bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Building blocks for automated elucidation of metabolites: Machine learning methods for NMR prediction
Authors: Kuhn Stefan , Egert Björn , Neumann Steffen , Steinbeck Christoph
Published: September 2008

Background

Current efforts in Metabolomics, such as the Human Metabolome Project, collect structures of biological metabolites as well as data for their characterisation, such as spectra for identification of substances and measurements of their concentration. Still, only a fraction of existing metabolites and their spectral fingerprints are known. Computer-Assisted Structure Elucidation (CASE) of biological metabolites will be an important tool to leverage this lack of knowledge. Indispensable for CASE are modules to predict spectra for hypothetical structures. This paper evaluates different statistical and machine learning methods to perform predictions of proton NMR spectra based on data from our open database NMRShiftDB.

Results

A mean absolute error of 0.18 ppm was achieved for the prediction of proton NMR shifts ranging from 0 to 11 ppm. Random forest, J48 decision tree and support vector machines achieved similar overall errors. HOSE codes being a notably simple method achieved a comparatively good result of 0.17 ppm mean absolute error.

Conclusion

NMR prediction methods applied in the course of this work delivered precise predictions which can serve as a building block for Computer-Assisted Structure Elucidation for biological metabolites.
Direct contact of platelets and their released products exert different effects on human dendritic cell maturation
Authors: Hamzeh-Cognasse Hind , Cognasse Fabrice , Palle Sabine , Chavarin Patricia , Olivier Thomas , Delézay Olivier , Pozzetto Bruno , Garraud Olivier
Published: September 2008

Background

Dendritic cells (DCs) are antigen presenting cells capable of inducing innate and adaptive immune responses. According to the stimulus and their maturation state, DCs induce immunogenic or tolerogenic responses. Platelets (PLTs), which are involved in haemostasis and inflammation, can also interact with DCs. In this study, we examined the effect of PLTs on DC maturationin vitro. Human monocyte-derived DCs were co-cultured for 2 days with homologous PLTs either in the same well or in 0.4 μm-pore size filter-separated compartments.

Results

Confocal microscopy showed the attachment of PLTs to DC membranes. The DC receptor involved in this interactions was found to be CD162. In addition, we observed that DCs co-cultured with PLTs in filter-separated compartments acquired a mature phenotype (high CD80, CD86, and intermediate CD83 expression; IL-12(p70) production; efficient stimulation of autologous CD4+ T cell proliferation), while DCs co-cultured with PLTs in the same compartment did not undergo phenotypic maturation, did not secrete IL-12(p70) or IL-1β, but instead induced moderate Th2-polarized T cell proliferation.

Conclusion

These data indicate that (i) PLTs secrete a soluble DC-activating factor that was demonstrated not to be soluble CD40-Ligand (CD154; as could have been expected fromin vivoand previousin vitrowork) but to be nucleotide, and (ii) that cell-to-cell contact did not induce DC maturation, possibly because nucleotide release by PLTs was prevented by direct contact with DCs. This work demonstrates that PLTs are active elements of the immune system that might play a role in balancing the ability of DCs to polarize T cell responses, therefore making them critical factors in transfusion processes.
Investigating the effects of climate variations on bacillary dysentery incidence in northeast China using ridge regression and hierarchical cluster analysis
Authors: Huang Desheng , Guan Peng , Guo Junqiao , Wang Ping , Zhou Baosen
Published: September 2008

Background

The effects of climate variations on bacillary dysentery incidence have gained more recent concern. However, the multi-collinearity among meteorological factors affects the accuracy of correlation with bacillary dysentery incidence.

Methods

As a remedy, a modified method to combine ridge regression and hierarchical cluster analysis was proposed for investigating the effects of climate variations on bacillary dysentery incidence in northeast China.

Results

All weather indicators, temperatures, precipitation, evaporation and relative humidity have shown positive correlation with the monthly incidence of bacillary dysentery, while air pressure had a negative correlation with the incidence. Ridge regression and hierarchical cluster analysis showed that during 1987–1996, relative humidity, temperatures and air pressure affected the transmission of the bacillary dysentery. During this period, all meteorological factors were divided into three categories. Relative humidity and precipitation belonged to one class, temperature indexes and evaporation belonged to another class, and air pressure was the third class.

Conclusion

Meteorological factors have affected the transmission of bacillary dysentery in northeast China. Bacillary dysentery prevention and control would benefit from by giving more consideration to local climate variations.
Patients' perception and actual practice of informed consent, privacy and confidentiality in general medical outpatient departments of two tertiary care hospitals of Lahore
Authors: Humayun Ayesha , Fatima Noor , Naqqash Shahid , Hussain Salwa , Rasheed Almas , Imtiaz Huma , Imam Sardar Zakariya
Published: September 2008

Background

The principles of informed consent, confidentiality and privacy are often neglected during patient care in developing countries. We assessed the degree to which doctors in Lahore adhere to these principles during outpatient consultations.

Material & Method

The study was conducted at medical out-patient departments (OPDs) of two tertiary care hospitals (one public and one private hospital) of Lahore, selected using multi-stage sampling. 93 patients were selected from each hospital. Doctors' adherence to the principles of informed consent, privacy and confidentiality was observed through client flow analysis performed by trained personnel. Overall patient perception was also assessed regarding these practices and was compared with the assessment made by our data collectors.

Results

Some degree of informed consent was obtained from only 9.7% patients in the public hospital and 47.8% in the private hospital. 81.4% of patients in the public hospital and 88.4% in the private hospital were accorded at least some degree of privacy. Complete informational confidentiality was maintained only in 10.8% and 35.5% of cases in public & private hospitals respectively. Informed consent and confidentiality were better practiced in the private compared to the public hospital (two-sample t-test > 2, p value < 0.05). There was marked disparity between the patients' perspective of these ethical practices and the assessment of our trained data collectors.

Conclusion

Observance of medical ethics is inadequate in hospitals of Lahore. Doctors should be imparted formal training in medical ethics and national legislation on medical ethics is needed. Patients should be made aware of their rights to medical ethics.
Low grade epithelial stromal tumour of the seminal vesicle
Authors: Monica Bruno , Larosa Michelangelo , Facchini Francesco , Pozzoli Gianluigi , Franceschetti Ilaria , Piscioli Irene
Published: September 2008

Background

The mixed epithelial stromal tumour is morphologically characterised by a mixture of solid and cystic areas consisting of a biphasic proliferation of glands admixed with solid areas of spindle cells with variable cellularity and growth patterns. In previous reports the seminal vesicle cystoadenoma was either considered a synonym of or misdiagnosed as mixed epithelial stromal tumour. The recent World Health Organisation Classification of Tumours considered the two lesions as two distinct neoplasms. This work is aimed to present the low-grade epithelial stromal tumour case and the review of the literature to the extent of establishing the true frequency of the neoplasm.

Case presentation

We describe a low-grade epithelial stromal tumour of the seminal vesicle in a 50-year-old man. Computed tomography showed a 9 × 4.5 cm pelvic mass in the side of the seminal vesicle displacing the prostate and the urinary bladder. Magnetic resonance was able to define tissue planes between the lesion and the adjacent structures and provided useful information for an accurate conservative laparotomic surgical approach. The histology revealed biphasic proliferation of benign glands admixed with stromal cellularity, with focal atypia. After 26 months after the excision the patient is still alive with no evidence of disease.

Conclusion

Cystoadenoma and mixed epithelial stromal tumour of seminal vesicle are two distinct pathological entities with different histological features and clinical outcome. Due to the unavailability of accurate prognostic parameters, the prediction of the potential biological evolution of mixed epithelial stromal tumour is still difficult. In our case magnetic resonance imaging was able to avoid an exploratory laparotomy and to establish an accurate conservative surgical treatment of the tumour.
Assessment of the primary rotational stability of uncemented hip stems using an analytical model: Comparison with finite element analyses
Authors: Zeman Maria E , Sauwen Nicolas , Labey Luc , Mulier Michiel , Van der Perre Georges , Jaecques Siegfried V N
Published: September 2008

Background

Sufficient primary stability is a prerequisite for the clinical success of cementless implants. Therefore, it is important to have an estimation of the primary stability that can be achieved with new stem designs in a pre-clinical trial. Fast assessment of the primary stability is also useful in the preoperative planning of total hip replacements, and to an even larger extent in intraoperatively custom-made prosthesis systems, which result in a wide variety of stem geometries.

Methods

An analytical model is proposed to numerically predict the relative primary stability of cementless hip stems. This analytical approach is based upon the principle of virtual work and a straightforward mechanical model. For five custom-made implant designs, the resistance against axial rotation was assessed through the analytical model as well as through finite element modelling (FEM).

Results

The analytical approach can be considered as a first attempt to theoretically evaluate the primary stability of hip stems without using FEM, which makes it fast and inexpensive compared to other methods. A reasonable agreement was found in the stability ranking of the stems obtained with both methods. However, due to the simplifying assumptions underlying the analytical model it predicts very rigid stability behaviour: estimated stem rotation was two to three orders of magnitude smaller, compared with the FEM results.

Conclusion

Based on the results of this study, the analytical model might be useful as a comparative tool for the assessment of the primary stability of cementless hip stems.
Anisotropy of elastic wave velocities in deformed shales: Part 2 — Modeling results
Authors: Sarout Joël , Guéguen Yves
Published: September 2008

This study was devoted to the interpretation of the evolution of elastic wave velocities in anisotropic shales that are subjected to deformation experiments in the laboratory. A micromechanical model was used to describe the macroscopic effective elastic properties and anisotropy of the rock in terms of its microscopic features, such as intrinsic anisotropy and crack/pore geometry. The experimental data (reported in Part 1) were compared quantitatively with the micromechanical model predictions to gain some insight into the microstructural behavior of the rock during deformation. The inversion of the experimental data using the micromechanical model was carried out by means of a numerical minimization of the least-squares distance between data and model in terms of effective compliances. Under isotropic mechanical loading, the overall behavior of the dry shale is consistent with the closure of crack-like pores, which are aligned in theplane of symmetry of the transversely isotropic background matrix. Those cracks represent a low fraction of the total porosity, but they have a strong effect on elastic wave velocities. The data are consistent with an initial (horizontal) crack density of 0.07. Crack closure also is evidenced at early stages of axial loading applied perpendicular to the shale bedding plane, whereas crack density increases significantly as axial stress is increased. Interpretation of the wet experiment is less straightforward, although some preliminary conclusions could be drawn. Under isotropic stress, crack closure also is evidenced, whereas crack density remains constant at the early stages of deviatoric loading. When axial peak stress is approached, crack density increases drastically, which likely indicates onset and development of vertical cracking. Wet experiments probably are more complex because water is likely to be expelled from crack-like pores toward equant pores in response to the mechanical loading.
Association of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 Genetic Polymorphisms With Outcome in a Trial of Paclitaxel Compared With Paclitaxel Plus Bevacizumab in Advanced Breast Cancer: ECOG 2100
Authors: Schneider Bryan P. , Wang Molin , Radovich Milan , Sledge George W. , Badve Sunil , Thor Ann , Flockhart David A. , Hancock Bradley , Davidson Nancy , Gralow Julie , Dickler Maura , Perez Edith A. , Cobleigh Melody , Shenkier Tamara , Edgerton Susan , Miller Kathy D.
Published: September 2008

Purpose

No biomarkers have been identified to predict outcome with the use of an antiangiogenesis agent for cancer. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) genetic variability has been associated with altered risk of breast cancer and variable promoter activity. Therefore, we evaluated the association of VEGF genotype with efficacy and toxicity in E2100, a phase III study comparing paclitaxel versus paclitaxel plus bevacizumab as initial chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer.

Patients and Methods

DNA was extracted from tumor blocks of patients from E2100. Three hundred sixty-three samples were available to evaluate associations between genotype and outcome. Genotyping was performed for selected polymorphisms in VEGF and VEGF receptor 2. Testing for associations between each polymorphism and efficacy and toxicity was performed.

Results

The VEGF-2578 AA genotype was associated with a superior median overall survival (OS) in the combination arm when compared with the alternate genotypes combined (hazard ratio = 0.58; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.93; P = .023). The VEGF-1154 A allele also demonstrated a superior median OS with an additive effect of each active allele in the combination arm but not the control arm (hazard ratio = 0.62; 95% CI, 0.46 to 0.83; P = .001). Two additional genotypes, VEGF-634 CC and VEGF-1498 TT, were associated with significantly less grade 3 or 4 hypertension in the combination arm when compared with the alternate genotypes combined (P = .005 and P = .022, respectively).

Conclusion

Our data support an association between VEGF genotype and median OS as well as grade 3 or 4 hypertension when using bevacizumab in metastatic breast cancer.
Association Between Hepatitis B Virus and Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Hassan Manal M. , Li Donghui , El-Deeb Adel S. , Wolff Robert A. , Bondy Melissa L. , Davila Marta , Abbruzzese James L.
Published: September 2008

Purpose

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are considered to be hepatotropic and are a major cause of hepatocellular carcinoma. However, little is known about the role of HBV and HCV infection in other malignancies. This study aimed to determine whether HBV and HCV infections increase the risk for pancreatic cancer development.

Patients and Methods

At The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, we recruited 476 patients with pathologically confirmed adenocarcinoma of the pancreas and 879 age-, sex-, and race-matched healthy controls. Blood samples were tested for the presence of HCV antibodies (anti-HCV), HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), antibodies against HBV core antigen (anti-HBc), and antibodies against HBsAg (anti-HBs). The positive samples were retested by two confirmatory tests. An unconditional multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (AORs).

Results

Anti-HCV was positive in seven cases (1.5%) and nine controls (1%). Anti-HBc was positive in 36 cases (7.6%) and 28 controls (3.2%). The estimated AORs and 95% CIs were as follows: anti-HCV–positive, 0.9 (95% CI, 0.3 to 2.8), anti-HBc–positive, 2.5 (95% CI, 1.5 to 4.2), anti-HBc–positive/anti-HBs–positive, 2.3 (95% CI, 1.2 to 4.2), and anti-HBc–positive/anti-HBs–negative, 4 (95% CI, 1.4 to 11.1). Risk modification by past exposure to HBV was observed among diabetics (AOR, 7.1; 95% CI, 1.7 to 28.7).

Conclusion

Past exposure to HBV may be associated with pancreatic cancer development. Should such findings be confirmed by other studies, it may offer important insights into the etiology of pancreatic cancer and may suggest the need to consider prevention of HBV reactivation among patients with HBV-related pancreatic cancer during chemotherapy.
Rebates and Spreads: Pharmacy Benefit Management Practices and Corporate Citizenship
Authors: Rentmeester Christy A. , Garis Robert I.
Published: September 2008

How ought we determine whether businesses in the health care sector profit fairly? One class of companies in the health care sector, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), deserves special consideration. We describe two specific revenue-generating practices—rebates and spread pricing—that account significantly for PBMs' profits but have been neglected in the bioethics and health policy literature as important sources of fiscal waste in our current health care system. We offer analyses of two common cases, consider employers' and employees' vulnerabilities, explore normative assumptions about how markets function, and raise questions about transparency in contract agreements between PBMs and employers. We consider ethical dimensions of PBMs' corporate citizenship in the health care sector and suggest how employers can negotiate more effectively with PBMs.
Fabrication and Gas-sensing Properties of Hollow SnO2 Microspheres
Authors: Wang Ding , Xu Jiaqiang , Pan Qingyi
Published: September 2008

Hollow SnO2 microspheres with diameters ranging from 300–500 nm have been prepared via a simple template-free hydrothermal method in ethanol–water mixed solution. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to characterize the hollow microspheres. The gas-sensing properties of the hollow SnO2 microspheres have been investigated. The satisfactory gas response indicated that the hollow SnO2 microspheres have excellent potential application for ethanol sensors.
Synthesis and Characterization of N-Acyl-substituted PyrroloTTF Derivatives and Improved Air-stability of PyrroloTTF-based OFETs
Authors: Doi Iori , Miyazaki Eigo , Takimiya Kazuo
Published: September 2008

As novel bis(pyrrolo[3,4-d])tetrathiafulvalene (PyTTF)-based organic semiconductors, N-acyl-substituted PyTTFs 4 were synthesized and evaluated. Their oxidation potentials determined by cyclic voltammetry were shifted cathodically by more than 0.35 V compared with the N-alkyl-PyTTFs 3. In accordance with elevated oxidation potentials, their vapor-processed field-effect transistors showed improved air-stability with mobilities up to 0.08 cm2 V−1 s−1 under ambient conditions.
Fabrication of ZnO Microtubes by Using Electrospun Polymer Fiber Templates
Authors: Qiu Yejun , Yu Jie , Tan Cuili , Yin Jing , Zhou Xiaosong
Published: September 2008

ZnO microtubes were prepared by an electrospun polymer fiber template method. The product was well-crystallized hexagonal ZnO with high purity and had a tubular structure with length above 15 μm, diameter of ≈1.0 μm and wall thickness of ≈120 nm. A weak UV emission at ≈394 nm and strong green emission at ≈545 nm were detected.
Tackling STI epidemics through the HIV clinic: is sex high enough on the agenda?
Authors: Ferrand R A , De Silva S , Cartledge J D
Published: September 2008

Sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates among men having sex with men continue to increase. HIV services may operate independently to genitourinary medicine clinics and the sexual health of HIV-positive patients may be of low priority in the context of medical problems related to HIV. A prospective study of HIV-positive gay men was conducted in a London outpatient clinic over a three-month period. Data were available for 90 men. Forty-five percent had STI screens in the preceding six months. These revealed a high rate of infections; 26 infections diagnosed in 14 men in the study period. Fifty-seven percent of the 90 men in the study had more than one partner in the past three months and approximately one-third had unprotected sexual activity. A significant proportion of men were unaware of recent outbreaks of hepatitis C and lymphogranuloma venereum and of HIV postexposure prophylaxis. We therefore recommend that sexual history-taking, STI screens and health promotion should become a routine feature of HIV outpatient consultations in this group.
Two for the price of one
Authors: Samuel M I , Tenant-Flowers M , Kumar U , Taylor C
Published: September 2008

This case is about an HIV seropositive young woman referred for the treatment of severe menorrhagia causing anaemia due to adenomyosis where the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (Mirena®) proved useful in treating her heavy periods and also provided effective contraception without interference from the liver enzyme-inducing effects of antiretroviral medications.
Second Sourcing vs. Sole Sourcing with Capacity Investment and Asymmetric Information
Authors: Li Cuihong , Debo Laurens G.
Published: September 2008

We study the decision of a manufacturer (the buyer), expecting new sourcing opportunities in the future, in selecting between sole- and second-sourcing strategies for a noncommodity component. In a sole-sourcing strategy, the buyer commits to sourcing from a single supplier (the incumbent) over the entire horizon. In a second-sourcing strategy, the buyer keeps the option open to source from a new supplier (the entrant) in the future. Supplier costs are private information, and the incumbent's cost may change in the future because of what it has learned. The buyer is relatively sure about current demand but uncertain about future demand. A supplier has to invest in capacity to produce the inputs for the buyer. With future private cost information, the incumbent earns rent in the future, and this prospective rent influences the incumbent's decision early in the horizon. On one hand, a second-sourcing strategy allows the buyer to take advantage of alternative sourcing opportunities, lowering her future cost. This benefit to the buyer is referred to as the option value of second sourcing. On the other hand, the future supplier competition in second-sourcing hurts the incumbent's future profit. The expectation of a lower future profit in second sourcing induces the incumbent to ask for a higher price at the beginning of the horizon. This causes more initial sourcing cost for the buyer in second sourcing than in sole sourcing, and is referred to as the cost of future supplier competition of second sourcing.

The overall benefit of second sourcing relative to sole sourcing is influenced by the demand distribution and capacity cost. If the demand increases over time with positive probability, the incumbent's initial capacity may not be able to cover all future demand. If the capacity is cheap, the entrant may serve as an exclusive supplier, ousting the incumbent. In this case, the option value of second sourcing is high. If the capacity is expensive, the entrant may serve as a supplementary supplier by receiving only the demand in excess of the incumbent's installed capacity. In this case, the cost of future supplier competition is low and the option value is still significant. Thus second sourcing is better than sole sourcing not only when the capacity cost is low, but also when it is high (under the condition that demand increases over time with positive probability and the entrant's cost is relatively low). For intermediate capacity cost, the cost of future supplier competition dominates the option value; hence, sole sourcing is preferred. We also find that second sourcing is more attractive when the buyer expects the future demand to be higher or more volatile. Finally, more initial incumbent capacity strengthens the incumbent's competitiveness against the entrant, reducing the cost of future supplier competition. As a result, we find that second sourcing may lead to overinvestment of the initial capacity.
The Adoption of Multiple Dependent Technologies
Authors: Cho Soo-Haeng , McCardle Kevin F.
Published: September 2008

A firm often makes an adoption decision regarding an improvement of one technology depending on changes in other technologies. For example, a manufacturer with a serial production line considers jointly upgrading multiple machines, or a firm producing an assembled product considers improving several components simultaneously. Economies or diseconomies of scope in the fixed cost of adoption when multiple improvements are undertaken at the same time generate an economic dependence among the technological innovations. Although the literature on technological innovations has attributed slow adoption mainly to uncertainties outside the firm, this paper shows that the economic dependence that inherently defines cost relationships inside the firm can significantly influence the timing of adoption. Furthermore, this impact is not unidirectional: economic dependence can either expedite or delay the adoption of an improved technology.
Academic surgery: an Interview with Gus McGrouther
Authors: Kalson Nick
Published: September 2008

Professor Gus McGrouther works two days a week at the Wythenshawe Hospital and three days running a research group at the University of Manchester, where he is the UK's first professor of plastic and reconstructive surgery. Nick Kalson talked to him about the future of surgery and academic medicine.
Assessing the fallout from MTAS: response from a regional survey
Authors: Mockford KA , Wilson TR , Aldoori MI
Published: September 2008

Surgeons throughout Britain have watched the current reforms to postgraduate training under the auspices of Modernising Medical Careers (MMC) with growing concern. These reforms were designed to overhaul postgraduate medical training, specifically targeting the SHO grade, and were born of the chief medical officer's report, Unfinished Business, in 2003.
CEU chief awarded professorship
Authors: Worrall Matthew
Published: September 2008

Since 1998 the College has been working in collaboration with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) to understand better the quality of surgical care in the UK, through our Clinical Effectiveness Unit (CEU). Now the unit has gained further recognition through the promotion of key staff by the LSHTM as Jan van der Meulen, CEU head, has been appointed professor of clinical epidemiology (a new chair) and David Cromwell promoted to senior lecturer in health services research. To mark this, I interviewed Jan on the achievements of the department and on what challenges lie ahead.
The work of the Faculty of Dental Surgery
Authors: Willmot Derrick
Published: September 2008

The Faculty of Dental Surgery (FDS) of The Royal College of Surgeons of England was founded in 1947 but its historical roots are much earlier than that. The 1858 Medical Act, which regulated medicine in the UK, said: 'It shall […] be lawful for her Majesty, by charter, to grant to the Royal College of Surgeons of England, power to institute and hold Examinations for the purpose of testing the fitness of persons to practise as Dentists […] and to grant certificates of such fitness.' It was in 1860 that the Royal College of Surgeons set up the LDS RCS diploma and organised the first examinations.
Potential reasons for proton pump inhibitor failure in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Juhász Márk , Tulassay Zsolt
Published: September 2008

A protonpumpagátlók (protonpumpa-inhibitorok, PPI) bevezetése új fejezetet nyitott a gastrooesophagealis refluxbetegség (gastroesophageal reflux disease, GERD) kezelésében. A betegek kisebb, de nem jelentéktelen hányadában azonban a PPI sem hatékony. Ilyen esetekben az első kérdés mindig az, hogy a tünetek valóban GERD-nek tulajdoníthatók-e, vagy egyéb betegség után kell kutatnunk. Ha a GERD a legvalószínűbb lehetőség, akkor a további vizsgálatok és a több támadáspontú kezelés előtt fel kell térképeznünk a beteg együttműködését (compliance). Ha az eredménytelen PPI-kezelés hátterében nem helytelenül kezelt GERD áll, akkor számos egyéb kórkép lehetőségét is fel kell vetnünk. Összefoglaló közleményünkben az elkülönítő diagnosztikai kérdésekről adunk áttekintést.
Beautiful women’s ugly malady, or else selected passages from the history of guilty sex and syphilis
Authors: Forrai Judit
Published: September 2008

A XIX. század végén a budapesti bordélyok látogatása mindennapos volt az éjszakai életben, ami egyet jelentett a szifilisz és egyéb nemi betegségek fertőzésének kockázatával. A prostitúció rohamos fejlődése az urbanizáció, valamint a gazdasági és társadalmi fejlődés egyik fontos mutatója. Számtalan formában és szinten alakult ki, működött a prostitúció, amely a házasságon kívül elfogadott szexualitás egyetlen tolerált formája volt. A prostituáltaknak a rendőrség vezetője előírta a rendszeres vizsgálatot. A rendszeres ellenőrzés kezdetben csak a regisztrált, bordélyokban dolgozó prostituáltakra vonatkozott, mert a titkos kéjnőket nem tudták elérni. A szigorú szabályok liberalizálásának következményeként egyre emelkedő számú szifiliszes beteg ellátását az egészségügyi ellátórendszer kapacitásának növelésével igyekeztek megoldani.
Crude ethanol extract from babassu (Orbignya speciosa): cytotoxicity on tumoral and non-tumoral cell lines
Authors: Rennó Magdalena N. , Barbosa Gleyce M. , Zancan Patricia , Veiga Venicio F. , Alviano Celuta S. , Sola-Penna Mauro , Menezes Fábio S. , Holandino Carla
Published: September 2008

Plant-derived substances have been considered as important sources of drugs, including antineoplasic agents. Babassu mesocarp is popularly used in Brazil as a food additive, and in popular medicine against several conditions, such as inflammations, menstrual pains and leukaemia. From babassu Orbignya speciosa (Mart.) Barb. Rodr. [Arecaceae (Palmae)] epicarp/mesocarp, an ethanol extract was prepared and named OSEME, which was tested on the viability,morphology and metabolism of several cell lines, such as the leukaemic cell lines, HL-60, K562 and the latter multidrug resistant counterpart K562-Lucena 1, the human breast cancer cell line MCF-7, the mouse fibroblast cell line 3T3-L1 and fresh human lymphocytes. OSEME promoted a dose-dependent decrease on the viability of all cells. This effect was much more pronounced on the tumoral cell lines than on non-tumoral cells, a phenomenon revealed by the dose of OSEME which promotes half of maximal effect (ID50). The decrease on viability was followed by shrinkage of cells, alteration on their morphology, and a markedly nuclear condensation. Curiously, stimulation of 6-phosphofructokinase activity (6.6-times) was observed on HL-60 cells, treated with OSEME, when compared to control treated with ethanol (vehicle). These results support evidences to suggest OSEME as a promising source of novel antineoplasic agents.
Pollen analysis of Holocene sediments from the Poço das Antas National Biological Reserve, Silva Jardim, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Coelho Luciane G. , Barth Ortrud M. , Araujo Dorothy S.D. de
Published: September 2008

The Poço das Antas National Biological Reserve is located in Rio de Janeiro State, southeast Brazil. This paper presents information on past environmental characteristics of the area through pollen analysis. Two sedimentary columns were collected and five samples were selected for radiocarbon dating. The following ages of the columns from bottom to top were detected: column 1 - 1.20-1.16 m: 6080 ±40 years BP, 0.775-0.735 m: 4090 ±40 years BP, 0.385-0.345 m: 1880 ±80 years BP; column 2 - 1.22-1.18 m: 3520 ±40 years BP, 0.23-0.19 m: 1810 ±40 years BP. Three samples from column 1 and two samples from column 2 were selected for pollen analysis: 1.20 m, 0.77 m and 0.37 m of column1 and 1.22 m and 0.21 m of column 2. Chemical treatment followed standard methodology. The palynological analysis shows that around 6080 years BP the study area was dominated by a rain forest and from around 4090 years BP the vegetation changed to a fragmented forest, restricted to low hills and surrounded by an open area of grassland and pioneer plants, swamps and peat areas. The pollen assemblage of the samples 3520, 1880 and 1810 years BP suggest the permanence of this kind of vegetation between 4000 years BP and the actual.
O hormônio de crescimento na síndrome de Turner: dados e reflexões
Authors: Guedes Alexis D. , Bianco Bianca , Callou Emmanuela Q. , Gomes Ana Luíza , Lipay Mônica V. N. , Verreschi Ieda T. N.
Published: September 2008

A baixa estatura é a principal característica na síndrome de Turner (ST). O agravo estatural na ST é precoce e torna-se mais evidente na puberdade. A haploinsuficiência do gene SHOX tem sido implicada como principal fator na definição da estatura de mulheres, no entanto, ainda que a maioria das pacientes não tenha deficiência do hormônio de crescimento, a terapia com GHr melhora a altura final. Recentemente, tem-se chamado a atenção para a associação entre GH e câncer. O risco de câncer nessas pacientes está associado à presença de fragmentos do cromossomo Y que pode levar ao desenvolvimento de gonadoblastoma. Dessa forma, a administração de GHr na ST deve ser feita com cautela. A investigação de seqüências do cromossomo Y deve ser realizada, bem como a gonadectomia profilática nos casos positivos, conferindo maior segurança ao tratamento.
Índice de massa corporal, circunferência da cintura e dobra cutânea triciptal na predição de alterações lipídicas em crianças com 11 anos de idade
Authors: Lunardi Cláudia Cruz , Petroski Édio Luiz
Published: September 2008

OBJETIVO: Analisar a capacidade preditiva do índice de massa corporal (IMC), da circunferência da cintura (Ccin) e da dobra cutânea triciptal (TR) no diagnóstico de alterações lipídicas e sugerir pontos de corte para tais medidas na identificação da doença em crianças. METODOLOGIA: Avaliou-se o IMC, a Ccin, a TR e os níveis lipídicos de 374 escolares (11,25 ± 0,28 anos) da rede de ensino da cidade de Santa Maria, RS. A análise estatística foi realizada por meio da curva ROC (IC95%), da sensibilidade, da especificidade e dos valores preditivos. RESULTADOS: As variáveis antropométricas apresentaram capacidade diagnóstica apenas para TG no sexo feminino, CT e LCL-C no sexo masculino. CONCLUSÃO: Conclui-se que o IMC correspondente a 19,3 kg/m² é um valor diagnóstico para alterações no TG, no sexo feminino, e para CT e LDL-C, no sexo masculino. As concentrações elevadas de CT e LDL-C, no sexo masculino, também podem ser diagnosticadas a partir de valores superiores a 65,7 cm para Ccin e 21 mm para TR.
Fatores de risco para aterosclerose associados à aptidão cardiorrespiratória e ao IMC em adolescentes
Authors: Stabelini Neto Antonio , Bozza Rodrigo , Ulbrich Anderson Zampier , Vasconcelos Ítalo Quenni A. de , Mascarenhas Luis P. G. , Boguszewski Margaret C. da S. , Campos Wagner de
Published: September 2008

Pesquisas prévias têm demonstrado alta prevalência de fatores de risco para aterosclerose em adolescentes, no entanto, os fatores associados a seu surgimento ainda não estão totalmente esclarecidos. Portanto, este estudo teve como objetivo relacionar níveis inadequados de pressão arterial, colesterol total (CT), HDL-C, LDL-C e triglicérides (TG) com diferentes índices de VO2máx e índice de massa corporal (IMC) em 249 adolescentes com idades entre 12 a 16 anos. Para predição do VO2máx foi utilizado o teste de vai-e-vem de 20 metros. O IMC foi calculado por meio da equação: massa corporal/estatura². Os níveis considerados inadequados foram: pressão arterial > percentil 90º; CT > 150 mg/dL; LDL-C > 100 mg/dL; TG > 100 mg/dL; e HDL-C < 45 mg/dL. Na análise estatística foi empregada a regressão logística, com p < 0,05. Foram encontradas associações significativas para o sexo masculino de baixo VO2máx com o CT (OR 4,33; IC = 1,23-15,20) e o TG (OR = 4,88; IC = 1,15-20,79) e do sobrepeso com TG (OR = 4,33; IC = 1,42-13,21). Após correção pelo IMC, os rapazes com baixos índices de VO2máx mantiveram as associações significativas com o CT (OR = 5,73; IC = 1,52-21,58) e TG (OR = 3,81; IC = 1,86-16,94). As evidências apresentadas neste estudo sugerem que, independentemente do IMC, existe relação inversa da aptidão cardiorrespiratória com o CT e o TG para os rapazes.
Incretin mimetics and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors: innovative treatment therapies for type 2 diabetes
Authors: Davidson Jaime A. , Parente Erika B. , Gross Jorge L.
Published: September 2008

The prevalence of diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance is predicted to dramatically increase over the next two decades. Clinical therapies for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have traditionally included lifestyle modification, oral anti-diabetic agents, and ultimately insulin initiation. In this report, we review the clinical trial results of two innovative T2DM treatment therapies that are based on the glucoregulatory effects of incretin hormones. Incretin mimetics are peptide drugs that mimic several of the actions of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and have been shown to lower glycated hemoglobin (A1C) levels in patients with T2DM. Additionally, incretin mimetics lower postprandial and fasting glucose, suppress elevated glucagon release, and are associated with progressive weight reduction. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors increase endogenous GLP-1 levels by inhibiting the enzymatic degradation of GLP-1. Clinical studies in patients with T2DM have shown that DPP-4 inhibitors reduce elevated A1C, lower postprandial and fasting glucose, suppress glucagon release, and are weight neutral. Collectively, these new drugs, given in combination with other antidiabetic agents, such as metformin, sulfonylureas, and/or thiazolidinediones, can help restore glucose homeostasis in poorly controlled patients with T2DM.
Prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among elderly Brazilians over eighty with ischemic stroke
Authors: Pieri Alexandre , Spitz Mariana , Lopes Tania Oliveira , Barros Claudia Garcia de , Faulhaber Marcelo Wood , Gabbai Alberto Alain , Cendoroglo-Neto Miguel
Published: September 2008

INTRODUCTION: An ischemic stroke is usually a catastrophic event, mostly in the elderly. Cardiovascular involvement is the leading cause of ischemic stroke in this age population and hence the knowledge about its risk factors is important for the definition of specific policies of prevention. PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with age equal to or above 80 in a hospital population with ischemic stroke. METHOD: Retrospective study of consecutive patients diagnosed with ischemic stroke admitted to a tertiary health facility. RESULTS: From September 2004 to March 2006, 215 patients were studied. There was a female preponderance (p<0.01). Among patients over eighty, 72% had hypertension and atrial fibrillation was more common among the oldest old (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Hypertension and atrial fibrillation should be treated aggressively in the elderly. Anticoagulants should be considered more often in these patients.
Trigger factors in migraine patients
Authors: Fukui Patrícia Timy , Gonçalves Tessa Rachel Tranquillini , Strabelli Cintia Giunchetti , Lucchino Natalia Maria Fernandes , Matos Fernanda Cunha , Santos Juliana Pinto Moreira dos , Zukerman Eliova , Zukerman-Guendler Vera , Mercante Juliane Prieto , Masruha Marcelo Rodrigues , Vieira Domingos Sávio , Peres Mario Fernando Prieto
Published: September 2008

BACKGROUND: Migraine is a chronic neurological disease with several trigger factors, including dietary, hormonal and environmental factors. PURPOSE: To analyse precipitating factors in a sample of migraine patients. METHOD: Two hundred consecutive migraine patients were interviewed about possible trigger factors for migraine attacks. RESULTS: Most patients showed at least one dietary trigger, fasting was the most frequent one, followed by alcohol and chocolate. Hormonal factors appeared in 53% , being the pre-menstrual period the most frequent trigger. Physical activities caused migraine in 13%, sexual activities in 2.5% and 64% reported emotional stress a trigger factor. 81% related some sleep problem as a trigger factor. Regarding environmental factors, smells were reported by 36.5%. CONCLUSION: Trigger factors are frequent in migraine patients, its avoidance may decrease headache frequency and also improve patients' quality of life.
Stroke in ancient times: a reinterpretation of Psalms 137:5,6
Authors: Resende Luiz Antonio de Lima , Weber Silke Anna Theresa , Bertotti Marcelo Fernando Zeugner , Agapejev Svetlana
Published: September 2008

Stroke was probably first described in Psalms 136: 5-6 of the Catholic Bible, and Psalms 137:5-6 of the Evangelical Bible. Based on the Portuguese, Spanish, English, German, Dutch, Russian, Greek, and original Hebrew Bible, the significance of this Psalm is the invocation of a punishment, of which the final result would be a stroke of the left middle cerebral artery, causing motor aphasia and right hemiparesis.
Análise do cuidado ao bebê hospitalizado segundo a perspectiva Winnicottiana
Authors: Regis Fabiane Carvalhais , Kakehashi Tereza Yoshiko , Pinheiro Eliana Moreira
Published: September 2008

O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar o holding proporcionado pelas auxiliares de enfermagem, enfermeiras, mães e pais aos bebês internados em uma unidade neonatal de médio risco de um hospital escola do Município de São Paulo. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo descritivo que utilizou o referencial teórico de Winnicott. Os dados foram coletados por meio de filmagens. Os resultados revelaram que há profissionais que falham no fornecimento do holding, enquanto outras, proporcionam um holding satisfatório. Embora pais e mães proporcionem holding adequado, por vezes também falham nesta provisão. Acreditamos ser necessário rever a prática assistencial de enfermagem de modo que todos os componentes da equipe, mães e pais sejam capazes de fornecer o holding adequado, visando o desenvolvimento do bebê.
Infecção puerperal em Centro de Parto Normal: ocorrência e fatores predisponentes
Authors: Machado Nilce Xavier de Souza , Praça Neide de Souza
Published: September 2008

O Centro de Parto Normal (CPN) proporciona assistência obstétrica centrada nas necessidades da parturiente com base em evidências científicas. Este estudo teve como objetivos verificar a ocorrência de infecção puerperal em CPN e comparar as características clínico-obstétricas de mulheres reinternadas com infecção puerperal com as mulheres não reinternadas. Trata-se de uma pesquisa exploratória, não experimental, com coleta retrospectiva de dados. A amostra constou de 51 puérperas atendidas no CPN de 2000 a 2003. Os resultados mostraram que dentre 10.559 partos, 0,16% apresentaram infecção puerperal e que a assistência obstétrica prestada no CPN apresentou relação com infecção puerperal somente quanto à duração do trabalho de parto. Concluiu-se que a assistência obstétrica prestada por este modelo de atenção traz benefícios à clientela.
Transformações na administração em enfermagem no suporte aos transplantes no Brasil
Authors: Cintra Vivian , Sanna Maria Cristina
Published: September 2008

Estudo bibliográfico, de caráter histórico, cujo objetivo foi compreender como a Enfermagem se estruturou para gerenciar a assistência nos transplantes. O rastreamento de publicações foi feito nas bases de dados HISA, LILACS, BDENF, PERIENF e DEDALUS, e usou como recorte temporal o primeiro transplante renal, realizado em 1965 até a publicação do último artigo científico do ano de 2003. Das treze publicações encontradas, dez eram artigos científicos, duas dissertações de mestrado e uma tese de doutorado. Após a leitura dos textos foi feito o agrupamento por similaridade e pertinência, construindo-se o eixo temático para a apresentação dos resultados. Estes indicaram ativa participação da Enfermagem frente às similaridades e aos diferentes tipos de transplantes realizados nesses quase 40 anos de história.
Pontuando idéias sobre o desenvolvimento metodológico das representações sociais nas pesquisas brasileiras
Authors: Oliveira Denize Cristina de
Published: September 2008

Este texto faz uma aproximação alternativa às discussões metodológicas sobre os estudos de representação social no campo da enfermagem, que estão usualmente ancoradas em uma oposição entre métodos quantitativos e qualitativos. Argumenta-se que esta é uma oposição apenas aparente, uma vez que é possível observar resultados similares em estudos realizados com métodos diferentes. Com base no pensamento de diversos autores do campo das representações sociais, a questão é tratada a partir da distinção entre as perspectivas processual e estrutural de abordagem do fenômeno da representação social. Propõe-se assim uma taxonomia que, partindo dessas perspectivas, leva em consideração as técnicas de coleta e de análise de dados implicadas, bem como o plano da representação a que o pesquisador deseja ter acesso.
Abordagem por competências no processo ensino-aprendizagem
Authors: Silva César Cavalcanti da , Silva Ana Tereza M. C. da , Oliveira Iaponira Cortez C. de , Leon Casandra Genoveva R. M. P. de , Serrão Maria do Carmo P. N.
Published: September 2008

O trabalho relata a experiência de um processo de ensino-aprendizagem baseado na abordagem por competências. O detalhamento desse processo de ensino revela a preocupação dos autores com a pouca ocorrência de estudos sobre o desenvolvimento prático do tema competências no âmbito das práticas educativas e, apontam para a necessidade de produção de mais estudos nessa dimensão.
Sistema de informação em enfermagem: interação do conhecimento tácito-explícito
Authors: Santos Sérgio Ribeiro dos
Published: September 2008

O presente artigo tem por objetivo traçar algumas considerações teóricas e conceituais sobre sistema de informação em enfermagem, buscando situar o conhecimento baseado nas evidências da prática clínica para construir um modelo de sistema integrado às estruturas conceituais, formadas pela combinação de três ciências: informação, computação e enfermagem. Esse conhecimento pode descrever e explicar sistematicamente os fenômenos necessários para desenvolver um compreensivo sistema de informação que contribua para a melhoria dos registros de enfermagem e consolide os mecanismos para prover medidas básicas de custos, qualidade, acesso ao cuidado do paciente e resultado deste cuidado.
A prática de ensinar: dialogando com as professoras de enfermagem
Authors: Madeira Maria Zélia de Araújo , Lima Maria da Glória Soares Barbosa
Published: September 2008

Este artigo tem como objetivos discutir e explicitar a prática pedagógica cotidiana do docente de enfermagem da UFPI. Trata-se de um estudo de natureza qualitativa, com ênfase metodológica na História Oral, tendo como sujeitos-interlocutores professores do curso de enfermagem da referida IES e como instrumentos de produção de dados: entrevistas semi-estruturadas. A análise de dados efetivou-se a partir da análise de conteúdo. As docentes de enfermagem consideraram em suas narrativas orais o propósito de romper com a forma vertical de ensinar ao estimular no aluno o poder da criatividade e da compreensão da realidade em permanente transformação.