bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metagenome of the gut of a malnourished child
Authors: Gupta Sourav Sen , Mohammed Monzoorul Haque , Ghosh Tarini Shankar , Kanungo Suman , Nair Gopinath Balakrish , Mande Sharmila S
Published: June 2011

Background

Malnutrition, a major health problem, affects a significant proportion of preschool children in developing countries. The devastating consequences of malnutrition include diarrhoea, malabsorption, increased intestinal permeability, suboptimal immune response, etc. Nutritional interventions and dietary solutions have not been effective for treatment of malnutrition till date. Metagenomic procedures allow one to access the complex cross-talk between the gut and its microbial flora and understand how a different community composition affects various states of human health. In this study, a metagenomic approach was employed for analysing the differences between gut microbial communities obtained from a malnourished and an apparently healthy child.

Results

Our results indicate that the malnourished child gut has an abundance of enteric pathogens which are known to cause intestinal inflammation resulting in malabsorption of nutrients. We also identified a few functional sub-systems from these pathogens, which probably impact the overall metabolic capabilities of the malnourished child gut.

Conclusion

The present study comprehensively characterizes the microbial community resident in the gut of a malnourished child. This study has attempted to extend the understanding of the basis of malnutrition beyond nutrition deprivation.
Lutzomyia longipalpissaliva drives apoptosis and enhances parasite burden in neutrophils
Authors: Prates Deboraci Brito , Araújo-Santos Théo , Luz Nívea Farias , Andrade Bruno B , França-Costa Jaqueline , Afonso Lilian , Clarêncio Jorge , Miranda José Carlos , Bozza Patrícia T , DosReis George A , Brodskyn Cláudia , Barral-Netto Manoel , de Matos Borges Valéria , Barral Aldina
Published: June 2011

Neutrophils are considered the host's first line of defense against infections and have been implicated in the immunopathogenesis of Leishmaniasis. Leishmania parasites are inoculated alongside vectors' saliva, which is a rich source of pharmacologically active substances that interfere with host immune response. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that salivary components from Lutzomyia longipalpis, an important vector of visceral Leishmaniasis, enhance neutrophil apoptosis. Murine inflammatory peritoneal neutrophils cultured in the presence of SGS presented increased surface expression of FasL and underwent caspase-dependent and FasL-mediated apoptosis. This proapoptosis effect of SGS on neutrophils was abrogated by pretreatment with protease as well as preincubation with antisaliva antibodies. Furthermore, in the presence of Leishmania chagasi, SGS also increased apoptosis on neutrophils and increased PGE2 release and decreased ROS production by neutrophils, while enhancing parasite viability inside these cells. The increased parasite burden was abrogated by treatment with z-VAD, a pan caspase inhibitor, and NS-398, a COX-2 inhibitor. In the presence of SGS, Leishmania-infected neutrophils produced higher levels of MCP-1 and attracted a high number of macrophages by chemotaxis in vitro assays. Both of these events were abrogated by pretreatment of neutrophils with bindarit, an inhibitor of CCL2/MCP-1 expression. Taken together, our data support the hypothesis that vector salivary proteins trigger caspase-dependent and FasL-mediated apoptosis, thereby favoring Leishmania survival inside neutrophils, which may represent an important mechanism for the establishment of Leishmania infection.
SHIP-deficient, alternatively activated macrophages protect mice during DSS-induced colitis
Authors: Weisser Shelley B , Brugger Hayley K , Voglmaier Nicole S , McLarren Keith W , van Rooijen Nico , Sly Laura M
Published: June 2011

mφ are heterogeneous in their functions, and although it is clear that inflammatory mφ contribute to inflammation in IBDs, multiple lines of evidence suggest that M2a mφ may offer protection during intestinal inflammation. In vivo SHIP-deficient mouse mφ are M2a so SHIP-deficient mice provide a unique genetic model of M2a mφ. Based on this, this study tested the hypothesis that SHIP-deficient, M2a mφ protect mice from intestinal inflammation. The objectives were to compare the susceptibility of SHIP+/+ and SHIP−/− littermates with DSS-induced intestinal inflammation and to determine whether protection was mφ-mediated and whether protection could be transferred to a susceptible host. We have found that SHIP−/− mice are protected during DSS-induced intestinal inflammation. SHIP−/− mice have delayed rectal bleeding and reduced weight loss, disruption of intestinal architecture, and immune cell infiltration during DSS-induced colitis relative to their WT littermates. Using liposome depletion of mφ, we found that SHIP−/− mouse protection was indeed mφ-mediated. Finally, we determined that SHIP−/− mφ-mediated protection could be conferred to susceptible WT mice by adoptive transfer of M2a mφ derived ex vivo. This study supports our hypothesis by demonstrating that SHIP-deficient, M2a mφ are protective in this murine model of acute intestinal inflammation. Adoptive transfer of M2a mφ to patients with IBDs offers a promising, new strategy for treatment that may be particularly useful in patients who are otherwise refractory to conventional therapies.
Toll-like receptor activation and hypoxia use distinct signaling pathways to stabilize hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1A) and result in differential HIF1A-dependent gene expression
Authors: Jantsch Jonathan , Wiese Melanie , Schödel Johannes , Castiglione Kirstin , Gläsner Joachim , Kolbe Sophie , Mole David , Schleicher Ulrike , Eckardt Kai-Uwe , Hensel Michael , Lang Roland , Bogdan Christian , Schnare Markus , Willam Carsten
Published: June 2011

HIF1A is a transcription factor that plays a central role for the adaptation to tissue hypoxia and for the inflammatory response of myeloid cells, including DCs. HIF1A is stabilized by hypoxia but also by TLR ligands under normoxic conditions. The underlying signaling events leading to the accumulation of HIF1A in the presence of oxygen are still poorly understood. Here, we show that in contrast to hypoxic stabilization of HIF1A, normoxic, TLR-mediated HIF1A accumulation in DCs follows a different pathway that predominantly requires MYD88-dependent NF-κB activity. The TLR-induced HIF1A controls a subset of proinflammatory genes that are insufficiently induced following hypoxia-mediated HIF1A induction. Thus, TLR activation and hypoxia stabilize HIF1A via distinct signaling pathways, resulting in differential HIF1A-dependent gene expression.
Biodistribution and antitumoral effect of long-circulating and pH-sensitive liposomal cisplatin administered in Ehrlich tumor-bearing mice
Authors: Araújo José Geraldo Coimbra , Mota Luciene das Graças , Leite Elaine Amaral , Maroni Laís de Carvalho , Wainstein Alberto Julius Alves , Coelho Luiz Gonzaga Vaz , Savassi-Rocha Paulo Roberto , Pereira Márcio Tadeu , de Carvalho Andréa Teixeira , Cardoso Valbert Nascimento , De Oliveira Mônica Cristina
Published: June 2011

Cisplatin (CDDP) is one of the most active cytotoxic agents and has been widely used in the treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis by the intraperitoneal (i.p.) route. However, CDDP, a low-molecular-weight compound, is rapidly absorbed by the capillaries in the i.p. serosa and transferred to the bloodstream, inducing the appearance of systemic side-effects, such as nephrotoxicity. Furthermore, the i.p. CDDP chemotherapy is limited to patients whose residual tumor nodules are less than 0.5 cm in diameter after surgical debulking. The failure of i.p. therapy is attributed to the poor penetration of CDDP into larger tumors. One strategy to improve drug delivery in the peritoneal region and reduce toxicity is the use of drug delivery systems. The objective of the present work was to evaluate the biodistribution and antitumoral effect of long-circulating and pH-sensitive liposomes containing CDDP (SpHL-CDDP), as compared with free CDDP, after their i.p. administration in Ehrlich ascitic tumor-bearing mice. After administering a 6 mg/kg single i.p. bolus injection of either free CDDP or SpHL-CDDP, ascitic fluid (AF), blood and organs (kidneys, liver, spleen and lungs) were collected and analyzed for CDDP content. The area under the CDDP concentration–time curve (AUC) obtained for AF and blood after SpHL-CDDP administration was 3.3-fold larger and 1.3-fold lower, respectively, when compared with free CDDP treatment, thus indicating its high retention within the peritoneal cavity. The determination of the ratio between AUC in each tissue and that in blood (Kp) showed a lower accumulation of CDDP in kidneys after SpHL-CDDP treatment. The SpHL-CDDP treatment demonstrated a significant uptake by the liver and spleen. SpHL-CDDP treatment led to a higher survival rate of mice with initial or disseminated peritoneal carcinomatosis than CDDP treatment. These results indicate that SpHL-CDDP may be useful for i.p. chemotherapy due to their greater concentration in the peritoneal cavity.
Low-dose naltrexone suppresses ovarian cancer and exhibits enhanced inhibition in combination with cisplatin
Authors: Donahue Renee N , McLaughlin Patricia J , Zagon Ian S
Published: June 2011

Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynecological malignancies. Although initial therapeutic modalities are successful, 65% of these women relapse with only palliative treatments available thereafter. Endogenous opioids repress the proliferation of human ovarian cancer cells in vitro, and do so in a receptor-mediated manner. The present study examined whether modulation of opioid systems by the opioid antagonist naltrexone (NTX), alone or in combination with standard of care therapies (taxol/paclitaxel, cisplatin), alters human ovarian cancer cell proliferation in tissue culture and tumor progression in mice. Administration of NTX for six hours every two days, but not continuously, reduced DNA synthesis and cell replication from vehicle-treated controls in tissue culture. Moreover, brief exposure to NTX in combination with taxol or cisplatin had an enhanced anticancer action. Mice with established ovarian tumors and treated with a low dosage of NTX (LDN), which invokes a short period of opioid receptor blockade, repressed tumor progression in a non-toxic fashion by reducing DNA synthesis and angiogenesis but not altering cell survival. The combination of LDN with cisplatin, but not taxol, resulted in an additive inhibitory effect on tumorigenesis with enhanced depression of DNA synthesis and angiogenesis. LDN combined with cisplatin alleviated the toxicity (e.g. weight loss) associated with cisplatin. LDN treatment upregulated the expression of the opioid growth factor (OGF, chemical term ([Met5]-enkephalin) and its receptor, OGFr. Previous tissue culture studies have reported that OGF is the only opioid peptide with antiproliferative activity on ovarian cancer cells, with OGF action mediated by OGFr. Thus, the common denominator of intermittent opioid receptor blockade by short-term NTX or LDN on ovarian cancer proliferation and tumorigenesis recorded herein appears to be related to the OGF–OGFr axis. These preclinical data may offer a non-toxic and efficacious pathway-related treatment that can benefit patients with ovarian cancer.
Prostate cancer diagnosis in a resource-poor setting: the changing role of digital rectal examination
Authors: Ahmed Muhammed
Published: June 2011

We undertook this study in order to determine the current role of digital rectal examination (DRE) in the diagnosis of prostate cancer in a resource-poor setting. The diagnosis of prostate cancer has been revolutionized by the introduction of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) for biopsy guidance and more efficient biopsy equipment, but they are not readily available in most developing countries. This is a prospective study of 131 patients with suspected prostate cancer based on clinical presentation, DRE and elevated PSA. The presence or absence of cancer was confirmed by biopsy and histologic examination. Patients with screen- or incidentally-detected prostate cancer were excluded. The most common symptom was the development of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). All patients had abnormal DRE and indurated prostate was the most frequent finding (50%). The mean PSA was 33.9ng/mL: of the 131 patients, 80 (61.1%) had a malignant histology following biopsy, 47 (35.9%) were benign and four (3.0%) were prostate intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN). The low specificity of DRE in the diagnosis of prostate cancer requires that it should be combined with other diagnostic modalities such as PSA and TRUS-guided prostate biopsy. Thus government and health-care providers in resource-poor countries must strive to make these facilities available in order to improve prostate cancer diagnosis.
Divergent RNA binding specificity of yeast Puf2p
Authors: Yosefzon Yahav , Koh Yvonne Y. , Chritton Jacqueline J. , Lande Avigail , Leibovich Limor , Barziv Lavi , Petzold Christine , Yakhini Zohar , Mandel-Gutfreund Yael , Wickens Marvin , Arava Yoav
Published: June 2011

PUF proteins bind mRNAs and regulate their translation, stability, and localization. Each PUF protein binds a selective group of mRNAs, enabling their coordinate control. We focus here on the specificity of Puf2p and Puf1p of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which copurify with overlapping groups of mRNAs. We applied an RNA-adapted version of the DRIM algorithm to identify putative binding sequences for both proteins. We first identified a novel motif in the 3′ UTRs of mRNAs previously shown to associate with Puf2p. This motif consisted of two UAAU tetranucleotides separated by a 3-nt linker sequence, which we refer to as the dual UAAU motif. The dual UAAU motif was necessary for binding to Puf2p, as judged by gel shift, yeast three-hybrid, and coimmunoprecipitation from yeast lysates. The UAAU tetranucleotides are required for optimal binding, while the identity and length of the linker sequences are less critical. Puf1p also binds the dual UAAU sequence, consistent with the prior observation that it associates with similar populations of mRNAs. In contrast, three other canonical yeast PUF proteins fail to bind the Puf2p recognition site. The dual UAAU motif is distinct from previously known PUF protein binding sites, which invariably possess a UGU trinucleotide. This study expands the repertoire of cis elements bound by PUF proteins and suggests new modes by which PUF proteins recognize their mRNA targets.
Using Logic-Based Benders Decomposition to Solve the Capacity- and Distance-Constrained Plant Location Problem
Authors: Fazel-Zarandi Mohammad M. , Beck J. Christopher
Published: June 2011

We address an optimization problem that requires deciding the location of a set of facilities, the allocation of customers to those facilities under capacity constraints, and the allocation of customers to trucks at those facilities under truck travel-distance constraints. We present a hybrid approach that combines integer and constraint programming using logic-based Benders decomposition. Computational experiments demonstrate that the Benders model is able to find and prove optimal solutions up to three orders-of-magnitude faster than an existing integer programming approach; it also finds better feasible solutions in less time when compared with an existing tabu search algorithm.
CORAL: An Exact Algorithm for the Multidimensional Knapsack Problem
Authors: Mansini Renata , Speranza M. Grazia
Published: June 2011

The multidimensional knapsack problem (MKP) is a well-known, strongly NP-hard problem and one of the most challenging problems in the class of the knapsack problems. In the last few years, it has been a favorite playground for metaheuristics, but very few contributions have appeared on exact methods. In this paper we introduce an exact approach based on the optimal solution of subproblems limited to a subset of variables. Each subproblem is faced through a recursive variable-fixing process that continues until the number of variables decreases below a given threshold (restricted core problem). The solution space of the restricted core problem is split into subspaces, each containing solutions of a given cardinality. Each subspace is then explored with a branch-and-bound algorithm. Pruning conditions are introduced to improve the efficiency of the branch-and-bound routine. In all the tested instances, the proposed method was shown to be, on average, more efficient than the recent branch-and-bound method proposed by Vimont et al. [Vimont, Y., S. Boussier, M. Vasquez. 2008. Reduced costs propagation in an efficient implicit enumeration for the 0-1 multidimensional knapsack problem. J. Combin. Optim. 15(2) 165–178] and CPLEX 10. We were able to improve the best-known solutions for some of the largest and most difficult instances of the OR-LIBRARY data set [Chu, P. C., J. E. Beasley. 1998. A genetic algorithm for the multidimensional knapsack problem. J. Heuristics 4(1) 63–86].
A Branch, Bound, and Remember Algorithm for the Simple Assembly Line Balancing Problem
Authors: Sewell E. C. , Jacobson S. H.
Published: June 2011

We present a new exact algorithm for the assembly line balancing problem. The algorithm finds and verifies the optimal solution for every problem in the combined benchmarks of Hoffmann, Talbot, and Scholl in less than one-half second per problem, on average, including one problem that has remained open for over 10 years. The previous best-known algorithm is able to solve 257 of the 269 benchmarks. The new algorithm is based on a branch-and-bound method that uses memory to eliminate redundant subproblems.
A Branch-and-Cut Approach for the Minimum-Energy Broadcasting Problem in Wireless Networks
Authors: Li Xiangyong , Aneja Y. P.
Published: June 2011

This paper studies the minimum-energy broadcasting problem (MEBP) in wireless sensor networks. The aim of the MEBP is to determine the power assignment of each node in a wireless sensor network such that a specified source node can broadcast messages to each of the other nodes and the total energy consumption is minimized. We first present a new formulation involving an exponential number of constraints for the broadcasting requirement. We then prove that under a mild condition, these constraints for the broadcasting requirement are facet defining. Directly using the proposed formulation, we further present a new branch-and-cut (B&C) solution approach to optimally solve the MEBP. We propose three ways to identify violated cuts at each node in the enumeration tree. Finally, we test the proposed B&C approach on 1,000 randomly generated instances with different properties and compare it with other alternative methods in the literature. Computational results demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of our approach using the proposed formulation for instances with up to 100 nodes.
Stay or Leave: Director Identities and Voluntary Exit from the Board During Organizational Crisis
Authors: Withers Michael C. , Corley Kevin G. , Hillman Amy J.
Published: June 2011

Directors may play their most important role during organizational crisis; however, extant research suggests that they are often more willing to exit than remain on the board of a firm facing a crisis. We develop theory regarding directors' voluntary exit by integrating insights from identity theories with the organizational crises literature. Specifically, we model how directors' individual, relational, and collective identities work sometimes in concert and other times in opposition to each other to influence directors' voluntary decisions to remain on or exit from a board facing an organizational crisis.
From Hand Drawings to Computer Visuals: Confronting Situated and Institutionalized Practices in an Architecture Firm
Authors: Groleau Carole , Demers Christiane , Lalancette Mireille , Barros Marcos
Published: June 2011

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in practice-based studies of organizational change. Most of this research does not explicitly consider the tension between situated and sociohistorical practices that are central to the transformation of work practices associated with an episode of change. In our study of the impact of off-the-shelf three-dimensional rendering software on the daily practice of architects in a small, highly regarded firm, we explore the incompatibility between these different levels of practice. By building on the concept of contradiction drawn from activity theory, we identify patterns of challenges, reenactments, and enactments through which situated change simultaneously reproduces and questions institutionalized practices.
Training programs and implementation process of positive youth development programs
Authors: Shek Daniel T.L. , Sun Rachel C.F. , Merrick Joav
Published: June 2011

No abstract available
I am smart, therefore I can: examining the relationship between IQ and self-efficacy across cultures
Authors: Jurecska Diomaris E.S. , Lee Chloe E. , Chang Kelly B.T. , Sequeira Elizabeth
Published: June 2011

The purpose of this article is to examine the relationship between intelligence (IQ) and self-efficacy in children and adolescents living in the United States and Nicaragua. The sample consisted of 90 (46 male, 44 female) students (mean age=11.57 years, SD=3.0 years) referred by school administrators and faculty. United States (US) participants (n=27) resided in rural counties in the Northwest. The other group consisted of 63 students from Central America. A comparison between groups revealed that in the US, sample higher grades and IQ scores are typically associated with higher levels of self-efficacy. However in the Nicaraguan sample, both IQ scores and grades were not associated with self-efficacy, although age was correlated with self-efficacy. Results suggest that the construct of self-efficacy might change depending on whether one belongs to an individualistic or collectivistic society. Additionally, the effects of socioeconomic factors might influence perceived ability even more than intellectual abilities.
An Uncommon Cause of Myocardial Ischemia after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: "The Dangerous Drainage"
Authors: Beiras-Fernandez Andres , Möhnle Patrick , Kopf Carsten , Vicol Calin , Kur Felix , Reichart Bruno
Published: June 2011

The most common causes of myocardial ischemia and myocardial infarction early after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery are early graft occlusion/thrombosis or occlusion/ thrombosis of coronary arteries due to advanced coronary heart disease. We describe a case of postoperative myocardial ischemia due to an uncommon and quickly reversible cause: mechanical compression of a vein graft by a 19F flexible silicone mediastinal drainage tube.
Aneurysm of Coronary Sinus of Valsalva Can Rupture Anytime!
Authors: Schullerer Dominikus , Emmert Maximilian Y. , Jacobs Stephan , Plass Andre R.
Published: June 2011

An aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva ruptures in about 35% of all cases and only leads to acute symptoms in 25% of all patients. This paper illustrates a case of a patient who was scheduled for an elective operation due to an aneurysm of the right coronary sinus of Valsalva, which ruptured and led to the necessity of an emergency surgery.
Growth ring analysis of fossil coniferous woods from early cretaceous of Araripe Basin (Brazil)
Authors: Pires Etiene F. , Guerra-Sommer Margot
Published: June 2011

Growth ring analysis on silicified coniferous woods from the Missão Velha Formation (Araripe Basin - Brazil) has yielded important information about periodicity of wood production during the Early Cretaceous in the equatorial belt. Despite warm temperatures, dendrological data indicate that the climate was characterized by cyclical alternation of dry and rainy periods influenced by cyclical precipitations, typical of tropical wet and dry or savanna climate. The abundance of false growth rings can be attributed to both occasional droughts and arthropod damage. The present climate data agree with palaeoclimatic models that inferred summer-wet biomes for the Late Jurassic/Early Cretaceous boundary in the southern equatorial belt.
Birth weight patterns by gestational age in Brazil
Authors: Pedreira Carlos E. , Pinto Francisco A. , Pereira Silvia P. , Costa Elaine S.
Published: June 2011

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We present an updated birth weight-for-gestational-age portrait, based on nearly 8 million observations of an ethnic-mixed population. It comprises the first comprehensive charts with Brazilian data. This contribution intends to assist clinicians in classifying fetal growth, to provide a reference for investigations of predictors and to show the consequences of small and large patterns for gestational age delivery. Most of the reference data for assessing birth weight for gestational age deal with insufficient sample size, especially at low gestational age. Population-based studies with considerably large sample size refer to data collected more than 15 years ago. METHODS: We accomplished a population-based study on births in all the Brazilian states from 2003 to 2005. Results were based on 7,993,166 singletons. We constructed the 3rd, 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 90th, 95th and 97th smoothed percentiles curves and gender-specific tables from 22 to 43 completed weeks. RESULTS: The resulting tables and graphical representation provide a gender-specific reference to access the birth weights distribution according to the gestational age in the Brazilian population. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first population-based reference constructed on a developing country data. These charts could provide an important tool to improve clinical assessment of growth in newborns.
Escutando as mães de portadores de fissuras orais
Authors: Vanz Ana Paula , Ribeiro Nair Regina Ritter
Published: June 2011

Estudo descritivo com abordagem qualitativa. Objetivou a escuta e o relato sobre a etiologia da malformação e conhecer as crenças atribuídas pelos familiares à manifestação das fissuras orais. Os dados foram coletados de março a junho de 2009 por entrevista semi-estruturada e analisados por análise de conteúdo. Resultou em cinco categorias: reação da mãe, sentimentos das mães e da família, comportamento da equipe, conhecimento da causa e crenças. Os resultados permitiram conhecer as crenças sobre o tema e adequar as orientações da enfermagem e dos demais profissionais às mães de portadores de fissuras orais, auxiliando os familiares em todas as fases de desenvolvimento da criança durante o processo terapêutico.
Impacto de um programa de atualização em alimentação infantil em unidades de saúde na prática do aleitamento materno e na ocorrência de morbidade
Authors: Bernardi Juliana Rombaldi , Gama Cíntia Mendes , Vitolo Márcia Regina
Published: June 2011

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o impacto de um programa de atualização em alimentação infantil na prática do aleitamento materno exclusivo (AME), ocorrência de diarreia e de sintomas de morbidade respiratória. Ensaio de campo randomizado por conglomerados foi conduzido na cidade de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, com vinte unidades básicas de saúde (UBS). Profissionais de saúde receberam informações sobre os Dez Passos da Alimentação Saudável para Crianças Menores de Dois Anos de Idade. Foram avaliadas 619 crianças com idade entre 6-9 meses. Observou-se maior duração do AME (p = 0,02) no grupo intervenção, porém sem significância na prevalência de diarreia e sintomas de morbidade respiratória. Análises complementares mostraram que a duração do AME foi maior no grupo de crianças sem ocorrência de diarreia (p = 0,001) e sem sintomas de morbidades respiratórias (p =0,03). Tais resultados sugerem que a estratégia de atualização não foi suficiente para interferir na ocorrência de morbidades, contudo foi eficaz em aumentar o tempo de AME.
Occupational stress and work capacity of nurses of a hospital group
Authors: Negeliskii Christian , Lautert Liana
Published: June 2011

The study aimed to evaluate the relationship between occupational stress and the work capacity index of 368 nurses (82.1% of the population) of a Hospital Group. A questionnaire with socio-occupational questions was used as well as two scales: the Job Stress Scale and the Work Capacity Index. The group of nurses was predominantly female (93.2%), worked in care activities (63.9%), had undertaken at least one Postgraduate course (76%) and were satisfied with the unit where they worked (70.5%). Occupational stress was present in 23.6% of the nurses, of these 15.2% presented High Strain work and 8.4% Passive Work. Social Support exercised a significant positive influence on all groups - exposed or not to occupational stress. Regarding the Work Capacity, this was Moderate (28-36 points) for 51.4% of the nurses and Good (37-43 points) for 47.4%. There was no correlation between stress and work capacity.
Aptidão física relacionada à saúde de escolares brasileiros: dados do projeto esporte Brasil
Authors: Pelegrini Andreia , Silva Diego Augusto Santos , Petroski Edio Luiz , Glaner Maria Fátima
Published: June 2011

OBJETIVO: Analisar a aptidão física de escolares brasileiros, de acordo com uma avaliação referenciada por critérios de saúde. MÉTODOS: Estudo epidemiológico transversal, de base escolar, conduzido em 7.507 escolares (4.114 meninos e 3.393 meninas), de sete a 10 anos de idade. Foram mensuradas as variáveis: massa corporal, estatura, flexibilidade (sentar-e-alcançar), força/resistência muscular (abdominal modificado um minuto) e aptidão cardiorrespiratória (corrida/caminhada nove minutos). Os critérios e a classificação utilizados para os testes motores foram recomendados pelo Physical Best. RESULTADOS: Baixa aptidão física foi encontrada nos escolares, apresentando risco à saúde para flexibilidade (meninos: 58,3%; meninas: 51,2%, p < 0,001), força/resistência muscular (meninos: 75,3%; meninas: 73,8%, p < 0,001) e aptidão cardiorrespiratória (meninos: 80,8%; meninas: 77,6%, p < 0,001). Na classificação geral, nos três testes motores, foi observada alta prevalência de escolares (~96%) que não atingiu os pontos pré-estabelecidos para um nível satisfatório de aptidão física. CONCLUSÃO: Programas efetivos de intervenção na promoção de mudanças nos padrões de aptidão física são necessários, visando contribuir para o desenvolvimento mais adequado dos níveis de desempenho motor, principalmente com iniciativas de políticas públicas em bairros, parques e condomínios que possibilitem a prática de atividades físicas e esportes.
Analytical model for streamwise velocity in vegetated channels
Authors: Tang Xiaonan , Knight D. W. , Sterling M.
Published: June 2011

This paper presents a method for predicting the lateral distribution of depth-averaged streamwise velocity in straight prismatic open channels with emergent vegetation. The approach is fully consistent with the original Shiono and Knight method of analysis, and extends it to include the drag force due to vegetation, modelled as an additional momentum ‘sink' term, with the blockage effect of the vegetation modelled by way of a porosity analogy. An analytical solution to the depth-integrated Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equation is given which includes the effects of bed friction, drag force, lateral turbulence and secondary flows, governed by four coefficients f, CD, λ and Γ respectively. The analytical results are shown to predict the lateral distributions of depth-averaged velocity well for three sets of experimental data: one for inbank flow in a partially vegetated channel and two for overbank flows in compound channels with partially vegetated floodplains. The analytical solution is also shown to give identical results to numerical simulations of the same governing Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equation applied to some experiments undertaken in the UK Flood Channel Facility. The lateral distribution of bed shear stress is also obtained through the Darcy–Weisbach friction factor, thus providing a basis for modelling flood conveyance, fluvial processes and eco-environmental impacts in natural rivers.
Geotechnical characterisation and engineering properties of Burswood clay
Authors: LOW H.E. , LANDON MAYNARD M. , RANDOLPH M.F. , DeGROOT D.J.
Published: June 2011

The Burswood clay is a lightly overconsolidated and sensitive silty clay of high to extremely high plasticity. In two extensive characterisation studies, a wide range of in situ tests were carried out at the Burswood site, including full-flow penetrometer tests (T-bar, ball and plate). In addition, thin-wall tube samples and high-quality Sherbrooke block samples were collected for laboratory testing. The stress–strain–strength, consolidation and compressibility characteristics of Burswood clay were investigated, and the performance of various penetrometers in characterising the soft Burswood clay was assessed. The paper compares values of stiffness and shear strength measured by different in situ and laboratory tests, quantifying the degree of non-linearity of the stress–strain response, the effect of sample disturbance on the measured mechanical properties, the degree of strength anisotropy, and the influence of strain rate on the measured shear strength. In addition, factors relating the net penetration resistance measured by cone, T-bar and ball penetrometers to yield stress, small-strain shear modulus and different measures of undrained shear strength are also provided.
Systematic Surveillance Techniques for a Large Miscible WAG Flood
Authors: Panda Manmath , Nottingham Derek , Lenig David
Published: June 2011

Miscible water-alternating-gas (WAG) flooding has proven to be an attractive enhanced-oil-recovery (EOR) method the world over. Successful WAG floods can yield significant additional oil recovery over waterflooding.

WAG floods are complex in nature since reduction of residual oil in the pore spaces depends on mass transfer. Optimizing miscibile contact between the injected gas and the reservoir oil over a large rock volume is challenging. This challenge is more manageable in a small-scale pilot flood or a coreflood than in a large field implementation. Numerical-simulation efforts can provide guidance to designing an optimal flood. However, the field application will often reveal challenges that are not discovered in the pilot stage or by the full-field simulation model because the geologic properties and heterogeneity of the reservoir rock are not accurately represented.

Integrated surveillance of a WAG flood is the only means to determine whether the flood is working efficiently and the planned additional recovery will be delivered. A well-implemented surveillance plan allows timely intervention to improve the efficiency of an underperforming WAG flood.

This paper presents a systematic approach for applying EOR surveillance tools and methods in large miscible WAG floods in the Ivishak reservoirs at the Prudhoe Bay and Eileen West End (EWE) of the North Slope, Alaska. Highlights of these surveillance methods are (1) designed and implemented by a multidisciplinary team, (2) based on proven theory and corroborated with field data, (3) requires easily obtainable and relatively inexpensive field data and analysis, and (4) applied from fault block down to zone levels. Implementation of these tools has helped to identify the efficiency of flood patterns and areas of poor performance, which then can be modified through infill drilling, well recompletion, or WAG-ratio modification to maximize EOR recovery.
Analysis of Uncertainty Introduced by Scaleup of Reservoir Attributes and Flow Response in Heterogeneous Reservoirs
Authors: Leung Juliana Y. , Srinivasan Sanjay
Published: June 2011

Reservoir heterogeneities occur over a wide range of length scales, and their interaction with various transport mechanisms controls the performance of subsurface flow and transport processes. Modeling these processes at large scales requires proper scaleup of petrophysical properties that are autocorrelated or heterogeneously distributed in space, and analyzing their interaction with underlying transport mechanisms.

A method is proposed to investigate and quantify the uncertainty in reservoir models introduced by scaleup. It is demonstrated that when the volume support of the measurement is smaller than the representative elementary volume (REV) scale of the attribute to be modeled, there is uncertainty in the conditioning data because of scaleup and that uncertainty has to be propagated to spatial models for the attribute. This important consideration is demonstrated for mapping total porosity for a carbonate reservoir in the Gulf of Mexico. The results demonstrate that in most cases, the uncertainty distributions obtained by accounting for the scaleup procedure successfully characterize the variability in the actual core and log data observed along new wells. Conventional reservoir models considering the well data as "hard" conditioning data fail to predict the "true" values.

Following this discussion on scaling of reservoir attributes, a conceptual understanding of the scaling characteristics of flow responses such as recovery factor (RF) is provided, in terms of the mean and variance of RF at different length scales. Finally, a new technique is presented to systematically quantify the scaling characteristics of transport processes by accounting for subscale heterogeneities and their interaction with various transport mechanisms based on the volume averaging approach. The objective is to provide a tool for understanding the scaling relationships for RF using detailed fine-scale compositional reservoir simulations over a subdomain of the reservoir.
Polynomials related to harmonic numbers and evaluation of harmonic number series II
Authors: Dil Ayhan , Kurt Veli
Published: June 2011

In this paper we focus on r-geometric polynomials, r-exponential polynomials
and their harmonic versions. It is shown that harmonic versions of these
polynomials and their generalizations are useful to obtain closed forms of
some series related to harmonic numbers. 2000 Mathematics Subject
Classification. 11B73, 11B75, 11B83.
An attempt to correct for the fading in million year old basaltic rocks
Authors: Morthekai P. , Jain Mayank , Cunha Pedro , Azevedo José , Singhvi Ashok
Published: June 2011

The use of feldspar for luminescence dating has been restricted because of anomalous fading. This has made its application to several important geological problems such as volcanic terrains difficult. Presently, two correction procedures are used to correct for anomalous fading. The present study tests these correction procedures using volcanic samples of known ages spanning the time period of 400 ka to 2.2 Ma. These correction procedures provided grossly underestimated ages (up to 60%). The possible causes for the underestimation are discussed.
Geological importance of luminescence dates in Oman and the Emirates: An overview
Authors: Glennie Kenneth , Fryberger Steven , Hern Caroline , Lancaster Nicholas , Teller James , Pandey Vachaspati , Singhvi Ashok
Published: June 2011

In the Wahiba Sands of eastern Oman, luminescence dating of sands enables us to relate wind activity to climatic variations and the monsoon cycle. These changes resulted from Polar glacial/interglacial cyclicity and changes in global sea levels and wind strengths. Luminescence dates show that development of the Sands began over 230 ka ago when the sand-driving winds were the locally arid, northward-blowing SW Monsoon.

During late Quaternary low sea levels, the Tigris-Euphrates river system flowed across the floor of the Persian/Arabian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman SE of the Strait of Hormuz. OSL-dated sands containing calcareous bioclastic fragments deflated from the exposed Gulf floor during glacial low-water periods indicate that during the last glacial cycle, and at least one earlier cycle (∼120–200 ka and possibly as far back as 291 ka), the floor of the Arabian Gulf was exposed. This is deduced from the presence of aeolian dune sands containing bioclastic detritus on the coastal plain of the Emirates and south into Al Liwa (Abu Dhabi), which were built by northern “Shamal” winds. Those calcareous sands now locally overlie sabkhas formed during interglacial high sea levels. Within the present interglacial, marine flooding of the Gulf occurred between about 12 and 6 ka.
Weight Gain and Metabolic Syndrome Among Young Patients on Antipsychotic Medication: What do we Know and Where do we go?
Authors: Eapen Valsamma , John George
Published: June 2011

Objective: Childhood obesity and its sequelae, including metabolic syndrome, are reaching epidemic proportions worldwide. Young people treated with antipsychotic medication are particularly at risk as they experience significant weight gain as a side effect of second generation antipsychotics (SGAs) with consequent increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular morbidity and metabolic syndrome. However, surveillance for these side effects is not carried out nor intervention offered in routine clinical prctice. This paper examines the current state of evidence on this topic and suggests directions for future research and clinical practice.

Conclusions: Systematic monitoring and preventative programs aimed at weight gain and metabolic side effects should form an integral part of the comprehensive management of adolescents on SGAs.
Something To Hang My Life On: The Health Benefits Of Writing Poetry For People With Serious Illnesses
Authors: Rickett Carolyn , Greive Cedric , Gordon Jill
Published: June 2011

Objective: We aimed to explore the effect of a poetry writing program for people who had experienced a serious illness.

Method: For this study we randomly assigned 28 volunteer participants with a history of serious illness, usually cancer, to one of two poetry writing workshops. Each group met weekly for 2 hours for 8 weeks. The second group was wait-listed to enable comparison between the two groups. We used the Kessler-10, a measure of wellbeing, before and after the workshops and also interviewed the participants at these times.

Results: Participants responded enthusiastically and each group demonstrated an increase in wellbeing over the course of their workshop, moving them from medium to low risk on the K10. Participants enjoyed the challenge of writing and the companionship of other group members.

Conclusions: Psychiatrists, especially those working in liaison psychiatry, are in a position to encourage patients who have experienced a serious illness to explore writing as a way of coming to terms with their experiences.
The Suicidal Desire of Tolstoy
Authors: Pridmore Saxby , Pridmore William
Published: June 2011

Aim: To explore whether a healthy, successful individual may experience suicidal desires.

Method: Examination of “A Confession” by Leo Tolstoy.

Results: Confirmation that a physically and mentally healthy, well resourced individual may experience suicidal desires.

Conclusion: To reduce suicide rates, a broader understanding of the factors which contribute to suicidal desires is required.
A new transvenous approach to the carotid-cavernous sinus via the inferior petrooccipital vein
Authors: Kurata Akira , Suzuki Sachio , Iwamoto Kazuhisa , Nakahara Kuniaki , Inukai Madoka , Niki June , Satou Kimitoshi , Yamada Masaru , Fujii Kiyotaka , Kan Shinichi , Katsuta Toshiro
Published: June 2011

Object

The transvenous approach via the inferior petrosal sinus (IPS) is commonly used as the most appropriate for carotid-cavernous fistula (CCF) or cavernous sinus sampling. However, sometimes the IPS is not accessible because of anatomical problems and/or complications, therefore an alternative route is needed. In this paper, the authors present and discuss the utility of a transvenous approach to the cavernous sinus via the inferior petrooccipital vein.

Methods

Four patients, 3 with dural CCFs and the other with Cushing disease, in whom endovascular surgical attempts failed using a conventional venous approach via the IPS, underwent a transvenous approach to the cavernous sinus via the inferior petrooccipital vein (IPOV). One dural CCF case had only cortical venous drainage, the second CCF also mainly drained into the cortical vein with slight inflow into the superior ophthalmic vein and inferior ophthalmic vein, and the third demonstrated drainage into the superior and inferior ophthalmic veins and IPOV.

Results

In all cases, the cavernous sinus could be accessed successfully via this route and without complications.

Conclusions

The transvenous approach to the cavernous sinus via the IPOV should be considered as an alternative in cases when use of the IPS is precluded by an anatomical problem and there are no other suitable venous approach routes.
Cruveilhier plexus: an anatomical study and a potential cause of failed treatments for occipital neuralgia and muscular and facet denervation procedures
Authors: Tubbs R. Shane , Mortazavi Martin M. , Loukas Marios , D'Antoni Anthony V. , Shoja Mohammadali M. , Cohen-Gadol Aaron A.
Published: June 2011

Object

The nerves of the posterior neck are often encountered by the neurosurgeon and are sometimes the focus of denervation procedures for muscular, joint, or nervous pathologies. One collection of fibers in this region that has not been previously investigated is the Cruveilhier plexus, interneural connections between the dorsal rami of the upper cervical nerves.

Methods

Fifteen adult cadavers (30 sides) were subjected to dissection of the upper cervical and occipital regions with special attention given to identifying potential connections between adjacent extradural dorsal rami of the cervical nerves. When connections were identified, measurements were made and random samples were immunohistochemically stained.

Results

At least one communicating branch was identified on 86.7% of sides. Sampled nervous loops were composed primarily of sensory fibers, but occasional motor fibers were identified. For C-1, a communicating loop joined the medial branches of C-2 on 65.4% of sides. On 29.4% of sides, this loop pierced the obliquus capitis inferior muscle before joining C-2. On 54% of sides, a communicating loop joined the medial branches of the dorsal rami of C-2 and C-3; and on 15.4% of sides, a communicating loop joined the medial branches of the dorsal rami of C-3 and C-4. No specimen had communicating branches between the dorsal rami of cervical nerves C-5 to C-8. Articular branches arose from the deep surface of the interneural connections as they crossed the adjacent facet joint on 34.6% of sides. Loops giving rise to fibers that terminated into surrounding musculature were seen on 35% of sides.

Conclusions

Physical examinations that reveal unexpected results, such as altered sensory dermatome findings, may be attributed to the Cruveilhier plexus. Based on findings in the present study, surgical procedures, such as those aimed at completely denervating the upper posterior cervical musculature, facets, or nerves supplying the skin of the occiput, must also transect the Cruveilhier plexus.