bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Common mental disorders in Petrópolis-RJ: a challenge to integrate mental health into primary care strategies
Authors: Fortes Sandra , Lopes Claudia S. , Villano Luiz A. B. , Campos Mônica R. , Gonçalves Daniel A. , Mari Jair de Jesus
Published: August 2011

OBJECTIVE: Common mental disorders are present in more than 50% of patients attending primary care clinics. The main objectives of this study were to detect whether there is any special group of patients within the Family Health Strategy that should be considered to be in greater risk for common mental disorders and to recommend alternative interventions to aid these patients. METHOD: In 2002, a cross-sectional study on common mental disorders seen at Family Health Strategy centers was conducted in Petrópolis, State of Rio de Janeiro. RESULTS: Common mental disorders were associated with women (OR = 2.90; 95% CI 1.82-4.32), younger than 45 years of age (OR = 1.43; 95% CI 1.02-2.01), with a monthly per capita family income of less than US$40.00 (OR = 1.68; 95% CI 1.20-2.39), and without a partner (OR = 1.71; 95% CI 1.22-2.39). Illiteracy was associated with common mental disorders among patients who were not extremely poor. Social support networks such as going often to church (OR = 0.62; 95% CI 0.43-0.89); participating in artistic and sporting activities (OR = 0.42; 95% CI 0.26-0.70) and having at least four trusted relatives or friends (OR = 0.53; 95% CI 0.31-0.91) was inversely associated with common mental disorders. DISCUSSION: Poor women with little social support represent a special group at risk for common mental disorders in the primary care setting. Some countries have developed special interventions to treat patients with common mental disorders in primary care. CONCLUSION: Mental health care programs could include evidence-based psychosocial interventions to assist women in overcoming the vicious circle of poverty and dealing with their mental disorders.
Investigating the role played by social support in the association between religiosity and mental health in low income older adults: results from the São Paulo Ageing & Health Study (SPAH)
Authors: Corrêa Alexandre Augusto Macêdo , Moreira-Almeida Alexander , Meneze Paulo R. , Vallada Homero , Scazufca Marcia
Published: August 2011

OBJECTIVE: Religiosity has been associated with mental health, especially in the elderly. There is a shortage of studies on the factors that mediate this association, including social support. The aim of this study was to assess the association between the various dimensions of religiosity and the prevalence of common mental disorders among the elderly, and to verify whether social support can work as a mechanism that explains such mediation. METHOD: The sample consisted of an elderly population living in a low income region of the city of São Paulo (N = 1,980). Data on the socio-demographic profile of this population and on the prevalence of common mental disorders were collected, and indicators of religiosity and social support were identified. RESULTS: 90.7% of the sample considered themselves to be religious. In terms of denomination, 66.6% were Catholic. Forty-one per cent attended some kind of religious activity at least once or more times a week. The presence of common mental disorders was not associated with religious affiliation or subjective religiosity. The prevalence of common mental disorders in followers attending religious services was approximately half (OR between 0.43 and 0.55, p < 0.001) compared to those who never attend a religious service. Attending religious services was associated with higher levels of social support. The association between a higher attendance frequency and fewer common mental disorders did not change after the inclusion of relevant of social support variables. CONCLUSION: The study showed that subjects presented high levels of religiosity and that there is a strong association between religious attendance and the prevalence of common mental disorders, which could not be explained by social support.
Obesidade e sobrepeso em adolescentes: relação com atividade física, aptidão física, maturação biológica e "status" socioeconômico
Authors: Figueiredo Cláudia , Santos Daniel , Souza Michele , Seabra André , Maia José
Published: August 2011

Este estudo relaciona atividade física (AF), aptidão física (AptF), maturação biológica e "status" socioe-conômico (ESE) com as prevalências de risco ponderal de adolescentes. Foi desenvolvido no Concelho de Santo Tirso, região norte de Portugal e amostrou 961 alunos (463 meninos e 498 meninas) com idades variando entre os 11 e os 18 anos. O índice de massa corporal foi utilizado para estabelecer o "status" ponderal com base nos pontos de corte propostos por COLE et al. A AF foi avaliada através do questionário de Baecke e a AptF com quatro testes da bateria Fitnessgram. O ESE foi estimado a partir do acesso aos escalões atribuídos pela Ação Social Escolar e a maturação biológica a partir do "offset" maturacional. A análise estatística foi efetuada nos "softwares" Pepi versão 4.0 e SPSS 18.0. O nível de significância foi mantido em 5%. Seis por cento dos alunos eram obesos e 19,5% tinham sobrepeso; meninos e meninas têm prevalências semelhantes de sobrepeso e obesidade. Os níveis médios de AF foram baixos a moderados independentemente do sexo ou "status" ponderal. Os meninos eram mais ativos que as meninas (p < 0,001), mas não se registraram diferenças significativas entre os alunos com obesidade e sobrepeso e os normoponderais. Na AptF, um número superior a 50%, foi considerado inapto, i.e, não obtiveram taxas de sucesso em todos os testes. Os alunos com sobrepeso e obesidade foram mais inaptos. Alunos com "offset" maturacional mais avançado e os mais novos tinham mais chances de ter sobrepeso e obesidade, mas não houve relação significativa entre o ESE e o "status" ponderal. Concluímos que os jovens Tirsenses apresentam prevalências de obesidade e sobrepeso elevadas, são relativamente pouco ativos e, em grande medida, fisicamente inaptos.
Avaliação das características organizacionais e de desempenho de uma unidade de Atenção Básica à Saúde
Authors: Pereira Maria José Bistafa , Abrahão-Curvo Patrícia , Fortuna Cinira Magali , Coutinho Silvano da Silva , Queluz Mariangela Carletti , Campos Lucas Vinco de Oliveira , Fermino Tauani Zampieri , Santos Claudia Benedita dos
Published: August 2011

Este estudo objetiva avaliar as características organizacionais e de desempenho, a partir dos usuários, de uma Unidade Básica de Saúde tradicional, da rede de serviços de Atenção Básica à Saúde. Utilizando os mesmos critérios de uma metodologia de avaliação rápida já validada, e baseando-se no processo amostral de uma pesquisa de livre docência, foi estabelecida a amostra de 55 usuários. O material empírico foi coletado pelo instrumento que compõe o Primary Care Assessment Tool validado para o Brasil. Os resultados revelam o atributo acesso como um dos pontos de estrangulamento do sistema. A prática de atenção não enfoca a família e a comunidade em seu processo de trabalho. A unidade oferece uma diversidade de serviços estabelecendo-se como porta de entrada para o sistema, incorpora ações de coordenação, mas, nem sempre estabelece vínculo com os usuários. Conclui-se a necessidade de investimentos na rede municipal, visando fortalecer os atributos da Atenção Básica.
Educação em saúde: percepção de profissionais atuantes em uma Coordenadoria Regional de Saúde
Authors: Ceccon Roger Flores , Oliveira Kelly de Moura , Rossetto Micheli Scolari , Germani Alessandra Regina Müller
Published: August 2011

O objetivo do estudo é analisar a percepção dos profissionais atuantes em uma Coordenadoria Regional de Saúde sobre a Educação em Saúde. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa do tipo exploratório-descritiva. Foi realizada uma entrevista com oito profissionais do setor público estadual, responsáveis pela implementação das políticas públicas de saúde. Para análise foi usado o método análise de conteúdo do tipo temática. Os resultados foram discutidos com base nas propostas de Paulo Freire. Observou-se que os profissionais de saúde detêm percepções diferenciadas no que tange questões que permeiam a educação e educação em saúde, tendo suas práticas educacionais pautadas no sistema tradicional. Assim, é necessária uma mudança neste contexto, unificando conceitos e construindo uma nova práxis educacional, fazendo rever as práticas a todo o momento e incorporando novos saberes pautados na construção de um novo modelo de saúde.
Promoção em saúde mental: a enfermagem criando e intervindo com histórias infantis
Authors: Braga Gimene Cardozo , Silveira Esalba Maria , Coimbra Valéria Cristina Christello , Porto Adrize Rutz
Published: August 2011

Este trabalho refere-se à importância das histórias infantis enquanto instrumento, para a ação de enfermagem e a promoção da saúde mental na infância. Objetivou-se verificar o (re)conhecimento das emoções de crianças, através de histórias específicas para a saúde. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo-exploratório de natureza qualitativa, realizado em sete encontros de grupo com seis crianças de sete a dez anos, em um ambulatório de saúde mental infantil. Na coleta de dados utilizaram-se como instrumentos: seis histórias infantis, o jogo das emoções, as carinhas emotivas, desenhos, pinturas e esculturas em argila. Utilizou-se a análise temática, na qual emergiu o tema: o (re)conhecimento das emoções. As crianças reconheceram quatro emoções básicas: tristeza, alegria, medo e raiva. Constatou-se no estudo que a criação de histórias contextualizadas e a estratégia do grupo de contação podem ser úteis como ferramenta para a pesquisa e qualificação das ações de enfermagem na promoção de saúde mental infantil.
Saúde mental na atenção básica: uma abordagem convergente assistencial
Authors: Antonacci Milena Hohmann , Pinho Leandro Barbosa de
Published: August 2011

Este estudo tem como objetivo conhecer expectativas e anseios de uma comunidade em relação à implantação de um grupo de saúde mental na atenção básica. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo que utiliza como abordagem de investigação a pesquisa convergente-assistencial (PCA). Os dados foram obtidos por meio de oficinas com usuários, em uso de psicofármacos acompanhados por Unidade Básica da Região Sul do Brasil. A primeira oficina apontou para reflexão e elaboração de estratégias no enfrentamento ao modelo asilar. A segunda discutiu a importância de espaços de convivência que fortaleçam vínculos afetivos e atuem como meio de prevenção de agravos em saúde mental. A terceira discutiu a questão do cerceamento de liberdade imposto pelo sofrimento mental. Constatou-se que espaços voltados à saúde mental no contexto da atenção básica contribuirão para a efetivação de práticas e construção de novos saberes para a produção de saúde e vida no território existencial dos sujeitos.
A possibilidade de contribuição da acupuntura no ensino da simulação clínica em enfermagem
Authors: Santos Mateus Casanova dos , Leite Maria Cecília Lorea , Heck Rita Maria
Published: August 2011

O presente estudo situa a discussão sobre a possibilidade emergente da inserção dos conhecimentos oriundos da acupuntura como contribuição para as práticas pedagógicas do ensino clínico simulado da graduação em enfermagem. O trabalho reflexivo emergiu como um recorte do projeto de dissertação "Estudo da avaliação no disparador de aprendizagem simulação - Laboratório Morfofuncional/Faculdade de Enfermagem/Universidade Federal de Pelotas". A relação integral entre o homem e a natureza desenvolvida na acupuntura emerge neste estudo como discussões e como uma sugestão potencial enquanto ferramenta pedagógica para a simulação clínica da enfermagem. Nesta reflexão, certifica-se que há a necessidade de desenvolver este recurso pedagógico com vistas a ampliar o ensino da simulação clínica em enfermagem.
Judith Butler y Ernesto Laclau: debates sobre la subjetividad, el psicoanálisis y la política
Authors: Peller Mariela
Published: August 2011

Este artículo considera algunos ejes de la discusión teórica entre Ernesto Laclau y Judith Butler. En particular, se analizan los modos en que estos autores definen las categorías de sujeto y de identidad, preguntándose por las implicancias que los usos de ciertos conceptos del psicoanálisis tienen para esas definiciones. Esta pregunta por los modos de comprender la subjetividad y la identidad se enlaza con una discusión más amplia sobre la trascendencia de ciertas categorías de análisis de lo social y lo cultural. De esta forma, el artículo se enfoca en los contrapuntos teóricos entre los autores sobre categorías tales como universalidad, política e historicidad.
Porcentagem de Consoantes Corretas (PCC) em crianças com e sem deficiência auditiva
Authors: Zanichelli Larissa , Gil Daniela
Published: August 2011

OBJETIVO: Comparar o índice de Porcentagem de Consoantes Corretas (PCC) de crianças com e sem deficiência auditiva e verificar a influência do tempo de uso de prótese auditiva, tempo de terapia e tempo para identificação da deficiência auditiva no desempenho das crianças deficientes auditivas. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliadas 30 crianças, sendo 15 deficientes auditivas e 15 audiologicamente normais, pareadas por gênero e idade. O índice de PCC foi calculado por meio de três provas: nomeação, imitação e fala espontânea. Foram utilizadas as tarefas da prova de fonologia do ABFW - Teste de Linguagem Infantil. RESULTADOS: Em todas as tarefas realizadas, houve diferença entre os grupos, favorecendo o desempenho das crianças sem deficiência auditiva. Os índices de PCC apresentados pelas crianças com deficiência auditiva representaram um distúrbio fonológico de grau moderadamente grave. Quanto maior o tempo de terapia, melhores foram os índices de PCC e quanto maior o tempo de uso das próteses auditivas, melhor foi o desempenho na prova de imitação. CONCLUSÃO: Crianças com deficiência auditiva apresentam índices de PCC inferiores aos de crianças sem a deficiência. O desempenho médio e a imitação são influenciados pelo tempo de terapia e tempo de uso de prótese auditiva.
Grass–Legume Mixtures and Soil Fertility Affect Cover Crop Performance and Weed Seed Production
Authors: Brainard Daniel C. , Bellinder Robin R. , Kumar Virender
Published: August 2011

Summer leguminous cover crops can improve soil health and reduce the economic and environmental costs associated with N fertilizers. However, adoption is often constrained by poor weed suppression compared to nonlegume cover crops. In field experiments conducted in organic vegetable cropping systems in north-central New York, two primary hypotheses were tested: (1) mixtures of legume cover crops (cowpea and soybean) with grasses (sorghum–sudangrass and Japanese millet) reduce weed seed production and increase cover crop productivity relative to legume monocultures and (2) higher soil fertility shifts the competitive outcome in favor of weeds and nonlegume cover crops. Cover crops were grown either alone or in grass–legume combinations with or without composted chicken manure. Under hot, dry conditions in 2005, cowpea and soybean cover crops were severely suppressed by weeds in monoculture and by sorghum–sudangrass in mixtures, resulting in low legume biomass, poor nodulation, and high levels of Powell amaranth seed production (> 25,000 seeds m−2). Under more typical temperature and rainfall conditions in 2006, cowpea mixtures with Japanese millet stimulated cowpea biomass production and nodulation compared to monoculture, but soybeans were suppressed in mixtures with both grasses. Composted chicken manure shifted competition in favor of weeds at the expense of cowpea (2005), stimulated weed and grass biomass production (2006), and suppressed nodulation of soybean (2006). In a complementary on-farm trial, cowpea mixtures with sorghum–sudangrass suppressed weed biomass by 99%; however, both common purslane and hairy galinsoga produced sufficient seeds (600 seeds m−2) to replenish the existing weed seedbank. Results suggest that (1) mixtures of cowpeas with grasses can improve nodulation, lower seed costs, and reduce the risk of weed seed production; (2) soybean is not compatible with grasses in mixture; and (3) future costs of weed seed production must be considered when determining optimal cover crop choices.
Modeling Glyphosate Resistance Management Strategies for Palmer Amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) in Cotton
Authors: Neve Paul , Norsworthy Jason K. , Smith Kenneth L. , Zelaya Ian A.
Published: August 2011

A simulation model is used to explore management options to mitigate risks of glyphosate resistance evolution in Palmer amaranth in glyphosate-resistant cotton in the southern United States. Our first analysis compares risks of glyphosate resistance evolution for seven weed-management strategies in continuous glyphosate-resistant cotton monoculture. In the “worst-case scenario” with five applications of glyphosate each year and no other herbicides applied, evolution of glyphosate resistance was predicted in 74% of simulated populations. In other strategies, glyphosate was applied with various combinations of preplant, PRE, and POST residual herbicides. The most effective strategy included four glyphosate applications with a preplant fomesafen application, and POST tank mixtures of glyphosate plusS-metolachlor followed by glyphosate plus flumioxazin. This strategy reduced the resistance risk to 12% of populations. A second series of simulations compared strategies where glyphosate-resistant cotton was grown in one-to-one rotations with corn or cotton with other herbicide resistance traits. In general, crop rotation reduced risks of resistance by approximately 50% and delayed the evolution of resistance by 2 to 3 yr. These analyses demonstrate that risks of glyphosate resistance evolution in Palmer amaranth can be reduced by reducing glyphosate use within and among years, controlling populations with diverse herbicide modes of action, and ensuring that population size is kept low. However, no strategy completely eliminated the risk of glyphosate resistance.
Floodplain restoration enhances denitrification and reach‐scale nitrogen removal in an agricultural stream
Authors: Roley Sarah S. , Tank Jennifer L. , Stephen Mia L. , Johnson Laura T. , Beaulieu Jake J. , Witter Jonathan D.
Published: August 2011

Streams of the agricultural Midwest, USA, export large quantities of nitrogen, which impairs downstream water quality, most notably in the Gulf of Mexico. The two‐stage ditch is a novel restoration practice, in which floodplains are constructed alongside channelized ditches. During high flows, water flows across the floodplains, increasing benthic surface area and stream water residence time, as well as the potential for nitrogen removal via denitrification. To determine two‐stage ditch nitrogen removal efficacy, we measured denitrification rates in the channel and on the floodplains of a two‐stage ditch in north‐central Indiana for one year before and two years after restoration. We found that instream rates were similar before and after the restoration, and they were influenced by surface water NO3−concentration and sediment organic matter content. Denitrification rates were lower on the constructed floodplains and were predicted by soil exchangeable NO3−concentration. Using storm flow simulations, we found that two‐stage ditch restoration contributed significantly to NO3−removal during storm events, but because of the high NO3−loads at our study site, <10% of the NO3−load was removed under all storm flow scenarios. The highest percentage of NO3−removal occurred at the lowest loads; therefore, the two‐stage ditch's effectiveness at reducing downstream N loading will be maximized when the practice is coupled with efforts to reduce N inputs from adjacent fields.
Accuracy and Complications of Computer‐Designed Selective Laser Sintering Surgical Guides for Flapless Dental Implant Placement and Immediate Definitive Prosthesis Installation
Authors: Di Giacomo Giovanni A. , da Silva Jorge V. , da Silva Airton M. , Paschoal Gustavo H. , Cury Patricia R. , Szarf Gilberto
Published: August 2011

Background: Computer‐aided dental implant placement seems to be useful for placing implants by using a flapless approach. However, evidence supporting such applications is scarce. The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of and complications that arise from the use of selective laser sintering surgical guides for flapless dental implant placement and immediate definitive prosthesis installation.

Methods: Sixty implants and 12 prostheses were installed in 12 patients (four males and eight females; age range: 41 to 71 years). Lateral (coronal and apical) and angular deviations between virtually planned and placed implants were measured. The patients were followed up for 30 months, and surgical and prosthetic complications were documented.

Results: The mean ± SD angular, coronal, and apical deviations were 6.53° ± 4.31°, 1.35 ± 0.65 mm, and 1.79 ± 1.01 mm, respectively. Coronal and apical deviations of <2 mm were observed in 82.67% and 58.33% of the implants, respectively. The total complication rate was 34.41%; this rate pertained to complications such as pulling of the soft tissue from the lingual surface during drilling, insertion of an implant that was wider than planned, implant instability, prolonged pain, midline deviation of the prosthesis, and prosthesis fracture. The cumulative survival rates for implants and prostheses were 98.33% and 91.66%, respectively.

Conclusions: The mean lateral deviation was <1.8 mm, and the mean angular deviation was 6.53°. However, 41.67% of the implants had apical deviation >2 mm. The complication rate was 34.4%. Hence, computer‐aided dental implant surgery still requires improvement and should be considered as in the developmental stage.
Birth Weight of Infants of Mothers With Aggressive Periodontitis
Authors: Schenkein Harvey A. , Koertge Thomas E. , Sabatini Robert , Brooks Carol N. , Gunsolley John C.
Published: August 2011

Background: It was hypothesized that if periodontal infections predispose low birth weights and premature birth, then such outcomes should be apparent when the mother has aggressive periodontitis (AgP).

Methods: Birth weight data were collected by questionnaire from females with AgP, their periodontally healthy siblings, and unrelated periodontally healthy women. Both prospective and retrospective birth outcome data were used. Because many of the periodontal evaluations were performed after the births, there were incomplete data regarding most of the risk factors for low birth weight. We determined associations between mothers’ periodontal diagnoses and clinical variables and the reported birth weights.

Results: There were no significant differences in mean birth weights of babies born to control subjects or AgP patients. This was true whether all the births were considered or only those reported <1 or 2 years before periodontal examination. For periodontally healthy controls, 13.2% of babies born to siblings of AgP patients and 12.8% of babies born to unrelated mothers weighed <2,500 g, whereas 9.9% of those born to mothers with generalized AgP and 10.3% of those born to mothers with localized AgP weighed <2,500 g.

Conclusions: Because of the relative rarity of AgP in the population, and attendant difficulties in performing a prospective study of its association with pregnancy outcomes, we used a compromised approach using prospective data as well as weaker retrospective data assuming that disease onset was likely before the births. Our results, within the limitations of this approach, indicate no evidence that AgP in the mother predisposes low birth weights. AgP has many unique biologic characteristics that differentiate it from chronic forms of periodontal disease, and the possible lack of its association with birth weight may be another such characteristic.
Knowledge Based System Implementation for Lean Process in Low Volume Automotive Manufacturing (LVAM) with Reference to Process Manufacturing
Authors: Mohamed N.M.Z.N. , Khan M. K.
Published: August 2011

Global manufacturing industry mostly depends on new product development and processes to become competitive. The product development process for automotive industry is normally complicated, lengthy, expensive, and risky. Hence, a study of lean manufacturing processes for low volume manufacturing in automotive industry is proposed to overcome this issue by eliminating all wastes in the lengthy process. This paper presents a conceptual design approach to the development of a hybrid Knowledge Based (KB) system for lean process in Low Volume Automotive Manufacturing (LVAM). The research concentrates on the low volume processes by using a hybrid KB system, which is a blend of KB system and Gauging Absences of Pre-requisites (GAP). The hybrid KB/GAP system identifies all potential waste elements of low volume process manufacturing. The KB system analyses the difference between the existing and the benchmark standards for lean process for an effective implementation through the GAP analysis technique. The proposed model explores three major lean process components, namely Employee Involvement, Waste Elimination, and Kaizen (continuous improvement). These three components provide valuable information in order for decision makers to design and implement an optimised low volume manufacturing process, but which can be applied in all process manufacturing, including chemical processing.
Reduced Serum Vitamin D–Binding Protein Levels Are Associated With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Blanton Dustin , Han Zhao , Bierschenk Lindsey , Linga-Reddy M.V. Prasad , Wang Hongjie , Clare-Salzler Michael , Haller Michael , Schatz Desmond , Myhr Courtney , She Jin-Xiong , Wasserfall Clive , Atkinson Mark
Published: August 2011

OBJECTIVE

Previous studies have noted a specific association between type 1 diabetes and insufficient levels of vitamin D, as well as polymorphisms within genes related to vitamin D pathways. Here, we examined whether serum levels or genotypes of the vitamin D–binding protein (VDBP), a molecule key to the biologic actions of vitamin D, specifically associate with the disorder.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of VDBP levels used samples from 472 individuals of similar age and sex distribution, including 153 control subjects, 203 patients with type 1 diabetes, and 116 first-degree relatives of type 1 diabetic patients. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) typing for VDBP polymorphisms (SNP rs4588 and rs7041) was performed on this cohort to determine potential genetic correlations. In addition, SNP analysis of a second sample set of banked DNA samples from 1,502 type 1 diabetic patients and 1,880 control subjects also was used to determine genotype frequencies.

RESULTS

Serum VDBP levels were highest in healthy control subjects (median 423.5 µg/mL [range 193.5–4,345.0; interquartile range 354.1–]586), intermediate in first-degree relatives (402.9 µg/mL [204.7–4,850.0; 329.6–492.4]), and lowest in type 1 diabetic patients (385.3 µg/mL [99.3–1,305.0; 328.3–473.0]; P = 0.003 vs. control subjects). VDBP levels did not associate with serum vitamin D levels, age, or disease duration. However, VDBP levels were, overall, lower in male subjects (374.7 µg/mL [188.9–1,602.0; 326.9–449.9]) than female subjects (433.4 µg/mL [99.3–4,850.0; 359.4–567.8]; P < 0.0001). It is noteworthy that no differences in genotype frequencies of the VDBP polymorphisms were associated with serum VDBP levels or between type 1 diabetic patients and control subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum VDBP levels are decreased in those with type 1 diabetes. These studies suggest that multiple components in the metabolic pathway of vitamin D may be altered in type 1 diabetes and, collectively, have the potential to influence disease pathogenesis.
Adiponectin and the Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes in Hispanics and African Americans
Authors: Hanley Anthony J.G. , Wagenknecht Lynne E. , Norris Jill M. , Bergman Richard , Anderson Andrea , Chen Y. Ida , Lorenzo Carlos , Haffner Steven M.
Published: August 2011

OBJECTIVE

A recent meta-analysis of 13 prospective studies reported that higher levels of adiponectin were significantly associated with lower risk of type 2 diabetes. Most previous studies, however, were limited in their ability to adjust for appropriate confounding variables. Our objective, therefore, was to study this association after adjustment for directly measured adiposity and insulin sensitivity, expressed as the insulin sensitivity index (SI).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The study included 1,096 Hispanic and African American participants free of diabetes at baseline (2000–2002) who returned for follow-up after 5 years. SI was determined from frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance tests with minimal model analysis. Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) area was determined by computed tomography. Diabetes and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) were defined using American Diabetes Association criteria. Multivariate generalized estimating equation logistic regression models were used to account for correlations within families.

RESULTS

A total of 82 subjects met criteria for incident diabetes. After adjustment for age, sex, ethnicity, and smoking, adiponectin was significantly inversely associated with diabetes (odds ratio [OR] 0.54 per 1 SD difference [95% CI 0.38–0.76]). The association remained significant after additional adjustment in individual models for BMI, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, or VAT (all P < 0.05). However, adiponectin was no longer associated in separate models adjusted for SI or IFG (OR 0.81 [0.56–1.16] and 0.75 [0.53–1.06], respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Adiponectin was inversely associated with incident diabetes after adjustment for conventional anthropometric and metabolic variables or VAT. Adjustment for detailed measures of SI attenuated this relationship, however, suggesting that the link between adiponectin and diabetes may operate at least in part through insulin resistance.
Random Blood Glucose Measurement at Antenatal Booking to Screen for Overt Diabetes in Pregnancy
Authors: Church David , Halsall David , Meek Claire , Parker Richard A. , Murphy Helen R. , Simmons David
Published: August 2011

OBJECTIVE

To assess random venous blood glucose (RBG) measurement at antenatal booking to detect “overt diabetes in pregnancy” (ODIP).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of regional hospital obstetric data from 2004–2008 was performed. Universal RBG screening was included at booking. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was administered if RBG >7.0 mmol/L or other indications, e.g., if a 50-g glucose challenge test was >7.7 mmol/L at 26–28 weeks. ODIP was based upon World Health Organization plasma glucose criteria for diabetes.

RESULTS

RBG data were collected from 17,852/26,369 (67.7%) pregnancies around the initial antenatal visit; 3,007 women had an OGTT. The receiver operator curve area under the curve for RBG to detect ODIP was 0.86 (0.80–0.92) (assuming women without an OGTT did not have ODIP).

CONCLUSIONS

RBG at booking may provide a sufficiently sensitive screening tool for the detection of ODIP. We recommend further studies and comparison with fasting glucose and HbA1c.
Surgical Site Infections After Foot and Ankle Surgery
Authors: Wukich Dane K. , McMillen Ryan L. , Lowery Nicholas J. , Frykberg Robert G.
Published: August 2011

OBJECTIVE

This prospective study was designed to evaluate the rate of surgical site infection (SSI) after foot and ankle surgery in patients with and without diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The study prospectively evaluated 1,465 consecutive foot and ankle surgical cases performed by a single surgeon.

RESULTS

The overall SSI rate in this study was 3.5%, with significantly more infections occurring in individuals with diabetes than in those without (9.5 vs. 2.4%, P < 0.001). Peripheral neuropathy, Charcot neuroarthropathy, current or past smoking, and increasing length of surgery were significantly associated with SSI on multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates significant associations between the development of SSI and chronic complications of diabetes. We confirm previous findings that it is peripheral neuropathy and not diabetes itself that most strongly determines the development of postoperative infections in these surgical patients.
Diabetes HealthSense: Development of a Resource in Support of Behavior Change
Authors: Funnell Martha Mitchell , Vallis Michael
Published: August 2011

The Diabetes HealthSense resource is a searchable database of research articles, tools, and programs that focus on the “how to” of addressing psychosocial issues, lifestyle, and behavior change. This resource, designed to provide support for behavior change, was developed through the National Diabetes Education Program for people/families with diabetes and pre-diabetes, along with health care professionals, agencies, and organizations. The database includes resources that help individuals and families cope with diabetes and pre-diabetes and make lifestyle and behavior changes. This article describes the process used to develop and initiate this on-line resource.
Transfers between Media and Mobility
Authors: Müller Dorit
Published: August 2011

The essay analyzes the interrelationship between media technologies and the development of mobility based on a concrete historical constellation—the emergence of automobilism and its representation in literature and film between 1900 and 1920. The focus lies on Western European countries and most notably on Italian and German literature as well as British, German, and French films. During that period, the portrayal of the automobile in these countries shows a dominant pattern: due to their speed, cars seem to embody a destructive power per se. This is expressed by numerous violence-related scenarios. However, the accentuation of destructive tendencies cannot only be described as a response to increased risks. Rather, they are a product of media technologies and media-specific aesthetics, too: film, establishing itself as a new media form experimenting with “dynamization“ and destruction; and literature, responding to the new visual media using dynamic language and the demolition of traditional poetic forms. Consequently, the noticeable surge in technology around 1900 created new and different types of mobility in the areas of transportation and media, influencing each other.
Effect on clinical outcomes of patient pain expectancies and preoperative Mental Component Summary scores from the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion
Authors: Carr Frances A. , Healy Kyle M. , Villavicencio Alan T. , Nelson E. Lee , Mason Alexander , Burneikiene Sigita , Hernández Theresa D.
Published: August 2011

Object

The primary purpose of this study was to analyze what effect preoperative patient expectations and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores have on clinical outcomes. To the authors' knowledge, there are no prospective studies that have examined the effects of both preoperative pain expectations and SF-36 MCS scores on clinical outcomes and satisfaction with results following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).

Methods

This study analyzed 79 patients (38 men, 41 women) undergoing 1- to 3-level ACDF surgery. Preoperatively, patients were divided into 2 groups for the expectation analyses: patients who expected complete resolution of pain postoperatively (44 total) and those who expected some residual pain (35 total) postoperatively. Preoperative SF-36 MCS scores were used to test the possible effects of mental health on clinical outcomes and satisfaction. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using visual analog scales (VASs) for neck/arm pain, Neck Disability Index (NDI), SF-36 Physical Component Summary (PCS)/MCS, and patient satisfaction with results scales. The mean follow-up duration was 38.8 months (range 7–59 months).

Results

All postoperative measures depicted significant improvement overall. Patients who expected no pain reported lower postoperative neck/arm pain scores (p < 0.02), higher SF-36 MCS scores (p = 0.04), and higher satisfaction with results scores (p = 0.01) compared with patients who expected some pain, after controlling for their respective preoperative scores. Higher preoperative SF-36 MCS scores predicted significantly lower postoperative neck pain (p = 0.003) and NDI (p = 0.004) scores, as well as higher postoperative SF-36 PCS (p = 0.002), SF-36 MCS (p = 0.001), and satisfaction (p = 0.03) scores, after controlling for their respective preoperative scores.

Conclusions

Patients who expected no pain postoperatively reported better scores on the nonstandardized outcome measure scales (VAS arm/neck, satisfaction with results), and higher SF-36 MCS scores. Higher preoperative MCS scores were related to better overall (standardized and nonstandardized) clinical outcomes (VAS neck, NDI, SF-36 PCS/MCS, and satisfaction with results). The results suggest that optimism in patients' expectations as well as mental well-being are related to improved clinical outcomes and higher patient satisfaction.
Combined endovascular and neurosurgical approach to the removal of an intraaortic pedicle screw
Authors: Clarke Michelle J. , Guzzo James , Wolinsky Jean-Paul , Gokaslan Ziya , Black James H.
Published: August 2011

Iatrogenic aortic injuries are a potentially devastating complication of spine surgery. In instrumented cases, injuries may occur in the perioperative period due to iatrogenic vessel injury, or they may occur years later as prominent implants erode or penetrate major vessels. The authors present a case of a 71-year-old man in whom a thoracic pedicle screw was found perforating the thoracic aorta during routine follow-up 6 months after surgery. Due to the risk of future complications, the screw was removed while simultaneously delivering an endovascular aortic stent to gain vascular control. Surgical considerations and potential technical limitations are discussed.
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: A Tragic Reproductive Failure
Authors: Begum Mst Rashida , Ehsan Mariya , Begum Mst Sahina , Baby Hosne Ara , Siddiqui Maruf , Jesmin Suha
Published: August 2011

Three or more consecutive pregnancy losses are considered as recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). About 1% of all pregnant women face this distressing problem and o.5% to 5% of spontaneous abortions are recurrent. Genetic, environmental, anatomic, hormonal, infectious and immunological factors are associated with RPL. Sometimes several factors might simultaneously be responsible for RPL. So diagnostic work up is to be extended. Life style changes, hormonal supplementation, anticoagulant and immunotherapy and surgical correction of certain uterine anatomic defects might help the couple to be parent. Genetic problem can be overcome by pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and transferring good healthy embryos. Key Words: Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL); Pre Implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/akmmcj.v2i2.8170 AKMMC J 2011; 2(2): 29-35
Abdominal Pregnancy Implanted in the Spleen: A Case Report
Authors: Siddiqui Md Nure Alom , Islam Md Tohurul , Siddiqua Fatema , Sultana Shahnaj , Siddique Abu Bakar
Published: August 2011

Primary splenic pregnancy is the least common form of extrauterine pregnancy. We report a case of splenic pregnancy occurring in a 30-year-old woman presenting with acute abdomen and hemoperitoneum. Recognition of this rare form of gestation is of critical importance, owing to the risk of exsanguinations and death, and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen in women of reproductive age. We report a case of primary splenic pregnancy complicated by hemoperitoneum. Key Words : Ectopic Splenic Pregnancy; Acute Abdomen; Reproductive Age DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/akmmcj.v2i2.8171 AKMMC J 2011; 2(2): 36-38
Second Law Analysis for Variable Viscosity Hydromagnetic Boundary Layer Flow with Thermal Radiation and Newtonian Heating
Authors: Makinde Oluwole Daniel
Published: August 2011

The present paper is concerned with the analysis of inherent irreversibility in hydromagnetic boundary layer flow of variable viscosity fluid over a semi-infinite flat plate under the influence of thermal radiation and Newtonian heating. Using local similarity solution technique and shooting quadrature, the velocity and temperature profiles are obtained numerically and utilized to compute the entropy generation number. The effects of magnetic field parameter, Brinkmann number, the Prandtl number, variable viscosity parameter, radiation parameter and local Biot number on the fluid velocity profiles, temperature profiles, local skin friction and local Nusselt number are presented. The influences of the same parameters and the dimensionless group parameter on the entropy generation rate in the flow regime and Bejan number are calculated, depicted graphically and discussed quantitatively. It is observed that the peak of entropy generation rate is attained within the boundary layer region and plate surface act as a strong source of entropy generation and heat transfer irreversibility.
Size of the Whole versus Number of Parts in Genomes
Authors: Hernández-Fernández Antoni , Baixeries Jaume , Forns Núria , Ferrer-i-Cancho Ramon
Published: August 2011

It is known that chromosome number tends to decrease as genome size increases in angiosperm plants. Here the relationship between number of parts (the chromosomes) and size of the whole (the genome) is studied for other groups of organisms from different kingdoms. Two major results are obtained. First, the finding of relationships of the kind “the more parts the smaller the whole” as in angiosperms, but also relationships of the kind “the more parts the larger the whole”. Second, these dependencies are not linear in general. The implications of the dependencies between genome size and chromosome number are two-fold. First, they indicate that arguments against the relevance of the finding of negative correlations consistent with Menzerath-Altmann law (a linguistic law that relates the size of the parts with the size of the whole) in genomes are seriously flawed. Second, they unravel the weakness of a recent model of chromosome lengths based upon random breakage that assumes that chromosome number and genome size are independent.
Synthesis of New Pentacyclo[5.4.0.02,6.03,10.05,9]undecane-8,11-dione (PCU) Cyanosilylated Derivatives Using Sulphated Zirconia and Hydrotalcite as Catalysts in Microwave-Assisted Reactions under Solvent Free Conditions
Authors: Guerra-Navarro Nahí Adriana , Palacios-Grijalva Laura Nadxieli , Angeles-Beltrán Deyanira , Negrón-Silva Guillermo E. , Lomas-Romero Leticia , González-Zamora Eduardo , Gaviño-Ramírez Rubén , Navarrete-Bolaños Juan
Published: August 2011

A comparison was made of the effectiveness of the functionalization reactions of pentacyclo[5.4.0.02,6.03,10.05,9]undecane-8,11-dione (PCU) using sulphated zirconia in protection-deprotection reactions and Mg/Al hydrotalcite in a cyanosilylation reaction, under classical thermal conditions and imposing microwave radiation; improved yields and reaction times were considered.
The Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/mTor Pathway as a Therapeutic Target for Brain Aging and Neurodegeneration
Authors: Heras-Sandoval David , Avila-Muñoz Evangelina , Arias Clorinda
Published: August 2011

Many pathological conditions are associated with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) dysfunction, providing an incentive for the study of the effects of PI3K modulation in different aspects of diabetes, cancer, and aging. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is a key transducer of brain metabolic and mitogenic signals involved in neuronal proliferation, differentiation, and survival. In several models of neurodegenerative diseases associated with aging, the PI3K/AKT pathway has been found to be dysregulated, suggesting that two or more initiating events may trigger disease formation in an age-related manner. The search for chemical compounds able to modulate the activity of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is emerging as a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment and/or prevention of some metabolic defects associated with brain aging. In the current review, we summarize some of the critical actions of PI3K in brain function as well as the evidence of its involvement in aging and Alzheimer’s disease.
Deriving Fuel Mass by Size Class in Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) Using Terrestrial Laser Scanning
Authors: Seielstad Carl , Stonesifer Crystal , Rowell Eric , Queen Lloyd
Published: August 2011

Requirements for describing coniferous forests are changing in response to wildfire concerns, bio-energy needs, and climate change interests. At the same time, technology advancements are transforming how forest properties can be measured. Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) is yielding promising results for measuring tree biomass parameters that, historically, have required costly destructive sampling and resulted in small sample sizes. Here we investigate whether TLS intensity data can be used to distinguish foliage and small branches (≤0.635 cm diameter; coincident with the one-hour timelag fuel size class) from larger branchwood (>0.635 cm) in Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) branch specimens. We also consider the use of laser density for predicting biomass by size class. Measurements are addressed across multiple ranges and scan angles. Results show TLS capable of distinguishing fine fuels from branches at a threshold of one standard deviation above mean intensity. Additionally, the relationship between return density and biomass is linear by fuel type for fine fuels (r2 = 0.898; SE 22.7%) and branchwood (r2 = 0.937; SE 28.9%), as well as for total mass (r2 = 0.940; SE 25.5%). Intensity decays predictably as scan distances increase; however, the range-intensity relationship is best described by an exponential model rather than 1/d2. Scan angle appears to have no systematic effect on fine fuel discrimination, while some differences are observed in density-mass relationships with changing angles due to shadowing.
A Study of the Temperature Characteristics of Vibration Mode Axes for Vibratory Cylinder Gyroscopes
Authors: Wu Yulie , Xi Xiang , Tao Yi , Wu Xiaomei , Wu Xuezhong
Published: August 2011

The zero bias stability, which is an important performance parameter for vibratory cylinder gyroscopes, is high sensitive to temperature change. It is considered that the varying temperature makes the vibration mode axes unstable, which has significant influence on the zero bias stability. This paper will investigate this problem in detail. First, the relationships between the angular positions of vibration mode axes and the zero bias are analyzed. Secondly, the thermal-modal model of the cylinder resonator with several defects such as mass imbalance, frequency split (FS), and geometry errors are developed by ANSYS. Simulation results show that with the increase of temperature, angular positions of the vibration mode axes obviously change, which leads to a dramatic zero bias drift. Finally, several major influence factors on the angular position stability of vibration mode axes, including frequency split, geometry errors, thermal elastic modulus coefficient (TEMC) and thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) are analyzed in detail. Simulation results in this paper will be helpful for deep understanding of the drift principle of zero bias induced by temperature for vibratory cylinder gyroscopes and also be helpful for further temperature compensation or control.