bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of vascularity of the femoral head using gadolinium (Gd-DTPA)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Boraiah S. , Dyke J. P. , Hettrich C. , Parker R. J. , Miller A. , Helfet D. , Lorich D.
Published: December 2008

In spite of extensive accounts describing the blood supply to the femoral head, the prediction of avascular necrosis is elusive. Current opinion emphasises the contributions of the superior retinacular artery but may not explain the clinical outcome in many situations, including intramedullary nailing of the femur and resurfacing of the hip. We considered that significant additional contribution to the vascularity of the femoral head may exist. A total of 14 fresh-frozen hips were dissected and the medial circumflex femoral artery was cannulated in the femoral triangle. On the test side, this vessel was ligated, with the femoral head receiving its blood supply from the inferior vincular artery alone. Gadolinium contrast-enhanced MRI was then performed simultaneously on both control and test specimens. Polyurethane was injected, and gross dissection of the specimens was performed to confirm the extraosseous anatomy and the injection of contrast. The inferior vincular artery was found in every specimen and had a significant contribution to the vascularity of the femoral head. The head was divided into four quadrants: medial (0), superior (1), lateral (2) and inferior (3). In our study specimens the inferior vincular artery contributed a mean of 56% (25% to 90%) of blood flow in quadrant 0, 34% (14% to 80%) of quadrant 1, 37% (18% to 48%) of quadrant 2 and 68% (20% to 98%) in quadrant 3. Extensive intra-osseous anastomoses existed between the superior retinacular arteries, the inferior vincular artery and the subfoveal plexus.
Outcomes following hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement with associated chondrolabral dysfunction
Authors: Philippon M. J. , Briggs K. K. , Yen Y.-M. , Kuppersmith D. A.
Published: December 2008

Over an eight-month period we prospectively enrolled 122 patients who underwent arthroscopic surgery of the hip for femoroacetabular impingement and met the inclusion criteria for this study. Patients with bilateral hip arthroscopy, avascular necrosis and previous hip surgery were excluded. Ten patients refused to participate leaving 112 in the study. There were 62 women and 50 men. The mean age of the patients was 40.6 yrs (95% confidence interval (CI) 37.7 to 43.5). At arthroscopy, 23 patients underwent osteoplasty only for cam impingement, three underwent rim trimming only for pincer impingement, and 86 underwent both procedures for mixed-type impingement. The mean follow-up was 2.3 years (2.0 to 2.9). The mean modified Harris hip score (HHS) improved from 58 to 84 (mean difference = 24 (95% CI 19 to 28)) and the median patient satisfaction was 9 (1 to 10). Ten patients underwent total hip replacement at a mean of 16 months (8 to 26) after arthroscopy.

The predictors of a better outcome were the pre-operative modified HHS (p = 0.018), joint space narrowing ≥ 2 mm (p = 0.005), and repair of labral pathology instead of debridement (p = 0.032).

Hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement, accompanied by suitable rehabilitation, gives a good short-term outcome and high patient satisfaction.
A randomised, controlled trial of two mobile-bearing total ankle replacements
Authors: Wood P. L. R. , Sutton C. , Mishra V. , Suneja R.
Published: December 2008

We describe the results of a randomised, prospective study of 200 ankle replacements carried out between March 2000 and July 2003 at a single centre to compare the Buechel-Pappas (BP) and the Scandinavian Total Ankle Replacement (STAR) implant with a minimum follow-up of 36 months. The two prostheses were similar in design consisting of three components with a meniscal polyethylene bearing which was highly congruent on its planar tibial surface and on its curved talar surface. However, the designs were markedly different with respect to the geometry of the articular surface of the talus and its overall shape.

A total of 16 ankles (18%) was revised, of which 12 were from the BP group and four of the STAR group. The six-year survivorship of the BP design was 79% (95% confidence interval (CI) 63.4 to 88.5 and of the STAR 95% (95% CI 87.2 to 98.1). The difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.09). However, varus or valgus deformity before surgery did have a significant effect) (p = 0.02) on survivorship in both groups, with the likelihood of revision being directly proportional to the size of the angular deformity. Our findings support previous studies which suggested that total ankle replacement should be undertaken with extreme caution in the presence of marked varus or valgus deformity.
One-stage bilateral open reduction through a medial approach in developmental dysplasia of the hip
Authors: Zamzam M. M. , Khosshal K. I. , Abak A. A. , Bakarman K. A. , AlSiddiky A. M. M. , AlZain K. O. , Kremli M. K.
Published: December 2008

The outcome of one-stage bilateral open reduction through a medial approach for the treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip in children under 18 months was studied in 23 children, 18 girls and five boys. Their mean age at operation was 10.1 months (6 to 17) and the mean follow-up was 5.4 years (3 to 8).

Acceptable clinical and radiological results were achieved in 44 (95.7%) and 43 (93.5%) of 46 hips, respectively. Excellent results were significantly evident in patients younger than 12 months, those who did not require acetabuloplasty, those whose ossific nucleus had appeared, and in those who did not develop avascular necrosis.

One-stage bilateral medial open reduction avoids the need for separate procedures on the hips and has the advantages of accelerated management and shorter immobilisation and rehabilitation than staged operations.
Brachial plexus-avulsion causing Brown-Séquard syndrome
Authors: Nordin L. , Sinisi M.
Published: December 2008

We describe three patients with pre-ganglionic (avulsion) injuries of the brachial plexus which caused a partial Brown-Séquard syndrome.
Developing a Traumatic Brain Injury Index for Social and Vocational Communication Outcomes (SAVCO)
Authors: Larkins Brigette , Worrall Linda , Hickson Louise
Published: December 2008

Objective: To describe the development of a functional communication assessment. A secondary aim is to illustrate a process for identifying functional communication outcomes in clients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The TBI Index for Social and Vocational Communication Outcomes (SAVCO) is designed to identify limitations to everyday communication activities that may present following TBI. It was constructed by anchoring communication activities derived from studies within New Zealand into an internationally recognised theoretical construct, the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Four key principles: authenticity of the items, attention to context, collaboration and transparency, underpin the assessment. Main outcomes: The article describes the process of developing a TBI measure that is authentic to an intended population. It provides a preliminary description of the SAVCO, its different constructs and the rationale for their inclusion. The SAVCO is an assessment that highlights everyday activities that are relevant targets for intervention for the individual. The client's performance on the identified activities is explored according to the efficiency and manner of executing the activity. The scope and level of the activity are also determined. Conclusions: The development of the SAVCO illustrates a process for identifying relevant and important functional communication activity items and promotes the use of the ICF framework and rating scales. The preliminary findings suggest that the SAVCO has clinical relevance providing speech–language therapists with a functional communication assessment that leads to the identification and measurement of client-centred therapy outcomes.
Behavioural and Psychosocial Outcome Following Vegetative and Minimally Conscious States: Long-Term Follow-Up
Authors: Dewar Bonnie-Kate , Pickard John D. , Wilson Barbara A.
Published: December 2008

The long-term outcome of persons with impaired consciousness after brain injury remains relatively unclear. The first 12 months post ictus are widely reported as the period of greatest change, with an estimated 20% of persons with traumatic brain injury recovering consciousness. However, beyond 12 months post traumatic and 6 months post-nontraumatic injury the chances of further recovery are thought to diminish significantly. The aim of this study was to investigate the behavioural and psychosocial outcome of 12 patients with impaired consciousness 2 years post ictus. At the time of recruitment five of these patients met the diagnostic criteria defining the vegetative state and seven of these patients met the diagnostic criteria defining the minimally conscious state. Patients were assessed using the Wessex Head Injury Matrix at recruitment and again at least 2 years after initial contact. Functional and psychosocial outcome were also explored. Most patients showed some improvements to their behavioural portfolio, but all were still very dependent physically and all required a high level of support in their activities of daily living. None of the patients had emerged from their original condition, despite exhibiting larger behavioural portfolios. The implications of these findings for the management of patients in low awareness states are discussed.
Assessing Social Skills in People With Very Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: Validity of the Social Performance Survey Schedule (SPSS)
Authors: Long Esther , McDonald Skye , Tate Robyn , Togher Leanne , Bornhofen Cristina
Published: December 2008

The current study was designed to determine whether the Social Performance Survey Schedule (SPSS; Lowe & Cautela, 1978) is a useful measure of social skills in people with traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Forty-nine adults with TBI were compared on the SPSS to 190 adults without injuries. The validity of the SPSS was also investigated in relation to another measure of social performance, the first scale of the Katz Adjustment Scale (KAS-R1; Katz & Lyerly, 1963) and a broad measure of social function (the SPRS; Tate, Hodgkinson, Veerabangsa, & Maggiotto, 1999). Individuals with TBI had significantly lower scores on the positive scale of the SPSS than nonbrain-injured individuals. They did not have lower scores on the SPSS negative scale relative to the normative sample. Significant correlations with the KAS-R1 and SPRS provided evidence for the construct and criterion validity of SPSS within this population. In conclusion, this study suggests that where an appropriate normative sample is used, the positive subscale of the SPSS is a sound measure for detecting the extent and nature of deficits in prosocial behaviour seen in TBI, but raises the question as to how we define negative behaviours in the 21st century on scales such as the SPSS.
The influence of linoleic and linolenic acid on the activity and intracellular localisation of phospholipase D in COS-1 cells
Authors: Gemeinhardt Anja , Alfalah Marwan , Gück Thomas , Naim Hassan Y. , Fuhrmann Herbert
Published: December 2008

Phospholipase D (PLD) is a receptor-regulated signalling enzyme involved in biological functions, such as exocytosis, phagocytosis, actin dynamics, membrane trafficking, and is considered to be essential for stimulated degranulation of cells. The purpose of our investigation was to examine how the fatty acid pattern of cellular membranes influences the activities and cellular distribution of the PLD1 and PLD2 isoforms. Expression of GFP-tagged PLD1 and PLD2 in COS-1 cells that were stimulated with mastoparan after cultivation in 20 μmol linoleic (C18:2n6) or linolenic (C18:3n3) acid for 4 d demonstrated that PLD1 dramatically alters its cellular distribution and is redistributed from intracellular vesicles to the cell surface. PLD2, on the other hand, maintains its localisation at the plasma membrane. The activity of PLD, which corresponds to PLD1 and PLD2, significantly increased two- to three-fold in the presence of the fatty acids. We conclude that linoleic acid and linolenic acid supplementation affect the intracellular trafficking of the PLD1 isoform and the activity of PLD most likely due to alterations in the membrane lipid environment conferred by the fatty acids.
Regulation of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase in PVYNTN-infected tobacco plants
Authors: Müller Karel , Doubnerová Veronika , Synková Helena , Čeřovská Noemi , Ryšlavá Helena
Published: December 2008

The effect of viral infection on the regulation of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC, EC 4.1.1.31) in Nicotiana tabacum L. leaves was studied. PEPC activity was 3 times higher in infected plant leaves compared to healthy plants. Activity of plant PEPC can be regulated, e.g., by de novo synthesis or reversible phosphorylation. The reason for the increase of PEPC activity as a consequence of PVYNTN infection was studied. The amount of PEPC determined by Western blot analysis or by relative estimation of PEPC mRNA by real-time PCR did not differ in control and PVYNTN-infected plants. Changes in post-translational modification of PEPC by phosphorylation were evaluated by comparing activity of the native and the dephosphorylated enzyme. The infected plants were characterized by a higher decrease of the enzyme activity after its dephosphorylation, which indicated a higher phosphorylation level. Immunochemical detection of phosphoproteins by Western blot analysis showed a more intensive band corresponding to PEPC from the infected material. This strengthens the hypothesis of an infection-related phosphorylation, which could be part of the plant's response to pathogen attack. The physiological implications of the increase in PEPC activity during PVYNTN infection are discussed.
Human CYP4Z1 catalyzes the in-chain hydroxylation of lauric acid and myristic acid
Authors: Zöllner Andy , Dragan Calin-Aurel , Pistorius Dominik , Müller Rolf , Bode Helge B. , Peters Frank T. , Maurer Hans H. , Bureik Matthias
Published: December 2008

Overexpression of human CYP4Z1, a cytochrome P450 enzyme, has been correlated with poor prognosis in human cancer. However, its catalytic properties are not yet known. We expressed this P450 in Schizosaccharomyces pombe and demonstrate by whole-cell biotransformation assays CYP4Z1-dependent in-chain hydroxylation of lauric and myristic acid, which in both cases leads to the formation of four different monohydroxylated products at positions ω-2, ω-3, ω-4, and ω-5, respectively. The CYP4Z1-expressing fission yeast should be a new valuable tool for testing cancer drugs or for the development of new prodrug strategies.
Expression and localization of atypical PKC isoforms in liver parenchymal cells
Authors: Stross Claudia , Keitel Verena , Winands Elisabeth , Häussinger Dieter , Kubitz Ralf
Published: December 2008

Members of all three classes of the protein kinase C (PKC) family including atypical PKCzeta (PKCζ) are involved in central functions of liver parenchymal cells. However, expression and localization of PKCiota (PKCι), the highly homologous atypical PKC (aPKC) isoform, in hepatocytes is unknown to date. PKCζ and PKCι were cloned from human and rat liver and fused to fluorescent protein tags (YFP). The sequence of full-length rat PKCι is not yet known and was cloned from cDNA of hepatocytes by the use of degenerated primers. PKCζ-YFP and PKCι-YFP (human and rat) were expressed in HeLa or HEK293 cells and used to test the specificity of seven aPKC antibodies. Two antibodies were PKCι-specific and two were specific for PKCζ in immunofluorescence and Western blot analysis. Subcellular localization was analyzed by immunofluorescence in isolated rat and human hepatocytes and liver sections. Low immunoreactivity for aPKCs was found at the sinusoidal membrane and in the cytosol. The highest density of PKCι as well as PKCζ was found at the canalicular membrane in co-localization with ABC-transporters, such as bile salt export pump or multidrug resistance-associated protein 2. This topology suggests a specific function of aPKCs at the canalicular membrane in addition to their known role in cell polarity of epithelial cells.
Stimulus Dependency and Mechanisms of Surround Modulation in Cortical Area MT
Authors: Huang Xin , Albright Thomas D. , Stoner Gene R.
Published: December 2008

The perceptual interpretation of a given visual feature depends on the surrounding context. To explore the neural mechanisms underlying such contextual interactions in the motion domain, we studied responses of neurons in the middle temporal area (MT) of macaque monkeys while presenting a variety of center-surround stimuli that stimulated both the classical receptive visual field (CRF) and the receptive field surround. In human psychophysical experiments, the perceptual impact of the surround stimulus on the center stimulus varied from motion capture (“integration”) to motion contrast (“segmentation”). In our neurophysiological experiments, the directional tuning of surround modulation with these stimuli ranged from antagonistic (consistent with motion contrast) to integrative (consistent with motion capture) and agreed qualitatively with perception under some but not all conditions. Most strikingly, for a stimulus that elicited perceptual motion contrast, surround modulation was integrative if the CRF stimulus was ambiguous due to the aperture problem. In addition, we found that surround modulation was linked to response magnitude: stimuli eliciting the largest responses yielded the strongest antagonism and those eliciting the smallest responses yielded the strongest integration. We developed a neural network model that accounts for this finding as well as a previous finding that surround suppression in area MT is contrast-dependent. Our findings suggest that changes in MT surround modulation result from shifts in the balance between directionally tuned excitation and inhibition mediated by changes in input strength. We speculate that input strength is, in turn, linked with the ambiguity of the motion present within the CRF.
Toll-Like Receptor 3 Is a Negative Regulator of Embryonic Neural Progenitor Cell Proliferation
Authors: Lathia Justin D. , Okun Eitan , Tang Sung-Chun , Griffioen Kathleen , Cheng Aiwu , Mughal Mohamed R. , Laryea Gloria , Selvaraj Pradeep K. , ffrench-Constant Charles , Magnus Tim , Arumugam Thiruma V. , Mattson Mark P.
Published: December 2008

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play important roles in innate immunity. Several TLR family members have recently been shown to be expressed by neurons and glial cells in the adult brain, and may mediate responses of these cells to injury and infection. To address the possibility that TLRs play a functional role in development of the nervous system, we analyzed the expression of TLRs during different stages of mouse brain development and assessed the role of TLRs in cell proliferation. TLR3 protein is present in brain cells in early embryonic stages of development, and in cultured neural stem/progenitor cells (NPC). NPC from TLR3-deficient embryos formed greater numbers of neurospheres compared with neurospheres from wild-type embryos. Numbers of proliferating cells, as assessed by phospho histone H3 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen labeling, were also increased in the developing cortex of TLR3-deficient mice compared with wild-type micein vivo. Treatment of cultured embryonic cortical neurospheres with a TLR3 ligand (polyIC) significantly reduced proliferating (BrdU-labeled) cells and neurosphere formation in wild type but not TLR3−/−-derived NPCs. Our findings reveal a novel role for TLR3 in the negative regulation of NPC proliferation in the developing brain.
Endogenous Fatty Acid Ethanolamides Suppress Nicotine-Induced Activation of Mesolimbic Dopamine Neurons through Nuclear Receptors
Authors: Melis Miriam , Pillolla Giuliano , Luchicchi Antonio , Muntoni Anna Lisa , Yasar Sevil , Goldberg Steven R. , Pistis Marco
Published: December 2008

Nicotine stimulates the activity of mesolimbic dopamine neurons, which is believed to mediate the rewarding and addictive properties of tobacco use. Accumulating evidence suggests that the endocannabinoid system might play a major role in neuronal mechanisms underlying the rewarding properties of drugs of abuse, including nicotine. Here, we investigated the modulation of nicotine effects by the endocannabinoid system on dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area with electrophysiological techniquesin vivoandin vitro. We discovered that pharmacological inhibition of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), the enzyme that catabolizes fatty acid ethanolamides, among which the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) is the best known, suppressed nicotine-induced excitation of dopamine cells. Importantly, this effect was mimicked by the administration of the FAAH substrates oleoylethanolamide (OEA) and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), but not methanandamide, the hydrolysis resistant analog of AEA. OEA and PEA are naturally occurring lipid signaling molecules structurally related to AEA, but devoid of affinity for cannabinoid receptors. They blocked the effects of nicotine by activation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α), a nuclear receptor transcription factor involved in several aspects of lipid metabolism and energy balance. Activation of PPAR-α triggered a nongenomic stimulation of tyrosine kinases, which might lead to phosphorylation and negative regulation of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. These data indicate for the first time that the anorexic lipids OEA and PEA possess neuromodulatory properties as endogenous ligands of PPAR-α in the brain and provide a potential new target for the treatment of nicotine addiction.
Changes in Control of Saccades during Gain Adaptation
Authors: Ethier Vincent , Zee David S. , Shadmehr Reza
Published: December 2008

In a typical short-term saccadic adaptation protocol, the target moves intrasaccadically either toward (gain-down) or away (gain-up) from initial fixation, causing the saccade to complete with an endpoint error. A central question is how the motor system adapts in response to this error: are the motor commands changed to bring the eyes to a different goal, akin to a remapping of the target, or is adaptation focused on the processes that monitor the ongoing motor commands and correct them midflight, akin to changes that act via internal feedback? Here, we found that, in the gain-down paradigm, the brain learned to produce a smaller amplitude saccade by altering the trajectory of the saccade. The adapted saccades had reduced peak velocities, reduced accelerations, shallower decelerations, and increased durations compared with a control saccade of equal amplitude. These changes were consistent with a change in an internal feedback that acted as a forward model. However, in the gain-up paradigm, the brain learned to produce a larger amplitude saccade with trajectories that were identical with those of control saccades of equal amplitude. Therefore, whereas the gain-down paradigm appeared to induce adaptation via an internal feedback that controlled saccades midflight, the gain-up paradigm induced adaptation primarily via target remapping. Our simulations explained that, for each condition, the specific adaptation produced a saccade that brought the eyes to the target with the smallest motor costs.
Restoring Acid-Sensing Ion Channel-1a in the Amygdala of Knock-Out Mice Rescues Fear Memory But Not Unconditioned Fear Responses
Authors: Coryell Matthew W. , Wunsch Amanda M. , Haenfler Jill M. , Allen Jason E. , McBride Jodi L. , Davidson Beverly L. , Wemmie John A.
Published: December 2008

Acid-sensing ion channel-1a (ASIC1a) contributes to multiple fear behaviors, however the site of ASIC1a action in behavior is not known. To explore a specific location of ASIC1a action, we expressed ASIC1a in the basolateral amygdala of ASIC1a–/– mice using viral vector-mediated gene transfer. This rescued context-dependent fear memory, but not the freezing deficit during training or the unconditioned fear response to predator odor. These data pinpoint the basolateral amygdala as the site where ASIC1a contributes to fear memory. They also discriminate fear memory from fear expressed during training and from unconditioned fear. Furthermore, this work illustrates a strategy for identifying discrete brain regions where specific genes contribute to complex behaviors.
Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia-Associated Mutations in theNIPA1Gene and ItsCaenorhabditis elegansHomolog Trigger Neural DegenerationIn VitroandIn Vivothrough a Gain-of-Function Mechanism
Authors: Zhao Jiali , Matthies Dawn S. , Botzolakis Emmanuel J. , Macdonald Robert L. , Blakely Randy D. , Hedera Peter
Published: December 2008

We studied the consequences of expression of wild-type (WT) human NIPA1 and two mutant forms of NIPA1 with known HSP-associated mutations (T45R and G106R) on cultured rat cortical neurons and using equivalent substitutions in theCaenorhabditis elegansNIPA1 homolog CeNIPA. WT NIPA1 localized in transfected neuronal and non-neuronal cells to the Golgi complex, a subset of synaptic vesicles, to a subset of early endosomes, and plasma cell membrane. Mutant NIPA1 accumulated in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) triggering ER stress and features of apoptotic cell death. Flow cytometric analysis of NIPA1 surface expression demonstrated relatively intact trafficking of mutant forms and only the T45R mutant exhibited modestly reduced patterns of surface expression without evidence for a dominant-negative effect.In vivopan-neuronal expression of the WTC. elegansNIPA1 homolog (CeNIPA) was well tolerated, with no obvious impact on neuronal morphology or behavior. In striking contrast, expression of CeNIPA bearing HSP-associated mutations caused a progressive neural degeneration and a clear motor phenotype. Neuronal loss in these animals began at day 7 and by day 9 animals were completely paralyzed. These effects appeared to arise from activation of the apoptotic program triggered by unfolded protein response (UPR), as we observed marked modifications of motor and cellular phenotype when mutant NIPA1 was expressed in caspase (ced-3)- and UPR (xbp-1)-deficient backgrounds. We propose that HSP-associated mutations in NIPA1 lead to cellular and functional deficits through a gain-of-function mechanism supporting the ER accumulation of toxic NIPA1 proteins.
Effects of a Worker Participatory Program for Improving Work Environments on Job Stressors and Mental Health among Workers: A Controlled Trial
Authors: Kobayashi Yuka , Kaneyoshi Akiko , Yokota Atsuko , Kawakami Norito
Published: December 2008

Effects of a Worker Participatory Program for Improving Work Environments on Job Stressors and Mental Health among Workers: A Controlled Trial: Yuka Kobayashi, et al. The Health Support Center, West Japan Works, JFE Steel Corporation—The Mental Health Action Checklist for a Better Workplace Environment (MHACL) is a tool for a worker participatory approach to improve work environments for worker mental health. The present study investigated the effects of an organizational intervention using the MHACL on reducing job stressors and the psychological distress of workers of a manufacturing enterprise in Japan with a controlled study design. Nine of 45 departments participated in a work environment improvement program, including planning workshops, implementation and monitoring, between July and December 2005 (intervention group, n=321). The remaining 36 departments served as the control group (n=750). Outcomes (job stressors, worksite support, psychological distress, etc.), measured using the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire, as well as sick leave days taken from the company record, were recorded before and six months after the program for both groups. Among women, skill underutilization, supervisor and coworker support, psychological distress, and job satisfaction changed more favorably in the intervention group than in the control group (p<0.05). No significant favorable effect of the program was observed among men. Improvements in the outcomes were more prominent among departments with a 50% or higher rate of worker participation in the planning workshops and among departments with a 50% or higher rate of implemented vs. planned actions. A worker participatory organizational intervention using the MHACL seems effective for promoting mental health among Japanese white‐collar women.
Oral Toxicity of Indium in Rats: Single and 28‐Day Repeated Administration Studies
Authors: Asakura Keiko , Satoh Hiroshi , Chiba Momoko , Okamoto Masahide , Serizawa Koji , Nakano Makiko , Omae Kazuyuki
Published: December 2008

Oral Toxicity of Indium in Rats: Single and 28‐Day Repeated Administration Studies: Keiko Asakura, et al. Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Keio University School of Medicine—Indium is widely used in the electronics industry to make semiconductors, liquid‐crystal panels, and plasma display panels, and its production is increasing. However, it is necessary to handle it more cautiously than before, because the pulmonary toxicity of inhaled indium has been identified. The present study aimed to characterize the potential toxic effects of indium through oral administration and observation for fourteen days following a single dose of 0 or 2,000 mg/kg (acute oral toxicity study), and repeated oral administration for 28 days at dose levels of 0, 40, 200, or 1,000 mg/kg daily (28‐day repeated oral dose toxicity study) to male and female Crj:CD (SD) IGS rats (SPF). No deaths and no abnormalities in clinical signs, body weights, and necropsy findings were observed for any of the animals in the acute oral toxicity study. Furthermore, no changes related to indium were also observed in the dose groups up to 1,000 mg/kg of the 28‐day repeated oral dose toxicity study. From the results described above, the lethal dose 50% (LD50) of indium is greater than 2,000 mg/kg under these study conditions, and the no‐observed‐adverse‐effect‐level (NOAEL) is considered to be 1,000 mg/kg for males and females under these conditions.
Women living with HIV/AIDS: sleep impairment, anxiety and depression symptoms
Authors: Junqueira Priscila , Bellucci Silvia , Rossini Sueli , Reimão Rubens
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate sleep impairment, symptoms of anxiety and depression, and associations with sleep characteristics of sleep in female HIV/AIDS patients. METHOD: 30 female patients with HIV/AIDS were evaluated along with 30 female controls with a mean age of 35.4 years in the study group and 33.1 years in the control group, with: a) the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; b) the Beck Anxiety Inventory; c) the Beck Depression Inventory. RESULTS: Sleep quality was more impaired in AIDS patients than in those with HIV+ or in controls. The AIDS patients showed more symptoms of anxiety. There were associations of sleep impairment with anxiety in HIV+ patients; whereas in AIDS patients associations were found between sleep impairment and depression. CONCLUSION: There was sleep quality in the presence of symptoms of anxiety and depression. In HIV+ patients, sleep impairment was associated with anxiety, while in AIDS patients sleep impairment was associated with depression.
Inattention, hyperactivity, oppositional-defiant symptoms and school failure
Authors: Serra-Pinheiro Maria Antonia , Mattos Paulo , Regalla Maria Angélica , Souza Isabella de , Paixão Cristiane
Published: December 2008

BACKGROUND: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with school failure. Inattention has been mainly implicated for this association. Oppositional-defiant disorder's (ODD) impact on academic performance remains controversial, because of the high comorbidity between ODD and ADHD. OBJECTIVE: To understand the role of inattention (IN), hyperactivity (H/I) and ODD in school failure. METHOD: Parents and teachers filled out SNAP-IV questionnaires for 241 / 6th grade students. The associations of the scores of oppositional-defiant (OP), H/I and IN symptoms with school year failure were calculated. RESULTS: IN was strongly correlated with school failure. H/I and OP were not associated with school failure, when controlled for IN. CONCLUSION: OP and H/I symptoms do not play an important role in school failure, when controlled for IN symptoms. Our study supports the cross-cultural role of IN as a major predictor of school failure.
Microsurgical approach of arteriovenous malformations in the central lobule
Authors: Chaddad-Neto Feres , Joaquim Andrei Fernandes , Santos Marcos Juliano dos , Linhares Paulo Wagner , Oliveira Evandro de
Published: December 2008

Arteriovenous malformations (AVM) are neurovascular disorders that occur mainly in young adults. Their clinical presentation is variable and depends on its location, size and occurrence of bleeding. They can represent incidental findings in neuro radiological exams. The treatment of these lesions when located in eloquent areas, namely around the central sulcus, is controversial, with different therapeutical approaches presented in the literature. We consider that surgical extirpation of many of these lesions is feasible in selected cases , when supported by profound anatomical knowledge and refined microsurgical technique, achieving cure with minimal aditional deficit. In the present article, we elaborate a surgical technique for the approach of AVMs located in the central sulcus, specially in finding the topographic lesion location and craniotomy.
Sistema de informações para acompanhamento, controle e auditoria em saúde pública
Authors: Cerchiari Giovanna S. F. , Erdmann Rolf Hermann
Published: December 2008

Este artigo apresenta alternativas para a gestão dos recursos destinados à saúde pública, por meio de um sistema de informações para os programas de diabetes e hipertensão e resulta do interesse em analisar a efetividade dos programas destinados aos portadores de doenças crônico-degenerativas. As questões analisadas foram focadas em fatores que traduzem a efetividade das ações desenvolvidas, isto é, a capacidade de gerar resultados a partir dos investimentos feitos. Isso ocorreu por meio de um modelo proposto para análise do resultado, mediante o estabelecimento de um indicador que consolidou três frentes de resultado, o número de óbitos, internações e atendimentos ambulatoriais. O índice estabelecido para análise da efetividade derivou em um indicador de custos. Como percurso metodológico foi aplicado o modelo teórico de planejamento e controle de produção (PCP) elaborado por Erdmann (1998), que considera sete etapas para a consolidação de informações fragmentadas em um sistema.
O adoecimento pelo cancer de laringe
Authors: Zago Márcia Maria Fontão , Barichello Elizabeth , Hannickel Sabrina , Sawada Namie Okino
Published: December 2008

Com a finalidade de aprimorar a assistência ao laringectomizado, este estudo teve o objetivo de compreender o adoecimento pelo câncer de laringe na visão do paciente e sua família. Participaram do estudo 14 pacientes laringectomizados e familiares, em diferentes períodos pós-operatórios. Na análise das narrativas identificamos categorias que foram interpretadas sob a visão antropológica da cultura. Na interpretação dos participantes, o processo é permeado pelo sofrimento, pela busca de estratégias de enfrentamento, pela valorização de sobreviver à cirurgia, ou seja, pressupostos culturais que diferem do modelo biomédico dos profissionais e que devem ser considerados na sua reabilitação.
O atendimento do doente mental em pronto-socorro geral: sentimentos e ações dos membros da equipe de enfermagem
Authors: Campos Claudinei José Gomes , Teixeira Marina Borges
Published: December 2008

Estuda-se aqui o cotidiano de assistência ao doente mental apresentado pelos membros da equipe de enfermagem de um Pronto-Socorro Geral. Os objetivos foram descrever os sentimentos destes indivíduos em relação ao doente mental e seu atendimento naquele local e analisar como é oferecida esta assistência. A relação dinâmica entre pensar, sentir e agir, demonstrou que a maioria dos indivíduos estudados apresentava fortes concepções de senso comum. Os sentimentos variavam entre pena, medo e raiva, dependendo do tipo de comportamento apresentado pelos pacientes. O atendimento prestado foi quase exclusivamente voltado aos aspectos técnicos da profissão, em uma vertente organicista/biológica.
Acidentes do trabalho entre trabalhadores de enfermagem de um hospital universitário
Authors: Benatti Maria Cecilia Cardoso
Published: December 2008

Foi realizado um estudo descritivo com trabalhadores de enfermagem para avaliar determinados aspectos epidemiológicos dos acidentes de trabalho acontecidos. No período de 1² de janeiro a 30 de junho de 1995 foram estudados 100 acidentes do trabalho ocorridos, o que correspondem a 8,2% de incidência acumulada no período para uma população de 1.218 trabalhadores pesquisados. Como síntese o estudo reconstroi o acidente do trabalho acontecido e os múltiplos fatores de risco presentes nas condições de trabalho de trabalhadores de enfermagem de um hospital universitário.
Revisão de literatura em enfermagem sobre hipertensão arterial na gravidez
Authors: Oliveira Sonia Maria Junqueira V de , Persinotto Márcia Oliveira dos Anjos
Published: December 2008

Revisão de literatura em enfermagem relativa à hipertensão arterial na gravidez, entre 1980 a 1999, com o objetivo de identificar as tendências dessas publicações. Foram encontradas 58 publicações nos idiomas inglês, português e espanhol, sendo 52 artigos de periódicos e 6 monografias, dissertações e teses. A maioria dos artigos foi publicada em periódicos de enfermagem (84,6%), predominando os de língua inglesa (73,1%), redigidos por docentes, com autoria única. Predominaram os enfoques assistência de enfermagem (25,9%) e tratamento medicamentoso (25,9%). A partir de 1985, observou-se um incremento nas publicações, no entanto, ainda são incipientes as publicações nacionais.
Oficina de vivência corporal: movimento, reflexão e apropriação de si mesmo
Authors: Brêtas José Roberto da Silva , Santos Filadelfo Queiroz
Published: December 2008

O presente artigo aborda uma atividade inovadora no campo de ensino na área de Enfermagem. Esta atividade, teórica - vivencial, que chamamos de "Oficina de vivência corporal", tem como propostas: promover a consciência corporal; a apreensão de fundamentos sobre corporalidade; e fomentar a reflexão sobre si e o corpo do "outro ", que é sujeito de cuidados em enfermagem. É desenvolvido com alunos do Primeiro ano do Curso de Graduação em Enfermagem - Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UNIFESPI EPM. Apresenta uma pesquisa descritiva, onde o fenômeno é descrito e explicado . Propõe-se investigar aspectos relativos a experiência de 202 alunos que participaram das atividades desenvolvidas nas oficinas, durante os anos de 1997, 1998 e 1999.
Avaliação do processo ensino-aprendizagem: seu significado para o aluno de ensino médio de enfermagem
Authors: Frias Marcos Antonio da Eira , Takahashi Regina Toshie
Published: December 2008

Este estudo, realizado com alunos de uma escola particular de enfermagem da cidade de São Paulo, objetivou compreendero significado da avaliação para o educando de nível médio. Para a coleta de dados utilizamos um instrumento contendo apergunta: "qual o significado da avaliação para você enquanto aluno de um curso de auxiliar de enfermagem"? Os discursosforam analisados, segundo o referencial de BARDIN, na modalidade análise de conteúdo. Os resultados mostram a avaliaçãopautada num conjunto de significados que convergem para as categorias ENSINO-APRENDIZAGEM, FATORESEMOCIONAIS e PAPEL DO PROFESSOR.
Reutilização das pastilhas de paraformaldeído: avaliação da sua atividade esterilizante
Authors: Graziano Kazuko Uchikawa , Cianciarullo Tamara Iwanow , Pinto Terezinha de Jesus Andreoli
Published: December 2008

A atividade esterilizante das pastilhas de paraformaldeído reutilizadas foi avaliada por meio do monitoramento microbiológico, segundo a técnica da Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC), exigida no Brasil para o registro desta categoria de saneastes junto à Vigilância Sanitária do Ministério da Saúde. Preliminarmente aos testes ulometria iodométrica segundo a Society of Japanese Pharmacopeia que permitiram a construção de uma curva de concentração de formaldeído gasoso liberado por ciclo de esterilização, em relação ao número de reutilizações, subsidiando, desta forma, a escolha do momento da realização das análises microbiológicas. As pastilhas de paraformaldeído mantiveram atividade esterilizante na concentração de 3% (3g/100 cm³) num período de exposição de 4 h à temperatura de 50ºC sob umidade relativa máxima, após 12 ciclos de reutilizações de um mesmo grupo de pastilhas.
Cuidados maternos a crianças de baixo peso ao nascer
Authors: Mello Débora Falleiros de , Rocha Semiramis Melani Melo , Martins Danielle Cristine , Chiozi Susana Zanardo
Published: December 2008

Este estudo é descritivo exploratório e teve por objetivo caracterizar os relatos maternos sobre o cuidado à saúde de crianças de baixo peso ao nascer no primeiro e segundo ano de vida, através de entrevistas domiciliares com um grupo de onze mães de crianças procedentes de Ribeirão Preto - SR De modo geral, as mães apontam dificuldades no cuidado de amamentar o bebê, alimentação e uso de medicação, referem preocupações com as intercorrências, reinternações e desenvolvimento psicomotor, implicando na necessidade de suporte profissional para avaliar e acompanhar o processo de crescimento e desenvolvimento infantil no cotidiano das famílias.
Temperature effect in potassium and nitrate ions in soil transport
Authors: Gonçalves Adriano D. M. A. , Miranda Jarbas H. , Rossi Paulo , Sabadin José F. G. , Kamogawa Marcos Y.
Published: December 2008

When doing researches on solute dynamics in porous medium, the knowledge of medium characteristics and percolating liquids, as well as of external factors is very important. An important external factor is temperature and, in this sense, our purpose was determining potassium and nitrate transport parameters for different values of temperature, in miscible displacement experiments. Evaluated parameters were retardation factor (R), diffusion/dispersion coefficient (D) and dispersivity, at ambient temperature (25 up to 28 ºC), 40 ºC and 50 ºC. Salts used were potassium nitrate and potassium chlorate, prepared in a solution made up of 5 ppm nitrate and 2.000 ppm potassium, with Red-Yellow Latosol porous medium. Temperature exhibited a positive influence upon porous medium solution and upon dispersion coefficient.
Estudo da segmentação arterial do baço
Authors: Aguiar Gabriela Louvrier Nasser , Barreto João Henrique Pinheiro de Menezes , Morais Leonardo Rodrigues de , Silva Filho Antônio Ribeiro da
Published: December 2008

OBJETIVO: Acrescentar na literatura dados sobre a independência macroscópica, o tipo de limite e o tipo de disposição da segmentação arterial esplênica. MÉTODO: Foram utilizados 100 baços não fixados, através da técnica de injeção e corrosão de resina de acetato de vinil. RESULTADO: Observou-se independência segmentar arterial em 98% dos casos. Verificou-se que o tipo de limite entre segmentos adjacentes é regular em ambas as faces em 52% dos casos, irregular em ambas as faces em 27% dos casos e regular em uma face e irregular em outra em 21% dos casos. O tipo de disposição dos segmentos mostrou-se semelhante nas duas faces do órgão em 78% dos casos. CONCLUSÃO: Concluímos que os segmentos arteriais do baço são independentes em 98% dos casos.
Estratégias de comercialização da soja: análise de portfólios, sob condições de risco
Authors: Mendes Judas Tadeu Grassi , Padilha Junior João Batista
Published: December 2008

A soja é a cultura mais importante do agronegócio brasileiro. Entretanto, na época da comercialização, os sojicultores defrontam-se com o dilema de "quanto", "quando" e "como" vender sua produção, devido ao fato de a mesma ser uma atividade realizada sob condições de risco e de incerteza. Através da utilização de um modelo matemático de programação quadrática, buscou-se determinar os melhores portfólios, no sentido de maximizar a renda com certo nível de risco, ou minimizar o risco para certos níveis de renda. O portfólio mais eficiente obtido entre todos diz respeito a produtores com "média aversão ao risco" (α = 0,30). Dessa forma, tal plano ótimo de comercialização indica que os produtores de soja do Estado do Paraná poderiam armazenar a produção na época da colheita com posterior venda mensal fracionada, o que representaria um total de 90,8% das vendas concentrando-se nos últimos quatro meses do ano.
Planejamento sistemático de layout com apoio de análise de decisão multicritério
Authors: Tortorella Guilherme L. , Fogliatto Flávio S.
Published: December 2008

A correta utilização do espaço físico de uma fábrica é fator importante para o seu bom funcionamento, já que estabelece a sua organização fundamental, bem como os padrões de fluxo de materiais e informações, com efeitos que se farão presentes no longo prazo. A fim de sistematizar um adequado planejamento de layout, métodos para planejamento do macroespaço, como o SLP (Systematic Layout Planning - Planejamento Sistemático de Layout), podem auxiliar no desenvolvimento de alternativas de layout. Contudo, devido à geração de soluções subótimas com benefícios e desvantagens distintos, o processo decisório da melhor alternativa de layout torna-se crítico para garantir a eficiência e flexibilidade de empresas frente aos diferentes cenários de mercado. Este artigo propõe a utilização de ferramentas de apoio à decisão multicritério em sistemáticas de planejamento de layout, refinando a fase de Seleção do método SLP. A sistemática proposta foi colocada em prática na seleção de alternativas de layout em uma empresa do ramo automotivo, que necessita ampliar seu parque fabril de modo a possibilitar a incorporação de novos equipamentos e otimização do fluxo de materiais. Nove alternativas de macro-layout foram geradas no caso apresentado, sendo avaliada a melhor alternativa geral em relação a sete critérios de avaliação.
A comparison of the analgesic efficacy of vedaprofeno, carprofen or ketofen after ovariohysterectomy in bitches
Authors: Selmi André Luis , Lins Bruno Testoni , Cesar Fernanda Bicudo , Figueiredo Juliana Peboni , Duque Juan Carlos
Published: December 2008

In this study the authors aimed to compare the efficiency of carprofen, ketoprofen and vedaprofen for alleviating postoperative pain in bitches submitted to ovariohysterectomy (OH). Pre- and postoperative assessment of pain was made using serum levels of cortisol and glucose, the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the University of Melbourne pain scale (UMPS) in twenty-one bitches undergoing OH. Dogs were randomly assigned to one of three groups: vedaprofen at 0.5mg kg-1, carprofen at 2.2mg kg-1 or ketoprofen at 2.2mg kg-1. All analgesics were given orally 2 hour before surgery. Assessments were made before surgery and at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12 and 24 hours post-extubation. No dog of this study required additional doses of analgesics. There were no significant differences on serum cortisol and glucose concentrations among groups or from basal values, excepted one hour after extubation. No significant differences on pain scores were observed. It was concluded that vedaprofen provided as good a level of postoperative analgesia as carprofen and ketoprofen.