bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rats Born to Mothers Treated with Dexamethasone 15 cH Present Changes in Modulation of Inflammatory Process
Authors: Bonamin Leoni V. , de Moraes Cristiane Landi , Sanches Fernanda , Cardoso Thayná Neves , Sato Cesar , Duran Filho Claudemir , Martini Lucienne C.
Published: July 2012

As little information about the effect of ultra high dilutions of glucocorticoid in reproduction is available in the literature, pregnant female Wistar rats (N=12) were blindly subcutaneously treated during all gestational and lactation period with: dexamethasone 4 mg/kg diluted into dexamethasone 15 cH (mixed); or dexamethasone 4 mg/kg diluted in water; or dexamethasone 15 cH, or vehicle. Parental generation had body weight, food and water consumption monitored. The F1 generation was monitored regarding to newborn development. No birth occurred in both groups treated with dexamethasone 4 mg/kg. After 60 days from birth, 12 male F1 rats were randomly selected from each remaining group and inoculated subcutaneously with 1% carrageenan into the footpad, for evaluation of inflammatory performance. Edema and histopathology of the footpad were evaluated, using specific staining methods, immunohistochemistry and digital histomorphometry. Mothers treated with mixed dexamethasone presented reduced water consumption. F1 rats born to dexamethasone 15 cH treated females presented significant increase in mast cell degranulation, decrease in monocyte percentage, increase in CD18+ PMN cells, and early expression of ED2 protein, in relation to control. The results show that the exposure of parental generation to highly diluted dexamethasone interferes in inflammation modulation in the F1 generation.
Haematogenous abdominal wall metastasis of differentiated, alpha-fetoprotein-negative hepatocellular carcinoma after previous antiandrogen therapy within a site of lipoma manifestation since childhood
Authors: Zachau L , Zeckey C , Schlue J , Sander J , Meyer-Heithuis C , Winkler M , Klempnauer J , Schrem H
Published: July 2012

Background

Cases with subcutaneous metastasis of differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma to the abdominal wall without prior seeding as a consequence of local interventions with a negative or normal alpha-fetoprotein level in the serum are extremely rare.

Case report

This is the first report of a case with AFP-negative, differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis to the abdominal wall within a pre-existing subcutaneous lipoma since childhood after antiandrogen therapy with leuprorelin and buserelin acetate for prostate cancer without seeding.

Methods

Clinical features including histology, immunohistochemistry, clinical course and surgical approach are presented.

Results

Histological examination revealed a hepatocellular carcinoma with a trabecular and pseudoglandular growth pattern with moderately atypical hepatocytes with multifocal bile formation within a lipoma. The postoperative course of abdominal wall reconstruction with a monocryl-prolene mesh and a local flap after potentially curative resection was uncomplicated.

Discussion and conclusion

It may be that previous antiandrogen treatment for prostate carcinoma contributed to the fact that our patient developed alpha-fetoprotein-negative and androgen receptor-negative subcutaneous abdominal wall metastasis within a pre-existing lipoma since childhood.
Profile of native cellulosomal proteins of Clostridium cellulovorans adapted to various carbon sources
Authors: Morisaka Hironobu , Matsui Kazuma , Tatsukami Yohei , Kuroda Kouichi , Miyake Hideo , Tamaru Yutaka , Ueda Mitsuyoshi
Published: July 2012

We performed a focused proteome analysis of cellulosomal proteins predicted by a genome analysis of Clostridium cellulovorans [Tamaru, Y., et al.. 2010. J. Bacteriol. 192:901–902]. Our system employed a long monolithic column (300 cm), which provides better performance and higher resolution than conventional systems. Twenty-three cellulosomal proteins were, without purification, identified by direct analysis of the culture medium. Proteome analysis of the C. cellulovorans cellulosome after culture in various carbon sources demonstrated the production of carbon source-adapted cellulosome components.
“Stories from the Outside”: Representations of the Underclass in Nineteenth and Twenty-first Century Britain
Authors: Gill Michele
Published: July 2012

In contemporary British society images of a dangerous, feral underclass have taken root in popular culture although the reading middle classes know very little about the everyday lives of people who are routinely marginalised and stigmatised.
Effectiveness of Outreach to Patients with Diabetes Who Have Fallen Out of Regular Care at a Federally Qualified Health Center
Authors: Ramirez-Zohfeld Vanessa , Jean-Jacques Muriel , Sanserino Kate , Buchanan David , Baker David W.
Published: July 2012

Re-engaging patients who have fallen out of regular care is a challenge for all primary care practices, but especially for federally qualified health centers (FQHCs). We implemented and evaluated a system of proactive telephone and mail outreach within an FQHC serving a predominantly Latino and Spanish-speaking population for patients with diabetes who had not had a visit to the health center for at least six months. The primary study outcome was the proportion of patients who completed a follow-up visit within three months of the outreach. We also examined patient characteristics associated with completing a follow-up visit. Of 208 patients eligible for outreach, 24% (n = 49) completed a follow-up visit. Thirty-six percent (n = 74) had a disconnected or incorrect phone number, 16% (n = 34) were not reached within three phone call attempts, and 20% (n = 22) of letters mailed were returned to sender. Future efforts to re-engage patients in diabetes care should examine shorter intervals before outreach and other outreach strategies.
Patient and Provider Factors Associated with Colorectal Cancer Screening in Safety Net Clinics Serving Low-income, Urban Immigrant Latinos
Authors: Lopez-Class Maria , Luta Gheorghe , Noone Anne-Michelle , Canar Janet , Selksy Claire , Huerta Elmer , Mandelblatt Jeanne
Published: July 2012

Background . Latinos have lower colorectal cancer screening rates than Whites. Methods . We reviewed a random sample of charts between July 2009 and February 2010 of safety-net clinic of 840 immigrants (50 years and older) from Central and South America receiving care. Logistic regression evaluated associations of ever vs . never screening, patient and physician factors. Results . Ever screening rates were 24.5%, and only 17% of charts noted a physician screening recommendation. However, the odds of screening were 9.89 times higher (95% CI: 6.25–15.64, p<.001) among patients with a physician recommendation vs . those without, considering covariates. The odds of screening were 0.61 times lower (95% CI: 0.40–0.92, p=.02) in patients with a body mass index ≥ 30 vs . <30. Conclusions . While rates were low, determinants of screening were similar in this Latino subgroup to those reported in other Latino and non-Latino populations. Low rates of documented physician screening recommendations may indicate a potential missed opportunity for cancer control in safety-net clinics.
Reading Between the Acts: Satire and the Interludes in The Knight of the Burning Pestle
Authors: Smith Joshua S.
Published: July 2012

Ever since its initial publication, the commercial failure of Francis Beaumont's drama The Knight of the Burning Pestle (1607) at the Blackfriars theater has been attributed to a variety of reasons, many of them related to the play's satire of the seemingly uncultured Citizen and his wife. These characters' interactions in the drama's scripted interludes reveal, however, a surprisingly intimate familiarity with contemporary practices of the public theaters, a point I establish through an examination of music, dance, and drink, aspects of the theater that are all ultimately enfolded in and validated through the final entr'acte's representation of May Day. When due attention is granted to the play's interludes, I argue, Beaumont's drama appears to subtly satirize both the citizenry and the Blackfriars' upper-class audience, thus obfuscating its ostensible satirical aim and perhaps explaining the failure of The Knight 's debut.
The territorial aspect of sectarianism in Iraq
Authors: Visser Reidar
Published: July 2012

This article examines the territorial aspect of sectarian relations in Iraq. The main argument is that such a territorial component is largely missing in Iraq and that historically, there have been very few attempts to connect sectarian identity in Iraq to specific, more restricted
territories of the country. The article reviews the limited attempts in such a direction, both historically and in the post-2003 atmosphere. Today, federal options exist for governorates to merge into sectarian regions if they prefer to do so. So far, however, neither Sunnis or Shi'ites have
demonstrated any great interest in the creation of such sectarian regions, which can be explained with the historical durability of the Iraq concept as a proto-region in late Ottoman times and the concomitant need to revise the near-omnipresent cliché of Iraq as a completely 'artificial'
product lumped together solely thanks to the actions of industrious British imperialists.
Contracts and constitutions: The Kurdish factor in the development of oil in Iraq
Authors: Cameron Peter D.
Published: July 2012

The article addresses the interplay between oil policy and constitutional law in Iraq. Its central focus is the relations that the constitution allocates to Kurdistan authorities and the federal government. Through this prism it provides an account of the prospects for the Iraqi oil
industry. This includes a discrete exposition of the production sharing and service contracts that have been concluded between the international oil companies and the Kurdistan authorities and the federal government. Both federal and Kurdistan authorities use interpretations of legal texts,
both contracts and constitutions, to pursue their own political and economic projects. Law in this case is politics by another means.
Seventeen years of American cutaneous leishmaniasis in a Southern Brazilian municipality
Authors: Cella Wilsandrei , Melo Simone Cristina Castanho Sabaini de , Dell Agnolo Cátia Millene , Pelloso Sandra Marisa , Silveira Thaís Gomes Verzignassi , Carvalho Maria Dalva de Barros
Published: July 2012

We reviewed the records of 151 patients diagnosed with American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) from 1993 to 2009 in the municipality of Japura, Paraná, Brazil. Gender, age, occupation, place of residence, location of lesions, type and number of lesions were analyzed. The prevalence rate of ACL was 11.5/10,000 hab, of which 84.7% were male, 58.3% lived in rural area and 49.0% were farmers. The most frequent age group was between 30 to 39 years (26.6%). Skin lesions occurred in 92.7% of the patients with predominance in the lower limbs (23.9%) and 49.1% of the records did not include the number of lesions location due to incomplete filling. A single ulceration was present in 44.4%. Japurá is an endemic area for ACL, requiring public actions and preventive education.
Calagem em latossolo amarelo distrófico da amazônia e sua influência em atributos químicos do solo e na produtividade de culturas anuais
Authors: Cravo Manoel da Silva , Smyth Thomas Jot , Brasil Edilson Carvalho
Published: July 2012

A produção agrícola contínua na região amazônica requer a correção da acidez dos solos, o que exige a avaliação do efeito dos corretivos em experimentos de longa duração. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência do calcário e seu efeito residual sobre os atributos do solo e a produtividade de culturas anuais, em Latossolo Amarelo distrófico textura média da Amazônia. No período de 2003 a 2008, foram conduzidos dois experimentos no nordeste do Pará, um no município de Terra Alta e outro no município de Tracuateua. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos ao acaso com uma testemunha e 10 doses de calcário entre 0,1 e 2 Mg ha-1 em Terra Alta e quatro doses entre 1 e 4 Mg ha-1 em Tracuateua, aplicadas em 2003. Neste último local, nas subparcelas foram avaliadas, em cada ano, duas variedades de cada cultura (milho e feijão-caupi) utilizadas na sucessão. Em Terra Alta, foram realizados quatro cultivos de milho (2003-2006) e três de feijão-caupi (2004-2006), em rotação. As maiores produtividades de grãos de milho em Terra Alta foram obtidas com doses de calcário em torno de 1 Mg ha-1, enquanto para o feijão-caupi a dose foi inferior a esse valor. Em Tracuateua, a resposta do feijão-caupi ao calcário só iniciou-se em 2005, com produtividade máxima obtida com a aplicação de 1 Mg ha-1 de calcário, observando-se diferença entre as variedades. O aumento da produtividade média das culturas esteve associado ao aumento dos teores de Ca + Mg e à redução da saturação por Al no solo. Em ambos os locais houve diminuição dos teores de Ca + Mg e aumento da saturação por Al no solo, com o tempo após a aplicação do calcário, sendo mais acentuados em Tracuateua. Para o milho, plantado em 2007 e 2008 em Tracuateua, as respostas foram lineares até a dose residual de 4 Mg ha-1 de calcário. A observação conjunta dos resultados sugere que a dose apropriada de calcário para milho, nesses solos, deverá reduzir a saturação por Al para um valor menor que 11 %. Para feijão-caupi, a saturação por Al tolerada pelas variedades avaliadas esteve entre 13 e 32 %, devendo-se considerar, portanto, a variedade utilizada.
Crescimento e produção do arroz sob diferentes proporções de Nitrato e de Amônio
Authors: Araújo Josinaldo Lopes , Faquin Valdemar , Vieira Neiva Maria Batista , Oliveira Marcos Vanner Carvalho de , Soares Antônio Alves , Rodrigues Carlos Ribeiro , Mesquita Alessandro Carlos
Published: July 2012

As plantas diferem quanto à preferência pela forma de N mineral a ser absorvida e metabolizada. No arroz, essa preferência parece variar com o estádio de crescimento da cultura. O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar o efeito de proporções de N-nitrato e de N-amônio sobre o crescimento e a produção de grãos das cultivares de arroz de terras altas BRS Colosso e BRSMG Conai em solução nutritiva, em dois experimentos, um com cada cultivar. Em ambos os experimentos o delineamento utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições, em esquema de parcelas subdivididas no tempo. As parcelas primárias foram constituídas por cinco relações N-nitrato (N-NO3-):N-amônio (N-NH4+) (100:00, 80:20, 60:40, 50:50 e 40:60), e as subparcelas, por estádios de crescimento do arroz (início do perfilhamento, diferenciação do primórdio floral e início da emissão de panículas). O fornecimento de N na forma exclusiva de nitrato, ou de amônio em maiores proporções que o nitrato, diminuiu a produção de matéria seca das cultivares de arroz, principalmente na época da emissão de panículas, alterando também a produção de grãos. A máxima produção de matéria seca da parte aérea das cultivares de arroz ocorreu para proporções de nitrato entre 58 e 68 %. Para a produção de grãos, os máximos foram obtidos com proporções de nitrato entre 75 e 78 %. A causa do menor crescimento e da produção das cultivares de arroz quando se forneceu apenas nitrato foi o acúmulo excessivo dessa forma nos tecidos das plantas na fase inicial do seu crescimento, devido à baixa atividade da redutase do nitrato nessa fase. Entretanto, houve efeito prejudicial também pelo excesso de amônio, quando este se encontrava em maiores proporções que o nitrato na solução nutritiva.
Potencial de fertilizantes e corretivos no aporte de micronutrientes ao solo
Authors: Carvalho Vinícius Gedeão Bezerra de , Nascimento Clístenes Williams Araújo do , Biondi Caroline Miranda
Published: July 2012

Fertilizantes e corretivos, ao serem aplicados nos solos, fornecem micronutrientes como impurezas residuais da sua fabricação, os quais podem ser importantes fontes para as culturas. Em decorrência disso, o objetivo deste trabalho foi quantificar os teores dos micronutrientes Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn e Ni em fertilizantes e corretivos comercializados no Nordeste brasileiro, visando avaliar o potencial desses insumos no fornecimento indireto de micronutrientes às culturas agrícolas. Os insumos analisados neste estudo (24 amostras de fertilizantes e 26 de corretivos) foram coletados nos Estados da Bahia e Pernambuco pelo Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (MAPA) e digeridos pelo método 3051A (USEPA, 1998). As determinações dos micronutrientes foram feitas por espectrofotometria de absorção atômica. Amostras de fertilizante SRM 695 (National Institute of Standards and Technology - NIST) e spikes foram adicionadas para controle de qualidade das análises. Os fertilizantes fosfatados, em geral, apresentaram maiores teores de micronutrientes do que os demais produtos testados. Os fertilizantes e corretivos avaliados representam uma fonte de micronutrientes ao solo que não pode ser desprezada. No entanto, a real disponibilidade desses elementos aportados ao solo necessita ser avaliada em estudos com plantas, pois fatores como solubilidade dos insumos, absorção pelas culturas, reações com o solo e perdas por precipitação e lixiviação devem ser considerados.
Characterization and nutrient release from silicate rocks and influence on chemical changes in soil
Authors: Silva Douglas Ramos Guelfi , Marchi Giuliano , Spehar Carlos Roberto , Guilherme Luiz Roberto Guimarães , Rein Thomaz Adolpho , Soares Danilo Araújo , Ávila Fabrício William
Published: July 2012

The expansion of Brazilian agriculture has led to a heavy dependence on imported fertilizers to ensure the supply of the growing food demand. This fact has contributed to a growing interest in alternative nutrient sources, such as ground silicate rocks. It is necessary, however, to know the potential of nutrient release and changes these materials can cause in soils. The purpose of this study was to characterize six silicate rocks and evaluate their effects on the chemical properties of treated soil, assessed by chemical extractants after greenhouse incubation. The experimental design consisted of completely randomized plots, in a 3 x 6 factorial scheme, with four replications. The factors were potassium levels (0-control: without silicate rock application; 200; 400; 600 kg ha-1 of K2O), supplied as six silicate rock types (breccia, biotite schist, ultramafic rock, phlogopite schist and two types of mining waste). The chemical, physical and mineralogical properties of the alternative rock fertilizers were characterized. Treatments were applied to a dystrophic Red-Yellow Oxisol (Ferralsol), which was incubated for 100 days, at 70 % (w/w) moisture in 3.7 kg/pots. The soil was evaluated for pH; calcium and magnesium were extracted with KCl 1 mol L-1; potassium, phosphorus and sodium by Mehlich 1; nickel, copper and zinc with DTPA; and the saturation of the cation exchange capacity was calculated for aluminum, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium, and overall base saturation. The alternative fertilizers affected soil chemical properties. Ultramafic rock and Chapada mining byproduct (CMB) were the silicate rocks that most influenced soil pH, while the mining byproduct (MB) led to high K levels. Zinc availability was highest in the treatments with mining byproduct and Cu in soil fertilized with Chapada and mining byproduct.
Duration-frequency relationships of heavy rainfall in Santa Catarina, Brazil
Authors: Back Álvaro José , Oliveira José Luiz Rocha , Henn Alan
Published: July 2012

The purpose of this study was to adjust equations that establish relationships between rainfall events with different duration and data from weather stations in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. In this study, the relationships between different duration heavy rainfalls from 13 weather stations of Santa Catarina were analyzed. From series of maximum annual rainfalls, and using the Gumbel-Chow distribution, the maximum rainfall for durations between 5 min and 24 h were estimated considering return periods from 2 to 100 years. The data fit to the Gumbel-Chow model was verified by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test at 5 % significance. The coefficients of Bell's equation were adjusted to estimate the relationship between rainfall duration t (min) and the return period T (y) in relation to the maximum rainfall with a duration of 1 hour and a 10 year return period. Likewise, the coefficients of Bell's equation were adjusted based on the maximum rainfall with a duration of 1 day and a 10 year return period. The results showed that these relationships are viable to estimate short-duration rainfall events at locations where there are no rainfall records.
Year-round poultry litter decomposition and N, P, K and Ca release
Authors: Pitta Christiano Santos Rocha , Adami Paulo Fernando , Pelissari Adelino , Assmann Tangriani Simioni , Franchin Marcia Fernanda , Cassol Luís César , Sartor Laércio Ricardo
Published: July 2012

Poultry litter is an important nutrient source in agriculture, although little information is available regarding its decomposition rate and nutrient release. To evaluate these processes, poultry litter (PL) was applied to the soil to supply 100, 200 and 300 kg ha-1 N contained in 4,953, 9,907 and 14,860 kg ha-1 PL, respectively. The litter bag technique was used to monitor the process of decomposition and nutrient release from the litter. These bags were left on the soil surface and collected periodically (after 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210, 240, 270, 300, 330, and 365 days). The dry matter (DM) loss was highest (35 %) after the first 30 days of field incubation. The highest nutrient release occurred in the first 60 days on the field, when 40, 34, 91, and 39 %, respectively, of N, P, K, and Ca of the initial PL dry matter (4,860 kg ha-1) was already released to the soil. In absolute terms, these percentages represent 40, 23, 134, and 69 kg ha-1 of N, P, K, and Ca and these values doubled and tripled as the PL fertilization rates increased to 9,907 and 14,860 kg ha-1, respectively. After one year of field incubation, the residual contents in the litter were 27, 15, 18 and 30 % of the initial DM , and N, P and Ca, respectively. The release rate of K was the fastest and 91 % of the K had been released from the PL after 30 days of field incubation.
Surgical application of fascia lata as a pericardial substitute in rabbits
Authors: Abedi Gholamreza , Shahzamani Peyman , Shahzamani Mehran , Mortazavi Pejman , Haghdost Iraj Sohrabi , Rafiei Siyamak Mashhadi , Ghods Kamran
Published: July 2012

PURPOSE: To use fascia lata instead of pericardium and observe the presence of adhesions. METHODS: Twenty rabbits were divided into two group of ten. In group A, a 1×1 cm segment of pericardium was excised and resutured. In group B excised pericardium was substituted for autologous fascia lata. RESULTS: In the comparison of microscopic adhesion rate between two groups A, B after eight weeks, there was no significant statistical difference. CONCLUSION: Fascia lata is safe and it can be substituted for pericardium especially in repeat sternotomy in repairing congenital heart defects to avoid heart injury.
Anatomical and functional evaluation of tympanoplasty using a transitory natural latex biomembrane implant from the rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis
Authors: Araujo Marcos Miranda , Massuda Eduardo Tanaka , Hyppolito Miguel Angelo
Published: July 2012

PURPOSE: To compare the role of transitory latex and sylastic® implants in tympanoplasty on the closure of tympanic perforations. METHODS: A randomized double-blind prospective study was conducted on 107 patients with chronic otitis media submitted to underlay tympanoplasty and divided at random into three groups: control with no transitory implant, latex membrane group, and sylastic® membrane group. RESULTS: Greater graft vascularization occurred in the latex membrane group (p<0.05). Good biocompatibility was obtained with the use of the latex and silicone implants, with no effect on the occurrence of infection, otorrhea or otorragy. CONCLUSION: The use of a transitory latex implant induced greater graft vascularization, with a biocompatible interaction with the tissue of the human tympanic membrane.
Qualidade de vida de idosos e participação em atividades educativas grupais
Authors: Tavares Darlene Mara dos Santos , Dias Flavia Aparecida , Munari Denize Bouttelet
Published: July 2012

OBJETIVO: Comparar os escores de qualidade de vida entre os idosos participativos e não participativos de atividades educativas grupais. MÉTODOS: Estudo tipo inquérito domiciliar transversal realizado com 1.255 idosos. Foram usados a análise descritiva e teste t-Student (p<0,05). RESULTADOS: A maioria, em ambos os grupos, era do gênero feminino, na faixa etária de 60-70 anos; Prevaleceram também os casados ou os que moravam com companheiro, residiam com filhos e tinham renda mensal de um salário-mínimo. Os participativos apresentaram predominantemente 1-4 anos de estudo e os não participativos, 4-8. Os idosos que participavam de atividades educativas grupais apresentaram menor escore no domínio relações sociais e nas facetas funcionamento dos sentidos, autonomia, atividades passadas, presentes e futuras e participação social, comparados aos não participativos. CONCLUSÃO: Evidencia-se a necessidade de reflexão sobre as atividades educativas grupais desenvolvidas nos serviços de saúde, como fator que contribui para a melhoria das condições de saúde e qualidade de vida dos idosos.
Economia e humanismo
Authors: Bosi Alfredo
Published: July 2012

O artigo visa reconstruir a história do movimento Economia e Humanismo. O seu fundador e teórico foi o frade dominicano francês Joseph-Louis Lebret. Trabalhando inicialmente com marinheiros e pescadores da sua cidade natal, Saint-Malo, porto bretão, ele tomou consciência da exploração capitalista representada pelos grandes navios pesqueiros que faziam concorrência à pesca artesanal e comunitária da região. Estudando a obra de Marx, Lebret incorporou à doutrina social cristã a noção de mais-valia: daí a sua crítica à economia liberal. Economia Humana parte das necessidades do trabalhador e não dos cálculos de lucro do empresário. As equipes de pesquisa (surveys) do movimento Economia e Humanismo estudaram as condições de vida dos bairros pobres de cidades francesas depois da Segunda Guerra Mundial. Vindo ao Brasil, Lebret orientou levantamentos semelhantes em São Paulo, Rio, Belo Horizonte e Recife, formando pesquisadores que trabalharam junto às prefeituras locais. Visitou 60 países do Terceiro Mundo. Por indicação de D. Helder Câmara, Paulo VI o designou para a função de perito em questões de desenvolvimento social no Concílio Vaticano II. Redigiu, pouco antes de falecer (1966), a encíclica Populorum Progressio.
Ciência e consciência, conhecimento e liberdade
Authors: Alves Luiz Roberto
Published: July 2012

No tempo de novas tramas tecnológicas e riscos globais, o pensamento científico elaborado na experiência brasileira celebra um texto memorável de pouco mais de 40 anos: Ciência e libertação, do físico nuclear J. Leite Lopes. O presente ensaio perscruta esse pensamento, que se comunica com a crítica científica horrorizada com os escombros do pós-guerra e se projeta numa visão de ruptura epistemológica em vista da realidade social. Tal movimento de política científica se converte em proposta de gestão do conhecimento. A atitude metodológica deste ensaio busca textos que testemunham o entre e o pós-guerra do século XX e em contribuições das ciências da natureza e da cultura dirigidos à construção da sociedade democrática. A obra de Leite Lopes reside aí, como um feixe de linguagens a serviço da mudança social e do efetivo desenvolvimento do Brasil e da América Latina.
Percepção do médico sobre pagamento por desempenho no gerenciamento de doenças cardiovasculares: o caso de uma operadora de plano de saúde
Authors: Gomes Cármen Lúcia Soares , Cherchiglia Mariangela Leal , Carvalho Cristiana Leite
Published: July 2012

Desde os anos 50, os fatores de risco para as doenças cardiovasculares passaram a ser valorizados. O gerenciamento de doenças cardiovasculares (PGC) busca a construção da autonomia e melhoria da qualidade de vida dos pacientes. Em alguns países, para alcançar esses objetivos, tem sido apontada a utilização de programas de pagamento por desempenho (PPP) aos médicos como um dos elementos de melhoria nos processos e nos resultados dos pacientes e na condição de remuneração. O objetivo deste estudo é analisar o ponto de vista dos médicos sobre a implantação dos pagamentos por desempenho vinculados ao PGC em uma operadora de plano de saúde. Trata-se de investigação de caráter qualitativo, do tipo estudo de caso, apresentando entrevistas semiestruturadas com médicos participantes ou não do PGC, em setembro de 2009, tendo como referência as ações implantadas em 2008. Foram entrevistados 23 médicos (14 homens e 09 mulheres). Como resultado foi observado que o incentivo financeiro é reconhecido pelos médicos como importante, mas não determinante da inclusão de pacientes no PGC. O principal motivo apresentado foi a organização do cuidado, no qual o paciente é mais bem acompanhado e controlado, e o trabalho médico, avaliado segundo parâmetros preestabelecidos. O PGC e o PPP têm potencial de transformação do cuidado em saúde. O trabalho multidisciplinar e a maior produtividade nos atendimentos no consultório foram os principais efeitos positivos identificados. Outros estudos são necessários para acompanhar a evolução e os efeitos do pagamento por desempenho no trabalho médico.
Força de trabalho em saúde mental no Brasil: os desafios da reforma psiquiátrica
Authors: Dal Poz Mario Roberto , Lima José Carlos de Souza , Perazzi Sara
Published: July 2012

O artigo analisa a formação de recursos humanos em saúde mental em uma conjuntura de mudança do modelo assistencial no Brasil, um dos países que mais rapidamente vêm adotando um modelo de atenção comunitária em substituição ao modelo asilar. Os autores argumentam que a preparação dos recursos humanos é um dos pontos mais frágeis no processo de mudança do modelo de atenção à saúde mental no Brasil, apesar de esta dificuldade não ser exclusivamente da área de saúde mental, mas de toda a Reforma Sanitária Brasileira. Segundo os autores, o desafio é planejar de maneira articulada à formação profissional e à política assistencial, articulando saúde e educação. A sustentabilidade da nova política assistencial no longo prazo requer a elaboração de políticas adequadas para os recursos humanos, bem como o enfrentamento da desigualdade distributiva da força de trabalho.
Humanização e loucura, em busca do humano que dialoga saúde
Authors: Filippon Jonathan , Kantorski Luciane Prado
Published: July 2012

Investindo na necessária relação teórica entre as Políticas de Humanização e de Saúde Mental do sistema de saúde brasileiro, o presente artigo defende, através do diálogo teórico entre ambas, a ideia de que as propostas expressas em tais políticas são respostas coerentes às principais contradições do intrincado sistema público de saúde nacional. Neste intento são apresentadas: as bases teóricas das citadas políticas ministeriais; suas relações com a sociedade que as demandou enquanto políticas públicas; e, finalmente, a maneira como a conjunção de ambas fornece contribuições essenciais à continuidade do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). A metodologia ensaística foi utilizada, de acordo com bibliografia metodológica atualizada, relacionando autores e suas contribuições com o objetivo de defender o ponto de vista dos autores do artigo. Conclui-se que o incentivo público à protagonização da sociedade contraria a lógica biologicista dos cursos de formação de profissionais de saúde e horizontaliza as relações humanas do SUS, fortificando-o e dando-lhe razão essencial de existência à sociedade brasileira.
Diagnóstico da compreensão textual de alunos de 4º e 5º anos do Ensino Fundamental
Authors: Guimarães Patricia Maria Costa Santos , Emmerick Thamires de Abreu , Vicente Aline Lacerda , Soares Adriana Benevides
Published: July 2012

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o desempenho de alunos de 4º e 5º anos do Ensino Fundamental na tarefa de compreensão textual. Participaram da pesquisa 126 alunos, de ambos os sexos, matriculados em uma escola pública do Rio de Janeiro. Para a realização da pesquisa, foram utilizados dois instrumentos de compreensão de texto nos quais as crianças deveriam realizar a leitura do texto e em seguida responder a questões a ele relacionadas. Observou-se que os alunos do 5º ano tiveram um desempenho melhor do que os alunos do 4° ano em todos os níveis de compreensão de texto nos dois instrumentos. Diante dos resultados obtidos, pode-se dizer que os alunos do 5º ano do Ensino Fundamental apresentam características de compreendedores de texto mais habilidosos que os alunos do 4º ano. Percebe-se a importância de ser trabalhada a leitura de diversos tipos de texto, no âmbito escolar, desde a Educação Infantil e ressalta-se ainda a relevância do ensino de estratégias necessárias para uma compreensão textual proficiente.
Encapsulation of Silver Nanoparticles in a Polystyrene Matrix by Miniemulsion Polymerization and Its Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Betancourt-Galindo R. , Cabrera Miranda C. , Puente Urbina B. A. , Castañeda-Facio A. , Sánchez-Valdés S. , Mata Padilla J. , García Cerda L. A. , Perera Y. A. , Rodríguez-Fernández O. S.
Published: July 2012

Surface-modified silver nanoparticles (NAg) were encapsulated into a polystyrene (PS) matrix by in situ miniemulsion polymerization. Silver nanoparticles were modified with 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS) that acts as a coupling agent and costabilizer in the polymerization reaction. The PS-Nag nanocomposites synthesized via miniemulsion polymerization were made at two different concentrations of the initiator (0.7 and 2.5 g/L in H2O); at higher concentration of the initiator the conversion and efficiency of encapsulation increases, and the average particle size decreases. The PS-NAg composites showed excellent antimicrobial performance toward bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.
An Approach to Conformal Transformation Using Symbolic Language Facilities: Application in Electrical Engineering
Authors: Nicolaide Andrei
Published: July 2012

Several studies have been published on this subject concerning especially the calculation of the transformation integral and the plotting of the field spectrum. The method presented in this paper covers larger topics including field strength, circulation, and flux and offers solutions either in closed form or, if not possible, resorting to numerical integration and avoiding, for the considered cases, the utilization of any numerical method like the finite element method. In the present work, the usage of a symbolic language is presented and certain new results have been obtained. The method permits applying the conformal transformation avoiding the hand calculation of integrals for cases in which this calculation is very difficult by traditional procedures because it involves finding some changes of variable suitable for the considered case. For this purpose, the Maple 12 software has been used. An application for electrical engineering which has been considered led the author to find a new solution superior to the known ones.
Anorectal Dysfunction in Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Nusrat Sanober , Gulick Elsie , Levinthal David , Bielefeldt Klaus
Published: July 2012

Constipation and fecal incontinence are common in patients with neuromuscular diseases. Despite their high prevalence and potential impact on overall quality of life, few studies have addressed anorectal dysfunction in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The goal of this paper is to define the prevalence, pathophysiology, impact, and potential treatment of constipation and incontinence in MS patients. Methods. The PubMed database was searched for English language publications between January 1973 and December 2011. Articles were reviewed to assess the definition of the study population, duration, type and severity of MS, sex distribution, prevalence, impact, results of physiologic testing, and treatments. Results. The reported prevalence of constipation and fecal incontinence ranged around 40%. Anorectal dysfunction significantly affected patients with nearly 1 in 6 patients limiting social activities or even quitting work due to symptoms. Caregivers listed toileting as a common and significant burden. The only randomized controlled trial showed a marginal improvement of constipation with abdominal massage. All other reports lacked control interventions and only demonstrated improvement in individuals with milder symptoms. Conclusion. Anorectal dysfunction is a common manifestation in MS that significantly affects quality of life. Therapies are at best moderately effective and often cumbersome, highlighting the need for simple and more helpful interventions.
Chemotherapy of Prostate Cancer by Targeted Nanoparticles Trackable by Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Abdalla Mohamed O. , Turner Timothy , Yates Clayton
Published: July 2012

Prostate cancer (CaP) is the commonest diagnosed malignancy and the second main cause of cancer mortality in males in the United States. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop novel drug delivery systems to improve the chemotherapy option for CaP patients. The goal of this paper is to describe novel moleculary guided nanoscale drug delivery system with dual functionality for treatment and MR imaging of CaP. We describe the synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) which are then coated with carboxyl-ended amphiphilic polymer. We present the protocol for tethering of the CaP targeting protein, human amino terminal fragment (hATF) to the terminal carboxyls of the IONPs. We describe the drug loading and release and the methods for measuring of the internalization of the hATF-guided IONPs into CaP cells. We also describe the methods for usages of IONPs are MR imaging contrast agent and successful targeted drug carriers.
Nephroprotective Effect of Ursolic Acid in a Murine Model of Gentamicin-Induced Renal Damage
Authors: Pai Preethi G. , Chamari Nawarathna Savindika , Kulkarni Avdhooth , Habeeba Umma , Reddy C. Sudarshan , Teerthanath Srinivas , Shenoy Jnaneshwara P.
Published: July 2012

The present study evaluates the nephroprotective effects of ursolic acid in a murine model of gentamicin induced renal damage. Wistar albino rats of either sex, weighing 150–200 g were divided into 5 groups; normal saline, gentamicin 80 mg/kg, intraperitoneally for 8 days, ursolic acid at 2, 5, and 10 mg/kg, per oral for 8 days, ursolic acid administered 3 days prior and concurrently with gentamicin for 5 days. Blood urea, serum creatinine, uric acid and blood urea nitrogen analyses and microscopic examination of kidney were performed. Gentamicin treatment caused nephrotoxicity as evidenced by marked elevation in serum urea, serum uric acid, serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (162.33 ± 9.92 mg/dL, 3.13 ± 0.12 mg/dL, 6.85 ± 0.35 mg/dL and 75.86 ± 4.64 mg/dL; resp.) when compared to the saline treated groups. Co-administration of ursolic acid with gentamicin decreased the rise in these parameters in a dose dependent manner. Histopathological analysis revealed epithelial loss with intense granular degeneration in gentamicin treated rats, whereas ursolic acid mitigated the severity of gentamicin-induced renal damage. To conclude, our data suggest that ursolic acid exhibits renoprotective effect in gentamicin induced renal damage and further studies on its mechanis of action are warranted.
Adaptive Modelling of the Daily Behavior of the Boundary Layer Ozone in Macau
Authors: Chao K. M. , Hoi K. I. , Yuen K. V. , Mok K. M.
Published: July 2012

The present study aims to develop an efficient dynamic statistical model to describe the daily behavior of boundary layer ozone in Macau. Four types of Kalman-filter-based models were proposed and applied to model the daily maximum of the 8 hr averaged ozone concentrations within a decade (2000–2009). First, the boundary layer ozone was modelled with the time-varying autoregressive model of order p, TVAR(p), which is a pure time series model hindcasting the ozone concentration by a weighted sum of the ozone histories of the previous p days. Then, it was modelled with the time-varying autoregressive model with linear exogenous input, TVAREX-Lin, which combines the TVAR model and the exogenous input of key meteorological variables in a linear fashion. Next, the nonlinear TVAREX model (TVAREX-NLin) which assumes the nonlinear influence of individual meteorological variable on ozone was adopted. Finally, a semiempirical TVAREX model (TVAREX-O3) was proposed to address the coastal nature of Macau and the interaction between the input variables. It was found that the proposed TVAREX-O3 model was the most efficient one among the model candidates in terms of the general modelling performance and the capability of modelling the episode situation.
Selection of Optimum Vegetative Indices for the Assessment of Tobacco Float Seedlings Response to Fertilizer Management
Authors: Svotwa Ezekia , Maasdorp Barbara , Murwira Amon , Masuka Anxious
Published: July 2012

The experiment sought to establish the vegetative indices for assessing tobacco float seedling varieties’ response to different fertilizer rates. A factorial design, with 3 variety 4 fertilizer management treatments, was used. The N : P : K treatments were applied at 7, 21, and 35 days after sowing, while N treatments were applied at 42 days. Radiometric measurements were taken at 49, 56, 64, and 79 days after sowing on 8 tray plots, using a multispectral radiometer. Mature seedling samples were harvested at day 79 and stem lengths were determined before processing for total N analysis. All the five channels of the radiometer, the NDVI, and the SRI had a strong relationship with fertiliser rate. Both the NDVI and SRI for T66 were greater () than those for KRK26 and KE1. The SRI had a stronger relationship with seedling dry mass, seedling count/tray, and stem length than the NDVI. The NDVI also showed a stronger relationship with total N than the SRI. The minimum threshold SRI and NDVI values and optimum growth (100% fertilser) were 0.72 and 6.1. This information is useful in identifying and estimating tobacco seedbed area and seedling vigour using remote sensing and, therefore, is important in forecasting potential tobacco crop area and yield.
A Profile of Emergency Departments in Slovenia
Authors: Jaklic Blanka , Wen Leana S. , Sullivan Ashley F. , Camargo Carlos A.
Published: July 2012

Objectives. Emergency departments (EDs) are the basic unit of emergency medicine (EM), but there is often significant heterogeneity and differences in ED organization. We sought to describe and characterize EDs in Slovenia.Methods. All EDs open 24/7 to the general public were surveyed using the National ED Inventories survey instrument. Staff were asked about ED characteristics with reference to calendar year 2007.Results. Fifty-five EDs participated (81% response). All EDs treated children and adults. Eleven (20%) of the EDs were hospital based and 44 (80%) were non-hospital based. The median number of annual visits for hospital-based EDs was 21,400 (interquartile range, 19,900–34,200) and 5,000 (interquartile range, 1,100–9,300) for non-hospital-based EDs. All hospital-based EDs had triage to service, and only one was an independent department. Most respondents (76%, 95% CI 64–89%) thought their ED was at good balance or capacity. While hospital-based EDs had high availability of technological resources and ability to treat virtually all emergency types 24/7, these characteristics were less frequent in non-hospital-based EDs.Conclusions. The organization of emergency care in Slovenia is complex, with some variation in the layout, characteristics, and capabilities of its EDs. This initial study establishes a benchmark for future investigations into intra-country comparisons of different types of EDs.
A Permanent Magnet Generator for Energy Conversion from Marine Currents: No Load and Load Experiments
Authors: Thomas Karin , Grabbe Mårten , Yuen Katarina , Leijon Mats
Published: July 2012

This paper presents experiments and measurements on a low speed permanent magnet cable wound generator for marine current energy conversion. Measurements were made for no load and nominal load (4.44 Ω/phase) conditions at nominal speed (10 rpm). For either load condition, the magnetic fields in the air gap were also measured. The measurements on the generator were compared with the corresponding finite element method simulations used to design the machine. It is shown in the paper that measurements and corresponding case simulations show good agreement. At nominal speed, the measured and simulated load voltages (nominal load) differ less than 1% for the rms values and less than 5% for peak values. At no load, measured and simulated voltages had larger differences, that is, <9% for rms values and <5% for peak values. Harmonic analyses of measured and simulated phase voltages and currents show only the presence of third harmonics. The percentage of harmonics in the measured data was comparable with the corresponding predictions of the simulations. The discussions and results presented in the paper could be beneficial for future design of efficient and reliable marine current energy converter systems.
Aqueous Extract from Pepino (Solanum muricatumAit.) Attenuated Hyperlipidemia and Cardiac Oxidative Stress in Diabetic Mice
Authors: Wang Zhi-hong , Hsu Cheng-chin , Yin Mei-chin
Published: July 2012

This study examined the lipid-lowering and cardiac protective effects of aqueous extract of pepino (Solanum muricatumAit.) in type 2 diabetic mice. Pepino at 1, 2, or 5% was supplied for 8 weeks. Results showed that pepino significantly decreased water intake and epididymal fat pad weight in diabetic mice (P<0.05). Pepino treatments also significantly reduced plasma glucose and insulin levels, HOMA-IR index, and improved oral glucose tolerance (P<0.05). Plasma and hepatic levels of triglyceride and total cholesterol (TC) were higher in diabetic groups when compared with normal group (P<0.05), pepino treatments at 2 and 5% decreased triglyceride and TC levels in both plasma and liver (P<0.05). Diabetes enhanced mRNA expression of resistin and diacylglycerol acyltransferase1 (DGAT1) in epididymal fat pad (P<0.05); however, pepino intake significantly suppressed mRNA expression of resistin and DGAT1 in epididymal fat pad (P<0.05). Pepino intake significantly reduced reactive oxygen species level, increased glutathione level, and retained glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities in cardiac tissues (P<0.05). These findings suggest that pepino could be considered as a functional food for the alleviation of type 2 diabetes.
Green's Theorem for Sign Data
Authors: Houston Louis M.
Published: July 2012

Sign data are the signs of signal added to noise. It is well known that a constant signal can be recovered from sign data. In this paper, we show that an integral over variant signal can be recovered from an integral over sign data based on the variant signal. We refer to this as a generalized sign data average. We use this result to derive a Green's theorem for sign data. Green's theorem is important to various seismic processing methods, including seismic migration. Results in this paper generalize reported results for 2.5D data volumes in which Green's theorem applies to sign data
based only on traditional sign data recovery.