bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deficiência auditiva referida por idosos no Município de São Paulo, Brasil: prevalência e fatores associados (Estudo SABE, 2006)
Authors: Cruz Mariana Sodario , Lima Maria Cristina Pereira , Santos Jair Licio Ferreira , Duarte Yeda Aparecida de Oliveira , Lebrão Maria Lucia , Ramos-Cerqueira Ana Teresa de Abreu
Published: August 2012

O objetivo foi estimar a prevalência de deficiência auditiva referida numa população de idosos de São Paulo, Brasil e verificar os fatores associados, mediante pesquisa transversal, descritiva e quantitativa. A amostra foi composta por sujeitos acima de 65 anos derivada de setores censitários em dois estágios, com reposição e probabilidade proporcional à população para pessoas com 75 anos ou mais. A análise estatística foi realizada no software Stata 10, com dados ponderados, utilizando-se o teste de Rao-Scott e a regressão de Poisson do tipo stepwise backward. Foram entrevistados 1.115 idosos com prevalência de deficiência auditiva referida de 30,4%, maior em idades mais avançadas, no sexo masculino, em sujeitos com doenças osteoarticulares referidas, queixa de vertigem e/ou tontura, deficiência visual referida e com dificuldades para o uso do telefone. O conhecimento da prevalência e dos fatores associados à deficiência auditiva pode auxiliar na elaboração das políticas públicas relacionadas à audição, sendo imprescindível a abordagem deste tema com a população idosa, por conta da importante ocorrência encontrada.
Distúrbios musculoesqueléticos em trabalhadores do setor saúde de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil
Authors: Barbosa Rose Elizabeth Cabral , Assunção Ada Ávila , Araújo Tânia Maria de
Published: August 2012

Estudo transversal que investigou a prevalência de distúrbios musculoesqueléticos e os fatores associados em uma amostra de 1.808 sujeitos do universo de 13.602 trabalhadores do sistema municipal de saúde de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil. A prevalência foi avaliada com base no autorrelato de dor nos membros superiores, membros inferiores e dorso; a magnitude das associações foi estimada por meio da regressão de Poisson, em modelos univariados (p < 0,20) e multivariados (p < 0,05). A prevalência de distúrbios musculoesqueléticos foi de 49,9%; e permaneceu positivamente associada a ser do sexo feminino; viver com um companheiro; praticar atividade física menos que duas vezes por semana; relato compatível com transtorno mental comum; exercer cargos de dentista, técnico de odontologia e agente comunitário de saúde; alta demanda física e condições de trabalho inadequadas. Os resultados confirmam a complexidade dos distúrbios musculoesqueléticos e indicam pistas para a elaboração de programas de promoção da saúde nos estabelecimentos sanitários.
Agricultura familiar, multifuncionalidade da agricultura e ruralidade: interfaces de uma realidade complexa
Authors: Camargo Regina Aparecida Leite de , Oliveira Julieta Teresa Aier de
Published: August 2012

Nas últimas décadas, assistimos à revitalização do debate em torno da agricultura familiar pela incorporação das discussões sobre as múltiplas funções da agricultura num rural que não pode mais ser visto como domínio exclusivo da atividade agrícola e dos agricultores. No contexto brasileiro, acreditamos que essa discussão deva ser permeada pela análise de como processos diferenciados de distribuição fundiária e desenvolvimento econômico e o tipo de agricultura resultante geram ruralidades específicas com características como, no caso da agricultura familiar, a manutenção de práticas sociais e de trabalho marcadas pelas relações de parentesco e vizinhança presentes numa sociedade de interconhecimento. Partindo desse princípio, este trabalho analisa a agricultura familiar de um bairro rural do município de Ouro Fino - MG, sua herança histórica e sua participação na criação de uma paisagem natural e humana que muito contribui para a atratividade da região.
Caracterização estrutural de nanocompósitos de blendas HDPE/LLDPE e OMMT obtidos por diferentes sequências de mistura
Authors: Passador Fabio R. , Ruvolo Filho Adhemar C. , Pessan Luiz A.
Published: August 2012

Nanocompósitos de blendas de polietileno de alta densidade (HDPE) com polietileno linear de baixa densidade (LLDPE) e OMMT (montmorilonita organofílica) foram preparados em um reômetro de torque, utilizando-se como sistema compatibilizante uma mistura de HDPE-g-MA e LLDPE-g-MA, ambos com 1% de anidrido maleico. O efeito de cinco sequências de mistura na formação da microestrutura dos nanocompósitos foi estudado. A caracterização estrutural foi realizada por análises de difração de raio X de alto ângulo (WAXD), microscopia eletrônica de transmissão (MET) e comportamento reológico em regime permanente de deformação. Os resultados mostraram que a formação da microestrutura depende da ordem de mistura dos componentes e a utilização de mistura de dois agentes compatibilizantes miscíveis com os constituintes da matriz auxiliou na distribuição da polaridade, facilitando a dispersão das nanoargilas por toda a matriz. Dentre as sequências estudadas, as que a nanoargila foi primeiramente misturada com componentes de menor viscosidade e cristalinidade (LLDPE e/ou LLDPE-g-MA) apresentaram melhor dispersão e distribuição da nanoargila na blenda polimérica.
Entre a justiça e a solidariedade: a cidadania que se exerce na Polícia Civil brasileira
Authors: Ribeiro Ludmila , Lemgruber Julita , Silva Klarissa Almeida
Published: August 2012

Pretende-se discutir o papel da Polícia Civil em um cenário democrático, quando a cidadania deveria encontrar-se plenamente institucionalizada. Para tanto, serão utilizadas informações (quantitativas e qualitativas) referentes a 235 delegacias brasileiras, coletadas no âmbito da III Semana de Visitas a Delegacias de Polícia (2009), uma pesquisa internacional que tem como objetivo levar cidadãos, potenciais usuários dos serviços oferecidos por tais agências, a avaliar o atendimento ao público e a transparência dos serviços prestados pelas delegacias de polícia. O objetivo é relacionar as definições teóricas de solidariedade e justiça a determinadas percepções de cidadania que podem ser inferidas das avaliações realizadas. Para tanto, o presente artigo está estruturado em três seções, além da introdução e da conclusão. A primeira apresenta a "Semana de Visitas a Delegacias de Polícia" em suas distintas dimensões. A segunda contextualiza os conceitos a partir dos quais se pretende analisar a atuação da Polícia Civil brasileira, quais sejam: cidadania civil e seu deficit. A terceira reproduz as representações dos indivíduos acerca das práticas observadas nas delegacias de polícia e problematiza em que medida estas coadunam-se ou não com a categoria conceitual "deficit de cidadania", construída na seção anterior. Ao final, são apresentados alguns apontamentos sobre como a qualidade do atendimento prestado pelas delegacias de polícia pode ajudar no entendimento da dificuldade de se compatibilizar, no Brasil, os ideais de justiça e solidariedade, desde uma perspectiva universal. Os resultados indicam que o atendimento oferecido por essas agências policiais é inadequado e, conseqüentemente, incapaz de coadunar-se com os "princípios de justiça e solidariedade" que estruturam a própria idéia de cidadania.
Periungual capillaroscopy in psoriasis
Authors: Ribeiro Camila Ferrari , Siqueira Elisa Beatriz Dalledone , Holler Ana Paula , Fabrício Lincoln , Skare Thelma Larocca
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND: Nailfold capillaroscopy is a useful technique for evaluating changes in microcirculation. OBJECTIVE: To investigate changes at nailfold capillaroscopy in psoriatic patients compared with controls. METHODS: Nailfold capillaroscopy was performed in 46 psoriatic patients and 50 controls to assess microscopic morphological changes, capillary density and the presence of areas with devascularization. RESULTS: Patients with psoriasis had lower capillary density (p=0.0005), increased avascular areas (p=0.0035) and an increased number of morphologically abnormal capillaries (coiled, p<0.0001) compared to controls. No association was found between capillary density and the duration of the disease (p = 0.92) or the extent of skin involvement, as measured by the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score (p = 0.59). The presence of avascular areas was more common in psoriatic individuals whose nails were affected by the condition (p = 0.047). CONCLUSION: Patients with psoriasis have decreased capillary density and a greater presence of morphologically abnormal capillaries when compared to controls.
Sintomatologia depressiva em adolescentes do ensino médio: um estudo das representações sociais
Authors: Monteiro Fabiana Ribeiro , Coutinho Maria da Penha de Lima , Araújo Ludgleydson Fernandes de
Published: August 2012

A depressão é uma das psicopatologias que vêm avançando nas demandas da saúde coletiva e ocorre em qualquer idade, independentemente da inserção socioeconômica e cultural. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo apreender as representações sociais (RS) da depressão de adolescentes com e sem sintomatologia depressiva no contexto do ensino médio em escolas públicas e privadas da cidade de João Pessoa - PB. Utilizou-se o Inventory Children Depression (CDI) como screening da amostra e o teste de associação livre de palavras (TALP) entre os duzentos e dez participantes de ambos os sexos, com idades entre catorze e dezoito anos. Os dados do TALP foram analisados através do software Tri-Deux-Mots, por meio da análise fatorial de correspondência (AFC). Os resultados indicaram que as RS elaboradas pelos estudantes sem sintomatologia ancoraram a depressão na morte e na dor, ao passo que os adolescentes com sintomatologia depressiva basearam-se na solidão e na droga. Esses resultados sugerem que a depressão pode interferir negativamente no cotidiano, nas atividades escolares, na auto-estima e na sociabilidade na adolescência.
What can we learn from confusing Olivella columellaris and O. semistriata (Olivellidae, Gastropoda), two key species in panamic sandy beach ecosystems?
Authors: Troost Alison I. , Rupert Samantha D. , Cyrus Ariel Z. , Paladino Frank V. , Dattilo Benjamin F. , Peters Winfried S.
Published: August 2012

Olivella columellaris (Sowerby 1825) and O. semistriata (Gray 1839) are suspension-feeding, swash-surfing snails on tropical sandy beaches of the east Pacific. While they often are the numerically dominant macrofaunal element in their habitats, their biology is poorly understood; the two species actually have been confused in all of the few publications that address their ecology. Frequent misidentifications in publications and collections contributed also to an overestimation of the geographic overlap of the two species. To provide a sound taxonomic basis for further functional, ecological, and evolutionary investigations, we evaluated the validity of diagnostic traits in wild populations and museum collections, and defined workable identification criteria. Morphometric analysis demonstrated that shell growth is allometric in O. columellaris but isometric in O. semistriata, suggesting that the species follow distinct developmental programs. The taxonomic confusion is aggravated by the existence of populations of dwarfish O. semistriata, which originally had been described as a separate species, O. attenuata (Reeve 1851). At our Costa Rican study sites, the occurrence of such dwarfish populations correlates with low wave energies but not with predation pressure and anthropogenic disturbances, indicating significant ecological plasticity in the development of O. semistriata.
Survey of orchidaceae from the State of Sergipe, Brazil
Authors: Monteiro Silvana Helena Nascimento , Carregosa Tamires , Santos Luiz Aquino Silva , Nascimento Júnior José Elvino do , Prata Ana Paula do Nascimento
Published: August 2012

The state of Sergipe, located in the Northeast Region of Brazil, covers an area of 21,994 km² and is the smallest state in the country. The vegetation of this region is predominantly caatinga, but there are also mangroves, dunes, restinga, fragments of original Atlantic Forest (which are intermingled with pastures, secondary growth, and agricultural land) and cerrado. During intensive fieldwork in Sergipe, we observed various Orchidaceae species that had not been recorded for the state, which made it necessary to update the list of species for this region. Within the state, the family is represented by 63 species and 34 genera, of which Habenaria (10 spp.) Epidendrum (4 spp.) and Encyclia (4 spp.) are highlights. Orchidaceae species from this region are generally terrestrial and occur in grasslands (59%, 37 of 63 spp.). The remaining species are epiphytes (21 spp.) and hemiepiphytes (3 spp.). The majority of the species flower at the beginning of the rainy season. Of the 61 species that were recorded during this study, 34 species are new records for the state of Sergipe. This work includes a list of the species of Orchidaceae from Sergipe, and provides data about the phenology and habitat for each taxon.
Síndrome adyacente
Authors: Martin Gustavo , Gille Oliver , Vital Jean Marc
Published: August 2012

OBJETIVO: Estudiamos la incidencia de SDA quirúrgico de localización lumbar y los factores relacionados con el mismo. MÉTODO: Estudio retrospectivo de corte transversal. RESULTADOS: Encontramos 50 casos operados por SDA en 1662 cirugías realizadas, 530 en columna lumbar; incidencia 9,4%. Edad promedio 62 años. Síntoma principal: claudicación radicular (80%). Las Rx previas a la primera cirugía del nivel que sufrirá SDA: UCLA 1 (45%) y 2 (27%); lordosis prerrevisión: 36° promedio y pos 44°. Prerrevisión: IP55°, VP26°, PS29° y posoperatoria IP56°, VP22° y PS34°. Desequilibrio sagital prerrevisión 60% y posoperatorio 27%, equilibrio coronal recuperado en los 2 casos. IRM previa a la primera intervención mostró 83% con Pfirmann IV. Tipos de SDA: estenosis lumbar monosegmentaria agravada por antelistesis en 20 y por retrolistesis en 14; estenosis multisegmentaria 4, hernia discal 4, fractura por aplastamiento 4, estenosis sin listesis 4. Período entre las 2 cirugías: 6 años promedio. CONCLUSIÓN: Una incidencia de 9,4% de reintervenciones a causa de un Síndrome Adyacente, hace de esta patología un importante problema a largo plazo, lo que obligaría al cirujano a tomar las medidas que sean posibles para evitarlo. Con los resultados de este estudio retrospectivo solo podríamos decir que tendrían más posibilidades de desarrollar un SDA los segmentos con Pfirmann IV en la IRM y que se debería tener en cuenta las relaciones VP (20%) y PS (80%) pre y pos operatorias para devolver las condiciones mecánicas ideales al raquis. Se necesitarían estudios clínicos prospectivos para tener conclusiones más firmes.
Escoliosis y síndrome de Prader-Willi: a propósito de 5 casos intervenidos quirúrgicamente
Authors: Pedrals Jose Grass , Marcuson Karen Weissmann , Gallegos Veronica Herrera
Published: August 2012

OBJETIVO: Analizar los resultados y las complicaciones del tratamiento quirúrgico de la escoliosis, en pacientes portadores del Síndrome de Prader-Willi, para verificar si se justifica este tipo de tratamiento. MÉTODOS: Análisis retrospectivo de las fichas clínicas y radiografías de los cinco pacientes portadores del Síndrome de Prader-Willi que consultaron en el Departamento de Escoliosis entre los años 2005 y 2010, y fueron operados. RESULTADOS: La edad de la consulta inicial fue en promedio 3,6 años; el promedio de escoliosis fue 61º, el que aumentó a 65º al momento de la cirugía. El promedio de operaciones realizadas fue 2,8 por paciente, lográndose una corrección promedio de 35%. Los motivos de las reintervenciones fueron pérdida de corrección en 4 casos (28,5%), aflojamiento de ganchos en 2 (14,3%) y xifosis referente a la instrumentación en uno (7,1%) No hubo complicaciones graves. CONCLUSIONES: Aún cuando la literatura muestra autores poco proclives a indicar cirugía en este tipo de pacientes, por la elevada tasa de complicaciones graves, la ausencia de ellas en nuestro medio hace mantener válidos los mismos criterios quirúrgicos que en escoliosis idiopática.
Application of the Rasch model in measuring personality disorders
Authors: Carvalho Lucas de Francisco , Primi Ricardo , Meyer Gregory J.
Published: August 2012

OBJECTIVE: To describe item and person parameters obtained with the Rasch model, one of the item response theory models, in the assessment of personality disorders based on Millon's theory. METHOD: A total of 350 people participated in the study. Age ranged from 18 to 67 years (mean ± standard deviation = 27.02±10.13), and 71.7% of the participants (n = 251) were female. Of the 350 individuals, 21.1% (n = 74) answered affirmatively about being under psychiatric treatment and taking psychiatric medications. The Personality Disorders Dimensional Inventory (PDDI), an instrument designed to assess personality disorders according to Millon's theory, was applied to all participants. Data were analyzed using the Rasch model. RESULTS: Overall, analysis with the Rasch model revealed that the PDDI has adequate psychometric properties for the assessment of personality disorders. CONCLUSION: Among the contributions of item response theory models for clinical instruments, the Rasch person-item map deserves to be highlighted as a successful attempt to improve the understanding of clinical scores obtained in response to particular test items.
Dynamics of a smile in different age groups
Authors: Chetan Patil , Tandon Pradeep , Singh Gulshan K. , Nagar Amit , Prasad Veerendra , Chugh Vinay K.
Published: August 2012

Objective:

To evaluate smile in different age groups and to detect gender differences in smile.

Materials and Methods:

Digital videographic records of 241 randomly selected subjects were obtained for smile analysis. The subjects were divided into four groups by age (15–20 years, 21–30 years, 31–40 years, and 41–50 years). Each group was further subdivided by gender. After 41 subjects were excluded, the smile dimensions of 200 subjects were analyzed by two-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) with Duncan's multiple range post hoc test.

Results:

All dynamic measurements (change in upper lip length, upper lip thickness, commissure height, and intercommissural width from rest to smile) decreased with age in both males and females. Changes in upper lip length and commissure height on smiling were greater in males as compared with females of the same age groups. Changes in intercommissural width on smiling were greater in females as compared with males in all age groups.

Conclusion:

Smile changes with increase in age, and the changes differ between males and females. Females had a wider smile as compared with males of similar age groups.
Conceptual History in Korea
Authors: Park Myoung-Kyu
Published: August 2012

This article explores the development of Korea's conceptual history from the perspective of sociology of knowledge by focusing on the intellectual environment since the early 1990s, pioneers and areas of conceptual research, the kinds of expectations that Korean scholars have of conceptual research, data archiving and methodology, works and tasks of conceptual history in Korea. The article finds that the conceptual research on Korea's modernization is a good approach to construct a reflexive history beyond the false dichotomy of Western influence and nationalistic response.
Autophagy and Cancer
Authors: Aredia Francesca , Guamán Ortiz Luis Miguel , Giansanti Vincenzo , Scovassi A. Ivana
Published: August 2012

Autophagy is a housekeeping survival mechanism with a protective function against stress conditions. However, when stress severity or duration increases, it may promote cell death. Paradoxically, autophagy favors cancer development, since cancer cells could enhance their proliferation potential (thus becoming able to resist anticancer therapy) thanks to the energetic supply provided by organelle degradation typically driven by autophagy following a stepwise pathway. The main actors of the autophagic machinery as well as the features shared with apoptosis will be described. Special attention will be paid to the effects of autophagy manipulation.
Injury and Social Correlates among in-School Adolescents in Four Southeast Asian Countries
Authors: Peltzer Karl , Pengpid Supa
Published: August 2012

The aim of this study was to determine estimates of the prevalence and social correlates of injury among adolescents in four Southeast Asian countries. Cross-sectional national data from the Global School-based Health Survey (GSHS) included 9,333 students at the ages from 13 to 15 years inclusive from Indonesia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand is chosen by a two-stage cluster sample design to represent all students in grades 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 in each country. The percentage of adolescents reporting one or more serious injuries within the past 12 months was 42.2% for all countries, ranging from 27.0% in Myanmar to 46.8% in Thailand. By major activity, “fall” (14.6%) was the leading external cause of injury, followed by playing or training for a sport (9.9%) and vehicle accident (6.1%). In multivariate regression analysis Thailand and Indonesia, being male, substance use (smoking and drinking alcohol) and psychological distress were associated with annual injury prevalence. Risk factors of substance use and psychological distress should be considered in an integrated approach to injury etiology in planning injury prevention and safety promotion activities among school children.
Blood Glutamate Scavenging: Insight into Neuroprotection
Authors: Leibowitz Akiva , Boyko Matthew , Shapira Yoram , Zlotnik Alexander
Published: August 2012

Brain insults are characterized by a multitude of complex processes, of which glutamate release plays a major role. Deleterious excess of glutamate in the brain’s extracellular fluids stimulates glutamate receptors, which in turn lead to cell swelling, apoptosis, and neuronal death. These exacerbate neurological outcome. Approaches aimed at antagonizing the astrocytic and glial glutamate receptors have failed to demonstrate clinical benefit. Alternatively, eliminating excess glutamate from brain interstitial fluids by making use of the naturally occurring brain-to-blood glutamate efflux has been shown to be effective in various animal studies. This is facilitated by gradient driven transport across brain capillary endothelial glutamate transporters. Blood glutamate scavengers enhance this naturally occurring mechanism by reducing the blood glutamate concentration, thus increasing the rate at which excess glutamate is cleared. Blood glutamate scavenging is achieved by several mechanisms including: catalyzation of the enzymatic process involved in glutamate metabolism, redistribution of glutamate into tissue, and acute stress response. Regardless of the mechanism involved, decreased blood glutamate concentration is associated with improved neurological outcome. This review focuses on the physiological, mechanistic and clinical roles of blood glutamate scavenging, particularly in the context of acute and chronic CNS injury. We discuss the details of brain-to-blood glutamate efflux, auto-regulation mechanisms of blood glutamate, natural and exogenous blood glutamate scavenging systems, and redistribution of glutamate. We then propose different applied methodologies to reduce blood and brain glutamate concentrations and discuss the neuroprotective role of blood glutamate scavenging.
When an Atom Becomes a Message—Practicing Experiments on the Origins of Life
Authors: Matsuno Koichiro
Published: August 2012

Practicing experiments on the origins of life within the framework of quantum mechanics comes to face a task of distinguishing the descriptive spaces of the object between a space of physical states and a space of probability distributions. One candidate for accommodating both the physical and the probabilistic description in a mutually tolerable manner is to apply first-second person descriptions to the space of physical states while letting the space of probability distributions addressable in third person descriptions be accessible via first-second person descriptions. The mediator or messenger for accommodating these two types of description is the process of probability flow equilibration. The relative state formulation of quantum mechanics opens a possibility for the likelihood that a simple atom such as a carbon atom may carry a message for holding the process of probability flow equilibration. An experimental example demonstrating a carbon atom serving as a messenger is found in the running of the citric acid cycle in the absence of biological enzymes.
A Review of Titanium Zirconium (TiZr) Alloys for Use in Endosseous Dental Implants
Authors: Grandin H. Michelle , Berner Simon , Dard Michel
Published: August 2012

Dental implants made from binary titanium-zirconium (TiZr) alloys have shown promise as a high strength, yet biocompatible alternative to pure titanium, particularly for applications requiring small diameter implants. The aim of this review is to summarize existing literature reporting on the use of binary TiZr alloys for endosseous dental implant applications as tested in vitro, in animals and clinically. And furthermore to show that TiZr is “at least as good as” pure titanium in terms of biocompatibility and osseointergration. From the twelve papers that met the inclusion criteria, the current literature confirms that TiZr alloys produce small diameter implants with a strength up to 40% higher than conventional, cold-worked, grade IV titanium implants, and with a corrosion resistance and biocompatibility that is at least as good as pure titanium. The surface structure of TiZr is compatible with established surface treatments proven to aid in the osseointegration of titanium implants. Furthermore, binary TiZr alloys have been shown to achieve good osseointegration and high success rates both in animal and in clinical studies.
Microwave Assisted Synthesis of Some New Thiazolopyrimidine, Thiazolodipyrimidine and Thiazolopyrimidothiazolopyrimidine Derivatives with Potential Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Youssef Mohamed M. , Amin Mahmoud A.
Published: August 2012

Biginelli reaction of ethyl acetoacetate, thiourea and the appropriate aromatic aldehyde was used to produce ethyl 4-aryl-6-methyl-2-thioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-pyrimidine-5-carboxylates, that reacted with bromomalononitrile to give ethyl 3-amino-5-aryl-2-cyano-7-methyl-5H-thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidine-6-carboxylates rather than the isomeric 7H-thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidines. Thiazolopyrimidine derivatives reacted with carbon disulphide to yield ethyl 9-aryl-7-methyl-2,4-dithioxo-2,3,4,9-tetrahydro-1H-thiazolo[3,2-a:4,5-d']dipyrimidine-8-carboxylates, that reacted with phenacyl bromide to produce ethyl 8-methyl-10-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-substituted-5-thioxo-2(un)subatituted-10H-thiazolo[3'',2'':1',2']pyrimido[4',5':4,5]thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidine-9-carboxylates. The aforementioned reactions were carried out using both conventional chemical methods and with the assistance of microwave irradaition. Comparison between both methods showed that the microwave assisted method is preferable because of the time reduction and yield improvements achieved. The new compounds were tested for their biological activity as antioxidants, antibacterial or antifungal agents. Some of the new compounds were found to have moderate to good antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.
Evaluation of Flavonoid Contents and Antioxidant Capacity of the Aerial Parts of Common and Tartary Buckwheat Plants
Authors: Zielińska Danuta , Turemko Marcin , Kwiatkowski Jacek , Zieliński Henryk
Published: August 2012

The analysis of major and minor flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity of stems, leaves, flowers, unripe seeds and ripe seeds of common and tartary buckwheat plants collected during different growth periods was addressed in this study. The highest rutin contents were observed in flowers and leaves collected from common and tartary buckwheat at early flowering as well as flowering and seed formation states. A low quercetin contents were found in all studied aerial part of buckwheat plants. Quercitrin (quercetin-3-rhamnoside) was only found in flowers collected at different growth periods while flavone C-glucosides were accumulated preferentially only in unripe seeds collected from common buckwheat at an early flowering state. The rank of antioxidant capacity provided for aerial parts of common and tartary buckwheat at early flowering state was as follows: flowers > leaves > stems. The highest contribution of rutin to the antioxidant capacity of the aerial parts of common and tartary buckwheat was found for stems followed by leaves, flowers and unripe seeds. The results demonstrate that flowers from common and tartary buckwheat collected at early flowering as well as flowering and seed formation states have the future potential to be a useful food ingredient.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of 3-Aryl-quinoxaline-2-carbonitrile 1,4-Di-N-oxide Derivatives as Hypoxic Selective Anti-tumor Agents
Authors: Hu Yunzhen , Xia Qing , Shangguan Shihao , Liu Xiaowen , Hu Yongzhou , Sheng Rong
Published: August 2012

A series of 3-aryl-2-quinoxaline-carbonitrile 1,4-di-N-oxide derivatives were designed, synthesized and evaluated for hypoxic and normoxic cytotoxic activity against human SMMC-7721, K562, KB, A549 and PC-3 cell lines. Many of these new compounds displayed more potent hypoxic cytotoxic activity compared with TX-402 and TPZ in the tumor cells based evaluation, which confirmed our hypothesis that the replacement of the 3-amine with the substituted aryl ring of TX-402 increases the hypoxic anti-tumor activity. The preliminary SAR revealed that 3-chloro was a favorable substituent in the phenyl ring for hypoxic cytotoxicity and 7-methyl or 7-methoxy substituted derivatives exhibited better hypoxic selectivity against most of the tested cell lines. The most potent compound, 7-methyl-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-quinoxaline-2-carbonitrile 1,4-dioxide (9h) was selected for further anti-tumor evaluation and mechanistic study. It also exhibited significant cytotoxic activity against BEL-7402, HepG2, HL-60, NCI-H460, HCT-116 and CHP126 cell lines in hypoxia with IC50 values ranging from 0.31 to 3.16 μM, and preliminary mechanism study revealed that 9h induced apoptosis in a caspase-dependent pathway.
Effect of Diets Supplemented with Different Sources of Astaxanthin on the Gonad of the Sea Urchin Anthocidaris crassispina
Authors: Peng Juan , Yuan Jian-Ping , Wang Jiang-Hai
Published: August 2012

The effect of the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis and Chorella zofingiensis, and synthetic astaxanthin on the gonad of the sea urchin Anthocidaris crassispina was studied. The basal diet was supplemented with H. pluvialis, C. zofingiensis, or synthetic astaxanthin, at two levels of astaxanthin (approximately 400 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg), to obtain the experimental diets HP1, HP2, CZ1, CZ2, AST1, and AST2, respectively, for two months of feeding experiment. The results showed that the concentrations of astaxanthin in the gonads of the sea urchins fed these experimental diets ranged from 0.15 to 3.01 mg/kg dry gonad weight. The higher astaxanthin levels (>2.90 mg/kg) were found in the gonads of the sea urchins fed the diets HP1 (containing 380 mg/kg of astaxanthins, mostly mono- and diesters) and AST1 (containing 385 mg/kg of synthetic astaxanthin). The lowest astaxanthin level (0.15 mg/kg) was detected in the gonads of the sea urchins fed the diet CZ2 (containing 98 mg/kg of astaxanthins, mostly diesters). Furthermore, the highest canthaxanthin level (7.48 mg/kg) was found in the gonads of the sea urchins fed the diet CZ1 (containing 387 mg/kg of astaxanthins and 142 mg/kg of canthaxanthin), suggesting that astaxanthins, especially astaxanthin esters, might not be assimilated as easily as canthaxanthin by the sea urchins. Our results show that sea urchins fed diets containing astaxanthin pigments show higher incorporation of these known antioxidant constituents, with the resultant seafood products therefore being of potential higher nutritive value.
Botulinum Neurotoxin A Injections Influence Stretching of the Gastrocnemius Muscle-Tendon Unit in an Animal Model
Authors: Haubruck Patrick , Mannava Sandeep , Plate Johannes F. , Callahan Michael F. , Wiggins Walter F. , Schmidmaier Gerhard , Tuohy Christopher J. , Saul Katherine R. , Smith Thomas L.
Published: August 2012

Botulinum Neurotoxin A (BoNT-A) injections have been used for the treatment of muscle contractures and spasticity. This study assessed the influence of (BoNT-A) injections on passive biomechanical properties of the muscle-tendon unit. Mouse gastrocnemius muscle (GC) was injected with BoNT-A (n = 18) or normal saline (n = 18) and passive, non-destructive, in vivo load relaxation experimentation was performed to examine how the muscle-tendon unit behaves after chemical denervation with BoNT-A. Injection of BoNT-A impaired passive muscle recovery (15% vs. 35% recovery to pre-stretching baseline, p < 0.05) and decreased GC stiffness (0.531 ± 0.061 N/mm vs. 0.780 ± 0.037 N/mm, p < 0.05) compared to saline controls. The successful use of BoNT-A injections as an adjunct to physical therapy may be in part attributed to the disruption of the stretch reflex; thereby modulating in vivo passive muscle properties. However, it is also possible that BoNT-A injection may alter the structure of skeletal muscle; thus modulating the in vivo passive biomechanical properties of the muscle-tendon unit.
Asymmetric organocatalytic decarboxylative Mannich reaction using β-keto acids: A new protocol for the synthesis of chiral β-amino ketones
Authors: Jiang Chunhui , Zhong Fangrui , Lu Yixin
Published: August 2012

The first decarboxylative Mannich reaction employing β-keto acids, catalyzed by cinchonine-derived bifunctional thiourea catalyst has been described. The desired β-amino ketones were obtained in excellent yields and with moderate to good enantioselectivities.
A Traditional African Perspective of Blended Learning
Authors: Avoseh Mejai B. M. , Fayomi Olugbenga Abimbola , Simeon-Fayomi Bolanle Clara
Published: August 2012

Paradigm shifts in education have, in most cases, been linked to changes in the context and content of education. Most nouveau ideas in education in the 21st century have been linked directly or indirectly to globalization. One of such shifts is the re-invention and importance of lifelong learning. The dialogue on lifelong learning and its content-dependent characteristics have imposed the need for a diversity of perspectives beyond the traditional Western perspective. The purpose of this chapter is to present the theoretical framework for blended learning from the perspective of the holistic indigenous African education, which was in its entirety blended and lifelong. The chapter uses reference to the interconnectedness of lifelong education to all facets of life in traditional Africa. It analyzes the connection between formal, non-formal, and informal, the use of observation, initiation, and apprenticeship, the environment, and a host of other blending variables, to build and develop the arguments.
Educational Technology and Instructional Design in Synchronous Blended Learning Environments
Authors: Okita Sandra Y.
Published: August 2012

Advancements in educational and communicative technology have provided a new medium with unique properties that bring about new forms of transcultural learning and instruction. Rather than simulating traditional face-to-face classroom methods in online learning environments, the chapter examines different approaches for instructors in creating new ways to link technology to curriculum. This chapter begins by introducing the readers to many of the challenges, concepts, and practices associated with synchronous online learning environments. Through multiple case studies, the chapter will explore the importance of (a) content, pedagogy, and culture, (b) the role of the instructor and student in creating successful online learning environments, and (c) strengths and weaknesses of communication tools and educational technology in creating a blended online learning environment. The chapter helps instructors and students identify the benefits and shortcomings of technology, explore how to enhance dynamic interactions between individuals and groups, and examine how to capitalize on the strengths of audio and visual images to accompany other formats of instructional materials.
Facilitating Learning with Adult Students in the Transcultural Classroom
Authors: Thomas Gerald E.
Published: August 2012

This chapter discusses the “new” college classroom, looking at the profile of an adult student, what is meant by transculturalism, and the implications of the combination of the two. A series of guidelines are offered for facilitating learning for this diverse group of students. While offering a review of some previous empirical research on the issues of adult students, multiculturalism, and transculturalism, this chapter primarily reflects the author’s experiences in working with this population. Also offered are recommendations for future research.
Innovative Approaches in Project Management Blended Education
Authors: Bodea Constanta Nicoleta , Bodea Corneliu Alexandru , Purnus Augustin , Badea Ruxandra-Ileana
Published: August 2012

In recent years, many business education programs have focused on the development of competences, instead of knowledge transfer. For this reason, various innovative training approaches were adopted, including educational simulations. The increasing availability of the simulation resources also contributes to the proliferation of simulation in business education curricula. The chapter presents how the simulations were introduced in a Master degree program on Project Management, in project planning and controlling module. The Master program has a blended-learning approach, which nicely fits to the simulation requirements. The simulations are based on an agent-based model of the project resource leveling process, part of the project planning and scheduling topic. The authors made several evaluations of the students’ results before and after the simulations. The main conclusion of the experiment is that the educational simulations improve the competence development process, only if they are properly designed and performed.
The Blended Learning Initiative
Authors: Weinstein Suzanne , Pollack Karen , Shibley Ike , Williams Vicki S. , Shao-Wei Wu , Yu-Hui Ching
Published: August 2012

This chapter describes a university-wide initiative to develop multiple courses in both online and blended formats. The chapter provides perspectives of the project from three vantage points – administration, assessment, and teaching – and focuses on the blended courses. The administrational aspects of the project, such as how courses were selected and how faculty members were recruited, are briefly described. The assessment, which includes data on faculty and students perceptions as well as student performance and course success, is described in detail. Finally, a case study of a particularly successful course provides a detailed view of best practices for teaching in a blended environment.
Comparative Study of the Effect of Three Different Interocclusal Recording Materials on Reproducibility of Horizontal Condylar Registrations in Two Different Semiadjustable Articulators: A Clinical Study
Authors: Sharma Ajay , Sharma Lavanya Ajay , Azhagarasan NS , Shankar Chitra
Published: August 2012

Purpose

Simulation of jaw movements in an articulator requires one of the important condylar parameters, i.e. horizontal condylar inclination (HCI) to be registered in the patient and transferred to a mechanical device (articulator). The most popular and commonly used technique to determine horizontal condylar inclination (HCI) is by use of interocclusal records. Clinical studies comparing the effects of different interocclusal recording materials on reproducibility of protrusive settings in semiadjustable articulators have not been studied much. Hence, the present clinical study was conducted to comparatively assess the effects of three commonly used interocclusal recording materials; namely wax, polyvinylsiloxane, polyether in obtaining HCI values in two commonly used semiadjustable articulators; namely Hanau Wide-Vue (arcon) and Dentatus ARH type (non-arcon).

Materials and methods

One healthy female patient with intact dentition and no signs and symptoms of TMJ problems was selected for the study. With the help of a custom-made protrusive guide, 10 individual protrusive records for each of the interocclusal recording materials were made. These records were used for programming the two articulators and the respective HCI values were noted. The results obtained were tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis.

Results

The HCI values obtained using each of the interocclusal recording materials in both the semiadjustable articulators was found to be statistically significant. Among the materials polyether gave the highest values with less variability and wax gave low values with greater variation.

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that HCI values vary both according to the type of interocclusal recording material employed and the articulator selected.
In vitro Comparison of Dimensional Stability of Stone Dies Obtained from Two Elastomers after Two Treatments
Authors: Narayanan Venkatesan , Padmanabhan Jayantha
Published: August 2012

Aim

The aim of the study was to compare the dimensional stability of dies obtained from addition silicone and polyether impressions that were reheated or subjected to vacuum treatment.

Materials and methods

A master die was constructed of a rectangular stainless steel block on to which a photosensitive nylon printing plate attached which contains engraved test grooves. A custom-tray was fabricated and impressions were made using addition silicone and polyether before and after the two treatments. A total of 90 impressions and dies were made from both the elastomers and divided as control group, group I (reheated impressions) and group II (vacuum-treated impressions). A comparative analysis was done to determine which dies yielded the best dimensional accuracy compared to that of the master die.

Results

The minimum percentage dimensional change was observed in test dies made from addition silicone impressions of group I (reheated impressions), followed by the test dies made from polyether impressions in control group. The maximum percentage dimensional change was observed in test dies made from polyether impressions in group I (reheated impressions), followed by the test dies made from addition silicone impressions in group II (vacuum-treated impressions).

Conclusion

The dies obtained from reheated addition silicone impressions yielded the best dimensional stability overall when compared with that of the master die. The dies made of polyether impressions after reheating were not clinically acceptable, because of its hydrophilic nature swelled when they were reheated in a water bath.
Full-mouth Rehabilitation of a Patient with Severe Attrition using Hobo Twin-Stage Procedure
Authors: Gupta Tapas , Banerjee Ardhendu , Banerjee Saurav , Chakraborty Nabarun , Singh Rajwinder
Published: August 2012

Excessive occlusal wear can result in pulpal injury, occlusal disharmony, impaired function and esthetic deformity. Loss of anterior guidance can result from severe wear of anterior teeth, which protects the posterior teeth during excursive movement. The collapse of posterior teeth also results in the loss of normal occlusal plane and the reduction of the vertical dimension. This clinical report describes the use of Hobo Twin- stage procedure for rehabilitation of a patient with severe tooth wear, resulting in reduced VDO.
Diagnosis and Treatment Modalities for Temporomandibular Disorders (Part I): History, Classification, Anatomy and Patient Evaluation
Authors: Panga Satheesh Simha Reddy , Sekhar Ravi , Sekhar Raja
Published: August 2012

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is not just one disorder, but a group of conditions, often painful, that affect the temporomandibular joint, and the muscles that control chewing. Many psychological and physical factors cause myofascial pain, internal derangement of the joint, degenerative joint diseases which ultimately leads to temporomandibular disorder. Scientists are exploring how behavioral, psychological and physical factors may combine to cause temporomandibular disorders and researchers are working to clarify temporomandibular disorders symptoms, with the goal of developing easier and better methods of diagnosis and improved treatment. In part 1 of this 2-part series on temporomandibular disorders, emphasis will be placed on the history and classification of temporomandibular disorders, structure and function of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and patient evaluation techniques.
Diagnosis and Treatment Modalities for Temporomandibular Disorders (Part II)
Authors: Panga Satheesh Simha Reddy , Sekhar Ravi , Sekhar G Raja , Tupili Soumya
Published: August 2012

Once proper patient evaluation techniques have been implemented and a working differential diagnosis has been created, the clinician can start treatment planning for the temporomandibular disorder (TMD) patient. This is not an easy task, primarily due to the wide array of treatment options currently available. In the second and final part of this article, focus will be placed on various treatment modalities for temporomandibular disorders.
Cloud condensation nuclei activity of fresh primary and aged biomass burning aerosol
Authors: Engelhart G. J. , Hennigan C. J. , Miracolo M. A. , Robinson A. L. , Pandis S. N.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. We quantify the hygroscopic properties of particles freshly emitted from biomass burning and after several hours of photochemical aging in a smog chamber. Values of the hygroscopicity parameter, κ, were calculated from cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) measurements of emissions from combustion of 12 biomass fuels commonly burned in North American wildfires. Prior to photochemical aging, the κ of the fresh primary aerosol varied widely, between 0.06 (weakly hygroscopic) and 0.6 (highly hygroscopic). The hygroscopicity of the primary aerosol was positively correlated with the inorganic mass fraction of the particles. Photochemical processing reduced the range of κ values to between 0.08 and 0.3. The changes in κ were driven by the photochemical production of secondary organic aerosol (SOA). SOA also contributed to growth of particles formed during nucleation events. Analysis of the nucleation mode particles enabled the first direct quantification of the hygroscopicity parameter κ for biomass burning SOA, which was on average 0.11, similar to values observed for biogenic SOA. Although initial CCN activity of biomass burning aerosol emissions are highly variable, after a few hours of photochemical processing κ converges to a value of 0.2 ± 0.1. Therefore, photochemical aging reduces the variability of biomass burning CCN κ, which should simplify analysis of the potential effects of biomass burning aerosol on climate.