bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Migration among individuals with leprosy: a population-based study in Central Brazil
Authors: Murto Christine , Ariza Liana , Alencar Carlos Henrique , Chichava Olga André , Oliveira Alexcian Rodrigues , Kaplan Charles , Silva Luciana Ferreira Marques da , Heukelbach Jorg
Published: April 2014

This study investigates social and clinical factors associated with migration among individuals affected by leprosy. A cross-sectional study was conducted among those newly diagnosed with leprosy (2006-2008), in 79 endemic municipalities in the state of Tocantins, Brazil (N = 1,074). In total, 76.2% were born in a municipality different from their current residence. In the five years before diagnosis 16.7% migrated, and 3.6% migrated after leprosy diagnosis. Findings reflect aspects associated with historical rural-urban population movement in Brazil. Indicators of poverty were prominent among before-diagnosis migrants but not after-diagnosis migrants. Migration after diagnosis was associated with prior migration. The association of multibacillary leprosy with migration indicates healthcare access may be an obstacle to early diagnosis among before-diagnosis migrants, which may also be related to the high mobility of this group.
From foundling homes to day care: a historical review of childcare in Chile
Authors: Rodrigo A , van der Veer René , Vermeer Harriet J. , van IJzendoorn Marinus H.
Published: April 2014

This article discusses significant changes in childcare policy and practice in Chile. We distinguish four specific periods of childcare history: child abandonment and the creation of foundling homes in the 19th century; efforts to reduce infant mortality and the creation of the health care system in the first half of the 20th century; an increasing focus on inequality and poverty and the consequences for child development in the second half of the 20th century; and, finally, the current focus on children’s social and emotional development. It is concluded that, although Chile has achieved infant mortality and malnutrition rates comparable to those of developed countries, the country bears the mark of a history of inequality and is still unable to fully guarantee the health of children from the poorest sectors of society. Recent initiatives seek to improve this situation and put a strong emphasis on the psychosocial condition of children and their families.
Factors associated with gestational weight gain in pregnant women in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 2008
Authors: Fraga Ana Claudia Santos Amaral , Theme Filha Mariza Miranda
Published: April 2014

Inadequate weight gain during pregnancy is an important predictor of complications for the mother and infant. This cross-sectional study assessed factors associated with inadequate weight gain among women in the third trimester of pregnancy who received prenatal care under the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS) in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from November 2007 to July 2008. A total of 1,079 pregnant women were interviewed, and adequacy of weight gain was obtained by calculating weight gain as recommended by the U.S. Institute of Medicine. Social, demographic, and obstetric factors were analyzed as independent variables. A multinomial logistic regression model was used, and pregnant women with weight gain below or above the recommended levels were compared to those with adequate weight gain. Low schooling was associated with insufficient weight gain, while excessive gain was observed in women with hypertension and pre-gestational underweight, overweight, and obesity. Nutritional assessment during prenatal care is essential, and interventions should target cases of inadequate weight gain in order to prevent complications for the mother and infant.
A integração ensino-serviço na formação de enfermeiros e médicos: a experiência da FAMEMA
Authors: Marin Maria José Sanches , Oliveira Maria Amélia de Campos , Otani Márcia Aparecida Padovan , Cardoso Cristina Peres , Moravcik Maria Yvette Aguiar Dutra , Conterno Lucieni de Oliveira , Braccialli Luzmarina Aparecida Doretto , Nunes Cássia Regina Rodrigues , Siqueira Júnior Antonio Carlos
Published: April 2014

O estudo tem como objetivo identificar contribuições e limites da integração ensino-serviço entre a Faculdade de Medicina de Marília e a Secretaria Municipal de Saúde de Marília, para a academia, para as equipes de saúde e para a comunidade. Trata-se de uma pesquisa transversal, de abordagem quantitativa. Um questionário com 20 assertivas, organizado sob a forma de escala Likert, foi aplicado a estudantes, docentes e professores colaboradores, num total de 183 participantes. Constatou-se tendência à avaliação positiva da integração ensino-serviço para a formação profissional. Quanto às contribuições da integração ensino-serviço para a comunidade, a avaliação positiva aproximou-se de 50%. Os itens referentes às contribuições para as equipes de saúde foram os que tiveram maior quantidade de respostas negativas. Os dados indicam que é preciso avançar de forma que ensino e serviço sejam considerados processos interdependentes e com possibilidades de reflexões conjuntas.
Gravidez na adolescência: análise de fatores de risco para baixo peso, prematuridade e cesariana
Authors: Santos Nilma Lázara de Almeida Cruz , Costa Maria Conceição Oliveira , Amaral Magali Teresópolis Reis , Vieira Graciete Oliveira , Bacelar Eloisa Barreto , Almeida André Henrique do Vale de
Published: April 2014

O objetivo do estudo foi analisar possíveis associações entre a faixa etária materna até 16 anos, com o peso e a idade gestacional do recém-nascido, assim como a ocorrência de cesaria na. Estudo transversal com dados das Declarações de Nascidos Vivos/DN obtidos através do Sistema Nacional de Nascidos Vivos/SINASC, de Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brasil, no período 2006 a 2012. Nas análises, utilizou-se regressão logística, em razão de odds (OR) e intervalo de confiança de 95 %, medindo a força de associação entre variáveis, ajustadas aos fatores de confundimento. Os Recém Nascidos de baixo peso e de peso insuficiente mostraram associação significante com a faixa etária materna (< 16 anos); e interação estatística do pré-natal inadequado e cesariana; em gestantes adolescentes com idade abaixo de 16 anos, a cesariana mostrou associação significante com estado civil solteira (OR 1,24), pré-natal inadequado (OR 1,58) e Recém Nascidos de baixo peso (OR 1,34). Os dados sugerem que múltiplos fatores podem interferir no tipo de parto e resultado gestacional de adolescentes em idade muito precoce, apontando a importância de investimentos em políticas e ações direcionadas a esse grupo, considerado de alta vulnerabilidade aos agravos gestacionais e perinatais.
A retrospective study on cervical intraepithelial lesions of low-grade and undetermined significance: evolution, associated factors and cytohistological correlation
Authors: Silva Criseide , Almeida Elia Cláudia Souza , Côbo Eliângela de Castro , Zeferino Valéria Fátima Machado , Murta Eddie Fernando Cândido , Etchebehere Renata Margarida
Published: April 2014

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVES: Cervical cancer is an important cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. There is some controversy about the factors that may be associated with infection by the human papillomavirus (HPV) that may favor or protect against evolution from a low-grade intraepithelial lesion to a high-grade intraepithelial lesion or invasive neoplasia. The objective here was to evaluate the evolution of low-grade intraepithelial lesions and squamous or glandular lesions of undetermined significance, the associated factors and cytohistological correlations. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective study conducted in a public tertiary-level university hospital. METHODS: Information was obtained by reviewing patient records and/or colposcopy reports. A statistical analysis was performed using logistic regression, calculating the odds ratio and applying chi-square tests. RESULTS: Of the 3390 patients, 409 evolved to high-grade intraepithelial lesions, of which 354 had an initial diagnosis of HPV infection, 27 of squamous atypia of undetermined significance, 22 of low-grade intraepithelial lesions with or without cytological diagnosis of infection by associated HPV and six of glandular cell atypia of undetermined significance. CONCLUSIONS: Lactobacillus sp and bacterial vaginosis on the smears, smoking and immunodepression were factors associated with evolution. A single partner, use of hormonal contraceptives, lower parity, age and a cytological diagnosis of cytolytic vaginosis, T. vaginalis, Candida sp or cocci were factors associated with protection. With regard to cytohistological correlation, there was a 74.08% agreement among patients with high-grade lesions and a biopsy obtained during the same period.
The progression of 102 Brazilian patients with bipolar disorder: outcome of first 12 months of prospective follow-up
Authors: Novis Fernanda , Cirillo Patricia , Silva Rafael Assis da , Santos Ana Letícia , Silveira Luciana Angélica Silva , Cardoso Adriana , Coscarelli Pedro , Nardi Antônio Egidio , Cheniaux Elie
Published: April 2014

INTRODUCTION: Prospective studies have shown that the course of bipolar disorder (BD) is characterized by the persistence of symptoms, predominantly depression, along most of the time. However, to our knowledge, no studies in Latin America have investigated it. OBJECTIVES: To replicate international studies using a Brazilian sample to prospectively analyze treatment outcomes in the first year and to determine potential chronicity factors. METHODS: We followed up 102 patients with BD for 12 months and evaluated the number of months with affective episodes and the intensity of manic and depressive symptoms using the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) and the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D17). Sociodemographic and retrospective clinical data were examined to determine possible predictors of outcome. RESULTS: Almost 50% of the patients had symptoms about half of the time, and there was a predominance of depressive episodes. Disease duration and number of depressive episodes were predictors of chronicity. Depressive polarity of the first episode and a higher number of depressive episodes predicted the occurrence of new depressive episodes. CONCLUSION: In general, BD outcome seems to be poor in the first year of monitoring, despite adequate treatment. There is a predominance of depressive symptoms, and previous depressive episodes are a predictor of new depressive episodes and worse outcome.
Governança tecnológica e cooperabilidade nas multinacionais brasileiras
Authors: Costa Priscila Rezende da , Porto Geciane Silveira
Published: April 2014

A capacidade dinâmica de inovar e cooperar e a gestão dos seus atributos de dispersão e interação são fatores essenciais à sobrevivência e ao êxito para as empresas emergentes originadas dos países em desenvolvimento, como o Brasil. Diante desse contexto, tem-se o objetivo de avaliar em que medida a governança tecnológica afeta a capacidade dinâmica de inovação e cooperação (cooperabilidade) nas multinacionais brasileiras (MNB). Para alcançar esse objetivo, a pesquisa de campo foi realizada em duas etapas, a primeira, qualitativa, e a segunda, quantitativa. Com base nos resultados da etapa qualitativa, foram revisadas as variáveis do modelo de pesquisa e refinadas as suas hipóteses, cujo teste ocorreu na etapa quantitativa. Na etapa qualitativa, o método utilizado foi o estudo de casos múltiplos, dado que foram realizados três estudos em profundidade: Oxiteno, Braskem e Petrobras. Já na etapa quantitativa, realizou-se um levantamento no universo de MNB, em que uma amostra definitiva de 60 empresas respondeu a um questionário estruturado.
Teaching-service integration: implications and roles in experiences of Undergraduate Courses in Nursing
Authors: Brehmer Laura Cavalcanti de Farias , Ramos Flávia Regina Souza
Published: April 2014

The study aimed at understanding the implications of the teaching-service integration to nursing education from the perspective of teachers, students and professionals in Primary Healthcare as well as identifying the roles of teachers and professionals who follow practical experiences in education. This is a case study of qualitative approach carried out in five undergraduate courses in Nursing in the state of Santa Catarina. A total of 22 teachers and 14 professionals were interviewed and five focus groups were conducted with students. Results are presented in two categories: Implications of the teaching-service integration to education in Nursing: contributing factors and intervening factors and Relationships established in the experiences: a unison speech and a dissonant practice. The contributions of the teaching-service integration are undeniable. Despite this belief, there are intervening factors that need to be on the agenda for discussion. The role of facilitator in education emerged strongly despite conflicting perceptions remain.
Single-incision videolaparoscopic appendectomy with conventional videolaparoscopy equipment
Authors: PINHEIRO Rodrigo Nascimento , SOUSA Renato Costa , CASTRO Fernanda Mesquita de Brito , ALMEIDA Roberta Oliveira de , GOUVEIA Gustavo de Castro , OLIVEIRA Viviane Rezende de
Published: April 2014

Background : Acute appendicitis is the most common surgical emergency in daily practice, and is approached laparoscopically in many centers. Efforts have been undertaken for the development of minimally invasive techniques that reduce tissue trauma and offer improved cosmetic results, one of such being the single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS). Aim : To present a minimally invasive technique for appendectomy (SILS) undertaken with conventional instruments. Method : Eleven patients were treated in the emergency care center presenting abdominal pain in the right iliac fossa that was suggestive of appendicitis. Diagnostic investigation was subsequently conducted, including physical examination, laboratory and imaging exams (CT scan with intravenous contrast or total abdominal ultrasound), and the results were consistent with acute appendicitis. Thus, after consent, these patients underwent SILS appendectomy under general anesthesia with three trocars (two 10 mm and one 5 mm), using conventional and optical laparoscopic tweezers (10 mm, 30º). The base and pedicle of the appendix were ligated with titanium LT 400 clips. The procedure occurred uneventfully. Inclusion criteria were absence of diffuse peritonitis, BMI (body mass index) less than 35 and absence of serious comorbidities or sepsis. Results : Seven men and four women were operated with average age of 25.7 years and underwent appendectomy through this technique. Mean procedure duration was of 37.2 min. Regarding surgical findings, three had appendicitis in stage 1, four in stage 2 and four in stage 3. All patients improved well, without surgical complications, and did not require conversion to open surgery or conventional laparoscopy technique. Conclusion : Appendectomy conducted through Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery is a feasible and promising technique that can be performed with conventional laparoscopic instruments.
High definition endoscopy and "narrow band imaging" in the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease
Authors: ASSIRATI Frederico Salvador , HASHIMOTO Cláudio Lyoiti , DIB Ricardo Anuar , FONTES Luiz Henrique Souza , NAVARRO-RODRIGUEZ Tomás
Published: April 2014

Introduction: The gastroesophageal reflux disease is a common condition in the western world but less than half of patients present endoscopic abnormalities, making a standard procedure unsuitable for diagnosis. High definition endoscopy coupled with narrow band imaging has shown potential for differentiation of lesions and possible biopsy, allowing early diagnosis and treatment. Methods: This review describes the principles of biotic and their influence in obtaining images with better definition of the vessels in the mucosa, through the narrow band imaging. Selected papers using it in patients with reflux disease and Barrett's esophagus are analyzed in several ways, highlighting the findings and limitations. Conclusion: The meaning of the narrow band imaging in the endoscopic diagnosis of reflux disease will be defined by large scale studies, with different categories of patients, including assessment of symptoms and response to treatment.
Performance of preschool children with normal language development in past tense task
Authors: Monteiro-Luperi Telma Iacovino , Befi-Lopes Debora Maria
Published: April 2014

The acquisition of tense inflection is a gradual process, and the children appear unaware of the significance of inflectional endings, without recognizing that there is a general rule for deriving one form from another. Purpose: To investigate the ability of past tense in children with normal language development (NLD). Methods: The subjects were 30 children with NLD, aged between 4 and 6 years. To evaluate the use of past tense, we developed a test composed of 30 regular and irregular verbs. The analysis of the answers considered the correct ones, the replacement, overregularization and errors. Results: The 4 years old children with NLD had worse performance than the children of 5 and 6 years in correct answers and total score. There was no difference between the numbers of replacement based on age. By the age of 4, we observed more tense inflection errors. The overregularization errors did not differ between age groups. By the age of 4, children had more regular than irregular verbs correct answers. Conclusion: The 4 years old children with NLD had worse performance than 5 and 6 years old children, because they are still improving the use of verbs in their productions. At this age, we observed tense inflection errors. The 5 and 6 years old children already master the skill of past tense and do not differenciate.
Signs and symptoms of Temporomandibular Disorders in the elderly
Authors: Camacho José Gustavo Dala Déa , Oltramari-Navarro Paula Vanessa Pedron , Navarro Ricardo de Lima , Conti Ana Cláudia de Castro Ferreira , Conti Marcio Rodrigues de Almeida , Marchiori Luciana Lozza de Moraes , Fernandes Karen Barros Parron
Published: April 2014

Purpose: This study investigated the prevalence of Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) in the elderly and its association with palpation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), masticatory and cervical muscles as well as the presence of headache and joint noises. Methods: The sample consisted of 200 elderly of both genders (mean age: 69.2±5.7 years). The clinical evaluation of TMD signs and symptoms was divided into three stages: an anamnestic questionnaire, a TMJ evaluation, and a muscular examination. The results were analyzed through descriptive statistics as well as using χ2 and the tendency tests. Results: The presence of TMD was observed in 61% of the sample (mild: 43.5%, moderate: 13%, severe: 4.5%). A significantly greater prevalence of TMD was found for females (72.4%) compared with that for men (41.1%) (p<0.0001). Additionally, a significant association among TMD severity and palpation of the TMJ (p=0.0168), of masticatory muscles (p<0.0001), and of cervical muscles (p<0.0001) was verified. Also, there was a significant association between the frequency of headaches and the presence of TMD (p=0.0001). The association between the presence of joint noises and sensitivity to TMJ palpation was not significant. Conclusion: The elderly presented high TMD prevalence, mostly in females, with mild severity and related to TMJ and masticatory/cervical muscles palpation. Thus, the accomplishment of a detailed clinical examination to investigate the presence of such disorders is essential and it must not be neglected during the treatment of elderly patients.
Assessment of swallowing in preterm newborns fed by bottle and cup
Authors: López Claudia Peyres , Chiari Brasília Maria , Goulart Ana Lúcia , Furkim Ana Maria , Guedes Zelita Caldeira Ferreira
Published: April 2014

Purpose: To compare the swallowing performance of premature infants using a cup and a bottle during the first offer of food by mouth. Methods: This study was carried out with preterm newborns who presented low weight at birth and no neurological illnesses, genetic syndromes or congenital malformations. The newborns were assessed by videofluoroscopy while using a cup and a bottle, when they reached a post-conceptual age of ≥34 weeks, weight ≥ 1,500 g and showed signs of readiness for oral feeding. All children were fed exclusively by gavage during the period prior to the study. Results: This study included 20 preterm newborns, with average birth weight of 1,356 g and gestational age of 31.3 weeks. The majority of the bottle-fed newborns (68%) presented strong and rhythmic suction and 63% showed good sucking/swallowing/breathing coordination. The same percentage of newborns fed by cup (68%) could not perform the sipping movement and only 32% could suck a minimal amount of liquid contrast. There were no signs of laryngeal penetration and tracheal aspiration in both procedures. Conclusion: At the first oral feeding, preterm newborns showed better swallowing performance with a bottle in comparison to using a cup.
Effectiveness of Control Treatments on Young Saltcedar (Tamarix spp.) Plants
Authors: Ohrtman Michelle K. , Clay Sharon A. , Waughtel Shauna , Moriles Janet
Published: April 2014

Preventing the establishment of saltcedar in new areas requires early detection and rapid response. However, it is unclear when saltcedar develops perennating tissue and which treatments are most efficacious for young plants. The effectiveness of mowing, herbicide, and fire treatments, alone and in combination, was evaluated on saltcedar plants grown from seed to 4, 8, and 12 wk age in 2011 and 6 and 12 wk age in 2012. Plants were clipped to 2 cm height or remained intact. Plants were then exposed to no treatment (control), herbicide application (0.12 mg ae imazapyr), or treated with fire for 30 or 60 s. Six weeks after treatment, plant survival and tallest living shoot height were recorded and roots were dried and weighed for biomass comparison. Saltcedar survival increased with greater plant age. No 4-wk-old plants survived herbicide or fire treatments, whereas 6-wk-old plants were eliminated by fire. Clipping alone did not control plants of any age but clipping before fire was the most effective control for older plants. Herbicide alone did not kill 8- and 12-wk-old plants during the study period, but reduced plant vigor suggests that these applications may be effective in the long-term. Fire alone for 60 s was the most effective single treatment for 12-wk-old plants. Root biomass was reduced for all treatments relative to untreated plants with the lowest biomass typically associated with fire treatments. Resprouts were shortest for combined clipping and herbicide and clipping and fire treatments. Results indicate that saltcedar grown from seed can develop viable belowground reproductive tissues between 6 and 8 wk after germination. Multiple intensive control practices may be required to kill saltcedar plants ≥8 wk of age, whereas younger plants can be controlled by single, less-intensive treatments such as fire.
Restoring Abandoned Agricultural Lands in Cold Desert Shrublands: Tradeoffs between Water Availability and Invasive Species
Authors: Chambers Jeanne C. , Eldredge Eric P. , Snyder Keirith A. , Board David I. , Forbis de Queiroz Tara , Hubbard Vada
Published: April 2014

Restoration of abandoned agricultural lands to create resilient ecosystems in arid and semi-arid ecosystems typically requires seeding or transplanting native species, improving plant–soil–water relations, and controlling invasive species. We asked if improving water relations via irrigation or surface mulch would result in negative tradeoffs between native species establishment and invasive species competition. We examined the effects of sprinkler irrigation and straw mulch on native seed mixtures planted in two consecutive years in an abandoned agricultural field in a cold desert shrubland in southwestern Nevada, USA. Restoration effects differed among years because of contingency effects of growing season conditions. Precipitation was low during the first year and seeded plant density and biomass increased in response to irrigation. Precipitation was relatively high during the second year, seeded plant densities and biomass were generally high, and irrigation had inconsistent effects. Mulch increased native plant cover in the absence of irrigation during the dry year. Invasive plant biomass and cover also were influenced by year, but irrigation increased invasive plants regardless of precipitation. Positive effects of irrigation on seeded plant density, cover, and biomass outweighed negative tradeoffs of increases in invasive plants. In ecosystems with highly variable precipitation, the most effective restoration strategies will most likely be adaptive ones, requiring determination of timing and amount of irrigation based on precipitation, native plant establishment, and invasive species composition and abundance.
Invasive Species Control Optimization as a Dynamic Spatial Process: An Application to Buffelgrass (Pennisetum ciliare) in Arizona
Authors: Büyüktahtakin İ. Esra , Feng Zhuo , Olsson Aaryn D. , Frisvold George , Szidarovszky Ferenc
Published: April 2014

Buffelgrass (Pennisetum ciliare) is a fire-prone, African bunchgrass spreading rapidly across the southern Arizona desert. This article introduces a model that simulates buffelgrass spread over a gridded landscape over time to evaluate strategies to control this invasive species. Weed-carrying capacity, treatment costs, and damages vary across grid cells. Damage from buffelgrass depends on its density and proximity to valued resources. Damages include negative effects on native species (through spatial competition) and increased fire risk to land and buildings. We evaluate recommended “rule of thumb” control strategies in terms of their ability to prevent weed establishment in newly infested areas and to reduce damage indices over time. Two such strategies—potential damage weighting and consecutive year treatment—used in combination, provided significant improvements in long-term control over no control and over a strategy of minimizing current damages in each year. Results suggest specific recommendations for deploying rapid-response teams to prevent establishment in new areas. The long-run population size and spatial distribution of buffelgrass is sensitive to the priority given to protecting different resources. Land managers with different priorities may pursue quite different control strategies, posing a challenge for coordinating control across jurisdictions.
Radial consolidation of soil layer under truncated cone fill
Authors: Ganesalingam Dhanya , Read Wayne , Sivakugan Nagaratnam
Published: April 2014

A given quantity of fill may be placed over a given circular area in the shape of a cone, a truncated cone, with nearly uniform thickness. Depending on the shape of the fill, different non-uniform initial excess pore water pressure distributions can exist in the underlying saturated soil layer. This paper investigates the influence of the shape of the fill on the time-dependant consolidation behaviour of the underlying circular soil layer, which is draining only along a peripheral drain. Plots of the average degree of consolidation against time factor and degree of consolidation isochrones are developed for different axisymmetric embankment geometries. The results show that the way the load is spread within the circular area has significant influence on the rate of pore water pressure dissipation throughout the soil layer. The exact degree of consolidation at a point within the clay is computed to illustrate the variation in the degree of consolidation with the radial distance.
Groundwater availability mediates the ecosystem effects of an invasion of Prosopis pallida
Authors: Dudley Bruce D. , Flint Hughes R. , Ostertag Rebecca
Published: April 2014

Groundwater levels in arid environments are dropping worldwide due to human extraction, and precipitation events are predicted to become rarer and more intense in many arid areas with global climate change. These changes will likely alter both primary productivity and plant–soil nutrient cycles. To better understand the nature of such alterations, we examined effects of groundwater availability on plant–soil nitrogen (N) cycling in areas invaded by the N‐fixing phreatophyte, Prosopis pallida, on the dry leeward coast of Hawai‘i Island. Our aims were to quantify effects of groundwater availability to P. pallida on rates of litterfall N inputs and accretion in soils and to quantify effects of groundwater availability on N mineralization and leaching rates of inorganic N under natural rainfall conditions and simulated rain events. Stem water δ18O values indicate that P. pallida trees in lowland plots accessed shallow groundwater, while in upland plots they relied solely on rainfall. During drought periods, P. pallida at upland plots experienced water stress, evidenced by lower stem water potentials, higher water‐use efficiency, and lower predawn photosynthetic performance than at lowland plots. Prosopis pallida basal area was 5.3 times greater at lowland plots, and these plots exhibited 17 times higher carbon (C), 24 times higher N, and 35 times higher phosphorus (P) additions via litterfall, indicating that productivity of this phreatophyte was decoupled from rainfall where groundwater was present. Total N mass in soils was 4.7 times greater where groundwater was accessible, supporting the case that groundwater access increased N2 fixation at a stand level. In contrast, N mineralization and leaching losses from soils, though substantially greater in lowland relative to upland areas, were strongly controlled by rainfall. Results provide clear examples of how invasive species with particular functional attributes (i.e., N‐fixing phreatophytes) exploit otherwise inaccessible resources to dramatically alter the functioning of the systems they invade and how anthropogenic changes to hydrological processes can also alter ecosystem‐level impacts of biological invasions. Results also illustrate a mechanism by which regional groundwater drawdown may reduce soil nutrient accretion and availability in arid regions.
Grass invasion increases top‐down pressure on an amphibian via structurally mediated effects on an intraguild predator
Authors: DeVore Jayna L. , Maerz John C.
Published: April 2014

Plants serve as both basal resources and ecosystem engineers, so plant invasion may exert trophic influences on consumers both via bottom‐up processes and by altering the environmental context in which trophic interactions occur. To determine how these mechanisms affect a native predator we used a mark–recapture study in eight pairs of 58‐m2 field enclosures to measure the influence of Japanese stilt grass invasion on 3200 recently metamorphosed American toads. Toad survivorship was lower in invaded habitats despite abiotic effects that favor amphibians. Prey densities were also lower in invaded habitats, but growth was unaffected. Frequent spider predation events in invaded habitats led us to use factorial field cage manipulations of stilt grass and lycosid spiders to determine if invasion increases predation rates. Spiders persisted at higher densities in the presence of stilt grass, and toad survival was lowest in cages with both grass and spiders. Invasion alone did not significantly reduce toad survival. Our results demonstrate that despite prey reductions and abiotic effects, it is increased spider persistence that reduces toad survival in invaded habitats. Invasion therefore affects resident forest floor consumers by modifying trophic interactions between native species, causing structurally mediated reductions in intraguild predation rates among spiders, with cascading implications for toad survival.
The Association Between Different Kinds of Exercise and Quality of Life
in the Long Term. Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial on the
Elderly
Authors: Mura Gioia , Sancassiani Federica , Migliaccio Gian Mario , Collu Giorgia , Carta Mauro Giovanni
Published: April 2014

Introduction:

Quality of Life (QoL) tends to decrease with age. Exercise has been shown to be effective in improving
some psychosocial features related to QoL. We carried out a randomized controlled trial to verify the long-term
efficacy of an intensive fitness program versus a lighter program on the QoL of an elderly sample, compared to QoL of a
large normative sample.

Methods:

Participants aged ≥65 years were randomly assigned in a 1:1 fashion either to a vigorous
physical activity program group (VAG) or to a postural gymnastic group (PGG). Depressive symptoms were screened
by PHQ-9. QoL assessment was done by SF-12. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was conducted to test
differences between the two groups over time. Comparison with the normative sample was carried out by means of
ANOVA 1-way.

Results:

Both VAG and PGG showed low PHQ9 scores at the beginning and at the end of the trial,
indicating the absence of depressive symptoms. At the end of the study, both groups had a higher level of QoL, measured
by means of SF-12, than the normative standardized sample. While SF-12 scores for both groups decreased slightly 12
weeks after the end of the trial, only the VAG group maintained significantly-higher scores than those of the normative
sample.

Conclusions:

A vigorous physical activity program group might be associated with better maintenance of results
over time as compared to a postural gymnastic program. These results require future confirmation by further studies on
large samples.
Factors Associated with Uptake of HIV Test Results in a Nationally
Representative Population-Based AIDS Indicator Survey
Authors: Mwangi Mary , Kellogg Timothy A. , Dadabhai Sufia S. , Bunnell Rebecca , Baltazar Godfrey , Ngare Carol , K’Opiyo George , Mburu Margaret , Kim Andrea A.
Published: April 2014

Population-based surveys with HIV testing in settings with low testing coverage provide opportunities for
participants to learn their HIV status. Survey participants (15-64 years) in a 2007 nationally representative population-based
HIV serologic survey in Kenya received a voucher to collect HIV test results at health facilities 6 weeks after blood
draw. Logistic regression models were fitted to identify predictors of individual and couple collection of results. Of
15,853 adults consenting to blood draw, 7,222 (46.7%) collected HIV test results (46.5% men, 46.8% women). A third
(39.5%) of HIV-infected adults who were unaware of their infection and 48.2% of those who had never been tested
learned their HIV status during KAIS. Individual collection of HIV results was associated with older age, with the highest
odds among adults aged 60-64 years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2-2.1); rural
residence (AOR 1.8, 95%CI 1.2-2.6); and residence outside Nairobi, with the highest odds in the sparsely populated North
Eastern province (AOR 8.0, 95%CI 2.9-21.8). Of 2,685 married/cohabiting couples, 18.5% collected results as a couple.
Couples in Eastern province and in the second and middle wealth quintiles were more likely to collect results than those in
Nairobi (AOR 3.2, 95%CI 1.1-9.4) and the lowest wealth quintile (second AOR 1.5, 95%CI 1.1-2.3; middle AOR 1.6,
95% CI 1.2-2.3, respectively. Many participants including those living with HIV learned their HIV status in KAIS. Future
surveys need to address low uptake of results among youth, urban residents, couples and those with undiagnosed HIV
infection.
IRAK-M Deficiency Promotes the Development of Type 1 Diabetes in NOD Mice
Authors: Tan Qiyuan , Majewska-Szczepanik Monika , Zhang Xiaojun , Szczepanik Marian , Zhou Zhiguang , Wong F. Susan , Wen Li
Published: April 2014

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an organ-specific autoimmune disease characterized by progressive destruction of insulin-secreting pancreatic β-cells. Both T-cell–mediated adaptive responses as well as innate immune processes are involved in pathogenesis. Interleukin-1 receptor–associated kinase M (IRAK-M) can effectively inhibit the MyD88 downstream signals in Toll-like receptor pathways, while lack of IRAK-M is known to be associated with autoimmunity. Our study showed that IRAK-M–deficient (IRAK-M−/−) nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice displayed early onset and rapid progression of T1DM with impaired glucose tolerance, more severe insulitis, and increased serum anti-insulin autoantibodies. Mechanistic studies showed that the enhanced activation and antigen-presenting function of IRAK-M−/− antigen-presenting cells from IRAK-M−/− mice were responsible for the rapid progression of disease. Moreover, IRAK-M−/− dendritic cells induced enhanced activation of diabetogenic T cells in vitro and the rapid onset of T1DM in vivo in immunodeficient NOD mice when cotransferred with diabetogenic T cells. This study illustrates how the modulation of innate immune pathways through IRAK-M influences the development of autoimmune diabetes.
Evolution of Abnormal Plasma Glucagon Responses to Mixed-Meal Feedings in Youth With Type 1 Diabetes During the First 2 Years After Diagnosis
Authors: Sherr Jennifer , Tsalikian Eva , Fox Larry , Buckingham Bruce , Weinzimer Stuart , Tamborlane William V. , White Neil H. , Arbelaez Ana Maria , Kollman Craig , Ruedy Katrina J. , Cheng Peiyao , Beck Roy W. ,   for the Diabetes Research in Children Network (DirecNet)
Published: April 2014

OBJECTIVE

To examine the evolution of the dysregulated glucagon responses to mixed-meal tolerance tests (MMTTs) in youth with recent-onset type 1 diabetes (T1D).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

MMTTs were performed in 25 youth (9–18 years of age) with 1.5–12 months disease duration (year 1); 22 subjects were restudied 1 year later (year 2). Twenty nondiabetic (ND) control children were also studied.

RESULTS

In T1D children, MMTT-stimulated increases in glucagon were significantly greater than that in ND children (median increments: year 1, 21 pg/mL [16–30]; year 2, 25 pg/mL [16–30]; ND, 9 pg/mL [5–16]; P = 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In comparison with ND control children, exaggerated plasma glucagon responses to mixed-meal feedings are observed in youth with T1D within the first 2 years of diagnosis. Further studies to determine whether suppression of these abnormal responses may help to improve glycemic control are warranted.
Use of Local Anesthesia During Dental Rehabilitation With General Anesthesia: A Survey of Dentist Anesthesiologists
Authors: Townsend Janice A. , Hagan Joseph L. , Smiley Megann
Published: April 2014

The purpose of this study was to document current practices of dentist anesthesiologists who are members of the American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists regarding the supplemental use of local anesthesia for children undergoing dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia. A survey was administered via e-mail to the membership of the American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists to document the use of local anesthetic during dental rehabilitations under general anesthesia and the rationale for its use. Seventy-seven (42.1%) of the 183 members responded to this survey. The majority of dentist anesthesiologists prefer use of local anesthetic during general anesthesia for dental rehabilitation almost always or sometimes (90%, 63/70) and 40% (28/70) prefer its use with rare exception. For dentist anesthesiologists who prefer the administration of local anesthesia almost always, they listed the following factors as very important: “stabilization of vital signs/decreased depth of general anesthesia” (92.9%, 26/28) and “improved patient recovery” (82.1%, 23/28). There was a significant association between the type of practice and who determines whether or not local anesthesia is administered during cases. The majority of respondents favor the use of local anesthesia during dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia.
Deliberate Hypotensive Anesthesia With the Rapidly Acting, Vascular-Selective, L-Type Calcium Channel Antagonist—Clevidipine: A Case Report
Authors: Croft Kevin , Probst Stephen
Published: April 2014

Deliberate hypotension is an important technique for use in select anesthetics for procedures such as orthognathic surgery, specifically LeFort I maxillary osteotomy. We present a case report of an anesthetic involving deliberate hypotension for a 17-year-old female patient who presented for a LeFort I osteotomy, bilateral sagittal split of the mandible, and a genioplasty in order to correct a skeletal class III malocclusion. After reaching a steady-state general anesthetic, deliberate hypotension was induced solely with a bolus and subsequent continuous infusion of the ultrashort acting calcium channel blocker, clevidipine. The preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative course and anesthetic management are discussed.
Options for the control of bovine leukemia virus in dairy cattle
Authors: Bartlett Paul C. , Sordillo Lorraine M. , Byrem Todd M. , Norby Bo , Grooms Daniel L. , Swenson Cheryl L. , Zalucha Jessica , Erskine Ronald J.
Published: April 2014

The subclinical impact of bovine leukemia virus (BLV) on the sustainability of the US dairy industry is only now being fully recognized. Findings of recent longitudinal studies conducted in Michigan dairy herds were consistent with the results of previous studies in showing that within-herd prevalence of BLV–infected cattle was negatively associated with milk production and cow longevity. Risk factors relating to routes of hematogenous transmission such as the use of shared hypodermic needles, shared reproductive examination sleeves, and natural breeding were associated with BLV within-herd prevalence. Few US dairy producers know the prevalence of BLV-infected cattle in their herds or are aware of the insidious economic impact of BLV or the options for BLV control. As an increasing number of countries eradicate BLV from their cattle populations, restrictions on the movement of US cattle and cattle products will likely increase. Veterinarians should be aware of recent developments for screening serum and milk samples for antibodies against BLV and the results of research regarding the economic impact of BLV so they can advise their dairy clients of available alternatives for monitoring and controlling BLV infection.
A modified PWM three intervals control for a matrix converter in real time
Authors: Rezaoui Mohamed Mounir , Nezli Lazhari , Mahmoudi Mohand Oulhadj , Kouzou Abdollah , Rub Haitham Abu
Published: April 2014

In this paper, the application of the proposed control strategy PWM three intervals with 3×5 matrix converter is presented and analyzed. This control strategy is developed for the control of the multi-phases matrix converter, where the main aim is to ensure the waveform quality of the output voltages and the input currents based on the THD evaluation. Simulation results and real time implementation on dSpace 1103 of 3×5 matrix converter under R-L load are presented for the validation of the proposed control strategy and to clarify the main related advantages.
Sharp weak-type inequalities for Fourier multipliers and second-order Riesz transforms
Authors: Osękowski Adam
Published: April 2014

We study sharp weak-type inequalities for a wide class of Fourier multipliers resulting from modulation of the jumps of Lévy processes. In particular, we obtain optimal estimates for second-order Riesz transforms, which lead to interesting a priori bounds for smooth functions on ℝd. The proofs rest on probabilistic methods: we deduce the above inequalities from the corresponding estimates for martingales. To obtain the lower bounds, we exploit the properties of laminates, important probability measures on the space of matrices of dimension 2×2, and some transference-type arguments.
Unramified Brauer group of the moduli spaces of PGLr(ℂ)-bundles over curves
Authors: Biswas Indranil , Hogadi Amit , Holla Yogish
Published: April 2014

Let X be an irreducible smooth complex projective curve of genus g, with g ≥ 2. Let N be a connected component of the moduli space of semistable principal PGLr (ℂ)-bundles over X; it is a normal unirational complex projective variety. We prove that the Brauer group of a desingularization of N is trivial.
Evidence of perinatal transmission of Zika virus, French Polynesia, December 2013 and February 2014
Authors: Besnard M , Lastère S , Teissier A , Cao-Lormeau V M , Musso D
Published: April 2014

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
Surgical management and long-term outcome of pediatric patients with different subtypes of epilepsy associated with cerebral cavernous malformations
Authors: von der Brelie Christian , Kuczaty Stefan , von Lehe Marec
Published: April 2014

Object

Sufficient data on surgical treatment and seizure outcome of pediatric patients with different types of epilepsy, especially drug-resistant epilepsy and associated cerebral cavernous malformations, are scarce. The aim of this study was to carefully evaluate seizure outcome using the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) classification with regard to the presurgical symptom duration.

Methods

Fifty-one pediatric patients younger than 19 years with cerebral cavernous malformations of all CNS localizations have been surgically treated at the authors' institution. Twenty-two patients with seizures or epilepsy who harbored cortically located supratentorial cerebral cavernous malformations underwent surgical treatment and were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

More extensive resections were used in 82% of all patients with epilepsy symptoms for longer than 2 years. Eighty-two percent of patients with symptom duration shorter than 2 years underwent circumscribed lesionectomy including the surrounding hemosiderotic rim. The overall rate of mild permanent, unanticipated postoperative deficits was 4.5%; the rate of anticipated neurological deficits was 9%. The mean follow-up was longer than 117 months in all groups. Seizure outcome was excellent in the group with symptom duration shorter than 2 years (100% ILAE Class 1). Seizure outcome was significantly worse in the group with longer symptom duration (p = 0.02). Seven patients were seizure free after surgery. Seizure outcome was stable over the years.

Conclusions

Since seizure outcome is worse with longer seizure duration, early surgery and, if needed, interdisciplinary intervention, is recommended. Even in cases of multiple cerebral cavernous malformations and epilepsy, surgery should be considered.
Ethane-1,2-Diaminium Hydrogen Sulfate: Recyclable Organocatalyst for One-Pot Synthesis of β-Amino Ketones by a Three-Component Mannich Reaction
Authors: Bahrami Kiumars , Khodaei Mohammad Mehdi , Mohammadi Masoumeh , Babajani Nasrin
Published: April 2014

Ethane-1,2-diaminium hydrogen sulfate was synthesised and characterised by NMR and elemental analysis techniques, and found to exhibit high catalytic efficiency towards one-pot Mannich-type reactions of ketones with aromatic aldehydes and aromatic amines in ethanol. This method has the advantages of mild conditions, availability of starting materials, compatibility with a variety of functionalities, and simple work-up procedures. This catalyst also shows good recyclability and reusability.
Carbodiimide Mediated Synthesis of new Thiazolidin-4-Ones and Thiazinan-4-Ones from Thiosemicarbazone Derivatives of 6,7-Dihydro-1H-Indazole-4(5H)-Ones
Authors: Gautam Poonam , Chaudhary Ram P.
Published: April 2014

5,5-Dimethyl-2-[(2-substitutedphenylhydrazinyl)methylene]cyclohexane-1,3-dione, obtained from heating dimedone with N,N‘-dimethylformamide dimethyl acetal (DMF-DMA) and phenyl hydrazines, on cyclisation in ethanol gave 6,7-dihydro-1 H-indazol-4(5 H)-ones. The thiosemicarbazone derivative of 6,7-dihydro-1 H-indazole-4(5 H)-ones, on cyclocondensation with a and (3-haloacids in the presence of N,N‘-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide afforded new thiazolidin-4-ones and 1,3-thiazinan-4-ones respectively. Thiosemicarbazone of 6,7-dihydro-1 H-indazol-4(5 H)-ones on stirring with phenacyl bromides yields 2,4-disubstituted thiazoles. X-ray structure of the intermediate compound 5-dimethyl-2-[(2-phenylhydrazinyl)methylene] cyclohexane-1,3-dione was determined.