bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crystal Structures and Substitution Reactions of trans(O,S)-[Ru(bpy)Cl(dmso-S)2(OH2)]+ and Three Derivative Complexes, trans(L,S)-[Ru(bpy)Cl(dmso-S)2(L)]+ (bpy: 2,2′-Bipyridine, dmso: Dimethyl Sulfoxide, L = dmso-O, MeOH, or MeCN)
Authors: Toyama Mari , Iwamatsu Shinobu , Inoue Ken-ichi , Nagao Noriharu
Published: December 2010

The labile cationic aqua complexes, trans(O,S)-[Ru(bpy)Cl(dmso-S)2(OH2)]X (1·X; X− = PF6− or OTf−: CF3SO3−) have been prepared by the treatment of cis(Cl),cis(S)-[Ru(bpy)Cl2(dmso-S)2] with Ag+ in water at room temperature. When 1·X is dissolved in DMSO, MeOH, or MeCN, the OH2 ligand in 1+ is replaced with a solvent molecule (L) to yield trans(L,S)-[Ru(bpy)Cl(dmso-S)2(L)]+ (L = dmso-O, 2+; L = MeOH, 3+; and L = MeCN, 4+), respectively. Moreover, 2·(OTf) is also obtained by the reaction of cis(Cl),cis(S)-[Ru(bpy)Cl2(dmso-S)2] with Ag(OTf) in DMSO on refluxing. The four kinds of crystal structures of trans(L,S)-[Ru(bpy)Cl(dmso-S)2(L)]PF6 (1·PF6·H2O, 2·PF6, 3·PF6, and 4·PF6·MeCN) revealed that the structural parameters, except for the sixth axial ligand, were essentially the same, and the four ligands, the bpy, two dmso-S, and the equatorial Cl− ligands are connected by hydrogen bonding. All the OH2, dmso-O, MeOH, or MeCN ligands on the sixth coordination site at the axial position in cationic mono(bpy)ruthenium(II) complexes are labile so they are interconvertable. The [Ru(bpy)Cl(dmso-S)2] unit does not change at room temperature even in solutions due to the presence of hydrogen networks among the bpy, two dmso-S, and the equatorial Cl− ligands.
Sequential One-pot Reactions of Thioformates with Lithium Silylacetylides, Arylmagnesium Halides, and Electrophiles Leading to Formation of Propargyl Sulfides
Authors: Murai Toshiaki , Ohashi Takayuki , Shibahara Fumitoshi
Published: December 2010

One-pot reactions of thioformates with lithium silylacetylides, arylmagnesium halides, and electrophiles that produce propargyl (2-propynyl) sulfides are described. The pathway for this process begins with addition of lithium (trimethylsilyl)acetylide to the thioformate C=S carbon. This step is followed by addition of the arylmagnesium halide to the sulfur atom of the C=S group in the in situ generated propynethial. The intermediacy of the propynethial in this process was confirmed by trapping through a Diels–Alder reaction with cyclopentadiene.
The New Growth Evidence
Authors: Temple Jonathan
Published: December 2010

Why do growth rates differ? This paper surveys the recent empirical literature on economic growth, starting with a discussion of stylized facts, data problems, and statistical methods. Six research questions are emphasized, drawing on growth and convergence research. In answering these questions, the paper argues that efficiency has grown at different rates across countries, casting doubt on neoclassical models in which technology is a public good. The latter half of the paper rounds up a variety of findings before providing answers to all six questions, including a short summary of how differences in growth rates arise.
The Young Person's Guide to Writing Economic Theory
Authors: Thomson William
Published: December 2010

I formulate recommendations to young authors for writing economic theory well. I state general principles of good writing, and emphasize the role of the different components of a paper and the importance of the structure of one's work being clear. I explain how to choose notation and language, and how to present and illustrate proofs.
Explaining African Economic Performance
Authors: Collier Paul , Gunning Jan Willem
Published: December 2010

Africa has had slow growth and a massive exodus of capital. In many respects it has been the most capital-hostile region. We review and interpret the aggregate-level and microeconomic literatures to identify the key explanations for this performance. There is a reasonable correspondence of the two sets of evidence, pointing to four factors as being important. These are a lack of openness to international trade; a high-risk environment; a low level of social capital; and poor infrastructure. These problems are to a substantial extent attributable to government behavior, and the paper includes a review of the political economy literature addressing that behavior.
The Provision of Incentives in Firms
Authors: Prendergast Canice
Published: December 2010

This paper provides an overview of the existing theoretical and empirical work on the provision of incentives. It reviews the costs and benefits of many types of pay-for-performance, such as piece rates, promotions, and long-term incentives. The main conclusions are (i) while there is considerable evidence that individuals respond to pay-for-performance, there is less evidence that contracts are designed as predicted by the theory, (ii) there has been little progress made in distinguishing amongst plausible theories, and (iii) we still know little about how incentives are provided to workers whose output is difficult to measure.
Nash Equilibrium and the History of Economic Theory
Authors: Myerson Roger B
Published: December 2010

John Nash's formulation of noncooperative game theory was one of the great breakthroughs in the history of social science. Nash's work in this area is reviewed in its historical context to better understand how the fundamental ideas of noncooperative game theory were developed and how they changed the course of economic theory.
Shadow Economies: Size, Causes, and Consequences
Authors: Schneider Friedrich , Enste Dominik H
Published: December 2010

Using various methods, the size of the shadow economy in 76 developing, transition, and OECD countries is estimated. Average size varies from 12 percent of GDP for OECD countries, to 23 percent for transition countries and 39 percent for developing countries. Increasing taxation and social security contributions combined with rising state regulations are driving forces for the increase of the shadow economy, especially in OECD countries. According to some findings, corruption has a positive impact on the size of the shadow economy, and a growing shadow economy has a negative effect on official GDP growth.
Review of Sargent's The Conquest of American Inflation
Authors: Marimon Ramon
Published: December 2010

Sargent's book provides a reinterpretation of the US inflation record over the last half-century, reflecting on how macroeconomic theory has evolved since the beginnings of the rational expectations revolution. It is a basic reference on dynamic macroeconomic theory.
Understanding Productivity: Lessons from Longitudinal Microdata
Authors: Bartelsman Eric J , Doms Mark
Published: December 2010

This paper reviews research that uses longitudinal microdata to document productivity movements and to examine factors behind productivity growth. The research explores the dispersion of productivity across firms and establishments, the persistence of productivity differentials, the consequences of entry and exit, and the contribution of resource reallocation across firms to aggregate productivity growth. The research also reveals important factors correlated with productivity growth, such as managerial ability, technology use, human capital, and regulation. The more advanced literature in the field has begun to address the more difficult questions of the causality between these factors and productivity growth.
A Review of Markets for Clean Air: The U.S. Acid Rain Program by A. Denny Ellerman, Paul L. Joskow, Richard Schmalensee, Juan-Pablo Montero, and Elizabeth M. Bailey
Authors: Cramton Peter
Published: December 2010

Markets for Clean Air is the definitive text on the U.S. acid rain program. This innovative program uses a cap-and-trade approach, rather than the traditional command-and-control approach, to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions. The authors conclude that the program was successful in cutting the costs of SO2 emission reductions by about half, saving tens of billions of dollars. Both scholars and policy makers will have a better sense of the virtues and pitfalls of market-based regulation after reading this.
Renewable Natural Resource Management and Use without Markets
Authors: Brown Gardner M
Published: December 2010

Natural resources, by their nature, are not readily bent to the status of private property. Efficient resource use is complicated by jurisdictional externalities, public goods, non-use values, and beneficiaries spatially separated from the location of resources. The task is made more challenging by ecological complexity that obscures cause (benefits) and effects (costs), and dramatic time lags between individual actions and subsequent social consequences that, together with substantial uncertainty, introduce the chance of irreversibilities. Resource economists have played a major role in the literature on externalities, the development of individual transferable quotas, non-market valuation techniques and common property management.
The “New Political Economy”: Recent Books by Allen Drazen and by Torsten Persson and Guido Tabellini
Authors: Saint-Paul Gilles
Published: December 2010

The last fifteen years have seen an explosion of contributions in the field of political economy. Two new books, Political Economy in Macroeconomics by Allan Drazen and Political Economy: Explaining Economic Policy by Torsten Persson and Guido Tabellini, organize this literature and evaluate what has been learned. Drazen mostly focuses on applications for macroeconomic policy, while Persson and Tabellini focus on the various tools that can be used to analyze the political process, and the institutional details of decision-making.
Review of Meritocracy and Economic Inequality Edited by Kenneth Arrow, Samuel Bowles, and Steven Durlaf
Authors: Brown Charles
Published: December 2010

The twelve essays in this volume deal with the definition of meritocracy and equality of opportunity, the causes and consequences of intelligence, schooling and inequality, and equal-opportunity policy options. They emphasize the importance of education and race, relative to IQ. Collectively, they argue that it may be possible to both reduce inequality and improve efficiency by reducing the market imperfections that contribute to inequality.
Promise and Pitfalls in the Use of “Secondary” Data-Sets: Income Inequality in OECD Countries as a Case Study
Authors: Atkinson Anthony B , Brandolini Andrea
Published: December 2010

This paper examines the role of secondary data-sets in empirical economic research, taking the field of income distribution as a case study. We illustrate problems faced by users of “secondary” statistics, showing how both cross-country comparisons and time-series analysis can depend sensitively on the choice of data. After describing the genealogy of secondary data-sets on income inequality, we consider the main methodological issues and discuss their implications for comparisons of income inequality across OECD countries and over time. The lessons to be drawn for the construction and use of secondary data-sets are summarized at the end of the paper.
The Taxing Task of Taxing Transnationals
Authors: Gresik Thomas A
Published: December 2010

Financial and real investment flexibility, tax competition, and superior economic information by transnationals both create a rationale for corporate income taxation and limit the effectiveness of such taxation. While these factors have led to a variety of transnational tax policies, such as deferral, double taxation, apportionment, and trade rules, very few of these institutional features have been integrated into tax competition and agency models. In this paper, I show how the integration of investment flexibility, tax competition, and agency issues is crucial to our understanding of corporate tax policies.
Autoimmune Markers in Diabetes
Authors: Winter William E , Schatz Desmond A
Published: December 2010

BACKGROUND

Type 1 diabetes (T1DM) results from cell-mediated autoimmune destruction of the β cells of the islets of Langerhans. Autoantibodies directed against the islets are useful clinical tools that allow the recognition and confirmation of β-cell autoimmunity.

CONTENT

In this review we define the term “islet autoantibody,” describe the pathogenesis of autoantibody generation, and explain the uses of islet autoantibodies in clinical medicine and in research studies that concern the interruption or prevention of T1DM. We also discuss the biology of islet autoantibodies and their rates of appearance at the time of onset of T1DM and their appearance before the development of T1DM.

The presence of islet autoantibodies in persons with diabetes confirms an autoimmune etiology. In nondiabetic individuals, islet autoantibodies are strong predictors of the later development of T1DM.
Phylogenetic analysis of major molds inhabiting woods and their discoloration characteristics. Part 1. Genus Trichoderma
Authors: Huh Nayoon , Jang Yeongseon , Lee Jaejung , Kim Gyu-Hyeok , Kim Jae-Jin
Published: December 2010

The genus Trichoderma Persoon is a cosmopolitan genus consisting of more than 104 species and is commonly found on wood surfaces as a mold where it affects the appearance. Little attention has been given to wood-colonizing Trichoderma species and few studies are dedicated for identification of Trichoderma at the level of species. In the present study, up to 142 isolates were obtained from various wood samples. One Gliocladium and ten Trichoderma species were identified by morphological and molecular analysis. T. atroviride (30.3%) was the most abundant species followed by T. citrinoviride (26.8%) and T. harzianum (23.9%). The ability of Trichoderma species to discolor wood was also examined on sapwood blocks made of the commercially important radiata pine (Pinus radiata). T. pleuroticola caused the greatest discoloration of the wood surface.
Phylogenetic analysis of major molds inhabiting woods and their discoloration characteristics. Part 2. Genus Penicillium
Authors: Jang Yeongseon , Huh Nayoon , Lee Jaejung , Sung Lee Jin , Kim Gyu-Hyeok , Kim Jae-Jin
Published: December 2010

In this study, the diversity of wood inhabitingPenicilliumspecies in Korea was investigated through the analysis of their phenotypic traits and phylogeny. Moreover, the discoloration and growth patterns of these species on the surfaces of two commercially important conifers were examined. From a collection of 137Penicilliumisolates from various wood species, 37Penicilliumspecies have been identified including six unknownPenicilliumspecies. The occurrence of sixPenicilliumspecies in Korea was demonstrated for the first time:P. biourgeianum,P. decaturense,P. kloeckeri,P. meleagrinumvar.viridiflavum,P. ochrochloron, andP. sumatrense.P. funiculosumwas the most prevalent species (15.4%). Sapwood blocks of Japanese red pine (Pinus densiflora) and radiata pine (Pinus radiata) were exposed to eachPenicilliumspecies to examine their discoloration and growth patterns on these woods. The blocks of Japanese red pine were more susceptible toPenicilliumgrowth, and the highest discoloration rate on both sapwood blocks was achieved by one of the recently described speciesP. decaturense.
Statistical Analysis of Hydride Reorientation Properties in Irradiated Zircaloy-2
Authors: Valance S. , Bertsch J. , Alam A. M.
Published: December 2010

The orientation of hydrides in fuel cladding determines the anisotropic fracture behavior of Zircaloy and the failure modes of cladding tubes. Approach coupling experiments using the cladding tube deformation test and finite element analysis have successfully led to the quantification of the stress influencing reorientation of hydrides in unirradiated samples. An improved version of this procedure was applied to six samples of irradiated Zircaloy-2 from two different rods with three classes of thermo-mechanical loading. It was found that at medium maximum temperature, when no more than half of the hydrides were dissolved, the mechanical loading showed no measurable effect. When most of the hydrides were dissolved, the orientation and location of the hydrides depended strongly on the mechanical loading: The hydrides spatial location followed the hoop tensile stress. When the number of loading cycles was raised, the fraction of radial hydrides increased even for very low hoop tensile stress. The inner side of the cladding showed a marked depletion of hydrides whatever the size of the hoop stress. Since our test setup involved a tri-axial stress state, the possible influence of the other components of the stress tensor was evaluated. Through the use of a classical nucleation law, it was shown that for our test setup, the hoop stress was the important mechanical quantity. Therefore, the inner side depletion of hydrides may be attributed to three other factors: Residual stress, a memory effect, and a pumping effect by the inner liner.
Influence of energy balance on the somatotrophic axis and matrix metalloproteinase expression in the endometrium of the postpartum dairy cow
Authors: Wathes D Claire , Cheng Zhangrui , Fenwick Mark A , Fitzpatrick Richard , Patton Joe
Published: December 2010

Postpartum dairy cows enter a period of negative energy balance (NEB) associated with low circulating IGF1, during which the uterus must undergo extensive repair following calving. This study investigated the effects of NEB on expression of IGF family members and related genes in the involuting uterus. Cows were allocated to two treatments using differential feeding and milking regimes to produce mild NEB or severe NEB (SNEB). Uterine endometrial samples collected 2 weekspost partumwere analysed by quantitative PCR. The expression of IGF-binding protein 4 (IGFBP4) mRNA increased in the endometrium of SNEB cows, with trends towards increasedIGFBP1and reducedIGFBP6expression. There were no significant differences between treatments in mRNA expression ofIGF1,IGF2or of any hormone receptor studied, but significant correlations across all cows in the expression levels of groups of receptors suggested common regulatory mechanisms: type 1 IGF receptor (IGF1R),IGF2Rand insulin receptor (INSR);GHRwithESR1; andESR2withNR3C1. The expression ofIGF1RandINSRalso positively correlated with the circulating urea concentration. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are important in tissue remodelling and can affect IGF signalling via interaction with IGFBPs. The expression levels ofMMP1,MMP3,MMP9andMMP13mRNAs all showed major upregulation in the endometrium of cows in SNEB and all exceptMMP9were highly correlated with expression ofIGFBP4. Alpha(2)-HS-glycoprotein (AHSG) andPDK4, two genes implicated in insulin resistance, were also highly expressed in SNEB. These results suggest that cows in SNEB experience alterations to the IGF and insulin signalling pathways in the postpartum endometrium. This may affect the rate of tissue repair with a possible negative impact on subsequent fertility.
Transcriptional effect of the LH surge in bovine granulosa cells during the peri-ovulation period
Authors: Gilbert Isabelle , Robert Claude , Dieleman Steph , Blondin Patrick , Sirard Marc-André
Published: December 2010

The LH surge induces a multitude of events that are essential for ovulation and corpus luteum formation. The transcriptional responses to the LH surge of preovulatory granulosa cells (GCs) are complex and still poorly understood. In this study, a genome-wide bovine oligo array was used to determine how the gene expression profile of GCs is modulated by the LH surge. GCs from three different stages were used to assess the short- and long-term effects of this hormone on follicle differentiation: 1) 2 h before induction of the LH surge, 2) 6 h and 3) 22 h after the LH surge. The results obtained were a list of differentially expressed transcripts for each GC group. To provide a comprehensive understanding of the processes at play, biological annotations were used to reveal the different functions of transcripts, confirming that the LH surge acts in a temporal manner. The pre-LH group is involved in typical tasks such as cell division, development, and proliferation, while the early response to the LH surge included features such as response to stimulus, vascularization, and lipid synthesis, which are indicative of cells preparing for ovulation. The late response of GCs revealed terms associated with protein localization and intracellular transport, corresponding to the future secretion task that will be required for the transformation of GCs into corpus luteum. Overall, results described in this study provide new insights into the different transcriptional steps that GCs go through during ovulation and before luteinization.
Evaluation of 3- to 8-Year Treatment Outcomes and Success Rates With 6 Implant Brands in Partially Edentulous Patients
Authors: Moeintaghavi Amir , Radvar Mehrdad , Arab Hamid Reza , Boostani Hamid Reza , Ghiami Elham
Published: December 2010

The use of osseointegrated implants as a foundation for the prosthetic replacement of missing teeth has become widespread, with new dental implant systems being introduced every year. There is growing interest in identifying the factors associated with implant failure, such as implant type. This study was designed to establish the relationship between implant type and success. Eighty-eight patients (mean age, 52 years) with 268 implants (110 BioHorizons, 60 ITI, 60 Paragon, 18 Xive, six 3i, and 19 Allfit) participated in this 5-year retrospective study. Statistical significance was defined for P < .05. Peri-implant probing depth was associated with bone loss and bleeding on probing. Implant failure was not associated with implant brand. Maximal (or minimal) peri-implant probing depth and bone loss values were seen at anterior regions (or premolars). Maximal (or minimal) bleeding on probing was seen at the posterior (or anterior) region. No significant differences were observed between the different systems in terms of implant failure.
Should active injecting drug users receive treatment for chronic hepatitis C?
Authors: Papadopoulos Vasileios , Gogou Aikaterini , Mylopoulou Theodora , Mimidis Konstantinos
Published: December 2010

CONTEXT: Accumulating data propose that active injecting drug users might not differ from the general population in terms of sustained virological response when adherent to therapy for chronic hepatitis C. However, current guidelines contain restrictive recommendations for therapy in this group of patients. OBJECTIVE: Therefore, we evaluated a cohort of chronic hepatitis C patients regarding the potent influence of active drug using on initial informed consent, compliance and sustained virological response to treatment. METHOD: For that purpose, 162 consecutive patients (of which 62 active injecting drug users), who had been evaluated during the last 6 years in our center for chronic hepatitis C and proposed to receive treatment with pegylated interferon alpha and ribavirin, were enrolled. Initial informed consent, compliance, and sustained virological response as well as data regarding age, gender, body mass index, genotype, viral load, coinfection with HBV/HDV/HIV, administered interferon alpha (2a or 2b), liver function tests, liver histology, urban residence, ethnicity, and concomitant use of alcohol were collected and analyzed in respect with injecting drug using. RESULTS: Injecting drug using was positively correlated with male gender (P<0.001), young age (P<0.001), native origin (P = 0.043), and concomitant use of alcohol (P<0.001). Comparable initial informed consent (P = 0.836), compliance (P = 0.879), and sustained virological response (P = 0.132) were observed between injecting drug users and non- injecting drug users. The results were confirmed using a multiple regression model. CONCLUSION: Our data further support that active injecting drug users do not constitute a distinct chronic hepatitis C patient group in terms of initial informed consent, compliance, or sustained virological response. Therefore, injecting drug using should not be a major determinant influencing the decision for treatment of chronic hepatitis C in eligible patients.
Prevalence of serological markers for celiac disease (IgA and IgG class antigliadin antibodies and IgA class antiendomysium antibodies) in patients with autoimmune rheumatologic diseases in Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
Authors: Koehne Victor de Barros , Bahia Magda , Lanna Cristina Costa Duarte , Pinto Maria Raquel da Costa , Bambirra Eduardo Alves , Cunha Aloísio Sales da
Published: December 2010

CONTEXT: Patients with autoimmune rheumatologic conditions and celiac disease tend to have a variety of autoantibodies, many of which have no clear pathogenic role. The literature contains frequent reports of celiac disease being more prevalent in patients with rheumatologic diseases, although this remains controversial. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence of positive serum tests for celiac disease, particularly IgA and IgG antigliadin (AGA) antibodies and IgA antiendomysium antibodies (EmA) in patients with autoimmune rheumatologic diseases. A second aim was to correlate positive serum tests with prednisone and immunosuppressant medication. METHODS: A total of 190 adults and pediatric patients with a variety of autoimmune rheumatologic diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthrophathies) were evaluated and tested for IgA and IgG antigliadin-antibodies and IgA antiendomysium antibodies. Patients with positive serum tests underwent endoscopic duodenal biopsies for pathology studies. RESULTS: There were four positive sera (2.1%) for AGA IgA, all of which tested negative for AGA IgG and EmA. Three sera (1.6%) tested positive for AGA IgG; all were negative for AGA IgA and EmA. The EmA test at a 1:2.5 serum dilution tested positive in 94 patients (49.5%); at a 1:5 serum dilution it was positive in 41 patients (21.6%). Eleven subjects tested positive for EmA at 1:40 dilution; and all of these tested negative for IgA tissue antitransglutaminase (tTG) antibodies. Nine of the 11 EmA-positive patients and all 7 patients with positive antigliadin antibodies tests underwent duodenal endoscopic biopsies, and no significant changes were demonstrated in their duodenal mucosa. A positive EmA was associated with elevated optical density AGA IgA readings; however, there was no relationship between positive EmA and AGA IgG optical density readings. Prednisone and immunosuppressant use were unrelated to AGA IgA optical density readings or AGA IgG readings. These drugs were associated with fewer positive EmA tests. CONCLUSIONS: Positive AGAA, AGAG or EmA results are probably nonspecific for the presence of celiac disease among autoimmune rheumatologic disease patients. The intake of prednisone and immunosuprressant drugs seems to reduce the prevalence of IgA EmA, but it does not interfere with antigliadin antibodies tests.Further studies are required to estimate more accurately the prevalence of this disease in rheumatologic patients.
Mortality, weight loss and quality of life of patients with morbid obesity: evaluation of the surgical and medical treatment after 2 years
Authors: Pimenta Gunther Peres , Saruwatari Robson Tadashi , Corrêa Manoela Regina Alves , Genaro Pedro Luiz , Aguilar-Nascimento José Eduardo de
Published: December 2010

CONTEXT: The surgical treatment for morbid obesity is becoming common in this country. Only a few papers reported the long-term results of the surgical approach for morbid obesity, mainly in terms of quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To compare mortality rate, weight loss, improvement of both diabetes and hypertension, and quality of life of patients from the public healthcare in Cuiabá, MT, Brazil, who underwent either medical or surgical interventions after a minimum of 2 years. METHODS: The population of this study was constituted by morbidly obese patients who initiated treatment between June 2002 and December 2006. The casuistic consisted of 89 patients submitted to medical therapy and 76 patients who underwent surgical procedures. The main variables were weight loss, improvement of hypertension and diabetes, quality of life, and mortality. RESULTS: The overall results showed that weight loss was significant in the two groups (P<0.001); however surgical patients showed a greater loss than the medical group (P = 0.05). The improvement of diabetes and hypertension was significantly greater in the surgical group (P<0.001), in which no cases of diabetes persisted. There was an increase in cases of hypertension among patients receiving medical attention. Mortality occurred in six cases (6.7%) of the medical group and in five cases (6.6%) of the surgical group (P = 0.97). The median grade of the quality of life score obtained by surgical patients (2.37 [range: -2.50 to 3.00]) was significantly greater (P<0.001) when compared to the medical group (1.25 [range: -1.50 to 3.00]). CONCLUSION: The surgical group presented better results regarding the weight loss, quality of life and improvement of hypertension and diabetes. There was no significant difference in mortality rate between the two groups after a minimum of 2 years.
Randomized clinical trial comparing spinal anesthesia with local anesthesia with sedation for loop colostomy closure
Authors: Abreu Rone Antônio Alves de , Vaz Filinto Anibal Alagia , Laurino Ricardo , Speranzini Manlio Basilio , Fernandes Luís Cesar , Matos Delcio
Published: December 2010

CONTEXT: Recent studies have shown that local anesthesia for loop colostomy closure is as safe as spinal anesthesia for this procedure. OBJECTIVES: Randomized clinical trial to compare the results from these two techniques. METHODS: Fifty patients were randomized for loop colostomy closure using spinal anesthesia (n = 25) and using local anesthesia (n = 25). Preoperatively, the bowel was evaluated by means of colonoscopy, and bowel preparation was performed with 10% oral mannitol solution and physiological saline solution for lavage through the distal colostomy orifice. All patients were given prophylactic antibiotics (cefoxitin). Pain, analgesia, reestablishment of peristaltism or peristalsis, diet reintroduction, length of hospitalization and rehospitalization were analyzed postoperatively. RESULTS: Surgery duration and local complications were greater in the spinal anesthesia group. Conversion to general anesthesia occurred only with spinal anesthesia. There was no difference in intraoperative pain between the groups, but postoperative pain, reestablishment of peristaltism or peristalsis, diet reintroduction and length of hospitalization were lower with local anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: Local anesthesia plus sedation offers a safer and more effective method than spinal anesthesia for loop colostomy closure.
Hepatics alterations and genotoxic effects of Croton cajucara Benth (SACACA) in diabetic rats
Authors: Rodrigues Graziella , Marcolin Éder , Bona Silvia , Porawski Marilene , Lehmann Mauricio , Marroni Norma Possa
Published: December 2010

CONTEXT: Croton cajucara Benth is a plant found in Amazonia, Brazil and the bark and leaf infusions of this plant have been popularly used to treat diabetes and hepatic disorders. OBJECTIVES: This study investigated effects hepatics alterations and genotoxic and antidiabetic effect of Croton cajucara Benth bark extracts treatment in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were divided into six groups: control rats; control rats treated with Croton cajucara Benth extract during 5 and 20 days; diabetic rats, and diabetic rats treated with Croton cajucara Benth during 5 and 20 days. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (70 mg/kg). Eight weeks later we measured glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol and hepatic transaminases on blood. The bone marrow micronucleus assay was used to assess the genotoxic activity of Croton cajucara Benth. RESULTS: Treatment with aqueous extrat of Croton cajucara was able to significantly reduce levels of triglycerides in diabetic animals, however, did not modify significantly the levels of glucose and cholesterol in these animals. There was no significant elevation in liver transaminases in the control group treated with Croton cajucara Benth, as there was no genotoxic effect of treatment in this model. Our results did not show a significant effect on glucose and cholesterol reduction, the treatment was able to significantly reduce triclycerides plasmatic level. There was no significant alterations on hepatic transferase in the animals from the control group treated with Croton cajucara Benth. It was observed no genotoxic effect of the treatment in the model studied. CONCLUSION: In this study Croton cajucara bark extract showed absence of hepatotoxicity in this animal model and presented a hypolipidemic activity, and could be used to reverse dyslipidemia associated with diabetes and to prevent the cardiovascular complications that are very prevalent in diabetic patients.
Pathophysiology of enteroaggregative Escherichia coli infection: an experimental model utilizing transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Andrade Jacy Alves Braga de , Freymüller Edna , Fagundes-Neto Ulysses
Published: December 2010

CONTEXT: Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli strains have been associated with persistent diarrhea in several developing countries. In vivo procedures with animal models as rat, rabbit and gnotobiotic piglets intestinal loops, in vitro assays with cellular lines like T84, Caco 2, HT29, HeLa e HEp-2 and in vitro organ culture with intestinal fragments have been applied to study these bacteria and their pathogenicity. OBJECTIVES: The present experimental research assessed the pathogenic interactions of three enteroaggregative Escherichia coli strains, using the in vitro organ culture, in order to observe and compare alterations in different regions of both, the ileal and the colonic mucosa. METHODS: This study applied intestinal fragments from terminal ileum and colon that were excised from pediatric and adult patients that underwent colonoscopic procedures. Tissue was fixed for transmission electron microscopic study. Each bacterium was tested with three intestinal fragments for each region. RESULTS: Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli strains colonized and provoked citotoxic effects in the ileal and colonic mucosa. Total or partial villi destruction, vacuolization of basal cytoplasm of the enterocytes, epithelium detachment, derangement of the structure and epithelial cell extrusion in ileal mucosa could explain the perpetuation of the diarrhea. Bacterial aggregates were seen in intestinal lumen associated with mucus and cellular debris and in the intercellular spaces of the destroyed epithelium, suggesting bacterial invasion that seemed to be secondary to the destruction of the tissue. CONCLUSIONS: Pathogenesis of persistent diarrhea should include alterations in the small bowel structures where the digestive-absorptive functions take place. In the colonic mucosa the inflammatory lesions could explain the occurrence of colitis.
Estratégias desenvolvidas por usuários de crack para lidar com os riscos decorrentes do consumo da droga
Authors: Ribeiro Luciana Abeid , Sanchez Zila M. , Nappo Solange Aparecida
Published: December 2010

OBJETIVOS: O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar, sob a ótica de usuários de crack, quais são as estratégias que eles utilizam para minimizar ou evitar os riscos decorrentes do consumo de crack. MÉTODO: Utilizou-se método qualitativo de pesquisa, desenvolvido mediante entrevistas semiestruturadas em profundidade. Foi entrevistada uma amostra intencional por critérios, composta por 30 usuários de crack, selecionados por meio de informantes-chave e distribuídos em oito diferentes cadeias. As entrevistas foram transcritas literalmente, inseridas e analisadas no software NVivo 8, com exploração dos dados mediante a técnica de análise de conteúdo. RESULTADOS: Os entrevistados acreditam que os maiores riscos decorrentes da dependência do crack sejam os relacionados aos efeitos psíquicos da droga, como fissura, sintomas paranoides transitórios e sintomas depressivos, assim como os decorrentes da ilegalidade dela, como a polícia e as questões referentes ao tráfico. Entretanto, os riscos de complicações físicas do consumo quase não foram apontados. As estratégias se concentraram no controle dos efeitos psíquicos, principalmente pelo consumo de álcool e maconha. Para lidar com as consequências da ilegalidade da droga, mostraram se preocupar com a postura que adotam perante o traficante e a polícia. CONCLUSÕES: As estratégias desenvolvidas pelos usuários focam na tentativa de se autoprotegerem principalmente dos episódios de violência e no alívio de sintomas desagradáveis causados pela droga - principalmente fissura e sintomas paranoides transitórios. Essas estratégias podem parecer efetivas a curto prazo, porém apresentaram riscos de longo prazo, tais como dependência de álcool e maconha.
A percepção de pacientes sobre a comunicação não verbal na assistência médica
Authors: Rossi-Barbosa Luiza Augusta Rosa , Lima Carolyne César , Queiroz Izabella Nobre , Fróes Samuel Silva , Caldeira Antônio Prates
Published: December 2010

A confiança no médico e o sucesso terapêutico dependem, além de outros fatores, de uma boa comunicação entre profissional de saúde e paciente. O presente estudo buscou conhecer a percepção dos pacientes sobre aspectos da comunicação não verbal que influenciam a consolidação da confiança no médico. Trata-se de um estudo transversal, descritivo e analítico, com amostra aleatória de pacientes alocada em locais públicos da cidade. Foram realizadas 182 entrevistas com pessoas de idades entre 18 e 88 anos, registrando-se preferência pelo perfil mais tradicionalista do profissional, com roupas brancas, cabelos aparados e sem acessórios. O uso de maquiagem e acessórios (brincos, pulseiras, etc.) para mulheres é aceito com moderação. Existe restrição ao uso de piercings, tatuagens e brincos em homens, especialmente pela população idosa. Confirmando a importância da aparência na comunicação médico-paciente, o estudo destaca a necessidade da inserção do tema nos currículos médicos, uma vez que esses aspectos são pouco discutidos na formação do profissional médico, o que permitirá reflexões sobre aspectos não verbais da comunicação na relação médico-paciente e poderá influenciar positivamente as atitudes dos novos profissionais.
O ensino da Semiologia nas escolas médicas do Estado do Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Midão Claudia M. de Vasconcellos , Ruiz-Moreno Lidia
Published: December 2010

Com o objetivo de caracterizar o ensino da Semiologia Médica no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, pesquisamos 14 cursos de graduação, sendo 11 privados e 3 públicos. Mediante abordagem quantitativa e qualitativa, os dados foram obtidos por meio de análise documental dos programas de ensino, aplicação de formulário e entrevista aos coordenadores das disciplinas. Foi observada semelhança entre os objetivos e conteúdos de Semiologia das diferentes escolas de Medicina, apesar de existir diversificação na denominação, inserção curricular e carga horária. As estratégias de ensino-aprendizagem, os recursos didáticos e a avaliação também mostraram especificidade segundo a instituição. A falta de padronização do ensino prático da Semiotécnica foi considerada uma das principais dificuldades, assim como a escassa disponibilidade de cenários de aprendizagem e de integração entre docência, assistência e pesquisa.
O ensino da ética nos cursos de graduação da área de saúde
Authors: Carneiro Larissa Arbués , Porto Celmo Celeno , Duarte Soraya Bianca Reis , Chaveiro Neuma , Barbosa Maria Alves
Published: December 2010

Análise de artigos brasileiros sobre o ensino da ética nos cursos de graduação da área de saúde no período de janeiro de 1997 a janeiro de 2009, mediante pesquisa realizada na Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS). Vinte seis artigos preencheram os critérios de inclusão; dentre eles, a área com maior destaque em publicações foi a de Medicina (19), seguida por Enfermagem (5) e pelas áreas de Psicologia e Odontologia (1 cada). Com uso da técnica da Análise de Conteúdo, identificaram-se nos textos três categorias temáticas: reflexões teóricas e filosóficas; aspectos pedagógicos e metodológicos; avaliação da aprendizagem da ética. A análise indicou que influenciam mais intensamente na aprendizagem da ética o tempo de exposição ao conteúdo e sua transversalidade nas disciplinas dos cursos. Também se destacaram a utilização de metodologias ativas, assim como a formação e a atitude ética do docente. Diante do cenário de mudanças na educação, avanços tecnológicos e científicos, e no próprio campo da bioética, torna-se essencial investir na discussão sobre a situação da ética no ensino em saúde.
Similaridades entre semiologias na metodologia da aprendizagem baseada em problemas
Authors: Bertoncello Valdecir , Moro Claudia Maria Cabral , Bortolozzi Flávio , Bertoncello Ludhiana Ethel Kendrick Silva
Published: December 2010

O Programa de Aprendizagem de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia da PUC-PR adota a aprendizagem baseada em problemas como metodologia de aprendizagem. Neste programa, são executados diversos casos clínicos que compõem seu conteúdo. Para cada caso clínico, os professores definem uma semiologia principal e as respectivas semiologias secundárias, a fim de definir o conjunto de ações ou procedimentos que os alunos devem executar. Visando à inserção das tecnologias da informação e comunicação no aprendizado dos alunos, foi desenvolvido um sistema que permite obter, passo a passo, as ações e procedimentos executados pelos alunos. O objetivo geral deste trabalho é conceber um modelo matemático e computacional que permita obter índices de similaridade entre as semiologias definidas pelos professores e as executadas pelos alunos.
Nabuco, um diálogo em aberto
Authors: Nogueira Marco Aurélio
Published: December 2010

O artigo explora o legado de Joaquim Nabuco e argumenta que sua atuação política, diplomática e intelectual tem algo a nos dizer sobre as questões e os dilemas com que nos debatemos hoje, em nossa República consolidada, antes de tudo sobre o modo como temos praticado (ou não) a reforma social e buscado construir uma sociedade que inclua todos os seus integrantes.
A política educacional do governo Fernando Henrique Cardoso: uma visão comparada
Authors: Durham Eunice Ribeiro
Published: December 2010

O artigo avalia comparativamente as políticas educacionais do governo Fernando Henrique Cardoso (1995-2003) no contexto do período entre 1992-2008. Demonstra os grandes progressos alcançados em termos de acesso aos diferentes níveis de ensino e da reorganização do sistema educacional promovida a partir da Lei de Diretrizes e Bases da Educação Nacional. Aponta também a importância da criação de um sistema nacional de avaliação de todo o sistema educacional. Por fim, analisa a questão da qualidade de ensino, que é hoje o problema central da educação no Brasil.
Um espaço racializado: engenharia social em Jerusalém
Authors: Makdisi Saree , Simões Bruno
Published: December 2010

Desde 1980, Jerusalém é o núcleo do projeto sionista de remover, coercitivamente, comunidades palestinas há muito estabelecidas para dar lugar a novos moradores judeus. Este artigo examina a natureza e os mecanismos dessa transferência em andamento, da redefinição das fronteiras e o sistema de postos de controle aos dispositivos, complexidades e manobras legais empregados para a transferência dos palestinos. Centro político, cultural e geográfico do conflito entre o sionismo e os palestinos, Jerusalém é , de fato, uma espécie de microcosmo do conflito mais amplo.
Abuso e dependência de maconha: comparação entre sexos e preparação para mudanças comportamentais entre usuários que iniciam a busca por tratamento
Authors: Fernandes Simone , Ferigolo Maristela , Benchaya Mariana Canellas , Pierozan Pollianna Sangalli , Moreira Taís de Campos , Santos Vagner dos , Mazoni Cláudia Galvão , Barros Helena Maria Tannhauser
Published: December 2010

OBJETIVOS: Descrever o perfil sociodemográfico de usuários de maconha que iniciam tratamento e comparar os sexos dos indivíduos em relação aos estágios de prontidão para mudança e uso associado de outras drogas. MÉTODO: Estudo transversal descritivo, com amostra não probabilística de indivíduos que ligaram para um teleatendimento especializado em dependência química. RESULTADOS: A amostra se constituiu de 72% de indivíduos do sexo masculino na faixa etária de 12 a 25 anos. Um percentual de 85,5% fazia uso associado de outras drogas. O estágio motivacional predominante foi de ação (56%), sem diferenças entre sexos (p = 0,4). Os homens mais frequentemente procuraram auxílio para o tratamento do uso de maconha. CONCLUSÕES: Com base nesses dados, foi possível delinear o perfil dos usuários de maconha para auxiliar no direcionamento de informações e atendimento adequado.
A contribuição da escola de Copenhague aos estudos de segurança internacional
Authors: Tanno Grace
Published: December 2010

O objetivo do artigo é apresentar a contribuição da Escola de Copenhague para a área de estudos de segurança internacional. Para tanto, será brevemente examinado o debate metateórico da área, assim como o contexto histórico no qual a Escola foi fundada. Em seguida, o artigo apresenta as críticas feitas às teses por ela formuladas. Finalmente, tornar-se-á claro que, além de terem dado uma contribuição significativa aos estudos de segurança, os trabalhos da Escola também contribuíram para a área de teoria das Relações Internacionais.
Participação em programas para a terceira idade: impacto sobre a cognição, humor e satisfação com a vida
Authors: Yassuda Mônica Sanches , Silva Henrique Salmazo da
Published: December 2010

Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a relação entre a participação em programas da terceira idade e os possíveis benefícios para o desempenho cognitivo, humor e satisfação com a vida. Vinte e nove idosos que tinham iniciado participação em quatro centros de convivência foram submetidos a duas avaliações: no início da participação e após seis meses de atividades no grupo. As avaliações foram compostas pelas escalas: Mini-exame do Estado Mental, Lista de Palavras do Consortium to Establish a Registry of Alzheimer Disease, Teste de Fluência Verbal Categoria Animais, Escala de Depressão Geriátrica e Escala de Satisfação com a Vida. Os resultados indicaram que a participação em programas sociais parece gerar benefícios: aumento significativo no resgate das palavras do Consortium to Establish a Registry of Alzheimer Disease e aumento, que se aproximou da significância estatística, da fluência verbal e satisfação com a vida em relação ao envolvimento social. Os efeitos do engajamento da população idosa nesses programas devem ser investigados.
A resiliência em trabalhadores da área da enfermagem
Authors: Belancieri Maria de Fátima , Beluci Marli Luiz , Silva Daniela Vitti Ribeiro da , Gasparelo Ederli Aparecida
Published: December 2010

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o nível de resiliência dos trabalhadores de enfermagem, visando ao conhecimento das fraquezas e fortalezas desse profissional diante das adversidades a que está submetido. Participaram enfermeiros e auxiliares de enfermagem da rede pública de saúde. Para a coleta de dados, utilizaram-se ficha de dados sociodemográficos e o Questionário do Coeficiente de Resiliência, com metodologia quantitativa. A maioria dos participantes, em relação ao fator regulação de emoções, está abaixo da média, demonstrando que a capacidade de resiliência nesse fator encontra-se enfraquecida. No fator controle de impulsos, a maioria está acima da média. Nos outros fatores (otimismo, análise causal, empatia, autoeficácia e exposição), a maioria se apresenta na média. O excessivo controle de impulsos e a dificuldade na regulação das emoções acarretam grande dispêndio de energia por parte do trabalhador, uma vez que ele não pode exteriorizar suas emoções, especialmente no ambiente de trabalho, justificando o alto índice de estresse entre os enfermeiros.