bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Valores de referência e influência da idade no eritrograma de bubalinos da raça Murrah
Authors: Gomes Viviani , Moura Jéssica A. , Madureira Karina M. , Baptistella Fernanda , Kitamura Sandra S. , Blagitz Maiara G. , Benesi Fernando J.
Published: July 2010

O eritrograma é uma avaliação que representa um auxílio ao clínico no diagnóstico de afecções que acometem os animais domésticos. No entanto, estudos hematológicos em bubalinos são escassos, havendo poucas informações na literatura a respeito de valores de referência dos constituintes sanguíneos desta espécie. Assim, este trabalho teve como objetivo a análise do eritrograma de búfalos de diferentes faixas etárias da raça Murrah, machos e fêmeas. Os animais em estudo foram distribuídos em quatro grupos experimentais, de acordo com as idades: Grupo 1: animais com idade entre o nascimento e 3 meses (n=15); Grupo 2: animais com idade entre 4 e 6 meses (n=50); Grupo 3: animais com idade entre 7 e 12 meses (n=50); e Grupo 4: animais com idade superior a 12 meses (n=50). Como resultados das análises foram encontrados os seguintes valores médios, no Grupo 1: 7,9x106 hemácias/mL de sangue (He); 13,0 g/dL de hemoglobina (Hb); hematócrito (Ht) de 38,9%; Volume Corpuscular Médio (VCM) de 49,0 fl; Concentração Hemoglobínica Corpuscular Média (CHCM) de 33,6 %, e Hemoglobina Corpuscular Média (HCM) de 16,4 pg; no Grupo 2: He: 7,1 x10(6)/mL; Hb: 12,5 g/dL; Ht: 36,8%; VCM: 52,4 fl; CHCM: 33,9%, e HCM: 17,8 pg; no Grupo 3: He: 7,9 x10(6)/mL; Hb: 12,0 g/dL; Ht: 33,8%; VCM: 43,1 fl; CHCM: 35,4%, e HCM: 15,34 pg; e no Grupo 4: He: 6,7 x10(6)/mL; Hb: 11,7 g/dL; Ht: 34,4%; VCM: 53,4 fl; CHCM: 34,4%. e HCM: 17,4 pg. A análise estatística dos resultados encontrados para as diferentes faixas etárias permitiu concluir que ocorreram variações determinadas pela evolução da idade, caracterizadas por diminuição do número médio de hemácias (He), da concentração de hemoglobina (Hb) e do valor do hematócrito (Ht). Os índices hematimétricos apresentaram variações significativas no G3.
Alterações gastrointestinais em pacientes com câncer colorretal em ensaio clínico com fungos Agaricus sylvaticus
Authors: Fortes Renata Costa , Recôva Viviane Lacorte , Melo Andresa Lima , Novaes Maria Rita Carvalho Garbi
Published: July 2010

INTRODUÇÃO: Fungos medicinais podem normalizar a função intestinal, aumentar o apetite e reduzir os efeitos adversos do tratamento convencional do câncer. OBJETIVO: Avaliar as alterações gastrointestinais de pacientes com câncer colorretal em fase pós-operatória após suplementação dietética com fungos Agaricus sylvaticus. METODOLOGIA: Ensaio clínico randomizado, duplo-cego, placebo-controlado, realizado no Hospital de Base do Distrito Federal. Amostra constituída de 56 pacientes (24 homens e 32 mulheres), estádios I, II e III, seguindo determinados critérios de inclusão e exclusão, separados em grupos placebo e Agaricus sylvaticus (30mg/kg/dia) e acompanhados por um período de seis meses. Para avaliar as alterações gastrointestinais foram utilizados um formulário-padrão e uma anamnese dirigida-padrão. O método de análise dos resultados foi qualitativo e descritivo, utilizando os programas Microsoft Excel 2003 e Epi Info 2004 para Windows, versão 3.3.2. RESULTADOS: Após seis meses de tratamento, observou-se, no grupo Agaricus sylvaticus, aumento do apetite e redução da constipação, diarréia, diarréia alternada com constipação, flatulência, retenção de flatos, pirose, plenitude pós-prandial, náuseas, distensão e dor abdominais, fatos não observados no grupo placebo. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados sugerem que a suplementação dietética com fungos Agaricus sylvaticus é capaz de melhorar as alterações gastrointestinais de pacientes no pós-operatório de câncer colorretal, promovendo melhoria na qualidade de vida desses pacientes.
Invasão do reto por carcinoma prostático avançado com disseminação linfática simulando câncer retal: relato de caso
Authors: Fonseca Leonardo Maciel da , Nogueira Ana Margarida Miguel F. , Hanan Bernardo , Luz Magda Maria Profeta da , Silva Rodrigo Gomes da , Lacerda-Filho Antônio
Published: July 2010

O carcinoma da próstata é uma doença freqüente em idosos e em casos avançados pode invadir o reto, simulando um carcinoma primário deste órgão. Nestas situações, a maioria dos pacientes apresenta sintomas retais exuberantes e sintomas urinários leves ou ausentes. É relatado um caso de um paciente com diagnóstico de tumor de próstata localmente agressivo, concomitante a um tumor viloso retal, que foi diagnosticado e tratado erroneamente como um tumor primário do reto. Tal lesão, curiosamente, apresentava comportamento biológico compatível com câncer retal, inclusive com disseminação linfática típica desta doença. A incidência relatada de invasão do reto por tumores de próstata avançados varia entre 1 e 11% em diferentes séries. O aspecto do tumor de próstata com envolvimento retal traz dificuldades em diferenciá-lo de um tumor primário. Exames radiológicos e ou endoscópicos podem não esclarecer o diagnóstico, enquanto o exame histopatológico em ambos os tumores costuma revelar adenocarcinoma pouco diferenciado. A diferenciação diagnóstica entre estes dois tumores é essencial, uma vez que o tratamento é absolutamente diferente para as duas doenças. A alta incidência do carcinoma prostático o torna importante para que todos os médicos estejam atentos à possibilidade deste tumor invadir o reto e simular um tumor primário deste órgão.
Lendas urbanas em arquivo: uma relação de suplementaridade
Authors: Lopes Carlos Renato
Published: July 2010

Este artigo discute o modo como as chamadas lendas urbanas se inscrevem em um arquivo de narrativas presentes no imaginário social e, pelo mesmo processo, transformam esse arquivo, numa relação de suplementaridade. Em particular, um conjunto de narrativas em torno do tema da contaminação por agulhas, tal como circulam em um fórum de discussão virtual, são examinadas como fazendo parte de uma prática discursiva por meio da qual se constroem e reatualizam determinados saberes sobre os riscos de contágio nas sociedades contemporâneas.
Diferenciação analítica de vinhos-base para espumantes de duas regiões vitícolas do Rio Grande do Sul
Authors: Poerner Naira , Rodrigues Eliseu , Celso Paulo Gustavo , Manfroi Vitor , Hertz Plinho Francisco
Published: July 2010

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram caracterizar e diferenciar vinhos-base para espumante (cultivares 'Chardonnay' e 'Pinot Noir') provenientes da Serra do Nordeste e Serra do Sudeste do Rio Grande do Sul por meio de parâmetros físico-químicos e elementos minerais combinados com técnicas de análise multivariada. Foram analisados nove parâmetros físico-químicos (densidade, grau alcoólico, extrato seco total, extrato seco reduzido, acidez total, acidez volátil, acidez fixa, pH e açúcares redutores), por espectrofotometria no infravermelho, e 11 elementos minerais (Al, B, Ba, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na e Sr), por espectrometria de emissão ótica com plasma indutivamente acoplado (ICP-OES). Os elementos encontrados em maiores concentrações foram K, Mg e Ca e, em menores concentrações, Ba, Fe, Sr e Al. A Análise de Componentes Principais (ACP) mostrou que há uma tendência natural de separação entre os vinhos-base da Serra do Nordeste e Serra do Sudeste. Por meio da Análise Discriminante (AD) foram obtidos cinco descritores (Mg, Ca, Mn, pH e grau alcoólico) para os vinhos-base da cultivar 'Chardonnay' e seis descritores (B, Mn, Fe, Na, pH e acidez volátil) para a cultivar 'Pinot Noir', com capacidade de classificar as amostras de vinhos-base de acordo com a origem geográfica. Os elementos Mn e Mg parecem ser aqueles com maior capacidade de discriminação entre os vinhos-base da Serra do Nordeste e Serra do Sudeste.
A estruturação do Programa de Capacitação Profissional de Biossegurança no contexto do Projeto de Modernização da Gestão Científica do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz
Authors: Pereira Maria Eveline de Castro , Jurberg Claudia , Soeiro Maria de Nazaré C. , Borba Cíntia M.
Published: July 2010

O presente artigo apresenta as etapas de estruturação do Programa de Capacitação Profissional de Biossegurança (PCPB), em consonância com o Projeto de Modernização da Gestão Científica do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC), detalhando o ciclo planejamento-desenvolvimento-avaliação, em especial do Curso de Biossegurança em Laboratório de Pesquisa Biomédica. Inicialmente, para o ciclo diagnóstico foram aplicados questionários aos interlocutores dos laboratórios do IOC, os quais revelaram interesse de participação no PCPB para ambas as categorias profissionais (níveis médio e superior), indicando como temáticas preferenciais biossegurança e boas práticas de laboratório. Na fase de planejamento foi definido que o PCPB seria subdivido em dois projetos (Boas Práticas de Laboratório de Saúde Pública para os profissionais de nível médio e Curso de Biossegurança para Laboratórios de Pesquisa Biomédica para profissionais de nível superior). A seguir, na fase de estruturação do curso, os módulos contemplados incluíram: introdutório; riscos químico, físico e biológico; gestão da qualidade e experimentação animal. Assim, no período 2006-2008, foram capacitados 315 profissionais e realizadas avaliações segundo o modelo de David Kirkpatrick. O primeiro nível, chamado de reação, foi aferido e demonstrou que 54,03% dos profissionais declararam que o curso foi excelente; 39,59% classificaram como bom e os demais 6,38% acharam que foi regular ou não opinaram. Para a avaliação do aprendizado foram realizados, a cada módulo, pré e pós-testes. Foi verificado que todos os módulos tiveram acréscimos nas médias do pós-teste em relação ao pré-teste. Os resultados obtidos apontaram estratégias a serem seguidas no aperfeiçoamento desse modelo de educação continuada em biossegurança.
Miscibilidade de Blendas de Poliestireno com Polímeros de Silício
Authors: Werlang Moisés M. , Araújo Marco A. de , Nunes Suzana P. , Yoshida Inez Valéria P.
Published: July 2010

RESUMO: Blendas poliméricas constituídas de polímeros de silício e poliestireno, PS, foram investigadas por microscopia eletrônica de varredura, SEM, e análise dinâmico-mecânica, DMA. As misturas com poli(tetrametilsilfenileno-siloxano), PTMPS, ricas em PS, tiveram sua morfologia caracterizada por domínios globulares de PTMPS dispersos na matriz de poliestireno. Uma morfologia típica de inversão de fases foi observada para a blenda PS/PTMPS 50/50. Constatou-se miscibilidade para as blendas de PS com poli(dimetilsilfenileno), PDSP, em todas as composições estudadas.
Migrating techniques, multiplying diagnoses: the contribution of Argentina and Brazil to early 'detection policy' in cervical cancer
Authors: Eraso Yolanda
Published: July 2010

This article on the early detection of cervical cancer focuses on the development of two leading diagnostic techniques - colposcopy and the Pap smear test - and their histories in Argentina and Brazil. It explores how diagnostic tools were transferred between Europe and the Americas, while examining the intersection of cultural and medical aspects and the processes of adaptation and resignification in the receiving countries. Colposcopy received little attention in the main Western medical centers until South American countries reasserted its significance in the 1950s. 'Peripheral' centers played a central role in early detection policies and the combined uses of these methods gave rise to a new stage of 'cumulative confidence' in cervical cancer diagnosis and screening.
Indicadores de risco para perda auditiva em neonatos e lactentes atendidos em um programa de triagem auditiva neonatal
Authors: Griz Silvana Maria Sobral , Silva Adriana Ribeiro de Almeida e , Barbosa Camila Padilha , Menezes Denise Costa , Curado Nathália Raphaela Pessôa Vaz , Silveira Ana Karollina da , Teixeira Denise Almeida
Published: July 2010

OBJETIVO: descrever os indicadores de risco para perda auditiva presentes em neonatos e lactentes que realizaram a Triagem Auditiva Neonatal no Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, nascidos em 2008. MÉTODOS: foram pesquisados os 787 neonatos e lactentes que realizaram a Triagem Auditiva Neonatal no citado Hospital, nascidos em 2008. Foi montado um banco de dados com informações do formulário com histórico familiar e clínico dos pesquisados e resultado da triagem, para análise dos indicadores de risco. RESULTADOS: os indicadores de risco mais prevalentes na população estudada foram presença de hiperbilirrubinemia, nascimento pré-termo, baixo peso ao nascimento, uso de medicamento durante o período gestacional, permanência em Unidade de Terapia intensiva e presença de infecções intra-uterinas durante a gestação. Os indicadores de risco para perda auditiva com associação estatisticamente significante com o resultado falha na triagem foram nascimento pré-termo, baixo peso, permanência em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva, uso de ventilação mecânica e uso de medicamento ototóxicos. CONCLUSÃO: houve ocorrência de indicadores de risco pré, peri e pós-natais, porém apenas foi encontrada significância estatística entre alguns indicadores peri e pós-natais e a falha na triagem.
Três análises de linguagem no autismo
Authors: Moro Michele Paula , Souza Ana Paula Ramos de
Published: July 2010

TEMA: Linguagem no Autismo. OBJETIVOS: analisar, comparativamente, dados de linguagem obtidos por meio de dois protocolos, um da interação mãe-criança e outro de atos comunicativos da criança entre si e com a análise dialógica da díade mãe-filho. Outro objetivo foi discutir as implicações de tais análises para o planejamento terapêutico. MÉTODO: a amostra constou de três sujeitos na faixa etária de 2 anos e 1 mês a 4 anos e 6 meses, com diagnóstico de distúrbio de linguagem secundário ao espectro autístico. A coleta foi realizada por meio da filmagem de sessões de interação lúdica, de 30 minutos, dos sujeitos com suas mães. Os procedimentos de análise foram: a transcrição das filmagens, conferência das mesmas, aplicação de dois protocolos, um de análise da interação mãe-filho e outro de comportamentos comunicativos da criança, e uma análise qualitativa da atividade dialógica da díade. RESULTADOS: Os resultados do protocolo de interação mãe-filho demonstraram freqüência similar de categorias dos comportamentos das três mães, com elevado número de perguntas e de diretividade intrusiva. No mesmo protocolo, as crianças demonstraram brincar exploratório e funcional, estereotipias verbais e não verbais, fato também observado no protocolo de pragmática. O protocolo de interação permite observar melhor que os comportamentos infantis e maternos possuem relações, mas apenas a análise qualitativa possibilita identificar a natureza dialética de tais relações. CONCLUSÃO: O protocolo que analisa a interação provê informações fundamentais ao planejamento terapêutico, adicionais ao protocolo de foco exclusivo no conhecimento pragmático do sujeito. Aquele protocolo, em conjunto com a análise qualitativa, permite uma seleção mais qualificada das estratégias de intervenção em cada caso.
Nutritional value of high and low tannin high-moisture sorghum grain silage in horses
Authors: Gollcher Augusta Martins Romaniello , Lima José Augusto de Freitas , Fialho Elias Tadeu , Rodrigues Paulo Borges , Lima Renato Ribeiro de
Published: July 2010

The objective in this work was to determine the nutritive value of high and low tannin high-moisture sorghum grain silage in horse feeding by means of digestibility. A total of eight crossbred geldings at the age of six years and an average body weight of 330 kg were used in a complete randomized design with samples replicated on the same animals. The test-diets consisted of the ensiled high and low tannin sorghum grains replacing 30% of the dry matter of the reference diet, constituted exclusively by hay. The daily dry matter intake was equivalent to 2.0% of the body weight, so, the test diets were constituted by 30% of ensiled sorghum grains and 70% of hay. The digestibility coefficients of the nutrients of the low and high tannin sorghum grain silages were obtained by the difference between the coefficient of digestibility of the nutrients of the reference diet and the test-diets. The values of digestibility of dry matter, energy and protein of the high tannin sorghum grain silage were lower (73.65, 73.65 and 71.33%) than low tanin sorghum grain silage (87.70, 87.70 and 82.36%). The contents of digestible dry matter, digestible protein, digestible starch, digestible neutral detergent fiber and digestible energy were 59.08%, 10.63%, 71.48%, 2.32% and 3,954 Mcal/kg of dry matter of the low tannin sorghum grain silage and 50.58%, 8.16%, 67.80%, 3.72% and 3,192 Mcal/kg of the dry matter of high tannin sorghum grain silage, respectively, therefore, only contents of digestible neutral detergent fiber and starch were similar among silages. The use of low tannin sorghum grain silage, an alternative food in formulation of promising diets for horses feeding.
Collective experience of inclusion, diversity, and performance in work groups
Authors: Ferdman Bernardo M. , Avigdor Avi , Braun Deborah , Konkin Jennifer , Kuzmycz Daniel
Published: July 2010

This conceptual paper addresses the presumed interactive effects of work group inclusion and diversity on work group performance. Building on prior theory and research focusing on individual-level inclusion, we put forth the construct of collective experience of inclusion, the aggregated degree to which members of a group feel valued by, engaged with, and able to express themselves authentically within their work group, both as individuals and as members of multiple identity groups. We propose that collective experience of inclusion will be positively associated with indicators of the group's performance. This relationship, we further propose, will be moderated by the diversity of the group's membership, such that, as diversity increases, the positive effects of the collective experience of inclusion on performance will be enhanced. Finally, we propose that variation in the degree to which individuals experience inclusion in the group, as assessed with an index of dispersion in the experience of inclusion, will further moderate this effect, and attenuate the positive interactive effects of collective experience of inclusion and diversity on performance.
Reproductive period, fecundity and histology of gonads of two cheirodontines (Ostariophysi: Characidae) with different reproductive strategies - insemination and external fertilization
Authors: Oliveira Cristina L. C , Fialho Clarice B , Malabarba Luiz R
Published: July 2010

The reproductive period and fecundity of the inseminating cheirodontine Compsura heterura and of the externally fertilizing cheirodontine Odontostilbe pequira, from tropical and subtropical regions of Brazil, respectively, are described. The reproductive period of C. heterura lasted from January to April 2002, while O. pequira showed two reproductive periods, the first during September and October 2001 (spring), and the second between January and February 2002 (summer). Smaller classes of SL of females of O. pequira predominated in the second reproductive period, suggesting individuals born in the first period become shortly sexually mature, participating in the second reproductive period. In C. heterura, from a tropical region, temperature showed significant correlations with the variation in the gonadosomatic index (GSI) for both sexes, and rainfall showed significant correlation with the variation in the GSI only for females. In O. pequira, from a subtropical region, photoperiod was the only factor that showed significant correlations with the GSI variation in both sexes. The mean relative fecundity of C. heterura was 0.55 oocytes per milligram of total weight, similar to that of other cheirodontines with external fertilization, refuting the hypothesis, at least in Cheirodontinae, that insemination provides diminishing energy expenditure for the production of oocytes, due to a greater probability of fertilization. The mean relative fecundity of O. pequira was 0.8 oocytes per milligram of total weight, the largest known among cheirodontines. Spermatozoa were found inside the ovaries of maturating, mature and semi-spent females of C. heterura supporting the hypothesis of temporal separation between courtship and spawning. The largest relative weight of testis and the presence of sperm in maturing ovaries outside the reproductive period in C. heterura support the hypothesis that males of inseminating species make a greater investment in gonadal development than those externally fertilized.
A extração de segundos molares superiores para o tratamento da Classe II
Authors: Mezomo Maurício Barbieri , Pierret Manon , Rosenbach Gabriella , Tavares Carlos Alberto E.
Published: July 2010

Este trabalho tem por objetivo apresentar uma abordagem alternativa para o tratamento ortodôntico das más oclusões de Classe II. Através de uma revisão da literatura, verificou-se que a extração de segundos molares superiores demonstrou ser uma alternativa viável para o tratamento desse tipo de má oclusão. Essa opção terapêutica possibilita maior rapidez na distalização dos primeiros molares com menor necessidade de cooperação por parte do paciente. Porém, a análise do grau de formação, posição intraóssea e morfologia do terceiro molar deve ser cuidadosamente realizada para proporcionar o correto posicionamento do mesmo no lugar do segundo molar extraído. Dois casos clínicos apresentarão a sequência do diagnóstico e tratamento com essa mecânica, exibindo resultados adequados dos pontos de vista funcional e estético.
Tidal turbine deployment in the Bristol Channel: a case study
Authors: Willis Miles , Masters Ian , Thomas Sara , Gallie Rebecca , Loman Jo , Cook Andy , Ahmadian Reza , Falconer Roger , Lin Binliang , Gao Guanghai , Cross Mark , Croft Nick , Williams Alison , Muhasilovic Medzid , Horsfall Ian , Fidler Rob , Wooldridge Chris , Fryett Ian , Evans Paul , O’Doherty Tim , O’Doherty Daphne , Mason-Jones Allan
Published: July 2010

The renewable energy route map for Wales outlines ambitious targets for 50% renewables by 2025. The Welsh coast, subject to tidal ranges of the order of 13 m and tidal flows in excess of 3 m/s, is thus in an ideal position to significantly contribute to these targets. Tidal stream energy is an emerging energy sector and a relatively small number of devices are at various stages of development in Wales. However, before such demonstration devices or arrays can be applied at a larger scale, a number of consents and permissions must be obtained to ensure safe and environmentally responsible deployment. This paper describes the multidisciplinary work that has been undertaken on an area of ocean that could be used for the deployment of a tidal stream turbine. The paper aims to put the scientific work undertaken into the context of device deployment in a complex marine environment and to provide an overview of the surveying and modelling required for the deployment of a single demonstration device off the Welsh coast. The Bristol Channel was chosen as a case study because of its high tidal flows and proximity to national grid connections and support infrastructure. This paper provides an overview of the research carried out during the project; the details of each discipline will be provided in individual papers by the respective subject authors.
A comparison of shark and wolf research reveals similar behavioral responses by prey
Authors: Wirsing Aaron J , Ripple William J
Published: July 2010

Marine and terrestrial ecologists rarely exchange information, yet comparing research from both sides of the land–sea boundary holds great potential for improving our understanding of ecological processes. For example, by comparing the interaction between tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) and dugongs (Dugong dugon) to that between gray wolves (Canis lupus) and elk (Cervus elaphus), we show that top predators in marine and terrestrial ecosystems trigger three similar types of anti‐predator behavior: (1) encounter avoidance, (2) escape facilitation, and (3) increased vigilance. By implication, the ecological roles of top predators in both ecosystems may be more similar than previously thought, and studies that fail to account for multiple modes of anti‐predator behavior are likely to underestimate these roles and the consequences of eliminating predators from ecosystems. We encourage more communication between marine and terrestrial ecologists, in the interest of generating further insights into ecosystem dynamics and conservation.
Antidepressant-Induced Suicide, Violence, and Mania: Risks for Military Personnel
Authors: Breggin Peter R.
Published: July 2010

The newer antidepressants frequently cause suicide, violence, and manic-like symptoms of activation or overstimulation, presenting serious hazards to active-duty soldiers who carry weapons under stressful conditions. These antidepressant-induced symptoms of activation can mimic posttraumatic stress disorder and are likely to worsen this common disorder in soldiers, increasing the hazard when they are prescribed to military personnel. Antidepressants should not be prescribed to soldiers during or after deployment.
Region Quad-Tree Decomposition Based Edge Detection for Medical Images
Authors: Dua Sumeet , Kandiraju Naveen , Chowriappa Pradeep
Published: July 2010

Edge detection in medical images has generated significant interest in the medical informatics community, especially in recent years. With the advent of imaging technology in biomedical and clinical domains, the growth in medical digital images has exceeded our capacity to analyze and store them for efficient representation and retrieval, especially for data mining applications. Medical decision support applications frequently demand the ability to identify and locate sharp discontinuities in an image for feature extraction and interpretation of image content, which can then be exploited for decision support analysis. However, due to the inherent high dimensional nature of the image content and the presence of ill-defined edges, edge detection using classical procedures is difficult, if not impossible, for sensitive and specific medical informatics-based discovery. In this paper, we propose a new edge detection technique based on the regional recursive hierarchical decomposition using quadtree and post-filtration of edges using a finite difference operator. We show that in medical images of common origin, focal and/or penumbral blurred edges can be characterized by an estimable intensity gradient. This gradient can further be used for dismissing false alarms. A detailed validation and comparison with related works on diabetic retinopathy images and CT scan images show that the proposed approach is efficient and accurate.
Epidemiology of Congenital Heart Diseases
Authors: Guirgis Maurice
Published: July 2010

Congenital heart defects (CHD) are among the most common birth defects, occurring in 5 to 10 per
1000 live births. This substantial variation in the reported epidemiology of CHD is due to differences in applied
methodologies. An increasing total prevalence of CHD has been recently reported, mainly due to increase in
prevalence of small defects easily diagnosed by echocardiography, as well as an increase in prevalence of
conotruncal defects and atrioventricular septal defects.In order to provide a comprehensive epidemiological
overview, future studies should use international classification system as well as consistent inclusion and
exclusion criteria. Futher studies are also required to evaluate precisely the impact of fetal cardiac diagnosis on
the prevalence and outcome of CHD. Epidemiology of CHD provides an overview of the distribution and
characteristics of risk factors. Environmental potential risk factors are reviewed as they may provide an
opportunity for prevention of some forms of CHD.
Automated Echocardiography
Authors: Sinkovskaya Elena , Abuhamad Alfred
Published: July 2010

The recent introduction of 3D/4D ultrasonography to clinical practice presents an important milestone
in imaging technology. In this chapter, we will present the basic principles of 3D automated sonography as it
relates to the examination of the fetal heart. This approach holds great promise for simplifying the fetal cardiac
examination that may translate to increased prenatal detection of congenital heart disease.
Spatial Distribution of Risk Factors for Cryptosporidium Spp. Transport in an Irish Catchment
Authors: Samadder S.R. , Ziegler P. , Murphy T.M. , Holden N.M.
Published: July 2010

Cryptosporidium Spp. has become a major public health concern in many parts of the globe, including Ireland, as a result of recent reported waterborne outbreaks of Cryptosporidiosis. Continuous monitoring of Cryptosporidium Spp. in water supplies is not feasible, so a risk‐forecasting approach is required. This study reports a globally applicable approach for evaluating the spatial variation in relative risk of contaminating surface water by Cryptosporidium Spp. based on a risk potential index (RPI) as an indicator of the potential pollution of surface water. The RPI is predicted by readily available data on land use, rainfall, soil type, slope, soil moisture deficit, and distance from water course. A small catchment in County Meath, Ireland, was chosen to illustrate the analysis of the approach. Data for the study area were digitized and rectified using surveyed ground control points to capture each of the RPI factors, field boundaries, and land use. The six parameters were classified and assigned a relative risk score out of 5. A Geographic Information Systems overlay analysis then was used to calculate a cumulative relative risk score for each month of the year. The analysis indicated that April and June experienced a relatively low risk of Cryptosporidium Spp. transport compared with other months of the year. June had the least risk, because more than 98% of the catchment was estimated to be of low or moderate risk (RPI ranges = 0 to 2). December had the highest risk of Cryptosporidium Spp. transport, because approximately 20% of the catchment area had a moderately high to very high risk (RPI ranges = 2 to 5). The study also made an attempt to reduce the risk of contaminating surface water by alternative land‐use practice and relocating the field boundaries. The study demonstrated a semi‐quantitative and readily implemented method for using spatial risk assessment for planning land management to reduce the risk of surface water contamination by Cryptosporidium Spp. from agricultural sources. The approach could be used in any catchment with similar hydrological characteristics subject to a surface water pathogen contamination risk from grazing livestock.
Sonochemical Decomposition of Levofloxacin in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Guo Weilin , Shi Yahui , Wang Hongzhi , Yang Hua , Zhang Guangyou
Published: July 2010

The decomposition of levofloxacin was performed in an aqueous solution under ultrasound irradiation. The effect of operating conditions, including pH value, reaction time, initial concentration, and ultrasound power on the chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal rate was examined at room temperature (23±2 °C). Under a given condition (initial levofloxacin concentration = 20 mg/L, ultrasonic power = 400 W, and pH = 5.86), a 56.6% COD removal rate was obtained after 120 minutes of reaction time. It also was found that 5‐day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) of the solution increased evidently after sonochemical treatment, and the ratio of BOD5/COD, which was a good measure for biodegradability, increased from 0 to 0.40, indicating that the biodegradability of the solution was enhanced. Based on the results, it is feasible that sonochemical oxidation can be used for the pretreatment of levofloxacin effluent before biological treatment processes.
Banishing Death: The Disappearance of the Appreciation of Mortality
Authors: Lundgren Burden S. , Houseman Clare A.
Published: July 2010

The experience of death and dying is very different in the 21st century than it was in the 19th. A number of societal changes in the latter part of the 19th and early part of the 20th centuries served to remove contact with the dying and the dead from everyday experience. This article examines four of these changes: 1) falling death rates, 2) the rise of hospitals, 3) the rise of funeral directing as a profession, and 4) the rural cemetery movement. It is proposed that these changes produced an unjustified optimism with regard to the prolongation of life.
Advantages and Barriers to Use of HeartCode BLS with Voice Advisory Manikins for Teaching Nursing Students
Authors: Oermann Marilyn H , Kardong-Edgren Suzan E , McColgan Jacqueline Keegan , Hurd Debbie A , Haus Carol , Snelson Catherine , Hallmark Beth F , Rogers Nancy E , Kuerschner Dawn R , Ha Yeongmi , Tennant Monica Nelson , Dowdy Sharon Wilson , LaMar Jerrilee
Published: July 2010

Nursing students are expected to have competency in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR): they may care for patients at risk for cardiac arrest and may encounter other emergency situations in their clinical practice. In the United States, students may take a basic life support (BLS) course prior to entering a nursing program or beginning their clinical experience. Extensive research has shown, however, that CPR knowledge and skills decline rapidly, within weeks of completing a course. The purpose of this paper is to describe advantages and barriers to the use of HeartCode BLS with voice advisory manikins for learning and practicing CPR psychomotor skills in a nursing education program.
The Primary Social Education Curricula in Hong Kong and Singapore: A Comparative Study
Authors: Lo Joe Tin-Yau
Published: July 2010

In the face of the challenges of globalization, nation states try to reinvigorate their traditional or national values and local identities as a kind of counterbalance to globalizing influences. Hence, social and citizenship education across nations in Asia takes different forms with certain distinctive varieties in terms of policies, practices and values in alignment with national priorities. Based on this premise, this article compares and contrasts the primary social education curricula in Hong Kong and Singapore in order to trace the differences and similarities in the responses of these two Asian city states to external and internal forces since the turn of the century. The article particularly sheds light on the tensions and contradictions in policies and practices in social and citizenship education as a result of the interaction of global and local perspectives.
Parental Practices and Achievement of Mexican and Chinese Immigrant Children in the USA: Assimilation Patterns?
Authors: Bodovski Katerina , Durham Rachel E.
Published: July 2010

The authors used the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 1998–99 (ECLS-K) data to examine the mathematics and science achievement of two immigrant groups in the United States – Chinese and Mexican students. The authors also assessed variation in parental practices and fifth-grade achievement according to ethnicity and the age at which parents arrived in the United States, i.e. comparing children whose parents were born outside of the United States and immigrated after the age of 17, those whose parents immigrated before the age of 17, and native-born parents. The findings support the segmented assimilation framework: Mexican immigrant parents (both arriving as adults and at younger ages) and Chinese immigrant parents (arriving as adults) reported lower levels of parental involvement at school, enrollment in extra-curricular activities, and provision of literacy materials. However, these behaviors among native-born parents of Mexicans and Chinese more closely resemble those of native-born whites. At the same time, although immigrant parents uniformly expressed higher educational expectations than white parents, the achievement patterns of their children diverged along ethnic lines and varied according to the life stage that the parents immigrated to the United States, indicating a process of increasing assimilation among immigrant families but with group-specific patterns. The authors found decreasing disparities in mathematics and science achievement between immigrant and white students: Chinese students' advantage and Mexican students' disadvantage relative to white students disappeared by the second generation and third generation, respectively.
A Comparison of Local Empowerment in Education: Porto Alegre, Brazil and Chicago, USA
Authors: Edwards D. Brent
Published: July 2010

Democratization of decision-making processes and increased local involvement are mentioned regularly as desirable ways to proceed in education policy reform. Nevertheless, the limited publications examining reforms for more democratic organization of school districts have tended to focus on isolated examples and very specific aspects of that reform; and while, more recently, scholars have argued for the democratization of education generally in response to global trends, what is missing from the debate is a comparison of specific reforms in education designed to allow for system-wide democratization and authentic participation. This article reviews the existing literature investigating democratic school system reform in Porto Alegre, Brazil and Chicago, USA – both chosen because they were uniquely able to achieve system-wide reform for more democratic involvement. The article discusses the reforms in terms of their context, specific policy mechanisms, successes, and limitations.
Taking the Global Leap: Student Affairs Professionals and Internationalization
Authors: Mazon Brad K.
Published: July 2010

Student affairs professionals can play a more prominent role in campus internationalization efforts. Unfortunately, they do not often view themselves as having the necessary knowledge, understanding, and tools to engage with international education matters, much less facilitate internationalization experiences on behalf of students. By rethinking their roles as facilitators of internationalization experiences, and as professionals with global skills and aptitudes, student affairs professionals will have a greater capacity to influence campus internationalization policy and programs.
Blood Pressure Management in Patients With Diabetes
Authors: Salanitro Amanda H. , Roumie Christianne L.
Published: July 2010

IN BRIEF

Patients with diabetes who also have hypertension are at increased risk of morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular events. However, blood pressure control is frequently suboptimal in the primary care setting. Large clinical trials support the use of antihypertensive medications in these patients to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and death.
Effect of Ozone Exposure on Growth, Yield and Isoprene Emission from Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) Plants
Authors: Mina Usha , Kumar Pranav , Varshney C.
Published: July 2010

Effect of Ozone Exposure on Growth, Yield and Isoprene Emission from Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) Plants

Effect of ozone on three different growth phase of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum cv. Pusa ruby) crop namely, Early Vegetative Phase (EVP), 30 days old plants; Late Vegetative Phase (LVP), 45 days old plants; and Fruiting Phase (FP), 60 days old plants were exposed to ozone concentrations (75 ppb and 150 ppb) in closed top dynamic chambers for 12 days period. Ozone exposed tomato plants of all the three growth stages exhibited visible injury symptoms as chlorotic spots in variable intensity. Effect of ozone exposure on tomato crop plants was examined with respect to isoprene emission, growth and yield parameters. Enhancement in isoprene emission was observed from ozone exposed tomato plants as compared to unexposed plants. In exposed plants of early vegetative phase isoprene emission was 127% and 187% higher immediately after (within 1 hr) 75 ppb and 150 ppb ozone exposure respectively as compared to unexposed plants. Significant (p≤0.001) reduction in ozone exposed plants shoot length (2 to 10.5%), chlorophyll content (7 to 39%), carotenoids contents (5 to 42%), shoot biomass (upto 44%) and root biomass (8 to 65%) were observed as compared to unexposed plant. It was found that ozone exposure was more detrimental to LVP in comparison to FP and EVP. The results of the study also showed that 150 ppb of ozone exerted more harmful effects on the growth of different growth phases of tomato plants than 75 ppb ozone.
Sport and Social Deviations - a Prognostic Attitude
Authors: Kosiewicz Jerzy
Published: July 2010

Sport and Social Deviations - a Prognostic Attitude

The author focuses his attention first of all on social deviations which play a negative role in highly competitive sport. He tries to define - from the viewpoint of philosophy - how they will influence its future form.

He proclaims that in philosophy there are at least two options:

a. the one negating justifiability of philosophical statements on the future,

b. the one affirming that justifiability - after Aurelius Augustine and Hegel.

The author takes into account the second viewpoint and comes to the conclusion that as a philosopher (not a futurologist) he has the right to formulate hypothetical statements (referring to assumptions of the metaphysical hypothesis) on the influence of deviations on sport in the future.

He pays attention first of all to increasing aggression - both in forms permitted and not permitted by the regulations - and the growing number of injuries among athletes. He maintains that both those injuries as well as phenomena connected with commercialization - such as reification, atomization and alienation (constituting reasons for possible disorders in the field of physical, mental and relational health) will contribute to worsening the image and deformation of sense and essence neither of sport as such, nor of particular sports. This also applies to corruption, poaching, fans' frustration and aggression, doping, alcoholism and nicotinism.

He maintains also that social deviations coming from political, ideological, religious, racial and other similar factors will be less and less significant (admittedly they will not disappear, but their number and influence will be considerably limited).
The Penetration of Fundamentalistic Principles through Sport in Conditions of Globalization?
Authors: Oborný Josef
Published: July 2010

The Penetration of Fundamentalistic Principles through Sport in Conditions of Globalization?

The topic of this article unravels the dangers of penetration of fundamentalistic, political and ideological tendencies in the area of sport. It briefly analyzes the possibilities of sport abuse to realize the intention of some extremist groups. The infiltration of dangerous political attitudes to the sport is implemented through terrorism.
University Sports: Major Development and New Perspectives
Authors: Weiss Otmar
Published: July 2010

University Sports: Major Development and New Perspectives

New technologies, scientific findings and new or refined kinds of sport as well as national and international contests determine the image of university sports. There is no doubt that university sports are a growing area and will play an important role in the future. Their significance will increase in particular with the increase of knowledge about the positive effects of sports.

Looking at social development as a whole and in its parts makes it possible to identify university sports in their present state, their dynamics and development within a context. By way of example major trends and prospects of university sports in contemporary societies will be discussed. In addition some data from empirical studies will be presented in order to underline the argumentation.
Characteristics of Admissions to a Recently Opened Psychiatric Emergency Care Centre
Authors: Brakoulias Vlasios , Mandali Rama , Seymour Joanne , Sammut Peter , Starcevic Vladan
Published: July 2010

Objective: The Psychiatric Emergency Care Centre (PECC) is a relatively recent service development that aims to improve emergency care of psychiatric patients. The goal of this paper was to report on the characteristics of admissions to a recently established PECC.

Method: Several key characteristics of admissions to the PECC were documented for each of 376 patients in the first 6 months of its operation. These characteristics were then compared to the characteristics of admissions of 299 patients in the ‘virtual’ PECC (a PECC within the general emergency department) in the 6 months prior to the opening of the PECC.

Results: The most common presenting symptom in the PECC was suicidal ideation (47.6%, n = 179) and the most frequent diagnosis made in the PECC was adjustment disorder (35.9%, n = 135). When comparing admissions to the ‘virtual’ PECC, PECC admissions were characterized by a significantly less frequent use of physical restraint and haloperidol and midazolam as pro re nata (prn) medications.

Conclusions: Although further study is needed, one possible advantage of the PECC may be a less frequent use of physical restraint and certain prn medications (i.e. haloperidol and midazolam) for agitated and aggressive patients.
Subverting the military normal
Authors: Schober Elisabeth
Published: July 2010

Catherine Lutz, ed., The bases of empire: The Global Struggle against US Military Posts. New York: New York University Press, 2009, 356 pp., ISBN: 0-814-75244-6.

Network of Concerned Anthropologists, The counter-counterinsurgency manual: Or, notes on demilitarizing American society. Chicago: Prickly Paradigm Press, 2009, 190 pp., ISBN: 0979405750.
454-Pyrosequencing: A Molecular Battiscope for Freshwater Viral Ecology
Authors: Rooks David J. , Smith Darren L. , McDonald James E. , Woodward Martin J. , McCarthy Alan J. , Allison Heather E.
Published: July 2010

Viruses, the most abundant biological entities on the planet, are capable of infecting organisms from all three branches of life, although the majority infect bacteria where the greatest degree of cellular diversity lies. However, the characterization and assessment of viral diversity in natural environments is only beginning to become a possibility. Through the development of a novel technique for the harvest of viral DNA and the application of 454 pyrosequencing, a snapshot of the diversity of the DNA viruses harvested from a standing pond on a cattle farm has been obtained. A high abundance of viral genotypes (785) were present within the virome. The absolute numbers of lambdoid and Shiga toxin (Stx) encoding phages detected suggested that the depth of sequencing had enabled recovery of only ca. 8% of the total virus population, numbers that agreed within less than an order of magnitude with predictions made by rarefaction analysis. The most abundant viral genotypes in the pond were bacteriophages (93.7%). The predominant viral genotypes infecting higher life forms found in association with the farm were pathogens that cause disease in cattle and humans, e.g. members of the Herpesviridae. The techniques and analysis described here provide a fresh approach to the monitoring of viral populations in the aquatic environment, with the potential to become integral to the development of risk analysis tools for monitoring the dissemination of viral agents of animal, plant and human diseases.
Climate Change and Mortality in Vienna—A Human Biometeorological Analysis Based on Regional Climate Modeling
Authors: Muthers Stefan , Matzarakis Andreas , Koch Elisabeth
Published: July 2010

The potential development of heat-related mortality in the 21th century for Vienna (Austria) was assessed by the use of two regional climate models based on the IPCC emissions scenarios A1B and B1. Heat stress was described with the human-biometeorological index PET (Physiologically Equivalent Temperature). Based on the relation between heat stress and mortality in 1970–2007, we developed two approaches to estimate the increases with and without long-term adaptation. Until 2011–2040 no significant changes will take place compared to 1970–2000, but in the following decades heat-related mortality could increase up to 129% until the end of the century, if no adaptation takes place. The strongest increase occurred due to extreme heat stress (PET ≥ 41 °C). With long-term adaptation the increase is less pronounced, but still notable. This encourages the requirement for additional adaptation measurements.