bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Benign Neonatal Sleep Myoclonus
Authors: Afawi Zaid , Bassan Haim , Heron Sarah , Oliver Karen , Straussberg Rachel , Scheffer Ingrid , Leventer Richard , Korczyn Amos , Berkovic Samuel
Published: March 2012

Benign neonatal sleep myoclonus is an uncommon, nonepileptic disorder characterized by myoclonic jerks appearing in the neonatal period that occur predominantly during sleep. Although self-limiting, the disorder is frequently confused with epileptic neonatal seizures. A few familial cases have been reported; however the genetics has not been studied. We ascertained 3 families with 2 or more affected individuals and analyzed the pedigrees. We used microsatellite markers to determine if the disorder was possibly linked to KCNQ2 or KCNQ3, the 2 genes that cause most cases of benign familial neonatal seizures, a disorder that it could be easily confused with. The 3 pedigrees, including one with 4 affected individuals, were suggestive of autosomal dominant inheritance. The loci for KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 were excluded in the 2 larger families. We conclude that benign neonatal sleep myoclonus can show autosomal dominant inheritance and is not allelic with benign familial neonatal seizures.
Repairing Historical Wrongs and the End of Empire
Authors: Butt Daniel
Published: March 2012

This article addresses the claim that some contemporary states may possess obligations to pay reparations as a result of the lasting effects of colonialism. Claims about the harms and benefits caused by colonialism must make some kind of comparison between the world as it currently is, and a counterfactual state where the injustice which characterized so much of the historic interaction between colonizers and the colonized did not occur. Rather than imagining a world where there was no interaction between such communities, this article maintains that the appropriate counterfactual state is one whereby relations between different communities took place in a context characterized by an absence of domination and exploitation. The conclusion is that there are good reasons to go beyond a focus on symbolic reparations and hold that many affluent contemporary states possess extensive but unfulfilled duties of rectificatory justice to some of the world’s poorest peoples.
Riemann–Cartan geometry of nonlinear disclination mechanics
Authors: Yavari Arash , Goriely Alain
Published: March 2012

In the continuous theory of defects in nonlinear elastic solids, it is known that a distribution of disclinations leads, in general, to a non-trivial residual stress field. To study this problem, we consider the particular case of determining the residual stress field of a cylindrically symmetric distribution of parallel wedge disclinations. We first use the tools of differential geometry to construct a Riemannian material manifold in which the body is stress-free. This manifold is metric compatible, has zero torsion, but has non-vanishing curvature. The problem then reduces to embedding this manifold in Euclidean 3-space following the procedure of a classical nonlinear elastic problem. We show that this embedding can be elegantly accomplished by using Cartan’s method of moving frames and compute explicitly the residual stress field for various distributions in the case of a neo-Hookean material.
Development of damage in some polymeric foam-core sandwich beams under bending loading
Authors: Ayorinde E , Ibrahim RA , Berdichevsky V , Jansons M , Grace I
Published: March 2012

The damage mechanisms in sandwich plates with polymer foam cores are investigated. There has been a long-standing controversy on what is the weakest element of sandwich plates, the skin-core bonding or the foam core. Under four-point bending of a sandwich plate, we found that in all cases cracks are nucleated inside the polymer foam core as monitored by a high-speed camera. Several separated small cracks develop in the core; then the small cracks are connected and form the main crack that propagates through the core. We complemented the optical recording by the acoustic emission study which provides an additional insight in the fracture process. In addition, the influence of sub-zero temperature of the ultimate load of each material is examined at discrete values of sub-zero temperature. The results revealed that both materials become increasingly brittle with decreasing temperature.
All Foreign Direct Investment Is Local: Indian Provincial Politics and the Attraction of FDI
Authors: Coan Travis G. , Kugler Tadeusz
Published: March 2012

This study focuses on the differences between Indian states in terms of banking infrastructure, size of the economic market and most importantly provincial-level political capacity that creates the pull of foreign direct investment (FDI). While the majority of the extant empirical literature examines national-level data, few studies analyze international capital formation at the provincial level and the dynamics of sub-national political capacity—that is, where allocations are made and policies are implemented. This study corrects for this deficiency. Using data at the provincial level in India over the period 2000–2005, we find an inverted-U-shaped relationship between provincial capacity and FDI, suggesting the presence of a critical point at which additional extractive capabilities have negative implications for foreign capital accumulation. The results suggest a number of important policy implications, allowing researchers to identify specific regions in which capacity is likely to facilitate investment, while also providing a political–economic model to better-forecast changes in investment at the sub-national level in India.

JEL: R50, R12, P16, O16, N45, H70, H81, H11
Functional safety of health information technology
Authors: Chadwick Liam , Fallon Enda F. , van der Putten Wil J. , Kirrane Frank
Published: March 2012

In an effort to improve patient safety and reduce adverse events, there has been a rapid growth in the utilisation of health information technology (HIT). However, little work has examined the safety of the HIT systems themselves, the methods used in their development or the potential errors they may introduce into existing systems. This article introduces the conventional safety-related systems development standard IEC 61508 to the medical domain. It is proposed that the techniques used in conventional safety-related systems development should be utilised by regulation bodies, healthcare organisations and HIT developers to provide an assurance of safety for HIT systems. In adopting the IEC 61508 methodology for HIT development and integration, inherent problems in the new systems can be identified and corrected during their development. Also, IEC 61508 should be used to develop a healthcare-specific standard to allow stakeholders to provide an assurance of a system’s safety.
The quality of English-language websites offering falls-prevention advice to older members of the public and their families
Authors: Whitehead Sarah H. , Nyman Samuel R. , Broaders Freya , Skelton Dawn A. , Todd Chris J.
Published: March 2012

Falls among older people are a major public health issue. Increasing numbers of older people are accessing the internet for health-related information, including information on falls risk and prevention. However, we are aware of no study that has assessed the quality of such websites. Using techniques for conducting systematic literature reviews, we evaluated English-language websites offering falls-related advice to members of the public. Forty-two websites were identified using popular search engines; these were assessed using evidence-based guidelines and codes of conduct on coverage of falls-related information, credibility and senior friendliness. Overall, scores were poor for coverage of falls information and credibility, although they were higher for senior friendliness. Few of the websites had been recently updated and none provided individually-tailored advice. We conclude that websites have fallen short of their potential to provide accessible, evidence-based information on the risks of falls and their prevention.
Dietary L-arginine supplementation alleviates liver injury caused by Escherichia coli LPS in weaned pigs
Authors: Li Quan , Liu Yulan , Che Zhengquan , Zhu Huiling , Meng Guoquan , Hou Yongqing , Ding Bingying , Yin Yulong , Chen Feng
Published: March 2012

This study was conducted to evaluate whether dietary supplementation with L-arginine (Arg) could attenuate Escherichia coli LPS-induced liver injury through the TLR4 signaling pathway in weaned pigs. Eighteen weaned pigs were allotted to three treatments: non-challenged control, LPS challenged control and LPS + 0.5% Arg. On d 18, pigs were injected with LPS at 100 µg/kg of body weight (BW) or sterile saline. Blood samples were obtained at 4 h post-injection. Pigs were then sacrificed for the collection of liver samples. Arg supplementation (0.5%) alleviated liver morphological impairment, including hepatocyte caryolysis, karyopycnosis and fibroblast proliferation induced by LPS challenge; it mitigated the increase of serum aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities induced by LPS ( P < 0.05); it prevented the increase of hepatic TNF-α, malondialdehyde contents and mast cell number induced by LPS administration ( P < 0.05); and it attenuated the elevation of hepatic NF- κB and TLR4-positive cell percentages ( P < 0.05). These results indicate that Arg supplementation has beneficial effects in attenuating hepatic morphological and functional injury induced by LPS challenge in piglets. Additionally, it is possible that the protective effects of Arg on the liver are associated with a decreased release of liver pro-inflammatory cytokines and free radicals through inhibiting TLR4 signaling.
Cultural Influences on Pain
Authors: Peacock Sue , Patel Shilpa
Published: March 2012

• The relationship between pain and ethnicity is shaped by experience, learning and culture. • Mistaken beliefs about the nature of pain and disability, resistance to treatment seeking, reluctance to comply with treatment and failure to accept responsibility of the treatment outcome are not culturally or sub-culturally specific obstacles to pain management. • A cultural group's expectations and acceptance of pain as a normal part of life will determine whether pain is seen as a clinical problem that requires a clinical solution. • The reviewed literature shows disparities in pain treatment based on ethnic background. • Multidisciplinary research needs to investigate the models of pain and treatment in different cultural groups to allow us to understand how pain is presented and how beliefs and expectations about treatment can be married with practical solutions and effective evidence-based pain management.
Placebo Analgesia—Understanding the Mechanisms and Implications for Clinical Practice
Authors: Finniss Damien G , Nicholas Michael K , Benedetti Fabrizio
Published: March 2012

• There are neurobiological, cognitive and conditioning processes involved in placebo mechanisms • Mechanisms research has demonstrated that there is not one placebo effect, but many • Placebo effects are an inherent element in routine clinical practice • Modulation of placebo mechanisms in routine practice could provide an opportunity for improving clinical care.
EMMPRIN/CD147 up-regulates urokinase-type plasminogen activator: implications in oral tumor progression
Authors: Lescaille Géraldine , Menashi Suzanne , Cavelier-Balloy Bénédicte , Khayati Farah , Quemener Cathy , Podgorniak Marie Pierre , Naïmi Benyoussef , Calvo Fabien , Lebbe Céleste , Mourah Samia
Published: March 2012

Backgrounds

An elevated level of EMMPRIN in cancer tissues have been correlated with tumor invasion in numerous cancers including oral cavity and larynx. Although EMMPRIN's effect has been generally attributed to its MMP inducing activity, we have previously demonstrated in breast cancer model that EMMPRIN can also enhance invasion by upregulating uPA. In this study, the role of EMMPRIN in regulating uPA and invasion was investigated in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) progression.

Methods

Precancerous and invasive oral tumoral tissues were used as well as the corresponding cell lines, DOK and SCC-9 respectively. The paracrine regulation of uPA by EMMPRIN was investigated by treating culture cells with EMMPRIN-enriched membrane vesicles. UPA expression was analyzed by qPCR and immunostaining and the consequence on the invasion capacity was studied using modified Boyden chamber assay, in the presence or absence of EMMPRIN blocking antibody, the uPA inhibitor amiloride or the MMP inhibitor marimastat.

Results

OSCC tumors were shown to express more EMMPRIN and uPA compared to dysplastic lesions. The corresponding cell models, SCC-9 and DOK cells, displayed similar expression pattern. In both cell types EMMPRIN upregulated the expression of uPA as well as that of MMP-2 and MMP-9. EMMPRIN treatment led to a significant increase in cell invasion both in the invasive SCC-9 and in the less invasive dysplastic DOK cells, in an MMP and uPA dependent manner.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the upregulation of uPA contributes to EMMPRIN's effect in promoting oral tumor invasion.
Effective lifestyle interventions to improve type II diabetes self-management for those with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder: a systematic review
Authors: Cimo Adriana , Stergiopoulos Erene , Cheng Chiachen , Bonato Sarah , Dewa Carolyn S
Published: March 2012

Background

The prevalence of type II diabetes among individuals suffering from schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorders is more than double that of the general population. By 2005, North American professional medical associations of Psychiatry, Diabetes, and Endocrinology responded by recommending continuous metabolic monitoring for this population to control complications from obesity and diabetes. However, these recommendations do not identify the types of effective treatment for people with schizophrenia who have type II diabetes. To fill this gap, this systematic evidence review identifies effective lifestyle interventions that enhance quality care in individuals who are suffering from type II diabetes and schizophrenia or other schizoaffective disorders.

Methods

A systematic search from Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and ISI Web of Science was conducted. Of the 1810 unique papers that were retrieved, four met the inclusion/exclusion criteria and were analyzed.

Results

The results indicate that diabetes education is effective when it incorporates diet and exercise components, while using a design that addresses challenges such as cognition, motivation, and weight gain that may result from antipsychotics.

Conclusions

This paper begins to point to effective interventions that will improve type II diabetes management for people with schizophrenia or other schizoaffective disorders.
Daming capsule restores endothelial dysfunction induced by high-fat diet
Authors: Zhang Rong , Niu Huifang , Wang Ning , Sun Lihua , Xu Yi , Zhao Ruibo , Ban Xiang , Yu Yao , Yang Baofeng , Ai Jing
Published: March 2012

Background

Daming capsule (DMC), a traditional Chinese formula, has a lipid-modulating action with reduced adverse side effects as compared with other lipid lowering compounds. Since endothelial dysfunction often accompanies the hyperlipidemic state, we hypothesize that DMC might restore endothelial dysfunction produced by a high-fat (HF) diet. Importantly, we also investigate possible mechanisms involved in mediating the effects of DMC on vascular reactivity.

Methods

Rats were divided into four groups: control, HF diet, HF mixed DMC diet, HF mixed atorvastatin (ATV) diet. After 30 days, the thoracic cavity was exposed to remove the thoracic aorta for (i) histological examination; (ii) measurement of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) by western blot; and (iii) tension study of thoracic aortic ring.

Results

HF diet induced significant attenuation in the contraction and relaxation of rat aortic rings. Treatment with DMC significantly improved the relaxation of the aortic rings as compared with those from HF rats (P < 0.05), which was abolished by a nonspecific NOS inhibitor L-NAME. Moreover DMC significantly restored the decrease in eNOS expression induced by HF diet. Similar results were found in histopathologic changes. DMC failed to restore the loss of vasocontraction of aorta explained by an impairment of ATP-sensitive K+ channels (KATP) on the structure and/or function. DMC exerted the same protective effect as ATV, a positive control drug, on vascular injury produced by HF diet.

Conclusion

DMC partially protects the aorta from HF-induced endothelial dysfunction via upregulation of the expression of eNOS.
Barriers and attitudes influencing non-engagement in a peer feedback model to inform evidence for GP appraisal
Authors: Curnock Esther , Bowie Paul , Pope Lindsey , McKay John
Published: March 2012

Background

The UK general practitioner (GP) appraisal system is deemed to be an inadequate source of performance evidence to inform a future medical revalidation process. A long-running voluntary model of external peer review in the west of Scotland provides feedback by trained peers on the standard of GP colleagues' core appraisal activities and may 'add value' in strengthening the robustness of the current system in support of revalidation. A significant minority of GPs has participated in the peer feedback model, but a clear majority has yet to engage with it. We aimed to explore the views of non-participants to identify barriers to engagement and attitudes to external peer review as a means to inform the current appraisal system.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews with a sample of west of Scotland GPs who had yet to participate in the peer review model. A thematic analysis of the interview transcriptions was conducted using a constant comparative approach.

Results

13 GPs were interviewed of whom nine were males. Four core themes were identified in relation to the perceived and experienced 'value' placed on the topics discussed and their relevance to routine clinical practice and professional appraisal: 1. Value of the appraisal improvement activity. 2. Value of external peer review. 3. Value of the external peer review model and host organisation and 4. Attitudes to external peer review.

Conclusions

GPs in this study questioned the 'value' of participation in the external peer review model and the national appraisal system over the standard of internal feedback received from immediate work colleagues. There was a limited understanding of the concept, context and purpose of external peer review and some distrust of the host educational provider. Future engagement with the model by these GPs is likely to be influenced by policy to improve the standard of appraisal and contractual related activities, rather than a self-directed recognition of learning needs.
Motor neuron apoptosis and neuromuscular junction perturbation are prominent features in a Drosophila model of Fus-mediated ALS
Authors: Xia Ruohan , Liu Yajuan , Yang Liuqing , Gal Jozsef , Zhu Haining , Jia Jianhang
Published: March 2012

Backgound

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of motor function. Several ALS genes have been identified as their mutations can lead to familial ALS, including the recently reported RNA-binding protein fused in sarcoma (Fus). However, it is not clear how mutations of Fus lead to motor neuron degeneration in ALS. In this study, we present a Drosophila model to examine the toxicity of Fus, its Drosophila orthologue Cabeza (Caz), and the ALS-related Fus mutants.

Results

Our results show that the expression of wild-type Fus/Caz or FusR521G induced progressive toxicity in multiple tissues of the transgenic flies in a dose- and age-dependent manner. The expression of Fus, Caz, or FusR521G in motor neurons significantly impaired the locomotive ability of fly larvae and adults. The presynaptic structures in neuromuscular junctions were disrupted and motor neurons in the ventral nerve cord (VNC) were disorganized and underwent apoptosis. Surprisingly, the interruption of Fus nuclear localization by either deleting its nuclear localization sequence (NLS) or adding a nuclear export signal (NES) blocked Fus toxicity. Moreover, we discovered that the loss of caz in Drosophila led to severe growth defects in the eyes and VNCs, caused locomotive disability and NMJ disruption, but did not induce apoptotic cell death.

Conclusions

These data demonstrate that the overexpression of Fus/Caz causes in vivo toxicity by disrupting neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) and inducing apoptosis in motor neurons. In addition, the nuclear localization of Fus is essential for Fus to induce toxicity. Our findings also suggest that Fus overexpression and gene deletion can cause similar degenerative phenotypes but the underlying mechanisms are likely different.
Importance of functional and metabolic impairments in the characterization of the C-26 murine model of cancer cachexia
Authors: Murphy Kate T. , Chee Annabel , Trieu Jennifer , Naim Timur , Lynch Gordon S.
Published: March 2012

Cancer cachexia describes the progressive skeletal muscle wasting and weakness that is associated with many cancers. It impairs quality of life and accounts for >20% of all cancer-related deaths. The main outcome that affects quality of life and mortality is loss of skeletal muscle function and so preclinical models should exhibit similar functional impairments in order to maximize translational outcomes. Mice bearing colon-26 (C-26) tumors are commonly used in cancer cachexia studies but few studies have provided comprehensive assessments of physiological and metabolic impairment, especially those factors that impact quality of life. Our aim was to characterize functional impairments in mildly and severely affected cachectic mice, and determine the suitability of these mice as a preclinical model. Metabolic abnormalities are also evident in cachectic patients and we investigated whether C-26-tumor-bearing mice had similar metabolic aberrations. Twelve-week-old CD2F1 mice received a subcutaneous injection of PBS (control) or C-26 tumor cells. After 18-20 days, assessments were made of grip strength, rotarod performance, locomotor activity, whole body metabolism, and contractile properties of tibialis anterior (TA) muscles (in situ) and diaphragm muscle strips (in vitro). Injection of C-26 cells reduced body and muscle mass, and epididymal fat mass. C-26-tumor-bearing mice exhibited lower grip strength and rotarod performance. Locomotor activity was impaired following C-26 injection, with reductions in movement distance, duration and speed compared with controls. TA muscles from C-26-tumor-bearing mice had lower maximum force (-27%) and were more susceptible to fatigue. Maximum specific (normalized) force of diaphragm muscle strips was reduced (-10%) with C-26 injection, and force during fatiguing stimulation was also lower. C-26-tumor-bearing mice had reduced carbohydrate oxidation and increased fat oxidation compared with controls. The range and consistency of functional and metabolic impairments in C-26-tumor-bearing mice confirm their suitability as a preclinical model for cancer cachexia. We recommend the use of these comprehensive functional assessments to maximize the translation of findings to more accurately identify effective treatments for cancer cachexia.
PDA Use by Physicians: Where Do They Fit with Emerging Technologies and Use of Electronic Health Records in Office Practices?
Authors: Galt Kimberly A. , Fuji Kevin T. , Drincic Andjela , Bramble James D. , Siracuse Mark V. , Paschal Karen A. , Abbott Amy A.
Published: March 2012

This cross‐sectional study explores physicians′ attitudes and beliefs about the use of personal digital assistant (PDA) in the context of other health information technology (HIT) use and HIT‐based applications safety in ambulatory care practices. The relationship of PDA use and patient safety is also explored. Ambulatory care physicians in Nebraska and South Dakota were surveyed from July to November of 2007 using a modified Dillman technique. Respondents were in one of three groups: PDA Users (those using a PDA for patient care), Other Technology Users (those not using a PDA, but using other technologies for patient care), and Non‐Users (those not using any technology for patient care). PDAs are used by 43% of responding physicians, who tend to be younger and salaried. PDA Users exposed to PDAs during training continued use in practice. PDA Users believed the device enabled them to provide more efficient and better care, reduce errors, and improve patient safety.
Tissue Engineering for the Neonatal and Pediatric Patients
Authors: Saxena Amulya K. , Ackbar Richard , Höllwarth Micheal E.
Published: March 2012

Of all the surgical specialties, the remit of the pediatric surgeon encompasses the widest range of organ systems and includes disorders from the fetus to the adolescent. As such, the recent emergence of tissue engineering is of particular interest to the pediatric surgical community. The individual challenges of tissue engineering depend largely on the nature and function of the target tissue. In general, the main issues currently under investigation include the sourcing of an appropriate cell source, design of biomaterials for guided tissue growth, provision of a biomolecular stimulus to enhance cellular functions and the development of bioreactors to allow for prolonged periods of cell culture under specific physiological conditions. This review aims to provide a general overview of tissue engineering in the major organ systems, including the cardiovascular, digestive, urinary, respiratory, musculoskeletal, nervous, integumentary and lymphatic systems. Special attention is paid to pediatrics as well as recent clinical applications.
Resistência de variedades de algodão ao curuquerê do algodoeiro Alabama argillacea Hubner (lepidoptera: noctuidae)
Authors: Junior Arlindo Leal Boiça , Jesus Flávio Gonçalves de , Janini Julio César , Silva Anderson Gonçalves da , Alves Gleina Costa Silva
Published: March 2012

Este trabalho teve como objetivo verificar a ocorrência das formas de resistência, tais como: a não preferência para oviposição, a não preferência para alimentação e a antibiose, em variedades de algodoeiro (Gossypium hirsutum L.), à Alabama argillacea (Hubner, 1818), em experimentos de laboratório (27 ± 2 ºC, 70 ± 10% de U.R. e fotofase de 14 horas). Para avaliar a não preferência para oviposição e para a alimentação em teste com chance de escolha, adotou-se o delineamento em blocos casualizados e, no teste sem chance, o inteiramente casualizado. Para avaliar a antibiose, foram fornecidas às larvas, diariamente, folhas das variedades DeltaOpal, NuOpal, FMT 701, FMX 910 e 20 FMX 996. Durante este processo, verificou-se a duração de cada fase do inseto, avaliando-se a massa de larvas aos dez dias de idade, massa de pupas com 24 horas, período larval, pré-pupal e pupal, longevidade de adultos, viabilidade total e fecundidade. As variedades NuOpal e FMT 701 apresentam resistência do tipo não preferência para alimentação. As variedades NuOpal, FMT 701 e FMX 910 apresentam resistência do tipo antibiose em relação a A. argillacea.
Produtividade de feijoeiro de inverno submetido à dessecação com paraquat na pré-colheita
Authors: Kappes Claudinei , Arf Orivaldo , Arf Marcelo Valentini , Ferreira João Paulo , Alcalde Andrews Molnar , Portugal José Roberto
Published: March 2012

O conhecimento da época e da dose de aplicação de dessecante, em pré-colheita do feijoeiro, é de extrema importância para se evitarem perdas na produtividade da cultura. Diante disso, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a produtividade de feijoeiro de inverno, após aplicação do dessecante paraquat em diferentes épocas (30; 35; 40 e 45 dias após o início do florescimento - DAF) e das doses (0; 200; 400 e 600 g ha-1), em pré-colheita. O experimento foi conduzido no período de outono/inverno de 2010, em Selvíria, Mato Grosso do Sul. Os tratamentos foram dispostos em delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 4 x 4 (épocas de aplicação x doses do herbicida), com quatro repetições. O aumento das doses de paraquat, até os 35 DAF, aumentou de forma linear o percentual de sementes defeituosas, enquanto as sementes tiveram sua massa reduzida linearmente, até os 40 DAF. A produtividade do feijoeiro não foi afetada pela aplicação de paraquat a partir dos 35 DAF, ao contrário do incremento da dose, que provocou redução linear desse parâmetro.
Damage level of the two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch (acari: tetranychidae) in soybeans
Authors: Suekane Renato , Degrande Paulo Eduardo , Melo Elmo Pontes de , Bertoncello Thiago Ferreira , Lima Junior Izidro dos Santos de , Kodama Cássio
Published: March 2012

Among phytophagous spider mites, the two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch, 1836 is one of the most important agricultural pests, not only because of the damage it causes, but also because it has a wide host range, infesting many commercial crops such as leafy greens, cotton, beans, and soybeans, among others. This study was carried out in a greenhouse of the Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias (FCA) of the Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados (UFGD), located in the city of Dourados, state of Mato Grosso do Sul. The experiment was arranged in a randomized block design with 5 treatments and 4 replicates. The treatments consisted of 5 levels in percentage of chlorotic symptoms (indicating mite damage): 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%. All of the characteristics evaluated, except for number of pods per plant, the number of seeds per plant, the total weight (productivity), and the weight of 1000 seeds, were significantly influenced by the different levels of chlorotic symptoms. The economic damage level for the two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae, according to the equation y = 66.63-0.51 x, based on the price of US$ 11.00 per bag of soybeans and a control cost of US$ 16.00, would be 15.80% chlorotic symptoms. At a price of US$ 29.00 per bag with the same control cost, the economic damage level would be 13% of chlorotic symptoms.
A inteligência epidemiológica como modelo de organização em saúde
Authors: Rodrigues-Júnior Antonio Luiz
Published: March 2012

O conceito de inteligência epidemiológica, como uma construção das sociedades de informação, vai além da vigilância de uma lista de doenças e da capacidade em acionar respostas rápidas; tal conceito deve considerar a complexidade da definição de epidemiologia na identificação deste objeto de estudo, sem ser limitado a um conjunto de ações de um setor do governamental. São atividades de inteligência epidemiológica: a avaliação de risco, as estratégias de prevenção e de proteção, os subsistemas de informações, as salas de situação, a análise geográfica etc. Este conceito contribui com a compreensão sobre políticas na área da saúde, numa dimensão multisetorial e geopolítica, no que se refere à organização dos serviços em torno das emergências de saúde pública e da atenção básica, além dos desastres; as atividades de inteligência epidemiológicas não devem se restringir à pesquisa científica, mas os sujeitos devem atentar para as ameaças à saúde pública. O modelo de campo de saúde possibilitou a reflexão sobre a inteligência epidemiológica, como sendo uma forma de rearranjar as políticas e compartilhar os recursos, formando comunidades de inteligência epidemiológica, cuja finalidade é, essencialmente, enfrentar as emergências em saúde pública e os desastres.
Estado nutricional pré-gestacional, ganho de peso materno, condições da assistência pré-natal e desfechos perinatais adversos entre puérperas adolescentes
Authors: Santos Marta Maria Antonieta de Souza , Baião Mirian Ribeiro , Barros Denise Cavalcante de , Pinto Alessandra de Almeida , Pedrosa Priscila La Marca , Saunders Claudia
Published: March 2012

OBJETIVO: Identificar associação entre estado nutricional pré-gestacional, ganho ponderal materno e condições do pré-natal com os desfechos prematuridade e baixo peso ao nascer (BPN) em filhos de mães adolescentes. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com 542 pares de puérperas adolescentes e conceptos atendidos em uma maternidade pública do município do Rio de Janeiro (RJ). Os dados foram coletados em prontuários. Para verificar a associação entre as variáveis independentes e os desfechos estudados, foram estimados a odds ratio (OR) e o intervalo de confiança (IC) de 95%. RESULTADOS: Quanto ao estado nutricional pré-gestacional das adolescentes, 87% apresentavam eutrofia, 1% baixo peso, 10% sobrepeso e 2% obesidade. A inadequação do ganho de peso gestacional total (72%) superou a adequação (28%). O peso ao nascer foi favorecido com maior ganho de peso gestacional e reduzido com início tardio do pré-natal (PN). A comparação entre os grupos de conceptos com baixo peso e com peso adequado ao nascer revelou diferenças significativas entre as médias das variáveis: intervalo entre a última gestação e a atual (p = 0,022); peso pré-gestacional (p = 0,018); índice de massa corporal pré-gestacional (p < 0,001) e ganho de peso gestacional total (p = 0,047). As chances de BPN (OR 2,70; IC 95% 1,45 - 5,06) e de prematuridade (OR 5,82; IC 95% 3,10 - 10,92) reduziram quando a adolescente recebeu 6 ou mais consultas de PN. CONCLUSÃO: O peso ao nascer foi relacionado ao intervalo intergestacional, ao peso pré-gestacional e ao índice de massa corporal pré-gestacional. A frequência mínima de 6 consultas de assistência pré-natal constituiu-se em fator de proteção contra o BPN e a prematuridade.
Decreasing Inequality under Latin America's “Social Democratic” and “Populist” Governments: Is the Difference Real?
Authors: Montecino Juan Antonio
Published: March 2012

The article addresses the claim that the “left populist” governments of Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Venezuela failed to effectively reduce inequality in the 2000s. The author examines the econometric evidence presented by McLeod and Lustig (2011) that the “social democratic” governments of Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay were more successful and shows that McLeod and Lustig's results are highly sensitive to their use of data from the Socioeconomic Database for Latin America and the Caribbean (SEDLAC). Conducting the same analysis using inequality data from the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) suggests the exactly opposite conclusion. The contrast between the results obtained using SEDLAC and ECLAC data suggests that the choice of inequality data source is not immaterial and that the difference is probably driven by how the two sources handle the underreporting of income in household surveys. The key difference between SEDLAC and ECLAC data is that the latter correct for the underreporting of income while the former do not. Absent reasonable criteria for choosing between the two datasets, the author suggests that any econometric results pertaining to Latin American income inequality should prove robust to both data sources.
The World Health Organization and Public Health Research and Practice in Tuberculosis in India
Authors: Banerji Debabar
Published: March 2012

Two major research studies carried out in India fundamentally affected tuberculosis treatment practices worldwide. One study demonstrated that home treatment of the disease is as efficacious as sanatorium treatment. The other showed that BCG vaccination is of little protective value from a public health viewpoint. India had brought together an interdisciplinary team at the National Tuberculosis Institute (NTI) with a mandate to formulate a nationally applicable, socially acceptable, and epidemiologically sound National Tuberculosis Programme (NTP). Work at the NTI laid the foundation for developing an operational research approach to dealing with tuberculosis as a public health problem. The starting point for this was not operational research as enunciated by experts in this field; rather, the NTI achieved operational research by starting from the people. This approach was enthusiastically welcomed by the World Health Organization's Expert Committee on Tuberculosis of 1964. The NTP was designed to “sink or sail with the general health services of the country.” The program was dealt a major blow when, starting in 1967, a virtual hysteria was worked up to mobilize most of the health services for imposing birth control on the people. Another blow to the general health services occurred when the WHO joined the rich countries in instituting a number of vertical programs called “Global Initiatives.” An ill-conceived, ill-designed, and ill-managed Global Programme for Tuberculosis was one outcome. The WHO has shown rank public health incompetence in taking a very casual approach to operational research and has been downright quixotic in its thinking on controlling tuberculosis worldwide.
Ongoing Clinical Trials in AKI
Authors: Faubel Sarah , Chawla Lakhmir S. , Chertow Glenn M. , Goldstein Stuart L. , Jaber Bertrand L. , Liu Kathleen D.
Published: March 2012

AKI is an important public health issue. AKI is a common hospital complication associated with increased in-hospital and long-term mortality, extensive morbidity (including prolonged hospital length of stay), and an estimated annual cost of at least $10 billion in the United States. At present, no specific therapy has been developed to prevent AKI, hasten recovery of kidney function, or abrogate the deleterious systemic effects of AKI. However, recent progress includes establishing a consensus definition of AKI and discovery of novel biomarkers that may allow early detection of AKI. Furthermore, significant insights into the pathophysiology of AKI and its deleterious systemic effects have been gleaned from animal studies. Urgently needed are large, definitive randomized clinical trials testing interventions to prevent and/or treat AKI. This review summarizes and analyzes current ongoing clinical trials registered with clinicaltrials.gov that address prevention or management of AKI. The purpose of this review is to provide a resource for people interested in potential prophylactic and therapeutic approaches to patient care and investigators hoping to plan and execute the next round of randomized clinical trials. Finally, this review discusses research needs that are not addressed by the current clinical trials portfolio and suggests key areas for future research in AKI.
Design of Clinical Trials in AKI
Authors: Molitoris Bruce A. , Okusa Mark D. , Palevsky Paul M. , Chawla Lakhmir S. , Kaufman James S. , Devarajan Prasad , Toto Robert M. , Hsu Chi-yuan , Greene Tom H. , Faubel Sarah G. , Kellum John A. , Wald Ron , Chertow Glenn M. , Levin Adeera , Waikar Sushrut S. , Murray Patrick T. , Parikh Chirag R. , Shaw Andrew D. , Go Alan S. , Chinchilli Vernon M. , Liu Kathleen D. , Cheung Alfred K. , Weisbord Steven D. , Mehta Ravindra L. , Stokes John B. , Thompson Aliza M. , Thompson B. Taylor , Westenfelder Christof S. , Tumlin James A. , Warnock David G. , Shah Sudhir V. , Xie Yining , Duggan Emily G. , Kimmel Paul L. , Star Robert A.
Published: March 2012

AKI remains an important clinical problem, with a high mortality rate, increasing incidence, and no Food and Drug Administration-approved therapeutics. Advances in addressing this clinical need require approaches for rapid diagnosis and stratification of injury, development of therapeutic agents based on precise understanding of key pathophysiological events, and implementation of well designed clinical trials. In the near future, AKI biomarkers may facilitate trial design. To address these issues, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases sponsored a meeting, “Clinical Trials in Acute Kidney Injury: Current Opportunities and Barriers,” in December of 2010 that brought together academic investigators, industry partners, and representatives from the National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration. Important issues in the design of clinical trials for interventions in AKI in patients with sepsis or AKI in the setting of critical illness after surgery or trauma were discussed. The sepsis working group discussed use of severity of illness scores and focus on patients with specific etiologies to enhance homogeneity of trial participants. The group also discussed endpoints congruent with those endpoints used in critical care studies. The second workgroup emphasized difficulties in obtaining consent before admission and collaboration among interdisciplinary healthcare groups. Despite the difficult trial design issues, these clinical situations represent a clinical opportunity because of the high event rates, severity of AKI, and poor outcomes. The groups considered trial design issues and discussed advantages and disadvantages of several short- and long-term primary endpoints in these patients.
Evolution of clinical signs and predictors of outcome after conservative medical treatment for disk-associated cervical spondylomyelopathy in dogs
Authors: De Decker Steven , Gielen Ingrid M. V. L. , Duchateau Luc , Oevermann Anna , Polis Ingeborgh , Van Soens Iris , van Bree Henri J. J. , Van Ham Luc M. L.
Published: March 2012

Objective—To evaluate the evolution of clinical signs and their correlation with results of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and to assess potential prognostic variables after conservative medical treatment for disk-associated cervical spondylomyelopathy (DA-CSM) in dogs.

Design—Prospective cohort study.

Animals—21 client-owned dogs with DA-CSM.

Procedures—After neurologic grading, dogs underwent low-field MRI and TMS with measurement of onset latencies and peak-to-peak amplitudes from the extensor carpi radialis and cranial tibial muscles. Dimensions calculated from MRI images were remaining spinal cord area, spinal cord compression ratio, vertebral occupying ratio, vertebral canal height-to-body height ratio, vertebral canal height-to-body length ratio, and vertebral canal compromise ratio. Intraparenchymal signal intensity changes were graded. Dogs were reevaluated 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after initial diagnosis.

Results—Outcome was successful in 8 of 21 dogs. Negative outcomes were characterized by rapid progression of clinical signs. All dogs with more severe clinical signs of DA-CSM 1 month after diagnosis had unsuccessful outcomes. Outcome was associated with the remaining spinal cord area and vertebral canal compromise ratio. Prognosis was not associated with severity of clinical signs or results of TMS. There were no significant correlations among clinical signs, MRI findings, and TMS results.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Conservative medical treatment of DA-CSM was associated with a guarded prognosis. Selected MRI variables and clinical evolution 1 month after diagnosis can be considered prognostic indicators. The lack of correlation among clinical signs, results of diagnostic imaging, and results of electrophysiologic evaluation in dogs with DA-CSM warrants further investigation.
Surgical treatment of a pulmonary artery vascular hamartoma in a dog
Authors: Chanoit Guillaume , Mathews Kyle G. , Keene Bruce W. , Small Merrilee T. , Linder Keith
Published: March 2012

Case Description—A 6-year-old Siberian Husky–mix dog was examined for episodes of collapse.

Clinical Findings—Physical examination, echocardiography, abdominal ultrasonography, ECG, and thoracic computed tomography with contrast were performed and revealed a 2.5 × 2.3 × 2.0-cm mass over the pulmonic valve leaflets, resulting in moderate pulmonic stenosis. Other abnormal findings included systemic hypertension, right bundle branch block, proteinuria, and a urinary bladder mass.

Treatment and Outcome—Pulmonary arteriotomy was performed under inflow occlusion, and the mass was resected with transesophageal echocardiographic guidance and direct visualization. Results of histologic examination of the mass revealed a vascular hamartoma. Sequential follow-up examinations and telephone contacts (at 0.5, 5, and 15 months after surgery) revealed that the patient had been free from episodes of collapse since surgery. No regrowth of the mass was noted on follow-up echocardiograms, and the pulmonic stenosis had resolved, although mild to moderate pulmonary insufficiency later developed. The bladder mass was excised 15 months after the first surgery when hematuria developed, and results of histologic examination of this mass revealed a vascular hamartoma. The dog was eventually euthanized 31 months after the initial surgery for reasons that could not be directly linked to any recurrence of the pulmonary artery mass.

Clinical Relevance—Hamartomas are benign tumors that can be located in various tissues, including large arteries. Computed tomography was helpful in predicting the resectability of the intracardiac mass in this dog. Treatment with arteriotomy under inflow occlusion and mild hypothermia resulted in a favorable outcome.
Differences in Lateral Ankle Laxity Measured via Stress Ultrasonography in Individuals With Chronic Ankle Instability, Ankle Sprain Copers, and Healthy Individuals
Authors: Croy Theodore , Saliba Susan , Saliba Ethan , Anderson Mark W. , Hertel Jay
Published: March 2012

Study Design

Cross-sectional.

Objective

To use stress ultrasonography to measure the change in anterior talofibular ligament length during the simulated anterior drawer and ankle inversion stress tests.

Background

In approximately 30% of individuals, ankle sprains may eventually develop into chronic ankle instability (CAI) with recurrent symptoms. Individuals with CAI and those who have a history of ankle sprain (greater than 1 year prior) without chronic instability (copers) may or may not have mechanical laxity.

Methods

Sixty subjects (n = 60 ankles) were divided into 3 groups: (1) control subjects without ankle injury history (n = 20; mean ± SD age, 24.8 ± 4.8 years; height, 173.7 ± 9.4 cm; mass, 77.2 ± 19.5 kg), ankle sprain copers (n = 20; mean ± SD age, 22.3 ± 2.9 years; height, 172.8 ± 11.3 cm; mass, 72.4 ± 14.3 kg), and subjects with CAI (n = 20; mean ± SD age, 23.5 ± 4.2 years; height, 174.6 ± 9.6 cm; mass, 74.8 ± 17.3 kg). Ligament length change with the anterior drawer test and end range ankle inversion were calculated from ultrasound images. The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure was used to quantify self-reported function on activities of daily living and sports.

Results

The anterior drawer test resulted in length changes that were greater (F2,57 = 6.2, P = .004) in the CAI (mean ± SD length change, 15.6% ± 15.1%; P = .006) and the coper groups (14.0% ± 15.9%, P = .016) compared to the control group (1.3% ± 10.7%); however, the length changes for the CAI and coper groups were not different (P = .93). Ankle inversion similarly resulted in greater ligament-length change (F2,57 = 6.5, P = .003) in the CAI (25.3% ± 15.5%, P = .003) and coper groups (20.2% ± 19.6%, P = .039) compared to the control group (7.4% ± 12.9%), with no difference in length change between the coper and CAI groups (P = .59). The CAI group had a lower score on the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure activities of daily living subscale (87.4% ± 13.4%) and sports subscale (74.2% ± 17.8%) compared to the control group (98.8% ± 2.9% and 98.9% ± 3.1%, respectively; P<.0001) and coper group (99.4% ± 1.8% and 94.6% ± 8.8%, respectively; P<.0001).

Conclusion

Stress ultrasonography identified greater length changes of the anterior talofibular ligament in both the coper and CAI groups compared to the control group. Only subjects with CAI had reductions in self-reported function. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2012;42(7):593–600, Epub 23 March 2012. doi:10.2519/jospt.2012.3923