bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reviews
Authors: Cunneen Chris , Worrall Anne , Wickes Rebecca , Duncanson Kirsty , Fishwick Elaine , McCulloch Jude , Maurashat Alana , Grewcock Michael
Published: August 2010

Justice in Transition: Community Restorative Justice in Northern Ireland Anna Eriksson Uffculme: Willan Publishing, 2009

Torture, Truth and Justice: The Case of Timor-Leste Elizabeth Stanley, Abingdon: Routledge, 2009

Murdering Stepmothers: The Execution of Martha Rendell By Anna Haebich Perth: University of Western Australia Publishing, 2010

Crime and Everyday Life By Marcus Felson and Rachel Boba Thousand Oaks, California: Sage, 2010

The Scene of Violence: Cinema Crime Affect Alison Young Abingdon: GlassHouse Routledge, 2010.

Lines in the Sand: The Cronulla Riots, Multiculturalism and National Belonging Edited by Gregory Noble Sydney: Institute of Criminology Press, 2009

Border Crimes: Australia's War on Illicit Migrants By Michael Grewcock Sydney: Institute of Criminology Press, 2009

Handbook of Internet Crime Edited by Yvonne Jewkes and Majid Yar Cullompton: Willan Publishing, 2010

Reviews Round-Up
Effective Understanding of the Human Body Organs: A Role-Playing Activity for Deep Learning
Authors: Cherif Abour H. , Jedlicka Dianne M. , Al-Arabi Ateegh , Aron Robert , Verma Sujata
Published: August 2010

In this activity, groups of students assume the roles of human body organs. They work together to acquire the knowledge needed to develop a skit to “act out” the argument that their selected organ is the most important one in the body. The students learn and reinforce their understanding of the composition and functions of organs and organ systems and how they interrelate to allow for the survival of the body as a whole while maintaining homeostasis throughout life.
“But if It's in the Newspaper, Doesn't That Mean It's True?” Developing Critical Reading & Analysis Skills by Evaluating Newspaper Science with CREATE
Authors: Hoskins Sally G.
Published: August 2010

The media will likely be a major source of science information after college for nonscience majors. It is thus essential that all students learn to critically read newspaper/Internet science. I have adapted the CREATE approach, an active-learning method originally designed for close reading of journal articles (Hoskins et al., 2007), for use with a newspaper article written for the general public. The analysis challenges students to read closely, learn to represent data and design experiments, and think creatively about scientific issues and their social implications. The approaches outlined here can be adapted to any scientific reading and analysis.
Custo social de duas técnicas de cirurgia de catarata no Brasil
Authors: Kara-Junior Newton , Parede Tais Renata Ribeira , Santhiago Marcony Rodrigues , Espindola Rodrigo França , Mazurek Maysa Godoy Gomes , Carvalho Regina de Souza
Published: August 2010

OBJETIVO: Comparar os custos sociais pós-operatórios da cirurgia de catarata segundo as técnicas de facoemulsificação (Faco) e extração extracapsular (EECP). MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo, intervencionista e randomizado com 205 pacientes: 101 submetidos à Faco e 104 à EECP, no sistema público em São Paulo, SP, em 2002. Para avaliação do impacto socioeconômico dessas cirurgias, foi considerado o custo no período pós-operatório para os pacientes, empregadores e Sistema Previdenciário. As comparações entre os grupos foram feitas pelo teste do qui-quadrado ou por Mann-Whitman, quando apropriado. O nível de significância estabelecido foi de 5%. RESULTADOS: Considerando os gastos com os retornos hospitalares e aquisição de lentes corretivas (óculos), o paciente submetido à Faco obteve uma economia média de US$ 16,74, comparado ao paciente submetido à EECP. Quanto aos custos com licença médica, na primeira quinzena de afastamento do paciente, e os gastos com a ausência no trabalho do acompanhante, nos retornos pós-operatórios, o sistema empresarial obteve uma economia média de US$ 0,18 no grupo dos pacientes submetidos à Faco em relação ao grupo submetido à EECP. O gasto do Sistema Previdenciário por paciente foi estimado em US$ 6,57 no grupo Faco e US$ 51,15 no grupo EECP. CONCLUSÕES: A técnica de Faco representou economia média de US$ 61,5 para empregadores, pacientes, acompanhantes e Sistema Previdenciário, quando comparada à técnica de EECP.
Planejamento e gestão em saúde: histórico e tendências com base numa visão comunicativa
Authors: Rivera Francisco Javier Uribe , Artmann Elizabeth
Published: August 2010

Este artigo tem por objetivos apresentar uma visão condensada das principais tendências no Brasil, estabelecer uma taxonomia geral dos modelos de planejamento e gestão em saúde, tendo como base o cenário internacional e fundamentar a proposta de um planejamento comunicativo. Em um contexto de democratização, argumenta a favor de uma concepção pluralista e conclui que as diversas correntes, embora com diferentes perspectivas e encaminhamentos teórico-metodológicos, dialogam num processo de troca mútua e de aprendizagem.
Cogestão e neoartesanato: elementos conceituais para repensar o trabalho em saúde combinando responsabilidade e autonomia
Authors: Campos Gastão Wagner de Sousa
Published: August 2010

Este artigo discute tensões entre a racionalidade gerencial dominante e o trabalho em saúde. Valendo-se de conceitos da filosofia e de revisão de autores que estudaram o trabalho em saúde, aponta-se que as práticas, clínicas e em saúde pública, são estruturadas conforme o conceito de práxis, definido por Aristóteles. Não funcionam mecanicamente e dependem de um sujeito mediador que reflita e tome decisões na maioria dos casos, alguém que estabeleça uma mediação entre o saber estruturado e o contexto singular. Nesse sentido, recomenda-se a adoção de modelo de gestão que possibilite e favoreça a combinação de autonomia profissional com responsabilidade sanitária.
O planejamento nacional da política de saúde no Brasil: estratégias e instrumentos nos anos 2000
Authors: Machado Cristiani Vieira , Baptista Tatiana Wargas de Faria , Lima Luciana Dias de
Published: August 2010

O artigo enfoca o planejamento nacional da política de saúde de 2003 a 2010, à luz da trajetória do planejamento estatal no Brasil e do contexto do Governo Lula. Inicialmente, é traçado um histórico dos momentos relevantes para o planejamento nacional, considerando suas interfaces com a saúde. A seguir, situa-se o contexto governamental e discutem-se as estratégias e instrumentos de planejamento em saúde recentes. A metodologia envolveu revisão bibliográfica e análise de documentos - os planos plurianuais, o Plano Nacional de Saúde, o Pacto pela Saúde e o Mais Saúde - considerando o seu propósito, conteúdo e processo de elaboração. Os resultados sugerem um adensamento do planejamento nacional em saúde, visando dar direcionalidade à política. Foram identificados dois momentos no planejamento federal em saúde: entre 2003 e 2006, predominou uma orientação participativa e gerencialista; entre 2007 e 2010, a orientação gerencialista se manteve e houve um esforço de atrelar a política de saúde ao modelo de desenvolvimento. Apesar dos avanços, o planejamento em saúde expressou limitações como a não regulamentação do financiamento setorial, que tem comprometido a execução dos planos, o escasso enfrentamento de problemas estruturais do sistema de saúde e a fragilidade da lógica territorial.
A gestão da atenção às urgências e o protagonismo federal
Authors: O'Dwyer Gisele
Published: August 2010

O atendimento às urgências/emergências tem sido alvo de críticas e o Estado brasileiro, a partir de 2002, assume o esforço de normatizar esse nível de atenção. Este estudo objetivou analisar a política de urgência a partir dos documentos e portarias, baseando-se na teoria da estruturação (Giddens), que relaciona a mobilização de recursos alocativos e autoritários como dimensões da estrutura em interação, o que justificaria a legitimação exercida a partir da sanção das normas. A Política Nacional de Urgência (PNAU) teve como marcos o financiamento federal, a regionalização, a capacitação dos profissionais, a gestão por comitês de urgência e a expansão da rede. Identifiquei a densidade das propostas documentais como a vertente facilitadora do recurso estrutural, inovadora pelas propostas de regionalização e de responsabilização dos diversos atores e pela pretensa centralidade no usuário. O financiamento do SUS, apesar do seu persistente estado de constrangimento, não teve ação coerciva sobre o investimento tecnológico. Na atual gestão, houve uma vigorosa expansão e estruturação da rede, que só foi possível por um forte aporte de recursos federais. A gestão pelos comitês precisa ser investigada e aponta-se como fragilidade a gestão do trabalho.
Regulação do trabalho no contexto das novas relações público versus privado na saúde
Authors: Barbosa Nelson Bezerra
Published: August 2010

Este trabalho discute a gestão das relações de trabalho no contexto das novas formas de relação público/privado no setor saúde, toma como referência a experiência de habilitação de organizações sociais (OS), responsáveis pelo gerenciamento de um conjunto de unidades hospitalares no Estado de São Paulo. A emergência desta modalidade de gestão apoiada nesta figura jurídica (OS) tem implicações sobre a gestão de recursos humanos em saúde (RHS), por meio da adoção de mecanismos de flexibilização deste processo, que inclui formas de seleção, contratação e descontratação, formas de remuneração e de progressão funcional mais próximas das práticas adotadas pelo mercado. Esta modalidade de gestão remete ao novo paradigma proposto pela reforma administrativa gerencial, que sugere o esgotamento do modelo burocrático para promover adequação da administração pública às transformações decorrentes da nova etapa de internacionalização da economia e seus desdobramentos do mundo do trabalho, bem como aos novos padrões de exigência de desempenho do setor público. Aspectos relativos à gestão de RHS são abordados dentro de uma abordagem comparativa entre as duas modalidades prevalentes na Secretaria de Estado da Saúde de São Paulo (SES-SP), com hospitais da administração direta (HAD) e hospitais sob a modalidade OS (HOSS).
A automedicação e os acadêmicos da área de saúde
Authors: Aquino Daniela Silva de , Barros José Augusto Cabral de , Silva Maria Dolores Paes da
Published: August 2010

Tendo em vista que a automedicação é um problema de saúde pública mundial, este artigo teve como objetivo avaliar o comportamento dos futuros profissionais de saúde com relação à utilização de medicamentos, particularmente, à prática da automedicação. A amostra foi composta por 223 estudantes da área de saúde de uma universidade pública no município do Recife, selecionados por partilha proporcional a cada curso. Foram feitos questionamentos sobre o uso de medicamentos, nos últimos quinze dias que antecederam à coleta de dados. 65,5% dos entrevistados confirmaram ter feito uso de medicamentos nos últimos quinze dias, 42,3% por meio de uma prescrição médica e 57,7% através da automedicação. Os medicamentos mais utilizados foram os analgésicos (24,0%) e as vitaminas (18,9%) e o motivo mais apontado foi a dor (30,5%). O consumo de medicamentos entre os estudantes universitários no município do Recife é elevado, mas encontra-se dentro dos parâmetros observados por outros estudos. Todavia, por se tratar de profissionais da área de saúde, esperava-se que o consumo fosse menor e mais racionalizado.
Contribuições do campo crítico do lazer para a promoção da saúde
Authors: Bacheladenski Miguel Sidenei , Matiello Júnior Edgard
Published: August 2010

Nos estudos do lazer para a promoção da saúde, ainda predomina a lógica da ocupação ativa do corpo no tempo de não-trabalho (lazer ativo), revelando a influência do pensamento funcionalista, o qual, ao reduzir os vínculos entre sociedade e processo saúde-doença, indiscutivelmente não condiz com o propósito de promover a saúde da população. Em face deste quadro, e partindo da premissa de que na educação física brasileira, desde o início dos anos oitenta, proliferam diferentes concepções que discutem a superação do discurso do lazer funcionalista, mas que tais formulações ainda são praticamente desconhecidas da Saúde Coletiva e Saúde Pública brasileiras, a partir de revisão bibliográfica sobre o desenvolvimento do campo do lazer no país, buscando reflexões conjunta aos pressupostos da promoção da saúde, este trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar concepções críticas e alternativas do lazer em sua relação com a saúde, fundamentando-se numa proposta político-pedagógica denominada lazerania. Em linhas gerais, esta é uma concepção de lazer emancipatório que, partindo da problematização do fenômeno esportivo, proporciona o sentir, pensar e agir da população, visando à construção de uma sociedade fundada na solidariedade e com a participação de todos.
Avaliação de tutores e facilitadores sobre o processo de formação de facilitadores de Educação Permanente em Saúde no município de Londrina, Paraná
Authors: Mendonça Fernanda de Freitas , Nunes Elisabete de Fátima Pólo de Almeida , Garanhani Mara Lúcia , González Alberto Durán
Published: August 2010

A formação de tutores e facilitadores iniciou-se como estratégia de fortalecimento da política de Educação Permanente em Saúde (EPS). O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar as percepções desses sujeitos sobre o curso de facilitadores de EPS em Londrina (PR). Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo, realizado com tutores e facilitadores de EPS, no período de dezembro de 2006 a janeiro de 2007. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas e submetidos à análise de discurso proposta por Martins e Bicudo. Os resultados revelaram algumas críticas referentes ao processo de seleção de facilitadores, tempo de duração e término do curso, dificuldades com a metodologia, entre outras. Apesar disso, os participantes salientaram contribuições, tais como a sistematização do conhecimento sobre EPS e a oportunidade de refletir sobre as práticas de trabalho. As críticas voltaram-se mais para aspectos operacionais, ao passo que as contribuições levantadas referiram-se justamente aos objetivos centrais do processo de formação de facilitadores.
Necessidades de capacitação e aperfeiçoamento dos profissionais de equipes de saúde da família da 4ª Coordenadoria Regional de Saúde do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul
Authors: Ferreira Maria Evanir Vicente , Schimith Maria Denise , Cáceres Nilton Carlos
Published: August 2010

Este estudo objetivou verificar as necessidades para a capacitação e aperfeiçoamento dos profissionais das equipes de saúde da família dos 31 municípios que compõe a 4ª Coordenadoria Regional de Saúde do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. A coleta de dados foi realizada através da aplicação de um questionário com questões objetivas, composto de duas partes: campo e núcleo de competências. Para análise dos dados obtidos, foram utilizados testes de normalidade, qui-quadrado e teste G para as atribuições fáceis e difíceis indicadas pelos profissionais. Os profissionais mostraram menores dificuldades com atribuições genéricas, relacionadas a métodos e técnicas básicas de cada área de formação. Porém, revelaram dificuldades tais como a busca de parcerias nas comunidades, estimulação da participação popular na discussão sobre direitos à saúde e o preenchimento dos formulários do SIA/SIAB. Mesmo após doze anos da criação do Programa de Saúde da Família (PSF), observam-se ainda várias dificuldades em atuar de forma adequada e necessária a este novo modelo de trabalho em saúde. São propostas medidas que visam auxiliar e consolidar o PSF em seus diversos níveis.
Adsorption of fluoride from water by surface-functionalized polyurethane foam
Authors: Krupadam R. J. , Khan M. S. , Das S.
Published: August 2010

Surface-functionalized polyurethane foam (SPUF) showed an exceptionally high adsorption potential for defluoridation of drinking water. Kinetic experiments of fluoride adsorption on SPUF demonstrated quick adsorption in first 60 min and then achieved maximum adsorption (7.8 mg  g−1). The adsorption isotherm was described using Bradley equation. The adsorption capacity of SPUF was significantly influenced by the pH of the solution. The highest adsorption capacity was attained at pH 6.7 and no drastic reduction noticed in the adsorption capacity of SPUF at normal pH range (5.8–8.2). The fluoride adsorption capacity of SPUF was compared with other adsorbents like activated carbon, soil, alumina and carbon nanotubes. The added advantage of SPUF adsorbent is, it can be easily recharged by altering the pH of the solution using NaOH or Ca(OH)2. The high adsorption capacity and easy-to-use nature of SPUF in batch mode and continuous system makes the new adsorbent a promising material for defluoridation of drinking water.
Decolorization and degradation of reactive dye during the dyed cotton fabric rinsing process
Authors: Luo Deng-Hong , Zheng Qing-Kang , Chen Sheng , Liu Qing-Shu , Wang Xiu-Xing , Guan Yu , Pu Zong-Yao
Published: August 2010

Dyeing process of textile consumes large quantities of water, which results in huge amounts of colored wastewater. Most of the dye wastewater treating methods focused on the treatment of wastewater after the rinsing process of dyed textile. In this paper, tetraacetylethylenediamine/hydrogen peroxide (TAED/H2O2) active oxidation (AO) system was developed to rinse dyed textile and decolorize the rinsing wastewater simultaneously. The results indicated that the decolorization ratio of the rinse effluent obtained by AO method were in the range of 51.72%–84.15% according to different dyes and the COD value decreased more than 30% compared with that of traditional rinsing process. The decolorization kinetics investigation showed that the decolorization of dyes during AO rinsing process followed the law of pseudo-first order kinetics. The result of UV-Vis and UPLC-MS analysis demonstrated that the dye was degraded into colorless organic molecular fragments and partly mineralized during the AO rinsing process.
Biodegradation of 2,4-dichlorophenol in a fluidized bed reactor with immobilized Phanerochaete chrysosporium
Authors: Li Xiao-ming , Yang Qi , Zhang Ying , Zheng Wei , Yue Xiu , Wang Dong-bo , Zeng Guang-ming
Published: August 2010

The performance of a fluidized bed reactor using immobilized Phanerochaete chrysosporium to remove 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) from aqueous solution was investigated. The contribution of lignin peroxidase (LiP) and manganese peroxidase (MnP) secreted by Phanerochaete chrysosporium to the 2,4-DCP degradation was examined. Results showed that Lip and Mnp were not essential to 2,4-DCP degradation while their presence enhanced the degradation process and reaction rate. In sequential batch experiment, the bioactivity of immobilized cells was recovered and improved during the culture and the maximum degradation rate constant of 13.95 mg (Ld)−1 could be reached. In continuous bioreactor test, the kinetic behavior of the Phanerochaete chrysosporium immobilized on loofa sponge was found to follow the Monod equation. The maximum reaction rate was 7.002 mg (Lh)−1, and the saturation constant was 26.045 mg L−1.
Calibration of stormwater quality regression models: a random process?
Authors: Dembélé A. , Bertrand-Krajewski J.-L. , Barillon B.
Published: August 2010

Regression models are among the most frequently used models to estimate pollutants event mean concentrations (EMC) in wet weather discharges in urban catchments. Two main questions dealing with the calibration of EMC regression models are investigated: i) the sensitivity of models to the size and the content of data sets used for their calibration, ii) the change of modelling results when models are re-calibrated when data sets grow and change with time when new experimental data are collected. Based on an experimental data set of 64 rain events monitored in a densely urbanised catchment, four TSS EMC regression models (two log-linear and two linear models) with two or three explanatory variables have been derived and analysed. Model calibration with the iterative re-weighted least squares method is less sensitive and leads to more robust results than the ordinary least squares method. Three calibration options have been investigated: two options accounting for the chronological order of the observations, one option using random samples of events from the whole available data set. Results obtained with the best performing non linear model clearly indicate that the model is highly sensitive to the size and the content of the data set used for its calibration.
Technical and experimental evaluation of an innovative decentralized technology for the municipal wastewater treatment in the city of Rome
Authors: Chiavola Agostina , Sirini Piero , Cecili Sandro
Published: August 2010

The present paper shows the results obtained through an experimental activity carried out on a pilot-scale plant using an innovative technology which couples the granular aerobic sludge with the sequencing batch process. Treatment efficiency and operation costs were evaluated in order to assess feasibility of this new technology for the upgrading of the existing continuous flow activated sludge treatment plant located in Casal Monastero, a decentralized area of the City of Rome. During start-up (about 3 months), the granular aerobic sludge was developed by controlling the dissolved oxygen concentration, the value of pH and the up-flow velocity. Besides, the influent organic loading was progressively increased starting from 0.1 kg/m3 d up to 0.9 kg/m3 d. In order to improve nitrogen removal, an anoxic phase was temporary added to the operative cycle. Complete development of the granular sludge determined an appreciable improvement of the denitrification process which allowed to eliminate the anoxic phase. At regime conditions, the plant was operated with 3 daily cycles, each one of 8 h. The new system showed a reduced sludge production (of about 20–35%) as compared to the existing plant, along with high removal efficiency of both Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and nitrogen. However, the operation was discontinuous and strictly related to the strength of the granular sludge. Therefore, a careful monitoring is recommended in order to control operation and performance of this new system.
Evolution of water recycling in Australian cities since 2003
Authors: Radcliffe J. C.
Published: August 2010

The prolonged Australian drought which commenced in 2002, and the agreement between Australia's Commonwealth and States/Territories governments to progress water reform through the National Water Initiative, has resulted in many new recycling projects in Australia's capital cities. Dual reticulation systems are being advanced in new subdivision developments in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. Brisbane has installed three large Advanced Water Treatment Plants that are designed to send indirect potable recycled water to the Wivenhoe Dam which is Brisbane's principal water reservoir. Numerous water recycling projects are serving industry and agriculture. Experimental managed aquifer recharge is being undertaken with wetland-treated stormwater in Adelaide and reverse osmosis treated wastewater in Perth. New National Water Quality Management Strategy recycled water guidelines have been developed for managing environmental risks, for augmentation of drinking water supplies, for managed aquifer recharge and for stormwater harvesting and reuse. Many recent investments are part-supported through Commonwealth government grants. Desalination plants are being established in Melbourne and Adelaide and a second one in Perth in addition to the newly-operational plants in Perth, South-East Queensland and Sydney. Despite there being numerous examples of unplanned indirect potable recycling, most governments remain reluctant about moving towards planned potable recycling. There is evidence of some policy bans still being maintained by governments but the National Water Commission continues to reinforce the necessity of an even-handed objective consideration of all water supply options.
The performance of water utilities in Jordan
Authors: Al-Assa'd Tamer , Sauer Johannes
Published: August 2010

This paper aims to measure the relative performance of Jordan's water utilities for water sector (WS) and wastewater sector (WWS), and to investigate the major factors behind their inefficiencies. DEA (non-parametric method) and Tobit model (parametric method) were used at two stages. At the first stage DEA was used to evaluate the utilities' efficiency and to investigate the utilities' scale effect on efficiency. At the second stage Tobit model (regression) is applied to determine the impact of the non-controllable factors on utilities' inefficiencies where the efficiency score is the dependent variable in the regression. The results of DEA showed that there is a potential to reduce inputs level: water supply and operational expense (OPEX) for WS, and treated wastewater and OPEX for WWS, by around 15–20 and 23–27%, respectively. Aqaba and Jarash utilities are the most efficient utilities in the WS, while it is Amman utility in the WWS. The utility size has relatively moderate effect on the relative performance. It is concluded that the medium utility size for WS and large utility size for WWS is the most appropriate. Tobit model results indicate that commercialization activities have a clear positive impact on efficiency improvement for both sectors.
Evaluating the mobile heavy metal pool in soakaway sediment, road dust and soil through sequential extraction and isotopic exchange
Authors: Kumar Manish , Furumai Hiroaki , Kurisu Futoshi , Kasuga Ikuro
Published: August 2010

Selective sequential dissolution (SSD) and isotopic dilution are two most commonly applied techniques for the measurement of mobile fraction of heavy metal present in the urban environment. This work examined the compliance between SSD proposed by the Community Bureau of Reference (BCR) and isotopic dilution technique (IDT) for determination of mobile pool of heavy metal contained in soakaway sediment, road dust, and soil sample. Heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb) were fractionated using the three-stage BCR protocol, while isotopically exchangeable metal concentrations (E-value) were investigated through isotopic tracers (111Cd, 65Cu, 207Pb and 66Zn). In general, total contamination level, E-value and BCR exchangeable fractions of different samples followed the similar order of road dust > soakaway sediment > soil. Results revealed that the E-value exceeded the BCR exchangeable fraction in all samples. In addition, the first three fractions of BCR which have potential to become mobile under certain environmental conditions were collectively termed as “potential mobile pool” and compared with E-value. It was concluded that metal extracted by weak acid underestimates the exchangeable fraction while the potential mobile pool extracted by three reagents overestimates the real mobile forms of heavy metals. However, better mobility characteristics of heavy metals can be assessed by coupling information obtained through sequential extraction and isotopic exchange.
Ecotoxicity and genotoxicity relating to fish in wastewaters discharged from the Vilnius treatment plant
Authors: Vosylienė M. Z. , Kazlauskienė N. , Baršienė J. , Andreikėnaitė L. , Milukaitė A. , Taujanskis E.
Published: August 2010

The toxicity and genotoxicity of untreated raw (RWW) and treated wastewaters (TWW) samples from Vilnius wastewater treatment plant was assessed using fish (rainbow trout) at different stages of development. The survival of larvae and fish exposed to RWW in short-term and longterm tests reduced, whereas gill ventilation frequency, heart rate and relative body mass increase of larvae decreased significantly. The long-term exposure of fish to TWW induced significant decreases in white blood cell count and significant increases in micronuclei in blood of treated Oncorhynchus mykiss. The physical, chemical analysis of oil products (C14-C28), benzo(a)pyrene, suspended solids, and heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, Hg) in RWW demonstrated that the concentrations of xenobiotics and some heavy metals did not exceed their Maximum Permissible Concentrations in the sewerage system and concentrations of substances in TWW corresponded to their criteria for effluents discharged into receiving waters.
Two-phase reactors applied to the removal of substituted phenols: comparison between liquid-liquid and liquid-solid systems
Authors: Tomei M. C. , Annesini M. C. , Piemonte V. , Prpich G. P. , Daugulis A. J.
Published: August 2010

In this paper, a comparison is provided between liquid-liquid and liquid-solid partitioning systems applied to the removal of high concentrations of 4-nitrophenol. The target compound is a typical representative of substituted phenols found in many industrial effluents while the biomass was a mixed culture operating as a conventional Sequencing Batch Reactor and acclimatized to 4-nitrophenol as the sole carbon source. Both two-phase systems showed enhanced performance relative to the conventional single phase bioreactor and may be suitable for industrial application. The best results were obtained with the polymer Hytrel™ which is characterized by higher partition capability in comparison to the immiscible liquid solvent (2-undecanone) and to the polymer Tone™. A model of the two systems was formulated and applied to evaluate the relative magnitudes of the reaction, mass transfer and diffusion characteristic times. Kinetic parameters for the Haldane equation, diffusivity and mass transfer coefficients have been evaluated by data fitting of batch tests for liquid-liquid and liquid-solid two phase systems. Finally, preliminary results showed the feasibility of polymer regeneration to facilitate polymer reuse by an extended contact time with the biomass.
Autografting Satellite Cells to Repair Damaged Muscle Induced by Repeated Compression: An Animal Model
Authors: Li Qingtian , Bai Yuehong , Xu Yiming , Yu Hong
Published: August 2010

Background: Repeated elevation of intramuscular pressure (IMP) causes skeletal-muscles damage. The purpose of this paper was to investigate the regenerative effect of satellite cells autografted to the damaged muscle in a rabbit model. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four adult rabbits were randomized into three groups: 1) experimental group, 2) non-graft group, and 3) control group. The model of limb interval compression for 2 hours twice a day for 14 days was established in the experimental and non-graft group. Transplantation was performed in the experimental group and control group. Satellite cells from a half of soleus muscles in the experimental group and control group were isolated and then expanded in vitro. DAPI-tag satellite cells were transplanted back to the remaining half of the soleus muscle. The number of satellite cells with DAPI-tag was determined by fluorescence after grafts. The histological changes were compared at the time of the last compression and at the end of the 28th day after grafting. Results: At the time period of 28 days following grafting of satellite cells into the soleus muscle, the satellite cells from the compressed soleus muscle increased significantly predominantly experimental group ( p = 0.013), whereas those in the control group remained the same ( p = 0.076). In HE staining, a large cluster of myofibers and interstitial fibers was present in compressed muscle in both the experimental group and non-graft group, while the skeletal muscle fibers and interstitial fibers were in continuity in the control group. After grafting, the muscle showed a great repair but the non-graft muscle exhibited dominant fibrosis. Conclusion: Autografting satellite cells by means of a small amount of expansion in vitro could improve the regenerative efficiency to repair large clusters of the damaged myofibers induced by repeated compression. Clinical Relevance: This technique may be applicable in human compartment syndrome.
Fracture of the Second Metatarsal Following Suture Button Fixation Device in the Correction of Hallux Valgus
Authors: Kemp Travis J. , Hirose Christopher B. , Coughlin Michael J.
Published: August 2010

Level of Evidence: V, Expert Opinion
Fluorescence and FTIR Spectra Analysis of Trans-A2B2-Substituted Di- and Tetra-Phenyl Porphyrins
Authors: Şen Pınar , Hirel Catherine , Andraud Chantal , Aronica Christophe , Bretonnière Yann , Mohammed Abdelsalam , Ågren Hans , Minaev Boris , Minaeva Valentina , Baryshnikov Gleb , Lee Hung-Hsun , Duboisset Julien , Lindgren Mikael
Published: August 2010

A series of asymmetrically substituted free-base di- and tetra-phenylporphyrins and the associated Zn-phenylporphyrins were synthesized and studied by X-ray diffraction, NMR, infrared, electronic absorption spectra, as well as fluorescence emission spectroscopy, along with theoretical simulations of the electronic and vibration structures. The synthesis selectively afforded trans-A2B2 porphyrins, without scrambling observed, where the AA and BB were taken as donor- and acceptor-substituted phenyl groups. The combined results point to similar properties to symmetrically substituted porphyrins reported in the literature. The differences in FTIR and fluorescence were analyzed by means of detailed density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The X-ray diffraction analysis for single crystals of zinc-containing porphyrins revealed small deviations from planarity for the porphyrin core in perfect agreement with the DFT optimized structures. All calculated vibrational modes (2162 modes for all six compounds studied) were found and fully characterized and assigned to the observed FTIR spectra. The most intense IR bands are discussed in connection with the generic similarity and differences of calculated normal modes. Absorption spectra of all compounds in the UV and visible regions show the typical ethio type feature of meso-tetraarylporphyrins with a very intense Soret band and weak Q bands of decreasing intensity. In diphenyl derivatives, the presence of only two phenyl rings causes a pronounced hypsochromic shift of all bands in the absorption spectra. Time-dependent DFT calculations revealed some peculiarities in the electronic excited states structure and connected them with vibronic bands in the absorption and fluorescence spectra from associated vibrational sublevels.
Click Reactions and Boronic Acids: Applications, Issues, and Potential Solutions
Authors: Dai Chaofeng , Cheng Yunfeng , Cui Jianmei , Wang Binghe
Published: August 2010

Boronic acids have been widely used in a wide range of organic reactions, in the preparation of sensors for carbohydrates, and as potential pharmaceutical agents. With the growing importance of click reactions, inevitably they are also applied to the synthesis of compounds containing the boronic acid moiety. However, such applications have unique problems. Chief among them is the issue of copper-mediated boronic acid degradation in copper-assisted [2,3]-cycloadditions involving an alkyne and an azido compound as the starting materials. This review summarizes recent developments, analyzes potential issues, and discusses known as well as possible solutions.
Computer simulations suggest that acute correction of hyperglycaemia with an insulin bolus protocol might be useful in brain FDG PET
Authors: Santer R. , Brenner W. , Apostolova I. , Mester J. , Clausen M. , Silverman D. H. S. , Buchert R.
Published: August 2010

Aim: FDG PET in hyperglycaemic subjects often suffers from limited statistical image quality, which may hamper visual and quantitative evaluation. In our study the following insulin bolus protocol is proposed for acute correction of hyperglycaemia (> 7.0 mmol/l) in brain FDG PET. (i) Intravenous bolus injection of short-acting insulin, one I.E. for each 0.6 mmol/l blood glucose above 7.0. (ii) If 20 min after insulin administration plasma glucose is ≤ 7.0 mmol/l, proceed to (iii). If insulin has not taken sufficient effect step back to (i). Compute insulin dose with the updated blood glucose level. (iii) Wait further 20 min before injection of FDG. (iv) Continuous supervision of the patient during the whole scanning procedure. Methods: The potential of this protocol for improvement of image quality in brain FDG PET in hyperglycaemic subjects was evaluated by computer simulations within the Sokoloff model. A plausibility check of the prediction of the computer simulations on the magnitude of the effect that might be achieved by correction of hyperglycaemia was performed by retrospective evaluation of the relation between blood glucose level and brain FDG uptake in 89 subjects in whom FDG PET had been performed for diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Results: The computer simulations suggested that acute correction of hyperglycaemia according to the proposed bolus insulin protocol might increase the FDG uptake of the brain by up to 80%. The magnitude of this effect was confirmed by the patient data. Conclusion: The proposed management protocol for acute correction of hyper glycaemia with insulin has the potential to significantly improve the statistical quality of brain FDG PET images. This should be confirmed in a prospective study in patients.
Association of glutathione S-transferase (GSTM1, T1 and P1) gene polymorphisms with type 2 diabetes mellitus in north Indian population
Authors: Bid HK , Konwar R , Saxena M , Chaudhari P , Agrawal CG , Banerjee M
Published: August 2010

Background:

Diabetes mellitus is associated with an increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a reduction in antioxidant defense. The oxidative stress becomes evident as a result of accumulation of ROS in conditions of inflammation and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The genes involved in redox balance, which determines the susceptibility to T2DM remain unclear. In humans, the glutathione S-transferase (GST) family comprises several classes of GST isozymes, the polymorphic variants of GSTM1, T1 and P1 genes result in decreased or loss of enzyme activity.

Aims:

The present study evaluated the effect of genetic polymorphisms of the GST gene family on the risk of developing T2DM in the North Indian population.

Settings and Design:

GSTM1, T1 and P1 polymorphisms were genotyped in 100 T2DM patients and 200 healthy controls from North India to analyze their association with T2DM susceptibility.

Materials and Methods:

Analysis of GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene polymorphisms was performed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and GSTP1 by PCR-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP). Statistical Analysis: Fisher's exact test and χ2 statistics using SPSS software (Version-15.0). Results: We observed significant association of GSTM1 null (P=0.004, OR= 2.042, 95%CI= 1.254-3.325) and GSTP1 (I/V) (P=0.001, OR= 0.397, 95%CI=0.225-0.701) with T2DM and no significant association with GSTT1 (P=0.493). The combined analysis of the three genotypes GSTM1 null, T1 present and P1 (I/I) demonstrated an increase in T2DM risk (P= 0.005, OR= 2.431 95% CI=1.315-4.496).

Conclusions:

This is the first study showing the association of a combined effect of GSTM1, T1 and P1 genotypes in a representative cohort of Indian patients with T2DM. Since significant association was seen in GSTM1 null and GSTP1 (I/V) and multiple association in GSTM1 null, T1 present and P1 (I/I), these polymorphisms can be screened in the population to determine the diabetic risk.
Normal pressure hydrocephalus after gamma knife radiosurgery for vestibular schwannoma
Authors: Mohammed TA , Ahuja MS , Ju SS , Thomas J
Published: August 2010

Vestibular schwannomas are not uncommon, and gamma knife radiosurgery is one of the treatment options for symptomatic tumors. Hydrocephalus is a complication of gamma knife treatment of vestibular schwannoma, though the mechanism of the development of hydrocephalus remains controversial. We present an unusual case of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) after gamma knife radiosurgery of a vestibular schwannoma in which the timeline of events strongly suggests that gamma knife played a contributory role in the development of the hydrocephalus. This is probably the first case of NPH post radiosurgery with normal cerebrospinal fluid protein. Communicating hydrocephalus should be treated with placement of shunt while non-communicating hydrocephalus can be treated with third ventriculostomy. Frequent monitoring and early intervention post radiosurgery is highly recommended to prevent irreversible cerebral damage.
Potentially inappropriate medication use in elderly patients
Authors: Harugeri A , Joseph J , Parthasarathi G , Ramesh M , Guido S
Published: August 2010

Background:

Geriatrics is an emerging clinical specialty in India. Information about the appropriateness of prescription medication use among the elderly in India is limited. Aims: To determine the prevalence and predictors of potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use, and assess the relationship between PIM use and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in the hospitalized elderly.

Settings:

Medicine wards at two teaching hospitals.

Design:

Prospective observational study.

Materials and Methods:

Patients aged ≥ 60 years admitted to medicine wards between January 2008 and June 2009 were included and reviewed for PIM use according to the Beers Criteria 2003 (BC). Severity of PIM use was classified as per BC as 'high' or 'low'. ADRs observed in the study patients were also recorded. Statistical Analysis: Association between ADRs and PIM use was assessed using Chi Square test. Bivariate analysis and subsequently multivariate logistic regression was used to identify predictors of PIM use.

Results:

PIM use was observed in 191 of 814 enrolled patients. At least one PIM at admission and during hospital stay was received by 2.4% (20) and 22.1% (180) patients respectively. High-severity PIM use showed a higher prevalence compared to low severity [26.8% (218) vs. 5.5% (45)]. Amongst the patients who received polypharmacy (≥ 5 concurrent medications), 1.4% (5/362) and 22.1% (163/736) patients received PIMs at admission and during hospital stay respectively. Use of aspirin/clopidogrel/diclofenac in the presence of blood clotting disorder or anticoagulant therapy (8.3%) was the most commonly encountered PIM use. Medications not listed in BC were associated with increased occurrence of ADRs compared to medications listed in BC (349 vs. 11) (χ2 =98.4, P<0.001). Increased number of concurrent medications' use (≥9) during the stay in medicine wards was identified as an influential predictor of PIM use [Odds ratio: 1.9, 95% Confidence Interval: 1.34-2.69, P<0.001) in the hospitalized elderly.

Conclusion:

PIM use was common (23.5%) among the elderly patients during their stay in medicine wards in two tertiary care hospitals. Measures targeted only at BC medications may do little to change the risk of ADRs in elderly.
Esomeprazole-induced photoallergic dermatitis
Authors: Shukla A , Mahapatra A , Gogtay N , Khopkar U
Published: August 2010

There are no published case reports of esomeprazole-induced photoallergic dermatitis. We report here a 58-year-old lady with prior history of propylthiouracil and carbimazole-induced photoallergy, who presented with heartburn and dysphagia. She was diagnosed to have erosive esophagitis and was treated with esomeprazole, following which she developed photoallergic dermatitis. It improved on cessation of the drug and did not recur on subsequent treatment with ranitidine. Naranjo score for this adverse drug event was 8, thereby making it a probable adverse drug reaction. This reaction may be due to sulphur moiety, which is common to all these drugs. Physicians must be aware of this possible side-effect, especially in patients with prior history of photoallergy to other drugs.
PTPN22 gene polymorphisms in autoimmune diseases with special reference to systemic lupus erythematosus disease susceptibility
Authors: Pradhan V , Borse V , Ghosh K
Published: August 2010

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a prototype autoimmune disease. SLE is a result of one or more immune mechanisms, like autoantibody production, complement activation, multiple inflammation and immune complex deposition leading to organ tissue damage. SLE affected patients are susceptible to common and opportunistic infections. There are several reports suggesting that Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection precipitates SLE in patients from endemic areas. Genetic factors and environmental factors also play an important role in the overall susceptibility to SLE pathophysiology. Recently, protein tyrosine phosphatase, non-receptor type 22 (PTPN22) gene, has been found to be associated with several autoimmune diseases like SLE, Grave's disease and Hashimoto thyroiditis. The missense R620W polymorphism, rs 2476601, in PTPN22 gene at the nucleotide 1858 in codon 620 (620Arg > Trp) has been associated with autoimmune diseases. The PTPN22 locus is also found to be responsible for development of pulmonary tuberculosis in certain populations. The PTPN22 1858C/T gene locus will be ideal to look for SLE susceptibility to tuberculosis in the Indian population. In this review, we focus on human PTPN22 gene structure and function as well as the association of PTPN22 gene polymorphisms with SLE susceptibility
Ambient concentrations of aldehydes in relation to Beijing Olympic air pollution control measures
Authors: Gong J. C. , Zhu T. , Hu M. , Zhang L. W. , Cheng H. , Zhang L. , Tong J. , Zhang J.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. Aldehydes are ubiquitous constituents of the atmosphere. Their concentrations are elevated in polluted urban atmospheres. The present study was carried out to characterize three aldehydes of most health concern (formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein) in a central Beijing site in the summer and early fall of 2008 (from June to October). Measurements were made before, during, and after the Beijing Olympics to examine whether the air pollution control measures implemented to improve Beijing's air quality during the Olympics had any impact on concentrations of the three aldehydes. Average concentrations of formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and acrolein were 29.34 ± 15.12 μg/m3, 27.09 ± 15.74 μg/m3 and 2.32 ± 0.95 μg/m3, respectively, for the entire period of measurements, all being the highest among the levels measured in cities around the world in photochemical smog seasons. Among the three measured aldehydes, only acetaldehyde had a substantially reduced mean concentration during the Olympic air pollution control period compared to the pre-Olympic period. Formaldehyde and acrolein followed the changing pattern of temperature and were each significantly correlated with ozone (a secondary product of photochemical reactions). In contrast, acetaldehyde was significantly correlated with several pollutants emitted mainly from local emission sources (e.g., NO2, CO, and PM2.5). These findings suggest that local direct emissions had a larger impact on acetaldehyde than formaldehyde and acrolein.
Application of WaSiM-ETH model to Northern German lowland catchments: model performance in relation to catchment characteristics and sensitivity to land use change
Authors: Bormann H. , Elfert S.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. The hydrological catchment model WaSiM-ETH (Water Balance Simulation Model) is a spatially distributed, process- and grid-based hydrological catchment model which was primarily developed to simulate the water balance of mountainous catchments. In this study, the ability of WaSiM-ETH was tested to describe the hydrological processes of lowland catchments. In addition, the resulting model performance was related to subcatchment characteristics and the model's sensitivity to possible future land use change. The prediction of the hydrological effects of land use change is a major challenge in contemporary hydrological model applications. The study revealed that WaSiM-ETH is a suitable tool for the simulation of the hydrological behaviour of lowland catchments. However, for a few subcatchments model validation failed. Analysing the correlation between model performance and physiographic catchment characteristics revealed that WaSiM-ETH performs better in sloped catchments compared to plane ones. Modelling results were also better in heterogeneous catchments with respect to soils and vegetation compared to homogenous ones. However, the hydrological reaction to land use change scenarios was similar in all investigated catchments.