bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Near Elimination of Varicella Deaths in the US After Implementation of the Vaccination Program
Authors: Marin Mona , Zhang John X. , Seward Jane F.
Published: July 2011

OBJECTIVE:

Varicella has been preventable by vaccination in the United States since 1995. Previous studies reported a 66% decline in mortality rate during the first 6 years of the program. Since then, vaccination coverage has increased substantially. We updated the analysis of US varicella mortality for 2002–2007 and assessed the impact of the first 12 years of the US varicella vaccination program on varicella deaths.

METHODS:

National data on deaths for which varicella was listed as an underlying or contributing cause were obtained from the Mortality Multiple Cause-of-Death records from the US National Center for Health Statistics. We calculated the age-adjusted and age-specific mortality rates for 2002–2007 and trends since the prevaccine years.

RESULTS:

During the 12 years of the mostly 1-dose US varicella vaccination program, the annual average mortality rate for varicella listed as the underlying cause declined 88%, from 0.41 per million population in 1990–1994 to 0.05 per million population in 2005–2007. The decline occurred in all age groups, and there was an extremely high reduction among children and adolescents younger than 20 years (97%) and among subjects younger than 50 years overall (96%). In the last 6 years analyzed (2002–2007), a total of 3 deaths per age range were reported among children aged 1 to 4 and 5 to 9 years, compared with an annual average of 13 and 16 deaths, respectively, during the prevaccine years.

CONCLUSIONS:

The impressive decline in varicella deaths can be directly attributed to successful implementation of the 1-dose vaccination program. With the current 2-dose program, there is potential that these most severe outcomes of a vaccine-preventable disease could be eliminated.
Mediating Factors Associated With Pedestrian Injury in Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Stavrinos Despina , Biasini Fred J. , Fine Philip R. , Hodgens J. Bart , Khatri Snehal , Mrug Sylvie , Schwebel David C.
Published: July 2011

OBJECTIVE:

Unintentional injury is the leading cause of pediatric mortality. One leading cause of unintentional injury is pedestrian injury. Children with developmental disabilities, particularly those with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder–combined type (ADHD-C) seem to have increased pedestrian injury risk. This study examined (1) the differences in pedestrian behavior between children with ADHD-C and normally developing comparison children and (2) the mediating factors that might link ADHD-C with pedestrian injury risk.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

A total of 78 children aged 7 to 10 years (39 children with ADHD-C diagnoses and 39 age- and gender-matched typically developing children) participated. The main outcome measure was pedestrian behavior, as measured in a semi-immersive, interactive, virtual pedestrian environment. Key pedestrian variables related to different aspects of the crossing process were identified: (1) before the cross (ie, evaluating aspects of the crossing environment); (2) making the cross (ie, deciding to cross and initiating movement); and (3) safety of the cross (ie, safety within the pedestrian environment after the decision to cross was made).

RESULTS:

Children with ADHD-C chose riskier pedestrian environments to cross within (F1,72 = 4.83; P < .05). No significant differences emerged in other aspects of the crossing process. Executive function played a mediating role in the relationship between ADHD-C and the safety of the cross.

CONCLUSIONS:

Children with ADHD-C seem to display appropriate curbside pedestrian behavior but fail to process perceived information adequately to permit crossing safely.
Maternal-Fetal Intervention and Fetal Care Centers
Authors: Ralston Steven J. , Leuthner Steven R. ,   American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Committee on Ethics,   American Academy of Pediatrics, Committee on Bioethics
Published: July 2011

The past 2 decades have yielded profound advances in the fields of prenatal diagnosis and fetal intervention. Although fetal interventions are driven by a beneficence-based motivation to improve fetal and neonatal outcomes, advancement in fetal therapies raises ethical issues surrounding maternal autonomy and decision-making, concepts of innovation versus research, and organizational aspects within institutions in the development of fetal care centers. To safeguard the interests of both the pregnant woman and the fetus, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Pediatrics make recommendations regarding informed consent, the role of research subject advocates and other independent advocates, the availability of support services, the multidisciplinary nature of fetal intervention teams, the oversight of centers, and the need to accumulate maternal and fetal outcome data.
Evolution of inequalities in mortality in Salvador, Bahia State, Brazil, 1991/2006
Authors: Cruz Shirley Andrade , Vieira-da-Silva Ligia Maria , Costa Maria da Conceição Nascimento , Paim Jairnilson Silva
Published: July 2011

An ecological study was carried out with the aim of analyzing the evolution of inequalities in mortality in Salvador, Bahia State, Brazil, between 1991 and 2006. The city was divided into four social strata from 95 geographic Information Zones. The variables used for social stratification were education level and income of heads of households. Crude and age-standardized mortality rates, age specific mortality rates, proportional Infant mortality and the proportional mortality ratio, were calculated for each zone and social strata. Data was obtained from Death Certificates and the Populational Census. Although differences between strata were smaller in 2000 than in 1991, they persist and are still high, ranging from 28.7% to 65.5%. The differences between Information Zones were as much as 575%. The authors discuss the shortcomings of information systems, recommending that health indicators should be estimated by social classes and pointing out the limits and possibilities of the methodology used here.
Avoidable deaths in the first four years of life among children in the 2004 Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohort study
Authors: Santos Iná S. , Matijasevich Alicia , Barros Aluísio J. D. , Albernaz Elaine P. , Domingues Marlos Rodrigues , Valle Neiva C. J. , Malta Deborah Carvalho , Gorgot Luís Ramón M. R. , Barros Fernando C.
Published: July 2011

Avoidable deaths have been employed as indicators of health care quality. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with avoidable deaths from birth to four years of age among children from the 2004 Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohort study. From January 1st, 2004, to December 31st, 2005, deaths were monitored on a daily basis and the causes were investigated and classified according to avoidability. After the first year, deaths were monitored through the Mortality Information System. A total of 94 children died during this period. It was possible to classify 92 deaths, 70 of which were preventable. Low family income, fewer prenatal visits and poor-quality prenatal care, preterm birth, low 5-minute Apgar score, and no breastfeeding in the first 24 hours of life were associated with increased risk of death. Prematurity was present in 39 deaths, but only five of these would have been prevented by measures provided during prenatal care. Although limited, compliance with antenatal care program guidelines is still the most important strategy for preventing avoidable deaths in childhood, particularly among the poorest children.
Social inequalities in health among the elderly
Authors: Barros Marilisa Berti de Azevedo , Francisco Priscila Maria Stolses Bergamo , Lima Margareth Guimarães , César Chester Luiz Galvão
Published: July 2011

The aim of the present study was to assess social inequalities in health status, health behavior and the use of health services based on education level. A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out involving 1,518 elderly residents of Campinas, São Paulo State, Brazil. Significant demographic and social differences were found between schooling strata. Elderly individuals with a higher degree of schooling are in greater proportion alcohol drinkers, physically active, have healthier diets and a lower prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, dizziness, headaches, back pain, visual impairment and denture use, and better self-rated health. But, there were no differences in the use of health services in the previous two weeks, in hospitalizations or surgeries in the previous year, nor in medicine intake over the previous three days. Among elderly people with hypertension and diabetes, there were no differences in the regular use of health services and medication. The results demonstrate social inequalities in different health indicators, along with equity in access to some health service components.
Repair of Recurrent Cleft Palate with Free Vastus Lateralis Muscle Flap
Authors: Christiano Jose G. , Dorafshar Amir H. , Rodriguez Eduardo D. , Redett Richard J.
Published: July 2011

A 6-year-old girl presented with a large recalcitrant oronasal fistula after bilateral cleft lip and palate repair and numerous secondary attempts at fistula closure. Incomplete palmar arches precluded a free radial forearm flap. A free vastus lateralis muscle flap was successfully transferred. No fistula recurrence was observed at 18 months. There was no perceived thigh weakness. The surgical scar healed inconspicuously. Free flaps should no longer be considered the last resort for treatment of recalcitrant fistulas after cleft palate repair. A free vastus lateralis muscle flap is an excellent alternative, and possibly a superior option, to other previously described free flaps.
Omitting Axilla Lymphadenectomy Even by Positive Sentinel Lymph Node: A Change in Breast Cancer Treatment Practice
Authors: Zoras Odysseas , Ziogas Dimosthenis , Roukos Dimitrios H
Published: July 2011

Evaluation of: Giuliano AE, Hunt KK, Ballman KV et al. Axillary dissection vs no axillary dissection in women with invasive breast cancer and sentinel node metastasis: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA 305, 569–575 (2011). Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has been a reliable technique to accurately predict the axilla node status in women with breast cancer with clinically negative lymph nodes. Based on predictive accuracy evidence from large-scale clinical trials, SLNB has become the current standard of care in breast cancer, preventing unnecessary axilla lymph node dissection and its related adverse events in patients who test negative with SLNB. Now a Phase III randomized trial provides evidence that avoiding axilla lymphadenectomy in patients with positive SLNB does not increase locoregional recurrence or mortality. In this article the benefits, risks and selection criteria to safely prevent axilla lymphadenectomy even by positive SLNB are discussed. Moreover, limitations of this practice-changing trial are described with emphasis on caution in patient selection.
Problems of globalization
Authors: Telebakovic Bosko
Published: July 2011

The world has been going through the process of economical, political and
cultural integration for a long time. At the end of the 20th century, the
integration received a new meaning. In the world?s policy, sovereign
countries were in conflict or collaborated earlier. A stricter hierarchy of
economical and political power hubs is being established now. In such
processes of globalization, differences in development, wealth and power
arise, people are less safe, the sovereignity of national states is being
violated. The story of equality remains in the sense of disappearance of
cultural differences in floods of non-cultural culture. It is difficult to
talk about democracy when the world?s power is getting stronger and
stronger. Is it possible to have a globalization which would not affect
human rights, and which would not prevent people from taking care of truth,
freedom and happiness?
The listener of the chthonic god sand the barroom player: Adorno’s experience of Schubert
Authors: Jeremic-Molnar Dragana
Published: July 2011

In this article the author is reconstructing the complex picture of Franz
Schubert created by Theodor Adorno in his numerous references to the Viennese
composer, but mostly in his 1928 article ?Schubert?. In the late 1920s Adorno
experienced Schubert as the tragic composer whose music dwells in the realm
of chthonic gods, but nevertheless reveals the joy of ?traveling folk,
jugglers and tricksters?. It remained, however, unclear how this joy could
survive in the hellish landscapes of Schubert?s chthonic music. Later, Adorno
recognized Schubert, due to his ?habitus?, as the barroom player as well,
never mentioning ?traveling folk, jugglers and tricksters? any more. This two
images of Schubert - Schubert as the Listener of the Chthonic Gods and
Schubert as the Barroom Player - proved to be an interesting pair, worth of
further theoretical elaboration, which Adorno unfortunately never bothered to
undertake.
Freedom, liberalism, multiculturalism
Authors: Stankovic-Pejnovic Vesna
Published: July 2011

In this article author proves connection between liberalism and
multiculturalism in individual?s political freedom. Individual freedom
connected with political participation, in multicultural contexts, can be
shown as means to achieve group recognition demands. Liberal conception of
liberty in multicultural context shows that a major interest of multicultural
groups through political participation necessary respect individual?s
liberty. Multiculturalism follows liberal demand for freedom of choice and
participation as preconditions for self determination determined by the
reason, but through politics of difference, because for multiculturalism is
not acceptable liberal thesis of cultural homogenous society.
Regional and international aspects of energy security
Authors: Antevski Miroslav , Vesic Dobrica , Kontic Ljiljana
Published: July 2011

Energy security may be defined, generally, as the availability of clean
energy sources at affordable prices. If a country or region does not have its
own sources of energy in the necessary extent, their energy security is in a
long-term threat. To this point, countries seek to achieve diversification of
energy sources and transport routes. This is one of the reasons for launching
new energy projects in Europe and Asia; the other is an attempt by Russia to
consolidate its dominant position on the part of the international energy
market; the third factor is the oil transnational corporations. Russia is the
dominant natural trading partner and Europe?s energy supplier. Problems with
the transit of natural gas and oil from Russia to Europe, which directly
threaten its energy security, were the reason to launch the new energy
projects.
Hungary: Orban’s atypical programme of solving the crisis
Authors: Djurkovic Misa
Published: July 2011

The article deals with the political and economic situation in Hungary in the
last several years. The author firstly points to the causes of decline of
influence of the previous socialist government and the heavy defeat of the
socialists in the 2010 elections and the success of the right party Fidesz.
After winning the elections, the Viktor Orban government started, at an
accelerated rate, to implement the pre-election programme of Fidesz that had
been prepared for a long time while it was an opposition party. The author is
of the opinion that this programme is atypical, very radical and unique by
many characteristics in the Europe of today. He points out that only a year
after Fidesz victory the government and the parliament adopted quite a number
of laws, a new Constitution and a set of risky measures of recovery that
should lead to a substantial economic reform. The author particularly
underlines the fact that the government decided to break of negotiation with
IMF, reject its recommendations and try to overcome over-indebtedness by
carrying out its own ideas.
Cyanidin-3-O-β-Glucoside and Protocatechuic Acid Exert Insulin-Like Effects by Upregulating PPARγ Activity in Human Omental Adipocytes
Authors: Scazzocchio Beatrice , Varì Rosaria , Filesi Carmelina , D’Archivio Massimo , Santangelo Carmela , Giovannini Claudio , Iacovelli Annunziata , Silecchia Gianfranco , Volti Giovanni Li , Galvano Fabio , Masella Roberta
Published: July 2011

OBJECTIVE

Insulin resistance (IR) represents an independent risk factor for metabolic, cardiovascular, and neoplastic disorders. Preventing/attenuating IR is a major objective to be reached to preserve population health. Because many insulin-sensitizing drugs have shown unwanted side effects, active harmless compounds are sought after. Dietary anthocyanins have been demonstrated to ameliorate hyperglycemia and insulin sensitivity. This study aimed at investigating whether cyanidin-3-O-β-glucoside (C3G) and its metabolite protocatechuic acid (PCA) might have a role in glucose transport activation in human omental adipocytes and 3T3-L1 cells.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In cells treated with 50 µmol/L C3G and 100 µmol/L PCA, [3H]-2-deoxyglucose uptake, GLUT4 translocation by immunoblotting, adiponectin secretion, and peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) activation by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits were evaluated. Parallel experiments were carried out in murine adipocyte 3T3-L1. To define the role of PPARγ in modulating polyphenol effects, small interfering RNA technique and PPARγ antagonist were used to inhibit transcription factor activity.

RESULTS

C3G and PCA increased adipocyte glucose uptake (P < 0.05) and GLUT4 membrane translocation (P < 0.01). Significant increases (P < 0.05) in nuclear PPARγ activity, as well as in adiponectin and GLUT4 expressions (P < 0.01), were also shown. It is interesting that PPARγ inhibition counteracted the polyphenol-induced adiponectin and GLUT4 upregulations, suggesting a direct involvement of PPARγ in this process.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides evidence that C3G and PCA might exert insulin-like activities by PPARγ activation, evidencing a causal relationship between this transcription factor and adiponectin and GLUT4 upregulation. Dietary polyphenols could be included in the preventive/therapeutic armory against pathological conditions associated with IR.
Ghrelin Attenuates cAMP-PKA Signaling to Evoke Insulinostatic Cascade in Islet β-Cells
Authors: Dezaki Katsuya , Damdindorj Boldbaatar , Sone Hideyuki , Dyachok Oleg , Tengholm Anders , Gylfe Erik , Kurashina Tomoyuki , Yoshida Masashi , Kakei Masafumi , Yada Toshihiko
Published: July 2011

OBJECTIVE

Ghrelin reportedly restricts insulin release in islet β-cells via the Gαi2 subtype of G-proteins and thereby regulates glucose homeostasis. This study explored whether ghrelin regulates cAMP signaling and whether this regulation induces insulinostatic cascade in islet β-cells.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Insulin release was measured in rat perfused pancreas and isolated islets and cAMP production in isolated islets. Cytosolic cAMP concentrations ([cAMP]i) were monitored in mouse MIN6 cells using evanescent-wave fluorescence imaging. In rat single β-cells, cytosolic protein kinase-A activity ([PKA]i) and Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) were measured by DR-II and fura-2 microfluorometry, respectively, and whole cell currents by patch-clamp technique.

RESULTS

Ghrelin suppressed glucose (8.3 mmol/L)-induced insulin release in rat perfused pancreas and isolated islets, and these effects of ghrelin were blunted in the presence of cAMP analogs or adenylate cyclase inhibitor. Glucose-induced cAMP production in isolated islets was attenuated by ghrelin and enhanced by ghrelin receptor antagonist and anti-ghrelin antiserum, which counteract endogenous islet-derived ghrelin. Ghrelin inhibited the glucose-induced [cAMP]i elevation and [PKA]i activation in MIN6 and rat β-cells, respectively. Furthermore, ghrelin potentiated voltage-dependent K+ (Kv) channel currents without altering Ca2+ channel currents and attenuated glucose-induced [Ca2+]i increases in rat β-cells in a PKA-dependent manner.

CONCLUSIONS

Ghrelin directly interacts with islet β-cells to attenuate glucose-induced cAMP production and PKA activation, which lead to activation of Kv channels and suppression of glucose-induced [Ca2+]i increase and insulin release.
Two-Step Approach for the Prediction of Future Type 2 Diabetes Risk
Authors: Abdul-Ghani Muhammad A. , Abdul-Ghani Tamam , Stern Michael P. , Karavic Jasmina , Tuomi Tiinamaija , Bo Insoma , DeFronzo Ralph A. , Groop Leif
Published: July 2011

OBJECTIVE

To develop a model for the prediction of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk on the basis of a multivariate logistic model and 1-h plasma glucose concentration (1-h PG).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The model was developed in a cohort of 1,562 nondiabetic subjects from the San Antonio Heart Study (SAHS) and validated in 2,395 nondiabetic subjects in the Botnia Study. A risk score on the basis of anthropometric parameters, plasma glucose and lipid profile, and blood pressure was computed for each subject. Subjects with a risk score above a certain cut point were considered to represent high-risk individuals, and their 1-h PG concentration during the oral glucose tolerance test was used to further refine their future T2DM risk.

RESULTS

We used the San Antonio Diabetes Prediction Model (SADPM) to generate the initial risk score. A risk-score value of 0.065 was found to be an optimal cut point for initial screening and selection of high-risk individuals. A 1-h PG concentration >140 mg/dL in high-risk individuals (whose risk score was >0.065) was the optimal cut point for identification of subjects at increased risk. The two cut points had 77.8, 77.4, and 44.8% (for the SAHS) and 75.8, 71.6, and 11.9% (for the Botnia Study) sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value, respectively, in the SAHS and Botnia Study.

CONCLUSIONS

A two-step model, based on the combination of the SADPM and 1-h PG, is a useful tool for the identification of high-risk Mexican-American and Caucasian individuals.
Cluster-Randomized Trial of a Mobile Phone Personalized Behavioral Intervention for Blood Glucose Control
Authors: Quinn Charlene C. , Shardell Michelle D. , Terrin Michael L. , Barr Erik A. , Ballew Shoshana H. , Gruber-Baldini Ann L.
Published: July 2011

OBJECTIVE

To test whether adding mobile application coaching and patient/provider web portals to community primary care compared with standard diabetes management would reduce glycated hemoglobin levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A cluster-randomized clinical trial, the Mobile Diabetes Intervention Study, randomly assigned 26 primary care practices to one of three stepped treatment groups or a control group (usual care). A total of 163 patients were enrolled and included in analysis. The primary outcome was change in glycated hemoglobin levels over a 1-year treatment period. Secondary outcomes were changes in patient-reported diabetes symptoms, diabetes distress, depression, and other clinical (blood pressure) and laboratory (lipid) values. Maximal treatment was a mobile- and web-based self-management patient coaching system and provider decision support. Patients received automated, real-time educational and behavioral messaging in response to individually analyzed blood glucose values, diabetes medications, and lifestyle behaviors communicated by mobile phone. Providers received quarterly reports summarizing patient’s glycemic control, diabetes medication management, lifestyle behaviors, and evidence-based treatment options.

RESULTS

The mean declines in glycated hemoglobin were 1.9% in the maximal treatment group and 0.7% in the usual care group, a difference of 1.2% (P = 0.001) over 12 months. Appreciable differences were not observed between groups for patient-reported diabetes distress, depression, diabetes symptoms, or blood pressure and lipid levels (all P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of behavioral mobile coaching with blood glucose data, lifestyle behaviors, and patient self-management data individually analyzed and presented with evidence-based guidelines to providers substantially reduced glycated hemoglobin levels over 1 year.
Genome-wide linkage scan of major depressive disorder in two Dagestan genetic isolates
Authors: Bulayeva Kazima , Lencz Todd , Glatt Stephen , Takumi Toru , Gurgenova Farida , Bulayev Oleg
Published: July 2011

We conducted a 10-cM genome-wide linkage scan in two extended pedigrees, ascertained from two diverse Dagestan genetic isolates with high aggregation of major depressive disorder (MDD) and suicides. Using genome wide multipoint parametric linkage analyses with short tandem repeat markers, we found two previously undetected genomic regions with significant linkage in isolate #6007 with LODs=3.1–3.4 at 2p13.2–p11.2 (and some signal in same region for #6008) and in 14q31.12–q32.13. We also obtained suggestive evidence for linkage with MDD at 9q33.3–q34.2 (#6008), 13q31.1–q31.2(#6007), 11p15(#6008), 17q25.3(#6007) and 19q13.31–q13.33 (#6008). Five regions (1p36.1–p35.2, 2p13.2–p11.2, 17q25.3, 18q22 and 22q12.3) demonstrated at least nominal linkage in both isolates’ pedigrees, while all other linkage regions demonstrated population-specific genetic heterogeneity.
Hepatitis C virus genotypes in injecting drug users from Romania
Authors: Sultana Camelia , Vagu Codruta , Temereanca Aura , Grancea Camelia , Slobozeanu Josefina , Ruta Simona
Published: July 2011

Due to the increasing number of infections related to injecting drug use, both the pattern of hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission, and the circulating genotypes in Europe have changed. As there are little available data in this respect for Romania, the aim of our study was a preliminary analysis of the distribution of HCV genotypes circulating among injecting drug users (IDUs). Of the 45 IDUs evaluated (86.7% men, mean age − 27.6 ± 3.7 years, mean age at first drug use − 17.5 ± 3.9 years), 88.9% presented anti-HCV antibodies, with higher rates in those with an injecting history of more than 10 years; 57.8% of the subjects had detectable HCV viral load. Only 6.7% had markers of chronic hepatitis B infection, and none had anti-HIV antibodies. While HCV subtype 1b is still prevalent (in 50% of the viraemic subjects), other subtypes begin to emerge, especially in younger patients (1a — in 23.1%, 4 — in 11.5%, 3a — in 7.7% of the cases). These data indicate the possibility of major shifts in the distribution of the dominant subtype, underlining the need for close surveillance of HCV infections in IDUs, who can act as a bridging group toward the general population.
Autonomic Neuropathy in Obesity
Authors: Akhter Shahin , Begum Noorzahan , Ferdousi Sultana , Khan MD Sakhawat Mahmud
Published: July 2011

Background: Obesity is one of the health problems and the association of autonomic nerve dysfunction with certain cardiovascular disorders may exist in obese subjects. Objective: To observe the status of autonomic nerve function activity in order to detect the presence of autonomic neuropathy in obese persons. Methods: This study was conducted in Physiology department of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University during July 2006-June 2007. 40 apparently healthy obese subjects of both sexes with BMI >25 were included. Age and sex matched 40 nonobese subjects with BMI range 18.5- 22.9 were also included for comparison(control). 5 noninvasive cardiovascular reflexes tests were done and scoring of autonomic neuropathy was also detected. Unpaired Student ‘t’ test was used for statistical analysis. Results: Mean values of all cardiovascular reflex tests were significantly lower in obese subjects. Autonomic neuropathy in its early involvement stage was found in 22.5% of the obese subjects. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that autonomic neuropathy though in early stage may be silently present in otherwise healthy obese person. DOI: http://dx.doi.org10.3329/jbsp.v6i1.8059 J Bangladesh Soc Physiol. 2011 June; 6(1): 5-9
Power Spectral Analysis of Heart Rate Variability in Hypertensive Male
Authors: Tabassum Rehnuma , Begum Noorzahan , Ferdousi Sultana , Begum Shelina , Ali Taskina
Published: July 2011

Background: Essential hypertension is associated with altered cardiovascular autonomic nerve function. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) analysis is an important tool for quantitative measurement of autonomic nerve activity. Objective: To assess the cardiac autonomic nerve function status in essential hypertension by analyzing power spectral measures of heart rate variability. Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University between July 2008 and June 2009. Sixty male hypertensive patients with age range 40-60 years (group B) were enrolled from the Out Patient Department of Cardiology, BSMMU, Dhaka. Thirty age and sex matched apparently healthy normotensive subjects (group A) were studied as control, Hypertensive patients were further divided into group B1 consisting of 30 untreated patients on their 1st day of diagnosis and group B2 consisting of 30 patients under antihypertensive therapy. Power Spectral measures of Heart Rate Variability (HRV) such as total power, low frequency (LF) and high frequency power (HF) LH/HF ratio were assessed by a digital Polygraph. For statistical analysis, Independent sample t-test, One-way ANOVA test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient test were done as applicable. Results: Mean TP, LF, HF and HF norm was significantly (p<0.001) lower and LF/HF ratio and LF norm were significantly (p<0.001) higher in both untreated and treated hypertensive patients compared to those of normotensive subjects. Again, significant differences of LF norm and HF norm and LF/HF ratio were found between the two hypertensive groups. The LF/HF ratio and LF norm were positively and HF norm was negatively correlated with SBP and DBP in both the hypertensive groups. However, all these findings were more marked in untreated hypertensive patients than those of treated group. Conclusion: Sympathovagal balance in hypertensive patients is towards higher sympathetic and lower vagal modulation and effective treatment of the patients can return the balance towards normal. Key words: LF norm; HF norm; LF/HF ratio; hypertension    DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbsp.v6i1.8082 J Bangladesh Soc Physiol. 2011 June; 6(1): 32-38
Reduced Vision with Erythrocyte G6PD Enzyme Status Among the School Children of Dhaka City
Authors: Yasmin Ayesha , Jahan Nasim , Akter Rezina
Published: July 2011

Background: Globally more than 123 million people have impaired visual status due to reduced vision (visual acuity <6/6m) and many of them results into complete or partial blindness. The situation is more crucial in case of children whose reduced vision is usually remain undetected. Apparently healthy children with reduced vision may also found with asymptomatic erythrocyte G6PD enzyme deficiency. Objective: This study has been designed to detect the presence of reduced vision among apparently healthy school children of Dhaka city and also to measure their erythrocyte G6PD enzyme level. Method: This cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Sir Salimullah Medical College (SSMC) during the period of 2007-2008. For this purpose 500 children irrespective of sex and aged 6 to 12 years was selected as study population from different schools of Dhaka city. Children were grouped according to their visual status using Snellen's letter chart (1862). Erythrocyte G6PD enzyme was measured by Spectrophotometric method. Children with normal visual acuity (6/6m) were grouped as group- A (control) and those with reduced visual acuity (<6/6m) were in group B. Erythrocyte G6PD enzyme level was measured and compared between the groups. Results: Statistically significant (p<0.05) number of children (12.8%) were detected to have reduced vision when compared with that of normal vision. Reduced vision was present in most of the male children & it was bilateral type of reduced vision. Mean erythrocyte G6PD enzyme level was almost similar in both groups and no significant (p>0.05) difference was observed when compared between them. Conclusion: This study revealed that reduced vision may present in apparently healthy children. So, earlier detection of reduced vision can help to minimize the visual complications in childhood age. This study also revealed that there is no association between reduced vision and G6PD enzyme deficiency. Key words: Reduced vision; G6PD deficiency; Visual acuity DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbsp.v6i1.8087 J Bangladesh Soc Physiol. 2011 June; 6(1): 64-69
Synthesis of Both Ionic Species of Ammonium Dithiocarbamate Derived Cholic Acid Moieties
Authors: Koivukorpi Juha , Kolehmainen Erkki
Published: July 2011

The reaction of 3-aminopropylamide of cholic acid with CS2 produced a bile acid derivative of dithiocarbamic acid which further formed an ammonium salt with another molecule of 3-aminopropylamide of cholic acid. The cationic 3-ammonium propylamide of cholic acid did not react further with CS2 and the formed salt was stable in the reaction mixture, even when excess CS2 was used. When the reaction was carried out in the presence of aqueous sodium hydroxide, only the bile acid derivative of sodium dithiocarbamate was formed. The dithiocarbamate derivatives were characterized by 1H- and 13C-NMR spectroscopy and ESI-TOF mass spectrometry.
Religion and Ethnicity: Theoretical Connections
Authors: Kim Rebecca Y.
Published: July 2011

The religion literature in Sociology remains largely disconnected from the ethnicity and immigration literature despite enduring connections between religion and ethnicity. This review helps to close this gap. It shows how the dominant theories in each discipline follow a similar trajectory and examines how exploring the theoretical connections between religion and ethnicity can advance our understanding of each social phenomenon. In particular, it can illuminate why America remains so religious as well as why America’s religious congregations continue to be so divided along ethnic and racial lines.
The shrine of the Dii Campestres at Gemellae
Authors: Speidel Michael P.
Published: July 2011

Les Campestres, dieux des terrains d'entraînement, étaient vénérés principalement par des cavaliers. L'Afrique a livré quatre autels qui leur sont dédiés ; deux trouvés il y a plusieurs années à Lámbese et deux autres trouvés dans le seul temple consacré aux Campestres connu à ce jour dans tout l'empire et fouillé par J. Baradez en 1947 à Gemellae. Le plan du temple trouve ici sa publication accompagnée des inscriptions revues dont les dedicante préfets de l'ala I Pannoniorum semblent avoir antérieurement fait partie de la garde à cheval impériale, unité connue pour sa dévotion aux Campestres.
Notes à propos d'un fundus (C.I.L., VIII, 6351) de la région de Cirta (Constantine) en Numidie
Authors: Bertrandy François
Published: July 2011

L'inscription CIL, VIII, 6351, connue depuis les années 1850, évoque un fundus Senect [-]. Bien qu'il soit mutilé, ce texte est pourtant susceptible de fournir quelques indications intéressant l'histoire de la « confédération cirtéenne ». On proposera de restituer le nom martelé de l'empereur par celui d'Héliogabale dont on connaît les liens avec Caelestis. Le texte mentionnerait la construction d'un temple à Caelestis Augusta par un citoyen romain de la région dont il ne subsiste que la mention de la tribu (Quirina) et le surnom Postumus. Il pourrait être le propriétaire du fundus Seneci[osus] plutôt que Senect[-] qui aurait appartenu aux Lollii, riche famille des environs de Tiddis, dont Q. Lollius Urbicus fut le plus illustre représentant. En appendice, on donne une liste et une carte des domaines de la Cirtéenne.
Automated Classification of Free-text Pathology Reports for Registration of Incident Cases of Cancer
Authors: Defossez G. , Burgun A. , le Beux P. , Levillain P. , Ingrand P. , Claveau V. , Jouhet V.
Published: July 2011

Objective: Our study aimed to construct and evaluate functions called “classifiers”, produced by supervised machine learning techniques, in order to categorize automatically pathology reports using solely their content.

Methods: Patients from the Poitou-Charentes Cancer Registry having at least one pathology report and a single non-metastatic invasive neoplasm were included. A descriptor weighting function accounting for the distribution of terms among targeted classes was developed and compared to classic methods based on inverse document frequencies. The classification was performed with support vector machine (SVM) and Naive Bayes classifiers. Two levels of granularity were tested for both the topographical and the morphological axes of the ICD-O3 code. The ability to correctly attribute a precise ICD-O3 code and the ability to attribute the broad category defined by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) for the multiple primary cancer registration rules were evaluated using F1-measures.

Results: 5121 pathology reports produced by 35 pathologists were selected. The best performance was achieved by our class-weighted descriptor, associated with a SVM classifier. Using this method, the pathology reports were properly classified in the IARC categories with F1-measures of 0.967 for both topography and morphology. The ICD-O3 code attribution had lower performance with a 0.715 F1-measure for topography and 0.854 for morphology.

Conclusion: These results suggest that free-text pathology reports could be useful as a data source for automated systems in order to identify and notify new cases of cancer. Future work is needed to evaluate the improvement in performance obtained from the use of natural language processing, including the case of multiple tumor description and possible incorporation of other medical documents such as surgical reports.
Bud production and dynamics of flowering and vegetative tillers in Andropogon gerardii (Poaceae): the role of developmental constraints
Authors: Ott Jacqueline P. , Hartnett David C.
Published: July 2011

•Premise of the Study: Perennial grasses maintain aboveground tiller populations through vegetative reproduction via belowground buds and sexual reproduction via seed. The maintenance of a bud bank has important demographic consequences for perennial grasses. A tradeoff between these reproductive modes would be expected for a plant with limited resource availability. However, the ontogeny of the tiller could affect its ability to allocate between these two modes of reproduction.

•Methods: Vegetative bud production and dynamics and tiller production were examined biweekly through an annual cycle on vegetative and flowering tillers of Andropogon gerardii.

•Key Results: Andropogon gerardii maintains a large reserve of dormant buds. Although vegetative and flowering tillers had similar bud phenology, flowering tillers produced larger numbers of buds of larger size, and transitioned a larger proportion of their buds to tiller, than did vegetative tillers. Therefore, a negative consequence of sexual reproduction on vegetative reproduction was not evident at the tiller level. A size threshold for floral induction likely exists that results in flowering tillers having more buds per tiller than vegetative tillers. The increased bud outgrowth of flowering tillers could be a result of their larger bud size or weaker apical dominance as compared to vegetative tillers.

•Conclusions: Plant development can place significant constraints on tradeoffs between the reproductive modes in perennial grasses and could affect their plasticity in plant reproductive allocation. Differences in developmental phenology and bud production between flowering and vegetative tillers may influence grass responses to environmental changes such as altered precipitation regimes or resource availability.
Septipyridines as conformationally controlled substitutes for inaccessible bis(terpyridine)-derived oligopyridines in two-dimensional self-assembly
Authors: Caterbow Daniel , Künzel Daniela , Mavros Michael G , Groß Axel , Landfester Katharina , Ziener Ulrich
Published: July 2011

The position of the peripheral nitrogen atoms in bis(terpyridine)-derived oligopyridines (BTPs) has a strong impact on their self-assembly behavior at the liquid/HOPG (highly oriented pyrolytic graphite) interface. The intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions in these peripheral pyridine units show specific 2D structures for each BTP isomer. From nine possible constitutional isomers only four have been described in the literature. The synthesis and self-assembling behavior of an additional isomer is presented here, but the remaining four members of the series are synthetically inaccessible. The self-assembling properties of three of the missing four BTP isomers can be mimicked by making use of the energetically preferred N–C–C–N transoid conformation between 2,2'-bipyridine subunits in a new class of so-called septipyridines. The structures are investigated by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and a combination of force-field and first-principles electronic structure calculations.
Asymmetric Au-catalyzed cycloisomerization of 1,6-enynes: An entry to bicyclo[4.1.0]heptene
Authors: Pradal Alexandre , Chao Chung-Meng , Toullec Patrick Y , Michelet Véronique
Published: July 2011

A comprehensive study on the asymmetric gold-catalyzed cycloisomerization reaction of heteroatom tethered 1,6-enynes is described. The cycloisomerization reactions were conducted in the presence of the chiral cationic Au(I) catalyst consisting of (R)-4-MeO-3,5-(t-Bu)2-MeOBIPHEP-(AuCl)2 complex and silver salts (AgOTf or AgNTf2) in toluene under mild conditions to afford functionalized bicyclo[4.1.0]heptene derivatives. The reaction conditions were found to be highly substrate-dependent, the best results being obtained in the case of oxygen-tethered enynes. The formation of bicyclic derivatives, including cyclopropyl pentasubstituted ones, was reported in moderate to good yields and in enantiomeric excesses up to 99%.
The Use of Optical Coherence Tomography in Intraoperative Ophthalmic Imaging
Authors: Hahn Paul , Migacz Justin , O’Connell Rachelle , Maldonado Ramiro S. , Izatt Joseph A. , Toth Cynthia A.
Published: July 2011

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has transformed diagnostic ophthalmic imaging but until recently has been limited to the clinic setting. The development of spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT), with its improved speed and resolution, along with the development of a handheld OCT scanner, enabled portable imaging of patients unable to sit in a conventional tabletop scanner. This handheld SD-OCT unit has proven useful in examinations under anesthesia and, more recently, in intraoperative imaging of preoperative and postoperative manipulations. Recently, several groups have pioneered the development of novel OCT modalities, such as microscope-mounted OCT systems. Although still immature, the development of these systems is directed toward real-time imaging of surgical maneuvers in the intraoperative setting. This article reviews intraoperative imaging of the posterior and anterior segment using the handheld SD-OCT and recent advances toward real-time microscope-mounted intrasurgical imaging.
Redes sociais em alimentos funcionais no paraná: relato pesquisa
Authors: Tomaél Maria Inês , Alcará Adriana Rosecler , Tanzawa Elaine Cristina Liviero , Di Chiara Ivone Guerreiro , Uchoa Júnior Plínio P. M. , Heckler Valéria Cristina , Rodrigues Jorge Luis , Silva Guilhermina Alves da
Published: July 2011

Redes sociais são constituídas por indivíduos que mobilizam esforços em seu entorno, são configuradas pelas interações entre atores que têm interesses comuns. As interações subjacentes à estrutura social promovem o compartilhamento da informação e do conhecimento em territórios específicos. Essa pesquisa teve como objetivo estudar o compartilhamento da informação na Rede de Cooperação e Inovação em Alimentos Funcionais no Estado do Paraná (RECINAF), com base no seu mapeamento. Para sua consecução foi empregada a metodologia Análise de Redes Sociais (ARS), que visa à identificação da estrutura de comunicação de um sistema, analisando-a mediante suas relações. Os resultados indicam que o compartilhamento da informação na rede ocorre intra-institucionalmente, as ligações entre as instituições científicas no Paraná é frágil e não há articulação para o adensamento da especialidade de Alimentos Funcionais. É necessário que essa articulação seja incentivada, o que pode ser desenvolvido pela coordenação da rede.
Informação e representações sociais: um estudo com familiares de portadores de sofrimento mental
Authors: Medeiros Manoela Martins de
Published: July 2011

O presente artigo pretende contribuir para uma nova perspectiva de estudos empíricos em Ciência da Informação, na vertente de pesquisas denominadas informação social ou antropologia da informação, através da utilização da teoria e do fenômeno das representações sociais. O modelo de transferência da informação adotado foi o denominado diagramático, proposto por Teixeira (1997), que se baseia numa lógica relacional. O grupo de pesquisa foi formado por familiares de portadores de sofrimento mental referenciados na Clínica Psicossocial (CLIPS), localizada no município de Ipatinga/MG. Para a análise do processo de recepção da informação, foram utilizados os conceitos de objetivação e ancoragem da teoria das representações sociais. A pesquisa empírica revelou que a experiência de cuidar e acompanhar o tratamento de um portador de sofrimento mental é o principal elemento formador das representações sociais do louco, da loucura e do tratamento da loucura. A abordagem do tratamento psicossocial proposta no processo de reforma psiquiátrica encontra acolhida na medida em que consegue se ancorar na experiência, no cotidiano vivido pelos familiares de portadores de sofrimento mental. Nesse sentido, o emprego da teoria das representações sociais possibilitou um novo modo de enxergar o aspecto cognitivo dos processos de informação e conhecimento que pode abrir novas perspectivas para os estudos de usuários em Ciência da Informação.
Comunicação científica: o papel da open archives initiative no contexto do acesso livre
Authors: Baptista Ana Alice , Costa Sely Maria de Souza , Kuramoto Hélio , Rodrigues Eloy
Published: July 2011

Discute a questão do Acesso Livre ao conhecimento científico, abordando, de maneira sucinta, seus impactos na pesquisa. Discorre sobre algumas das principais questões relacionadas ao uso de tecnologias da informação na comunicação científica, com ênfase em questões recentes, como o auto-arquivamento de trabalhos científicos em repositórios (via verde) e os periódicos científicos eletrônicos de Acesso Livre (via dourada). Tais questões são focadas simultaneamente como uma reação dos pesquisadores ao modelo de negócios vigente nas editoras científicas comerciais e uma conscientização do grande aumento de impacto dos documentos disponibilizados em Acesso Livre. Acrescenta a essa discussão informação sobre as políticas institucionais necessárias à implementação plena do Acesso Livre. Trata das principais tecnologias que suportam o Acesso Livre, tais como sistemas de gestão de repositórios e de revistas científicas que obedecem às especificações OAI. Além disso, discute perspectivas futuras que deverão nortear as políticas, a tomada de decisões e as ações por parte das instituições acadêmicas e governamentais que garantam o Acesso Livre, particularmente nos países lusófonos.