bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effectiveness of a chair intervention in the workplace to reduce musculoskeletal symptoms. A systematic review
Authors: van Niekerk Sjan-Mari , Louw Quinette Abigail , Hillier Susan
Published: August 2012

Background

Prolonged sitting has been associated with musculoskeletal dysfunction. For desk workers, workstation modifications frequently address the work surface and chair. Chairs which can prevent abnormal strain of the neuromuscular system may aid in preventing musculo-skeletal pain and discomfort. Anecdotally, adjustability of the seat height and the seat pan depth to match the anthropometrics of the user is the most commonly recommended intervention. Within the constraints of the current economic climate, employers demand evidence for the benefits attributed to an investment in altering workstations, however this evidence-base is currently unclear both in terms of the strength of the evidence and the nature of the chair features. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the evidence for the effectiveness of chair interventions in reducing workplace musculoskeletal symptoms.

Methods

Pubmed, Cinahl, Pedro, ProQuest, SCOPUS and PhysioFocus were searched. ‘Ergonomic intervention’, ‘chair’, ‘musculoskeletal symptoms’, ‘ergonomics’, ‘seated work’ were used in all the databases. Articles were included if they investigated the influence of chair modifications as an intervention; participants were in predominantly seated occupations; employed a pre/post design (with or without control or randomising) and if the outcome measure included neuro-musculoskeletal comfort and/or postural alignment. The risk of bias was assessed using a tool based on The Cochrane Handbook.

Results

Five studies were included in the review. The number of participants varied from 4 to 293 participants. Three of the five studies were Randomised Controlled Trials, one pre and post-test study was conducted and one single case, multiple baselines (ABAB) study was done. Three studies were conducted in a garment factory, one in an office environment and one with university students. All five studies found a reduction in self-reported musculoskeletal pain immediately after the intervention. Bias was introduced due to poor randomization procedures and lack of concealed allocation. Meta-analysis was not possible due to the heterogeneity of the data (differing population, intervention and outcomes across studies).

Conclusion

The findings of this review indicate a consistent trend that supports the role of a chair intervention to reduce musculoskeletal symptoms among workers who are required to sit for prolonged periods. However the amount, level and quality of the evidence are only moderate therefore we cannot make strong recommendations until further trials are conducted. The review also highlights gaps: for example in showing whether the effectiveness of a chair intervention has long-term impact, particularly with respect to musculoskeletal symptoms, as well as the recurrence of symptoms and the consequent cost of care.
Enzymatic transesterification of palm stearin and olein blends to produce zero-trans margarine fat
Authors: Sellami Mohamed , Ghamgui Hanen , Frikha Fakher , Gargouri Youssef , Miled Nabil
Published: August 2012

Background

Food industries aim to replace trans fat in their products by formulations having equivalent functionality and economic viability. Enzymatic transesterification can be a technological option to produce trans free fats targeting commercial applications.

Results

Palm stearin and palm olein blends in different ratios were enzymatically transesterified in a solvent free system using a Rhizopus oryzae lipase immobilised onto CaCO3 to produce a suitable fat for margarine formulation. Slip melting points and triacylglycerols profiles were evaluated upon transesterification. Results indicated that all transesterified blends had lower slip melting points than their non transesterified counterparts. Furthermore, the triacylglycerols profile showed a decrease in the concentration of the high melting point triacylglycerols. The rheological analysis showed that margarine prepared with the transesterified blend showed a better spreadability than that of a control margarine prepared with non transesterified fat. Adding powder of dry bark orange to margarine preparation improved its colour and fairly affected its spreadability and rheological behaviour. The margarine prepared with transesterified fat displayed a rheological behaviour that was comparable to that of commercial sample.

Conclusions

This study is an ecofriendly approach to the utilization of relatively low value bioresources like palm stearin and palm olein for making margarine free of trans fatty acids that are now implicated as risk factor for heart diseases.
Effect of different freezing rates during cryopreservation of rat mesenchymal stem cells using combinations of hydroxyethyl starch and dimethylsulfoxide
Authors: Naaldijk Yahaira , Staude Marek , Fedorova Viktoriya , Stolzing Alexandra
Published: August 2012

Background

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are increasingly used as therapeutic agents as well as research tools in regenerative medicine. Development of technologies which allow storing and banking of MSC with minimal loss of cell viability, differentiation capacity, and function is required for clinical and research applications. Cryopreservation is the most effective way to preserve cells long term, but it involves potentially cytotoxic compounds and processing steps. Here, we investigate the effect of decreasing dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) concentrations in cryosolution by substituting with hydroxyethyl starch (HES) of different molecular weights using different freezing rates. Post-thaw viability, phenotype and osteogenic differentiation capacity of MSCs were analysed.

Results

The study confirms that, for rat MSC, cryopreservation effects need to be assessed some time after, rather than immediately after thawing. MSCs cryopreserved with HES maintain their characteristic cell surface marker expression as well as the osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation potential. HES alone does not provide sufficient cryoprotection for rat MSCs, but provides good cryoprotection in combination with DMSO, permitting the DMSO content to be reduced to 5%. There are indications that such a combination would seem useful not just for the clinical disadvantages of DMSO but also based on a tendency for reduced osteogenic differentiation capacity of rat MSC cryopreserved with high DMSO concentration. HES molecular weight appears to play only a minor role in its capacity to act as a cryopreservation solution for MSC. The use of a ‘straight freeze’ protocol is no less effective in maintaining post-thaw viability of MSC compared to controlled rate freezing methods.

Conclusion

A 5% DMSO / 5% HES solution cryopreservation solution using a ‘straight freeze’ approach can be recommended for rat MSC.
Evaluation of dihydrofolate reductase and dihydropteroate synthetase genotypes that confer resistance to sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine in Plasmodium falciparum in Haiti
Authors: Carter Tamar E , Warner Megan , Mulligan Connie J , Existe Alexander , Victor Yves S , Memnon Gladys , Boncy Jacques , Oscar Roland , Fukuda Mark M , Okech Bernard A
Published: August 2012

Background

Malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum infects roughly 30,000 individuals in Haiti each year. Haiti has used chloroquine (CQ) as a first-line treatment for malaria for many years and as a result there are concerns that malaria parasites may develop resistance to CQ over time. Therefore it is important to prepare for alternative malaria treatment options should CQ resistance develop. In many other malaria-endemic regions, antifolates, particularly pyrimethamine (PYR) and sulphadoxine (SDX) treatment combination (SP), have been used as an alternative when CQ resistance has developed. This study evaluated mutations in the dihydrofolate reductase (dhfr) and dihydropteroate synthetase (dhps) genes that confer PYR and SDX resistance, respectively, in P. falciparum to provide baseline data in Haiti. This study is the first comprehensive study to examine PYR and SDX resistance genotypes in P. falciparum in Haiti.

Methods

DNA was extracted from dried blood spots and genotyped for PYR and SDX resistance mutations in P. falciparum using PCR and DNA sequencing methods. Sixty-one samples were genotyped for PYR resistance in codons 51, 59, 108 and 164 of the dhfr gene and 58 samples were genotyped for SDX resistance codons 436, 437, 540 of the dhps gene in P. falciparum.

Results

Thirty-three percent (20/61) of the samples carried a mutation at codon 108 (S108N) of the dhfr gene. No mutations in dhfr at codons 51, 59, 164 were observed in any of the samples. In addition, no mutations were observed in dhps at the three codons (436, 437, 540) examined. No significant difference was observed between samples collected in urban vs rural sites (Welch’s T-test p-value = 0.53 and permutations p-value = 0.59).

Conclusion

This study has shown the presence of the S108N mutation in P. falciparum that confers low-level PYR resistance in Haiti. However, the absence of SDX resistance mutations suggests that SP resistance may not be present in Haiti. These results have important implications for ongoing discussions on alternative malaria treatment options in Haiti.
The dual role of silver during silicon etching in HF solution
Authors: Abouda-Lachiheb Manel , Nafie Nesma , Bouaicha Mongi
Published: August 2012

It was reported that during silicon etching, silver was subjected to have a controversial role. Some researchers debate that silver protects silicon, and, at the same time, other ones confirm that silver catalyzes silicon underneath. In this paper, we give experimental results arguing the dual role that silver has during the formation of silicon nanostructures. We give a proof that the role of silver depends on the experimental details and the intrinsic properties of silver during its deposition on the silicon wafer. Through our investigations, we tracked the silver particles that indicated which mechanism is involved. Characterizations of the prepared samples were made using a scanning electron microscope.
Anti-inflammatory/anti-amyloidogenic effects of plasmalogens in lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammation in adult mice
Authors: Ifuku Masataka , Katafuchi Toshihiko , Mawatari Shiro , Noda Mami , Miake Kiyotaka , Sugiyama Masaaki , Fujino Takehiko
Published: August 2012

Background

Neuroinflammation involves the activation of glial cells in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Plasmalogens (Pls) are glycerophospholipids constituting cellular membranes and play significant roles in membrane fluidity and cellular processes such as vesicular fusion and signal transduction.

Methods

In this study the preventive effects of Pls on systemic lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation were investigated using immunohistochemistry, real-time PCR methods and analysis of brain glycerophospholipid levels in adult mice.

Results

Intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of LPS (250 μg/kg) for seven days resulted in increases in the number of Iba-1-positive microglia and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive astrocytes in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus accompanied by the enhanced expression of IL-1β and TNF-α mRNAs. In addition, β-amyloid (Aβ3–16)-positive neurons appeared in the PFC and hippocampus of LPS-injected animals. The co-administration of Pls (i.p., 20 mg/kg) after daily LPS injections significantly attenuated both the activation of glial cells and the accumulation of Aβ proteins. Finally, the amount of Pls in the PFC and hippocampus decreased following the LPS injections and this reduction was suppressed by co-treatment with Pls.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that Pls have anti-neuroinflammatory and anti-amyloidogenic effects, thereby indicating the preventive or therapeutic application of Pls against AD.
Gathering “tea” – from necessity to connectedness with nature. Local knowledge about wild plant gathering in the Biosphere Reserve Grosses Walsertal (Austria)
Authors: Grasser Susanne , Schunko Christoph , Vogl Christian R
Published: August 2012

Background

Wild plant gathering is an essential element in livelihood strategies all over the world. However due to changing circumstances in Europe, the reason for gathering has altered from one of necessity in the past to a pleasurable activity today. Wild plant gathering has therefore also received renewed attention as a form of intangible cultural heritage expressing local preferences, habits and man’s relationship with nature.

In the Biosphere Reserve Grosses Walsertal (Austria), local people’s knowledge of the gathering of wild plants and their perception of their own gathering activities are being documented. The focus of this paper is on the uses of herbal teas and the informal guidelines for gathering plants that have been issued by theBergtee(mountain tea) association.

Methods

Thirty-six free-list interviews were conducted with subsequent semi-structured interviews and three focus group meetings held with members of theBergteeassociation. Participatory observation (gathering and processing plants, mixing and marketing tea) also allowed for greater understanding of what had been reported.

Results

In total, 140 different gathered plant species were listed by respondents. Herbal tea is the most frequently mentioned use. TheBergteeassociation, founded by a young man and two middle-aged women in the valley, is a good example of the link between biological and cultural diversity, with the aim of sharing the biosphere reserve’s natural treasures as well as local plant-related knowledge in the form of herbal tea products. The association’s informal guidelines for gathering reflect people’s attitude to nature: monetary income does not play a major role in gathering plants; instead people’s appreciation of the value of the nature around them is to the fore.

Conclusions

Gathering wild plants can be seen as an expression of people’s regional identity. The conscious appreciation of nature and related local knowledge is crucial for the sustainable conservation and use of the Biosphere Reserve’s resources.
Risk factors and outcomes for prolonged versus brief fever: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Seguin Philippe , Roquilly Antoine , Mimoz Olivier , Maguet Pascale Le , Asehnoune Karim , Biederman Sébastien , Carise Elsa , Malledant Yannick ,   the AtlanRea Group
Published: August 2012

Introduction

Prolonged fever occurs with infectious and noninfectious diseases but is poorly studied in intensive care units. The aims of this prospective multicenter noninterventional study were to determine the incidence and etiologies of prolonged fever in critically ill patients and to compare outcomes for prolonged fever and short-lasting fever.

Methods

The study involved two periods of 2 months each, with 507 patients hospitalized ≥ 24 hours. Fever was defined by at least one episode of temperature ≥ 38.3°C, and prolonged fever, as lasting > 5 days. Backward stepwise logistic regression was performed to identify the independent factors associated with prolonged fever versus short-lasting fever.

Results

Prolonged or short-lasting fever occurred in 87 (17%) and 278 (55%) patients, respectively. Infectious and noninfectious causes were found in 54 (62%) and 27 (31%) of 87 patients, respectively; in six patients (7%), prolonged fever remained unexplained. The two most common sites of infection were ventilator-associated pneumonia (n = 25) and intraabdominal infection (n = 13). Noninfectious fever (n = 27) was neurogenic in 19 (70%) patients and mainly associated with cerebral injury (84%). Independent risk factors for prolonged fever were cerebral injury at admission (OR = 5.03; 95% CI, 2.51 to 10.06), severe sepsis (OR = 2.79; 95% CI, 1.35 to 5.79), number of infections (OR = 2.35; 95% CI, 1.43 to 3.86), and mechanical-ventilation duration (OR = 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.09). Older patients were less likely to develop prolonged fever. ICU mortality did not differ between the two groups.

Conclusions

Prolonged fever was common, mainly due to severe infections, particularly ventilator-associated pneumonia, and mixed infectious causes were frequent, warranting systematic and careful search for multiple causes. Neurogenic fever was also especially frequent.
'The tourism labour conundrum' extended: Historical perspectives on hospitality workers
Authors: Walton John K.
Published: August 2012

The article by Zampoukos and Ioannides on 'The tourism labour conundrum' in the first issue of Hospitality and Society opened out important, and seldom investigated, issues in the understanding of the hospitality labour force. This applies at least as much to historical as to geographical
studies, and this article opens out a largely hidden literature on the experience of labour in the hospitality trades, with particular emphasis on labour relations, social conflict, gender, 'race' and ethnicity, migration and identities. It takes a broad view of the hospitality trades, and
emphasizes that hospitality and tourism are overlapping but far from identical concepts. It covers four centuries and many parts of the world, while accepting the constraints imposed by the nature and range of the existing literature, and by uneven access to work in languages other than English,
Spanish and French. It aims at encouraging the opening out of this neglected field of study to new research by historians and others who are interested in using the past to further the better understanding of the present.
Hospitality in aviation: A genealogical study
Authors: Nilsson Jan Henrik
Published: August 2012

The aviation business has gone through a process of radical restructuring during recent decades. Deregulation and fierce competition from low-cost carriers have put traditional flag carriers under pressure, resulting in falling fares. In this cost-cutting process, service quality aboard
has in many cases fallen at the same time as the glamorous image of aviation partly remains. This process has resulted in a number of contradictions. The purpose of this article is to conduct a genealogical investigation of hospitality in aviation, in order to explain how the performance and
image of hospitality have developed over time, and to thereby shed some light on contemporary developments. It is argued that the service culture of passenger aviation has two historical roots, both of which developed in distinct social and institutional settings. Traditional scheduled aviation
developed out of first-class rail service and marine traditions coming from the passenger steamliners of the early twentieth century. Low-cost aviation on the other hand developed out of the charter industry, which in turn goes back to tour operators using buses and coaches. These two traditions
have shaped different sets of expectations and relations to service aboard an aircraft. This historic perspective builds on a combination of social, geographic, economic, institutional and technological factors influencing the development of hospitality in aviation.
Controlling Crystallization Structures in Thin Si Film for Improving Characteristics of MEMS Resonators
Authors: Kumagai Shinya , Murase Hiromu , Tomikawa Takashi , Ogawa Syohei , Yamashita Ichiro , Uraoka Yukiharu , Sasaki Minoru
Published: August 2012

An approach to control the tensile stress and Q factor of thin Si film beams in MEMS resonators was investigated. Metal-induced lateral crystallization (MILC) using Ni nanoparticles that were synthesized within a cage-shaped protein, apoferritin, was applied to a thin morphous Si film for making a MEMS resonator with thin film beams. The MILC produced a thin polycrystalline Si (poly-Si) film with large crystallized domain (50-60 μm) with nearly the same crystalline orientation, whereas the poly-Si film obtained by conventional annealing (without MILC) consisted of small grains (less than 1 μm) with random orientation. The MEMS resonator with a beam made of poly-Si film by MILC was fabricated. The large domain size and the improved crystallinity increased the tensile stress, and resulted in 20% increase in Q factor in the resonant characteristics.
Periflebite retiniana na esclerose múltipla: relato de um caso
Authors: Monteiro Mario Luiz R. , Callegaro Dagoberto , Cunha-Souza Eduardo , Scaff Milberto
Published: August 2012

Embainhamento venoso na periferia da retina é achado que ocorre em 10 a 20% dos pacientes com esclerose múltipla, podendo surgir em qualquer estágio da doença. Acredita-se que esta periflebite represente o correlato retiniano das lesões vasculares observadas no cérebro de pacientes com esclerose múltipla, mas a sua fisiopatogenia ainda é desconhecida. Neste registro é apresentado um caso em que se observou periflebite retiniana num quadro inicial de esclerose múltipla e é ressaltada a importância diagnóstica deste achado semiológico.
Abscesso intracerebral: tratamento clínico. Experiência com um caso
Authors: Lynch José Carlos , Andrade Ricardo Alves , Lima José Geraldo , Ribeiro Ricardo
Published: August 2012

É relatado o caso de um paciente com abscesso intracerebral que foi tratado com êxito de forma clínica. A literatura pertinente é revista e os autores concluem que a forma conservadora de tratamento pode ser utilizada em casos selecionados de abscesso cerebral.
Prevalence of weight-loss strategies and use of substances for weight-loss among adults: a population study
Authors: Machado Eduardo Coelho , Silveira Mariângela Freitas da , Silveira Vera Maria Freitas da
Published: August 2012

This paper concerns a cross-sectional population-based study conducted with adults living in the city of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. It aims to determine the prevalence of weight-loss practices and use of substances for weight-loss during the 12 months preceding the interview. The prevalence of weight-loss attempts was 26.6%. Although dietary control and regular physical exercise were the most commonly used strategies, the prevalence of the combined use of these methods was only 36% for individuals trying to lose weight. The prevalence of use of substances for weight-loss was 12.8% (48.4% of those who tried to lose weight). The use of dietary control and substances was more common among women, while men practiced physical exercise with greater frequency. Teas were the most frequently used substances for weight-loss. Multivariate analysis identified being female, excess weight and self-perception of excess weight as major associated factors for the use of substances for weight-loss. Finally, we found that, although weight-loss attempts are common, the majority of obese individuals do not make attempts to lose weight and only a minority follows the recommended practices.
Chronic pain, associated factors, and impact on daily life: are there differences between the sexes?
Authors: Vieira Érica Brandão de Moraes , Garcia João Batista Santos , Silva Antônio Augusto Moura da , Araújo Rayanne Luíza Tajra Mualen , Jansen Ricardo Clayton Silva , Bertrand Adriana Leite Xavier
Published: August 2012

This pioneering cross-sectional study in São Luís, Maranhão State, Brazil, aimed to compare men and women with chronic pain by identifying associated factors and characterizing the pain and its impact on daily life. Considering an expected prevalence of 25%, 95% confidence interval, and 3% precision, a cluster sample of 1,597 individuals was selected. The descriptive analysis showed a predominance of women, age bracket of 18 to 29 years, and brown skin color. Prevalence of chronic pain was higher in women than in men. Risk factors were analyzed with logistic regression. Increasing age was an associated risk factor for chronic pain in both sexes. In women, 12 or more years of schooling were associated with lower prevalence of chronic pain, and divorce or widowhood was associated with higher prevalence. Lower back pain and headache were the two most frequently reported sites. There was no difference between the sexes in time since onset or intensity of pain. Chronic pain had a greater impact on daily life for women and generated more feelings of sadness.
Evolução intergeracional da estatura no Estado de Pernambuco, Brasil, entre 1945 e 2006: 2 - aspectos analíticos
Authors: Figueiroa José Natal , Alves João Guilherme Bezerra , Lira Pedro Israel Cabral de , Batista Filho Malaquias
Published: August 2012

Utilizando-se modelos de regressão multinível, foram identificados fatores relacionados à evolução estatural de pessoas residentes em Pernambuco, Brasil, em 2006 e nascidas a partir de 1945. Os dados provêm de dois inquéritos estaduais de base populacional. No modelo final de cada grupo etário, ano de nascimento, sexo, escolaridade, renda e residência em área urbana ficaram positivamente associadas ao crescimento estatural dos adultos, bem como de crianças e adolescentes de 5 a 19 anos. Nos menores de cinco anos, além dessas variáveis, também ficaram positivamente associados o peso ao nascer e a realização de pré-natal, enquanto a ocorrência de diarreia nas últimas duas semanas anteriores à entrevista mostrou associação negativa. Os resultados do estudo mostram que o crescimento estatural foi mais favorecido em ambientes nos quais predominaram melhores condições socioeconômicas e ambientais.
Educational levels and the functional dependence of ischemic stroke survivors
Authors: Fernandes Tiótrefis G. , Goulart Alessandra C. , Santos-Junior Waldyr R. , Alencar Airlane P. , Benseñor Isabela M. , Lotufo Paulo A.
Published: August 2012

We evaluated the functional dependence of stroke survivors from the Study of Stroke Mortality and Morbidity, using the Rankin Scale. Out of 355 ischemic stroke survivors (with a mean age of 67.9 years), 40% had some functional dependence at 28 days and 34.4% had some functional dependence at 6 months. Most predictors of physical dependence were identified at 28 days. These predictors were: low levels of education [illiterate vs. > 8 years of education, multivariate odds ratio (OR) = 3.7; 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 1.60-8.54] and anatomical stroke location (total anterior circulation infarct, OR = 16.9; 95%CI: 2.93-97.49). Low levels of education and ischemic brain injury influenced functional dependence in these stroke survivors. Our findings reinforce the necessity of developing strategies for the rehabilitation of stroke patients, more especially in formulating specific strategies for care and treatment of stroke survivors with low socioeconomic status.
Dedução de funções de alívio para estimar a influência de medidas de chaveamento na eliminação de sobrecargas a partir da técnica de injeção reversa
Authors: Medeiros Júnior Manoel Firmino de , Oliveira Arrhenius Vinicius da Costa
Published: August 2012

Na operação de sistemas elétricos verificam-se, eventualmente, violações em limites de tensões em barramentos das subestações, ou de carregamentos de linhas de transmissão ou transformadores de potência em subestações. Caso o monitoramento dessas grandezas indique possíveis problemas, é necessário adotar medidas corretivas para eliminá-los ou atenuar sua intensidade, devendo a restrição de carga ser utilizada como último recurso. Uma medida de controle bastante eficaz é a técnica intitulada Chaveamentos Corretivos, capaz de influenciar o fluxo de potência de redes malhadas a partir de alterações em suas topologias, sem, entretanto, produzir qualquer custo operacional adicional. Em trabalhos anteriores, o cálculo desenvolvido para verificar a capacidade de uma determinada variante de chaveamento em eliminar a sobrecarga em um ramo específico era realizado através de redução de redes ou através de análises heurísticas. O presente trabalho objetiva a dedução analítica de equações para estimar a alteração de corrente em ramos sobrecarregados, após a realização de chaveamentos em subestações, mediante o emprego de poucos cálculos, decorrentes de aproximações lineares. Para o acoplamento de barras de subestações, as deduções serão baseadas na teoria de Curto-circuito e na metodologia da Função de Alívio. Já para a abertura de barras de subestações, será deduzida uma nova Função de Alívio, fundamentada na técnica de circuito equivalente. Embora sistemas de equações lineares sejam utilizados para fundamentar as deduções, sua solução formal para cada variante, em tempo real, não é necessária. A partir das estimativas realizadas, elabora-se uma lista de variantes prioritárias para teste final através de um cálculo exato de fluxo de carga. Por fim, apresentam-se resultados obtidos através de simulações em uma rede real.
Trabalho e qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde de pacientes em diálise peritoneal
Authors: Oliveira Marília Pilotto de , Kusumota Luciana , Marques Sueli , Ribeiro Rita de Cássia Helú Mendonça , Rodrigues Rosalina Aparecida Partezani , Haas Vanderlei José
Published: August 2012

OBJETIVO: Descrever e comparar a Qualidade de Vida Relacionada à Saúde (QVRS) de pacientes em Diálise Peritoneal (DP) que tinham ou não trabalho remunerado. MÉTODOS: Estudo seccional e populacional com 82 pacientes dos dois serviços de DP de Ribeirão Preto, (SP). A coleta de dados foi realizada por entrevistas entre dezembro/2009 e março/2010. Os questionário para caracterização dos pacientes, o Miniexame do Estado Mental e o Kidney Disease and Quality of Life-Short Form foram usados. Foram feitas as análises estatística exploratória uni e bivariada e a confirmatória bivariada entre variáveis independentes e as dimensões de QVRS. RESULTADOS: os pacientes com trabalho remunerado apresentavam maiores escores médios refletindo melhor QVRS para a maioria das dimensões do instrumento utilizado. CONCLUSÃO: o trabalho é uma faceta importante da vida desses pacientes e merece a atenção dos profissionais da saúde na busca de estratégias que favoreçam e incentivem sua manutenção e reinserção no mercado de trabalho.
Um material alternativo à base de SBS para substituir a guta percha no tratamento endodôntico
Authors: Conceição Bárbara M. da , Visconte Leila L. Y. , Furtado Cristina R. G.
Published: August 2012

A guta percha é um dos materiais obturadores mais usados nos tratamentos endodônticos. Este polímero é obtido de poucas espécies de árvores do arquipélago malaio. Sua grande desvantagem é que pode degradar com o tempo devido ao envelhecimento e esta degradação pode ser potencializada com aquecimento durante a obturação. Neste trabalho foram desenvolvidos cones de tratamento endodôntico à base de SBS. Os estudos clínicos mostraram que este novo material pode ser utilizado nas técnicas de obturação a frio e a quente. No caso de um retratamento, foram empregados os mesmos solventes para a guta percha. Porém, a grande vantagem é que estes cones de SBS, por apresentarem uma resistência à abrasão inferior à dos cones de guta percha, são mais facilmente removidos da cavidade do dente, preservando, assim, as paredes do mesmo. As curvas de TGA mostraram que o compósito de SBS apresenta temperatura de degradação superior à da guta percha, indicando um material mais estável à temperatura, característica importante para o processo de obturação do dente.
Las guerras olvidadas del Perú: formación del Estado e imaginario nacional
Authors: Méndez G. Cecilia , Granados Moya Carla
Published: August 2012

A diferencia de otros países americanos, el Perú carece de una memoria nacional de sus guerras civiles decimonónicas. Estas han sido opacadas por la avasalladora memoria de la Guerra del Pacífico, que el Perú y Bolivia perdieron ante Chile (1879-1883). El presente ensayo se propone rescatar del olvido a las guerras civiles peruanas del siglo XIX, empezando por las guerras de la independencia. Las preguntas que planteamos están motivadas por la guerra reciente que desató el Sendero Luminoso entre 1980 y fines de la década de 1990, en la que los campesinos andinos asumieron las funciones represivas del Estado al tomar las armas para derrotar a la insurgencia senderista. Esta situación exhibe interesantes paralelos con las guerras civiles del siglo XIX. Proponemos que el estudio de las guerras civiles decimonónicas del Perú, a la luz de la reciente guerra interna, ofrece una oportunidad fecunda para discutir las nociones de ciudadanía y pertenencia, la relación entre guerra y la constitución del Estado, así como los alcances y límites del concepto weberiano del Estado como el ente que monopoliza la violencia legítima. Subrayamos la importancia de la organización civil de las poblaciones rurales en el devenir de la guerra y, más ampliamente, en la construcción del Estado.
Causas estruturais e consequências dos regimes internacionais: regimes como variáveis intervenientes
Authors: Krasner Stephen D.
Published: August 2012

Os regimes internacionais são definidos como princípios, normas, regras e procedimentos de tomada de decisões ao redor dos quais as expectativas dos atores convergem em uma dada área-tema. Como ponto de partida, os regimes são conceituados como variáveis intervenientes, estando entre fatores causais básicos e os resultados e comportamentos relacionados. Há três visões a respeito da importância dos regimes: as orientações estruturais convencionais desvalorizam os regimes como sendo, na melhor das hipóteses, ineficazes; as orientações grocianas vêem os regimes como componentes íntimos do sistema internacional; as perspectivas estruturalistas modificadas vêem os regimes como significativos somente em certas condições restritas. Para os argumentos grociano e estruturalista modificado - que concordam com a visão de que os regimes podem influenciar resultados e comportamentos - , o desenvolvimento de regimes é visto como uma função de cinco variáveis causais básicas: auto-interesse egoísta; poder político; normas e princípios difusos; usos e costumes; conhecimento.
Pain in photodynamic therapy: mechanism of action and management strategies
Authors: Chaves Yuri Nogueira , Torezan Luis Antônio , Niwa Ane Beatriz Mautari , Sanches Junior José Antônio , Festa Neto Ciro
Published: August 2012

Photodynamic therapy involves administration of a photosensitizing drug and its subsequent activation by irradiation with a light source at wavelengths matching the absorption spectrum of the photosensitizer. In many countries around the world, topical photodynamic therapy has been approved for treatment of cutaneous oncologic conditions such as actinic keratosis, Bowen's disease, and superficial basal cell carcinoma. Multicenter, randomized, controlled studies have confirmed its efficacy and superior cosmetic outcomes compared to conventional therapies. Nevertheless, this therapeutic method presents some adverse effects, such as erythema, edema, pigmentation, pustules, and pain. There is no doubt that pain is the most severe of the adverse effects, being sometimes responsible for definitive treatment interruption. The pain mechanism has not yet been fully understood, which makes complete pain control a challenge to be conquered. In spite of that, this literature review presents some useful pain management strategies as well as the most important pain-related factors in photodynamic therapy.
Evaluation of myofibroblasts and its association with TGF-β and IFN-γ in lesions of patients with american tegumentary leishmaniasis
Authors: Viana Agostinho Gonçalves , Fraga Carlos Alberto de Carvalho , Bonan Paulo Rogério Ferreti
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND: Leishmaniasis is caused by protozoa of Leishmania spp. genus. It is transmitted by the bite of the sand fly insect. It is believed that 12 million people are infected with this disease and that its annual incidence is 2 million; this number is increasing. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to evaluate the expression of myofibroblasts through alpha smooth muscle actin labeling, and to analyze their relationship with the expression of the cytokines Interferon gama (IFN-γ) and Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β1) in lesions of American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL). METHODS: For this retrospective study, we gathered 28 patients diagnosed with ATL between 2002 and 2006. We verified α-SMA positivity and performed IFN-γ and TGF-β1 immunolabeling to identify the profile of these cytokines in both positive and negative cases for myofibroblasts, via immunohistochemistry, in order to assess the presence of myofibroblasts,. RESULTS: We observed that out of the 28 cases, 17 (60.71%) were positive for alpha smooth muscle actin, while 11 (39.29%) were negative, and IFN-γ was more expressed than TGF-β1 (p=0.007). The mean percentages of expression of IFN-γ and TGF-β1 in the group negative for alpha smooth muscle actin were different, with an increased expression of IFN-γ (p=0.047). However, in the group positive for alpha smooth muscle actin, there was no difference in cytokine labeling (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: We verified the presence of positive α-SMA stromal cells in the majority of the cases of ATL, indicating the presence of myofibroblasts. In cases negative for alpha smooth muscle actin, an increased expression of IFN-γ compared to TGF-β1 was observed, revealing an inflammatory phase progressing to a healing process.
Comparison between two culture media for in vitro evaluation of antifungal susceptibility of the Sporothrix schenckii complex
Authors: Stopiglia Cheila Denise Ottonelli , Marchese Daiane Péres , Heidrich Daiane , Sorrentino Julia Medeiros , Vieira Fabiane Jamono , Scroferneker Maria Lúcia
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND: The standard methodology for determining the antifungal sensitivity against the Sporothrix schenckii complex recommends the use of the 1640 Roswell Park Memorial Institute culture medium (RPMI) buffered with morpholinepropanolsulfonic acid (MOPS). However, while this is a high-cost medium which requires a laborious implementation and sterilization by filtration, the Sabouraud dextrose broth is a low-cost medium, widely used in mycology, sterilized by autoclave. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of the Sabouraud dextrose broth culture medium as a substitute for the RPMI 1640-MOPS in determining the antifungal sensitivity of S. schenckii. METHODS: Forty-eight clinical isolates were evaluated against five antifungal agents: itraconazole, ketoconazole, fluconazole, amphotericin B and terbinafine, using the method of broth microdilution advocated by the M38-A2 protocol of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations obtained in the two culture media for all the antifungals, with the exception of the amphotericin B. Regarding this drug, the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration range obtained were wider for the Sabouraud dextrose broth than for the Roswell Park Memorial Institute morpholinepropanelsulfonic acid. CONCLUSIONS: The Sabouraud dextrose broth showed potential to be used in the in vitro evaluation of the S. schenckii complex antifungal activity.
Epidemiology of squamous cell carcinomas among the population attended in the city of Tubarão, Brazil, between 1999 and 2009
Authors: Corrêa Luiz Henrique Locks , Popoaski Cristiane Perini , Custódio Geisiane , Gonçalves Carlos Otávio , Trevisol Fabiana Schuelter
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND: Skin cancer is the most common neoplasm in Brazil, with increasing incidence in recent decades. Data on the incidence of squamous cell carcinoma are scarce in southern Santa Catarina. OBJECTIVE: To establish epidemiological data on squamous cell carcinoma in Tubarão, State of Santa Catarina. METHODS: A cross-sectional review was conducted on anatomical pathology reports, positive for squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, found in the local laboratories. A convenience sampling method was used for data collection, since all the pathology reports from the local laboratories between 1999 and 2009 were included. The collected variables included year of diagnosis, age, gender, city of origin, tumor site, histological type and subtype, lesion size, margin involvement and relapse. RESULTS: In total, 1,437 case reports were identified, most frequently in individuals between 70 and 79 years old. Patient morbidity was 69.5 per 100,000 population for the year 1999, and 136.7 per 100,000 population for the year 2009, which represents a 50 percent increase. The face was the most affected area and the most common histological subtype was the well-differentiated tumor. CONCLUSION: There were 1,437 reports of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin between 1999 and 2009, with a significant increase in patient morbidity. There was an association between male gender and location on the lip and ear, and between females and the occurrence of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin on the nose, and upper and lower limbs. There was a prevalence of margin involvement after resection in 18% of lesions.
Dental infection simulating skin lesion
Authors: Abuabara Allan , Schramm Celso Alfredo , Zielak João César , Baratto-Filho Flares
Published: August 2012

Orocutaneous fistulas or cutaneous sinus, a tract of dental origin, is an uncommon but welldocumented condition that usually requires emergency treatment. Such condition may be misdiagnosed by physicians and dentists and may sometimes be confused with bone and skin tumor, osteomyelitis, congenital fistula, salivary gland fistula, pyogenic granuloma, infected cyst, deep mycotic infection, and other pathologies. A case of facial sinus tract that was initially misdiagnosed by a physician as a nonodontogenic lesion is presented. Nonsurgical endodontic therapy was the treatment of choice for this case. Facial cutaneous sinus tracts must be considered of dental origin. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment minimize patient discomfort and esthetic problems, reducing the possibility of further complications such as sepsis and osteomyelitis.
Congenital and neonatal lupus erythematosus: two case reports
Authors: Frey Marcos Noronha , Ioppi Ana Elisa Empinotti , Garbin Gabriela Czarnobay , Furian Roque Domingos , Bau Ana Elisa Kiszewski
Published: August 2012

Neonatal lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease produced by the passage of maternal antinuclear antibodies and extractable nuclear antigen antibodies through the placenta. At the moment of the diagnosis, the mothers are asymptomatic in 40 to 60% of cases. The most common manifestations are cutaneous lesions and congenital heart block. The cutaneous findings are variable and usually begin within the first weeks or months of life. Congenital lupus erythematosus is a congenital variant of neonatal lupus erythematosus. We present one case of congenital lupus erythematosus and one case of neonatal lupus erythematous, showing the variability of this disease.
Basal cell carcinoma appearing in a facial nevus sebaceous of Jadassohn: dermoscopic features
Authors: Enei Maria Leonor , Paschoal Francisco Macedo , Valdés Gustavo , Valdés Rodrigo
Published: August 2012

The nevus sebaceous of Jadassohn usually affects the face or scalp. It tends to evolve in three stages, and the final stage is characterized by the appearance of tumours. We present the case of a facial nevus sebaceous of Jadasshon in which a basal cell carcinoma developed. We also explore the diagnosis of this disease, which was established through dermoscopy, and propose using this technique in the clinical follow-up of this type of hamartoma, thereby allowing the early detection of cancer development.
Adoecimento psíquico em mulheres portadoras do vírus HIV: um desafio para a clínica contemporânea
Authors: Veras Joana Finkelstein
Published: August 2012

Este artigo tem como objetivo aprofundar o entendimento e promover a reflexão sobre o sofrimento psíquico de mulheres portadoras do vírus HIV. Tomei como base minha vivência inicial de estagiária e atual de profissional, atuando em instituições que atendem pacientes com problemas clínicos infectológicos, entre eles, a infecção pelo vírus HIV. Sustentei-me em textos psicanalíticos, em estudos recentes sobre a problemática da Aids e no significado da morte real e simbólica, considerando a representação social da epidemia e suas repercussões na subjetividade. Destaquei o adoecimento psíquico das pacientes, expresso através do sofrimento melancólico, cuja decorrência foi relacionada a aspectos inconscientes da sexualidade, trazidos à tona frente ao diagnóstico, à confrontação com o tema da morte e à forma de subjetivação da sociedade contemporânea.
Ética e compromisso social na psicologia do esporte
Authors: Rubio Katia
Published: August 2012

A análise do esporte contemporâneo e do papel e da função dos profissionais envolvidos nesse contexto exige uma compreensão da complexa estrutura que levou o espetáculo esportivo a se transformar em um dos principais fenômenos socioculturais contemporâneos. Dentre as muitas questões pertinentes a esse debate, está o limite da busca do rendimento e a relação entre a dimensão do público e do privado na vida dos envolvidos na realização do espetáculo esportivo. A proposta deste ensaio é discutir questões éticas envolvidas na atuação do psicólogo do esporte, apontando a necessidade de superação do entendimento da Psicologia do esporte como uma especialidade que visa apenas e tão somente ao rendimento e à busca da vitória.
Estratégias de produção de si e a humanização no SUS
Authors: Bernardes Anita Guazzelli , Guareschi Neuza
Published: August 2012

O artigo visa a problematizar a relação entre as estratégias de produção de si e a Política Nacional de Humanização como um dos princípios do SUS no campo da saúde pública, assim como busca refletir a condição de existência da Humanização no campo da saúde coletiva. Para tanto, discutem-se as maneiras como essa política articula produções discursivas sobre o modo de subjetivação do indivíduo, os mecanismos de controle que intentam forjar modos que transcendem uma condição humana. Para produzir tal discussão, utiliza-se uma abordagem fundamentada em teóricos contemporâneos, principalmente os conceitos foucaultianos de tecnologias de si e modos de subjetivação, que entendem o discurso de forma a enaltecer não o que significa um conceito, mas sim, o que se produz a partir deste.
Adolescentes grávidas: vivências de uma nova realidade
Authors: Pantoja Florinaldo Carreteiro , Bucher Júlia Sursis Nobre Ferro , Queiroz Cristiane Holanda
Published: August 2012

O número de adolescentes grávidas vem crescendo anualmente em todo o mundo e vem se tornando uma questão de saúde pública. Em função disso, bem como da carência de pesquisas que abordem as questões subjetivas das vivências de adolescentes grávidas, surgiu a necessidade de se estudar a complexidade desse problema, que afeta as áreas da educação, da saúde e das relações familiares. Para realizar esta pesquisa, optamos por uma abordagem qualitativa, dada a sua capacidade de propiciar melhor interação entre os envolvidos no processo. Os sujeitos escolhidos para o estudo foram dez adolescentes grávidas de baixa renda, com idades entre 16 e 19 anos, que foram atendidas numa unidade básica de saúde na cidade de Macapá, no Estado do Amapá. Os resultados constatam que é preciso aprimorar a educação sexual dentro de uma perspectiva socioeconômica, não apenas nas escolas mas também através da integração com as unidades de saúde pública, e promover espaços mais acolhedores para os adolescentes discutirem sobre sexualidade.
Juventude e sistema de direitos no Brasil
Authors: Gonçalves Hebe Signorini , Garcia Joana
Published: August 2012

O artigo analisa as condições de atendimento aos direitos de crianças e jovens, na forma assegurada pelo Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente. Com base em dados divulgados pelas principais estatísticas nacionais, em estudos que tomam por base essas mesmas estatísticas e em relatórios oficiais, discute o alcance das políticas de atenção à infância e à adolescência, em particular aquelas voltadas para o adolescente em conflito com a lei. O artigo aponta os traços de mudança e continuidade nas intervenções junto a esse segmento e na cultura política que assegura direitos ao mesmo tempo em que convive com a permanência de valores culturais anteriores ao moderno Estado de Direito.