bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
L’enseignement de la géographie dans l’antiquité tardive
Authors: Gautier Dalché Patrick
Published: June 2014

Summarium

Cum multa vestigia de terrarum situ in scholiis perdiscendo posterior imperii Romani aetas nobis tradidisset, moderni de hoc argumento parum scripserunt. Commentariolum hoc criticam compositionem in tres partes divisam proponit. Primo, geographicae informationi per omnes institutionis gradus consulitur: in scripturae apud διδάσκαλοv vel paedagogum exercitatione; in auctorum apud grammaticum praelectione; in eloquentiae apud rhetorem vel in ecclesiasticis scholiis institutione. Hic recognoscuntur locorum nomina scripta et in Aegyptiis chartis, et in scholiis ad Sallustium Vergilium Lucanumque, et in commentis perfectis quae Servius inter alios composuit, et in operibus absolutis quae Vibius Sequester Iulius Honorius Solinus Stephanus Byzantius Priscianusque grammaticus confecerunt. Secundo, cum in posteriore aetate tabulae pictae magis in promptu fuerunt, de textibus pinacibusque (ut cum Graecis loquamur) in litterarum studio inter se colligatis disceptatur. Varia tabularum pictarum genera textuum commemorationis beneficio denotata habemus, ut Dionysii penacem secundum Senatoris Institutiones et, apud alios auctores, orbes illos in civitatis Augustodunensis porticis tempore Constantii, Constantinopoli tempore Theodosii depictos. Insuper codices in medio aevo exarati geographica, chorographica aut topographica schemata vetustioris aetatis nobis tradiderunt, exempli gratia in Lucani Oppianive operibus necnon et Commentis quae dicuntur Bernenses. Satis superque probatum est quod mundi mapparum in medio aevo descriptarum (inter quas praecipue illae orbis descriptiones in Albigensi Londoniensique bibliothecis servatae duaeque sancto Hieronymo falso tributae memoria digniores sunt) exemplaria ab quarto ad sextum seculum composita repetuntur. Denique geographica magistratuum eruditio in scholiis comperta multis monumentis illustratur: Tabula quae Peutingeriana dicitur, Divisio orbis terrarum, Dimensuratio provinciarum, Expositio totius mundi et gentium, Notitia dignitatum, varii laterculi, Ὑποτύπωσις γεωγραφίας ἐν ἐπιτομῆ , vel apud christianos Hippolyti Romani Chronicon et ex hac fonte rescriptos textus. In fine profertur quod consimilis geographiae institutio in scholiis ad id valuit, ut Romani animi cultus in omnibus provinciis idem esset, cum populi imperio subiecti variam originem traxissent et tanto extenso orbe.
Rediscovery of the Hungarian birch mouse (Sicista subtilis trizona) in Transylvania (Romania) with molecular characterisation of its phylogenetic affinities
Authors: Cserkész Tamás , Aczél-Fridrich Zsuzsanna , Hegyeli Zsolt , Sugár Szilárd , Czabán Dávid , Horváth Orsolya , Sramkó Gábor
Published: June 2014

The Southern birch mouse (
Crystal structure of 6-bromo-2-ferrocenylquinoline, C19H14BrFeN
Authors: Li Hong-Mei , Feng Ai-Qing , Song Ying-Li , Lou Xin-Hua
Published: June 2014

C
Microstructural and mechanical properties of Cu-7vol.%ZrB2 alloy produced by powder metallurgy techniques
Authors: Ružić Jovana , Stašić Jelena , Rajković Viseslava , Raić Karlo , Božić Dušan
Published: June 2014

The Cu-7vol.%ZrB2 alloy examined in this study was consolidated via powder metallurgy (PM) processing by combining mechanical alloying and hot pressing. Powder mixture with composition: 94.78 wt.% copper, 4.1 wt.% zirconium, and 1.12 wt.% boron was used as a starting material. Mechanical alloying of powder mixture was performed at various times: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 h. Structural changes that occur in the samples of copper alloy with 7vol.%ZrB2 after milling and during hot pressing process were studied with the use of X-ray diffraction. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) was applied to examine the morphological properties and elemental analysis of the hot-pressed samples as a function of milling times. Also, hardness of the Cu-7vol.%ZrB2 alloy was investigated, and the results showed that hardness of the samples increased as the milling time increased. The compressive properties at room temperature are correlated to the corresponding hardness results. Distribution of ZrB2 particles and presence of agglomerates in the Cu matrix directly depend on the milling time and show strong influence on compressive properties and fracture of Cu-7vol.%ZrB2 alloy.
MiR‐133 promotes cardiac reprogramming by directly repressing Snai1 and silencing fibroblast signatures
Authors: Muraoka Naoto , Yamakawa Hiroyuki , Miyamoto Kazutaka , Sadahiro Taketaro , Umei Tomohiko , Isomi Mari , Nakashima Hanae , Akiyama Mizuha , Wada Rie , Inagawa Kohei , Nishiyama Takahiko , Kaneda Ruri , Fukuda Toru , Takeda Shu , Tohyama Shugo , Hashimoto Hisayuki , Kawamura Yoshifumi , Goshima Naoki , Aeba Ryo , Yamagishi Hiroyuki , Fukuda Keiichi , Ieda Masaki
Published: June 2014

Fibroblasts can be directly reprogrammed into cardiomyocyte‐like cells (iCMs) by overexpression of cardiac transcription factors or microRNAs. However, induction of functional cardiomyocytes is inefficient, and molecular mechanisms of direct reprogramming remain undefined. Here, we demonstrate that addition of miR‐133a (miR‐133) to Gata4, Mef2c, and Tbx5 (GMT) or GMT plus Mesp1 and Myocd improved cardiac reprogramming from mouse or human fibroblasts by directly repressing Snai1, a master regulator of epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition. MiR‐133 overexpression with GMT generated sevenfold more beating iCMs from mouse embryonic fibroblasts and shortened the duration to induce beating cells from 30 to 10 days, compared to GMT alone. Snai1 knockdown suppressed fibroblast genes, upregulated cardiac gene expression, and induced more contracting iCMs with GMT transduction, recapitulating the effects of miR‐133 overexpression. In contrast, overexpression of Snai1 in GMT/miR‐133‐transduced cells maintained fibroblast signatures and inhibited generation of beating iCMs. MiR‐133‐mediated Snai1 repression was also critical for cardiac reprogramming in adult mouse and human cardiac fibroblasts. Thus, silencing fibroblast signatures, mediated by miR‐133/Snai1, is a key molecular roadblock during cardiac reprogramming.
Association between the p27 rs2066827 variant and tumor multiplicity in patients harboring MEN1 germline mutations
Authors: Longuini Viviane C , Lourenço Delmar M , Sekiya Tomoko , Meirelles Osorio , Goncalves Tatiana D , Coutinho Flavia L , Francisco Guilherme , Osaki Luciana H , Chammas Roger , Alves Venancio A F , Siqueira Sheila A C , Schlesinger David , Naslavsky Michel S , Zatz Mayana , Duarte Yeda A O , Lebrão Maria Lucia , Gama Patricia , Lee Misu , Molatore Sara , Pereira Maria Adelaide A , Jallad Raquel S , Bronstein Marcello D , Cunha-Neto Malebranche B , Liberman Bernardo , Fragoso Maria Candida B V , Toledo Sergio P A , Pellegata Natalia S , Toledo Rodrigo A
Published: June 2014

Objective

To date, no evidence of robust genotype–phenotype correlation or disease modifiers for multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) syndrome has been described, leaving the highly variable clinical presentation of patients unaccounted for.

Design

As the CDKN1B (p27) gene causes MEN4 syndrome and it is transcriptionally regulated by the product of the MEN1 gene (menin), we sought to analyze whether p27 influences the phenotype of MEN1-mutated patients. The cohort consisted of 100 patients carrying germline MEN1 gene mutations and 855 population-matched control individuals.

Methods

Genotyping of the coding p27 c.326T>G (V109G) variant was performed by sequencing and restriction site digestion, and the genotypes were associated with clinical parameters by calculating odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% CIs using logistic regression.

Results

There were significant differences in p27 V109G allele frequencies between controls and MEN1-mutated patients (OR=2.55, P=0.019, CI=1.013–5.76). Among patients who are ≥30 years old carrying truncating MEN1 mutations, the T allele was strongly associated with susceptibility to tumors in multiple glands (three to four glands affected vs one to two glands affected; OR=18.33; P=0.002, CI=2.88–16.41). This finding remained significant after the Bonferroni's multiple testing correction, indicating a robust association. No correlations were observed with the development of MEN1-related tumors such as hyperparathyroidism, pituitary adenomas, and enteropancreatic and adrenocortical tumors.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that the p27 tumor suppressor gene acts as a disease modifier for the MEN1 syndrome associated with MEN1 germline mutations. If confirmed in independent patient cohorts, this finding could facilitate the management of this clinically complex disease.
Breast cancer risk, nightwork, and circadian clock gene polymorphisms
Authors: Truong Thérèse , Liquet Benoît , Menegaux Florence , Plancoulaine Sabine , Laurent-Puig Pierre , Mulot Claire , Cordina-Duverger Emilie , Sanchez Marie , Arveux Patrick , Kerbrat Pierre , Richardson Sylvia , Guénel Pascal
Published: June 2014

Night shift work has been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer pointing to a role of circadian disruption. We investigated the role of circadian clock gene polymorphisms and their interaction with nightwork in breast cancer risk in a population-based case–control study in France including 1126 breast cancer cases and 1174 controls. We estimated breast cancer risk associated with each of the 577 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 23 circadian clock genes. We also used a gene- and pathway-based approach to investigate the overall effect on breast cancer of circadian clock gene variants that might not be detected in analyses based on individual SNPs. Interactions with nightwork were tested at the SNP, gene, and pathway levels. We found that two SNPs inRORA(rs1482057 and rs12914272) were associated with breast cancer in the whole sample and among postmenopausal women. In this subpopulation, we also reported an association with rs11932595 inCLOCK, and withCLOCK,RORA, andNPAS2in the analyses at the gene level. Breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women was also associated with overall genetic variation in the circadian gene pathway (P=0.04), but this association was not detected in premenopausal women. There was some evidence of an interaction betweenPER1and nightwork in breast cancer in the whole sample (P=0.024), although the effect was not statistically significant after correcting for multiple testing (P=0.452). Our results support the hypothesis that circadian clock gene variants modulate breast cancer risk.
Characterization of microRNAs differentially expressed during bovine follicle development
Authors: Sontakke Sadanand D , Mohammed Bushra T , McNeilly Alan S , Donadeu F Xavier
Published: June 2014

Several different miRNAs have been proposed to regulate ovarian follicle function; however, very limited information exists on the spatiotemporal patterns of miRNA expression during follicle development. The objective of this study was to identify, using microarray, miRNA profiles associated with growth and regression of dominant-size follicles in the bovine monovular ovary and to characterize their spatiotemporal distribution during development. The follicles were collected from abattoir ovaries and classified as small (4–8 mm) or large (12–17 mm); the latter were further classified as healthy or atretic based on estradiol and CYP19A1 levels. Six pools of small follicles and individual large healthy (n=6) and large atretic (n=5) follicles were analyzed using Exiqon's miRCURY LNA microRNA Array 6th gen, followed by qPCR validation. A total of 17 and 57 sequences were differentially expressed (greater than or equal to twofold; P<0.05) between large healthy and each of small and large atretic follicles respectively. Bovine miRNAs confirmed to be upregulated in large healthy follicles relative to small follicles (bta-miR-144, bta-miR-202, bta-miR-451, bta-miR-652, and bta-miR-873) were further characterized. Three of these miRNAs (bta-miR-144, bta-miR-202, and bta-miR-873) were also downregulated in large atretic follicles relative to large healthy follicles. Within the follicle, these miRNAs were predominantly expressed in mural granulosa cells. Further, body-wide screening revealed that bta-miR-202, but not other miRNAs, was expressed exclusively in the gonads. Finally, a total of 1359 predicted targets of the five miRNAs enriched in large healthy follicles were identified, which mapped to signaling pathways involved in follicular cell proliferation, steroidogenesis, prevention of premature luteinization, and oocyte maturation.
Functional performance and social relations among the elderly in Greater Metropolitan Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil: a population-based epidemiological study
Authors: Torres Juliana Lustosa , Dias Rosângela Corrêa , Ferreira Fabiane Ribeiro , Macinko James , Lima-Costa Maria Fernanda
Published: June 2014

This study was conducted in a probabilistic sam- ple of 2,055 elderly in Greater Metropolitan Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, to examine components of social network (conjugal status and visits by the children, other relatives, and friends) and social support (satisfaction with personal relations and having persons on whom to rely) associated with limitations in performing basic activities of daily living (ADL). Multivariate analysis used the Hurdle model. Performance of ADL showed independent and statistically significant associations with social network (fewer meetings with friends and not having children) and personal support (dissatisfaction/indifference towards personal relations). These associations remained after adjusting for social and demographic characteristics, health status, and other indicators of social relations. Our results emphasize the need for greater attention to social network and social support for elderly with functional limitations and those with weak social networks and social support.
Escolarização da sexualidade no estado de Goiás: o que mostram as dissertações e teses
Authors: Nicolino Aline da Silva , Paraíso Marlucy Alves
Published: June 2014

Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar o que dizem as dissertações e teses sobre o processo de escolarização da sexualidade em Goiás. Por um lado, mostramos o que as produções estudadas dizem sobre os ensinamentos transmitidos nas escolas públicas sobre o tema e, por outro lado, analisamos como a sexualidade na escola é abordada nas produções científicas do estado. Para a escolha das investigações a serem estudadas, estabelecemos como critérios terem sido defendidas até 2012, pensadas ou realizadas no contexto escolar do estado de Goiás e que tratassem da sexualidade na escola. Ficou evidente neste estudo que a sexualidade vem despertando interesse, sobretudo, de profissionais dos campos da saúde e da educação, que divergem sobre quais "saberes" devem ser ensinados e sobre quem pode ensinar o tema na escola, disputando as melhores formas para escolarizar a sexualidade.
Comparação entre equações de referência e o teste de caminhada de seis minutos
Authors: Korn Simone , Virtuoso Janeisa Franck , Sandreschi Paula Fabricio , Souza Michelle Gonçalves de , Mazo Giovana Zarpellon
Published: June 2014

INTRODUÇÃO: Devido à importância do teste de caminhada de seis minutos (TC6), algumas equações têm sido propostas para predizer o resultado esperado.OBJETIVO: Comparar os valores encontrados em diferentes equações de referência para predição da distância percorrida no TC6 em idosos praticantes de exercícios físicos.MÉTODOS: Participaram 696 idosos de ambos os sexos, sendo 600 mulheres e 96 homens, praticantes de exercícios físicos do Grupo de Estudos da Terceira Idade (GETI), Programa Viver Ativo e do Programa Saúde e Lazer. Para avaliar a resistência aeróbia, foi utilizado o TC6, conforme proposto por Rikli e Jones.Para o cálculo da distância percorrida prevista, foram utilizadas as equações de Enright & Sherrill, Troosters e Enright. Utilizou-se estatística descritiva e inferencial, com nível de significância de 5%.RESULTADOS: A média da distância percorrida prevista pelas equações foram 305,29±46,98 m, 529,05 ±50,31 m e 415,37±38,77 m, respectivamente. No TC6, a média foi de 513,05 ± 87,26 m. Observou-se correlação significativa (p< 0,001) entre o TC6 e as equações de Enright & Sherrill e Troosters. Na comparação entre os valores, nota-se que as equações de Enright & Sherrill e Enright subestimam e as de Troosters superestima a resistência aeróbia de idosos praticantes de exercícios físicos.CONCLUSÃO: As equações de referência para predição da distância percorrida no TC6 analisadas no presente estudo não refletem a resistência aeróbia de idosos praticantes de exercícios físicos. Novas equações e/ou variáveis devem ser incluídas para calcular com certa precisão a distância percorrida por idosos fisicamente ativos. Dessa forma, as equações analisadas no presente estudo devem ser utilizadas com cautela por pesquisadores e profissionais que lidam com este público no Brasil.
Exercício aeróbio reduz a hipertensão arterial de mulheres com Doença de Chagas
Authors: Lopes Wania da Silva , Cuman Roberto Kenji Nakamura , Guedes Terezinha Aparecida , Araújo Silvana Marques de , Gomes Mônica Lúcia
Published: June 2014

INTRODUÇÃO: Os portadores de doença de Chagas frequentemente apresentam a hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) como a principal comorbidade. Em indivíduos hipertensos com e sem doença de Chagas, o controle de HAS geralmente é medicamentoso. Medidas alternativas de intervenção como o exercício físico aeróbio têm sido preconizadas como a maneira mais efetiva para reduzir os níveis de pressão arterial.OBJETIVO: Avaliar a influência do exercício físico sobre a pressão arterial de mulheres hipertensas com e sem doença de Chagas.MÉTODOS: Dezenove voluntárias divididas nos grupos G1 (nove com doença de Chagas) e G2 (dez sem doença de Chagas) foram submetidas a um programa de treinamento de 12 semanas, com duração de 30 a 60 minutos duas vezes por semana. A pressão arterial sistólica (PAS), diastólica (PAD) e a frequência cardíaca (FC) foram avaliadas no pré e pós-esforço no início (T0), após seis (T6) e 12 (T12) semanas.RESULTADOS: Em T6, melhora significativa foi observada na PAS pré e pós-esforço e na PAD pós-esforço, para ambos os grupos. No T12, G1 apresentou melhora significativa para todas as variáveis, exceto FC pós-esforço e G2 para PAS pré e pós-esforço e FC pós-esforço. Não houve diferença significativa entre G1 e G2 para as variáveis estudadas.CONCLUSÃO: O exercício físico aeróbio de baixa intensidade reduz significativamente a pressão arterial de mulheres com doença de Chagas, pode ser realizado com segurança, e insere os pacientes com esta enfermidade na prática rotineira de exercícios.
Psychiatric comorbidity in diabetes type 1: a cross-sectional observational study
Authors: Maia Ana Claudia C. de Ornelas , Braga Arthur de Azevedo , Paes Flávia , Machado Sérgio , Nardi Antonio Egidio , Silva Adriana Cardoso da
Published: June 2014

Objective This study aims to investigate the prevalence of psychiatric disorders, i.e., the presence of signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression in type 1 diabetic patients, as well as to investigate the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in insulin dependent patients. Methods A cross-sectional observational study of 110 diabetic outpatients (mean = 58.3, SD = 14.5; 50 male and 60 female) was conducted in a public health clinic with patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus who were under the medical supervision of an endocrinologist. The patients were evaluated through the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale(HADS). Results With respect to anxiety symptoms, we found a prevalence of 60% (n = 66) among patients, while in depression symptoms we found a prevalence of 53.6% (n = 59) concerning the 110 patients evaluated. More specifically, we found 28.2% (n = 31) of patients without depression or anxiety, 13.6% (n = 15) of patients with depression, 16.4% (n = 18) of patients with anxiety and 41.8% (n = 46) of patients with depression combined with anxiety. The most remarkable data were generalized anxiety disorder (22.7%), dysthymia (18.2%), panic disorder (8.2%) and social phobia (5.5%). Conclusion The need for accurate assessments about the presence of symptoms related to psychopathology in patients with type 1 diabetes is evident.
Pre-hospital delay in acute myocardial infarction: judgement of symptoms and resistance to pain
Authors: Mussi Fernanda Carneiro , Mendes Andreia Santos , Queiroz Tassia Lacerda de , Costa Ana Lúcia Siqueira , Pereira Álvaro , Caramelli Bruno
Published: June 2014

Objective To estimate the time of decision (TD) to look for medical care and the time of arrival (TA) at the health service for men (M) and women (W) suffering from acute myocardial infarction and to analyze the influence of the interpretation of pain and pain resistance behaviors during these times. Methods This is an exploratory research, performed at the university hospital in Salvador/Bahia. 43 W and 54 M were interviewed. To study the dependence among sociodemographic and gender variables, the Fisher Exact Test was used. To analyze times, a geometric mean (GM) was used. In order to verify the association between the GM of TD and TA and the judgment of pain, and between the GM of TD and TA and the behavior of resistance to pain, as well as to test the time of interaction between the gender variable and other variables of interest, the robust regression model was used. The statistical significance adopted was 5%. Results The GM of the TD for M was 1.13 h; for W, 0.74 h. The GM of the TA was 1.74 h for M and 1.47 h for W. Those who did not recognize the symptoms of AMI and presented behavior of resistance to pain had higher TD and TA, being the associations significant. Gender did not change the associations of interest. Conclusion The findings demonstrate the importance of health education aiming at the benefits of early treatment.
Sexual violence against children and vulnerability
Authors: Trindade Luciana C , Linhares Silvana M. G. M. , Vanrell Jorge , Godoy Danilo , C. A. Martins José , Barbas Stela M. A. N.
Published: June 2014

Objective To analyze the demographic and epidemiological profile of children and adolescents victims of sexual violence treated in a Unit of Forensic Medicine and the relationship between victims and perpetrators. Methods A descriptive study, with data collection from information gathered from sex abuse reports performed in 2009 on victims of sexual violence aged less than 18 years. The data collection tool was a form filled out with demographic information about the victim – gender and age - and information regarding the sexual violence –, location of the occurrence, time elapsed between abuse and expert report, complaints reported, sexological examination findings, description of lesions outside the genital region, and aggressor’s relationship to victim. Results In 2009, 421 individuals victim of sexual violence were assisted. Of those, 379 (90%) were younger than 18 years, and 66 cases were excluded from these reports. Most were female (81.2%). The most affected age group was 10 to 13 years old (36.7%), followed by 5 to 9 year-olds (30.7%). In most cases (86.3%), there were family or friendship ties between victims and perpetrators, being most frequently accused an acquaintance or friend of the family (42.3%), followed by the stepfather (16.6%) and the father (10.9%). Conclusion The results are similar to other studies conducted in the country. This work aims at filling a gap caused by the lack of research on this topic in the State, hoping to collaborate to improve public policies against child sexual abuse.
Association between oxidative stress and nutritional status in the elderly
Authors: Moreira Priscila Lucelia , Villas Boas Paulo Jose Fortes , Ferreira Ana Lucia Anjos
Published: June 2014

Ageing is a dynamic and progressive process that is characterized by the occurrence of morphological, biochemical, functional and psychological changes in the organism. The aim of the present article is to provide updated concepts on oxidative stress, covering its importance in aging, as well as nutritional status and supplementation with antioxidants (substances that prevent or attenuate oxidation of oxidizable substrates, such as lipids, proteins, carbohydrates and deoxyribonucleic acid) in the geriatric population. Evidence suggests that there is an inverse relationship between oxidative stress and nutritional status in elderly individuals. Although an increase in oxidative stress in chronic diseases associated with aging has been proven, such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease, up to now there has been no consistent clinical evidence proving the efficiency of supplementation with antioxidants against oxidative stress. In this context, supplementation is not recommended. On the other hand, the elderly should be encouraged to eat antioxidant foods, such as fruits and vegetables. Maintaining a normal weight (body mass index between 23 and 28 Kg/m2) should also be stimulated.
Hypertension, pregnancy and weather: is seasonality involved?
Authors: Melo Brena , Amorim Melania , Katz Leila , Coutinho Isabela , Figueiroa José Natal
Published: June 2014

Objective: The present study aimed at assessing the association between environmental temperature and the relative humidity of the air with frequency of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Methods: A prospective and retrospective, descriptive, ecological study was held at a teaching maternity in Recife, Brazil. Data from all 26.125 pregnant women admitted between 2000 and 2006 were analysed and 5.051 had the diagnosis of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. The incidence percentages were calculated monthly per deliveries. Data on mean monthly temperature and relative humidity of the air were collected and monthly comparisons were conducted. February was chosen as the reference month due to its lowest incidence of the disease. The relative chance of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy for each other month was estimated by odds ratio and Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to calculate the relation between the incidence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and the mean monthly temperature and relative air humidity. Results: February presented the lowest mean monthly incidence (9.95%) and August the highest (21.54%). Pearson correlation coefficient revealed a higher incidence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in the cooler months (r= -0.26; p=0.046) and no significant effect of relative air humidity (r=0.20; p=0.128). Conclusion: The incidence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy may be affected by variations in temperature, increasing during cooler periods.
Diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance in urban adult population
Authors: Rodrigues Júnior Walter , Gaban Sandra Cristina Nicodemo , Pontes Elenir Rose Jardim Cury , Souza Celso Correia , Gimenes Lilian Patussi , Lacerda Paula Ferreira , Cunha Maria Luiza Marques Negrisolli , Stefanello II José Valério Librelotto , Brum Lucas Marques , Oliveira Lannelise Achucarro , Silva Clarissa Rocha , Ribeiro Andrezza Louise Delmondes
Published: June 2014

Objective: Estimating the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) in the urban population aged between 30 and 69 years in the municipality of Campo Grande, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Methods: Population-based cross-sectional study conducted between October/2009 and February/2011. The investigation included the determination of fasting glucose and participants with blood glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL were considered diabetic. Nondiabetic patients, which showed blood glucose ≥ 100 mg/dL and < 200 mg/dL, underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) to investigate whether they had DM or IGT. Results: 1.429 individuals participated in this investigation. The general prevalence, adjusted for sex and age, were: 12.3% for DM (95%CI: 10.5 to 13.9%) and 7.1% for IGT (95%CI: 5.7 to 8.4%). There was a higher prevalence of DM with increasing age in people with low educational level, family history of diabetes, overweight, obesity and central obesity. Among diabetic patients (n = 195), 25% were unaware they had the disease and were diagnosed through investigation. Among patients who already knew they had DM (n = 146), 37% were unaware of the potential chronic complications. Conclusion: This study confirms the increased prevalence of DM in Brazil and emphasizes the need for early diagnosis, as well as the importance of strict adherence to medical treatment in order to prevent its much feared complications.
Academic autopsies in Brazil - a national survey
Authors: Felipe-Silva Aloísio , Ishigai Márcia , Mauad Thaís
Published: June 2014

Objective: To investigate the number and rate of academic autopsies, general organization, educational and research in Brazilian academic services. Methods: Standardized questionnaires were sent to Brazilian medical schools (n=177) and active pathology residency programs (n=53) from March to June 2009. Data were collected for years 2003 to 2008. Results: Thirty-two academic services in 11 Brazilian states answered the survey. Twenty-one (65.6%) perform less than a hundred autopsies for natural causes and less than fifty pediatric or fetal autopsies/year. Twenty-four (75%) perform less than a hundred adult autopsies/year. Many institutions (46.9%) reported a drop in the number of autopsies in a six-year period. The total autopsy count and autopsy rate in 2008 ranged 1-632 (median = 80), and 0-66% (mean = 10.6%), respectively. A steady decrease in the total count of autopsies in a pool of 19 institutions was observed (p<0.01). Median autopsy rates have fallen from 19.3%, in 2003, to 10.6%, in 2008 (p=0.07). Significant discrepancies at autopsies led to changes in institutional healthcare practice in 37.5% of the services. The low number of autopsies was a limiting factor in undergraduate education for 25% of respondents. A minimum number of autopsies is required to complete the pathology residency program in 34.6% of the services. Conclusion: The total number and the rate of academic autopsies have decreased in Brazil between 2003 and 2008. The number of autopsies and the general organization of academic services must be enhanced to improve medical education, research, and the quality control of patient care.
Communication between health professionals and patients: review of studies using the RIAS (Roter Interaction Analysis System) method
Authors: Pires Carla M. , Cavaco Afonso M.
Published: June 2014

Objective: Systematic review of studies that investigate the communication between patients and health professionals with the application of the RIAS methodology. Methods: Keyword Roter Interaction Analysis System was searched in the following bibliographic resources: Academic Search Complete, Current Contents, ISI Proceedings, PubMed, Elsevier, SpringerLink, Web of Science, RCAAP, Solo and the official RIAS site. Selection period: 2006 to 2011. Studies were selected using multicriteria dichotomous analysis and organized according to PRISMA. Results: Identification of 1,262 articles (455 unrepeated). 34 articles were selected for analysis, distributed by the following health professions: family medicine and general practitioners (14), pediatricians (5), nurses (4), geneticists (3), carers of patients with AIDS (2), oncologists (2), surgeons (2), anesthetists (1) and family planning specialists (1). The RIAS is scarcely used and publicized within the scope of healthcare in Portuguese speaking countries. Discussion: Main themes studied include the influence of tiredness, anxiety and professional burnout on communication and the impact of specific training actions on professional activities. The review enabled the identification of the main strengths and weaknesses of synchronous and dyadic verbal communication within the provision of healthcare. Conclusion: Scientific investigation of the communication between health professionals and patients using RIAS has produced concrete results. An improvement is expected in health outcomes through the application of the RIAS.
Health-related quality of life among patients with advanced cancer: an integrative review
Authors: Freire Maria Eliane Moreira , Sawada Namie Okino , França Inácia Sátiro Xavier de , Costa Solange Fátima Geraldo da , Oliveira Cecília Danielle Bezerra
Published: June 2014

This integrative literature review aimed to characterize scientific articles on health-related quality of life – HRQoL – among patients with advanced cancer from national and international literature, and summarize those factors evidenced in the literature that contributed to the improvement or worsening of HRQoL among patients with advanced cancer. The search for materials was conducted in the following databases: CINAHL, EMBASE, PubMed, SciELO and LILACS. Among the 21 articles in the sample, 13 showed an improvement of HRQoL among patients with advanced cancer related to the development of physical, emotional and spiritual interventions. In eight studies, we identified predictive symptoms of low HRQoL, such as pain, fatigue, sleep disorders, depression, nutritional changes, and others. The results showed that clinical manifestations, which many times were inherent in cancer, such as factors that can lower patients’ HRQoL, while physical, psychological and spiritual benefits resulting from therapeutic interventions may promote its improvement.
Adherence To Diabetes Mellitus Treatments In Family Health Strategy Units
Authors: Faria Heloisa Turcatto Gimenes , Santos Manoel Antônio dos , Arrelias Clarissa Cordeiro Alves , Rodrigues Flávia Fernanda Luchetti , Gonela Jefferson Thiago , Teixeira Carla Regina de Souza , Zanetti Maria Lúcia
Published: June 2014

This cross-sectional study aimed to analyze the adherence to drug and non-drug treatments in 17 Family Health Strategy units. A total of 423 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were selected through stratified random sampling in Family Health Strategy units of a city in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, in 2010. The results showed that the prevalence rate of adherence to drug therapy was higher than 60% in the 17 units investigated; in relation to physical activity, adherence was higher than 60% in 58.8% units; and for the diet plan, there was no adherence in 52.9% units. Therefore, we concluded that adherence to drug therapy in most units was high and the practice of physical activity was heterogeneous, and in relation to diet adherence, it was low in all units. We recommend strengthening of institutional guidelines and educational strategies, in line with SUS guidelines, so that, professionals may face the challenges imposed by the lack of adherence.
Comparar: verbo transitivo; uma conversa com Jürgen Schriewer
Authors: Salvadori Maria Angela Borges , Biccas Maurilane de Souza
Published: June 2014

Professor e diretor do Centro de Educação Comparada da Universidade de Humboldt (Berlim, Alemanha), recentemente aposentado, Jürgen Schriewer é internacionalmente reconhecido por seus estudos em educação comparada. Foi também diretor da Faculdade de Educação daquela instituição e presidente da Sociedade de Educação Comparada da Europa. Como professor visitante, atuou em vários países, entre os quais França (Universidades René Descartes e Paris V), Japão (Universidade Waseda, em Tóquio) e Argentina (Universidade de San Andrés, em Buenos Aires). Esta entrevista busca oferecer ao leitor uma rara ocasião para conhecer um pouco mais a trajetória e o trabalho desse pesquisador que, há décadas focado nesta temática, trata aqui, de maneira mais informal, de matéria cada vez mais contemporânea e cara. Além de sua trajetória profissional e seu modo de inserção no campo da história da educação comparada, Schriewer compartilhou também impressões sobre os tempos e lugares pelos quais tem circulado, inclusive em sua dimensão estética, e os modos como essa circulação atua sobre sua reflexão. Em várias passagens, enalteceu a diversidade do mundo e das pessoas, diversidade que é, ela mesma, objeto de seus estudos e fonte de inspiração.
Failures in air-conditioning systems
Authors: Arnold David
Published: June 2014

Air conditioning, like all mechanical systems, fails from time to time. Apart from the discomfort it causes, such failures can mean significant financial costs or losses for some of the parties involved in designing, delivering or maintaining the systems. The cost of engineering services installation in modern buildings can vary from around 10% to almost 40% of the total cost of construction, and this is much greater as a proportion of life-cycle costs. When things go wrong, it can be very expensive and one or more of the parties will want to find out what caused the problem, how it can be resolved, how much the remedial works will cost and, importantly, who was responsible, because they will most likely be liable for the bill. An overview is provided of three cases where air conditioning has failed and the liability was disputed. These cases include: a film archive where a dehumidifier unit generated heat and moisture instead of removing moisture; a large office complex where water chillers failed after only 12 months and hundreds of control valves failed; and a large chilled water system that was corroding beneath the insulation for 10 years before the corroded pipes started leaking.
kgp, rgpA, and rgpB DNA Vaccines Induce Antibody Responses in Experimental Peri‐Implantitis
Authors: Guo Meihua , Wang Zhifeng , Fan Xin , Bian Yuanyuan , Wang Tiantian , Zhu Lina , Lan Jing
Published: June 2014

Background: Peri‐implantitis is the key factor for implant failure. This study aims to evaluate kgp, rgpA, and rgpB DNA vaccines to induce an immune response and prevent peri‐implantitis.

Methods: The kgp, rgpA, and rgpB genes were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) ATCC 33277 and cloned into the pVAX1 vector. Titanium implants were placed into the mandibular bone of dogs. Three months later, the animals were divided into four groups, immunized with pVAX1‐kgp, pVAX1‐rgpA, pVAX1‐rgpB, or pVAX1. Cotton ligatures infiltrated with Pg were tied around the neck of the implants. Immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgA antibodies were detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay before and after immunization.

Results: The kgp, rgpA, and rgpB genes were successfully cloned into the pVAX1 plasmid. Animals immunized with pVAX1‐kgp and pVAX1‐rgpA showed higher titers of IgG and IgA antibodies compared to those before immunization (P <0.05) and compared to those that were immunized with pVAX1 and pVAX1‐rgpB, whereas there were no significant differences in the animals treated with pVAX1 and pVAX1‐rgpB. Furthermore, among these, the kgp DNA vaccine was more effective. The bone losses of the groups with pVAX1‐kgp and pVAX1‐rgpA were significantly attenuated.

Conclusion: pVAX1‐kgp and pVAX1‐rgpA DNA vaccines enhanced immunity responses and significantly retarded bone loss in experimental peri‐implantitis animal models, whereas pVAX1‐rgpB was ineffective.
The Case for Improving the Health of Ex-Prisoners
Authors: Kinner Stuart A. , Wang Emily A.
Published: June 2014

The global prison population exceeds 10 million and continues to grow; more than 30 million people are released from custody annually. These individuals are disproportionately poor, disenfranchised, and chronically ill.

There are compelling, evidence-based arguments for improving health outcomes for ex-prisoners on human rights, public health, criminal justice, and economic grounds. These arguments stand in stark contrast to current policy and practice in most settings.

There is also a dearth of evidence to guide clinicians and policymakers on how best to care for this large and growing population during and after their transition from custody to community. Well-designed longitudinal studies, clinical trials, and burden of disease studies are pivotal to closing this evidence gap.
Latent Tuberculosis Infection Screening in Foreign-Born Populations: A Successful Mobile Clinic Outreach Model
Authors: Morano Jamie P. , Zelenev Alexei , Walton Mary R. , Bruce R. Douglas , Altice Frederick L.
Published: June 2014

Objectives. We evaluated the efficacy of a mobile medical clinic (MMC) screening program for detecting latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and active tuberculosis.

Methods. A LTBI screening program in a MMC in New Haven, Connecticut, used medical surveys to examine risk factors and tuberculin skin test (TST) screening eligibility. We assessed clinically relevant correlates of total (prevalent; n = 4650) and newly diagnosed (incident; n = 4159) LTBI from 2003 to 2011.

Results. Among 8322 individuals, 4159 (55.6%) met TST screening eligibility criteria, of which 1325 (31.9%) had TST assessed. Similar to LTBI prevalence (16.8%; 779 of 4650), newly diagnosed LTBI (25.6%; 339 of 1325) was independently correlated with being foreign-born (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 8.49; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 5.54, 13.02), Hispanic (AOR = 3.12; 95% CI = 1.88, 5.20), Black (AOR = 2.16; 95% CI = 1.31, 3.55), employed (AOR = 1.61; 95% CI = 1.14, 2.28), and of increased age (AOR = 1.04; 95% CI = 1.02, 1.05). Unstable housing (AOR = 4.95; 95% CI = 3.43, 7.14) and marijuana use (AOR = 1.57; 95% CI = 1.05, 2.37) were significantly correlated with incident LTBI, and being male, heroin use, interpersonal violence, employment, not having health insurance, and not completing high school were significantly correlated with prevalent LTBI.

Conclusions. Screening for TST in MMCs successfully identifies high-risk foreign-born, Hispanic, working, and uninsured populations and innovatively identifies LTBI in urban settings.
The Impact of Data Suppression on Local Mortality Rates: The Case of CDC WONDER
Authors: Tiwari Chetan , Beyer Kirsten , Rushton Gerard
Published: June 2014

CDC WONDER (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research) is the nation’s primary data repository for health statistics. Before WONDER data are released to the public, data cells with fewer than 10 case counts are suppressed. We showed that maps produced from suppressed data have predictable geographic biases that can be removed by applying population data in the system and an algorithm that uses regional rates to estimate missing data. By using CDC WONDER heart disease mortality data, we demonstrated that effects of suppression could be largely overcome.
Tobacco Retailer Proximity and Density and Nicotine Dependence Among Smokers With Serious Mental Illness
Authors: Young-Wolff Kelly C. , Henriksen Lisa , Delucchi Kevin , Prochaska Judith J.
Published: June 2014

Objectives. We examined the density and proximity of tobacco retailers and associations with smoking behavior and mental health in a diverse sample of 1061 smokers with serious mental illness (SMI) residing in the San Francisco Bay Area of California.

Methods. Participants’ addresses were geocoded and linked with retailer licensing data to determine the distance between participants’ residence and the nearest retailer (proximity) and the number of retailers within 500-meter and 1-kilometer service areas (density).

Results. More than half of the sample lived within 250 meters of a tobacco retailer. A median of 3 retailers were within 500 meters of participants’ residences, and a median of 12 were within 1 kilometer. Among smokers with SMI, tobacco retailer densities were 2-fold greater than for the general population and were associated with poorer mental health, greater nicotine dependence, and lower self-efficacy for quitting.

Conclusions. Our findings provide further evidence of the tobacco retail environment as a potential vector contributing to tobacco-related disparities among individuals with SMI and suggest that this group may benefit from progressive environmental protections that restrict tobacco retail licenses and reduce aggressive point-of-sale marketing.
Traffic Fatality Reductions: United States Compared With 25 Other Countries
Authors: Evans Leonard
Published: June 2014

Objectives. I compared US traffic fatality trends with those in 25 other countries.

Methods. I have introduced a new measure for comparing safety in different countries: traffic deaths in a specific year relative to largest annual number recorded. I used only data from the International Road Traffic Accident Database.

Results. The United States is a unique outlier. Fatalities in all 25 other countries declined further after reaching their maximum values. For example, the United States and the Netherlands both reached maximum values in 1972. From 1972 to 2011 US deaths declined by 41%, whereas those in the Netherlands declined by 81%. If US fatalities had declined by 81% there would have been 22 000 fewer US road deaths in 2011. If the United States matched percentage declines of 6 additional countries, US deaths would have declined by more than 20 000.

Conclusions. If US traffic deaths had declined by the same percentage as in any 1 of 7 other countries, more than 20 000 fewer Americans would have been killed in 2011.
Evolution and Convergence of State Laws Governing Controlled Substance Prescription Monitoring Programs, 1998-2011
Authors: Davis Corey S. , Pierce Matthew , Dasgupta Nabarun
Published: June 2014

Objectives. We sought to collect and characterize all laws governing the operation of prescription monitoring programs (PMPs), state-level databases that collect patient-specific prescription information, which have been suggested as a tool for reducing prescription drug overdose fatalities.

Methods. We utilized a structured legal research protocol to systematically identify, review, and code all PMP statutes and regulations effective from 1998 through 2011. These laws were then abstracted along eleven domains, including reporting provisions, data sharing, and data access.

Results. PMP characteristics vary greatly among states and across time. We observed an increase in the types and frequency of data required to be reported, the types of individuals permitted to access PMP data, and the percentage of PMPs authorized to proactively identify outlier prescribers and patients. As of 2011, 10 states required PMPs to report suspicious activity to law enforcement, while only 3 required reporting to the patient’s physician. None required linkage to drug treatment or required all prescribers to review PMP data before prescribing. Few explicitly address data retention.

Conclusions. State PMP laws are heterogeneous and evolving. Future studies of PMP effectiveness should take these variations into account.
Educational Disparities in the Burden of Disability: Contributions of Disease Prevalence and Disabling Impact
Authors: Klijs Bart , Nusselder Wilma J. , Looman Caspar W. , Mackenbach Johan P.
Published: June 2014

Objectives. We assessed the contributions of the prevalence and disabling impact of specific diseases to educational disparities in the prevalence of disability.

Methods. We examined a large representative survey of the Dutch population, the Dutch Permanent Survey of Living Conditions (2001–2007; n = 24 883; ages 40–97 years). We attributed the prevalence of disability to chronic diseases by using their empirical associations and assuming independent competing causes of disability. We estimated contributions of prevalence and the disabling impact of diseases to disparities in disability using counterfactuals.

Results. We found that the prevalence of disability in individuals with only an elementary education was 19 to 20 percentage points higher than that in individuals with tertiary education. Sixty-five percent of this difference could be attributed to specific chronic diseases, but more so to their disabling impact (49%–51%) than to their prevalence (20%–29%). Back pain, neck or arm conditions, and peripheral vascular disease contributed most to the disparity in men, and arthritis, back pain, and chronic nonspecific lung disease contributed most to the disparity in women.

Conclusions. Educational disparities in the burden of disability were primarily caused by high disabling impacts of chronic diseases among low educated groups. Tackling disparities might require more effective treatment or rehabilitation of disability in lower socioeconomic groups.