bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uma técnica de saturação de vermiculita com micronutrientes catlônicos
Authors: Kinjo Toshiaki , Silveira Ronaldo Ivan , Marconi Arary , Abrahão Ibrahim O.
Published: August 2010

Estudou-se uma técnica de impregnar micronutrientes catiônicos, como zinco , cobre, manganês e ferro, na vermiculita. A técnica adotada foi de reagir a vermiculita ácida (saturada com Íon H+) com os hidróxidos de micronutrientes. Durante a reação, deve ocorrer neutralização do Ton H+ da vermiculita e adsorção de micronutrientes catiônicos neste mineral. Os resultados de extração dos micronutrientes obtidos com HCI 0,1 N e NH4OAc 0,5 N e pH 4,8 mostraram que a técnica utilizada funciona bem para o zinco e o cobre. Para o manganês, a preparação do hidróxido deve ser feita numa pH acima de 8,5 a fim de obter uma precipitação total. Quanto à impregnação do ferro, a técnica funciona. Porém, sua solubilidade no extrator de NH4OAc 0,5 N com pH 4,8 é muito baixa.
Características morfológicas de Rolepa unimoda (Dognin, 1923) (Lepidoptera, Lymantriidae)
Authors: Peres Filho Otávio , Berti Filho Evoneo
Published: August 2010

Este trabalho relata a descrição morfológica de Rolepa unimoda (Dognin, 1923) em todos os estágios de desenvolvimento Os indivíduos descritos foram obtidos de criação em laboratório, exceto alguns adultos que foram coletados no campo.
Comportamento de cultivares de feijão de vagem (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) de porte baixo para indústria
Authors: Lucas José Milton Villamil , Minami Keigo
Published: August 2010

Com o objetivo de se verificar a metodologia para avaliação de alguns parâmetros de qualidade do feijão de vagem, conduziu-se este experimento. Os cultivares usados foram: 'Contender', 'Tendercrop', 'Gallatin 50','Early Gallatin', 'Harvester' e 'Eagle'. Os parâmetros avaliados foram: diâmetro médio, forma da seção transversal, comprimento, percentagem de vagens retas cor das vagens e sementes. Os melhores cultivares para todos os parâmetros foram: 'Harvester', 'Tendercrop' e 'Eagle'.
Nutrição mineral de plantas ornamentais XIV: Crescimento do crisântemo (Chrysanthemum mrifolium) cultivar Golden Polaris
Authors: Lima Ana Maria Liner Pereira , Haag Henrique Paulo
Published: August 2010

Com o objetivo de determinar a curva de crescimento da planta, pelo acumulo de matéria seca, foi colhido material de uma plantação de crisântemo situada no município de Campinas, SP, devidamente adubada e conduzida. O delineamento estatístico foi inteiramento casualizado com quatro repetições e amostragens das plantas realizadas aos 6, 27, 55, 69, 83, 97, 111 e 125 dias após o plantio, divididos em folhas e hastes e secas em estufa a 80°C. Os autores constataram que o crescimento da planta é constante até aos 55 dias, sendo que, a partir desse período apresenta um brusco aumento caracterizado nas hastes, por um crescimento contínuo até o final do ciclo da cultura e nas folhas, por uma estabilização a partir dos 111 dias.
Avaliação da viabilidade e vigor de sementes de Anadenanthera peregrina (L.) Speg. submetidas ao envelhecimento acelerado e ao osmocondicionamento
Authors: Pinho Daniel Santos , Lima e Borges Eduardo Euclydes de , Pontes Cláudia Aparecida
Published: August 2010

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o vigor e viabilidade de sementes de Anadenanthera peregina submetidas ao envelhecimento acelerado e ao osmocondicionamento. As sementes foram acondicionadas em caixas tipo "gerbox" com uma tela de alumínio separando-as do fundo do gerbox, onde se adicionou água destilada. As caixas foram mantidas em câmara de envelhecimento nas temperaturas de 40, 50 e 60 ºC, durante 24, 48, 72 e 96 h. Para o controle foram utilizadas sementes não submetidas ao envelhecimento. Após cada tempo, as sementes foram submetidas aos seguintes testes: teste de germinação, índice de velocidade de germinação, condutividade elétrica, teste de tetrazólio, osmocondicionamento e avaliação das plântulas. A 40 ºC, a porcentagem de germinação, o Índice de Velocidade de Germinação (IVG) e a porcentagem de sementes viáveis pelo teste de tetrazólio decresceram significativamente. Houve incremento significativo da curva de condutividade elétrica à medida que aumentou a permanência das sementes dentro da câmara de envelhecimento. A partir de 96 h de permanência na câmara de envelhecimento, as sementes perderam toda a viabilidade, assim como aquelas submetidas ao envelhecimento a 50 e 60 ºC. Na avaliação das plântulas, todos os parâmetros analisados decresceram à medida que as sementes permaneceram na câmara de envelhecimento por mais tempo, com exceção da porcentagem de plântulas anormais e do peso fresco da raiz, que tiveram incremento nos seus valores.
Accuracy and efficiency evaluation of point-centered quarter method variations for vegetation sampling in an araucaria forest
Authors: Volpato Graziele Hernandes , Martins Sebastião Venâncio , Carvalho Joema , Anjos Luiz dos
Published: August 2010

In order to verify Point-Centered Quarter Method (PCQM) accuracy and efficiency, using different numbers of individuals by per sampled area, in 28 quarter points in an Araucaria forest, southern Paraná, Brazil. Three variations of the PCQM were used for comparison associated to the number of sampled individual trees: standard PCQM (SD-PCQM), with four sampled individuals by point (one in each quarter), second measured (VAR1-PCQM), with eight sampled individuals by point (two in each quarter), and third measuring (VAR2-PCQM), with 16 sampled individuals by points (four in each quarter). Thirty-one species of trees were recorded by the SD-PCQM method, 48 by VAR1-PCQM and 60 by VAR2-PCQM. The level of exhaustiveness of the vegetation census and diversity index showed an increasing number of individuals considered by quadrant, indicating that VAR2-PCQM was the most accurate and efficient method when compared with VAR1-PCQM and SD-PCQM.
Distribuição mensal da emergência de seis ervas daninhas em solos com e sem cultivos
Authors: Blanco Hélio G. , Arevalo Roberto A. , Blanco Flávio M. G.
Published: August 2010

Foram realizados no período de 14 meses, com início em outubro de 1988, levantamentos demográficos mensais para registro da dinâmica de emergência de seis espécies de ervas daninhas anuais, submetidas mensalmente a um dos seguintes sistemas de manejo da população: grade de disco, grade de disco seguida de rolo compactador do solo, enxada rotativa, e herbicida de contato. Os resultados mostraram que a distribuição mensal da emergência de Digitaria horizontalis Willd. (capim-colchão), Brachiaria plantaginea (Link) Hitch. (capim-marmelada), Bidens pilosa L. (picão-preto), e Amaranthus viridis L. (caruru-de-mancha), se configurou com um pico de emergência muito alto em outubro (acima de 80% do total emergido no período), com reinfestações pouco significativas nos meses seguintes, e que o manejo através do cultivo do solo favoreceu a emergência dessas espécies. O modelo de emergência de Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn. (capim-pé-de-galinha), e Eragrostis pilosa (L.) Beauv. (capim-barba-de-alemão), por outro lado, apresentou um grau de emergência baixo em outubro, elevando-se até janeiro quando ocorreu o fluxo de maior pico. O manejo sem revolvimento do solo dessas duas espécies incrementou a geminação dos propágulos do banco de sementes. De um modo geral, quando não se permitiu a multiplicação sexuada, a taxa de população foi extremamente reduzida no ciclo seguinte.
Hemorragia maciça do intestino grosso: o que está ao nosso alcance?
Authors: Santos Jr. Júlio César M
Published: August 2010

A forma de avaliar e lidar com a hemorragia aguda digestiva baixa tem sido modificado com os recentes desenvolvimentos de novas técnicas e aparelhos. O nosso objetivo, por esse manuscrito, é demonstrar com simplicidade uma forma de condução dos pacientes com hemorragia digestiva baixa aguda, sobretudo para os sangramentos que parecem mais graves, principalmente quando nos faltam os recursos das avançadas tecnologias atuais. Doenças localizadas no intestino grosso respondem por ¼ dos casos de hemorragias digestivas que são motivos para admissão hospitalar e têm como principais agentes etiológicos os divertículos, na moléstia diverticular, e as alterações vasculares, nas angiodisplasias. Na grande maioria das vezes o sangramento que pode parecer abundante cessa espontaneamente. Os distúrbios circulatórios graves não são comuns e os sinais mais frequentes são a queda do valor da hemoglobina observada na metade dos pacientes, e algumas alterações hemodinâmicas como a variação pressórica postural que pode ser vista em até 30% dos casos; a síncope em 10% e alguma forma de colapso circulatório, em 9%. Contudo, a faixa etária em que ocorre, as condições da senilidade, as doenças eventualmente associadas e a falta de recursos materiais e humanos para lidar com esse tipo de problema são os motivos que mais causam preocupação. A abordagem clínica simples com uma história bem elaborada; o exame físico com atenção e objetividade, a inclusão do exame proctológico, a obrigatória disponibilidade de aparelho para a coloscopia e os conhecimentos básicos sobre o evento formam o conjunto necessário e, na maioria das vezes, suficiente para o correto desempenho profissional na elaboração dos cuidados que devem ser dados a esses pacientes.
Entre neocorporativistas e deliberativos: uma interpretação sobre os paradigmas de análise dos fóruns participativos no Brasil
Authors: Cortes Soraya Vargas , Gugliano Alfredo
Published: August 2010

Este artigo propõe o debate a respeito dos principais paradigmas a partir dos quais, usualmente, vêm sendo estudadas as propostas de ampliação dos canais de participação dos cidadãos na gestão das políticas públicas, análises que investigam os processos participativos ou desde o prisma dos "arranjos neocorporativos", ou por meio de uma perspectiva baseada na concepção de "democracia deliberativa". Visando este objetivo, o presente texto centra seus interesses na trajetória de duas das principais instâncias participativas que, nas últimas décadas, foram desenvolvidas no Brasil: os orçamentos participativos e os conselhos de políticas públicas. Estas instâncias foram avaliadas levando em consideração, especialmente, quatro elementos a) relações institucionais com os governos; b) perfil dos participantes; c) âmbito decisório e, d) dinâmicas de funcionamento. A partir do estudo destas características, os autores discutem sobre a capacidade dos paradigmas neocorporativo e deliberativo constituírem um modelo analítico consistente para a investigação de estruturas participativas dessemelhantes.
Alkaloid-rich fraction of Himatanthus lancifolius contains anti-tumor agents against leukemic cells
Authors: Lima Melissa Pires de , Hilst Luciana Farhat , Mattana Fernanda Vanessa Rechinbach , Santos Cid Aimbiré de Moraes , Weffort-Santos Almeriane Maria
Published: August 2010

The effects of the alkaloid-rich fraction of Himatanthus lancifolius (Müll. Arg) Woodson on normal marrow cells and leukemic cell lines were investigated. After 48 h exposure, the proliferation assay showed significant cell growth inhibition for Daudi (0.1-10 µg/mL), K-562 (1-10 µg/mL), and REH cells (10-100 µg/mL), yet was inert for normal marrow cells. A similar inhibition profile was observed in clonogenic assays. This alkaloid-rich fraction, in which uleine is the main compound, showed no signs of toxicity to any cells up to 10 µg/mL. Cell feature analyses after induction of differentiation showed maintenance of the initial phenotype. Flow cytometric expression of Annexin-V and 7-AAD in K-562 and Daudi cells has indicated that the cells were not undergoing apoptosis or necrosis, suggesting cytostatic activity for tumor cells
Prescription of anorectic and benzodiazepine drugs through notification B prescriptions in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
Authors: Nappo Solange Aparecida , Carlini Elisaldo Araújo , Araújo Maria Dalva , Moreira Lúcio Flávio Sousa
Published: August 2010

A study was conducted on 22,158 special B prescriptions (notificações B) containing amphetamine-type anorectic drugs or benzodiazepines, obtained from compounding pharmacies or drugstores located in the city of Natal, RN, Brazil. The data obtained were compared with those from other Brazilian cities. Results showed that compounding pharmacies dispensed 85.4% of the prescriptions, indicating that these pharmacies filled out nearly 10 times more of these prescriptions than did the drugstores. The majority (83.5%) of B prescriptions issued for the compounding pharmacies were for women, where the female/male patient ratio ranged from 7.1/1.0 for mazindol to 10.3/1.0 for amfepramone. Similar results were obtained for the benzodiazepines with ratios of 1.9/1.0 for clonazepam to 15.6/1.0 for oxazepam. Omissions and mistakes were present in the B prescriptions, including missing information about the patient (in 49.6% of the documents) or about the pharmacies or drugstores (50.4%). There were cases where the name and/or CRM of the physician was lacking. It was noted that one medical doctor made out 1855 B prescriptions within one year. The same patient's name appeared on 138 prescriptions, and the same RG (identification card number) was present in 125 others. Comparison of Natal's data with those of several other Brazilian cities disclosed a striking similarity throughout Brazil, from Pelotas - Rio Grande do Sul State to Belem-Para State, revealing a practically identical medical/pharmaceutical behavior. This pattern of prescription/dispensation of amphetamine-type substances mostly to women for weight loss is therefore for cosmetic reasons. Consequently, there is an urgent need for an ethical review of this behavior.
A influência do protocolo de extração de dois pré-molares superiores na estabilidade oclusal do tratamento da Classe II
Authors: Camardella Leonardo Tavares , Janson Guilherme , Araki Janine Della Valle , Freitas Marcos Roberto de , Pinzan Arnaldo
Published: August 2010

OBJETIVO: com o propósito de avaliar a influência da extração de dois pré-molares superiores na estabilidade oclusal do tratamento da má oclusão de Classe II completa, foi realizada uma comparação com o protocolo de tratamento sem extrações. MÉTODOS: selecionou-se, a partir das documentações do arquivo da Disciplina de Ortodontia da Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru, uma amostra composta pelas documentações de 59 pacientes com má oclusão de Classe II completa. Em seguida, dividiu-se essa amostra em dois grupos, apresentando as seguintes características: Grupo 1, constituído por 29 pacientes, tratados sem extrações; e Grupo 2, composto por 30 pacientes, tratados com extrações de dois pré-molares superiores. Os modelos ao início do tratamento, ao final do tratamento e em um período mínimo de 2,4 anos após o tratamento foram medidos e avaliados por meio dos índices oclusais IPT e PAR. As condições oclusais ao final do tratamento e no estágio pós-tratamento, o percentual de recidiva e as alterações oclusais pós-tratamento foram comparados por meio do teste t. RESULTADOS: os resultados demonstraram que os protocolos de tratamento sem extração e com extrações de dois pré-molares superiores não apresentaram, em nenhuma das variáveis avaliadas, diferenças estatisticamente significativas em relação à estabilidade oclusal do tratamento da má oclusão de Classe II completa. CONCLUSÃO: a extração de dois pré-molares superiores no tratamento da má oclusão de Classe II completa não influenciou a estabilidade dos resultados oclusais alcançados ao final da correção ortodôntica. Portanto, terminar o tratamento com uma relação molar em Classe II ou em Classe I proporciona estabilidade semelhante.
Estudo qualitativo fotoelástico do sistema de forças gerado pela mola "T" de retração com diferentes pré-ativações
Authors: Maia Luiz Guilherme Martins , Gomes Vanderlei Luiz , Santos-Pinto Ary dos , Lopes Júnior Itamar , Gandini Jr. Luiz Gonzaga
Published: August 2010

OBJETIVO: avaliar o sistema de forças gerado pela mola T utilizada para fechamento de espaços. MÉTODOS: por meio do método experimental fotoelástico, avaliou-se a mola T utilizada no fechamento de espaços com duas variações de pré-ativação em sua porção apical, sendo uma com 30º e a outra com 45º. As molas foram confeccionadas com fio retangular de titânio-molibdênio (TMA) de secção 0,017" x 0,025", centralizadas no espaço interbraquetes de 27mm e ativadas em 5,0mm, 2,5mm e posição neutra. Para melhor confiabilidade dos resultados, os testes foram repetidos em três modelos fotoelásticos igualmente reproduzidos e confeccionados pelo mesmo operador. Para compreensão dos resultados, as franjas fotoelásticas visualizadas no polariscópio foram fotografadas e analisadas qualitativamente. RESULTADOS: por meio da análise qualitativa da ordem de franjas no modelo fotoelástico, notou-se que, nas extremidades de retração e ancoragem, a mola T com 30º de ativação apical apresentou um acúmulo de energia discretamente maior para o sistema de forças liberado.
Epoetin Alfa Improves Anemia and Anemia-Related, Patient-Reported Outcomes in Patients with Breast Cancer Receiving Myelotoxic Chemotherapy: Results of a European, Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Pronzato Paolo , Cortesi Enrico , Rijt Carin C. , Bols Alain , Moreno-Nogueira José A. , Oliveira Carlos Freire , Barrett-Lee Peter , Ostler Peter J. , Rosso Ricardo ,   EPO-INT-47 Study Group
Published: August 2010

Purpose.

To evaluate the effects of epoetin alfa on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in patients with breast cancer receiving myelotoxic chemotherapy.

Materials and Methods.

Women with hemoglobin concentrations ≤12.0 g/dl and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) score of 0–3 were randomized 1:1 to receive epoetin alfa (10,000 IU 3 times weekly) or best standard care (BSC) during chemotherapy. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline in the total anemia subscale assessed by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Anemia (FACT-An) questionnaire after 12 weeks of treatment. The fatigue and nonfatigue subscales from the FACT-An, the Cancer Linear Analog Scale (CLAS), hemoglobin changes, ECOG PS score, tumor response, overall survival, and safety also were evaluated.

Results.

Of 223 patients randomized, 216 constituted the modified intent-to-treat population. Percentage changes in the total anemia subscale of the FACT-An were significantly different between epoetin alfa treatment (14.2%) and BSC (−0.5%; p = .002), favoring epoetin alfa; so were changes in the FACT-An fatigue subscale (epoetin alfa, 17.5%; BSC, −0.9%; p = .003) and nonfatigue subscale (epoetin alfa, 8.8%; BSC, 0.2%; p = .008). Similar results were observed with the CLAS. Hemoglobin concentrations >12 g/dl were more common with epoetin alfa (62.0%) than with BSC (27.6%). Tumor response, ECOG PS score, 12-month survival rate, and the incidence of serious treatment-emergent adverse events were similar between groups.

Conclusion.

Early intervention with epoetin alfa was well tolerated and improved anemia-related PROs in patients with breast cancer receiving myelotoxic chemotherapy.
A study of somatolactin actions by ectopic expression in transgenic zebrafish larvae
Authors: Wan Guohui , Chan King Ming
Published: August 2010

Somatolactin (SL) is a fish-specific hormone that belongs to the prolactin (PRL) and GH family. Recently, two forms of SL, SLα and SLβ, have been found in some species, and may have different actions and functions. To investigate the role of SL in fish growth and metabolism, we generated transgenic fish founders with ectopic expression of SLα and SLβ to study the physiological functions and actions of these SLs among several marker genes. We fused the cDNAs encoding the precursor SLs in frame to a zebrafish β-actin gene promoter to generate transgenic zebrafish lines that were coinjected with a green fluorescent protein (GFP) driven by the same promoter. The transgenic zebrafish were selected based on GFP expression and confirmed by genomic PCR, Southern blot analysis, and transgene expression. Investigations into the expression of marker genes in larvae on different pathways using real-time PCR have provided a general understanding of the actions of SLs. This study found that the overexpression of SLα and SLβ in vivo significantly enhanced the transcription of IGFs, insulin, leptin, sterol regulatory element binding protein 1, and fatty acid synthase, as well as the expression level of vitellogenin and proopiomelanocortin, while causing reduced levels of catalase and glutathione S-transferase in the larvae of transgenic zebrafish.
A New Immiscible Displacing Fluid for Extracting Interstitial Water from Unsaturated Sediments and Soils
Authors: Jin Li , Edmunds W Mike
Published: August 2010

The investigation of water extracted from sediments by various means plays an important role in soil science, the environmental sciences, and hydrogeology, but so far it has been problematic to directly extract from material with low moisture contents. Arklone (F113) had been proved to be a good displacing fluid in the past. However, because of its environmental drawbacks, the usage of Arklone was banned in the late 1980s. We present a new immiscible liquid, HFE‐7100, which has similar physical and chemical properties to Arklone; we show that HFE‐7100 can be used to replace Arklone for environmental research in the unsaturated zone. We compared interstitial water extracted from two unsaturated sandstone profiles from southern England using both HFE‐7100 and Arklone. Results showed that the high‐speed centrifuge technique with the use of HFE‐7100 offers a reliable, rapid, safe, affordable, and nondestructive method for extracting unaltered interstitial water from unsaturated sediments. The HFE‐7100 has comparable properties to Arklone, with yields between 20 and 80%.
A naked-eye, selective and sensitive chemosensor for fluoride ion
Authors: Xie Puhui , Guo Fengqi , Wang Weifeng , Liu Xiyang
Published: August 2010

Effect of the addition of six different anions on the absorption and fluorescence spectra of acridine yellow G (AYG) was examined. Only the F− anion could induce a visible color change observable with naked eye and a strong fluorescence quenching with K SV of 8.3 × 104 mol−1 L in CH3CN solutions. Calculated results of the interaction between the F− anion and acridine yellow G using the B3LYP/6-31G(d) program showed that the intermolecular charge transfer through the formation of an H-bond between AYG and F− is an essential sensor mechanism.
Initial Neoplastic Proliferations and Background Pathologies of Kidneys with Clear Cell Renal Carcinoma
Authors: Sperga Maris , Lietuvietis Vilnis , Kleina Regina
Published: August 2010

Initial Neoplastic Proliferations and Background Pathologies of Kidneys with Clear Cell Renal Carcinoma

Introduction. Nephrosclerosis and development of renal tumours is desribed in literature. But there is a few dates about correlation between grades of nephrosclerosis and renal tumours. Aim of the study. Aim of our study is to find out and to analyze initial neoplastic proliferation around renal cell carcinoma in case of nephrosclerosis of different degrees. The hypothesis: the initial neoplastic proliferation in renal cell carcinoma is related to the degree of nephrosclerosis. Materials and methods. We investigated 206 surgical removed kidneys with clear cell renal carcinoma (RCCC) cases. To evaluate the correlation between grading of RCCC and its stages with nephrosclerosis we framed 5 macroscopic degrees of its severity. According the expression of nephrosclerosis we analyzed microscopically renal tissue to diagnose initial neoplastic proliferations. Results. In our research we have got weak positive correlation of R = 0.2 (p = 0.01) between nephrosclerosis and grading of renal clear cell carcinoma. Practically the same correlation exists between renal tumor TNM stage and nephrosclerosis degrees. In 62 cases from all 206 examined surgically removed kidneys microscopically and grossly we have diagnosed initial neoplastic proliferations. Histological variations of them were: papillary adenoma, oncocytoma, nephrogenic adenoma and clear cell proliferations. Accordingly the localization of these neoplastic proliferations we can divide them into subcapsular, cortical and medullar both in the tumour capsule and outside it. Around the neoplastic proliferations we have evaluated the intensity of inflammation, arteriosclerosis, glomerulosclerosis, cystic transformations of renal tubules and stromal fibrosis. Conclusions. We have proved that the most marked correlation was between the background pathologies and papillary adenoma (n = 29). More common the diameter of fibrosis was several times larger than the size of adenoma. There was also strong correlation with cystic changes of renal tubules. There is a correlation R = 0.305 (p = 0.01) between the frequency of papillary adenoma findings and of nephrosclerosis stages. The second most common initial neoplastic proliferation was clear cell proliferations (n = 26). But it has less pronounced association with the background changes. We have not proved the correlation between the frequency of renal clear cell carcinoma and severity of nephrosclerosis.
Clostridium difficile Associated Disease Clinical and Molecular Data
Authors: Aksenoka Karina , Balode Arta , Grope Ilze , Obidenova Tatjana , Gardovska Dace , Miklasevics Edvins
Published: August 2010

Clostridium difficile Associated Disease Clinical and Molecular Data

Introduction. A balanced microflora of the gastrointestinal tract plays a significant role in the protection of an organism. Dramatic changes may take place in the composition of normal microflora during antibacterial therapy, because part of sensitive microorganisms die and microflora detrimental to an organism proliferates there causing gastrointestinal tract disorders (7). C. difficile is an important agent causing gastrointestinal tract disorders. It may induce manifestations ranging from asymptomatic colonization of the gastrointestinal tract to severe diarrhea, pseudomembranous colitis, toxic megacolon, intestinal perforation, and death. All these severity levels are included in the term Clostridium difficile associated disease (CDAD). A patient at risk for C. difficile is an elderly person with a severe principal disease, who receives long-term inpatient treatment, has been receiving antibiotics, antacid and antiulcer agents for a long time, has had a gastrointestinal surgical intervention or any organ transplantation, which is always related to immune suppression (11). Aim of the study. Molecular typing of Latvian strains of C. difficile and clinical data analysis. Materials and methods. The research includes data collected during the time period from August 2006 to the end of 2008 from three Latvian hospitals. A pure culture of C. difficile bacteria was isolated and cultured from fecal material. Ribotyping was done by amplification of specific regions of the 16S and 23S RNA genes and amplification products were separated in 1.5% agarose gel. Results. Fecal samples of 500 patients having manifestations of clinical symptoms of CDAD were microbiologically and molecularly studied from August 2006 to the end of 2008. 130 samples were tcdA + tcdB + toxin-positive. Conclusions. All samples were cultured on agar in anaerobic conditions. As a result, 55 pure cultures were obtained. The average age of patients is 65 years. Women get infected more frequently than men. In 95% patients CDAD was induced by antibacterial therapy. In 86% cases, having received a positive response for C.difficile antibacterial therapy is changed. Disease development risk factors are previous antibacterial therapy, previous hospitalization, GIT manipulations and C.difficile infection in anamnesis. The biggest number of CDAD patients was found in Nephrology Department of P. Stradins Clinical University Hospital. A hypervirulent Cl.difficile ribotype 027 was not found in Latvia yet, bat 16 different ribotypes were determined using Bionumerics software. 4 of them are domineering ribotypes with 17, 14, 5 and 4 isolates in every group.
Assessment of Postoperative Pain in Nursing
Authors: Strode Iveta , Logina Inara
Published: August 2010

Assessment of Postoperative Pain in Nursing

Introduction. Postoperative pain is a typical form of acute pain and is connected with extensive traumatization of tissue and operation wound traumatic edema, which in its turn, becomes a source of permanent nociceptive impulses. Insufficiently controlled postoperative pain is a factor of risk for the development of various pathologies, postoperative complications, as well as chronic pain. Aim of the study. To study the usage of postoperative period pain intensity and quality assessment scales in the clinical practice of nursing, as well as availability of methods. Materials and methods. Inquiry utilized quantitative research method - questionnaire. The questionnaire embraced 263 patients and 309 nurses, working in surgical profile. Survey was carried out in surgical profile wards in Riga and regional clinics of Latvia. Results. Prevalent method, in our investigation of pain intensity evaluation, is patient's oral subjective and objective assessment of condition. Such method is mentioned by 87% (269/309) of respondents. A conventional and acknowledged method of pain objectivization - verbal descriptor pain intensity scale is applied by 22% (69/309) respondents, but visual analogue scale is utilized only by 5% (15/309) respondents. Assessment of postoperative pains as systematic and planed operation was marked by 41% (126/309) of surgical nurses. Conclusions. Prevailing method in the clinical practice of pain assessment is patient's subjective and objective evaluation of condition. However, this method is insufficiently recorded and objectivizated. Therefore, it is an actual problem in surgical patient care and shows necessity for standards and improvement of postoperative pain management.
Intragastric Migration of Swedish Adjustible Gastric Band
Authors: Vanags Andrejs , Strumfa Ilze , Pavars Maris , Gardovskis Janis
Published: August 2010

Intragastric Migration of Swedish Adjustible Gastric Band

Swedish adjustable gastric banding (SAGB) is an operative procedure meant for the treatment of morbid obesity. It is characterised by application of low-pressure, high-volume device upon the stomach. One of the major complications, currently described in 6% of patients, is the intragastric migration of the adjustable gastric band. The removal of the band is the gold standard in these cases and must be performed either urgently or as a scheduled manipulation according to the symptoms. We present a thoroughly documented case of surgical obesity treatment by SAGB complicated by intragastric band migration as well as our experience in settling the complication.
Fall and Balance Outcomes After an Intervention to Promote Leg Strength, Balance, and Walking in People With Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: “Feet First” Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kruse Robin L. , LeMaster Joseph W. , Madsen Richard W.
Published: August 2010

Background

Weight-bearing exercise has been discouraged for people with diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy (DM+PN). However, people with diabetes mellitus and insensate feet have an increased risk of falling. Lower-extremity exercise and balance training reduce fall risk in some older adults. It is unknown whether those with neuropathy experience similar benefits.

Objective

As part of a study of the effects of weight-bearing exercise on foot ulceration in people with DM+PN, the effects of a lower-extremity exercise and walking intervention on balance, lower-extremity strength (force-generating capacity), and fall incidence were determined.

Design

The study was an observer-masked, 12-month randomized controlled trial.

Setting

Part 1 of the intervention took place in physical therapy offices, and part 2 took place in the community.

Patients

The participants were 79 people who were mostly sedentary, who had DM+PN, and who were randomly assigned to either a control group (n=38) or an intervention group (n=41).

Intervention

Part 1 included leg strengthening and balance exercises and a graduated, self-monitored walking program; part 2 included motivational telephone calls. Both groups received regular foot care, foot care education, and 8 sessions with a physical therapist.

Measurements

The measurements collected were strength, balance, and participant-reported falls for the year after enrollment.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences between the groups for falls during follow-up. At 12 months, there was a small increase in the amount of time that participants in the intervention group could stand on 1 leg with their eyes closed. No other strength or balance measurements differed between the groups.

Limitations

The study was designed to detect differences in physical activity, not falls. The intensity of the intervention was insufficient to improve strength and balance in this population.

Conclusions

The training program had a minimal effect on participants' balance and lower-extremity strength. Increasing weight-bearing activity did not alter the rate of falling for participants in the intervention group relative to that for participants in the control group. People who are sedentary and who have DM+PN appear to be able to increase activity without increasing their rate of falling.
Use of Physical Therapy Services Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults With Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Finlayson Marcia , Plow Matthew , Cho Chi
Published: August 2010

Background

There is limited understanding of the utilization of and perceived need for physical therapy services among middle-aged and older adults with multiple sclerosis (MS). The resulting knowledge gap compromises efforts for physical therapy service planning for this population.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine the use of and need for physical therapy services in a sample of adults with MS living in the Midwestern United States.

Design

This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study.

Methods

Data from telephone interviews with 1,065 people with MS, aged 45 to 90 years, were used for the study. A multinomial regression model was used to determine factors associated with use of physical therapy services (never, within the past year, more than a year ago). Logistic regression analysis examined factors associated with unmet needs for these services.

Results

Thirty-six percent of the sample reported never using physical therapy services, 33% reported using physical therapy services within the past year, and 31% reported using physical therapy services more than a year prior to the interview. Factors associated with recent use of physical therapy services included living in an urban or suburban community, deteriorating MS status, experiencing problems with spasticity (ie, hypertonicity), having difficulty moving inside the house, being hospitalized in the past 6 months, and seeing a family physician. These same factors were associated with unmet needs.

Limitations

Physical therapy service use was self-reported. Data were collected in 5 Midwestern states from people 45 years of age or older, which may limit generalizability.

Conclusions

Factors associated with use of and need for physical therapy services reflect issues of access (geographical, referrals), MS status, and mobility difficulties.
Confronting the Cold War: The 1950 Vancouver Convention of the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation
Authors: Isitt Benjamin
Published: August 2010

Abstract:

The 1950 Vancouver convention of the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (ccf) opened against the backdrop of the Korean War and tense Cold War debates within Canada's social democratic party. Providing a window into this moment of ideological tension, the gathering demonstrates how leftists sought to forge domestic and foreign policies amenable to the narrow public opinion of the McCarthy era. The convention also illuminates the complex character of British Columbia's postwar left and the broader intellectual and political milieu of the early Cold War years in Canada – debates over the prohibition of atomic weapons and the relationship between markets and the state that would culminate in the ccf's Winnipeg Declaration of Principles later in the 1950s. Finally, the Vancouver convention highlights the role of Trotskyists within the ccf, a strategy of ‘entryism’ that has been explored only peripherally in the historiography of social democracy in Canada. The ideological confrontation at Vancouver left the ccf squarely in the hands of ‘moderates,’ shaping ccf strategy and policy for its final decade of political activity, while muting the Canadian left's independent voice in domestic and international affairs.
Weight Status and Determinants of Health: In Manitoba Children and Youth
Authors: Yu Bo Nancy , Protudjer Jennifer Lisa Penner , Anderson Kristin , Fieldhouse Paul
Published: August 2010

Purpose: Because of the tremendous increase in overweight and obesity in Canadian children and youth in recent decades, we examined associations among health determinants, healthy living characteristics, and overweight and obesity in Manitoba children and youth.

Methods: Using descriptive statistics and logistic regression, we identified factors associated with measured overweight and obesity in a sample of 1651 Manitoba children and youth aged two to 17 years from the 2004 Canadian Community Health Survey 2.2—Nutrition.

Results: Thirty-one percent of the children and youth were overweight or obese. Males aged 12 to 17 or from foodinsecure homes were more likely to be overweight or obese than were younger males or males from food-secure households. Females from households with higher parental education were less likely to be overweight or obese than were those from households with lower parental education. Female youth who were sedentary for at least three hours daily were more likely to be overweight or obese than were less sedentary female youth. A trend toward significance with overweight or obesity in youth was noted with levels of daily fruit and vegetable consumption and regular physical activity.

Conclusions: Overweight and obesity in Manitoba children and youth are associated with socio-economic and demographic characteristics, and with food and activity behaviours. These findings can inform health and nutrition policy and practice by indicating health inequities that require particular attention.
En bloc temporal bone resection using a diamond threadwire saw for malignant tumors
Authors: Jimbo Hiroyuki , Kamata Shinetsu , Miura Kouki , Masubuchi Tatsuo , Ichikawa Megumi , Ikeda Yukio , Haraoka Jo
Published: August 2010

The purpose of this study is to describe a new technique for en bloc temporal bone resection using a diamond threadwire saw (T-saw) as an alternative to cutting the temporal bone with an osteotome. This technique has been performed in 10 patients with external auditory canal and middle ear cancers without any injury to the internal carotid artery or jugular vein. The authors conclude that the use of a diamond threadwire saw after transposing the internal carotid artery anteriorly is a safe, simple, and reliable technique for en bloc temporal bone resection.
Investigating shunt function using continuous intracranial pressure monitoring in adults: single center experience
Authors: Toma Ahmed K. , Tarnaris Andrew , Kitchen Neil D. , Watkins Laurence D.
Published: August 2010

Object

Managing symptomatic ventriculoperitoneal shunts with no clear evidence of shunt malfunction either clinically or radiologically can be a difficult task. The aim of this study was to assess intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring as a method of investigating shunt function.

Methods

The authors performed a retrospective analysis of 38 continuous ICP monitoring procedures done in patients with ventriculoperitoneal shunts and suspected shunt malfunction.

Results

Thirty-eight procedures were performed in 31 patients between January 2005 and October 2008. Sixteen recordings were normal, 6 revealed overdrainage or low pressure, 11 indicated underdrainage or high pressure, and 5 showed variable shunt function. Based on the findings after 20 procedures (53%), patients were treated conservatively: 4 by readjusting the valve setting and 16 by referral to the headache neurologist for medical treatment. Forty-five percent of the conservatively treated patients improved. Surgical exploration was undertaken following 18 procedures (47%); 72% of the surgically treated patients improved.

Conclusions

Continuous ICP monitoring using an intraparenchymal probe is a safe and effective method of investigating adult hydrocephalus.
Surface Nano-Structuring by Adsorption and Chemical Reactions
Authors: Tanaka Ken-ichi
Published: August 2010

Nano-structuring of the surface caused by adsorption of molecules or atoms and by the reaction of surface atoms with adsorbed species are reviewed from a chemistry viewpoint. Self-assembly of adsorbed species is markedly influenced by weak mutual interactions and the local strain of the surface induced by the adsorption. Nano-structuring taking place on the surface is well explained by the notion of a quasi-molecule provided by the reaction of surface atoms with adsorbed species. Self-assembly of quasi-molecules by weak internal bonding provides quasi-compounds on a specific surface. Various nano-structuring phenomena are discussed: (i) self-assembly of adsorbed molecules and atoms; (ii) self-assembly of quasi-compounds; (iii) formation of nano-composite surfaces; (iv) controlled growth of nano-materials on composite surfaces. Nano-structuring processes are not always controlled by energetic feasibility, that is, the formation of nano-composite surface and the growth of nano-particles on surfaces are often controlled by the kinetics. The idea of the “kinetic controlled molding” might be valuable to design nano-materials on surfaces.
A Fluorescent Thermometer Based on a Pyrene-Labeled Thermoresponsive Polymer
Authors: Pietsch Christian , Vollrath Antje , Hoogenboom Richard , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: August 2010

Thermoresponsive polymers that undergo a solubility transition by variation of the temperature are important materials for the development of ‘smart’ materials. In this contribution we exploit the solubility phase transition of poly(methoxy diethylene glycol methacrylate), which is accompanied by a transition from hydrophilic to hydrophobic, for the development of a fluorescent thermometer. To translate the polymer phase transition into a fluorescent response, the polymer was functionalized with pyrene resulting in a change of the emission based on the microenvironment. This approach led to a soluble polymeric fluorescent thermometer with a temperature range from 11 °C to 21 °C. The polymer phase transition that occurs during sensing is studied in detail by dynamic light scattering.
An Efficient Lagrangean Relaxation-based Object Tracking Algorithm in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Lin Frank Yeong-Sung , Lee Cheng-Ta
Published: August 2010

In this paper we propose an energy-efficient object tracking algorithm in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Such sensor networks have to be designed to achieve energy-efficient object tracking for any given arbitrary topology. We consider in particular the bi-directional moving objects with given frequencies for each pair of sensor nodes and link transmission cost. This problem is formulated as a 0/1 integer-programming problem. A Lagrangean relaxation-based (LR-based) heuristic algorithm is proposed for solving the optimization problem. Experimental results showed that the proposed algorithm achieves near optimization in energy-efficient object tracking. Furthermore, the algorithm is very efficient and scalable in terms of the solution time.
Salinity tolerance and genetic variability in freshwater and brackish Iris hexagona colonies
Authors: Pathikonda Sharmila , Meerow Alan , Zhenxiang He , Mopper Susan
Published: August 2010

• Premise of the study: Saltwater intrusion is one of the most widespread environmental threats to freshwater wetlands. Iris species worldwide are important members of these plant communities. Wetland irises reproduce clonally and sexually, which permits populations to spread and disperse in benign and stressful conditions. The ability of iris populations to tolerate and adapt to elevated salinity can play an important role in determining the long‐term health of wetland ecosystems.

• Methods: We used microsatellite markers to evaluate population structure and genetic diversity, and we performed a common garden experiment to examine the effect of salinity on the growth and reproduction of wild Iris hexagona collected from freshwater and brackish wetlands.

• Key results: Colonies were genetically distinct, with average to high heterozygosity (0.55–0.66) for a clonal species. Salinity had negative linear effects on leaf mass (g), clonal growth (g), root mass (g), and flower numbers, and it had nonlinear effects on seed numbers and seed mass (mg). The greatest sexual reproduction occurred in the intermediate‐salinity (4 parts per thousand) treatment. Flowering phenology was delayed for 5 days in the highest‐salinity treatment.

• Conclusions: We hypothesized that irises from brackish habitats would tolerate salinity better than freshwater irises would, but no difference in iris performance existed between the two habitats. The observed salinity tolerance and genetic diversity of I. hexagona indicate that populations will persist despite moderate increases in environmental salinity.
Ce que réhabiliter veut dire
Authors: Elie Marc
Published: August 2010

Résumé Comment les successeurs de Staline ont-ils géré l’inconfortable legs des années de terreur ? Comment s’est posée la question de la réparation des torts infligés à des millions de personnes et quelles réponses les héritiers du dictateur ont-ils tenté d’y apporter ? À deux reprises, sous la direction d’abord de Nikita Khrouchtchev (1953-1964) puis de Mikhail Gorbatchev (1985-1991), le passé stalinien fut l’objet d’intenses débats dans la société et la sphère politique soviétiques. C’est la posture critique face à l’époque stalinienne que désigne le mot d’ordre « réhabilitation », caractéristique à la fois du Dégel et de la perestroïka. Les procédures sociojuridiques de rétablissement dans leurs droits des victimes de Staline restèrent pour leur part à l’état embryonnaire jusqu’à la fin de l’ère soviétique. Cet article retrace l’histoire de l’inachèvement de la politique de réhabilitation, marqué par l’impossibilité de mettre radicalement à distance le passé soviétique pour le livrer à l’analyse critique.
Jean Delumeau, historien de la peur et du péché
Authors: Cuchet Guillaume
Published: August 2010

Résumé Jean Delumeau, qui a occupé pendant vingt ans la chaire d’histoire des mentalités religieuses de l’Occident moderne au Collège de France, était dans les années 1970-1980 un des représentants les plus en vue de l’« histoire des mentalités ». Ses thèses sur le péché et la peur ont rencontré un vaste écho. Rançon du succès : cette image d’historien de la peur lui est souvent restée, bien que son œuvre ait depuis emprunté de multiples chemins et qu’il se soit attaché à étudier, en contrepoint, les remèdes à la peur, notamment le sentiment de sécurité et les espérances du ciel. Cet article revient sur cet aspect de l’œuvre de Jean Delumeau, en rappelant ses thèses principales, la façon dont elles ont été reçues, les questions qu’elles posent aux historiens de la période contemporaine et sa réception dans le milieu chrétien des années 1970-1980.