bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reversal of the inhibitory effect of light and high temperature on germination of Phacelia tanacetifolia seeds by melatonin
Authors: Tiryaki Iskender , Keles Huseyin
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  Possible role of melatonin in the germination of negatively photoblastic and thermosensitive seeds of Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth was studied. Final germination percentage (FGP) was determined in the presence or absence of light at various temperatures, ranging from 0 to 40°C. The highest FGP was determined as 48.7% and 92% at temperature of 15°C in the presence and absence of light, respectively. Seeds were primed with 1% KNO3 containing various concentrations (0.3, 1, 6, 12, 30, 60, or 90 μm) of melatonin for 2 days at 15°C in darkness. Primed seeds were germinated at an inhibitory temperature of 30°C, and results were compared to those occurring at the optimum temperature of 15°C under both light and no light conditions. Melatonin incorporated into priming medium significantly reversed the inhibitory effects of light and high temperature. Germination was elevated from 2.5% to 52% of FGP for seeds primed in the presence of 6 μm melatonin in darkness at 30°C, while 1 μm melatonin had the highest FGP (21.0%) in the presence of light at 30°C. The highest FGP (47.5%) was obtained from seeds primed in the presence of 0.3 μm melatonin under the light condition at 15°C, while untreated seeds had 1.5% of FGP. The fastest seed germination was determined from seeds primed in the presence of 0.3 μm melatonin (G50 = 0.56 days) at 15°C in darkness. The possible roles of melatonin in promoting germination parameters of photo‐ and thermosensitive seed germination are discussed.
Monitoring melatonin and its isomer in Vitis vinifera cv. Malbec by UHPLC‐MS/MS from grape to bottle
Authors: Gomez Federico José Vicente , Raba Julio , Cerutti Soledad , Silva María Fernanda
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  Several studies have shown the presence of melatonin and related compounds in grapes and wines. The latter provides evidence of the possibility to enhance the nutraceutical properties of premium wines. However, there are many external factors that can influence the levels of this indolamine in grape and wines. In this study, the monitoring of melatonin and its tentatively identified isomer was carried out during the entire winemaking process in Vitis vinifera cv. Malbec by ultra high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. Laboratory and pilot studies were carried out to elucidate the role of grape, yeasts, and tryptophan in the evolution of the indolamines during the fermentation process. Melatonin was detected in grape extract within the range 120–160 ng/g while its isomer was found in musts and finished wines. Our results demonstrate that Saccaromyces cervisiae plays a decisive role in contributing to the content of melatonin and its isomer in wine.
Will the Big Machine Arrive?
Authors: Palmer David
Published: November 2011

David Palmer is advising on a huge construction project in the Port of Miami. He is an engineer but he needs statistics even to judge whether a huge and vital piece of kit will arrive on time.
Chopin, Mazurkas and Markov
Authors: Collins Tom , Laney Robin , Willis Alistair , Garthwaite Paul H.
Published: November 2011

How do people compose music? Can computers, with statistics, create a mazurka that cannot be distinguished from a Chopin original? Tom Collins, Robin Laney, Alistair Willis and Paul H. Garthwaite make music with Markov models.
Fraud in Clinical Trials
Authors: Weir Christopher , Murray Gordon
Published: November 2011

Fraud is surprisingly hard to conceal. If you make up or alter the data in a clinical trial you will leave a trail that a good statistician can follow. Christopher Weir and Gordon Murray tell would-be detectives where the clues will be.
C.R. Rao
Authors: Champkin Julian
Published: November 2011

C.R. Rao is a great name from the golden age of statistics. His work was done in India; his intellect shaped statistics worldwide. Julian Champkin talked to him in London.
The Hazards of Slavery
Authors: Smith Simon , Forster Martin
Published: November 2011

Abolition of the transatlantic slave trade was a landmark in British imperial history. But did it have unintended consequences for slaves in the Caribbean? Using a unique data set from a Jamaican plantation, Simon Smith and Martin Forster investigate.
Monoisoamyl 2, 3‐Dimercaptosuccinic Acid (MiADMSA) Demonstrates Higher Efficacy by Oral Route in Reversing Arsenic Toxicity: A Pharmacokinetic Approach
Authors: Flora Swaran J. S. , Bhadauria Smrati , Pachauri Vidhu , Yadav Abhishek
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  Monoisoamyl DMSA (MiADMSA), a lipophilic chelating agent has emerged as a promising drug for the treatment of arsenic. The present study aimed at exploring the optimum dose and route of administration for achieving maximum arsenic elimination with minimal side effects. We also carried out a pharmacokinetic analysis of this drug to support arsenic chelation. Rats were exposed to arsenic (25 ppm) for 6 months and later received MiADMSA (50 or 100 mg/kg) orally and via i.p. route for 5 days. Oxidative stress parameters and arsenic levels in soft tissues, liver function test and histopathology of liver and kidney were performed. Plasma kinetic of MiADMSA (plasma‐free drug and total drug) at 50 and 100 mg/kg p.o. was carried out. Arsenic exposure resulted in significant oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity. MiADMSA at 50 mg/kg dose administered orally provided about 45% and 75% protection against oxidative stress and in lowering body arsenic burden, respectively, against 25% and 40% via i.p. route. Pharmacokinetic analysis supported prolonged availability of the drug through oral administration. Collectively, these findings led us to conclude that oral administration of MiADMSA was more effective than intraperitoneal administration and that the minimum effective dose with least side effects was 50 mg/kg.
Ligand‐Induced Changes in T Box Antiterminator RNA Stability
Authors: Zhou Shu , Acquaah‐Harrison George , Jack Karen D. , Bergmeier Stephen C. , Hines Jennifer V.
Published: November 2011

The T box antiterminator RNA element is an important component of the T box riboswitch that controls the transcription of vital genes in many Gram‐positive bacteria. A series of 1,4‐disubstituted 1,2,3‐triazoles was screened in a fluorescence‐monitored thermal denaturation assay to identify ligands that altered the stability of antiterminator model RNA. Several ligands were identified that significantly increased or decreased the melting temperature (Tm) of the RNA. The results indicate that this series of triazole ligands can alter the stability of antiterminator model RNA in a structure‐dependent manner.
Conformational Similarities and Dissimilarities Between the Stereoisomeric Forms of Endomorphin‐2
Authors: Leitgeb Balázs
Published: November 2011

In this study, taking into account both the l–d and cis–trans isomerisms, a comprehensive structural characterization and a comparative conformational analysis were performed on the 32 stereoisomeric forms of opioid tetrapeptide, endomorphin‐2. For all stereoisomers, the Φ‐Ψ and χ conformational spaces were explored, in the course of which the conformational distributions, as well as the rotamer states of aromatic side chains were characterized in detail. Furthermore, the typical β‐ and γ‐turn structures, as well as the characteristic intramolecular interactions (i.e., H‐bonds, aromatic–aromatic and proline–aromatic interplays) were determined. The afore‐mentioned structural and conformational features identified for each stereoisomeric form were compared with one another, considering all 32 stereoisomers. The results obtained from this comparative study indicated that both similarities and dissimilarities could be observed between the stereoisomeric forms, with regard to their structural and conformational properties. This theoretical work supplied several valuable observations concerning the effects of both l–d and cis–trans isomerisms on the three‐dimensional structure of parent peptide and its stereoisomers. Nevertheless, in the course of this structural investigation, it was clarified how the structural and conformational features of stereoisomeric forms differed from one another.
Who knew? Awareness of being recommended for influenza vaccination among US adults
Authors: Maurer Jürgen , Harris Katherine M. , Parker Andrew M.
Published: November 2011

Please cite this paper as: Maurer et al. (2012) Who knew? Awareness of being recommended for influenza vaccination among US adults. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 6(4), 284–290.

Background  Starting with the 2010–2011 influenza season, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends annual influenza vaccination to all people aged 6 months and older unless contraindicated.

Objectives  To measure perceived influenza vaccination recommendation status among US adults (n = 2122) and its association with socio‐demographic characteristics and recommendation status during the 2009–2010 pandemic influenza season.

Methods  We analyze nationally representative data from longitudinal Internet surveys of US adults conducted in November–December 2009 and September–October 2010.

Results  During the 2010–2011 vaccination season, 46·2 percent (95%‐CI: 43·3–49·1%) of US adults correctly reported to be covered by a government recommendation for influenza vaccination. Awareness of being covered by a government influenza vaccination recommendation was statistically significantly higher among non‐working adults and adults who had been recommended for seasonal vaccination or both seasonal and H1N1 vaccination during the 2009–2010 pandemic influenza vaccination season.

Conclusion  Our results highlight that a majority of US adults do not know that they are recommended for annual influenza vaccination by the government. The fraction of adults who are unaware of their recommendation status is especially large among newly recommended healthy young adults. The universal vaccination recommendations will only be successful if they reach both patients and physicians and lead to changing vaccination practices. The universal nature of the new recommendation simplifies vaccination‐related outreach and compliance with government vaccination guidelines considerably, as it does not require any identification of specific recommendation groups based on complex personal or health risk factors.
Role of neuraminidase inhibitor chemoprophylaxis in controlling nosocomial influenza: an observational study
Authors: Higa Futoshi , Tateyama Masao , Tomishima Miyuki , Mukatake Sakiko , Yamashiro Tsuyoshi , Owan Tomoko , Haranaga Shusaku , Fujita Jiro
Published: November 2011

Please cite this paper as: Higa et al. (2012) Role of neuraminidase inhibitor chemoprophylaxis in controlling nosocomial influenza: an observational study. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 6(4), 299–303.

Background  An influenza outbreak might result in disruption of services at acute care setting hospitals.

Objectives  In this study, we retrospectively evaluated the use of neuraminidase inhibitor chemoprophylaxis for prevention of nosocomial spread of influenza in a university hospital.

Patients/Methods  During the 3‐year study period, 202 index cases of influenza [30 hospitalized patients and 172 healthcare workers (HCW)] and 762 individuals who had had close contact with the index cases (248 hospitalized patients and 514 HCW) were identified. Of these contacts, 416 received neuraminidase inhibitor chemoprophylaxis.

Results  When both the index cases and the close contacts were hospitalized patients, the incidence of influenza was lower among the close contacts who received chemoprophylaxis than among those who did not (odds ratio, 0·07; confidence interval, 0·01–0·49; P = 0·012). In contrast, when the index cases were HCW, the incidence of influenza was not different between close contacts who did or did not receive chemoprophylaxis.

Conclusions  This study suggests that chemoprophylaxis might be useful to prevent nosocomial spread of infection between hospitalized patients.
Antiplatelets in secondary stroke prevention: should clopidogrel be the first choice?
Authors: Aw Darren , Sharma Jagdish C
Published: November 2011

Antiplatelet therapy has proven efficacy in the secondary prevention of recurrent non-cardioembolic ischaemic stroke. Recent evidence suggests clopidogrel is as effective as combined therapy with aspirin and extended-release dipyridamole for the prevention of recurrent stroke. As cerebrovascular and ischaemic heart disease are closely related, it would be sensible to use a drug shown to prevent vascular events in both territories. Clopidogrel meets these criteria, is superior to aspirin monotherapy, and has fewer side effects compared with extended-release dipyridamole. While there is no direct evidence supporting the use of clopidogrel in transient ischaemic attacks, it is likely that clopidogrel is effective because transient ischaemic attacks and stroke are part of the same disease spectrum. Clopidogrel could thus be useful as first line secondary prevention therapy in all non-cardioembolic stroke subtypes and transient ischaemic attacks, to prevent recurrent ischaemic events in all vascular territories.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of antipyretic medications on mortality in Streptococcus pneumoniae infections
Authors: Jefferies Sarah , Weatherall Mark , Young Paul , Eyers Sally , Beasley Richard
Published: November 2011

Aim

To determine whether the use of antipyretic medications in the treatment of Streptococcus pneumoniae infection affects mortality in humans or animal models.

Design

A systematic search of Medline, Embase, and The Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials was undertaken to identify in vivo animal experiments or randomised, controlled trials in humans of antipyretic medication in S pneumoniae infection which reported mortality data. Meta-analysis was by inverse variance weighted method for odds ratios.

Setting

Antipyretics are recommended for the symptomatic treatment of various diseases caused by S pneumoniae. However, there is evidence that fever is a protective physiological response to infection, that treating fever secondary to infection may be harmful, and that some strains of S pneumoniae are temperature sensitive.

Main outcome measures

Mortality associated with antipyretic use in S pneumoniae infection.

Results

Four studies from two publications met the inclusion criteria and investigated the use of aspirin in animal models. The pooled estimate of mortality was an OR with aspirin treatment of 1.97 (95% CI 1.22 to 3.19). There were no suitable human studies identified.

Conclusions

A twofold increased risk of mortality was found with aspirin treatment in animal models of S pneumoniae infection. No relevant human studies were identified. It is difficult to generalise from animal models to clinical medicine, but based on these findings and the prevalence and severity of S pneumoniae infections worldwide, future study of the effects of antipyretic therapy in S pneumoniae infection in humans is recommended.
Brucellosis control in Tajikistan using Rev 1 vaccine: change in seroprevalence in small ruminants from 2004 to 2009
Authors: Ward D. , Jackson R. , Karomatullo H. , Khakimov T. , Kurbonov K. , Amirbekov M. , Stack J. , El‐Idrissi A. , Heuer C.
Published: November 2011

Cross‐sectional serological surveys of 13,006 small ruminants were conducted in 2003 to establish baseline levels of seropositivity to brucellosis and of 12,102 again in 2009 to evaluate the efficacy of controls based on biannual conjunctival vaccination with Rev 1. Seroprevalence dropped by 80 per cent in five years in eight pilot programme districts where vaccination was generally well implemented, and the prevalence of households with evidence of infection in their animals dropped from 25.1 to 7.5 per cent. Seroprevalence was reduced by 40 per cent in 10 districts where vaccination was intermittent with low coverage during some seasons. There were no changes in 19 districts where no vaccinations were carried out. Sheep vaccinated one or more times were found to be 2.5 times more likely to be serotest positive than were non‐vaccinated sheep, whereas vaccinated goats were 6.4 times more likely to be serotest positive than non‐vaccinated goats.
Survey of marbofloxacin susceptibility of bacteria isolated from cattle with respiratory disease and mastitis in Europe
Authors: Kroemer S. , Galland D. , Guérin‐Faublée V. , Giboin H. , Woehrlé‐Fontaine F.
Published: November 2011

A monitoring programme conducted in Europe since 1994 to survey the marbofloxacin susceptibility of bacterial pathogens isolated from cattle has established the susceptibility of bacterial strains isolated before any antibiotic treatment from bovine mastitis and bovine respiratory disease (BRD) cases between 2002 and 2008. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by a standardised microdilution technique. For respiratory pathogens, Pasteurella multocida and Mannheimia haemolytica isolates (751 and 514 strains, respectively) were highly susceptible to marbofloxacin (MIC≤0.03 µg/ml for 77.39 per cent of the strains) and only 1.75 per cent of M haemolytica strains were resistant (MIC≥4 µg/ml). Histophilus somni isolates (73 strains) were highly susceptible to marbofloxacin (0.008 to 0.06 µg/ml). Mycoplasma bovis MIC (171 strains) ranged from 0.5 to 4 µg/ml. For mastitis pathogens, the majority of Escherichia coli isolates were highly susceptible to marbofloxacin (95.8 per cent of 617 strains). Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase‐negative staphylococci (568 and 280 strains) had a homogenous population with MIC centred on 0.25 µg/ml. Streptococcus uberis and Streptococcus dysgalactiae (660 and 217 strains) were moderately susceptible with MIC centred on 1 µg/ml. Marbofloxacin MIC for these various pathogens appeared stable over the seven years of the monitoring programme and was similar to previously published MIC results.
Associations between membership of farm assurance and organic certification schemes and compliance with animal welfare legislation
Authors: KilBride A. L. , Mason S. A. , Honeyman P. C. , Pritchard D. G. , Hepple S. , Green L. E.
Published: November 2011

Animal health (AH) defines the outcome of their inspections of livestock holdings as full compliance with the legislation and welfare code (A), compliance with the legislation but not the code (B), non‐compliance with legislation but no pain, distress or suffering obvious in the animals (C) or evidence of unnecessary pain or unnecessary distress (D). The aim of the present study was to investigate whether membership of farm assurance or organic certification schemes was associated with compliance with animal welfare legislation as inspected by AH. Participating schemes provided details of their members, past and present, and these records were matched against inspection data from AH. Multivariable multilevel logistic binomial models were built to investigate the association between compliance with legislation and membership of a farm assurance/organic scheme. The percentage of inspections coded A, B, C or D was 37.1, 35.6, 20.2 and 7.1 per cent, respectively. Once adjusted for year, country, enterprise, herd size and reason for inspection, there was a pattern of significantly reduced risk of codes C and D compared with A and B, in certified enterprises compared with the enterprises that were not known to be certified in all species.
Balancing the Rhetorical Tension Between Right to Know and Security in Risk Communication
Authors: Youngblood Susan A.
Published: November 2011

This study examines tensions between participants’ roles as emergency planners and as points of contact for public access to chemical reports. The two organizations in this study, both Texas Local Emergency Planning Committees, maintained web sites and were concerned about the misuse of chemical reports. Each organization used ambiguity to give members a sense of control over right-to-know access to reports. One largely avoided online mention of such access. The other used strategic ambiguity to encourage the public to access reports locally rather than through a state office and to discourage unwelcome viewers. The study found that the former organization’s use of ambiguity impeded action, but the latter organization’s use of strategic ambiguity was productive.
In an Era of Reform
Authors: Rotabi Karen Smith , Bunkers Kelley McCreery
Published: November 2011

Intercountry adoption (ICA) is a relatively common practice. Since its contemporary conception during the Second World War, approximately one million children have been adopted internationally. Controversy surrounding ICA includes ideas about human rights and notions of child rescue in the context of major reform to prevent child sales and abduction under the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption. Social work, as a discipline, is a central player in ICA practices, and at least, one historian asserts that social work academic literature is scant on the topic of problematic practice and reforms. A review of the social work literature was conducted, and four thematic areas emerged in the 87 manuscripts reviewed: (a) social policy; (b) exploitation, social justice, ethics, and human rights; (c) clinical perspectives to include identity, child development, and family transition; and (d) child welfare practices. Results indicate a small but robust body of social work literature, and highlights are presented as well as analysis indicating methodical trends.
Integrative set enrichment testing for multiple omics platforms
Authors: Poisson Laila M , Taylor Jeremy M , Ghosh Debashis
Published: November 2011

Background

Enrichment testing assesses the overall evidence of differential expression behavior of the elements within a defined set. When we have measured many molecular aspects, e.g. gene expression, metabolites, proteins, it is desirable to assess their differential tendencies jointly across platforms using an integrated set enrichment test. In this work we explore the properties of several methods for performing a combined enrichment test using gene expression and metabolomics as the motivating platforms.

Results

Using two simulation models we explored the properties of several enrichment methods including two novel methods: the logistic regression 2-degree of freedom Wald test and the 2-dimensional permutation p-value for the sum-of-squared statistics test. In relation to their univariate counterparts we find that the joint tests can improve our ability to detect results that are marginal univariately. We also find that joint tests improve the ranking of associated pathways compared to their univariate counterparts. However, there is a risk of Type I error inflation with some methods and self-contained methods lose specificity when the sets are not representative of underlying association.

Conclusions

In this work we show that consideration of data from multiple platforms, in conjunction with summarization via a priori pathway information, leads to increased power in detection of genomic associations with phenotypes.
In vitro activities of natural products against oral Candida isolates from denture wearers
Authors: Marcos-Arias Cristina , Eraso Elena , Madariaga Lucila , Quindós Guillermo
Published: November 2011

Background

Candida-associated denture stomatitis is a frequent infectious disease. Treatment of this oral condition is difficult because failures and recurrences are common. The aim of this study was to test the in vitro antifungal activity of pure constituents of essentials oils.

Methods

Eight terpenic derivatives (carvacrol, farnesol, geraniol, linalool, menthol, menthone, terpinen-4-ol, and α-terpineol), a phenylpropanoid (eugenol), a phenethyl alcohol (tyrosol) and fluconazole were evaluated against 38 Candida isolated from denture-wearers and 10 collection Candida strains by the CLSI M27-A3 broth microdilution method.

Results

Almost all the tested compounds showed antifungal activity with MIC ranges of 0.03-0.25% for eugenol and linalool, 0.03-0.12% for geraniol, 0.06-0.5% for menthol, α-terpineol and terpinen-4-ol, 0.03-0.5% for carvacrol, and 0.06-4% for menthone. These compounds, with the exception of farnesol, menthone and tyrosol, showed important in vitro activities against the fluconazole-resistant and susceptible-dose dependent Candida isolates.

Conclusions

Carvacrol, eugenol, geraniol, linalool and terpinen-4-ol were very active in vitro against oral Candida isolates. Their fungistatic and fungicidal activities might convert them into promising alternatives for the topic treatment of oral candidiasis and denture stomatitis.
Trimester-specific reference intervals for haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in pregnancy
Authors: O’Connor Catherine , O’Shea Paula Mary , Owens Lisa Ann , Carmody Louise , Avalos Gloria , Nestor Laura , Lydon Katherine , Dunne Fidelma
Published: November 2011

Diabetes in pregnancy imposes additional risks to both mother and infant. These increased risks are considered to be primarily related to glycaemic control which is monitored by means of glycated haemoglobin (HbA

The authors recruited 311 non-diabetic Caucasian pregnant (n=246) and non-pregnant women (n=65). A selective screening based on risk factors for gestational diabetes was employed. All subjects had a random plasma glucose <7.7 mmol/L and normal haemoglobin level. Pregnancy trimester was defined as trimester 1 (T1, n=40) up to 12 weeks +6 days, trimester 2 (T2, n=106) 13–27 weeks +6 days, trimester 3 (T3, n=100) >28 weeks to term.

The normal HbA

HbA
Determination of the biological variation of S100β and lactate dehydrogenase in disease-free patients with malignant melanoma
Authors: Trapé Jaume , Montesinos Jesús , Franquesa Josefina , Sala Maria , Fígols Cristina , Miguel Ana , Domenech Montserrat
Published: November 2011

Biological variation is important for determining analytical goals and for establishing the magnitude of change between two consecutive measurements. The aim of this study was to determine the biological variation for S100β and lactate dehydrogenase in patients diagnosed with malignant melanoma but without evidence of disease recurrence.

The biological variation of S100β and lactate dehydrogenase was estimated from a mean of four consecutive measurements in 32 patients diagnosed with malignant melanoma but without evidence of disease recurrence, 3 months after tumor resection or 4 months after finishing adjuvant treatment. The mean sampling interval was 3 months.

Mean concentrations of S100β and lactate dehydrogenase were 0.0557 μg/L and 6.3 μkat/L, respectively. Between-run analytical variation was 3.5% at 0.181 μg/L for S100β and 3.5% at 2.83 μkat/L for lactate dehydrogenase. Biological variations obtained for S100β and lactate dehydrogenase were 14.2% and 8.2%, respectively. The analytical goals (defined as 50% of biological variation) were 7.1% for S100β and 4.1% for lactate dehydrogenase.

The estimation of biological variation allows us to calculate analytical goals and reference change values. These are necessary tools for the correct interpretation of serial measurements in patient follow-up.
Valor diagnóstico da tomografia de coluna cervical em vítimas de trauma contuso
Authors: Pinheiro Daniel Faria de Campos , Fontes Belchor , Shimazaki John Kioshi , Bernini Celso de Oliveira , Rasslan Samir
Published: November 2011

OBJETIVO. Avaliar o valor da tomografia computadorizada no diagnóstico de lesões da coluna e medula cervicais em vítimas de trauma contuso. MÉTODOS. Revisão dos prontuários de vítimas de trauma contuso atendidas de janeiro de 2006 a dezembro de 2008. Foram analisados os seguintes dados: epidemiológicos, mecanismo de trauma, transporte das vítimas para o hospital, atendimento intra-hospitalar, critérios de indicação da TC, diagnóstico, tratamento, e evolução das vítimas em estudo. As vítimas foram distribuídas em dois grupos: Grupo I - sem lesão na coluna cervical; Grupo II - com lesão na coluna cervical . RESULTADOS. Foram analisados os prontuários de 3.101 vítimas. A tomografia computadorizada foi indicada em 1.572 (51%) pacientes, Foi observado predomínio masculino entre as vítimas (79%), com média etária de 38,53 anos no Grupo I e 37,60 anos no Grupo II. A distribuição dos mecanismos de trauma foi semelhante nos dois grupos. Lesões encontradas: 53 fraturas, oito listeses vertebrais e oito lesões medulares. As sequelas incluíram: três paraplegias, cinco tetraplegias e oito sequelas de lesão cerebral. No Grupo II ocorreram sete óbitos ,no Grupo I 240. A duração média de internação hospitalar foi de 11 dias para o Grupo I e 26,2 dias para o Grupo II. CONCLUSÃO. A TC de coluna cervical em vítimas de trauma contuso foi eficaz na identificação de lesões da coluna e medula cervicais. Assim, apesar do custo da TC cervical, e da baixa incidência de lesões por ela identificáveis, a sua indicação baseada nos critérios usuais parece justificável.
Avaliação epidemiológica dos pacientes vítimas de traumatismo raquimedular
Authors: Brito Luciane Maria Oliveira , Chein Maria Bethânia da Costa , Marinho Saymo Carneiro , Duarte Thaiana Bezerra
Published: November 2011

OBJETIVO: Fazer avaliação epidemiológica de 87 pacientes vítimas de traumatismo da medula espinhal, internados no hospital universitário da UFMA entre Janeiro de 2008 e Junho de 2009. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal retrospectivo, segundo: sexo; idade; segmento da coluna comprometido e causa do traumatismo, submetendo estes dados à análise estatística (teste do quiquadrado). RESULTADOS: predomínio significativo (p<0,001) do sexo masculino, com 81,6% (71) dos casos, e da faixa etária entre 21 e 30 anos de idade (p<0,001), com 39,1% (34) dos casos. A média de idade foi 33,96±13,56 anos. A proporção de quedas de altura foi significativamente maior do que a dos acidentes automobilísticos (p<0,001) e motociclísticos (p<0,001). O segmento da coluna significativamente (p<0,001) mais comprometido foi o torácico 37,9% (33) dos casos. Os acidentes de trânsito aparecem em maior proporção entre os homens (p=0,014). A coluna cervical foi mais acometida no sexo masculino (p=0,043). As fraturas toracolombares foram provocadas, em maior proporção, pelas quedas de altura (p=0,003), enquanto que acometimento da coluna torácica é significativamente maior (p=0,016) nos acidentes de trânsito. CONCLUSÃO: o grupo de maior risco para o traumatismo da coluna espinhal é o de adultos jovens masculinos. Apesar de existir uma diferença entre os sexos quando se correlacionam os acidentes de trânsito, a queda de altura é a principal causa em ambos os sexos.
O impacto na expressão agnors e apoptose na próstata do hamster-mesocricetus auratus (HMA) submetido à aplicação de finasterida
Authors: Vidigal Dimas José Araújo , Silva Alcino Lázaro da , Vidigal Felipe Eduardo Costa
Published: November 2011

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o impacto na expressão AgNORs e apoptose na próstata do hamster-Mesocricetus auratus (hMa) submetido à aplicação de finasterida. MÉTODOS: Vinte roedores da espécie hMa (n=20), machos foram separados aleatoriamente em grupos de dez animais: grupo-Finasterida (n=10) e grupo-Controle (n=10). No grupo-finasterida foi administrado 7,14 ng/mL de finasterida, subcutâneo (SC), no dorso, três vezes por semana, por 90 dias. Foi avaliada a expressão AgNORs como marcador de proliferação celular e a apoptose como marcador de morte celular. RESULTADOS: A expressão de AgNORs foi menor no grupo-finasterida, 2,846±0,877 versus 3,68 ±1,07 grumos argilófilos por micrômetro ao quadrado (µm²) no grupo-controle, p= < 0,0001. A apoptose foi mais frequente no grupo-finasterida, 53,62±1,389 versus 14,76 ± 2,137 µm² no grupo-controle, p= 0,0408. CONCLUSÃO: Observou-se diminuição da expressão de AgNORs e promoção da apoptose na próstata dos roedores em estudo, que foram submetidos à aplicação de finasterida.
Estudo anatômico das duas bandas do ligamento cruzado anterior com o joelho em 90º de flexão
Authors: Stieven-Filho Edmar , Garschagen Eduardo Tosta , Namba Mario , Silva João Luiz Vieira da , Malafaia Osvaldo , Cunha Luiz Antônio Munhoz da
Published: November 2011

OBJETIVO: Avaliar anatomicamente a origem femoral e inserção tibial das bandas ântero-medial e póstero-lateral do ligamento cruzado anterior. MÉTODOS: Estudados oito joelhos de cadáveres, foram feitas as seguintes medidas no fêmur: distância do centro da banda ântero-medial à cartilagem profunda e a ao teto. Ainda no fêmur, do centro da banda póstero-lateral à cartilagem profunda, a cartilagem inferior e à cartilagem superficial. Na tíbia, foi aferido do bordo ósseo tibial anterior à região anterior da banda ântero-medial, ao centro da banda ântero-medial e ao centro da banda póstero-lateral. Também foi medido o centro da banda póstero-lateral ao bordo ósseo posterior da tíbia e o comprimento ântero-posterior total da inserção tibial do ligamento cruzado anterior. RESULTADOS: No fêmur, a distância do centro da banda ântero-medial à cartilagem profunda foi de 6,3 ±1,4mm e ao teto 11,2 ±2mm. Ainda no fêmur, a medida do centro da banda póstero-lateral à cartilagem profunda 9 ±4mm, à cartilagem superficial 7,6 ±1,8mm e a cartilagem inferior 4,2 ±0,9mm. Na tíbia, a distância do bordo ósseo tibial anterior à região anterior da banda ântero-medial foi de 11,9 ±2,8mm, ao centro da banda ântero-medial 18,8 ±2,6mm e ao centro da banda póstero-lateral 26,5 ±2,3mm. A medida do centro da banda póstero-lateral ao bordo ósseo posterior da tíbia foi 19,6 ±4mm e o comprimento ântero-posterior total da inserção tibial do ligamento cruzado anterior 19,4 ±1,8mm. CONCLUSÃO: O centro da inserção tibial da banda ântero-medial encontra-se a aproximadamente 20mm da extremidade anterior da tíbia, enquanto o centro da póstero-lateral se encontra a 30mm. A distância entre o centro da origem da banda ântero-medial até a cartilagem profunda é 6mm e da póstero-lateral 10mm.
Divertículo de Zenker: tratamento endoscópico versus cirúrgico
Authors: Silveira Marner Lopes da , Vilhordo Daniel Weiss , Kruel Cleber Dario Pinto
Published: November 2011

OBJETIVO: Revisar a evidência da segurança e efetividade dos tratamentos endoscópico e cirúrgico do divertículo de Zenker. MÉTODOS: pesquisa no MEDLINE, LILACS e SciELO por "Zenker's diverticulum or pharyngoesophageal diverticulum", e seleção de estudos para avaliação da qualidade e extração dos dados para uma metanálise. RESULTADOS: a pesquisa não localizou nenhum ensaio clínico randomizado. Encontramos cinco estudos comparativos não randomizados com grupo controle, com um total de 630 pacientes, 339 no braço endoscópico e 291 no cirúrgico. Os valores para segurança foram uma mortalidade de 0,29% e morbidade 7% para o tratamento endoscópico, e mortalidade 0,34% e morbidade 5% para o tratamento cirúrgico. O valor para efetividade foi 84% e 85%, respectivamente. O efeito das abordagens endoscópica e cirúrgica para o tratamento do divertículo de Zenker foi comparável, a odds ratio para morbidade foi 1,24 (0,56-2,74), e a odds ratio para o sucesso foi 0,66 (0,41-1,05). CONCLUSÃO: os estudos sobre o tratamento do divertículo de Zenker têm baixo nível de evidência e não são capazes de definir qual o melhor tratamento em termos de segurança e efetividade.
Cursos preparatórios para a residência médica: visão dos estudantes de medicina
Authors: Silva Silvana Marques e , Rosa Viviane Fernandes , Brandão Pedro Renato de Paula , Oliveira Ana Carolina de , Oliveira Paulo Gonçalves de , Sousa João Batista de
Published: November 2011

OBJETIVO: Conhecer a opinião dos alunos do internato do Curso de Medicina da Universidade de Brasília sobre os cursos preparatórios para a residência médica. MÉTODOS: Aplicação de questionário padronizado aos alunos do primeiro ano do internato RESULTADOS: Participaram do estudo 67 dos 74 alunos (90,5%) dos dois primeiros semestres do internato. Dentre eles, 57 (85,1%) estão matriculados ou pretendem matricular-se em cursos preparatórios. Apenas 28,4% (19 alunos) acreditam que a participação nestes cursos atrapalhe as atividades do internato. A participação nos cursos preparatórios é considerada crucial para a aprovação nas provas de residência médica por 36 entrevistados (53,7%). Quando questionados quanto ao fator mais importante para a aprovação na prova de residência, 91,0% afirmaram ser o período de estudo teórico. Já quando o enfoque do estudo é a formação profissional, 92,5% reconheceram serem mais importantes as atividades desenvolvidas durante o internato. CONCLUSÃO: A maior parte dos alunos entrevistados considera que a participação em cursos preparatórios é importante para a aprovação nas provas para ingresso nos programas de residência médica e que esta participação não atrapalha as atividades do internato.
A importância da linfocintilografia no tratamento do carcinoma de células de Merkel
Authors: Gomes Carlos Augusto , Soares Júnior Cléber , Costa Ana Carolina Proença , Brito Fernanda Freitas de , Cangussú Vitor Vitoi , Gomes Camila Couto
Published: November 2011

O carcinoma de Células de Merkel constitui neoplasia cutânea maligna, rara e grave, de origem neuroendócrina, com comprometimento linfonodal em metade dos pacientes e metástases disseminadas em 20% quando do diagnóstico anatomopatológico. Seu tratamento não está completamente estabelecido, entretanto a pesquisa do linfonodo sentinela vem sendo considerada indispensável e pode trazer benefícios na condução terapêutica dos pacientes.
O papel dos estados na política de saúde mental no Brasil
Authors: Simon Aline Gabriela , Baptista Tatiana Wargas de Faria
Published: November 2011

Este artigo analisa o papel dos estados na política de saúde mental no Brasil no período de 1990 a 2009. A metodologia incluiu a aplicação de questionário eletrônico nas coordenações estaduais de saúde mental de 24 estados brasileiros, revisão documental e análise de base de dados oficiais. Os resultados obtidos apontaram que os estados utilizam várias estratégias e instrumentos na condução da política de saúde mental, principalmente no monitoramento e na prestação de serviços. No entanto, percebeu-se que os estados ainda não desenvolvem de forma sistemática as funções de planejamento, coordenação federativa e coordenação da atenção. O financiamento em saúde mental representa um dos grandes desafios para a gestão dessa área nos estados. Os achados deste estudo sugerem que a superação dos desafios relacionados à condução estadual da política de saúde mental depende da articulação entre governo federal, estados e municípios na elaboração de políticas que atendam à especificidade de cada região, da promoção de um planejamento participativo e de investimentos para o setor.
Perfil dos usuários de crack que buscam atendimento em Centros de Atenção Psicossocial
Authors: Horta Rogério Lessa , Horta Bernardo Lessa , Rosset Adriana Palma , Horta Cristina Lessa
Published: November 2011

O artigo descreve o perfil de 95 usuários de crack acolhidos em três Centros de Atenção Psicossocial (CAPS) da Região Metropolitana de Porto Alegre, no Sul do Brasil, entre agosto de 2009 e março de 2010. Todos os usuários de crack que buscaram atendimento no período foram entrevistados. Utilizou-se questionários desenvolvidos pela equipe, mais o Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20) e inventários de critérios de dependência e abuso (SAMHSA). Houve predomínio de pacientes homens, adultos jovens, com escolaridade fundamental, sem ocupação regular, mas com renda individual informada, em uso frequente e pesado há mais de um ano, e a maioria preenchia critérios para dependência e abuso do crack e tinha escores elevados de SRQ-20. Os resultados evidenciam que os CAPS são buscados por usuários de crack em sofrimento, que deve ser valorizado, mas também a existência de algum tipo de seleção na oferta destes serviços, caracterizada pelas especificidades de renda, escolaridade e grupo primário de apoio aos entrevistados.
Is size structure a good measure of future trends of plant populations? an empirical approach using five woody species from the Cerrado (Brazilian savanna)
Authors: Virillo Carolina Bernucci , Martins Fernando Roberto , Tamashiro Jorge Yoshio , Santos Flavio Antonio Maës dos
Published: November 2011

Size distributions in woody plant populations have been used to assess their regeneration status, assuming that size structures with "reverse-J" shapes represent stable populations. We present an empirical approach of this issue using five woody species from the Cerrado. Considering count data for all plants of these five species over a 12-year period, we analyzed size distribution by: a) plotting frequency distributions and their adjustment to the negative exponential curve and b) calculating the Gini coefficient. To look for a relationship between size structure and future trends, we considered the size structures from the first census year. We analyzed changes in number over time and performed a simple population viability analysis, which gives the mean population growth rate, its variance and the probability of extinction in a given time period. Frequency distributions and the Gini coefficient were not able to predict future trends in population numbers. We recommend that managers should not use measures of size structure as a basis for management decisions without applying more appropriate demographic studies.
Alterações na vegetação herbácea de floresta ombrófila densa decorrentes do uso em uma trilha turística na Serra do Mar em São Paulo, Brasil
Authors: Maciel Luísa Almeida , Siles Maria Francisca Roncero , Bitencourt Marisa Dantas
Published: November 2011

O estudo analisou a vegetação herbácea ao longo de uma trilha de uso público intensivo nos parques Natural Municipal Nascentes de Paranapiacaba (PNMNP) e Estadual da Serra do Mar (PESM). Foram analisados os valores de cobertura vegetal, riqueza e número de indivíduos do estrato herbáceo. A metodologia permitiu amostrar 76 unidades (adjacentes a trilha, a 2 m e a 10 m da trilha). Os três parâmetros da vegetação analisados apresentaram valores menores à medida que se afasta perpendicularmente à trilha. Na análise dos indivíduos registrou-se maior número de morfoespécies, maiores cobertura e riqueza nas unidades amostrais adjacentes à trilha. Duas espécies foram detectadas como dominantes, especialmente nas unidades amostrais próximas à trilha: Parodiolyra micrantha e Impatiens wallerianna. Esta última espécie encontra-se na lista oficial de espécies invasoras do município de São Paulo.
Frugivoria e potencial dispersão de sementes pelo marsupial Gracilinanus agilis (Didelphidae: Didelphimorphia) em áreas de Cerrado no Brasil central
Authors: Camargo Nícholas Ferreira de , Cruz Ramatis Machado Scarponi , Ribeiro Juliana Fernandes , Vieira Emerson Monteiro
Published: November 2011

No presente estudo, investigamos o consumo de frutos e viabilidade de sementes consumidas pelo marsupial Gracilinanus agilis (Burmeister, 1854) em quatro áreas de cerradão do Brasil central. Análises fecais indicaram que este mamífero se alimenta de plantas pioneiras da família Melastomataceae (Miconia albicans (Sw.) Triana, M. cuspidata Naudin, M. ferruginata DC., M. pepericarpa DC., M. pohliana Cogn. e Ossaea congestiflora (Naudin) Cogn.), Solanaceae (uma espécie não identificada) e Viscaceae (Phoradendron perrottetii (DC.) Eichler, erva-de-passarinho). Detectamos o maior índice de consumo de frutos já registrado para o gênero Gracilinanus, com cerca de 45% das fezes contendo sementes e 86% contendo itens derivados de frutos (N=422). Com exceção de O. congestiflora, o restante das sementes das espécies testadas não sofreram efeitos negativos na germinabilidade ao passarem pelo trato digestório deste marsupial. A avaliação da variação intraspecífica no número de sementes encontradas nas fezes indicou que fêmeas de G. agilis defecam maior quantidade de sementes de Miconia (média±EP = 21,7±3,8) em comparação com os machos (14,4±3,0) (F=26,32; P<0,0001). O fator estação do ano também foi significativo (F=452,22; P<0,0001) e existiu interação entre sexo e estação do ano (F=30,10; P<0,0001). Tanto fêmeas como machos aumentaram o consumo de frutos com sementes na época seca, contudo fêmeas apresentaram mais sementes nas fezes do que machos na estação chuvosa. Nessa estação, observamos um maior número de sementes de espécies de Miconia defecadas por fêmeas reprodutivas (24,7±6,6) em relação a fêmeas não reprodutivas (12,9±2,8) (P=0,031). Nossos dados indicaram que G. agilis selecionou positivamente espécies da família Melastomataceae, sugerindo um papel relevante dessas plantas na dieta desse marsupial, relacionado ao suprimento da demanda energética e de água, principalmente na época seca.
Ocorrência de Calotropis procera (Ait.) R. Br. (Apocynaceae) como espécie invasora de restinga
Authors: Rangel Elisangela de Sousa , Nascimento Marcelo Trindade
Published: November 2011

Apesar de possuírem grande importância ao nível de conservação ambiental, existe no Brasil uma acentuada escassez de trabalhos relacionados às invasões biológicas em ambientes terrestres. As restingas, sobretudo, são ambientes extremamente susceptíveis a este tipo de ameaça. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a ocorrência e a estrutura populacional da espécie exótica Calotropis procera na Restinga do Xexé, Farol de São Thomé, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ. Uma varredura que abrangeu uma área de 126 ha (1400m x 900m) foi realizada, sendo amostrado um total de 475 indivíduos, ou seja, uma média de 3,8 indivíduos por hectare. Para a avaliação da distribuição dos indivíduos num gradiente interior-praia, foram alocados três transectos (300m x 10m) nesta direção. A amostragem nos transectos indicou a ocorrência de 28 indivíduos com altura > 50 cm e nenhum com altura < 50 cm, sendo sua ocorrência restrita as áreas com vestígios de perturbação e não tendo sido constatado nenhuma relação com a distância da praia. A ausência de plântulas e jovens na amostragem ao longo dos transectos sugere o rápido desenvolvimento dos indivíduos após a germinação. Os resultados indicaram que Calotropis procera possui grande potencial invasor de áreas perturbadas de restinga. Um plano de ações para seu controle e erradicação deve ser urgentemente implementado pelos órgãos ambientais responsáveis.
Etnobotânica de Plantas Medicinais no Assentamento Monjolinho, município de Anastácio, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil
Authors: Cunha Simone Alves da , Bortolotto Ieda Maria
Published: November 2011

O objetivo desse trabalho foi realizar um estudo etnobotânico sobre as plantas medicinais utilizadas pelos moradores do assentamento Monjolinho, Anastácio, Mato Grosso do Sul. Foram entrevistados através do método bola de neve 35 moradores (33 mulheres). As espécies (210) pertencem a 72 famílias, destacando-se as nativas do Cerrado, sendo o restante cultivado próximos das casas. Fabaceae e Asteraceae foram as mais citadas. Das 23 espécies de Fabaceae, 20 são nativas. As espécies que obtiveram o maior número de citações foram jatobá (Hymenaea spp.) e o barbatimão (Stryphnodendron obovatum Benth.) e as com índice de concordância de uso (CUP) alto foram barbatimão (S. obovatum) e cancorosa (Maytenus ilicifolia (Schrad.) Planch). As folhas foram as partes mais utilizadas. As doenças do aparelho respiratório e geniturinário foram as mais citadas. A diversidade (H'= 5,03) de uso das espécies é alta. O conhecimento foi adquirido entre amigos (37%), cursos (17%) ou família (39%) e mostra que, ao longo do tempo, há expressivo aproveitamento das espécies medicinais e conhecimento da comunidade.