bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dobutamine stress MRI in pulmonary hypertension: relationships between stress pulmonary artery relative area change, RV performance, and 10‐year survival
Authors: Blyth Kevin G. , Bellofiore Alessandro , Jayasekera Geeshath , Foster John E. , Steedman Tracey , Chesler Naomi C. , Peacock Andrew J.
Published: March 2017

In pulmonary hypertension (PH), right ventricular (RV) performance determines survival. Pulmonary artery (PA) stiffening is an important biomechanical event in PH and also predicts survival based on the PA relative area change (RAC) measured at rest using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In this exploratory study, we sought to generate novel hypotheses regarding the influence of stress RAC on PH prognosis and the interaction between PA stiffening, RV performance and survival. Fifteen PH patients underwent dobutamine stress‐MRI (ds‐MRI) and right heart catheterization. RACREST, RACSTRESS, and ΔRAC (RAC STRESS – RAC REST) were correlated against resting invasive hemodynamics and ds‐MRI data regarding RV performance and RV‐PA coupling efficiency (n’vv [RV stroke volume/RV end‐systolic volume]). The impact of RAC, RV data, and n’vv on ten‐year survival were determined using Kaplan–Meier analysis. PH patients with a low ΔRAC (<−2.6%) had a worse long‐term survival (log‐rank P = 0.045, HR for death = 4.46 [95% CI = 1.08–24.5]) than those with ΔRAC ≥ −2.6%. Given the small sample, these data should be interpreted with caution; however, low ΔRAC was associated with an increase in stress diastolic PA area indicating proximal PA stiffening. Associations of borderline significance were observed between low RACSTRESS and low n’vvSTRESS, Δη’VV, and ΔRVEF. Further studies are required to validate the potential prognostic impact of ΔRAC and the biomechanics potentially connecting low ΔRAC to shorter survival. Such studies may facilitate development of novel PH therapies targeted to the proximal PA.
Implant of permanent pacemaker during acute coronary syndrome: Mortality and associated factors in the ARIAM registry
Authors: Pola-Gallego-de-Guzmán María Dolores , Ruiz-Bailén Manuel , Martínez-Arcos Maria-Angeles , Gómez-Blizniak Artur , Castillo Rivera Ana-Maria , Molinos Jesus Cobo ,   the ARIAM group
Published: March 2017

Background:

Patients with acute coronary syndrome complicated with high degree atrioventricular block still have a high mortality. A low percentage of these patients need a permanent pacemaker (PPM) but mortality and associated factors with the PPM implant in acute coronary syndrome patients are not known. We assess whether PPM implant is an independent variable in the mortality of acute coronary syndrome patients. Also, we explored the variables that remain independently associated with PPM implantation.

Methods:

This was an observational study on the Spanish ARIAM register. The inclusion period was from January 2001 to December 2011. This registry included all Andalusian acute coronary syndrome patients. Follow-up for global mortality was until November 2013.

Results:

We selected 27,608 cases. In 62 patients a PPM was implanted (0.024%). The mean age in PPM patients was 70.71±11.214 years versus 64.46±12.985 years in patients with no PPM. PPM implant was associated independently with age (odds ratio (OR) 1.031, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.007–1.055), with left ventricular branch block (OR 6.622, 95% CI 2.439–18.181), with any arrhythmia at intensive care unit admission (OR 2.754, 95% CI 1.506–5.025) and with heart failure (OR 3.344, 95% CI 1.78–8.333). PPM implant was independently associated with mortality (OR 11.436, 95% CI 1.576–83.009). In propensity score analysis PPM implant was still associated with mortality (OR 5.79, 95% CI 3.27–25.63).

Conclusion:

PPM implant is associated with mortality in the acute coronary syndrome population in the ARIAM registry. Advanced age, heart failure, arrhythmias and left ventricular branch block at intensive care unit admission were found associated factors with PPM implant in acute coronary syndrome patient.
Buying out of familial obligation: The tradeoff between financially supporting versus living with elderly parents in Urban China
Authors: Zhu Haiyan , Xie Yu
Published: March 2017

For Chinese families, coresidence with elderly parents is both a form of support and a moderator of financial support. Previous literature on intergenerational support in Chinese societies has studied either coresidence or financial support independently, but not these two forms of support jointly. Using data from the 1999 ‘Study of Family Life in Urban China' in Shanghai, Wuhan, and Xi’an, we examined whether or not adult children, especially sons, buy out of the obligation to live with their parents by providing greater financial support. To account for the potential selection bias associated with coresidence, we treated coresidence and financial transfer as joint outcomes by using endogenous switching regression models. The results showed that children who coreside with their parents would have provided more financial support had they lived away and children who live away from their parents would have provided more financial support had they coresided. These findings suggest a self-selection mechanism that maximizes children’s interests rather than parents’ interests.
Seeking out the Party: A study of the Communist Party of China’s membership recruitment among Chinese college students
Authors: Xie Guihua , Zhang Yangyang
Published: March 2017

Being recruited to the Communist Party of China (CPC) begins with a self-initiated application. Prospective candidates are selected by the Party from an applicant pool and then go through an evaluation process that is at least 12 months long. Only those who meet the Party’s expectations will be allowed to join. This study examines the impact of factors such as political attitude, personality, family background and college ranking on university students’ eagerness to join the Party and their prospects of being accepted. The data are based on the College Student Panel Survey in Beijing, 2009–2012. We find that both applicants and selected candidates are typically top academic performers who are student leaders, active in community service and popular with fellow students. However, in comparison to non-applicants, both applicants and selected candidates score lower in self-esteem, ambition and career-mindedness. Furthermore, Party membership applicants tend to be more socially conscientious and less pragmatic, more obedient to institutional rules and decisions, and less independent-minded. These traits do not seem to affect applicants’ chances of Party membership admission, however. Instead, we find that college ranking has replaced family background to become a major factor in determining application and acceptance of CPC membership among college students.
Oral and oropharyngeal cancer in the Middle East and North Africa
Authors: Kujan Omar , Farah Camile S , Johnson Newell W
Published: March 2017

Objectives:

Oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer (OCC-OPC) is a major health problem worldwide. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is constituted of 23 countries, with a heterogeneous population of over 448 million people. This is the first review to report collectively on the epidemiology and etiology of OCC-OPC in the MENA region.

Methods:

Data are derived from GLOBOCAN 2012. We searched the published literature databases to report risk factors of oral cancer in the MENA region.

Results:

Age-standardized incidence rates per 100,000 per annum are estimated by GLOBOCAN 2012 for males and females and these were 2.6 and 1.8, respectively. The age-standardized mortality rates of OCC-OPC for males and females were 1.1 and 0.7, respectively. Importantly, the crude incidence and mortality rates are projected to double by 2030 especially in Egypt, Iran, Morocco, Sudan, and Turkey. This increase is double that of the projected worldwide rate.

Conclusion:

Local governments and international agencies should collaborate to improve the standard of clinical services, preventive measures, and public awareness of oral cancer. Future research should be undertaken to improve the quality of registry reporting data for OCC-OPC.
Age‐related reduction and independent predictors of toe flexor strength in middle‐aged men
Authors: Suwa Masataka , Imoto Takayuki , Kida Akira , Iwase Mitsunori , Yokochi Takashi
Published: March 2017

Background

Toe flexor muscles play an important role in posture and locomotion, and poor toe flexor strength is a risk factor for falls. In this cross‐sectional study, we estimated the age‐related change in toe flexor strength and compared it with that of handgrip strength. Independent factors predicting toe flexor and handgrip strength were also determined.

Methods

A total of 1401 male (aged 35–59 years) study participants were divided into five groups according to their chronological age; 35–39, 40–44, 45–49, 50–54, and 55–59 years. Toe flexor and handgrip strength, anthropometry, and resting blood pressure were measured. Fasting blood samples were collected to measure blood glucose, triglycerides, high‐ and low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterols, and albumin. A self‐administered lifestyle questionnaire was conducted.

Results

Decline in absolute toe flexor and handgrip strength began in the age groups 50–55 and 55–59 years, respectively. In comparison to the mean values of the youngest group, relative toe flexor strength (87.0 ± 26.6%) was significantly lower than handgrip strength (94.4 ± 13.1%) for the oldest group. Multiple regression analyses showed that independent factors predicting both toe flexor and handgrip strength were lean body mass, age, serum albumin, drinking habit, and fat mass. Additionally, fasting blood glucose, diastolic blood pressure, sleeping time and exercise habit were predicting factors of toe flexor strength but not of handgrip strength.

Conclusions

Age‐related reduction in toe flexor strength was earlier and greater than handgrip strength, and toe flexor strength reflects body composition and metabolic status.
Incidence and burden of comorbid pain and depression in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis awaiting endoscopic sinus surgery in Canada
Authors: Hanna Bassem M. N. , Crump R. Trafford , Liu Guiping , Sutherland Jason M. , Janjua Arif S.
Published: March 2017

Background

This study sheds important light on the association between sino-nasal symptoms and global quality of life in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis waiting for endoscopic sinus surgery. Using patient-reported information collected pre-operatively, the primary objective was to report on patients’ pre-surgical sino-nasal symptoms and their association with self-reported pain and depression. The secondary objective was to report on levels of depression and pain among patients in the sample reporting severe sleep problems.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study of patient-reported outcomes collected prospectively from a cohort of 261 patients assigned to the wait list for elective endoscopic sinus surgery in a large urban region of Canada.

Results

Younger patients and patients with other medical comorbidities were most likely to report significant symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis and substantial associated pain and depression. In the primary analyses, patients reporting significant symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis were more likely to report moderate depression or high pain ( p < 0.01). Subsequently, chronic rhinosinusitis patients with severe sleep problems were 82% likely to report moderate or severe depression and pain.

Conclusion

Preoperative management of depression and pain may be considered in order to improve the health-related quality of life of patients waiting for ESS. As depression and pain were highly prevalent, patients with severe sleep problems may be candidates for prioritized access.
Fast search based on generalized similarity measure
Authors: Utsumi Yuzuko , Mizuno Tomoya , Iwamura Masakazu , Kise Koichi
Published: March 2017

This paper proposes a fast recognition method based on generalized similarity measure (GSM). The GSM achieves good recognition accuracy for face recognition, but has a scalability problem. Because the GSM method requires the similarity measures between a query and all samples to be calculated, the computational cost for recognition is in proportion to the number of samples. A reasonable approach to avoiding calculating all the similarity measures is to limit the number of samples used for calculation. Although approximate nearest neighbor search (ANNS) methods take this approach, they cannot be applied to the GSM-based method directly because they assume that similarity measure is the Euclidean distance. The proposed method embeds the GSM into the Euclidean distance so that it may be applied in existing ANNS methods. We conducted experiments on face, object, and character datasets, and the results show that the proposed method achieved fast recognition without dropping the accuracy.
Active Surveillance in Younger Men With Prostate Cancer
Authors: Leapman Michael S. , Cowan Janet E. , Nguyen Hao G. , Shinohara Katsuto K. , Perez Nannette , Cooperberg Matthew R. , Catalona William J. , Carroll Peter R.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The suitability of younger patients with prostate cancer (PCa) for initial active surveillance (AS) has been questioned on the basis of eventual treatment necessity and concerns of safety; however, the role of age on surveillance outcomes has not been well defined.

Patients and Methods

We identified men managed with AS at our institution with a minimum follow-up of 6 months. The primary study objective was to examine the association of age with risk of biopsy-based Gleason score upgrade during AS. We also examined the association of age with related end points, including overall biopsy-determined progression, definitive treatment, and pathologic and biochemical outcomes after delayed radical prostatectomy (RP), using descriptive statistics, the Kaplan-Meier method, and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results

A total of 1,433 patients were followed for a median of 49 months; 74% underwent initial biopsy at a referring institution. Median age at diagnosis was 63 years, including 599 patients (42%) ≤ 60 years old and 834 (58%) > 60 years old. The 3- and 5-year biopsy-based Gleason score upgrade-free rates were 73% and 55%, respectively, for men ≤ 60 years old compared with 64% and 48%, respectively, for men older than 60 years ( P < .01). On Cox regression analysis, younger age was independently associated with lower risk of biopsy-based Gleason score upgrade (hazard ratio per 1-year decrease, 0.969 [95% CI, 0.956 to 0.983]; P < .01), and persisted upon restriction to men meeting strict AS inclusion criteria. There was no significant association between younger age and risk of definitive treatment or risk of biochemical recurrence after delayed RP.

Conclusion

Younger patient age was associated with decreased risk of biopsy-based Gleason score upgrade during AS but not with risk of definitive treatment in the intermediate term. AS represents a strategy to mitigate overtreatment in young patients with low-risk PCa in the early term.
Brachytherapy for Patients With Prostate Cancer: American Society of Clinical Oncology/Cancer Care Ontario Joint Guideline Update
Authors: Chin Joseph , Rumble R. Bryan , Kollmeier Marisa , Heath Elisabeth , Efstathiou Jason , Dorff Tanya , Berman Barry , Feifer Andrew , Jacques Arthur , Loblaw D. Andrew
Published: March 2017

Purpose

To jointly update the Cancer Care Ontario guideline on brachytherapy for patients with prostate cancer to account for new evidence.

Methods

An Update Panel conducted a targeted systematic literature review and identified more recent randomized controlled trials comparing dose-escalated external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) with brachytherapy in men with prostate cancer.

Results

Five randomized controlled trials provided the evidence for this update.

Recommendations

For patients with low-risk prostate cancer who require or choose active treatment, low–dose rate brachytherapy (LDR) alone, EBRT alone, and/or radical prostatectomy (RP) should be offered to eligible patients. For patients with intermediate-risk prostate cancer choosing EBRT with or without androgen-deprivation therapy, brachytherapy boost (LDR or high–dose rate [HDR]) should be offered to eligible patients. For low-intermediate risk prostate cancer (Gleason 7, prostate-specific antigen < 10 ng/mL or Gleason 6, prostate-specific antigen, 10 to 20 ng/mL), LDR brachytherapy alone may be offered as monotherapy. For patients with high-risk prostate cancer receiving EBRT and androgen-deprivation therapy, brachytherapy boost (LDR or HDR) should be offered to eligible patients. Iodine-125 and palladium-103 are each reasonable isotope options for patients receiving LDR brachytherapy; no recommendation can be made for or against using cesium-131 or HDR monotherapy. Patients should be encouraged to participate in clinical trials to test novel or targeted approaches to this disease. Additional information is available at www.asco.org/Brachytherapy-guideline and www.asco.org/guidelineswiki .
Breast Cancer in Ghana: Demonstrating the Need for Population-Based Cancer Registries in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Thomas Abigail S. , Kidwell Kelley M. , Oppong Joseph K. , Adjei Ernest K. , Osei-Bonsu Ernest , Boahene Angela , Jiagge Evelyn , Gyan Kofi , Merajver Sofia D.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Breast cancer, the most common cancer worldwide, is the leading cause of cancer mortality in Ghanaian women. Previous studies find Ghanaian women are diagnosed at a younger age and at more advanced stages (III and IV), and have tumors with characteristics similar to African American women. We sought to remedy gaps in knowledge about breast cancer survival in Ghana and its relation to demographic and biologic factors of the tumors at diagnosis to assist in cancer control and registration planning.

Methods

Individuals with a breast cancer diagnosis who sought care at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital from 2009 to 2014 were identified via medical records. Follow-up telephone interviews were held to assess survival. Kaplan-Meier plots and Cox proportional hazards models assessed survival associated with clinical and demographic characteristics.

Results

A total of 223 patients completed follow-up and were analyzed. The median survival was 3.8 years. Approximately 50% of patients were diagnosed with grade 3 tumors, which significantly increased the risk of recurrence or death (hazard ratio [HR] for grade 2 versus 1, 2.98; 95% CI, 1.26 to 7.02; HR grade 3 v 1, 2.56; 95% CI, 1.08 to 6.07; P = .04). No other variables were significantly associated with survival.

Conclusion

Higher tumor grade was significantly associated with shorter survival, indicating impact of aggressive biology at diagnosis on higher risk of cancer spread and recurrence. Contrary to prevailing notions, telephone numbers were not reliable for follow-up. Collecting additional contact information will likely contribute to improvements in patient care and tracking. A region-wide population-based active registry is important to implement cancer control programs and improve survival in sub-Saharan Africa.
Efficacy and Safety of Docetaxel in Elderly Patients With Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Maia Manuel Caitano , Pereira Allan A. Lima , Lage Liana Valente , Fraile Natalia Moreno , Vaisberg Victor Van , Kudo Guilherme , Barroso-Sousa Romualdo , Bastos Diogo Assed , Dzik Carlos
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Limited data are available about the tolerability and clinical outcomes of elderly patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) who are treated with docetaxel. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of docetaxel as first-line chemotherapy for patients with mCRPC who were treated in our institution.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively identified patients with mCRPC and a Karnosfky performance status of 60% or greater treated with docetaxel on any schedule as first-line chemotherapy between 2008 and 2013. The primary end point was a comparison of median overall survival (OS) according to age in this population. Secondary end points were comparisons of the rates of severe toxicities, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) decline of 50% or greater, and time to progression (TTP). Results were stratified by three age groups: younger than 65 years, 65 to 74 years, and 75 years or older.

Results

Among the 197 patients included, 68 (34%) were younger than 65 years, 85 (43%) were 65 to 74 years, and 44 (22%) were 75 years or older. The mean number of comorbidities was not different among groups (1.19 v 1.32 v 1.43; P = .54). Patients younger than 65 years received a higher cumulative dose of docetaxel (450 mg/m2 v 382 mg/m2 v 300 mg/m2; P = .004). The rates of PSA decline of 50% or greater (41% v 47% v 36.4%; P = .51) and the median TTP (5.13 v 5.13 v 4.7 months; P = .15) were comparable among all groups. The median OS was longer in the group of patients younger than age 65 years (19.6 v 12.4 v 12.3 months; P = .012). Rates of any grade 3 or higher adverse event were not different among groups (63.2% v 71.8% v 54.5%; P = .14).

Conclusion

Administration of docetaxel in elderly patients who had good performance status was well tolerated. Rates of PSA decline and TTP were similar to those of younger patients, but median survival was lower.
Calvin’s Problem: Racial Identity and Gun Ownership
Authors: Shapira Harel
Published: March 2017

Calvin Mitchell is a gun-loving conservative black man who hates when people “play the race card.” And yet as he tries to participate in the gun world, he is constantly confronted with racism. How is Calvin to maintain his love for guns and conservative beliefs, all the while experiencing exclusion from the gun community? In exploring Calvin’s untenable position, this essay opens up the ideological matrix of gun ownership and shows that understanding gun ownership means looking beyond the gun.
Subtitling Islam: Translation, Mediation, Critique
Authors: Moll Yasmin
Published: March 2017

Egyptian translators working at Iqraa—the world’s first Islamic television channel—use a variety of strategies in subtitling Arabic-language preaching programs into English. These translators see their task as twofold: to act as “cultural mediators” responsible for countering perceived Western stereotypes about Muslims, on the one hand, and, on the other, to transmit as “preachers by proxy” correct and relevant religious knowledge to viewers when, at times, the Arab preachers they subtitle fail to do so. Translators feel authorized to contest through subtitles both external representations of Islam and internal interpretations of divine intent. Far from being just exercises in interlingual equivalence, subtitling is a form of moral critique motivated by both postcolonial and theological imperatives. These acts of translation, and their internal debate at Iqraa, exceed the familiar Euro-American antimony of fidelity and betrayal.
Affective Infrastructures and the Political Imagination
Authors: Knox Hannah
Published: March 2017

This essay explores how contemporary political life is framed through engagements with material forms. Extending work that has demonstrated that politics is best understood not as a discursive or institutional sphere but as the effect of material engagements, the essay asks, just how is it that materials become the grounds for politics? Focusing on the history of a road construction project in the Peruvian Amazon, the essay illustrates how politics becomes realized through engagements that entail the affective force of emergent materialities that break through or rupture a normalized understanding of sociomaterial relations. This rupture cracks open a space for material diagnostics, wherein both familiar and unfamiliar political forms are able to take shape. Thus in material diagnostics are found both the potential for ontological difference and considerable repair work wherein the grounds for a future politics is remade.
Sanitation and Education
Authors: Adukia Anjali
Published: March 2017

I explore whether the absence of school sanitation infrastructure impedes educational attainment, particularly among pubescent-age girls, using a national Indian school latrine construction initiative and administrative school-level data. School latrine construction substantially increases enrollment of pubescent-age girls, though predominately when providing sex-specific latrines. Privacy and safety appear to matter sufficiently for pubescent-age girls that only sex-specific latrines reduce gender disparities. Any latrine substantially benefits younger girls and boys, who may be particularly vulnerable to sickness from uncontained waste. Academic test scores did not increase following latrine construction, however. Estimated increases in enrollment are similar across the substantial variation in Indian district characteristics. (JEL H75, H76, I21, I25, J16, O15, O53)
Racial Discrimination in the Sharing Economy: Evidence from a Field Experiment
Authors: Edelman Benjamin , Luca Michael , Svirsky Dan
Published: March 2017

In an experiment on Airbnb, we find that applications from guests with distinctively African American names are 16 percent less likely to be accepted relative to identical guests with distinctively white names. Discrimination occurs among landlords of all sizes, including small landlords sharing the property and larger landlords with multiple properties. It is most pronounced among hosts who have never had an African American guest, suggesting only a subset of hosts discriminate. While rental markets have achieved significant reductions in discrimination in recent decades, our results suggest that Airbnb's current design choices facilitate discrimination and raise the possibility of erasing some of these civil rights gains. (JEL C93, J15, L83)
Wars between microbes on roots and fruits
Authors: Lugtenberg Ben , Rozen Daniel E. , Kamilova Faina
Published: March 2017

Microbes in nature often live in unfavorable conditions. To survive, they have to occupy niches close to food sources and efficiently utilize nutrients that are often present in very low concentrations. Moreover, they have to possess an arsenal of attack and defense mechanisms against competing bacteria. In this review, we will discuss strategies used by microbes to compete with each other in the rhizosphere and on fruits, with a focus on mechanisms of inter- and intra-species antagonism. Special attention will be paid to the recently discovered roles of volatile organic compounds. Several microbes with proven capabilities in the art of warfare are being applied in products used for the biological control of plant diseases, including post-harvest control of fruits and vegetables.
Motivação para a prática de atividades físicas e esportivas de crianças: Uma revisão sistemática
Authors: Bento Gisele , Ferreira Elizandra , Silva Franciele , Mattana Paulo , Silva Rudney
Published: March 2017

Este estudo teve como objetivo revisar sistematicamente a produção científica sobre motivação para prática de atividades físicas e esportivas de crianças. Para isso, foram utilizadas as bases de dados: MEDLINE via Pubmed, Scielo, Web of Science e SCOPUS (Elsevier) e a estratégia de busca incluiu os descritores propostos no Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) e seus correlatos: "Motivation", "Disincentives", "Disincentive", "Incentives", "Incentive", "Sports", "Sport", "Athletics", "Athletic", "Motor Activity", "Child", "Children". Foram incluídos artigos científicos originais de base populacional ou escolar sem restrição de local e idioma; com amostra de crianças; com temática sobre motivação para a prática de atividade física e esportiva de crianças; com resumos e textos completos disponíveis na íntegra pelo meio on-line; publicados nos últimos dez anos. Identificou-se que a motivação para a prática de atividades físicas e esportivas é uma temática abordada em todo o mundo, mas observa-se pouca produção específica a respeito no Brasil, apesar da produção científica da área vir aumentando nos últimos anos. Foram incluídos dezoito estudos, os quais demonstraram que a maior parte das crianças valorizavam amizade, manutenção do físico, saúde e peso e status social como aspecto motivacional para a prática de atividades físicas e esportivas, sendo que as meninas valorizavam mais amizades, diversão e manutenção do físico, saúde e peso enquanto os meninos valorizavam mais o desempenho e habilidades, competição, status social e amizades. Assim, devem-se elaborar estratégias de intervenção que abordem tais aspectos, visando a continuidade de participação dos sujeitos.
Effect of an intervention in Physical Education classes on health related levels of physical fitness in youth
Authors: Oliveira Luciane , Braga Fernando , Lemes Vanilson , Dias Arieli , Brand Caroline , Mello Júlio , Gaya Anelise , Gaya Adroaldo
Published: March 2017

The aim of this study was to verify the effect of an intervention program during Physical Education (PE) classes on levels of physical fitness related to health in youth. This is a pre-experimental study. The students (40 boys and 48 girls) were conveniently selected from a private school in Southern Brazil. Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed through the six-minute test, recorded in meters (m), flexibility through the sit-and-reach test, recorded in centimeters (cm), abdominal strength/resistance through repetitions in one minute (rep) and body mass index (BMI) through the [mass/height²] equation. The intervention program was conducted in PE classes, often twice a week, during an entire school year. Data analysis was performed using descriptive analysis, Student's t-test and repeated measures ANOVA, taking into consideration p<0.05. The PE program promoted improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness for boys (pre-test: 1123.0m±197.0m; post-test: 1247.2m±139.6m; p=0.002) and girls (pre-test: 940.7m±75.0m; post-test: 1028.7m±67.3m; p=0.001); abdominal strength/resistance for boys (pre-test: 46.15rep±10.15rep; post-test: 53.90rep±10.49rep; p=0.001) and girls (pre-test: 36.39rep±8.32rep; post-test: 44.00rep±6.16rep; p=0.001); and flexibility for boys (pre-test:22.77cm±8.11cm; post-test: 27.60cm±7.23cm; p=0.006) and girls (pre-test: 32.08cm±6.21cm; post-test: 34.89cm±6.43cm; p=0.032). There weren’t changes in mean BMI values. Therefore, it’s considered that the PE program aimed at health promotion through physical fitness can improve the indicators of cardiometabolic and muscle-skeletal health in students.
Reflexões sobre os benefícios da integração dos programas Ruas de Lazer e Ciclofaixas de Lazer em São Paulo
Authors: Sá Thiago , Garcia Leandro , Andrade Douglas
Published: March 2017

Assegurar o direito constitucional ao lazer e à atividade física é um desafio em grandes cidades como São Paulo. Para enfrentá-lo, a cidade conta com dois programas que ampliam o uso e a democratização dos espaços públicos de lazer por meio do fechamento total ou parcial de ruas: as Ruas de Lazer e as Ciclofaixas de Lazer. Este trabalho apresenta ambos os programas e discute possíveis ganhos sinérgicos da aproximação dessas duas iniciativas para a melhoria da qualidade de vida da população paulistana. Também, apresenta-se a ideia de uma ‘Teia de Lazer e Atividade Física’ na cidade, que englobe ações e equipamentos públicos e privados, tendo como ponto de partida a integração das Ruas de Lazer e Ciclofaixas de Lazer.
Apoio Matricial e a atuação do Profissional de Educação Física do Núcleo de Apoio à Saúde da Família
Authors: Santos Sueyla , Benedetti Tânia , Sousa Thiago , Fonseca Silvio
Published: March 2017

O estudo analisou os fatores associados as práticas de Apoio Matricial realizadas pelos Profissionais de Educação Física do Núcleo de Apoio à Saúde da Família (NASF) no Brasil e segundo as suas regiões. Foi realizado um estudo exploratório e descritivo com 296 profissionais de Educação Física credenciados nas equipes do NASF do Brasil. A amostra foi proporcional às regiões do Brasil e modalidades de NASF, sendo realizada entrevista telefônica entre julho a setembro de 2011. Os componentes de Apoio Matricial foram definidos a partir do modelo teórico do trabalho, foram eles: educação em saúde, educação permanente, controle social e clínica ampliada. Os componentes isolados e suas combinações foram associadas as variáveis pessoais e de condições de trabalho dos profissionais. Para análise dos dados foi utilizado os testes de Regressão Logística Múltipla e Binária, nas análises brutas e ajustadas, adotando significância de 5%. Os resultados apontaram os profissionais mais jovens (OR = 4,8; IC95%:1,2-18,0), os integrantes da equipe do NASF desde a implantação (OR = 3,9, IC95%: 1,1-14,0) e aqueles que receberam capacitação (OR = 2,6; IC95%:1,3-5,4) realizaram um maior número de atividades simultâneas. Os indicadores relacionados a condições de trabalho estáveis e a capacitação pela gestão de saúde ofereceram maior chance de os profissionais realizarem a prática do apoio matricial.  Investimentos na qualificação dos profissionais podem reduzir as divergências na atuação dos profissionais de Educação Física do NASF nas diferentes regiões do Brasil.
Physical Education Professionals and their Role in Primary Care in Curitiba
Authors: Spinoza Diego , Guimarães Marcelo , Carneiro Letícia , Borges Lucélia
Published: March 2017

The aim of this study was to describe the inclusion of the Physical Education professor, relating historical aspects and outlining the role of these professionals in Primary Care in Curitiba, Brazil. Inclusion occurred in 2009 with the hiring of 29 professionals, 26 of whom were still employed in early 2016. Activities performed include exercise groups; individual care; clinical support; continuing education; health education; as well as participation in social control, by representing the profession at the Municipal Health Council of Curitiba and Teaching-Service integration via a Multidisciplinary Residency preceptorship. The historical background reveals advances, achievements and much more to accomplish, in a permanent and ongoing process.
Spinal cord injuries: overcoming barriers to seamless care for patients
Authors: Donovan Lorraine , Francis Lee , Muter Paula , Nevin Sheila , Warren Rebecca
Published: March 2017

Patients with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) often have complex needs that require multidisciplinary support in specialist centres. Optimal management depends on seamless transitions between service providers. Delays at any point potentially compromise clinical outcomes and efficient resource utilisation. The Spinal Advisory Working Group aims to develop and implement practical initiatives to improve SCI care, initially focusing on admission and discharge. A literature review identified few relevant papers. In addition, the generalisability of the findings of these papers to SCI centres in the UK is unclear. Therefore, further research is needed to, for example: establish best practice in the UK; quantify the associations between admission criteria and clinical and economic outcomes from a UK perspective; and determine the extent and impact of barriers that influence the transition of SCI patients between NHS care providers. Such research would enable the development of evidence-based strategies to overcome or minimise these barriers. In the meantime, pragmatic consensus guidelines would help standardise management, aid service optimisation, overcome inequities and, potentially, reduce bed blocking. The working group agreed that the robust inclusion and exclusion criteria developed by the Welsh Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Centre could form the basis of a consensus guideline, to be piloted across the five SCI centres represented by members of the group.
Reviewing the investigative landscape to move towards a learning culture
Authors: Tingle John
Published: March 2017

John Tingle, Reader in Health Law at Nottingham Trent University, discusses the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee follow up to the report, Learning from Mistakes, on the NHS in England
Pressure ulcer prevention is everyone's business: the PUPS project
Authors: Blenman Juliet , Marks-Maran Di
Published: March 2017

Prevention of pressure ulcers is one of the greatest healthcare challenges in terms of reducing patient harm. The literature shows that although numerous reports and policy documents have been published, pressure ulcer prevention remains an ongoing challenge. A number of innovations have been published offering practising nurses and managers ideas for raising awareness of skin care and preventing pressure ulcers. The majority of these have focused on patients in hospital settings with very little in the literature related to care-home and community initiatives. This article reports on an innovative approach to education for pressure ulcer prevention through collaboration between patients, carers and health and social care professionals.
Change for the better?
Authors: Stephen-Haynes Jackie
Published: March 2017

Jackie Stephen-Haynes, Professor in Tissue Viability, Professional Development Unit, Birmingham City University and Consultant Nurse, Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust
Evaluating the performance of a new carboxymethyl cellulose dressing in the community setting
Authors: Stephen-Haynes Jackie , Callaghan Rosie , Stephens Claire
Published: March 2017

This article describes a single-centre, non-comparative evaluation set out to assess the clinical performance and patient acceptability of a new carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) wound dressing. Twenty patients in a community setting, aged between 34–97 years, were recruited. The progression of various types of wounds with different levels of exudate was documented over 4 weeks. No adherence to the wound bed or painful removal was reported in 18 patients, and the peri-wound skin was the same or had improved in all patients. When compared with the previous CMC dressing used by the authors, the new CMC dressing reported a longer wear time. These findings show a positive clinical performance and suggest a potential financial advantage when using the new dressing.
Teaching practice: Lower-performing students
Authors: Bromley Matt
Published: March 2017

All teachers will have lower-performing students in their classroom. Matt Bromley looks at some effective teaching strategies – and some approaches we should perhaps avoid
Prognostic Value of Inflammatory and Cardiovascular Biomarkers for Prediction of 90-Day All-Cause Mortality after Acute Ischemic Stroke—Results from the Linz Stroke Unit Study
Authors: Dieplinger Benjamin , Bocksrucker Christof , Egger Margot , Eggers Christian , Haltmayer Meinhard , Mueller Thomas
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

Early outcome prediction after acute ischemic stroke is of great interest. The aim of our study was to evaluate the prognostic value of blood biomarkers in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

METHODS

We measured interleukin-6 (IL-6), d-dimer, amino-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T, and soluble ST2 plasma concentrations within 24 h after admission to our stroke unit in 721 consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients. End point was 90-day all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

During follow-up 81 patients died (11%). In univariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses with the biochemical markers dichotomized according to median values, all baseline blood biomarkers were strong prognostic markers. However, in the multivariate analysis after adjustment for several clinical variables and the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS), only NIHSS >3 [risk ratio (RR) 7.87, 95% CI, 3.61–17.16; P < 0.001], IL-6 > 7 pg/mL (RR 4.09, 95% CI, 2.02–8.29; P < 0.001), and NT-proBNP >447 ng/L (RR 4.88, 95% CI, 2.41–9.88; P < 0.001) remained independent predictors. Using a simple multimarker approach combining these 3 complementary markers, we demonstrated that patients with increased NIHSS, IL-6, and NT-proBNP had the poorest outcome with a mortality rate of 38%, whereas no patient with negative readings for all 3 markers died during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large cohort of patients with acute ischemic stroke, IL-6 and NT-proBNP at admission were strong and independent prognostic markers for 90-day all-cause mortality, and provided complementary prognostic information to the routinely used stroke severity score NIHSS.
A formação em jornalismo é útil/indispensável? Algumas lições do passado e do presente para preparar o futuro
Authors: Delporte Christian
Published: March 2017

Este artigo examina as numerosas e recorrentes críticas que visam a formação de jornalistas (superficialidade, formatação, tecnicismo, ineficácia face ao mercado de trabalho e aos novos instrumentos tecnológicos – Internet –, reprodução social) e tenta enquadrá-las numa perspetiva histórica e comparativa. A criação de escolas de jornalismo, mais do que decorrente de uma vontade em preparar para as técnicas, constituiu- se como projeto de caráter ideológico cujas origens e fundamentos foram posteriormente esquecidos. O debate acerca do equilíbrio entre teoria e prática repete-se desde há um século. Entretanto, as formações foram-se afastando da cultura académica a fim de responderem diretamente às supostas – e contraditórias – necessidades dos empregadores. As formações de futuro são aquelas que demonstrem produzir profissionais capazes de dar resposta aos desafios da informação do futuro, com uma sólida cultura, condição essencial ao desenvolvimento do espírito crítico.
Condições e dificuldades de constituição da opinião pública
Authors: Rodrigues Adriano Duarte
Published: March 2017

Este texto pretende mostrar que a opinião pública é, por um lado, uma noção contraditória e, por outro lado, de difícil constituição. A sua natureza contraditória tem a ver com o facto de, para o público que se reconhece nos seus conteúdos proposicionais, a opinião pública não ser uma opinião mas uma certeza e de, para o público não se reconhece nesses conteúdos, a opinião pública ser uma opinião mas não ser pública. Tenta depois mostrar que, de qualquer modo, a constituição da opinião pública é difícil, em virtude da natureza efémera e fragmentária da experiência moderna em que ela emerge.
Aliança estratégica entre jornalismo e academia
Authors: Coelho Pedro
Published: March 2017

Condicionado pela dimensão financeira do mercado e pelo impacto das novas tecnologias, o jornalismo encontra-se numa encruzilhada. Perante a ameaça que perpassa o quadro de valores que estruturam a profissão, sobrepõe-se a necessidade de estabelecer uma aliança estratégica entre o jornalismo e a academia (cursos de jornalismo/comunicação). Se os cursos de jornalismo/ comunicação estão a ser, cada vez mais e um pouco por todo o mundo, a porta de entrada na profissão, a academia deve assumir centralidade no processo, formando profissionais que estabeleçam um compromisso com o público. A receita é complexa: profissionais que resistam aos condicionalismos impostos pelo mercado, que fazem o jornalismo vacilar, e que ao mesmo tempo respondam criticamente, inovando, produzindo alternativa, às necessidades do mercado. Este percurso reclama uma maior aproximação entre academia e profissão; uma aproximação construtiva que não aniquile a identidade de nenhuma das partes.
O ensino do jornalismo e as práticas profissionais: Inscrever teorias manifestas com base epistemológica
Authors: César Orlando
Published: March 2017

O jornalismo requer observação e pesquisa para o identificar. Requer que seja ultrapassada a indefinição sobre o que é (uma arte, uma profissão, uma ocupação) e sobre quem são os jornalistas (um grupo, uma comunidade). Importa também mapear a sua formação, desde os seus primórdios até aos diferentes programas de graduação. Determinar quais as matérias nucleares do ensino do jornalismo e em que medida o conjunto de referenciais de competência pode dar forma a um elenco de saberes necessário ao desempenho profissional. Torna-se necessário entender os mecanismos do jornalismo para o compreender, assim como determinar os quadros teóricos em que o jornalismo opera, as teorias, os métodos e técnicas das ciências sociais mobilizados para representar o mundo. Ações que habilitem o jornalismo com um corpo de saberes e de crítica, que seja reconhecido por quem ensina, por quem aprende, por quem o pratica e pelos públicos a que se destina a informação jornalística.
O Ensino do Jornalismo - Um desafio para as universidades e para os jornalistas
Authors: Ribeiro Nelson
Published: March 2017

O presente artigo tem por base uma comunicação apresentada na mesa redonda “Ensino e Planos de Estudo”, realizada no decorrer do Congresso “Ensino do Jornalismo no Século XXI”, que teve lugar na Universidade de Coimbra em dezembro de 2014. O texto debate a relação dos jornalistas com o ensino do jornalismo, defendendo não ter sido ainda ultrapassada a clivagem que, durante diversas décadas, opôs os defensores do ensino da profissão aos que advogavam tratar-se de uma atividade que devia ser aprendida na prática. O artigo discute ainda algumas das consequências da baixa taxa de profissionalização do jornalismo bem como as alterações verificadas nas últimas décadas no posicionamento epistemológico das formações superiores nesta área, que no presente tendem a posicionar-se mais próximas das ciências sociais do que das humanidades, fruto de uma forte influência da pesquisa administrativa e do modelo de ensino americanos.
O contributo das humanidades para o ensino do jornalismo
Authors: Peixinho Ana Teresa
Published: March 2017

Durante décadas, uma considerável parte da discussão sobre o ensino do Jornalismo em Portugal focou-se, sobretudo, em aspetos que diziam respeito, por um lado, à antítese prática / teoria e, por outro lado, à necessidade de adaptação tecnológica dos curricula, a fim de responderem à acelerada mudança das tecnologias da informação e da comunicação. Neste artigo, defende-se o valor das Humanidades na formação dos jornalistas, atendendo aos desafios que atualmente se colocam à profissão. Ora, uma formação universitária em Jornalismo tem de estar preparada para conseguir precisamente dotar os estudantes de um conjunto de saberes e competências que lhes permitam respeitar as questões éticas e deontológicas inerentes à profissão; perceber que o mundo multicultural, multilinguístico e, sobretudo, multimédia, implica novos desafios éticos e realidades mais complexas que exigem uma estrutura de pensamento mais sólida e, sobretudo, a capacidade de pensar e resolver problemas mais complexos e sensíveis.