring work environment in all health care specialties and organizations.
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy/Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Authors: Gann Charlotte
Published: July 2015

Occupational health nurses are usually the first to assess workers with reflex sympathetic dystrophy/complex regional pain syndrome. Therefore, they must be aware of the signs and symptoms, implications for lost time, and higher incidence of disability related to this disorder.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Glycol chitosan incorporated retinoic acid chlorochalcone (RACC) nanoparticles in the treatment of Osteosarcoma
Authors: Qin Yan-Guo , Zhu Lan-Yu , Wang Chen-Yu , Zhang Bo-Yan , Wang Qing-Yu , Li Rui-Yan , Liu Zhen
Published: July 2015

Background

Osteosarcoma is the most common of all the bone malignancies and accounts for 30-80 % of the primary skeletal sarcomas. The overall survival rate of patients with osteosarcoma is < 20 % suggesting poor prognosis.

Methods

The present study demonstrates the effect of retinoic acid chlorochalcone (RACC) incorporated glycol chitosan (GC) nanoparticle transfection in osteosarcoma cells. MG-63 and Saos-2 osteosarcoma cells were transfected with various concentrations of RACC-incorporated GC nanoparticle for 24 h. The effect on cell proliferation, Ezh2 expression, apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, cell migration and invasiveness, Akt phosphorylation and local tumour growth and metastases were studied.

Results

MG-63 and Saos-2 osteosarcoma cells on RACC-incorporated GC nanoparticle transfection for 24 h showed a concentration-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation. Of the various concentrations of RACC tested, the effective concentration started from 5 μM with an IC50 of 20 μM. Wound healing assay also showed that RACC-incorporated GC nanoparticles inhibited migration of tumor cells more effectively compared to the parent RA. RACC transfection resulted in inhibition of cell proliferation, Ezh2 expression inhibition, apoptosis through mitochondrial pathway by decrease in membrane potential and release of cytochrome c and cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase. The invasiveness of cells treated with 5 and 20 μM RACC was decreased by 49 and 76 % respectively, compared to the control. RACC-treated mice showed significantly lower number of metastases compared to that in the control mice.

Conclusions

Thus, RACC-incorporated glycol chitosan nanoparticle strategy can be promising for the treatment of osteosarcoma.
A combined approach for concern identification in KDM models
Authors: Martín Santibáñez Daniel San , Durelli Rafael Serapilha , de Camargo Valter Vieira
Published: July 2015

Background

Systems are considered legacy when their maintenance costs raise to unmanageable levels, but they still deliver valuable benefits for companies. One intrinsic problem of this kind of system is the presence of crosscutting concerns in their architecture, hindering its comprehension and evolution. Architecture-driven modernization (ADM) is the new generation of reengineering in which models are used as main artifacts during the whole process. Using ADM, it is possible to modernize legacy systems by remodularizing their concerns in a more modular shape. In this sense, the first step is the identification of source code elements that contribute to the implementation of those concerns, a process known as concern mining. Although there exist a number of concern mining approaches in the literature, none of them are devoted to ADM, leading individual groups to create their own ad hoc proprietary solutions. In this paper, we propose an approach called crosscutting-concern knowledge discovery meta-model (CCKDM) whose goal is to mine crosscutting concerns in ADM context. Our approach employs a combination of a concern library and a K-means clustering algorithm.

Methods

We have conducted an experimental study composed of two analyses. The first one aimed to identify the most suitable levenshtein values to apply the clustering algorithm. The second one aimed to check the recall and precision of our approach when compared to oracles and also to two other existing mining techniques (XScan and Timna) found in literature.

Results

The main result of this work is a combined mining approach for KDM that enables a concern-oriented modernization to be performed. As a secondary and more general result, this work shows that it is possible to adapt existing concern mining code-level approaches for being used in ADM processes and maintain the same level of precision and recall.

Conclusions

By using the approach herein presented, it was possible to conclude the following: (i) it is possible to automate the identification of crosscutting concerns in KDM models and (ii) the results are similar or equal to other approaches.
Hypoxic preconditioning enhances mesenchymal stromal cell lung repair capacity
Authors: Cruz Fernanda Ferreira , Rocco Patricia Rieken Macedo
Published: July 2015

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive, irreversible, debilitating, and fatal lung disease, characterized by parenchymal fibrosis with reduced lung volumes and respiratory failure. No lasting option for therapy is available other than transplantation. Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells home to sites of injury, decrease inflammation, have antifibrotic properties, and promote epithelial tissue repair, so their use has been suggested as potential therapy for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Despite reported benefits, the amount of mesenchymal stromal cells engrafting to the lung decreases substantially soon after administration. New strategies, such as hypoxia preconditioning, have thus been investigated in an attempt to optimize the engraftment, survival, and paracrine properties of stem cells. Hypoxia induces the expression of prosurvival mediators, chemoattractants, and growth factors involved in cell proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and antifibrotic properties in mesenchymal stromal cells, optimizing their lung repair capability in an animal model of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

See related research by Lan et al., http://www.stemcellres.com/content/6/1/97
Vehicular optical ranging and communication system
Authors: Li Zening , Liao Linchao , Wang Albert , Chen Gang
Published: July 2015

In this paper, we developed a ranging and communication system for vehicular safety applications. The light-emitting diode (LED) array and photodetector (PD) array serve as the transceiver. The imaging technique is applied to the receiver, which can detect the angle of incident light and imaged different lights to corresponding PDs. Benefiting from this structure, this system is able to detect distance as well as location, and work between multiple users simultaneously. While keeping a low cost and compact size, it can still provide high lateral resolution, high frame rate, and interference rejection performance.
Viscosity approximation methods for multivalued nonexpansive mappings in geodesic spaces
Authors: Panyanak Bancha , Suantai Suthep
Published: July 2015

We prove strong convergence of the viscosity approximation method for multivalued nonexpansive mappings in $\operatorname{CAT}(0)$
CAT
(
0
)
spaces. Our results generalize the results of Dhompongsa et al. (2012), Wangkeeree and Preechasilp (2013) and many others. Some related results in $\mathbb{R}$
R
-trees are also given.
Poly(vinylalcohol)-borate hydrogels with improved features for the cleaning of cultural heritage surfaces
Authors: Riedo Chiara , Caldera Fabrizio , Poli Tommaso , Chiantore Oscar
Published: July 2015

Poly(vinylacohol) (PVA) is a versatile polymer capable of forming hydrogels useful in a wide range of applications. Hydrogels based on cross-linking of PVA with borax, and able to incorporate organic solvents, have been used in the field of cultural heritage as tool for cleaning the surfaces. Poly(ethylenoxide) (PEO) has been introduced in the formulations of PVA-borax, with the aim of increasing the gel compatibility with organic solvents and of improving the mechanical properties of the materials. The formulations were investigated with rheological characterization, solvent loss measurements and study of the free water through the determination of the Free Water Index. The PEO molecules do not participate in the formation of the network but have been found to be responsible for a decrement of the storage moduli, explained by a spacing between crosslinks and the partial disentanglement of the PVA chains. At the same time PEO produces in the gel an increase of the apparent relaxation time, thus stabilizing the dispersions and enhancing their ability to maintain the shape. Cleaning tests for removal of an acrylic coating on limestone have been also successfully performed.
Acoustical Evaluation of High-School Technology-Education Shops
Authors: Summan Ahmed , Hodgson Murray
Published: July 2015

This study investigated the acoustical conditions in high-school Technology-Education Shops (TES) and the conflict that may exist due to their use at the same time as classrooms for learning and as industrial workshops for fabrication. This was done by measuring relevant acoustical characteristics in twenty TES in British Columbia when unoccupied with building services operating, and in ten of them when occupied and in normal operation with shop equipment running. The results were compared to existing acceptability/design criteria for classrooms and industrial workshops, related to background-noise level, teacher noise exposure, reverberation time, speech-intelligibility index (SII) and sound-level reduction with distance doubling (DL2), and pass/fail ratings were assigned. Noise levels and reverberation times in most unoccupied TES were higher than the acceptability/design criteria for core learning spaces. Teacher daily noise exposures in occupied TES were high and often exceeded regulatory limits. SII values often indicated ‘poor’ speech intelligibility for ‘normal’ and ‘raised’ vocal outputs, and ‘good’ speech intelligibility only for ‘loud’ and ‘shout’ vocal outputs. DL2 values were unacceptable in most of the TES. Most TES received a failing grade with respect to most evaluation criteria. The results confirm the existence of an acoustical conflict; the acoustical conditions in the TES as industrial rooms are generally unsatisfactory for their use as classrooms. In general, the results suggest that TES provide poor acoustical conditions, overexposing teachers and students to noise, and are in need of effective sound-design and noise-control measures.
Enteropathogenic E. coli: breaking the intestinal tight junction barrier
Authors: Singh Anand Prakash , Aijaz Saima
Published: July 2015

Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) causes acute intestinal infections in infants in the developing world. Infection typically spreads through contaminated food and water and leads to severe, watery diarrhea. EPEC attaches to the intestinal epithelial cells and directly injects virulence factors which modulate multiple signaling pathways leading to host cell dysfunction. However, the molecular mechanisms that regulate the onset of diarrhea are poorly defined. A major target of EPEC is the host cell tight junction complex which acts as a barrier and regulates the passage of water and solutes through the paracellular space. In this review, we focus on the EPEC effectors that target the epithelial barrier, alter its functions and contribute to leakage through the tight junctions.
That sly and tricky feline dog!
Authors: Garner Lynne
Published: July 2015

This is the fourth article in a series exploring the world of apex animals, their lifestyles, and their place in storytelling, helping to bring these animals a little bit closer to our children.
Hush little baby don't you cry
Authors: Chalmers Debbie
Published: July 2015

When a young baby cries, grizzles or whines, or is irritable, unhappy, unsettled or fretful, how can you, as a childminder, offer comfort to restore peace and harmony?
Substance use: The role of the health visitor in supporting families
Authors: Jenkins Maxine
Published: July 2015

In 2011–12, there were an estimated 197 110 people in contact with drug-treatment services in England, of whom more than 50% were parents ( National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse, 2012 ). This figure does not include the many more substance-dependent parents who are not accessing treatment. Substance misuse can have negative impacts on parenting, such as time spent away from children, lack of energy and prioritising the addiction over the needs of the child. Negative health outcomes for children include physical conditions such as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and neonatal abstinence syndrome, visual problems, behaviour problems and increased risk of sudden infant death or accidental injury. Resilience is crucial, and health visitors have a role in identifying and supporting the family to build on resilient factors. It is crucial for services and agencies to work together to achieve the best outcomes for the child. As local authorities now have responsibility to address the needs of their local population, each area's services will vary, and the health visitor should seek to understand the local approach.
The role of the health visitor in the promotion of maternal perinatal psychological wellbeing
Authors: Brook Laura
Published: July 2015

This review and synthesis of the literature investigates how health visitors contribute to the promotion and protection of maternal perinatal psychological wellbeing. Following systematic searches nine studies were critically appraised and the findings discussed. Social support, self-efficacy and preparedness emerged as themes from the literature and were found to be protective factors that influence the transition to motherhood and, subsequently, psychological wellbeing. Health visitors promote these protective factors through provision of the universal service; therefore recognition of the ways in which such promotion is achieved can enhance practice and increase maternal resilience. Focusing on wellbeing, rather than mental illness, will ensure health visiting interventions and approaches are in keeping with the profession's principles of health promotion, prevention and early intervention.
Leadership during times of change
Authors: McInnes Elaine , Rich Terry
Published: July 2015

In the second part of their series on leadership, Elaine McInnes and Terry Rich discuss how different people respond to change, and ways in which leaders can support them.
Manchester's infant feeding service
Authors: Ralph Zoe
Published: July 2015

A new infant feeding service has been developed in Manchester to support families facing feeding challenges. Zoe Ralph discusses her role within the new initiative.
Poverty may pay
Authors: Cowley Dame Sarah
Published: July 2015

The basic formula for funding health visiting services has been agreed and child poverty has been suggested as a marker for allocating funds. This may help boost hard-pressed services, says Dame Sarah, but caution is needed around definition and measurement.
Skin diseases: assessing the risk of adverse health outcomes
Authors: Todd Marie
Published: July 2015

Ageing has a profound effect on the skin, and skin diseases become increasingly likely as an individual gets older. Marie Todd looks at some common disorders and recommends the best way to assess the associated risks and treat these conditions
Where there's a will, there's a world of trouble awaiting
Authors: Green Christine , Knowles Michael
Published: July 2015

Wills and power of attorney can be bewildering matters. It's important that carehome staff get legal guidance – or they're the ones who could find themselves in court, Christine Green and Michael Knowles investigate
‘Calling time’ on poor adult social care
Authors: Adamson Rachel
Published: July 2015

In our CQC article this month, Rachel Adamson considers what special measures imposed on social care by the Care Quality Commission might look like and how it will ultimately close poor providers
Undertaking the Care Certificate: a practical guide
Authors: Ashurst Adrian
Published: July 2015

In the second part in a new series, Adrian Ashurst provides a personal view on supporting care support workers to achieve the Care Certificate, highlighting the most important points to remember
Desarrollo de un atlas fotográfico de porciones de alimentos venezolanos
Authors: Hernández Pablo , Bernal Jennifer , Morón Mirla , Velazco Yuly , Oráa Elsy , Mata Claret
Published: July 2015

Introducción: Las herramientas de ayuda para estimar las porciones de alimento ingeridas representan un factor clave para elevar la calidad de los datos obtenidos en las encuestas de consumo alimentario. Hasta el momento, Venezuela no cuenta con alguna herramienta, debidamente validada y publicada, por tal motivo, el objetivo de este estudio fue desarrollar un atlas fotográfico como herramienta complementaria para evaluar, en adultos venezolanos, el consumo habitual de alimentos.Material y Métodos: Se establecieron 13 grupos de alimentos de acuerdo a su contenido de nutrientes, según la Tabla de Composición de Alimentos de Venezuela y la Hoja de Balance de Alimentos venezolana. Se seleccionaron los de consumo más frecuente por los venezolanos según datos de investigaciones nacionales y otros estudios adelantados por los autores. Para cada alimento se establecieron 3 tamaños de porciones: pequeña, mediana y grande; las cuales se pesaron mediante una balanza electrónica antes de proceder a fotografiarlas. Finalmente se procedió a un proceso de valoración por expertos.Resultados: El instrumento propuesto incluye 110 alimentos con un total de 300 fotografías, distribuidas en 100 láminas, producto de cuidadosas fases de planificación y diseño de instrumentos, incluyendo la revisión de los materiales de referencia nacional e internacional y contando con la evaluación satisfactoria de la pertinencia de los ítems y la relevancia de la información del atlas, por parte de los expertos consultados.Conclusiones: El atlas fotográfico de alimentos desarrollado, según la opinión de los expertos revisores, podría resultar una herramienta útil para ser usada en la evaluación del consumo alimentario en adultos venezolanos. No obstante, para cumplir con dicho propósito, el instrumento propuesto debería ser validado para comprobar sus condiciones técnicas de validez y confiabilidad.
Plant sterols for adults with hypercholesterolemia treated with or without medication (statins)
Authors: Bernácer Raquel , Roig Diana , Lozano Blanca
Published: July 2015

Hypercholesterolemia is the most common coronary risk factor among the Spanish population; 37.4% of the Spanish adult population have cholesterol levels between 190 and 240 mg/dl. Foods enriched with plant sterols (PS) can effectively reduce plasma cholesterol in patients with high levels. However, its effectiveness and safety in adults with moderate hypercholesterolemia who are on medication (statins) or not has been less studied. The aim of this review is to establish the possible role of plant sterols in the control of hypercholesterolemia, as well as how safe they are for people with moderate hypercholesterolemia treated with statins. The main studies were looked at, regardless of design, language or publication date which studied the connection between “plant sterols” and “hypercholesterolemia”, using Pubmed/Medline, SCOPUS and Google Scholar databases. The studies brought together in this review show that an intake of between 2 and 3g/day of plant sterols effectively reduces plasma cholesterol levels in patients with hypercholesterolemia. Both clinical studies and available meta-analyses do not indicate any problems related to the drug-nutrient interaction associated with the use of plant sterol-enriched foods. In patients with moderate hypercholesterolemia where the use of statins is not justified a healthy diet, exercise and foods high in PS can provide the best therapeutic approach.
Caracterización del consumo de productos cárnicos en una población universitaria de la ciudad de Medellín, Colombia
Authors: Rodríguez Holmes , Restrepo Luis Fernando , Urango Luz Amparo
Published: July 2015

Introducción: El estudio de estilos de vida saludable en universitarios es parte de las estrategias institucionales para reducir la prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad. Por tal razón, el objetivo de esta investigación fue caracterizar en la población universitaria de la ciudad de Medellín, Colombia, el consumo y el conocimiento referente a la importancia del consumo adecuado de productos cárnicos.Material y Métodos: El tamaño de la muestra fue de 400 estudiantes, seleccionados aleatoriamente de acuerdo con los factores de ponderación: género, nivel socioeconómico y tipo de universidad, teniendo en cuenta un nivel de confiabilidad del 95% y un error máximo permisible del 5%.Resultados: Se encontró que el pollo es la carne preferida por los universitarios, seguido del pescado; la carne de cordero es la de menor preferencia; se encontró mayor consumo en el género masculino (p<0,05) de pescado, conejo y cabra. Con respecto al gusto que poseen los estudiantes por los diferentes cárnicos, se encontró mayor gusto entre los hombres (p<0,05) y en las universidades públicas (p<0,0001). En cuanto a los conocimientos sobre el valor nutricional, las mujeres tienen un mayor nivel que los hombres (p<0,05) y los estudiantes de estrato bajo son los que menos conocen sobre las propiedades de los cárnicos (p<0,05).Conclusiones: Teniendo en cuenta el bajo conocimiento de los universitarios sobre la importancia del consumo de cárnicos, es necesario implementar programas de educación e intervención para mejorar sus hábitos alimenticios.
AS CONCEPÇÕES DE FAMÍLIA PRESENTES NOS PLANOS DIRETORES DAS INSTITUIÇÕES DE EDUCAÇÃO INFANTIL
Authors: Marcos Suélen Cristiane , Marin Fátima Aparecida Dias Gomes
Published: July 2015

A pesquisa teve como objetivo geral avaliar as concepções de família presentes nos planos diretores, para saber se o valor que a elas é atribuído interfere na relação família e instituições de Educação Infantil, além de compreender as mudanças históricas da família e problematizar o papel da instituição de Educação Infantil no que diz respeito ao ensino do conceito de família. Optou-se pela pesquisa qualitativa, do tipo estudo de caso e pela técnica de análise documental dos planos diretores de instituições de Educação Infantil. Os resultados elucidaram que as concepções dos educadores sobre as famílias, se encontram baseadas no modelo nuclear dificultando a aceitação das novas configurações familiares e o estabelecimento de um relacionamento entre essas instituições e demonstraram crescer o número de famílias divergentes da nuclear. Quanto ao ensino de família constatou-se atividades que permitem à criança expressar a sua família vivida. http://dx.doi.org/10.14572/nuances.v26i0.2780
ESCOLA E COMUNIDADE: PENSANDO EM PARCERIAS PARA A EDUCAÇÃO EM VALORES
Authors: Da Silva Claudiele Carla Marques , Menin Maria Suzana De Stefano
Published: July 2015

Nesse artigo discutimos as possíveis relações entre projetos de Educação em Valores desenvolvidos em escolas públicas e a comunidade de seu entorno. Investigamos essas relações na literatura específica e em 169 experiências coletadas por meio de questionários em escolas de ensino fundamental (6° ao 9° ano) e médio do estado de São Paulo. Para a análise dos questionários utilizamos o programa Alceste e, como complemento, a análise de conteúdo. As relações são assinaladas na literatura como complexas, não lineares e marcadas por tensões e contradições. Nas análises das experiências desenvolvidas pelas escolas, verificamos que mais da metade dos projetos relacionou-se com a comunidade externa. Os projetos analisados relacionaram-se com a comunidade externa devido aos problemas, carências ou valores vivenciados pelos alunos e suas famílias ou por conta das especificidades e necessidades do bairro, bem como pela necessidade de participação dos pais e nos projetos. http://dx.doi.org/10.14572/nuances.v26i0.2796
EDUCAÇÃO AMBIENTAL E ÁGUA: CONCEPÇÕES E PRÁTICAS EDUCATIVAS EM ESCOLAS MUNICIPAIS
Authors: Freitas Natália Teixeira Ananias , Marin Fátima Aparecida Dias Gomes
Published: July 2015

A pesquisa “Educação Ambiental e água: concepções e práticas educativas em escolas municipais” teve como objetivo identificar e avaliar como o tema água é abordado nas Escolas Municipais do Ensino Fundamental de Presidente Prudente-SP, especificamente nos quartos anos. Investigou-se como o tema água comparece: nos Projetos Especiais das Escolas; nos planos de ensino; nos livros didáticos de Ciências e de Geografia adotados e como é abordado pelos docentes. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, do tipo estudo de caso, em que os dados foram coletados a partir da análise documental dos Planos Diretores de 28 escolas e da aplicação de questionários e entrevistas semi-estruturadas com quatro docentes. Os dados foram analisados com base no referencial teórico a respeito da água, Educação Ambiental e prática docente. Os resultados apontaram a existência de Projetos Especiais a respeito da Educação Ambiental, porém não especificamente sobre o tema água. As concepções e saberes dos quatro docentes estão baseados principalmente nos conteúdos dos livros didáticos, em textos veiculados pela mídia e internet. As práticas educativas são baseadas em aulas expositivas, leitura de textos informativos ou contidos nos livros didáticos, pesquisas e experimentos físico-químicos. http://dx.doi.org/10.14572/nuances.v26i0.2813
EDUCAÇÃO MORAL NA CONTEMPORANEIDADE: UMA ANÁLISE DE PROJETOS DE ESCOLAS PÚBLICAS DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO
Authors: De Oliveira Alana Paula , De Stefano Menin Maria Suzana
Published: July 2015

Nos dias atuais, identificamos uma frequente denúncia por parte de pesquisadores, educadores e familiares de que a escola tem sido palco de violência, indisciplina e desrespeito. Desse modo, temos o intuito de responder ao seguinte questionamento: estariam as escolas públicas brasileiras realizando projetos de modo a orientar os alunos a viverem em sociedade de forma mais harmônica e com base em valores morais ou éticos? Para tanto, realizamos revisão teórica e análises de 150 questionários respondidos por agentes escolares de escolas públicas do Estado de São Paulo. Acreditamos que é papel da escola educar moralmente os alunos e constatamos que os agentes escolares apontam que a educação moral deve acontecer na escola, principalmente para fomentar a formação da cidadania dos alunos. Contudo, verificamos que falta formação aos educadores, de modo que contemplem critérios adequados para realizar esse tipo de educação e alcancem a finalidade de formar indivíduos moralmente autônomos. http://dx.doi.org/10.14572/nuances.v26i0.2822
The Contextual Value of Social Capital for Subsistence Entrepreneur Mobility
Authors: Barrios Andrés , Blocker Christopher P.
Published: July 2015

Close-knit relationships are a distinctive facet of subsistence living, in which survival mode entrepreneurship is a way of life. These relationships fuel “bonding social capital” within informal economies as people rely on others to work, consume, and cope with scarce resources. At the same time, policy agendas encourage business growth and social mobility by shifting informal microenterprises into the formal economy. However, success in formalized contexts requires a different form of social capital—that is, “bridging social capital” with people outside one's immediate social network and across institutional structures. Yet policy programs often stop short of addressing how subsistence entrepreneurs manage the inherent tensions across these forms of social capital. As such, this study unpacks the contextual value of social capital using data collected with street vendors in an urban Latin American setting. The analysis identifies four entrepreneurial paths pursued by street vendors and articulates the relative value of bonding and bridging social capital across different economic and social positions. The findings advance insights for a community-centric public policy approach and offer guidance for segmentation and value proposition development within subsistence entrepreneurship programs.
Effect of Gamma Irradiation on Physicochemical Properties of Brown Rice
Authors: Mir Shabir Ahmad , Bosco Sowriappan John Don , Shah Manzoor Ahmad , Mir Mohammad Maqbool , Sunooj Kappat Valiyapeediyekkal
Published: July 2015

Brown rice was exposed to 60Co source at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10 kGy doses and the effect of gamma irradiation treatment on physicochemical properties were investigated. L* value of brown rice was decreased with increase of irradiation dose, whereas a* and b* values increased. The results showed the decrease of kernel hardness, amylose content and pasting properties considerably with irradiation treatment. A-type diffraction pattern was observed in non-irradiated and irradiated rice samples and crystallinity was decreased with irradiation dose. Raman spectrometry showed the decrease of Raman band intensity at higher irradiation doses. Thermal properties of rice samples were decreased slightly after irradiation treatment. Pearson’s correlation studies revealed that irradiation dose was positively correlated with b* value and negatively correlated with amylose content and pasting properties.
All-Optical NAND Gate Based on Nonlinear Photonic Crystal Ring Resonators
Authors: Serajmohammadi Somaye
Published: July 2015

In this paper we proposed a new design for all-optical NAND gate. By combining nonlinear Kerr effect with photonic crystal ring resonators first we designed a structure, whose optical behavior can be controlled via input power intensity. The switching power threshold obtained for this structure equal to 1 kW/μm
Design of an All-Optical Network Based on LCoS Technologies
Authors: Cheng Yuh-Jiuh , Shiau Yhi
Published: July 2015

In this paper, an all-optical network composed of the ROADMs (reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexer), L2/L3 optical packet switches, and the fiber optical cross-connection for fiber scheduling and measurement based on LCoS (liquid crystal on silicon) technologies is proposed. The L2/L3 optical packet switches are designed with optical output buffers. Only the header of optical packets is converted to electronic signals to control the wavelength of input ports and the packet payloads can be transparently destined to their output ports. An optical output buffer is designed to queue the packets when more than one incoming packet should reach to the same destination output port. For preserving service-packet sequencing and fairness of routing sequence, a priority scheme and a round-robin algorithm are adopted at the optical output buffer. The wavelength of input ports is designed for routing incoming packets using LCoS technologies. Finally, the proposed OFS (optical flow switch) with input buffers can quickly transfer the big data to the output ports and the main purpose of the OFS is to reduce the number of wavelength reflections. The all-optical content delivery network is comprised of the OFSs for a large amount of audio and video data transmissions in the future.
Persistent elevation of fibroblast growth factor 23 concentrations in healthy appropriate-for-gestational-age preterm infants
Authors: Fatani Tarah , Binjab Asma , Weiler Hope , Sharma Atul , Rodd Celia
Published: July 2015

To explore the temporal evolution of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], its epimer, parathyroid hormone (PTH), fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), and minerals in healthy appropriate-for-gestational-age preterms.

A prospective study was undertaken in infants born at 28–32 weeks with monitoring at 1, 3, 5 weeks and term.

Morning plasma and urine calcium; phosphorus; creatinine; PTH, C-terminal and intact FGF23 (iFGF23) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry measurements of 25(OH)D were undertaken. Analyses included regression models.

Some 11 infants (5 males) were recruited at a median gestational age of 31.2 weeks (interquartile range: 28.1–31.8). Standard chemistries were normal. No infant was vitamin D deficient; 58% achieved 50 nmol/L with a median intake of 540 IU/day. High concentrations of C-3 epimer were detected. iFGF23 and C-terminal concentrations were persistently elevated (double and ten times adult norms, respectively). Tubular resorption of phosphorus was normal (88%±8%).

Most infants achieved acceptable 25(OH)D
Dietary intake, body composition, and physical activity among young patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Mosso Constanza , Halabi Victoria , Ortiz Tamara , Hodgson Maria Isabel
Published: July 2015

The aim of this study was to assess dietary intake, nutritional status, body composition, and physical activity level in a group of Chilean children and adolescents with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), compare these parameters with the recommendations of the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD), and determine the relationships between dietary intake, body composition, and diabetes control.

A total of 30 patients with T1DM (aged 15.2±4.0 years) were included. Dietary intake was assessed using a 92-item quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Body composition was determined using dual-energy X-ray densitometry. Physical activity was assessed by means of a survey.

The energy intake of these patients was derived from 21.4% protein, 48% carbohydrates, and 31.2% fat. The glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was significantly correlated with fat as grams per day (r: 0.363, p<0.05) and calories per day (r: 0.364, p<0.05). The mean body fat percentage in females was 31.2% and 20.2% in males (p < 0.01) and the mean amount of physical activity was 4.5±2.7 h per week.

The study patients had a higher protein intake than recommended by ISPAD. Dietary carbohydrate intake was rather low, and dietary fat intake was the same as the limits recommended by ISPAD. Diabetic control was significantly correlated with protein, carbohydrates, fat, and sodium intake. The girls in the study had a higher percentage of body fat than the standard recommendations for their age. The level of physical activity was adequate.
Triple A syndrome with a novel indel mutation in the AAAS gene and delayed puberty
Authors: Bustanji Haidar , Sahar Bashar , Huebner Angela , Ajlouni Kamel , Landgraf Dana , Hamamy Hanan , Koehler Katrin
Published: July 2015

Triple A syndrome, formerly known as Allgrove syndrome, is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized clinically by adrenal insufficiency, alacrima, achalasia, and neurological abnormalities. We report a 17-year-old boy presented to the endocrine clinic with delayed puberty and a 4-year’s history of fatigue and muscle weakness. He had achalasia, alacrima, and skin and mucosal hyperpigmentation. Hormonal assessment revealed isolated glucocorticoid deficiency. Clinical diagnosis of triple A syndrome was confirmed by sequencing the entire coding region including exon-intron boundaries of the