bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Classification of the height and flexibility of the medial longitudinal arch of the foot
Authors: Nilsson Mette Kjærgaard , Friis Rikke , Michaelsen Maria Skjoldahl , Jakobsen Patrick Abildgaard , Nielsen Rasmus Oestergaard
Published: February 2012

Background

The risk of developing injuries during standing work may vary between persons with different foot types. High arched and low arched feet, as well as rigid and flexible feet, are considered to have different injury profiles, while those with normal arches may sustain fewer injuries. However, the cut‐off values for maximum values (subtalar position during weight‐bearing) and range of motion (ROM) values (difference between subtalar neutral and subtalar resting position in a weight‐bearing condition) for the medial longitudinal arch (MLA) are largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to identify cut‐off values for maximum values and ROM of the MLA of the foot during static tests and to identify factors influencing foot posture.

Methods

The participants consisted of 254 volunteers from Central and Northern Denmark (198 m/56 f; age 39.0 ± 11.7 years; BMI 27.3 ± 4.7 kg/m2). Navicular height (NH), longitudinal arch angle (LAA) and Feiss line (FL) were measured for either the left or the right foot in a subtalar neutral position and subtalar resting position. Maximum values and ROM were calculated for each test. The 95% and 68% prediction intervals were used as cut‐off limits. Multiple regression analysis was used to detect influencing factors on foot posture.

Results

The 68% cut‐off values for maximum MLA values and MLA ROM for NH were 3.6 to 5.5 cm and 0.6 to 1.8 cm, respectively, without taking into account the influence of other variables. Normal maximum LAA values were between 131 and 152° and normal LAA ROM was between ‐1 and 13°. Normal maximum FL values were between ‐2.6 and ‐1.2 cm and normal FL ROM was between ‐0.1 and 0.9 cm. Results from the multivariate linear regression revealed an association between foot size with FL, LAA, and navicular drop.

Conclusions

The cut‐off values presented in this study can be used to categorize people performing standing work into groups of different foot arch types. The results of this study are important for investigating a possible link between arch height and arch movement and the development of injuries.
A clinician‐nurse model to reduce early mortality and increase clinic retention among high‐risk HIV‐infected patients initiating combination antiretroviral treatment
Authors: Braitstein Paula , Siika Abraham , Hogan Joseph , Kosgei Rose , Sang Edwin , Sidle John , Wools‐Kaloustian Kara , Keter Alfred , Mamlin Joseph , Kimaiyo Sylvester
Published: February 2012

Background

In resource‐poor settings, mortality is at its highest during the first 3 months after combination antiretroviral treatment (cART) initiation. A clear predictor of mortality during this period is having a low CD4 count at the time of treatment initiation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect on survival and clinic retention of a nurse‐based rapid assessment clinic for high‐risk individuals initiating cART in a resource‐constrained setting.

Methods

The USAID‐AMPATH Partnership has enrolled more than 140,000 patients at 25 clinics throughout western Kenya. High Risk Express Care (HREC) provides weekly or bi‐weekly rapid contacts with nurses for individuals initiating cART with CD4 counts of ≤100 cells/mm3. All HIV‐infected individuals aged 14 years or older initiating cART with CD4 counts of ≤100 cells/mm3 were eligible for enrolment into HREC and for analysis. Adjusted hazard ratios (AHRs) control for potential confounding using propensity score methods.

Results

Between March 2007 and March 2009, 4,958 patients initiated cART with CD4 counts of ≤100 cells/mm3. After adjusting for age, sex, CD4 count, use of cotrimoxazole, treatment for tuberculosis, travel time to clinic and type of clinic, individuals in HREC had reduced mortality (AHR: 0.59; 95% confidence interval: 0.45‐0.77), and reduced loss to follow up (AHR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.55‐0.70) compared with individuals in routine care. Overall, patients in HREC were much more likely to be alive and in care after a median of nearly 11 months of follow up (AHR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.57‐0.67).

Conclusions

Frequent monitoring by dedicated nurses in the early months of cART can significantly reduce mortality and loss to follow up among high‐risk patients initiating treatment in resource‐constrained settings.
Fast multifrequency focal beam analysis for 3D seismic acquisition geometry
Authors: Wei Wei , Fu Li-yun , Blacquière Gerrit
Published: February 2012

A method for the efficient computation of multifrequency focal beams for 3D seismic acquisition geometry analysis has been developed. By computing them for all the frequency components of seismic data, single-frequency focal beams can be extended to multifrequency focal beams. However, this straightforward method involves considerable computer time and memory requirements, especially in complex media settings. Therefore, we propose a rapid 3D multifrequency focal beam method in which only a few single-frequency focal beam computations are followed by a number of smart interpolations. The 3D wavefield extrapolation in the focal beam analysis is conducted by the combined applications of a 3D degenerate Fourier migrator and a 3D Born-Kirchhoff interpolation operator, a process that reduces the computational cost for complex media. The multifrequency focal beam analysis is applied to a 3D model from an oil field of China, demonstrating how spatial sampling differences affect seismic imaging.
Iterative finite-difference solution analysis of acoustic wave equation in the Laplace-Fourier domain
Authors: Um Evan Schankee , Commer Michael , Newman Gregory A.
Published: February 2012

We have investigated numerical characteristics of iterative solutions to the acoustic wave equation in the Laplace-Fourier (LF) domain. We transformed the time-domain acoustic wave equation into the LF domain; the transformed equation was discretized with finite differences and was solved with iterative methods. Finite-difference modeling experiments demonstrate that iterative methods require an infinitesimal stopping tolerance to accurately compute the pressure field especially at long offsets. To understand the requirement for such infinitesimal tolerance values, we analyzed the evolution of intermediate solution vectors, residual vectors, and search direction vectors during the iteration. The analysis showed that the requirement arises from the fact that in the solution space, the amplitude of the pressure field varies more than sixty orders of magnitude on the common log scale. Accordingly, we propose a rule of thumb for choosing a proper stopping tolerance value. We also examined numerical dispersion errors in terms of the grid sampling resolutions per skin depth and wavelength. We found that despite the similarity of the form of the acoustic wave and electromagnetic diffusion equations, the former is different from the latter due to the fact that in the LF domain, the skin depth of the acoustic wave equation is decoupled from its wavelength. This aspect requires that in the LF domain, its grid size be determined by considering the minimum grid sampling resolutions based not only the wavelength but also the skin depth.
MicroRNAs: novel biomarkers for lung cancer diagnosis, prediction and treatment
Authors: Wang Qiming , Wang Sheng , Wang Huijuan , Li Peng , Ma Zhiyong
Published: February 2012

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-protein-coding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate mRNA expression. A large body of evidence has identified important roles for these regulators in cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and metabolism, as well as activation of oncogenic and antioncogenic signals. Aberrant expression of miRNAs has been found in most human malignancies and is strongly associated with tumorigenesis, prediction, diagnosis, progress, treatment and prognosis. Thus, miRNAs may become an intriguing and promising therapeutic target for many diseases, including cancer. In addition, research into miRNAs may provide insight into the mechanisms underlying tumor occurrence, progression and metastasis. This review summarizes the current knowledge of miRNAs, their roles in lung cancer and avenues for future research.
Increased expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and metallothionein in varicocele and varicose veins
Authors: Lee J-D , Lai C-H , Yang W-K , Lee T-H
Published: February 2012

Objective

The increased blood stasis and venous volume pressure causing tissue hypoxia are observed in both varicocele and varicose veins. Metallothionein (MT), a metal-binding protein, protects against cell apoptosis under hypoxic stress. It also plays an important role in collateral flow recovery and angiogenesis. We studied the distribution of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and MT in varicocele and varicose veins.

Methods

The study specimens consisted of 1 cm venous segments that were obtained from 12 male patients during vascular stripping surgery for varicose veins and 1 cm of internal spermatic vein (ISV) obtained from 12 patients during left varicocele repair. The control samples of 1 cm ISV were obtained from 10 male patients who underwent left inguinal herniorrhaphy. All vascular specimens were analysed for HIF-1α and MT expression by immunoblotting, immunohistochemical (IHC) staining and confocal microscopy. Data were analysed using one-way analysis of variance with Tukey's comparison test.

Results

In both venous diseases, the increased expression of HIF-1α and MT compared with the control group ( P < 0.05) and most of the proteins distributed over smooth muscle layers were detected by IHC staining; HIF-1α and MT in the muscle layer with co-localization, and MT overexpression especially located in the endothelium of both venous diseases under confocal microscopy.

Conclusions

Our results revealed the higher expression of HIF-1α and MT in varicocele and varicose veins than in the control group; MT overexpression in the muscle layer of both diseased vessels and especially located in the endothelium under confocal microscopy. MT has the function to protect vascular cells from apoptosis under hypoxia. Thus, this MT function may cause a decreased vascular cell apoptosis and then contribute to the dilated and thickened walls of varicocele and varicose veins.
Reflux patterns and risk factors of primary varicose veins’ clinical severity
Authors: García-Gimeno M , Rodríguez-Camarero S , Tagarro-Villalba S , Ramalle-Gomara E , García J A Ajona , Arranz M A González , García D López , González-González E , Puerta C Vaquero
Published: February 2012

Objectives

Primarily, to determine the association between the clinical severity of primary varicose veins and different reflux patterns in an anatomic and haemodynamic clinical study using duplex ultrasonography (DU). Secondly, to analyse the association of clinical severity with other aspects, such as risk factors for chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and other concurrent diseases.

Method

A total of 2036 limbs were evaluated using DU. Clinical status was characterized by the CEAP (clinical, aetiological, anatomical and pathological elements) classification. The degree of clinical severity was grouped into two categories, mild to moderate CVI (C1–C3) and severe CVI, characterized by the presence of skin changes (C4–C6). We analysed the association of the different reflux patterns with CEAP status.

Results

Saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) reflux of the great saphenous vein (GSV) was associated with the most severe form of the disease (odds ratio [OR] = 2.96; confidence interval [CI] 95%: 2.2–3.8), whereas competent SFJ of the GSV with reflux from proximal veins (OR = 2; CI 95%: 1.4 –2.7) and the pure non-saphenous reflux (OR = 4.1; CI 95%: 1.8–9.0) were associated with mild to moderate CVI. Obesity increased the frequency of severe CVI 2.7 times (OR = 2.7; CI 95%: 1.6–4.6); being a woman also increased the frequency of more severe disease 1.3 times (OR = 1.3; CI 95%: 1.0–1.7).

Conclusion

Anatomical and haemodynamic studies by DU are postulated as a useful diagnostic tool that allow, by identifying the pattern of venous reflux of varicose pathology, characterization of the probable association to CVI clinical severity.
Mechanism of substrate selection by a highly specific CRISPR endoribonuclease
Authors: Sternberg Samuel H. , Haurwitz Rachel E. , Doudna Jennifer A.
Published: February 2012

Bacteria and archaea possess adaptive immune systems that rely on small RNAs for defense against invasive genetic elements. CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) genomic loci are transcribed as long precursor RNAs, which must be enzymatically cleaved to generate mature CRISPR-derived RNAs (crRNAs) that serve as guides for foreign nucleic acid targeting and degradation. This processing occurs within the repetitive sequence and is catalyzed by a dedicated Cas6 family member in many CRISPR systems. In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, crRNA biogenesis requires the endoribonuclease Csy4 (Cas6f), which binds and cleaves at the 3′ side of a stable RNA stem–loop structure encoded by the CRISPR repeat. We show here that Csy4 recognizes its RNA substrate with an ∼50 pM equilibrium dissociation constant, making it one of the highest-affinity protein:RNA interactions of this size reported to date. Tight binding is mediated exclusively by interactions upstream of the scissile phosphate that allow Csy4 to remain bound to its product and thereby sequester the crRNA for downstream targeting. Substrate specificity is achieved by RNA major groove contacts that are highly sensitive to helical geometry, as well as a strict preference for guanosine adjacent to the scissile phosphate in the active site. Collectively, our data highlight diverse modes of substrate recognition employed by Csy4 to enable accurate selection of CRISPR transcripts while avoiding spurious, off-target RNA binding and cleavage.
Unintended Nutrition Consequences: Firm Responses to the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act
Authors: Moorman Christine , Ferraro Rosellina , Huber Joel
Published: February 2012

This paper investigates how firms responded to standardized nutrition labels on food products required by the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act (NLEA). Using a longitudinal quasi-experimental design, we test our predictions using two large-scale samples that span 30 product categories. Results indicate that the NLEA reduced brand nutritional quality relative to a control group of products not regulated by the NLEA. At the same time, among regulated products, brand taste increased. Although this reduction in nutrition represents an unintended consequence of regulation, there were a set of category, firm, and brand conditions under which the NLEA produced a positive effect on brand nutritional quality. We find that firms were more likely to improve brand nutrition when firm risk or firm power is low. Lower risk occurs when the firm is introducing a new brand rather than changing an existing brand, and weaker power in a category is reflected by lower market share in a category. Furthermore, firms competing in low-health categories (e.g., potato chips) or small-portion categories (e.g., peanut butter) improved nutrition more than firms competing in high-health categories (e.g., bread) or large-portion categories (e.g., frozen dinners). Recommendations for firm strategy and the design of consumer information policy are examined in light of these surprising firm responses.
Phospholipase D2
Authors: Marchini-Alves Claudia Maria Meirelles , Nicoletti Liliana Martos , Mazucato Vivian Marino , de Souza Lorena Brito , Hitomi Tomohiro , Alves Cleidson de Pádua , Jamur Maria Celia , Oliver Constance
Published: February 2012

The current study examined the role of PLD2 in the maintenance of mast cell structure. Phospholipase D (PLD) catalyzes hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine to produce choline and phosphatidic acid (PA). PLD has two isoforms, PLD1 and PLD2, which vary in expression and localization depending on the cell type. The mast cell line RBL-2H3 was transfected to overexpress catalytically active (PLD2CA) and inactive (PLD2CI) forms of PLD2. The results of this study show that PLD2CI cells have a distinct star-shaped morphology, whereas PLD2CA and RBL-2H3 cells are spindle shaped. In PLD2CI cells, the Golgi complex was also disorganized with dilated cisternae, and more Golgi-associated vesicles were present as compared with the PLD2CA and RBL-2H3 cells. Treatment with exogenous PA led to the restoration of the wild-type Golgi complex phenotype in PLD2CI cells. Conversely, treatment of RBL-2H3 and PLD2CA cells with 1% 1-Butanol led to a disruption of the Golgi complex. The distribution of acidic compartments, including secretory granules and lysosomes, was also modified in PLD2CI cells, where they concentrated in the perinuclear region. These results suggest that the PA produced by PLD2 plays an important role in regulating cell morphology in mast cells.
A Mixed Valent Thioantimonate(III,V): [SbS3]3– and [SbS4]3– as bidentate ligands: Solvothermal synthesis and crystal structure of {Mn(dien)2}2[MnSb2S7]
Authors: Herzberg Nicola , Näther Christian , Bensch Wolfgang
Published: February 2012

The new compound {Mn(dien)2}2[MnSb2S7] (dien = diethylenetriamine) was obtained under solvothermal conditions and crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbca. The main structural motif is the [MnSb2S7]4– anion being constructed by a [MnS4]6– tetrahedron, a [SbIIIS3]3– and a [SbVS4]3– anion. Each thioantimonate anion shares one edge with the Mn2+ centered cation generating the [MnSb2S7]4– unit. The two independent Mn2+ cations in the two {Mn(dien)2}2+ complexes are in a distorted octahedral environment of two tridentate acting dien molecules. One cation displays the λδ–λλ-conformation and the other the δλ–λδ-conformation. Several intermolecular S···H—N bonding interactions are found between the cations and the anions.
Crystal structure determination of Hägg carbide, χ-Fe5C2 by first-principles calculations and Rietveld refinement
Authors: Leineweber Andreas , Shang Shunli , Liu Zi-Kui , Widenmeyer Marc , Niewa Rainer
Published: February 2012

X-ray powder-diffraction data recorded using different wave lengths as well as neutron powder diffraction data on Hägg carbide, χ-Fe5C2, were evaluated by Rietveld or Pawley refinements, respectively. Likewise, employing different starting models, first-principles calculations using density functional theory (DFT) involving structure optimisation with respect to energy were performed for χ-Fe5C2. The results from diffraction and DFT imply a crystal structure having a monoclinic C2/c symmetry with a quite regular (monocapped) trigonal-prismatic coordination of C by Fe atoms. The anisotropy of the microstrain broadening observed in the powder-diffraction patterns agrees with the anisotropy of the reciprocal Young’s module obtained from elastic constants calculated by DFT. The anisotropic microstrain broadening can to some degree, be modelled allowing for a triclinic distortion of the metric of χ-Fe5C2 (deviation of the lattice angle γ from 90°) involving reflection spitting, which mimics the hkl-dependently broadened reflections. This distortion corresponds to the most compliant shear direction of the monoclinic χ-Fe5C2. The anisotropic microstrain broadening results from microstress induced e.g. by anisotropic thermal expansion inducing misfit between the grains, in association with the intrinsic anisotropic elastic compliance of χ-Fe5C2. This anisotropic microstrain broadening was likely the origin of previous proposals of triclinic P-1 space-group symmetry for the crystal structure of χ-Fe5C2, which is rejected in the present work.
The use of periodic graphs for representing and analysing crystal structures
Authors: Klein Hans-Joachim
Published: February 2012

Several graph forms are discussed which are suited for modelling crystal structures at different levels of detail. Graphs with nodes representing atoms or special views of coordination polyhedra and edges representing bonds or different forms of connections between polyhedra are considered. Space-group symmetries are used to fold infinite graphs to finite representations which allow to develop algorithms for computing properties of structures effectively. Some applications are presented which demonstrate the usage of the graph forms.
Gyomortumorok őrszemnyirokcsomó-jelölésének prospektív, összehasonlító vizsgálata – submucosus kontra subserosus jelölés
Authors: Tóth Dezső , Kathy Sándor , Csobán Tibor , Kincses Zsolt , Török Miklós , Plósz János , Damjanovich László
Published: February 2012

Absztrakt

Bevezetés: Gyomorrák miatt operált betegek közel 40 százaléka feleslegesen esik át kiterjesztett nyirokcsomó-dissectión R0 resectio során. Sikeres sentinelnyirokcsomó-biopszia segíthet elkerülni ezt, így csökkenthető a műtéti morbiditás és mortalitás. A gyomortumorok őrszemnyirokcsomójának jelölésére számos metódus ismert. Anyag és módszerek: 40 betegnél történt gyomorresectio vagy teljes gyomoreltávolítás sentinel-nyirokcsomó kék festékkel történő jelölésével és módosított D2-es lymphadenectomiával. 16 betegnél (A csoport) a festék injektálását endoscopos végezte submucosusan, míg 24 beteg (B csoport) őrszemnyirokcsomó-jelölése a sebész által történt subserosusan. Az intraoperatív jelölést és a lymphadenectomiát egyazon sebész felügyelte. Eredmények: A 40 beteg vonatkozásában összesen 795 nyirokcsomó került eltávolításra és szövettani vizsgálatra. Az A csoportban betegenként átlagosan 4,1, a B csoportban 4,8 nyirokcsomó jelölődött meg a kék festékkel. A találati arány 100%-nak (A csoport), illetve 96%-nak (B csoport) bizonyult. Az álnegatív arány az endoscopos jelölés során 0%-nak, míg a subserosus jelölés után 7,7%-nak igazolódott. A submucosus jelölés specificitása és szenzitivitása egyaránt 100%, a subserosus vizsgálat specificitása 100%, szenzitivitása 92,3% lett. A kétfajta jelölési metódus 90% konfidencia-intervallumnál ekvivalensnek bizonyult a találati arány, a szenzitivitás és a specificitás tekintetében. Következtetések: Eredményeink alapján a kizárólagosan kék festékkel történő őrszemnyirokcsomó-jelölés biztonságos eljárásnak bizonyult, magas specificitása és szenzitivitása miatt alkalmazhatónak tűnik T1-es és T2-es tumorok műtétei során.
Pseudomyxoma peritonei et pleurae – egy ritka betegségről kezelt esetünk kapcsán
Authors: Kocsis Ákos , Markóczy Zsolt , Agócs László , Molnár Miklós , Fillinger János , Lévay Bernadett , Vadász Pál
Published: February 2012

Absztrakt

Bevezetés: A pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) egy nagyon ritkán előforduló sebészeti kórkép, amely a hasüreget vagy mellüreget érinti. Jellemzője a mucinosus ascites, valamint a leggyakrabban a vastagbélből vagy a féregnyúlványból kiinduló low-grade carcinoma. Pleuralis érintettség többnyire akkor jelentkezik, ha a hasi sebészeti beavatkozáskor a rekeszizmon lyuk keletkezik, vagy a tumor progrediál, vagy fejlődési rendellenesség kapcsán a has- és mellüreg között összeköttetés van. Esetismertetés: 44 éves nőbetegnél kezelt peritonealis érintettség után bal oldali pleuralis manifesztáció jelentkezett. Tekintettel a pulmo és pleura érintettségének kiterjedtségére, a radikális műtét esélyét elvetettük, cytoreductióra törekedtünk, és intraoperatív kemoterápiát alkalmaztunk. Megbeszélés: A pleuralis érintettség extrém ritkaságnak számít, kedvezőtlen prognózisú. Kezelése megegyezik az intraabdominalis kezeléssel, amennyiben arra lehetőség van, kiterjesztett cytoreductio, valamint helyi vagy szisztémás kemoterápia javasolt. Következtetés: A PMP egy nagyon ritka és rossz prognózisú kórkép. Extraabdominalis manifesztációja ritkán fordul elő. Kezelésében sokat segíthet a korai felismerés.
Mother-to-child transmission of HIV infection in Manaus, State of Amazonas, Brazil
Authors: Soeiro Claudia Marques de Oliveira , Miranda Angélica Espinosa , Saraceni Valeria , Lucena Noaldo Oliveira de , Talhari Sinésio , Ferreira Luiz Carlos de Lima
Published: February 2012

INTRODUCTION: Reduction in the vertical transmission of HIV is possible when prophylactic measures are implemented. Our objective was to determine demographic characteristics of HIV-infected pregnant women and the rate of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. METHODS: A descriptive study was conducted using notification, and investigating data from the Notifiable Diseases Data System in the Brazilian State of Amazonas, between 2007 and 2009. RESULTS: During the study period, notification was received of 509 HIV-positive pregnant women. The vertical transmission was 9.9% (95% CI: 7.2-12.6%). The mean age of women was 27 years (SD: 5.7), and the majority (54.8%) had not completed elementary school (eighth grade). Diagnosis of HIV seropositivity was made prior to pregnancy in 115 (22.6%) women, during prenatal care in 302 (59.3%), during delivery in 70 (13.8%), and following delivery in 22 (4.3%). Four hundred four of these women (79.4%) had had prenatal care, with 79.4% of patients receiving antiretroviral during pregnancy and 61.9% of the newborn infants receiving prophylaxis. In the final multivariate logistic regression model, living in urban area [OR = 0.7 (95% CI: 0.35-0.89)] and having had prenatal care [OR = 0.1 (95% CI: 0.04-0.24)] remained as protective factors against vertical HIV transmission in this population. CONCLUSIONS: The relevance of adequate compliance with the measures already established as being effective in guaranteeing a reduction in HIV transmission within the maternal and infant population should be emphasized.
Production of anti-Cryptosporidium polyclonal antibodies and standardization of direct immunofluorescence for detecting oocysts in water
Authors: Osaki Silvia Cristina , Costa Adriana Oliveira , Troiano Ludmilla Della Coletta , Kruger Ernesto Renato , Pereira Juliana Tracz , Fernandes Nelson Luis Mello , Silva Márcia Benedita de Oliveira , Soccol Vanete Thomaz
Published: February 2012

INTRODUCTION: The production of anti-Cryptosporidium polyclonal antibodies and its use in direct immunofluorescence assays to determine the presence of Cryptosporidium in water are described in the present work. METHODS: Two rabbits were immunized with soluble and particulate antigens from purified Cryptosporidium oocysts. The sera produced were prepared for immunoglobulin G extraction, which were then purified and conjugated with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC). Slides containing known amounts of oocysts were prepared to determine the sensitivity of the technique. To test the specificity, slides containing Giardia duodenalis cysts were prepared. RESULTS: The conjugate was successfully used in water samples experimentally contaminated with Cryptosporidium oocysts, and it was possible to detect up to five oocysts/spot, corresponding to contamination of 250 oocysts/mL. CONCLUSIONS: The three immunizations performed in the rabbits were enough to produce antibodies against Cryptosporidium, the standard direct immunofluorescence assay permitted the detection of five oocysts in 20% of the samples, and no cross-reaction with Giardia duodenalis cysts occurred.
Concepções de educação ambiental e perspectivas pedagógicas de professoras do ensino fundamental
Authors: Iared Valéria Ghisloti , Oliveira Haydée Torres de
Published: February 2012

Partindo da constatação de que existe uma pluralidade de concepções e práticas em educação ambiental, o objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar a relação entre as diferentes tendências da concepção de educação ambiental (EA) e a perspectiva pedagógica de professoras do ensino fundamental do município de São Carlos/SP. Para a análise, consideramos três tendências de perspectivas pedagógicas e três tendências de concepção de educação ambiental. Percebemos a coexistência de várias tendências no mesmo discurso e os resultados mostram que a escola é reflexo e reflete a transição de paradigmas pela qual passa a sociedade e, consequentemente, a produção de conhecimento no campo de EA. A partir dessa constatação, nossa aposta é de que a institucionalização da educação ambiental entre diferentes públicos e setores sociais pode tornar o desafio da ambientalização uma tarefa menos árdua para a escola.
A educação corporal no Paraná através do movimento escoteiro em Guarapuava (1927-1936)
Authors: Herold Junior Carlos
Published: February 2012

O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar as representações e as práticas escoteiras em Guarapuava-PR no final da década de 1920, pontuando a ênfase dada pelos seus atores na questão da educação corporal. Como fontes primárias foram utilizados, predominantemente, jornais publicados na cidade durante o período. A partir das ferramentas metodológicas elaboradas por Chartier (2002) e Certeau (2007), analisamos a educação corporal executada pelo escotismo, dividindo o texto em três momentos: no primeiro, enfatizamos a forte presença da educação corporal no escotismo no Brasil; no segundo, realizamos a mesma tarefa focalizando o estado do Paraná; por fim, detemonos na primazia da educação corporal nas ideias e práticas escoteiras que tiveram lugar em Guarapuava. Como conclusão, pudemos observar que o escotismo guarapuavano absorveu em suas práticas educacionais os preceitos dos modernos debates pedagógicos que valorizavam a atenção à educação do corpo, divulgando-os na cidade e criando algumas das condições para que ela fosse escolarizada.
Análise crítica do discurso do programa nacional de formação de educadoras(es) ambientais - profea: pela não desescolarização da educação ambiental
Authors: Kaplan Leonardo , Loureiro Carlos Frederico Bernardo
Published: February 2012

Sob os referenciais da Análise Crítica do Discurso e da Educação Ambiental Crítica, são analisados o Programa Nacional de Formação de Educadores Ambientais (ProFEA) e textos com conceituações-chave para as políticas públicas em Educação Ambiental (EA). Com a análise discursiva feita verifica-se que as relações entre a EA e a escola são apresentadas em duas direções coincidentes: busca-se afastar ou secundarizar tais práticas do contexto escolar, transferindo-as para outros espaços vistos como mais compatíveis à prática educativa ambiental; e, quando estas ações estão voltadas para a inserção nas escolas, nem sempre são concebidas e realizadas em diálogo com a comunidade e os conhecimentos escolares, entrando, portanto, de modo periférico no "mundo da educação", não tocando em questões centrais de sua materialidade. Assim, o ProFEA propõe uma ação formativa sem centralidade na escola e nos agentes da educação. Defende-se aqui a entrada da EA nas escolas públicas pela "porta da frente".
Epistemofagia transformadora: saberes locais e inclusão no ensino superior brasileiro
Authors: Jordão Clarissa Menezes
Published: February 2012

Este texto apresenta o conceito de "epistemofagia" em referência ao movimento cultural brasileiro modernista dos anos 1920. Em seguida, descreve um programa universitário analisado como "epistemofágico", já que desenvolvido com o propósito explícito de (1) desafiar pressupostos sobre a natureza do conhecimento acadêmico, como ele é construído, valorizado e distribuído, bem como de (2) apresentar alternativas às posições de sujeito ocupadas por professores e alunos universitários. Na tentativa de incluir conhecimentos locais na cena acadêmica, esse programa universitário, portanto, é concebido, aqui, como demandando, por um lado, uma epistemologia do conhecer como uma atividade colaborativa e contextualmente construída, e, por outro, possibilitando uma ontologia informada por identidades locais e globais em sua relação com o conhecimento institucionalizado.
Nasendoscopy: An Analysis of Measurement Uncertainties
Authors: Gilleard Onur , Sommerlad Brian , Sell Debbie , Ghanem Ali , Birch Malcolm
Published: February 2012

Objective

The purpose of this study was to analyze the optical characteristics of two different nasendoscopes used to assess velopharyngeal insufficiency and to quantify the measurement uncertainties that will occur in a typical set of clinical data.

Design

The magnification and barrel distortion associated with nasendoscopy was estimated by using computer software to analyze the apparent dimensions of a spatially calibrated test object at varying object-lens distances. In addition, a method of semiquantitative analysis of velopharyngeal closure using nasendoscopy and computer software is described. To calculate the reliability of this method, 10 nasendoscopy examinations were analyzed two times by three separate operators. The measure of intraoperator and interoperator agreement was evaluated using Pearson's r correlation coefficient.

Results

Over an object lens distance of 9 mm, magnification caused the visualized dimensions of the test object to increase by 80%. In addition, dimensions of objects visualized in the far-peripheral field of the nasendoscopic examinations appeared approximately 40% smaller than those visualized in the central field. Using computer software to analyze velopharyngeal closure, the mean correlation coefficient for intrarater reliability was .94 and for interrater reliability was .90.

Conclusion

Using a custom-designed apparatus, the effect object-lens distance has on the magnification of nasendoscopic images has been quantified. Barrel distortion has also been quantified and was found to be independent of object-lens distance. Using computer software to analyze clinical images, the intraoperator and interoperator correlation appears to show that ratio-metric measurements are reliable.
Collaborative assessment of California spiny lobster population and fishery responses to a marine reserve network
Authors: Kay Matthew C. , Lenihan Hunter S. , Guenther Carla M. , Wilson Jono R. , Miller Christopher J. , Shrout Samuel W.
Published: February 2012

Assessments of the conservation and fisheries effects of marine reserves typically focus on single reserves where sampling occurs over narrow spatiotemporal scales. A strategy for broadening the collection and interpretation of data is collaborative fisheries research (CFR). Here we report results of a CFR program formed in part to test whether reserves at the Santa Barbara Channel Islands, USA, influenced lobster size and trap yield, and whether abundance changes in reserves led to spillover that influenced trap yield and effort distribution near reserve borders. Industry training of scientists allowed us to sample reserves with fishery relevant metrics that we compared with pre‐reserve fishing records, a concurrent port sampling program, fishery effort patterns, the local ecological knowledge (LEK) of fishermen, and fishery‐independent visual surveys of lobster abundance. After six years of reserve protection, there was a four‐ to eightfold increase in trap yield, a 5–10% increase in the mean size (carapace length) of legal sized lobsters, and larger size structure of lobsters trapped inside vs. outside of three replicate reserves. Patterns in trap data were corroborated by visual scuba surveys that indicated a four‐ to sixfold increase in lobster density inside reserves. Population increases within reserves did not lead to increased trap yields or effort concentrations (fishing the line) immediately outside reserve borders. The absence of these catch and effort trends, which are indicative of spillover, may be due to moderate total mortality (Z = 0.59 for legal sized lobsters outside reserves), which was estimated from analysis of growth and length frequency data collected as part of our CFR program. Spillover at the Channel Islands reserves may be occurring but at levels that are insufficient to influence the fishery dynamics that we measured. Future increases in fishing effort (outside reserves) and lobster biomass (inside reserves) are likely and may lead to increased spillover, and CFR provides an ideal platform for continued assessment of fishery–reserve interactions.
Co‐infection patterns and geographic distribution of a complex pathosystem targeted by pathogen‐resistant plants
Authors: Biddle J. M. , Linde C , Godfree R. C.
Published: February 2012

Increasingly, pathogen‐resistant (PR) plants are being developed to reduce the agricultural impacts of disease. However PR plants also have the potential to result in increased invasiveness of nontarget host populations and so pose a potential threat to nontarget ecosystems. In this paper we use a new framework to investigate geographical variation in the potential risk associated with unintended release of genetically modified alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV)‐resistant Trifolium repens (white clover) into nontarget host populations containing AMV, clover yellow vein virus (ClYVV), and white clover mosaic virus (WClMV) in southeastern Australia. Surveys of 213 sites in 37 habitat types over a 300 000‐km2 study region showed that T. repens is a significant weed of many high‐conservation‐value habitats in southeastern Australia and that AMV, ClYVV, and WClMV occur in 15–97% of nontarget host populations. However, T. repens abundance varied with site disturbance, habitat conservation value, and proximity to cropping, and all viral pathogens had distinct geographic distributions and infection patterns. Virus species frequently co‐infected host plants and displayed nonindependent distributions within host populations, although co‐infection patterns varied across the study region. Our results clearly illustrate the complexity of conducting environmental risk assessments that involve geographically widespread, invasive pasture species and demonstrate the general need for targeted, habitat‐ and pathosystem‐specific studies prior to the process of tiered risk assessment.
Modelling ecological and other risk factors influencing the outcome of the 2004 tsunami in Sri Lanka
Authors: Venkatachalam A. J. , Kaler J. , Price A. R. G.
Published: February 2012

The 2004 Asian tsunami caused widespread devastation across the Indian Ocean. Damage from the waves was influenced by complex interplay of many factors. Using regression models incorporating different impact indicators (occurrence of inundation, inundation distance, and human deaths), we examined factors that significantly influenced tsunami damage in southern Sri Lanka. Land elevation (which is positively correlated with forest presence), sand dunes and coastal convexity (which deflects waves), were protective factors, in terms of whether the tsunami wave inundated within an arbitrary distance of 15 m inland. Water bodies, saltpans and built‐up areas (e.g., roads, development) increased wave inundation distance, while beaches and sand dunes were ameliorative. Built‐up areas also increased death toll. Bathymetry, a proxy for wave height and force, was the only significant factor in all three multivariable models. Coastal areas with a steeper seaward bathymetric slope gradient were less prone to inundation and human fatalities, which is consistent other tsunami research. The presence of coral reefs was highly correlated with bathymetric slope gradient, implying a potentially protective role by coral reefs. Many factors showing greatest protective effect against tsunami damage are geographical features that cannot easily be modified. However, some defence factors identified, such as sand dunes, could potentially be protected. Given the wide‐ranging ecosystem services, unrelated to tsunami protection, ongoing loss/degradation of natural systems including mangroves (not a significant factor in the multivariable models), could be damaging. This might impede certain future coastal development options in post‐tsunami Sri Lanka.
A Review of Empirical Treatment Studies for Adolescent Nonsuicidal Self-Injury
Authors: Brausch Amy M. , Girresch Sarah K.
Published: February 2012

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a concern in the adolescent population given its relationship to suicidal behavior, pointing to the serious need for adequate treatments for this high-risk population. This review examined empirical studies that evaluated treatments for NSSI among adolescents, and evaluated how the components of each treatment address common underlying and concurrent factors of NSSI. Among the available treatments, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) interventions that integrate a problem-solving component and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) have received the most empirical attention. However, studies examining the utility of cognitive-behavioral problem-solving interventions for adolescents, and randomized controlled trials examining the efficacy of DBT are lacking. Overall, CBT-based treatments improved underlying or maintaining factors of NSSI, such as depression, hopelessness, and problem-solving skills. DBT was effective for reducing hospitalizations. No existing studies evaluated treatment effectiveness for NSSI exclusively, and few studies used a purely adolescent sample. This review highlights the gap in knowledge regarding adolescent NSSI—there is no strong evidence for the efficacy of any specific treatment.
Psychosocial Treatment to Improve Resilience and Reduce Impairment in Youth With Tics: An Intervention Case Series of Eight Youth
Authors: Storch Eric A. , Morgan Jessica E. , Caporino Nicole E. , Brauer Lindsay , Lewin Adam B. , Piacentini John , Murphy Tanya K.
Published: February 2012

Background: Many youth with tic disorders experience distress about having tics and how others may perceive them. Such symptoms are often more impairing and distressing than the tics themselves and negatively impact self-concept, psychosocial functioning, and quality of life. Objective: Although there exist pharmacological and behavioral treatments that target the frequency and severity of tics, no intervention has been developed specifically to help youth with tics cope with their condition and limit associated functional impairment and distress. With this in mind, we report an intervention case series of eight youth (ages 8–16 years) supporting the initial efficacy of a cognitive-behavioral therapy program entitled “Living with Tics” that promotes coping and resiliency among youth with tics. Method: Eight youth with a principal diagnosis of a tic disorder (i.e., Tourette syndrome [N = 6]; Chronic Tic Disorder [N = 2]) and associated psychosocial impairment participated. Assessments were conducted at screening, pretreatment, and posttreatment by trained raters. Treatment consisted of 10 weekly individual psychotherapy session focused on improving coping with having tics. Results: Six of eight youth were considered treatment responders. On average, participants exhibited meaningful reductions in tic-related impairment, anxiety, and overall tic severity as well as improvements in self-concept and quality of life. Conclusions: These data provide preliminary evidence for conducting a larger controlled trial to examine the utility of the Living with Tics psychosocial intervention for promoting adaptive functioning among youth with tics.
How Do People Taking Psychiatric Drugs Explain Their “Chemical Imbalance?”
Authors: Cohen David , Hughes Shannon
Published: February 2012

Many people believe that chemical imbalances cause mental illnesses, despite the absence of evidence to ascertain this. This study describes the reasoning that people use in their own case to justify this belief. Data come from recorded medication histories with 22 adults aged 23–68 years, taking different psychiatric drugs for various problems and varying durations, asked directly if they thought their problem was caused by a chemical imbalance and to explain their answer. About two-thirds expressed belief that they had a chemical imbalance; and the rest that they did not have one, did not or could not know, or that their medication had caused one. Reasoning backward from positive drug experiences (ex juvantibus or post hoc) and appeals to authority and convention characterized most answers expressing belief in an imbalance. Experiencing improvement while taking drugs and acquiescing in mental health practitioners’ views instills or reinforces people’s belief that they are or were chemically imbalanced, which suggests viewing the belief as a drug effect. The chemical imbalance notion is likely to persist, as its appeal to give personal meaning to symptom relief and its unfalsifiability ensure institutional support that neutralizes the absence of scientific support.
Antidepressants and Pregnancy: Continued Evidence of Harm—Still No Evidence of Benefit
Authors: Urato Adam C.
Published: February 2012

Antidepressant medication use during pregnancy is increasing. It is essential that women of childbearing age, pregnant women, and their health care providers be aware of the risks, benefits, and alternatives prior to taking these agents. The best available evidence suggests that antidepressant use by pregnant women may be associated with miscarriage, birth defects, preterm birth, decreased birth weight, neonatal behavioral syndrome, persistent pulmonary hypertension in the newborn, neonatal electrocardiogram (EKG) changes, and behavioral effects. Evidence of benefit is lacking. The hope that improved maternal mood through medication would lead to better pregnancy results has not been realized; the antidepressant-exposed pregnancies are faring worse. The available evidence raises the question: Are we exposing a generation of women and their babies to drugs that are causing significantly more harm than good?
Cells, Circuits, and Syndromes: A Critical Commentary on the NIMH Research Domain Criteria Project
Authors: McLaren Niall
Published: February 2012

The US National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has recently declared a new research program for psychiatry, the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC), as the successor of the long-standing Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) diagnostic program. However, the new program is based on a series of assumptions that, on analysis, lack any formal scientific standing. Essentially, as presently conceptualized, the RDoC program is no more than ideology masquerading as science, and thus cannot achieve its stated goals. It is argued that the program will lead psychiatry into intellectually sterile areas because it is in fact the wrong research program for the present state of our knowledge.
Discovery of a Large-scale Porphyry Molybdenum Deposit in Tibet through a Modified TEM Exploration Method
Authors: Xue Guo-Qiang , Qin Ke-Zhang , Li Xiu , Li Guang-Ming , Qi Zhi-Peng , Zhou Nan-Nan
Published: February 2012

During the last decade, there have been many exploration achievements in the Tibetan Gangdese metallogenic belt. The Sharang area of the Tibetan region is covered by a low-temperature mineralized alterable clay that is considered to be a low-grade ore. Although small intervals of rich molybdenum (Mo) mineralization have been discovered, the ore deposit scale is limited and the condition of deep ore is still unknown. To explore these deeper targets, a modified large-loop TEM system was used in the Sharang area. The TEM receiver configuration is redesigned and the late-time resistivity equation of large-loop TEM has also been defined. During data processing, two regions with low resistivity anomalies were discovered. The interpreted results indicate that the main ore deposit is buried 200 m beneath the surface, and extends 600 m vertically. The total anomalous area associated with the ore deposit is estimated at 3.77 km2. The interpretation results are consistent with drilling data acquired after the geophysical survey. The results show that it is the first ultra-large porphyry molybdenum deposit that has been found in Tibet.