bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Randomized Controlled Trial of a Computerized Decision Aid on Adjuvant Radioactive Iodine Treatment for Patients With Early-Stage Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Sawka Anna M. , Straus Sharon , Rotstein Lorne , Brierley James D. , Tsang Richard W. , Asa Sylvia , Segal Phillip , Kelly Catherine , Zahedi Afshan , Freeman Jeremy , Solomon Philip , Anderson Jennifer , Thorpe Kevin E. , Gafni Amiram , Rodin Gary , Goldstein David P.
Published: July 2012

Purpose

Decision-making on adjuvant radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment for early-stage papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is complex because of uncertainties in medical evidence. Using a parallel, two-arm, randomized, controlled trial design, we examined the impact of a patient-directed computerized decision aid (DA) on the medical knowledge and decisional conflict in patients with early-stage PTC considering the choice of being treated with adjuvant RAI or not. The DA describes the rationale, possible risks and benefits, and the medical evidence uncertainty relating to the choice.

Patients and Methods

We recruited 74 patients with early-stage PTC after thyroidectomy. Participants were assigned by using 1:1 central computerized randomization to either the DA group with usual care (intervention) or usual care alone (control). Medical knowledge about PTC and RAI treatment (the primary outcome), as well as decisional conflict (a secondary outcome), were measured by using validated questionnaires, and the respective scores were compared between groups.

Results

Consistent with PTC epidemiology, 83.8% (62 of 74) of the participants were women, and the mean age was 45.8 years (range, 19 to 79 years). Medical knowledge about PTC and RAI treatment was significantly greater and decisional conflict was significantly reduced in the DA group compared with the control group (respective P values < .001). The use of adjuvant RAI treatment was not significantly different between groups (DA group, 11 of 37 [29.7%]; controls, seven of 37 [18.9%]; P = .278).

Conclusion

A computerized DA improves informed decision making in patients with early-stage PTC who are considering adjuvant RAI treatment. DAs are useful for patients facing decisions subject to medical evidence uncertainty.
Dealing with Rape in a New Political Landscape
Authors: Stern Baroness Vivien
Published: July 2012

Rape is controversial and constructing rape policy is complicated. Most victims, men and women, are raped by someone they know. The court case usually hangs on whether or not the complainant consented to the act. The defence feels free to portray the complainant in a negative light making the trial an ordeal. Some complainants decide it is one ordeal too many and withdraw from the process. Sustained criticism of the handling of rape cases over many years led to substantial improvements, with specially trained police officers, prosecutors and judges, and more defendants being convicted. Yet providing justice to rape victims requires more than an effective criminal justice response. It also requires recognition that victims are entitled to the support of the state. They should be treated with respect regardless of whether the case goes to trial or not. The rate of convictions for rape is not the only, or even the most important measure of a good policy.
shutdown is a component of the Drosophila piRNA biogenesis machinery
Authors: Preall Jonathan B. , Czech Benjamin , Guzzardo Paloma M. , Muerdter Felix , Hannon Gregory J.
Published: July 2012

In animals, the piRNA pathway preserves the integrity of gametic genomes, guarding them against the activity of mobile genetic elements. This innate immune mechanism relies on distinct genomic loci, termed piRNA clusters, to provide a molecular definition of transposons, enabling their discrimination from genes. piRNA clusters give rise to long, single-stranded precursors, which are processed into primary piRNAs through an unknown mechanism. These can engage in an adaptive amplification loop, the ping-pong cycle, to optimize the content of small RNA populations via the generation of secondary piRNAs. Many proteins have been ascribed functions in either primary biogenesis or the ping-pong cycle, though for the most part the molecular functions of proteins implicated in these pathways remain obscure. Here, we link shutdown (shu), a gene previously shown to be required for fertility in Drosophila, to the piRNA pathway. Analysis of knockdown phenotypes in both the germline and somatic compartments of the ovary demonstrate important roles for shutdown in both primary biogenesis and the ping-pong cycle. shutdown is a member of the FKBP family of immunophilins. Shu contains domains implicated in peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase activity and in the binding of HSP90-family chaperones, though the relevance of these domains to piRNA biogenesis is unknown.
I-SMOOTH: Iteratively Smoothing Mean-Constrained and Nonnegative Piecewise-Constant Functions
Authors: Chen Huifen , Schmeiser Bruce
Published: June 2012

Continuous nonnegative functions, such as Poisson rate functions, are sometimes approximated as piecewise-constant functions. We consider the problem of automatically smoothing such functions while maintaining the integral of each piece and maintaining nonnegativity everywhere, without specifying a parametric function. We develop logic for SMOOTH (Smoothing via Mean-constrained Optimized-Objective Time Halving), a quadratic-optimization algorithm that yields a smoother nonnegative piecewise-constant rate function having twice as many time intervals, each of half the length. I-SMOOTH (Iterated SMOOTH) iterates the SMOOTH formulation to create a sequence of piecewise-constant rate functions that, in the limit, yields a nonparametric continuous function. We consider two contexts: finite-horizon and cyclic. We develop a sequence of computational simplifications for SMOOTH, moving from numerically minimizing the quadratic objective function, to numerically computing a matrix inverse, to a closed-form matrix inverse obtained as finite sums, to optimal decision-variable values that are linear combinations of the given rates, and to simple approximations.
Column Generation for the Minimum Hyperplanes Clustering Problem
Authors: Amaldi Edoardo , Dhyani Kanika , Ceselli Alberto
Published: June 2012

Given n points in ℝd and a maximum allowed tolerance ϵ > 0, the minimum hyperplanes clustering problem consists in finding a minimum number of hyperplanes such that the Euclidean distance between each point and the nearest hyperplane is at most ϵ. We present a column generation approach for this problem based on a mixed integer nonlinear formulation in which the master is a set covering problem and the pricing subproblem is a mixed integer program with a nonconvex normalization constraint. We propose different ways of generating the initial pool of columns and investigate their impact on the overall algorithm. Since the pricing subproblem is substantially complicated by the ℓ2-norm constraint, we consider approximate pricing subproblems involving different norms. Some strategies for refining the solution and speeding-up the overall method are also discussed. The performance of our column generation algorithm is assessed on realistic randomly generated instances as well as on real-world instances.
Developing nanotechnological strategies for green industrial
processes
Authors: Toma Henrique E.
Published: June 2012

Nanotechnology and green chemistry can have much in common from the point of view
of processes, considering the possibilities of improving efficiency and quality,
achieving a better economy of atoms and energy, promoting catalysis under mild
and sustainable conditions, and facilitating online monitoring of production
lines and environment. Some of these aspects are dealt with in this paper,
focusing on selected examples of application of functionalized nanoparticles and
-materials in chemistry and industry.
Foreign Market Entry Timing Revisited: Trade-Off between Market Share Performance and Firm Survival
Authors: Murray Janet Y. , Ju Min , Gao Gerald Yong
Published: July 2012

This study revisits the impact of entry timing on the performance of foreign-invested firms. The authors posit that balancing between market share performance and firm survival is critical for foreign firms to capitalize on early-mover advantages. Using a longitudinal data set of 25,513 foreign firms operating in China, the authors find that early entrants enjoy higher market shares but suffer from lower survival rates than late entrants. In addition, foreign firms’ entry mode and investment size affect their market shares and survival. The results also provide supporting evidence of the interaction effects among entry timing, entry mode, and investment size on foreign firms’ market shares and survival.
Kinetic Investigation of Catalyst Deactivation in Catalytic Reforming of Naphtha
Authors: Mohadesi Majid , Mousavi Hosnie Sadat
Published: June 2012

Catalytic reforming of naphtha is one of the important processes for converting the naphtha with low octane number to high octane number gasoline. One the main problems in this process are deactivation of its catalysts. The catalytic reforming unit of Tabriz oil refining company was investigated in this article. This unit uses four radial reactors in series, and the Smith’s model was used for its reaction kinetics. Several models were considered for activity of catalysts to determine the major reason of catalyst deactivation. Presented models have parameters, as the objective function is optimized these parameters are obtained. In definition of the objective function the outlet temperature of reactors and outlet composition of fourth reactor should have high overlapping with experimental values. Optimization shows that deposition of coke and slightly high temperature cause the deactivation of catalysts in catalytic reforming of naphtha.
Manual neonatal ventilation training: a respiratory function monitor helps to reduce peak inspiratory pressures and tidal volumes during resuscitation
Authors: Kelm Marcus , Dold Simone K. , Hartung Julia , Breckwoldt Jan , Schmalisch Gerd , Roehr Charles C.
Published: June 2012

Background: Neonatal resuscitation training is considered to be multifarious and includes manual ventilation as an essential competence for any health-care provider. Usually, ventilation is applied with self-inflating bags (SIBs). These devices have been shown to produce highly variable, operator-dependent peak inspiratory pressures (PIPs) and tidal volumes (VT). Excessive PIP and VT contribute to lung injury. We studied a simple tool to improve resuscitation skills.

Objective: The objectives of this study were to train health-care providers to avoid excessive PIP and VT by visualizing these values by using a respiratory function monitor (RFM) and to study the sustainability of such a training.

Material and methods: Previously untrained medical professionals were educated and trained to ventilate a neonatal preterm manikin. PIP and VT were measured with an RFM. Graphical representations of the measurements were displayed during training, but the RFM was blinded during subsequent recordings. Participants were reassessed directly after training and 1 month later.

Results: In total, 37 participants were trained and assessed three times during the study. Median PIPs (range) were 32.3 (4.1–44) cm H2O before training, 17.8 (9.6–23.6) cm H2O directly after training (P<0.05), and 18.7 (7.5–41.6) cm H2O 1 month later, and the values remained low, compared with before training (P<0.05). Median VTs were 6.7 (4.2–44) mL before training, 3.5 (1.8–7.3) mL directly after training (P<0.05), and 4.1 (1.9–9.7 mL) 1 month after training (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Using a SIB, untrained staff produced excessive PIP and VT. Training with a simple RFM significantly reduced the occurrence of excessive PIP and VT. The effect was sustained for at least 1 month.
Several Sides of Errol Morris
Authors: Fallon Kris
Published: July 2012

Though best known as a documentary filmmaker, Errol Morris's recent use of other mediums including books, a blog, Twitter and short films demonstrates a willingness to rethink old questions in new terms. As Morris begin working across media he seems to be offering a critical take on the media itself.
Summoning the Food Ghosts: Food History as Public History
Authors: Elias Megan
Published: July 2012

Although historic homes are increasingly popular sites for exploration of the past, such museums seldom, and for practical reasons, are able to give visitors an actual taste of the past. The desire for just such a taste, however, is part of what brings many people to historic homes. An interest in how people lived in the past often begins with questions of what and how they ate. This article explores ways in which what I term the “food ghosts” can be summoned up in historic house museums. Based on research for the New York Tenement Museum, this study explores methods for making food history powerfully present in public history sites.
Choice Receipts from American Housekeepers: A Collection of Digitized Community Cookbooks from the Library of Congress
Authors: Kelly Alison P.
Published: July 2012

This article looks at a collection of 110 community cookbooks from the Library of Congress and discusses how they were selected and scanned as part of a mass digitization project. The article considers why this set of long–overlooked books is important as a primary resource for those doing public history, as well as for anyone interested in local, culinary, and cultural history, or genealogy. Looking ahead, the article briefly describes a project to add content and provide cultural and historical context to the community cookbooks, by linking these scanned books with related Library of Congress materials.
What We Talk About When We Talk About Food: Using Food to Teach History at the Tenement Museum
Authors: Steinberg Adam
Published: July 2012

The Tenement Museum's Foods of the Lower East Side neighborhood walking tour re–invents the food–based walking tour through a public historian's eyes. On this tour, visitors don't just taste different foods. They also discuss how both immigrants and U.S.–born citizens use food to shape their identities and define their communities. By tour's end, visitors come to understand how immigrants and U.S.–born citizens together create American culture in neighborhoods like the Lower East Side. A new indoor version of the tour adds additional content about local storeowners as well as more opportunities for visitors to talk and share stories.
Child and Adolescent Abuse in Relation to Obesity in Adulthood: The Black Women’s Health Study
Authors: Boynton-Jarrett Renée , Rosenberg Lynn , Palmer Julie R , Boggs Deborah A. , Wise Lauren A.
Published: July 2012

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the association of physical and sexual abuse in childhood and adolescence with risk of adult obesity among black women in the United States.

METHODS:

Participants were women enrolled in the Black Women’s Health Study, an ongoing prospective cohort study begun in 1995. In 2005, 33 298 participants completed a self-administered questionnaire on early life experiences of abuse. Log-binomial regression models were used to derive risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the relation of child/teenager abuse with obesity (BMI ≥30) and central adiposity (waist circumference >35 inches) reported in 2005.

RESULTS:

The RR for BMI ≥30, a measure of overall obesity, was 1.29 (95% CI 1.20–1.38) for the highest severity of exposure to child/teenager physical and sexual abuse relative to no abuse. After controlling for postulated intermediates, including reproductive history, diet, physical activity, depressive symptoms, and socioeconomic status, the RR was 1.14 (95% CI 1.08–1.21). The RR for waist circumference >35 inches, which measures central obesity, for severe physical and sexual abuse relative to no abuse was 1.29 (95% CI 1.19–1.38) before adjustment for intermediates and 1.18 (95% CI 1.10–1.27) after adjustment.

CONCLUSIONS:

Early life sexual and physical abuse was associated with an increased risk of overall and central obesity in adulthood. Although the association between abuse and obesity was explained to some extent by health behaviors, reproductive history, and mental health, these factors did not fully account for the associations. Our data suggest that early life adversity is related to adult body size and weight distribution.
Physical Punishment and Mental Disorders: Results From a Nationally Representative US Sample
Authors: Afifi Tracie O. , Mota Natalie P. , Dasiewicz Patricia , MacMillan Harriet L. , Sareen Jitender
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND:

The use of physical punishment is controversial. Few studies have examined the relationship between physical punishment and a wide range of mental disorders in a nationally representative sample. The current research investigated the possible link between harsh physical punishment (ie, pushing, grabbing, shoving, slapping, hitting) in the absence of more severe child maltreatment (ie, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, physical neglect, emotional neglect, exposure to intimate partner violence) and Axis I and II mental disorders.

METHODS:

Data were from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions collected between 2004 and 2005 (N = 34 653). The survey was conducted with a representative US adult population sample (aged ≥20 years). Statistical methods included logistic regression models and population-attributable fractions.

RESULTS:

Harsh physical punishment was associated with increased odds of mood disorders, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug abuse/dependence, and several personality disorders after adjusting for sociodemographic variables and family history of dysfunction (adjusted odds ratio: 1.36–2.46). Approximately 2% to 5% of Axis I disorders and 4% to 7% of Axis II disorders were attributable to harsh physical punishment.

CONCLUSIONS:

Harsh physical punishment in the absence of child maltreatment is associated with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance abuse/dependence, and personality disorders in a general population sample. These findings inform the ongoing debate around the use of physical punishment and provide evidence that harsh physical punishment independent of child maltreatment is related to mental disorders.
Improving Notification of Sexually Transmitted Infections: A Quality Improvement Project and Planned Experiment
Authors: Huppert Jill S. , Reed Jennifer L. , Munafo Jennifer Knopf , Ekstrand Rachel , Gillespie Gordon , Holland Carolyn , Britto Maria T.
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Inadequate follow-up of positive sexually transmitted infection (STI) test results is a gap in health care quality that contributes to the epidemic of STIs in adolescent women. The goal of this study was to improve our ability to contact adolescent women with positive STI test results after an emergency department visit.

METHODS:

We conducted an interventional quality improvement project at a pediatric emergency department. Phase 1 included plan-do-study-act cycles to test interventions such as provider education and system changes. Phase 2 was a planned experiment studying 2 interventions (study cell phone and patient activation card), using a 2 × 2 factorial design with 1 background variable and 2 replications. Outcomes were: (1) the proportion of women aged 14 to 21 years with STI testing whose confidential telephone number was documented in the electronic medical record; (2) the proportion of STI positive women successfully contacted within 7 days.

RESULTS:

Phase 1 interventions increased the proportion of records with a confidential number from 24% to 58% and the proportion contacted from 45% to 65%, and decreased loss to follow-up from 40% to 24%. In phase 2, the proportion contacted decreased after the electronic medical record system changed and recording of the confidential number decreased. Study interventions (patient activation card and study cell phone) had a synergistic effect on successful contact, especially when confidential numbers were less reliably documented.

CONCLUSIONS:

Feasible and sustainable interventions such as improved documentation of a confidential number worked synergistically to increase our ability to successfully contact adolescent women with their STI test results.
Diagnostic difficulties caused by a pulmonary infiltrate
Authors: Simon Zsófia , Jóna Ádám , Miltényi Zsófia , Páyer Edit , Lieber Attila , Szilasi Mária , Illés Árpád
Published: July 2012

Lung infiltration still causes differential diagnostic difficulties, which may delay the start of definitive treatment. Case report: The examination of a 30-year-old man began due intermittent, remittent and permanent fever. Chest X-ray confirmed infiltration in the right upper lobe, which was accompanied by elevated CRP and physiological levels of procalcitonin. Most likely atypical pneumonia, tuberculosis, Wegener’s granulomatosis or a malignant process was suspected. Throughout his examination infection could not be verified, repeated CT guided transthoracic needle biopsy suggested the possibility of a malignant process. Through surgical exploration the intraoperative histology was not informative; thus, the pneumonitis-remodelled right lung was removed due to the possibility of malignant transformation. Histological examination revealed lymphocyte rich classical Hodgkin lymphoma, which was found to be stage IV/B based on the 18FDG-PET/CT scan; therefore, eight cycles of ABVD (adriablastin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine) therapy was administered successfully. The patient is currently (for 30 months) in a complete metabolic remission. Conclusion: Primary pulmonary Hodgkin lymphoma is a rare disease entity (in this case it might be the original process), in which the diagnosis is often difficult. 18FDG-PET/CT may be a useful early diagnostic tool investigating fever of unknown origin. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 1077–1081.
One-year cardiac morphological and functional evolution following permanent pacemaker implantation in right ventricular septal position in chagasic patients
Authors: Silva Júnior Otaviano da , Maeda Paula Mayumi , Borges Maria Cândida Calzada , Melo Celso Salgado de , Correia Dalmo
Published: June 2012

INTRODUCTION: The septal position is an alternative site for cardiac pacing (CP) that is potentially less harmful to cardiac function. METHODS: Patients with Chagas disease without heart failure submitted to permanent pacemaker (PP) implantation at the Clinics Hospital of the Triângulo Mineiro Federal University (UFTM), were selected from February 2009 to February 2010. The parameters analyzed were ventricular remodeling, the degree of electromechanical dyssynchrony (DEM), exercise time and VO2 max during exercise testing (ET) and functional class (NYHA). Echocardiography was performed 24 to 48h following implantation and after one year follow-up. The patients were submitted to ET one month postprocedure and at the end of one year. RESULTS: Thirty patients were included. Patient mean age was 59±13 years-old. Indication for PP implantation was complete atrioventricular (AV) block in 22 (73.3%) patients and 2nd degree AV block in the other eight (26.7%). All patients were in NYHA I and no changes occurred in the ET parameters. No variations were detected in echocardiographic remodeling measurements. Intraventricular dyssynchrony was observed in 46.6% of cases and interventricular dyssynchrony in 33.3% of patients after one year. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this work suggest that there is not significant morphological and functional cardiac change following pacemaker implantation in septal position in chagasic patients with normal left ventricular function after one year follow-up. Thus, patients may remain asymptomatic, presenting maintenance of functional capacity and no left ventricular remodeling.
Degree of disability, pain levels, muscle strength, and electromyographic function in patients with Hansen's disease with common peroneal nerve damage
Authors: Véras Larissa Sales Téles , Vale Rodrigo Gomes de Souza , Mello Danielli Braga de , Castro José Adail Fonseca de , Lima Vicente , Silva Kelson Nonato Gomes da , Trott Alexis , Dantas Estélio Henrique Martin
Published: June 2012

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated the degree of disability, pain levels, muscle strength, and electromyographic function (RMS) in individuals with leprosy. METHODS: We assessed 29 individuals with leprosy showing common peroneal nerve damage and grade 1 or 2 disability who were referred for physiotherapeutic treatment, as well as a control group of 19 healthy participants without leprosy. All subjects underwent analyses of degree of disability, electromyographic tests, voluntary muscle force, and the Visual Analog Pain Scale. RESULTS: McNemar's test found higher levels of grade 2 of disability (Δ = 75.9%; p = 0.0001) among individuals with leprosy. The Mann-Whitney test showed greater pain levels (Δ = 5.0; p = 0.0001) in patients with leprosy who had less extension strength in the right and left extensor hallucis longus muscles (Δ = 1.28, p = 0.0001; Δ = 1.55, p = 0.0001, respectively) and dorsiflexion of the right and left feet (Δ = 1.24, p = 0.0001; Δ = 1.45, p = 0.0001, respectively) than control subjects. The Kruskal-Wallis test showed that the RMS score for dorsiflexion of the right (Δ = 181.66 m·s-2, p = 0.001) and left (Δ = 102.57m·s-2, p = 0.002) feet was lower in patients with leprosy than in control subjects, but intragroup comparisons showed no difference. CONCLUSIONS: Leprosy had a negative influence on all of the study variables, indicating the need for immediate physiotherapeutic intervention in individuals with leprosy. This investigation opens perspectives for future studies that analyze leprosy treatment with physical therapeutic intervention.
Paracoccidioidomycosis in the state of Maranhão, Brazil: geographical and clinical aspects
Authors: Matos Wilma Batista de , Santos Gisele Maria Campelo dos , Silva Vitor Emmanuel Bouças da , Gonçalves Eloísa da Graça do Rosário , Silva Antonio Rafael da
Published: June 2012

INTRODUCTION: The study aimed to show the situation of paracoccidioidomycosis in the state of Maranhão, Brazil. METHODS: This study is a descriptive case series developed in two stages. First, a survey of cases originating from the state of Maranhão at the Instituto de Doenças Tropicais Natan Portela, Piauí (IDTNP) from 1997 to 2007, and second, the clinical description of 29 cases diagnosed in the Centro de Referências em Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Maranhão (CREDIP) from 2004 to 2010. RESULTS: Two hundred and sixteen cases have been cataloged at the IDTNP. West, east, and central regions of the state of Maranhão recorded 90.3% of cases proving to be important areas for study. The western region, with a prevalence of 10.8/100,000 inhabitants, has a significantly higher proportion of cases than the northern, southern, and eastern regions (p < 0.05). The occurrence was higher in men with 89.3% of cases, and the male-to-female ratio was 8.4:1. The majority of patients were older than 20 years, lived in rural areas, and had farming or soil management as main occupation (73.8%). At CREDIP, 29 cases were diagnosed, of which 26 (89.6%) had multifocal manifestations. Mucous tissues were involved more (75.8%) frequently, followed by lymph nodes, skin, and lungs with 65.5%, 39% and 37.9 %, respectively. The diagnosis was made by combining direct examination, culture, and histopathology. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows the geographical distribution and the epidemiological and clinical aspects of paracoccidioidomycosis, revealing the significance of the disease to the state of Maranhão.
Observation of initial clinical manifestations and repercussions from the treatment of 314 human injuries caused by black sea urchins (Echinometra lucunter) on the southeastern Brazilian coast
Authors: Haddad Junior Vidal
Published: June 2012

INTRODUCTION: Injuries caused by sea urchins are the most common caused by marine animals in humans in Brazil, with the black sea urchin (Echinometra lucunter) causing the most injuries to bathers. METHODS: This study observed 314 human wounds with emphasis on the early observation of clinical signs and symptoms and their implications on the recommended treatment. RESULTS: All the injuries were caused by black sea urchins and were observed in bathers. The lesions and the pain were associated with penetration of the spines; there was no early inflammation or pain without pressure on the wounded places. Complications arising from this kind on injury, including infections and foreign body granulomas, are associated with the permanence of the spines in the wounds. CONCLUSIONS: The study confirmed that this kind of injury is the most common accident caused by aquatic animals in Brazil. The main therapeutical recommendation is early removal of the spines to prevent late complications, such as infections and the formation of foreign body granulomas.
Simultaneous circulation of all four dengue serotypes in Manaus, State of Amazonas, Brazil in 2011
Authors: Bastos Michele de Souza , Figueiredo Regina Maria Pinto de , Ramasawmy Rajendranath , Itapirema Evaulino , Gimaque João Bosco Lima , Santos Lucilaide Oliveira , Figueiredo Luiz Tadeu Moraes , Mourão Maria Paula Gomes
Published: June 2012

INTRODUCTION: Manaus, the capital city of the state of Amazon with nearly 2 million inhabitants, is located in the middle of the Amazon rain forest and has suffered dengue outbreaks since 1998. METHODS: In this study, blood samples were investigated using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), aimed at identifying dengue virus serotypes. RESULTS: Acute phase sera from 432 patients were tested for the presence of dengue virus. Out of the 432 patients, 137 (31.3%) were found to be positive. All the four dengue virus serotypes were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The simultaneous circulation of the four dengue serotypes is described for the first time in Manaus and in Brazil.
Natural infection of triatomines (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) by trypanosomatids in two different environments in the municipality of Ouro Preto do Oeste, State of Rondônia, Brazil
Authors: Meneguetti Dionatas Ulisses de Oliveira , Trevisan Olzeno , Camargo Luís Marcelo Aranha , Rosa Renato Moreira
Published: June 2012

INTRODUCTION: This study analyzed the occurrence and the contamination of triatomines by trypanosomatids in Orbignya speciosa (babassu) specimens in the State of Rondônia, Brazil, in two different environments (pasture and woods). METHODS: Capture of triatomines on babassus and microscopic search for trypanosomatids in their digestive tube were carried out. RESULTS: Four hundred ninety-four (494) specimens were captured (Rhodnius prolixus and R.robustus), of which 35.6% of the triatomines were positive for trypanosomatids. CONCLUSIONS: The high index of natural infection along with the abundance of triatomines points out to the necessity to create an epidemiological surveillance system to monitor vector-borne transmission and deepen the studies on the ecology of such vectors in the Amazon.
Estado atual da determinação do carbono no solo I: em solos contendo de 0,2 a 4,0% de carbono
Authors: Catani R.A. , Bittencourt V.C. de , Barrichello L.E.
Published: June 2012

O presente trabalho relata os dados obtidos na determinação do carbono por dois métodos diferentes em dez amostras de solo, cujo teor em C variava de 0,2-0,3% a 3,4-4,2%. Um dos métodos foi o baseado na combustão por via seca, a 550-600°C, associado à volumetria de gases. O outro método fundamentou-se na oxidação do carbono, com solução de dicromato a quente (banho-maria), titulando-se o excesso de oxidante por iodometria. Foram executadas cinco determinações em cada amostra de terra, pelos dois métodos estudados. Os dados obtidos evidenciaram que a precisão dos dois métodos foi similar. Entretanto, o método por via úmida forneceu sempre uma porcentagem de carbono inferior à obtida pelo método baseado na combustão por via seca. Assim, nas dez amostras estudadas, o método por via úmida forneceu de 68,8 a 93,4% do carbono determinado por combustão, por via seca. Finalmente, deve ser salientado que o método de combustão por via seca, associado com volumetria de gases, é muito mais rápido do que o por via úmida e determina todas as formas de carbono orgânico do solo.
A absorção do cobre pela cana de açúcar Co 419 em função da idade
Authors: Jacintho A. O. , Catani R. A. , Pellegrino D.
Published: June 2012

O presente trabalho teve por objetivo a determinação da concentração de cobre e o estudo das quantidades absorvidas do elemento citado, pela cana de açúcar Co 419, crescendo em condições de campo na região de Piracicaba, Estado de São Paulo. As amostras eram provenientes de 3 repetições, de um tratamento no qual as nlantas sofreram adu-bação com nitrogênio, fósforo e potássio, variando as plantas de 6 a 15 meses de idade. O método utilizado na determinação do cobre, foi o do dietilditiocarbamato de sódio. A concentração de cobre apresentou um relativo decréscimo, com o aumento de idade da planta, variando os teores de cobre no colmo de 7,4 a 62,8 ppm e na folha de 10,0 a 30,0 ppm. Quanto a absorção do cobre, a planta apresentou um aumento proporcional a idade. A mesma absorveu maior quantidade no 14.° mês, 412,2 miligramas de cobre, por 4 touceiras.
Avaliação do período de florescimento das plantas apícolas no ano de 1960, através do polem contido nos méis e dos coletados pelas abelhas (Apis Mellifera L.)
Authors: Santos Clóvis F. Oliveira
Published: June 2012

Neste trabalho apresentamos os resultados da análise polínica de 11 amostras de mel e de polem coletados pelas abelhas Apis mellifera L., durante o período de março de 1960, no Apiário da Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz". Através dessa análise, pudemos comprovar e identificar como plantas nectaríferas e poliníferas as seguintes espécies: Eucalyptus sp., Dombeya sp., Agave sisalana, Vernonia sp., Montanoa bipinnatificada, Persea americana, Baccharis sp.. Citrus sp., e como plantas poliníferas as que seguem: Bidens piíosus, Cosmus sulphureus, Pirostegia venusta, Mel-linis minutiflora. Pudemos, assim, avaliar de modo indireto o período de florescimento das plantas apícolas nos arredores do apiário da Escola e comparar essa avaliação com as observações diretas de KERR & AMARAL (196°) sobre o período de florescimentos das plantas apícolas no planalto Paulista. Daí podermos afirmar ser a análise polínica dos méis e a análise dos polens coletados pelas abelhas um método prático de valor para estudos de fenologia das plantas apícolas. Poderemos assim aplicar a análise polínica em nossos futuros estudos sobre a fenologia das plantas apícolas em diferentes regiões do Estado de São Paulo.
Contribuição para o conhecimento de dois afídeos do Brasil
Authors: Mariconi Francisco A. M. , Zamith Adiel P. L. , Menezes Max de
Published: June 2012

São descritos, em minúcias, os afídeos Idiopterus brasiliensis Moreira, 1925 e Phorodon menthae (Buckton, 1876), da família Aphididae.
Enterografia por tomografia computadorizada: uma avaliação de diferentes contrastes orais neutros
Authors: D'Ippolito Giuseppe , Braga Fernanda Angeli , Resende Marcelo Cardoso , Bretas Elisa Almeida Sathler , Nunes Thiago Franchi , Rosas George de Queiroz , Tiferes Dario Ariel
Published: June 2012

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o desempenho de contrastes orais neutros, comparando a capacidade de distensão intestinal, a distinção da parede intestinal, a aceitação e os efeitos colaterais. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo, randomizado e duplo-cego em 30 pacientes submetidos a tomografia computadorizada de abdome e pelve com administração de contraste oral neutro, divididos em três grupos: leite, água e polietilenoglicol. Os exames foram analisados quanto ao grau de distensão intestinal e distinção da parede intestinal por dois examinadores em consenso. Os pacientes responderam a um questionário referente ao sabor da solução ingerida e efeitos colaterais. Foram utilizados os testes Kruskal-Wallis e qui-quadrado para as análises estatísticas. RESULTADOS: Distensão intestinal adequada (calibre da alça maior que 2 cm) foi observada em 14 segmentos dos 40 estudados (35%) no grupo leite, em 10 segmentos (25%) no grupo água e em 23 segmentos (57%) no grupo polietilenoglicol (p = 0,01). O preparo com polietilenoglicol resultou na melhor distensão intestinal, porém apresentou o pior sabor e maior incidência de diarreia, referidos pelos pacientes. CONCLUSÃO: O preparo oral com polietilenoglicol promove maior grau de distensão intestinal do que quando se utiliza água ou leite, mas tem pior aceitação, relacionada ao seu sabor e frequência de diarreia.
Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of thyroid nodules: assessment of the ideal number of punctures
Authors: Ceratti Sandro , Giannini Paula , Souza Ricardo Antenor de Souza e , Rodrigues Junior Orlando Fermozelli
Published: June 2012

OBJECTIVE: To determine the number of punctures in fine-needle aspiration biopsies required for a safe cytological analysis of thyroid nodules. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study with focus on diagnosis. The study population included 94 patients. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients participating in the study was 52 years (standard-deviation = 13.7) and 90.4% of them were women. Considering each puncture as an independent event, the first puncture has showed conclusive results in 78.7% of cases, the second, in 81.6%, and the third, in 71.8% of cases. With a view to the increasing chance of a conclusive diagnosis at each new puncture, two punctures have showed conclusive results in 89.5% of cases, and three punctures, in 90.6% of cases with at least one conclusive result. CONCLUSION: Two punctures in fine-needle aspiration biopsies of thyroid nodules have lead to diagnosis in 89.5% of cases in the study sample, suggesting that there is no need for multiple punctures to safely obtain the diagnosis of thyroid nodules.
Aspectos comuns e pseudolesões na colonografia por tomografia computadorizada: ensaio iconográfico
Authors: von Atzingen Augusto Castelli , Tiferes Dario Ariel , Matsumoto Carlos Alberto , Nunes Thiago Franchi , Maia Marcos Vinicius Alvim Soares , D'Ippolito Giuseppe
Published: June 2012

A colonografia por tomografia computadorizada é um método minimamente invasivo para rastreamento de pólipos e do câncer colorretal, com complicações extremamente incomuns, sendo cada vez mais utilizada na prática clínica. Na última década, a evolução no preparo intestinal, na aquisição das imagens e no treinamento dos examinadores determinou um aumento significativo na sensibilidade do método. A interpretação das imagens é realizada por meio da análise combinada das imagens fontes bidimensionais e de diversos tipos de reconstruções tridimensionais, com sensibilidade ao redor de 96% na detecção de lesões com dimensões iguais ou maiores que 10 mm, quando analisadas por radiologistas experientes. Neste ensaio pictórico selecionamos exemplos ilustrativos das doenças e pseudolesões mais frequentemente observadas neste tipo de exame. Apresentamos exemplos de lesões polipoides e planas, benignas e malignas, moléstia diverticular dos cólons, entre outras afecções, bem como pseudolesões, entre as quais aquelas relacionadas a preparo inadequado e interpretação equivocada.
Linfoma de colo de útero: achados na ressonância magnética
Authors: Kanaan Daniel , Parente Daniella Braz , Constantino Carolina Pesce Lamas , Souza Rodrigo Canellas de
Published: June 2012

Linfoma de colo uterino é uma doença rara. Cerca de 1,0% a 1,5% dos linfomas extranodais se origina no trato genital feminino. A apresentação clínica é inespecífica e a ressonância magnética é importante para a suspeita diagnóstica. Neste artigo relatamos o caso de uma paciente de 80 anos de idade com dor lombar, cuja ressonância mostrou volumosa massa uterina. O diagnóstico final foi de linfoma.
Posterior migration of lumbar disc herniation - imaging dilemma due to contrast contraindication: a case report
Authors: Gonçalves Fabrício Guimarães , Hanagandi Prasad Baladev , Torres Carlos Ignacio , DelCarpio-O'Donovan Raquel
Published: June 2012

Disc herniation with posterior epidural migration is a rare and often symptomatic entity. Multiple are the natural barriers that prevent this pattern of migration. Enhanced magnetic resonance imaging is the diagnostic modality of choice in these cases. The diagnostic dilemma in this case was the contraindication to the use of contrast since the patient was known to have chronic renal failure.
Poland 's syndrome: radiologic findings
Authors: Bazzi Junior João Lourenço , Matta Eduardo Simões da , De Bortoli Luciano , De Bortoli Felipe Raasch
Published: June 2012

Poland's syndrome is a rare non-inherited congenital anomaly. The authors describe the classic radiologic findings of Poland's syndrome by reporting the case of a male four-year old patient with asymmetry of hands and chest, illustrating the fundamental imaging criteria for a conclusive diagnosis.
Avaliação da inserção do estudante na Unidade Básica de Saúde: visão do usuário
Authors: Almeida Francisca Claudia Monteiro , Maciel Ana Paula Pessoa , Bastos Aline Ramos , Barros Fernando Colares , Ibiapina Juliana Ribeiro , Souza Silézia Maria Franklin de , Araújo Dayane Pessoa de
Published: June 2012

Este trabalho avaliou, na perspectiva dos usuários, a inserção do estudante de graduação na atenção básica. Para tanto, foi realizado um estudo exploratório-descritivo quali-quantitativo em uma Unidade Básica de Saúde (UBS) de Fortaleza, Ceará, entre 2009 e 2010. Entrevistaram-se usuários da unidade mediante instrumento estruturado com questões objetivas e discursivas. As respostas às questões discursivas foram investigadas seguindo a técnica de análise de conteúdo e tabuladas quanto à sua frequência nos discursos. Setenta e oito usuários foram abordados, dos quais 51 (65,4%) tinham conhecimento da presença de estudantes na UBS (em atendimento, atividades de educação ou visitas domiciliares) e, por isso, foram entrevistados. Desses 51, 96,1% considera importante a UBS funcionar como campo de estágio; 98,0% referiu que a atuação do acadêmico contribui para a melhoria da atenção à saúde; e 98,0% avaliou o estágio como uma atividade importante para a formação profissional dos alunos; 49,0% dos entrevistados já haviam sido atendidos ou acompanhados por acadêmicos, dentre os quais 96,0% declarou que se sentia confortável com a presença e o serviço dos estudantes. Constatou-se que, na perspectiva dos usuários, a contribuição da inserção dos acadêmicos na UBS é positiva.
Percepção do processo saúde-doença: significados e valores da educação em saúde
Authors: Câmara Ana Maria Chagas Sette , Melo Vinícius Lins Costa , Gomes Maria Gabriela Pimentel , Pena Bruna Calado , Silva Ana Paula da , Oliveira Kênia Marice de , Moraes Ana Paula de Sousa , Coelho Gabriella Rodrigues , Victorino Luciana Ribeiro
Published: June 2012

A relevância sociológica do estudo das representações sociais do processo saúde-doença está no fato de que elas fundamentam práticas e atitudes dos seus atores, assim como as relações que eles estabelecem com o seu contexto social e com aquilo que lhes acontece. O problema dessa pesquisa consiste em conhecer as representações sociais do processo saúde-doença dos profissionais do PSF, considerando que esse conhecimento pode ser fundamental para o desenvolvimento de práticas educativas em saúde. A abordagem metodológica desta pesquisa foi qualitativa, tendo por base as representações sociais dos profissionais de apoio e das equipes de saúde da família do Centro de Saúde Milionários, em Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. Para a coleta de dados, foi utilizada entrevista individual semi-estruturada abordando os seguintes aspectos: processo saúde-doença; educação em saúde; e barreiras ou dificuldades para prescrição/adoção de hábitos saudáveis. Os dados foram analisados pela técnica de análise de conteúdo, a partir das categorias: dimensões do processo saúde-doença; barreiras ou dificuldades para adoção de hábitos saudáveis; e significados e valores da educação em saúde. Os dados apontam que há necessidade de modificações conceituais na formação permanente desses profissionais e da inclusão do enfoque coletivo, abordando o conceito ampliado de saúde com seus determinantes sociais e contextuais. Faz-se necessária também a busca de novas metodologias de educação em saúde, para que os profissionais do PSF possam ir além da informação e consigam a ressignificação dos conceitos do processo saúde-doença, podendo de fato estabelecer novas práticas e novos processos de trabalho em saúde.
Formação e pesquisa em saúde: relato de experiência na atenção primária à saúde
Authors: Arruda Amanda Elias , Viegas Cari na Souza , Alves Cláudia Regina Lindgren , Goulart Magda Zanon Cândido , Nunes Maria Gilma Pimenta , Garcia Jaciara Lagazeta , Borges Ana Cecília de Assunção , Moreira Fabiana Moraes , Morais Flávia Carolina Melges de , Bragança Lídia Lourenço Cunha , Bárbara Milene Regina Mota Santa , Pereira Natália Cristina Passos
Published: June 2012

Inseridos numa conjuntura de reformulações de políticas públicas e de intervenções nos processos formativos, os Ministérios da Saúde e da Educação instituíram o Programa de Educação pelo Trabalho em Saúde (PET-Saúde). Relata-se o trabalho desenvolvido numa Unidade Básica de Saúde de Belo Horizonte, de março de 2009 a março de 2010, com foco no desenvolvimento infantil, que teve por objetivo refletir sobre as contribuições do PET-Saúde como recurso educacional para aprimorar o ensino na Atenção Primária. O trabalho consistiu numa fase exploratória, estudo piloto, coleta de dados, análise dos resultados, participação em eventos científicos, produção de artigos, grupos de capacitação e acompanhamento da rotina de trabalho dos profissionais da unidade. O programa propiciou experiências diferenciadas em um novo cenário de ensino-aprendizagem, o que tem contribuído para reestruturar os currículos dos cursos de graduação e fortalecer a relação entre serviço e ensino. Vivenciamos práticas de vigilância em saúde ricas de interlocuções interdisciplinares e com muitas possibilidades para a qualificação da Atenção Primária.
O Programa de Educação pelo Trabalho para a Saúde na formação profissional
Authors: Leite Maisa Tavares de Souza , Rodrigues Carlos Alberto Quintão , Mendes Danilo Cangussu , Veloso Noely Soares , Andrade João Marcus Oliveira , Rios Lorena Roseli
Published: June 2012

Este estudo descreve as experiências das equipes de trabalho do PET-Saúde após sua implantação na universidade entre 2009 e 2010. Trata-se de relato de experiência retrospectivo, descritivo e inovador, por possibilitar aos estudantes e profissionais a aprendizagem significativa vivenciada no mundo do trabalho na perspectiva da interdisciplinaridade e da Educação Permanente. A prática foi desenvolvida com acompanhamento tutorial na Atenção Primária no lócus da Estratégia Saúde da Família, com vistas a contribuir com a formação dos estudantes de forma multidisciplinar. A partir dos problemas de saúde da população, sob supervisão dos preceptores, os estudantes atuaram junto às famílias, desenvolvendo a integralidade do cuidado, além da elaboração de projetos de iniciação científica com a realização de pesquisas de campo em interface com a comunidade. Analisam-se as principais potencialidades e desafios enfrentados, sinalizando a necessidade de integração entre os cursos de modo a permitir compatibilidade e flexibilidade curricular, com maior integração teórico-prática. Conclui-se que o programa, embora ainda enfrente inúmeras dificuldades na construção do SUS e da governança nas universidades públicas, tem enorme potencial transformador da realidade ensino-serviço-comunidade.