bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efeito das diferentes fases do ciclo menstrual no desempenho da força muscular em 10RM
Authors: Loureiro Sheila , Dias Ingrid , Sales Dayane , Alessi Isabel , Simão Roberto , Fermino Rogério César
Published: April 2011

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar o efeito das diferentes fases do ciclo menstrual (CM) no desempenho da força muscular em exercícios resistidos. Participaram do estudo nove mulheres saudáveis, fisicamente ativas, com idade de 27 ± 7 anos, massa corporal 58,2 ± 5kg, estatura 161,1 ± 4,7cm e IMC 20,4 ± 2kg/m². Todas apresentavam CM's regulares (28-31 dias), faziam uso de contraceptivos orais e eram experientes em exercícios resistidos a pelo menos oito meses. Para avaliação da força muscular foi utilizado o teste de 10RM na seguinte ordem: leg press 45º, supino horizontal, cadeira extensora e rosca bíceps. Os testes foram realizados nas três fases do CM: folicular (entre o terceiro e o quinto dia do fluxo menstrual), ovulatória (entre o nono e o 10º dia) e lútea (entre o 17º e o 21º dia). Para a análise estatística foi utilizada a ANOVA de medidas repetidas, os dados analisados no software SPSS 15.0 e o nível de significância mantido em 5% (p < 0,05). Não foram verificadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas nas cargas mobilizadas entre os diferentes períodos do CM em nenhum dos quatro exercícios avaliados. No exercício leg press foi verificado um incremento de 5% na força muscular na fase lútea. Nas demais fases e exercícios essas diferenças não foram observadas. Podese concluir que as fases do CM não influenciam o desempenho da força muscular nos exercícios resistidos, sejam eles uni ou multiarticulares, para grandes ou pequenos grupamentos musculares ou em diferentes segmentos corporais
Artigos publicados em periódicos brasileiros de interesse para a medicina do exercício e do esporte: uma revisão
Authors: Hernandez Arnaldo José
Published: April 2011

Esta nova série de 34 artigos tem por objetivo levar aos leitores nacionais e internacionais algumas das mais importantes contribuições recentes provenientes da literatura médica brasileira de outras especialidades. São trabalhos que podem oferecer suporte a muitas linhas de pesquisa nessa área. Os artigos originais mais relevantes são selecionados por experientes editores, a quem solicitamos a escolha das palavras-chave para que sejam destacadas a fim de chamar a atenção do leitor. Para facilitar a leitura, os artigos são organizados por área de interesse. Para aproveitar ao máximo o limitado espaço editorial, não são incluídos os nomes dos autores dos artigos. O resultado final traz o que há de melhor do artigo, segundo a opinião dos autores com sintética interpretação pessoal. Endereçado ao médico ocupado, esperamos que esta iniciativa possa contribuir para o sucesso da translação do conhecimento da evidência científica para a prática clínica e permita a localização rápida de trabalhos de interesse específico do leitor
A new species of Tetragonopterus Cuvier, 1816 (Characiformes: Characidae: Tetragonopterinae) from the rio Jari, Amapá, northern Brazil
Authors: Melo Bruno F , Benine Ricardo C , Mariguela Tatiane C , Oliveira Claudio
Published: April 2011

A new species of Tetragonopterus is described from the rio Jari, a tributary to the left margin of rio Amazonas, at the border between Amapá and Pará States, northern Brazil. It is morphologically diagnosed from the other species of the genus (T. argenteus, T. chalceus, and T. rarus new combination) by the lozenge-shaped spot on the caudal peduncle vs. rounded to square spot on the other species. Partial sequences of the mitochondrial gene Cytochrome Oxidase C subunit I, from representatives of all valid species of Tetragonopterus, including this new species, were analyzed. The obtained results revealed a significant genetic distance between the new species and its congeners. A discussion on the new combination, Tetragonopterus rarus, is also provided.
The opportunistic feeding and reproduction strategies of the annual fish Cynopoecilus melanotaenia (Cyprinodontiformes: Rivulidae) inhabiting ephemeral habitats on southern Brazil
Authors: Gonçalves Cristina da Silva , Souza Ursulla Pereira , Volcan Matheus Vieira
Published: April 2011

Most Rivulidae fishes are popularly known as annual fishes which live in ephemeral environments such as pools, that obligatorily dry out seasonally causing the death of adult individuals. They have unique biological characteristics such as small body size, early sexual maturation, continuous reproduction, an elaborated courtship behavior, and a great reproductive capacity among fishes. The rivulids are widely distributed in North, Central and South America. In this study, the diet and reproductive biology of Cynopoecilus melanotaenia was analyzed. A total of 263 specimens were collected and the analysis of 233 gastrointestinal contents revealed an invertivorous diet composed mainly of small crustaceans (Cladocera, Amphipoda, and Ostracoda) and immature insects (Chaoboridae, Culicidae, Syrphidae, but mainly Chironomidae larvae). Lepidophagy on male's diet was also registered. Fecundity was estimated by analyzing 59 pairs of mature ovaries and ranged from 2 to 157 oocytes (mean, 19 ± 26[SD]). The species has fractional spawning, a strategy to increase the chance of survival to prolonged depletions. This study is the first to investigate the reproductive biology of C. melanotaenia. The results confirmed the opportunistic character of the rivulid C. melanotaenia and provided unreported reproductive information that may aid conservation of the species.
Una aplicación del teorema de conservacion de la energía como problema integrador
Authors: Follari Beatriz , Perrotta María Teresa , Dima Gilda N. , Gutiérrez Elena E.
Published: April 2011

Se muestra aquí la solución de una situación problemática contextualizada, distinta de los ejercicios que tradicionalmente realizan los estudiantes. Se enmarca en la estrategia de resolución de Problemas Ricos en Contexto, donde los alumnos se involucran activa y responsablemente para dar respuesta a lo planteado. Fue presentada a los alumnos de la Licenciatura y Profesorado en Física de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales de la UNLPam, al finalizar el curso de Física II (mecánica newtoniana) en el año 2009, quienes aplicaron los teoremas de conservación del momento angular y de la energía, las leyes de Newton y las ecuaciones de movimiento en forma integrada para su resolución.
Análise de metodologia baseada no sistema de ensino individualizado de Keller aplicada em um curso introdutório de eletromagnetismo
Authors: Alves Danilo T. , Souza Sandro A.V. de , Pereira Filho Sílvio C.F. , Elias Walace de Sousa
Published: April 2011

Uma das metodologias de ensino individualizado mais usadas e documentadas na década de 70 foi o Sistema Personalizado de Instrução (SPI) de Fred Keller. Diversas pesquisas sobre essa metodologia foram publicadas, as quais proveram extensa evidência empírica de seus resultados positivos. Apesar disso, a aplicação desse sistema de ensino entrou em declínio a partir da década de 80. Dentre as razões para tal declínio, podemos destacar o maior esforço requerido para a elaboração de cursos utilizando essa metodologia e para o provimento de feedback sistemático ao desempenho dos alunos, assim como o surgimento de críticas a ela devido à abordagem comportamentalista de Keller. Mesmo sendo fundamentais para a aprendizagem, o estímulo à postura ativa do estudante, o respeito ao ritmo individual de aprendizagem, as avaliações formativas e o provimento de feedback sistemático ao aluno continuam frequentemente fora das salas de aula. Uma estratégia para suprir tais carências é o ensino individualizado. Neste trabalho, propomos várias modificações ao SPI de Keller visando uma metodologia viável de ser empregada em um curso introdutório de eletromagnetismo para estudantes de física da Universidade Federal do Pará. Dentre estas modificações, destacamos: (i) o emprego de avaliações semanais, e não em todas as aulas; (ii) a correção das avaliações e provisão de feedback feitas pelo professor, e não pelos monitores; e (iii) a manutenção parcial de aulas expositivas. Com base em uma avaliação incluindo parâmetros mensuráveis, obtivemos indícios de que, apesar das modificações introduzidas, a aplicação dessa metodologia permitiu obter vários dos resultados positivos comuns na aplicação do SPI de Keller.
Uma abordagem experimental das propriedades dos corpos deformáveis no ensino de física geral para os cursos de engenharia
Authors: Ramos Tiago Clarimundo , Vertchenko Lev
Published: April 2011

Apresentamos um conjunto de atividades experimentais direcionadas ao ensino de física geral no 2° período dos cursos de engenharia organizadas na forma de uma sequência, em que os alunos exploram, testam e discutem o comportamento de uma borracha tracionada. Expandimos a expressão para a força elástica, acrescentando à lei de Hooke um termo quadrático que permite uma discussão didática dos parâmetros "módulo de Young" e "coeficiente de Poisson". A fundamentação teórica adotada no desenvolvimento da proposta se apóia na teoria sócio-histórica de Vigotski. Ao longo das atividades, buscamos formar novos conceitos somente a partir do momento em que os alunos tomaram consciência de suas necessidades.
Perfil clínico, epidemiológico e etiológico de pacientes com pneumonia adquirida na comunidade internados em um hospital geral da microrregião de Sumaré, SP
Authors: Donalisio Maria Rita , Arca Carlos Henrique Mamud , Madureira Paulo Roberto de
Published: April 2011

OBJETIVO: Analisar aspectos clínicos, etiológicos e epidemiológicos das pneumonias adquiridas na comunidade (PAC) em indivíduos internados. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados prospectivamente 66 pacientes com PAC maiores de 14 anos no Hospital Estadual Sumaré, localizado na cidade de Sumaré (SP), entre outubro de 2005 e setembro de 2007. Coletamos dados sobre história clínica, exame clínico, escore pneumonia severity index (PSI) e exames laboratoriais (hemocultura, bacterioscopia/cultura de escarro, sorologias para Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae e Legionella pneumophila, além de antígenos urinários de Legionella sp. e Streptococcus pneumoniae). RESULTADOS: A idade média dos pacientes foi de 53 anos, a maioria tinha baixa escolaridade, e 55,7% apresentavam pelo menos uma comorbidade no momento da internação. O percentual de idosos vacinados contra influenza entre os internados foi significativamente menor que os da comunidade dos municípios da microrregião de Sumaré (52,6% vs. > 70%). A febre foi menos frequente entre os idosos (p < 0,05). A evolução clínica se associou com o escore PSI, mas não com a idade. A etiologia foi confirmada em 31 (50,8%) dos casos, sendo 21 (34,4%) devido a S. pneumoniae, detectado principalmente pelo antígeno urinário; seguido de C. pneumoniae, em 5 (8,2%). Receberam alta hospitalar por cura 80,3% dos pacientes. A taxa de letalidade foi de 4,9%. CONCLUSÕES: O conhecimento do perfil etiológico de PAC no âmbito regional favorece a escolha adequada da terapia empírica, que é particularmente relevante em pacientes idosos e naqueles com comorbidades. A falta da vacinação contra influenza em idosos é um fator de risco de internação por PAC.
Pneumonia tuberculosa: um estudo de 59 casos confirmados microbiologicamente
Authors: Moreira Jose , Fochesatto Jamila Belicanta , Moreira Ana L , Pereira Marisa , Porto Nelson , Hochhegger Bruno
Published: April 2011

OBJETIVO: Estudar os aspectos clínicos, epidemiológicos, radiológicos e endoscópicos encontrados em indivíduos com pneumonia tuberculosa. MÉTODOS: Entre dezembro de 2005 e fevereiro de 2007, foram estudados 2.828 pacientes com tuberculose que foram consecutivamente atendidos em uma unidade de saúde pública. Desses, 59 (2,1%) tiveram envolvimento pulmonar compatível com fístula entre um linfonodo e um brônquio. RESULTADOS: Dos 59 pacientes estudados, 43 (73%) tinham entre 20 e 50 anos de idade, 31 (53%) eram do sexo masculino, e 28 (47%) eram negros. Os sintomas mais frequentes foram tosse (100%), febre (88%), expectoração (81%) e perda de peso (40%). Comorbidades foram registradas em 35 pacientes (59%), especialmente a infecção por HIV (20%) e diabetes (15%). Na radiografia de tórax, a consolidação predominou nos lobos superiores (em 68%). A confirmação diagnóstica (presença de BAAR) foi feita principalmente por baciloscopia direta do escarro, seguida por broncoscopia (LBA e biópsia brônquica). Lesões brônquicas claramente indicativas ou sugestivas de fístula foram identificadas em três casos e cinco casos, respectivamente. CONCLUSÕES: A pneumonia tuberculosa apresenta-se como uma infecção respiratória aguda, com tosse seca seguida por febre. A radiografia de tórax mostra consolidação alveolar. Na maioria dos casos, a pneumonia tuberculosa foi acompanhada por pelo menos uma comorbidade, especialmente a infecção por HIV, e a confirmação etiológica foi obtida principalmente através do exame de escarro direto para BAAR. Os achados de broncoscopia foram indicativos de fístula brônquica em oito casos (13%).
Ressonância magnética do tórax: aplicações tradicionais e novas, com ênfase em pneumologia
Authors: Santos Marcel Koenigkam , Elias Júnior Jorge , Mauad Fernando Marum , Muglia Valdair Francisco , Trad Clóvis Simão
Published: April 2011

O objetivo deste estudo de revisão foi apresentar as principais aplicações da ressonância magnética (RM) no estudo do tórax, incluindo a descrição de novas técnicas. Na ultima década, esse método teve grande evolução, com novos equipamentos, incluindo a interconexão simultânea de bobinas e a movimentação da mesa simultaneamente à aquisição das imagens, além do advento de novas técnicas rápidas de aquisição de imagem, tais como imagem paralela e aquisição parcial de dados, com ou sem utilização de apneia, somando-se ainda a introdução de novos agentes de contraste. Todos esses avanços fizeram com que a RM tenha ganhado espaço no estudo de diferentes patologias do tórax, incluindo as doenças pulmonares. Atualmente, a RM pode ser considerada a modalidade de escolha para a avaliação das lesões mediastinais, da parede torácica e dos tumores do sulco superior, mas também pode auxiliar no diagnóstico de doenças pulmonares, pleurais, cardíacas e da vasculatura pulmonar. A angiografia pulmonar por RM pode ser utilizada na avaliação de várias doenças vasculares pulmonares, e seu papel no estudo do tromboembolismo vem crescendo. A RM cardíaca, devido à possibilidade de avaliação morfológica e funcional em um mesmo exame, também já faz parte da rotina clínica na investigação de muitas patologias cardíacas. Por fim, o papel da RM vem sendo ampliado para a identificação e caracterização de nódulos pulmonares, avaliação das doenças das vias aéreas e caracterização dos derrames pleurais.
Evaluation About the Requirement to Use a Pack After Septoplasty with Turbinectomy
Authors: Arima Lisandra Megumi , Tiago Romualdo Suzano Louzeiro , Filho Rui Carlos Ortega , de Oliveira e Sousa Antonini , Velasco Leandro Castro
Published: April 2011

Introduction: Septoplasty associated with a partial inferior turbinectomy is one of the most frequent surgeries performed in patients with nasal obstruction. The nasal pack has been used to control primary bleeding in these surgeries. Several complications have been related to the nasal pack, besides causing pain and a relevant discomfort. Some studies have investigated both the efficiency of the nasal pack to control bleeding and the complications after septoplasty and turbinectomy.

Objective: To compare the degree of nasal bleeding among patients submitted to septoplasty with partial bilateral inferior turbinectomy, whether using the nasal pack or not.

Method: An outlook study was performed to evaluate 60 patients diagnosed of a deviated nasal septum with an inferior concha hypertrophy. The patients were submitted to bilateral turbinectomy septoplasty under direct visualization. They were divided into 2 groups: without pack and with pack (Merocel* and protective sheath). These were evaluated after surgery, based on the evaluation of bleeding intensity.

Result: It was observed that the post-surgical bleeding degree of the group submitted to partial bilateral inferior turbinectomy, who used the nasal pack, was lower than the group not using a pack.

Conclusion: Patients submitted to septoplasty with partial bilateral inferior turbinectomy, not using a post-surgical nasal pack, appeared to bleed more than patients using a nasal pack.
Correlation Between the Audiologic Findings and Tinnitus Disorder
Authors: Rocha Alice Borges da , Mondelli Maria Fernanda Capoani Garcia
Published: April 2011

Introduction: The correlation between hearing loss with tinnitus can be justified if we consider that this is a tinnitus-causing factor, since the impairments or degenerations on the inner ear and the vestibulocochlear nerve can cause the tinnitus. According to different reports, 85%-96% of patients with tinnitus show some degree of hearing loss.

Objective: To correlate the sex, age, degree and type of hearing loss with the tinnitus disorder in patients at the Electronic Devices-related Clinic of Deafness).

Method: Retrospective study of exploratory nature in 100 individuals' records duly registered at the Phonoaudiology Clinic of University of São Paulo's Dentistry School in Bauru FOB/USP, by using the THI instrument (Tinnitus Handicap Inventory).

Results and Conclusion: Sex, age and degree of hearing loss do not have an influence over the tinnitus disorder, but the hearing loss in tinnitus listeners is progressively bigger according to age and in individual with neurosensorial hearing loss.
Pescadores de Sonhos: um olhar sobre as mudanças nas relações de trabalho e na organização social entre as famílias dos pescadores diante do veraneio e do turismo balnear em Salinópolis, Pará
Authors: Adrião Denize
Published: April 2011

A atividade balnear e turística de Salinópolis, região do Salgado Paraense, tem desencadeado importantesesumo: A transformações na organização social e espacial do lugar através de um processo acelerado de valorização e especulação imobiliária em função da 'segunda residência' de veranistas. A população local, composta essencialmente por pescadores tradicionais e pequenos produtores rurais, frente ao processo de turistificação balnear, passa a privilegiar os trabalhos como o dos 'caseiros' nas propriedades dos veranistas e outros voltados para o balneário, incorporando novas formas de se relacionar com o mundo, sem, contudo, abandonar o seu modus vivendi povoado por seres encantados e explicado pela força da natureza. O olhar desta pesquisa centra-se na vida familiar e sociocultural dos moradores do bairro da Prainha, que foram remanejados do centro para a periferia da cidade em função do zoneamento urbano balnear, focalizando a mudança nas relações de trabalho da pesca para os trabalhos de caseiros e outros voltados para o veraneio e, como essas mudanças redefinem o cotidiano destes moradores, provocando transformações nas formas de organização social. Os 'Pescadores de Sonhos' são estas famílias de pescadores artesanais que gradativamente abandonam o trabalho da pesca na sua forma tradicional, para partirem em busca de inúmeras outras atividades voltadas para o comércio balnear, na expectativa de melhorar de vida.
Nutrição e adaptação humana em áreas de pesca na Amazônia: sugestões para políticas em saúde
Authors: Aguiar Gilberto Ferreira de Souza
Published: April 2011

Atualmente, um importante princípio das políticas públicas em saúde no Brasil é a busca da eqüidade no acesso a serviços. As desigualdades sociais verificam-se em níveis elevados na Amazônia, comparativamente ao restante do país, e, dentro da região, afetam principalmente as comunidades rurais. Este trabalho objetiva apreciar associações entre o perfil alimentar e nutricional, as estratégias adaptativas e a epidemiologia dessas comunidades, particularmente em áreas de pesca artesanal, assim como sugerir linhas gerais de políticas de saúde apropriadas. A construção de um contexto de assistência eqüitativa e de saúde sustentável, sem prejuízo significativo à biodiversidade, depende da capacidade dos poderes públicos em explorar as relações entre o uso e o manejo de recursos naturais e a qualidade de vida do homem ribeirinho.
Coleta seletiva e reciclagem como instrumentos para conservação ambiental: um estudo de caso em Uberlândia, MG
Authors: Hisatugo Erika , Marçal Júnior Oswaldo
Published: April 2011

Um dos maiores problemas dos centros urbanos é a destinação final do lixo, situação agravada pelo modelo capitalista. A coleta seletiva e a reciclagem de materiais estão entre as principais soluções para esse problema. Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar a quantidade de materiais coletada por uma das empresas de coleta seletiva da cidade de Uberlândia (MG) e avaliar os ganhos ambientais potenciais advindos desse processo. No período 2001/2004, as atividades da empresa foram acompanhadas pela pesquisadora, que também teve acesso aos registros referentes à separação, classificação e pesagem dos materiais. Foram realizados cálculos de economias potenciais de energia e recursos naturais. No total, foram coletadas 4.727,74 t de materiais recicláveis. A média de alumínio desviado do aterro foi de 8,22 t./ano, o que proporcionaria uma economia de bauxita de 41,1 t. O peso médio de papel coletado foi de 804,26 t./ano, possibilitando uma economia de água de 19.571,63 mil litros anuais. O peso médio de plástico foi de 369,51 t./ano. Lembramos que a reciclagem de plásticos proporciona economia de um importante recurso não-renovável: o petróleo. Os resultados indicam que a coleta seletiva de materiais e sua reciclagem podem oferecer ganhos econômicos e ambientais significativos para a cidade de Uberlândia.
The Microvascular Corticocancellous Femur Flap for Reconstruction of the Anterior Maxilla in Adult Cleft Lip, Palate, and Alveolus Patients
Authors: Gaggl Alexander , Bürger Heinz , Virnik Sascha , Schachner Peter , Chiari Friedrich
Published: April 2011

Objective

Free nonvascularized alveolar bone grafting in severe defects of the cleft region often results in poor implant bed conditions. Here an alternative augmentation technique using a new technique of vascularized bone transfer is described.

Design

In five patients with clefts of the lip, palate, and alveolus (four unilateral, one bilateral) there was a severe defect of the anterior maxillary alveolar ridge after tooth loss. The patients previously had augmentative surgery one to three times without success. The defect was covered using a microvascular corticocancellous transplant from the medial distal femur. The defects to be corrected measured 2.5 to 4.0 cm long, 1.0 to 1.5 cm wide, and 1 to 1.5 cm high. The microvascular pedicle of the femur bone flap was 3 to 7 cm long. The descending genicular artery was anastomosed to the facial or labial superior artery and the accompanying veins accordingly. In every case, the anastomoses were performed via an intraoral transmucosal approach.

Results

There were no serious complications and no flap loss. In all patients the defect was covered by a flap of the correct size and design. All patients were treated with dental implants (13 total) 6 months after successful reconstruction of the ridge. The implants were loaded 4 to 6 months after placement with fixed superstructures. There were good peri-implant conditions and no implant loss.

Conclusion

The microvascular osteoperiosteal femur flap can be used successfully in individual reconstruction of segmental defects of the alveolar ridge in adult cleft patients.
Serum Fetuin-A Levels Are Associated with Vascular Calcifications and Predict Cardiovascular Events in Renal Transplant Recipients
Authors: Maréchal Céline , Schlieper Georg , Nguyen Pauline , Krüger Thilo , Coche Emmanuel , Robert Annie , Floege Jorgen , Goffin Eric , Jadoul Michel , Devuyst Olivier
Published: April 2011

Background and objectives

Vascular calcifications predict cardiovascular disease, the major cause of death in renal transplant recipients (RTRs). We studied the determinants of fetuin-A, a potent circulating calcification inhibitor encoded by the AHSG gene, and tested its association with vascular calcifications and long-term survival and cardiovascular events (CVEs) in RTRs.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Two hundred seventy-seven prevalent RTRs from a single center were included. CVEs and deaths were prospectively recorded during a 5-year follow-up.

Results

Independent determinants of lower serum fetuin-A levels were lower plasma cholesterol, the AHSG rs4918 G allele, and history of smoking. Low serum fetuin-A level was a determinant of aortic calcifications (assessed using spiral CT). Low fetuin-A levels (≤0.47 g/L, first quintile) were independently associated with CVEs and deaths (hazard ratio = 1.83; 95% confidence interval, 1.07 to 3.04). The association was confirmed for all-cause mortality, and the major adverse cardiovascular endpoints were analyzed separately. Patients with low fetuin-A and high high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (>4.36 mg/L, fourth quintile) levels had a 3.5-fold increased risk of all-cause mortality and CVEs. In the presence of inflammation, CVE-free survival was influenced by common variants in the AHSG gene.

Conclusions

These data show that low fetuin-A levels are independently associated with aortic calcifications and a higher risk of CVEs and mortality. They support fetuin-A as a circulating biomarker able to identify RTRs at risk for vascular calcifications and CVEs.
Quality-of-Life and Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Feroze Usama , Noori Nazanin , Kovesdy Csaba P , Molnar Miklos Z. , Martin David J. , Reina-Patton Astrid , Benner Debbie , Bross Rachelle , Norris Keith C. , Kopple Joel D. , Kalantar-Zadeh Kamyar
Published: April 2011

Background and objectives

Maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients often have protein-energy wasting, poor health-related quality of life (QoL), and high premature death rates, whereas African-American MHD patients have greater survival than non-African-American patients. We hypothesized that poor QoL scores and their nutritional correlates have a bearing on racial survival disparities of MHD patients.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

We examined associations between baseline self-administered SF36 questionnaire–derived QoL scores with nutritional markers by multivariate linear regression and with survival by Cox models and cubic splines in the 6-year cohort of 705 MHD patients, including 223 African Americans.

Results

Worse SF36 mental and physical health scores were associated with lower serum albumin and creatinine levels but higher total body fat percentage. Spline analyses confirmed mortality predictability of worse QoL, with an almost strictly linear association for mental health score in African Americans, although the race–QoL interaction was not statistically significant. In fully adjusted analyses, the mental health score showed a more robust and linear association with mortality than the physical health score in all MHD patients and both races: death hazard ratios for (95% confidence interval) each 10 unit lower mental health score were 1.12 (1.05–1.19) and 1.10 (1.03–1.18) for all and African American patients, respectively.

Conclusions

MHD patients with higher percentage body fat or lower serum albumin or creatinine concentration perceive a poorer QoL. Poor mental health in all and poor physical health in non-African American patients correlate with mortality. Improving QoL by interventions that can improve the nutritional status without increasing body fat warrants clinical trials.
C4d Staining In Renal Allograft Biopsies with Early Acute Rejection and Subsequent Clinical Outcome
Authors: Botermans Johanna M , de Kort Hanneke , Eikmans Michael , Koop Klaas , Baelde Hans J. , Mallat Marko J.K. , Zuidwijk Kim , van Kooten Cees , de Heer Emile , Goemaere Natascha N.T. , Claas Frans H.J. , Bruijn Jan A. , de Fijter Johan W , Bajema Ingeborg M. , van Groningen Marian C.
Published: April 2011

Background and objectives

Diffuse C4d staining in peritubular capillaries (PTCs) during an acute rejection episode (ARE) is the footprint of antibody-mediated rejection. In current clinical practice, diffuse C4d+ staining during acute rejection is regarded as an inferior prognostic sign. This case-control study investigated the prognostic role of mere C4d staining for graft outcome during an ARE in a well defined cohort of similarly ARE-treated patients.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

All kidney transplant recipients in the authors' center from January 1, 1995 to December 31, 2005 were reviewed. From these patients, 151 had a clinical ARE. Paraffin and/or frozen material was available for 128 patients showing a histologically proven ARE within the first 6 months after transplantation. All ARE patients were treated similarly with high-dose pulse steroids and in the case of steroid unresponsiveness with anti-thymocyte globulin. Biopsies were scored according to Banff criteria. Frozen and paraffin sections were stained by immunofluorescence (IF) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) for C4d, respectively, and scored for PTC positivity.

Results

Diffuse C4d+ staining in PTCs was found in 12.5% and 4.2% sections stained by IF or by IHC, respectively. Four patients showed diffuse positive staining with both methods but showed no different risk profile from other patients. No relation between C4d staining and clinical parameters at baseline was found. C4d staining was not associated with steroid responsiveness, graft, or patient survival.

Conclusions

This study shows that C4d staining is not related to clinical outcome in this cohort of histologically proven early AREs.
Treatment of missed Monteggia lesion in children: Case report
Authors: Vukasinovic Zoran , Jovanovic Vesna , Mitrovic Desanka , Slavkovic Nemanja
Published: April 2011

Introduction. A Monteggia lesion is a dislocation of the radial head
associated with a fracture with the proximal third of the ulna. It is rare in
children and the dislocation of the radial head is often missed at the time
of injury. There are a lot of described treatment methods: open reduction of
the radial head and reconstruction of the annular ligament combined with
ulnar osteotomy, the same method without reconstruction of the annular
ligament, gradual lengthening and angulation of the ulna by Ilizarov method
without the opening of radiocapitelar joint. Case Outline. A 14-year-old boy
had been diagnosed with Monteggia lesion type Bado II three years before the
admission to hospital. Previously nonoperatively treated, the missed radial
head dislocation Bi-phase treatment had been done. Firstly, the distraction
Ilizarov device was placed on the forearm, corticotomy of the ulna was done,
distraction lasted fifteen days. Secondly, after achieving 1.5 cm of new bone
and good level of the radial head, a reduction mechanism was incorporated
into the Ilizarov device. The radiocapitelar joint was not opened, the
reconstruction of the annular ligament was not done. After the radial head
reduction and new bone maturation (1.5 months), the Ilizarov device was taken
off. Conclusion. The described method of treatment has several important
advantages: radial head reduction may be done without the joint opening, the
recovery is very fast and easy after that; the elbow and forearm appear
cosmetically very well after the operation; the treatment process is short,
the arm is in use all the time, the absence from school is not needed, the
achieved result is permanent.
Flexibility: components, proprioceptive mechanisms and methods
Authors: Dantas Estélio , Daoud Rejane , Trott Alexis , Nodari Rudy , Conceição Mario
Published: April 2011

Flexibility: components, proprioceptive mechanisms and methods

A literature review on physical flexibility was presented and discussed. This included definitions and components that influence the performance of movements requiring large joint motion ranges and muscle elasticity. Flexibility was discussed with reference to specific age groups, e.g. children and the elderly. Proprioceptive mechanisms and components directly related to flexibility were overviewed, as well as suitable approaches towards flexibilisation, i.e. maintaining and/or enhancing flexibility.
A Nonfunctioning Pituitary Adenoma in a Patient With Dizziness
Authors: Hensley Craig P. , Burlette Julia
Published: April 2011

The patient was a 57-year-old female who was referred to a physical therapist by an otolaryngologist with the diagnosis of postural dizziness. Findings from the physical therapist's evaluation were discussed with the patient's physician, who then ordered magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, which revealed a pituitary mass. The patient was referred to an endocrinologist and was diagnosed with a nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2011;41(5):364. doi:10.2519/jospt.2011.0409
Resistance
Authors: Waddell Dianne
Published: April 2011

Resistance to change has long been recognised as a critically important factor that can influence the success or otherwise of implementing any technological innovation. Information technology (IT) focused interventions, for example, business process re-engineering (BPR) and enterprise resource planning (ERP), are often quoted as examples of costly failures, with reported levels of dissatisfaction with strategic IT investments ranging from 20-70 percent and that employee resistance was to blame. The intention of this chapter is to rethink resistance. The author suggests that resistance remains to this day a complex, multi-faceted phenomenon that continues to affect the outcomes of change, both negatively and positively. Although research has procured a solid understanding of resistance and the benefits that can accrue to an organisation through its proper utilisation, it appears that the classical adversarial approach remains the dominant means of managing resistance because such learning is not reflected in modern management techniques. The author concludes that as companies in every industry are now translating the power and possibilities of e-business into strategic and operational realities, new approaches in change management are required to help organisations to understand the complex dynamics of technological innovation and especially the multifaceted nature of resistance.
Perceived Barriers and Risks of E-Commerce Supply Chain Management Network Among SMEs in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Ratnasingam Pauline
Published: April 2011

Small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have limited power in the Supply Chain Management Network (SCMN), as they come with limited resources to invest in advanced planning systems. This makes it difficult for them to cope with the latest challenges such as mass customization, which places higher demands on the company’s ability to attune its production planning to customers’ wishes and their suppliers in supply chain management. This chapter discusses the challenges (barriers and risks) that SMEs face today based on the findings of a survey that examined the extent of e-commerce adoption in Australia and New Zealand. The findings revealed how technical issues impact two groups of adopters, namely leaders and followers. Leaders refer to businesses that are willing to take risks and invest in IT, whereas followers refer to businesses that were more conscious of their IT investments. We conclude the chapter with key findings and implications to practice.
The Potential of E-Commerce for Remotely Located SMEs
Authors: Purcell Fuatai , Toland Janet , Huff Sid L.
Published: April 2011

This is a report on research carried out to identify the barriers to adoption, and opportunities that e-commerce offers for SMEs in the small island country of Samoa. The issues faced by SMEs in Samoa are relevant for all remotely located SMEs in both the developing and the developed world. The chapter will improve knowledge of the issues faced by SMEs wanting to adopt e-commerce, the driving forces that impact on the adoption of e-commerce, and the factors that are currently inhibiting the adoption of e-commerce. Diffusion of Innovation theory was used to understand the behavior of SMEs that led to their decision to adopt e-commerce.
SMEs Adoption and Implementation Process of Websites in the Presence of Change Agents
Authors: Elsammani Zakia A. , Hackney Ray , Scown Phil
Published: April 2011

E-business, through the exploitation of Internet technologies, is frequently associated in the literature with improvements in business performance and service delivery enhancements particularly apparent for the potential competitive advantage of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Recent research has focused on the benefits gained from adoption and barriers to adoption. This chapter considers a similar aspect, but identifies a gap in the literature, namely, SME implementation practices of a Web presence in the Northwest of the United Kingdom, and the role of perceived change agents in the overall adoption process. It also provides a comparison between the adoption practices of two groups of SMEs: Need Pull SMEs that identified a need to adopt a Web presence, and Technology Push SMEs that are mainly pushed into adoption due to the change agents’ efforts. It is argued that this approach is unique within e-business activities, and provides a valuable contribution to best practice and further research efforts to improve SME performance.
Assessing the Impact of E-Commerce on SMEs in Value Chains
Authors: Jeffcoate Judith , Chappell Caroline , Feindt Sylvie
Published: April 2011

This chapter is intended as a contribution to the establishment of a theoretical foundation for the e-commerce field. Our specific contribution to methodology is through the description of a qualitative approach based on multiple case studies across industry and country boundaries. This has enabled us to propose an analytical framework that will identify the triggers for value chain transformation that will encourage SMEs to adopt e-commerce. The chapter describes seven elements that make up this framework, including the automation of value activity interactions between partners in the value chain. These elements form the basis for a discussion of future trends.
Business-to-Business E-Commerce for Collaborative Supply Chain Design and Development
Authors: Davidrajuh Reggie
Published: April 2011

SMEs form a virtual enterprise—a short-term loose integration, to meet business opportunities; managers of SMEs are looking for a tool that could help them design the strategic model of the supply chain in which they are collaboratively involved. Though the use of e-commerce tools has a lot of potential to improve an enterprise’s collaboration efforts with other enterprises, realizing an e-commerce tool that enables collaborative supply chain design and development is not easy, as collaborating enterprises may each use a different flavor of XML, multiple technology solutions, and have different business rules. This chapter presents a methodology for developing a new e-commerce tool to assist collaborative supply chain management. By this methodology, a new tool that is affordable by the SMEs and offers improved pipeline visibility could be easily implemented.
Early Viral Kinetics and Response to Treatment in a Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 5 Infected Patient
Authors: Durante-Mangoni Emanuele , Iossa Domenico , Malgeri Umberto
Published: April 2011

Genotype 5 hepatitis C has been poorly studied despite its worldwide spread. We have analyzed the early kinetics of genotype 5 hepatitis C virus RNA during pegylated interferon/ribavirin treatment in a 59-year-old man with active liver necroinflammatory changes and advanced liver fibrosis. The patient had a high viral load but a small serum level of hepatitis C core antigen. On combination antiviral treatment with pegylated-interferon alpha 2a, 180 μg/week, and ribavirin, 1200 mg/day, the patient experienced an impressive reduction in serum HCV RNA as early as day 2 of treatment and eventually became a sustained virological responder. Our viral kinetics data support previous clinical studies showing HCV genotype 5 could be as intrinsically sensitive to interferon as HCV genotypes 2 and 3.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: one or multiple causes?
Authors: Furtado Bastos Aline , Orsini Marco , Machado Dionis , Pimentel Mello Mariana , Nader Sergio , Silva Júlio Guilherme , Da Silva Catharino Antonio Marcos , Bastos Victor Hugo , Pereira Alessandra , Lacerda Pessoa Luciane , Sztajnbok Flavio R. , Araújo Leite Marco , Nascimento Osvaldo J.M. , Bastos Victor Hugo
Published: April 2011

The Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common form of motor neuron disease in the adulthood, and it is characterized by rapid and progressive compromise of the upper and lower motor neurons. The majority of the cases of ALS are classified as sporadic and, until now, a specific cause for these cases still is unknown. To present the different hypotheses on the etiology of ALS. It was carried out a search in the databases: Bireme, Scielo and Pubmed, in the period of 1987 to 2011, using the following keywords: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, motor neuron disease, etiology, causes and epidemiology and its similar in Portuguese and Spanish. It did not have consensus as regards the etiology of ALS. Researches demonstrates evidences as regards intoxication by heavy metals, environmental and occupational causes, genetic mutations (superoxide dismutase 1), certain viral infections and the accomplishment of vigorous physical activity for the development of the disease. There is still no consensus regarding the involved factors in the etiology of ALS. In this way, new research about these etiologies are necessary, for a better approach of the patients, promoting preventive programs for the disease and improving the quality of life of the patients.
A Tailored Finite Point Method for Solving Steady MHD Duct Flow Problems with Boundary Layers
Authors: Hsieh Po-Wen , Shih Yintzer , Yang Suh-Yuh
Published: April 2011

In this paper we propose a development of the finite difference method, called the tailored finite point method, for solving steady magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) duct flow problems with a high Hartmann number. When the Hartmann number is large, the MHD duct flow is convection-dominated and thus its solution may exhibit localized phenomena such as the boundary layer. Most conventional numerical methods can not efficiently solve the layer problem because they are lacking in either stability or accuracy. However, the proposed tailored finite point method is capable of resolving high gradients near the layer regions without refining the mesh. Firstly, we devise the tailored finite point method for the scalar inhomogeneous convection-diffusion problem, and then extend it to the MHD duct flow which consists of a coupled system of convection-diffusion equations. For each interior grid point of a given rectangular mesh, we construct a finite-point difference operator at that point with some nearby grid points, where the coefficients of the difference operator are tailored to some particular properties of the problem. Numerical examples are provided to show the high performance of the proposed method.
Numerical Study of Surfactant-Laden Drop-Drop Interactions
Authors: Xu Jian-Jun , Li Zhilin , Lowengrub John , Zhao Hongkai
Published: April 2011

In this paper, we numerically investigate the effects of surfactant on drop-drop interactions in a 2D shear flow using a coupled level-set and immersed interface approach proposed in (Xu et al., J. Comput. Phys., 212 (2006), 590-616). We find that surfactant plays a critical and nontrivial role in drop-drop interactions. In particular, we find that the minimum distance between the drops is a non-monotone function of the surfactant coverage and Capillary number. This non-monotonic behavior, which does not occur for clean drops, is found to be due to the presence of Marangoni forces along the drop interfaces. This suggests that there are non-monotonic conditions for coalescence of surfactant-laden drops, as observed in recent experiments of Leal and co-workers. Although our study is two-dimensional, we believe that drop-drop interactions in three-dimensional flows should be qualitatively similar as the Maragoni forces in the near contact region in 3D should have a similar effect.
All Speed Scheme for the Low Mach Number Limit of the Isentropic Euler Equations
Authors: Degond Pierre , Tang Min
Published: April 2011

An all speed scheme for the Isentropic Euler equations is presented in this paper. When the Mach number tends to zero, the compressible Euler equations converge to their incompressible counterpart, in which the density becomes a constant. Increasing approximation errors and severe stability constraints are the main difficulty in the low Mach regime. The key idea of our all speed scheme is the special semi-implicit time discretization, in which the low Mach number stiff term is divided into two parts, one being treated explicitly and the other one implicitly. Moreover, the flux of the density equation is also treated implicitly and an elliptic type equation is derived to obtain the density. In this way, the correct limit can be captured without requesting the mesh size and time step to be smaller than the Mach number. Compared with previous semi-implicit methods, firstly, nonphysical oscillations can be suppressed by choosing proper parameter, besides, only a linear elliptic equation needs to be solved implicitly which reduces much computational cost. We develop this semi-implicit time discretization in the framework of a first order Local Lax-Friedrichs (or Rusanov) scheme and numerical tests are displayed to demonstrate its performances.
An Efficient Multigrid Method for Molecular Mechanics Modeling in Atomic Solids
Authors: Chen Jingrun , Ming Pingbing
Published: April 2011

We propose a multigrid method to solve the molecular mechanics model (molecular dynamics at zero temperature). The Cauchy-Born elasticity model is employed as the coarse grid operator and the elastically deformed state as the initial guess of the molecular mechanics model. The efficiency of the algorithm is demonstrated by three examples with homogeneous deformation, namely, one dimensional chain under tensile deformation and aluminum under tension and shear deformations. The method exhibits linear-scaling computational complexity, and is insensitive to parameters arising from iterative solvers. In addition, we study two examples with inhomogeneous deformation: vacancy and nanoindentation of aluminum. The results are still satisfactory while the linear-scaling property is lost for the latter example.
Flow-Induced Acoustics in Corrugated Pipes
Authors: Popescu Mihaela , Johansen Stein Tore , Shyy Wei
Published: April 2011

When gas flows through corrugated pipes, pressure waves interacting with vortex shedding can produce distinct tonal noise and structural vibration. Based on established observations, a model is proposed which couples an acoustic pipe and self-excited oscillations with vortex shedding over the corrugation cavities. In the model, the acoustic response of the corrugated pipe is simulated by connecting the lossless medium moving with a constant velocity with a source based on a discrete distribution of van der Pol oscillators arranged along the pipe. Our time accurate solutions exhibit dynamic behavior consistent with that experimentally observed, including the lock-in frequency of vortex shedding, standing waves and the onset fluid velocity capable of generating the lock-in.