bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do all lives have the same value? Support for international military interventions as a function of political system and public opinion of target states
Authors: Falomir-Pichastor Juan M. , Pereira Andrea , Staerklé Christian , Butera Fabrizio
Published: November 2011

This research examined the support for international military interventions as a function of the political system and the public opinion of the target country. In two experiments, we informed participants about a possible military intervention by the international community towards a sovereign country whose government planned to use military force against a secessionist region. They were then asked whether they would support this intervention whilst being reminded that it would cause civilian deaths. The democratic or nondemocratic political system of the target country was experimentally manipulated, and the population support for its belligerent government policy was either assessed (Experiment 1) or manipulated (Experiment 2). Results showed greater support for the intervention when the target country was nondemocratic, as compared to the democratic and the control conditions, but only when its population supported the belligerent government policy. Support for the external intervention was low when the target country was democratic, irrespective of national public opinion. These findings provide support for the democracy-as-value hypothesis applied to international military interventions, and suggest that civilian deaths (collateral damage) are more acceptable when nondemocratic populations support their government’s belligerent policy.
A Missional Church Model
Authors: Barret F.
Published: November 2011

Statistical evidence is clear; the Evangelical churches in North America are in decline. There are many reasons for this decline, not least of which is the reality that the North American Evangelical churches now exist in a post-Christendom milieu. A new ontology and a new praxis are needed to address this new reality. However, the model is perhaps not new, but merely a return to the intended purpose for the church since its inception in Jerusalem more than 2,000 years ago. This article explores a fourfold missional model for the North American church moving from liminality through communitas and emergence to mission.
The classification of mRNA expression levels by the phosphorylation state of RNAPII CTD based on a combined genome-wide approach
Authors: Odawara Jun , Harada Akihito , Yoshimi Tomohiko , Maehara Kazumitsu , Tachibana Taro , Okada Seiji , Akashi Koichi , Ohkawa Yasuyuki
Published: November 2011

Background

Cellular function is regulated by the balance of stringently regulated amounts of mRNA. Previous reports revealed that RNA polymerase II (RNAPII), which transcribes mRNA, can be classified into the pausing state and the active transcription state according to the phosphorylation state of RPB1, the catalytic subunit of RNAPII. However, genome-wide association between mRNA expression level and the phosphorylation state of RNAPII is unclear. While the functional importance of pausing genes is clear, such as in mouse Embryonic Stem cells for differentiation, understanding this association is critical for distinguishing pausing genes from active transcribing genes in expression profiling data, such as microarrays and RNAseq. Therefore, we examined the correlation between the phosphorylation of RNAPII and mRNA expression levels using a combined analysis by ChIPseq and RNAseq.

Results

We first performed a precise quantitative measurement of mRNA by performing an optimized calculation in RNAseq. We then visualized the recruitment of various phosphorylated RNAPIIs, such as Ser2P and Ser5P. A combined analysis using optimized RNAseq and ChIPseq for phosphorylated RNAPII revealed that mRNA levels correlate with the various phosphorylation states of RNAPII.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that the amount of mRNA is precisely reflected by the phased phosphorylation of Ser2 and Ser5. In particular, even the most "pausing" genes, for which only Ser5 is phosphorylated, were detectable at a certain level of mRNA. Our analysis indicated that the complexity of quantitative regulation of mRNA levels could be classified into three categories according to the phosphorylation state of RNAPII.
Bio-physical characteristics of gastrointestinal mucosa of celiac patients: comparison with control subjects and effect of gluten free diet-
Authors: Bertolazzi Stefania , Lanzarotto Francesco , Zanini Barbara , Ricci Chiara , Villanacci Vincenzo , Lanzini Alberto
Published: November 2011

Background

Intestinal mucosa is leaky in celiac disease (CD), and this alteration may involve changes in hydrophobicity of the mucus surface barrier in addition to alteration of the epithelial barrier. The aims of our study were i) to compare duodenal hydrophobicity as an index of mucus barrier integrity in CD patients studied before (n = 38) and during gluten- free diet (GFD, n = 68), and in control subjects (n = 90), and ii) to check for regional differences of hydrophobicity in the gastro-intestinal tract.

Methods

Hydrophobicity was assessed by measurement of contact angle (CA) (Rame Hart 100/10 goniometer) generated by a drop of water placed on intestinal mucosal biopsies.

Results

CA (mean ± SD) of distal duodenum was significantly lower in CD patients (56° ± 10°)) than in control subjects (69° ± 9°, p < 0.0001), and persisted abnormal in patients studied during gluten free diet (56° ± 9°; p < 0.005). CA was significantly higher (62° ± 9°) in histologically normal duodenal biopsies than in biopsies with Marsh 1-2 (58° ± 10°; p < 0.02) and Marsh 3 lesions (57° ± 10°; p < 0.02) in pooled results of all patients and controls studied. The order of hydrofobicity along the gastrointestinal tract in control subjects follows the pattern: gastric antrum > corpus > rectum > duodenum > oesophagus > ileum.

Conclusions

We conclude that the hydrophobicity of duodenal mucous layer is reduced in CD patients, and that the resulting decreased capacity to repel luminal contents may contribute to the increased intestinal permeability of CD. This alteration mirrors the severity of the mucosal lesions and is not completely reverted by gluten-free diet. Intestinal hydrophobicity exhibits regional differences in the human intestinal tract.
Does laparoscopic management of deep infiltrating endometriosis improve quality of life? A prospective study
Authors: Mabrouk Mohamed , Montanari Giulia , Guerrini Manuela , Villa Gioia , Solfrini Serena , Vicenzi Claudia , Mignemi Giuseppe , Zannoni Letizia , Frasca Clarissa , Di Donato Nadine , Facchini Chiara , Del Forno Simona , Geraci Elisa , Ferrini Giulia , Raimondo Diego , Alvisi Stefania , Seracchioli Renato
Published: November 2011

Background

Deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) can affect importantly patients' quality of life (QOL). The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of the laparoscopic management of DIE on QOL after six months from treatment.

Methods

It is a prospective cohort study. In a tertiary care university hospital, between April 2008 and December 2009, 100 patients underwent laparoscopic management of DIE and completed preoperatively and 6-months postoperatively a QOL questionnaire, the short form 36 (SF-36).

Quality of life was measured through the SF-36 scores. Intra-operative details of disease site, number of lesions, type of intervention, period of hospital stay and peri-operative complications were noted.

Results

Six months postoperatively all the women had a significant improvement in every scale of the SF-36 (p < 0,0005). Among patients with intestinal DIE, significant differences in postoperative scores of SF-36 were not detected between patients submitted to nodule shaving and segmental resection (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the SF-36 scores at 6 months from surgery between patients who received postoperative medical treatment and patients who did not (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Laparoscopic excision of DIE lesions significantly improves general health and psycho-emotional status at six months from surgery without differences between patients submitted to intestinal segmental resection or intestinal nodule shaving.
Field modulation in Na-incorporated Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) polycrystalline films influenced by alloy-hardening and pair-annihilation probabilities
Authors: Jeong Yonkil , Kim Chae-Woong , Park Dong-Won , Jung Seung Chul , Lee Jongjin , Shim Hee-Sang
Published: November 2011

The influence of Na on Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) solar cells was investigated. A gradient profile of the Na in the CIGS absorber layer can induce an electric field modulation and significantly strengthen the back surface field effect. This field modulation originates from a grain growth model introduced by a combination of alloy-hardening and pair-annihilation probabilities, wherein the Cu supply and Na diffusion together screen the driving force of the grain boundary motion (GBM) by alloy hardening, which indicates a specific GBM pinning by Cu and Na. The pair annihilation between the ubiquitously evolving GBMs has a coincident probability with the alloy-hardening event.

PACS: 88. 40. H-, 81. 10. Aj, 81. 40. Cd,
Some fixed point theorems for contractive multi-valued mappings induced by generalized distance in metric spaces
Authors: Hirunworakit Soawapak , Petrot Narin
Published: November 2011

The purpose of this paper is to prove some existence theorems for fixed point problem by using a generalization of metric distance, namely u-distance. Consequently, some special cases are discussed and an interesting example is also provided. Presented results are generalizations of the important results due to Ume (Fixed Point Theory Appl 2010(397150), 21 pp, 2010) and Suzuki and Takahashi (Topol Methods Nonlinear Anal 8, 371-382, 1996).

2010 Mathematics Subject Classification: 47H09, 47H10.
HIV-1 predisposed to acquiring resistance to maraviroc (MVC) and other CCR5 antagonists in vitro has an inherent, low-level ability to utilize MVC-bound CCR5 for entry
Authors: Roche Michael , Jakobsen Martin R , Ellett Anne , Salimiseyedabad Hamid , Jubb Becky , Westby Mike , Lee Benhur , Lewin Sharon R , Churchill Melissa J , Gorry Paul R
Published: November 2011

Background

Maraviroc (MVC) and other CCR5 antagonists are HIV-1 entry inhibitors that bind to- and alter the conformation of CCR5, such that CCR5 is no longer recognized by the viral gp120 envelope (Env) glycoproteins. Resistance to CCR5 antagonists results from HIV-1 Env acquiring the ability to utilize the drug-bound conformation of CCR5. Selecting for HIV-1 resistance to CCR5-antagonists in vitro is relatively difficult. However, the CCR5-using CC1/85 strain appears to be uniquely predisposed to acquiring resistance to several CCR5 antagonists in vitro including MVC, vicriviroc and AD101.

Findings

Here, we show that Env derived from the parental CC1/85 strain is inherently capable of a low affinity interaction with MVC-bound CCR5. However, this phenotype was only revealed in 293-Affinofile cells and NP2-CD4/CCR5 cells that express very high levels of CCR5, and was masked in TZM-bl, JC53 and U87-CD4/CCR5 cells as well as PBMC, which express comparatively lower levels of CCR5 and which are more commonly used to detect resistance to CCR5 antagonists.

Conclusions

Env derived from the CC1/85 strain of HIV-1 is inherently capable of a low-affinity interaction with MVC-bound CCR5, which helps explain the relative ease in which CC1/85 can acquire resistance to CCR5 antagonists in vitro. The detection of similar phenotypes in patients may identify those who could be at higher risk of virological failure on MVC.
High sero-prevalence of caseous lymphadenitis identified in slaughterhouse samples as a consequence of deficiencies in sheep farm management in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Guimarães Alessandro S , Carmo Filipe B , Heinemann Marcos B , Portela Ricardo WD , Meyer Roberto , Lage Andrey P , Seyffert Núbia , Miyoshi Anderson , Azevedo Vasco , Gouveia Aurora MG
Published: November 2011

Background

Caseous lymphadenitis (CLA), caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, is one of the most important diseases of sheep and goats, causing considerable economic losses for herd owners.

Results

We assessed the seroprevalence of infection with C. pseudotuberculosis in 805 sheep from 23 sheep farms that supply slaughterhouses in the state of Minas Gerais; we also analyzed management practices that could be associated with CLA occurrence, used on these and nearby farms that also supplied animals to the slaughterhouse (n = 60). The serum samples for assaying CLA infection were taken at the slaughterhouse. Frequency of infection with C. pseudotuberculosis was estimated at 43.7%, and farm frequency was estimated at 100%. Management practices were analyzed through a questionnaire. All farmers (60/60) had extensive/semi-extensive rearing system; 70.0% (42/60) identified sheep individually; 11.7% (7/60) had periodical technical assistance; 41.7% (25/60) disinfected the facilities; 86.7% (52/60) used barbed wire fences and did not implement adequate CLA control measures; only 11.7% (7/60) of breeders reported vaccination against C. pseudotuberculosis; 13.3% (8/60) took note of animals with clinical signs of CLA; 1.7% (1/60) opened and sanitized abscesses, and isolated the infected animals; 10.0% (6/60) knew the zoonotic potential of this disease and 1.7% (1/60) of the farmers culled animals in case of recurrence of abscesses.

Conclusions

It can be concluded that C. pseudotuberculosis infection is widely spread in sheep flocks in Minas Gerais state in Brazil and that there is a lack of good management measures and vaccination, allowing transmission of this infectious agent throughout the production network.
Nβ-methylation changes the recognition pattern of aza-β3-amino acid containing peptidomimetic substrates by protein kinase A
Authors: Kisseljova Ksenija , Baudy-Floc'h Michèle , Kuznetsov Aleksei , Järv Jaak
Published: November 2011

The protein kinase A (PKA)-catalyzed phosphorylation of peptide substrate RRASVA analogs, containing N
β-Me-aza-β3-amino acid residues in all subsequent positions, was studied. This work follows along the lines of our previous research of the phosphorylation of aza-β3-analogs of RRASVA (the shortest active substrate of PKA) and allows characterizing the influence of Nβ-methylation of aza-β3-amino acid residues on substrate recognition by PKA on substrate binding and phosphorylation steps. It was found that the effect of Nβ-methylation was dependent upon the position of the structure alteration. Moreover, the presence of a single Nβ-methylation site in the substrate changed the recognition pattern of this series of peptidomimetics, strongly affecting the phosphorylation step. Structure modeling of aza-β3- and N
β-Me-aza-β3-containing substrates revealed that Nβ-methylation of aza-β3-moieties changed the peptide bond geometry from trans- to cis-configuration in -CO-NMe- fragments, with an exception for the N-terminally methylated N
β-Me-aza-β3-RRRASVA (with the N-terminal amino group not participating in the peptide bond) and RRAS-N
β-Me-aza-β3-VA. As has been shown in literature, this conformational preference of the backbone has a significant influence on the flexibility of the peptide substrate chain. Following our results, this property seems to have significant influence on the recognition of the amino acid side groups by the enzyme binding site, and in the case of PKA this structural modification was decisive for the phosphate transfer step of the catalytic process.
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Decreases Intracellular Thyroid Hormone Activation via an eIF2a-Mediated Decrease in Type 2 Deiodinase Synthesis
Authors: Arrojo e Drigo Rafael , Fonseca Tatiana L. , Castillo Melany , Salathe Matthias , Simovic Gordana , Mohácsik Petra , Gereben Balazs , Bianco Antonio C.
Published: November 2011

Cells respond rapidly to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress by blocking protein translation, increasing protein folding capacity, and accelerating degradation of unfolded proteins via ubiquitination and ER-associated degradation pathways. The ER resident type 2 deiodinase (D2) is normally ubiquitinated and degraded in the proteasome, a pathway that is accelerated by enzyme catalysis of T4 to T3. To test whether D2 is normally processed through ER-associated degradation, ER stress was induced in cells that endogenously express D2 by exposure to thapsigargin or tunicamycin. In all cell models, D2 activity was rapidly lost, to as low as of 30% of control activity, without affecting D2 mRNA levels; loss of about 40% of D2 activity and protein was also seen in human embryonic kidney 293 cells transiently expressing D2. In primary human airway cells with ER stress resulting from cystic fibrosis, D2 activity was absent. The rapid ER stress-induced loss of D2 resulted in decreased intracellular D2-mediated T3 production. ER stress-induced loss of D2 was prevented in the absence of T4, by blocking the proteasome with MG-132 or by treatment with chemical chaperones. Notably, ER stress did not alter D2 activity half-life but rather decreased D2 synthesis as assessed by induction of D2 mRNA and by [35S]methionine labeling. Remarkably, ER-stress-induced loss in D2 activity is prevented in cells transiently expressing an inactive eukaryotic initiation factor 2, indicating that this pathway mediates the loss of D2 activity. In conclusion, D2 is selectively lost during ER stress due to an eukaryotic initiation factor 2-mediated decrease in D2 synthesis and sustained proteasomal degradation. This explains the lack of D2 activity in primary human airway cells with ER stress resulting from cystic fibrosis.
A Fractured Pochgui: Local Factionalism in Eighteenth-Century Papantla
Authors: Frederick Jake
Published: November 2011

In August 1787 in Papantla, New Spain, native Totonacs rose in riot. While the captain of militia of a neighboring community described this as a case of natives rising up against Spaniards and justice generally, a close examination of the event reveals multiple divisions within the community. This study explores how factional interests in Papantla divided the community across racial lines. It particularly considers how one group of native leaders who opposed a corrupt alcalde mayor (Spanish magistrate) were able to foster his removal from office and how corresponding actions by the alcalde mayor's native supporters forced the removal of his successor. This uprising further demonstrates how native leaders were able to tap into community hostility over the Bourbon reforms and deploy that anger in the interests of their own political gain.
Mesoamerican Philology as an Interdisciplinary Study: The Chochon (Xru Ngiwa) “Barrios” Of Tamazulapan (Oaxaca, Mexico)
Authors: van Doesburg Bas , Swanton Michael W.
Published: November 2011

This article is a diachronic investigation of a form of social organization of the Chochon (Xru Ngiwa, Chocholtec), a Mesoamerican people. Specifically, it is a philological examination of one form of a customary community subdivision, usually called sindi in Chochon and barrio in colonial Spanish. Thanks to the discovery of a remarkable set of colonial writings in the Chochon language from Tamazulapan (Oaxaca, Mexico)—complemented by secondary documentation, interviews with elders, and toponymy—it has been possible to trace the sindi from precolonial times to the twentieth century. The findings reveal multiple adaptive strategies used by the sindi across the centuries even within a relatively compact area. This article also illustrates a methodological approach in which a broad philological perspective opens the door to additional, interdisciplinary types of contextualizing data that can enrich our readings of the textual documentation.
Design Principles of Integrated Information Platform for Emergency Responses: The Case of 2008 Beijing Olympic Games
Authors: Yang Lili , Su Guofeng , Yuan Hongyong
Published: November 2011

This paper investigates the challenges faced in designing an integrated information platform for emergency response management and uses the Beijing Olympic Games as a case study. The research methods are grounded in action research, participatory design, and situation-awareness oriented design. The completion of a more than two-year industrial secondment and six-month field studies ensured that a full understanding of user requirements had been obtained. A service-centered architecture was proposed to satisfy these user requirements. The proposed architecture consists mainly of information gathering, database management, and decision support services. The decision support services include situational overview, instant risk assessment, emergency response preplan, and disaster development prediction. Abstracting from the experience obtained while building this system, we outline a set of design principles in the general domain of information systems (IS) development for emergency management. These design principles form a contribution to the information systems literature because they provide guidance to developers who are aiming to support emergency response and the development of such systems that have not yet been adequately met by any existing types of IS. We are proud that the information platform developed was deployed in the real world and used in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
Posterior occipitocervical fixation under skull-femoral traction for the treatment of basilar impression in a child with Klippel–Feil syndrome
Authors: Dokai T. , Nagashima H. , Nanjo Y. , Tanida A. , Teshima R.
Published: November 2011

We present the case of a 15-year-old boy with symptoms due to Klippel–Feil syndrome. Radiographs and CT scans demonstrated basilar impression, occipitalisation of C1 and fusion of C2/C3. MRI showed ventral compression of the medullocervical junction. Skull traction was undertaken pre-operatively to determine whether the basilar impression could be safely reduced. During traction, the C3/C4 junction migrated 12 mm caudally and spasticity resolved. Peri-operative skull-femoral traction enabled posterior occipitocervical fixation without decompression. Following surgery, cervical alignment was restored and spasticity remained absent. One year after surgery he was not limited in his activities. The surgical strategy for patients with basilar impression and congenital anomalies remains controversial. The anterior approach with decompression is often recommended for patients with ventral compression of the medullocervical region, but such procedures are technically demanding and carry a significant risk of complications. Our surgical strategy was an alternative solution. Prior to a posterior cervical fixation, without decompression, skull traction was used to confirm that the deformity was reducible and effective in resolving associated myelopathy.
The extent of the bone defect affects the outcome of femoral reconstruction in revision surgery with impacted bone grafting
Authors: Garcia-Cimbrelo E. , Garcia-Rey E. , Cruz-Pardos A.
Published: November 2011

We report the results of 79 patients (81 hips) who underwent impaction grafting at revision hip replacement using the Exeter femoral stem. Their mean age was 64 years (31 to 83). According to the Endoklinik classification, 20 hips had a type 2 bone defect, 40 had type 3, and 21 had type 4. The mean follow-up for unrevised stems was 10.4 years (5 to 17).

There were 12 re-operations due to intra- and post-operative fractures, infection (one hip) and aseptic loosening (one hip). All re-operations affected type 3 (6 hips) and 4 (6 hips) bone defects. The survival rate for re-operation for any cause was 100% for type 2, 81.2% (95% confidence interval (CI) 67.1 to 95.3) for type 3, and 70.8% (95% CI 51.1 to 90.5) for type 4 defects at 14 years. The survival rate with further revision for aseptic loosening as the end point was 98.6% (95% CI 95.8 to 100). The final clinical score was higher for patients with type 2 bone defects than type 4 regarding pain, function and range of movement. Limp was most frequent in the type 4 group (p < 0.001). The mean subsidence of the stem was 2.3 mm (sd 3.7) for hips with a type 2 defect, 4.3 mm (sd 7.2) for type 3 and 9.6 mm (sd 10.8) for type 4 (p = 0.022).

The impacted bone grafting technique has good clinical results in femoral revision. However, major bone defects affect clinical outcome and also result in more operative complications.
Adolescent Mothers' Postpartum Contraceptive Use: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Wilson Ellen K. , Samandari Ghazaleh , Koo Helen P. , Tucker Christine
Published: November 2011

CONTEXT: Effective contraceptive use among first‐time adolescent mothers can reduce the risk of a rapid repeat pregnancy and associated negative maternal and child health outcomes. Many adolescent mothers begin using a highly effective method after delivery; however, their rates of contraceptive discontinuation are high. Little research has explored the factors that influence adolescents’ postpartum contraceptive use.

METHODS: In‐depth interviews were conducted with 21 black, white and Latina adolescent first‐time mothers from rural and urban areas of North Carolina between November 2007 and February 2009. In addition, interviews were conducted with 18 key informants—professionals who work closely with adolescent mothers. Interviews explored adolescent mothers’ health behaviors, including contraceptive use, before and after pregnancy. Content analysis was used to identify key themes and patterns.

RESULTS: Teenagers’ use of contraceptives, particularly injectables, IUDs and implants, increased postpartum. Reasons for this improvement included improved clarity of intention to avoid pregnancy and improved contraceptive knowledge, support and access after delivery. However, this increased access often did not continue long after delivery, and levels of method switching were high. Among the barriers to postpartum contraceptive use that key informants cited were lack of information and parental support, as well as the loss of Medicaid and continuity of care.

CONCLUSIONS: Ongoing follow‐up may help reduce adolescent mothers’ risk of contraceptive discontinuation postpartum. Increasing use of long‐acting methods also may help reduce their vulnerability to gaps in contraceptive use and discontinuation, which increase the risk of unintended pregnancy.
Loop homology of spheres and complex projective spaces
Authors: Seeliger Nora
Published: November 2011

In his Inventiones paper, Ziller (1977) computed the integral homology as a graded abelian group of the free loop space of compact, globally symmetric spaces of rank 1. Chas and Sullivan (1999) showed that the homology of the free loop space of a compact closed orientable manifold can be equipped with a loop product and a BV-operator making it a Batalin–Vilkovisky algebra. Cohen, Jones and Yan (2004) developed a spectral sequence which converges to the loop homology as a spectral sequence of algebras. They computed the algebra structure of the loop homology of spheres and complex projective spaces by using Ziller's results and the method of Brown–Shih (1959, 1962). In this note we compute the loop homology algebra by using only spectral sequences and the technique of universal examples. We therefore not only obtain Ziller's and Brown–Shih's results in an elementary way, but we also replace the roundabout computations of Cohen, Jones and Yan (2004) making them independent of Ziller's and Brown–Shih's work. Moreover we offer an elementary technique which we expect can easily be generalized and applied to a wider family of spaces, not only the globally symmetric ones.
Morbidity among bystanders of bullying behavior at school: concepts, concerns, and clinical/research issues
Authors: Rivers Ian
Published: November 2011

The role of the bystander is not one that is easily understood in the anti-bullying literature. Roles within the unofficial hierarchy of the schoolyard and playground overlap considerably, and each role has its own social dynamic that brings with it a shifting behavioral landscape that affects every student. In this article, the mental health correlates of three categories of bystander are explored: the co-victim, the isolate, and the confederate. Each category of bystander has its own characterizations and mental health correlates. Reports of post-traumatic stress, internalized hostility, substance use, and suicide ideation are discussed with reference to studies involving witnesses of family abuse, community and school violence as well as bullying. It is argued that bystanders are the key to challenging bullying in schools, and their mental health and well-being is pivotal to the effectiveness of anti-bullying interventions.
An Evaluation of Reclaimed Asphalt Shingles for Beneficial Reuse in Roadway Construction
Authors: Warner Justin D. , Edil Tuncer B.
Published: November 2011

A large-scale recycling and reuse application of scrap shingles would utilize an otherwise wasted resource while clearing landfill space and creating new business opportunities. One potential reuse application is the use of reclaimed asphalt shingles (RAS) as an additive or substitute for the earth materials typically used in the aggregate base (AB) and subbase (ASB) layers of roadway pavements. The purpose of this study was to determine the technical specifications of RAS, the effect of fly ash stabilization on RAS strength, and the practicality of the widespread implementation of RAS in the AB and ASB layers of roadway pavements. RAS, fly ash stabilized RAS (S-RAS), RAS-aggregate mixtures, and RAS-silt mixtures were evaluated for particle size characteristics, compaction characteristics, CA Bearing Ratio (CBR), unconfined compressive strength, and resilient modulus. According to the results of the testing protocol, unstabilized RAS is unsuitable as base material although RAS could potentially be used as subbase or general fill material. RAS-aggregate mixtures are suitable for use as subbase and are potentially suitable as base course in an unstabilized state; however, RAS-aggregate mixtures exhibited decreasing resilient modulus with increasing RAS content. Fly ash stabilized RAS (S-RAS) was less susceptible to penetrative deformation than unstabilized RAS, however, S-RAS was still highly susceptible to penetrative deformation when unpaved. Fly ash stabilization of RAS generally provided less improvement in resilient modulus compared to fly ash stabilized low-plasticity clays. This may be due to the high asphalt content of RAS particles and resulting diminishment in pozzolanic activity and/or the diminished particle interconnectedness for cementation. Other forms of stabilization, such as cold asphalt emulsion, may be more effective in strengthening RAS. Further evaluation of alternative stabilization methods and additional studies to evaluate the practicality of RAS in other geotechnical applications such as embankment fill, filter, and/or drainage material are recommended.
Recent Advances in Management and Treatment of Hereditary Angioedema
Authors: Sardana Niti , Craig Timothy J.
Published: November 2011

CONTEXT:

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare autosomal-dominant disease characterized by recurrent self-limiting episodes of skin and mucosal edema. Morbidity and mortality are significant, and new and pending therapies are now available to reduce the risk associated with the disease.

OBJECTIVE:

To update the reader on new advances in HAE to improve patient care.

METHODS:

We performed a literature search of Ovid, PubMed, and Google to develop this review. Articles that are necessary for the understanding and use of the new therapeutic options for HAE were chosen, and studies of high quality were used to support the use of therapies, and in most cases, results from phase III studies were used.

RESULTS:

Until recently, therapy for HAE attacks in the United States consisted of symptom relief with narcotics, hydration, and fresh-frozen plasma, which contains active C1 inhibitor. Therapy to prevent HAE attacks has been confined to androgens and, occasionally, antifibrinolytic agents; however, both drug groups have significant adverse effects. The approval of C1-inhibitor concentrate for prevention and acute therapy has improved efficacy and safety. Ecallantide has also been approved for therapy of attacks, and icatibant is expected to be approved in the next few months for attacks. Recombinant C1 inhibitor is presently in phase III studies and should be available for attacks in the near future.

CONCLUSION:

In this article we review the changing therapeutic options available for patients in 2011 and beyond.
Acoustic Correlates of Speech when Under Stress: Research, Methods and Future Directions
Authors: Kirchhübel Christin , Howard David M. , Stedmon Alex W.
Published: November 2011

The aim of this paper is to summarise the acoustical correlates of stress in speech by reviewing relevant empirical studies. Research into speech under stress faces several challenges including the difficulty in defining the concept of stress, limitations in collecting stressed speech experimentally and the problem of quantifying the type and level of stress induced, resulting in very limited comparability between various studies. In summarizing the previous work and evidence, these conceptual and methodological differences are addressed.

Changes in respiration and muscle tension have repeatedly been evidenced to be physiological correlates of stress. Based on this, it may be expected that acoustic parameters such as fundamental frequency, intensity and speaking/articulation rate are affected by stress. In general, empirical findings support these predictions but inter-speaker variability must not be overlooked. It is argued that there is a need to move beyond these three parameters, taking into account for example, vowel formants and aspects of voice quality. It is also suggested that future research should aim to control the data gathering process in ways that are appropriate to allow for comparability of results between studies.
Anos potenciais de vida perdidos por mulheres vítimas de homicídio na cidade do Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil
Authors: Silva Leonildo Severino da , Menezes Maria Lúcia Neto de , Lopes Cyntia Lins de Almeida , Corrêa Maria Suely Medeiros
Published: November 2011

Estudo epidemiológico, transversal, objetivando calcular os anos potenciais de vida perdidos por mulheres vítimas de homicídio na cidade do Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil, no quinquênio 2003-2007. Utilizou-se de um banco de dados da Gerência Operacional de Informação de Mortalidade e Natalidade da Secretaria de Saúde do Recife, e foram revisadas todas as declarações de óbitos das vítimas de homicídio, com idade fértil no quinquênio analisado. Os resultados revelaram que houve 12.120 anos potenciais de vida perdidos, no período, por mulheres jovens, negras (88%), de escolaridade desconhecida (78,2%), solteiras (80%), mortas na Região Político-administrativa III, que foram assassinadas com uso de arma de fogo, no próprio domicílio. A taxa de mortalidade específica, no período, correspondeu a 10,8 por 100 mil mulheres em idade fértil. Os 43,3 anos de vida perdidos por cada vítima refletem, entre outros aspectos, as características do município, relativas ao nível de pobreza, desemprego, densidade populacional, instabilidade residencial, desigualdade social, que expõem seus habitantes a crises sociais, crimes e violência.
Estimativas da cobertura mamográfica no Estado de Goiás, Brasil
Authors: Corrêa Rosangela da Silveira , Freitas-Júnior Ruffo , Peixoto João Emílio , Rodrigues Danielle Cristina Netto , Lemos Maria Eugênia da Fonseca , Marins Lucy Aparecida Parreira , Silveira Érika Aparecida da
Published: November 2011

Este estudo transversal objetivou estimar a cobertura da mamografia no Estado de Goiás, Brasil, descrevendo sua oferta, demanda e variações para as diversas faixas etárias, tendo como unidades de observação 98 serviços de mamografia. Foram estimados as frequências de realização da mamografia por faixa etária e tipo de sistema de saúde, bem como o número de exames necessários para a cobertura de 70% e 100% da população-alvo. Foi avaliada a associação entre a realização da mamografia, a distribuição geográfica dos mamógrafos, o tipo de atendimento e a faixa etária. As estimativas de cobertura total para 100% das mulheres nas faixas etárias de 40-69 anos e de 50-69 anos foram de 61% e 66%, tendo o Sistema Único de Saúde contribuído com 13% e 14%, respectivamente. Para atingir 70% de cobertura, seria necessário realizar 43.424 mamografias adicionais. Todas as associações apresentaram diferença estatística significativa (p < 0,001). Conclui-se que a cobertura da mamografia está distribuída de maneira desigual no Estado de Goiás e o número de exames realizados é inferior ao necessário.
Gravidez não planejada no extremo Sul do Brasil: prevalência e fatores associados
Authors: Prietsch Silvio Omar Macedo , González-Chica David Alejandro , Cesar Juraci A. , Mendoza-Sassi Raúl Andrés
Published: November 2011

Este estudo teve por objetivo identificar fatores associados à ocorrência de gravidez não planejada em Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Em 2007, aplicou-se questionário padronizado a todas as parturientes residentes neste município, investigando sobre características demográficas e reprodutivas maternas, nível socioeconômico da família e assistência recebida na gestação e parto. A análise ajustada foi realizada utilizando-se regressão de Poisson com ajuste robusto da variância. Dentre as 2.557 gestantes incluídas no estudo, 65% não planejaram a gravidez. Após ajuste para confundimento, as seguintes variáveis mostraram-se significativamente associadas à gravidez não planejada: cor da pele parda/preta, idade inferior a 20 anos, sem companheiro, baixa renda familiar, aglomeração familiar, tabagismo e mais de um parto. Abortamento prévio mostrou-se protetor para a gravidez não planejada. A elevada ocorrência de gravidez não planejada, sobretudo entre aquelas com maiores riscos de complicações durante a gestação e o parto, indica a necessidade de se estabelecerem programas de saúde à atenção desta população.
Inquérito de saúde no Município de Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil (ISACamp): comparação de estimativas segundo posse de linha telefônica residencial
Authors: Francisco Priscila Maria Stolses Bergamo , Barros Marilisa Berti de Azevedo , Segri Neuber José , Cesar Chester Luiz Galvão , Alves Maria Cecilia Goi Porto
Published: November 2011

O estudo avalia diferenças quanto às características sociodemográficas, de estilo de vida e de condições de saúde entre adultos com e sem linha telefônica residencial, valendo-se de dados de inquérito domiciliar de saúde realizado em Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil (2008/2009). Trata-se de estudo transversal de base populacional com 2.637 adultos (18 anos e mais). Análises descritivas, testes qui-quadrado, prevalências e respectivos intervalos de 95% de confiança foram calculados. Estimaram-se os vícios associados à não cobertura da população sem telefone antes e após o ajuste de pós-estratificação. O impacto do vício nos intervalos de confiança foi avaliado pela razão de vício. Cerca de 76% dos entrevistados possuíam linha telefônica residencial. Exceto para situação conjugal, foram observadas diferenças sociodemográficas segundo posse de telefone. Após o ajuste de pós-estratificação, houve redução do vício das estimativas para as variáveis associadas à posse de linha telefônica, no entanto, exceto para osteoporose, o ajuste de pós-estratificação foi insuficiente para corrigir o vício de não cobertura.
Inquérito domiciliar sobre uso da Fisioterapia por mulheres em Guarapuava-Paraná-Brasil
Authors: Bim Cíntia Raquel , Pelloso Sandra Marisa , Previdelli Isolde Terezinha Santos
Published: November 2011

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a prevalência do uso da fisioterapia por mulheres e analisar as variáveis associadas à sua utilização. Foi realizado estudo transversal de base populacional incluindo 885 mulheres com idade mínima de 18 anos residentes na zona urbana de Guarapuava, estado do Paraná, Brasil. Considerou-se nível de confiança de 95% e margem de erro de 3% para cálculo amostral. A amostra foi selecionada aleatoriamente, e as entrevistas foram realizadas entre outubro e dezembro de 2006. Utilizou-se os softwares Statistica 7.1 e SAS 9.1 para análise dos dados, calculou-se prevalência, qui quadrado, análise multivariada (análise de correspondência) e realizou-se regressão logística. A prevalência do uso da fisioterapia por mulheres foi de 27,3%, onde 48% utilizaram o serviço público, 45% assistência privada, e apenas 7% assistência particular. Variáveis como idade, profissão, classificação econômica e tipo de assistência à saúde estiveram associadas à realização de fisioterapia (p<0,0001). Conclui-se que, dentre as mulheres que procuraram o serviço de fisioterapia, a maioria o fez por problemas ortopédicos. Pesquisas envolvendo a fisioterapia precisam ser realizadas para auxiliar no crescimento desta modalidade terapêutica.
Implantação e impacto do Programa Nacional de Suplementação de Ferro no município de Viçosa - MG
Authors: Azeredo Catarina Machado , Cotta Rosângela Minardi Mitre , Silva Luciana Saraiva da , Franceschini Sylvia do Carmo Castro , Sant'Ana Luciana Ferreira da Rocha , Ribeiro Rita de Cássia Lanes
Published: November 2011

Objetivou-se avaliar a implantação do Programa Nacional de Suplementação de Ferro no município de Viçosa/MG e seu impacto em lactentes não anêmicos de 6 a 18 meses de idade, atendidos pelas Equipes de Saúde da Família. Realizou-se entrevistas aos profissionais de nível superior e às mães/responsáveis pelas crianças. As crianças não anêmicas e que não recebiam suplementação anteriormente (n=133) foram suplementadas com xarope de sulfato ferroso por seis meses. Realizou-se dosagem de hemoglobina, avaliação antropométrica e de condições socioeconômicas, antes e após os seis meses. Classificou-se como alta adesão as crianças que ingeriram 75% ou mais da dose prescrita e como baixa adesão as demais, de acordo com o referido pelas mães. Sobre a implantação do PNSF no município, observou-se que o sistema de distribuição nem sempre foi acessível ao grupo prioritário e houve ausência de capacitação e motivação da maioria dos Agentes Comunitários de Saúde; sobre o grupo prioritário observou-se ausência de divulgação para promoção do PNSF, além de sensibilização e educação somente de parte das mães; quanto ao suplemento as crianças tiveram baixa adesão e a dosagem não foi efetiva na prevenção da anemia. Portanto, a implantação do PNSF no município revelou entraves operacionais importantes.
Socioeconomic status as determinant of risk factors for overweight in adolescents
Authors: Fernandes Rômulo Araújo , Christofaro Diego Giulliano Destro , Cardoso Jefferson Rosa , Ronque Enio Ricardo Vaz , Freitas Júnior Ismael Forte , Kawaguti Sandra Satie , Moraes Augusto César Ferreira de , Oliveira Arli Ramos de
Published: November 2011

OBJECTIVES: To analyze risk factors for overweight among adolescents grouped in three different socioeconomic levels. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 1779 adolescents aged 11 to 17 years, grouped according to socioeconomic status (low, middle, and high). Parents reported their own anthropometric data and the adolescents had their anthropometric data taken by trained researchers, and completed three questionnaires. RESULTS: The prevalence of overweight was 16.7%, 23.8%, and 26.3% in low, middle and high socioeconomic status, respectively (P= 0.001). In all socioeconomic status, parent's overweight was associated with adolescent overweight (all P< 0.05). The students in both high (PR= 1.90) and middle socioeconomic status (PR= 2.00) from private schools were associated with overweight, and the students from low socioeconomic level to sedentary behavior (PR= 2.25) and high ingestion of fried food (PR= 2.35). CONCLUSION: In each socioeconomic status the overweight was associated with different risk factors in different ways, except for parents overweight.
Retardo estatural em menores de cinco anos: um estudo "baseline"
Authors: Rissin Anete , Figueiroa José Natal , Benício Maria Helena D'Aquino , Batista Filho Malaquias
Published: November 2011

OBJETIVO: Descrever a prevalência e analisar fatores associados ao retardo estatural em menores de cinco anos. MÉTODOS: Estudo "baseline", que analisou 2.040 crianças, verificando possíveis associações entre o retardo estatural (índice altura/idade < 2 escores Z) e variáveis hierarquizadas em seis blocos: socioeconômicas, do domicílio, do saneamento, maternas, biológicas e de acesso aos serviços de saúde. A análise multivariada foi realizada por regressão de Poisson, com opção de erro padrão robusto, obtendo-se as razões de prevalência ajustadas, com IC 95% e respectivos valores de significância. RESULTADOS: Entre as variáveis não dicotômicas, houve associação positiva com o tipo de teto e o número de moradores por cômodo e associação negativa com renda, escolaridade da mãe e peso ao nascer. A análise ajustada indicou ainda como variáveis significantes: abastecimento de água, visita do agente comunitário de saúde, local do parto, internação por diarreia e internação por pneumonia. CONCLUSÃO: Os fatores identificados como de risco para o retardo estatural configuram a multicausalidade do problema, implicando na necessidade de intervenções multisetoriais e multiníveis para o seu controle.
Fatores associados à experiência de cárie em escolares de um município com baixa prevalência de cárie dentária
Authors: Cypriano Silvia , Hugo Fernando Neves , Sciamarelli Maria Cristina , Tôrres Luísa Helena do Nascimento , Sousa Maria da Luz Rosário de , Wada Ronaldo Seichi
Published: November 2011

A literatura tem mostrado que piores níveis de saúde bucal estão mais frequentemente relacionados a baixos níveis socioeconômicos, assim este estudo transversal de caráter exploratório investigou a associação entre experiência de cárie e fatores socioeconômicos, acesso a serviços, autopercepção e hábitos em 266 escolares de 12 anos de idade de uma localidade com baixa prevalência de cárie dentária em 2003. Utilizou-se critérios de diagnóstico para cárie dentária da Organização Mundial da Saúde e aplicou-se questionário socioecômico e comportamental. Para a identificação dos fatores associados à experiência de cárie utilizou-se a análise de regressão logística multivariada. A variável dependente foi dicotomizada em CPOD=O e CPOD>0. Considerando as limitações de um estudo transversal, não gostar da aparência dos dentes, procurar atendimento odontológico por dor, estudar em escola pública e o responsável da família ser trabalhador manual foram independentemente associados à experiência de cárie. Mesmo em um município com baixa prevalência de cárie os fatores socioeconômicos, o acesso a serviço odontológico e a autopercepção da saúde bucal foram importantes para a ocorrência da cárie, recomendando-se que diversos fatores sejam investigados dentro do contexto biopsicossocial da sua multifatoriedade.
The Approval of Teysuno™/S-1 by the European Medicines Agency: A Potentially Important Advance for Gastric Cancer Patients
Authors: Lawler Mark , Johnston Patrick G
Published: November 2011

The approval of Teysuno™/S-1 by the European Medicines Agency for the treatment of patients with advanced gastric cancer in Europe is reviewed.