bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical management of leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava
Authors: Jiang Hua , Wang You-Xin , Li Bing , Jiang Yan-Yong , Miao Cheng-li , Liao Dai-Xiang , Zhao Rong-Hua , Luo Cheng-Hua
Published: August 2014

The optimal surgical management of patients with leiomyosarcoma of inferior vena cava remains a controversy. From 1975 and 2009, five patients with leiomyosarcoma of inferior vena cava were treated at the Chinese PLA General Hospital and Beijing Shijitan Hospital. The age ranged 39–61 years and the duration of symptoms ranged from 18 to 36 months. Abdominal and back pain are the most common complaints. A combination of various imaging modalities is essential for treatment planning. R0, R1, R2, and biopsy only were accomplished in 2, 1, 1, and 1 case, respectively. Combined resections included inferior vena cava, right kidney, adrenal gland, psoas, colon, duodenal, gallbladder, liver, and/or aorta, without inferior vena cava reconstruction. No inferior vena cava-related postoperative complication was seen in our series.
Lay and health care professional understandings of self-management: A systematic review and narrative synthesis
Authors: Sadler Euan , Wolfe Charles DA , McKevitt Christopher
Published: August 2014

Objectives:

Self-management is widely promoted but evidence of effectiveness is limited. Policy encourages health care professionals to support people with long-term conditions to learn self-management skills, yet little is known about the extent to which both parties share a common understanding of self-management. Thus, we compared health care professional and lay understandings of self-management of long-term conditions.

Methods:

Systematic review and narrative synthesis of qualitative studies identified from relevant electronic databases, hand-searching of references lists, citation tracking and recommendations by experts.

Results:

In total, 55 studies were included and quality was assessed using a brief quality assessment tool. Three conceptual themes, each with two subthemes were generated: traditional and shifting models of the professional–patient relationship (self-management as a tool to promote compliance; different expectations of responsibility); quality of relationship between health care professional and lay person (self-management as a collaborative partnership; self-management as tailored support) and putting self-management into everyday practice (the lived experience of self-management; self-management as a social practice).

Conclusion:

Self-management was conceptualised by health care professionals as incorporating both a biomedical model of compliance and individual responsibility. Lay people understood self-management in wider terms, reflecting biomedical, psychological and social domains and different expectations of responsibility. In different ways, both deviated from the dominant model of self-management underpinned by the concept of self-efficacy. Different understandings help to explain how self-management is practised and may help to account for limited evidence of effectiveness of self-management interventions.
Endovascular treatment of arterio-ureteral fistulae with covered stents: Case series and review of the literature
Authors: Patel Dhruv , Kumar Abhishek , Ranganath Praveen , Contractor Sohail
Published: August 2014

Arterio-ureteral fistulae are abnormal connections between an artery and the ureter and carry a high mortality. We present two cases of arterio-ureteral fistulae that presented with life-threatening hematuria. Both patients were treated with endovascular covered stent placement.
The social media image
Authors: Hochman Nadav
Published: August 2014

How do the organization and presentation of large-scale social media images recondition the process by which visual knowledge, value, and meaning are made in contemporary conditions? Analyzing fundamental elements in the changing syntax of existing visual software ontology—the ways current social media platforms and aggregators organize and categorize social media images—this article relates how visual materials created within social media platforms manifest distinct modes of knowledge production and acquisition. First, I analyze the structure of social media images within data streams as opposed to previous information organization in a structured database. While the database has no pre-defined notions of time and thus challenges traditional linear forms, the data stream re-emphasizes the linearity of a particular data sequence and activates a set of new relations to contemporary temporalities. Next, I show how these visual arrangements and temporal principles are manifested and discussed in three artworks: “Untitled” (Perfect Lovers) by Felix Gonzalez-Torres (1991), The Clock by Christian Marclay (2011), and Last Clock by Jussi Ängeslevä and Ross Cooper (2002). By emphasizing the technical and poetic ways in which social media situate the present as a “thick” historical unit that embodies multiple and synchronous temporalities, this article illuminates some of the conditions, challenges, and tensions between former visual structures and current ones, and unfolds the cultural significations of contemporary big visual data.
Exome sequencing reveals novel mutation targets in diffuse large B-cell lymphomas derived from Chinese patients
Authors: de Miranda Noel F. C. C. , Georgiou Konstantinos , Chen Longyun , Wu Chenglin , Gao Zhibo , Zaravinos Apostolos , Lisboa Susana , Enblad Gunilla , Teixeira Manuel R. , Zeng Yixin , Peng Roujun , Pan-Hammarström Qiang
Published: August 2014

Key Points

Sequencing of Chinese DLBCL reveals novel mutation targets and highlights additional/alternative tumorigenic pathways in these tumors. DTX1 is frequently mutated in Chinese DLBCL and deleterious mutations in this gene contribute to the activation of the Notch pathway.
MicroRNA regulation of tumorigenesis, cancer progression and interpatient heterogeneity: towards clinical use
Authors: Nana-Sinkam S Patrick , Croce Carlo M
Published: August 2014

In the past two decades, microRNAs have emerged as crucial mediators of organ development and human disease. Here, we discuss their role as drivers or suppressors of the hallmarks of cancer during tumorigenesis and progression, in defining interpatient heterogeneity and the promise of therapeutic application.
Blood biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Lovestone Simon
Published: August 2014

Simon Lovestone discusses recent progress in the development of molecular biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of Alzheimer’s disease.
Characterisation of a recombinant β-xylosidase (xylA) from Aspergillus oryzae expressed in Pichia pastoris
Authors: Kirikyali Narin , Wood Jonathan , Connerton Ian F
Published: August 2014

β-xylosidases catalyse the hydrolysis of short chain xylooligosaccharides from their non-reducing ends into xylose. In this study we report the heterologous expression of Aspergillus oryzae β-xylosidase (XylA) in Pichia pastoris under the control of the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase promoter. The recombinant enzyme was optimally active at 55°C and pH 4.5 with Km and Vmax values of 1.0 mM and 250 μmol min−1 mg−1 respectively against 4-nitrophenyl β-xylopyranoside. Xylose was a competitive inhibitor with a Ki of 2.72 mM, whereas fructose was an uncompetitive inhibitor reducing substrate binding affinity (Km) and conversion efficiency (Vmax). The enzyme was characterised to be an exo-cutting enzyme releasing xylose from the non-reducing ends of β-1,4 linked xylooligosaccharides (X2, X3 and X4). Catalytic conversion of X2, X3 and X4 decreased (Vmax and kcat) with increasing chain length.
Syncrip/hnRNP Q influences synaptic transmission and regulates BMP signaling at the Drosophila neuromuscular synapse
Authors: Halstead James M. , Lin Yong Qi , Durraine Lita , Hamilton Russell S. , Ball Graeme , Neely Greg G. , Bellen Hugo J. , Davis Ilan
Published: August 2014

Synaptic plasticity involves the modulation of synaptic connections in response to neuronal activity via multiple pathways. One mechanism modulates synaptic transmission by retrograde signals from the post-synapse that influence the probability of vesicle release in the pre-synapse. Despite its importance, very few factors required for the expression of retrograde signals, and proper synaptic transmission, have been identified. Here, we identify the conserved RNA binding protein Syncrip as a new factor that modulates the efficiency of vesicle release from the motoneuron and is required for correct synapse structure. We show that syncrip is required genetically and its protein product is detected only in the muscle and not in the motoneuron itself. This unexpected non-autonomy is at least partly explained by the fact that Syncrip modulates retrograde BMP signals from the muscle back to the motoneuron. We show that Syncrip influences the levels of the Bone Morphogenic Protein ligand Glass Bottom Boat from the post-synapse and regulates the pre-synapse. Our results highlight the RNA-binding protein Syncrip as a novel regulator of synaptic output. Given its known role in regulating translation, we propose that Syncrip is important for maintaining a balance between the strength of presynaptic vesicle release and postsynaptic translation.
Drosophila Syncrip modulates the expression of mRNAs encoding key synaptic proteins required for morphology at the neuromuscular junction
Authors: McDermott Suzanne M. , Yang Lu , Halstead James M. , Hamilton Russell S. , Meignin Carine , Davis Ilan
Published: August 2014

Localized mRNA translation is thought to play a key role in synaptic plasticity, but the identity of the transcripts and the molecular mechanism underlying their function are still poorly understood. Here, we show that Syncrip, a regulator of localized translation in the Drosophila oocyte and a component of mammalian neuronal mRNA granules, is also expressed in the Drosophila larval neuromuscular junction, where it regulates synaptic growth. We use RNA-immunoprecipitation followed by high-throughput sequencing and qRT-PCR to show that Syncrip associates with a number of mRNAs encoding proteins with key synaptic functions, including msp-300, syd-1, neurexin-1, futsch, highwire, discs large, and α-spectrin. The protein levels of MSP-300, Discs large, and a number of others are significantly affected in syncrip null mutants. Furthermore, syncrip mutants show a reduction in MSP-300 protein levels and defects in muscle nuclear distribution characteristic of msp-300 mutants. Our results highlight a number of potential new players in localized translation during synaptic plasticity in the neuromuscular junction. We propose that Syncrip acts as a modulator of synaptic plasticity by regulating the translation of these key mRNAs encoding synaptic scaffolding proteins and other important components involved in synaptic growth and function.
A chance for palliative nursing to shine: IJPN Awards 2010
Authors: Becker Robert
Published: August 2014

It is now 5 years since the annual International Journal of Palliative Nursing awards were conceived, and this event has won the respect of many for its integrity and quality. The awards have quickly become a benchmark for recognizing talent and achievement across the wide spectrum of areas of end-of-life care in which nurses work.
Making nursing homes more homely for residents
Authors: Joy Jane P , Notman Gillian AR
Published: August 2014

Jane Joy and Gillian Notman outline concepts that can be applied to make nursing homes more homely, which may encourage residents to reach their optimum potential and increase their quality of life.
Spanish unspecified objects as null incorporated nouns
Authors: Armstrong Grant
Published: August 2014

In this paper it is argued that unspecified objects in sentences such as Maria leyo anoche (= Maria read (something) last night) should be represented as null incorporated nouns in l-syntax (Hale & Keyser 1993, 2002). Specifically, the material understood as ‘something’ is a null bare N that incorporates into the verb ‘read,’ forming an endocentric compound meaning ‘THING-read.’ While the general idea underlying such a hypothesis is not new (Mateu 2012; Marti 2011; Zubizarreta & Oh 2007), the analysis outlined here provides the first explicit formalization of it in such a way that can account for a wide range of properties (some not yet described in the literature) that are intimately related to what can be broadly defined as ‘noun incorporation constructions’ cross-linguistically. Like certain types of noun incorporation constructions in other languages, unspecified object constructions have the following properties: (i) they are restricted lexically (in this case to ‘activity’/‘manner’ verbs), (ii) the verb+unspecified object may have a conventionalized interpretation, (iii) unspecified objects are indefinite and take obligatory narrow scope with respect to all other operators, (iv) unspecified objects may be modified ‘externally’ by a limited set of adjectives (v) the verb+unspecified object gives rise to an atelic reading. All of these properties are shown to derive from the fact that unspecified objects are null incorporated nouns. This is desirable since the same set of properties are shared by different types of noun incorporation constructions in languages outside Romance and, to a large extent, by bare noun constructions in Spanish and other Romance languages (Espinal & McNally 2011).
Evolving targets for lipid‐modifying therapy
Authors: Do Rose Q , Nicholls Stephen J , Schwartz Gregory G
Published: August 2014

The pathogenesis and progression of atherosclerosis are integrally connected to the concentration and function of lipoproteins in various classes. This review examines existing and emerging approaches to modify low‐density lipoprotein and lipoprotein (a), triglyceride‐rich lipoproteins, and high‐density lipoproteins, emphasizing approaches that have progressed to clinical evaluation. Targeting of nuclear receptors and phospholipases is also discussed.
Impact of enriched analyses on regional numerical forecasts over southeastern South America during SALLJEX
Authors: García Skabar Yanina , Nicolini Matilde
Published: August 2014

During the warm season 2002-2003, the South American Low-Level Jet Experiment (SALLJEX) was carried out in southeastern South America. Taking advantage of the unique database collected in the region, a set of analyses is generated for the SALLJEX period assimilating all available data. The spatial and temporal resolution of this new set of analyses is higher than that of analyses available up to present for southeastern South America. The aim of this paper is to determine the impact of assimilating data into initial fields on mesoscale forecasts in the region, using the Brazilian Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (BRAMS) with particular emphasis on the South American Low-Level Jet (SALLJ) structure and on rainfall forecasts. For most variables, using analyses with data assimilated as initial fields has positive effects on short term forecast. Such effect is greater in wind variables, but not significant in forecasts longer than 24 hours. In particular, data assimilation does not improve forecasts of 24-hour accumulated rainfall, but it has slight positive effects on accumulated rainfall between 6 and 12 forecast hours. As the main focus is on the representation of the SALLJ, the effect of data assimilation in its forecast was explored. Results show that SALLJ is fairly predictable however assimilating additional observation data has small impact on the forecast of SALLJ timing and intensity. The strength of the SALLJ is underestimated independently of data assimilation. However, Root mean square error (RMSE) and BIAS values reveal the positive effect of data assimilation up to 18-hours forecasts with a greater impact near higher topography.
Previsão de tempo por conjuntos para a região nordeste do Brasil
Authors: Silveira Cleiton da Silva , Coutinho Mariane Mendes , Costa Alexandre Araujo , Maria Paulo Henrique Santiago de
Published: August 2014

A técnica de previsão de tempo por conjuntos ("ensemble") é implementada para a região Nordeste do Brasil utilizando-se o modelo regional RAMS, inicializado com dados do modelo de circulação geral atmosférico (MCGA) do CPTEC. Os métodos empregados para geração dos conjuntos de previsão consistem na utilização de diferentes parametrizações físicas e esquemas de relaxamento newtoniano para cada rodada do modelo (ENSFI), e na perturbação das condições iniciais (ENSCI e ENSCI-FRONT). Esses métodos são avaliados utilizando-se análises do MCGA e dados das plataformas de coletas de dados localizadas no estado do Ceará. As perturbações nas condições iniciais para o ENSCI e ENSCI-FRONT são geradas com base no método "lagged-average forescasting" a partir de execuções anteriores do modelo válidas para o horário e região de estudo, e incluídas nas componentes horizontais do vento de modo a apresentarem um desvio padrão de 5 m.s-1. O ENSCI-FRONT inclui perturbações, também nas fronteiras do modelo regional para lidar com uma rápida diminuição do espalhamento dos membros com o prazo de previsão encontrada com perturbações apenas nas condições iniciais. Os resultados mostram que as médias das previsões para o ENSCI-FRONT e ENSFI apresentam melhores resultados do que a previsão não-perturbada para a maioria das grandezas físicas analisadas.
Estudo sobre a influência de variáveis meteorológicas em internações hospitalares em Maceió-AL, durante o período 1998 a 2006
Authors: Santos Daniel dos , Toledo Filho Manoel da Rocha
Published: August 2014

Foram utilizados dados de insolação, pressão atmosférica, velocidade do vento, temperatura do ar, umidade relativa do ar e precipitação pluviométrica de valores médios mensais do período de 1998 a 2006, de Maceió, objetivando identificar a influência destas variáveis meteorológicas nas internações hospitalares por asma, leptospirose, insuficiência cardíaca, esquistossomose e bronquite aguda. Determinaram-se os coeficientes de internações mensais em hospitais públicos de Maceió, relacionando-os com as variáveis estudadas no período estudado. Calculou-se o coeficiente de correlação de Pearson (r) e coeficiente de determinação (r²) das variáveis meteorológicas, para saber, o máximo que estes explicam as internações estudadas. O resultado sugere que houve influência das variáveis meteorológicas nos casos de internações por asma, com r² (%) de 0% a 9%, bronquite o r² foi de 29% a 55%, para esquistossomose 15% a 45%, insuficiência cardíaca 0% a 11% e leptospirose 14% a 79% .
Variações da frente da geleira Polar Club, Península Potter (ilha Rei George, Antártica Marítima) entre 1986 e 2011
Authors: Poelking Everton Luís , Andrade André Medeiros de , Vieira Gonçalo Brito T. G. , Schaefer Carlos Ernesto G. R. , Fernandes Filho Elpídio Inácio
Published: August 2014

As mudanças ambientais, especialmente na criosfera, podem resultar em amplas consequências globais, sendo o estudo de geleiras das regiões polares estratégicos para analisar áreas sensíveis às mudanças climáticas. Neste trabalho foram analisadas as taxas de mudança da frente da geleira Polar Club e comparadas com a variabilidade interanual da temperatura do ar, na Península Potter, ilha Rei George, a fim de compreender o impacto direto das alterações do clima local na dinâmica das áreas livres de gelo. Foi utilizada uma série de dez cenas de imagens do satélite Landsat e dados de temperatura do ar superficial entre 1986 e 2011. Os resultados evidenciam uma tendência no aumento na temperatura do ar de 0,04 ºC por ano, o que resultou no incremento de 1,03 ºC nas temperaturas médias do ar para o período de 26 anos analisados. A frente da geleira ao longo dos últimos 26 anos apresentou recuo progressivo, resultando em um aumento de 1,63 km² de área livre de gelo na Península Potter. As influências das temperaturas atmosféricas no recuo da geleira demonstraram um atraso de cerca de um ano. Apesar das evidências do aumento das temperaturas médias do ar na região, apenas a série de temperaturas atmosféricas não é suficiente para explicar essa variação observada. Este fenômeno pode estar associado à re-acomodação das tensões da camada de gelo na ilha Rei George, às mudanças nas taxas de precipitação e condições climáticas.
Modelagem unidimensional da camada limite oceânica durante a passagem de uma frente fria na região da confluência Brasil-Malvinas
Authors: Cardoso Denis Harley , Dourado Marcelo
Published: August 2014

Um modelo unidimensional com fechamento de segunda ordem é usado para investigar a resposta da superfície do oceano à passagem de uma frente fria na região da Confluência Brasil-Malvinas. Dados da boia ARGOS-32056 foram utilizados para forçar e validar o modelo para o período entre 12 e 20 de Janeiro de 2002, correspondente à ação de uma frente fria. O modelo foi capaz de reproduzir tanto o ciclo diurno, quanto o resfriamento da temperatura da superfície do mar observado com a passagem da frente fria. Os resultados da simulação numérica mostraram um aumento de 0,2 ºC no efeito do resfriamento de pele e um aprofundamento de aproximadamente 16 metros na camada de mistura oceânica com a passagem da frente fria. Essas variações foram consistentes com uma mudança no balanço de energia em superfície, devido ao aumento abrupto dos fluxos turbulentos em resposta ao aumento da velocidade do vento e da diferença de temperatura entre o ar e o mar. Após a passagem da frente fria, os fluxos de calor diminuem lentamente mostrando que, se não houver a entrada de uma nova frente fria ou advecção de massa de água, a superfície do mar e o ar adjacente tendem ao equilíbrio.
Estimativa da produtividade da cana-de-açúcar utilizando o Sebal e imagens Landsat
Authors: Andrade Ricardo Guimarães , Sediyama Gilberto , Soares Vicente Paulo , Gleriani José Marinaldo , Menezes Sady Junior Martins da Costa
Published: August 2014

As técnicas de sensoriamento remoto têm sido muito promissoras para o desenvolvimento de medidas mais confiáveis e economicamente viáveis da produção vegetal em larga escala. O algoritmo SEBAL (Surface Energy Balance Algorithm for Land) tem como vantagem a obtenção de parâmetros biofísicos usando imagens de satélite e poucos dados observacionais. Este trabalho objetivou estimar a produtividade da cana-de-açúcar por meio da aplicação do algoritmo SEBAL e de imagens Landsat 5 TM. O estudo foi realizado em plantios de cana-de-açúcar da fazenda Boa Fé, localizada no Triângulo Mineiro, município de Conquista, Minas Gerais. A metodologia utilizada apresentou variação de desempenho nas estimativas de produtividade da cana-de-açúcar de cada gleba, provavelmente em decorrência de influências da dimensão dos talhões e da resolução espacial da imagem, e de variedades e épocas de plantio e colheita da cultura. No entanto, os resultados apontam que a metodologia tem potencial para ser aplicada em áreas extensas com limitada disponibilidade de dados meteorológicos.
Estudo do escoamento turbulento atmosférico utilizando ensaios em túnel de vento e simulação numérica
Authors: Schuch Daniel , Marciotto Edson R. , Acevedo Otávio , Fisch Gilberto , Avelar Ana Cristina
Published: August 2014

A estrutura do campo de vento e da turbulência atmosférica gerada no interior de uma cavidade rasa é analisada com o uso de ensaios realizados em túnel de vento e simulação numérica com um modelo bidimensional de grandes turbilhões (LES). As cavidades são maquetes estáticas, que podem representar regiões de pequenas clareiras na Amazônia ou de "canyons" urbanos representando a geometria de cidades modernas. Os resultados sugerem que, apesar das diferenças de escalas, a organização da turbulência nos dois experimentos contém similaridades em algumas regiões. Foi verificada a dependência que a intensidade da turbulência, o perfil do vento e termos do balanço de Energia Cinética Turbulenta têm com a velocidade do fluxo livre, com as dimensões (largura) da cavidade e com a posição relativa dentro da cavidade.
Interpolação espacial de dados médios mensais pluviométricos com redes neurais artificiais
Authors: Wanderley Henderson Silva , Amorim Ricardo Ferreira Carlos de , Carvalho Frede Oliveira de
Published: August 2014

A falta de informação quanto à distribuição da precipitação é um sério obstáculo para se compreender e modelar sua variabilidade, surgindo assim a necessidade de se obter informações para regiões que não apresentam estações de medição ou que apresentem falhas em seu banco de dados por meio da interpolação. Desta forma, o objetivo deste estudo consiste em utilizar Redes Neurais Artificiais (RNA's), propondo diferentes procedimentos para sua utilização, na interpolação espacial de dados pluviométricos no Estado de Alagoas. Para o estudo foram utilizadas 245 estações pluviométricas localizadas nos Estados de Alagoas e Pernambuco, das quais se usou as informações de latitude, longitude, altitude e precipitação das estações próxima à estação base que se desejou estimar a precipitação, como parâmetros de entrada das redes. A utilização de RNA´s, no preenchimento de falhas de dados pluviométricos, mostrou diferença estatística em apenas um procedimento adotado pelas redes. As estimativas realizadas para o mês de novembro apresentou resultados mais coerentes com os observados nas estações bases, devido a menor variabilidade espacial da precipitação neste mês.
Modeling of atmospheric dispersion with dry deposition: an application on a research reactor
Authors: Essa Khaled S. M. , Etman Soad M. , El-Otaify Maha S.
Published: August 2014

An analytical solution of the three dimensional advection-diffusion equations has been formulated to simulate the dispersion of pollutants in the planetary boundary layer. The solution is based on the assumption that the concentration distribution of pollutants in the crosswind direction has a Gaussian shape and the wind speed is constant. The analytical solution has been obtained in two cases where, the vertical eddy diffusivity is taken to be dependent on: (a) the downwind distance x only and (b) the vertical height z only. The dry deposition of the diffusing particles on the ground is taken into account throughout the boundary conditions. The resulting analytical formulae have been applied to calculate the concentration of I-131 using data collected from the experiments conducted to collect air samples around the Research Reactor. Statistical measures are utilized in the comparison between the predicted and observed concentrations. The results are discussed and presented in tables and illustrative figures.
Tendências das classes de precipitação na região metropolitana de São Paulo
Authors: Raimundo Clebson do Carmo , Sansigolo Clóvis Angeli , Molion Luiz Carlos Baldicero
Published: August 2014

Analisam-se as tendências anuais e de verão das classes de totais de precipitação leve, moderada e intensa em 21 estações pluviométricas da Região Metropolitana de São Paulo (RMSP) com séries de dados de comprimentos variáveis no período de 1888 a 2004. Testes de Mann-Kendall são usados para evidenciar as possíveis tendências que, quando significativas, são ajustadas por regressão linear simples. São constatadas tendências positivas nos totais anuais em 9 estações na área central da RMSP, mas somente em 4 delas no verão. Tendência significativa de aumento na frequência de eventos de precipitação leve no período anual (verão) são evidentes em 9 (8) das estações analisadas e 4 (6), dentre essas, apresentam tendência de diminuição desses eventos. Na classe de precipitação moderada, 3 estações apresentam tendências anuais de aumento e uma de decréscimo. Considerado somente o período de verão, 5 apresentam tendências significativas de decréscimo e somente uma de aumento. Em relação aos casos anuais de precipitações severas, 4 estações apresentam tendências significativas de acréscimo e uma de decréscimo mas, no verão, apenas 2 apresentam tendência significativa de decréscimo.
Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ) for Brazil: validation study
Authors: Meireles Sandra Mara , Natour Jamil , Batista Daniel Alberton , Lopes Mayara , Skare Thelma Larocca
Published: August 2014

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic systemic disease that causes joint damage. A variety of methods have been used to evaluate the general health status of these patients but few have specifically evaluated the hands. The objective of this study was to translate, perform cultural adaptation and assess the validity of the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire for Brazil.DESIGN AND SETTING: Validation study conducted at a university hospital in Curitiba, Brazil.METHODS: Firstly, the questionnaire was translated into Brazilian Portuguese and back-translated into English. The Portuguese version was tested on 30 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and proved to be understandable and culturally adapted. After that, 30 patients with rheumatoid arthritis were evaluated three times. On the first occasion, two evaluators applied the questionnaire to check inter-rater reproducibility. After 15 days, one of the evaluators reassessed the patients to verify intra rater reproducibility. To check the construct validity at the first assessment, one of the evaluators also applied other similar instruments.RESULTS: There were strong inter and intra rater correlations in all the domains of the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire. Cronbach's alpha was higher than 0.90 for all the domains of the questionnaire, thus indicating excellent internal validity. Almost all domains of the questionnaire presented moderate or strong correlation with other instruments, thereby showing good construct validity.CONCLUSION: The Brazilian Portuguese version of the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire was translated and culturally adapted successfully, and it showed excellent internal consistency, reproducibility and construct validity.
Prevalence and clinical features of celiac disease in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis: cross-sectional study
Authors: Ventura Aline , Ronsoni Marcelo Fernando , Shiozawa Maria Beatriz Cacese , Dantas-Corrêa Esther Buzaglo , Canalli Maria Heloisa Busi da Silva , Schiavon Leonardo de Lucca , Narciso-Schiavon Janaína Luz
Published: August 2014

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder with an average prevalence of 1% in Europe and the United States. Because of strong European ancestry in southern Brazil, this study aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of celiac disease among autoimmune thyroiditis patients.DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study in a public university hospital.METHODS: This cross-sectional prevalence study included autoimmune thyroiditis patients who were tested for anti-endomysial and anti-transglutaminase antibodies between August 2010 and July 2011.RESULTS: Fifty-three patients with autoimmune thyroiditis were included; 92.5% were women, with mean age of 49.0 ± 13.5 years. Five patients (9.3%) were serologically positive for celiac disease: three of them (5.6%) were reactive for anti-endomysial antibodies and two (3.7%) for anti-transglutaminase. None of them exhibited anemia and one presented diarrhea. Endoscopy was performed on two patients: one with normal histology and the other with lymphocytic infiltrate and villous atrophy.CONCLUSION: The prevalence of celiac disease among patients with autoimmune thyroid disease was 9.3%; one patient complained of diarrhea and none presented anemia. Among at-risk populations, like autoimmune thyroiditis patients, the presence of diarrhea or anemia should not be used as a criterion for indicating celiac disease investigation. This must be done for all autoimmune thyroiditis patients because of its high prevalence.
45,X/46,XY mosaicism: report on 14 patients from a Brazilian hospital. A retrospective study
Authors: Rosa Rafael Fabiano Machado , D'Ecclesiis Willy Francisco Bartel , Dibbi Raquel Papandreus , Rosa Rosana Cardoso Manique , Trevisan Patrícia , Graziadio Carla , Paskulin Giorgio Adriano , Zen Paulo Ricardo Gazzola
Published: August 2014

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: 45,X/46,XY mosaicism, or mixed gonadal dysgenesis, is considered to be a rare disorder of sex development. The aim of our study was to investigate the clinical and cytogenetic characteristics of patients with this mosaicism.DESIGN AND SETTING: A retrospective study in a referral hospital in southern Brazil.METHODS: Our sample consisted of patients diagnosed at the clinical genetics service of a referral hospital in southern Brazil, from 1975 to 2012. Clinical and cytogenetic data were collected from the medical records.RESULTS: Fourteen patients were included in the sample, with ages at the first evaluation ranging from 2 days to 38 years. Nine of them had female sex of rearing and five, male. Regarding the external genitalia, most were ambiguous (n = 10). One patient presented male phenotype and was treated for a history of azoospermia, while three patients presented female phenotype, of whom two had findings of Turner syndrome and one presented secondary amenorrhea alone. Some findings of Turner syndrome were observed even among patients with ambiguous genitalia. None presented gonadal malignancy. One patient underwent surgical correction for genital ambiguity and subsequent exchange of sex of rearing. Regarding cytogenetics, we did not observe any direct correlation between percentages of cell lines and phenotype.CONCLUSIONS: 45,X/46,XY mosaicism can present with a wide variety of phenotypes resulting from the involvement of different aspects of the individual. All these observations have important implications for early recognition of these patients and their appropriate management.
Environmental pollution and deaths due to stroke in a city with low levels of air pollution: ecological time series study
Authors: Amancio Camila Trolez , Nascimento Luiz Fernando
Published: August 2014

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Little has been discussed about the increased risk of stroke after exposure to air pollutants, particularly in Brazil. The mechanisms through which air pollution can influence occurrences of vascular events such as stroke are still poorly understood. The aim of this study was to estimate the association between exposure to some air pollutants and risk of death due to stroke.DESIGN AND SETTING: Ecological time series study with data from São José dos Campos, Brazil.METHODS: Data on deaths due to stroke among individuals of all ages living in São José dos Campos and on particulate matter, sulfur dioxide and ozone were used. Statistical analysis was performed using a generalized additive model of Poisson regression with the Statistica software, in unipollutant and multipollutant models. The percentage increase in the risk of increased interquartile difference was calculated.RESULTS: There were 1,032 deaths due to stroke, ranging from 0 to 5 per day. The statistical significance of the exposure to particulate matter was ascertained in the unipollutant model and the importance of particulate matter and sulfur dioxide, in the multipollutant model. The increases in risk were 10% and 7%, for particulate matter and sulfur dioxide, respectively.CONCLUSION: It was possible to identify exposure to air pollutants as a risk factor for death due to stroke, even in a city with low levels of air pollution.
Population dynamics and reproductive biology ofAchatina fulica Bowdich, 1822 (Mollusca, Gastropoda) in Salvador - Bahia
Authors: Silva Eder Carvalho da , Omena Elianne Pessoa
Published: August 2014

The risks following introduction of invasive species are enormous and incalculable. Achatina fulica is considered one of the 100 species of greatest invasive potential, stands out among the land pulmonate snails, mostly for its high reproductive potential that accelerates the process of dispersion, increasing the damages related to health (disease transmission), to economy (crops destruction) and to environment (biodiversity loss). In order to investigate the relationship of the African snail with the environment, trying to relate sexual activity with climatic variables (temperature, rainfall and humidity), a study was conducted on aspects of population dynamics and reproductive biology in Salvador city. The snails were collected by hand, monthly. Morphometric data were obtained in the field and dissections to analyze the reproductive system at laboratory. To test if there was a greater sexual activity in wet periods was performed first a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) with climatic variables, followed by a regression between precipitation (the most influential environmental variable) and the variable of interest (sexual activity). The results showed that there is an apparent annual cycle forA. fulica, with a recruitment period covering the end of rainy season and the dry season (August to December 2006 and February 2007). Increase of shell size (height) and of sexual activity were observed during the rainy season, although snails were found in full sexual activity during the whole period of study. The von Bertalanffy curve showed that the oldest specimen collected would have three years and eleven months. The regression between precipitation and sexual activity was significant (P = 0.002) showing that the higher rainfall increased sexual activity. In addition, it was observed that there is an increase in the thickness of peristome as the specimens reaches sexual maturity however this relationship isn’t precise (it were found individuals with sexual structures not consistent with the reproductive stage given by the thickness of peristome) and should be set for each region studied. As the eradication becomes impossible because of high level of invasion found in Salvador, it is recommended to control the population of African snails by continuously removing specimens, especially in the rainy periods.
Benthic marine algae from the insular areas of Paraná, Brazil: new database to support the conservation of marine ecosystems
Authors: Pellizzari Franciane Maria , Bernardi Juliane , Silva Elzi Manoelle , Silva Michelle Cristine , Yokoya Nair S.
Published: August 2014

This study describes the diversity of benthic marine algae from insular areas of the southern Brazilian coast. Algal samples were collected between 2006 and 2010 during the winter and the summer seasons at three sites in the coastal waters of Paraná, Brazil: Ilha do Mel, Currais Archipelago and Ilha do Farol. The samples were collected along parallel transects on the coast. In this survey, Paraná marine phycoflora comprised 139 taxa (90 Rhodophyta, 27 Chlorophyta and 22 Phaeophyceae). Fifty-two species represent new records for the state, and 14 taxa are present at all sampling sites and in both seasons. Higher diversities of rhodophytes and chlorophytes were observed at Ilha do Mel, while phaeophytes were more diverse at Currais Archipelago. Lower algal diversity was observed at Ilha do Farol, a sampling station which is near an urban area. Ceramiaceae, Rhodomelaceae and Corallinaceae were dominant among Rhodophyta, Cladophoraceae and Ulvaceae among Chlorophyta, and Dictyotaceae and Sargassaceae among Phaeophyceae. Seasonal and spatial differences in species composition could be explained by the availability of consolidated substrate, water transparency and proximity to an urban area. Seaweed biodiversity from the Paraná coast also presents low species richness compared to other Brazilian states as a result of the shorter coastline, lower availability of rocky shores, and the location between estuarine systems (Paranaguá and Guaratuba Bays). These bays input a large amount of continental water, resulting in decreased salinity, high concentrations of suspended particulate matter and low transparency in the water column. Knowledge of seaweed diversity is essential for conservation studies. In addition, environmental monitoring programs undertaken during medium- to long-term seasonal changes could be improved to reflect changes detected through new records, the introduction of alien species in the area of interest, or even dominance of opportunistic species over other taxa. Therefore, a database able to support the monitoring of biodiversity is a fundamental step in detecting environmental impacts that could change seaweed biogeography, mainly in urbanized and harbor areas.
Modelagem de ocorrência e densidade de juvenis de Callinectes sapidus (Decapoda, Portunidae) em dois estuários do Rio Grande do Sul, com dados zero-inflacionados
Authors: Martins Ana Carolina Braga , Rodrigues Marcos Alaniz , Kinas Paul Gerhard
Published: August 2014

Dados de contagem de juvenis de siri-azul (Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, 1896) coletados em dois estuários do Rio Grande do Sul são objeto do presente estudo. Por se encontrarem zero-inflacionados, esses dados motivaram a formulação de modelos hierárquicos, que quantificam o efeito das covariáveis categóricas mês e local sobre a probabilidade de ocorrência e densidade dessas populações, levando em conta a detecção imperfeita. Foram também desenvolvidos modelos não-hierárquicos para comparação. Uma abordagem Bayesiana foi adotada para a estimação dos parâmetros dos modelos por simulação Monte Carlo com Cadeias de Markov (MCMC). A comparação entre modelos foi feita com o Critério de Informação da Deviância (DIC). Os modelos hierárquicos apresentaram ajustes melhores que os modelos convencionais, mitigaram o problema do excesso de zeros e permitiram analisar simultaneamente as probabilidades de ocorrência e a densidade de juvenis de siri-azul. No estuário da Lagoa dos Patos, a probabilidade de ocorrência de juvenis na Classe 2 aumenta com a distância da desembocadura, enquanto em Tramandaí os pontos intermediários apresentam as maiores probabilidades. Em ambos os estuários a ocorrência é mais provável nos meses de verão e de inverno. A densidade de juvenis da Classe 2 apresenta marcada variação em relação aos meses do ano sendo, em geral, maior no estuário de Tramandaí.
Padrões ecomorfológicos associados à dieta de Plagioscion squamosissimus (Perciformes, Scianidae) em reservatório permanente, no Nordeste do Brasil
Authors: Ferreira Filho Valdir P. , Guerra Thiago P. , Lima Maria Cecília S. , Teixeira Daniela F. F. , Costa Raquel R. , Araújo Isabela M. S. , El-Deir Ana Carla A. , Moura Geraldo J. B. de
Published: August 2014

A alimentação de peixes e os padrões ecomorfológicos estão relacionados com vários fatores como ontogenia. O presente trabalho foi realizado a fim de testar a hipótese de que a dieta e os padrões ecomorfológicos apresentam correlações positivas entre os diferentes estágios de ontogenia de Plagioscion squamosissimus (Heckel, 1840), pois à medida que a espécie passa da fase jovem para adulta altera a sua alimentação e morfologia. A pescada foi escolhida por ser a espécie mais abundante no reservatório da Estação Ecológica de Tapacurá, Estado de Pernambuco. Os padrões ecomorfológicos foram avaliados e relacionados com a alimentação dos indivíduos capturados no reservatório no mês de abril de 2013. As medidas morfométricas foram retiradas de todos os indivíduos capturados e posteriormente recolhidos seus estômagos. Os peixes foram separados de acordo com a fase de desenvolvimento, juvenis e adultos. Também foram tomados seu peso total, comprimento padrão e aferidas onze medidas lineares, utilizadas para obter os índices que representam os atributos ecomorfológicos. Os itens alimentares foram identificados e separados até menor nível taxonômico possível, sendo o mais frequente o camarão Macrobrachium amazonicum (Heller, 1862). Foi possível observar que nos juvenis os itens ingeridos apresentavam maior amplitude no tamanho em comparação com os adultos. Dos dados morfométricos observa-se que os valores de largura da cabeça são maiores nos juvenis e os valores da altura do corpo são mais elevados nos adultos, sendo estes fatores importantes para determinar o tamanho da presa ingerida pelo peixe. Conclui-se que a espécie Plagioscion squamosissimus mostrou relação positiva entre a morfologia e alimentação ao longo do desenvolvimento ontogenético evidenciado pela variação de comprimento dos itens ingeridos entre juvenis e adultos, porém não houve distinção em relação ao alimento ingerido entre eles.
Diet of Procyon cancrivorus (Carnivora, Procyonidae) in restinga and estuarine environments of southern Brazil
Authors: Quintela Fernando M. , Iob Graziela , Artioli Luiz G. S.
Published: August 2014

Despite its wide range and abundance on certain habitats, the crab-eating raccoon Procyon cancrivorus (G. Cuvier, 1798) is considered one of the less known Neotropical carnivore species. In the present study we analyzed the diet of P. cancrivorus in a peat forest and in an estuarine island in southernmost Brazil. Fruits of the gerivá palm tree Syagrus romanzoffiana were the most consumed item in the peat forest, followed by insects and mollusks. Small mammals, followed by Bromelia antiacantha (Bromeliaceae) fruits and brachyuran crustaceans were the most frequent items in the estuarine island. Other items found in lower frequencies were Solanum sp., Psidium sp., Smilax sp. and Dyospiros sp. fruits, diplopods, scorpions, fishes, anuran amphibians, reptiles (black tegu lizard and snakes), birds and medium-sized mammals (white-eared opossum, armadillo and coypu). Levin’s index values (peat forest: 0.38; estuarine island: 0.45) indicate an approximation to a median position between a specialist and a well distributed diet. Pianka’s index (0.80) showed a considerable diet similarity between the two systems. Procyon cancrivorus presented a varied diet in the studied areas and may play an important role as seed disperser on coastal environments in southernmost Brazil.
Avaliação de risco e plasticidade comportamental limitada em girinos de Rhinella ornata (Anura, Bufonidae)
Authors: Costa Renan N. , Nomura Fausto
Published: August 2014

Os girinos de anuros são elementos importantes das redes tróficas de ambientes aquáticos, sendo recurso alimentar de diversos tipos de predadores. Desta maneira, os girinos apresentam uma grande variedade de mecanismos de defesa que podem ser morfológicos, comportamentais e/ou fisiológicos. A impalatabilidade, produzida pelo acúmulo de substâncias tóxicas na pele, é um mecanismo comum em muitas linhagens de anfíbios. No entanto, alguns predadores não são afetados por estas substâncias tóxicas, o que pode favorecer o desenvolvimento de mecanismos alternativos de defesa contra predação. Neste contexto, nosso objetivo foi avaliar se girinos impalatáveis de Rhinella ornata (Spix, 1824), podem apresentar mecanismos comportamentais de defesa contra predação na presença de predadores que não são afetados pelas substâncias tóxicas em sua pele. Para testar nossa hipótese, utilizamos dois tipos de predadores aquáticos: um heteróptero aquático do gênero Belostoma e uma larva de libélula do gênero Aeshna. Os girinos foram colocados em aquários com pistas visuais e químicas dos predadores (experimento de risco direto), somente pistas químicas (experimento de risco indireto) e ausência completa de sinais de predadores (controle). Em ambos os casos, o comportamento de natação foi observado durante 5 minutos. Durante os experimentos não houve alteração no comportamento de natação dos girinos.