bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Citation of non-English peer review publications – some Chinese examples
Authors: Fung Isaac CH
Published: September 2008

Articles published in English language journals with citations of non-English peer reviewed materials are not very common today. However, as epidemiologists are becoming more aware of data and information being readily available and accessible in the non-English literature, the question of whether non-English materials can be cited in English language journals and if so, how should they be cited, has become an increasingly important issue. Bringing together personal insights from the author's familiarity with both the English and Chinese language epidemiological literature and results from a survey on the use of citations of non-English peer reviewed materials across a sample of epidemiology and public health journals, this commentary discusses the different ways authors cite non-English articles in different English language journals and the different methods used by journals to handle non-Latin scripts (e.g. transliteration). This commentary will be useful to both epidemiologists and editors alike.
Biomedical journals and databases in Russia and Russian language in the former Soviet Union and beyond
Authors: Vlassov Vasiliy V , Danishevskiy Kirill D
Published: September 2008

In the 20th century, Russian biomedical science experienced a decline from the blossom of the early years to a drastic state. Through the first decades of the USSR, it was transformed to suit the ideological requirements of a totalitarian state and biased directives of communist leaders. Later, depressing economic conditions and isolation from the international research community further impeded its development. Contemporary Russia has inherited a system of medical education quite different from the west as well as counterproductive regulations for the allocation of research funding. The methodology of medical and epidemiological research in Russia is largely outdated. Epidemiology continues to focus on infectious disease and results of the best studies tend to be published in international periodicals. MEDLINE continues to be the best database to search for Russian biomedical publications, despite only a small proportion being indexed. The database of the Moscow Central Medical Library is the largest national database of medical periodicals, but does not provide abstracts and full subject heading codes, and it does not cover even the entire collection of the Library. New databases and catalogs (e.g. Panteleimon) that have appeared recently are incomplete and do not enable effective searching.
Public health and epidemiology journals published in Brazil and other Portuguese speaking countries
Authors: Barreto Mauricio L , Barata Rita Barradas
Published: September 2008

It is well known that papers written in languages other than English have a great risk of being ignored simply because these languages are not accessible to the international scientific community. The objective of this paper is to facilitate the access to the public health and epidemiology literature available in Portuguese speaking countries. It was found that it is particularly concentrated in Brazil, with some few examples in Portugal and none in other Portuguese speaking countries. This literature is predominantly written in Portuguese, but also in other languages such as English or Spanish. The paper describes the several journals, as well as the bibliographic databases that index these journals and how to access them. Most journals provide open-access with direct links in the indexing databases. The importance of this scientific production for the development of epidemiology as a scientific discipline and as a basic discipline for public health practice is discussed. To marginalize these publications has implications for a more balanced knowledge and understanding of the health problems and their determinants at a world-wide level.
Harnessing the wealth of Chinese scientific literature: schistosomiasis research and control in China
Authors: Liu Qin , Tian Li-Guang , Xiao Shu-Hua , Qi Zhen , Steinmann Peter , Mak Tippi K , Utzinger Jürg , Zhou Xiao-Nong
Published: September 2008

The economy of China continues to boom and so have its biomedical research and related publishing activities. Several so-called neglected tropical diseases that are most common in the developing world are still rampant or even emerging in some parts of China. The purpose of this article is to document the significant research potential from the Chinese biomedical bibliographic databases. The research contributions from China in the epidemiology and control of schistosomiasis provide an excellent illustration. We searched two widely used databases, namely China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and VIP Information (VIP). Employing the keyword "Schistosoma" ("Equation missing") and covering the period 1990–2006, we obtained 10,244 hits in the CNKI database and 5,975 in VIP. We examined 10 Chinese biomedical journals that published the highest number of original research articles on schistosomiasis for issues including languages and open access. Although most of the journals are published in Chinese, English abstracts are usually available. Open access to full articles was available in China Tropical Medicine in 2005/2006 and is granted by the Chinese Journal of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases since 2003; none of the other journals examined offered open access. We reviewed (i) the discovery and development of antischistosomal drugs, (ii) the progress made with molluscicides and (iii) environmental management for schistosomiasis control in China over the past 20 years. In conclusion, significant research is published in the Chinese literature, which is relevant for local control measures and global scientific knowledge. Open access should be encouraged and language barriers removed so the wealth of Chinese research can be more fully appreciated by the scientific community.
Seek, and ye shall find: Accessing the global epidemiological literature in different languages
Authors: Fung Isaac CH
Published: September 2008

The thematic series 'Beyond English: Accessing the global epidemiological literature' in Emerging Themes in Epidemiology highlights the wealth of epidemiological and public health literature in the major languages of the world, and the bibliographic databases through which they can be searched and accessed. This editorial suggests that all systematic reviews in epidemiology and public health should include literature published in the major languages of the world and that the use of regional and non-English bibliographic databases should become routine.
Juvenile polyposis syndrome affecting the stomach: A case report
Authors: Kelly Steven , Dwerryhouse Simon , Safranek Peter , Hardwick Richard
Published: September 2008

Introduction

Juvenile polyposis syndrome(JPS) is a rare autosomal dominant inherited condition. Hamartomatous polyps can affect the entire gastrointestinal tract but usually predominate in the colon. In this case report we present an unusual case of JPS that presented with massive gastric polyposis requiring a total gastrectomy.

Case presentation

A 51-year-old man presented with symptoms of gastric outlet obstruction and upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Gastroscopy showed massive gastric polyposis with a large antral polyp that had prolapsed through the pylorus causing gastric outlet obstruction. Initially endoscopic polypectomy was performed, but due to progressive symptoms a total gastrectomy was then performed. Histology confirmed massive gastric juvenile polyposis.

Conclusion

Massive gastric polyposis is an uncommon manifestation of juvenile polyposis syndrome. This case illustrates important principles in managing this condition.
Melatonin and its agonists: an update
Authors: Arendt Josephine , Rajaratnam Shantha M. W.
Published: September 2008

The pineal hormone melatonin is able to shift the timing of circadian
rhythms, including the sleep–wake cycle, and to promote sleep. Melatonin
agonists with similar properties have therapeutic potential for the
treatment of circadian rhythm sleep disorders. Depression is specifically
targeted by agomelatine, which is also a serotonin-2C (5-HT2C)
antagonist.
Guided self-instructions for people with chronic fatigue
syndrome: randomised controlled trial
Authors: Knoop Hans , van der Meer Jos W. M. , Bleijenberg Gijs
Published: September 2008

A minimal intervention, based on cognitive–behavioural therapy for chronic
fatigue syndrome and consisting of self-instructions combined with email
contact, was tested in a randomised controlled trial (ISRCTN27293439). A
total of 171 patients participated in the trial: 85 were allocated to the
intervention condition and 86 to the waiting-list condition. All patients
met the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for chronic
fatigue syndrome. An intention-to-treat analysis showed a significant
decrease in fatigue and disability after self-instruction. The level of
disability was negatively correlated with treatment outcome. Guided
self-instructions are an effective treatment for patients with relatively
less severe chronic fatigue syndrome.
Pros and cons of online cognitive–behavioural therapy
Authors: Andersson Gerhard , Cuijpers Pim
Published: September 2008

Online cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) for depression has the potential to serve as an important addition to the care of people with mild to moderate depression. Although some studies show promising results, the need for proper diagnoses and human guidance must be considered when interpreting the modest effects found in studies with little or no guidance from a therapist.
The future of cancer therapy: an interview with Gerard Evan
Authors: Kain Kristin
Published: September 2008

Gerard Evan is a founding editor of DMM, whose work uncovered a crucial role for the tumor suppressor Myc in cellular apoptosis. Here, he talks about the future of cancer therapy and the responsibility of academic science in tackling these complex questions.
Exonucleolysis is required for nuclear mRNA quality control in yeast THO mutants
Authors: Assenholt Jannie , Mouaikel John , Andersen Kasper R. , Brodersen Ditlev E. , Libri Domenico , Jensen Torben Heick
Published: September 2008

Production of aberrant messenger ribonucleoprotein particles (mRNPs) is subject to quality control (QC). In yeast strains carrying mutations of the THO complex, transcription induction triggers a number of interconnected QC phenotypes: (1) rapid degradation of several mRNAs; (2) retention of a fraction of THO-dependent mRNAs in transcription site-associated foci; and (3) formation of a high molecular weight DNA/protein complex in the 3′-ends of THO target genes. Here, we demonstrate that the 3′–5′ exonucleolytic domain of the nuclear exosome factor Rrp6p is necessary for establishing all QC phenotypes associated with THO mutations. The N terminus of Rrp6p is also important presumably through its binding to the Rrp6p co-factor Rrp47p. Interestingly, the 3′–5′ exonucleolytic activity of Dis3p, the only other active exonuclease of the nuclear exosome, can also contribute to RNA QC in THO mutants, while other nuclear 3′–5′ exonucleases cannot. Our data show that exonucleolytic attack by the nuclear exosome is needed both for provoking mRNP QC and for its ensuing elimination of faulty RNA.
Mid-term clinical and sonographic outcome of arthroscopic repair of the rotator cuff
Authors: Levy O. , Venkateswaran B. , Even T. , Ravenscroft M. , Copeland S.
Published: September 2008

We have conducted a prospective study to assess the mid-term clinical results following arthroscopic repair of the rotator cuff. Patients were evaluated using the Constant score, subjective satisfaction levels and post-operative ultrasound scans.

Of 115 consecutive patients who underwent arthroscopic repair of the rotator cuff at our institution, 102 were available for follow-up. The mean period of follow-up was for 35.8 months (24 to 73). The mean age of the patients was 57.3 years (23 to 78). There were 18 small (≤ 1 cm in diameter), 44 medium (1 cm to 3 cm in diameter), 34 large (3 cm to 5 cm in diameter) and six massive (> 5 cm in diameter) tears. There was a statistically significant increase in the size of the tear with increasing age (p = 0.0048).

The mean pre-operative Constant score was 41.4 points (95% confidence interval, 37.9 to 44.9), which improved to 84.5 (95% confidence interval, 82.2 to 86.9). A significant inverse association (p = 0.0074), was observed between the size of the tear and the post-operative Constant score, with patients having smaller tears attaining higher Constant scores after repair. Post-operatively, 80 patients (78.4%) were able to resume their occupations and 84 (82.4%) returned to their pre-injury leisure activities. Only eight (7.8%) of 102 patients were not satisfied with the outcome.

Recurrent tears were detected by ultrasound in 19 (18.6%) patients, and were generally smaller than the original ones. Patients with recurrent tears experienced a mean improvement of 31.6 points (95% confidence interval, 23.6 to 39.6) in their post-operative Constant scores. Those with intact repairs had significantly improved (p < 0.0001) Constant scores (mean improvement 46.3 points, 95% confidence interval, 41.9 to 50.6). Patient satisfaction was high in 94 cases (92%), irrespective of the outcome of the Constant score. Recurrent tears appear to be linked to age-related degeneration.

Arthroscopic repair of the rotator cuff leads to high rates of satisfaction (92%) and good functional results, albeit with a recurrence rate of 18.6% (19 of 102).
Concomitant reconstruction of the medial collateral and posterior oblique ligaments for medial instability of the knee
Authors: Kim S.-J. , Lee D.-H. , Kim T.-E. , Choi N.-H.
Published: September 2008

We present the operative technique and clinical results of concomitant reconstruction of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and the posterior oblique ligament for medial instability of the knee using autogenous semitendinosus tendon with preservation of the tibial attachment. The semitendinosus tendon graft between the screw on the medial epicondyle and the tibial attachment of the graft was overlapped by the MCL, while the graft between the screw and the insertion of the direct head of the semimembranosus tendon was overlapped by the central arm of the posterior oblique ligament. Assessment was by stress radiograph and the Lysholm knee scoring scale. After a mean follow-up of 52.6 months (25 to 92), the medial joint opening of the knee was within 2 mm in 22 of 24 patients. The mean Lysholm score was 91.9 (80 to 100).

Concomitant reconstruction of the MCL and posterior oblique ligament using autogenous semitendinosus tendon provides a good solution to medial instability.
A comparison of single-versus double-row suture anchor techniques in a simulated repair of the rotator cuff
Authors: Ozbaydar M. , Elhassan B. , Esenyel C. , Atalar A. , Bozdag E. , Sunbuloglu E. , Kopuz N. , Demirhan M.
Published: September 2008

We compared time-dependent changes in the biomechanical properties of single-and double-row repair of a simulated acute tear of the rotator cuff in rabbits to determine the effect of the fixation techniques on the healing process.

A tear of the supraspinatus tendon was created in 80 rabbits which were separated into two equal groups. A single-row repair with two suture anchors was conducted in group 1 and a double-row repair with four suture anchors in group 2. A total of ten intact contralateral shoulder joints was used as a control group. Biomechanical testing was performed immediately post-operatively and at four and eight weeks, and histological analysis at four and eight weeks.

The mean load to failure in group 2 animals was greater than in group 1, but both groups remained lower than the control group at all intervals. Histological analysis showed similar healing properties at four and eight weeks in both groups, but a significantly larger number of healed tendon-bone interfaces were identified in group 2 than in group 1 at eight weeks (p < 0.012).

The ultimate load to failure increased with the number of suture anchors used immediately post-operatively, and at four and eight weeks. The increased load to failure at eight weeks seemed to be related to the increase in the surface area of healed tendon-to-bone in the double-row repair group.
Posterior lumbar interbody fusion for adult isthmic spondylolisthesis
Authors: Suh K. T. , Park W. W. , Kim S.-J. , Cho H. M. , Lee J. S. , Lee J. S.
Published: September 2008

Between March 2000 and February 2006, we carried out a prospective study of 100 patients with a low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis (Meyerding grade II or below), who were randomised to receive a single-level and instrumented posterior lumbar interbody fusion with either one or two cages. The minimum follow-up was for two years. At this stage 91 patients were available for review. A total of 47 patients received one cage (group 1) and 44 two cages (group 2). The clinical and radiological outcomes of the two groups were compared.

There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of post-operative pain, Oswestry Disability Score, clinical results, complication rate, percentage of post-operative slip, anterior fusion rate or posterior fusion rate. On the other hand, the mean operating time was 144 minutes (100 to 240) for patients in group 1 and 167 minutes (110 to 270) for those in group 2 (p = 0.0002). The mean blood loss up to the end of the first post-operative day was 756 ml (510 to 1440) in group 1 and 817 ml (620 to 1730) in group 2 (p < 0.0001).

Our results suggest that an instrumented posterior lumbar interbody fusion performed with either one or two cages in addition to a bone graft around the cage has a low rate of complications and a high fusion rate. The clinical outcomes were good in most cases, regardless of whether one or two cages had been used.
Early mortality after surgical fixation of hip fractures in the elderly
Authors: Holt G. , Smith R. , Duncan K. , Finlayson D. F. , Gregori A.
Published: September 2008

We investigated the relationship between a number of patient and management variables and mortality after surgery for fracture of the hip. Data relating to 18 817 patients were obtained from the Scottish Hip Fracture Audit database. We divided variables into two categories, depending on whether they were case-mix (age; gender; fracture type; pre-fracture residence; pre-fracture mobility and ASA scores) or management variables (time from fracture to surgery; time from admission to surgery; grade of surgical and anaesthetic staff undertaking the procedure and anaesthetic technique).

Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that all case-mix variables were strongly associated with post-operative mortality, even when controlling for the effects of the remaining variables. Inclusion of the management variables into the case-mix base regression model provided no significant improvement to the model. Patient case-mix variables have the most significant effect on post-operative mortality and unfortunately such variables cannot be modified by pre-operative medical interventions.
Speech priming: An examination of rate and syntactic persistence in preschoolers
Authors: Hupp Julie M. , Jungers Melissa K.
Published: September 2008

Interactional coordination is important for conversational competence. For example, the syntactic form and rate of perceived speech can influence future productions in adults. Previous work has shown that children are similarly primed by syntax. This experiment demonstrates that syntactic priming and rate priming exist simultaneously in children. Participants (4‐ and 5‐years‐old) alternated between listening to priming sentences that described visual scenes and producing their own descriptions of similar scenes. The priming sentences varied in rate (fast and slow) and syntactic structure (active and passive). Children's sentences reflected the timing and syntactic structure of the primes, and there were developmental differences in their rate persistence.
Die Stellung der Objektklitika im Französischen und Italienischen
Authors: Goldbach Maria
Published: September 2008

Resümee

Die Objektklitika in den romanischen Sprachen zeigen hinsichtlich ihrer Stellung zum Verb einzelsprachlich und im Sprachvergleich ein variierendes Verhalten. Obwohl ihre Verbzentriertheit im modernen Französischen und modernen Italienischen dadurch offenkundig ist, dass sie durch keine nicht-klitische Konstituente vom Verb getrennt werden können, weisen sie noch keine einheitliche Bindungsposition auf. In einer historisch-vergleichenden Betrachtung soll die Entwicklung der Gemeinsamkeiten und Unterschiede hinsichtlich Position und Form der Objektklitika im Französischen und Italienischen beschrieben werden, woraus ihre Distribution in den modernen Varianten der beiden Sprachen resultiert.
Reactive conversion of polycrystalline SnO2 into single-crystal nanofiber arrays at low oxygen partial pressure
Authors: Carney Carmen M. , Akbar Sheikh A. , Cai Ye , Yoo Sehoon , Sandhage Kenneth H.
Published: September 2008

Single-crystal SnO2 nanofibers have been formed from SnO2 polycrystals via reaction at low oxygen partial pressures. Polycrystalline SnO2 disks coated with Au nanoparticles were exposed to humid H2/N2 at 700 to 800 °C. Single-crystal SnO2 nanofibers formed beneath Au nanoparticles, with the nanofiber length oriented parallel to the [100] crystallographic direction of SnO2. Because this simple process does not require either a separate source of a Sn–O-bearing vapor species located upstream of the substrate or a temperature gradient, single-crystal nanofibers may be formed on large area SnO2-bearing substrates.
HIV/AIDS risk among female sex workers who use crack in Southern Brazil
Authors: Malta Monica , Monteiro Simone , Lima Rosa Maria Jeronymo , Bauken Suzana , Marco Aliamar de , Zuim Gleisse Cristine , Bastos Francisco Inacio , Singer Merrill , Strathdee Steffanie Anne
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVE: To understand the social context of female sex workers who use crack and its impact on HIV/AIDS risk behaviors. METHODODOLOGICAL PROCEDURES: Qualitative study carried out in Foz do Iguaçu, Southern Brazil, in 2003. Twenty-six in-depth interviews and two focus groups were carried out with female commercial sex workers who frequently use crack. In-depth interviews with health providers, community leaders and public policy managers, as well as field observations were also conducted. Transcript data was entered into Atlas.ti software and grounded theory methodology was used to analyze the data and develop a conceptual model as a result of this study. ANALYSIS OF RESULTS: Female sex workers who use crack had low self-perceived HIV risk in spite of being engaged in risky behaviors (e.g. unprotected sex with multiple partners). Physical and sexual violence among clients, occasional and stable partners was widespread jeopardizing negotiation and consistent condom use. According to health providers, community leaders and public policy managers, several female sex workers who use crack are homeless or live in slums, and rarely have access to health services, voluntary counseling and testing, social support, pre-natal and reproductive care. CONCLUSIONS: Female sex workers who use crack experience a plethora of health and social problems, which apparently affect their risks for HIV infection. Low-threshold, user-friendly and gender-tailored interventions should be implemented, in order to increase the access to health and social-support services among this population. Those initiatives might also increase their access to reproductive health in general, and to preventive strategies focusing on HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections.
Missed opportunities for congenital syphilis and HIV perinatal transmission prevention
Authors: Rodrigues Celeste Souza , Guimarães Mark Drew Crosland , César Cibele Comini
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of missed opportunities for congenital syphilis and HIV prevention in pregnant women who had access to prenatal care and to assess factors associated to non-testing of these infections. METHODS: Cross-sectional study comprising a randomly selected sample of 2,145 puerperal women who were admitted in maternity hospitals for delivery or curettage and had attended at least one prenatal care visit, in Brazil between 1999 and 2000. No syphilis and/or anti-HIV testing during pregnancy was a marker for missed prevention opportunity. Women who were not tested for either or both were compared to those who had at least one syphilis and one anti-HIV testing performed during pregnancy (reference category). The prevalence of missed prevention opportunity was estimated for each category with 95% confidence intervals. Factors independently associated with missed prevention opportunity were assessed through multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS: The prevalence of missed prevention opportunity for syphilis or anti-HIV was 41.2% and 56.0%, respectively. The multivariate analysis showed that race/skin color (non-white), schooling (<8 years), marital status (single), income (<3 monthly minimum wages), having sex during pregnancy, history of syphilis prior to the current pregnancy, number of prenatal care visits (<6), and last prenatal visit before the third trimester of gestation were associated with an increased risk of missed prevention opportunity. A negative association with missed prevention opportunity was found between marital status (single), prenatal care site (hospital) and first prenatal visit in the third trimester of gestation. CONCLUSIONS: High rates of non-tested women indicate failures in preventive and control actions for HIV infection and congenital syphilis. Pregnant women have been discontinuing prenatal care at an early stage and are failing to undergo prenatal screening for HIV and syphilis.
Tradução, adaptação e validação de construto do Teste do Relógio aplicado entre idosos no Brasil
Authors: Atalaia-Silva Kelly Cristina , Lourenço Roberto Alves
Published: September 2008

OBJETIVO: Poucos estudos no Brasil investigaram a validação de testes cognitivos em amostras populacionais de idosos e nenhum deles analisou as propriedades psicométricas do Teste do Relógio de Tuokko. O objetivo do estudo foi traduzir e adaptar o modelo desse teste ao contexto brasileiro e avaliar sua validade de construto. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com uma amostra populacional constituída por 353 sujeitos de Juiz de Fora (MG), 2004-2005. Para avaliar as validades convergente e discriminante, utilizou-se a correlação de Pearson. Os subtestes do Teste do Relógio foram correlacionados com os instrumentos de referência: cubos e dígitos, e mini-exame do estado mental para avaliar a validade convergente. A validade discriminante foi investigada por meio da correlação dos subtestes com a Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. RESULTADOS: Da amostra, 74,1% eram do sexo feminino, com idade entre 63 e 107 anos (73,8+8,5) e média de escolaridade foi 7,4 anos (DP=4,7). Obteve-se validade convergente, com correlações estatisticamente significativas entre todos os subtestes (p<0,01). Quanto à validade discriminante, o único subteste que teve correlação significativa com a escala de referência foi o "indicação das horas" (p<0,05). CONCLUSÕES: O Teste de Relógio traduzido e adaptado em uma amostra comunitária de idosos mostrou ser um instrumento de rastreio cognitivo breve, com boa validade de construto quando analisado com outros dados da literatura. Futuros trabalhos devem investigar outras propriedades psicométricas, como as validades de critério e de conteúdo.
"Get back to where you once belonged": monitoring the AIDS pandemic in the 21st century
Authors: Bastos Francisco Inácio
Published: September 2008

This paper reviews the concepts and methodological strategies that have shaped the monitoring of the AIDS pandemic, today in its third decade. A deliberate effort was made to highlight aspects usually forgotten by the canon. The paper aims to track the footsteps of the evolving strategies in the field of surveillance & monitoring, with the help of disciplines such as epidemiology, molecular biology, social, and behavioral sciences. The deep divide that opposes societies severely affected by the epidemic and affluent societies much less affected by the epidemic is contrasted with the scarce human and financial resources of the societies facing harshest epidemic vis-à-vis the comprehensiveness of the response to the epidemic in their affluent counterparts in terms of the scope and high standards of their initiatives on monitoring, prevention, management & care. The pressing need to implement feasible alternatives to the current sophisticated and expensive ones is briefly discussed. Beyond the renewed challenge posed to the creativity of scientists and health professionals, the AIDS pandemic is described as a major public health crisis, compromising the social fabric in some contexts, and as a never fulfilled calling for an ethics of solidarity between different societies and different social strata of each given society.
The many faces of epidemiology: evolutionary epidemiology
Authors: Struchiner Claudio José , Luz Paula Mendes , Codeço Claudia Torres , Massad Eduardo
Published: September 2008

We review important issues revealed by the application of the evolutionary theory to epidemiological problems. The scope is restricted to infectious diseases and the evolution of virulence as a consequence of public health strategies to control transmission. We focus on the discussion about the possibility of virulence management and explore current scenarios in which recent advances in molecular biology and genetics offer new tools to monitor and change diversity among pathogens, vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. We stress the need to integrate the analytical framework of epidemiology into population genetics and evolutionary theory. We anticipate as an outcome of this process the development of study designs and analytical tools to predict the evolutionary implications of control measures in the population and surveillance mechanisms to continuously monitor the changes in pathogen virulence patterns. Communication among modelers, epidemiologists and molecular biologists is essential in order to design model-driven field trials and to develop data-driven analytical tools leading to conclusive findings that can inform the public health oriented decision making process.
Da utilização do preservativo masculino à prevenção de DST/aids
Authors: Madureira Valéria Silvana Faganello , Trentini Mercedes
Published: September 2008

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar as atitudes de homens referentes ao uso do preservativo masculino nas relações heterossexuais e se caracteriza como análise secundária de parte de uma pesquisa de maior amplitude que teve o propósito de compreender o poder nas relações de casais heterossexuais a partir da perspectiva do homem. A análise secundária propõe examinar dados de pesquisa obtidos e analisados num estudo prévio para responder questões diferentes das do estudo original. Do estudo original participaram dez homens do oeste de Santa Catarina. Para o presente estudo, foram usados os dados de identificação dos participantes, bem como dados gerados nas discussões do grupo e das entrevistas realizadas no estudo original. A análise dos dados consistiu em leitura de todas as informações; extração dos relatos comuns; agrupamento dos códigos de acordo com sua natureza e formação de categorias. Os resultados mostraram atitudes dos homens em relação às seguintes categorias: preservativo somente para evitar gravidez; preservativo com a esposa denuncia traição; o preservativo deve ser usado "fora de casa"; nunca usei preservativo; sexo seguro. Na prevenção de DST/aids, emaranham-se aspectos vinculados às crenças, aos mitos, aos estereótipos em saúde e às características dos relacionamentos homem-mulher.
Analisando a problemática do risco em casais que vivem em situação de sorodiscordância
Authors: Amorim Camila Miranda de , Szapiro Ana Maria
Published: September 2008

Este artigo relata um estudo feito com pessoas que vivem em situação de sorodiscordância - caracterizada pela parceria entre uma pessoa soropositiva para o HIV e outra não - e busca compreender de que modo elas convivem com essa condição que pode se apresentar como uma constante prática de risco. Foram realizadas, no Centro de Testagem e Aconselhamento do Hospital Escola São Francisco de Assis da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, quinze entrevistas com usuários que vivem em situação de sorodiscordância. O temor de transmitir o vírus HIV ao (à) parceiro (a) soronegativo (a) apareceu como uma constante. Além do medo, dificuldades para conversar sobre o assunto, planejar o futuro e manter uma vida sexual considerada satisfatória também se destacaram. O uso do preservativo não aparece como algo adotado facilmente. Os entrevistados apontam outros fatores em jogo no exercício das práticas sexuais com prevenção efetiva - para além do conhecimento sobre as formas de infecção pelo vírus. Tais fatores parecem depender mais diretamente das possibilidades de cada um dos parceiros em construir uma identidade do casal diante de uma nova realidade que traz risco. Paradoxalmente, o risco de infecção que está sempre num outro, neste caso, está num outro muito próximo, do qual depende, inclusive, a permanência do casal.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of interventions used to reduce exposure to house dust and their effect on the development and severity of asthma
Authors: Macdonald Clare , Sternberg Anna , Hunter Paul
Published: September 2008

We assessed whether any household dust reduction intervention has the effect of increasing or decreasing the development or severity of atopic disease. Electronic searches on household intervention and atopic disease were conducted in 2007 in EMBASE, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. We included randomized controlled trials comparing asthma outcomes in a household intervention group with either placebo intervention or no intervention. Meta-analyses on the prevention studies found that the interventions made no difference to the onset of wheeze but made a significant reduction in physician-diagnosed asthma. Meta-analysis of lung function outcomes indicated no improvement due to the interventions but found a reduction in symptom days. Qualitatively, health care was used less in those receiving interventions. However, in one study that compared intervention, placebo, and control arms, the reduction in heath care use was similar in the placebo and intervention arms. This review suggests that there is not sufficient evidence to suggest implementing hygiene measures in an attempt to improve outcomes in existing atopic disease, but interventions from birth in those at high risk of atopy are useful in preventing diagnosed asthma but not parental-reported wheeze.
A trajetória de um serviço público em álcool e outras drogas no município de Vitória: o caso do CPTT
Authors: Reis Rossana dos , Garcia Maria Lúcia Teixeira
Published: September 2008

O objetivo desse estudo é analisar o Centro de Prevenção e Tratamento de Toxicômanos (CPTT) e refletir o processo municipal de implementação da política de atenção aos usuários de álcool e outras drogas. Foi realizada pesquisa documental tendo como fontes os relatórios semestrais/anuais e/ou de gestão do CPTT e artigos publicados sobre o serviço. Para análise dos dados, utilizou-se a análise de conteúdo, recorrendo a categorias a priori e a posteriori. O CPTT, serviço de saúde da Prefeitura Municipal de Vitória, foi criado em 1992 na perspectiva de um serviço psicossocial. O processo de trabalho abrange o atendimento individual; atividades grupais na Atenção Diária e grupos de acolhimento e acompanhamento. O quadro hoje no CPTT se caracteriza por precarização do vínculo de trabalho da maioria dos profissionais com o CPTT. Os dados apontam que a implementação do CPTT no município de Vitória expressa, contraditoriamente, avanços na política municipal de atenção aos usuários de álcool e outras drogas e o desafio da não implementação de uma política de recursos humanos que efetive os avanços propostos pela política.
Cárie dentária e necessidade de tratamento odontológico entre os índios Baniwa do Alto Rio Negro, Amazonas
Authors: Carneiro Marília Clemente Gomes , Santos Ricardo Ventura , Garnelo Luiza , Rebelo Maria Augusta Bessa , Coimbra Jr. Carlos Everaldo Alvares
Published: September 2008

Pesquisas epidemiológicas em comunidades indígenas no Brasil têm evidenciado forte relação entre a deterioração da saúde bucal e o consumo de itens industrializados (e do açúcar refinado em particular), aliados à precariedade da atenção odontológica. Este estudo abordou a população Baniwa do pólo-base de Tunuí-Cachoeira, São Gabriel da Cachoeira, Amazonas, Brasil. Foi realizado inquérito transversal sobre as condições de saúde bucal, de acordo com critérios da OMS. Foram observadas as condições dentárias e a necessidade de tratamento, examinando-se 590 indivíduos (49,2% da população > 2 anos). A média de dentes atacados pela doença cárie foi 6,0, 8,2 e 22,1 nas faixas etárias 12-14, 15-19 e mais de 50 anos, respectivamente. O maior valor de ceo-d (5,3) foi encontrado na idade de 5 anos. Do total de pessoas examinadas, 73,6% apresentaram alguma necessidade de tratamento cirúrgico-restaurador. Os indivíduos entre 15-19 anos apresentam as mais elevadas freqüências de restaurações. O CPO-D da população Baniwa é elevado, o que deve estar relacionado a processos recentes de mudanças socioeconômicas, particularmente na dieta. Enfatiza-se a necessidade de ampliação da atenção à saúde bucal, considerando-se a complexidade da questão sociocultural dos povos indígenas.
Managed realignment–lessons from Wallasea, UK
Authors: Dixon M. , Morris R. K. A. , Scott C. R. , Birchenough A. , Colclough S.
Published: September 2008

Managed realignment often involves the construction of new sea walls at a location behind existing sea walls to create parcels of land that can be flooded to create new inter-tidal environments. It is employed in the UK to improve flood risk management within the context of flood risk management strategies, but so far most emphasis has focused upon creation of new wildlife habitat because this has been where the opportunities and funding have been found. Initial projects were relatively small in scale, but recent projects have been much larger. Scaling up the size of realignments introduces a variety of additional engineering and social challenges and the realignment of Wallasea Island in 2006 is one of the largest. There were a variety of issues encountered during the development of the Wallasea Island realignment that make it a good platform for exploring the issues and some of the solutions that have been found to date. This account describes the project and some of the measures taken to give it as high a level of social acceptability as possible. Such measures include design features for fish nurseries, provision of public access and careful liaison with affected communities.
Numerical study of scour around a pipeline bundle
Authors: Liang D. , Cheng L.
Published: September 2008

A well-established two-dimensional numerical model was employed to study the scour-hole development around a pipeline bundle, which was composed of a main pipeline and a piggyback pipeline. Both the current and wave flow situations were simulated with parameters chosen to represent prototype pipeline scour in adverse weather conditions. Under the same hydraulic and soil conditions, the scour around the main pipeline alone and around an equivalent pipeline was also simulated, and these served as reference cases for studying the scour around pipeline bundles. The focus of this paper is the equilibrium scour depth and the development rate. It was found that the pipeline bundle produced a deeper scour depth with a larger time-scale in comparison with the scour occurring for the single-pipeline case; thus the equivalent-pipeline representation may lead to an unsafe design. The differences between the pipeline bundle and single pipeline scour were larger under the current alone flow condition than those under the wave condition. These differences in the scour development can be explained by examining the flow fields around the pipeline.
Among the Blind
Authors: Bishop Ryan , Phillips John
Published: September 2008

In an attempt to rethink the boundaries that conventionally determine the Cold War period and its fiction, we examine theoretical, historical, and aesthetic spheres that both precede and exceed the Cold War years. We focus on works by H.G. Wells and Richard Powers in connection with modes of investigating thought, action, and sensation that were integral to Cold War strategy and technology. We argue that duration and the historical closures of the period inevitably fail to capture intrinsic factors of the Cold War that are consistently manifested in discourses as wide-ranging as those of military technology, aesthetics, philosophy, science, and psychology. These discourses tell the same story from different angles. The horizon has either already disappeared into the absolute distance or a spectral remnant of it remains as the target for an action that would reduce it and bring it back entirely into its range.
“DO NOT LEAVE YOUR Homes”
Authors: Cordle Daniel
Published: September 2008

Taking its critical cue from notions of a United States “containment culture,” developed by Alan Nadel and Elaine Tyler May, this article locates Judith Merril’s atomic war novel, Shadow on the Hearth (1950), in early Cold War political contexts. Contrary to readings that see Gladys, Merril’s protagonist, as liberated by her experiences, it argues that the text shows how she remains compromised by the domestic culture that has produced her. Indeed, the scenario of atomic attack is a device that exposes the effects of prevailing domestic ideologies and their origins in the geopolitics of the early Cold War. The suburban home emerges not as a place of retreat from the uncertainties of a newly nuclear and threatening world, but as a crucible in which contemporary anxieties can only be imperfectly contained.
Long-term brain plasticity allowing a multistage surgical approach to World Health Organization Grade II gliomas in eloquent areas
Authors: Robles Santiago Gil , Gatignol Peggy , Lehéricy Stéphane , Duffau Hugues
Published: September 2008

Although the goal of surgery for World Health Organization Grade II gliomas is maximal extent of resection, complete tumor removal is not always possible when the glioma involves eloquent areas. The authors propose a multistage surgical approach to highly crucial areas that are classically considered inoperable, enabling optimization of the extent of resection while avoiding permanent cognitive deficits due to induced functional reshaping in the interim between the 2 consecutive operations. To demonstrate such plasticity, the authors used a combination of sequential functional MR imaging and intraoperative electrical stimulation mapping before and during surgeries spaced by several years in 2 patients who each underwent 2 separate resections of Grade II gliomas located in the left dominant premotor area. During several years of follow-up after the first procedure, both patients had unremarkable examination results and normal socioprofessional lives. There was no malignant transformation. Based on their experience with these cases, the authors suggest that in cases of incomplete glioma removal, a second operation before anaplasia should be considered, made possible by brain reorganization after the first operation.
Do long-term results justify decompressive craniectomy after severe traumatic brain injury?
Authors: Morgalla Matthias H. , Will Bernd E. , Roser Florian , Tatagiba Marcos
Published: September 2008

Object

A decompressive craniectomy can be a life-saving procedure to relieve critically increased intracranial pressure. The survival of a patient is important as well as the subsequent and long-term quality of life. In this paper the authors' goal was to investigate whether long-term clinical results justify the use of a decompressive craniectomy.

Methods

Thirty-three patients (20 males and 13 females) with a mean age of 36.3 years (range 13–60 years) with severe traumatic brain injury (Grades III and IV) and subsequent massive brain swelling were examined. For postoperative assessment the Barthel Index was used. A surgical intervention was based on the following criteria: 1) The intracranial pressure could not be controlled by conservative treatment and constantly exceeded 30 mm Hg (cerebral perfusion pressure < 50 mm Hg). 2) Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography revealed only a systolic flow pattern or systolic peaks. 3) There were no other major injuries. 4) The patient was not older than 60 years.

Results

One-fifth of all patients died and one-fifth remained in a vegetative state. Mild deficits were seen in 6 of 33 patients. A full rehabilitation (Barthel Index 90–100) was achieved in 13 patients (39.4%). Five patients could resume their former occupation, and another 4 had to change jobs.

Conclusions

Age remains to be one of the most important exclusion factors. Decompressive craniectomy provided good clinical results in nearly 40% of patients who were otherwise most likely to die. Therefore, long-term results justify the use of decompressive craniectomy in this case series.
Hypophysectomy for prostate cancer: a revival of old knowledge?
Authors: Flitsch Jörg , Bernreuther Christian , Hagel Christian , Lüdecke Dieter K.
Published: September 2008

The growth of prostate cancer is controlled by several hormones and growth factors. In cases of metastasized prostate cancer, antigonadotropic therapy is currently considered state-of-the-art treatment. Surgical therapies such as adrenalectomy and hypophysectomy are no longer in use. Nevertheless, hypophysectomy has proven efficacy for palliative pain treatment as well as increasing duration of survival.

The authors present the case of a 63-year-old man with metastatic prostate cancer who presented with high serum prostate-specific antigen levels (1216 μg/L) and cavernous sinus syndrome. His disease was progressing despite leuprorelin and docetaxel therapy, and he had severe bone pain despite high-dose pain therapy. He was also anemic. Contrast-enhanced MR imaging showed a pituitary lesion as well as metastatic infiltration of the skull base including the cavernous sinus. The patient's serum level of prolactin was mildly elevated, testosterone was below the detection limit, and insulin-like growth factor–I (IGF-I) was in the upper range for a patient of his age (233 μg/L). Because of the elevated prolactin and high-normal IGF-I levels he was offered a hypophysectomy in addition to pituitary tumor removal. Histological examination of the resected lesion confirmed a nonsecreting pituitary adenoma with infiltration of prostate cancer cells. Postoperatively the patient's prostate-specific antigen levels dropped to 876 μg/L, his bone pain resolved, and the cavernous sinus syndrome improved. Nevertheless, he died of septicemia 4 months after surgery.

Older publications as well as this case have shown the benefit of hypophysectomy for pain treatment. A reduction of IGF-I levels even in the final stage metastasized prostate cancer may play a major role. Respectively, clinical studies with somatostatin analogs are currently in progress, which may lead to a “new” way of treatment in these otherwise hopeless patients. On the basis of the pain relief seen after hypophysectomy in this case and similar benefits reported in older publications, the authors raise the question whether this treatment should be offered more frequently, and whether additional medical options of hormone treatment may be beneficial in similar cases.