A quantitative study of the orientation bias of some edge detector schemes

The evaluation of a particular set of edge detection schemes is described. The results obtained are compared with those obtained from an edge detection scheme using a texture oriented approach. The orientational bias of these schemes is emphasized. Improved qualitative observations are reported and a comparison of the evaluation method with another edge detection evaluation method is presented

The Constant Comparative Analysis Method Outside of Grounded Theory

This commentary addresses the gap in the literature regarding discussion of the legitimate use of Constant Comparative Analysis Method (CCA) outside of Grounded Theory. The purpose is to show the strength of using CCA to maintain the emic perspective and how theoretical frameworks can maintain the etic perspective throughout the analysis. My naturalistic inquiry model shows how conceptual frameworks and theoretical frameworks can be integrated when using the CCA method

A pragmatic patient-reported outcome strategy for rare disease clinical trials: application of the EORTC item library to myelodysplastic syndromes, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, and acute myeloid leukemia.

BackgroundNovel, pragmatic, patient-centered strategies are needed to ensure fit-for-purpose patient-reported outcomes (PRO) instruments in clinical trial research for rare diseases such as myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML). The objective of the current study was to select supplemental items to add to the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life-Core 30 (QLQ-C30) to ensure content coverage of all important clinical concepts in patients with higher-risk (HR) MDS, low-blast count (LB) AML, and CMML, thus, improving the instrument's ability to detect clinically meaningful treatment benefit for this context of use.MethodsOur mixed methods approach comprised literature review, clinician consultation (n = 3), and qualitative and quantitative analysis of two stages of patient interview data (n = 14, n = 18) to select library bank items to supplement a generic cancer PRO, the EORTC QLQ-C30.ResultsUnique symptom (n = 54) and impact (n = 72) concepts were organized into conceptual frameworks of treatment benefit, compared with EORTC QLQ-C30 items and conceptual gaps identified. Supplemental items (n = 13) addressing those gaps were selected from the EORTC Item Library and tested with patients. Supplemental item endorsement frequencies met World Health Organization Quality of Life criteria, suggesting good targeting and relevance for this sample. However, three supplemental items were confirmed as problematic based upon cognitive debriefing results, and expert clinical consultations. Ultimately, 10 supplemental items (n = 7 symptom; n = 3 impact) were selected for the MDS/AML/CMML context.ConclusionSupplemental items were selected to enhance the conceptual coverage of the EORTC QLQ-C30 in the areas of fatigue, shortness of breath, and functioning

Prevención de infecciones del torrente sanguíneo relacionadas al catéter de pacientes en hemodiálisis

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review of the literature on the prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infections in patients on hemodialysis. METHODS: A literature search was performed in Medline, Embase, Scielo, Lilacs, and Cochrane databases for articles published from 1990 to 2008. RESULTS: Two hundred ninety- three articles were retrieved. However, only 12 studies were included in this review. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that health care providers use several infection control measures to prevent bloodstream infections in this patient population.OBJETIVO: Realizar una revisión sistemática sobre las medidas patronizadas para la prevención de infecciones relacionadas al catéter de pacientes en hemodiálisis. MÉTODOS: Fue realizada una revisión sobre la prevención de infecciones en hemodiálisis en las bases de datos Medline, Embase, SciElo, Lilacs y Cochrane Library de estudios publicados entre los años de 1990 al 2008. RESULTADOS: Fueron encontrados 293 artículos y de éstos 12 fueron incluidos en el estudio. CONCLUSIÓN: Se evidenció la importancia de la aplicación de un conjunto de medidas de control de infecciones por los profesionales de la salud para prevenir la infección en esta población de pacientes.OBJETIVO: Realizar uma revisão sistemática sobre medidas padronizadas para prevenção de infecções relacionadas a cateter em pacientes em hemodiálise. MÉTODOS: Foi realizada uma revisão sobre a prevenção de infecções em hemodiálise nas bases de dados Medline, Embase, SciElo, Lilacs e Cochrane Library de estudos publicados entre os anos de 1990 e 2008. RESULTADOS: Foram encontrados 293 artigos e destes 12 foram incluídos no estudo. CONCLUSÃO: Foi evidenciada a importância da aplicação de um conjunto de medidas de controle de infecções pelos profissionais da saúde para prevenir a infecção nesta população de pacientes.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Departamento de EnfermagemUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)UNIFESP, Depto. de EnfermagemUNIFESPSciEL

Children's and Young People's Food Practices in Contexts of Poverty and Inequality

© 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd and National Children's Bureau.Non peer reviewedFinal Accepted Versio

Bubble transport Mechanism: Indications for a gas bubble-mediated inoculation of benthic methanothrophs into the water column

Highlights • A new bentho-pelagic transport mechanism of microorganisms is hypothesized • A bubble transport hypothesis was tested using a new gas bubble-collecting device • Bubble-mediated transport rate of methanotrophs was quantified at a gas vent • The Bubble Transport Mechanism may influence the pelagic methane sink Abstract The importance of methanotrophic microorganisms in the sediment and water column for balancing marine methane budgets is well accepted. However, whether methanotrophic populations are distinct for benthic and pelagic environments or are the result of exchange processes between the two, remains an area of active research. We conducted a field pilot study at the Rostocker Seep site (Coal Oil Point seep field, offshore California, USA) to test the hypothesis that bubble-mediated transport of methane-oxidizing microorganisms from the sediment into the water column is quantifiable. Measurements included dissolved methane concentration and showed a strong influence of methane seepage on the water-column methane distribution with strongly elevated sea surface concentrations with respect to atmospheric equilibrium (saturation ratio ~17,000%). Using Catalyzed Reporter Deposition Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (CARD FISH) analysis, aerobic methane oxidizing bacteria (MOB) were detected in the sediment and the water column, whereas anaerobic methanotrophs (ANME-2) were detected exclusively in the sediment. Critical data for testing the hypothesis were collected using a novel bubble catcher that trapped naturally emanating seep gas bubbles and any attached particles approximately 15 cm above the seafloor. Bubble catcher experiments were carried out directly above a natural bubble seep vent and at a nearby reference site, for which an “engineered” nitrogen bubble vent without sediment contact was created. Our experiments indicate the existence of a “Bubble Transport Mechanism”, which transports MOB from the sediment into the water column. In contrast, ANME-2 were not detected in the bubble catcher. The Bubble Transport Mechanism could have important implications for the connectivity between benthic and pelagic methanotrophic communities at methane seep sites

Lesão renal aguda após exame contrastado em idosos

OBJECTIVES: to assess renal function in elderly patients undergoing contrast-enhanced computed tomography and identify the preventive measures of acute kidney injury in the period before and after the examination. METHOD: longitudinal cohort study conducted at the Federal University of São Paulo Hospital, from March 2011 to March 2013. All hospitalized elderly, of both sexes, aged 60 years and above, who performed the examination, were included (n=93). We collected sociodemographic data, data related to the examination and to the care provided, and creatinine values prior and post exam. RESULTS: an alteration in renal function was observed in 51 patients (54%) with a statistically significant increase of creatinine values (p<0.04), and two patients (4.0%) required hemodialysis. CONCLUSION: There is an urgent need for protocols prior to and post contrast-enhanced examination in the elderly, and other studies to verify the prognosis of thi population.OBJETIVOS: evaluar la función renal en pacientes adultos mayores sometidos a tomografía computarizada con contraste e identificar las medidas preventivas de la insuficiencia renal aguda en el período antes y después del examen. MÉTODO: Estudio longitudinal de cohorte realizado en la Universidad Federal del hospital de São Paulo, entre marzo de 2011 y marzo de 2013. Se incluyó a todos los adulto mayores hospitalizados, de ambos sexos, de 60 años y más, que realizaron el examen (n=93). Se recogieron datos sociodemográficos, datos relacionados con el examen y la atención recibida, y los valores de creatinina antes y después del examen. RESULTADOS: se observó una alteración de la función renal en 51 pacientes (54%) con un aumento estadísticamente significativo de los valores de creatinina (p<0,04), y dos pacientes (4,0%) requirieron hemodiálisis. CONCLUSIÓN: Hay una necesidad urgente de protocolos de antes y después del examen con contraste en los adultos mayores, y otros estudios para verificar el pronóstico de esta población.OBJETIVOS: avaliar a função renal em idosos submetidos a tomografia computadorizada com contraste e identificar o uso de medidas preventivas da lesão renal aguda, no períodos antes e após o exame. MÉTODO: estudo de coorte longitudinal, realizado no Hospital São Paulo da Universidade Federal de São Paulo, no período de março de 2011 a março de 2013. Foram incluído todos (n=93) os idosos internados, de ambos os sexos e idade mínima de 60 anos que realizaram o exame. Foram coletados dados sociodemográficos, relacionados ao exame, cuidado prestado e valores de creatinina pré e pós-exame. RESULTADOS: ocorreu alteração na função renal em 51 (54%) pacientes com elevação estatisticamente significante (p<0,04) da creatinina, e em dois (4,0%) foi necessária a realização de hemodiálise. CONCLUSÃO: há necessidade premente do uso de protocolos pré e pós-exames contrastados em idosos e de outros estudos para verificar o prognóstico dessa população.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Escola Paulista de EnfermagemUNIFESP, EPESciEL

Conhecimento e atitudes sobre sexualidade em idosos portadores de HIV/AIDS

OBJECTIVES: Assess the knowledge and attitudes about sexuality in the elderly with HIV/AIDS served in a specialized ambulatory clinic; and identify the epidemiological profile of these patients. METHODS: Cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study with a sample of 148 people aged 50 years and over. The Aging Sexual Knowledge and Attitudes Scale was used to assess the knowledge and the attitudes about sexuality of the elderly. RESULTS: The study included 148 elderly, male gender (63.5%), single (30.5%), retired and pensioners (53%), low socioeconomic class (60%), only 21% have completed the Secondary Education, monthly family income 3.3 minimum wages, time since diagnosis 156 months and predominant form of infection via sexual (66.2%). ASKAS knowledge score was 32.2 and attitudes score was 15.5. There was significant association between the knowledge ASKAS with the female gender, being a widow and more than one comorbidity; and between the attitudes ASKAS with complete Secondary Education and physical activity. CONCLUSION: Patients with HIV/AIDS showed favorable knowledge and attitudes about sexuality in the elderly, and women that were housewives showed significant knowledge.OBJETIVOS: Evaluar el conocimiento y actitudes sobre sexualidad en ancianos con VIH/SIDA atendidos en Consultorio Externo especializado; e Identificar el perfil epidemiológico de esos pacientes. MÉTODOS: Estudio de corte transversal, descriptivo y analítico realizad con una muestra de 148 personas con 50 años o más. Se utilizó la Aging Sexual Knowledge and Attitudes Scale para evaluar el conocimiento y actitudes sobre la sexualidad de los ancianos. RESULTADOS: Participaron en el estudio 148 ancianos, sexo masculino (63,5%), solteros (30,5%), jubilados y cesantes (53%), clase económica baja (60%), solamente 21% poseían hasta primaria completa, ingreso familiar mensual 3,3 salarios, tiempo de diagnóstico 156 meses y forma de contagio predominante vía sexual (66,2%). Score de la ASKAS de conocimiento fue de 32,2 y de actitudes 15,5. Hubo asociación significativa entre ASKAS conocimiento y género femenino, ser viudo y más de una comorbilidad y ASKAS actitudes con primaria completa y actividad física. CONCLUSIÓN: Pacientes con VIH/SIDA demostraron conocimiento y actitudes favorables sobre la sexualidad en el anciano, y mujeres amas de casa presentaron conocimiento significativo.OBJETIVOS: Avaliar o conhecimento e atitudes sobre sexualidade em idosos com HIV/AIDS atendidos em ambulatório especializado; e Identificar o perfil epidemiológico desses pacientes. MÉTODOS: Estudo de corte transversal, descritivo e analítico com amostra de 148 pessoas com 50 anos ou mais. Utilizou-se a Aging Sexual Knowledge and Attitudes Scale para avaliar o conhecimento e atitudes sobre a sexualidade dos idosos. RESULTADOS: Participaram do estudo 148 idosos, sexo masculino (63,5%), solteiro (30,5%), aposentados e pensionistas (53%), classe econômica baixa (60%), somente 21% possuíam até ensino médio completo, renda familiar mensal 3,3 salários, tempo de diagnóstico 156 meses e forma de contágio predominante via sexual (66,2%). Escore da ASKAS de conhecimento foi 32,2 e de atitudes 15,5. Houve associação significante entre ASKAS conhecimento e gênero feminino, ser viúvo e mais de uma comorbidade e ASKAS atitudes com ensino médio completo e atividade física. CONCLUSÃO: Pacientes com HIV/AIDS demonstraram conhecimento e atitudes favoráveis sobre a sexualidade no idoso, e mulheres donas de casa apresentaram conhecimento significante.Federal University of São Paulo Paulista School of NursingUNIFESP, EPESciEL

Uso profiláctico de Mupirocina en cateter venoso central de hemodiálisis: revisión sistemática y metaanálisis

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of the use of topical Mupirocin on the insertion of central venous catheter for hemodialysis. METHODS: This was a systematic review with meta-analysis. RESULTS: After a careful and extensive search, we included three clinical trials that compared the use of Mupirocin versus other intervention in central venous catheter for hemodialysis. CONCLUSION: The study found that the use of topical Mupirocin is effective in reducing episodes of infection among hemodialysis patients, increasing duration time for catheter, and significantly reducing S aureus infections, which are the most prevalent in this population.OBJETIVO: Evaluar el impacto del uso de Mupirocina tópica en inserción de cateter venoso central para hemodiálisis. MÉTODOS: Revisión Sistemática con Metaanálisis. RESULTADOS: Después de una criteriosa y extensa búsqueda, se incluyeron tres ensayos clínicos que compararon el uso de Mupirocina versus otra intervención en cateter venoso central para hemodiálise. CONCLUSIÓN: El estudio demostró que el uso de Mupirocina tópica es eficaz para la reducción de los episodios de infecciones entre los pacientes en hemodiálisis, aumentando el tiempo de utilización del cateter, además de reducir significativamente las infecciones por S aureus, las más prevalentes en esa población.OBJETIVO: Avaliar o impacto do uso de Mupirocina tópica em inserção de cateter venoso central para hemodiálise. MÉTODOS: Revisão Sistemática com Metanálise. RESULTADOS: Após uma criteriosa e extensa busca, foram incluídos três ensaios clínicos que compararam o uso de Mupirocina versus outra intervenção em cateter venoso central para hemodiálise. CONCLUSÃO: O estudo apontou que o uso de Mupirocina tópica é eficaz para redução dos episódios de infecções entre os pacientes em hemodiálise, aumentando o tempo de utilização do cateter, além de reduzir significativamente as infecções por S aureus as mais prevalentes nessa população.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Escola Paulista de EnfermagemUNIFESP, EPESciEL

What kind of trouble? Meeting the health needs of ‘troubled families’ through intensive family support

The policy rhetoric of the UK Coalition government's ‘Troubled Families’ initiative, and that of New Labour's earlier Respect Agenda, share an emphasis on families’ responsibilities, or rather their irresponsibility, and their financial costs to society. Giving children a chance of a better life coincides, in this framing, with reducing costs for the taxpayer. The research reported here was based on a national study of Family Intervention Projects (FIPs), funded by the UK government between 2009 and 2012, beginning under New Labour, continuing over a period when the FIP programme was discontinued, and ending after the Troubled Families programme had begun. The research involved over 100 in-depth interviews with stakeholders, including service managers, family key workers, and caregivers and children in twenty families, to consider critical questions about the kinds of trouble that families experience in their lives, and how they are recognised in the policy and practice of intensive family intervention