bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automated hull reconstruction motion tracking (HRMT) applied to sideways maneuvers of free-flying insects
Authors: Ristroph Leif , Berman Gordon J. , Bergou Attila J. , Wang Z. Jane , Cohen Itai
Published: April 2009

Flying insects perform aerial maneuvers through slight manipulations of their wing motions. Because such manipulations in wing kinematics are subtle,a reliable method is needed to properly discern consistent kinematic strategies used by the insect from inconsistent variations and measurement error. Here, we introduce a novel automated method that accurately extracts full, 3D body and wing kinematics from high-resolution films of free-flying insects. This method combines visual hull reconstruction, principal components analysis, and geometric information about the insect to recover time series data of positions and orientations. The technique has small,well-characterized errors of under 3 pixels for positions and 5 deg. for orientations. To show its utility, we apply this motion tracking to the flight of fruit flies, Drosophila melanogaster. We find that fruit flies generate sideways forces during some maneuvers and that strong lateral acceleration is associated with differences between the left and right wing angles of attack. Remarkably, this asymmetry can be induced by simply altering the relative timing of flips between the right and left wings, and we observe that fruit flies employ timing differences as high as 10% of a wing beat period while accelerating sideways at 40% g.
Variation in yolk precursor receptor mRNA expression is a key determinant of reproductive phenotype in the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata)
Authors: Han Dong , Haunerland Norbert H. , Williams Tony D.
Published: April 2009

The vitellogenin/very low density lipoprotein receptor (VTG/VLDL-R), a 95 kDa protein that belongs to the low density lipoprotein receptor gene family,mediates the uptake of yolk precursors by developing follicles during oocyte growth. However, the extent to which variation in VTG/VLDL-R expression plays a role in determining inter-individual variation in reproductive phenotype(e.g. follicle or egg size) is not known. Here we show that the mRNA sequence of the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) VTG/VLDL-R shows a high degree of sequence identity (92%) with chicken VTG/VLDL-R mRNA. Using quantitative real-time PCR we measured transcriptional expression of VTG/VLDL-R mRNA in various tissues, and for different stages of oocyte growth,in individual female zebra finches. VTG/VLDL-R mRNA was expressed at high levels in vitellogenic oocytes and in skeletal muscle, and was also detectable in liver, but these tissues expressed different splice variants: the short-form LR8–in oocytes and liver, and the LR8+ form in skeletal muscle. There was significant temporal variation in VTG/VLDL-R expression during follicle growth, with highest levels in ovary and a gradual decrease from pre-F3 to F1 vitellogenic follicles. Variation in ovary mRNA expression was correlated with inter-individual variation in clutch size and laying interval. Furthermore, variation in F3 follicle VTG/VLDL-R mRNA expression was correlated with inter-individual variation in egg mass and F1 follicle mass,suggesting that VTG/VLDL receptor mRNA expression is a key determinant of inter-individual variation in reproductive phenotype.
Determinants of incubation period: do reptilian embryos hatch after a fixed total number of heart beats?
Authors: Du Wei-Guo , Radder Rajkumar S. , Sun Bo , Shine Richard
Published: April 2009

The eggs of birds typically hatch after a fixed (but lineage-specific)cumulative number of heart beats since the initiation of incubation. Is the same true for non-avian reptiles, despite wide intraspecific variation in incubation period generated by variable nest temperatures? Non-invasive monitoring of embryo heart beat rates in one turtle species (Pelodiscus sinensis) and two lizards (Bassiana duperreyi and Takydromus septentrionalis) show that the total number of heart beats during embryogenesis is relatively constant over a wide range of warm incubation conditions. However, incubation at low temperatures increases the total number of heart beats required to complete embryogenesis, because the embryo spends much of its time at temperatures that require maintenance functions but that do not allow embryonic growth or differentiation. Thus, cool-incubated embryos allocate additional metabolic effort to maintenance costs. Under warm conditions, total number of heart beats thus predicts incubation period in non-avian reptiles as well as in birds (the total number of heart beats are also similar); however, under the colder nest conditions often experienced by non-avian reptiles, maintenance costs add significantly to total embryonic metabolic expenditure.
Floral colour signal increases short-range detectability of a sexually deceptive orchid to its bee pollinator
Authors: Streinzer Martin , Paulus Hannes F. , Spaethe Johannes
Published: April 2009

Orchids of the genus Ophrys are pollinated by males of solitary bees and wasps through sexual deception. The flowers mimic the behaviourally active compounds of the sex pheromone of receptive females and thus attract males that seek to copulate. Odour is the main attractant while visual stimuli have been assumed so far to play only a minor role. In contrast to most species of the genus, Heldreich's orchid Ophrys heldreichii, which is pollinated by males of the long-horned bee Tetralonia berlandi,possesses a bright pink perianth that appears conspicuous to a human observer. We investigated the role of this floral colour signal in pollinator attraction. We filmed approach flights of male bees to flowers in which we removed the original perianth and in which we substituted the perianth with an artificial one of a particular selected colour. At distances >30 cm, male search time correlated only with wind speed but not with the spectral parameters of the perianth, i.e. chromatic and green receptor-specific contrast. By contrast, in the close range (<30 cm), where the perianth subtends a visual angle of at least 5 deg. to the bee's eye, search time decreased with increasing green receptor contrast between perianth and background; however, no correlation with chromatic contrast or wind speed was found. Our results indicate that pollinators are first attracted by olfactory signals from a distance. Once in the vicinity of the flower where spatial vision of the males is sufficient, they are guided exclusively by vision. However, it can be expected that possession of a `non-private' colour signal would increase the risk of pollen loss in sexually deceptive orchids by accidentally attracting non-specific flower visitors. We therefore discuss the occurrence of colour signals in the genus Ophrys in respect to the species-specific visual system of the pollinators.
Dynamics of PHA-induced immune response and plasma carotenoids in birds:should we have a closer look?
Authors: Biard C. , Hardy C. , Motreuil S. , Moreau J.
Published: April 2009

Allocation trade-offs of limited resources are thought to ensure the honesty of sexual signals and are often studied using controlled immune challenges. One such trade-off between immunity and ornaments is that involving carotenoids. Phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-induced immune response is a widely used immune challenge, yet more details on the underlying physiological mechanisms and potential costs are needed. We investigated the temporal dynamics of PHA-induced immune response and associated changes in blood carotenoids, body mass and a carotenoid-based coloured signal. We found variation in individual response patterns to PHA after peak swelling was reached, with birds showing either a rapid or a slow subsequent decrease in swelling, suggesting variation in the duration of the immune response and/or inflammation. Body mass did not affect immune response. Plasma carotenoids followed a transient decrease closely matching the dynamics of the swelling. The peak of the immune response was negatively related to initial plasma carotenoid levels and positively correlated to the relative decrease in plasma carotenoids. Individual variation in duration of the swelling could be partly explained by plasma carotenoids; high initial carotenoid levels were associated with a slower decrease of the swelling. These contradictory effects of carotenoids suggest a complex role in the immune response. Bill colour was positively correlated to initial plasma carotenoid concentration but it did not predict or change as a consequence of immune response to PHA. Bill colour thus reflects medium- or long-term quality rather than immediate quality. Taking into account the dynamics of the immune response and that of associated physiological parameters would thus yield new insights into our interpretation of variation in PHA response.
A new upper bound solution for the analysis of the twist extrusion process with an elliptical die cross-section
Authors: Seyed Salehi M , Serajzadeh S
Published: April 2009

The twist extrusion process is a rather new route to produce highly strained materials. In this process, severe plastic deformation is applied by large shear strains. In this regard, prediction of materials behaviour and extrusion pressure is of importance to die designers and engineers. In this article, utilizing an admissible velocity field together with the upper bound technique, the required energy for twist extrusion is predicted. The proposed model is capable of considering the effect of various parameters such as die geometry and friction conditions. In addition, the model anticipates the critical die design parameters. To verify the proposed model, the predictions are compared with the results of a finite-element analysis and reasonable consistency is observed.
The conserved 3′ end domain of U6atac snRNA can direct U6 snRNA to the minor spliceosome
Authors: Dietrich Rosemary C. , Padgett Richard A. , Shukla Girish C.
Published: April 2009

U6 and U6atac snRNAs play analogous critical roles in the major U2-dependent and minor U12-dependent spliceosomes, respectively. Previous results have shown that most of the functional cores of these two snRNAs are either highly similar in sequence or functionally interchangeable. Thus, a mechanism must exist to restrict each snRNA to its own spliceosome. Here we show that a chimeric U6 snRNA containing the unique and highly conserved 3′ end domain of U6atac snRNA is able to function in vivo in U12-dependent spliceosomal splicing. Function of this chimera required the coexpression of a modified U4atac snRNA; U4 snRNA could not substitute. Partial deletions of this element in vivo, as well as in vitro antisense experiments, showed that the 3′ end domain of U6atac snRNA is necessary to direct the U4atac/U6atac.U5 tri-snRNP to the forming U12-dependent spliceosome. In vitro experiments also uncovered a role for U4atac snRNA in this targeting.
SELDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry Evaluation of Variant Transthyretins for Diagnosis and Pathogenesis of Familial Amyloidotic Polyneuropathy
Authors: Ueda Mitsuharu , Misumi Yohei , Mizuguchi Mineyuki , Nakamura Masaaki , Yamashita Taro , Sekijima Yoshiki , Ota Kazutoshi , Shinriki Satoru , Jono Hirofumi , Ikeda Shu-ichi , Suhr Ole B , Ando Yukio
Published: April 2009

Background: Mass spectrometric analyses are valuable for detection of transthyretin (TTR) variants, which cause familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP). However, those methods require an immunoprecipitation step with an anti-TTR antibody and are not suitable for quantitative detection. We investigated the usefulness of SELDI-TOF mass spectrometry (MS) without an immunoprecipitation step.

Methods: We used ProteinChips with chromatographic capture formats to detect TTRs. We attempted to correlate the intensity of mixed samples of amyloidogenic TTR (ATTR) V30M to wild-type (WT) TTR. We analyzed the proportion of ATTR V30M in amyloid-laden cardiac tissues from FAP patients, and also evaluated samples from FAP patients with 16 other TTR mutations.

Results: Detection of ATTR required only 3 h of SELDI-TOF MS analysis. We determined that SELDI-TOF MS was suitable for quantitative detection of ATTR V30M and demonstrated that the proportion of ATTR V30M to WT TTR was 46.6% in amyloid-laden cardiac tissue from an FAP patient who died 10 years after liver transplantation. With this method, we identified 12 of 17 TTR variants. Small mass shifts and low concentrations of variants prevented ATTR detection. By changing the analytical conditions, we achieved detection of low concentrations of ATTR Y114C in serum.

Conclusions: SELDI-TOF MS is a reliable tool for quantitative evaluation of TTR variants, in both tissue amyloid deposits and body fluids. This method is useful for the diagnosis and investigation of the pathogenesis of FAP.
Monographs on drugs which are frequently analyzed in therapeutic drug monitoring / Arzneimittel-Monographien für Medikamente, die regelmäßig im Rahmen des Therapeutic Drug Monitorings analysiert werden
Authors: Rentsch (Vorsitzende)  Working group “Drug Monitoring” of the SSCC: Katharina , Eap Chin Bin , Fathi Marc , Grignaschi Nathalie , Magnin Jean-Luc , Thormann Wolfgang , Todesco Liliane , Werner Dominique
Published: April 2009

In addition to the monographs which have been published recently by the working group “Drug Monitoring” of the Swiss Society of Clinical Chemistry (SSCC) [1–3], new monographs have been written. The aim of these monographs is to provide an overview on the information which is important for the request and interpretation of the results. Therefore, the targeted readers are laboratory health professionals and the receivers of the reports. In this series, several antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs are presented. It is worth noting that the monograph on the antipsychotic clozapine has already been published in 2005 [1]. Information on the indications for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), protein binding, metabolic pathways and enzymes involved, elimination half-life time and elimination route(s) of the parent drug and therapeutic or toxic concentrations is provided. Because pre-analytical considerations are of particular importance for therapeutic drug monitoring, information regarding the optimal point in time for the determination of drug concentrations and achievement of steady-state concentrations after changing the dose is given. Furthermore, the stability of the drug and its metabolite(s) after blood sampling is described. For readers with a specific interest, references to important publications are provided. The number of the monographs will be continuously increased. The updated files are presented on the homepage of the SSCC (www.sscc.ch). We hope that these monographs are helpful for the better handling of therapeutic drug monitoring and we are looking forward to comments by the readers.
An improved indirect approach for determining reference limits from intra-laboratory data bases exemplified by concentrations of electrolytes / Ein verbesserter indirekter Ansatz zur Bestimmung von Referenzgrenzen mittels intra-laboratorieller Datensätze am Beispiel von Elektrolyt-Konzentrationen
Authors: Arzideh Farhad , Brandhorst Gunnar , Gurr Eberhard , Hinsch Wilhelm , Hoff Torsten , Roggenbuck Lennart , Rothe Gregor , Schumann Gerhard , Wolters Bernd , Wosniok Werner , Haeckel Rainer
Published: April 2009

Background: The current dogma of establishing intra-laboratory reference limits (RLs) and their periodical reviewing cannot be fulfilled by most laboratories due to the expenses involved. Thus, most laboratories adopt RLs from external sources often neglecting the problems of transferability. Presently accepted validation concepts still require experimental expenses. Several attempts were undertaken to derive RLs from the large data pools stored in modern laboratory information systems. Former indirect procedures were not generally accepted, but were recently further developed and combined with direct exclusion criteria and applied to estimate RLs of the catalytic activity concentrations of enzymes. This approach was now applied to several electrolytes in serum and plasma most commonly applied in clinical chemistry.

Methods: A smoothed kernel density function was estimated for the distribution of the mixed data of the sample group (combined data of non-diseased and diseased subjects). It was assumed that the “central” part of the distribution of all data represents the non-diseased (“healthy”) population (non-pathological values) with high probability. The central part was defined by truncation points using an optimisation method, and was used to estimate a Gaussian distribution of the values of non-diseased subjects. This distribution was now considered as the distribution of the non-diseased subgroup. The percentiles of this parametrical distribution were calculated to obtain unimodal reference intervals.

Results: The RLs obtained from different laboratories were similar to recently published values established by direct procedures. Stratification for gender was not necessary, but in some cases for age. With rising age, an increase of the upper RL and of the reference range was observed for potassium. Hospitalisation affected the RLs of sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium, but not of phosphate. In the case of sodium, the data of at least five regional laboratories could be combined to common RLs. The presented indirect procedure was further validated with a large dataset of potassium concentrations from the NHANES III study with five groups of different health status.

Conclusions: The proposed strategy of combining exclusion criteria with an indirect method led to RLs from intra-laboratory data pools for electrolytes which were plausible in comparison to published data obtained by the generally accepted direct approach. The combined concept, however, still requires further investigations. Therefore, it is presently only recommended for checking and reviewing already existing RLs.
The IFCC recommendations for determining reference intervals: strengths and limitations / Die IFCC-Empfehlungen für die Bestimmung von Referenzbereichen: Stärken und Schwächen
Authors: Henny Joseph
Published: April 2009

Based on the original recommendation of the Expert Panel on the Theory of Reference Values of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC) dating back to the 1980s, updated guidelines were recently published under the auspices of the IFCC and the Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI). Whereas the theory and the fundamentals of the reference value concept (definition, selection of reference individuals, preanalytical and analytical requirements, analysis of reference values) have not been modified, the updated guidelines add valuable improvements (transference, validation and verifying reference intervals). However, certain limitations remain which will be discussed in the present article.
Recent developments in testis tissue xenografting
Authors: Rodriguez-Sosa Jose R , Dobrinski Ina
Published: April 2009

Development of the mammalian testis and spermatogenesis involve complex processes of cell migration, proliferation, differentiation, and cell–cell interactions. Although our knowledge of these processes has increased in the last few decades, many aspects still remain unclear. The lack of suitable systems that allow to recapitulate and manipulate both testis development and spermatogenesisex situhas limited our ability to study these processes. In the last few years, two observations suggested novel strategies that will improve our ability to study and manipulate mammalian spermatogenesis: i) testis tissue from immature animals transplanted ectopically into immunodeficient mice is able to respond to mouse gonadotropins and to initiate and complete differentiation to the level where fertilization-competent sperm are obtained, and ii) isolated testis cells are able to organize and rearrange into seminiferous cords that subsequently undergo complete development, including production of viable sperm. The current paper reviews recent advances that have been obtained with both techniques that represent novel opportunities to explore testis development and spermatogenesis in diverse mammalian species.
Utilização de serviços de saúde por adultos da coorte de nascimentos de 1982 a 2004-5, Pelotas, RS
Authors: Dias-da-Costa Juvenal S , Gigante Denise P , Horta Bernardo L , Barros Fernando C , Victora Cesar G
Published: April 2009

OBJETIVO: Descrever o padrão de utilização de serviços de saúde por adultos jovens. MÉTODOS: Estudo longitudinal em Pelotas (RS), em que os indivíduos foram localizados no seu nascimento em 1982 e acompanhados até os 23 anos. O desfecho foi definido por informações coletadas sobre consultas com profissionais de saúde realizadas no ano anterior à entrevista entre 2004 e 2005. Os locais de consulta foram categorizados como públicos, privados ou planos de saúde. Análises descritivas foram realizadas para utilização e tipo de serviço de saúde. Regressão de Poisson foi utilizada na análise ajustada. RESULTADOS: Dos entrevistados, 72,0% tiveram consulta com profissionais de saúde no ano anterior à entrevista; 86,2% (IC 95% 84,7;87,7) das mulheres e 59,3% (IC 95% 57,3;61,3) dos homens. Mesmo quando excluídas as consultas com ginecologista, as mulheres continuavam tendo mais consultas do que os homens, 68,4% (IC 95% 66,4;70,4). A utilização dos serviços de saúde foi mais freqüente entre os entrevistados de melhor nível socioeconômico. Diferença de menor uso em relação à cor da pele não branca foi observada somente entre os jovens do sexo masculino. Houve diferenças em relação ao tipo de profissional consultado por homens e mulheres e também conforme a renda familiar. Homens e mulheres consultaram mais freqüentemente o sistema público, os serviços conveniados e em menor proporção o sistema privado. CONCLUSÕES: A situação socioeconômica influenciou a utilização e o tipo de serviço de saúde, com homens e mulheres classificados como "pobres no momento", indicando menor utilização de serviços. Tais diferenças socioeconômicas podem ser indicativas de dificuldades de acesso ao sistema de saúde.
Avaliação nutricional de adultos da coorte de nascimentos de 1982, Pelotas, RS
Authors: Gigante Denise P , Minten Gicele C , Horta Bernardo L , Barros Fernando C , Victora Cesar G
Published: April 2009

OBJETIVO: Estimar a prevalência de desnutrição por déficit ou excesso de peso e sua associação com fatores demográficos e socioeconômicos. MÉTODOS: Estudo longitudinal de coorte de jovens nascidos em 1982 em Pelotas, RS. Em 2004-5 foram entrevistados 4.198 dos 5.914 indivíduos dessa coorte, que tiveram suas medidas de peso e estatura coletadas para cálculo do índice de massa corporal (IMC). Definiu-se baixo peso pelo valor de IMC inferior a 18,5 kg/m²; excesso de peso, pelo IMC entre 25 e 30kg/m²; e obesidade pelo IMC>30kg/m². Os efeitos de variáveis socioeconômicas (renda familiar e escolaridade), demográfica (cor da pele), peso ao nascer e amamentação sobre baixo peso, excesso de peso e obesidade foram analisados utilizando regressão de Poisson separadamente para homens e mulheres. RESULTADOS: As prevalências de baixo peso, obesidade e excesso de peso foram 6,0%, 8,2% e 28,9%, respectivamente. Na análise ajustada somente o peso ao nascer manteve-se associado com baixo peso em homens e mulheres. Homens pobres tiveram maior risco de baixo peso, mas ficaram protegidos da obesidade e do excesso de peso. Por outro lado, o risco de obesidade e excesso de peso foi maior entre as mulheres pobres. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados reforçam a importância da determinação socioeconômica sobre o estado nutricional, chamando atenção como esses fatores agem de forma distinta em homens e mulheres de diferentes situações nutricionais, indicando atenção no que se refere a medidas específicas na prevenção, melhorando o acesso à informação sobre educação alimentar e nutricional para toda população.
Determinantes precoces da pressão arterial em adultos da coorte de nascimentos de 1982, Pelotas, RS
Authors: Horta Bernardo L , Gigante Denise P , Victora Cesar G , Barros Fernando C
Published: April 2009

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos de exposições ocorridas na gestação ou nos primeiros anos de vida sobre a pressão arterial. MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte com todas as crianças nascidas em 1982 nas maternidades da cidade de Pelotas, RS. As mães residentes em área urbana foram entrevistadas e as crianças, acompanhadas em diferentes ocasiões. Em 2004-5, buscou-se acompanhar todos os indivíduos da coorte. A pressão arterial foi medida duas vezes, no início e no final da entrevista, com esfigmomanômetro digital de pulso. Foi avaliada a associação entre pressão arterial e as seguintes variáveis: cor da pele; escolaridade materna; renda familiar ao nascer; mudança de renda entre o nascimento e os 23 anos de idade; peso ao nascer e duração da amamentação. A análise de variância foi utilizada para a comparação de médias e os modelos lineares generalizados na análise ajustada. RESULTADOS: Obteve-se a medida da pressão arterial para 4.291 indivíduos, 2.208 do sexo masculino e 2.083 do sexo feminino. A média das medidas da pressão arterial sistólica foi de 117,5±15,0 mmHg e da diastólica, de 73,6±11,5 mmHg. Entre os homens, a pressão arterial sistólica foi maior nos indivíduos de cor da pele preta ou parda e naqueles que nunca foram considerados pobres. A pressão diastólica esteve associada apenas com o peso ao nascer. Entre as mulheres, a pressão arterial sistólica foi maior nas de cor da pele preta ou parda, cuja escolaridade materna era maior ou igual a 12 anos ou com peso ao nascer menor do que 4.000 g. CONCLUSÕES:Para ambos os sexos apenas a cor da pele esteve associada com a pressão arterial. A amamentação não teve efeito em longo prazo sobre a pressão arterial, e para o peso ao nascer e o nível socioeconômico, as associações não foram consistentes.
Causas do declínio da desnutrição infantil no Brasil, 1996-2007
Authors: Monteiro Carlos Augusto , Benicio Maria Helena D'Aquino , Konno Silvia Cristina , Silva Ana Carolina Feldenheimer da , Lima Ana Lucia Lovadino de , Conde Wolney Lisboa
Published: April 2009

OBJETIVO: Estabelecer a evolução da prevalência de desnutrição na população brasileira de crianças menores de cinco anos de idade entre 1996 e 2007 e identificar os principais fatores responsáveis por essa evolução. MÉTODOS: Os dados analisados procedem de inquéritos "Demographic Health Surveys" realizados no Brasil em 1996 e 2006/7 em amostras probabilísticas de cerca de 4 mil crianças menores de cinco anos. A identificação dos fatores responsáveis pela variação temporal da prevalência da desnutrição (altura-para-idade inferior a -2 escores z; padrão OMS 2006) considerou mudanças na distribuição de quatro determinantes potenciais do estado nutricional. Modelagem estatística da associação independente entre determinante e risco de desnutrição em cada inquérito e cálculo de "frações atribuíveis parciais" foram utilizados para avaliar a importância relativa de cada fator na evolução da desnutrição infantil. RESULTADOS: A prevalência da desnutrição foi reduzida em cerca de 50%: de 13,5% (IC 95%: 12,1%;14,8%) em 1996 para 6,8% (5,4%;8,3%) em 2006/7. Dois terços dessa redução poderiam ser atribuídos à evolução favorável dos quatro fatores estudados: 25,7% ao aumento da escolaridade materna; 21,7% ao crescimento do poder aquisitivo das famílias; 11,6% à expansão da assistência à saúde e 4,3% à melhoria nas condições de saneamento. CONCLUSÕES: A taxa anual de declínio de 6,3% na proporção de crianças com déficits de altura-para-idade indica que em cerca de mais dez anos a desnutrição infantil poderia deixar de ser um problema de saúde pública no Brasil. A conquista desse resultado dependerá da manutenção das políticas econômicas e sociais que têm favorecido o aumento do poder aquisitivo dos mais pobres e de investimentos públicos que permitam completar a universalização do acesso da população brasileira aos serviços essenciais de educação, saúde e saneamento.
Paternidade: responsabilidade social do homem no papel de provedor
Authors: Freitas Waglânia de Mendonça Faustino e , Silva Ana Tereza Medeiros Cavalcante da , Coelho Edméia de Almeida Cardoso , Guedes Rebeca Nunes , Lucena Kerle Dayana Tavares de , Costa Ana Paula Teixeira
Published: April 2009

OBJETIVO: Analisar os significados atribuídos à paternidade por homens que são pais. DELINEAMENTO DO ESTUDO: Estudo realizado em João Pessoa, PB, em 2003, desenvolvido sob abordagem qualitativa e enfoque teórico de gênero. Os participantes do estudo foram dez homens, cujos filhos eram atendidos no ambulatório de puericultura de um hospital escola. As informações analisadas foram obtidas por meio de entrevistas semi-estruturadas. Os depoimentos foram analisados pela técnica de análise crítica do discurso. ANÁLISE DOS DISCURSOS: Os sujeitos do estudo concebiam a paternidade como um novo encargo social, vinculando-a mais à provisão material da família do que ao espaço de envolvimento afetivo com o(a) filho(a). Entretanto, os participantes experimentavam um processo de transição no qual o pai tradicional convivia entre aqueles cuja dimensão afetiva da paternidade apresentava-se como eixo central de preocupação do ser pai. CONCLUSÕES: O significado e o exercício concreto da paternidade situaram-se num campo de responsabilidades que predominantemente reproduzem o pai tradicional mas também recriam o papel de pai, com inclusão da dimensão afetiva.
Factors related to inadequate cervical cancer screening in two Brazilian state capitals
Authors: Martins Luís Felipe Leite , Valente Joaquim Gonçalves , Thuler Luiz Claudio Santos
Published: April 2009

OBJECTIVE:To analyze factors associated with cervical cancer screening failure. METHODS:Population-based cross-sectional study with self-weighted two-stage cluster sampling conducted in the cities of Fortaleza (Northeastern Brazil) and Rio de Janeiro (Southeastern Brazil) in 2002. Subjects were women aged 25-59 years in the last three years prior to the study. Data were analyzed through Poisson regression using a hierarchical model. RESULTS: The proportion of women who did not undergo the Pap smear test in Fortaleza and Rio de Janeiro was 19.1% (95% CI: 16.1;22.1) and 16.5% (95% CI: 14.1;18.9), respectively. Higher prevalence ratios of cervical cancer screening failure in both cities were seen among women with low education and low per capita income, old age, unmarried, who never underwent mammography, clinical breast examination, and blood glucose and cholesterol level testing. Smokers also had lower screening rates compared to non-smoker women and this difference was only statistically significant in Rio de Janeiro. CONCLUSIONS:The study findings point to the need of intervention focusing particularly women in worse socioeconomic conditions and access to healthcare, old-aged and unmarried. Education activities must prioritize screening of asymptomatic women and early diagnosis for symptomatic women and access to adequate diagnostic methods and treatment should be provided.
A infecção tuberculosa e o tempo de prisão da população carcerária dos Distritos Policiais da zona oeste da cidade de São Paulo
Authors: Nogueira Péricles Alves , Abrahão Regina Maura Cabral de Melo
Published: April 2009

INTRODUÇÃO: A tuberculose sempre foi um grave problema de saúde para grupos de pessoas confinadas, especialmente em presídios, devido à sua transmissão respiratória. OBJETIVO: Verificar a associação entre o tempo de prisão e a taxa de infecção tuberculosa na população carcerária dos Distritos Policiais da zona oeste da cidade de São Paulo. METODOLOGIA:Foi realizado um estudo observacional, no período de março de 2000 a maio de 2001, com a aplicação de um inquérito individual e da prova tuberculínica (PPD-RT23 - 2UT/0.1ml) nos detentos. RESULTADOS E DISCUSSÃO: Do total de 1.052 presos entrevistados, 932 concordaram em fazer a prova tuberculínica e, destes, 64,5% estavam infectados. Para as análises, os detentos foram classificados como primários e reincidentes e como não reatores e reatores à prova tuberculínica, segundo o tempo de prisão. Entre os 134 detentos primários que estavam presos há menos de 60 dias, 40,3% foram reatores ao PPD e dos 53 com mais de 366 dias de prisão a percentagem de reatores foi de 62,3%. Entre os 146 detentos reincidentes presos há menos de 60 dias, 72,6% foram reatores ao PPD e dos 25 com mais de 366 dias de prisão, 100,0% estava infectado. Em todos os períodos de permanência na prisão, os detentos reincidentes tiveram maior percentagem de infecção tuberculosa do que os detentos primários. A associação entre tempo de prisão e reatividade ao PPD foi confirmada pelo Teste de Tendência (p<0.001) do programa Epi-Info-6. CONCLUSÕES:Quanto maior o tempo de prisão, maior a taxa de infecção tuberculosa. Detentos reincidentes são um risco de infecção para os detentos primários.
Epidemiologia dos acidentes ofídicos notificados pelo Centro de Assistência e Informação Toxicológica de Campina Grande (Ceatox-CG), Paraíba
Authors: Lemos Josiverton de Carvalho , Almeida Thaise Dantas de , Fook Sayonara Maria Lia , Paiva Adriana de Azevedo , Simões Mônica Oliveira da Silva
Published: April 2009

Os acidentes causados por animais peçonhentos ainda constituem problema de Saúde Pública no Brasil. Embora a produção e a distribuição dos soros no país encontrem-se estabilizadas, há problemas relacionados à notificação de acidentes deste tipo em várias regiões. Considerando esta realidade, foi realizado um estudo transversal entre janeiro e dezembro de 2005, utilizando documentação indireta sobre os acidentes ofídicos ocorridos em Campina Grande e 80 municípios adjacentes à região, com o objetivo de conhecer o perfil epidemiológico e clínico deste tipo de caso. Todos os pacientes atendidos tiveram diagnóstico médico de acidente por serpentes realizado pelo Centro de Atendimento Toxicológico de Campina Grande (Ceatox-CG). Os dados foram coletados através da ficha de notificação do Sinan (Sistema Nacional de Notificação de Agravo do Ministério da Saúde). Para análise dos dados, foi utilizada estatística descritiva e os dados foram tabulados no programa Microsoft Excel 2003. Dos 1.443 atendimentos no Centro, 737 foram causados por animais peçonhentos e, destes, 277 foram provocados por serpentes peçonhentas e não peçonhentas. Os acidentes predominaram no sexo masculino, na faixa etária de 10 a 29 anos, principalmente em agricultores na zona rural, entre maio e novembro de 2005. O gênero Bothrops foi responsável pelo maior número de casos (71,5%), e as extremidades superior e inferior do corpo foram os locais de maior predominância de ataques. Na extremidade inferior, foi atingido principalmente o pé. Em relação à gravidade, foram mais frequentes os acidentes classificados como leves causados pelo gênero Bothrops e apenas um paciente evoluiu para óbito. A média do tempo de atendimento, em horas, foi superior a 12 horas nos acidentes considerados graves, causados pelos gêneros Bothrops e Crotalus. Nossos resultados concordam com o perfil epidemiológico nacional dos acidentes ofídicos, atingindo com maior frequência o sexo masculino - trabalhadores rurais, na faixa etária produtiva de 10 a 49 anos - atingindo, sobretudo, os membros inferiores, e a maioria desses acidentes foi atribuída ao gênero Bothrops.
Avaliação das declarações de nascido vivo como fonte de informação sobre defeitos congênitos
Authors: Geremias Ana Lívia , Almeida Marcia Furquim de , Flores Luis Patricio Ortiz
Published: April 2009

OBJETIVO: Estimar a prevalência de defeitos congênitos (DC) em uma coorte de nascidos vivos (NV) vinculando-se os bancos de dados do Sistema de Informação de Mortalidade (SIM) e do Sistema de Informação sobre Nascidos Vivos (SINASC). MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo para avaliar as declarações de nascido vivo como fonte de informação sobre DC. A população de estudo é uma coorte de NV hospitalares do 1º semestre de 2006 de mães residentes e ocorridos no Município de São Paulo no período de 01/01/2006 a 30/06/2006, obtida por meio da vinculação dos bancos de dados das declarações de nascido vivo e óbitos neonatais provenientes da coorte. RESULTADOS: Os DC mais prevalentes segundo o SINASC foram: malformações congênitas (MC) e deformidades do aparelho osteomuscular (44,7%), MC do sistema nervoso (10,0%) e anomalias cromossômicas (8,6%). Após a vinculação, houve uma recuperação de 80,0% de indivíduos portadores de DC do aparelho circulatório, 73,3% de DC do aparelho respiratório e 62,5% de DC do aparelho digestivo. O SINASC fez 55,2% das notificações de DC e o SIM notificou 44,8%, mostrando-se importante para a recuperação de informações de DC. Segundo o SINASC, a taxa de prevalência de DC na coorte foi de 75,4%00 NV; com os dados vinculados com o SIM, essa taxa passou para 86,2%00 NV. CONCLUSÕES: A complementação de dados obtida pela vinculação SIM/SINASC fornece um perfil mais real da prevalência de DC do que aquele registrado pelo SINASC, que identifica os DC mais visíveis, enquanto o SIM identifica os mais letais, mostrando a importância do uso conjunto das duas fontes de dados.
Detecting, Preventing, and Treating Sexually Transmitted Diseases Among Adolescent Arrestees: An Unmet Public Health Need
Authors: Belenko Steven , Dembo Richard , Rollie Matthew , Childs Kristina , Salvatore Christopher
Published: April 2009

Studies of detained and incarcerated adolescent offenders in the United States indicate that these juveniles have an elevated risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). However, many more arrestees enter the “front end” of the juvenile justice system than are detained or incarcerated, and research into the STD risk profiles and service needs of this larger group is lacking. An expansion of STD testing (including of asymptomatic youths), prevention, and treatment is needed, as is improved knowledge about gender- and race-specific services. A pilot program in Florida has shown that juvenile justice and public health systems can collaborate to implement STD testing among new arrestees. With integrated linkages to treatment and prevention after release, this model could greatly reduce the STD burden in this underserved, high-risk population.
From Public to Private Care The Historical Trajectory of Medical Services in a New York City Jail
Authors: Shalev Noga
Published: April 2009

Over the past 25 years, incarceration rates in the United States have more than tripled. Providing health care services for this growing number of inmates poses immense medical and public health challenges. Focusing on the administrative and financial shifts in health care delivery, I examined the history of medical services in one of the nation's largest correctional facilities, Rikers Island in New York City. Over time, medical services at Rikers have become increasingly privatized. This trend toward privatization is mirrored nationwide and coincides with the rising prevalence of incarceration.
Reducing Psychosocial and Behavioral Pregnancy Risk Factors: Results of a Randomized Clinical Trial Among High-Risk Pregnant African American Women
Authors: Joseph Jill G. , El-Mohandes Ayman A. E. , Kiely Michele , El-Khorazaty M. Nabil , Gantz Marie G. , Johnson Allan A. , Katz Kathy S. , Blake Susan M. , Rossi Maryann W. , Subramanian Siva
Published: April 2009

Objectives. We evaluated the efficacy of a primary care intervention targeting pregnant African American women and focusing on psychosocial and behavioral risk factors for poor reproductive outcomes (cigarette smoking, secondhand smoke exposure, depression, and intimate partner violence).

Methods. Pregnant African American women (N = 1044) were randomized to an intervention or usual care group. Clinic-based, individually tailored counseling sessions were adapted from evidence-based interventions. Follow-up data were obtained for 850 women. Multiple imputation methodology was used to estimate missing data. Outcome measures were number of risks at baseline, first follow-up, and second follow-up and within-person changes in risk from baseline to the second follow-up.

Results. Number of risks did not differ between the intervention and usual care groups at baseline, the second trimester, or the third trimester. Women in the intervention group more frequently resolved some or all of their risks than did women in the usual care group (odds ratio = 1.61; 95% confidence interval = 1.08, 2.39; P = .021).

Conclusions. In comparison with usual care, a clinic-based behavioral intervention significantly reduced psychosocial and behavioral pregnancy risk factors among high-risk African American women receiving prenatal care.
Multilevel Predictors of Inconsistent Condom Use Among Adolescent Mothers
Authors: Van Horne Bethanie S. , Wiemann Constance M. , Berenson Abbey B. , Horwitz Irwin B. , Volk Robert J.
Published: April 2009

Objectives. We used Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory to identify factors that predicted never or sometimes using condoms in a multiethnic cohort of adolescent mothers.

Methods. We interviewed adolescent mothers within 48 hours of delivery and surveyed them 6 and 12 months after delivery (n = 636). We used multinomial logistic regression to identify individual-, dyad-, family-, and peer and community-level factors associated with never or sometimes using versus always using condoms during intercourse at 12 months postpartum.

Results. Pregnancy status, partner refusal to use condoms, intimate partner violence, and race/ethnicity predicted both never and sometimes using condoms. Condom use 6 months earlier and church attendance also predicted never using condoms, whereas maternal monitoring was an additional predictor for sometimes using condoms.

Conclusions. Overlapping yet distinct risk profiles predicted never or sometimes using versus always using condoms. Factors from multiple levels of influence affected the condom use behaviors of adolescent mothers indicating that multilevel interventions are needed to promote safer sexual practices among these young women.
History of Childhood Sexual Abuse and Unsafe Anal Intercourse in a 6-City Study of HIV-Positive Men Who Have Sex With Men
Authors: Welles Seth L. , Baker A. Cornelius , Miner Michael H. , Brennan David J. , Jacoby Scott , Rosser B. R. Simon
Published: April 2009

Objectives. We assessed rates of childhood sexual abuse and its demographic and mental health correlates among HIV-positive men who reported unsafe anal intercourse with other men in the past year.

Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from 593 HIV-positive men who have sex with men enrolled in the Positive Connections intervention.

Results. Childhood sexual abuse was reported by 47% of participants; 32% reported frequency as often or sometimes. Men reporting abuse were more likely to be Latino (odds ratio [OR] = 2.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.6, 4.2; P < .001) or African American (OR = 1.8; 95% CI = 1.2, 2.7; P = .005) than White. Among those who were abused, more frequent abuse was associated with more sexual contacts (for each, rate ratio [RR] = 1.3; P < .001) and unsafe anal intercourse (often, RR = 1.5; sometimes, RR = 2.0; P < .001) compared with men who were not abused.

Conclusions. History of childhood sexual abuse is highly prevalent among HIV-positive men who engage in risky sexual behavior with other men and appears to be more common among men of color. Our findings suggest that abuse is associated with a significantly increased risk of sexually transmitted infections.
Characteristics and Behaviors Associated With HIV Infection Among Inmates in the North Carolina Prison System
Authors: Rosen David L. , Schoenbach Victor J. , Wohl David A. , White Becky L. , Stewart Paul W. , Golin Carol E.
Published: April 2009

Objectives. We identified factors associated with testing HIV positive in a prison system performing voluntary HIV testing on inmates and estimated the number of undetected HIV cases to evaluate the efficacy of risk-factor–based HIV testing.

Methods. We used logistic regression to estimate associations between HIV serostatus and HIV risk behaviors, mental health, coinfection status, and sociodemographic characteristics for prisoners entering the North Carolina Department of Correction from January 2004 through May 2006. We estimated the number of undetected HIV cases on the basis of age-, gender-, and race-specific HIV prevalences among prisoners and in the state.

Results. Nearly 3.4% (718/21 419) of tested prisoners were HIV positive. The strongest risk factors for infection among men were having sex with men (odds ratio [OR] = 8.0), Black race (OR = 6.2), other non-White race (OR = 7.4), and being aged 35 to 44 years (OR = 4.1). The strongest risk factor among women was Black race (OR = 3.8). Among HIV-positive prisoners, 65% were coinfected with HCV. We estimated that between 24% (223) and 61% (1101) of HIV cases remained undetected.

Conclusions. The associations between HIV serostatus and a variety of factors highlight the potential limitations of risk-factor–based HIV testing in prisons, as do the high number of potential undetected HIV cases.
The Health Impact of Supportive Housing for HIV-Positive Homeless Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Buchanan David , Kee Romina , Sadowski Laura S. , Garcia Diana
Published: April 2009

Objectives. We assessed the health impact of a housing and case management program, the Chicago Housing for Health Partnership, for homeless people with HIV.

Methods. HIV-positive homeless inpatients at a public hospital (n = 105) were randomized to usual care or permanent housing with intensive case management. The primary outcome was survival with intact immunity, defined as CD4 count ≥ 200 and viral load < 100 000. Secondary outcomes were viral loads, undetectable viral loads, and CD4 counts.

Results. Outcomes were available for 94 of 105 enrollees (90%). Of 54 intervention participants, 35 (65%) reached permanent housing in program housing agencies. After 1 year, 55% of the intervention and 34% of the usual care groups were alive and had intact immunity (P = .04). Seventeen intervention (36%) and 9 usual care (19%) participants had undetectable viral loads (P = .051). Median viral loads were 0.89 log lower in the intervention group (P = .03). There were no statistical differences in CD4 counts.

Conclusions. Homelessness is a strong predictor of poor health outcomes and complicates the medical management of HIV. This housing intervention improved the health of HIV-positive homeless people.
Public Health Responses to the HIV Epidemic Among Black Men Who Have Sex With Men: A Qualitative Study of US Health Departments and Communities
Authors: Wilson Patrick A. , Moore Terrance E.
Published: April 2009

In the United States, Black men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. Thus, there is a need to understand the challenges facing health departments and community-based organizations responding to the HIV epidemic among this population. We interviewed 71 AIDS program directors, health department staff, and leaders of community-based organizations in 9 states and the District of Columbia. Participants identified psychosocial factors, a lack of capacity-building efforts, and stigma as barriers to HIV prevention responses targeting Black MSM. Participants identified culturally competent staff and culturally sensitive interventions as facilitating prevention responses. To ensure that HIV/AIDS interventions targeting Black MSM are effective, it is imperative to solicit the perceptions of frontline workers in health departments and community-based organizations.