bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robot-operated quality control station based on the UTT method
Authors: Burghardt Andrzej , Kurc Krzysztof , Szybicki Dariusz , Muszyńska Magdalena , Nawrocki Jacek
Published: March 2017

This paper presents a robotic test stand for the ultrasonic transmission tomography (UTT) inspection of stator vane thickness. The article presents the method of the test stand design in Autodesk Robot Structural Analysis Professional 2013 software suite. The performance of the designed test stand solution was simulated in the RobotStudio software suite. The operating principle of the test stand measurement system is presented with a specific focus on the measurement strategy. The results of actual wall thickness measurements performed on stator vanes are presented.
Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities of Inula cappa roots (Compositae)
Authors: Kalola Jyoti , Shah Rahul , Patel Arti , Lahiri Suman K. , Shah Mamta B.
Published: March 2017

Background

The medicinal properties of Inula cappa, a perennial shrub, are ascribed to its roots. In this article, we study the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities of I. cappa root extracts based on its utilization in traditional medicine-treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, menoxenia, fever, jaundice and many others.

Methods

Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities of I. cappa extracts were studied. The anti-inflammatory activity was determined by carrageenan-induced rat paw edema and cotton pellet-induced granulation method while the immunomodulatory activity was estimated by phagocytic assay method, hemagglutinating antibody (HA) titer assay, delayed-type hypersensitivity assay method, plaque forming cell assay and determination of immunoprophylatic activity.

Results

The methanolic extract showed maximum reduction in the rat paw edema and showed significant inhibition of the cotton pellet-induced granulomas in rats. The methanolic extract also showed potential immunomodulatory activity in all the assays performed. Two sesquiterpenes, isoalantolactone and germacranolide were also isolated from the methanolic extract.

Conclusions

The present study supports the evidence that the roots of I. cappa can be used as a potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory agent.
Possible effects of neonatal vitamin B12 status on TSH-screening program: a cross-sectional study from Turkey
Authors: Onal Zerrin , Balkaya Seda , Ersen Atilla , Mutlu Neval , Onal Hasan , Adal Erdal
Published: March 2017

Background:

In this study we evaluated whether vitamin B12 deficiency affects neonatal screening (NS) for congenital hypothyroidism (CH).

Methods:

A cross-sectional study conducted from 2010 to 2011. A total of 10,740 infants were born in our hospital in this period. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) was tested for NS and neonates with abnormal screening results (TSH>20 mIU/L) were re-examined. Two hundred and twenty-nine re-called subjects (re-call rate 2.3%) were compared to 77 randomly selected newborns with normal TSH screening among these term newborns in terms of serum TSH, free T4, vitamin B12 and homocysteine status.

Results:

Of the 229 re-called subjects, 11 infants with CH and 21 infants with transient TSH elevation were detected. In the normal TSH screening group, only two infants were diagnosed with transient TSH elevation. Mean serum B12 levels were 126.4±48.7 pg/mL and 211.9±127.9 pg/mL in the positive TSH-screening group and the control group, respectively. There was a significant difference between positive and normal TSH-screening groups in regard to serum TSH, free T4, serum B12 and homocysteine levels.

Conclusions:

We found a significant vitamin B12 deficiency in positive TSH-screening infants. Beside the crucial role of vitamin B12 in newborns, deficiency seems to increase the recall rates of infants in an NS program for CH.
Crystal structure of the co-crystalline adduct 4-((4,4-dimethyl-2,6-dioxocyclohexylidene)methylamino)-N-(4,6-dimethylpyrimidin-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide - acetic acid (1/1), C21H24N4O4S ⋅ C2H4O2
Authors: Ghorab Mostafa M. , Alsaid Mansour S. , Al-Dosari Mohmmed S. , Ghabbour Hazem A.
Published: March 2017

C23H28N4O6S, triclinic, P1̅ (no. 2), a = 7.3612(3) Å, b = 9.2370(4) Å, c = 19.2940(8) Å, α = 94.657(2)°, β = 96.902(2)°, γ = 113.010(2)°, V = 1186.92(9) Å3, Z = 2, R
gt(F) = 0.0617, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1575, T = 100 K.
Dissecting carboxypeptidase E: properties, functions and pathophysiological roles in disease
Authors: Ji Lin , Wu Huan-Tong , Qin Xiao-Yan , Lan Rongfeng
Published: March 2017

Since discovery in 1982, carboxypeptidase E (CPE) has been shown to be involved in the biosynthesis of a wide range of neuropeptides and peptide hormones in endocrine tissues, and in the nervous system. This protein is produced from pro-CPE and exists in soluble and membrane forms. Membrane CPE mediates the targeting of prohormones to the regulated secretory pathway, while soluble CPE acts as an exopeptidase and cleaves C-terminal basic residues from peptide intermediates to generate bioactive peptides. CPE also participates in protein internalization, vesicle transport and regulation of signaling pathways. Therefore, in two types of CPE mutant mice, Cpefat/Cpefat and Cpe knockout, loss of normal CPE leads to a lot of disorders, including diabetes, hyperproinsulinemia, low bone mineral density and deficits in learning and memory. In addition, the potential roles of CPE and ΔN-CPE, an N-terminal truncated form, in tumorigenesis and diagnosis were also addressed. Herein, we focus on dissecting the pathophysiological roles of CPE in the endocrine and nervous systems, and related diseases.
Apc inactivation, but not obesity, synergizes with Pten deficiency to drive intestinal stem cell-derived tumorigenesis
Authors: Tabrizian Tahmineh , Wang Donghai , Guan Fangxia , Hu Zunju , Beck Amanda P , Delahaye Fabien , Huffman Derek M
Published: March 2017

Obesity is a major risk factor for colorectal cancer and can accelerate Lgr5+ intestinal stem cell (ISC)-derived tumorigenesis after the inactivation of Apc. However, whether non-canonical pathways involving PI3K-Akt signaling in ISCs can lead to tumor formation, and if this can be further exacerbated by obesity is unknown. Despite the synergy between Pten and Apc inactivation in epithelial cells on intestinal tumor formation, their combined role in Lgr5+-ISCs, which are the most rapidly dividing ISC population in the intestine, is unknown. Lgr5+-GFP mice were provided low-fat diet (LFD) or high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 months, and the transcriptome was evaluated in Lgr5+-ISCs. For tumor studies, Lgr5+-GFP and Lgr5+-GFP–Pten
flox/flox mice were tamoxifen treated to inactivate Pten in ISCs and provided LFD or HFD until 14–15 months of age. Finally, various combinations of Lgr5+-ISC-specific, Apc- and Pten-deleted mice were generated and evaluated for histopathology and survival. HFD did not overtly alter Akt signaling in ISCs, but did increase other metabolic pathways. Pten deficiency, but not HFD, increased BrdU-positive cells in the small intestine (P < 0.05). However, combining Pten and Apc deficiency synergistically increased proliferative markers, tumor pathology and mortality, in a dose-dependent fashion (P < 0.05). In summary, we show that HFD alone fails to drive Akt signaling in ISCs and that Pten deficiency is dispensable as a tumor suppressor in Lgr5+-ISCs. However, combining Pten and Apc deficiency in ISCs synergistically increases proliferation, tumor formation and mortality. Thus, aberrant Wnt/β-catenin, rather than PI3K-Akt signaling, is requisite for obesity to drive Lgr5+ ISC-derived tumorigenesis.
Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α promotes endometrial stromal cells migration and invasion by upregulating autophagy in endometriosis
Authors: Liu Hengwei , Zhang Zhibing , Xiong Wenqian , Zhang Ling , Xiong Yao , Li Na , He Haitang , Du Yu , Liu Yi
Published: March 2017

Endometriosis is a benign gynecological disease that shares some characteristics with malignancy like migration and invasion. It has been reported that both hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and autophagy were upregulated in ectopic endometrium of patients with ovarian endometriosis. However, the crosstalk between HIF-1α and autophagy in the pathogenesis of endometriosis remains to be clarified. Accordingly, we investigated whether autophagy was regulated by HIF-1α, as well as whether the effect of HIF-1α on cell migration and invasion is mediated through autophagy upregulation. Here, we found that ectopic endometrium from patients with endometriosis highly expressed HIF-1α and autophagy-related protein LC3. In cultured human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs), autophagy was induced by hypoxia in a time-dependent manner and autophagy activation was dependent on HIF-1α. In addition, migration and invasion ability of HESCs were enhanced by hypoxia treatment, whereas knockdown of HIF-1α attenuated this effect. Furthermore, inhibiting autophagy with specific inhibitors and Beclin1 siRNA attenuated hypoxia triggered migration and invasion of HESCs. Taken together, these results suggest that HIF-1α promotes HESCs invasion and metastasis by upregulating autophagy. Thus, autophagy may be involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis and inhibition of autophagy might be a novel therapeutic approach to the treatment of endometriosis.
"Não fale com estranhos": solidariedade e comunicação entre identidade e alteridade
Authors: Salgueiro Marques Angela Cristina , Sá Martino Luis Mauro
Published: March 2017

Este trabalho delineia alguns aspectos da noção de “comunidade”, a partir de uma perspectiva que entrecruza comunicação, moral, política e alteridade. Na medida em que as formas comunicacionais parecem estar diretamente ligadas com a dinâmica das sociabilidades, o trabalho avalia criticamente o argumento de que os vínculos comunitários são estabelecidos a partir de uma dicotomia entre as possibilidades de comunicação dos que estão “dentro” e o silenciamento dos que estão “fora”. Argumentamos que a superação dessa divisão pode ser obtida noestabelecimento de relações comunicacionais menos assimétricas, pautadas na solidariedade e na amizade.
Mídia e inovação em Simmel, Benjamin e McLuhan
Authors: Rafele Antonio
Published: March 2017

Este artigo pretende investigar as correlações textuais que conjugam o pensamento de Simmel (Philosophie des Geldes e Die Grosstädte und das Geistesleben), Benjamin (Das Passagen-Werk) e McLuhan (Understanding Media) em uma reflexão comum em torno das modalidades de inovação tecnológica. Os elementos que emergem dessa reflexão – medium e percepção, medium e tempo, medium e hábito, medium e formas sociais – evidenciam uma ideia de comunicação fundada sobre uma nova imagem de história e natureza, verificadas em sua recíproca relação de simulação e exclusão.
Retention of pain neuroscience knowledge: A multi-centre trial
Authors: Louw Adriaan , Zimney Kory , Puentedura Emilio "Louie"
Published: March 2017

Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE) has been shown to increase patient and healthcare provider knowledge of pain. To date, however, no study has examined if that knowledge is maintained over time. Patients suffering from chronic pain were invited to attend a free PNE lecture. Patients were required to complete intake demographics followed by two self-report measures 2 weeks before, 48 hours before, 48 hours after, 6 weeks after and 12 weeks after the PNE lecture. The two self-report measures collected at each interval were pain ratings (numeric rating scale [NRS]) and knowledge of pain (Neurophysiology Pain Questionnaire [NPQ]). Only data from patients who completed these measures at each interval were analysed. A repeated ANOVA was used to analyse the changes in NRS and NPQ over time. Forty-seven patients (11.4 years of pain) completed all five surveys for analysis. The NPQ scores showed significant increases in pain knowledge from 2 weeks pre-PNE to all post-PNE intervals (p = 0.002, p = 0.001, p = 0.005), as well as 48 hours pre-PNE to all post PNE-intervals (p = 0.001, p <0.001, p = 0.001). A single PNE session has the ability to increase pain knowledge, and maintain the increased knowledge 3 months later.
The Socio-Economic Integration of Ethnic Minorities
Authors: Li Yaojun , Heath Anthony
Published: March 2017

One of the most striking features of the contemporary world is the scale and complexity of international and internal migration and the rapidly increasing size of indigenous ethnic minorities in the national populations of many countries. International migration continues to be mainly from poor to rich nations but the more recent years have seen migration patterns becoming multidirectional, with migration flows moving between developed countries, amongst developing countries as well as from developing to developed countries. The scale of internal migration in some countries is dazzling. For instance, an estimated 260 million ‘peasant workers’ have moved to cities in China. The number of indigenous ethnic minorities in the country has also grown substantially, now reaching 106 million. These and other features of population change pose a serious challenge to policy-makers and the general population in many counties, in terms of making and implementing policies of social inclusion for migrant and indigenous ethnic minorities, ensuring equal access to educational and occupational opportunities, and taking measures to facilitate societal acceptance of the ethnic minority groups. With this in mind, we have, in this thematic issue, collected papers that address issues of ethnic integration in both developed and developing countries.
Zika virus and its clinical implications: a comprehensive review
Authors: Baid Rashmi , Agarwal Rakesh
Published: March 2017

Recent Zika virus outbreak in Latin America and the Caribbean has drawn the world’s attention toward this relatively unknown virus, with WHO declaring it a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). India has had its own tryst with Zika virus with that “significant numbers” of Indians had already been exposed to Zika as early as 1950s. An exponential spread of Zika virus is a potential public health concern, with implications requiring immediate action. The devastating complications of Zika virus infection, particularly congenital and neurological, makes imperative a thorough, thoughtful, and level-headed public health approach in dealing with this infection especially during pregnancy. We review the data on this deadly infection in this brief review including its history, epidemiology, clinical features and management aspects particularly in pregnant women.
Gall bladder stones and the associated histopathology– a tertiary care centre study
Authors: Pillai Vijayakumaran , Sreekantan Renjith , Chisthi Meer M.
Published: March 2017

Background: Gall stones form one of the main reasons for recurrent upper abdomen pain. Cholecystectomy has turned out to be one of the commonest laparoscopic procedures done all over the world. The objectives of the study were to analyse the histopathological changes in gallstone disease and to study the clinical and biochemical factors that are seen in gall stone disease.Methods: This was a hospital based cross sectional study conducted at a tertiary care centre from January 2013 to December 2014. 108 patients admitted with diagnosis of cholelithiasis and posted for cholecystectomy were studied. Their clinical and biochemical data and post-operative stone analysis results and histopathological reports were collected and analyzed.Results: 63% of the patients were females with a female to male ratio of 1.7:1. Of the group, 64.8% had a BMI between 25 and 29.9. 65.7% patients got operated within one year of the onset of symptoms. Serum cholesterol levels were found elevated in majority of patients. 61% patients had multiple gall stones. 62% had stones composed of cholesterol, bilirubin, calcium carbonate and calcium oxalate. 102 out of the 108 specimens showed histological features of chronic cholecystitis only. One case showed a premalignant change in the form of pyloric metaplasia.Conclusions: Cholelithiasis is seen mostly in females, most of them having elevated cholesterol levels. The commonest histopathological change associated with cholelithiasis is chronic cholecystitis. Premalignant lesions are seen only in a small minority only. Hence early elective cholecystectomy can prevent malignant transformation in asymptomatic gall stones.
Molecular characterization of corneal ulcers causing Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Jain Deepika N. , Kamble Vilas A.
Published: March 2017

Background: The human eye is one of the most remarkable sensory systems. Human beings gather most of the information about the external environment through their eyes and thus rely on sight more than on any other sense, with the eye being the most sensitive organ we have. Molecular characterization of Staphylococcus aureus from the cases of corneal ulcers.Methods: A total of 300 samples of corneal ulcers collected from various ophthalmology hospitals, government hospital and clinical laboratories of different places of Maharashtra, India. The Isolates were identified based on the colony morphology and biochemical reaction. The isolates were subjected for antibiotic sensitivity test and perform its molecular characterization.Results: In present study, 39 coagulase positive Staphylococcus aureus, pathogenic bacteria isolated from corneal ulcers.Conclusions: Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most significant pathogens in bacterial keratitis. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are needed to minimize the possibility of permanent vision loss and reduce structural damage to the cornea.
Cyto-histopathological correlation of thyroid lesions
Authors: Ramkete Disha J. , Mulay Prabha S.
Published: March 2017

Background: Thyroid is a frequent site of disease in human body. Fine needle aspiration cytology is a rapid, efficient, inexpensive and safe diagnostic method in these cases. FNAC has some limitations, particularly limited to representatives of samples and exact typing of benign and malignant neoplastic lesions. Thus, FNAC alone may not give a confirmative diagnosis regarding few thyroid lesions. Hence, histopathological study has been the standard technique for the diagnosis of thyroid lesions. Objectives were to study cytomorphological features of thyroid enlargement and palpable lesions of thyroid by FNAC, to correlate cytomorphological features of thyroid lesions with Histopathological features wherever possible and to evaluate sensitivity and specificity of FNAC of thyroid lesions.Methods: In the present study, 385 cases of thyroid FNA’s, have been analyzed and cyto-histopathological correlation has been interpreted wherever available.Results: In present study sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive, negative predictive value and accuracy of FNAC was found out be 92.31%, 97.01%, 85.71%, 98.48% and 96.25%.Conclusions:Fine needle aspiration cytology is a simple reliable and cost effective technique without complications. This can be used as safe outpatient procedure with minimal discomfort to the patient.
Prevalence of hypertension in rural population of Central India
Authors: Singh P. S. , Singh Prafulla K. , Zafar Khwaja S. , Sharma Himanshu , Yadav Sudhir K. , Gautam Rajesh K. , Pious Tony
Published: March 2017

Background: Hypertension is an important public health problem in both rural and urban areas of economically developed as well as developing nations. It is a chronic medical condition and is one of the most common life threatening non-communicable disease. It is an asymptomatic condition, symptoms do not arise unless the complications develop which result in delayed diagnosis and treatment especially among the uneducated and unexplained social groups such as rural population. Present study was an attempt to provide data on hypertension in rural area of central India. The objective of present study was to estimate the prevalence of hypertension in rural population above 18 years of age in Etawah and neighbouring districts of Uttar Pradesh, India.Methods: The study was planned to determine the prevalence of hypertension in rural community by health camp and door to door approach. BP measurements were made after the subject had rested for at least 5 minutes in a seated position using mercury sphygmomanometer. The first blood pressure measurement was taken after obtaining socio-demographic information from the study subject, while the second was recorded after 5 minutes.Results: The prevalence of hypertension was found to be 17%, which was observed to be higher among female i.e. 170 (18.3%) individuals than males 153 (15.8%) individuals. The prevalence of hypertension was observed to be higher among the older individuals. It was found to be 5.26 times higher in older (>50 years) than the younger (<30 years) age group. We found prehypertension in 65.74%, Stage I hypertension in 11.33% and stage II hypertension in 5.69% individuals.Conclusions: Present study showed that high prevalence of hypertension in rural area of Western Uttar Pradesh, Central India.
Association of creatine kinase and its isoenzymes (CK-MB, CK-BB) activity with high risk pregnancy
Authors: Khan Asfia , Rathore Brijesh , Singh Kanchan , Singh Manisha , Misra Aparna
Published: March 2017

Background: Creatine kinase (CK) is a key enzyme of energy metabolism, especially in muscle tissue. CK has two polypeptide chains of M and B, and three isomers, CK-BB, CK-MB and CK- MM. In some conditions like acute myocardial infarction and neuromuscular disorders, increased CK activity is used as a part of diagnosis. CK can also be elevated in absence of neuromuscular diseases or cardiac injury, such as strenuous exercise, intramuscular injections etc. Several reports indicate elevated activity of serum CK in the maternal blood during child birth. This study aimed to correlate total CK and its isoenzymes activity in the cord blood with high risk pregnancies.Methods: This was a Prospective observational study conducted in the Obstetrics and Biochemistry Department of Era’s Lucknow Medical College and Hospital, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. Cord blood of 100 full term newborns was collected and serum was analyzed for total CK and its isoenzymes activity by modified IFCC method. SPSS software was used in data analysis.Results: CK-total and its isoenzymes (CK-MB, CK-BB) activities were observed higher in cases with risk as compared to those without risk. Total CK activity was observed independent while CK-MB and CK-BB were found dependent on different risk factors like pregnancy induced hypertension and fetal distress etc.Conclusions: Present study revealed that high risk pregnancies are associated with increased total CK, CK-MB as well as CK-BB activity.
First aid knowledge among health assigned teachers of primary schools
Authors: Pandey Rakhi , Chauhan Richa , Dobhal Sushant , Dabral Swasti , Nathani Swati , Negi Sweety , Rana Umesh , Negi Vaishali , Maindola Varsha , Rawat Vishal , Sorte Dipti Y. , Bharadwaj Rashmi
Published: March 2017

Background: Every parents of a child knows that it is hard enough to keep their child safe at home but when child goes off to school there is a whole new set up of challenges. Parents totally entrust their children to the schools. They rely on the teachers as their second parents in the institute for learning. They know for a fact that their educators will want no harm to come their way. While they are busy working, they fully believe that their children are well cared for. On the other hand, the teachers have the responsibility to keep an eye on their students. They should make sure that they are comfortable and secured within the four walls of their school. This then calls for their ability to handle even the most stressful situations. So much more, the school staff, especially the health teacher has to be equipped with the knowledge of first aid.Methods: Non-experimental survey study was conducted to assess the knowledge of first-aid among Health assigned teacher working in selected schools of Dehradun city. Using purposive sampling technique 40 samples of different schools of Dehradun city was adopted to select the area.Results: Result shows that the majority of health assign teachers were having average knowledge about first aid i.e. 29 (72.5%) and 10 (25%) were having good knowledge and 1 (2.5%) was having poor knowledge regarding first aid. Majority of participant were female 21 (52.5%). The educational status of most participants was post graduate (67.5%). Majority of the schools were private 25 (62.5%). There is no significant association between socio-demographic variables i.e. Gender, level of schools, year of experience as a health assigned teacher and education provided by teacher, but qualifications of teachers and type of schools was found to have a significant association.(p> 0.05).Conclusions: First aid is the assistance given to any person suffering a sudden illness or injury, with care it is provided to preserve life and to prevent the condition from worsening, and for promoting recovery. It is important that health assigned teachers are equipped with strong, professional competencies. In order for health promotion actions to be sustainable in schools, teachers must be capable, competent and skilled health educators. As they are at prime position to contribute to a nations health gain through the provision of health education for future adults. Based on findings we can say that the health assigned teachers are having average knowledge regarding first aid. Therefore, the health assigned teachers must be equipped with appropriate and upgraded knowledge.
Therapeutic plasma exchange in neuro-immunological disorder
Authors: S. Aswin Kumar , B. Latha , Dhivya K. Dhivya x
Published: March 2017

Background: Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is an extracorporeal blood purification technique used to remove high molecular weight substances from the plasma. Examples of these substances include immune complexes, pathogenic autoantibodies, endotoxin, cryoglobulins and cholesterol-containing lipoproteins and myeloma light chains. Therapeutic Plasma exchange is a well-established therapeutic procedure most commonly used in many neuro-immunological disorders. The benefit of plasma exchange occurs by elimination of pathognomonic inflammatory mediators, including complement components, autoantibodies and cytokines. Various studied have demonstrated that TPE plays an important role in neuro-immunological disorder (eg. Guillain-Barré syndrome, myasthenia gravis and other forms of immune neuropathies).Methods: It is descriptive and prospective study on the effect of TPE in neuro-immunological disorders. TPE are studied prospectively for a period from September 2011 to August 2013. The amount of plasma to be exchanged during TPE was determined using the formula EPV = (0.065 x weight [kg]) x (1-hematocrit). TPE was performed using a Haemonetics MCS+ intermittent flow cell separator. An average of 1-1.5 plasma volume is removed on alternative days. Clinical outcome of TPE was assessed at the time of discharge.Results: A total of 138 Therapeutic plasma exchange procedure were performed on 30 patients. In which the improvement begins within days of commencing the treatments and progressed steadily so that 25 out of 30 patients who responded favourably to TPE with a manageable adverse reaction. And only 5 patients failed to respond this therapy. So the clinical outcome for therapeutic plasma exchange for Neuro-immunological cases were 83.3% and remaining 16.7% doesn’t show any improvement after five plasma exchanges.Conclusions: Therapeutic plasma exchange is a first line of management for most of the neuro-immunological disorder. In our study there was an improvement in motor performance after 3-5 plasma exchanges which are mainly due to removal of unbound antibodies from the plasma. Although the statistical power of our study was not sufficient to allow definitive conclusion, the result strongly suggest that 3-5 procedures on alternative days with 1-1.5 volume of plasma exchange gives a better result in patient with neuro-immunlogical diseases. The success of therapeutic plasma exchange also depends on composition of the replacement fluid. The risk and complication associated with procedure are also minimal and easily manageable.
Oxidative stress in HIV positive children
Authors: Dias Bina F. , Srinivas Aruna
Published: March 2017

Background: The objective is to assess oxidative stress by measuring the concentration of malondialdehyde in HIV positive children and compare it with normal children (not suffering from any disease) of the same age group.Methods: In this prospective comparative study, we analysed malondialdehyde in 80 HIV positive children in the age group of 6-12 yrs from lower socio-economic strata and compared the values with 85 normal children not infected by any disease, of the same age group and similar socio-economic strata at L.T.M.M. College. Estimation of Malondialdehyde was carried out by using the method of SADASIVUDU by thiobarbituric acid reaction.Results: The level of Malondialdehyde was significantly higher in HIV positive children than in controls.Conclusions: The increased levels of Malondialdehyde confirm the involvement of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of this infection in children
Psychiatric morbidity and marital satisfaction: an empirical study on spouse of alcohol dependent cases in Barak valley, North-East India
Authors: Ghosh Prosenjit , Victor Robin , Das Himabrata , Sharma Shruti
Published: March 2017

Background: Alcohol dependence poses serious threats to the healthy functioning of the family apparatus in a multitude of ways. The deleterious impact of alcohol dependence on the couple remains an area of genuine concern for mental health professionals across the world.Methods: 69 cases were selected consecutively from the Psychiatry Outpatient department fulfilling the ICD-10 criteria of alcohol dependence syndrome and the spouse of these cases were assessed to evaluate the pattern and severity of psychiatric morbidity and marital satisfaction. Statistical associations were found between the important variables.Results: Out of the 69 cases, we found that mean age of the alcohol dependent cases was 40.75±8.21 while that of their spouse was 33.91±7.86 years Most of the alcoholics had 1-9 years of alcohol dependence (86.95%) and severe alcohol dependence (47.82%) based on SADD score. Majority of the spouse of the alcoholics suffered from psychiatric illness (60.86%) with the most common diagnosis being depressive disorder (30.43%) based on ICD-10 criteria. Most of the spouse had lower level of marital satisfaction and presence of marital dissatisfaction was significantly associated with a more severe dependence among their alcoholic husbands. Increased duration of alcohol consumption was associated with higher severity of alcohol dependence. Also, the presence of psychiatric morbidity in the spouse was associated with increased years and higher severity of alcohol dependence.Conclusions: If the spouses are psychologically healthy, a good support system is ensured for them which is necessary to maintain motivation levels to leave alcohol.
Effect of wearing complete dental prosthesis on candidal count
Authors: Bhargava Ankur , Saigal Sonal
Published: March 2017

Background: Infection due to fungi have increased dramatically in recent years and are of prime importance because of the rising number of immunocompromised patients, such as cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, and human immunodeficiency virus infected patients. The aim of the analysis was to compare the candidal count at the time of insertion and after one month of wearing complete dentures.Methods: It was a quasi-experimental study which consisted of forty edentulous patients with no previous denture history. They obtained new complete dentures. Samples were taken using the oral rinse technique and cultured on sabouraud agar for fungal growth and cultured positive samples had undergone for germ tube test in serum media.Results: Candidal colonies were detected and counted as colony forming units at the time of insertion and after one month of wearing complete dentures. Change in candidal count was significantly higher after one month of wearing complete dentures (p=0.0001). Difference in candidal count was significantly higher in females than males.Conclusions: Candidal count was significant after wearing complete dentures and this should be considered as an important factor that can pre-dispose the patients to candida induced denture stomatitis.
Primary leiomyosarcoma in the inferior vena cava- a case report
Authors: Kumar Ravindra , Chaudhary Suman , Mishra Hemant Kumar , Goyal Divesh
Published: March 2017

Vascular leiomyosarcoma of IVC is a rare tumor. Only about 200 cases have been reported worldwide. There is a strong predilection for females and middle segment of IVC is most commonly affected. The diagnosis is often challenging as patients present with non-specific complaints such as dyspnoea, abdominal discomfort, or back pain. A 43-year-old male presented with history of vague abdominal distention, discomfort, and dyspnoea in our hospital. Ultrasound of abdomen detected a mass in retro peritoneum with mixed echogenicity inseparable from IVC. CT Imaging examination of abdomen revealed a large elongated, heterogenous mass extending from right atrium to the confluence of common iliac veins. in IVC reaching up to inferior border of right atrium. Then USG guided biopsy done and Leiomyosarcoma of IVC was diagnosed by immunohistochemistry. Due to extensive involvement of intrahepatic segment and right atrium complete resection of mass was not possible, so radiotherapy followed by chemotherapy was started. Patient started deteriorating due to intolerability with poor response to radiotherapy and chemotherapy so he was put on supportive treatment.
Factors influencing health-care access of female commercial sex workers in India: an in-depth review
Authors: Paul Rudrajit , Suresh Meera , Mondal Jayati
Published: March 2017

Commercial sex workers (CSW) are a vulnerable section of the society with diverse health problems. However, different surveys have consistently shown limited healthcare access by this group. There are a lot of factors, related both to the health care facility and the potential users, which influence this access. In this review, we have analysed some of the factors affecting healthcare access of female CSWs in India. The analysis has been done according to a standard conceptual framework. Certain remedial measures have also been proposed at the end.
A qualitative study of primary care physicians’ perceptions and experiences on iron-folic acid consumption
Authors: Joshi Ankur , Bali Surya , Kale Saket , Tiwari Sharad , Arutagi Viswanath
Published: March 2017

Background: A primary health centre (PHC) physician, because of his physician-provider interaction at community level and legitimate capacity to deliver and monitor health services, serves as an ideal candidate to understand the specific health/ health program related issues. Methods: This community based qualitative study was conducted in selected clusters of state of Madhya Pradesh (central India) identified through multileveled stratification. The physicians serving in primary health centres from the selected clusters were in depth interviewed through topic guides based upon conceptual construct. The data obtained through in-depth interviews was utilized for thematic framework and linkage association. Results: Two major interrelated themes emerged from the convergence of the user related and system related subthemes. The first major theme is “distorted perceptions reinforced by unpleasant encounters” which is constructed from the convergence of user concerns. The theme “system resistance and resource constraints” is assembled from convergence of system issues. Conclusions: On a policy perspective, all the attempts should be made to break the misconception around IFA supplementation and to augment the feeling of ownership in the community.
A case of carcinocythemia following breast carcinoma mimicking acute leukemia: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Jain Monica , Gupta Surbhi , Sukla Pragya , Srivastava Alka , Grover R. K.
Published: March 2017

Carcinocythemia, the presence of circulating cancer cells in the peripheral blood is a rare event which occurs as a late manifestation of solid malignancies and can be confused as acute leukemia. A 50-year-old male with breast carcinoma presented to the hospital with complaints of breathlessness and weakness. His routine hemogram showed leucocytosis along with marked anemia and thrombocytopenia. The peripheral blood smear showed presence of blast like cells and a diagnosis of acute leukemia/metastatic carcinoma breast was considered. The blasts like cells were negative for myeloperoxidase stain. The bone marrow revealed presence of metastatic adenocarcinoma. Carcinocythemia was diagnosed and the patient has been planned for docetaxol and carboplatin based chemotherapy. The differential diagnosis for carcinocythemia is acute leukemia which is common following chemotherapy and radiotherapy for solid tumors. These patients generally have a poor prognosis and survival.
The Effect of Thymoquinone on BEAS-2B Cell Viability and TGF-β1 Release
Authors: Ecevit Hasret , Gunduz Kubra , Bilgic Nilufer , Izmirli Muzeyyen , Gogebakan Bulent
Published: March 2017

Thymoquinone, one of the essential oil in the structure of cumin, is used for alternative therapy for many diseases from past to present. It was shown to have anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as positive effects on fibrosis. However, there is no study on the effect of thymoquinone on cancer and fibrosis mechanism in bronchial epithelium cell line BEAS-2B. In our study, the effect of thymoquinone on cell viability and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) level, which has an important role in the regulation of many biological processes including cancer and fibrosis-associated signal transduction, was evaluated. BEAS-2B cells were exposed to thymoquinone at 0–80 μmol/L concentrations for 24-, 48- and 72-hour durations. Cell viability was evaluated with 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test. TGF-β1 level was determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method from the collected supernatant. Cell viability was found to be increased at all concentrations and durations (10–80 μmol/L; 24, 48 and 72 h) according to the control group (0 μmol/L; thymoquinone in ethanol) (p < 0.0001). Moreover, thymoquinone was found to increase the level of TGF-β1 only at 80 μmol/L concentration and 24-hour exposure period (0 μmol/L, 53.41 ± 18.44 pgr/ml TGF-β1; 80 μmol/L, 174.5 ± 80.03 pgr/ml TGF-β1). As a result, thymoquinone was found to increase cell proliferation and encourage TGF-β1 release.
AMOR's new Editor-in-Chief: Collaborative endeavor is vital for cancer researchers
Authors: Office Editorial
Published: March 2017

Cancer is a pressing global health challenge, asserts AMOR’s new Editor-in-Chief (EIC) Dr. Kwong Kwok Wong.“According to the estimation by the World Health Organization, there were 14 million new cases and 8.2 million cancer deaths in 2012,” he tells AMOR Media in an exclusive interview. “By the year 2030, the number of newly-diagnosed cancer cases will increase globally to 22 million and 70% of all cancer deaths will likely occur in low- and medium-income countries in Africa, Asia, and Central and South America,” he adds.
A cidade de Manaus e a crise da borracha: uma breve análise histórica
Authors: Neto Thiago Oliveira , Batista Nogueira Ricardo José
Published: March 2017

Esta pesquisa busca enfatizar o início da crise da borracha, abordando os primeiros anos e as consequências que essa crise trouxe à cidade de Manaus, no período correspondente aos fins do século XIX até o início do século XX. Nesse sentido, o principal propósito deste estudo é indagar sobre os motivos que levaram à crise e seus reflexos na cidade, bem como sobre o comportamento das autoridades perante tal situação econômico-social. Tratar-se-á também das primeiras tentativas para minimizar o impacto da crise. Assim, foi estabelecida uma sequência de três momentos históricos: o primeiro, quando sementes de seringueira da Amazônia são levadas para a Ásia; a segunda parte trata da possível ameaça de uma concorrência com seringais asiáticos; e a última etapa marca o início da crise econômica. Vários fatores culminaram na crise, que afetou diretamente, a cidade de Manaus, a partir de quando os objetos construídos, naquele momento, na área urbana, passaram a ter outros usos e desusos ao longo dos anos.
A Ditadura Militar e o ensino de História: uma relação conflituosa
Authors: Nascimento Bruno Rafael Machado
Published: March 2017

Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar como o ensino da disciplina história foi tratado durante a ditadura militar no Brasil, sobretudo, na década de 1970. Utilizou-se nesta pesquisa bibliográfica livros e artigos para se chegar a uma síntese sobre como os governos militares buscaram fragmentar o ensino de história através da criação de uma disciplina que uniu História e Geografia no primeiro grau. Dessa forma, percebeu-se que a escola foi compreendida pelos militares como espaço de conformação da sociedade aos seus valores e que o conhecimento histórico foi movido para formar cidadãos patriotas, obedientes e subservientes enfocando a perspectiva tecnicista de preparar tão somente para o mercado de trabalho. Estudar essa temática implica em compreender os caminhos e descaminhos da história da disciplina. É enfrentar um tema ainda sensível em que memórias estão em disputas na sociedade brasileira.
A inclusão de alunos com deficiência visual no âmbito escolar
Authors: Lacerda Sousa Ana Cleia Da Luz , Sousa Ivaldo Silva
Published: March 2017

Este trabalho aborda a inclusão de discentes com deficiência visual no âmbito do processo de ensino e aprendizagem. O objetivo deste é analisar a literatura existente e as políticas públicas direcionadas ao tema, bem como fomentar a importância da qualificação dos educadores para a educação especial priorizando o desenvolvimento da criticidade no ambiente escolar. Sendo uma revisão narrativa, que tem como metodologia de elaboração a análise crítica da literatura, com estratégias que busca a seleção dos estudos e a interpretação das informações contidas nas fundamentações teóricas de livros, artigos, dissertações, teses e trabalhos de conclusão de cursos. Observou-se que quando se trata de educação especial, a responsabilidade não é apenas do educador, mas sim de todos envolvidos neste processo, como é o caso da comunidade escolar e da sociedade em geral. Baseado nos dados da pesquisa pode-se dizer que para a educação inclusiva adquirir maior fortalecimento se faz necessário um comprometimento dos gestores, das autoridades governamentais e principalmente que a comunidade conheça os direitos que lhes são garantidos por lei e que exijam sua aplicabilidade na prática.
Folha de rosto
Authors: Diersmann Admin Débora
Published: March 2017

Folha de rosto
An estimate of the energy production potential of agricultural biomass in the Łódź province
Authors: Szubska-Włodarczyk Natalia
Published: March 2017

This paper presents a model of uncultivated agricultural land under appropriately selected energy crops. The main goal of this work is to estimate energy production potential of fallow soil and fallow land in the Łódź Province on the basis of selected energy crops and to calculate the minimum price of energy crops. The Net Present Value (NPV) method was used to calculate the minimum price, and the literature studies to build the model using. The following analysis verifies the main research hypothesis, i.e., that the Łódź Province has a theoretical and economical energy-production potential of biomass in the areas of fallow soil and fallow land. The hypothesis was verified positively. The study shows that practicing energy willow achieved the lowest price for generation of 1 MWh.
Avaliação da Personalidade e do Autoconceito em Crianças com Obesidade
Authors: Braz Franciane Priscila Rosa , Castro Paulo Francisco de
Published: March 2017

O presente artigo descreve características de personalidade e autoconceito em crianças com obesidade. A obesidade pode ser considerada um problema de saúde pública, e as crianças têm desenvolvido quadros de obesidade precocemente. Participaram do estudo 25 crianças, com idade entre 8 e 10 anos e diagnóstico de obesidade, submetidas à Escala de Traços de Personalidade para Crianças (ETPC) e à Escala de autoconceito infanto-juvenil (EAC-IJ). Os dados mais incidentes revelaram: quanto à personalidade - resultados rebaixados em psicoticismo, valores elevados em extroversão, sociabilidade e neuroticismo; para autoconceito – prejuízo no autoconceito escolar, pessoal e familiar. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas em relação à idade; em relação ao sexo, observou-se maior incidência de neuroticismo nas meninas; por fim, não foram observadas correlações significativas entre os testes, indicando que não existe relação entre personalidade e autoconceito na amostra investigada. Estudos mais amplos são necessários para possíveis generalizações.Palavras-chave: Avaliação psicológica; Obesidade infantil; Personalidade; Autoconceito.
Proteção, prevenção e convívio: analisando práticas com educadores sociais
Authors: Rubini Leila Ribeiro , Santos Nair Iracema Silveira dos
Published: March 2017

Este artigo é parte da análise desenvolvida em uma dissertação de mestrado sobre as práticas do educador social na política pública da Assistência Social. Partindo do conceito operador práticas, nos lançamos em uma pesquisa-intervenção, com base nos referenciais da Análise Institucional, propondo a criação de espaços coletivos de análise para problematização e desnaturalização das práticas do educador social. Dialogando com Michel Foucault, elegemos um conjunto de enunciados que conformam campos de práticas em que se articulam educação e proteção/assistência social. Iniciamos o artigo buscando responder a questões históricas da emergência das práticas socioeducativas; posteriormente tecemos uma análise, colocando em relação enunciados mapeados nos documentos dos serviços socioeducativos e analisadores construídos com os educadores sociais. Evidenciaram-se traçados de estratégias de segurança, em seu caráter de regulação, através da educação moral, do aconselhamento, da vigilância protetiva.Palavras-chave: Educador social; práticas; mecanismos de segurança.
O povo indígena Arara-Karo de Rondônia: cenários históricos e a colonização na Amazônia Brasileira
Authors: Alves Maria Isabel Alonso , Medeiros Heitor Queiroz de
Published: March 2017

Trata-se de um desdobramento de pesquisa em desenvolvimento no âmbito do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Educação da Universidade Católica Dom Bosco – PPGE/UCDB que objetiva verificar a produção das identidades/diferenças das mulheres/professoras/indígenas da etnia indígena Arara-Karo localizada no município de Ji-Paraná, Estado de Rondônia, Brasil. Este texto apresenta um breve cenário histórico sobre a constituição do povo Arara-Karo e sua relação com o processo de colonização da Amazônia brasileira. São reflexões que buscam se aproximar das questões ligadas à colonização da região amazônica. Assim, o argumento principal do texto refere-se à ideia de que os deslocamentos e ressignificações nos modos de organização, no contexto social ou cultural das populações indígenas, especificamente os Arara-Karo foi intensificado com o processo de colonização. A produção de dados desta pesquisa se constitui a partir de revisões bibliográficas a respeito do processo de colonização amazônica, considerando a colonização na constituição recente do povo Arara-Karo, bem como entrevista narrativa com uma professora Arara-Karo.Palavras-chave: Colonização; Amazônia brasileira; povo Arara-Karo.