bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining Risk Factors for Homeless Men: Gender Role Conflict, Help-Seeking Behaviors, Substance Abuse and Violence
Authors: Amato Felix , MacDonald John
Published: September 2011

Despite drastic and severe fiscal cuts in services to the homeless, their need continues to remain very high. Men are a particularly vulnerable group among the homeless and continue to struggle with substance abuse, mental illness, and physical health issues. When faced with these struggles, men are often reluctant to ask for help. The results indicate that the men surveyed are not likely to seek help for their physical and psychological struggles. We examined other risk factors to homeless men including amount of alcohol and drug use, length of homelessness, gender role conflict and susceptibility to committing a violent act. Limitations to the study are presented and discussed as well.
The Relation of Masculinity and Help-Seeking Style with the Academic Help-Seeking Behavior of College Men
Authors: Wimer David J. , Levant Ronald F.
Published: September 2011

The present study examined how the endorsement of traditional masculinity ideology, conformity to masculine norms, and help seeking style are related to the avoidance of academic help seeking by college men in psychology courses. One hundred seventy eight undergraduate males participated in the study. Results indicated that greater conformity to masculine norms was significantly associated with avoidance of academic help seeking above and beyond the contribution of demographics, amount of course work taken, and propensity for using the executive help-seeking style. The endorsement of aspects of traditional masculinity ideology was associated with avoidance of help seeking. These results indicate that masculinity variables are associated with men's avoidance of help seeking in academic situations similar to their associations with men's avoidance of help seeking in other areas. Two main aspects of masculinity tapped by both measures are most strongly associated with the avoidance of help seeking when struggling academically: self-reliance and dominance.
Salter-Harris type III fractures of the distal humerus in two dogs
Authors: Radke H. , Langley-Hobbs S. J. , Hayes G. M.
Published: September 2011

Salter-Harris type III fractures of the distal humerus in a four-month-old male Labrador Retriever and a male crossbreed dog (estimated to be 3.5-months-old) are reported. Both fractures were treated with open reduction and interfragmentary compression by lag screw fixation. Both fractures healed and full limb use was regained at four weeks postoperatively.

The occurrence of this unusual fracture type may be related to the physeal closure pattern of the distal humeral physis, and a different mechanism of injury compared to the more common Salter-Harris type IV fracture seen in this region.
Obturator nerve impingement as a severe late complication of bilateral triple pelvic osteotomy
Authors: Tong K. , Hayashi K.
Published: September 2011

A four-year-old female spayed Labrador Retriever, which had undergone bilateral triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO) at the age of eight months, was presented with severe progressive shifting pelvic limb lameness for a duration of three months prior to presentation. The dog had multiple episodes of showing signs of excruciating pain, as well as an inability to rise or ambulate, inappetance, and lethargy. Orthopaedic examination revealed severe bilateral pelvic limb muscular atrophy, and signs of severe pain on abduction of the pelvic limbs, on rectal palpation ventrally, and on palpation of the region of the iliopsoas and pectineus muscles bilaterally. Surgery was indicated to explore the region and to release the pectineus and iliopsoas muscles. During surgery, callus tissue and the free section of pubic bone were found to be impinging on the obturator nerve at the previous TPO pubic osteotomy site bilaterally. On both sides, a 1 to 2 cm segment of pubis and fibrous callus tissue were excised and the obturator nerves were freed from the impingement. Immediately after the surgery, the patient’s stance and gait were dramatically improved. The dog could maintain a much broader based stance and make longer strides with the pelvic limbs. At the two month follow-up examination, there were not any signs of lameness noted. Obturator nerve impingement can be a serious potential complication of TPO and may manifest clinically as marked pelvic limb lameness years after surgery.
Traumatic craniolateral shoulder luxation and fracture of the lesser tubercle of the humerus in a dog
Authors: Bergh M. S. , Huck J. L.
Published: September 2011

A five-year old, spayed female, Bearded Collie was presented with a 24-hour history of non-weight-bearing lameness of the right thoracic limb after sustaining vehicular trauma. Radio-graphs revealed a craniolateral scapulohumeral luxation and a distally and medially displaced fracture of the lesser tubercle of the humerus. Open reduction and internal fixation of the fracture was achieved with lag screw fixation and an anti-rotational Kirsch-ner wire. Surgical repair resulted in compression across the fracture line, anatomic reduction of the articular surface, and a stable scapulohumeral joint following reduction of the humeral head in the glenoid. Six weeks postoperatively, the patient exhibited no evidence of pain or lameness on the right thoracic limb and radiographs revealed complete healing of the fracture and normal articulation of the scapulohumeral joint. This is the first report of a lesser tubercle fracture associated with a craniolateral shoulder luxation. Surgical intervention resulted in the return of full shoulder joint function in this dog.
Single cycle to failure in torsion of three standard and five locking plate constructs
Authors: Cabassu J. B. , Kowaleski M. P. , Shorinko J. K. , Blake C. A. , Gaudette G. R. , Boudrieau R. J.
Published: September 2011

Objectives: The biomechanical properties of standard plates and recently designed locking plates were compared in torsion. We hypothesized that titanium (Ti) constructs would have the greatest deformation, and String of Pearls (SOP) constructs the greatest strength and stiffness.

Methods: Dynamic compression plates (DCP), stainless steel (SS) limited contact (LC)-DCP, Ti LC-DCP, locking compression plate (LCP), 10 mm and 11 mm Advanced Locking Plate System (ALPS) 10 and 11, SOP and Fixin plates were applied to a validated bone model simulating a bridging osteosynthesis. Yield torque (strength), yield angle (deformation) and stiffness were compared using one-way ANOVA with post hoc Tukey (p <0.05).

Results: The ALPS 11 constructs had significantly greater elastic deformation than all constructs except for the ALPS 10. There were not any differences in strength observed except for the ALPS 10 constructs, which was less than that for the SOP, LCP, DCP and ALPS 11 constructs. No differences in construct torsional stiffness were observed with the SS LCDCP, DCP, LCP and SOP constructs however all had greater stiffness than all remaining constructs. The ALPS 10 construct had lower stiffness than all constructs.

Clinical significance: Modulus of elasticity of Ti explains the higher deformation and lower stiffness of these systems, with similar results for the Fixin due to its lower section modulus compared to all other plates. The SOP and standard constructs had surprisingly similar biomechanical properties in torsion. The rationale for selecting these implants for fracture repair likely needs to be based upon their differing biomechanical properties inherent to the diverse implant systems.

Presented at the 38th Annual Conference of the Veterinary Orthopedic Society, Snowmass, Colorado, USA March 6, 2011.
MIESTŲ AIKŠTĖS: JŲ PERTVARKYMO PATYRIMAS IR REZULTATAI
Authors: Dringelis Liucijus
Published: September 2011

Political, social, economic, aesthetic and other aspects led to start of reconstruction and renovation of important public spaces – squares – of the most cities of the country. This article aims to review some of the rebuilt city squares and give a preliminary assessment of this reconstruction experience. Estimation of selected squares has been made in the following aspects: the purpose of the square, its design, equipment, greenery and vitality. It was found that in accordance to the reconstruction character, they can be conditionally divided into two groups: 1) squares, the design and regulation of which correspond to the purpose to be visited and used by people for leisure and communication; and 2) squares, the priority of reconstruction of which was a formal design, without a broader research and needs assessment, so they ended up little visited and empty. Seeking for better quality of reconstructed squares, it is necessary to better discuss these questions, initiate public fora with residents and specialists, and conduct professional expertise.

Santrauka

Pastaruoju laikotarpiu daugelyje šalies miestų vyko ir vyksta svarbiausių jų viešųjų erdvių – miestų aikščių – pertvarkymas ar atnaujinimas, kurį lėmė politiniai, socialiniai, ekonominiai, estetiniai ir kt. pokyčiai. Šio straipsnio tikslas apžvelgti kai kurių miestų pertvarkytas aikštes ir pateikti preliminarų jų rekonstrukcijos rezultatų įvertinimą. Pasirinktos aikštės buvo vertinamos šiais aspektais: aikštės paskirtis, jos suplanavimas, įranga, apželdinimas bei gyvybingumas. Nustatyta, kad pagal pertvarkymo pobūdį viešosios erdvės sąlygiškai gali būti suskirstytos į dvi grupes: 1) aikštės, kuriose suplanavimas ir tvarkymas atitinka jų paskirtį, todėl jos lankomos ir naudojamos gyventojų poilsiui ir bendravimui; 2) aikštės, kurias tvarkant prioritetas suteikiamas formaliam jų dizainui, neatliekant platesnių tyrimų ir nevertinant poreikių, todėl šios aikštės yra mažai lankomos, tuščios. Siekiant pertvarkomų aikščių planavimo kokybės pagerinimo, būtina šiais klausimais plačiau diskutuoti, aptarinėti su visuomene ir specialistais bei atlikti profesionalią jų projektų ekspertizę.
Physical and mechanical characterization of gypsum boards containing phase change materials for latent heat storage
Authors: Oliver-Ramírez A. , García-Santos A. , Neila-González F. J.
Published: September 2011

This article describes the design and manufacture of a gypsum board which, despite its 45 % wt content of phase change materials, meets the minimum physical and mechanical requirements laid down in the legislation on gypsum plasters (Spanish and European standard UNE EN 13279 and Spanish specifications for gypsum acceptance, RY 85). Under this design, a one-metre square, 1.5-cm thick board contains 4.75 kg of PCM, much more than in any prior drylining (the maximum attained to date is 3 kg per m2). The mechanical and physical characteristics of this new composite were previously improved with two joint-action additives: polypropylene fibres and melamine formaldehyde as a dispersing agent.
In the 20-30 ºC temperature range, a gypsum board 1.5 cm thick containing this percentage of PCMs can store five times more thermal energy than conventional plasterboard of the same thickness, and the same amount of energy as half-foot hollow brick masonry.
Effect of crushed sand on mortar and concrete rheology
Authors: Cabrera O. A. , Traversa L. P. , Ortega N. F.
Published: September 2011

This article describes an experimental study conducted on fresh mortars and concretes made with crushed sand. The aim of this research was to assess the effect of aggregate particle shape and surface texture as well as dust content on mortar and concrete rheology. The experimental programme also addressed the impact of angular grains on chemical admixture performance and concrete bleeding. The findings showed that the use of crushed sand induces rheological behaviour that differs from the behaviour observed in natural sand and that superplasticisers can improve this behaviour considerably.
Engineered barriers for radioactive waste confinement
Authors: Fernández R.
Published: September 2011

Nuclear power plants generate long-lived radioactive waste of high toxicity. The security assessment of repositories destined to definitive confinement of radioactive waste has been studied for several decades. Deep geological repositories are technically feasible and begin to be built by some pioneer countries. The scientific evaluation of interactions between the different engineered barriers is studied by laboratory experiments, natural analogues and modeling studies. The three methods are able to represent and validate the main geochemical processes that take place in the near field. This paper reviews the scientific and technical basis of the concept of geological disposal, with particular focus on the methods of study applied to the evaluation of geochemical stability of the bentonite barrier.
Virtuosité d’une sphère en mouvement
Authors: Rennesson Stéphane
Published: September 2011

Les polémiques sur le risque individuel, le geste technique en trop, l’ornement technique malheureux qui peut tout gâcher, ont bien souvent pour effet d’enfermer le football dans un schéma simpliste du point de vue de l’articulation de l’individuel et du collectif comme de l’action en général. Est-on forcément condamné à osciller au football entre l’individuel et le collectif ? Si le football semble imprégné de virtuosité, un problème se pose dès lors qu’il faut l’attribuer et l’isoler dans des actions souvent cafouilleuses. Sur la base d’actions techniques accomplies par de fameux dribbleurs, cet article montre que la circulation du ballon sur un terrain n’est ni explicable par la seule virtuosité technique d’un individu, ni simplement le résultat de la somme des actions individuelles, et encore moins uniquement le produit d’un plan tactique. En se déplaçant, le ballon se charge et se décharge d’effets au gré des relations entre les joueurs présents sur le terrain. Ce générateur d’actions que constitue le « ballon en circulation » nous obligera à aller voir du côté de la physique et à tenter une forme de commentaire de jeu légèrement décalée. La reconnaissance des potentialités physiques de la balle, qui sont décuplées par le nombre de fois qu’elle est touchée, est un préalable nécessaire avant toute analyse de la virtuosité footballistique et de ses modalités d’expression.
L’ermite et le virtuose
Authors: Laborde Denis
Published: September 2011

Cette contribution est consacrée à deux pianistes virtuoses de la seconde moitié du XXe siècle : Glenn Gould (1932-1982) et Georges Cziffra (1921-1994). Glenn Gould vécut en ascète dans l’Ontario, renonçant au concert, qu’il assimilait à la corrida, pour se consacrer à l’enregistrement. Georges Cziffra se retira à Senlis, près de cette chapelle Saint-Frambourg dont il fit le siège de sa fondation après avoir bâti le célèbre festival de La Chaise-Dieu et avoir consacré une vie de virtuose à ces salles de concert et ces plateaux de télévision qui l’accueillirent dans le monde entier. Ces deux artistes incarnèrent deux figures antagoniques du pianiste : l’un, pour qui la pratique musicienne n’était « ni une démonstration de la virtus (virtuosité) du soliste, ni la complaisante exhibition d’une pratique de soi » (Schneider, 1988 : 40), incarna la figure érémitique de l’artiste en prise sur « la musique » ; l’autre, « le type qui peut jouer du piano plus vite que tous les autres » (Böhm, 1995 : 88), incarna la figure mondaine du virtuose. Aucun ne fit l’unanimité, aucun ne laissa indifférent. Ainsi se construisirent, aux deux extrêmes d’une rhétorique de la virtuosité, deux figures antagoniques de l’ascèse pianistique : Gould, absorbé par la technologie ; Cziffra, par la technique.
Virtuoses ambivalents
Authors: Jones Graham
Published: September 2011

Cet article compare les approches divergentes de deux catégories de prestidigitateurs : des artistes de variété qui se servent de l’illusionnisme pour divertir et des apôtres du christianisme qui se servent de l’illusion pour évangéliser. Au lieu de présenter leurs illusions comme une démonstration d’adresse, ces gospel magicians (prestidigitateurs évangéliques) s’en servent de manière figurée pour imager des histoires et des leçons qui véhiculent un message chrétien. Niant avec insistance des pouvoirs surnaturels et évitant scrupuleusement les effets qui ressemblent à des miracles bibliques, ils prennent soin de présenter leurs tours comme des spectacles habiles sans ambiguïté ayant pour but de divertir, de galvaniser et d’instruire. Comme leurs homologues séculiers, les magiciens évangéliques proposent des tours empreints de virtuosité. Mais tandis que les magiciens séculiers célèbrent la virtuosité comme élément central de la magie, les magiciens évangéliques minimisent son rôle.
Cultured myoblasts from patients affected by myotonic dystrophy type 2 exhibit senescence-related features: ultrastructural evidence
Authors: Malatesta M. , Giagnacovo M. , Renna L.V. , Cardani R. , Meola G. , Pellicciari C.
Published: September 2011

Myotonic dystrophy type 2 (DM2) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by the expansion of the tetranucleotidic repeat (CCTG)n in the first intron of the Zinc Finger Protein-9 gene. In DM2 tissues, the expanded mutant transcripts accumulate in nuclear focal aggregates where splicing factors are sequestered, thus impairing the whole mRNA processing. Interestingly, the ultrastructural alterations in the splicing machinery observed in the myonuclei of DM2 skeletal muscles are reminiscent of the nuclear changes occurring in age-related muscle atrophy. Here, we investigated structural and functional features of satellite cell-derived myoblasts from biceps brachii, in the attempt to investigate cell senescence indices in DM2 patients by ultrastructural cytochemistry. We observed that in satellite cell-derived DM2 myoblasts, cell-senescence alterations and impairment of the pre-mRNA maturation pathways occur earlier than in myoblasts from healthy patients. This suggests that also in vivo the regeneration capability of satellite cells could be reduced in dystrophic muscles.
Status epilepticus
Authors: Nair PP , Kalita J , Misra UK
Published: September 2011

Status epilepticus (SE) is an important neurological emergency with high mortality and morbidity. The first official definition of SE was the product of 10thMarseilles colloquium held in 1962 which was accepted by International League Against Epilepsy in 1964. There are as many types of SE as of seizures. SE is supposed to result from failure of normal mechanisms that terminate an isolated seizure. In half of the cases, there is no history of epilepsy and SE is precipitated by some intercurrent infection. In children, it is often infection, whereas in adults, the major causes are stroke, hypoxia, metabolic derangements, and alcohol intoxication or drug withdrawal. The treatment of SE aims at termination of SE, prevention of seizure recurrence, management of precipitating causes, and the management of complications. The extent of investigations done should be based on the clinical picture and cost benefit analysis. The first line antiepileptic drugs (AED) for SE include benzodiazepines, phenytoin, phosphenytoin, and sodium valproate. Mortality of SE ranges between 7 and 39% and depends on underlying cause and response to AEDs.
Frequency and nature of adverse drug reactions in elderly in-patients of two Indian medical college hospitals
Authors: Harugeri A , Parthasarathi G , Ramesh M , Guido S , Basavanagowdappa H
Published: September 2011

Background:

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are a major public health problem in the elderly. Although the Indian elderly represent 12.8% of the entire global elderly population, data on prevalence and predictors of ADRs in elderly Indians is extremely limited.

Aim:

To determine the prevalence, severity, preventability, length of hospital stays, and risk factors for ADRs in hospitalized Indian elderly.

Setting:

Medicine wards of two tertiary care teaching hospitals.

Design:

Prospective study was conducted between July 2007 and December 2009.

Materials and Methods:

In-patients of either sex and aged ≥60 years were included and monitored for ADRs throughout their hospital stay. Severity (Hartwig et al. scale), preventability (Shumock and Thornton criteria) and increased length of stay (considering underlying disease, ADR, and discussion with clinicians) were assessed.

Statistical Analysis:

Bivariate analysis and subsequently multivariate logistic regression were used to determine the risk factors for developing ADRs.

Results:

Over the study period, among the 920 patients monitored, 296 patients (32.2%) experienced 419 ADRs. Among all ADRs, 48.4% (203) were preventable. Majority of ADRs [226 (53.9%)] were moderate in severity. Therapeutic classes of drugs frequently associated with ADRs were the drugs used in diabetes [76 (18.1%)] and antibacterials for systemic use [54 (12.9%)]. ADRs increased the hospital stay in 5.9% (54) of patients. Female gender [Odds Ratio: 1.52, 95% Confidence Interval:1.04-2.22, P=0.03] was observed as the influential risk factor for ADRs.

Conclusion:

One third of hospitalized elderly experienced ADRs. Interventions focused at preventable ADRs should be developed and implemented to reduce their implications.
Knowledge, attitude and practice of pediatric critical care nurses towards pain
Authors: Mathew PJ , Mathew JL , Singhi S
Published: September 2011

Background:

Nurses' knowledge, sensitivity and attitudes about pain in children and its management affect their response and therefore management of pediatric pain. Children in critical care units undergo more painful procedures than those in general wards.

Aims:

To study the knowledge, attitude and practice of nursing personnel catering to critically ill children in a developing country.

Settings and Design:

Prospective questionnaire-based survey.

Materials and Methods:

The survey was carried out in a tertiary care teaching hospital on nursing personnel in three pediatric/neonatal intensive care units. The domains studied were: i. Training and experience, ii. Knowledge of pediatric pain, iii. Individual attitude towards pain in children, iv. Personal practice(s) for pain alleviation, v. Pain assessment, and vi. Non-pharmacological measures adopted.

Statistical Analysis:

Descriptive statistics and logistic regression.

Results:

Of the 81 nursing personnel working in the three critical care units, 56 (69.1%) responded to the questionnaire. Only one-third of them had received formal training in pediatric nursing. Fifty percent of the respondents felt that infants perceive less pain than adults. Training in pediatric nursing was a significant contributing factor in the domain of knowledge (P=0.03). Restraint and distraction were the common modalities employed to facilitate painful procedures. Scientific approaches like eutectic mixture of local anesthetic and the judicious use of sedatives were not adopted routinely. Observing a child's face and posture were widely used parameters to assess pain (83%). None of the three critical care areas used a scoring system to assess pain.

Conclusions:

There are several lacunae in the knowledge and practice of nurses in developing countries which need to be improved by training.
Unusual case of isolated biventricular non-compaction presenting with stroke
Authors: Mageshkumar S , Patil D , Samuel D , Muthukumar D
Published: September 2011

Prominent ventricular trabeculations are seen in a fetal heart. Isolated ventricular non-compaction (IVNC) is a rare form of primary cardiomyopathy. It usually presents with heart failure, arrhythmias and very rarely with thrombo-embolic manifestation. The left ventricle is involved in the majority of the cases. Echocardiography is the principal modality for the diagnosis of this condition. IVNC may be misdiagnosed as dilated or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy wherein the prognosis and management do differ significantly. We report a case of a 38-year-old male with IVNC involving both the ventricles, who presented very unusually as stroke resulting from a cardiogenic embolus.
Severe intestinal pseudo-obstruction following withdrawal from over-the-counter steroid abuse
Authors: Sharma A , Naraynsingh V , Goalan R , Teelucksingh ST
Published: September 2011

Relative adrenal insufficiency (RAI) is commonly diagnosed in critically ill patients failing to maintain a pressor response and/or with electrolyte abnormalities. We report a case of a 59-year-old man who presented with diverticular bleeding and developed prolonged ileus postoperatively. After observing arthritic joints on examination, further questioning revealed long-term, high-dose steroid use for analgesic effect. Failure to produce an effective cortisol response was due to adrenal suppression from continuous steroid use. Immediate improvement of his ileus was seen after steroid replacement. Unreported self-medication is a frequent problem encountered in developing countries. RAI can be easily missed and requires a high index of suspicion in any patient who fails to respond to conventional treatment or with long-term steroid use.
Congenital Agenesis of the Left Lung: A Rare Case
Authors: Yetim Tülin Durgun , Bayaroğullari Hanifi , Yalçin Hülya Polat , Arιca Vefik , Arιca Seçil Gunher
Published: September 2011

Pulmonary agenesis is a rare congenital anomaly, the etiology of which is not clearly known. Other systemic comorbidities such as cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, and urogenital system anomalies can be observed in more than half of the patients. It is usually diagnosed during childhood. Diagnosis in adulthood is very rare. We present a case of pulmonary agenesis diagnosed in an adult.
Functional Annotation Analytics of Rhodopseudomonas palustris Genomes
Authors: Simmons Shaneka S. , Isokpehi Raphael D. , Brown Shyretha D. , Mcallister Donee L. , Hall Charnia C. , Mcduffy Wanaki M. , Medley Tamara L. , Udensi Udensi K. , Rajnarayanan Rajendram V. , Ayensu Wellington K. , Cohly Hari H.P.
Published: September 2011

Rhodopseudomonas palustris, a nonsulphur purple photosynthetic bacteria, has been extensively investigated for its metabolic versatility including ability to produce hydrogen gas from sunlight and biomass. The availability of the finished genome sequences of six R. palustris strains (BisA53, BisB18, BisB5, CGA009, HaA2 and TIE-1) combined with online bioinformatics software for integrated analysis presents new opportunities to determine the genomic basis of metabolic versatility and ecological lifestyles of the bacteria species. The purpose of this investigation was to compare the functional annotations available for multiple R. palustris genomes to identify annotations that can be further investigated for strain-specific or uniquely shared phenotypic characteristics. A total of 2,355 protein family Pfam domain annotations were clustered based on presence or absence in the six genomes. The clustering process identified groups of functional annotations including those that could be verified as strain-specific or uniquely shared phenotypes. For example, genes encoding water/glycerol transport were present in the genome sequences of strains CGA009 and BisB5, but absent in strains BisA53, BisB18, HaA2 and TIE-1. Protein structural homology modeling predicted that the two orthologous 240 aa R. palustris aquaporins have water-specific transport function. Based on observations in other microbes, the presence of aquaporin in R. palustris strains may improve freeze tolerance in natural conditions of rapid freezing such as nitrogen fixation at low temperatures where access to liquid water is a limiting factor for nitrogenase activation. In the case of adaptive loss of aquaporin genes, strains may be better adapted to survive in conditions of high-sugar content such as fermentation of biomass for biohydrogen production. Finally, web-based resources were developed to allow for interactive, user-defined selection of the relationship between protein family annotations and the R. palustris genomes.
Antitumor Efficacy of Intravesical BCG, Gemcitabine, Interferon-α and Interleukin-2 as Mono- or Combination-Therapy for Bladder Cancer in an Orthotopic Tumor Model
Authors: Xiao Zhengwen , Hanel Erich , Mak Allan , Moore Ronald B.
Published: September 2011

Objective

To reduce adverse effects and improve efficacy of intravesical BCG for bladder cancer, alternative treatment options were investigated in an orthotopic rat tumor model.

Methods

Superficial bladder cancer was established in syngeneic female rat bladders by instillation of AY-27 cells. Animals were randomly assigned to treatment groups including dose escalation of intravesical BCG with or without interferon-α (IFN-α) or interleukin-2 (IL-2); or graded doses of gemcitabine alone; or BCG plus gemcitabine. Treatments were given twice weekly for 3 weeks. Rats in control groups received saline instillations. Treatment response was monitored by animals’ well-being, survival days, tumor growth inhibition, and histological examination at necropsy.

Results

Rats receiving monotherapy with intravesical BCG, gemcitabine, or IFN-α, attained significantly better survival and tumor reduction compared with control ( P = 0.002; 0.001; 0.002, respectively, Log-rank Test). A dose-dependent treatment response was observed in animals with established bladder tumor receiving escalated BCG instillations. Only high-dose BCG significantly improved animal survival. Although high-dose BCG plus gemcitabine or IFN-α did not increase benefit over monotherapies, low-dose BCG plus IL-2 did show improved efficacy ( P = 0.01).

Conclusion

Intravesical monotherapies with gemcitabine and IFN-α were as effective as BCG for treatment of early non-muscle-invasive urothelial bladder cancer in this immune competent rat model. Combining these agents with high-dose BCG did not further increase efficacy. However, combining low-dose BCG with IL-2 enhanced BCG effectiveness.
A temperature compensation method for CDOM fluorescence sensors in freshwater
Authors: Watras C.J. , Hanson P.C. , Stacy T.L. , Morrison K.M. , Mather J. , Hu Y.‐H. , Milewski P.
Published: September 2011

The effect of temperature on CDOM fluorescence was investigated in dystrophic freshwaters of Wisconsin and in aqueous standards. Laboratory experiments with two commercial in situ fluorometers showed that CDOM fluorescence intensity decreased as ambient water temperature increased. A temperature compensation equation was derived to standardize CDOM fluorescence measurements to a specific reference temperature. The form of the equation is: CDOMr = CDOMm/[1 + ρ(Tm − Tr)], where T is temperature (°C), ρ is the temperature‐specific coefficient of fluorescence (°C−1), and the subscripts r and m stand for the reference and measured values. (We note that an analogous function is used widely to calculate temperature‐specific conductance from the measured conductivity of natural waters.) For the two sensors we tested, the temperature‐specific fluorescence coefficients (ρ) were − 0.015 ± 0.001 and − 0.008 ± 0.0008 for Wisconsin bog waters at 20°C. When applied to field data, temperature compensation removed the effect of multi‐day trends in water temperature, and it also damped the diel CDOM cycle. We conclude that temperature compensation is a necessary and important aspect of CDOM monitoring using in situ fluorescence sensors.
An assessment of differences in lower stratospheric temperature records from (A)MSU, radiosondes, and GPS radio occultation
Authors: Ladstädter F. , Steiner A. K. , Foelsche U. , Haimberger L. , Tavolato C. , Kirchengast G.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. Uncertainties for upper-air trend patterns are still substantial. Observations from the radio occultation (RO) technique offer new opportunities to assess the existing observational records there. Long-term time series are available from radiosondes and from the (Advanced) Microwave Sounding Unit (A)MSU. None of them were originally intended to deliver data for climate applications. Demanding intercalibration and homogenization procedures are required to account for changes in instrumentation and observation techniques. In this comparative study three (A)MSU anomaly time series and two homogenized radiosonde records are compared to RO data from the CHAMP, SAC-C, GRACE-A and F3C missions for September 2001 to December 2010. Differences of monthly anomalies are examined to assess the differences in the datasets due to structural uncertainties. The difference of anomalies of the (A)MSU datasets relative to RO shows a statistically significant trend within about (−0.2±0.1) K/10 yr (95% confidence interval) at all latitudes. This signals a systematic deviation of the two datasets over time. The radiosonde network has known deficiencies in its global coverage, with sparse representation of most of the southern hemisphere, the tropics and the oceans. In this study the error that results from sparse sampling is estimated and accounted for by subtracting it from radiosonde and RO datasets. Surprisingly the sampling error correction is also important in the Northern Hemisphere (NH), where the radiosonde network is dense over the continents but does not capture large atmospheric variations in NH winter. Considering the sampling error, the consistency of radiosonde and RO anomalies is improving substantially; the trend in the anomaly differences is generally very small. Regarding (A)MSU, its poor vertical resolution poses another problem by missing important features of the vertical atmospheric structure. This points to the advantage of homogeneously distributed measurements with high vertical resolution.
Funcionalidade familiar de idosos com alterações cognitivas em diferentes contextos de vulnerabilidade social
Authors: Santos Ariene Angelini dos , Pavarini Sofia Cristina Iost
Published: September 2011

O objetivo deste estudo realizado em São Carlos/SP em 2009 foi avaliar a funcionalidade familiar de idosos com alterações cognitivas, cadastrados em Unidades de Saúde da Família, residentes em diferentes contextos de vulnerabilidade social. A funcionalidade familiar foi avaliada utilizando o instrumento APGAR de Família, durante entrevista domiciliar (n = 88). Os resultados mostram que a maioria dos idosos (97% dos homens e 74% das mulheres) apontou boa funcionalidade familiar. Houve predomínio de boa funcionalidade familiar em todas as faixas etárias. Dos idosos pobres, 78% relataram boa funcionalidade familiar. A maioria dos idosos não pobres (86%) apresentou boa funcionalidade familiar. Não houve correlação significativa entre idade, sexo, diferentes grupos de vulnerabilidade social e o APGAR de Família dos idosos participantes (p > 0,05). A funcionalidade familiar deve ser avaliada a fim de melhorar o atendimento ao idoso no domicilio e planejar o cuidado, direcionando as ações à realidade das famílias. Descritores: Enfermagem; Idoso; Demência; Relações familiares.
Estratégias de rastreamento e intervenções breves como possibilidades para a prática preventiva do enfermeiro
Authors: Gonçalves Angélica Martins de Souza , Ferreira Paulo Sérgio , Abreu Ângela Maria Mendes , Pillon Sandra Cristina , Jezus Sônia Vivian
Published: September 2011

O rastreamento e as intervenções breves podem ser considerados recursos efetivos para a prática em saúde. O presente estudo teve como objetivo realizar uma reflexão sobre a aplicação dessas estratégias e a sua utilização pelo enfermeiro. Para isso, foram elencados os elementos que fundamentam as intervenções breves, a atuação do enfermeiro em relação à prática preventiva para o uso do álcool e os potenciais benefícios decorrentes de sua implementação. Neste sentido, as atribuições da enfermagem no âmbito da Atenção Primária à Saúde são estratégicas para reduzir os danos causados pelo uso do álcool. Porém, diversos fatores limitam a atuação destes enfermeiros, sendo necessário centrar esforços para dar ao tema um tratamento realista e pragmático. Portanto, é fundamental a difusão de treinamentos e cursos de capacitação com o objetivo de habilitar o enfermeiro a abordar, de maneira sistematizada, a questão do álcool numa perspectiva preventiva. Descritores: Papel do Profissional de Enfermagem; Saúde Mental; Detecção do abuso de substâncias.
Qualidade de vida de idosos com e sem hipertensão arterial
Authors: Tavares Darlene Mara dos Santos , Martins Nayara Paula Fernandes , Dias Flavia Aparecida , Diniz Marina Aleixo
Published: September 2011

O estudo objetivou descrever e comparar os escores de qualidade de vida (QV) de idosos com e sem hipertensão arterial (HA) segundo os domínios dos instrumentos WHOQOL-BREF e facetas do WHOQOL-OLD. Foram constituídos dois grupos: idosos que referiram HA (689) e idosos sem HA (689). A coleta ocorreu entre agosto e novembro/2008. Utilizaram-se análise descritiva e teste t-Student (p < 0,05). Predominou o sexo feminino, 60|-70 anos, casados, renda de um salário mínimo e 4?7 comorbidades. Observou-se maior escore de QV nas relações sociais e funcionamento dos sentidos; e menores no físico e autonomia. O grupo de idosos sem HA apresentou maiores escores de QV para o meio ambiente, atividades passadas, presentes e futuras e participação social, comparados ao grupo com HA. Faz-se necessário adotar ações interligadas entre a equipe de saúde e a comunidade visando ações promocionais e educativas em saúde, que resultem em menor impacto na QV dos idosos.Descritores: Qualidade de vida; Saúde do idoso; Hipertensão; Enfermagem em saúde comunitária.
A comunicação como fator de segurança e proteção ao parto
Authors: Dornfeld Dinara , Pedro Eva Neri Rubim
Published: September 2011

Estudo qualitativo, descritivo-exploratório, realizado em uma maternidade pública no município de Porto Alegre/RS, no período entre março e julho de 2010. Teve como objetivo observar e analisar a atuação da equipe de saúde a respeito da segurança e proteção do binômio mãe-bebê no parto. Foram observadas 20 cenas de parto, sendo que os dados parciais apresentados neste artigo referem-se a 10 observações. Dentre os elementos a serem analisados, destaca-se a comunicação estabelecida entre a equipe de saúde e a mulher, por ser a primeira categoria que emergiu. Os resultados mostraram a comunicação iatrogênica, porém evidenciou-se também o apoio empático e o incentivo à presença do acompanhante. A análise evidenciou que a equipe de saúde tem papel relevante na segurança e proteção do binômio mãe-bebê. Salienta-se a importância da enfermeira como agente de mudança para um modelo de atenção à saúde focado nas necessidades da mulher-RN-família.Descritores: Comunicação; Parto humanizado; Segurança; Cuidados de enfermagem.
Instrumentos relacionados ao diabetes mellitus adaptados e validados para a cultura brasileira
Authors: Curcio Raquel , Lima Maria Helena Melo , Alexandre Neusa Maria Costa
Published: September 2011

Trata-se de um estudo de revisão integrativa, cujo objetivo foi buscar evidências disponíveis na literatura sobre os instrumentos e escalas relacionados ao diabetes mellitus adaptados e validados para a cultura brasileira. Após busca nas bases eletrônicas BDENF, SciELO, LILACS, foram incluídos sete instrumentos que atenderam aos critérios de inclusão: Diabetes Mellitus Knowledge (DKN-A); Diabetes Mellitus Attitude (ATT-19); Diabetes Quality of Life Measure (DQOL-Brasil); Diabetes Quality of Life for Youths (DQOLY-Brasil); Diabetes 39 (D-39); Insulin Management Diabetes Self-efficacy (IMDSES); Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID) e Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities Questionnaire (QAD). Os resultados permitiram traçar uma comparação entre os instrumentos disponíveis, além de conhecer as limitações quanto ao processo de validação e aplicação clínica. Espera-se que esse estudo possa contribuir para uma maior divulgação dos instrumentos relacionados ao diabetes mellitus disponíveis para a cultura brasileira, e oferecer subsídios para a sua utilização em pesquisa ou assistência de enfermagem. Descritores: Diabetes Mellitus; Qualidade de vida; Estudos de validação; Tradução (processo).
Spontaneous dislocation of in-the-bag intraocular lens primarily in cases with prior vitrectomy
Authors: Matsumoto Makiko , Yamada Koki , Uematsu Masafumi , Fujikawa Azusa , Tsuiki Eiko , Kumagami Takeshi , Suzuma Kiyoshi , Kitaoka Takashi
Published: September 2011

Purpose

To report cases of late onset spontaneous in-the-bag dislocation of the intraocular lens (IOL) and to compare these results with past reports.

Methods

We retrospectively studied 21 eyes of 18 patients with dislocation of the entire capsular bag containing the IOL. Gender, age, interval between original surgery and IOL dislocation, and the predisposing factors were examined. Cases occurring after trauma were excluded.

Results

The mean ± SD age of the 12 men (57.1%) and 9 women included in the study was 67.8±8.6 years at the time of the IOL removal procedure. The interval between the original surgery and the IOL dislocation was 7.9±8.6. Associated clinical conditions included vitrectomy in 8 eyes (40.0%) of 7 patients, high myopia in 3 eyes (14%) of 2 patients, uveitis in 2 eyes (9.5%) of 2 patients, retinitis pigmentosa in 2 eyes (9.5%) of 1 patient, and pseudoexfoliation in 1 eye (4.8%) of 1 patient. There was no identifiable associated condition in 2 eyes (9.5%) of 2 patients, who were comparatively younger than the other cases. This result differs from previously published reports that have found a higher frequency of pseudoexfoliation and lower frequency of prior vitrectomy.

Conclusions

In-the-bag IOL dislocation was frequently associated with prior vitrectomy and sometimes occurred without specific conditions.
Evaluation of Corneal Pachymetry Measurements by Galilei Dual Scheimpflug Camera
Authors: Karimian Farid , Feizi Sepehr , Faramarzi Amir , Doozandeh Azadeh , Yaseri Mehdi
Published: September 2011

Purpose

We present an evaluation of corneal pachymetry measurements by Galilei dual Scheimpflug camera by comparing central corneal thickness measured by Galilei with Orbscan II and ultrasonic pachymetry.

Setting

Ophthalmic Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and Negah Eye Center, Tehran, Iran.

Materials and Methods

Central corneal thickness (CCT) was measured in 184 eyes of 92 healthy subjects using Galilei, Orbscan II, and ultrasonic (US) pachymetry. Considered as a benchmark, the measurements by US pachymetry were compared with those measured by the other 2 systems.

Results

Mean CCT was 544.4±33.4 μm, 546.7±37.9 μm, and 555.8±29.6 μm as measured by US pachymetry, Orbscan II, and Galilei systems, respectively. The mean difference of readings measured by US pachymetry with those measured by Orbscan II (acoustic coefficient 0.96) and Galilei were 2.3 μm and 10.2 μm, respectively. In spite of this discrepancy, the Galilei system had better agreement with US pachymetry than Orbscan II and US pachymetry (correlation coefficient 0.947 vs 0.817) and considering 0.98 as acoustic coefficient for Galilei CCT reading, makes its measurements identical to ultrasound pachymetry.

Conclusions

Galilei measurements of CCT are well correlated with ultrasound pachymetry in normal eyes. After considering an acoustic coefficient equal to 0.98 for Galilei, its measurements will become equal to ultrasound values.
Cemented versus Uncemented Hemiarthroplasty for Hip Fractures: A Systematic Review of Randomised Controlled Trials
Authors: Azegami Shin , Gurusamy Kurinchi S. , Parker Martyn J.
Published: September 2011

We performed a systematic review of randomised controlled trials in order to identify the best available evidence to compare the outcome between cemented and uncemented hemiarthroplasty for treatment of intracapsular hip fractures.

We searched the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, CINAHL, MEDLINE and the National Research Register (UK) to retrieve all of the published randomised controlled trials designed to address these issues, in order to perform a meta-analysis.

Eight studies involving 1169 patients were determined to be appropriate for meta-analysis. The following statistically significant differences were found between the cemented and uncemented prostheses: (1) longer operative time for cemented prosthesis; (2) lower reduction in mobility score for those treated with cemented prosthesis; (3) fewer patients with residual pain in the hip and lower pain score (signifying less pain) for those treated with a cemented prosthesis.

Our meta-analysis has shown that there is good evidence that the use of cement during hemiarthroplasty will reduce the amount of residual hip pain and also allow better restoration of function. There is no evidence of significant adverse effects of cement on mortality or other complications encountered. These observations apply to older designs, and there is a need for randomised trials comparing hydroxyapatite-coated modern stems with cemented prostheses.
Metal Ion Interpretation in Resurfacing versus Conventional Hip Arthroplasty and in Whole Blood versus Serum. How should we Interpret Metal Ion Data?
Authors: Smolders José M.H. , Bisseling Pepijn , Hol Annemiek , Van Der Straeten Catherine , Schreurs B. Willem , Van Susante Job L.C.
Published: September 2011

Metal ions generated from joint replacements are a cause for concern. There is no consensus on the best surrogate measure of metal ion exposure, and both serum and whole blood measurements are used in clinical practice. This study provides a guideline for interpretation of metal ion analysis in clinical practice.

In a prospective trial comparing hip resurfacing (HR) with a conventional metal-on-metal (MoM) total hip arthroplasty (THA) cobalt and chromium levels were determined for whole blood and serum in 343 paired samples at regular intervals up to 24 months postoperatively.

Cobalt whole blood and serum levels increased significantly after both procedures. Cobalt concentrations were significantly higher for the HR group compared to the THA group, at 3, 6 and 12 months, for whole blood and serum. At 24 months cobalt levels decreased and differences between HR and THA were no longer significant. In contrast, chromium whole blood levels remained significantly higher for HR until 24 months.

Whole blood and serum levels could not be used interchangeably. The mean differences for cobalt and chromium between blood and serum values were +0.13 μg/L and –0.91 μg/L respectively. Regression analysis provided a formula for conversion from serum to blood of 0.34+[0.88*Co serum] for cobalt and 0.14+[0.58*Cr serum] for chromium, with an acceptable prediction error below ±1.0 μg/L. Cobalt and chromium levels were significantly higher for HR versus THA, especially during the run-in phase of one year. Overall, the metal ion levels were well below 5 μg/L. We cannot recommend the use of whole blood over serum measurements or vice versa. The provided conversion formula between whole blood and serum in combination with the presented practical guidelines may be useful for clinical practice.
Severe Anaphylactic Reaction to Chlorhexidine during Total Hip Arthroplasty Surgery. A Case Report
Authors: Sijbesma Thea , Röckmann Heike , Van Der Weegen Walter
Published: September 2011

Two consecutive hip surgery procedures in the same patient were aborted following a severe anaphylactic reaction of the patient. After the second procedure, the patient was diagnosed to be allergic to chlorhexidine, a component of the gel used to insert a urinary catheter. Chlorhexidine allergy is rare, and the delayed presentation may make it easy to overlook. In hip arthroplasty surgery, this may result in an abandoned procedure and the need for re-operation.