bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure after strenuous exercise and alcohol abuse: case report and literature review
Authors: Daher Elizabeth De Francesco , Silva Júnior Geraldo Bezerra da , Brunetta Denise Menezes , Pontes Lícia Borges , Bezerra Glaydcianne Pinheiro
Published: April 2005

CONTEXT: Rhabdomyolysis is a severe and life-threatening condition in which skeletal muscle is damaged. Acute renal failure due to rhabdomyolysis has been widely described and its main pathophysiological mechanisms are renal vasoconstriction, intraluminal cast formation and direct myoglobin toxicity. OBJECTIVE: To report on a case of acute renal failure (ARF) induced by rhabdomyolysis due to strenuous exercise and alcohol abuse and to describe the pathophysiology of this type of ARF. CASE REPORT: A 39-year-old man arrived at the hospital emergency service with swollen legs and lower extremity compartment syndrome. He was oliguric and had serum creatinine and urea levels of 8.1 mg/dl and 195 mg/dl, respectively. The diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis was made through clinical and laboratory findings (creatine kinase activity of 26320 IU/l). The initial treatment consisted of fluid replacement and forced diuresis. The specific treatment for compartment syndrome, such as fasciotomy, was avoided in order to prevent infection. Partial recovery of renal function was recorded, after ten hemodialysis sessions. Complete recovery was observed after two months of follow-up.
Biological characteristics of Trichogramma pretiosum and Trichogramma acacioi (Hym.: Trichogrammatidae), parasitoids of the avocado defoliator Nipteria panacea (Lep.: Geometridae), on eggs of Anagasta kuehniella (Lep.: Pyralidae)
Authors: Pratissoli Dirceu , Zanuncio José Cola , Vianna Ulysses Rodrigues , Andrade Josimar Souza , Zanotti Luiz Carlos Marozzi , Silva Alexandre Faria da
Published: April 2005

The objective of this investigation was to study Trichogramma pretiosum and T. acacioi (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae), parasitoids of the avocado defoliator Nipteria panacea (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) on the eggs of the alternative host Anagasta kuehniella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) aiming to use them for biological control of this pest in avocado orchards. The cubic model presented better adjustment for duration of the life cycle of T. pretiosum and T. acacioi with the host A. kuehniella which shows that development rate of these species increases with temperature within the range tested. The number of individuals of both Trichogramma species emerged per egg from this host was higher than one. The quadratic model was significant for viability of T. pretiosum and T. acacioi. This parameter was more affected by extreme temperatures and higher emergence rates of adults of both parasitoids species occurred at temperatures of 20, 25 and 30°C.
Genetic variability for frost resistance among Coffea accessions assessed in the field and in a cold chamber
Authors: Petek Marcos Rafael , Sera Tumoru , Alteia Marcos Zorzenon
Published: April 2005

The genetic variability for frost resistance was evaluated in field conditions and cold chamber among Coffea accessions. Results showed that C. liberica var. dewevrei and C. racemosa, as well as hybrids obtained from these species were more resistant to frost. There was a great genetic variability for frost resistance among the evaluated sources (b² = 0,98). The correlation estimated between damages in the field and in the cold chamber was 0.933**, therefore, this methodology was efficient and feasible and could be potentially used in a breeding program.
Antagonism of Bacillus spp. against Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris
Authors: Monteiro Leila , Mariano Rosa de Lima Ramos , Souto-Maior Ana Maria
Published: April 2005

The antagonism of eight Bacillus isolates was investigated against nine strains of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (causal agent of crucifers black rot) to assess the role of lipopeptides in this process. Antimicrobial and hemolytic (surfactant) activity tests were performed in vitro using agar diffusion methods. Antibiosis and hemolysis were positive for four Bacillus isolates against all X. campestris pv. campestris strains. The correlation observed between antimicrobial and hemolytic activities indicated that lipopeptides were involved in the antibiosis mechanism of the studied antagonists. Fermentation studies were carried out with the isolates that showed highest antimicrobial and hemolytic activities, to follow up growth and production of bioactive and surfactant compounds. Production of bioactive and surfactant compounds was observed during the late growth phase of the Bacillus isolates.
Central venous access through the external jugular vein in children submitted to bone marrow transplantation
Authors: Godoy José Luiz de , Otta Edson Keity , Miyazaki Ricardo Atsumori , Bitencourt Marco Antonio , Pasquini Ricardo
Published: April 2005

Establishment of long-term central venous access is a sine qua non step for bone marrow transplantation in children. Most frequently, long-term central venous access has been obtained via blind percutaneous cannulation of subclavian and internal jugular veins or via internal jugular vein cutdown. In order to avoid some potential minor and major complications associated with the subclavian or internal jugular approaches, the authors describe an easy, simple and safe method for central venous access through an external jugular vein cutdown that should be of interest to readers involved in the field of bone marrow transplantation. It should be also considered for children as well as adults needing central venous access via an external catheter - or totally implantable port - for reasons other than bone marrow transplantation, such as total parenteral nutrition and administration of chemotherapeutic agents.
Recolonization of experimental gaps by the mussels Brachidontes darwinianus and B. solisianus in a subtropical rocky shore
Authors: Tanaka Marcel Okamoto
Published: April 2005

In this study, the recolonization speed of the mussels Brachidontes darwinianus and B. solisianus was compared to evaluate their responses to gaps opened by disturbances in the rocky shore. B. darwinianus was much faster than B. solisianus, rapidly closing gaps in the mussel bed. When they co-occurred, distribution patterns of these species were related not only with distinct physiological tolerances but also with responses to disturbance. B. darwinianus was more tolerant to low salinities, dominated estuarine zones generally occuring lower in the midlittoral, and presented a faster response to opened gaps.
Novas possibilidades da pesquisa qualitativa via sistemas CAQDAS
Authors: Teixeira Alex Niche , Becker Fernando
Published: April 2005

Os manuais de metodologia qualitativa, não trazem nenhuma informação direta sobre o uso de pacotes para a análise de dados qualitativos, que, além disto são relativamente desconhecidos no Brasil. De outro lado, o uso destes programas torna-se imprescindível para a pesquisa sociológica devido a grande economia de recursos e tempo, mas também pela possibilidade de gerar análises mais ricas e aprofundadas. Este texto visa apontar os recursos oferecidos por estes programas de análise de dados qualitativos, especialmente o QSR NUD*IST, e como funcionam. Importa contribuir para a discussão sobre como operacionalizar a pesquisa sociológica utilizando estes pacotes, que servem como uma poderosa ferramenta para as diferentes técnicas de pesquisa qualitativa.
Sob o signo de Marte: modernização, ensino e ritos da instituição policial militar
Authors: Albuquerque Carlos de Linhares de , Machado Eduardo Paes
Published: April 2005

Este artigo investiga, através da observação direta e entrevistas com 27 aspirantes, entre um universo de 70 alunos, uma das atividades de formação de jovens oficiais da Academia da Polícia Militar da Bahia. Trata-se da Jornada de Instrução Militar (JIM), desenvolvida na selva, que se constitui num momento de extraordinária repercussão para educandos e educadores. Através da mortificação do eu e da submissão, a equipe dirigente celebra a passagem do sujeito civil à sua nova condição de oficial da polícia militar. Os conteúdos vividos se opõem e complementam o novo programa de formação de oficiais porque: (1) a corporação se recusa a acreditar na capacidade formadora deste programa renovado; (2) o treinamento na selva preenche definições quanto ao uso da força, que não foram especificadas pelos regulamentos e programas de ensino policiais; (3) a instrução se apresenta como um rito de pertencimento a uma polícia, cuja gestão do uso da força mantém características fortemente hierárquicas, centralizadas e autoritárias. O rito/treinamento da selva revela os impasses da assimilação do controle social democrático e a necessidade de debater o papel da cultura policial na transformação ou reprodução das organizações policiais.
A voz do usuário no sistema hospitalar: ouvidorias
Authors: Pereira Luiza Helena
Published: April 2005

Este artigo apresenta os resultados da pesquisa sobre uma nova prática gerencial no campo da saúde: a criação de serviços de ouvidoria em hospitais públicos. Em Porto Alegre, dois hospitais públicos são exemplos da implantação desse tipo de serviço. O texto situa o surgimento de ouvidorias no contexto da sociedade brasileira, especialmente focalizando a área da saúde e hospitais. A seguir discute o interesse dos hospitais em implantar ouvidorias e analisa as ouvidorias hospitalares como dispositivos que possibilitam a redefinição de relações institucionais implicando em envolvimento e em disciplinamento de usuários e de trabalhadores em saúde. Concluí afirmando que os principais efeitos institucionais e sociais provocados pela ação das ouvidorias hospitalares foram a divulgação dos projetos liberal e reformador de alterações do sistema de saúde no Brasil e a redefinição de algumas das relações institucionais vigentes, sendo, porém, portadoras de um elevado potencial de democratização dessas relações.
Regulação em saúde: análise de conceitos fundamentais
Authors: Castro Janice Dornelles de
Published: April 2005

As atribuições do Estado com relação à garantia dos direitos de acesso aos cuidados de saúde ampliaram-se após a promulgação da Constituição Federal de 1988 que introduziu a garantia do acesso universal e integral. Além disso, a efetiva política de descentralização das ações de saúde para estados e, principalmente, para os municípios gerou a necessidade de debater sobre responsabilidades e atribuições dos diferentes níveis de governo, dos cidadãos, do Estado e dos setores público e privado. E por fim, as políticas públicas voltadas à redução da intervenção do Estado na economia também trazem à tona essa questão polêmica. Nesta medida, propusemo-nos a discutir neste artigo as falhas de mercado que ocorrem no setor saúde e justificam a intervenção do Estado para alcançar a otimização na alocação e na distribuição dos recursos.
Pistoleiro ou vingador: construção de trajetórias
Authors: Barreira César
Published: April 2005

Tendo em vista entender o sistema de pistolagem em articulação com valores culturais, o artigo salienta aspectos da vida cotidiana do pistoleiro, através das suas falas. Nessa perspectiva, privilegiando a fala do pistoleiro, alguns conceitos adquirem novos e importantes significados, a exemplo da compreensão que ele tem de punição, vingança, valentia e coragem. Nas trilhas da "lógica da suspeição", dois informantes, que expressam versões exemplares para se entenderem, os crimes por encomenda foram demarcando seus lugares. Um informante colocou-se claramente como pistoleiro, com crimes cometidos por encomenda. O outro negou qualquer envolvimento com crimes de pistolagem, colocando seus crimes no "campo da honra", motivados por vingança. Os casos foram montados a partir das entrevistas, e as suas versões deram o eixo central das histórias configuradas nas categorias de "vingador" e de "pistoleiro".
Notas sobre los jóvenes portadores de la violencia juvenil en el marco de las sociedades pos-industriales
Authors: Pegoraro Juan S.
Published: April 2005

El artículo presenta una descripción-explicación del crecimiento de la violencia juvenil asociada al delito y aspectos de la exclusión-degradación de las formas de sobrevivencia social. La argumentación se nutre de elementos antropológicos de la vida de los jóvenes que han sido excluidos socialmente e incluidos culturalmente en una economía de mercado y por lo tanto de consumos diversos, materiales y simbólicos. Por lo tanto el fenómeno de la violencia juvenil no puede ser reducido a un esquema jurídico-penal incapaz de resolver la problemática social en el que aparece en los últimos años del siglo XX y en estos inciales del XXI.
Relações interfirmas e emprego na rede de empresas: a experiência de externalização de uma empresa no setor de telecomunicações
Authors: Ruduit Sandro
Published: April 2005

A reestruturação do setor de telecomunicações vem implicando a formação de estruturas empresariais na forma de rede. Neste artigo, examinam-se os padrões de relacionamento interfirmas e de emprego na rede de empresas liderada pela Companhia Riograndense de Telecomunicações (CRT). A análise abrange onze empresas, prestadoras de diferentes tipos de serviços (digitalização de centrais de comutação, cabeamento e instalação de terminais telefônicos) e localizadas em diversos níveis da rede ("empresas terceiras", "quartas", "quintas" e "sextas"). Conclui-se que existe grande diversidade no relacionamento interempresas (relacionadas à interação entre a estratégia competitiva da empresa central e os tipos de serviços prestados) e nas práticas de emprego (associadas às relações interfirmas e à posição das empresas nos níveis da rede).
A violência na escola: como os sociólogos franceses abordam essa questão
Authors: Charlot Bernard
Published: April 2005

A violência na escola é um fenômeno social. Para tornar-se objeto de pesquisa, esse fenômeno deve ser definido pelo pesquisador. Ademais, uma boa parte do esforço de pesquisa consiste em definir do que se fala. Este artigo analisa a maneira como os sociólogos franceses abordam a questão da violência e as distinções conceituais que eles propõem: a violência na escola, à escola e da escola; a violência, a agressão, a agressividade; a violência, a transgressão, a incivilidade, etc. Por baixo da violência como sintoma, é necessário estudar a tensão engendrada, ao mesmo tempo, pelas relações sociais e pelas práticas quotidianas da escola.
Reflexiones sobre una estrategia metodológica para el análisis de las protestas sociales
Authors: Scribano Adrian
Published: April 2005

¿Cómo identificar, entender y explicar el sentido de las acciones colectivas? Es tal vez hoy una de las preguntas más desafiantes y conflictivas para la Teoría Social en general y la Metodología de las Ciencias Sociales en particular. Desde una perspectiva teórica son diversos los caminos disponibles para interpretar las acciones colectivas y muchas de ellas implican la opción de una específica estrategia metodológica. En esta dirección, al intentar construir un diseño de investigación para el análisis empírico de las protestas sociales se hace evidente, de forma inmediata, algunas de las dificultades básicas de la producción de conocimiento en ciencias sociales. Una de las facetas del desafío aludido la constituye la necesidad de disponer de una articulación critica entre supuestos teóricos, epistémicos y metodológicos. Este trabajo tiene por objetivo mostrar y discutir una de las estrategias usada para investigar "Cortes de Ruta" en la Argentina en tanto forma particular de protesta social explicitando sus supuestos. Para lograr el objetivo planteado se ha seleccionado la siguiente camino argumentativo: a) sintetizar los supuestos epistémicos básicos del abordaje utilizado; b) reseñar el instrumental teórico construido; c) describir las técnicas de obtención de información y d) reflexionar respecto a las dificultades encontradas y a las potencialidades detectadas.
Para uma Sociologia da Experiência. Uma leitura contemporânea: François Dubet
Authors: Wautier Anne Marie
Published: April 2005

O objetivo deste artigo é divulgar um pensamento sociológico ainda pouco difundido no Rio Grande do Sul: a Sociologia da Experiência, teorizada pelo sociólogo francês François Dubet. Pretende-se aprofundar a compreensão dos conceitos por ele desenvolvidos, não só do ponto de vista teórico, mas também nas suas possibilidades de aplicação ao campo empírico. É a razão pela qual será feita a síntese de duas obras de Dubet: Sociologie de l'Expérience (Sociologia da Experiência) e Dans quelle société vivons-nous? (Em que sociedade vivemos?), numa tentativa de entender as expressões contemporâneas da sociedade, na sua aparente crise de valores, ambigüidades e incoerências. A reflexão desembocará num conjunto de perguntas ainda em aberto: qual o interesse da Sociologia da Experiência para a sociedade brasileira?
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Authors: Cisneros Puebla César A.
Published: April 2005

Los objetivos de este ensayo son: por un lado, presentar una aproximación a la experiencia hispanoamericana en el Análisis Cualitativo Asistido por Computadora (ACAC) al agrupar mediante un ejercicio de sistematización los trabajos realizados por diversos colegas provenientes de disciplinas afines. Aunque hubiese querido ser exhaustivo y minucioso, como cualquier intento de sistematización de experiencias, en este ejercicio son notables las ausencias y las omisiones. Introducir algunas reflexiones teóricas en torno al papel del ACAC en el desarrollo de la investigación cualitativa a partir de esa sistematización y con particular énfasis en la producción del dato es, por otro lado, objetivo central de esta primera aproximación.
Los límites difusos de los territorios periurbanos: una propuesta metodológica para el análisis de su situación socioeconómica y procesos de cambio
Authors: Durán Francisco Entrena
Published: April 2005

Desde la segunda mitad del siglo XX se vienen produciendo procesos de intenso crecimiento y expansión de las áreas urbanas de muchas de las ciudades del mundo. Como consecuencia, está ya muy extendido a escala planetaria un nuevo modelo de ciudad dispersa o difusa, lo cual hace que cada vez sea más difícil definir que es lo urbano y que es lo rural, así como delimitar con claridad las fronteras físicas y socioeconómicas que separan lo primero de lo segundo. En este contexto, los territorios periurbanos, que son espacios de características híbridas entre lo rural y lo urbano, adquieren cada vez más importancia como ámbitos cuya situación socioeconómica, transformaciones y subsiguientes tendencias al desarrollo, el estancamiento o el declive es preciso conocer. Sobre todo, debido a que de ese conocimiento depende, en muy gran medida, la posibilidad de articular políticas adecuadas para regular y/o encauzar dicha situación, transformaciones y tendencias. Ello, con el objetivo de poder contribuir a mejorar la calidad de vida de la población que vive en los territorios periurbanos. En consonancia con esto, el propósito del presente artículo es hacer una propuesta metodológica basada en un sistema de indicadores encaminado a medir el grado de desarrollo, de estancamiento o de declive de tales territorios, así como las transformaciones y las tendencias que éstos están experimentando en las presentes circunstancias de su creciente inserción en la dinámica global.
Saindo da "escuridão": perspectivas da inclusão social, econômica, cultural e política dos portadores de deficiência visual em Porto Alegre
Authors: Brumer Anita , Pavei Katiuci , Mocelin Daniel Gustavo
Published: April 2005

O texto abarca os aspectos sociais, econômicos, culturais e políticos relativos à inclusão dos portadores de deficiência visual (PDV) em Porto Alegre. Inicialmente apresentam-se as principais leis, formuladas nos anos de 1990, no Brasil, as quais se propõem a ampliar as perspectivas de inclusão dos PDV à sociedade brasileira. No aspecto cultural, abarca o preconceito e as terminologias utilizadas para referir-se ao PDV (cego, deficiente visual, portador de deficiência visual, "invidente") e os estigmas associados a elas. Nos aspectos social e econômico, abrange a educação e a formação profissional, assim como o acesso ao mercado de trabalho. No aspecto político, trata dos direitos de votar e de ser eleito, assim como da ação fiscalizadora dos direitos dos PDVs e das pressões feitas por suas associações representativas na luta contra o preconceito e a discriminação.
Modos de trabalhar e de ser na reestruturação bancária
Authors: Grisci Carmem Ligia Iochins , Bessi Vânia Gisele
Published: April 2005

O artigo discute como a reestruturação produtiva do trabalho bancário afetou os modos de trabalhar e de ser dos trabalhadores de uma centenária instituição bancária pública que implementou Programas de Apoio à Demissão Voluntária como uma das novas ferramentas de gestão. Trata-se de um estudo de caso que investigou 104 trabalhadores dos estados do Rio Grande do Sul e de Santa Catarina que aderiram à terceira edição de um desses Programas, ocorrido na empresa em 2001, além de cinco gestores e três funcionários da área de Recursos Humanos da empresa diretamente envolvidos com os Programas ou com os desligados. A coleta de dados deu-se através de questionário, entrevistas individuais semi-estruturadas e fontes documentais. Os dados coletados foram submetidos à análise de conteúdo. Os resultados da pesquisa indicam que a reestruturação produtiva do trabalho bancário demarca a passagem de uma cultura de estabilidade e segurança para uma cultura de instabilidade e insegurança que afeta os modos de trabalhar e de ser dos bancários. O investimento que a empresa deseja, por parte dos sujeitos do trabalho diz, portanto, de uma mobilização subjetiva total e incondicional ao seu projeto e aos objetivos de lucratividade.
Será o corpo humano obsoleto?
Authors: Gaya Adroaldo
Published: April 2005

Este artigo analisa a transformação do corpo humano natural em direção ao corpo biônico, pleno de artificialidades. Examina-se, por um lado, a dança de Isadora Duncan como expressão do corpo natural em que se explicita a filosofia de Rousseau. Linguagem gestual de adequação do movimento a um projeto artístico e político. A estética dos pés descalços, roupas soltas, movimentos ondulatórios. A liberação dos códigos convencionais que aprisionam o corpo, numa sociedade datada da segunda metade do século XIX. Por outro lado, o projeto "Primus Posthuman" é trazido como protótipo de corpo do futuro. Corpo completamente manejável pela tecnociência. Desenhado para superar todos os defeitos do corpo biológico.Um corpo biônico.Uma máquina para a qual, em breve, serão transportados os conteúdos da mente. Sociedade do século XXI. A despedida do corpo biológico. Mundo virtual. Mundo das máquinas. A morte do corpo humano?
New Rapid Polymerase Chain Reaction‐Immunochromatographic Assay for Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Takada Kazuko , Sakaguchi Yoshiaki , Oka Chitoshi , Hirasawa Masatomo
Published: April 2005

Background: A simple and rapid method for Porphyromonas gingivalis detection in clinical samples has been developed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and an immunochromatographic assay (ICA) with a lateral‐flow device (strip) to detect species‐specific 16S rRNA genes.

Methods: The PCR used a pair of primer sets labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) or biotin at each 5' terminus. The strip used a nitrocellulose membrane containing streptavidin conjugated to gold particles and anti‐FITC line.

Results: PCR and ICA detected as few as 1 and 10 cells of P. gingivalis, respectively. ICA required 5 to 10 minutes more than the initial PCR. The amplifications were not observed in other oral black‐pigmented bacteria at concentrations of 106 colony forming unit (CFU). The ICA strips showed bands at more than 104 CFU/ml equivalents in clinical samples from periodontitis.

Conclusions: A diagnostic assay based on PCR‐ICA was developed for the detection of P. gingivalis, and results were obtained visually in 3 hours. PCR‐ICA will be a valuable tool for the rapid detection of target bacteria by chair side. J Periodontol 2005;76:508‐512.
Periodontal Regenerative Potential of Autogenous Periodontal Ligament Grafts in Class II Furcation Defects
Authors: Akbay Anıl , Baran Coşkun , Günhan Ömer , Özmeriç Nurdan , Baloş Köksal
Published: April 2005

Background: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the regenerative potential of autogenous periodontal ligament (PDL) grafts in the treatment of Class II furcation defects.

Methods: Twenty mandibular Class II furcation defects from 10 systemically healthy patients with chronic periodontitis were selected. In experimental defects, flaps were coronally positioned following placing autogenous PDL grafts that were obtained from third molars; in controls, coronally advanced flap procedure without graft was applied. Clinical measurements including plaque index, gingival index, probing depth (PD), vertical and horizontal clinical attachment level (CAL), and gingival recession (GR) were obtained at baseline and after 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Vertical and horizontal defect fill was evaluated with open clinical measurements at initial surgery and reentry after 6 months. Gingival biopsies from the experimental and control defects were obtained at reentry and evaluated histopathologically in order to examine the soft tissue response towards PDL grafts.

Results: Sites treated with PDL grafts demonstrated signifi‐ cant improvement in vertical and horizontal defect fill, PD, and CAL at 3 and 6 months compared to presurgical values. The difference determined for the PD values of both groups at a statistically significant degree in favor of grafted sites was maintained at all observation periods. No foreign body reaction was observed in PDL grafts.

Conclusions: These short‐term results point to the potential of PDL grafts in promoting healing of furcation lesions. This preliminary study suggests that the use of PDL grafts may have beneficial effects in the treatment of furcation defects. J Periodontol 2005;76:595‐604.
The Experience of Senior Stroke Survivors: Factors in Community Participation among Wheelchair Users
Authors: Barker Donna J. , Reid Denise , Cott Cheryl
Published: April 2005

Purpose. This qualitative study investigated the lived experience of senior stroke survivors who used prescribed wheelchairs in their home and community. Methods. The study involved semi-structured, in-depth interviews that were conducted with 10 participants, aged 70 to 80, who had used a wheelchair for a mean of 5.6 years. All participants used manual wheelchairs and two additionally used a power wheelchair and a scooter. Results. A constant comparative inductive method of analysis of the data yielded several themes which are examined within the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health framework of body functions and structure, activity limitations, participation, and contextual factors. Overall, the wheelchair, manual or power, was an enabler of community participation among the participants. However, the wheelchair's use also created problems, such as limiting destinations and creating increased dependence on others. Practice Implications. A balance scale model was proposed to facilitate an understanding of how the factors affecting community participation interact in this population. This model can assist occupational therapists who prescribe wheelchairs for stroke clients for use in the community.
APOE ε4 and Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Patients With Brain Arteriovenous Malformation
Authors: Renedo Daniela , Rivier Cyprien A. , Koo Andrew B. , Sujijantarat Nanthiya , Clocchiatti-Tuozzo Santiago , Wu Kane , Torres-Lopez Victor M. , Huo Shufan , Gunel Murat , de Havenon Adam , Sheth Kevin N. , Matouk Charles C. , Falcone Guido J.
Published: February 2024

Importance

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a serious complication of brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM). Apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 is a well-known genetic risk factor for ICH among persons without AVM, and cerebral amyloid angiopathy is a vasculopathy frequently observed in APOE ε4 carriers that may increase the risk of ICH.

Objective

To assess whether APOE ε4 is associated with a higher risk of ICH in patients with a known AVM.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study including 412 participants was conducted in 2 stages (discovery and replication) using individual-level data from the UK Biobank (released March 2012 and last updated October 2023) and the All of Us Research Program (commenced on May 6, 2018, with its latest update provided in October 2023). The occurrence of AVM and ICH was ascertained at the time of enrollment using validated International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision and Tenth Revision, codes. Genotypic data on the APOE variants rs429358 and rs7412 were used to ascertain the ε status.

Main Outcomes and Measures

For each study, the association between APOE ε4 variants and ICH risk was assessed among patients with a known AVM by using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

The discovery phase included 253 UK Biobank participants with known AVM (mean [SD] age, 56.6 [8.0] years, 119 [47.0%] female), of whom 63 (24.9%) sustained an ICH. In the multivariable analysis of 240 participants of European ancestry, APOE ε4 was associated with a higher risk of ICH (odds ratio, 4.58; 95% CI, 2.13-10.34; P < .001). The replication phase included 159 participants with known AVM enrolled in All of Us (mean [SD] age, 57.1 [15.9] years; 106 [66.7%] female), of whom 29 (18.2%) sustained an ICH. In multivariable analysis of 101 participants of European ancestry, APOE ε4 was associated with higher risk of ICH (odds ratio, 4.52; 95% CI, 1.18-19.38; P = .03).

Conclusions and Relevance

The results of this cross-sectional study of patients from the UK Biobank and All of Us suggest that information on APOE ε4 status may help identify patients with brain AVM who are at particularly high risk of ICH and that cerebral amyloid angiopathy should be evaluated as a possible mediating mechanism of the observed association.
Cost-Effectiveness of School Urinary Screening for Early Detection of IgA Nephropathy in Japan
Authors: Honda Kimiko , Akune Yoko , Goto Rei
Published: February 2024

Importance

The evidence for and against screening for chronic kidney disease in youths who are asymptomatic is inconsistent worldwide. Japan has been conducting urinary screening in students for 50 years, allowing for a full economic evaluation that includes the clinical benefits of early detection and intervention for chronic kidney disease.

Objectives

To evaluate the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of school urinary screening in Japan, with a focus on the benefits of the early detection and intervention for IgA nephropathy, and to explore key points in the model that are associated with the cost-effectiveness of the school urinary screening program.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This economic evaluation with a cost-effectiveness analysis used a computer-simulated Markov model from the health care payer’s perspective among a hypothetical cohort of 1 000 000 youths aged 6 years in first grade in Japanese elementary schools, followed up through junior and high school. The time horizon was lifetime. Costs and clinical outcomes were discounted at a rate of 2% per year. Costs were calculated in Japanese yen and 2020 US dollars (¥107 = US $1).

Interventions

School urinary screening for IgA nephropathy was compared with no screening.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Outcomes were costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). Cost-effectiveness was determined by evaluating whether the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) per QALY gained remained less than ¥7 500 000 (US $70 093).

Results

In the base case analysis, the ICER was ¥4 186 642 (US $39 127)/QALY, which was less than the threshold. There were 60.3 patients/1 000 000 patients in the no-screening strategy and 31.7 patients/1 000 000 patients in the screening strategy with an end-stage kidney disease. Cost-effectiveness improved as the number of screenings decreased (screening frequency <3 times: incremental cost, −¥75 [US $0.7]; incremental QALY, 0.00025; ICER, dominant), but the number of patients with end-stage kidney disease due to IgA nephropathy increased (40.9 patients/1 000 000 patients). Assuming the disutility due to false positives had a significant impact on the analysis; assuming a disutility of 0.01 or more, the population with no IgA nephropathy had an ICER greater than the threshold (¥8 304 093 [US $77 608]/QALY).

Conclusions and Relevance

This study found that Japanese school urinary screening was cost-effective, suggesting that it may be worthy of resource allocation. Key factors associated with cost-effectiveness were screening cost, the probability of incident detection outside of screening, and IgA nephropathy incidence, which may provide clues to decision-makers in other countries when evaluating the program in their own context.
Technical note: SpekPy Web—online x‐ray spectrum calculations using an interface to the SpekPy toolkit
Authors: Vorbau Robert , Poludniowski Gavin
Published: February 2024

Knowledge of the photon spectrum emitted from an x‐ray tube is frequently needed in imaging and dosimetry contexts. As the spectrum characteristics are influenced by several parameters and routine measurement of a spectrum is often impractical, a variety of software programs have been developed over the decades for convenient calculations. SpekPy is a state‐of‐the‐art software package containing several spectrum models, and was created to estimate photon spectra originating from x‐ray tubes using a small set of input parameters (e.g., anode material, anode angle, tube potential, filtration, etc.). SpekPy is distributed as a Python toolkit and is available free of charge. The toolkit does, however, lack a graphical user interface and a user is required to write a Python script to make use of it. In this work this limitation is addressed by introducing a web application called SpekPy Web: a graphical user interface together with an application programmable interface (API). These developments both make the SpekPy spectrum models accessible to a broader set of users and increases the ease of use for existing users. SpekPy Web is hosted at: https://spekpy.smile.ki.se. The functionality of the software is demonstrated, using its API, by estimating first half‐value layers (HVLs) for 15 standard beam qualities from the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM). The estimated HVLs were found to all be within 3.5% agreement when compared to experimental values, with an average calculation time of 2.5 s per spectrum.

half‐value‐layer, software, x‐ray spectrum
Influence of dose calculation algorithms on the helical diode array using volumetric‐modulated arc therapy for small targets
Authors: Ono Tomohiro , Hirashima Hideaki , Adachi Takanori , Iramina Hiraku , Fujimoto Takahiro , Uto Megumi , Nakamura Mitsuhiro , Mizowaki Takashi
Published: February 2024

Background

For patient‐specific quality assurance (PSQA) for small targets, the dose resolution can change depending on the characteristics of the dose calculation algorithms.

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the dose calculation algorithms Acuros XB (AXB), anisotropic analytical algorithm (AAA), photon Monte Carlo (pMC), and collapsed cone (CC) on a helical diode array using volumetric‐modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for small targets.

Materials and methods

ArcCHECK detectors were inserted with a physical depth of 2.9 cm from the surface. To evaluate the influence of the dose calculation algorithms for small targets, rectangular fields of 2×100, 5×100, 10×100, 20×100, 50×100, and 100×100 mm2 were irradiated and measured using ArcCHECK with TrueBeam STx. A total of 20 VMAT plans for small targets, including the clinical sites of 19 brain metastases and one spine, were also evaluated. The gamma passing rates (GPRs) were evaluated for the rectangular fields and the 20 VMAT plans using AXB, AAA, pMC, and CC.

Results

For rectangular fields of 2×100 and 5×100 mm2, the GPR at 3%/2 mm of AXB was < 50% because AXB resulted in a coarser dose resolution with narrow beams. For field sizes > 10×100 mm2, the GPR at 3%/2 mm was > 88.1% and comparable for all dose calculation algorithms. For the 20 VMAT plans, the GPRs at 3%/2 mm were 79.1 ± 15.7%, 93.2 ± 5.8%, 94.9 ± 4.1%, and 94.5 ± 4.1% for AXB, AAA, pMC, and CC, respectively.

Conclusion

The behavior of the dose distribution on the helical diode array differed depending on the dose calculation algorithm for small targets. Measurements using ArcCHECK for VMAT with small targets can have lower GPRs owing to the coarse dose resolution of AXB around the detector area.
Crafting Near‐Infrared Photonics via the Programmable Assembly of Organic Heterostructures at Multiscale Level
Authors: Xia Xing‐Yu , Lv Qiang , Xu Chao‐Fei , Yu Yue , Wang Lei , Wang Xue‐Dong , Liao Liang‐Sheng
Published: February 2024

Organic single crystals with near‐infrared (NIR) emission demonstrate their excellent optical communications from well photonic confinement and low optical waveguide loss, which are considered as competitive candidates toward advanced optoelectronics. However, the increasingly diverse and sophisticated application demands result in the complicated design of NIR devices, which is hardly realized solely by the intrinsic properties of individual crystals. Herein, a programmable assembly strategy is presented to fabricate organic heterostructures. Triphenylene (TP), pyrene (Py) and 7,7,8,8‐tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) are primary selected to prepared organic cocrystals with narrow band gap and near‐infrared emission. Importantly, the charge‐transfer alloy with tunable emission from 700 nm to 850 nm and branched heterostructures with multichannel characteristics are prepared from these organic cocrystals by following the growth kinetics process at molecular level and lattice matching principle at structural level, respectively. Theses prepared heterostructures exhibit optical logic operation capabilities, which can serve as optical modulators. This work provides new insights into the manufacturing of organic NIR heterostructures applied in advanced optoelectronics.
All‐Automated Fabrication of Freestanding and Scalable Photo‐Thermoelectric Devices with High Performance
Authors: Dai Xu , Wang Yizhuo , Sun Xu , Li Kuncai , Pan Jiahao , Wang Jing , Zhuang Tiantian , Chong Daotong , Yan Junjie , Wang Hong
Published: February 2024

Flexible photo‐thermoelectric (PTE) devices have great application prospects in the fields of solar energy conversion, ultrabroadband light detection, etc. A suitable manufacturing process to avoid the substrate effects as well as to create a narrow transition area between p–n modules for high‐performance freestanding flexible PTE devices is highly desired. Herein, an automated laser fabrication (ALF) method is reported to construct the PTE devices with rylene‐diimide‐doped n‐type single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) films. The wet‐compressing approach is developed to improve the thermoelectric power factors and figure of merit (ZT) of the SWCNT hybrid films. Then, the films are cut and patterned automatically to make PTE devices with various structures by the proposed ALF method. The freestanding PTE device with a narrow transition area of ≈2–3 µm between the p and n modules exhibits a high‐power density of 0.32 µW cm−2 under the light of 200 mW cm−2, which is among the highest level for freestanding‐film‐based PTE devices. The results pave the way for the automatic production process of PTE devices for green power generation and ultrabroadband light detection.
Tailless Information–Energy Metasurface
Authors: Chang Mingyang , Mu Yajie , Han Jiaqi , Li Guanxuan , Li Yicen , Liu Haixia , Li Long , Cui Tie Jun
Published: February 2024

Programmable metasurface technology can achieve flexible manipulations of electromagnetic waves in real time by adjusting the surface structure and material properties and has shown extraordinary potential in many fields such as wireless communications and the Internet of Things. However, most of the programmable metasurfaces have a common feature: a tail (electrical wires and DC powers), which is difficult to supply in some particular application scenarios such as canyons and mountains. To eliminate the limitation of DC power supply, the programmable metasurface and wireless power transfer technology are combined to propose a tailless information–energy metasurface (IEMS). The tailless IEMS platform can dynamically control electromagnetic waves without relying on an external DC power supply; instead, the required DC power is provided internally by the IEMS platform itself. In the tailless IEMS experiments, the concept is demonstrated through the dynamic regulation of wireless channels and the wireless transmission of DC power. This work provides a self‐powered method for programmable metasurfaces, expands the application scenarios, facilitates the miniaturization of systems, and makes it easy to integrate with other systems.
Ultrasensitive Flexible Pressure Sensors with Broad Linear Detection Range Enabled by Magnetically Induced Self‐Assembled Parallel Circuit
Authors: Zhang Zeying , Qiao Jiacheng , Peng Bin , Dong Guohua , Zhang Qi , Zhan Wang , Xue Li , Zhang Cuiling , Wu Jingen , Peng Niancai , Jiang Zhuangde , Liu Ming , Zhang Xiaohui
Published: February 2024

Flexible pressure sensors have attracted intensive interest for promising applications in healthcare monitoring and flexible electronic devices. Nonetheless, designing flexible pressure sensors to achieve both ultrahigh sensitivity (>1000 kPa−1) and an extensive linear range (>50 kPa) poses a significant challenge. In this study, a facile magnetic‐facilitated self‐assembly parallel circuit strategy to prepare high‐performance flexible pressure sensors in Nickel particles/polydimethylsiloxane (Ni/PDMS) matrices is proposed. The optimized magnetic‐induced Ni/PDMS piezoresistive sensor (MANPS) exhibits an ultrahigh sensitivity of 3707 kPa−1 over a wide broad linear range (0–80 kPa), and excellent durability with the capability of withstanding 2000 pressure cycles. The MANPS is able to detect a broad range of pressures from pulse to plantar pressures (≈60 kPa), demonstrating great potential for whole‐body healthcare monitoring. Additionally, the sensor is further assembled into an array configuration (2 × 5 pixels) for the assessment of plantar pressure distribution. Importantly, the sensitivity and linear range of the MANPS can be readily adjusted by modifying the mixing ratio of the curing agent, thereby significantly broadening its potential applications.
Modeling multicomponent wax deposition and aging on cold surfaces with application to pipeline fouling
Authors: Ogunwale Samuel A. , Mahir Luqman Hakim Ahmad , Larson Ronald G.
Published: February 2024

A multicomponent model is developed for wax deposition onto a cold finger from a stirred wax‐containing oil. It utilizes Coutinho's thermodynamic equations for wax component concentrations and energy and mass transport equations within the deposit and from the oil and is the first cold‐finger model to predict both deposit thickness growth and aging by selective precipitation of heavier wax components. While it captures well deposit thickness growth, it requires preventing re‐dissolution of deposited wax to avoid shrinkage not observed in experiments. The model predicts deposit aging reasonably well but with quantitative deviations for the heavier wax of up to a factor of two. Possible explanations include the inadequacy of Hayduk‐Minhas and Cussler's hindered‐diffusion models to the soluble multicomponent wax diffusivities. Using pseudo two‐ and one‐component representation can reasonably predict the deposit thickness and aging of multi‐component deposits. This work shows an improved approach to modeling wax deposition and aging.
Efficient acid/alkali recovery enabled by only one negatively charged microporous polymer membrane
Authors: Wu Wenyi , Yan Junying , Li Hui , Zuo Peipei , Yang Zhengjin , Xu Tongwen
Published: February 2024

The recovery of acid/base from industrial wastewater via membrane technology is energy efficient and has a low carbon footprint, while demanding high‐performing ion exchange membranes. It remains a grand challenge for ion exchange membranes, enabling concomitantly fast H+/OH− transport and high ion selectivity. This article presents a negatively charged microporous polymer membrane, a sulfonated polyxanthene membrane, which has intrinsic micropore channels for H+/OH− permeation, and we find that highly selective H+ and OH− transport can be acquired with the same membrane. This membrane exhibits a high H+/Fe2+ selectivity of 617 (6.3 times that of the commercial CIMS membrane) in acid recovery and a very high OH−/WO42− selectivity of 649 (the highest value ever reported) in alkali recovery while maintaining comparable H+/OH− transport rate. The results highlight the importance of hydrophilic micropores as ion‐selective channels in constructing high‐performing ion exchange membranes for resource recovery.
The effect of photooxidation aging on the cohesion and interfacial adhesion behavior of epoxy asphalt with a composite acidic curing system based on molecular simulation
Authors: Min Zhaohui , Li Mingyue , Chen Fei , Wang Qichang , Huang Wei , Shao Kaimo
Published: February 2024

This paper investigated the cross‐linking network structure of epoxy asphalt (EA) with the different ratio of composite curing agents, and further determined the effect of photooxidation aging on the tensile and interfacial adhesion behavior of EA with different cross‐linking network structures through molecular simulation. Based on the molecular models of EA and the interface model between EA and aggregate, the crosslinking network structural characteristics and tensile mechanical behavior were determined. The interfacial adhesion behavior and the mechanization were further studied. The results indicate that 20‐EA and 6‐EA have an epoxy resin cross‐linked network with uniform pore structure and phase distribution. 2‐EA showed a denser cross‐linking network and uneven aggregation phenomenon. Photooxidative aging alleviated the aggregation phenomenon. A dense cross‐linking network improved the tensile strength and the ability of tensile performance to resist photooxidation aging. The interface of EA‐quartz exhibited higher adhesion strength than EA‐calcite due to the closer distance and stronger nonbonding interactions between EA and quartz. The low anhydride content and photooxidation aging made EA approach to the aggregate interface, increasing nonbonding interaction and interfacial adhesion strength. In addition, quartz aggregates were more suitable for application in EA mixtures due to the higher interfacial adhesion strength and lower water sensitivity.