bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contribuições para uma atenção adequada às pessoas idosas nos serviços de caixa bancário de auto-atendimento
Authors: Mazzoni Alberto Angel , Torres Elisabeth Fátima
Published: July 2008

O trabalho foca alguns aspectos relativos à usabilidade e acessibilidade de caixas bancários de auto-atendimento (CAA), aspectos esses que ficam evidenciados como sendo problemas quando os usuários são pessoas idosas e, como tais, podem ter implicações sobre a saúde e os estados de saúde dos mesmos. A pesquisa foi conduzida tendo como objeto de análise os CAA instalados em agências de dois bancos estatais, tendo sido a interação dos usuários avaliada utilizando-se metodologia de análise quantitativa, através de uma amostra constituída por 70 clientes idosos. A pesquisa de campo demonstrou que, nas situações de interação com os CAA, prevalecem os estados de intranqüilidade entre os usuários idosos, e que esses usuários estão expostos a uma grande carga psíquica. O estudo discrimina tanto algumas das características negativas que foram observadas nesses ambientes, bem como adverte porque essas características são desfavoráveis para as pessoas idosas. Além disso, assinala para a necessidade de aperfeiçoamentos nesses serviços, bem como para o desenvolvimento de pesquisas que avaliem o impacto dessa carga psíquica sobre a saúde das pessoas idosas.
A influência das quedas na qualidade de vida de idosos
Authors: Ribeiro Adalgisa Peixoto , Souza Edinilsa Ramos de , Atie Soraya , Souza Amaro Crispim de , Schilithz Arthur Orlando
Published: July 2008

O objetivo desse artigo é analisar o efeito das quedas e suas conseqüências na qualidade de vida de idosos de uma comunidade de baixa renda do município do Rio de Janeiro. Este artigo é parte de um estudo exploratório realizado no CLAVES, que usou metodologia quantitativa e qualitativa. No presente trabalho, utilizou-se um recorte dos dados quantitativos referentes às quedas e à qualidade de vida. Participaram do estudo 72 idosos com idade de 60 ou mais anos, entre os quais 51,4% eram do sexo feminino, 20,8% moravam sozinhos e 37,5% admitiram ter caído no último ano. Entre as conseqüências mais citadas das quedas estão as fraturas (24,3%), o medo de cair (88,5%), o abandono de atividades (26,9%), a modificação de hábitos (23,1%) e a imobilização (19%). A análise mostrou que há influência das quedas na qualidade de vida dos idosos estudados. Em todos os domínios do WHOQOL-Bref, houve redução nas médias do grupo que caiu no último ano em relação aos que não caíram e a diferença foi mais significativa no domínio psicológico. Enfim, as quedas são freqüentes entre os idosos e trazem conseqüências que alteram negativamente a qualidade de vida dessas pessoas. Sua ocorrência pode ser evitada com medidas preventivas adequadas, identificando causas e desenvolvendo métodos para reduzir sua ocorrência.
A relevância do uso de técnicas qualitativas em pesquisas sobre a biomedicina
Authors: Camargo Jr. Kenneth Rochel de
Published: July 2008

Ao observar-se a forma como estudos qualitativos e quantitativos são relatados na literatura biomédica, vê-se que, além da virtual ausência dos primeiros, há uma forma diferenciada na sua apresentação. Os autores de estudos qualitativos parecem necessitar quase que invariavelmente de explicar a necessidade de sua opção pelo qualitativo, o que não ocorre com os estudos quantitativos. Este texto se apóia na epistemologia comparativa de Ludwik Fleck como forma de explorar essas diferenças empiricamente, ilustrando, com base em dois estudos que abordam diferentes aspectos das práticas no campo biomédico, como a investigação com base em técnicas qualitativas pode iluminar diferentes questões desse campo. O artigo conclui com a exposição de algumas características estruturais do campo biomédico que, por um lado, não seriam bem exploradas a não ser pelo emprego das técnicas qualitativas utilizadas nos respectivos estudos, e que, por outro lado, ajudam a entender o menor valor atribuído às mesmas no interior do próprio campo.
Caracterização epidemiológica e demográfica de homens com câncer de próstata
Authors: Gonçalves Ivana Regina , Padovani Carlos , Popim Regina Célia
Published: July 2008

O estudo pretende identificar características demográficas e epidemiológicas em homens com câncer de próstata, atendidos no Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu/UNESP, entre 01/01/2000 e 31/01/2003. Foram colhidos dados em 78 de 94 prontuários, observando-se escolaridade, uso de tabaco, estado civil, idade, diagnóstico e sintomatologia. Utilizou-se metodologia quantitativa associada à estatística descritiva. Foram encontrados 50% com 1º grau incompleto, 27,39% não tabagistas, 87% casados, 43% entre 64 e 73 anos. Observou-se que 27,58% foram diagnosticados em 2000, sendo 63,20% aposentados e 20,70% com sintoma de jato urinário fraco. Apenas 20% tinham realizado exames preventivos e, desses, 77,90% possuíam 1º grau incompleto. O estudo foi feito nesse hospital por ser considerado de referência terciária da Direção Regional de Saúde de Botucatu -DIR XI¹. Da amostra, 80% procuraram o serviço apresentando sintomas, o que leva a crer que ainda haja falta de orientação da população quanto ao câncer de próstata, principalmente quanto à incidência e prevalência relacionadas à idade, como fator de risco. O estudo evidencia subsídios para um melhor direcionamento da assistência a esses pacientes, permitindo um diagnóstico precoce e conseqüente possibilidade de cura, além da melhora na qualidade de vida.
A prática gerencial do enfermeiro no PSF na perspectiva da sua ação pedagógica educativa: uma breve reflexão
Authors: Villas Bôas Lygia Maria de Figueiredo Melo , Araújo Marize Barros de Souza , Timóteo Rosalba Pessoa de Souza
Published: July 2008

O presente artigo trata da prática educativa gerencial do enfermeiro no Programa Saúde da Família (PSF). Resgata a realidade deste Programa no cenário institucional de Natal/RN, suscita alguns questionamentos e faz uma análise da sua ação educativa no espaço cotidiano das Unidades de Saúde da Família (USF), à luz da literatura. Objetiva contribuir com a reflexão acerca do fazer gerencial do enfermeiro nesse cenário, articulando-o à ação pedagógica/educacional. Como resultados, identifica que o caráter inovador da Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF) evidencia desafios que se relacionam à necessidade de se definir as competências necessárias aos profissionais, aos seus processos de formação, educação continuada e permanente e aos novos modelos gerenciais para a enfermagem, que atendam, especificamente, as demandas desse cotidiano.
Das fantasias vazias ao referencial discursivo
Authors: Salztrager Ricardo
Published: July 2008

Pretende-se analisar o estatuto de uma modalidade peculiar de fantasmatização para a qual propomos o nome de 'fantasias vazias'. No campo das fantasias vazias, a ambigüidade e a polissemia das palavras são postas de lado e seus enunciados se tornam absolutos e unívocos, de modo a anularem quaisquer possibilidades metafóricas ou simbólicas. Investigamos os limites que as fantasias em questão impõem à teoria do significante, propondo, em seguida, concebê-las como uma escritura balizada por uma série de elementos que denominamos 'referenciais discursivos'.
Da pseudociência paranóica à ciência da paranóia
Authors: Barth Luís Fernando Barnetche , Folberg Maria Nestrovsky
Published: July 2008

Antes mesmo de ter acesso às memórias do presidente Schreber, Freud buscava explicar metapsicologicamente a paranóia. Desenvolvido de forma ensaística, os autores deste artigo mostram como Schreber ofereceu seu conhecimento paranóico à ciência e como Freud teve de lidar com a paranóia no seio da comunidade psicanalítica, como atesta sua correspondência pessoal, lutando para não sucumbir, a exemplo de Fliess e Ferenczi, à tentação de uma teoria sexual delirante.
Uma análise de narrativa do "caso Schreber" à luz do novo historicismo: negociações freudianas
Authors: Henriques Rogério Paes
Published: July 2008

Nesta análise do " caso Schreber" em sua intertextualidade com os escritos de Karl Abraham, sugere-se que o ensaio clínico de Freud foi redigido em um diálogo com o contexto histórico de sua época, refletindo as relações de poder, então vigentes. Pretende-se resgatar a historicidade do texto de Freud sobre Schreber, e para tanto recorre-se às análises críticas do novo historicismo como método de abordagem do texto freudiano. Expõem-se, então, os diferentes níveis de negociações presentes nesse ensaio clínico.
Avaliação da rinussinusite bacteriana aguda em pacientes asmáticos com base em parâmetros clínicos, exame otorrinolaringológico e estudo de imagem
Authors: Faure Alecsandra Calil Moises , Santoro Ilka Lopes , Weckx Luc Louis Maurice , Lederman Henrique Manoel , Fernandes Artur da Rocha Correa , Fernandes Ana Luisa Godoy
Published: July 2008

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os seios paranasais em pacientes com asma estável ou asma aguda para determinar a prevalência de rinossinusite bacteriana aguda. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal incluindo 30 pacientes com asma aguda (73% do sexo feminino) tratados na sala de emergência e 30 pacientes com asma estável (80% do sexo feminino) regularmente acompanhados em ambulatório. Todos os pacientes responderam a um questionário sobre sinais e sintomas respiratórios e foram submetidos a exame otorrinolaringológico e a radiograma e tomografia computadorizada de seios paranasais. RESULTADOS: Com base no diagnóstico clínico, a prevalência de rinossinusite bacteriana aguda foi de 40% nos pacientes com asma aguda e de 3% nos com asma estável. O exame otorrinolaringológico e os exames de imagem isoladamente não foram úteis para a confirmação diagnóstica. CONCLUSÕES: O exame otorrinolaringológico e o radiograma e a tomografia de seios paranasais por si só não foram úteis para o diagnóstico de rinossinusite bacteriana aguda. Nossos resultados confirmam a evidência de que o diagnóstico clínico de rinossinusite aguda deve ser dado com cautela.
Acurácia do lavado gástrico realizado em ambiente hospitalar e ambulatorial no diagnóstico da tuberculose pulmonar em crianças
Authors: Maciel Ethel Leonor Noia , Dietze Reynaldo , Lyrio Renata Peres , Vinhas Solange Alves , Palaci Moises , Rodrigues Rodrigo Ribeiro , Struchiner Claudio Jose
Published: July 2008

OBJETIVO: Comparar a acurácia do lavado gástrico (LG) realizado em ambiente hospitalar e ambulatorial no diagnóstico da tuberculose (TB) pulmonar em crianças. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo realizado no Estado do Espírito Santo, Brasil, de 1999 a 2003. Um total de 230 crianças com suspeita de TB foi selecionado para realizar exame de LG em ambiente hospitalar (n = 103) ou em ambiente ambulatorial (n = 127). Desse total, 53 foram diagnosticadas como casos de TB e divididas em dois grupos: LG hospitalar (n = 30) e LG ambulatorial (n = 23). Todas as 53 crianças foram monitoradas por 6 meses para avaliação da acurácia do diagnóstico. A acurácia foi determinada com base na mudança do diagnóstico, na taxa de cura e no percentual de culturas positivas nos dois grupos estudados. RESULTADOS: A taxa de cura foi de 100% nos dois grupos, e não houve mudança de diagnóstico nas 53 crianças estudadas. Nenhuma diferença significativa foi encontrada entre os dois grupos estudados em relação ao achado do Mycobacterium tuberculosis (RR = 1,47; IC95%: 0,95-2,27; p = 0,095), apesar de o grupo LG ambulatorial ter apresentado o maior índice de cultura positivas. CONCLUSÕES: Nossos resultados mostram que a acurácia do LG realizado em ambiente hospitalar é semelhante à do realizado em ambiente ambulatorial, o que indica que a internação é necessária apenas em casos mais graves nos quais não se pode realizar o procedimento em ambiente ambulatorial.
Papel do óxido nítrico na regulação da circulação pulmonar: implicações fisiológicas, fisiopatológicas e terapêuticas
Authors: Dias-Junior Carlos Alan , Cau Stefany Bruno de Assis , Tanus-Santos José Eduardo
Published: July 2008

O nitric oxide (NO, óxido nítrico) é um mediador endógeno vasoativo que contribui para a homeostase vascular pulmonar. O NO é produzido por três isoformas das nitric oxide synthases (NOS, óxido nítrico sintases)-NOS neuronial (nNOS); NOS induzida (iNOS); e NOS endotelial (eNOS)-estando as três presentes no pulmão. Estudos que utilizaram inibidores farmacológicos ou camundongos knockout têm demonstrado que o NO derivado da eNOS desempenha importantes papéis ao modular o tônus vascular pulmonar e atenuar a hipertensão pulmonar. Por outro lado, estudos focados no papel da iNOS têm mostrado que essa isoforma contribui para a fisiopatologia da lesão pulmonar aguda e da síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo. Esta revisão objetivou delinear o papel desempenhado pelo NO no controle da circulação pulmonar, tanto em condições fisiológicas como fisiopatológicas. Além disso, revisamos as evidências de que a via L-arginina-NO-guanosina monofosfato cíclico seja um importante alvo farmacológico para a terapia de doenças vasculares pulmonares.
Edema e hemorragia pulmonar por pressão negativa associados à obstrução das vias aéreas superiores
Authors: Mussi Ricardo Kalaf , Toro Ivan Felizardo Contrera
Published: July 2008

O edema pulmonar por pressão negativa associado à hemorragia como manifestação de obstrução das vias aéreas superiores é um problema incomum com potencial risco de morte. O principal mecanismo fisiopatológico envolvido é a geração de uma acentuada pressão negativa intratorácica que eleva tanto o volume vascular como a pressão transmural capilar pulmonar, causando risco de ruptura da membrana alvéolo-capilar. Relatamos o caso de um paciente do sexo masculino com hemorragia alveolar difusa após obstrução aguda das vias aéreas superiores causada pela formação de um abscesso cervical e mediastinal decorrente do implante de uma órtese traqueal metálica. O paciente foi tratado com drenagem do abscesso, antibioticoterapia e ventilação mecânica com pressão positiva. Este artigo enfatiza a importância de incluir essa entidade no diagnóstico diferencial da lesão pulmonar aguda após procedimentos que envolvam a manipulação das vias aéreas superiores.
Aplicação terapêutica da ventilação colateral no enfisema pulmonar difuso: apresentação de um protocolo
Authors: Saad Junior Roberto , Dorgan Neto Vicente , Botter Marcio , Stirbulov Roberto , Rivaben Jorge , Gonçalves Roberto
Published: July 2008

Apresentação de um protocolo, para testar uma nova opção de tratamento operatório nos doentes portadores de enfisema pulmonar difuso, nos quais a terapêutica clínica máxima, incluindo a reabilitação pulmonar, foi realizada e ainda assim, existe falência respiratória com dispnéia incapacitante. Serão avaliados dez doentes portadores de hiperinsuflação pulmonar grave. O método propõe promover passagens expiratórias alternativas à via aérea principal para o ar aprisionado no pulmão enfisematoso, por meio de uma drenagem do parênquima pulmonar, comunicando os alvéolos ao meio exterior. Serão selecionados dez doentes, com os consentimentos informados assinados, e com a aprovação do Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo. Os doentes selecionados deverão obedecer os critérios de inclusão para participar deste estudo. O protocolo de avaliação do procedimento proposto é viável e ao final será capaz de mostrar, se de fato há ou não benefício para um doente debilitado e sofrido, quando hoje as únicas soluções são o transplante de pulmão ou a cirurgia redutora de volume pulmonar.
The CYP19 TTTA Repeat Polymorphism Is Related to the Prognosis of Premenopausal Stage I–II and Operable Stage III Breast Cancers
Authors: Huang Chiun-Sheng , Kuo Sung-Hsin , Lien Huang-Chun , Yang Shi-Yi , You San-Lin , Shen Chen-Yang , Lin Ching-Hung , Lu Yen-Sen , Chang King-Jeng
Published: July 2008

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader should be able to: Describe why premenopausal women with the long allele of the CYP19 TTTA repeat polymorphism have a greater survival rate and may not gain benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy.Assess whether we need to revisit the routine use of adjuvant chemotherapy in high-risk premenopausal patients with the long allele of the CYP19 polymorphism.Explain why further validation in a randomized study with a large sample size is needed to determine whether the CYP19 TTTA repeat polymorphism can serve as a predictor in hormone receptor–positive premenopausal patients.

CME This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com

Purpose.

Given the critical role of the CYP19 gene, encoding aromatase, in estrogen synthesis and the association of the estrogen level with its TTTA repeat polymorphism, the potential influence of this polymorphism on breast cancer survival, and hence management, deserves further study.

Methods.

Genotyping for the CYP19 TTTA repeat polymorphism was performed on 482 stage I–II and operable stage III Taiwanese breast cancer patients. Patients with more than seven TTTA repeats in either allele of CYP19 were defined as having the long allele. We correlated clinical variables and CYP19 genotypic polymorphism with outcome.

Results.

In hormone receptor (HR)-positive breast cancers, premenopausal patients with the long allele of the CYP19 polymorphism had a significantly higher overall survival (OS) rate (8-year, 89% versus 68%; p = .003) than those without it. This difference was further demonstrated by a multivariate analysis (OS hazard ratio, 1.53; p = .041). In postmenopausal women or patients with HR-negative breast cancer, there was no significant difference in OS between patients with or without the long allele. In premenopausal women with HR-positive cancers, adequate intensity adjuvant chemotherapy did not achieve a greater OS rate than suboptimal chemotherapy in patients with the long allele, but it resulted in a significantly higher OS rate (p = .011) than suboptimal chemotherapy in women without the long allele.

Conclusions.

The CYP19 TTTA repeat polymorphism is associated with survival in premenopausal women, but not in postmenopausal women, with HR-positive breast cancers. Premenopausal women with the long allele have a greater survival rate and may not gain benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy.
Gemcitabine Pulmonary Toxicity in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Ko Emily , Lee Susanna , Goodman Annekathryn
Published: July 2008

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader should be able to: Describe the role of gemcitabine in the management of recurrent ovarian cancer.Evaluate the signs and symptoms of gemcitabine pulmonary toxicity.Engage in the diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and intervention of gemcitabine pulmonary toxicity.

CME This article is available for continuing medical education credit atCME.TheOncologist.com

Background.

A case of gemcitabine-induced lung toxicity is reported in a woman with stage IIIc ovarian papillary serous carcinoma.

Case.

An 83-year-old woman with stage IIIc ovarian serous papillary carcinoma diagnosed in 2001 underwent suboptimal cytoreductive surgery followed by carboplatin–paclitaxel chemotherapy. Initially in remission following chemotherapy, the disease subsequently progressed over the next 5 years. The patient received gemcitabine palliative chemotherapy. She developed significant pulmonary toxicity consistent with drug-induced interstitial pneumonitis, which improved with steroid therapy.

Conclusion.

Gemcitabine, a second-line chemotherapy agent for the treatment of ovarian cancer, may rarely cause a serious or even fatal condition of pulmonary lung toxicity.
Serum leptin concentrations and markers of immune function in overweight or obese postmenopausal women
Authors: Meyers Julie A , Liu Amy Y , McTiernan Anne , Wener Mark H , Wood Brent , Weigle David S , Sorensen Bess , Chen-Levy Zehava , Yasui Yutaka , Boynton Alanna , Potter John D , Ulrich Cornelia M
Published: July 2008

Experimental studies and case reports suggest a multifunctional role of leptin in immune function. However, clinical studies of leptin in healthy individuals with a comprehensive assessment of immunity are lacking. This study investigated associations between serum leptin concentrations and multiple biomarkers of cellular immunity and inflammation among 114 healthy postmenopausal, overweight, or obese women. Leptin was measured by RIA. C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA) were measured by nephelometry. Flow cytometry was used to measure natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity and to enumerate and phenotype lymphocyte subsets. T-lymphocyte proliferation was assessed in response to phytohemagluttinin, as well as to anti-CD3 antibodies by the flow cytometric cell division tracking method. Multiple linear regression analysis with adjustment for confounding factors and log transformation, where appropriate, was used. Serum leptin concentrations were positively associated with serum CRP, SAA, and interleukin 6 (IL6) (P<0.0001, P=0.01, and P=0.04 respectively), more strongly among women with a body mass index (BMI) <30 kg/m2. The associations were attenuated after adjustment for measured body composition, yet remained significant for CRP and SAA. No statistically significant associations were observed between leptin and NK cytotoxicity, lymphocyte subpopulations, or T-lymphocyte proliferation. This study fills an important gap in knowledge about the relationship between leptin concentrations and immune function in healthy individuals. Findings support an association between serum leptin and the inflammatory proteins CRP and SAA, which appears to be mediated only partly by adipose tissue. Our study does not support a link between leptin and other immune parameters among overweight or obese, but otherwise healthy postmenopausal women, perhaps because such effects are only present at low or deficient leptin concentrations.
Wastewater-contaminated groundwater as a source of endogenous hormones and pharmaceuticals to surface water ecosystems
Authors: Standley Laurel J , Rudel Ruthann A , Swartz Christopher H , Attfield Kathleen R , Christian Jeff , Erickson Mike , Brody Julia G
Published: July 2008

Increasing residential development in watershed recharge areas increases the likelihood of groundwater and surface water contamination by wastewater effluent, particularly where on-site sewage treatment is employed. This effluent contains a range of compounds including those that have been demonstrated to mimic or interfere with the function of natural hormones in aquatic organisms and humans. To explore whether groundwater contaminated by discharge from on-site septic systems affects water quality in surface water ecosystems, we measured steroidal hormones, pharmaceuticals, and other organic wastewater compounds (OWCs) in water collected from six aquifer-fed ponds in areas of higher and lower residential density on Cape Cod (Massachusetts, USA). We detected both a greater number and higher concentrations of OWCs in samples collected from ponds located in higher residential density areas. Most often detected were the steroidal hormones androstenedione, estrone, and progesterone and the pharmaceuticals carbamazepine, pentoxifylline, sulfamethoxazole, and trimethoprim. Of particular concern, estrogenic hormones were present at concentrations approaching those that induce physiological responses in fish. While a number of papers have reported on surface water contamination by OWCs from wastewater treatment plants, our results show that surface water ecosystems in unconfined aquifer settings are susceptible to contamination by estrogenic and other biologically active OWCs through recharge from aquifers contaminated by residential septic systems.
Effects of bisphenol A on fecundity, egg hatchability, and juvenile growth ofMarisa cornuarietis
Authors: Forbes Valery E , Warbritton Ryan , Aufderheide John , Van Der Hoeven Nelly , Caspers Norbert
Published: July 2008

Recent work on the snail Marisa cornuarietis has claimed to show endocrine disruption in response to bisphenol A (BPA). The present experimental design was optimized to detect effects of BPA on fecundity, egg hatchability, and juvenile growth, with an emphasis on reproduction, since previous studies suggested this to be a sensitive endpoint. No differences in eggs/female/month between unexposed snails and snails exposed to nominal concentrations of 0.1, 1, 25, and 640 μg BPA/L during six months of exposure were found. No effect of BPA on the percentage of eggs hatching successfully was found, as was no difference in time to hatching between the control and any BPA treatment. We observed a significant decrease in female growth and a marginal effect on female wet weight in the 640-μg/L treatment compared to the control and a significant increase in male growth rate and a marginal increase in male wet weight in the 1-μg/L treatment compared to the control. However, a much greater proportion of the variability in juvenile growth was explained by variation between pairs and between siblings from the same pair than by BPA treatment. We conclude that effects of BPA in the nominal exposure range 0.1 to 640 μg/L (measured range 0.062–696 μg/L) are unlikely to be of significance for field populations of this species. An additional adult fecundity trial at 22°C (in contrast to all other experiments that were conducted at 25°C) found no evidence to suggest that snails are more sensitive to BPA at the lower temperature, as has been previously claimed. The present results indicate that the sensitivity of M. cornuarietis to BPA is similar to that of other aquatic invertebrates for which data are available.
EFFECTS OF INDIVIDUALIZED VIDEO FEEDBACK COMBINED WITH GROUP PARENT TRAINING ON INAPPROPRIATE MATERNAL BEHAVIOR
Authors: Phaneuf Leah , McIntyre Laura Lee
Published: July 2008

The effects of adding individualized video feedback (IVF) to Webster‐Stratton's (2000, 2001) group‐based parent training program (GT) were evaluated using a multiple baseline design across four mother‐child dyads. During all phases of the study, inappropriate maternal behavior was recorded from videotapes of playtime with their preschoolers with developmental disabilities. Results suggested that GT+IVF reduced inappropriate maternal behavior to levels below GT alone.
THE EFFECTS OF BRIEF AND EXTENDED STIMULUS AVAILABILITY ON PREFERENCE
Authors: Steinhilber Jody , Johnson Cammarie
Published: July 2008

The effects of stimulus availability on preference were evaluated using two conditions of a modified preference assessment. Different preference hierarchies were found in 15‐s access conditions than in 15‐min access conditions. Subsequent comparisons of a short‐availability high‐preference stimulus and a long‐availability high‐preference stimulus verified differential preferences for stimuli based on duration of availability.
Shielding Self-Esteem through the Adoption of Psychological Disengagement Mechanisms: The Good and the Bad News
Authors: Tougas Francine , Lagacé Martine , Laplante Joelle , Bellehumeur Christian
Published: July 2008

The fact that Canada's working population is aging and will continue to do so is no surprise to anyone. What is surprising though is what many of these aging workers are experiencing in the late years of their career: They continue to be the target of negative stereotypes which in turn, reinforce discrimination and marginalization practices. The present study was aimed at understanding the consequences of differential treatment based on age (measured by relative deprivation) from the theoretical perspective of psychological disengagement. A total of 117 Canadian civil servants over the age of 45 participated in this study. According to hypotheses, it was found that feelings of relative deprivation were associated with discounting which in turn led to a decrease in self-esteem. This chain of reactions generated instabilities, fluctuations in self-esteem and through this, questioned the protective role of psychological disengagement. It is only by devaluing their non-prestigious domain of activity that participants seemed to regain stability of their self-esteem. Theoretical and practical implications of these results are discussed.
Development and Validation of a Life Satisfaction Scale for Chinese Elders
Authors: Lou W. Q. Vivian , Chi Iris , Mjelde-Mossey Lee Ann
Published: July 2008

This study reports the development and validation of a culturally sensitive, domain-specific measure of life satisfaction for Chinese Elders — The Life Satisfaction Scale — Chinese ( LSS-C). The LSS-C was administered to 1,502 randomly-selected older Chinese persons in three newly developed towns in Mainland China. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a conceptually meaningful two-factor model—one of instrumental needs of daily life and one of social and relational needs. Criterion-related validity was satisfactory when positively correlated with a single-item global life satisfaction measure and the Life Satisfaction Index A, and negatively correlated with the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. The reliability of the eight-item scale was satisfactory, with the internal consistency coefficient equal to .78 and the split half coefficient equal to .81. LSS-C was direct and easy to administer, and it is recommended for use on Chinese elders.
Combining Speech Recognition/Natural Language Processing with 3D Online Learning Environments to Create Distributed Authentic and Situated Spoken Language Learning
Authors: Jones Greg , Squires Todd , Hicks Jeramie
Published: July 2008

This article will describe research done at the National Institute of Multimedia in Education, Japan and the University of North Texas on the creation of a distributed Internet-based spoken language learning system that would provide more interactive and motivating learning than current multimedia and audiotape-based systems. The project combined a 3D online learning environment by Created Realities Group with Nuance speech recognition technology. The system created an immersive situated learning environment that overlaid spoken language training with audio feedback and used the speech recognition system to determine if the student has accurately said the language items. A small study showed that participants did improve their spoken language skills within the narrow parameters of the research environment in the authentic and situated environment.
Building a Sense of Community for Text-Based Computer-Mediated Communication Courses
Authors: Yang Harrison Hao , Liu Yuliang
Published: July 2008

Building a strong sense of community in text-based computer-mediated communication courses can be a challenge to instructors. This article presents how a sound practical approach called STEP is implemented into one text-based fully online course and one hybrid course at a university in the northeastern region of the United States. Students' perceptions on connectedness and learning are measured toward the sense of community. The effectiveness of the systematic approach with a variety of strategies in building a sense of community in both fully online and hybrid courses has been confirmed in this study. Discussion and conclusion of building the sense of community for text-based computer-mediated communication courses are included.
The Structure of Student Dialogue in Web-Assisted Mathematics Courses
Authors: Thomas David , Li Qing , Knott Libby , Li Zhongxiao
Published: July 2008

Spring term of 2005, three Web-assisted undergraduate mathematics courses were taught at the University of Idaho: Math 235 Mathematics for Elementary Teachers 1; Math 236 Mathematics for Elementary Teachers II; and Math 391 Modern Geometry. While the content of these courses differ, they share common goals: to foster a deep understanding of critical mathematical content; to train students in the use of computer-based modeling and analysis technologies; and to promote the development of mathematical communication and collaboration concepts, skills, and dispositions. Outside of regular class periods, students participated in an ongoing asynchronous mathematical dialogue using the Idaho Virtual Campus Discussion Tool. The structure of this dialogue was analyzed using graph theoretic methods associated with social network analysis. These findings were compared to student achievement data and the results used to answer the question, “In Web-assisted undergraduate mathematics courses, how is the structure of asynchronous communication related to student achievement?”
Association Rule Mining from an Intelligent Tutor
Authors: Dogan Buket , Camurcu A. Yilmaz
Published: July 2008

Educational data mining is a very novel research area, offering fertile ground for many interesting data mining applications. Educational data mining can extract useful information from educational activities for better understanding and assessment of the student learning process. In this way, it is possible to explore how students learn topics in interactive learning environments such as an intelligent tutoring system (ITS). In this article, we demonstrate the use of association rule mining to extract mistakes often occurring together in the student data captured in an ITS we developed, called “intelligent tutor for computer systems course” (ITCS). Student assessment results from the ITCS were analyzed using association rule mining. This analytical process could help teachers to carry out modification to the ITCS to improve it together with the concept and sub-concept relationships obtained. We further developed two software programs to extract hidden patterns from the student assessment results on the ITCS using association rule mining. The first program analyzes and finds association rules derived from the students' incorrect answers to the concepts by single dimensional association rule mining, while the second program does so by multidimensional association rule mining. Design of these programs and the data mining results in this study are described.
Comfort Level of Pediatricians and Family Medicine Physicians Diagnosing and Treating Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Disorders
Authors: Fremont Wanda P. , Nastasi Robert , Newman Nancy , Roizen Nancy J.
Published: July 2008

Context:

Twelve to twenty-one percent of children and adolescents have psychiatric disorders with at least mild functional impairment. Pediatricians and family medicine physicians prescribe 85% of psychotropic medications taken by children. However, little is known about the comfort level of these physicians with the diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders in children.

Objective:

To determine the comfort level of physicians in diagnosing and treating psychiatric disorders in children.

Method:

An anonymous survey was sent to pediatricians and family medicine physicians in upstate New York. Of 483 surveys, 200 surveys were returned.

Outcome Measures:

To compare differences between pediatricians and family medicine physicians in comfort in diagnosing and prescribing medications for psychiatric disorders.

Results:

After controlling for age, race, and years since residency, pediatricians were more comfortable in diagnosing (O.R. = 3.05, C.I. = 1.40–6.63) and prescribing stimulants for (O.R. = 4.16, C.I. = 1.96–8.84) Attention Deficit Disorder. Family medicine physicians were more comfortable in diagnosing (O.R. = .28, C.I. = .14-.57) and prescribing medication for (O.R. = .44, C.I. = .22-.87) anxiety and depression. Despite the differences in comfort, there were no differences in the percentage of each group prescribing the different medications. Of those who were comfortable in making the diagnoses, 13%−64% were not comfortable in prescribing medications, although they did prescribe.

Conclusions:

Pediatricians and family medicine physicians who prescribe the majority of psychotropic medications for children report disconcerting degrees of discomfort with the diagnosis and treatment of children's psychiatric disorders. The authors discuss the multiple factors that may impact primary care physician's comfort in diagnosing and treating children and adolescents with psychiatric disorders.
Comorbidity of Depression with Chronic Diseases: A Population-Based Study in Aleppo, Syria
Authors: Kilzieh Nael , Rastam Samar , Maziak Wasim , Ward Kenneth D.
Published: July 2008

Objective:

To assess the comorbidity and correlates of depression in chronic diseases in the community in Aleppo, Syria. This has never been previously investigated in an Arab country.

Method:

We conducted a cross-sectional, population-based study in Aleppo on adults aged 18–65 (N = 2038). We collected data utilizing a structured interview questionnaire. Socio-demographics, general health information, and self-report of physician-diagnosed depression and chronic diseases active in the past year were obtained. We used logistic regression to estimate the odds of depression in chronic diseases and socio-demographic correlates of depression comorbid with chronic diseases.

Results:

Mean age (SD) was 35.3 (12.1) years, 55% were female. In women, predictors of depression were heart disease (OR = 3.95, 95% CI: 1.50–10.40), hypertension (OR = 2.92, 95% CI: 1.53–5.55), and kidney disease (OR = 2.96, 95% CI: 1.64–5.32). Depression comorbidity with any chronic disease decreased in higher socio-economic status (middle vs. low: OR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.12–0.65; high vs. low: OR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.05–0.81). In men, predictors of depression were rheumatism (OR = 7.10, 95% CI: 2.58–19.60) and respiratory disease (OR = 3.77, 95% CI: 1.2311.60). Depression comorbidity decreased in residence in formal zones (OR = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.06–0.80).

Conclusion:

Depression is associated with many chronic diseases in the community in Aleppo, a finding consistent with reports from other cultures. Potential gender-related risk factors were identified. Findings inform public mental health planning and support the delivery of depression treatment in primary care settings.
Pediatric Case Study and Review: Is it a Conversion Disorder?
Authors: Spratt Eve G. , Thomas Stephanie G.
Published: July 2008

Objective:

It is common in health care settings for adolescent patients to report physical symptoms that are unexplained by physical disease or pathophysiologic processes. The diagnosis of conversion disorder is difficult to make as many of these patients present to primary care with complex, difficult-to-understand medical symptoms. Patients can present with a medical dilemma and a symptom model consistent with a conversion disorder, but there is a danger of misdiagnosis without a thorough medical work up.

Method:

This case report describes a patient where the misdiagnosis of conversion disorder could have had devastating long-lasting neurologic sequelae. It appeared as if an unconscious conflict was being expressed through physical symptoms as she had ongoing family stressors prior to the onset of mysterious symptoms.

Conclusions:

The patient was found to have a spinal cord arteriovenous malformation. This condition is relatively uncommon in the pediatric age group, and early diagnosis is rarely made.
Piracetam in Severe Breath Holding Spells
Authors: Azam Matloob , Bhatti Nasera , Shahab Naheed
Published: July 2008

Background:

Breath holding spells (BHS) are apparently frightening events occurring in otherwise healthy children. Generally, no medical treatment is recommended and parental reassurance is believed to be enough, however, severe BHS can be very stressful for the parents and a pharmacological agent may be desired in some of these children.

Objective:

In this prospective study aim was to determine the usefulness of piracetam as prophylactic treatment for severe BHS.

Methods:

Children were recruited from Neurology Clinic in Children's Hospital, Islamabad between January 2002 to December 2004. Diagnosis of BHS was based on characteristic history and normal physical examination. Piracetam was prescribed to those children who were diagnosed as severe BHS in a dose ranging from 50–100 mg/kg/day. Iron supplements were added if hemoglobin was less than 10 gm%. Patients were seen at 2–4 weeks interval and follow-up was continued until 3 months after the cessation of drug therapy.

Results:

Fifty-two children were enrolled in the study, 34 boys and 18 girls. Ages ranged from 4 weeks to 5 years with mean age of 17 months. In 81% of children, spells disappeared completely and in 9% frequency was reduced to less than one per month and of much lesser intensity. Prophylaxis was given for 3–6 months (mean 5) duration.

Conclusions:

Piracetam is an effective prophylactic treatment for severe BHS.
Management of Depression in Ambulatory Care for Patients with Medical Co-Morbidities: A Study from a National Electronic Health Record (EHR) Network
Authors: Gill James M. , Chen Ying Xia , Lieberman Michael I.
Published: July 2008

Objective:

Since co-morbid depression can complicate medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease and cancer, physicians may treat depression more aggressively in patients with these conditions. This study compared antidepressant medication use in persons with and without medical co-morbidities.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted in a national network of outpatient electronic medical record users. Participants included active adult patients with an active diagnosis of depression as of 11/30/05 (the “prevalent” population, 185,029 patients) or a new episode of depression during the one-year period 12/1/03-11/30/04 (the “incident” population, 29,768 patients). For each population, four co-morbid conditions were defined—diabetes, coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, and cancer. Prescription of antidepressant medication was compared for persons with and without each medical condition.

Results:

The most common medical condition was diabetes, with cancer being the least common (7.6% and 2.4% of the prevalent population). Overall, 69.6% of the prevalent population and 76.1% of the incident population were treated with antidepressant medications. For the prevalent population, treatment was significantly more likely for patients with diabetes (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.03–1.11) but significantly less likely for patients with CHD (OR 0.94 95% CI 0.90–0.99), after controlling for differences in age and gender. For the incident population, treatment was significantly more likely for persons with diabetes (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.04–1.26), CHD (OR 1.23 95% CI 1.08–1.39), and stroke (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.04–1.42).

Conclusions:

Antidepressant medication use was somewhat higher in persons with medical co-morbidities, although these differences were small and inconsistent.
Genetics of test weight and oil content in cuphea procumbens
Authors: Singh S.P. , Singh Meenakshi
Published: July 2008

Cuphea is an important genus of medium chain triglycerides and Cuphea procumbens is rich in capric acid (C10:0), which is main plant source of petrochemicals. A detailed study was conducted on different genetic systems involved in the inheritance of test weight and oil content in Cuphea procumbens following 6 parents diallel. The high value of dominance (H1) and (?2s) and over-dominance obtained by (H1/D)0.5 and graphical analysis indicated the prevalence of non-additive gene action for test weight and oil content. Parent 'NBC-30' in F1 and 'NBC-03' in F2 for test weight and 'NBC-30' for both the generation for oil content were., best combiners. The crosses 'NBC-12' x 'NBC-30', 'NBC-01' x 'NBC-03' and 'NBC-12' x 'NBC-20' for test weight and 'NBC- 01' x 'NBC-03' and 'NBC-25' x 'NBC-30' for oil content were best specific cross combinations in both the generations. The genetic combination of these crosses were additive x additive, additive x dominance and dominance x dominance type interaction due to involvement of high x high, high x low and low x low combiners. A breeding plan to develop bold seeded genotypes to increase oil content has been discussed.
Model of experimental clonal seed orchard for the production of Serbian spruce sPicea omorika /Panc./Purkyne) intraspecific hybrids
Authors: Sijacic-Nikolic Mirjana , Isajev Vasilije
Published: July 2008

The presented model for the establishment of an experimental clonal seed orchard of Serbian spruce was designed based on the results of the analysis and assessment of the genetic potential of Serbian spruce seedling seed orchard at Godovik. Based on the results of the analyses, eight superior half-sib lines of Serbian spruce were selected, of which 24 genotypes were selected. Their hybridisation, by the model of incomplete diallel cross resulted in 21 combinations at the level of half-sib lines, i.e. 48 combinations at the level of parent genotypes. The applied study methods identified the potentially valuable genotypes-cone producers i.e. pollinators, which will be fixed by cloning in the seed orchard of the second generation for the production of the promising hybrids.
Taxonomic and biogeographically-ecological studies on the insect fauna
Authors: Cetkovic Aleksandar
Published: July 2008

The topic of taxonomic and biogeographically-ecological studies is presented in the case of social wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Vespinae et Polistinae) of the Balkan Peninsula and the neighboring regions, as an intentionally prepared summary of the author's Ph.D. thesis (CETKOVIC, 2002). The broader context of this category of studies under local conditions, as well as topical and spatial frame of the studies, and the summary of the most important results of the analysis, are briefly presented in this paper.
Genetic engineering: from a clone to a protein
Authors: Ljubijankic Goran
Published: July 2008

October 15, 1980, was a date when the highest increase of the share price of one company was recorded on the world most powerful New York change - rates of shares of the company Genetech jumped by more than 2.5 times in only 20 minutes. This event was a grand entrance of a new technology into the global economy and it irreversibly established a brand new status of biology within the development of civilization. Genetech is one of the first companies within the field of molecular biotechnology that accomplished such an enormous commercial success no more than seven years upon the last discoveries in the series of scientific findings that had provided formulation of a new technology designated as genetic engineering or a recombinant DNA technology. Today, 20 years later, it can be rightfully claimed that expectations of the new technology are fulfilled: even if the qualitative shift it provided to fundamental research is disregarded, its direct commercial effects are very convincing - the total value of sold products produced by this technology exceeded the sum of 60 billions dollars in 2000. Let us cite market parameters of only some products manufactured by the application of genetic engineering: annual global consumption of recombinant human insulin amounts to approximately 4.6 tons only in the industrialized part of the world, while the annual sale of recombinant human erythropoietin, interferon's and a human growth hormone amount to 2, i.e. 1.5 billions dollars, respectively.
Genes, humans and society
Authors: Tucic Nikola
Published: July 2008

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