bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical Training: Still Highly Competitive But Still Very Male
Authors: McNally SA
Published: February 2012

The likelihood of obtaining a training post varies massively between all 65 medical specialties. The competition ratio (defined as the number of applicants per post) varies from 1:1 to 12:1. There are few published competition ratios despite these being useful for junior doctors refining their career choice. Modernising Medical Careers (MMC) was a radical change, initiated in 2007, aiming to streamline, strengthen and shorten training.
Educating the Surgeons of the Future: The Successes, Pitfalls and Principles of the ISCP
Authors: Welchmansurgical SA
Published: February 2012

Surgeons have a complex role that has proved difficult for educationalists to unravel. During the 1990s an increase in interest in an evidence-based programme for surgical training, public calls for increased accountability and a professional need for training programmes in line with modern employment law led to calls for curricular reform in surgical education. At a similar time, a report called Unfinished Business commissioned by the Chief Medical Officer proposed that the profession should consider time-limited, curriculum-based training. These factors pushed the royal colleges and the government to form a group called Modernising Medical Careers (MMC). The aim of this group was to review the structure of postgraduate medical curricula. The reforms that resulted were, perhaps, the most controversial changes ever to be made in surgical education.
Have Standardised Referral Forms Reduced the Number of Inappropriate Referrals to Breast Clinic?
Authors: Lefemine V , Osborn G , Mainwaring AM , Goyal S
Published: February 2012

National breast referral guidelines in the UK were introduced in 1995 to create a framework for appropriate referral of patients to specialist breast clinics. In 1998, in an attempt to improve outcomes for patients with breast cancer, the Department of Health issued a circular entitled Breast Cancer Waiting Times – Achieving the Two Week Target. The aim of the two-week waiting time directive (Table 1) was to provide prompt access to specialist services for patients with suspected breast cancer to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment.
Reviewing the Recognition of Professional Qualifications Directive
Authors: Ahamat Nona
Published: February 2012

Throughout 2011 the European Commission has been working towards modernisation of the recognition of professional qualifications (RPQ) directive. This directive aims to facilitate the free movement of EU citizens by making it easier for professionals qualified in one member state to practise their profession in another.
Political Party Conferences: Engaging with Parliamentarians and Policy Makers
Authors: Woodnick Melanie
Published: February 2012

Every autumn the three main political parties meet at their annual conferences to discuss key policies and outline their political agendas for the year ahead. It is vital that the College has a presence at these conferences in order to raise the profile of our work and ensure that we feed into this policy-making activity. The types of people attending these conferences that we seek to engage with are MPs, Lords, MEPs and councillors with an interest in health.
The Surgical Skills for Students Course: One Year On
Authors: Alexander Dinesh , Larvin Mike , Thomas Bill , McCloy Rory
Published: February 2012

The Intercollegiate Basic Surgical Skills (BSS) course is approaching the end of a second decade of teaching and assessing basic skills for junior surgical trainees.1 BSS has rapidly become part of the fabric of UK and Irish surgical training and has gained wide recognition internationally, with versions being adopted in training schemes across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Central America and the antipodes.2–5 Trainers see improvements in assisting and operating skills when trainees complete BSS and this has been confirmed by research.6–8
Looking forward
Authors: Williams Norman
Published: February 2012

It is always dangerous to speculate on the future, especially with regard to healthcare and the NHS, but as we enter the new year it is difficult to resist. Much depends on whether you are a person who sees the glass as half full or half empty. Whichever category you fall into I am sure you will agree that we are in for tumultuous change in 2012 and surgery will be at the forefront of the inevitable upheaval.
RCS and specialist associations respond to concerns over PIP breast implant
Authors: Worrall Matt , Whitaker Matthew
Published: February 2012

In January heightened public concern over the safety of a brand of breast implant prompted much public debate about the regulation of surgical devices. The issue began with a decision from the French government to remove all implants for women who had concerns. This put pressure on the UK who established an expert group to look at the evidence, at which the RCS and specialty associations were represented.
Rifaximin: Clostridium difficile Infection (Recurrent)
Authors: Generali Joyce A. , Cada Dennis J.
Published: February 2012

This Hospital Pharmacy feature is extracted from Off-Label Drug Facts, a quarterly publication available from Wolters Kluwer Health. Off-Label Drug Facts is a practitioner-oriented resource for information about specific drug uses that are unapproved by the US Food and Drug Administration. This new guide to the literature enables the health care professional or clinician to quickly identify published studies on off-label uses and determine if a specific use is rational in a patient care scenario. References direct the reader to the full literature for more comprehensive information before patient care decisions are made. Direct questions or comments regarding Off-Label Drug Uses to jgeneral@kumc.edu .
Key Considerations in Pharmacy Outsourcing: Understanding Risks and Managing Liability
Authors: Tribble Dennis A , Kastango Eric S.
Published: February 2012

Pharmacists appear to be increasingly turning to outsourcing as an option for managing drug preparation tasks, especially for sterile products whose preparation may be time- and labor-intensive. Outsourcing requires that the pharmacy carefully consider exactly what is being outsourced and why. In most cases, outsourcing provides less protection from liability than many pharmacists believe. To understand the risks of the outsourcing and how to manage the potential liabilities, it is important to understand where compounding practices started and how outsourced compounding vendors originated. Even though various resources exist to guide the evaluation of compounding outsource vendors, key decision makers (eg, hospital administrators, directors of pharmacy, the most responsible pharmacist) have no way to truly gauge the quality of outsourced compounding vendors unless they are properly regulated and the rules and regulations are clearly stated and available for review. Pharmacists should be prepared to investigate a potential outsource vendor and critically review their facilities, procedures, and documentation to ensure that dose preparation is properly performed and controlled. This article presents key performance quality indicators to review during a site visit to vet a possible outsourcing partner.
Using the National Poison Data System to Detect Mistaken Oral Ingestions of Medication Capsules Designed for Use in Pulmonary Inhalers
Authors: Varney Shawn M. , Bronstein Alvin C.
Published: February 2012

Introduction

In 2006, the Institute of Medicine proposed initiatives to decrease medication errors using hospital monitoring systems for adverse event (AE) surveillance. Serendipitously, several poison center clinicians noticed a trend of inadvertent oral ingestions involving formoterol fumarate and tiotropium bromide. Each product is packaged in capsules for insertion into special pulmonary inhaler devices for chronic pulmonary disease. The National Poison Data System (NPDS) is a near real-time data and surveillance system capable of tracking AEs. Our objective was to assess the feasibility of NPDS to analyze outpatient AEs, employing formoterol and tiotropium ingestions as a model.

Methods

Retrospective review of NPDS data for formoterol and tiotropium mistaken oral ingestions (MOI) (2001–2007). Inclusion criteria were age over 6 years, exposures, all administration routes, all reasons, incorrect dosing route, and all medical outcomes. Primary outcome measures were number of MOI cases and demographics of at-risk patients.

Results

There were 3,919 formoterol and 18,096 tiotropium cases that met inclusion criteria. MOI cases with minor or moderate outcomes were formoterol 82 (2.2%) and tiotropium 131 (0.8%). Neither drug had a major medical outcome or death. Mean age and gender were similar for both medications. MOI was more common among female patients. Health care facility MOIs accounted for 19 (0.5%) formoterol and 35 (0.2%) tiotropium cases. From 2005 to 2007, formoterol and tiotropium cases accounted for 35% to 45% of all NPDS-tracked AEs.

Conclusion

NPDS data analysis revealed the magnitude of AEs for capsule-shaped medications for inhaler use was more common than previously identified.
Deferiprone
Authors: Cada Dennis J. , Levien Terri L. , Baker Danial E.
Published: February 2012

Each month, subscribers to The Formulary Monograph Service receive 5 to 6 well-documented monographs on drugs that are newly released or are in late phase 3 trials. The monographs are targeted to Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committees. Subscribers also receive monthly 1-page summary monographs on agents that are useful for agendas and pharmacy/nursing in-services. A comprehensive target drug utilization evaluation/medication use evaluation (DUE/MUE) is also provided each month. With a subscription, the monographs are sent in print and are also available on-line. Monographs can be customized to meet the needs of a facility. Subscribers to The Formulary Monograph Service also receive access to a pharmacy bulletin board, The Formulary Information Exchange (The F.I.X.). All topics pertinent to clinical and hospital pharmacy are discussed on The F.I.X.

Through the cooperation of The Formulary, Hospital Pharmacy publishes selected reviews in this column. For more information about The Formulary Monograph Service or The F.I.X., call The Formulary at 800–322–4349. The February 2012 monograph topics are on rivaroxaban in non-valvular atrial fibrillation, Zolpidem tartrate sublingual, aflibercept, glucarpidase, and mipomersen. The DUE/MUE is on Zolpidem.
Approvals, Submission, and Important Labeling Changes for US Marketed Pharmaceuticals
Authors: Baker Danial E.
Published: February 2012

This monthly feature will help readers keep current on new drugs, new indications, dosage forms, and safety-related changes in labeling or use. Efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of this information; however, if there are any questions, please let me know at bakerdan@wsu.edu .
Top 10 Ways We Use Our Smartphones
Authors: Felkey Bill G. , Fox Brent I.
Published: February 2012

As you might expect, the vast majority of pharmacists are “packing” a smartphone. Most even sleep near their device (within about 3 feet). Gone are the days when a separate personal digital assistant (PDA) and a pager supplemented a clunky cell phone on our waists or in our purses. We are able to keep an information appliance on hand 24/7. In this installment, we discuss the ways we most commonly use our smartphones.
The CMS Value-Based Purchasing Program: Making Sense of the Regulations and Implications for Health System Pharmacy
Authors: Mebel Elaine R. , Mark Scott M. , Weber Robert J.
Published: February 2012

The Director's Forum series is designed to guide pharmacy leaders in establishing patient-centered services in hospitals and health systems. This article focuses on the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Service's (CMS) Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) program for hospitals. VBP links Medicare payments to the quality performance of acute care hospitals paid under the Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS), for patient assigned to various diagnosis-related groups (DRGs). It is essential that pharmacy directors understand the implications of the VBP program and the subsequent opportunity that it creates for pharmacy. To take full advantage of the program, adjustments will need to be made in staffing, skill mix, and ultimately the design of the pharmacy practice model.
Recent Publications on Medications and Pharmacy
Authors: Russett Flint
Published: February 2012

Hospital Pharmacy presents this feature to keep pharmacists abreast of new publications in the medical/pharmacy literature. Articles of interest regarding a broad scope of topics are abstracted monthly.
What's Wrong with “Ketofol”?; Trace Elements Conundrum; PCN-200, not Penicillin
Authors: Cohen Michael R. , Smetzer Judy L.
Published: February 2012

These medication errors have occurred in health care facilities at least once. They will happen again—perhaps where you work. Through education and alertness of personnel and procedural safeguards, they can be avoided. You should consider publishing accounts of errors in your newsletters and/or presenting them at your inservice training programs.

Your assistance is required to continue this feature. The reports described here were received through the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) Medication Errors Reporting Program. Any reports published by ISMP will be anonymous. Comments are also invited; the writers' names will be published if desired. ISMP may be contacted at the address shown below.

Errors, close calls, or hazardous conditions may be reported directly to ISMP through the ISMP Web site ( www.ismp.org ), by calling 800-FAIL-SAFE, or via e-mail at ismpinfo@ismp.org . ISMP guarantees the confidentiality and security of the information received and respects reporters' wishes as to the level of detail included in publications.
The rise and fall of neighbourhood in the New Labour era
Authors: Durose Catherine , Rees James
Published: February 2012

‘Neighbourhood’ was a key political and administrative concept for the New Labour administration and was the spatial focus for a proliferation of initiatives in the early period. Yet since 2006, the appeal and use of ‘neighbourhood’ have waned as evidence of the impact of neighbourhood interventions over the last decade has emerged, along with active re-scaling of policy for regeneration and economic development. This article seeks to draw out why ‘neighbourhood’ was important to the New Labour project, to examine why and how this changed over the course of the New Labour administration, and to explore new agendas emerging in policy for sub-national governance.
A kingdom united? Devolution and welfare reform in Northern Ireland and Great Britain
Authors: Wiggan Jay
Published: February 2012

Welfare to work has received less attention in devolution studies than other policy sectors. Drawing on Hall's (1993) ‘orders of change’ model as an analytical framework, this article addresses this deficit. The devolution settlement and constitutional question in Northern Ireland limit the likelihood of radical departure from ‘parity’ with Great Britain1 but differences are emerging.
Ranking and benchmarking: The political logic of new regulatory instruments in the fields of gender equality and anti-corruption
Authors: Vleuten Anna van der , Verloo Mieke
Published: February 2012

New regulatory instruments such as benchmarking, ranking and best practices have given new meaning to the old politics of reputation and changed the standards by which performance is judged. In this article, we investigate the power-based mechanisms that operate between reputation, ranking, benchmarking and performance. Analysing two cases – gender equality policies at EU level and the fight against corruption at the global level – we show that there are valid reasons to doubt the contribution of ranking and benchmarking to improving policy making. The underlying political dynamics even result in adverse effects on performance in terms of legitimacy and effectiveness.
Modernising the other: assessing the ideological underpinnings of the policy discourse on forced marriage in the UK
Authors: Gill Aisha , Mitra-Kahn Trishima
Published: February 2012

This article critiques the Labour government's conceptualisation of forced marriage (FM) as a cultural problem imported by immigrants. Contrasting the traditions and values of minority communities with the purported liberalism of mainstream British society, has given rise to policy initiatives focusing on victims’ right to exit and the tightening of immigration controls, rather than the possibility of finding solutions within minority communities. The gendered nature of the problem, and its connections to other forms of violence against women in both mainstream society and minority communities, has been largely ignored.
Active citizenship: navigating the Conservative heartlands of the New Labour project
Authors: Davies Jonathan S.
Published: February 2012

This article develops a distinct perspective on the continuities and contrasts between Thatcherite Conservatism and New Labour, interpreted through active citizenship policy. Revisiting Thatcherism, it argues that the roots of the New Labour approach to active citizenship can be traced to the late-Thatcher period. It explores six facets of New Labour's agenda, arguing in each case that there were affinities with Conservatism. These affinities further highlight continuities in the ‘social dimension’ of an ongoing hegemonic project, whose objective is to overcome the ‘weak citizenship’ characteristic of neoliberalism by mobilising citizen assent. Judged against this benchmark, the project may have had only limited success.
Perceptions of the usefulness and use of research conducted in other countries
Authors: Burchett Helen E.D. , Lavis John N. , Mayhew Susannah H. , Dobrow Mark J.
Published: February 2012

Semi-structured interviews in Ghana and England explored perceptions of the usefulness and use of foreign research (ie, beyond the original study country) compared to locally conducted research (ie, conducted in Ghana). There was a preference for locally conducted studies, although interviewees generally recognised the potential usefulness of foreign research. Various factors affected whether foreign research was considered useful or used; it was not used automatically or indiscriminately. Researchers should recognise the potential usefulness of their research beyond the original study country. Further work is needed to explore how to maximise the utility of foreign research, as a means of enabling evidence-informed decision making where locally conducted research is not available.
Does research information meet the needs of stakeholders? Exploring evidence selection in the global management of invasive species
Authors: Bayliss Helen R. , Wilcox Andrew , Stewart Gavin B. , Randall Nicola P.
Published: February 2012

This study explored factors affecting information selection by international stakeholders working with invasive species. Despite differences in information requirements between groups, all stakeholders demonstrated a clear preference for free, easily accessible online information, and predominantly used internet search engines and specialist websites to find information. A reliance on experience, rather than scientific evidence, was identified, suggesting that underlying knowledge transfer issues relate to accessing and translating research evidence. This is consistent with other sectors. Research information potentially meets the needs of invasive species stakeholders, but following simple dissemination actions outlined here could help to ensure that relevant research evidence is selected to inform decision making.
Capturing complex realities: understanding efforts to achieve evidence-based policy and practice in public health
Authors: Smith Katherine E. , Joyce Kerry E.
Published: February 2012

Studies exploring how and why evidence informs decisions (or not) often focus on perceived cultural, communicative and institutional gaps between research producers and users. More recently, there has been a growing interest in exploring how political differences between competing ‘policy networks’ might shape research utilisation. Drawing on two public health case studies, this paper highlights the multiplicity of divisions informing knowledge translation, arguing that this calls into question the appropriateness of prioritising professional or political divisions. It concludes by outlining how complexity theories might be employed to develop more sophisticated ways of conceptualising the relationships between research, policy and practice.
Do Cochrane reviews provide a good model for social science? The role of observational studies in systematic reviews
Authors: Konnerup Merete , Christian Kongsted Hans
Published: February 2012

Formalised research synthesis to underpin evidence-based policy and practice has become increasingly important in areas of public policy. In this paper we discuss whether the Cochrane standard for systematic reviews of healthcare interventions is appropriate for social research. We examine the formal criteria of the Cochrane Collaboration for including particular study designs and search the Cochrane Library to provide quantitative evidence on the de facto standard of actual Cochrane reviews. By identifying the sample of Cochrane reviews that consider observational designs, we are able to conclude that the majority of reviews appears limited to considering randomised controlled trials only. Because recent studies have delineated conditions for observational studies in social research to produce valid evidence, we argue that an inclusive approach is essential for truly evidence-based policy and practice in regard to social interventions.
Multiple-Reaction Monitoring–Mass Spectrometric Assays Can Accurately Measure the Relative Protein Abundance in Complex Mixtures
Authors: Hoofnagle Andrew N , Becker Jessica O , Oda Michael N , Cavigiolio Giorgio , Mayer Philip , Vaisar Tomas
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND

Mass spectrometric assays could potentially replace protein immunoassays in many applications. Previous studies have demonstrated the utility of liquid chromatography–multiple-reaction monitoring–mass spectrometry (LC-MRM/MS) for the quantification of proteins in biological samples, and many examples of the accuracy of these approaches to quantify supplemented analytes have been reported. However, a direct comparison of multiplexed assays that use LC-MRM/MS with established immunoassays to measure endogenous proteins has not been reported.

METHODS

We purified HDL from the plasma of 30 human donors and used label-free shotgun proteomics approaches to analyze each sample. We then developed 2 different isotope-dilution LC-MRM/MS 6-plex assays (for apoliporoteins A-I, C-II, C-III, E, B, and J): 1 assay used stable isotope-labeled peptides and the other used stable isotope-labeled apolipoprotein A-I (an abundant HDL protein) as an internal standard to control for matrix effects and mass spectrometer performance. The shotgun and LC-MRM/MS assays were then compared with commercially available immunoassays for each of the 6 analytes.

RESULTS

Relative quantification by shotgun proteomics approaches correlated poorly with the 6 protein immunoassays. In contrast, the isotope dilution LC-MRM/MS approaches showed correlations with immunoassays of r = 0.61–0.96. The LC-MRM/MS approaches had acceptable reproducibility (<13% CV) and linearity (r ≥0.99). Strikingly, a single protein internal standard applied to all proteins performed as well as multiple protein-specific peptide internal standards.

CONCLUSIONS

Because peak area ratios measured in multiplexed LC-MRM/MS assays correlate well with immunochemical measurements and have acceptable operating characteristics, we propose that LC-MRM/MS could be used to replace immunoassays in a variety of settings.
Altered Patterns of Fractionation and Exon Deletions in Brassica rapa Support a Two-Step Model of Paleohexaploidy
Authors: Tang Haibao , Woodhouse Margaret R , Cheng Feng , Schnable James C , Pedersen Brent S , Conant Gavin , Wang Xiaowu , Freeling Michael , Pires J Chris
Published: February 2012

The genome sequence of the paleohexaploid Brassica rapa shows that fractionation is biased among the three subgenomes and that the least fractionated subgenome has approximately twice as many orthologs as its close (and relatively unduplicated) relative Arabidopsis than had either of the other two subgenomes. One evolutionary scenario is that the two subgenomes with heavy gene losses (I and II) were in the same nucleus for a longer period of time than the third subgenome (III) with the fewest gene losses. This “two-step” hypothesis is essentially the same as that proposed previously for the eudicot paleohexaploidy; however, the more recent nature of the B. rapa paleohexaploidy makes this model more testable. We found that subgenome II suffered recent small deletions within exons more frequently than subgenome I, as would be expected if the genes in subgenome I had already been near maximally fractionated before subgenome III was introduced. We observed that some sequences, before these deletions, were flanked by short direct repeats, a unique signature of intrachromosomal illegitimate recombination. We also found, through simulations, that short—single or two-gene—deletions appear to dominate the fractionation patterns in B. rapa. We conclude that the observed patterns of the triplicated regions in the Brassica genome are best explained by a two-step fractionation model. The triplication and subsequent mode of fractionation could influence the potential to generate morphological diversity—a hallmark of the Brassica genus.
Association study between functional polymorphisms in the TNF-alpha gene and obsessive-compulsive disorder
Authors: Cappi Carolina , Muniz Renan Kawano , Sampaio Aline Santos , Cordeiro Quirino , Brentani Helena , Palácios Selma A. , Marques Andrea H. , Vallada Homero , Miguel Eurípedes Constantino , Guilherme Luiza , Hounie Ana Gabriela
Published: February 2012

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a prevalent psychiatric disorder of unknown etiology. However, there is some evidence that the immune system may play an important role in its pathogenesis. In the present study, two polymorphisms (rs1800795 and rs361525) in the promoter region of the cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFA) gene were genotyped in 183 OCD patients and in 249 healthy controls. The statistical tests were performed using the PLINK® software. We found that the A allele of the TNFA rs361525 polymorphism was significantly associated with OCD subjects, according to the allelic χ² association test (p=0.007). The presence of genetic markers, such as inflammatory cytokines genes linked to OCD, may represent additional evidence supporting the role of the immune system in its pathogenesis.
Performance patterns in Conners' CPT among children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and dyslexia
Authors: Miranda Monica Carolina , Barbosa Thais , Muszkat Mauro , Rodrigues Camila Cruz , Sinnes Elaine Girão , Coelho Luzia Flavia S , Rizzuti Sueli , Palma Sonia Maria Mota , Bueno Orlando Francisco Amodeo
Published: February 2012

This study investigated the performance of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and dyslexia using Conners' Continuous Performance Test (CCPT). The clinical groups were composed of 52 children with ADHD and 32 children with dyslexia. Performance in the CCPT was evaluated using ANCOVA to compare the clinical groups with the normative Brazilian sample. The ADHD group performed worse than the normative sample in almost all of the measurements, except for reaction time and response style. The dyslexia group scored higher on commissions, variability, perseverations and inconsistency in the reaction time over the six time blocks (Hit SE Block Change) than the children in the normative Brazilian sample. The ADHD and dyslexia groups differed in omission measurements, Hit RT SE, variability, perseverations, Hit RT Interstimulus Intervals (ISI) Change and Hit SE ISI Change. We thus found that the dyslexia group had specific deficit patterns, with greater response to non-target stimuli, greater perseveration and response variability, and difficulties in hit reaction time as the test progressed.
Central nervous system lymphoma: magnetic resonance imaging features at presentation
Authors: Schwingel Ricardo , Reis Fabiano , Zanardi Veronica A. , Queiroz Luciano S. , França Jr. Marcondes C.
Published: February 2012

OBJECTIVE: This paper aimed at studying presentations of the central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma using structural images obtained by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: The MRI features at presentation of 15 patients diagnosed with CNS lymphoma in a university hospital, between January 1999 and March 2011, were analyzed by frequency and cross tabulation. RESULTS: All patients had supratentorial lesions; and four had infra- and supratentorial lesions. The signal intensity on T1 and T2 weighted images was predominantly hypo- or isointense. In the T2 weighted images, single lesions were associated with a hypointense signal component. Six patients presented necrosis, all of them showed perilesional abnormal white matter, nine had meningeal involvement, and five had subependymal spread. Subependymal spread and meningeal involvement tended to occur in younger patients. CONCLUSION: Presentations of lymphoma are very pleomorphic, but some of them should point to this diagnostic possibility.
Impact of changes in balance and walking capacity on the quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Scalzo Paula Luciana , Flores Carolina Reis , Marques Juliana Rúbia , Robini Simone Cristina de Oliveira , Teixeira Antônio Lúcio
Published: February 2012

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by motor symptoms that cause the decline of functional capacity and affect the quality of life (QoL). Objective: To evaluate the impact of changes in balance and walking capacity on the PD. Methods: The instruments used were: Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), modified Hoehn and Yahr Scale (HY), Schwab and England scale (SE), quality of life questionnaire (PDQ-39), Berg balance Scale (BBS) and six-minute walk test (6MWT). Results: Thirty-six patients with mean disease duration of 7.3 years were assessed. Lower scores on the BBS and shorter distances walked during the 6MWT correlated with a poorer perception of QoL. This correlation occurred at the expense of the mobility and daily living activities domains. Conclusion: Our results indicated that the impairment in balance while performing functional activities and the reduction in walking capacity are important factors that negatively affect the perception of QoL in PD patients.
Central pain due to stroke: cognitive representation and coping according to gender
Authors: Nogueira Mariana , Teixeira Manoel Jacobsen
Published: February 2012

OBJECTIVE: To identify and compare perceptions of pain and how it is faced between men and women with central post-stroke pain. METHODS: The participants were 25 men and 25 women of minimum age 30 years-old and minimum schooling level of four years, presenting central post-stroke pain for at least three months. The instruments used were: Mini-Mental State Examination; structured interview for the Brief Psychiatric Scale; Survey of Sociodemographic and Clinical Data; Visual Analogue Scale (VAS); Ways of Coping with Problems Scale (WCPS) in Scale; Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ-R); and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). RESULTS: A significantly greater number of women used the coping strategy "Turn to spiritual and religious activities" in WCPS. They associated their emotional state with the cause of pain in IPQ-R. "Distraction of attention" was the strategy most used by the subjects. CONCLUSION: Women used spiritual and religious activities more as a coping strategy and perceived their emotional state as the cause of pain.
Language disorders and brain lesion topography in aphasics after stroke
Authors: Devido-Santos Michele , Gagliardi Rubens José , Mac-Kay Ana Paula Machado Goyano
Published: February 2012

Aphasia is a language disorder associated with focal brain lesions. Although the topographic definition of the language area has been widely accepted, there is not necessarily any direct correlation between the lesion site and the manifested symptoms. Objective: To analyze aspects of language in aphasics in relation to lesion topography. Methods: A prospective, descriptive study of qualitative nature was conducted on 31 individuals, aged older than 15 years, with at least three years of schooling, and a confirmed diagnosis of stroke. Language assessment was carried out using the Montreal Toulouse battery (alpha version), Boston naming test, and FAS test. Language test results were compared against lesion topography findings from magnetic resonance imaging. Results: Heterogeneous results were found when comparing topography with aphasia, non-aphasia, and performance on language scales. Conclusion: No direct relationship was evident between lesion topography, aphasia, and language test performance.
Quality of life issues and occupational performance of persons with epilepsy
Authors: Nickel Renato , Silvado Carlos Eduardo , Germiniani Francisco Manoel Branco , Paola Luciano de , Silveira Nicolle Lucena da , Souza Joana Rostirolla Batista de , Robert Cassiano , Lima Andressa Pereira , Pinto Lauren Machado
Published: February 2012

Epilepsy causes restrictions in the performance of various daily activities. The aiming of this study was to investigate whether these restrictions affect the perceived quality of life. The assessments Quality of Life in Epilepsy-31 (QOLIE-31) and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) were applied in a sample that consisted of a single group of 34 subjects with at least two years of uncontrolled seizures. The results indicated that the most affected domains of QOLIE-31 were seizure worry, 29.77 (±21.72), and effects of drugs, 49.75 (±28.58), and for the COPM, the average of performance and satisfaction were respectively 3.10 (±3.07) and 4.45 (±3.29), and performance limitations most frequently cited were maintain employment (18), left home alone (15) and courses (15). The application of the Spearman correlation coefficient showed that the three main performance limitations posed by the COPM, especially regarding the level of satisfaction, influence the perception of quality of life. Thus, occupational performance proves to be an important area of intervention with subjects with epilepsy.
Periodic EEG patterns: importance of their recognition and clinical significance
Authors: Andraus Maria Emilia Cosenza , Andraus Cesar Fantezia , Alves-Leon Soniza Vieira
Published: February 2012

Periodic electroencephalographic (EEG) patterns consist of discharges usually epileptiform in appearance, which occur at regular intervals, in critical patients. They are commonly classified as periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges (PLEDs), bilateral independent PLEDs or BIPLEDs, generalized epileptiform discharges (GPEDs) and triphasic waves. Stimulus-induced rhythmic, periodic or ictal discharges (SIRPIDs) are peculiar EEG patterns, which may be present as periodic discharges. The aim of this study is to make a review of the periodic EEG patterns, emphasizing the importance of their recognition and clinical significance. The clinical significance of the periodic EEG patterns is uncertain, it is related to a variety of etiologies, and many authors suggest that these patterns are unequivocally epileptogenic in some cases. Their recognition and classification are important to establish an accurate correlation between clinical, neurological, laboratorial and neuroimaging data with the EEG results.
Validação psicométrica do Cocaine Craving Questionnaire-Brief - Versão Brasileira Adaptada para o Crack para dependentes hospitalizados
Authors: Araujo Renata Brasil , Castro Maria da Graça Tanori de , Pedroso Rosemeri Siqueira , Santos Paola Lucena dos , Leite Letícia , Rocha Marcelo Rossoni da , Marques Ana Cecília Petta Roselli
Published: February 2012

Introdução: O craving (ou fissura) é um fator muito importante no tratamento da dependência de substâncias psicotrópicas. Objetivo: Validar o Cocaine Craving Questionnaire-Brief - Versão Brasileira Adaptada para o Crack. Método: O delineamento foi experimental e seus participantes foram randomizados, em grupos: experimental, para o qual foi apresentada uma imagem de um indivíduo consumindo crack (G1), e controle (G2), para o qual não foi apresentada nenhuma imagem. A amostra foi composta por 109 sujeitos (G1 = 50 e G2 = 59) do sexo masculino, internados por causa da dependência do crack. Os instrumentos utilizados foram: Entrevista Clínica com dados sociodemográficos, CCQ-B Versão Adaptada para o Crack, Escala Analógico-Visual do Craving, Inventários Beck de Ansiedade e de Depressão e o Estímulo Visual indutor de craving para o G1. Resultados: Na análise fatorial, foram encontrados dois fatores: o fator 1, relacionado ao craving propriamente dito, e o fator 2, relacionado à percepção da falta de controle do uso do crack. Os dois fatores apresentaram variância total de 68,84%, e a correlação entre os fatores foi significativa e de baixa intensidade (r = 0,204; p = 0,041). O alfa de Cronbach do seu total de pontos foi 0,85. O instrumento no total de pontos foi correlacionado com a Escala Analógico-Visual (r = 0,515; p < 0,01). Conclusão: O CCQ-B - Versão Brasileira Adaptada para o Crack demonstrou ser, psicometricamente, satisfatório para utilização em pesquisas e em ambiente clínico.
Validade discriminante do Teste de Aprendizagem Auditivo-Verbal de Rey: comparação entre idosos normais e idosos na fase inicial da doença de Alzheimer
Authors: Cotta Mariana Fonseca , Malloy-Diniz Leandro Fernandes , Rocha Fábio Lopes , Bicalho Maria Aparecida Camargos , Nicolato Rodrigo , Moraes Edgar Nunes de , Paula Jonas Jardim de
Published: February 2012

Objetivo: Este estudo transversal visa avaliar a validade discriminante do Teste de Aprendizagem Auditivo-Verbal de Rey (RAVLT), ao comparar uma amostra de idosos normais com uma de pacientes na fase inicial da doença de Alzheimer (DA). Métodos: Pacientes na fase inicial da DA (n = 35) e controles saudáveis (n = 35) pareados de acordo com a idade e a escolaridade foram submetidos ao Teste de Aprendizagem Auditivo-Verbal de Rey, ao Miniexame do Estado Mental e à Escala de Depressão Geriátrica. O desempenho dos dois grupos foi comparado por meio do teste de Mann-Whitney em cada etapa do RAVLT e, mediante a análise ROC, foi avaliada a validade discriminante do teste nas duas populações estudadas. Resultados: O grupo na fase inicial da DA teve desempenho significativamente pior em todas as etapas do RAVLT quando comparado ao grupo controle, e as etapas demonstraram bom poder diagnóstico, com áreas sobre a curva ROC oscilando entre 0,806 e 0,989 (A1 = 0,806; A2 = 0,869; A3 = 0,958; A4 = 0,947; A5 = 0,989; A6 = 0,962; A7 = 0,985; TOTAL = 0,975; LOT = 0,895; REC = 0,915). Conclusão: Os resultados sugerem que o Teste de Aprendizagem Auditivo-Verbal de Rey é eficaz para discriminar idosos normais de idosos na fase inicial da doença de Alzheimer.
Sintomas depressivos em crianças e adolescentes com anemia falciforme
Authors: Barreto Felipe José Nascimento , Cipolotti Rosana
Published: February 2012

Objetivo: Determinar a frequência de sintomas depressivos em crianças e adolescentes com anemia falciforme, bem como caracterizar e associar tal sintomatologia aos dados individuais. Métodos: Realizou-se um estudo transversal com portadores de anemia falciforme dos 7 aos 17 anos, atendidos em um ambulatório de Hematologia Pediátrica, os quais preencheram o Inventário de Depressão Infantil (CDI). Resultados: Foram avaliados 76 pacientes, estabelecendo-se em 13 o ponto de corte. Vinte e seis pacientes (34,2%) apresentavam sintomas sugestivos de depressão. "Não ser tão bom quanto os outros colegas" foi o item mais pontuado, além de ter predominado significativamente naqueles com escore de CDI maior ou igual a 13, assim como as variáveis: ter pais separados ou viúvos e renda familiar mensal menor ou igual a R$ 510,00. O item "preocupação com dores" foi bem pontuado, independentemente da presença de sintomas depressivos (p = 0,1). Conclusão: A depressão em crianças e adolescentes com anemia falciforme ainda é pouco estudada. Os dados obtidos indicam frequência elevada de sintomas depressivos nessa população. Possivelmente, conviver precocemente com a separação dos pais e pertencer a uma família com baixa renda esteja relacionado ao desenvolvimento desses sintomas.
Escolha de alimentos durante a abstinência alcoólica: influência na fissura e no peso corporal
Authors: Toffolo Mayla Cardoso Fernandes , Pereira Izabelle de Sousa , Silva Karine Aparecida Louvera , Marliére Cláudia Aparecida , Nemer Aline Silva de Aguiar
Published: February 2012

Objetivo: Avaliar a influência da fissura na escolha de alimentos doces e alteração do peso corporal em pacientes alcoolistas. Métodos: Vinte e um pacientes alcoolistas em tratamento no Centro de Atenção Psicossocial de álcool e drogas (CAPSad), Ouro Preto/MG, foram selecionados para participar deste estudo (14 homens e 7 mulheres, com idade entre 25 e 64 anos). Foi aplicado questionário para avaliar a fissura (craving) e o consumo alimentar. A alteração do peso corporal e do índice de massa corporal (IMC) foi estimada por métodos antropométricos para avaliar o estado nutricional. As avaliações foram realizadas no momento inicial e final, contemplando até três meses de tratamento. Resultados: As mulheres apresentaram ganho de peso (1,9 ± 1,86 kg) e os homens, perda de peso corporal (-0,13 ± 2,09 kg) (p = 0,04). Não houve diferença estatística quando essa variação de peso foi comparada entre os abstinentes (AB) e não abstinentes (NA) (Homens: AB = 0,39 ± 2,19 kg; NA: -1,06 ± 1,75 kg/Mulheres: AB: 2,73 ± 1,95 kg; NA: 1,42 ± 1,85 kg). A presença de fissura inicial e final foi semelhante entre os que recaíram e os abstinentes. Os abstinentes mantiveram menor fissura e maior sensação de bem-estar com o consumo de alimentos fontes de carboidratos simples ou complexos. Conclusão: Os alcoolistas que conseguiram se abster tiveram menor grau de fissura com maior bem-estar com o consumo de alimentos fontes de carboidratos. Houve mudanças do peso corporal ao longo do tempo de acompanhamento dos alcoolistas em tratamento para a abstinência.
Preservação de sêmen refrigerado de cioba com diluentes e atmosfera modificada
Authors: Sanches Eduardo Gomes , Cerqueira Vinicius Ronzani
Published: February 2012

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de diferentes diluentes, em atmosfera normal e modificada, na preservação de sêmen refrigerado da cioba - Lutjanus analis. Amostras de sêmen de 30 peixes foram avaliadas quanto à taxa de motilidade, duração da motilidade, concentração espermática e espermatócrito. Para a refrigeração a 4ºC, três diferentes diluentes, com distintas composições iônicas e valores de pH distintos, foram testados em atmosfera normal e atmosfera modificada (100% oxigênio). Posteriormente, um teste de fertilização foi realizado para avaliar a viabilidade do sêmen refrigerado. No experimento de refrigeração, a taxa de motilidade e a duração da motilidade foram adequadas, durante 72 horas, para os diluentes A (48±7%; 190±26 s) e B (41±4%; 160±22 s) em atmosfera normal. Na atmosfera modificada, a qualidade do sêmen caiu drasticamente durante as primeiras 24 horas, independentemente do diluente utilizado, e não houve vantagem em sua utilização. A taxa de fertilização com sêmen refrigerado por 24 horas, tratado com diluente A, não diferiu daquela com sêmen fresco, e ambas foram superiores à obtida com sêmen refrigerado por 48 horas.
Atributos químicos de um Latossolo Amarelo sob diferentes sistemas de manejo
Authors: Campos Liliane Pereira , Leite Luiz Fernando Carvalho , Maciel Giovana Alcântara , Iwata Bruna de Freitas , Nóbrega Júlio César Azevedo
Published: February 2012

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os atributos químicos de um Latossolo Amarelo sob diferentes sistemas de manejo do solo, no cerrado piauiense. Foram avaliados quatro sistemas de manejo: plantio convencional por três anos; plantio direto por três anos (PD3) e cinco anos (PD5), com uso de milheto como cultivo de cobertura; e plantio direto por nove anos (PD9), dos quais sete com uso de milheto e dois com forrageira. Utilizou-se área de cerrado nativo como referência. As amostras do solo foram coletadas em períodos chuvosos e secos, nas camadas 0,00-0,05, 0,05-0,10, 0,10-0,20 e 0,20-0,40 m, para determinação de pH, Al3+, H+Al, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, P disponível, carbono orgânico total (COT), soma de bases (SB), capacidade de troca de cátions efetiva (t) e potencial (T), e saturação por bases (V) e por alumínio (m%). O sistema PD9 apresentou maiores valores de pH e menores de Al3+, H+Al e m%. Observaram-se maiores valores de Ca2+, K+, SB, t, T, V e P sob PD5 e PD9, até 0,20 m. Os maiores valores de COT foram verificados sob PD5 e PD9, exceto na camada de 0,00-0,05 m. O acúmulo de material orgânico associado ao uso de forrageira em PD favorece o aumento dos teores de COT nas camadas mais profundas do solo, no período seco.
Propriedades físicas do solo em sistemas de rotação de culturas conforme o uso de corretivos da acidez
Authors: Castro Gustavo Spadotti Amaral , Calonego Juliano Carlos , Crusciol Carlos Alexandre Costa
Published: February 2012

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de sistemas de rotação de culturas e de corretivos da acidez nas propriedades físicas do solo. O experimento foi realizado entre outubro de 2006 e julho de 2008, em Botucatu, SP, em blocos ao acaso, com parcelas subdivididas e oito repetições. As parcelas foram constituídas por quatro sistemas de rotação: soja/pousio/milho/pousio, soja/aveia-branca/milho/feijão, soja/milheto/milho/guandu e soja/braquiária/milho/braquiária. As subparcelas consistiram do tratamento testemunha, sem correção, e da aplicação de 3,8 Mg ha-1 de calcário dolomítico (PRNT = 90%) ou de 4,1 Mg ha-1 de silicato de cálcio e magnésio (PRNT = 80%), na superfície de um Latossolo Vermelho argiloso. Foram determinadas: estabilidade de agregados, densidade do solo, porosidade total, macro e microporosidade, resistência do solo à penetração e umidade do solo. A aplicação dos corretivos de acidez em superfície não reduz a agregação do solo e aumenta a macroporosidade até 0,20 m de profundidade, após aplicação de silicato, e até 0,10 m, após aplicação de calcário. A manutenção do solo em pousio, na entressafra, prejudica a estruturação do solo, reduz a estabilidade de agregados e aumenta a resistência à penetração nas camadas superficiais. A semeadura de braquiária, entre as safras de verão, aumenta a estabilidade de agregados até 0,10 m de profundidade.