bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stress-induced Aldosterone Hyper-Secretion in a Substantial Subset of Patients With Essential Hypertension
Authors: Markou Athina , Sertedaki Amalia , Kaltsas Gregory , Androulakis Ioannis I. , Marakaki Chrisanthi , Pappa Theodora , Gouli Aggeliki , Papanastasiou Labrini , Fountoulakis Stelios , Zacharoulis Achilles , Karavidas Apostolos , Ragkou Despoina , Charmandari Evangelia , Chrousos George P. , Piaditis George P.
Published: May 2015

Context:

Aldosterone (ALD) secretion is regulated mainly by angiotensin II, K+, and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) have effectively been used for the treatment of patients with hypertension who do not have primary aldosteronism (PA).

Objective:

We tested whether chronic stress–related ACTH-mediated ALD hypersecretion and/or zona glomerulosa hypersensitivity could be implicated in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension (ESHT).

Patients and Methods:

One hundred thirteen hypertensives without PA and 61 normotensive controls underwent an ultralow-dose (0.03-μg) ACTH stimulation and a treadmill test. Patients with ALD hyper-response according to the cutoffs obtained from controls received treatment with MRAs and underwent genomic DNA testing for the presence of the CYP11B1/CYP11B2 chimeric gene and KCNJ5 gene mutations. A control group of 22 patients with simple ESHT received treatment with MRAs.

Results:

Based on the cutoffs of ALD and aldosterone-to-renin ratio (ARR) post-ACTH stimulation obtained from controls, 30 patients (27%) exhibited an ALD but not cortisol (F) hyper-response (HYPER group). This group had no difference in basal ACTH/renin (REN) concentrations compared with controls and the 83 patients with hypertension (73%) without an ALD hyper-response to ACTH stimulation. Patients in the HYPER group demonstrated significantly higher ALD concentrations, ARR, and ALD/ACTH ratio (AAR) in the treadmill test. Treatment with MRAs alone produced normalization of blood pressure in these patients whereas patients with hypertension with neither PA nor ALD hyper-response to ACTH stimulation who served as a control group failed to lower blood pressure. Also, two novel germline heterozygous KCNJ5 mutations were detected in the HYPER group.

Conclusions:

A number of patients with hypertension without PA show ACTH-dependent ALD hyper-secretion and benefit from treatment with MRAs. This could be related to chronic stress via ACTH hyper secretion and/or gene-mutations increasing the zona glomerulosa responsiveness to excitatory stimuli.
The Order of a Smashed Window-Pane: Novel Elegy in Woolf’sThe Waves
Authors: Penner Erin Kay
Published: May 2015

In The Waves, the 1931 novel she called a “playpoem,” Virginia Woolf enacts a drama of modern elegy, using multiple elegists and elegiac subjects to challenge the terms by which speakers and subjects worthy of poetic mourning are defined. In doing so, Woolf frees the genre from the monumentalizing tendencies that dogged it after the First World War and suggests a broader purpose for what might strike many as an antiquated poetic genre. Woolf’s critique of elegy is political, ethical, and generic, as she rewrites the terms of the genre to make visible the mourners and subjects that traditional elegy erases. This essay begins by reconsidering familiar ground—the Bloomsbury Group and the Cambridge Apostles—in order to place Woolf’s work squarely in the middle of what might otherwise seem an old boys’ club of elegiac inheritance.
A(a)LS: Ammonia-induced amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Parekh Bhavin
Published: May 2015

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a dreadful, devastating and incurable motor neuron disease. Aetiologically, it is a multigenic, multifactorial and multiorgan disease. Despite intense research, ALS pathology remains unexplained. Following extensive literature review, this paper posits a new integrative explanation. This framework proposes that ammonia neurotoxicity is a main player in ALS pathogenesis. According to this explanation, a combination of impaired ammonia removal— mainly because of impaired hepatic urea cycle dysfunction—and increased ammoniagenesis— mainly because of impaired glycolytic metabolism in fast twitch skeletal muscle—causes chronic hyperammonia in ALS. In the absence of neuroprotective calcium binding proteins (calbindin, calreticulin and parvalbumin), elevated ammonia—a neurotoxin—damages motor neurons. Ammonia-induced motor neuron damage occurs through multiple mechanisms such as macroautophagy-endolysosomal impairment, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, CDK5 activation, oxidative/nitrosative stress, neuronal hyperexcitability and neuroinflammation. Furthermore, the regional pattern of calcium binding proteins’ loss, owing to either ER stress and/or impaired oxidative metabolism, determines clinical variability of ALS. Most importantly, this new framework can be generalised to explain other neurodegenerative disorders such as Huntington’s disease and Parkinsonism.
Interdisciplinary Natural Science Concepts and Modeling
Authors: Мансурова  , Mansurova Svetlana
Published: May 2015

The article considers approaches to the study of interdisciplinary science concepts based on their modeling. The manifestation of integrative trends in

education is shown, the concept of «interdisciplinary» is substantiated. methodological basis for identification of interdisciplinary science concepts of

energy and matter is defined. General scientific concept of «model» is presented as a method of cognition, «modeling» as a general learning — symbolic

of universal educational actions. the concept of «cognitive system» model is highlighted In relation to science education. It is proven that biological

patterns having the physic-chemical basis, have heuristic potential for modeling interdisciplinary science concepts within a system of cognitive models.

some models of physical-chemical-biological processes of transformation of matter and energy at different levels of the organization are presented.

Approaches to modeling interdisciplinary science concepts are considered from the viewpoint of formation of interdisciplinary learning outcomes.
Oil Rent Appropriation, Capital Accumulation, and Social Expenditure in Venezuela during Chavism
Authors: Juan Kornblihtt
Published: May 2015

Differential and absolute ground rent as extraordinary profit that remains permanent due to private ownership of non-reproducible conditions of production (Marx 2000) may be disputed by different classes and fractions of classes. The history of Venezuela can be analyzed as the history of this dispute over oil rent, mediated by the State. In this article, we will first study the amount of oil rent and the different ways by which it is appropriated, and second, its impact on capital accumulation of the industrial and non-oil sector as a whole. Last, we will analyze the particularities of oil rent distribution under the Chavist government compared to this distribution under former governments and its impact on the working class's standard of living.
Analysis on Neoclassic Equilibrium Theory of Price
Authors: Baoli Bai  , Ruixue Bai
Published: May 2015

The thesis analyzes the neoclassic price theory within the framework of value and price theory based on Marx's labor theory of value, and then illustrates the position, essence, and defects of neoclassic price theory. Moreover, it illustrates that scientific market price theory should be established on the basis of Marx's labor theory of value, which overcomes the defects of neoclassic price theory.
Análisis de la estructura factorial de la versión en portugués de la escala de autosilenciamiento.
Authors: Neves Sofia , Carneiro Pinto Joana , Nogueira Conceição
Published: May 2015

Este estudio se centra en la adaptación de la versión en portugués de la Escala de Autosilenciamiento (EAS; Neves, 2005) que está diseñada para evaluar el uso de esquemas cognitivos de autosilenciamiento en las relaciones íntimas. En este estudio participaron 371 mujeres, con una edad media de 22,36 años (DP = 2,69, mín. = 18, máx. = 31), que en esa época estaban involucradas en relaciones afectivas con una duración promedio de 39,65 meses. (DP = 33,93, mín. = 0,10; máx. = 192). Un análisis factorial exploratorio posterior sugiere una solución de tres factores, donde el primer factor incluye los ítems de la subescala de silenciamiento del self y del self dividido; el segundo incluye los ítems de la subescala de Provisión de cuidados como el autosacrificio, y el tercero incluye los ítems de la subescala de autopercepción externalizada. Los resultados del análisis factorial confirmatorio muestran índices generales de adecuación fiables, lo que confirma la calidad del ajuste del modelo a los datos empíricos (X2 /df = 1964, CFI = .862, GFI = 0,894, RMSEA = 0,051) en comparación con la prueba original. Se analizan las implicaciones para un estudio más profundo de la validez de constructo de la escala.
Intervención interactiva en los problemas de comportamiento infantil.
Authors: Vite Sierra Ariel , Alfaro Belmont Javier Nahúm , Pérez Pérez Areli Dayanth , Miranda García David
Published: May 2015

El objetivo del estudio fue examinar la efectividad de una estrategia de intervención con padres, basada en la perspectiva de la interacción social, a fin de disminuir los problemas de comportamiento infantil. Los participantes fueron 15 niños (11 niños y 4 niñas) con sus respectivas madres; las edades de los niños oscilaron entre los cinco y los ocho años, y el promedio de edad de las madres fue de 27.8 años. Se empleó un diseño experimental de caso único y se utilizaron procedimientos de enseñanza conductual como instrucciones, modelamiento, moldeamiento y retroalimentación visual. Se llevaron a cabo análisis de dependencias secuenciales y de secuencias temporales que son sensibles a los procesos de reforzamiento positivo y negativo que operan en las relaciones coercitivas. La intervención propició un aumento de la conducta prosocial en la madre y una disminución de la conducta aversiva infantil. Por otra parte, el cambio observado en la paternidad positiva parece mediar el cambio en los problemas de comportamiento infantil.
Variables asociadas a los malos tratos en el noviazgo en adolescentes y adultos jóvenes.
Authors: Rey-Anacona César Armando
Published: May 2015

Se comparó un grupo de adolescentes y jóvenes adultos solteros y sin hijos que ejerció por lo menos una conducta de maltrato hacia su pareja, con un grupo similar que no realizó este tipo de maltrato. Las variables tenidas en cuenta fueron el número de actos de violencia observados entre los padres, el porcentaje de participantes de acuerdo con afirmaciones a favor de la violencia en el matrimonio y su puntuación en rasgos agresivos y comunicación de pareja. Asimismo, se realizó un análisis correlacional entre la frecuencia de malos tratos informados y las demás variables. Participaron 417 varones y 485 mujeres, entre 15 y 35 años. Los participantes del primer grupo reportaron haber presenciado más actos de violencia entre sus padres, estuvieron más de acuerdo con afirmaciones a favor de la violencia en el matrimonio y se adjudicaron más rasgos agresivos, variables que correlacionaron positivamente con la frecuencia de malos tratos. Estos resultados señalan que estas variables deberían contemplarse en la evaluación, el tratamiento y en los programas de prevención de la violencia en el noviazgo.
Análise da produção científica em artigos sobre estudos transculturais na avaliação psicológica em bases online.
Authors: Rodrigues Azevedo Joly Maria Cristina , Bustamante Maria Inês , Da Silva Sales Oliveira Sandra Maria
Published: May 2015

O avanço da Avaliação Psicológica enquanto especialidade indica a necessidade de estudos para analisar e caracterizar sua produção científica para o direcionamento de futuras investigações. Nesse sentido, analisaram-se as publicações nacionais e internacionais de estudos transculturais em Avaliação Psicológica, no período de 1992 a 2010 presentes em bases de dados eletrônicas. Os descritores pesquisados foram avaliação psicológica, psicometria, testes psicológicos e transcultural. Analisaram-se 239 resumos de artigos, dos quais 79 referiam-se à temática. O maior número de publicações encontra-se nas revistas Qualis B2 da Psicologia, constituindo-se em 8% do total das publicações analisadas. A maioria dos estudos era de autoria de homens e mulheres e os anos de 2006 a 2010 apresentaram maior número de publicações. Quanto à metodologia de investigação, predominou a pesquisa de campo. ÿ necessário a normatização da publicação dos resumos de artigos científicos que, em sua maioria, possuem informações incompletas, o que dificulta sua recuperação na íntegra e inviabiliza uma análise completa da produção da área.
Modo de contacto : efecto sobre la adquisición y transferencia de una discriminación condicional de segundo orden y la emergencia de reglas.
Authors: León Alejandro
Published: May 2015

Se evaluó el efecto de cuatro modos de contacto (directo, morfología lingüística, observacional y directo más descripción) sobre la adquisición y transferencia de una discriminación condicional y la generación de descripciones tipo regla. Participaron dieciséis universitarios experimentalmente ingenuos, con edades entre 18 y 21 años. Se utilizó un diseño intragrupo con prueba inicial, entrenamiento, tarea de generación de regla y pruebas de transferencia (extrainstancia, extramodal y extrarrelacional), con igualación a la muestra de segundo orden como tarea experimental base. Los resultados sugieren que: a) tanto el modo observacional -sin componentes instrumentales- como el de morfología lingüística -sin contacto perceptual directo con los arreglos- permiten la adquisición y transferencia de la discriminación condicional, así como la emergencia de reglas; y b) no hay una relación consistente entre la emergencia de reglas y la transferencia extrarrelacional efectiva. Los resultados se discuten en torno a la necesidad de: a) contacto directo con las contingencias para la transferencia y la emergencia de reglas, b) participación de un segmento lingüístico (i.e. regla) para la transferencia extrarrelacional efectiva.
Efectos de variar la posición espacial de los estímulos en la adquisición y transferencia de discriminaciones condicionales en humanos.
Authors: De la Sancha Villa Enoc Obed , Guzmán-Díaz Gelacio , Serrano Mario
Published: May 2015

Se evaluaron los efectos de variar la posición espacial de los estímulos de muestra y de comparación de una tarea de igualación a la muestra sobre la adquisición y transferencia intramodal y extramodal de discriminaciones condicionales por humanos. En el estudio participaron tres grupos de estudiantes universitarios. Entre grupos, las cuatro relaciones de igualación entrenadas se correlacionaron diferencialmente con cuatro posiciones espaciales de los estímulos de comparación (Grupo 1), con cuatro posiciones espaciales de los estímulos de muestra (Grupo 2) o bien con cuatro figuras geométricas (Grupo 3). La ejecución en las pruebas de transferencia intramodal y extramodal fue superior al criterio de ejecución preestablecido experimentalmente para la mayoría de los participantes del Grupo 1. En los otros dos grupos únicamente la mitad de los participantes alcanzó una ejecución similar. Estos resultados concuerdan con la clasificación de los casos paradigmáticos de la función selectora de la propuesta taxonómica de Ribes y López (1985) y sugieren un efecto positivo de la variabilidad en las condiciones de entrenamiento sobre la transferencia de la ejecución.
Does Age Affect the Relationship Between Pain and Disability? A Descriptive Study in Individuals Suffering From Chronic Low Back Pain
Authors: Houde Francis , Cabana François , Léonard Guillaume
Published: May 2015

Background:

Previous studies have revealed a weak to moderate relationship between pain and disability in individuals suffering from low back pain (LBP). However, to our knowledge, no studies have evaluated if this relationship is different between young and older adults.

Purpose:

The objective of this descriptive, cross-sectional study was to determine whether the relationship between LBP intensity and physical disability is different between young and older adults.

Methods:

Pain intensity (measured with a visual analog scale) and physical disability scores (measured with the Oswestry Disability Index) were collected from the medical files of 164 patients with LBP. Separate Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated between these 2 variables for young (mean age 40 ± 6 years, n = 82) and older (62 ± 9 years, n = 82) individuals and a Fisher r-to-z transformation was used to test for group differences in the strength of the relationship. Linear regression analyses were also performed to determine whether the slope of the association was different between the 2 groups.

Results:

A significant and positive association was found between pain intensity and disability for both young and older individuals. However, the correlation was stronger in the young group (r = 0.66; P < .01) than in the older group (r = 0.44; P < .01) (Fisher Z = 2.03; P < .05). The linear regression model also revealed that the slope of the relationship was steeper in the young group (P < .05).

Conclusion:

Although both young and older individuals showed a significant association between pain intensity and disability, the relationship between these 2 variables was more tenuous in older individuals than in young patients. Future research is essential to identify the factors underlying this age-related difference.
MANAGEMENT OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Secondary osteoporosis: pathophysiology and management
Authors: Mirza Faryal , Canalis Ernesto
Published: May 2015

Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder characterized by decreased mass and compromised bone strength predisposing to an increased risk of fractures. Although idiopathic osteoporosis is the most common form of osteoporosis, secondary factors may contribute to the bone loss and increased fracture risk in patients presenting with fragility fractures or osteoporosis. Several medical conditions and medications significantly increase the risk for bone loss and skeletal fragility. This review focuses on some of the common causes of osteoporosis, addressing the underlying mechanisms, diagnostic approach and treatment of low bone mass in the presence of these conditions.
S6 kinase signaling: tamoxifen response and prognostic indication in two breast cancer cohorts
Authors: Bostner Josefine , Karlsson Elin , Eding Cecilia Bivik , Perez-Tenorio Gizeh , Franzén Hanna , Konstantinell Aelita , Fornander Tommy , Nordenskjöld Bo , Stål Olle
Published: May 2015

Detection of signals in the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and the estrogen receptor (ER) pathways may be a future clinical tool for the prediction of adjuvant treatment response in primary breast cancer. Using immunohistological staining, we investigated the value of the mTOR targets p70-S6 kinase (S6K) 1 and 2 as biomarkers for tamoxifen benefit in two independent clinical trials comparing adjuvant tamoxifen with no tamoxifen or 5 years versus 2 years of tamoxifen treatment. In addition, the prognostic value of the S6Ks was evaluated. We found that S6K1 correlated with proliferation, HER2 status, and cytoplasmic AKT activity, whereas high protein expression levels of S6K2 and phosphorylated (p) S6K were more common in ER-positive, and low-proliferative tumors with pAKT-s473 localized to the nucelus. Nuclear accumulation of S6K1 was indicative of a reduced tamoxifen effect (hazard ratio (HR): 1.07, 95% CI: 0.53–2.81,P=0.84), compared with a significant benefit from tamoxifen treatment in patients without tumor S6K1 nuclear accumulation (HR: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.29–0.62,P<0.00001). Also S6K1 and S6K2 activation, indicated by pS6K-t389 expression, was associated with low benefit from tamoxifen (HR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.50–1.87,P=0.92). In addition, high protein expression of S6K1, independent of localization, predicted worse prognosis in a multivariate analysis,P=0.00041 (cytoplasm),P=0.016 (nucleus). In conclusion, the mTOR-activated kinases S6K1 and S6K2 interfere with proliferation and response to tamoxifen. Monitoring their activity and intracellular localization may provide biomarkers for breast cancer treatment, allowing the identification of a group of patients less likely to benefit from tamoxifen and thus in need of an alternative or additional targeted treatment.
Structural and functional consequences of succinate dehydrogenase subunit B mutations
Authors: Kim E , Rath E M , Tsang V H M , Duff A P , Robinson B G , Church W B , Benn D E , Dwight T , Clifton-Bligh R J
Published: May 2015

Mitochondrial dysfunction, due to mutations of the gene encoding succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), has been implicated in the development of adrenal phaeochromocytomas, sympathetic and parasympathetic paragangliomas, renal cell carcinomas, gastrointestinal stromal tumours and more recently pituitary tumours. Underlying mechanisms behind germline SDH subunit B (SDHB) mutations and their associated risk of disease are not clear. To investigate genotype–phenotype correlation of SDH subunit B (SDHB) variants, a homology model for humanSDHwas developed from a crystallographic structure.SDHBmutations were mapped, and biochemical effects of these mutations were predictedin silico. Results of structural modelling indicated that many mutations withinSDHBare predicted to cause either failure of functionalSDHBexpression (p.Arg27*, p.Arg90*, c.88delC and c.311delAinsGG), or disruption of the electron path (p.Cys101Tyr, p.Pro197Arg and p.Arg242His). GFP-tagged WTSDHBand mutantSDHBconstructs were transfected (HEK293) to determine biological outcomes of these mutantsin vitro. According toin silicopredictions, specificSDHBmutations resulted in impaired mitochondrial localisation and/or SDH enzymatic activity. These results indicated strong genotype–functional correlation forSDHBvariants. This study reveals new insights into the effects ofSDHBmutations and the power of structural modelling in predicting biological consequences. We predict that our functional assessment ofSDHBmutations will serve to better define specific consequences for SDH activity as well as to provide a much needed assay to distinguish pathogenic mutations from benign variants.
Germ Cell Segregation from the Drosophila Soma Is Controlled by an Inhibitory Threshold Set by the Arf-GEF Steppke
Authors: Lee Donghoon M , Wilk Ronit , Hu Jack , Krause Henry M , Harris Tony J C
Published: May 2015

Germline cells segregate from the soma to maintain their totipotency, but the cellular mechanisms of this segregation are unclear. The Drosophila melanogaster embryo forms a posterior group of primordial germline cells (PGCs) by their division from the syncytial soma. Extended plasma membrane furrows enclose the PGCs in response to the germ plasm protein Germ cell-less (Gcl) and Rho1–actomyosin activity. Recently, we found that loss of the Arf-GEF Steppke (Step) leads to similar Rho1-dependent plasma membrane extensions but from pseudocleavage furrows of the soma. Here, we report that the loss of step also leads to premature formation of a large cell group at the anterior pole of the embryo . These anterior cells lacked germ plasm, but budded and formed at the same time as posterior PGCs, and then divided asynchronously as PGCs also do. With genetic analyses we found that Step normally activates Arf small G proteins and antagonizes Rho1–actomyosin pathways to inhibit anterior cell formation. A uniform distribution of step mRNA around the one-cell embryo cortex suggested that Step restricts cell formation through a global control mechanism. Thus, we examined the effect of Step on PGC formation at the posterior pole. Reducing Gcl or Rho1 levels decreased PGC numbers, but additional step RNAi restored their numbers. Reciprocally, GFP–Step overexpression induced dosage- and Arf-GEF-dependent loss of PGCs, an effect worsened by reducing Gcl or actomyosin pathway activity. We propose that a global distribution of Step normally sets an inhibitory threshold for Rho1 activity to restrict early cell formation to the posterior.
Change in organizational justice and job performance in Japanese employees: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Nakagawa Yuko , Inoue Akiomi , Kawakami Norito , Tsuno Kanami , Tomioka Kimiko , Nakanishi Mayuko , Mafune Kosuke , Hiro Hisanori
Published: May 2015

Change in organizational justice and job performance in Japanese employees: A prospective cohort study: Yuko Nakagawa, et al. Department of Health Policy and Management, Graduate School of Medical Science, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan

Objective

The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of one‐year change in organizational justice (i.e., procedural justice and interactional justice) with job performance in Japanese employees.

Methods

This study surveyed 425 men and 683 women from a manufacturing company in Japan. Self‐administered questionnaires, including the Organizational Justice Questionnaire (OJQ), the World Health Organization Health and Work Performance Questionnaire (WHO‐HPQ) and the scales on demographic characteristics, were administered at baseline (August 2009). At one‐year follow‐up (August 2010), the OJQ and WHO‐HPQ were used again to assess organizational justice and job performance. The change in organizational justice was measured by dichotomizing each OJQ subscale score by median at baseline and follow‐up, and the participants were classified into four groups (i.e., stable low, adverse change, favorable change and stable high). Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was employed.

Results

After adjusting for demographic and occupational characteristics and job performance at baseline, the groups classified based on the change in procedural justice differed significantly in job performance at followup (ANCOVA: F [3, 1097]=4.35, p<0.01). Multiple comparisons revealed that the stable high procedural justice group had significantly higher job performance at follow‐up compared with the stable low procedural justice group. The groups classified based on change in interactional justice did not differ significantly in job performance at follow‐up (p>0.05).

Conclusions

The present findings suggest that keeping the level of procedural justice high predicts higher levels of job performance, whereas the psychosocial factor of interactional justice is not so important for predicting job performance.
Evaluation of urinary cyclohexanediols and cyclohexanol as biomarkers of occupational exposure to cyclohexane
Authors: Takeuchi Akito , Ogawa Yoshihiro , Endo Yoko , Kawai Toshio , Namera Akira , Yamamuro Kenji , Sumino Kimiaki , Endo Ginji
Published: May 2015

Evaluation of urinary cyclohexanediols and cyclohexanol as biomarkers of occupational exposure to cyclohexane: Akito Takeuchi, et al. Osaka Occupational Health Service Center, Japan Industrial Safety and Health Association

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to comparatively evaluate the usefulness of urinary cyclohexanediols (CHdiols‐U) and cyclohexanol (CHol‐U) as biomarkers of occupational exposure to cyclohexane (CH).

Methods

Sixteen subjects (14 men and 2 women) were exposed to CH during proof‐printing work. Personal exposure monitoring was conducted during the whole shift on the last working day of the week. The time‐weighted average level of exposure to CH (CH‐A) was measured using a diffusive sampler. Two urine samples were collected from each worker at different times during the same week: a baseline urine sample (before the first shift of the working week, after a 5‐day holiday with no CH exposure) and an end‐of‐shift urine sample (after the last shift of the same working week, the same day personal exposure monitoring was conducted). CH‐A, CHdiols‐U and CHol‐U were determined using a gas chromatograph‐flame ionization detector.

Results

The CH‐A concentrations ranged from 4.5 to 60.3 ppm, with a geometric mean (GM) of 18.1 ppm. The GMs and ranges (in parenthesis) of the creatinine (cr)‐corrected end‐of‐shift 1,2‐CHdiol‐U, 1,4CHdiol‐U and CHol‐U concentrations were 12.1 (4.1−36.6), 7.5 (2.4−20.1) and 0.4 (0.2−1.0) mg/g cr, respectively. Both CHdiols‐U at the end of the shift were significantly correlated with CH‐A (correlation coefficients for 1,2‐CHdiol‐U and 1,4‐CHdiol‐U of 0.852 and 0.847, respectively). No correlation was observed between CH‐A and CHol‐U.

Conclusions

CHdiols‐U at the end of the last shift of the working week are suitable biomarkers of occupational exposure to CH, but CHol‐U is not suitable.
Estimation of biological occupational exposure limit values for selected organic solvents from logartihm of octarol water partition coefficient
Authors: Kawai Toshio , Sakurai Haruhiko , Ikeda Masayuki
Published: May 2015

Estimation of biological occupational exposure limit values for selected organic solvents from logartihm of octarol water partition coefficient: Toshio Kawai, et al. Osaka Occupational Health Service Center, Japan Industrial Safety and Health Association

Objective

For several organic solvents (solvents in short), biological occupational exposure limits (BOELs) have been established for unmetabolized solvents in urine, based on the solvent exposure‐urinary excretion relationship. This study was initiated to investigate the possibiliy of estimating a BOEL from the Pow (the partition coefficient between n‐octyl alcohol and water), a physico‐chemical parameter.

Methods

Data were available in the literatures for exposure‐excretion relationship with regard to 10 solvents for men and 7 solvents for women.

Results

Statistical analysis revealed that the slopes (after correction for molecular weights and logarithmic conversion) of the exposure‐excretion regression lines linearly correlated (p<0.01) with the log Pow values the respective solvents. No significant difference (p>0.05) was observed between men and women, and it was acceptable to combine the data for the two sexes. Thus the log Pow‐log slope relation was represented by a single equation for both sexes. Based on the observations, procedures were established to estimate BOEL values from Pow . Successful estimations of BOELs for styrene, tetrahydrofuran and m‐xylene (a representative of xylene isomers) were calculated as examples.

Conclusions

The present study proposed promising procedures for estimation of a BOEL from the Pow .
What is a Ca2+ wave? Is it like an Electrical Wave?
Authors: Boyden Penelope A , Dun Wen , Stuyvers Bruno D ,   Department of Pharmacology, Columbia University, 630 W 168th St NY NY 10032 US. E: Pab4@cumc.columbia.edu,   Department of Pharmacology, Columbia University, New York,   Faculty of Medicine, Division of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. Johns, NL, Canada
Published: May 2015

Arrhythmia subcellular mechanisms are constantly being explored. Recent knowledge has shown that travelling Ca2+waves in cardiac cells are critical for delayed afterdepolarisations and in some cases, early afterdepolarisations. In this review, we comment on the properties of cardiac Ca2+waves and abnormal Ca2+releases in terms of properties used to describe electrical waves; propagation, excitability and refractoriness.
Science Linking Pulmonary Veins and Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Mahida Saagar , Sacher Frederic , Derval Nicolas , Berte Benjamin , Yamashita Seigo , Hooks Darren , Denis Arnaud , Amraoui Sana , Hocini Meleze , Haissaguerre Michel , Jais Pierre ,   Hôpital Cardiologique du Haut-Lévêque and Université Victor Segalen Bordeaux II, Bordeaux, France,   Hôpital Cardiologique du Haut-Lévêque and Université Victor Segalen Bordeaux II, Bordeaux, France,   Hôpital Cardiologique du Haut-Lévêque and Université Victor Segalen Bordeaux II, Bordeaux, France,   Hôpital Cardiologique du Haut-Lévêque and Université Victor Segalen Bordeaux II, Bordeaux, France,   Hôpital Cardiologique du Haut-Lévêque and Université Victor Segalen Bordeaux II, Bordeaux, France,   Hôpital Cardiologique du Haut-Lévêque and Université Victor Segalen Bordeaux II, Bordeaux, France,   Hôpital Cardiologique du Haut-Lévêque and Université Victor Segalen Bordeaux II, Bordeaux, France,   Hôpital Cardiologique du Haut-Lévêque and Université Victor Segalen Bordeaux II, Bordeaux, France,   Hôpital Cardiologique du Haut-Lévêque and Université Victor Segalen Bordeaux II, Bordeaux, France,   Hôpital Cardiologique du Haut-Lévêque and Université Victor Segalen Bordeaux II, Bordeaux, France,   Hôpital Cardiologique du Haut-Lévêque and Université Victor Segalen Bordeaux II, Bordeaux, Avenue de Magellan, 33604 Pessac, France. E: saagar7m7@yahoo.co.uk
Published: May 2015

Over the past few decades, significant progress has been made in understanding the mechanistic basis of atrial fibrillation (AF). One of the most important discoveries in this context has been that pulmonary veins (PV) play a prominent role in the pathogenesis of AF. PV isolation has since become the most widely used technique for treatment of paroxysmal AF. Multiple studies have demonstrated that the electrophysiological and anatomical characteristics of PVs create a proarrhythmogenic substrate. The following review discusses the mechanistic links between PVs and AF.
Role of Rotors in the Ablative Therapy of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Schricker Amir A , Zaman Junaid , Narayan Sanjiv M ,   Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of California San Diego Medical Center, San Diego, US,   Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford Medicine, Stanford, California, US,   Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford Medicine, 780 Welch Road, Suite CJ250F, Stanford, US, CA 94305. E: sanjiv1@stanford.edu
Published: May 2015

Atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is increasingly used to maintain sinus rhythm yet its results are sub-optimal, especially in patients with persistent AF or prior unsuccessful procedures. Attempts at improvement have often targeted substrates that sustain AF after it is triggered, yet those mechanisms are debated. Many studies now challenge the concept that AF is driven by self-sustaining disordered wavelets, showing instead that localised drivers (rotors) may drive disorder via a process known as fibrillatory conduction. Novel mapping using wide-area recordings, physiological filtering and phase analysis demonstrates rotors in human AF. Contact mapping with focal impulse and rotor modulation (FIRM) shows that localised ablation at sources can improve procedural success in many populations on long-term follow up and some newer approaches to rotor mapping are qualitatively similar. This review critically evaluates the data on rotor mapping and ablation, which advances our conceptual understanding of AF and holds the promise of substantially improving ablative outcomes in patients with persistent AF.
Multidisciplinary Undergraduate Research Team via Independent Study Courses
Authors: Gipson Kyle G.
Published: May 2015

Undergraduate students from Engineering, Physics, Geology & Chemistry come together to form multidisciplinary teams as part of an undergraduate research opportunity through a sequence of independent study classes within the Department of Engineering at James Madison University. The undergraduate research groups typically contain students from freshman to senior years, totaling approximately three to eight students per academic year per group. One of the primary objectives is to provide a high-level research experience for undergraduates in a nurturing environment within the academic year. Peer-mentoring is integral piece to the team dynamics. The course sequence that facilitates the research opportunity is constructed in order for students to produce research that can be applied to obtaining a minor in Materials Science. Methodologies employed in the course range from problem-based learning, inquiry-based learning, and collaborative efforts with outside entities. The course objectives are geared towards developing critical & creative thinking, technical writing and oral communication skills through the development of planned action & experiments with data analysis as well as submitting findings to be presented at regional and national conferences.
Mentoring Undergraduate Students in Computational Materials Research
Authors: Zou Jie
Published: May 2015

Computation has become an increasingly important tool in materials science. Compared to experimental research, which requires facilities that are often beyond the financial capability of primarily-undergraduate institutions, computation provides a more affordable approach. In the Physics Department at Eastern Illinois University (EIU), students have opportunities to participate in computational materials research. In this paper, I will discuss our approach to involving undergraduate students in this area. Specifically, I will discuss (i) how to prepare undergraduate students for computational research, (ii) how to motivate and recruit students to participate in computational research, and (iii) how to select and design undergraduate projects in computational materials science. Suggestions on how similar approaches can be implemented at other institutions are also given.
Management of communal land and property resources in the context of municipal development — the example of Bobolice municipality
Authors: Gorzelany-Plesińska Julia , Rewkowska Monika
Published: May 2015

The article contains the analysis and evaluation of the management of communal land and property resources, or the real estate pool, in the Bobolice municipality, as well as the impact of the
said management on the municipality’s development. The analysis consisted in the assessment of
municipal real estate management from the point of view of the municipal finance and economy.
Reports from the municipal budget implementation for the years 2009–2013 have been assessed,
with the focus on costs and revenues pertaining to municipal real estate resources. Subsequently,
indices have been proposed, which determine whether the management of communal land and
property resources has an impact upon municipal development. Values which the indices have
reached served to demonstrate that the revenue from municipal real estate is so low as it cannot
significantly stimulate the development of the municipality, whereas the costs of preparing the
real estate for investment purposes was not covered. However, when municipal investment is
taken into account, it should be stated that the management of communal land and property
resources does support municipal development of the studied municipality in a long-term perspective. The article shows the management of communal land and property resources through
the lens of financial indices, however, there are also non-financial factors, which have a significant impact on the effectiveness of real estate management in the given municipality.
Recharge contribution to the Guarani Aquifer System estimated from the water balance method in a representative watershed
Authors: Wendland Edson , Gomes Luis H. , Troeger Uwe
Published: May 2015

The contribution of recharge to regional groundwater flow systems is essential information required to establish sustainable water resources management. The objective of this work was to determine the groundwater outflow in the Ribeirão da Onça Basin using a water balance model of the saturated soil zone. The basin is located in the outcrop region of the Guarani Aquifer System (GAS). The water balance method involved the determination of direct recharge values, groundwater storage variation and base flow. The direct recharge was determined by the water table fluctuation method (WTF). The base flow was calculated by the hydrograph separation method, which was generated by a rain-flow model supported by biweekly streamflow measurements in the control section. Undisturbed soil samples were collected at depths corresponding to the variation zone of the groundwater level to determine the specific yield of the soil (drainable porosity). Water balances were performed in the saturated zone for the hydrological years from February 2004 to January 2007. The direct recharge ranged from 14.0% to 38.0%, and groundwater outflow from 0.4% to 2.4% of the respective rainfall during the same period.
Study of digoxin use in a public health unit
Authors: Souza Felipe C. , Marques Emiliana B. , Scaramello Rogério B.M. , Christianne B.V.
Published: May 2015

Digoxin is used for heart failure associated to systolic dysfunction and high ventricular rate. It has a narrow therapeutic range and intoxication may occur due to drug interactions or comorbidities. The aim of this work was to study digoxin use in a public health unit delineating the profile of patients susceptible to digitalis intoxication. Medical records belonging to patients admitted to the cardiomyopathy ward of the health unit (2009-2010) and in use of digoxin were analyzed. Among 647 patients admitted, 185 individuals using digoxin and possessed records available. The registration of plasma digoxin concentration was found in 80 records and it was out of the therapeutic range in 42 patients (52.5%). This group of individuals was constituted mainly by males patients (79%), functional class III of heart failure (65%), exhibiting renal failure (33%). The evaluated sample reflects the epidemiology of heart failure in Brazil and, although pharmacotherapy had been according to Brazilian Guidelines, apparently the monitoring was not performed as recommended. This work highlighs the necessity of plasma digoxin constant monitoring during pharmacotherapy and the development of protocols that enable a safer use, especially in male patients, functional class III and with renal dysfunction.
Associação entre sobrepeso, obesidade e transtornos mentais comuns em nutricionistas
Authors: Silva Tânia Muzy da , Aguiar Odaleia Barbosa de , Fonseca Maria de Jesus Mendes da
Published: May 2015

Objetivo Analisar a associação entre sobrepeso, obesidade e transtornos mentais comuns em profissionais nutricionistas da rede pública de hospitais do município do Rio de Janeiro. Métodos Estudo seccional, com 289 nutricionistas de hospitais públicos do município do Rio de Janeiro, de outubro de 2011 a agosto de 2012. Foi utilizado o índice de massa corporal (kg/m2) pela aferição de peso e altura, e os transtornos mentais comuns (TMC) pelo General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Variáveis sociodemográficas (SES), laborativas e de saúde também foram incluídas no estudo. Resultados As prevalências de sobrepeso, de obesidade e de TMC foram de 32,3%, 15,3% e 37,7%, respectivamente. A análise múltipla não apresentou associação significativa após o ajuste pelas variáveis SES, laborativas e de saúde (OR = 0,60; IC95% 0,32-1,10 para sobrepeso e OR = 1,09; IC95% 0,50-2,37 para obesidade). Conclusão Não encontramos associação entre sobrepeso, obesidade e TMC. Entretanto, as prevalências desses eventos na população estudada foram consideradas altas, o que aponta para a necessidade de estratégias de prevenção e promoção da saúde por se tratar de uma população de trabalhadoras envolvidas com o cuidado da população.
Preocupação com a forma do corpo de graduandos de Farmácia-Bioquímica
Authors: Martins Bianca Gonzalez , Silva Wanderson Roberto , Campos Juliana Alvares Duarte Bonini
Published: May 2015

Objetivo Identificar a preocupação com a forma do corpo de estudantes de Farmácia-Bioquímica e sua relação com variáveis sociais e laborais e com o estado nutricional. Métodos Participaram 346 discentes com média de idade de 20,2 (DP = 2,4) anos, sendo 278 (80,3%) do sexo feminino. Utilizou-se o Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ). As validades fatorial e convergente e a consistência interna (α) do BSQ foram estimadas. Utilizaram-se como índices de ajustamento o qui-quadrado pelos graus de liberdade (χ2/gl), o Comparative Fit Index (CFI), o Normed Fit Index (NFI) e o Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA). O escore médio de preocupação com a forma do corpo foi obtido por meio de algoritmo gerado na análise fatorial confirmatória. Para comparar os escores médios segundo as variáveis de interesse, utilizou-se Análise de Variância (ANOVA). Resultados O BSQ apresentou, para a amostra de estudo, adequada validade (χ2/gl = 3,29; CFI = 0,87, NFI = 0,82, RMSEA = 0,08) e confiabilidade (α = 0,97) após ajustamento. Verificou-se que as mulheres (p < 0,001) apresentaram maior preocupação com a forma do corpo que os homens. Além disso, os estudantes que avaliaram o curso como pior que as expectativas iniciais (p = 0,048), que consomem medicamentos por causa dos estudos (p < 0,001), que já pensaram em desistir do curso (p = 0,002) e foram classificados com sobrepeso/obesidade (p < 0,001) também apresentaram alta preocupação com a forma do corpo. Conclusão As varáveis sexo, avaliação em relação ao curso, ingestão de medicamentos por causa dos estudos, pensamento em desistir do curso e o estado nutricional apresentaram relação significativa com a preocupação com a forma do corpo entre os estudantes.
Suicídio no Brasil, de 2000 a 2012
Authors: Machado Daiane Borges , Santos Darci Neves dos
Published: May 2015

Objetivos Identificar as causas e o perfil das vítimas, analisar a mortalidade nos últimos 13 anos e mapear mudanças assistenciais e socioeconômicas. Métodos Utilizaram-se dados do SIM e Datasus. Calcularam-se as proporções das causas de suicídio segundo as categorias do CID10, X60-X84, estratificando-se por lesões (X70-X84) e autointoxicações (X60-X69). Analisaram-se as incidências por raça/cor, escolaridade e faixa etária, de 2000 a 2012. Compararam-se variações na mortalidade por suicídio com mudanças regionais nos indicadores de cobertura, características socioeconômicas e demográficas. Resultados As maiores causas de suicídio foram enforcamento, lesão por armas de fogo e autointoxicação por pesticidas. Os mais acometidos foram os menos escolarizados, indígenas (132% superior à população geral) ou maiores de 59 anos (29% superior). As taxas entre homens são três vezes maiores em todas as regiões, embora tenha maior crescimento entre as mulheres (35%). A mortalidade mais elevada se encontra na região Sul (9,8/100.000) e o maior crescimento percentual, no Nordeste (72,4%). Conclusão A mortalidade por suicídio continua a crescer no país, com importantes variações regionais. A assistência à saúde também apresenta inequidades regionais, com importantes lacunas nos serviços de saúde. O Brasil ainda carece de programas governamentais que trabalhem efetivamente na prevenção do suicídio. Considera-se necessário estabelecer uma estratégia nacional de prevenção focalizando as populações de maior risco identificadas: índios, pessoas com menor escolaridade, homens e maiores de 60 anos, além da necessidade de ampliar a vigilância na comercialização ilegal de pesticidas.
Estudos psicométricos de instrumentos breves de rastreio para múltiplos transtornos mentais
Authors: Bolsoni Lívia Maria , Zuardi Antonio Waldo
Published: May 2015

Objetivo Realizar uma revisão sistemática sobre as características psicométricas de instrumentos breves para rastreamento de múltiplos transtornos mentais em cuidados primários de saúde. Métodos Revisão sistemática da literatura nas bases de dados PubMed, Lilacs, SciELO e ISI, de artigos publicados até abril de 2014, utilizando descritores sobre rastreamento breve de múltiplos transtornos mentais em cuidados primários de saúde. Resultados Foram obtidos 277 estudos e selecionados 15 após a aplicação dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Oito estudos analisaram confiabilidade e/ou consistência interna e os resultados mostraram índices bastante satisfatórios. Nos artigos selecionados, estavam presentes as análises das validades preditiva, concorrente e discriminante. Conclusão As escalas de rastreamento são úteis para a triagem de pacientes com possíveis transtornos mentais, e o uso desses instrumentos melhoraria a capacidade de detecção desses transtornos em cuidados primários de saúde.