Association between framing of the research question using the PICOT format and reporting quality of randomized controlled trials.

Background: Experts recommend formulating a structured research question to guide the research design. However, the basis for this recommendation has not been formally evaluated. The aim of this study was to examine if a structured research question using the PICOT (Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome, Time-frame) format is associated with a better reporting quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

A tutorial on pilot studies: the what, why and how.

Pilot studies for phase III trials - which are comparative randomized trials designed to provide preliminary evidence on the clinical efficacy of a drug or intervention - are routinely performed in many clinical areas. Also commonly know as "feasibility" or "vanguard" studies, they are designed to assess the safety of treatment or interventions; to assess recruitment potential; to assess the feasibility of international collaboration or coordination for multicentre trials; to increase clinical experience with the study medication or intervention for the phase III trials. They are the best way to assess feasibility of a large, expensive full-scale study, and in fact are an almost essential pre-requisite.

Sobre as inclinações carnais: inflexões do pensamento cristão sobre os desejos e as sensações prazerosas do baixo corporal.

This study develops a historical review of the meanings of the "flesh" in the West, focusing on its significance in the context of Christianity. Our hope is that a study along these lines can help to illuminate current understandings of questions related to sexuality both within and outside of the religious contexts found in contemporary Brazil. Such questions are of special interest for those who are concerned with both old and new problems found in the field that has come to be known as sexual and reproductive rights, with implications for the field of Public Health.

Masculorum concubitores: views on homosexuality among Catholics in Recife, Brazil.

This study focuses on Catholics' views towards homosexuality. The discussion is based on an ethnographic survey involving interviews with priests and lay leaders as well as participant observation of daily life in a working-class neighborhood in Recife, Pernambuco State, Brazil. The analysis points to persistent prejudice against homosexuality in the neighborhood and among Catholic clergy and lay leaders interviewed in the study.

Environmental risk factors associated with West Nile virus clinical disease in Florida horses.

The objective of this study was to examine the extrinsic risk factors of West Nile virus (WNV) clinical disease in Florida horses as established from confirmed and negative horses tested within the state from 2001 to 2003. An Arboviral Case Information Form (ACF) was submitted by a referring veterinarian at the time of testing to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services on every horse suspected of a viral encephalitis in Florida. A follow-up survey that focused on arbovirus prevention and farm ecology was created and mailed to the owner of each tested horse.

Predictors of dropout from a multidisciplinary heart failure program: a nested case study.

Background: Chronic heart failure is a growing public health issue that is reaching epidemic proportions. In the last few years, multidisciplinary management programs have been developed to improve its management. Yet, some patients take advantage of these programs, whereas others do not.

Uncommon etiology of an anterior chest wall mass.

A rare but important constellation of musculoskeletal and cutaneous symptoms, including synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis, has recently been designated the SAPHO syndrome. The exact etiology is unknown, although various infectious agents have been proposed. The most common site of osteoarticular involvement is the sternoclavicular joint, and therefore, recognition of this syndrome and appropriate workup and management is crucial in the differential diagnosis of an anterior chest wall mass.

Production and characterization of new families of polyglucuronic acids from TEMPO-NaOCl oxidation of curdlan.

Curdlan from Agrobacterium sp. was oxidized using 2,2,6,6,-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl radical (TEMPO)-NaBr-NaClO systems at pH 11. The effects of oxidation conditions on degrees of oxidation and polymerization of the products obtained were studied using SEC-MALLS, NMR and IR analyses.

Age estimation from stages of union of the vertebral epiphyses of the ribs.

This study attempts to fill a persistent gap in the literature by documenting the timing of epiphyseal union at the vertebral end of the ribs in a sample of modern Portuguese skeletons. The skeletal remains of 53 females and 45 males, between the ages of 11 and 30, were taken from the Lisbon documented skeletal collection. Individuals in the sample have been previously described as being representative of a middle-to-low socioeconomic segment of the early 20th century Lisbon population.

Multiplex transport and detection of cytokines using kinesin-driven molecular shuttles.

The application of biomolecular active transport systems offers a potential route for downscaling multiple analyte assays for lab-on-a-chip applications. Recently, the capture and transport of a wide range of target analytes including proteins, virus particles, and DNA have been demonstrated using kinesin-driven molecular shuttles. The molecular shuttles consisted of microtubule (MT) filaments that were functionalized with either analyte-selective antibodies or complementary DNA, thus facilitating selective target capture and transport.

Bisphosphonate associated osteonecrosis of the jaw.

In 2003, the first reports describing osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) in patients receiving bisphosphonates (BP) were published. These cases occurred in patients with cancer receiving high-dose intravenous BP; however, 5% of the cases were in patients with osteoporosis receiving low-dose bisphosphonate therapy. We present the results of a systematic review of the incidence, risk factors, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of BP associated ONJ.

Electro-optic vortex-producing lenses using spiral-shaped ferroelectric domains.

We present electrically controlled wavefront modulators that simultaneously focus and introduce vorticity to an incident beam. These modulators are made out of spiral-shaped 180 degrees ferroelectric domains in lithium niobate; they have a virtually instantaneous response time, withstand high power and can be used throughout the transparency region of the material (0.4 - 5 microm).

Feline diabetes mellitus: diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring.

Advances in the treatment and monitoring of diabetes mellitus in humans are being applied to feline patients. The authors present the current approaches to the treatment of diabetic cats as well as their experience with the use of new monitoring technology.

The influence of DeltaFosB in the nucleus accumbens on natural reward-related behavior.

The transcription factor deltaFosB (DeltaFosB), induced in nucleus accumbens (NAc) by chronic exposure to drugs of abuse, has been shown to mediate sensitized responses to these drugs. However, less is known about a role for DeltaFosB in regulating responses to natural rewards. Here, we demonstrate that two powerful natural reward behaviors, sucrose drinking and sexual behavior, increase levels of DeltaFosB in the NAc.

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Religious Responses to AIDS in Brazil: Preliminary findings on the AIDS Pastoral of the Catholic ChurchThis text is structured in four parts. First, we present considerations related general to information about AIDS in Brazil, the relationship between religion and AIDS, sexuality, AIDS and the separation between church and state - as well as a clearer definition of the project of Religious Responses to AIDS in Brazil, the project from preliminary data was drawn. Next, we focus on the AIDS Pastoral of the Catholic Church: its history, structure, and mission.

[Bodies and pleasures in male homosocial circuits of downtown Rio de Janeiro].

This paper presents the results of an ethnographic research investigating the cultural bases that guide the construction of corporeal events, especially those related to sex/eroticism, in the homosocial circuits of downtown Rio de Janeiro. Data were gathered by means of biographic narrative interviews, direct observations and research-interventions. The main argument presented in this paper is that the diverse corporeal events in the studied community are based on the same conceptual structure that focuses on transgression of the "body/flesh" in the sense of St.

[Sanitary and socio-environmental conditions in the Iauaretê indigenous area, São Gabriel da Cachoeira, Amazonas State, Brazil].

Objective: To describe sanitary, social and environmental conditions that are significant for health of residents in the Iauaretê Indigenous Area in Brazilian Amazonia, notable for its population concentration.

Method: Qualitative and quantitative methodologies were used, with the action research method deployed mainly for qualitative approaches, through community meetings with tribespeople and researchers in the villages constituting the hub of the Area. Talking maps were prepared and interviews were conducted, together with studies of solid wastes disposal techniques, in addition to locating, sampling and analyzing the quality of water used for human consumption, in parallel to the use of geo-referencing techniques.

Sacral fusion as an aid in age estimation.

The degree of fusion at the anterior aspect of the sacral vertebrae has been scored in 242 male and female skeletons from the Lisbon documented collection, ranging from 16 to 59 years old in age. Statistical tests indicate a sex difference towards earlier fusion in young females compared with young males, as well as a clear association between degree of fusion and age. Similar results have been found by other authors in documented skeletal samples from Coimbra and Sassari, and the recommendations stated by these authors regarding age estimation have been positively tested in the Lisbon collection.

Quality of reporting of randomized controlled trials in general endocrinology literature.

Context: The reporting quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) is poor in general medicine and several areas of specialization but unknown in endocrinology.

Objective: Our aim was to assess the reporting quality of RCTs in general endocrinology. A secondary objective was to identify predictors for better reporting quality.

Canadian consensus practice guidelines for bisphosphonate associated osteonecrosis of the jaw.

Objective: Following publication of the first reports of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) in patients receiving bisphosphonates in 2003, a call for national multidisciplinary guidelines based upon a systematic review of the current evidence was made by the Canadian Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (CAOMS) in association with national and international societies concerned with ONJ. The purpose of the guidelines is to provide recommendations regarding diagnosis, identification of at-risk patients, and prevention and management strategies, based on current evidence and consensus. These guidelines were developed for medical and dental practitioners as well as for oral pathologists and related specialists.

The Portuguese validation of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Vaginal Symptoms (ICIQ-VS) for Brazilian women with pelvic organ prolapse.

The aim of this study is to validate the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Vaginal Symptoms (ICIQ-VS) in Portuguese. Two hundred four women (108 symptomatic, 94 asymptomatic, and two with no data) with mean age of 55.4 years received a Portuguese version of the ICIQ-VS.

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Neste artigo discutimos a visão da Igreja Católica sobre sexualidade na interface com a epidemia do HIV/AIDS. Nossa reflexão está embasada em pesquisa etnográfica que envolveu dois meses de observação participante do cotidiano de católicos de um bairro popular da Região Metropolitana do Recife, além de contar com entrevistas a onze dos leigos engajados nos serviços religiosos da igreja do bairro e a oito sacerdotes que realizam seus trabalhos religiosos em outras localidades. Nelas abordamos diferentes temáticas relacionadas ao enfrentamento da epidemia da AIDS.

The Care of the "flesh"in the sexual socialization of youth.

In this paper we discuss the positions of Christian leaders about "managing" the sexuality of young people, as contextualized by the sexual politics of the state. These reflections are a result of an ethnographic study, conducted through archival work, participant observation, and interviews with 47 religious leaders in Recife. The analysis shows the space of religion as a disciplinary site, operating through transcendent reasoning ("responsibility").