bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic Approaches to Target Inflammation in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Goldfine Allison B , Fonseca Vivian , Shoelson Steven E
Published: November 2010

BACKGROUND

Chronic inflammation may participate in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease and may be a common denominator that links obesity to these disease states.

CONTENT

Epidemiologic studies have linked inflammatory biomarkers to incident diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk. Cellular and animal studies have provided support to the idea that inflammation mediates these disease processes, providing impetus to pharmacologically target these pathways for disease treatment and prevention. We review clinical strategies to target inflammation, with a focus on the antiinflammatory and antihyperglycemic effects of salicylates.

The evolving concept of diet-induced obesity driving insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease through immunologic processes provides new opportunities for the use of antiinflammatory strategies to correct the metabolic consequences of excess adiposity.
Communication revolution and academic freedom
Authors: Hamada Basyouni Ibrahim
Published: November 2010

The rationale behind the strong relationship between the knowledge society and the university is knowledge, its production through research, transfer and integration, through education and cultivation of critical judgment, diffusion, through publishing and application, and through university outreach to its social environment. In order for scholars to deal with the challenges and opportunities of the communication revolution, they have to focus on, among other issues, protecting their academic freedom, which is a core value in academic life.This article is an attempt to investigate how the communication revolution impacts academic freedom and how universities need to change in order to safeguard it. This work proves that the communication revolution has not only transformed university activities in research, teaching and outreach but has also changed how universities are organized, financed and managed. Therefore, the concept, regulations and practice of academic freedom have to be reconsidered.This article concludes that the comprehensive view of academic freedom in Arab and African universities incorporates a full engagement of the academic community in the development process of the whole society to compensate the lack of sovereignty of law and of good governance. This article also demonstrates that Islamic culture is consistent with the spirit and necessities of the communication revolution and the knowledge society, and calls for the most extensive possibility of the freedom of expression to be safeguarded.
Islam through editorial lenses: How American elite newspapers portrayed Muslims before and after September 11, 2001
Authors: Trevino Melina , Kanso Ali M , Nelson Richard Alan
Published: November 2010

Islam is now the second largest religion and continues to grow rapidly, with about 1.61 billion Muslims worldwide. However, many misconceptions about this religion and its followers still persist in the United States due to media portrayals, cultural and language barriers, and lack
of understanding of true Islam. Critics argue that the oversimplification of Islam's principles has contributed to an ethnocentric bias among citizens. This study analyses the content of three elite newspapers: The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post.
The main purpose is to determine (1) whether American newspapers depicted Muslims more negatively after September 11, 2001, and (2) whether they significantly differed in their portrayal of Muslims a year before September 11 and a year after the terrorist attack. The study drew a stratified
random sample of ten Sunday issues of each newspaper (e.g., five issues prior to September 11 and five issues after the tragic event) and analysed the editorial content of each selected issue. The findings revealed that all three newspapers portrayed Muslims more negatively after September
11, but that they did not significantly differ in their portrayal of Islam. Each newspaper had allotted more unfavourable terms than favourable and neutral terms combined for both periods. The dominant negative terms labelled Muslims as terrorists, extremists, fundamentalists, radicals, and
fanatics. This study calls for future research to analyse the portrayal of Muslims in friendly as well as unfriendly countries to the United States.
Global Class: New media and intercultural communication
Authors: Devran Yusuf
Published: November 2010

It has been evident that developments in communication technologies have paved the way for new opportunities in education, as has been the case in other fields of human activity. This article reports on a unique project called the Global Class, which is an interactive course
based on Internet technology. It is a joint venture run since 2005 by the Department of Public Relations and Publicity at Yeditepe University in Istanbul, Turkey, and the Faculty of Communication at Nebraska Lincoln University in the United States. The Global Class is an intercultural
communication project that aims to bring students from two continents together on the same platform in order to form a common ground of understanding about each other's culture.In short, this article explores the impact of the Global Class project on students from two different
countries, and seeks answers as to whether stereotypes and biases can be removed through this interaction. The findings are also expected to shed some light on the extent to which effective collaboration can be achieved between the students of two or more countries, and to reveal how biases
against other cultures can be eradicated through new communication technologies.
Uses and gratifications of commercial websites in Egypt: Towards a new model
Authors: Mahmoud Abd El-Basit , Klimsa Paul , Auter Philip J
Published: November 2010

An online survey was conducted with Egyptian users who visited commercial websites. A total of 296 people responded to an Arabic survey that questioned the reasons they use commercial websites as well as what gratifications they obtain from the experience. Education level and type of job were found to be significant predictors of commercial website use. Social interaction and information gathering were found to be key predictors of how long a respondent stayed on a website. Positive attitudes about a commercial website were found to be correlated with gratifications sought from using the site as well as perceived gratifications obtained from the experience. As expected, gratifications sought were positively correlated with gratifications obtained. Amount of time spent these websites was correlated with gratifications sought and obtained.This study attempts to clarify the motives, attitudes and obtained gratifications from commercial websites, as well as the relationships among these elements. The present research has demonstrated that the intersection of uses and gratifications theory and online marketing can lead to a deeper understanding of the marketing constraints and utilities offered by interactive computer-mediated communication technology.
Preemptive dose reduction of warfarin in patients initiating metronidazole
Authors: Holt Ryan K. , Anderson Erin A. , Cantrell Matthew A. , Shaw Robert F. , Egge Jason A.
Published: November 2010

Background: The goal of this study was to determine if preemptive dose reduction (PDR) of warfarin is effective in maintaining therapeutic anticoagulation in patients initiating metronidazole.

Methods: This is a retrospective, single-center, cohort study in a pharmacist-managed anticoagulation clinic of a university affiliated Veteran’s Affairs (VA) Medical Center. Subjects were anticoagulation patients initiating metronidazole between 1 January 2002 and 30 March 2009. At the time of metronidazole initiation, patients were managed with PDR of warfarin or no dose reduction. The primary outcome was the average change in International Normalized Ratio (INR) between patients that received PDR vs. those that did not.

Results: In total, 20 patients met inclusion criteria with seven patients receiving PDR at the time of initiation of metronidazole, whereas 13 did not. Patients managed with PDR and those that were not were similar in age (mean±SD 69.4±12.9 years vs. 72.1±9.9 years, p=0.61), mean baseline INR before metronidazole (2.58±0.49 vs. 2.57±0.66, p=0.98), and mean time to follow-up after initiation of metronidazole (5.6±2.9 days vs. 7.0±3.7 days, p=0.40), respectively. The primary outcome was statistically significant with a mean difference in INR of 1.28 (p=0.01) between patients manag­ed with PDR vs. those that were not. The mean preemptive warfarin dose reduction was 34.6%±13.4% which resulted in no significant increase in INR (p=0.61). Secondary outcomes including INR values >4.0 (0% vs. 46%, p=0.05), the average number of warfarin doses omitted (0.43±0.79 vs. 1.15±1.27, p=0.17), use of phytonadione or fresh frozen plasma, and rates of bleeding events were not significantly different be­tween groups. No thromboembolic events occurred during the 30 days following metronidazole therapy.

Conclusions: In patients determined to be appropriate candidates for PDR, a 30%–35% reduction in mean daily warfarin dose was effective in maintaining therapeutic anticoagulation in patients started on concomitant metronidazole.
On affine group actions on Stein manifolds
Authors: Coutinho Helisson
Published: November 2010

We consider actions of the complex affine group

Aff
(

)

$\operatorname{Aff}({\mathbb {C}})$
. For the case the action exhibits a regular
dicritic singularity

p

sing
(

)

$p\in \operatorname{sing}({\mathcal {F}_{\varphi }})$
and the ambient manifold is Stein we prove a linearization theorem.
In dimension three we prove a (Reeb) stability theorem for a
holomorphic foliations given by an affine group action on Stein 3-manifolds.
Neural Modulation Tuning Characteristics Scale to Efficiently Encode Natural Sound Statistics
Authors: Rodríguez Francisco A. , Chen Chen , Read Heather L. , Escabí Monty A.
Published: November 2010

The efficient-coding hypothesis asserts that neural and perceptual sensitivity evolved to faithfully represent biologically relevant sensory signals. Here we characterized the spectrotemporal modulation statistics of several natural sound ensembles and examined how neurons encode these statistics in the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus (CNIC) of cats. We report that modulation-tuning in the CNIC is matched to equalize the modulation power of natural sounds. Specifically, natural sounds exhibited a tradeoff between spectral and temporal modulations, which manifests as 1/fmodulation power spectrum (MPS). Neural tuning was highly overlapped with the natural sound MPS and neurons approximated proportional resolution filters where modulation bandwidths scaled with characteristic modulation frequencies, a behavior previously described in human psychoacoustics. We demonstrate that this neural scaling opposes the 1/fscaling of natural sounds and enhances the natural sound representation by equalizing their MPS. Modulation tuning in the CNIC may thus have evolved to represent natural sound modulations in a manner consistent with efficiency principles and the resulting characteristics likely underlie perceptual resolution.
Dysregulation of Presynaptic Calcium and Synaptic Plasticity in a Mouse Model of 22q11 Deletion Syndrome
Authors: Earls Laurie R. , Bayazitov Ildar T. , Fricke Robert G. , Berry Raymond B. , Illingworth Elizabeth , Mittleman Guy , Zakharenko Stanislav S.
Published: November 2010

The 22q11 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) is characterized by cognitive decline and increased risk of psychiatric disorders, mainly schizophrenia. The molecular mechanisms of neuronal dysfunction in cognitive symptoms of 22q11DS are poorly understood. Here, we report that a mouse model of 22q11DS, theDf(16)1/+ mouse, exhibits substantially enhanced short- and long-term synaptic plasticity at hippocampal CA3–CA1 synapses, which coincides with deficits in hippocampus-dependent spatial memory. These changes are evident in mature but not young animals. Electrophysiological, two-photon imaging and glutamate uncaging, and electron microscopic assays in acute brain slices showed that enhanced neurotransmitter release but not altered postsynaptic function or structure caused these changes. Enhanced neurotransmitter release inDf(16)1/+ mice coincided with altered calcium kinetics in CA3 presynaptic terminals and upregulated sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum calcium-ATPase type 2 (SERCA2). SERCA inhibitors rescued synaptic phenotypes ofDf(16)1/+ mice. Thus, presynaptic SERCA2 upregulation may be a pathogenic event contributing to the cognitive symptoms of 22q11DS.
Caudate Encodes Multiple Computations for Perceptual Decisions
Authors: Ding Long , Gold Joshua I.
Published: November 2010

Perceptual decision making is a complex process that requires multiple computations, including the accumulation of sensory evidence and an ongoing evaluation of the accumulation process to use for prediction and adjustment. Implementing these computations likely involves interactions among many brain regions. For perceptual decisions linked to oculomotor actions, neural correlates of sensory evidence accumulation have been identified in several cortical areas, including the frontal eye field and lateral intraparietal area, and one of their direct, subcortical targets, the superior colliculus. These structures are also connected indirectly, via the basal ganglia. The basal ganglia pathway has been theorized to contribute to perceptual decision making, but the nature of this contribution has yet to be examined directly. Here we show that in monkeys performing a reaction-time visual motion direction-discrimination task, neurons in a primary input structure of the basal ganglia, the caudate nucleus, encode three aspects of decision making: evidence accumulation, evaluation, and choice biases. These results indicate that the basal ganglia pathway can provide important signals to influence and assess perceptual decisions that guide oculomotor behavior.
A Model for Sealing Plasmalemmal Damage in Neurons and Other Eukaryotic Cells
Authors: Spaeth Christopher S. , Boydston Elaine A. , Figard Lauren R. , Zuzek Aleksej , Bittner George D.
Published: November 2010

Plasmalemmal repair is necessary for survival of damaged eukaryotic cells. Ca2+influx through plasmalemmal disruptions activates calpain, vesicle accumulation at lesion sites, and membrane fusion proteins; Ca2+influx also initiates competing apoptotic pathways. Using the formation of a dye barrier (seal) to assess plasmalemmal repair, we now report that B104 hippocampal cells with neurites transected nearer (<50 μm) to the soma seal at a lower frequency and slower rate compared to cells with neurites transected farther (>50 μm) from the soma. Analogs of cAMP, including protein kinase A (PKA)-specific and Epac-specific cAMP, each increase the frequency and rate of sealing and can even initiate sealing in the absence of Ca2+influx at both transection distances. Furthermore, Epac activates a cAMP-dependent, PKA-independent, pathway involved in plasmalemmal sealing. The frequency and rate of plasmalemmal sealing are decreased by a small molecule inhibitor of PKA targeted to its catalytic subunit (KT5720), a peptide inhibitor targeted to its regulatory subunits (PKI), an inhibitor of a novel PKC (an nPKCη pseudosubstrate fragment), and an antioxidant (melatonin). Given these and other data, we propose a model for redundant parallel pathways of Ca2+-dependent plasmalemmal sealing of injured neurons mediated in part by nPKCs, cytosolic oxidation, and cAMP activation of PKA and Epac. We also propose that the evolutionary origin of these pathways and substances was to repair plasmalemmal damage in eukaryotic cells. Greater understanding of vesicle interactions, proteins, and pathways involved in plasmalemmal sealing should suggest novel neuroprotective treatments for traumatic nerve injuries and neurodegenerative disorders.
Structure and properties of the 5.5 K antiferromagnet EuAu2Ge2
Authors: Schellenberg Inga , Hermes Wilfried , Lidin Sven , Pöttgen Rainer
Published: November 2010

A well crystallized sample of EuAu2Ge2 was synthesized by arc-melting of the elements. The structure was refined on the basis of single crystal X-ray diffracto meter data: ThCr2Si2 type, I4/mmm, a = 447.3(1), c = 1034.0(4) pm, wR2 = 0.0575, 148 F
2 values and 9 variables. The gold atoms have tetrahedral germanium coordination (261 pm Au—Ge). These AuGe4/4 tetrahedra share four common edges, leading to layers which are connected via Ge—Ge bonds (247 pm). The europium atoms fill cages of coordination number 16 within the [Au2Ge2]
δ– polyanion. Temperature dependent susceptibility measurements show a magnetic moment of 7.79(1)μ
B/formula unit. Together with the 151 Eu Mössbauer spectroscopic data (isomer shift of –11.43 mm/s at 77 K), the magnetic data point to stable divalent europium. EuAu2Ge2 orders antiferromagnetically at T
N1 = 5.5(1) K, followed by a spin-reorientation at T
N2 = 3.5 K. A metamagnetic step occurs around 20 kOe in the 4 K magnetization isotherm.
Relation between Quantum Thermodynamics and Classical Thermodynamics
Authors: Zimmermann Herbert W.
Published: November 2010

Quantum thermodynamics describes dynamic processes by means of the operators of entropy production
P
and time
t
.
P
and
t
do not commute. It exists the non-vanishing t–P commutator [
t
,
P
]=ik. Here the Boltzmann constant k has the physical meaning of a quantum of entropy. The t–P commutator immediately leads us to the t–P uncertainty relation ΔtΔP≥k/2. Hence the observables t and P are not sharply defined simultaneously. Similar uncertainty relations can also be expected for other pairs of conjugate variables with products of the physical meaning of an entropy. The free energy F and the reciprocal temperature (1/T) are the respective conjugate variables of an isolated system of many particles, which leads us to the F–(1/T) uncertainty relation ǀΔFǁΔ(1/T)ǀ≥k/2. It can be traced back to the t–P uncertainty relation mentioned above. In this way the Helmholtz free energy F and the temperatur T are introduced into quantum thermodynamics. The uncertainties ǀΔFǀ→0 and ǀΔTǀ→0 are negligible at low temperatures T→0, and quantum thermodynamics turns into the time-independent classical thermodynamics. Against this the uncertainties ǀΔFǀ→∞ and ǀΔTǀ→∞ grow unlimited at high temperatures T→∞, and classical thermodynamics loses its sense. In the limit of one particle the uncertainties cannot be neglected even at low temperatures. However a detailed discussion shows that the free energy f of a single particle vanishes within the whole range of temperatures T. This defines the particle entropy σ=ε/T=ak. The dimensionless entropy number a connects the particle energy ε=akT with the temperature T. The entropy number a of a single (s) independent particle can be calculated with the extended, temperature-dependent Schrödinger equation
A

s
φ=aφ. Here
A

s=−(Λ
2/4π)∇2 means the dimensionless entropy operator describing the entropy number a and thus the particle entropy σ=ak. Λ is the thermal de Broglie wave length. Finally we calculate by means of quantized particle entropies σ the internal energy E, the Helmholtz free energy F, the entropy S, the chemical potential μ, and the equation of state of an ideal gas of N monatomic free particles in full agreement with classical thermodynamics. We also calculate the partition function q=V/Λ
3 of a single free particle within the volume V. Here Λ
3 is a small volume element taking into account the wave–particle dualism of a single free particle of mass m at temperature T. Extension to a system of N free particles leads us to a simple geometrical model and to the conclusion that an ideal gas of independent particles becomes instable below a critical temperature T
C. T
C corresponds to the critical temperature T
BE of Bose–Einstein condensation.
Psychological and behavioural aspects in children and adolescents with congenital hypothyroidism diagnosed by neonatal screening: comparison between parents' and children's perceptions
Authors: Bisacchi Nicoletta , Bal Milva Orquidea , Nardi Laura , Bettocchi Ilaria , D'Addabbo Graziana , Conti Veronica , Monti Sara , D'Alberton Franco , Cicognani Alessandro , Cassio Alessandra
Published: November 2010

Objective

To compare the psychological adjustment and behaviour of congenital hypothyroidism (CH) children and their parents with a control group.

Study design

A cross-sectional study was carried out with 84 CH subjects diagnosed by neonatal screening (range 2.7–18.6 years), subdivided into four age groups: group 1 (2–5 years); group 2 (6–10 years); group 3 (11–13 years); and group 4 (14–18 years) and was compared with an age-matched control group. Patients were assessed using two questionnaires: Child Behaviour Checklist for parents and Youth Self-Report for children over 11 years of age.

Results

In groups 1, 3 and 4, total score (TS), internalising score (IS=problems within the self) and externalising score (ES=conflicts with other people) as reported by parents were not significantly different in CH patients and in controls. In group 2, parents of CH children showed values of TS (P<0.05), IS (P<0.05), ES (P<0.05) and scores on other scales significantly higher than controls. In self-reports of groups 3 and 4, the behavioural scales were not significantly different in CH patients and in controls.

Conclusions

Paediatricians should be informed about the increased risk of the development of behavioural problems at primary school age in CH patients. At this age special attention should be paid to parental worries and anxiety. However, it can be reassuring for the patients and parents to know that the problems may be related to CH, and that they may spontaneously disappear.
Cardiovascular risk, metabolic profile, and body composition in adult males with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency
Authors: Falhammar Henrik , Filipsson Nyström Helena , Wedell Anna , Thorén Marja
Published: November 2010

Objective

Lifelong glucocorticoid therapy in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) or the disease per se may result in increased cardiovascular risk. We therefore investigated cardiovascular and metabolic risk profiles in adult CAH males.

Subjects and methods

We compared CAH males (n=30), 19–67 years old, with age- and sex-matched controls (n=32). Subgroups of different ages (<30 years or older) and CYP21A2 genotypes (null, I2splice, and I172N as the mildest mutation) were studied. Anthropometry, fat and lean mass measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, lipids, liver function tests, homocysteine, lipoprotein-(a), glucose and insulin during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), urine albumin, adrenal hormones, and 24 h ambulatory blood pressure measurements were studied.

Results

CAH males were shorter. Waist/hip ratio and fat mass were higher in older patients and the I172N group. Heart rate was faster in older patients, the I2splice, and I172N groups. Insulin levels were increased during OGTT in all patients and in the I172N group. γ-glutamyl transpeptidase was increased in older patients and in the I172N group. Testosterone was lower in older patients. Homocysteine was lower in younger patients, which may be cardioprotective. The cardiovascular risk seemed higher with hydrocortisone/cortisone acetate than prednisolone. Urinary epinephrine was lower in all groups of patients except in I172N.

Conclusions

Indications of increased risk were found in CAH males ≥30 years old and in the I172N group. In contrast, younger CAH males did not differ from age-matched controls. This is likely to reflect a better management in recent years.
Changes in Selective Effects Over Time Facilitate Turnover of Enhancer Sequences
Authors: Bullaughey Kevin
Published: November 2010

Correct gene expression is often critical and consequently stabilizing selection on expression is widespread. Yet few genes possess highly conserved regulatory DNA, and for the few enhancers that have been carefully characterized, substantial functional reorganization has often occurred. Given that natural selection removes mutations of even very small deleterious effect, how can transcription factor binding evolve so readily when it underlies a conserved phenotype? As a first step toward addressing this question, I combine a computational model for regulatory function that incorporates many aspects of our present biological knowledge with a model for the fitness effects of misexpression. I then use this model to study the evolution of enhancers. Several robust behaviors emerge: First, the selective effects of mutations at a site change dramatically over time due to substitutions elsewhere in the enhancer, and even the overall degree of constraint across the enhancer can change considerably. Second, many of the substitutions responsible for changes in binding occur at sites where previously the mutation would have been strongly deleterious, suggesting that fluctuations in selective effects at a site are important for functional turnover. Third, most substitutions contributing to the repatterning of binding and constraint are effectively neutral, highlighting the importance of genetic drift—even for enhancers underlying conserved phenotypes. These findings have important implications for phylogenetic inference of function and for interpretations of selection coefficients estimated for regulatory DNA.
Inferences About the Distribution of Dominance Drawn From Yeast Gene Knockout Data
Authors: Agrawal Aneil F , Whitlock Michael C
Published: November 2010

Data from several thousand knockout mutations in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) were used to estimate the distribution of dominance coefficients. We propose a new unbiased likelihood approach to measuring dominance coefficients. On average, deleterious mutations are partially recessive, with a mean dominance coefficient ∼0.2. Alleles with large homozygous effects are more likely to be more recessive than are alleles of weaker effect. Our approach allows us to quantify, for the first time, the substantial variance and skew in the distribution of dominance coefficients. This heterogeneity is so great that many population genetic processes analyses based on the mean dominance coefficient alone will be in substantial error. These results are applied to the debate about various mechanisms for the evolution of dominance, and we conclude that they are most consistent with models that depend on indirect selection on homeostatic gene expression or on the ability to perform well under periods of high demand for a protein.
Evaluating Catch, Effort, and Bag Limits on Directed Trips in the Recreational Summer Flounder Party Boat Fishery
Authors: Bochenek Eleanor A. , Powell Eric N. , DePersenaire John , King Sarah E.
Published: November 2010

The summer flounder Paralichthys dentatus is one of the most sought-after recreational fish along the mid-Atlantic coast of the United States. This fishery is primarily a consumptive fishery. The stock has been successfully rebuilding but remains below statutory rebuilding goals. Managers accordingly have restrained the annual quota primarily by increasing size limits, with a resulting increase in discard mortality. The purpose of this study was to evaluate new approaches to bag and size limits that minimize discard mortality while increasing angler satisfaction within the constraints of promulgated catch quotas. Three alternative management scenarios (slot limit, reduced minimum size, and cumulative size scenarios) were tested on party boats from New Jersey and New York. Total catch (by number) was lowest for control fishing trips (2006 state regulation) and higher for all three experimental scenarios because the experimental scenarios resulted in a greater number of kept fish. Discard-to-catch ratio (by fish weight and number) was highest for control trips, and landings (by weight and number) were lowest for the control scenario. Recreational fishermen operating under the reduced minimum size and cumulative size scenarios kept the most fish; these scenarios had the lowest discard-to-catch ratios. The slot limit scenario was intermediate in the discard-to-catch ratio and also in the number of kept fish. All three alternative management scenarios resulted in landing more fish under a biomass-neutral fishery to retain catch within allocation limits. Relative to 2006 legal conditions, the alternative scenarios produced proportional increases in landings by a factor of 1.75 to 2.09, while reducing discard mortality by 41–63% and maintaining the same total fishing mortality (landings plus discards) by weight.
Construção do Sistema Brasileiro de Vigilância Sanitária: argumentos para debate
Authors: De Seta Marismary Horsth , Dain Sulamis
Published: November 2010

Este artigo analisa a construção do Sistema Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária, um arranjo voltado à regulação e redução dos riscos sanitários decorrentes do consumo de produtos, da prestação de serviços de saúde e do ambiente no Brasil. Consideraram-se aspectos históricos, políticos, fiscais e a conjuntura atual para cotejar seu desenvolvimento com o do Sistema Nacional de Vigilância em Saúde, que tem recebido intensa cooperação internacional. O cotejamento se baseou na trajetória de seus sistemas nacionais e respectivos serviços federais, bem como nos critérios para descentralização. A análise teve como categoria central a coordenação federativa e se baseou no referencial do federalismo e das relações intergovernamentais. O contexto institucional da saúde e da vigilância sanitária apresenta forte competição política, instabilidade no projeto e provável redução da capacidade de coordenação federativa após o Pacto pela Saúde. O Sistema Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária, em razão da sua natureza de bem público e da alta externalidade de seu campo de ação, requer coordenação federativa para incremento da cooperação regional e local e também pela heterogeneidade estrutural dos municípios brasileiros.
Novos medicamentos registrados no Brasil: podem ser considerados como avanço terapêutico?
Authors: Gava Cíntia Maria , Bermudez Jorge Antonio Zepeda , Pepe Vera Lúcia Edais , Reis André Luiz Almeida dos
Published: November 2010

Avanços tecnológicos no último século permitiram a descoberta de vários fármacos. Sua introdução, nem sempre com ganhos terapêuticos expressivos e não destituídos de riscos, faz do registro importante momento na avaliação de novos medicamentos. Foi analisado o registro de 49 novos medicamentos pela Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária entre 2000 e 2002 e comercializados no primeiro semestre de 2003, considerando o ganho terapêutico ante os tratamentos existentes. Predominou a produção por empresas americanas (42,9%). A maioria dos medicamentos (63,3%) foi classificada como entidade molecular nova, seguindo-se as novas associações (28,6%). Possuíam registro na Food and Drug Administration 75,5% dos medicamentos, sendo possível obter a classificação de sua New Drug Application segundo o potencial terapêutico para 33 medicamentos, dos quais 57,6% foram classificados como padrão. Conclui-se que predomina o registro de medicamentos sem real vantagem terapêutica sobre os já existentes, fato também verdadeiro internacionalmente. São feitas sugestões à Anvisa de forma a estabelecer e divulgar informações quanto à inovação, eficácia e segurança dos novos medicamentos, já que são importantes para o consumidor, os profissionais de saúde e os gestores.
Controle de riscos em radiodiagnóstico: uma abordagem de vigilância sanitária
Authors: Navarro Marcus Vinícius Teixeira , Costa Ediná Alves , Drexler Günter Gustav
Published: November 2010

O radiodiagnóstico é uma das principais ferramentas de diagnose na medicina e seu papel, na saúde pública, depende da qualidade dos exames, cuja responsabilidade regulatória cabe principalmente ao Sistema Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária. Nessa perspectiva, foi desenvolvido um modelo matemático de avaliação de riscos potencial (MARP) em radiodiagnóstico e, através do seu uso em serviços de saúde da Bahia, analisada a situação encontrada e seus condicionantes. O MARP baseia-se no conceito de risco potencial e relaciona os indicadores de controle de riscos com os riscos potenciais e os responsáveis pelos controles. Usando esse modelo, avaliaram-se 94 procedimentos de 38 serviços de radiodiagnóstico. O estudo mostrou que 5,3% dos serviços estavam com todos os procedimentos em nível de risco potencial aceitável. 23,7% tinham pelo menos um procedimento com nível de risco potencial tolerável, e 71% tinham pelo menos um procedimento com nível de risco potencial inaceitável. As análises mostraram que os principais condicionantes da situação encontrada dizem respeito à deficiência do sistema de vigilância sanitária na fiscalização dos serviços e da indústria, à ausência dos fundamentos de proteção radiológica nas diretrizes curriculares dos cursos de medicina e à fragilidade do controle das práticas pelos respectivos conselhos profissionais.
Influência da propaganda na utilização de medicamentos em um grupo de idosos atendidos em uma unidade básica de saúde em Aracaju (SE, Brasil)
Authors: Lyra Jr Divaldo Pereira de , Neves Aline Souza , Cerqueira Karine Santos , Marcellini Paulo Sergio , Marques Tatiane Cristina , Barros José Augusto Cabral de
Published: November 2010

O crescimento da população idosa brasileira tem levado a uma maior tendência ao uso de medicamentos. A sua utilização inadequada pode ser induzida por vários fatores, dentre eles a propaganda, podendo trazer danos à saúde do usuário. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a influência da propaganda no consumo de medicamentos por um grupo de idosos atendidos em unidade básica de saúde de Aracaju, Sergipe. No período de abril a junho de 2007, um grupo de 230 idosos, com idade acima de 60 anos, de ambos os gêneros, foi entrevistado. A maioria dos entrevistados (73%) possuía pelo menos uma doença crônica e 73,9% consumiam pelo menos um medicamento regularmente. Do total de entrevistados, 17,8% da amostra relataram utilizar medicamentos por influência da propaganda; 2,2% consideraram que os medicamentos veiculados na mídia nunca fazem mal e 6,5% acreditavam que eles sempre fazem bem. No estudo, correlações foram feitas e demonstraram que quem mais consome medicamentos influenciados pela propaganda também considera que eles sempre fazem bem e vice-versa (p= 0,04). Os dados revelaram que parte dos idosos sofreu influência da propaganda no consumo de medicamentos, não levando em consideração os riscos que estes poderiam causar.
Prescrição médica: orientações adequadas para o uso de medicamentos?
Authors: Portela Alyne da Silva , Simões Mônica Oliveira da Silva , Fook Sayonara Maria Lia , Montenegro Neto Asdrúbal Nóbrega , Silva Paulo César Dantas da
Published: November 2010

O conhecimento insuficiente de informação dada ao paciente durante a consulta médica resulta em grandes dificuldades para a condução correta da terapêutica medicamentosa. Baseados nesse contexto, o estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o grau de conhecimento dos pacientes sobre os medicamentos prescritos na Atenção Básica no município de Esperança (PB). Para tal, foram entrevistadas 199 pessoas que, após consulta médica, receberam prescrição, tendo sido avaliado o nível de conhecimento desses pacientes em relação ao nome do medicamento, a dose, o horário, a finalidade, o tempo de uso e reações desagradáveis. Entre os entrevistados, 53,8% evidenciaram desconhecer o nome do medicamento, 20,3% a dosagem e 25,4% o horário de utilização. O item em que se observou maior frequência de acerto foi finalidade do medicamento, tendo 75,1% dos pacientes apresentado bom conhecimento. No que se refere ao tempo de uso e às reações desagradáveis, 57,4% e 94,4% dos pacientes, respectivamente, não possuíam nenhuma informação correta. Os resultados sugerem que a maioria dos pacientes não apresenta o conhecimento adequado e seguro para a utilização dos medicamentos prescritos.
Análise das demandas judiciais para o fornecimento de medicamentos pela Secretaria de Estado da Saúde de Santa Catarina nos anos de 2003 e 2004
Authors: Pereira Januária Ramos , Santos Rosana Isabel dos , Nascimento Junior José Miguel do , Schenkel Eloir Paulo
Published: November 2010

Neste trabalho, é analisada a situação dos processos judiciais contra a Secretaria de Estado de Saúde de Santa Catarina determinando fornecimento de medicamentos em 2003 e 2004. As variáveis consideradas foram: patologia declarada, medicamento solicitado, origem da prescrição, possíveis alternativas terapêuticas na Relação Estadual de Medicamentos (Resme), registro dos medicamentos na Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (Anvisa) e custos totais. Foram analisados 622 processos, com gasto de R$ 11.333.750,00. Os serviços privados de saúde originaram 56% das prescrições. Hepatite C e artrite reumatoide foram as doenças mais referidas. Em 40% dos casos, os produtos faziam parte da Resme. Dos produtos solicitados, 6,2% tiveram a sua comercialização iniciada no Brasil a partir do ano 2000, destacando-se Interferon Pequilado e Infliximabe, responsáveis por 46% do total dos gastos. Alguns processos envolviam medicamentos que não possuíam registro na Anvisa, e houve casos em que a indicação de uso do medicamento não estava aprovada no país. Os resultados indicam que a reavaliação dos elencos de medicamentos padronizados e a melhoria no acesso aos tratamentos, aliadas à melhor divulgação dos programas de distribuição de medicamentos, são medidas que potencialmente poderão reduzir o número de processos judiciais.
Acolhimento na Atenção Básica: reflexões éticas sobre a Atenção à Saúde dos usuários
Authors: Brehmer Laura Cavalcanti de Farias , Verdi Marta
Published: November 2010

O presente artigo identifica e analisa as implicações éticas oriundas das práticas cotidianas de acolhimento em Unidades Básicas de Saúde (UBS) e seus reflexos na Atenção à Saúde dos usuários do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo de design exploratório-descritivo realizado em cinco UBS da rede municipal de saúde de um município de grande porte do estado de Santa Catarina. Foram entrevistados 26 sujeitos, entre gestores, trabalhadores da saúde e usuários. Analisado à luz dos referenciais das abordagens da bioética cotidiana e da bioética da proteção, o acolhimento nas realidades pesquisadas revelou contextos permeados por conflitos éticos que emergem do dia a dia das ações nos serviços de saúde. Mostrou ainda distanciamentos técnicos e conceituais, bem como limitações estruturais. Na voz dos usuários, sobressaíram diferenças marcantes entre o que se caracterizou como o desejo de se sentir acolhido com respeito, tendo atendidas suas necessidades, e as frustrantes experiências vivenciadas no cotidiano das UBS, as quais revelam situações de exclusão e negação do direito à saúde. Os resultados obtidos representam um revés na implementação desta prática em consonância com os princípios da universalidade no acesso, da integralidade na atenção e da garantia do direito à saúde.
Vigilância sanitária: estratégias para sua descentralização em Mato Grosso, 1996-2005
Authors: Marangon Miriane Silva , Scatena João Henrique Gurtler , Costa Ediná Alves
Published: November 2010

O processo de descentralização das ações de vigilância sanitária (Visa) para estados e municípios teve grande impulso a partir da NOB/96, quando foram definidos repasses financeiros. Em Mato Grosso, tal processo fica a cargo da Coordenadoria de Visa, que desenvolveu estratégias para descentralizar, inicialmente, as ações básicas para todos os municípios do estado, dadas as adesões à NOB-96. O objetivo deste estudo é descrever e analisar as estratégias adotadas pela Visa/SES na descentralização da Visa para os municípios e as dificuldades encontradas. Trata-se de um estudo exploratório de abordagem qualitativa, análise documental e entrevistas. Os resultados demonstram que as principais estratégias adotadas foram: capacitação de técnicos do nível central, regionais e municípios, em várias modalidades; elaboração de material técnico; assessoria aos municípios, com inspeções conjuntas pelos três níveis de gestão; criação de instrumentos jurídicos. Observou-se postura ativa da Visa/SES no processo de descentralização e constatou-se que a atenção à demanda para executar ações de média e alta complexidade, na maioria dos municípios, e até de baixa complexidade, em alguns deles, repercute negativamente em ausência de supervisão e avaliação do processo e falta de apoio permanente e contínuo na estruturação dos serviços municipais.
Atenção Farmacêutica: fundamentação conceitual e crítica para um modelo brasileiro
Authors: Angonesi Daniela , Sevalho Gil
Published: November 2010

Os conceitos de Atenção Farmacêutica foram analisados desde a sua origem, nos Estados Unidos, e as contribuições posteriores provenientes da Espanha e do esforço de sistematização pela Organização Mundial da Saúde para compreender o processo que vem ocorrendo no Brasil. Após o abandono das farmácias comunitárias, os farmacêuticos brasileiros esperam que esse novo modelo de prática seja um caminho para o resgate do seu papel social. A filosofia que orienta a Atenção Farmacêutica, o enfoque centrado no paciente, em nosso entendimento, deve suportar filosófica e conceitualmente a reconstrução da prática farmacêutica no Brasil a fim de resgatar a relação farmacêutico-paciente nas farmácias comunitárias.
Response: Heller's “In Praise of Amateurism: A Friendly Critique of Moje's ‘Call for Change’ in Secondary Literacy”
Authors: Moje Elizabeth Birr
Published: November 2010

Elizabeth Birr Moje responds to Heller's critique.

[Notes. Find Moje's original commentary, along with a link to an explanatory podcast, at http:dx.doi.org10.1598JAAL.52.2.1. See also Heller's critique at http:dx.doi.org10.1598JAAL.54.4.4 and continuing discussion on Heller's blog at http:literacyforamateurs.blogspot.com.]
Redesigning Teacher Education Programs: How High Can We Fly?
Authors: Scott Jerrie L. , Teale William H.
Published: November 2010

This column brings to the attention of RT readers the hot topic of redesigning teacher education programs. Featured are interviews with professionals involved in a statewide redesign initiative in Tennessee, the Ready2Teach (R2T) program. The interviews highlight major changes in how teacher education programs are being transformed to prepare teachers to be ready to teach effectively on the first day they enter the classroom. Putting words into action, the Tennessee redesign initiative extends clinical experiences, utilizes problem‐based learning, prepares preservice teachers to contribute to better utilize the databases that inform school programs, all with the promise of greatly enriching the literacy experiences and successes of the urban learner.
Shared Reading to Build Vocabulary and Comprehension
Authors: Kesler Ted
Published: November 2010

The author presents four approaches to shared reading that he used with first through third graders in a high‐needs, urban elementary school with a large population of students from immigrant homes. Using sociocultural and cognitive constructivist principles, the author shows how these approaches built students' academic vocabulary and comprehension of the decontextualized language of books.
Taking on the Role of Questioner: Revisiting Reciprocal Teaching
Authors: Williams Joan A.
Published: November 2010

English learners (ELs) often struggle with asking questions in the classroom. They frequently need support to become confident questioners when confusion arises during reading. This skill becomes even more significant when such learners transition into mainstream classrooms. One possible framework for helping ELs make this transition includes the reciprocal teaching strategies of predicting, questioning, clarifying, and summarizing. Two of the strategies, questioning and clarifying, provide support for all students, but are of particular note for facilitating the skill of confident questioning by ELs. The kind of foundation that provides effective support of comprehension strategies like reciprocal teaching requires explicit instruction. This article provides a detailed description of the use of reciprocal teaching as a support for guiding ELs into the self‐assured role of questioner during the reading of expository text. Examples from transcripts demonstrate the ability of these students to effectively use questioning to facilitate the comprehension of what they read.
A single‐cell‐gap transflective liquid‐crystal display with special electrodes
Authors: Wang Qiong‐Hua , Zhang Jian‐De , Wu Di , Li Da‐Hai
Published: November 2010

Abstract— A single‐cell‐gap transflective liquid‐crystal display with special electrodes was demonstrated. In the transmissive region, a strong longitudinal electric field was generated by decreasing the distance between the top and bottom transparent indium‐tin‐oxide electrodes; while in the reflective region, a weak longitudinal electric field is generated by increasing the distance between the top and bottom transparent indium‐tin‐oxide electrodes. And slit‐patterned electrodes were used to optimize the fringe field at the junction of the transmissive and reflective regions. As a result, both the transmissive and reflective display modes show well‐matched gray scales. The simulated single‐cell‐gap TR‐LCD has good performances.
Discharge properties and chemical stability of SrZrO films
Authors: Fukui Yusuke , Honda Yosuke , Yamauchi Yasuhiro , Okafuji Michiko , Sakai Masahiro , Nishitani Mikihiko , Takata Yusuke
Published: November 2010

Abstract— MgO thin film is currently used as a surface protective layer for dielectric materials because MgO has a high resistance during ion sputtering and exhibits effective secondary electron emission. The secondary‐electron‐emission coefficient γ of MgO is high for Ne ions; however, it is low for Xe ions. The Xe content of the discharge gas of PDPs needs to be raised in order to increase the luminous efficiency. Thus, the development of high‐γ materials replacing MgO is required. The discharge properties and chemical surface stability of SrO containing Zr (SrZrO) as the candidate high‐γ protective layer for noble PDPs have been characterized. SrZrO films have superior chemical stability, especially the resistance to carbonation because of the existence of a few adsorption sites due to their amorphous structure. The firing voltage is 60 V lower than that of MgO films for a discharge gas of Ne/Xe = 85/15 at 60 kPa.
Non‐target effects of invasive species management: beachgrass, birds, and bulldozers in coastal dunes
Authors: Zarnetske Phoebe L. , Seabloom Eric W. , Hacker Sally D.
Published: November 2010

Alteration of ecosystem processes by invasive species can lead to the decline of native species. Management actions targeted at removing these invaders and restoring native populations may have knock‐on effects on non‐target native species and ecosystems. For example, coastal dunes in the Pacific Northwest of North America are nearly monocultures of the introduced beach grasses, Ammophila arenaria and Ammophila breviligulata. These invasive grasses have converted open, low‐lying sand dunes with a sparse covering of native plants to tall, densely‐vegetated ridges dominated by the two invaders. As a result, the critical open‐sand habitat of the federally threatened Western Snowy plover (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus) has declined along with populations of several native dune plant species. Here we investigate how nearly 20 years of management targeted at the removal of Ammophila for plover recovery are impacting native plant species and dune morphology along 500 km of coastline in Oregon and Washington, USA. Despite increased plovers and decreased Ammophila in treated areas, plover habitat restoration also has had the unintentional effect of reducing the richness and abundance of native dune plants. Additionally, frequent Ammophila removal has prevented the re‐establishment of the natural disturbance regime and dune function. Based on these findings, we suggest that the Pacific Northwest coastal dune ecosystem would benefit from a more synthetic community‐wide management approach.