bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aetiology of fatigue in Sri Lanka and its overlap with depression
Authors: Ball Harriet A. , Sumathipala Athula , Siribaddana Sisira H. , Kovas Yulia , Glozier Nick , McGuffin Peter , Hotopf Matthew
Published: August 2010

Background

Fatigue is a common symptom in Western high-income countries but is often medically unexplained and little is known about its presentation in other populations.

Aims

To explore the epidemiology and aetiology of fatigue in Sri Lanka, and of its overlap with depression.

Method

A total of 4024 randomly selected twins from a population-based register in Sri Lanka (Colombo district) completed home interviews including the Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire.

Results

The prevalence of fatigue was similar to that in other countries, although prolonged fatigue may be less common. There was substantial comorbidity with a screen for lifetime depression. Non-shared environmental factors made the largest contributions, although genetic/family factors also contributed. The aetiology appeared consistent across the spectrum of severity.

Conclusions

The aetiology of fatigue is broadly similar in Sri Lanka and Western high-income countries. Abnormal experiences of fatigue appear to be the extreme form of more common fatigue, rather than representing independent entities with different genetic or environmental risk factors.
Predicting outcome in mild cognitive impairment: 4-year follow-up study
Authors: Lonie Jane A. , Parra-Rodriguez Mario A. , Tierney Kevin M. , Herrmann Lucie L. , Donaghey Claire , O'Carroll Ronan E. , Ebmeier Klaus P.
Published: August 2010

Background

Cognitive impairment precedes the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. It is unclear which psychometric measures predict dementia, and what cut-off points should be used. Replicable cognitive measures to provide information about differential diagnosis and prognosis would be clinically useful.

Aims

In a prospective cohort study we investigated which measures distinguish between individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) that converts to dementia and those whose impairment does not, and which combination of measures best predicts the fate of people with aMCI.

Method

Forty-four participants with aMCI underwent extensive neuropsychological assessment at baseline and annually thereafter for an average of 4 years. Differences in baseline cognitive performance of participants who were converters and non-converters to clinically diagnosed dementia were analysed. Classification accuracy was estimated by sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and using logistic regression.

Results

Forty-one percent of participants had progressed to dementia by the end of study, with a mean annual conversion rate of 11%. Most (63%) showed persisting or progressive cognitive impairment, irrespective of diagnosis. The Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination together with the discrimination index of the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test – Revised (but none of the demographic indices) differentiated the participants who were converters from the non-converters at baseline with 74% accuracy.

Conclusions

Targeted neuropsychological assessment, beyond simple cognitive screening, could be used in clinical practice to provide individuals with aMCI with prognostic information and aid selective early initiation of monitoring and treatment among those who progress towards a clinically diagnosable dementia.
Recognition of disgusted facial expressions in severe depression
Authors: Douglas Katie M. , Porter Richard J.
Published: August 2010

Facial emotion processing was examined in patients with severe depression (n = 68) and a healthy control group (n = 50), using the Facial Expression Recognition Task. A negative interpretation bias was observed in the depression group: neutral faces were more likely to be interpreted as sad and less likely to be interpreted as happy, compared with controls. The depression group also displayed a specific deficit in the recognition of facial expressions of disgust, compared with controls. This may relate to impaired functioning of frontostriatal structures, particularly the basal ganglia.
Alternatives to standard acute in-patient care in England: short-term clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness
Authors: Slade M. , Byford S. , Barrett B. , Lloyd-Evans B. , Gilburt H. , Osborn D. P. J. , Skinner R. , Leese M. , Thornicroft G. , Johnson S.
Published: August 2010

Background

Outcomes following admission to residential alternatives to standard in-patient mental health services are underresearched.

Aims

To explore short-term outcomes and costs of admission to alternative and standard services.

Method

Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS), Threshold Assessment Grid (TAG), Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) and admission cost data were collected for six alternative services and six standard services.

Results

All outcomes improved during admission for both types of service (n = 433). Adjusted improvement was greater for standard services in scores on HoNOS (difference 1.99, 95% CI 1.12–2.86), TAG (difference 1.40, 95% CI 0.39–2.51) and GAF functioning (difference 4.15, 95% CI 1.08–7.22) but not GAF symptoms. Admissions to alternatives were 20.6 days shorter, and hence cheaper (UK£3832v. £9850). Standard services cost an additional £2939 per unit HoNOS improvement.

Conclusions

The absence of clear-cut advantage for either type of service highlights the importance of the subjective experience and longer-term costs.
Alternatives to standard acute in-patient care in England: readmissions, service use and cost after discharge
Authors: Byford Sarah , Sharac Jessica , Lloyd-Evans Brynmor , Gilburt Helen , Osborn David P. J. , Leese Morven , Johnson Sonia , Slade Mike
Published: August 2010

Background

Residential alternatives to standard psychiatric admissions are associated with shorter lengths of stay, but little is known about the impact on readmissions.

Aims

To explore readmissions, use of community mental health services and costs after discharge from alternative and standard services.

Method

Data on use of hospital and community mental health services were collected from clinical records for participants in six alternative and six standard services for 12 months from the date of index admission.

Results

After discharge, the mean number and length of readmissions, use of community mental health services and costs did not differ significantly between standard and alternative services. Cost of index admission and total 12-month cost per participant were significantly higher for standard services.

Conclusions

Shorter lengths of stay in residential alternatives are not associated with greater frequency or length of readmissions or greater use of community mental health services after discharge.
Use of the HoNOS–LD in identifying domains of change
Authors: Hillier Bradley , Wright Lucy , Strydom Andre , Hassiotis Angela
Published: August 2010

Aims and method

To analyse clinical outcome indicator data from the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales for People with Learning Disabilities (HoNOS-LD) in adults with intellectual disability admitted to mental health wards during a 19-month period; and to identify clinically relevant domains of change associated with in-patient admission.

Results

Significant improvements were found in mental state, behaviour and social functioning. Improvements were also found in cognition and activities of daily living.

Clinical implications

The HoNOS-LD is a useful tool for measuring clinical outcomes in several relevant domains and guiding in-patient treatment in learning disability psychiatry. It may also provide a currency for payment-by-results and influence the commissioning of learning disability services.
National audit of higher training posts in child and adolescent psychiatry in Ireland
Authors: Cohen Dermot P.
Published: August 2010

Aims and method

The audit aimed to assess current senior registrar posts in child and adolescent psychiatry in Ireland in terms of working environment, conditions and training issues. The posts were compared with standards set down by the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Specialist Advisory Committee of the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the National Higher Training Subcommittee of the Irish Psychiatric Training Committee.

Results

The audit cycle was completed twice and a 100% response rate was achieved on both occasions.

Clinical implications

Higher training posts in child and adolescent psychiatry in Ireland compare favourably to standards for training and education, but poorly for working environment, case-load and educational supervision.
Indigo Dye as a Positive-electrode Material for Rechargeable Lithium Batteries
Authors: Yao Masaru , Araki Miho , Senoh Hiroshi , Yamazaki Shin-ichi , Sakai Tetsuo , Yasuda Kazuaki
Published: August 2010

The performance of indigo carmine (5,5′-indigodisulfonic acid sodium salt) as a positive-electrode material for rechargeable lithium batteries was investigated. The prepared electrode showed an initial discharge capacity of 110 mA h g−1, which corresponds to two-electron-redox behavior. Furthermore, the electrode was shown to have good cycle-life stability.
Intramolecular Excitation Energy Transfer from Visible-light Absorbing Chlorophyll Derivatives to a Near-infrared-light Emitting Boron Dipyrromethene Moiety
Authors: Kataoka Yumiko , Shibata Yutaka , Tamiaki Hitoshi
Published: August 2010

Chlorophyll-a derivatives were covalently linked with a π-extended boron aza-dipyrromethene moiety. In the synthetic dyads, photoinduced energy transfer from the former visible-light absorbing chlorin chromophore to the latter highly fluorescent unit in the near-infrared region was observed in a solution. The singlet-excited states of both the units were partially quenched by the charge-separated state, which was pronounced in polar organic solvents.
International Perspectives
Authors: Valls-i-Soler Adolf , Madrid Marisela , Geffers Christine , Hummler Helmut D.
Published: August 2010

Hospital-acquired infections cause significant mortality and morbidity in preterm infants and increase the length of stay and costs. Differences in the quality of care may be at least partially responsible for the substantial variability seen in the incidence of such infections among different institutions. Various quality assurance programs within neonatal networks around the world target these infections, aiming to reduce their incidence. Comprehensive surveillance programs seem to be effective, especially if educational activities are added on local and network levels, and may help to save lives.
Late-onset Sepsis: Epidemiology, Evaluation, and Outcome
Authors: Bentlin Maria Regina , de Souza Rugolo Lígia Maria Suppo
Published: August 2010

Late-onset neonatal sepsis is a common serious problem in preterm infants in neonatal intensive care units. Diagnosis can be difficult because clinical manifestations are not specific and none of the available laboratory tests can be considered an ideal marker. For this reason, a combination of markers has been proposed. Complete blood count and acute-phase reactants evaluated together help in diagnosis. C-reactive protein is a specific but late marker, and procalcitonin has proven accurate, although it is little studied in newborns. Blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and urine cultures always should be obtained when late-onset sepsis is suspected. Blood culture, the gold standard in diagnosis, is highly sensitive but needs up to 48 hours to detect microbial growth. Various cytokines have been investigated as early markers of infection, but results are not uniform. Other diagnostic tests that offer promise include: neutrophil surface markers, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, toll-like receptors, and nuclear factor kappa B. The greatest hope for quick and accurate diagnosis lies in molecular biology, using real-time polymerase chain reaction combined with DNA microarray. Sepsis and meningitis may affect both the short- and long-term prognosis for newborns. Mortality in neonatal meningitis has been reduced in recent years, but short-term complications and later neurocognitive sequelae remain. Late-onset sepsis significantly increases preterm infant mortality and the risk of cerebral lesions and neurosensory sequelae, including developmental difficulties and cerebral palsy. Early diagnosis of late-onset sepsis contributes to improved neonatal prognosis, but the outcome remains far from satisfactory.
Ensuring Financial Access to Hearing Aids for Infants and Young Children
Authors: Limb Stephanie J. , McManus Margaret A. , Fox Harriette B. , White Karl R. , Forsman Irene
Published: August 2010

Many young children with permanent hearing loss do not receive hearing aids and related professional services, in part because of public and private financing limitations. In 2006 the Children's Audiology Financing Workgroup was convened by the National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management to evaluate and make recommendations about public and private financing of hearing aids and related professional services for 0- to 3-year-old children. The workgroup recommended 4 possible strategies for ensuring that all infants and young children with hearing loss have access to appropriate hearing aids and professional services: (1) clarify that the definition of assistive technology, which is a required service under Part C of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), includes not only analog hearing aids but also digital hearing aids with appropriate features as needed by young children with hearing loss; (2) clarify for both state Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Programs that digital hearing aids are almost always the medically necessary type of hearing aid required for infants and young children and should be covered under the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) program; (3) encourage the passage of private health insurance legislative mandates to require coverage of appropriate digital hearing aids and related professional services for infants and young children; and (4) establish hearing-aid loaner programs in every state. The costs of providing hearing aids to all 0- to 3-year old children in the United States are estimated here.
Teleintervention for Infants and Young Children Who Are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing
Authors: McCarthy Melissa , Muñoz Karen , White Karl R.
Published: August 2010

Advancements in videoconferencing equipment and Internet-based tools for sharing information have resulted in widespread use of telemedicine for providing health care to people who live in remote areas. Given the limited supply of people trained to provide early-intervention services to infants and young children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, and the fact that many families who need such services live significant distances from each other and from metropolitan areas, such “teleintervention” strategies hold promise for providing early-intervention services to children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. Unfortunately, little is known about the cost-effectiveness of such teleintervention services. In this article we outline the rationale for using teleintervention services for children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, describe a teleintervention program that has been serving relatively large numbers of children in Australia since 2002, and summarize what we know about the cost-effectiveness of such an approach. We conclude by summarizing the type of research needed to decide whether teleintervention should be used more frequently with children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing and the potential relevance of the teleintervention approach for the development of intervention systems in the United States.
Adult Outcome of Extremely Preterm Infants
Authors: Doyle Lex W. , Anderson Peter J.
Published: August 2010

Survival rates for extremely preterm (<28 weeks’ gestational age) infants have increased and are approaching 3 in 4 with the advent of modern perinatal and neonatal intensive care. In contrast with some children with chronic diseases such as cystic fibrosis, most survivors of extreme prematurity have no ongoing health issues. However, as a group, they do have higher rates of adverse health outcomes, and more of them will present to pediatricians over time and, ultimately, to adult physicians as they grow older. Pediatricians can aid the transition to adult health care by being aware of the nutritional, cardiovascular, respiratory, motor, cognitive, psychiatric, and functional outcomes into adulthood of survivors of extreme prematurity.
Guidelines for the use of language analysis in relation to questions of national origin in refugee cases
Authors: LaNOG Language and National Origin Group
Published: August 2010

Document presented by an international group of linguists.
Características, sintomas depressivos e fatores associados em mulheres encarceradas no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
Authors: Canazaro Daniela , Argimon Irani Iracema de Lima
Published: August 2010

O estudo objetivou traçar o perfil, descrever as características sociodemográficas e clínicas da mulher prisioneira, além de verificar a prevalência de sintomas depressivos e de desesperança, uso, abuso e dependência de drogas e álcool. Participaram 287 mulheres de uma Penitenciária Feminina do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. O delineamento foi de um estudo quantitativo e transversal. Os achados mostram que o perfil caracteriza-se por ser solteira, jovem, ter no mínimo dois filhos, ter exercido atividades informais e geralmente de baixo status social e/ou econômico, possuir até o Ensino Fundamental incompleto. Foi encontrada alta prevalência de sintomas depressivos e uso, abuso e dependência de drogas, porém baixa prevalência de sintomas de desesperança. Diversos fatores, principalmente ligados à vida pregressa das participantes, foram associados significativamente com os sintomas depressivos.
A utilização da Internet na notificação dos defeitos congênitos na Declaração de Nascido Vivo em quatro maternidades públicas do Município de São Paulo, Brasil
Authors: Nicola Pablo Domingos Rodrigues de , Cernach Mirlene Cecília Soares Pinho , Perez Ana Beatriz Alvarez , Brunoni Decio
Published: August 2010

O objetivo foi aumentar a freqüência da notificação de anomalias congênitas no campo 34 da Declaração de Nascido Vivo em quatro maternidades do Município de São Paulo, Brasil, ao longo do ano de 2008. Utilizamos o banco de dados do Sistema de Informações sobre Nascidos Vivos da Secretária Municipal de Saúde de São Paulo para acompanhar a evolução dos registros dos defeitos congênitos. Mediante prontuário eletrônico, via Internet, os casos suspeitos eram enviados para um centro de referência em genética médica. O prontuário eletrônico contém anamnese, exame físico e fotos do recém-nascido. O estudo ocorreu em quatro maternidades com uma amostra total de 10 mil nascimentos no ano e que não apresentam médico geneticista. Houve aumento da notificação dos defeitos congênitos nas quatro maternidades onde o estudo foi realizado quando comparado com os anos anteriores e com o registro do Município de São Paulo. O método de referência e contra-referência utilizando a Internet mostrou-se eficaz.
Pós-graduação em Saúde Coletiva de 1997 a 2007: desafios, avanços e tendências
Authors: Minayo Maria Cecília de Souza
Published: August 2010

Este artigo abre um debate sobre o desempenho da pós-graduação em Saúde Coletiva nos últimos doze anos. Ele tem por base vasta pesquisa avaliativa realizada por um grupo de pesquisadores da área, através de um projeto financiado pelo CNPQ, durante os anos 2008-2009. Tal proposta dá sequência a outro estudo do mesmo teor ocorrido entre 1994-1997 e o toma para comparação. A investigação de 2008-2009 analisou a construção do campo, a demanda, os egressos, o perfil do corpo docente, a produção científica e a internacionalização da área sob a perspectiva dos atores, da cultura e das várias formas de expressão acadêmica e das tendências. Houve trabalho de campo e utilização de fontes secundárias, sobretudo, dos Cadernos CAPES. O estudo mostrou um campo em crescente estruturação e pujante do ponto de vista da demanda, do número de mestres e doutores titulados, da adequação dos conteúdos e do quadro docente e da produção científica. Dentre os problemas persistem: concentração dos programas na região sudeste, desigualdade na qualidade, problemas de absorção dos titulados e errático investimento em cooperação internacional. Constatou-se que a pós-graduação em Saúde Coletiva está cada vez mais orientada para o aprimoramento do SUS.
Dimensões qualitativas na produção científica, tecnológica e na inovação em Saúde Coletiva
Authors: Luz Madel Therezinha , Mattos Rafael da Silva
Published: August 2010

Este artigo traz os resultados de uma avaliação qualitativa sobre a expansão da área da Saúde Coletiva a partir da produção dos anais dos congressos trienais de Saúde Coletiva, realizados entre 1997 e 2006 pela Associação Brasileira de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Coletiva. O objetivo específico foi estimar o crescimento da importância da área no cenário científico e social brasileiro no último decênio, através da análise de aspectos e dimensões substantivas. A estratégia metodológica do estudo foi considerar a complexidade e a profusão de dados referentes às dimensões desse campo multidisciplinar (a cada dia mais interdisciplinar) de conhecimento e intervenção. A partir dessa perspectiva, realizaram-se análises e interpretações de fontes documentais, empregando-se referenciais teóricos, metodológicos e analíticos das ciências sociais e das técnicas estatísticas. Constatou-se que: (1) na última década, a área da Saúde Coletiva expandiu-se ao interior de suas três subáreas (Epidemiologia, Planejamento/Gestão e Serviços de Saúde e Ciências Humanas); (2) há uma tendência a maior interatividade entre os programas e com as comunidades e com as instituições; (3) existe um aumento da quantidade de autores que escrevem sobre o campo e de vários autores por artigo; (4) está em elaboração uma grande especialização interna ao interior das subáreas.
A mídia e o corpo: o que o jovem tem a dizer?
Authors: Conti Maria Aparecida , Bertolin Maria Natacha Toral , Peres Stela Verzinhasse
Published: August 2010

O objetivo deste estudo é verificar a percepção do jovem quanto à relação entre a mídia, especialmente o acesso à televisão e revistas e o corpo do adolescente. Trata-se de um estudo transversal, realizado com 121 adolescentes em uma instituição particular de ensino do ABC paulista. Aplicou-se uma entrevista individual semiestruturada gravada em fita magnética. Estas foram avaliadas utilizando-se a metodologia do discurso do sujeito coletivo, embasada no conceito das representações sociais. A tabulação dos dados ocorreu por meio da utilização de três figuras metodológicas: idéia central, expressões chave e o discurso do sujeito coletivo. Nos discursos dos jovens, foram registradas em 95% das idéias centrais relações entre a TV, revistas e o corpo, sendo as mais frequentes relacionadas ao estímulo a um ideal físico de magreza e à influência negativa com experiências de humilhação e desencadeamento de doenças. Em 5% das idéias centrais, não se registrou relação entre a TV, revistas e o corpo. Conclui-se que os jovens revelaram conhecimento acerca da intensa interferência da mídia em relação ao corpo do adolescente.
The influence of religiosity on health
Authors: Alves Rômulo Romeu da Nóbrega , Alves Humberto da Nóbrega , Barboza Raynner Rilke Duarte , Souto Wedson de Medeiros Silva
Published: August 2010

The relationship between religion and health has been a subject of interest in the past and in the latest years becoming increasingly visible in the social, behavioral, and health sciences. Among several approaches to be considered, the present work provides a briefly discuss concerning the bond between health and religiosity in the cure process and diseases treatment. Several investigations show that religious participation is related with better outcomes for persons who are recovering from physical and mental illness, also the psychology science have committed special issues to positive correlations between religious belief and practice, mental and physical health and longevity. On the other hand, religion may also be associated with negative outcomes and the inappropriate use of health services as fanaticism, asceticism, mortifications and oppressive traditionalism. The potential for both positive and negative effects of spirituality on health, combined with the high levels of engagement with spirituality suggests that this area is ripe for future sustained research. Independent of the possible mechanisms, if individuals receive health profits by the religion; those should be motivated, respecting the individual faith of each one.
Compreensão das mudanças comportamentais do usuário no Programa Saúde da Família por meio da participação habilitadora
Authors: Machado Maria de Fátima Antero Sousa , Vieira Neiva Francenely Cunha , Silva Raimunda Magalhães da
Published: August 2010

Este estudo objetivou compreender como ocorrem os processos decisórios da participação dos usuários no Programa Saúde da Família (PSF), relacionados à saúde-doença, identificando neste movimento o nível de mudança do usuário a partir do modelo de estágio de mudança, de Prochaska e DiClemente. Estudo qualitativo, desenvolvido com usuários do PSF e profissionais das Equipes Saúde da Família, do município do Crato, Ceará, Brasil. Os dados foram coletados por meio da entrevista semiestruturada, grupo focal e observação, no período de maio a setembro de 2005, organizados mediante análise de conteúdo e analisados à luz do referencial teórico. As mudanças do usuário no PSF estão assim configuradas: na fase de pré-contemplação, a ênfase é na doença, no cuidado de si. Na de contemplação, o cuidado é na família, centrado na cura e tratamento da doença. Na fase de determinação, há avanço no sentido da prevenção na família, com registros de olhar no entorno. Na de ação, já se registra um comportamento do usuário para alcançar sua autonomia e emancipação. Estes resultados parecem indicar ascendência na aprendizagem de participação do usuário no PSF em direção à promoção da saúde.
A interface entre o trabalho do agente comunitário de saúde e do fisioterapeuta na atenção básica à saúde
Authors: Loures Liliany Fontes , Silva Maria Cecília de Souza
Published: August 2010

O estudo tem o objetivo de identificar as ações do fisioterapeuta e do agente comunitário de saúde na perspectiva da integração de suas atuações na atenção básica à saúde. Realizou-se uma revisão sistemática com o propósito de conhecer quais são essas atuações e, posteriormente, relacioná-las. O interesse surgiu durante o "Estágio Supervisionado em Atenção Primária à Saúde" e da observação de suas atuações. A partir da revisão de legislações e de trabalhos científicos atualizados acerca do assunto, verificou-se que tanto o agente comunitário de saúde quanto o fisioterapeuta são profissionais importantes na composição de uma equipe de saúde, pois contribuem à qualificação das ações de saúde junto à comunidade e à efetividade de um sistema de saúde universal, integral e equitativo. Ao final, constatou-se que há uma interação entre esses profissionais e uma integração entre suas atividades.
Perfil da condição bucal de idosas do Distrito Federal
Authors: Costa Ana Maria , Guimarães Maria do Carmo Machado , Pedrosa Sérgio de Freitas , Nóbrega Otávio de Tolêdo , Bezerra Ana Cristina Barreto
Published: August 2010

Os trabalhos realizados no Brasil a respeito das principais afecções bucais dos gerontes mostram situação preocupante. O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a frequência de edentulismo, analisar o uso e a necessidade de prótese, calcular o índice CPOD e verificar a condição periodontal de idosas residentes no Distrito Federal. Cento e quarenta mulheres com idade igual ou superior a sessenta anos foram examinadas. A condição de cada prótese foi avaliada observando presença de prejuízo estético ou funcional. Em seguida, foi realizado exame clínico para detectar a presença de cárie, restaurações e dentes perdidos para cálculo do índice CPOD. O exame periodontal incluiu a verificação do índice de placa visível, índice de sangramento gengival, medidas de profundidade de sondagem clínica, perda de inserção clínica e mobilidade dental de todos os dentes presentes. Os resultados revelaram péssimas condições bucais dos pacientes examinados. A taxa de edentulismo mostrou-se elevada, o índice CPOD foi alto (29,8), com predomínio do componente extraído (87,1%) e a condição periodontal foi considerada grave. A partir destes dados, pode-se concluir que o perfil da condição bucal das idosas representadas neste estudo é precário, o que reflete a necessidade de se elaborar programas de promoção de saúde e de reabilitação para este segmento da população.
Vigilância da saúde: fundamentos, interfaces e tendências
Authors: Arreaza Antonio Luis Vicente , Moraes José Cássio de
Published: August 2010

O presente artigo resgata inicialmente as formas, conteúdo e projeção operacional da vigilância epidemiológica como instrumento indispensável para o campo do saber e práticas da saúde pública. Em seguida, verificamos que o modelo de vigilância da saúde estabelece uma ampliação desse conceito operacional de vigilância, ao integrar as práticas coletivas e individuais em diferentes dimensões das necessidades de saúde, que incluem além do controle de riscos e danos, os determinantes ecossociais. Na sequência, buscamos dimensionar os distintos níveis de atuação desta prática sanitária articulados às intervenções de promoção, proteção e recuperação, sob uma lógica regionalizada e integralizada do Sistema Único de Saúde brasileiro. Por fim, argumentamos que todo o arcabouço conceitual-operacional de vigilância da saúde se constitui como uma base política e sanitária para a consolidação do paradigma da promoção da saúde no campo da Saúde Coletiva.
Communicating with the public: opportunities and rewards for individual ecologists
Authors: Pace Michael L , Hampton Stephanie E , Limburg Karin E , Bennett Elena M , Cook Elizabeth M , Davis Ann E , Grove J Morgan , Kaneshiro Kenneth Y , LaDeau Shannon L , Likens Gene E , McKnight Diane M , Richardson David C , Strayer David L
Published: August 2010

Many ecologists are interested in communicating science to the public and addressing societal concerns about environmental issues. Individual ecologists need to consider whether, when, and how this should be done. We propose that public outreach activities can be beneficial for ecologists at all stages of their career. There are diverse opportunities for such involvement, and these can vary enormously in terms of time and expertise required. Trends within the science of ecology, especially research focused on social–ecological systems, are likely to promote increased interactions with stakeholders and policy makers. To be effective in these interactions, ecologists should consider new approaches to communication and be aware of the potential roles scientists can play in public policy debates. Professional ecologists need to engage with non‐scientific audiences; a review of such activities should be included in considerations for promotion, recognition, and awards, while also acknowledging variations in the inclinations and abilities of individual scientists. There are, however, few current standards for how much time ecologists should commit to public outreach, how time allocation might change over a career, or how to evaluate the quality of such activities. We ask ecologists to consider ways to evaluate the quality of interactions with the public and how to reward these efforts appropriately.
Overcoming “ecophobia”: fostering environmental empathy through narrative in children's science literature
Authors: McKnight Diane M
Published: August 2010

Efforts to communicate with children about ecological themes often emphasize environmental threats. For some children, however, this approach can backfire, as they try to avoid continued exposure to problems they cannot solve. Another innovative approach is to promote the development of environmental empathy and environmental literacy through the use of narrative. Children's books that use narrative to convey key concepts about a given ecosystem could potentially reach a broad audience by making information about the books available on the internet. Examples of this approach are a special New York City edition of a book in the Magic School Bus series (Scholastic Press) and the Schoolyard Book series produced by the Long Term Ecological Research Network program.
Galois realizability of groups of order 64
Authors: Grundman Helen , Smith Tara
Published: August 2010

This article examines the realizability of groups of order 64 as Galois groups over arbitrary fields. Specifically, we provide necessary and sufficient conditions for the realizability of 134 of the 200 noncyclic groups of order 64 that are not direct products of smaller groups.
Hazardous Effects of Curcumin on Mouse Embryonic Development through a Mitochondria-Dependent Apoptotic Signaling Pathway
Authors: Chen Chia-Chi , Hsieh Ming-Shu , Hsuuw Yan-Der , Huang Fu-Jen , Chan Wen-Hsiung
Published: August 2010

In this study, we examined the cytotoxic effects of curcumin, the yellow pigment of Curcuma longa, on the blastocyst stage of mouse embryos, subsequent embryonic attachment, and outgrowth in vitro and in vivo implantation by embryo transfer. Mouse blastocysts were incubated in medium with or without curcumin (6, 12 or 24 μM) for 24 h. Cell proliferation and growth were investigated using dual differential staining, apoptosis was analyzed with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL), and implantation and post-implantation development of embryos were measured by in vitro development analysis and in vivo embryo transfer, respectively. Blastocysts treated with 24 μM curcumin displayed significantly increased apoptosis and decreased total cell number. Interestingly, we observed no marked differences in the implantation success rates between curcumin-pretreated and control blastocysts during in vitro embryonic development through implantation with a fibronectin-coated culture dish. However, in vitro treatment with 24 μM curcumin was associated with decreased implantation rate and increased resorption of postimplantation embryos in mouse uterus, as well as decreased fetal weight in the embryo transfer assay. Our results collectively indicate that in vitro exposure to curcumin triggers apoptosis and retards early postimplantation development after transfer to host mice. In addition, curcumin induces apoptotic injury effects on mouse blastocysts through ROS generation, and further promotes mitochondria-dependent apoptotic signaling processes to impair sequent embryonic development.
Photochemistry of Flavonoids
Authors: Sisa Miroslav , Bonnet Susan L. , Ferreira Daneel , Van der Westhuizen Jan H.
Published: August 2010

Flavonoids and their photochemical transformations play an important role in biological processes in nature. Synthetic photochemistry allows access to molecules that cannot be obtained via more conventional methods. This review covers all published synthetic photochemical transformations of the different classes of flavonoids. It is first comprehensive review on the photochemistry of flavonoids.
Pre-Ischemic Treadmill Training Induces Tolerance to Brain Ischemia: Involvement of Glutamate and ERK1/2
Authors: Zhang Feng , Wu Yi , Jia Jie , Hu Yong-Shan
Published: August 2010

Physical exercise has been shown to be beneficial in stroke patients and animal stroke models. However, the exact mechanisms underlying this effect are not yet very clear. The present study investigated whether pre-ischemic treadmill training could induce brain ischemic tolerance (BIT) by inhibiting the excessive glutamate release and event-related kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) activation observed in rats exposed to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into three groups (n = 12/group): sham surgery without prior exercise, MCAO without prior exercise and MCAO following three weeks of exercise. Pre-MCAO exercise significantly reduced brain infarct size (103.1 ± 6.7 mm3) relative to MCAO without prior exercise (175.9 ± 13.5 mm3). Similarly, pre-MCAO exercise significantly reduced neurological defects (1.83 ± 0.75) relative to MCAO without exercise (3.00 ± 0.63). As expected, MCAO increased levels of phospho-ERK1/2 (69 ± 5%) relative to sham surgery (40 ± 5%), and phospho-ERK1/2 levels were normalized in rats exposed to pre-ischemic treadmill training (52 ± 6%) relative to MCAO without exercise (69% ± 5%). Parallel effects were observed on striatal glutamate overflow. This study suggests that pre-ischemic treadmill training might induce neuroprotection by inhibiting the phospho-ERK1/2 over-activation and reducing excessive glutamate release.
The fatigue process of concrete and its structural influence
Authors: Zanuy Carlos , Albajar Luis , De la Fuente Pablo
Published: August 2010

Fatigue of concrete is a microcracking process leading to the change of the macroscopic material properties. In particular, progressive stiffness decrease and increase of total and residual strains are developed as a function of the number of cycles and the stress level. The influence of the fatigue process on the behaviour of structural members is complex, because a cyclic redistribution of stresses develops within the structure. Owing to this fact, the employ of S-N curves to estimate the fatigue life usually leads to extremely conservative results. In this paper, a fatigue model for concrete is presented accounting for the evolution of the material properties. The model is able to obtain the fatigue life and the evolution of stresses and strains. The results are compared with other available design rules and a modification is proposed to estimate the number of cycles to failure in a simple way for the engineering practice.
Integrating Field‐Based Research into the Classroom: An Environmental Sampling Exercise
Authors: DeSutter T. , Viall E. , Rijal I. , Murdoff M. , Guy A. , Pang X. , Koltes S. , Luciano R. , Bai X. , Zitnick K. , Wang S. , Podrebarac F. , Casey F. , Hopkins D.
Published: August 2010

A field‐based, soil methods, and instrumentation course was developed to expose graduate students to numerous strategies for measuring soil parameters. Given the northern latitude of North Dakota State University and the rapid onset of winter, this course met once per week for the first 8 weeks of the fall semester and centered on the field as a classroom, allowing the students to learn through hands‐on participation. The major focus of the course was providing a real‐life example where the scientific method was used to answer a testable hypothesis. Students developed testable hypotheses, designed an experiment, determined sampling protocol and sample analysis, conducted statistical analysis, and wrote results in a peer‐reviewed format. The research question for this course was, “What is the concentration of total mercury (Hg) in roadside soils of North Dakota?” The results from the student project indicated that total soil Hg concentration increased with increasing distance from the roadside shoulder and that total soil Hg concentration was not statistically different between high‐traffic and low‐traffic areas. Field‐based courses and student‐driven research projects are excellent ways to introduce research methods to graduate students. Student learning was enhanced during the experiential learning process by allowing the students to follow the scientific method starting from the formulation of ideas (research question and testable hypotheses) to the preparation of a manuscript.
Using an Interdisciplinary Approach to Teach Undergraduates Communication and Information Literacy Skills
Authors: Dinkelman Andrea L. , Aune Jeanine E. , Nonnecke Gail R.
Published: August 2010

For successful and productive careers, undergraduate students need effective communication and critical thinking skills; information literacy is a substantial component in the development of these skills. Students often perceive communication courses as distinct and separate from their chosen discipline. Faculty from the Departments of English and Horticulture and the library at Iowa State University collaborated in a foundation communication course (English 250). The course incorporates five components—finding information sources; evaluating information sources; and preparing an annotated bibliography, a research paper, and a research poster—all within the context of horticulture. The objective of the collaboration was to integrate communication and information literacy concepts into English 250 and relate these concepts to the students’ discipline of horticulture. Assessment data and focus group discussions strongly validate students’ appreciation for an interdisciplinary approach to teaching communication and information literacy skills within the discipline.
Direct satellite observation of lightning-produced NOx
Authors: Beirle S. , Huntrieser H. , Wagner T.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. Lightning is an important source of NOx in the free troposphere, especially in the tropics, with high impact on ozone production. However, estimates of lightning NOx (LNOx) production efficiency (LNOx per flash) are still quite uncertain. In this study we present a systematic analysis of NO2 column densities from SCIAMACHY measurements over active thunderstorms, as detected by the World-Wide Lightning Location Network (WWLLN), where the WWLLN detection efficiency was estimated using the flash climatology of the satellite lightning sensors LIS/OTD. Only events with high lightning activity are considered, where corrected WWLLN flash rate densities inside the satellite pixel within the last hour are above 1 /km2/h. For typical SCIAMACHY ground pixels of 30×60 km2, this threshold corresponds to 1800 flashes over the last hour, which, for literature estimates of lightning NOx production, should result in clearly enhanced NO2 column densities. From 2004–2008, we find 287 coincidences of SCIAMACHY measurements and high WWLLN flash rate densities. For some of these events, a clear enhancement of column densities of NO2 could be observed, indeed. But overall, the measured column densities are below the expected values by more than one order of magnitude, and in most of the cases, no enhanced NO2 could be found at all. Our results are in contradiction to the currently accepted range of LNOx production per flash of 15 (2–40)×1025 molec/flash. This probably partly results from the specific conditions for the events under investigation, i.e. events of high lightning activity in the morning (local time) and mostly (for 162 out of 287 events) over ocean. Within the detected coincidences, the highest NO2 column densities were observed around the US Eastcoast. This might be partly due to interference with ground sources of NOx being uplifted by the convective systems. However, it could also indicate that flashes in this region are particularly productive. We conclude that current estimates of LNOx production might be biased high for two reasons. First, we observe a high variability of NO2 for coincident lightning events. This high variability can easily cause a publication bias, since studies reporting on high NOx production have likely been published, while studies finding no or low amounts of NOx might have been rejected as errorneous or not significant. Second, many estimates of LNOx production in literature have been performed over the US, which is probably not representative for global lightning.
Unexpected detection of dystrophin gene deletions by array comparative genomic hybridization
Authors: Cottrell Catherine E. , Prior Thomas W. , Pyatt Robert , Astbury Caroline , Reshmi Shalini , Bartholomew Dennis , Atkin Joan , Manickam Kandamurugu , Thrush Devon Lamb , Pastore Matthew , Mendell Jerry , Tsao Chang‐Yong , al‐Dahhak Roula , Newmeyer Amy , Gastier‐Foster Julie M.
Published: August 2010

Array comparative genomic hybridization has increasingly become the standard of care to evaluate patients for genomic imbalance. As the patient population evaluated by microarray expands, there is certain to be an increase in the detection of unexpected, yet common diseases. When array results predict a late‐onset disorder or cancer predisposition, it becomes a challenge for physicians and counselors to adequately address with patients. Included in this study were three patients described with nonspecific phenotypic findings who underwent microarray testing to better define their disease etiology. An unexpected deletion within the dystrophin gene was observed in each case, despite that no patient was suspected of a dystrophinopathy at the time of testing. The patients included an 8‐day‐old male with a dystrophin deletion predictive of Becker muscular dystrophy, an 18‐month old female found to be the carrier of deletion, and a 4‐year‐8‐month‐old male with a deletion predictive of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. In this circumstance it becomes difficult to counsel the family, as well as to predict disease course when underlying medical conditions may exist. However, early detection may enable the patient to receive proactive treatment, and allows for screening of at‐risk family members. Ultimately, it is up to the clinician to promote informed decision‐making within the family prior to testing, and ensure that adequate counseling is provided during follow‐up. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Optimal Design with Optimal Uncertainty in Parameters and Control Variables
Authors: Longley A. W. , Douglas P. L.
Published: August 2010

This paper presents a method for determining the optimal process design while simultaneously choosing the optimal levels of parameter and decision variable uncertainty. The optimal level of uncertainty is valuable in accessing steady state control systems and justifying (or refuting) further laboratory or bench‐scale investigations of process parameters. Development of the method begins with the classical approach to optimal design, then progresses to include parameter uncertainty. Next, the development incorporates decision variable uncertainty into the optimization. Finally, parameter and decision variable uncertainties are optimized. The development is accompanied by a case study of a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR).
ChemInform Abstract: Crystal Structure of β‐Al2Te3.
Authors: CONRAD O. , SCHIEMANN A. , KREBS B.
Published: August 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis and Crystal Structure of a New Quaternary Compound: La3AgSe7Si.
Authors: LIN S.‐H. , MAO J.‐G. , GUO G.‐C. , HUANG J.‐S.
Published: August 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Growth and Some Properties of Cr11Ge19.
Authors: CAILLAT T. , FLEURIAL J.‐P. , BORSHCHEVSKY A.
Published: August 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Formation of Perovskite‐Type Compounds La0.5Ca0.5Mn1‐xTixO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5).
Authors: WANG K.‐Y. , ARCAS J. , CHEN D.‐X. , HERNANDO A.
Published: August 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.