bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current state of diagnostic technologies in the autoimmunology laboratory
Authors: Tozzoli Renato , Bonaguri Chiara , Melegari Alessandra , Antico Antonio , Bassetti Danila , Bizzaro Nicola
Published: July 2012

The methods for detecting and measuring autoantibodies have evolved markedly in recent years, encompassing three generations of analytical technologies. Many different immunoassay methods have been developed and used for research and laboratory practice purposes, from the early conventional (or monoplex) analytical methods able to detect single autoantibodies to the more recent multiplex platforms that can quantify tens of molecules. Although it has been in use for over 50 years, indirect immunofluorescence remains the standard method for research on many types of autoantibodies, due to its characteristics of diagnostic sensitivity and also to recent technological innovations which permit it a greater level of automation and standardization. The recent multiplex immunometric methods, with varying levels of automation, present characteristics of higher diagnostic accuracy, but are not yet widely diffused in autoimmunology laboratories due to the limited number of autoantibodies that are detectable, and due to the high cost of reagents and systems. Technological advancement in autoimmunology continues to evolve rapidly, and in the coming years new proteomic techniques will be able to radically change the approach to diagnostics and possibly also clinical treatment of autoimmune diseases. The scope of this review is to update the state of the art of technologies and methods for the measurement of autoantibodies, with special reference to innovations in indirect immunofluorescence and in multiple proteomic methods.
Measurement of wood shrinkage in jack pine using three dimensional digital image correlation (DIC)
Authors: Peng Mingkai , Ho Yi-Chieh , Wang Wei-Chung , Chui Ying Hei , Gong Meng
Published: July 2012

Dimensional stability is one of the most important properties of lumber. Shrinkage is especially critical in this regard. In this study, longitudinal, radial and tangential shrinkages in jack pine (Pinus banksiana) have been found to be 0.4, 3.3 and 5.7%, respectively, by means of three dimensional digital image correlation (3D DIC). Full field shrinkage data were extracted from two types of specimen. It was demonstrated that the 3D DIC method is a suitable method of providing localized shrinkage values. The shrinkages in the three anatomical dimensions exhibit different variation patterns from pith to bark. Detailed shrinkage measurements provided data for a better understanding and modeling of shrinkage within a tree stem, which could be useful for lumber distortion simulation.
Study of thin films of kraft lignin and two DHPs by means of single-molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS)
Authors: Notley Shannon M. , Norgren Magnus
Published: July 2012

The adhesion of single and associated lignin chains to a substrate has been studied by means of single-molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS). Softwood kraft lignin (KL) and two lignin polymer models (dehydrogenation polymers, DHPs) based on coniferyl alcohol (DHPc.alc.) and coniferaldehyde (DHPc.ald.) were in focus. The desorption force from the “silicon nitride SMFS tip” for the KL was significantly greater than that of the DHPs. The higher desorption force was interpreted as being due to the interaction of carboxyl groups through hydrogen bonding with the tip as well as to the less compact polymeric layer at the interface. The distribution of the extended chain lengths was determined, and self-association of lignin chains was observed. For both KL and the DHPc.ald., chains were extended significantly beyond the limit that would be expected for polymers with the corresponding degree of polymerization. The α-carbon on the DHPc.alc.has a strong intramolecular hydrogen bonding interaction with the adjacent aryl ether, which inhibits the possibility of the ether to participate in intermolecular hydrogen bonding with nearby lignin chains. Thus, the self-association for KL and DHPc.ald.was found to be dominated by intermolecular hydrogen bonding with carboxylic groups and aryl ether functionalities.
Effect of quat- and amino-silicones on fungal colonisation and decay of wood
Authors: Ghosh Shyamal C. , Dyckmans Jens , Militz Holger , Mai Carsten
Published: July 2012

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) wood samples treated with quaternary (quat)- and amino-silicone (QS and AS) solutions of different chain lengths were tested against brown-rot and white-rot fungi as well as with regard to blue stain colonisation. The treatment with short-chained silicones bearing quat and amino functional group reduced the mass loss (ML) by decay fungi at 15% treatment concentration. The release of metabolic heat by decayed samples determined in a microcalorimeter corresponded with the ML of the samples, i.e., samples with high ML produced more heat indicating higher fungal activity. Short-chain ASs reduced the blue staining more strongly than long-chain ones. However, the opposite was true in the case of QS. It was assumed that the combined effect of hydrophobation, cell wall bulking and change of the wood surface energy are responsible for a successful performance of silicone compounds as wood preservatives.
On a 14-dimensional lattice invariant under the simple group G2(3)
Authors: Wilson Robert A.
Published: July 2012

We study the 14-dimensional real representation of the finite simple group
Doctors' Questions as Displays of Understanding
Authors: Deppermann Arnulf , Spranz-Fogasy Thomas
Published: July 2012

Based on German data from history-taking in doctor-patient interaction, the paper shows that the three basic syntactic types of questions (questions fronted by a question-word (w-questions), verb-first (V1) questions, and declarative questions) provide different opportunities for displaying understanding in medical interaction. Each syntactic question-format is predominantly used in a different stage of topical sequences in history taking: w-questions presuppose less knowledge and are thus used to open up topical sequences; declarative questions are used to check already achieved understandings and to close topical sequences. Still, the expected scope of answers to yes/no-questions and to declarative questions is less restricted than previously thought. The paper focuses in detail on the doctors’ use of formulations as declarative questions, which are designed to make patients elaborate on already established topics, giving more details or accounting for a confirmation. Formulations often involve a shift to psychological aspects of the illness. Although patients confirm doctors’ empathetic formulations, they, however, regularly do not align with this shift, returning to the description of symptoms and to biomedical accounts instead. The study shows how displays of understanding are responded to not only in terms of correctness, but also (and more importantly) in terms of their relevance for further action.
Keeping the gate ajar during openings of general practice consultations
Authors: Nielsen Søren Beck
Published: July 2012

A deferral of stance during the openings of general practice consultations is discussed in this paper as a possible systematic and important device for accomplishing gate keeping. The paper draws upon video recordings of naturally occurring consultations in Denmark. It is found that doctors defer their explicit stances when patients engage in a visit by requesting a specific clinical service (a prescription, a further test, a referral or a sick note etc). Instead of assuming a stance, doctors begin to ask the patients a series of questions, whilst withholding their ‘yes’ or ‘no’ throughout relatively long periods of time.
Response expansion as a practice for raising a concern during regular prenatal checkups
Authors: Nishizaka Aug
Published: July 2012

The present study addresses the issue of how pregnant women raise possible concerns in regular prenatal checkups. Within this context, the reason for the visit is not a particular problem which a pregnant woman has and would be supposed to reveal during the visit. Rather, the reason for the visit is transparent from the outset, that is, to have a prenatal checkup. However, pregnant women may have various problems that they wish to discuss with the healthcare provider. Indeed, there are various practices which pregnant women can employ to present their possible problems. In this study, I focus on a set of such practices: pregnant women expanding their responses to healthcare providers' routine questions to take initiative in presenting problems. Drawing on a corpus of 42 video-recorded regular prenatal checkups in Japan, I will elucidate structural features of the practices and their consequences.
Improving tuberculosis control through the partnership between university and the health system
Authors: Valença Mariana Soares , Rocha Jeane Zanini da , Ramis Ivy Bastos , Carrion Lillian Lucas , Madruga Catiúcia , Macedo Maíra Bidart de , Scaini Carlos James , von Groll Andrea , Silva Pedro Eduardo Almeida da
Published: July 2012

INTRODUCTION: Tuberculosis (TB) control is linked to the availability of qualified methods for microbiological diagnostics; however, microscopy with limited sensitivity is the only method available in many locations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the introduction of culture, drug susceptibility testing (DST), and genotyping in the routine of a Municipal Program of Tuberculosis Control. METHODS: Direct microscopy of sputum and culture in Ogawa-Kudoh were performed on 1,636 samples from 787 patients. DST of positive cultures was performed by resazurin microtiter assay and genotyping by mycobacterial interspersed repetitive units-variable number tandem repeat. RESULTS: A total 91 patients with TB were identified. The culture increased case detection by 32% compared with the microscopy; acquired resistance was 3.3% and the genotyping showed high genetic diversity. CONCLUSIONS: Ogawa-Kudoh contributed significantly to the increase in case detection and is suitable for implementation in poor-resource locations. The acquired resistance rate was lower than that reported in a recent Brazilian survey. The high genetic diversity is possibly related to the high TB prevalence in the population, as well as to early detection and suitable treatment of patients. The interaction between research and health care is important for reorienting the practice, transferring technology, and improving TB control.
Agentes Comunitários de Saúde e as vivências de prazer - sofrimento no trabalho: estudo qualitativo
Authors: Lopes Denise Maria Quatrin , Beck Carmem Lúcia Colomé , Prestes Francine Cassol , Weiller Teresinha Heck , Colomé Juliana Silveira , Silva Gilson Mafacioli da
Published: July 2012

Este estudo objetivou identificar as situações geradoras de prazer - sofrimento no trabalho dos Agentes Comunitários de Saúde (ACS) de um município do Rio Grande do Sul/Brasil. Foi realizada uma pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa, com participação de 24 agentes. A coleta dos dados ocorreu em 2009, por meio do grupo focal, empregando-se a técnica da análise temática. As situações geradoras de prazer no trabalho foram: ser reconhecido, ser resolutivo, trabalhar junto aos pares e usar a criatividade. As situações geradoras de sofrimento foram: deficiências nos serviços de saúde; desconhecimento das funções; falta de reconhecimento; o sofrimento de trabalhar em equipe; a obrigatoriedade de morar e trabalhar no mesmo local; convivência e envolvimento com os problemas sociais da comunidade e a exposição à violência, resultando em medo. Evidenciou-se a necessidade de adoção de medidas interventivas com vistas a promover melhores condições de trabalho, satisfação profissional e saúde aos agentes comunitários.
Transtorno afetivo bipolar: perfil farmacoterapêutico e adesão ao medicamento
Authors: Miasso Adriana Inocenti , Carmo Bruna Paiva do , Tirapelli Carlos Renato
Published: July 2012

Este estudo teve como objetivos verificar a adesão de portadores de transtorno afetivo bipolar (TAB) à terapêutica medicamentosa e identificar possíveis causas de adesão e não adesão ao medicamento de acordo com o perfil farmacoterapêutico. Trata-se de estudo transversal, descritivo, realizado em Núcleo de Saúde Mental de um município do interior paulista. Participaram do estudo 101 pacientes com TAB. Para coleta dos dados, utilizou-se a entrevista estruturada e o teste de Morisky-Green e, para a análise dos mesmos, o programa Statistical Package for the Social Science. Os resultados mostraram que a maioria (63%) dos sujeitos investigados não adere ao medicamento. Apesar de não ter ocorrido diferenças significativas entre o grupo de aderentes e não aderentes, para as variáveis investigadas, foi possível verificar a utilização de polifarmacoterapia e regimes terapêuticos complexos no tratamento do TAB. Permanece como desafio a implementação de estratégias que possam melhorar, na prática, a adesão de pacientes ao tratamento medicamentoso.
O processo de construção do perfil de competências gerenciais para enfermeiros coordenadores de área hospitalar
Authors: Manenti Simone Alexandra , Ciampone Maria Helena Trench , Mira Vera Lucia , Minami Lígia Fumiko , Soares Jaqueline Maria Sousa
Published: July 2012

Este estudo objetivou construir o perfil de competências gerenciais, consensuado por enfermeiros coordenadores de área. Desenvolvido em um hospital filantrópico de São Paulo, na modalidade de pesquisa-ação, participaram da pesquisa 13 enfermeiros coordenadores de área. A coleta de dados ocorreu por meio da técnica de grupo focal. Para a análise dos dados utilizaram-se os referenciais teóricos relacionados a processo de trabalho e competências gerenciais. Os resultados identificaram maior ênfase atribuída às competências relacionadas aos papéis de mentor, coordenador e diretor. Foi possível, então, construir um plano de desenvolvimento profissional, pautado em competências que atendam as dimensões técnica, ético-política, comunicativa e de desenvolvimento da cidadania. A análise do processo de trabalho gerencial e o estudo das competências no âmbito gerencial mostraram-se importantes, pois problematizaram necessidades de aprimoramento desses profissionais, assim, respondendo às demandas pessoais, profissionais e organizacionais.
Inteligência e personalidade: um estudo correlacional em uma amostra de universitários
Authors: Santos Mariana Teles , Nascimento Elizabeth do
Published: July 2012

O presente estudo teve como objetivo investigar a associação entre inteligência e personalidade, sendo a primeira avaliada por meio dos testes G36, Matrizes Progressivas de Raven e Bateria de Provas de Raciocínio; e a segunda, mensurada por meio do Inventário Fatorial de Personalidade. Tais instrumentos foram aplicados em uma amostra composta por 266 estudantes universitários, 77,8% dos quais do sexo feminino, com idade entre 18 e 59 anos (M=21,2). A análise das correlações de Pearson apresentou valores de correlação que variaram de 0,13 a 0,22. Os fatores desempenho, agressão e exibição correlacionaram-se positivamente com a inteligência geral medida (teste G36) e com o raciocínio mecânico e o abstrato. Já os fatores intracepção, afago, deferência, denegação e ordem correlacionaram-se negativamente com o raciocínio espacial, o mecânico e o abstrato. O estudo apontou uma associação de magnitude fraca, porém significativa, entre a inteligência e a personalidade na fase adulta.
A estrutura fatorial do inventário de características da personalidade
Authors: Gomes Cristiano Mauro Assis
Published: July 2012

Este artigo discute a natureza valorativa dos traços do modelo big five e investiga a validade do Inventário de Características da Personalidade, analisando sua estrutura fatorial. Fizeram parte da amostra 716 estudantes do ensino fundamental e médio de uma escola particular de Belo Horizonte. Foi empregada a Análise Fatorial Exploratória, com extração pelo método da máxima verossimilhança e rotação Geomin. Foram empregados o alfa de Cronbach e o índice de determinação do fator. Foram estipulados critérios para a eliminação de itens. A solução escolhida entre as diversas obtidas foi aquela com oito fatores (χ²=345,39, gl=163, índice comparativo de ajuste=0,99, raiz quadrada média do erro de aproximação=0,04, raiz quadrática média residual estandartizada=0,02). Os oito traços identificados são: abertura a novas experiências, extroversão, mutabilidade, estabilidade, foco em relações humanas, introversão, foco no objeto e foco no objetivo. O alfa dos fatores variou de 0,59 a 0,80, e a determinação do fator variou de 0,80 a 0,92. Implicações são discutidas.
Facilitação neuromuscular proprioceptiva na doença de Parkinson: relato de eficácia terapêutica
Authors: Santos Taciana Batista dos , Peracini Talita , Franco Paula Magro , Nogueira Renata Licursi , Souza Luciane Aparecida Pascucci Sande de
Published: July 2012

INTRODUÇÃO: A Facilitação Neuromuscular Proprioceptiva (FNP) está entre as várias opções de tratamento fisioterapêutico para que o paciente com doença de Parkinson (DP) possa atingir uma função motora eficiente, porém poucos estudos exploram os efeitos dessa abordagem nessa população. OBJETIVOS: Com base no exposto, o presente estudo teve como objetivo explorar os efeitos de uma intervenção fisioterapêutica baseada na FNP em sujeitos DP. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foram estudados quatro sujeitos com DP, com idade média de 65,25 ± 10,11 anos, nos quais foram aplicadas as avaliações antes do início do tratamento baseado na FNP e após dois meses de sua aplicação. Foram utilizadas a Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde (CIF), a Escala Unificada de Avaliação da Doença de Parkinson (Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale - UPDRS), o questionário de qualidade de vida SF36 e o software de avaliação postural (SAPO). RESULTADOS: Os resultados revelam que o tratamento baseado na FNP proporcionou melhora nos quatro sujeitos investigados, especialmente nos aspectos cinéticos funcionais e na execução das atividades de vida diária. CONCLUSÃO: Todos os ganhos observados podem ser relacionados à terapia baseada na FNP, que englobou atividades corporais totais facilmente incorporadas às atividades cotidianas.
Análise da confiabilidade do teste clínico de queda do navicular
Authors: Sabino George Schayer , Rocha Ivan Casas , Guimarães Cristiano Queiroz , Alcântara Marcus Alessandro de , Felício Diogo Carvalho
Published: July 2012

INTRODUÇÃO: A utilização de medidas confiáveis e práticas são necessárias para a tomada de decisões clínicas. O Teste da Queda do Navicular (TQN) fornece informações importantes na avaliação dos membros inferiores. Assim, os objetivos do presente estudo foram verificar a confiabilidade do TQN, conforme realizado na clínica, e analisar uma forma de minimizar a interferência do avaliador. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Participaram do estudo 15 indivíduos (30 pés), selecionados por conveniência. O TQN foi aplicado de forma independente por dois examinadores experientes na realização do teste, o qual foi realizado apenas uma vez em cada pé, utilizando-se um paquímetro de plástico. Foi realizada uma análise descritiva dos dados. Para avaliação da confiabilidade interexaminadores, foi utilizado o índice de correlação intraclasse (ICC2,1) e a discrepância das medidas entre avaliadores foi analisada pelo erro típico da medição. RESULTADOS: A média e o desvio padrão para o primeiro e segundo examinador foram 8,7 ± 5,3 e 9,7 ± 4,7 milímetros. O teste apresentou excelente confiabilidade interexaminador (ICC = 0,93). O erro típico da medição foi 2,16 milímetros. CONCLUSÃO: Os procedimentos para minimizar a interferência do avaliador resultaram, contraditoriamente, em uma piora dos índices de confiabilidade. O TQN pode ser simplificado por meio do uso de instrumentos comuns na clínica e registrado a partir de uma única medida. Mesmo apresentando boa confiabilidade, o TQN apresenta um erro típico da medida, que deve ser levado em consideração para a tomada de decisão. Mudanças no teste, por vezes necessárias em um ambiente clínico, deverão ser analisadas quanto à conservação de suas propriedades.
Avaliação dos efeitos de um programa sensório-motor no padrão da marcha de idosas
Authors: Rezende Adriana Arruda Barbosa , Silva Iris Lima e , Beresford Heron , Batista Luiz Alberto
Published: July 2012

INTRODUÇÃO: Muitas alterações que ocorrem com o envelhecimento têm impacto de natureza funcional e acarretam, como uma das consequências mais importantes, distúrbios na marcha de pessoas idosas. OBJETIVOS:: Avaliar a eficácia de um programa de treinamento sensório-motor, no padrão da marcha de mulheres idosas. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Atendendo-se aos critérios de exclusão e inclusão, formou-se um grupo de voluntários constituído por 15 idosas, que foram submetidas à análise do padrão da marcha por meio da videometria, cujas imagens foram processadas pelo software DgeeMe, versão 1.0. Em seguida, elas foram submetidas a um treinamento sensório-motor, por meio de um circuito que incluiu oito estações de exercícios com estímulos proprioceptivos e de equilíbrio. A frequência do treinamento foi de três sessões semanais com duração de 30 minutos, durante dois meses. Depois disso, foi realizada nova análise da marcha, considerando-se os componentes temporais e espaciais. RESULTADOS: Apesar de melhora nos componentes temporais e espaciais da marcha, só foi verificada significância estatística para o resultado observado na variável comprimento da passada (p = 0,02). CONCLUSÃO: Concluiu-se que o treinamento sensório-motor, muito embora possa melhorar o equilíbrio do indivíduo idoso, trazendo-lhe segurança para desenvolver a marcha, pode não afetar diretamente essa função nos seus aspectos biomecânicos.
Effects of a dual-task training on dynamic and static balance control of pre-frail elderly: a pilot study
Authors: Targino Viviane Ribeiro , Freire Aline do Nascimento Falcão , Sousa Ana Carolina Patrício de Albuquerque , Maciel Nícia Farias Braga , Guerra Ricardo Oliveira
Published: July 2012

INTRODUCTION: This quasi-experimental study is justified by the need to determine the effects of an intervention strategy aimed at improving the static and dynamic balance in pre-frail elderly women. We hypothesized that dual-task training on a treadmill, compared to simple training on a treadmill,may promote statistical difference in postural control of this group. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to verify the measures of postural control in a group of pre-frail elderly after a physical therapy intervention program based on dual-task treadmill training. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We selected six female pre-frail elderly subjects living in the community. The research was conducted twice a week for 45 minutes, for four weeks. The simple task training consisted only in the use of a treadmill and the dual-task training consisted on the use of a treadmill associated with visual stimuli. Only the intervention group was submitted to the dual-task training. RESULTS: Groups showed improvements in the variables of balance in different tasks, especially on static balance. Both groups showed the most notable changes in the variables related to gait. The BBS scores and the baropodometric variables showed that the experimental group could keep all values similar or better even one month after completion of training, unlike the control group. CONCLUSION: The dual-task performance had no additional value in relation to the improvement of balance in general, but we observed that the effectiveness of visual stimulation seems to occur in the maintenance of short-term balance variables.
Diástase dos retos abdominais em puérperas e sua relação com variáveis obstétricas
Authors: Leite Ana Cristina da Nóbrega Marinho Torres , Araújo Kathlyn Kamoly Barbosa Cavalcanti
Published: July 2012

INTRODUÇÃO: Durante a gravidez, ocorrem intensas modificações no organismo materno, desencadeadas por alterações hormonais. À medida que a gestação progride, a ação hormonal em tecidos conjuntivos, associada a alterações biomecânicas para crescimento uterino podem causar o afastamento da musculatura abdominal (diástase dos músculos retos abdominais), que se estende no período pós-parto, sendo considerada diástase a separação maior que 3 cm. OBJETIVOS: O objetivo deste estudo foi confrontar a relação entre o valor das medidas da diástase dos abdominais com variáveis obstétricas em puérperas de maternidades públicas de João Pessoa. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foram selecionadas 100 puérperas de acordo com os critérios de inclusão: idade fértil, em puerpério imediato e que durante a internação não tenham recebido atendimento fisioterapêutico para correção da diástase. Fez-se o levantamento dos antecedentes obstétricos e clínicos por meio de um questionário. Posteriormente, avaliou-se a diástase com um paquímetro digital. Para analisar a correlação significativa entre o evento e as variáveis, foi aplicado o teste do qui-quadrado. RESULTADOS: As puérperas que apresentaram a diástase eram multíparas, multigestas, com idade entre 19 e 30 anos, tendo seus filhos por meio de partos normais, com intervalos curtos entre as gestações. Quanto à localização, houve maior incidência da diástase supraumbilical associada à separação umbilical. CONCLUSÃO: A diástase é uma condição expressiva, visto que 56 apresentaram-na. Assim, observa-se a necessidade de uma avaliação mais criteriosa das gestantes pelos profissionais de saúde para que haja intervenção precoce, por meio de um protocolo de atendimento, durante o pré-natal, já que traz risco para a mãe e para a futura gestação.
Exercícios de alongamento muscular e aeróbico no tratamento da fibromialgia: estudo piloto
Authors: Matsutani Luciana Akemi , Assumpção Ana , Marques Amélia Pasqual
Published: July 2012

INTRODUÇÃO: Os exercícios físicos têm sido benéficos para o controle dos sintomas da fibromialgia (FM). OBJETIVOS: Comparar os efeitos de exercícios de alongamento muscular com os exercícios aeróbicos na dor, número de tender points, sono, ansiedade e depressão de pacientes com FM. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Participaram do estudo 19 pacientes com diagnóstico de FM, segundo critérios do Colégio Americano de Reumatologia, divididos em dois grupos: grupo alongamento, com 12 pacientes, que realizou um programa de 8 sessões de 45 minutos de exercícios de alongamento, uma vez a cada semana; grupo aeróbico com 7 pacientes, que realizou caminhada em esteira ergométrica por 30 minutos. Ambos foram orientados a realizarem exercícios em casa nos demais dias. A dor foi avaliada pela escala analógica visual; o limiar de dor dos tender points com o dolorímetro; sono pelo Post Sleep Inventory; ansiedade pelo Inventário de Ansiedade Traço-Estado e depressão pela Escala de Depressão de Beck. RESULTADOS: Os dados mostram que o ganho clínico foi maior no grupo alongamento em relação à dor (25%), número de tender points (15%), sono (38%) e depressão (22%) ao se comparar com o grupo aeróbico (ganho clínico de 2% na dor e 4% no sono; piora de 3% no número de tender points e 18% na depressão). O ganho clínico da ansiedade foi mais importante no grupo aeróbico (8% no traço de ansiedade e 10% no estado de ansiedade) em comparação ao grupo alongamento (piora de 3% no traço de ansiedade e melhora de 2% no estado de ansiedade). CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo sugere que os exercícios de alongamento são mais eficazes que os exercícios aeróbicos na dor, número de tender points, sono e depressão da FM. Os exercícios aeróbicos parecem produzir um efeito mais importante na diminuição da ansiedade em comparação aos exercícios de alongamento.
O uso do laser na reabilitação das desordens temporomandibulares
Authors: Assis Thiago de Oliveira , Soares Matheus dos Santos , Victor Márcio Melo
Published: July 2012

INTRODUÇÃO: Entende-se disfunção temporomandibular comoum termo coletivo que envolve um grande número de problemas clínicos que afetam os músculos mastigatórios, a articulação temporomandibular (ATM) e estruturas associadas. Dentre os principais sinais e sintomas, incluem-se dores nos músculos da mastigação ou na ATM, ruídos articulares, limitação de abertura, retração gengival, oclusão inadequada, distúrbios auditivos, cefaleias, sensibilidade em toda a musculatura do sistema estomatognático e cervical. OBJETIVOS: Estudar a influência da laserterapia de baixa intensidade (diodo) no tratamento das desordens temporomandibulares. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática. Foram consultadas as seguintes bases de dados: BIREME, MEDLINE, PubMed, Science Direct e LILACS. Os termos de busca utilizados foram "temporomandibular laser therapy" e "ATM laser treatment", em inglês e português. Não foram estabelecidos limites de busca. Após a busca independente de dois revisores, foram encontrados 1.344 artigos e, após a aplicação dos critérios de exclusão, 12 artigos foram selecionados para a análise. RESULTADOS: Dos 12 artigos selecionados, apenas em 1 (um) deles não foi verificada qualquer melhora do quadro doloroso na ATM em virtude dos diversos tipos de DTM. CONCLUSÃO: Apesar dos resultados satisfatórios do uso do laser na redução sintomática da dor nos DTM, ainda é controversa a utilização dos seus parâmetros para cada caso. Por isso, sugerimos a realização de outros estudos para que essas lacunas sejam preenchidas com o objetivo maior de promover uma melhor qualidade de vida para as pessoas que sofrem quaisquer transtornos na região da ATM.
Plant physiological ecology and the global changes
Authors: Barbosa João Paulo Rodrigues Alves Delfino , Rambal Serge , Soares Angela Maria , Mouillot Florent , Nogueira Joana Messias Pereira , Martins Giordane Augusto
Published: July 2012

The global changes are marked by alteration on the normal patterns of important biochemical and biophysical processes of the Earth. However, the real effects as well as the feedbacks of the global changes over vegetation are still unclear. Part of this uncertainty can be attributed to the inattention of stakeholders and scientists towards vegetation and its complex interrelations with the environment, which drive plant physiological processes in different space-time scales. Notwithstanding, some key subjects of the global changes could be better elucidated with a more plant physiological ecology approach. We discuss some issues related to this topic, going through some limitations of approaching vegetation as a static component of the biosphere as the other sub-systems of the Earth-system change. With this perspective, this review is an initial reflection towards the assessment of the role and place of vegetation structure and function in the global changes context. We reviewed the Earth-system and global changes terminology; attempted to illustrate key plant physiological ecology researches themes in the global changes context; consider approaching plants as complex systems in order to adequately quantify systems characteristics as sensibility, homeostasis, and vulnerability. Moreover, we propose insights that would allow vegetation studies and scaling procedures in the context of the Earth-system. We hope this review will assist researchers on their strategy to identify, understand and anticipate the potential effects of global changes over the most vulnerable vegetation processes from the leaf to the global levels.
Redes de aprendizagem colaborativa: contribuição da Educação a Distância no processo de qualificação de gestores do Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS
Authors: Rangel-S Maria Ligia , Barbosa Ana de Oliveira , Riccio Nicia Cristina Rocha , Souza Joseilda Sampaio de
Published: July 2012

Analisa-se a experiência do Curso de Especialização em Saúde Coletiva: concentração em Gestão Pública Municipal, desenvolvido no estado da Bahia, Brasil, visando qualificar gestores do SUS, mediante a política de Educação Permanente em Saúde (EPS). A Net-Escola de Saúde Coletiva desenvolveu a concepção e operacionalização do curso, articulando pressupostos da Educação a Distância à EPS, orientando-se por competências necessárias à gestão do SUS, para fortalecer projetos e ações que integram educação e trabalho. Desenvolveu-se entre 2009 e 2010, com cento e cinquenta vagas voltadas a gestores municipais de saúde e suas equipes, com base na interação todos-todos e na construção do conhecimento colaborativo, reforçando-se a autonomia e a autoria dos sujeitos, por meio da interatividade no ambiente virtual de aprendizagem, visando potencializar a formação de redes de aprendizagem colaborativa. Analisa-se como a estratégia pedagógica se desenvolveu, delineando-se os desafios enfrentados no processo de ensino-aprendizagem.
Properties of fly-ash lightweight aggregate concretes
Authors: Dinakar Pasla
Published: July 2012

Lightweight concrete with sintered fly-ash aggregates was compared with that of normal weight concrete with granite aggregates for various water/binder ratios starting from 0·30 to 0·50. They both had the same mixture proportion by volume and the only difference between them was the coarse aggregate used. Test results indicated that when granite aggregates have been replaced completely with lightweight aggregates, a reduction of 20% in the density of concretes was observed. Lightweight concrete exhibited higher workabilities than the corresponding normal weight concrete mixtures. With the exception of the elastic modulus all the other properties such as compressive strength, splitting tensile strength and chloride permeability of the lightweight concrete mixtures were comparable with normal weight concrete mixtures at water/binder ratios of 0·45 and 0·50. The ratios of splitting tensile strength to compressive strength of lightweight concrete were found to be similar to that of normal weight concrete.
The strength of soil–industrial by-products–lime blends
Authors: Consoli Nilo Cesar , da Silva Lopes Luizmar , Dalla Rosa Amanda , Masuero João Ricardo
Published: July 2012

The aim of this study is to assess the strength controlling parameters of a sandy soil (Botucatu residual soil (BRS)) treated with industrial by-products (basaltic powdered rock (PR) or coal fly ash (FA)) and lime, as well as to show that the porosity/volumetric lime content (η/Lv) plays a fundamental role in the assessment of the target strength. The controlling parameters evaluated were addition of industrial wastes, quantity of lime, porosity and η/Lv. The unconfined compressive strength (qu) increased non-linearly with the amount of lime and decreased with porosity for all studied mixtures. Similar equations were found relating qu to η/(Lv)0·12 for BRS–lime, BRS-PR–lime and BRS-FA–lime mixtures. Tests of potential reactivity of siliceous materials with alkalis on the materials studied indicated that the higher amount of dissolved silica in the alkaline environment of the FA, when compared with the BRS and the PR, was responsible for increasing the number of reactions with the lime and consequently increasing the strength for BRS (25% FA)–lime mixtures, when compared to BRS–lime and BRS (25% PR)–lime blends.
Size‐dependent species removal impairs ecosystem functioning in a large‐scale tropical field experiment
Authors: Dangles Olivier , Carpio Carlos , Woodward Guy
Published: July 2012

A major challenge of ecological research is to assess the functional consequences of species richness loss over time and space in global biodiversity hotspots, where extinctions are happening at an unprecedented rate. To address this issue, greater realism needs to be incorporated into both conceptual and experimental approaches. Here we propose a conceptual model that incorporates body size as a critical aspect of community responses to environmental change, which we tested in the Western Amazonian rain forest, one of the most speciose ecosystems on the planet. We employed an exclosure removal experiment (replicated under 10 microhabitats and four climatic conditions) in which we manipulated access to two types of resource by the whole community of dung and carrion beetles (>60 species), depending on their size. Our 400 independent measurements revealed that changes in the number of species and functional groups, and temporal patterns in community composition, all affected resource burial rates, a key ecosystem process. Further, the functional contribution of species diversity in each size class was tightly dependent on beetle abundance, and while the role of large species could be performed by abundant smaller ones, and other naturally occurring decomposers, this was not the case when environmental conditions were harsher. These results demonstrate, for the first time in an animal assemblage in a tropical ecosystem, that although species may appear functionally redundant under one set of environmental conditions, many species would be needed to maintain ecosystem functioning at multiple temporal and spatial scales. This highlights the potential fragility of these systems to the ongoing global “Sixth Great Extinction,” whose effects are likely to be especially pronounced in the Tropics.
Potential Association of Paraoxonase‐1, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, and Periodontitis
Authors: Noack Barbara , Aslanhan Zeynep , Boué Julia , Petig Christin , Teige Madlen , Schaper Frank , Hoffmann Thomas , Hannig Christian
Published: July 2012

Background: The association between periodontitis and systemic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus (DM), has been recognized repeatedly. Paraoxonase‐1 (PON‐1) is involved in the prevention of atherosclerosis, and decreased enzyme activity in patients with DM has been shown. The aim of this study is to investigate a possible correlation between decreased PON‐1 activity and the association between impaired glucose metabolism or DM and periodontitis.

Methods: PON‐1 phenotype distribution and enzyme activities were characterized by measuring the hydrolysis of phenylacetate and paraoxon in serum samples of 87 patients with type 2 DM and 46 patients with pre‐DM showing impaired fasting plasma glucose and/or impaired oral glucose tolerance. The control group comprised 64 individuals with normal fasting plasma glucose and normal glucose tolerance. Altogether, 154 study participants were available for complete clinical periodontal examination.

Results: No difference in periodontitis prevalence existed between the study groups. However, patients with DM had an increased risk of suffering from generalized periodontitis (adjusted odds ratio = 4.05; 95% confidence interval = 1.24 to 13.18; P = 0.02), and their PON‐1 activity was reduced compared to controls. In contrast, patients with pre‐DM showed neither an increased periodontitis risk nor an impaired paraoxonase status. PON‐1 was not associated directly with periodontitis. Nevertheless, concerning patients with DM, poor oral hygiene, male sex, and PON‐1 phenotype were found to be significant predictors for periodontitis extent.

Conclusions: Type 2 DM, but not a prediabetic state, increases the risk of generalized periodontitis. PON‐1 status in patients with type 2 DM may contribute to this association.
Serum Levels of Long‐Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Patients With Periodontal Disease
Authors: Figueredo Carlos Marcelo , Martinez Gisele L. , Koury Josely C. , Fischer Ricardo G. , Gustafsson Anders
Published: July 2012

Background: Long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids omega‐3 and omega‐6 (LC‐PUFA n‐3 and n‐6) can function as important inflammatory modulators and also have a strong effect in the proresolving inflammatory processes. The aim of the authors is to analyze the serum levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), and arachidonic acid (AA) in patients with generalized chronic periodontitis (GCP) and compare these results with serum levels of patients with gingivitis only.

Methods: Twenty‐one patients with untreated GCP (mean age: 46.0 ± 8.8 years) and 16 patients with gingivitis only (mean age: 31.5 ± 7.5 years) were investigated. The clinical examination included probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level, bleeding on probing, and plaque index. Blood samples were analyzed for the presence of DHA, EPA, DPA, and AA using gas chromatography.

Results: Significantly higher levels of DHA, DPA, EPA, and AA were observed in patients with GCP when compared with patients with gingivitis (P = 0.007, P = 0.004, P = 0.033, and P = 0.001, respectively). The differences were still significant even after the adjustments for age and sex. The PD showed a significant positive correlation with DHA (r = 0.5; P = 0.003), DPA (r = 0.6; P <0.001), and AA (r = 0.6; P <0.001).

Conclusion: The present findings suggest that serum levels of LC‐PUFA n‐3 and n‐6 may be affected by the severity of periodontal disease.
Presence of organochlorine contaminants in bottled drinking water from Mexico City
Authors: Gutiérrez Rey , Vega Salvador , Ortiz Rutilio , Schettino Beatriz
Published: July 2012

Concentrations of organic contaminants (organochlorine pesticides and biphenyls) were studied in bottled drinking water (BDW) from Mexico City where consumption is high and considered a healthy alternative to the potable water network. The results of 36 samples (1.5 L and 19 L presentations, 18 samples of each) showed the presence of seven pesticides (HCH-hexachlorocyclohexane isomers, heptachlor, aldrin and p,p'-DDE'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene) and some polychlorinated biphenyls-PCBs (28, 58 and 101). The concentrations were compared with the drinking water standards set by NOM-127-SSA1–1994, USEPA (United States Environment Protection Agency) and the World Health Organization (WHO) for pesticides and NOM-127-SSA1–1994 for biphenyls. The concentrations of the majority of organochlorine pesticides were within drinking water standards (0.01 μg L−1) except for β-HCH in BDW samples 3, 5 and 6 with values of 0.121, 0.136 and 0.192 μg L−1, respectively. The total PCBs concentration in BDW did not represent any hazard to human health, according to Mexican regulations, which establish a maximum permissible level of 0.50 μg L−1. A BDW quality monitoring program is recommended and further research on ways of reducing the presence of organochlorine contaminants to prevent bioaccumulation and toxicological effects over population with emphasis in those that with constant consumption.
Inactivation of recalcitrant protozoan oocysts and bacterial endospores in drinking water using high-intensity pulsed UV light irradiation
Authors: Hayes J. C. , Garvey M. , Fogarty A. M. , Clifford E. , Rowan N. J.
Published: July 2012

This constitutes the first study to compare the use of high-intensity pulsed UV light (PUV) irradiation for the novel destruction of harmful protozoan (Cryptosporidium parvum Iowa isolate) oocysts and bacterial (Clostridium perfringens ATCC 13124 and Bacillus cereus ATCC 11178) endospores in artificially-spiked water where these organisms are resistant to conventional chlorination. Experimental results revealed that all three test organisms in their dormant recalcitrant state required extended levels of pulsing to achieve significant reductions in numbers compared to other similarly PUV-treated Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 that is a non-spore forming indicator of faecal pollution in water. 120 pulses at 900 V or 16.2 J per pulse (equivalent to a UV dose of 8.39 μJ cm−2) were required to achieve ca. 2 log C. perfringens spore numbers, whereas a similar level of PUV irradiation reduced both C. parvum oocysts and B. cereus endospores by ca. 5 log orders. A comparative ca. 5 log reduction of E. coli cell numbers was achieved after only 25 pulses at 900 V (equivalent to a UV dose of 1.74 μJ cm−2). A clear trend emerged where the order of resistance to PUV-irradiation observed was C. perfringens endospores > C. parvum oocysts, B. cereus endospores > E. coli cells. This study suggests disinfection kinetic data for the more resistant C. perfringens endospores can be used as a measure of estimating disinfection efficacy of PUV treatments for C. parvum oocysts in water, avoiding the need to use complex animal or cell culture infectivity models that are only available in specialised laboratories with highly trained technicians. This study will inform future studies exploring scale-up of PUV at waste-water treatment plants.
A pilot survey of 39 Victorian WWTP effluents using a high speed luminescent umu test in conjunction with a novel GC-MS-database technique for automatic identification of micropollutants
Authors: Allinson Mayumi , Kageyama Shiho , Nakajima Daisuke , Kamata Ryo , Shiraishi Fujio , Goto Sumio , Salzman Scott Andrew , Allinson Graeme
Published: July 2012

In 2007, samples of treated effluent were collected at point of discharge to the environment from 39 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) located across Victoria, Australia grouped by treatment type. Sample genotoxicity was assessed with a high-throughput luminescent umu test method using Salmonella typhimurium TL210 strain, with and without addition of a commercially available metabolic activation system. Samples were also screened using a gas chromatographic—mass spectrometric mass-structure database recognition method. A genotoxic response was observed in half of the samples tested without metabolic activation system (<LOR – 0.19 μg/L 4-nitroquinoline-N-oxide equivalents). On addition of metabolic activation system, 75% of samples elicited a genotoxic response, the majority of responses were stronger than without metabolic activation (<LOR – 2.97 μg/L benzo[a]pyrene equivalents). The type of WWTP had no effect on genotoxicity. A large number of chemicals were identified in the effluents, although none could be unambiguously tied to the genotoxicity observed. Chemicals observed in one or more effluents included food additives (e.g. dibenzylether), various alkyl phenols, tyre leachates (e.g. 2(3H)-benzothiazolone), antioxidants, flame retardants (e.g. tris(2-chloroethyl)phosphate), insect repellents (e.g. diethyltoluamide), stimulants (e.g. caffeine) and anticonvulsants (e.g. carbamazepine). Of the 451 pesticides screened, carbamate insecticides (e.g. bendiocarb, propoxur), plant growth regulators (e.g. propham) and herbicides (e.g. atrazine, metolachlor, simazine) were amongst the compounds observed.
Reuse of drinking water treatment sludge for olive oil mill wastewater treatment
Authors: Fragoso R. A. , Duarte E. A.
Published: July 2012

Olive mill wastewater (OMW) results from the production of olive oil, which is an important traditional agro-industry in Mediterranean countries. In continuous three-phase centrifugation 1.0–1.2 m3 of OMW are produced per ton of processed olives. Discharge of OMW is of serious environmental concern due to its high content of organic matter with phytotoxic properties, namely phenolic compounds. Meanwhile, drinking water treatment sludge (DWTS) is produced in high amounts and has long been considered as a waste for landfill. The aim of this work was the assessment of reusing DWTS for OMW treatment. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was carried out to determine the phenolic compounds present and to evaluate if they are recalcitrant. Treatability assays were performed using a dosage of DWTS from 50 to 300 g L−1. Treatment efficiency was evaluated based on the removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total solids (TS), total suspended solids (TSS), total volatile solids (TVS), oil and grease (OG), phenols (total phosphorous (TP) and HPLC fraction). Results from OMW HPLC characterization identified a total of 13 compounds; the major ones were hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, caffeic acid, p-cumaric acid and oleuropein. Treatability assays led to a maximum reduction of about 90% of some of the phenolic compounds determined by HPLC. Addition of 200–300 g L−1 of DWTS reduced 40–50% of COD, 45–50% of TP, a maximum of nearly 70% TSS and 45% for TS and TVS. The OG fraction showed a reduction of about 90%, achieved adding 300 g L−1 od DWTS. This study points out the possibility of establishing an integrated management of OMW and DWTS, contributing to a decrease in the environmental impact of two industrial activities, olive oil production and drinking water treatment.