bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Vitro Evidence Suggests Activin-A May Promote Tissue Remodeling Associated with Human Luteolysis
Authors: Myers Michelle , Gay Eva , McNeilly Alan S. , Fraser Hamish M. , Duncan W. Colin
Published: May 2007

Luteolysis in women is associated with an up-regulation of the expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), which is inhibited by human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) during maternal recognition of pregnancy. Because the primary source of MMP-2 is fibroblasts that do not express LH/hCG receptors, we aimed to investigate the regulation of MMP-2. Women with regular cycles having hysterectomy for nonmalignant conditions and women undergoing oocyte retrieval for assisted conception were used in this current study. Novel primary cultures and cocultures of luteinized granulosa cells and fibroblast-like cells in conjunction with human corpora lutea from different stages of the luteal phase were used to investigate the role of activin-A in the corpus luteum. The effect of hCG, activin-A, and follistatin on MMP-2 activity and expression was assessed by gelatin zymography and quantitative RT-PCR in primary cell cultures. Confirmation of signaling pathways involved in the activation of MMP-2 was assessed by immunofluorescence, RT-PCR, and quantitative RT-PCR. In primary cell culture, steroidogenic cells secrete activin-A and its inhibitors, inhibin-A and follistatin. Follistatin expression is up-regulated by hCG (P < 0.05). The fibroblast-like cells producing MMP-2 have the machinery for activin reception, expressing both type I and type II activin receptors and Smad proteins. Activin-A up-regulated both activity and expression of MMP-2 in fibroblast-like cells (P < 0.05). This activity was inhibited in cocultures of luteinized granulosa cells and fibroblast-like cells in the presence of hCG (P < 0.05) or follistatin (P < 0.01). Activin-A is an excellent candidate for an effector molecule in human luteolysis whose paracrine action is inhibited during maternal recognition of pregnancy.
New molecular players in capacitative Ca2+ entry
Authors: Putney James W.
Published: May 2007

Capacitative Ca2+ entry links the emptying of intracellular Ca2+ stores to the activation of store-operated Ca2+ channels in the plasma membrane. In the twenty years since the inception of the concept of capacitative Ca2+ entry, a number of activation mechanisms have been proposed, and there has been considerable interest in the possibility that TRP channels function as store-operated channels. However, in the past two years, two major players in both the signaling and permeation mechanisms for store-operated channels have been discovered: Stim1 and the Orai proteins. Stim1 is an endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ sensor. It appears to act by redistributing within a small component of the endoplasmic reticulum, approaching the plasma membrane, but does not seem to translocate into the plasma membrane. Stim1 signals to plasma membrane Orai proteins, which constitute pore-forming subunits of store-operated channels.
Online Auction and List Price Revenue Management
Authors: Caldentey René , Vulcano Gustavo
Published: May 2007

We analyze a revenue management problem in which a seller facing a Poisson arrival stream of consumers operates an online multiunit auction. Consumers can get the product from an alternative list price channel. We consider two variants of this problem: In the first variant, the list price is an external channel run by another firm. In the second one, the seller manages both the auction and the list price channels.

Each consumer, trying to maximize his own surplus, must decide either to buy at the posted price and get the item at no risk, or to join the auction and wait until its end, when the winners are revealed and the auction price is disclosed.

Our approach consists of two parts. First, we study structural properties of the problem, and show that the equilibrium strategy for both versions of this game is of the threshold type, meaning that a consumer will join the auction only if his arrival time is above a function of his own valuation. This consumer’s strategy can be computed using an iterative algorithm in a function space, provably convergent under some conditions. Unfortunately, this procedure is computationally intensive.

Second, and to overcome this limitation, we formulate an asymptotic version of the problem, in which the demand rate and the initial number of units grow proportionally large. We obtain a simple closed-form expression for the equilibrium strategy in this regime, which is then used as an approximate solution to the original problem. Numerical computations show that this heuristic is very accurate. The asymptotic solution culminates in simple and precise recipes of how bidders should behave, as well as how the seller should structure the auction, and price the product in the dual-channel case.
On the Benefits of Collaborative Forecasting Partnerships Between Retailers and Manufacturers
Authors: Aviv Yossi
Published: May 2007

This paper studies the potential benefits of collaborative forecasting (CF) partnerships in a supply chain that consists of a manufacturer and a retailer. To reflect the reality in production environments, we propose a scorecard that captures inventory considerations, production smoothing, and adherence-to-plans. We present a prescriptive convex-cost production planning model for the manufacturer, and a replenishment model for the retailer. We use our integrative reference model to study the potential benefits of CF partnerships. Overall, we find that the benefits of CF depend on the following key characteristics of the supply chain: the relative explanatory power of the supply chain partners, the supply side agility, and the internal service rate. CF is expected to bring high benefits to the supply chain when the manufacturer has the largest relative explanatory power. But quite disappointingly, in these cases a CF partnership does not appear to be valuable to the manufacturer. When the retailer is the dominant observer of market signals, CF typically yields a “win-win” outcome. In order to effectively act upon the information exchanged via CF, the supply side needs to be sufficiently agile. The benefits reported in this paper should be considered as conservative. This is because CF partnerships often bring better information, improved decision support technologies, as well as process improvement to the trading partners. Consequently, the supply side agility can be improved. If this indeed happens, the compound benefits of CF can be dramatically higher than our conservative estimates. Finally, we provide a qualitative discussion of the possible role of internal service rates in supply chains, either as planning parameters to improve performance, or as a mechanism for sharing the benefits of CF between the trading partners.
Intertemporal Pricing with Strategic Customer Behavior
Authors: Su Xuanming
Published: May 2007

This paper develops a model of dynamic pricing with endogenous intertemporal demand. In the model, there is a monopolist who sells a finite inventory over a finite time horizon. The seller adjusts prices dynamically to maximize revenue. Customers arrive continually over the duration of the selling season. At each point in time, customers may purchase the product at current prices, remain in the market at a cost to purchase later, or exit, and they wish to maximize individual utility. The customer population is heterogeneous along two dimensions: they may have different valuations for the product and different degrees of patience (waiting costs).

We demonstrate that heterogeneity in both valuation and patience is important because they jointly determine the structure of optimal pricing policies. In particular, when high-value customers are proportionately less patient, markdown pricing policies are effective because the high-value customers would buy early at high prices while the low-value customers are willing to wait (i.e., they are not lost). On the other hand, when the high-value customers are more patient than the low-value customers, prices should increase over time to discourage inefficient waiting. Contrary to intuition, we find that strategic waiting by customers may sometimes benefit the seller: when low-value customers wait, they compete for availability with high-value customers and thus increase their willingness to pay. Our results also shed light on how the composition of the customer population affects optimal revenue, consumer surplus, and social welfare. Finally, we consider the long-run problem of selecting the optimal initial stocking quantity.
When explanations for layoffs are not enough: Employer's integrity as a moderator of the relationship between informational justice and retaliation
Authors: Skarlicki Daniel P. , Barclay Laurie J. , Pugh Douglas S.
Published: May 2007

Victims of downsizing often perceive their layoff as being unfair, which can lead to various forms of retaliation. Informational justice, defined as providing employees with adequate explanations in a timely manner, has been prescribed as a way to mitigate the retaliation tendencies associated with unfairness perceptions. Few studies, however, have examined contexts in which informational justice might be more vs. less effective in this regard. In the present research, we explored whether employees' perception of the employer's integrity moderates the relationship between informational justice and retaliation among layoff victims. Results from a field and laboratory study suggest that informational justice helps manage retaliation only when layoff victims perceived that their employer had high (vs. low) integrity prior to the layoff. In Study 2, we found that perceived sincerity mediated the impact of informational justice by integrity interaction on retaliation.
Macromolecular Organization and In Vitro Growth Characteristics of Scaffold-free Neocartilage Grafts
Authors: Hayes Anthony J. , Hall Amanda , Brown Liesbeth , Tubo Ross , Caterson Bruce
Published: May 2007

Recent advances in tissue engineering offer considerable promise for the repair of focal lesions in articular cartilage. Here we describe (1) the macromolecular organization of tissue-engineered neocartilage grafts at light and electron microscopic levels, (2) their in vitro development, and (3) the effect of chondrocyte dedifferentiation, induced by monolayer expansion, on their resultant structure. We show that grafts produced from primary cultures of chondrocytes are hyaline in appearance with identifiable zonal strata as evidenced by cell morphology, matrix organization, and immunohistochemical composition. Like native articular cartilage, their surface zone contains type I collagen, surface zone proteoglycan, biglycan and decorin with type II collagen, aggrecan, chondroitin sulfate, chondroitin-4-sulfate, and keratan sulfate, becoming more prominent with depth. Assessment of cell viability by Live/Dead staining and cell-cycle analysis with BrDU suggest that the in vitro tissue has a high cellular turnover and develops through both appositional and interstitial growth mechanisms. Meanwhile, cell-tracker studies with CMFDA (5-chloromethyl-fluorescein diacetate) demonstrate that cell sorting in vitro is not involved in their zonal organization. Finally, passage expansion of chondrocytes in monolayer culture causes progressive reductions in graft thickness, loss of zonal architecture, and a more fibrocartilaginous tissue histology, consistent with a dedifferentiating chondrocyte phenotype. (J Histochem Cytochem 55: 853–866, 2007)
Twin Research, and its Multiple Births and Expressions: A Short, Personal Voyage Through its Scope, History,and Organization
Authors: Parisi Paolo
Published: May 2007

The notion of twins and twinning involves a multiplicity of meanings and contexts that altogether encompass an unexpectedly wide and significant part of human experience, culture, and endeavor. This cultural polysemy is, to some extent, also an attribute of twin research, which has structured itself around a multiplicity of scientific areas of enquiry, and across time, throughout a multiplicity of births and rebirths, periodically declining and resurging as a phoenix from its ashes. What is proposed is a short voyage through this polysemy and phoenixity of twinning and twin research, and through the structuring process that has accompanied its developments, international scope, and organization. No claim to completeness, but an attempt to dig into personal memory and experience, and share some recollections of the main steps of the process, and particularly the evolution of the journal, the society, the international meetings, and their role in supporting the area's persistence and continuous revivals and adaptations until today.
Choice of Residential Location: Chance, Family Influences, or Genes?
Authors: Whitfield John B. , Zhu Gu , Heath Andrew C. , Martin Nicholas G.
Published: May 2007

The choice of where to live would appear to be determined by a combination of economic constraints and personal preferences. We have tested how far this choice is affected by the continuing effects of the environment shared within families, and genetic variation between people, using data from twin studies conducted in Australia. The addresses provided by study participants were categorized as urban, suburban and nonurban, and data were analyzed in three adult age groups. There were significant effects of both shared environment and genes, and the balance between them was affected by both sex and age. Shared environment accounted for some 50% of variation in the youngest group, but only about 10% in the oldest. As shared environmental effects decreased, additive genetic effects increased. These results have implications for internal migration of people within countries and, over the long term, for gene flow within and between populations. They may also be pertinent to the different prevalences of certain psychiatric diseases between city and country locations. Comparisons between countries with different demography are needed to confirm and further characterize these effects.
Discordant MZ Twins With Cleft Lip and Palate: A Model for Identifying Genes in Complex Traits
Authors: Mansilla Maria Adela , Kimani Jane , Mitchell Laura E. , Christensen Kaare , Boomsma Dorret I. , Daack-Hirsch Sandy , Nepomucena Buena , Wyszynski Diego F. , Felix Temis M. , Martin Nicholas G. , Murray Jeffrey C.
Published: May 2007

Monozygotic (MZ) twins may be discordant for complex traits due to differential environmental exposure in utero, epigenetic variability in imprinting, X chromosome inactivation, or stochastic effects. Occasionally MZ twins may be discordant for chromosomal and single gene disorders due to somatic mosaicism. For complex traits, which are due to the interactive effects of multiple genes and environmental factors, the affected twin of a discordant MZ pair offers the possibility for identifying somatic mutations in candidate genes. DNA sequencing of candidate genes in discordant MZ twins can identify those rare etiologic mutational events responsible for the different phenotypes since the confounding effects of common single nucleotide polymorphisms are eliminated, as DNA sequences should be identical in MZ pairs. In this report we describe the extensive DNA sequencing of 18 candidate genes in a sample of MZ and dizygotic (DZ) twins with nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate. We were unable to identify any somatic differences in approximately 34 Kb of DNA sequenced in 13 MZ pairs, for a total of approximately 900 Kb of sequence comparisons, supporting the hypothesis that nonetiologic posttwinning mutations are rare. While no etiologic variants were identified in this study, sequence comparisons of discordant MZ twins can serve as a tool for identifying etiologic mutations in clefting and other complex traits.
Changes in Twinning Rates in South Korea: 1981–2002
Authors: Hur Yoon-Mi , Kwon Jun Soo
Published: May 2007

The present study investigates the twinning rate trends in South Korea for the years 1981 to 2002 utilizing the birth record data from the South Korea National Statistical Office. The twinning rates between 1981 and 1991 remained nearly constant and were slightly less than 10 twin individuals, that is, approximately five pairs per thousand births. Since the early 1990s, however, the twinning rate has increased sharply and reached 19.30 twin individuals, that is, around 10 pairs per thousand births in the year 2002. Application of the Weinberg method to birth data for the years 2000 to 2002 revealed that the dizygotic twin rate in South Korea increased almost threefold between 1981 to 1991 and 2002. In the 1980s the effect of maternal age on twinning rates appeared to be minimal. In the 1990s, however, increases in twinning rates occurred more markedly among older mothers than among younger mothers. We speculate that the rapid rise in twinning rates in South Korea in the 1990s is probably attributable to the spread of Assisted Reproductive Technologies among older mothers who seek treatments for infertility. The present study also examined whether residing in industrial areas is associated with multiple births in the South Korean population. The results did not support the recent finding of higher twinning incidence in industrialized regions.
Auditory Systems of Opposite-Sex Twins; Twin Study Summaries; In the News; Tribute to Inna Vladimirovna Ravich-Scherbo
Authors: Segal Nancy L.
Published: May 2007

Research comparing the auditory systems of opposite-sex co-twins, homosexual females and bisexual females is reviewed. Suggestions for how the findings may apply to other populations are provided. Next, recent twin studies of disputed memories and male sexual behaviors are summarized, as are recent events of scientific interest to twin researchers. Finally, a tribute to the late Russian twin researcher Dr. Inna Vladimirovna Ravich-Scherbo is presented.
Paternal Alcoholism and Offspring Conduct Disorder: Evidence for the ‘Common Genes’ Hypothesis
Authors: Haber Jon R. , Jacob Theodore , Heath Andrew C.
Published: May 2007

Not only are alcoholism and externalizing disorders frequently comorbid, they often co-occur in families across generations; for example, paternal alcoholism predicts offspring conduct disorder just as it does offspring alcoholism. To clarify this relationship, the current study examined the ‘common genes’ hypothesis utilizing a children-of-twins research design. Participants were male monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins from the Vietnam Era Twin Registry who were concordant or discordant for alcohol dependence together with their offspring and the mothers of those offspring. All participants were conducted through a structured psychiatric interview. Offspring risk of conduct disorder was examined as a function of alcoholism genetic risk (due to paternal and co-twin alcohol dependence) and alcoholism environmental risk (due to being reared by a father with an alcohol dependence diagnosis). After controlling for potentially confounding variables, the offspring of alcohol- dependent fathers were significantly more likely to exhibit conduct disorder diagnoses than were off- spring of nonalcohol-dependent fathers, thus indicating diagnostic crossover in generational family transmission. Comparing offspring at high genetic and high environmental risk with offspring at high genetic and low environmental risk indicated that genetic factors were most likely responsible for the alcoholism–conduct disorder association. The observed diagnostic crossover (from paternal alcoholism to offspring conduct disorder) across generations in the context of both high and low environmental risk (while genetic risk remained high) supported the common genes hypothesis.
Human Cytokine Response toex vivoAmyloid-β Stimulation is Mediated by Genetic Factors
Authors: Posthuma Danielle , Meulenbelt Ingrid , de Craen Anton J. M. , de Geus Eco J. C. , Slagboom P. Eline , Boomsma Dorret I. , Westendorp Rudi G. J.
Published: May 2007

Through its ability to induce the enhanced release and production of cytokines, amyloid-β is responsible for the chronic inflammatory response that contributes to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Determining whether the response of monocytes to amyloid-β stimulation is under genetic control may help understand the basis of why some people are more prone to develop neuronal degeneration than others. In the current study we investigated the heritability of the cytokine (IL-10, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-1ra, TNF-[.alpha]) production capacity upon ex vivo stimulation with amyloid-β in whole blood samples of 222 twins and 85 singleton siblings from 139 extended twin families. It was found that individual differences in amyloid-β-induced cytokine production capacity are to a large extent of genetic origin, with heritability estimates ranging from 55% (IL-1β) to 68% (IL-6). We conclude that genes influencing amyloid-β-induced cytokine response may provide clues to the progression of AD pathology.
Birthweight and Adult Health in a Population-Based Sample of Norwegian Twins
Authors: Grjibovski Andrej M. , Harris Jennifer R. , Magnus Per
Published: May 2007

Population-based twin data were used to test (a) whether lower birthweight confers a greater risk of adult health disorders, and (b) whether within-pair birthweight differences in twins explain discordance for health outcomes. The sample consisted of 1201 monozygotic (MZ) male twins, 1048 dizygotic (DZ) male twins, 1679 MZ female twins, 1489 DZ female twins, and 2423 opposite-sex DZ twins, born in Norway between 1967 and 1979. The relationship between birthweight and self-reported health outcomes were studied using multivariable logistic regression. In the full sample (n= 7840), birthweight was negatively associated with risk for nearsightedness (odds ratio OR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.65 – 0.92) and minimal brain disorder (OR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.16–0.44) when adjusted for gestational age, sex, zygosity, age, education and body mass index after correction for intraclass correlations and multiple comparisons. Within-pair analysis of 159 MZ and 224 DZ pairs revealed that myopic twins were on average 2 g (p= .966) and 64 g (p= .040) lighter than nonmyopic twins in MZ and DZ pairs respectively, suggesting that genetic factors may play an important role in the associations between birthweight and nearsightedness. Within-pair analysis of twins discordant for a minimal brain disorder indicated that affected twins were 80 g (p= .655) and 85 g (p= .655) lighter than their healthy co-twins in MZ and DZ pairs respectively, although there were only 2 MZ and 2 DZ discordant pairs.
The Effects of Twins, Parity and Age at First Birth on Cancer Risk in Swedish Women
Authors: Neale Rachel E. , Darlington Steven , Murphy Michael F. G. , Silcocks Paul B. S. , Purdie David M. , Talbäck Mats
Published: May 2007

The effect of reproductive history on the risk of cervical, colorectal and thyroid cancers and melanoma has been explored but the results to date are inconsistent. We aimed to examine in a record- linkage cohort study the risk of developing these cancers, as well as breast, ovarian and endometrial cancers, among mothers who had given birth to twins compared with those who had only singleton pregnancies. Women who delivered a baby in Sweden between 1961 and 1996 and who were 15 years or younger in 1961 were selected from the Swedish civil birth register and linked with the Swedish cancer registry. We used Poisson regression to assess associations between reproductive factors and cancer. Twinning was associated with reduced risks of breast, colorectal, ovarian and uterine cancers, although no relative risks were statistically significant. The delivery of twins did not increase the risk of any cancers studied. Increasing numbers of maternities were associated with significantly reduced risks of all tumors except thyroid cancer. We found positive associations between a later age at first birth and breast cancer and melanoma, while there were inverse associations with cervix, ovarian, uterine and colorectal cancers. These findings lend weight to the hypothesis that hormonal factors influence the etiology of colorectal cancer in women, but argue against any strong effect of hormones on the development of melanoma or tumors of the thyroid.
Allele Frequencies and ther2Measure of Linkage Disequilibrium: Impact on Design and Interpretation of Association Studies
Authors: Wray Naomi R.
Published: May 2007

The design and interpretation of genetic association studies depends on the relationship between the genotyped variants and the underlying functional variant, often parameterized as the squared correlation orr2measure of linkage disequilibrium between two loci. While it has long been recognized that placing a constraint on ther2between two loci also places a constraint on the difference in frequencies between the coupled alleles, this constraint has not been quantified. Here, quantification of this severe constraint is presented. For example, forr2≥ .8, the maximum difference in allele frequency is ± .06 which occurs when one locus has allele frequency .5. Forr2≥ .8 and allele frequency at one locus of .1, the maximum difference in allele frequency at the second locus is only ± .02. The impact on the design and interpretation of association studies is discussed.
New Concepts for Distinguishing the Hidden Patterns of Linkage Disequilibrium Which Underlie Association Between Genotypes and Complex Phenotypes
Authors: Wicks Jacqueline , Treloar Susan A. , Martin Nicholas G. , Duffy David L.
Published: May 2007

Adisappointing feature of conventional methods for detecting association between DNA variation and a phenotype of interest is that they tell us little about the hidden pattern of linkage disequilibrium (LD) with the functional variant that is actually responsible for the association. This limitation applies to case-control studies and also to the transmission/disequilibrium test (TDT) and other family-based association methods. Here we present a fresh perspective on genetic association based on two novel concepts called ‘LD squares’ and ‘equi- risk alleles’. These describe and characterize the different patterns of gametic LD which underlie genetic association. These concepts lead to a general principle – the Equi-Risk Allele Segregation Principle – which captures the way in which underlying LD patterns affect the transmission patterns of genetic variants associated with a phenotype. This provides a basis for distinguishing the hidden LD patterns and might help to locate the functional variants responsible for the association.
Estimating the Extent of Parameter Bias in the Classical Twin Design: A Comparison of Parameter Estimates From Extended Twin-Family and Classical Twin Designs
Authors: Coventry William L. , Keller Matthew C.
Published: May 2007

Theclassical twin design(CTD) circumvents parameter indeterminacy by assuming (1) negligible higher-order epistasis; and (2) either nonadditive genetic or common environmental effects are nonexistent, creating two potential sources of bias (Eaves et al., 1978; Grayson, 1989). Because the extended twin-family design (ETFD) uses many more unique covariance observations to estimate parameters, common environmental and nonadditive genetic parameters can be simultaneously estimated. The ETFD thereby corrects for what is likely to be the largest of the two sources of bias in CTD parameter estimates (Keller & Coventry, 2005). In the current paper, we assess the extent of this and other potential sources of bias in the CTD by comparing all published ETFD parameter estimates to CTD parameter estimates derived from the same data. CTD estimates of the common environment were lower than ETFD estimates of the common environment for some phenotypes, but for other phenotypes (e.g., stature in females and certain social attitudes), what appeared as the common environment was resolved to be assortative mating in the ETFD. On average, CTD estimates of nonadditive genetic factors were 43% lower, and additive genetic factors 63% higher, than ETFD estimates. However, broad-sense heritability estimates from the CTD were only 18% higher than ETFD estimates, highlighting that the CTD is useful for estimating broad-sense but not narrow-sense heritability. These results suggest that CTD estimates can be misleading when interpreted literally, but useful, albeit coarse, when interpreted properly.
Midupper Arm Circumference (MUAC) Changes in Late Pregnancy Predict Fetal Growth in Twins
Authors: Hediger Mary L. , Luke Barbara , van de Ven Cosmas , Nugent Clark
Published: May 2007

The objective of the study was to test the hypothesis that changes in arm anthropometry can be used to determine the risk of faltering growth in twin gestations. Serial data on midupper arm circumference (MUAC) and maternal weight gain were collected from a sample of 156 mothers. Changes in MUAC were monitored from 20 to 34 weeks. Women with a large loss of MUAC (greater than 1.5 cm), particularly when it occurred within two to four weeks of delivery, were significantly heavier, had higher pregravid Body Mass Indexes (BMIs), but gained less weight than mothers with no change in MUAC. In analysis of covariance models adjusting for length of gestation, black ethnicity, males per twin pair, monochorionicity, and baseline MUAC at 20 weeks, a large loss of MUAC was associated with significantly lower birthweight (2263 g vs. 2499 g) and birthweight z-score (–0.92 SDU vs. –0.39 SDU). Changes in MUAC from 20 to 34 weeks, and especially near delivery, are significantly associated with fetal growth in twin pregnancies. A positive change may indicate that the mother has adequate dietary intake or nutrient stores to continue to accrue lean body mass and support fetal growth, while a loss of MUAC indicates that dietary intake or nutrient stores may be inadequate. This simple, relatively precise, measure of change in maternal body composition during pregnancy may be useful in identifying twin pregnancies at risk for faltering intrauterine growth, particularly among overweight or obese women.
Estudo descritivo do suicídio no município de São Paulo (Brasil) - 1959 a 1968
Authors: Barbosa Victório
Published: May 2007

Foi feito estudo epidemiológico retrospectivo descritivo de mortalidade por suicídio no município de São Paulo, Brasil, baseado nos dados oficiais. Foram estudadas as tendências de alguns caracteres epidemiológicos dessa causa de morte nos anos de 1959 a 1968: causas exógena, distribuição cronológica, distribuição causal e distribuição por sexo e idade.
Emprego de anticoncepcionais por uma população brasileira
Authors: Ramos Célia Leitão , Ogura Keiko , Souza Daisy A. C. , Beniczky Catherine Laura , Bedini Eliana , Medeiros Elizabeth Guedes de , Santos Maria do Carmo Dias dos , Cunha Maria Eliza Fernandes , Castaldelli Marilena , Tornante Miriam Gomes , Pelosini Regina Helena Corazza , Napolitano Rosalina , Ferreira Sonia Maria Freitas
Published: May 2007

Um grupo de 245 mulheres moradoras em Mogi das Cruzes (Estado de S. Paulo, Brasil) foi questionado com relação ao uso de anticoncepcionais, história obstétrica, mortalidade infantil e atitudes correlacionadas com a limitação da natalidade. As respostas foram classificadas segundo idade e nível de renda da informante. Apenas 49% das mulheres empregavam medidas anticoncepcionais, das quais 42% recorriam aos anovulatórios. Esta prática era mais freqüente entre as mulheres jovens, e aquelas pertencentes às famílias melhores situadas economicamente. Não só era mais baixa a natalidade nas mulheres que se valiam de anticoncepcionais, mas esta prática acompanhava-se de sensível redução no número de abortos e da mortalidade infantil. O efeito foi mais pronunciado entre aquelas que empregavam os anovulatórios.
Nível de infecção tuberculosa e viragem tuberculínica pelo BCG intradérmico em escolares de Botucatu, SP (Brasil) em 1969
Authors: Almeida Eurivaldo Sampaio de , Barbieri Tarcísio , Guedes Eloisa , Soares Luiza , Sanches Neide , Cortez Jr. Lupércio De Souza
Published: May 2007

Procurou-se determinar, no 2.° semestre de 1969, o nível de infecção tuberculosa nos escolares da sede municipal de Botucatu, nas idades de 7 a 15 anos (exclusive) e o efeito do BCG intradérmico e da própria prova em si na viragem tuberculínica. Utilizamos PPD RT23 com 2UT (0,04 mcg) de acordo com a recomendação do Serviço Nacional de Tuberculose. A prevalência desta infecção se situou em torno de 6%, a qual, embora aparentemente baixa, ainda sugere ser a tuberculose problema de Saúde Pública local, com necessidade de melhor controle. Não houve diferença estatística significante entre os níveis encontrados nos grupos bases (A + B) e o controle, C, mas em relação aos atributos considerados, ela predominou na faixa etária de 11 a 15 anos, nos não brancos e no sexo masculino, com aumento significante de nível entre as provas realizadas num período de 90 dias. Não houve diferença significativa para os resultados encontrados entre a primeira e segunda provas realizadas no grupo B o que, entretanto se apresentou evidente no grupo A, após a utilização do BCG intradérmico, sugerindo forte estímulo alérgico para o mesmo. Os resultados foram encaminhados ao Dispensário Regional de Tuberculose para as necessárias medidas de controle.
A importância do diagnóstico em nível local para o planejamento de serviço de saúde materna
Authors: Giron Sueli Gandolfi , Markievicz Wanda , Novaes Maria Aparecida , Schor Neia , Ciari Jr. Cyro , Siqueira Arnaldo A. F. de
Published: May 2007

Foi analisada uma área do município de Osasco no Estado de São Paulo, com 40.134. habitantes para verificar o grau de atendimento em saúde materna, recebido pelas gestantes dessa área, que não contava com recursos oficiais de pré-natal. Foi construído um formulário aplicado a uma amostra de 1.036 residências. Os resultados evidenciaram um número elevado de partos hospitalares, alta concentração de consultas de pré-natal por gestantes (6,27), e que estas eram atendidas por sociedades de medicina de grupo. Concluiu-se que ao se programar serviços de saúde materna para uma área é imperativo um diagnóstico prévio das necessidades e recomenda-se que os órgãos oficiais de Saúde Pública considerem todos os recursos de saúde da área e os assessore quando existentes.
Excreção de creatinina no período de vinte e quatro horas, em crianças de cinco a onze anos de idade
Authors: Martins Ignez Salas
Published: May 2007

Estudou-se o modo de excreção da creatinina em um período de 24 horas em crianças de 5 a 11 anos. Dentro desse período a excreção de creatinina foi constante, não apresentando rítmo circadiano.
Resultados do inquérito alimentar realizado nas cidades de Apiaí, Ribeira e Barra do Chapéu (São Paulo, Brasil)
Authors: Miguel Maryland , Bon Avany Maria Xavier
Published: May 2007

Foram apresentados os resultados do inquérito alimentar realizado na região do Vale do Ribeira, nas cidades de Apiaí, Ribeira e Barra do Chapéu (São Paulo, Brasil), em amostra constituída por 154 famílias, totalizando 939 indivíduos. O método utilizado para o levantamento foi o de pesagem "um dia sete dias". A análise dos dados evidenciou que em Apiaí as adequações médias de proteína, ferro e niacina foram as únicas que ultrapassaram os 100% dos valores recomendados, enquanto que, na cidade de Barra do Chapéu este fato ocorreu em relação à ferro, niacina e vitamina B1. Com referência à cidade de Ribeira, apenas niacina atingiu uma adequação de 100%, sendo que os demais nutrientes apresentaram resultados inferiores.
Guia curricular de saúde para o ensino de 1.º grau
Authors: Coelho Hebe da Silva , Conceição José Augusto N. , Yunes João
Published: May 2007

Apresenta-se o "Guia Curricular de Saúde para o Ensino do 1.° Grau" aprovado oficialmente pela Secretaria de Educação do Estado de São Paulo para ser utilizado nas Escolas de 1.° grau. Após salientar os pontos fundamentais que foram levados em conta na sua elaboração - capacidade de aprendizado do escolar; situação do ensino formalizado de Saúde dentro do conjunto que se relaciona com a Saúde do Escolar; visão bio-psico-social de Saúde - foram destacados os objetivos gerais do guia e englobados o conteúdo de ensino em quatro temas básicos: Crescimento e Desenvolvimento; Nutrição; Higiene Física, Mental e Social; Agravos à Saúde. O conteúdo de cada tema básico é, depois, distribuido por série escolar e, finalmente, detalhados os objetivos específicos para cada série.
Inquérito sobre blastomicose sul-americana pela intradermo reação em uma comunidade rural do município de Botucatu, SP (Brasil)
Authors: Carandina Luana , Magaldi Cecilia
Published: May 2007

A blastomicose sul-americana, considerada como doença endêmica no interior do Estado de São Paulo, não havia sido ainda investigada quanto a sua prevalência, como infecção, em zona rural. Em inquérito realizado entre 408 pessoas de uma comunidade rural de Botucatu, pela intradermo reação com paracoccidioidina, verificou-se 13% de positividade. Não houve diferenças de positividade quanto ao sexo, cor e hábitos. As percentagens de positivos, em termos gerais, aumentaram com a idade e com o tempo de residência nas fazendas, o que pode ser explicado pelo maior tempo de exposição ao agente, ainda mais nas ocupações ligadas à lavoura. No grupo controle a taxa de testes positivos foi de 6,6%. Entre 29 soros, da população rural, houve 13,8% de reações de fixação do complemento positivas (Título entre 2,0 e 2,5). Os exames clínico e radiológico dos indivíduos reatores não evidenciaram sinais sugestivos de blastomicose-doença.
Duas epidemias de tuberculose em crianças menores de três anos de idade, vacinadas com BCG oral, numa creche do município de São Paulo, Brasil
Authors: Brólio Roberto
Published: May 2007

São descritas duas epidemias de tuberculose em crianças menores de 3 anos de idade vacinadas com BCG oral, ocorridas numa creche para crianças menores de 5 anos de idade, no município de São Paulo, nos anos de 1967 e 1969. Em 1967 havia no estabelecimento 96 crianças, inicialmente não reatoras ao teste tuberculínico padronizado (PPD, Rt-23, 2 UT). Foram encontrados 19 reatores, sendo 12 reatores fortes (63,2%) e 7 reatores fracos (36,8%) e imagens radiológicas indicativas de anormalidade pulmonar em 15 crianças ou 78,9% dos reatores. Em 1969 havia no estabelecimento mais 62 crianças não reatoras, que foram acompanhadas separadamente em relação ao grupo de 1967, embora convivessem no mesmo ambiente. Foram encontrados 36 reatores à tuberculina, sendo 29 reatores fortes (80,5%) e 7 reatores fracos (19,5%) e imagens radiológicas indicativas de anormalidade pulmonar em 11 crianças, ou 30,5% dos reatores. Nesse mesmo ano houve viragem tuberculínica em mais 7 crianças pertencentes ao grupo de não reatores de 1967, sendo 5 reatores fortes e 2 reatores fracos. Nas duas epidemias, as viragens tuberculínicas e as alterações radiológicas pulmonares foram constatadas apenas nas crianças menores de 3 anos de idade, em sua maioria vacinadas previamente com 3 doses de BCG oral, com intervalo de uma semana entre uma dose e outra. A fonte de infecção foi um operário que trabalhou no estabelecimento durante aproximadamente dois meses em 1967 e um mês em 1969, nos locais onde eram mantidas as crianças menores de 3 anos de idade. A vacina administrada por esse método não parece ter influenciado nas conversões tuberculínicas e no desenvolvimento de imunidade específica.
Utilização das fichas de registro de vacinações pelos centros de saúde na Divisão Regional de Saúde de Campinas, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil
Authors: Harris William Moffitt
Published: May 2007

Foi descrito um levantamento amostral comparativo analítico referente à coincidência de dados encontrados nas cadernetas de vacinações (amarelas) pertencentes a crianças e as fichas de registro (azuis) pertencentes aos arquivos dos Centros de Saúde. Este levantamento foi feito em 16 municípios com mais de 30 mil habitantes da Região Administrativa de Campinas, Estado de São Paulo, que demonstrou haver em 788 cadernetas efetivamente examinadas, 2.307 anotações divergentes referentes a vacinas. Apenas 386 (48,9%) cadernetas amarelas coincidiam perfeitamente com as respectivas fichas azuis de registro. Tornou-se evidente que os arquivos de fichas de registro de vacinações dos Centros de Saúde não oferecem condições para uma eficiente avaliação da cobertura vacinal da população.
O problema da avaliação em Saúde Pública
Authors: Ramos Reinaldo
Published: May 2007

Após discussão do conceito de avaliação, a partir das clássicas idéias de controle administrativo, foram indicados alguns dos critérios mais freqüentemente utilizados na avaliação dos programas de saúde. Chama-se a atenção, todavia, para os riscos inerentes a tais critérios, derivados do fato de que a problemática de saúde - como reflexo das condições gerais de vida - é fortemente afetada por fatores impermeáveis às ações específicas do setor. Daí a necessidade do emprego de critérios mais simples, que permitam estabelecer uma relação de causa e efeito entre as ações desenvolvidas e os resultados alcançados.
Prestação de serviços em centros de saúde: considerações organizacionais
Authors: Padilha Harley P.
Published: May 2007

Foi abordado o problema da microeconomia em Saúde, salientando as dificuldades para a operação dos centros de saúde, ao tempo em que considera a articulação das instituições que os mantém (geralmente a administração estadual) e o sistema previndenciário. Foram sugeridos alguns elementos capazes de operacionalizar esta articulação.
Sistemas de organização de assistência médica: critérios e padrões de avaliação
Authors: Gonçalves Ernesto Lima
Published: May 2007

São definidas as recomendações da Organização Mundial da Saúde e pela Organização Panamericana da Saúde para a estrutura dos sistemas de organização de assistência médica. São analisados os dois grandes sistemas - o indireto e o direto, examinando as vantagens e desvantagens de cada um deles para a medicina geral e a especializada, a hospitalização, a assistência farmacêutica e odontológica e as atividades preventivas.
Estudo para avaliar a alimentação do pré-escolar através de médias do consumo familiar
Authors: Mazzilli Rosa Nilda
Published: May 2007

Foi verificada a possibilidade de avaliar a ingestão alimentar do pré-escolar, através de médias do consumo familiar obtidas por dois processos. Foi utilizada na pesquisa uma amostra de 54 famílias e 85 pré-escolares de 2|-7 anos de idade, pertencentes a duas cidades paulistas. Os pré-escolares foram divididos em dois grupos, segundo o número de crianças por adulto na família. Para o levantamento dos dados referentes ao consumo alimentar da família e individual do pré-escolar, durante 24. horas, foi utilizado o método da pesagem direta dos alimentos combinado com o recordatório. Os resultados da ingestão individual do pré-escolar e das médias obtidas foram comparados na respectiva família. Ficou evidenciado que é necessária a realização do inquérito individual para avaliar a ingestão real de nutrientes do pré-escolar. Para estudos de grupos populacionais, entretanto, há possibilidade de se utilizar a média por "equivalente criança" (ME) de proteínas totais e a média por pessoa (MF) de cálcio na estimativa do consumo desses nutrientes dos pré-escolares, qualquer que seja a composição familiar. Para os demais nutrientes os resultados sugerem a utilização da média por pessoa ou da média por "equivalente-criança", segundo a maior ou menor concentração de adultos na família.
Análise dos dados de prevalência de cárie dental na cidade de Campinas, SP, Brasil, depois de dez anos de fluoração da água de abastecimento público
Authors: Viegas Yvette , Viegas Alfredo Reis
Published: May 2007

Foram analisados os resultados dos dados de quatro levantamentos de prevalência de cárie dental de crianças de 4 a 14 anos de idade da cidade de Campinas, SP, Brasil, com o objetivo de se verificar as reduções de cárie dental encontradas nos dentes permanentes e primários durante o período de dez anos de fluoração da água de abastecimento público. As reduções de prevalência de cárie observadas são similares às constatadas nos estudos pilotos dos Estados Unidos e do Brasil, sendo de 66% para os dentes permanentes e de 53% nos dentes primários. Nos grupos etários de 6 a 10 anos, 25% das crianças não têm nenhum dente primário atacado pela cárie, e 36% estão em igual condição em relação aos dentes permanentes.
A análise da mortalidade por causa básica e por causas múltiplas
Authors: Laurenti Ruy
Published: May 2007

Foram comentados alguns aspectos das estatísticas de mortalidade por causas básicas e por causas múltiplas. Utilizando uma amostra de óbitos ocorridos em hospitais e obtendo informações adicionais através dos prontuários médicos, foram refeitos os atestados comparando-os com os originais. Foi verificado que a causa básica está declarada incorretamente em 37,7% dos casos e que existem discordâncias que se compensam. O número médio de diagnósticos por atestados de óbito foi de 1,9, elevando-se para 2,9 quando se dispõem de informações adicionais. O número médio de diagnósticos adicionais que acompanhou a causa básica aumentou quanto mais longa foi a evolução da doença básica. A codificação de causas múltiplas tem como vantagens o reconhecimento de freqüências de doenças que raramente são consideradas básicas e as estatísticas de mortalidade por causas múltiplas não são afetadas pelas mudanças das regras de seleção da causa de morte.
Resultados de teste tuberculínico efetuado três meses após vacinação, por meio do BCG administrado pela via intradérmica, de pessoas com idades diversas e residentes em São Paulo, SP (Brasil)
Authors: Amato Neto Vicente , Margaritelli Carlos Eduardo , Oselka Gabriel Wolf , Levi Guido Carlos , Mendonça João Silva de , Santos Mauro Brasil Lambert dos
Published: May 2007

Foram analisados os resultados de teste tuberculínico, efetuado três meses após vacinação com BCG (amostra Moreau-Rio de Janeiro), pela via intradérmica. A casuística correspondeu a 7.790 pessoas, incluindo as de grupo pertinente ao primeiro trimestre de vida e merecedor, atualmente, de especial atenção. Ficou constatada, globalmente, a percentagem de positividade de 69%. Houve apreciação, especifica e detalhada, referente a indivíduos de idades diversas, e a abordagem do tema tornou-se oportuna em face ao interesse que esse tipo de imunização vem despertando no Brasil e, também, em virtude da necessidade de coletar informes aptos a apoiar trabalhos profiláticos.
Estudos ecológicos sobre mosquitos Culicidae no Sistema da Serra do Mar, Brasil: 2 - Observações no ambiente domiciliar
Authors: Forattini Oswaldo Paulo , Gomes Almério de Castro , Galati Eunice Aparecida Bianchi , Rabello Ernesto Xavier , Iversson Lygia Busch
Published: May 2007

Apresentam-se os resultados obtidos nas coletas domiciliares de mosquitos Culicidae no Vale do Ribeira, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Com o objetivo de esclarecer o mecanismo de transmissão de encefalite por vírus, ali ocorrida em caráter epidêmico, seguiu-se a mesma orientação das observações realizadas no extradomicílio. Para tanto baseou-se a diferenciação das localidades trabalhadas, nas características do terreno, na ocorrência de casos da doença e no caráter rural e urbano das habitações. Os dados obtidos sugeriram possível ocorrência de transmissão domiciliar da virose. As espécies que apresentaram maior significância nesse sentido foram Aedes scapularis e representantes de Culex (Melanoconion) sp. A possível transmissão domiciliar por culicídeos mostrou-se mais evidente na zona rural do que na urbana.
Análise de alguns modelos utilizados no ensino das ciências sociais nas escolas médicas: bases teóricas
Authors: Nunes Everardo Duarte
Published: May 2007

São analisados quatro modelos como estratégias no ensino das ciências sociais e em especial da sociologia: a "história natural da doença", o "cuidado integral" a "carreira do paciente" e o "estrutural". São estabelecidas criticas sobre os quatro modelos ressaltando o embasamento teórico que os fundamentam.
Sobre o encontro do Trypanosoma (Herpetosoma) renjifoi Deane 1961, infectando Proechimys longicaudatus (Rodentia-Echimyidae)
Authors: Mello Dalva A.
Published: May 2007

É relatado o encontro do roedor Proechimys longicaudatus, capturado na Fazenda Água Limpa, Brasília-DF (Brasil), naturalmente infectado pelo Trypanosoma (Herpetosoma) renjifoi. Este é o primeiro relato do T. (H.) renjifoi na região do Brasil Central.