bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regression Models for Validating Cyclic Triaxial Test Results
Authors: Polito Carmine
Published: December 2010

Cyclic triaxial tests are commonly used to evaluate a soil’s potential for liquefaction during seismic events. Following testing, it is necessary to evaluate the validity of the test results. This can be a difficult task unless the engineer has previously acquired a reasonable amount of experience with this type of testing. In order to help evaluate the validity of the test results, a series of eight predictive models have been developed for sands and soils with non-plastic silts. These models predict a mean value of the number of cycles required to cause liquefaction as well as 50 and 95 % prediction intervals. The models were separated by the soil type (sands and soils with less than 30 % non-plastic fines versus soils with 30 % or more non-plastic fines), the definition of liquefaction used (initial liquefaction versus 5 % double-amplitude strain), and the method of specimen preparation (moist tamping, air-pluviation, or slurry-deposition). These models were developed using the data from over 1000 tests collected from the author’s files and the literature. Following development, the validity of each model was assessed by examining the statistical parameters of the model, analyzing each model’s residuals, and by predictions made using additional data obtained from the literature.
The Man with the Pale Face, the Shroud, and Du Fay's Missa Se la face ay pale
Authors: Robertson Anne Walters
Published: December 2010

Guillaume Du Fay composed his Missa Se la face ay pale, based on his ballade of the same name, during his final sojourn at the Court of Savoy in Chambéry from 1452 to 1458. It has been suggested that the piece celebrated the consummation of the wedding of Amadeus of Savoy and Yolande de France in 1452, but the basis for assigning it to this occasion —that a song about a man whose "face is pale" for "reason of love" might refer to a bridegroom—is weak. A fresh look at this seminal composition points to a different rationale, one stemming from examination of the affective theology of the fifteenth century that influenced art in all its forms.

Late medieval Passion treatises, dialogues, sermons, lives of Christ, along with related paintings often depict Christ as the man with the pale face. In his final hours on the Cross, Christ's physical aspect is described as "pale" or "pallid." The "reason" for his disfigurement is his "great love" for mankind. In sacred dialogues between Christ and the female soul ("anima"), the Man of Sorrows conveys his love and encourages her to "see" or "behold" his wounds and study his "bitter" passion. The language of Du Fay's ballade is strikingly similar: "If the face is pale / The cause is love, / That is the main cause; / And so bitter to me / Is love, that in the sea / Would I like to see myself."

What prompted Du Fay to use this song in his Missa Se la face ay pale? This article proposes that an important Christological relic, the Holy Shroud, acquired by Du Fay's patron Duke Louis of Savoy in 1453 (and not moved from Chambéry to its present location in Turin until 1578), lies at the heart of the work, and that the composer incorporated theological symbols in the Mass to associate it with this sacred remnant. Recognition of early Christ-Masses such as the Missa Se la face ay pale helps to redefine the word "devotional" and illuminates the beginnings of Mass composition with secular tunes and of emotional expression in sacred music.
Augustine and the “Chair of Lies”: Rhetoric in The Confessions
Authors: Tell Dave
Published: December 2010

Augustine's highly dramatized resignation as a professor of rhetoric in Book Nine of The Confessions has caused a number of hermeneutic problems for scholars seeking to claim Augustine as an important part of rhetorical histories. By situating the resignation in the context of Augustine's critique of Manichaean practices of speech, I argue that Augustine's resignation marks a fundamental affirmation of rhetoric—an act in which Augustine's deep commitment to the arts of rhetoric shines forth with uncommon brilliance.
Influence of spironolactone treatment on endothelial function in non-obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Bajuk Studen Katica , Šebeštjen Miran , Pfeifer Marija , Preželj Janez
Published: December 2010

Objective

Accumulating evidence connects polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Endothelial dysfunction is present in PCOS and represents an early, reversible marker of cardiovascular damage. As androgens and renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system are implicated in the atherogenesis process of PCOS, we tested the hypothesis that treatment with spironolactone, an androgen and mineralocorticoid receptor blocking drug, might reverse endothelial dysfunction in PCOS.

Patients

A total of 30 non-obese PCOS patients, compared with 20 body mass index matched control subjects, were evaluated. PCOS patients were given spironolactone 100 mg daily in 21-day long intervals followed by a 7-day pause, for 6 months.

Measurements

Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), glyceryl trinitrate-induced dilatation, free testosterone, androstenedione, DHEA-sulfate, total, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and triglycerides were determined at baseline and after 6 months.

Results

Results are expressed as median (25–75th percentile). At baseline, FMD was significantly lower in PCOS patients than in controls: 6.0 (0.0–11.7) vs 10.2 (6.8–15.9) %, P=0.018. This difference disappeared after 6 months of spironolactone treatment, as FMD in PCOS patients significantly increased to 8.3 (5.7–10.3) %, P=0.034, and was no longer different from controls. In PCOS patients, serum androgen levels did not change during treatment, while total and LDL-cholesterol decreased significantly from 4.8 (4.1–5.1) mmol/l to 4.4 (3.9–4.8) mmol/l and from 2.5 (2.1–3.1) to 2.2. (2.1–2.5) mmol/l, P<0.05 and P<0.05 respectively.

Conclusion

Treatment with spironolactone normalized endothelial function and improved cholesterol levels in non-obese PCOS patients.
The Yak1 Protein Kinase Lies at the Center of a Regulatory Cascade Affecting Adhesive Growth and Stress Resistance inSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Malcher Mario , Schladebeck Sarah , Mösch Hans-Ulrich
Published: December 2010

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, adhesive growth on solid surfaces is mediated by the flocculin Flo11 to confer biofilm and filament formation. Expression of FLO11 is governed by a complex regulatory network that includes, e.g., the protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway. In addition, numerous regulatory genes, which have not been integrated into regulatory networks, affect adhesive growth, including WHI3 encoding an RNA-binding protein and YAK1 coding for a dual-specificity tyrosine-regulated protein kinase. In this study, we present evidence that Whi3 and Yak1 form part of a signaling pathway that regulates FLO11-mediated surface adhesion and is involved in stress resistance. Our study further suggests that Whi3 controls YAK1 expression at the post-transcriptional level and that Yak1 targets the transcriptional regulators Sok2 and Phd1 to control FLO11. We also discovered that Yak1 regulates acidic stress resistance and adhesion via the transcription factor Haa1. Finally, we provide evidence that the catalytic PKA subunit Tpk1 inhibits Yak1 by targeting specific serine residues to suppress FLO11. In summary, our data suggest that Yak1 is at the center of a regulatory cascade for adhesive growth and stress resistance, which is under dual control of Whi3 and the PKA subunit Tpk1.
Incidence of Neonatal Herpes Simplex Virus Infections in the United States, 2006
Authors: Flagg Elaine W. , Weinstock Hillard
Published: December 2010

OBJECTIVES:

Neonatal herpes simplex virus (nHSV) infections, although relatively rare, cause significant morbidity and mortality. Estimates of nHSV incidence across the United States vary widely and have been derived by using a variety of methods. We estimated the incidence of nHSV infections for the United States during 2006, as well as demographic-specific rates, by using nationally and regionally weighted estimates from a population-based sample of inpatient data.

METHODS:

We examined inpatient records of infants aged 60 days or younger at admission using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kids' Inpatient Database. Patients with a length of stay that exceeded 7 days (or deceased during hospitalization) were identified at discharge from the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes for herpes simplex (054.0–054.9). Cases for which patients had been transferred from another hospital or readmitted were excluded from case counts.

RESULTS:

We found an overall US incidence of 9.6 per 100 000 births in 2006. Rates per 100 000 births among US regions were 8.2 in the Northeast, 12.9 in the Midwest, 8.9 in the South, and 8.8 in the West. Rates of 13.8, 9.9, and 7.5 were observed for black, white, and Hispanic newborns, respectively; these differences were not statistically significant. Rates were significantly higher among cases for which the expected primary payer was Medicaid (15.1) compared with private insurance or managed health care (5.4). Median age at admission was 10 days; 25% of admissions were on the day of birth.

CONCLUSIONS:

This description of regional and demographic-specific nHSV incidence rates for the United States provides important new information on the extent of this potentially devastating disease.
Distributions of Sharks across a Continental Shelf in the Northern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Drymon J. Marcus , Powers Sean P. , Dindo John , Dzwonkowski Brian , Henwood Terry A.
Published: December 2010

Declines in shark populations have sparked researchers and fishery managers to investigate more prudent approaches to the conservation of these fish. As managers strive to improve data collection for stock assessment, fisheries-independent surveys have expanded to include data-deficient areas such as coastal regions. To that end, a catch series from a nearshore survey off Alabama was combined with data from a concurrent offshore survey with identical methodology to examine the depth use of sharks across the continental shelf (2–366 m). The combined data set contained 22 species of sharks collected from 1995 to 2008: 21 species in the offshore data set (1995–2008) and 12 species in the nearshore data set (2006–2008). Depth was a significant factor determining species' distributions, primarily for Atlantic sharpnose Rhizoprionodon terraenovae, blacknose Carcharhinus acronotus, and blacktip C. limbatus sharks. Blacknose sharks had the highest catch per unit effort (CPUE) in the middepth stratum (10–30 m), blacktip sharks had consistently higher CPUE in the shallow depth stratum (<10 m), and Atlantic sharpnose sharks showed high abundance throughout both the shallow and middepth strata. Length frequency and sex ratio analyses suggest that Atlantic sharpnose and blacknose sharks are using waters greater than 30 m deep for parturition, whereas adult blacktip sharks are probably using shallow waters for parturition. Our abundance patterns illustrate a continuum of depth use across the inner continental shelf. Surveys that do not encompass the entirety of this ecosystem fail to accurately characterize the distributions of these important predators.
A alimentação no contexto contemporâneo: consumo, ação política e sustentabilidade
Authors: Portilho Fátima , Castañeda Marcelo , Castro Inês Rugani Ribeiro de
Published: December 2010

O campo interdisciplinar de reflexões sobre a alimentação como campo político passa por um processo de expansão e transbordamento para a esfera privada, cotidiana e rotineira do consumo alimentar. Tal processo parece ser reflexo de transformações nos mercados agroalimentares globais, da ampla percepção e publicização dos riscos alimentares e da politização do consumo. Uma vez que os indivíduos assumem responsabilidades sobre as consequências ambientais e sociais de suas escolhas cotidianas, a especificidade política da alimentação nas sociedades contemporâneas extrapola a esfera institucional (segurança alimentar e nutricional, desigualdades sociais no acesso à alimentação, políticas agrícolas e regulamentação da publicidade de alimentos) para atingir a esfera privada. O artigo aborda alguns dos recentes debates sobre o processo de politização do consumo e faz uma reflexão teórica sobre as dimensões ética, política e ideológica que relacionam hábitos de consumo alimentar, incluindo locais e formas de aquisição e preparo dos alimentos, valores de preservação ambiental, solidariedade com pequenos produtores locais e precaução reflexiva ante os riscos alimentares. Aponta ainda uma agenda de pesquisa capaz de captar processos de politização da comida e práticas de consumo político no campo da alimentação.
Comportamentos de risco para transtornos do comportamento alimentar entre adolescentes do sexo feminino de diferentes estratos sociais do Nordeste do Brasil
Authors: Vale Antonio Maia Olsen do , Kerr Ligia Regina Sansigolo , Bosi Maria Lúcia Magalhães
Published: December 2010

Este estudo procurou estimar a prevalência de transtornos do comportamento alimentar (TCA) e identificar fatores de risco entre adolescentes do sexo feminino em Fortaleza (Ceará, Brasil). Realizou-se um estudo seccional com 652 estudantes secundaristas (14-20 anos) usando-se o Teste de Investigação Bulímica de Edimburgo (BITE). Aplicou-se um modelo de regressão logística. Cerca de um quarto das participantes apresentou padrão alimentar de risco e práticas de controle de peso; em 1,2% encontraram-se indícios de TCA instalado. Medo de engordar foi relatado por 62%, independentemente de estudarem em colégios públicos ou particulares (p>0,05), mas uso de práticas de risco foi superior naquelas procedentes de escolas particulares (p<0,05). Não ter religião (OR: 2.2; 95%CI: 1.1-4.2) e estudar em colégio particular (OR: 1.7; 95%CI: 1.2-2.5) associaram-se com maior risco de apresentar TCA. Os TCA emergem como problema de Saúde Coletiva mesmo em áreas pobres do Brasil, e o desejo pelo corpo magro não se diferenciou entre os diferentes estratos sociais, embora as práticas de risco sejam mais usadas entre as informantes de colégios particulares. Aspectos culturais e subjetivos se apresentam não apenas como fatores de risco, mas também como protetores.
Nanotechnology and in situ remediation: a review of the benefits and potential risks
Authors: Karn Barbara , Kuiken Todd , Otto Martha
Published: December 2010

In this review, we focus on environmental cleanup and provide a background and overview of current practice; research findings; societal issues; potential environment, health, and safety implications; and future directions for nanoremediation. We also discuss nanoscale zero-valent iron in detail. We searched the Web of Science for research studies and accessed recent publicly available reports from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other agencies and organizations that addressed the applications and implications associated with nanoremediation techniques. We also conducted personal interviews with practitioners about specific site remediations. We aggregated information from 45 sites, a representative portion of the total projects under way, to show nanomaterials used, types of pollutants addressed, and organizations responsible for each site. Nanoremediation has the potential not only to reduce the overall costs of cleaning up large-scale contaminated sites but also to reduce cleanup time, eliminate the need for treatment and disposal of contaminated soil, and reduce some contaminant concentrations to near zero - all in situ.
Formação e práticas em saúde de fonoaudiólogos inseridos em serviços públicos de saúde
Authors: Barreto Simone dos Santos , Castro Luciana
Published: December 2010

A integralidade no cuidado à saúde ainda é um desafio para todos os atores envolvidos com o processo de mudança da formação e das práticas em saúde. Entre os profissionais da saúde, os fonoaudiólogos também são convidados a refletir sobre o assunto. Visando identificar pontos importantes para essas reflexões, o objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar o perfil de formação e de práticas em saúde dos fonoaudiólogos graduados pela Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro inseridos em serviços públicos de saúde. Foi realizado um estudo transversal descritivo, com dez sujeitos, entrevistados a partir de um roteiro semiestruturado. Os dados transcritos foram analisados segundo o conteúdo explícito e a frequência das respostas. Os resultados obtidos revelaram que a maioria dos profissionais entrevistados tinha experiência extracurricular na rede pública de saúde, considerou os estágios como uma das experiências mais importantes da graduação, frequentou cursos de especialização e possuía duplo vínculo público. Além disso, o atendimento clínico-terapêutico individual destacou-se como a principal atividade realizada nos serviços de saúde pelos profissionais. Apesar do caráter preliminar, o estudo identificou pontos importantes para a discussão da formação e das práticas desses profissionais da saúde.
Dor e funcionalidade na atenção básica à saúde
Authors: Mata Matheus de Sousa , Costa Fabrícia Azevêdo da , Souza Túlio Oliveira de , Mata Ádala Nayana de Sousa , Pontes Jaqueline Fernandes
Published: December 2010

A dor osteoarticular e a funcionalidade são elementos ligados à saúde dos indivíduos e, portanto, influenciam o modo de interação entre si e entre eles e o meio ambiente que os cerca. Contudo, não são muitos os estudos que levantam essas questões de saúde na população em geral, sobretudo quando aproximamos o olhar da atenção básica sobre elas. Este artigo tem o objetivo de fornecer dados iniciais sobre dor e funcionalidade nos indivíduos com queixa osteoarticular em uma população adscrita a uma unidade básica de saúde (UBS) e suscitar o debate sobre integralidade da atenção nesse serviço. O trabalho descritivo foi realizado na UBS (n1=64) e nos domicílios (n2=48), entre indivíduos a partir dos 20 anos de idade. Foi aplicado um instrumento de avaliação de funcionalidade e a Escala Visual Analógica de dor, e foram exploradas questões sociodemográficas. Com esses instrumentos, buscou-se avaliar o perfil dos indivíduos em relação ao seu grau de dor musculoesquelética, o grau de funcionalidade nas atividades da vida diária, idade e ocupação. Nos resultados, encontramos uma predominância do sexo feminino nos dois grupos, 84,37% e 81,25%, respectivamente. Quase metade das pessoas com dor musculoesquelética eram donas de casa, e a média de idade entre os grupos estava acima dos 55 anos.
Desvendando os processos de trabalho do agente comunitário de saúde nos cenários revelados na Estratégia Saúde da Família no município de Vitória (ES, Brasil)
Authors: Galavote Heletícia Scabelo , Prado Thiago Nascimento do , Maciel Ethel Leonor Noia , Lima Rita de Cássia Duarte
Published: December 2010

O agente comunitário de saúde (ACS) tem um papel singular como "elo" entre a comunidade e o serviço de saúde. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a produção dos processos de trabalho dos ACSs na Estratégia Saúde da Família no município de Vitória (ES). Trata-se de um estudo descritivo de caráter qualitativo, desenvolvido na região de saúde da Grande Maruípe. A amostra foi constituída por 14 ACS, sendo empregada, na coleta dos dados, a entrevista semiestruturada, com base em um roteiro-guia contendo 24 questões. O processo de trabalho em saúde foi conceituado pelos agentes em estudo como "prevenção e promoção à saúde", e as visitas domiciliares foram referidas como a atividade básica do cotidiano. Os agentes detêm interpretações diversas sobre o processo de trabalho e associam a equipe ao conceito de união. Verifica-se uma idealização das competências referentes ao trabalho do ACS, o que gera um sentimento de impotência e limitação em face dos desafios impostos. Conclui-se que o ACS necessita de ferramentas e habilidades que superem o conhecimento técnico, permitindo-lhe atuar no âmbito social de cada família, considerando o campo das necessidades de saúde de cada usuário.
Avaliação da capacidade de governo de uma secretaria estadual de saúde para o monitoramento e avaliação da Atenção Básica: lições relevantes
Authors: Sampaio Juliana , Carvalho Eduardo Maia Freese de , Pereira Gladys Fernanda Coelho , Mello Fernanda Maria Bezerra de
Published: December 2010

A descentralização do SUS exige que as secretarias estaduais de saúde assumam novas competências como o monitoramento e avaliação da Atenção Básica. Este artigo busca avaliar a "capacidade de governo" de uma secretaria estadual de saúde do Nordeste brasileiro para o monitoramento e avaliação da Atenção Básica. A partir da colaboração técnica realizada via componente III do Programa de Expansão e Consolidação da Saúde da Família (Proesf), foram entrevistados gestores estratégicos, analisados documentos de gestão e realizada observação participativa das atividades do centro formador junto à secretaria, com "análise de conteúdo" do material disponível. Como resultados, destacam-se: ausência de "projeto de governo"; problemas de estrutura física, recursos humanos e materiais; profissionais com baixa qualificação no uso de sistemas de informação, monitoramento e avaliação, e planejamento estratégico, promovendo trabalhos burocráticos e frágil uso de dados epidemiológicos. Em 2006, a secretaria usou recursos federais para fortalecer o monitoramento e avaliação da Atenção Básica, ampliando sua estrutura física, adquirindo equipamentos e capacitando pessoal, sem investir recurso próprio. Conclui-se que esta secretaria tem dificuldades em se adequar à descentralização, com a institucionalização de novos processos de trabalho
Os impasses da pobreza absoluta: a experiência da Ouvidoria Coletiva na região da Leopoldina, Rio de Janeiro (RJ, Brasil)
Authors: Guimarães Maria Beatriz Lisboa , Lima Carla Moura , Savi Elaine Amorim , Cardoso Eliane , Valla Victor Vincent , Stotz Eduardo Navarro , Lacerda Alda , Santos Marta Sorvi
Published: December 2010

A experiência de Ouvidoria Coletiva desenvolvida na região da Leopoldina, na cidade do Rio de Janeiro, amplia a visão tradicional de vigilância em saúde e objetiva organizar um sistema de vigilância capaz de identificar os problemas de saúde da população e os recursos utilizados na tentativa de superá-los. Profissionais de saúde, líderes comunitários e religiosos se reuniram em fóruns mensais para apresentar e discutir as condições de vida percebidas nas comunidades em que atuam. A partir do olhar das dimensões sociais envolvidas nos processos de saúde-doença, este trabalho visa discutir de que forma a pobreza compromete a saúde das classes populares, especialmente no que se refere à saúde mental e ao "sofrimento difuso". A metodologia permitiu organizar, de modo sistemático, a escuta e favoreceu o reconhecimento do saber local, construído a partir das experiências de vida das pessoas que lidam com o sofrimento, a doença e seus determinantes nas condições de vida da população. A situação de pobreza absoluta de uma parcela significativa da população foi percebida como geradora de impasses para a resolução de problemas de saúde. Os resultados confirmam a importância de se compreenderem as estratégias de enfrentamento da população e as propostas para possíveis ações no campo da saúde
A participação popular em Ipatinga (MG, Brasil): conquistas e desafios do setor de saúde
Authors: Batista Elizabeth da Costa , Melo Elza Machado de
Published: December 2010

Com a implementação do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) a partir dos anos 90, observase a passagem de um sistema político, administrativo e financeiramente centralizado para um cenário em que milhares de agentes passam a se constituir sujeitos fundamentais no campo da saúde. Entender como esses diferentes atores conseguiram absorver e garantir à comunidade o direito de participar na tomada de decisão em política pública de saúde foi o objetivo deste trabalho, que procura investigar o discurso democrático e a prática participativa implementada pelo Partido dos Trabalhadores (PT) no município de Ipatinga (MG). Utilizamos como referencial a Teoria da Ação Comunicativa, de Habermas, e a partir dela um modelo de democracia entendido como a institucionalização dos processos discursivos de formação da opinião e da vontade. A partir desse referencial teórico, integrado aos principais pressupostos da Reforma Sanitária Brasileira, foi feito o estudo das políticas municipais de saúde de Ipatinga, no que diz respeito às suas bases e relações democráticas. Os resultados obtidos indicam que há uma importante história democrática no município, com indícios, no entanto, de retrocessos na prática participativa do setor saúde, pois atualmente verifica-se uma reprodução de práticas tradicionais de governar
O Programa de Agentes Comunitários de Saúde no Ceará: o caso de Uruburetama
Authors: Ávila Maria Marlene Marques
Published: December 2010

O Programa de Agentes Comunitários de Saúde, institucionalizado em 1991, foi a primeira estratégia para a atenção primária no Brasil, sendo a segunda o Programa Saúde da Família. No Ceará, o trabalho com agentes de saúde existe desde 1986. O estudo objetivou identificar as práticas das agentes em Uruburetama (CE). As técnicas utilizadas foram a observação e entrevistas. As principais informantes do estudo foram 15 agentes de saúde que acompanhavam 19 crianças de 0 a 12 meses de idade, no período de agosto de 2004 até agosto de 2005. A partir da categoria analítica agente educador, foram identificadas as categorias empíricas: agente de saúde com conhecimentos insuficientes; agente de saúde impotente diante dos determinantes socioeconômicos; agente porta de entrada do PSF; agente pau pra toda obra; e os temas: práticas de saúde descontextualizadas das condições sociais e uma relação de conflitos. Considera-se que as agentes de saúde precisam ser mais capacitadas para desenvolver suas atividades; não têm a compreensão mais ampla dos problemas vivenciados pela comunidade e lhes falta maior apoio no PSF. Aponta-se a necessidade de reforçar a capacitação da agente de saúde, mas prioritariamente fortalecer sua ação como educadora popular em saúde.
Spatial distribution of mortality by homicide and social inequalities according to race/skin color in an intra-urban Brazilian space
Authors: Araújo Edna Maria de , Costa Maria da Conceição Nascimento , Oliveira Nelson Fernandes de , Santana Francisco dos Santos , Barreto Maurício Lima , Hogan Vijaya , Araújo Tânia Maria de
Published: December 2010

INTRODUCTION: In Brazil, deaths by external causes rank first in the mortality statistics. Nevertheless, studies which investigate the relationship between mortality by external causes and race/skin color are scarce. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the relative contribution of race/skin color to the spatial distribution of mortality by homicide in Salvador, state of Bahia, Brazil, in the period 1998 - 2003. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a spatial aggregate study including secondary data on 5,250 subjects, using a unit of analysis called the "weighting area" (WA). Annual average death rates by homicide were estimated. The Global and Local Moran Index were used to evaluate the presence of spatial autocorrelation and the Conditional Auto Regressive (CAR) model was employed to evaluate the referred effect, using the R statistical package. RESULTS: Global and Local Moran's I tests were significant. CAR regression showed that the predicted mortality rate increases when there is a growth in the proportion of black males aged between 15 and 49 years. Geometrically weighted regression (GWR) showed a very small variation of the local coefficients for all predictors. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that the interrelation between race, violence and space is a phenomenon which results from a long process of social inequality. Understanding these interactions requires interdisciplinary efforts that contribute to advancement of knowledge that leads to more specific Public Health interventions.
Prevalência de transtornos mentais comuns entre residentes em áreas urbanas de Feira de Santana, Bahia
Authors: Rocha Saulo Vasconcelos , Almeida Maura Maria Guimarães de , Araújo Tânia Maria de , Virtuoso Júnior Jair Sindra
Published: December 2010

OBJETIVO: Descrever a prevalência de transtornos mentais comuns segundo características sociodemográficas, hábitos de vida e presença de doenças crônicas entre residentes em áreas urbanas de Feira de Santana, Bahia. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico de corte transversal com amostra da população de 15 anos ou mais de idade de Feira de Santana, aleatoriamente selecionada. Foi utilizado um formulário, contendo informações sociodemográficas, de hábitos de vida e doenças referidas. O SRQ-20 foi utilizado para mensuração de Transtornos Mentais Comuns (TMC). A análise estatística foi realizada com nível de significância p < 0,05, cálculo da razão de prevalência e intervalos de confiança de 95%. RESULTADOS: Foram estudados 3.597 indivíduos, 71,4% do sexo feminino. A prevalência global de TMC foi de 29,9%. A análise dos dados revelou que as características sociodemográficas (sexo, renda e escolaridade), os hábitos de vida e as condições clínicas estavam associados à maior prevalência de TMC. CONCLUSÕES: O estudo permitiu estimar a prevalência de TMC na população urbana de um município localizado no nordeste do Brasil e identificar características associadas aos TMC que podem interferir na saúde mental da população estudada. Nesse sentido, as políticas de atenção a saúde mental do município devem contemplar ações direcionadas ao incentivo a participação em atividades de lazer além de campanhas de controle do uso de tabaco e doenças crônicas.
Prevalence of patients with respiratory symptoms through active case finding and diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis among prisoners and related predictors in a jail in the city of Carapicuíba, Brazil
Authors: Vieira Amadeu A. , Ribeiro Sandra A. , Siqueira Ana M. de , Galesi Vera M. N. , Santos Laedi A. R. dos , Golub Jonathan E.
Published: December 2010

BACKGROUND: Prisons offer a fertile setting for the transmission of tuberculosis due to the presence of many classic risk factors for both infection and disease: overcrowding, poor ventilation, and little sunlight. Prisoners are often malnourished and have poor hygiene and are more likely to have a background of alcohol and drug abuse. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of prisoners with respiratory symptoms and pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) through active case finding in a prisoner population of the county jail of Carapicuíba, and to study possible related variables. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study, and respiratory symptomatic individuals (RSI) were detected through active case finding. Socio-demographic data were collected from inmates' judicial history using a specific questionnaire. The RSI provided sputum specimens for detection of acid fast bacilli and culture for mycobacterium identification. RESULTS: Among the 397 prisoners studied, 154 reported respiratory symptoms for more than three weeks, and were considered RSI; the variables associated with RSI were: having already been tried and incarcerated for more than six months and seven were diagnosed as PTB (1,763 cases/ 100,000 inhabitants). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of RSI and PTB cases were respectively 39 and 35 times greater than the general population.
Fatores associados à atividade física insuficiente em adultos: estudo de base populacional no sul do Brasil
Authors: Lopes João Altamiro , Longo Giana Zarbato , Peres Karen Glazer , Boing Antonio Fernando , Arruda Marina Patrício de
Published: December 2010

O objetivo desse estudo foi estimar a prevalência de atividade física (AF) insuficiente na população adulta do município de Lages (Santa Catarina) em 2007 e verificar os fatores associados a este desfecho. Trata-se de um estudo transversal de base populacional. A amostra foi obtida através de sorteio em múltiplos estágios de adultos entre 20 e 59 anos, de ambos os sexos (n = 2.051). Empregou-se o Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física (IPAQ), versão curta, para estimar a prevalência de AF insuficiente, definida como tempo gasto em atividade física moderada ou vigorosa menor do que 150 minutos por semana. Considerou-se como referência a semana anterior à entrevista. A prevalência de AF insuficiente foi de 29,6% (IC95%: 27,6; 31,7). No modelo ajustado, a atividade física insuficiente foi associada positivamente ao sexo masculino, renda familiar alta, obesidade e auto-avaliação negativa de saúde. As prevalências de AF insuficiente foram menores do que as relatadas pela maioria dos estudos brasileiros. Pesquisas que distingam diferentes tipos de atividade física podem contribuir para melhor conhecer o perfil de uma população a fim de contribuir para a implantação de políticas públicas que estimulem a população à prática regular de exercícios.
Warp and Weft: Weaving the Discussion Threads of an Online Community
Authors: Arduser Lora
Published: December 2010

The Pew Internet & American Life Project reports that 86% of Internet users living with a disability or chronic illness have looked for health information online (Fox, 2007). And while so-called e-patients often start this search for information, many find themselves led to communities that provide this and more, such as Tu Diabetes, an online social network site. This pause in what can seem like an endless search for answers may be one that health professionals can gain insight from. Such extended pauses may give insight into the values of this particular community. This article provides the results and analysis of a study using ethnographic methods and rhetorical analysis to examine the texts posted by members of the social networking site Tu Diabetes in order to discern the values held by this community.
Evaluating Applications for an Informal Approach to Information Design: Readers Respond to Three Articles about Nursing
Authors: Willerton Russell , Hereford Mary
Published: December 2010

Although books in the For Dummies series and other similar series have found commercial success, the approach to information design they use has not received much attention in technical communication journals. This article reports on readers' responses to information presented in the magazine Nursing Made Incredibly Easy! and two other nursing journals. Three groups of readers (two groups of nursing students and one group of nursing faculty members) responded to three articles they read by completing questionnaires and participating in focus groups. Nursing Made Incredibly Easy! was regarded as easy to read and as a good starting point for less-experienced readers, but its tone and style elicited some strong objections as well. The article provides observations and recommendations about using an informal approach to information design.
Linking Contextual Factors with Rhetorical Pattern Shift: Direct and Indirect Strategies Recommended in English Business Communication Textbooks in China
Authors: Wang Junhua , Zhu Pinfan
Published: December 2010

Scholars have consistently claimed that rhetorical patterns are culturally bound, and indirectness is a defining characteristic of Chinese writing. Through examining how the rhetorical mechanism of directness and indirectness is presented in 29 English business communication textbooks published in China, we explore how English business communication textbook writers in China keep up with the contextual changes in the Chinese society and how the rhetorical mechanism of directness and indirectness is locally situated in the English business communication teaching practices in China. We conclude that the pedagogical strategy on directness and indirectness represented in Chinese English business communication textbooks echoes the same strategy favored by scholars in the United States.
Low Temperature Water-Gas Shift Reaction on Au-CeO2/Al2O3 Catalysts
Authors: Gunes Hacer , Yildirim Ramazan
Published: December 2010

The low temperature water gas shift activities of Au-CeO2/Al2O3 catalysts were studied in this work. The catalysts were prepared by impregnation of CeO2 on alumina support followed by the homogeneous deposition precipitation of Au on CeO2/Al2O3. The catalysts were tested in a microflow reaction system. It was found that the activity of the catalyst increased with increasing Ce loading from 2.5 wt.% to 10 wt.% significantly while the increase in the activity was minor with the further increase of the ceria to 20 wt.%. The increasing Au content from 1 wt.% to 3 wt.% inversely affected the activity but the conversion increased with increasing Au to 5 wt.%. It was observed that the activity of 5wt.%Au/20wt.%Ce/Al2O3 decreased with increasing CO concentration. On the other hand, the CO conversion was increased with increasing H2O in the feed (significantly up to 10% H2O and then slightly after that). The 15% CO2 in the feed decreased catalytic activity slightly while the negative effect of 60% H2 was more dramatic. The presence of both CO2 and H2 in the feed together resulted the lowest conversion as expected.
Prevention of Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity by Ethanolic Extract of Embelia ribes Fruits and ?-Tocopherol in Experimental Animals
Authors: Akbar Zafar , Banji David , Deshmukh Pradip
Published: December 2010

Oxidative stress due to abnormal production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is believed to be involved in the etiology of toxicity of many xenobiotics. Evidence suggests that in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity, ROS is involved. We studied the nephroprotective effects of ethanol extract of Embelia ribes fruits alone and in combination with vitamin E (?-tocopherol) in cisplatin (12mg/kg i.p)-induced nephrotoxicity in mice. The results of the study indicated that Embelia ribes fruits significantly and dose dependently protected the cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. The serum urea, creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels in cisplatin alone treated groups were significantly elevated (P < 0.01) with respect to control group. The serum urea, creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels were reduced in the Embelia ribes fruits extract treated (200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o), vitamin E (200 mg/kg, p.o), and Embelia ribes fruits (200 mg/kg) with vitamin E (200 mg/kg, p.o) treated groups. The renal levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) were declined in cisplatin alone treated groups. The level of GSH was elevated significantly (P < 0.01) in the Embelia ribes fruits (200 and 400 mg/kg) and Embelia ribes fruits (200 mg/kg) with vitamin E (200 mg/kg) treated groups. The results also demonstrated that combination of Embelia ribes fruits (200 mg/kg) with vitamin E (200 mg/kg) showed a better protection compared to their 200 mg/kg alone treated groups.
Dynamic Simulation of Large-Scale Power Systems Using a Two-Level Computation Tree Model
Authors: Xue Z.Y. , Fang D.Z. , Yang J.G.
Published: December 2010

A new tree structure called the two-level computation tree model is proposed for real time dynamic simulation of large-scale power systems. The features of the computation tree method are that the root node of the tree corresponds to a disconnected linear network, which is easy to be dealt with, and the tree leaf-nodes represent the partitioned subsystems. In the process of trajectory simulation, the correction factors of Newton type iteration are computed through a tree traversal procedure. One advantage of the new method is that the computation tasks for all subsystems can be carried out simultaneously using any parallel computation facilities. Case studies on the 10-generator New England test power system and on a representation of Northeast China power system verify the accuracy and validate the potential application of the proposed method in the real time contingency simulation for realistic large-scale power system.
The results of the surgical treatment of rectal cancer
Authors: Petrovic Tomislav , Breberina Milan , Radovanovic Zoran , Nikolic Ivan , Ivkovic-Kapicl Tatjana , Vukadinovic-Miucin Ivana , Patrnogic Aleksandar , Gavrancic Brane
Published: December 2010

Background: Colorectal carcinoma is the most frequent malignant disease of
the abdomen. Only radical surgical treatment of the patients provides cure
and good prognosis. Our aim was to find out the frequency of certain surgical
procedures in the therapy for rectal carcinoma and survival rate of the
patients compared to the applied surgery and clinical stage of the disease.
Methods: From 2006 to 2008, we included 100 rectal cancer patients in the
study, 46 women and 54 men aged form 29 to 80 years. They were all surgically
treated at the Oncology Institute of Vojvodina, Clinic for surgical oncology
and their medical reports served as our data source. Results: We found
locally advanced carcinoma T3 in 62% of patients and T2 in 24% of patients.
Lymph nodes were positive in 74% of patients and distant metastases were
found in 16% of diseased. Stage III was the most common (31%). The most
frequently performed surgical treatment was low anterior resection of the
rectum (52%) and Miles? operation. Palliative surgery was done in 13% of
patients. Survival rate after radical operations was the highest in patients
with stage I of the disease (100%) and the lowest in patients with stage IV
of the disease (31.25%). Conclusion: The type of surgery is of prognostic
significance.
Minor salivary gland tumors in a south American population
Authors: Conceição Barros , Gurgel Silva , Gomes Caymmi , Agra Gonçalves , Kruschewsky de , Dos Santos
Published: December 2010

Background: Salivary gland tumors are uncommon. This study aimed to
investigate both clinical and epidemiological aspects of minor salivary gland
tumors in a Brazilian population. Methods: From 1976 to 2007, data obtained
from clinical records and histological diagnoses were reviewed according to
the WHO. Results: A total of 217 MSGTs were identified. Pleomorphic adenomas
(83%) and adenoid cystic carcinomas (28.8%) were the most frequent ones. The
mean age of patients with benign and malignant tumors was 54.7 and 44.7
years, respectively. There was a female predominance and the palate was the
most affected location. Surgery was the treatment of choice, but adjuvant
radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy were also used. Recurrence rate of benign
and malignant tumors was respectively 11.2% and 20.4%. Conclusion: this
population showed a relatively higher proportion of malignant tumors, and
these tumors were associated with a higher rate of recurrence when compared
to benign tumors. However, the overall recurrence of 16.2% was also within
the reported range for these tumors. In addition, despite the results of this
study are similar to previous series found in the literature, it provides an
important insight into the epidemiology of patients presenting minor salivary
gland tumors.
Head and neck cancer in young adults treated with 3-D conformal radiotherapy
Authors: Stojkovski Igor , Krstevska Valentina , Mitreski Nenad , Stojkovska Eleonora , Simonova Daniela
Published: December 2010

Background: Purpose of this study was to determine patterns of failure in
young adults with head and neck cancer treated with 3-D conformal
radiotherapy. Methods: Twenty-eight patients with head and neck cancer
younger than 41 years of age were treated with 3-D conformal radiotherapy.
Patients? median age was 31.4 years. Radiotherapy was delivered in the median
total dose of 67.2 Gy to PTV (range, 60.0-70.0 Gy) with or without concurrent
cisplatin. Results: The median duration of follow-up was 20 months. Distant
metastases were the most frequent pattern of failure. The locoregional
relapse-free survival (LRR-FS) rate at 2 years was 66.6%. The median duration
of LRR-FS was 15 months. The distant metastases relapse-free survival
(DMR-FS) rate at 2 years was 65.7%. The median duration of DMR-FS was also 15
months. The overall survival (OS) rate at 2 years was 57.2%. The median
duration of OS was 20 months. Conclusion: Radiotherapy with or without
concurrent chemotherapy plays an important role in treatment of patients with
head and neck cancer. Recent developments of new radiotherapy techniques have
increased rates of local control. Distant metastases remain the most frequent
pattern of failure in this group of young adults with head and neck cancer.
Introducing new cytotoxic and target therapies in future could lead to better
outcome in this subgroup of patients.
Bevacizumab in neoadjuvant treatment of patients with liver metastases from colorectal carcinoma
Authors: Nikolic Ivan , Pavin Svetlana , Kukic Biljana , Bogdanovic Bogdan , Ilic Miroslav , Majdevac Ivan , Petrovic Tomislav , Ivkovic-Kapicl Tatjana
Published: December 2010

Background: Liver metastases are the leading cause of death in patients with
colorectal cancer. Despite advances in chemotherapy, surgical resection of
hepatic metastases is still considered the only curative options. However,
the majority of patients have inoperable disease at presentation.
Perioperative chemotherapy is the most successful way for improved selection
of patients for resection. The aim of the study was to demonstrate if and to
what extent does bevacizumab, introduced in chemotherapy, increase response
rates, and development of liver metastases. Methods: Our study included 50
patients who were divided in two groups. The experimental group included
patients who were treated with bevacizumab plus chemotherapy, and the control
group included patients who were treated with chemotherapy only. Results: The
comparison showed that the patients who were treated with bevacizumab became
candidates for resection of liver metastases in higher percentage (85%:52%).
In addition, distribution of patients regarding the development of metastases
resulted in statistically significant difference. Ratio between the patients
with good response from the experimental and the control group was 67%:39%.
Ratio of patients with stable disease was 26%:48%, and of patients with
progressive disease, it was 7%:3%. The estimate of margin after resection was
statistically insignificant. Conclusion: Bevacizumab in combination with
chemotherapy in therapy of liver metastases from primary colorectal cancer
improves and increases response rates and development of liver metastases.
Home care for advanced cancer: Results and challenges
Authors: Pannuti Franco , Pannuti Francesco , Tanneberger Stephan
Published: December 2010

The majority of palliative care patients prefer home care and 70% of terminal
cancer patients want to die at home. Only a well-organized network of
specialized oncology, home care and hospices/palliative care units can
guarantee the fundamental human right of advanced cancer patients to live and
die with dignity, what we call Eubiosia. We consider the Bologna Eubiosia
Project initiated by ANT in 1985 and supported by numerous political,
religious and private bodies independent from their political color, as an
example of successful fighting against human suffering. However, there is no
doubt that Eubiosia has to be realized at the beginning of the 21st century
in a way, different from the one of 30 years ago. Globalization and
demographic changes create needs for new approaches. Telecare is a reasonable
approach to overcome existing problems. ANT has started the first steps to
preserve our moral values in a rapidly developing world by using new highly
sophisticated health technologies. We believe that Techno-Eubiosia is a new
challenge for caregivers and for the producers of medical devices in the 21st
century.
Gestational choriocarcinoma with hemorrhagic pleural effusion
Authors: Lazovic Biljana , Milenkovic Vera
Published: December 2010

Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) consists of a spectrum of disorders
that are characterized by an abnormal proliferation of trophoblastic tissue.
By virtue of their high vascularity and affinity of trophoblast for blood
vessels, metastases often occur early and the most common site of such
metastases is the lung. We described a case of a 34-year-old patient with
pain in the left half of the chest, occasional, brief hemoptysis, and
amenorrhea occurring in the period of 3 months. This presentation highlights
the importance of analysis of HCG in the pleural puncture, for quick
diagnosis and timely treatment.