bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
OS NOVOS CONTORNOS CONFERIDOS À APOSENTADORIA ESPECIAL PELO SUPREMO TRIBUNAL FEDERAL: O JULGAMENTO DO ARE N. 664.335 SOB A PERSPECTIVA DA ANÁLISE ECONÔMICA DO DIREITO / NEW LIGHT ASSIGNED BY SUPREME COURT TO SPECIAL RETIREMENT: THE CASE ARE N. 664.335
Authors: Gonçalves Oksandro Osdival , Floriani Neto Antonio Bazilio
Published: August 2015

Resumo: O presente artigo teve como objetivo examinar os efeitos da decisão proferida pelo Supremo Tribunal Federal no benefício previdenciário denominado aposentadoria especial. Para tanto, fez-se uso da hermenêutica histórica, haja vista a sua capacidade de reconstruir elementos motivadores de uma teoria. Com isso, puderam ser observadas as mudanças ocorridas nessa prestação até chegar à forma com que é concedida hoje. Atualmente, o segurado deve comprovar, mediante formulário denominado perfil profissiográfico previdenciário, a efetiva exposição a agentes nocivos por 15, 20 ou 25 anos. Ocorre que a autarquia previdenciária condiciona a redução no tempo de contribuição a um aumento no custeio, sob pena de ofensa ao equilíbrio econômico. Com essas premissas em mente, a matéria chegou à Suprema Corte brasileira e duas teses foram criadas. Nessa toada, o artigo buscou examinar de forma pormenorizada quais foram as proposições e como estas podem conferir novos rumos à matéria utilizando o ferramental da análise econômica do direito.Palavras-chave: Aposentadoria especial. Empresas. Tributação. Análise econômica do direito.
E-CODEMOCRACIA O ESTADO AMBIENTAL ARTICULADO EM UM ESTADOREDE E O DIREITO FUNDAMENTAL DE ACESSO À INTERNET COMO ELEMENTOS DA PROTEÇÃO PROCEDIMENTAL DO MEIO AMBIENTE NO CYBERESPAÇO / E-CODEMOCRACY THE AMBIENTAL STATE ARTICULATED IN A NETWORK STATE
Authors: Hartmann Ivar A. M.
Published: August 2015

Resumo: Enfrentar a incerteza inerente ao conhecimento sobre o ambiente significa reconhecer a insuficiência do Estado para, sozinho, determinar diretrizes de proteção ambiental, do que decorre a necessidade de criação de regras processuais relacionadas à informação ambiental e à participação pública em processos decisórios. Este artigo analisa elementos básicos de um Estado Ambiental e, em seguida, de um Estado-rede (a partir da perspectiva de uma sociedade-rede), com o intuito de caracterizar a proteção procedimental do meio ambiente em sede da articulação de um Estado Ambiental em um Estado-rede. O enfoque é perceber essa procedimentalização no cyberespaço, o que significa utilizar o formato de rede da malha comunicativa para obter maior produção, disseminação, análise e compreensão da informação ambiental, de um lado, e o efetivo debate democrático e qualificada participação nos processos decisórios ambientais sob uma estrutura arejada de cyberdemocracia, de outro. Ao fim, são apresentadas algumas características da dimensão positiva da eficácia face ao Estado do direito fundamental social de acesso à Internet. Palavras-chave: Internet. Procedimentalização. Estado Ambiental. Estado-rede. Sociedade-rede. Proteção Ambiental. Democracia. Direitos Fundamentais.
DILEMAS CONSTITUCIONAIS SOBRE O INÍCIO E O FINAL DA VIDA: UM PANORAMA DO ESTADO DA ARTE NO DIREITO BRASILEIRO / BEGINNING AND END OF LIFE: A MAP OF BRAZILIAN CONSTITUTIONAL CHOICES
Authors: Martel Letícia de Campos Velho
Published: August 2015

Resumo: O objetivo nuclear do artigo foi traçar um panorama da dimensão vertical do direito fundamental à vida no direito constitucional brasileiro, atendendo à seguinte indagação: qual é o tratamento jurídico atual endereçado aos estágios inicial e final da vida humana? Para tanto, o artigo está dividido em três seções. Na primeira, são expostas as bases conceituais, com especial atenção à estrutura analítica do direito fundamental à vida, às posições subjetivas que lhe são típicas, bem como às suas características de aplicação. Na segunda, são descritas as questões sobre as etapas iniciais do processo de viver humano e é discutida a titularidade do direito à vida por embriões criopreservados, embriões in útero e fetos, à luz das paradigmáticas decisões do Supremo Tribunal Federal. Na terceira, apresenta-se e discute-se a morte com intervenção ao ensejo dos enunciados normativos vigentes e decisões judiciais. Cada seção é permeada por notas conclusivas e discussão.Palavras-chave: Direito à vida. Começo da vida. Final da vida.
THE OPTIONAL PROTOCOL TO THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS: A NEW INSTRUMENT TO ADDRESS HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS
Authors: Courtis Christian
Published: August 2015

The article discusses the adoption of the new Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as a means to obtain redress for violations against economic, social and cultural rights in the international sphere – including its potential use for the consideration of the violation of extraterritorial obligations.Keywords: Human rights. Social rights. Violations. Optinal protocol.
Diretrizes para autores
Authors: Diersmann Admin Débora
Published: August 2015

Diretrizes para autores
SOBRE A IGUALDADE DE OPORTUNIDADES EDUCACIONAIS: ANÁLISE ADPF 186 / ON EQUALITY OF EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES: A CRITICAL APPROACH TO THE CASE LAW ADPF 186
Authors: Schneider Yuri , Tramontina Robison
Published: August 2015

Resumo: Trata-se analisar a Ação por Descumprimento de Preceito Fundamental (ADPF) n.186. Tal ação, movida pelo partido Democratas em 2009, pedia que o Supremo Tribunal Federal declarasse como inconstitucional a medida tomada pela Universidade de Brasília que estabelecia uma reserva de  20% das vagas com base no critério étnico-racial. O objetivo desta análise é identificar o principal argumento utilizado pela Corte Constitucional para declarar a constitucionalidade do referido critério. Tendo como referência os votos dos Ministros do Supremo Tribunal Federal, conclui-se que o princípio da igualdade material é o fundamento da decisão que declara constitucional a reserva de vagas para negros e pardos no que tange ao acesso ao ensino superior.Palavras-chave: Ações afirmativas; Constitucionalidade; Igualdade Material.
La epistemología y el turismo
Authors: Muñoz De Escalona Francisco
Published: August 2015

Al estudio del turismo se destinan desde hace varias décadas ingentes recursos materiales y personales. Se ha convertido en la dedicación de una pléyade de estudiosos de muy desigual nivel de preparación. Lo mismo cabe decir de los centros que se ocupan de desarrollar estos estudios y, como cabía esperar, de las empresas editoriales que difunden los resultados de los mismos. Hay quien cree que esta sobreabundancia de centros y editoriales evidencia que, por fin, ya se ha alcanzado la meta de su cientificación. Los asuntos tratados por los estudiosos  son cada vez más variados. Se diría que se aspira a crear un mundo que refleje y duplique el mundo convencional. No es de extrañar por ello que si existe la filosofía se ofrezca en paralelo una filosofía del turismo y, por idénticas razones, una biología del turismo o una arqueología del turismo. Y así en todos los demás aspectos en los que se diversifica el mundo. Entre ellos ha surgido hace pocos años la eventual necesidad de una metodología del turismo y una epistemología del turismo. Sobre ambas cuestiones, se pronuncia el presente trabajo.
Agroecoturismo: aportes para el desarrollo de una tipología turística en el contexto latinoamericano
Authors: Ramírez Castellanos Edwar David
Published: August 2015

El presente trabajo tiene como objeto revisar las conceptualizaciones acerca del   agroecoturismo, con la finalidad de generar un primer acercamiento al estudio de esta  tipología turística. El diseño de la investigación fue de tipo documental y se usó la técnica de análisis de contenido. El estudio señala que los orígenes del agroecoturismo se encuentran en el agroturismo y el ecoturismo, lo que ha dificultado su diferenciación y entendimiento. En este sentido, se propone una definición que lo ubica como una modalidad del turismo rural, en la que existen relaciones de interdependencia entre las actividades agrícolas y el medio natural. Se concluye que el agroecoturismo, como modalidad turística, interioriza las dimensiones del desarrollo sostenible a partir de la conservación del entorno natural y cultural, que combinadas con las actividades de campo y naturaleza constituyen una tipología propia diferenciada y holística del turismo, que encuentra en la biodiversidad su mayor producto.
Zonas de interés turístico y ordenamiento territorial en Chile
Authors: Szmulewicz Ramírez Esteban Daniel
Published: August 2015

El estudio identifica y analiza las normas sobre uso del territorio en Chile, concluyendo que estas carecen de la coherencia, armonía y plenitud necesarias como para ser denominadas “sistema de ordenamiento territorial”, lo que genera efectos negativos en el desarrollo del turismo. En este contexto, la nueva Ley de Turismo estableció la figura de las zonas de interés turístico (zoit), asociada a débiles mecanismos a través de los cuales se concretaría la pretensión de ordenación del territorio. No obstante sus ventajas, particularmente la prioridad de estos territorios para la atracción de inversión pública, se critica la primacía de otros intereses sobre el interés turístico y no solucionar los problemas endémicos de incoherencia y descoordinación del ordenamiento territorial chileno.
Imaginarios de turistas, visitantes y población local de Venezuela sobre Colombia. Estudio de caso: Ciudad Guayana (Puerto Ordaz y San Felix), Estado Bolívar (Venezuela)
Authors: Vásquez Argüello María Del Rosario
Published: August 2015

Los conflictos internos que tiene Colombia y la inseguridad que muchos países afirman que la aquejan (como se puede evidenciar en las advertencias que estos emiten), han ocasionado que muchas personas se hayan abstenido de visitarla. Esta ha sido una motivación para desarrollar el presente estudio, que se realiza como trabajo de grado de la Facultad de Administración de Empresas Turísticas y Hoteleras de la Universidad Externado de Colombia. El presente artículo muestra una investigación en la cual se busca conocer el imaginario que tiene la población de Ciudad Guayana en Venezuela respecto a Colombia, y su percepción una vez visita el país. El estudio se lleva a cabo por medio de un sondeo a través de entrevistas y encuestas. Los venezolanos muestran una buena imagen y un gran interés por conocer el país, sin embargo, tienen presentes los problemas internos y conflictos que ha tenido y aún tiene Colombia, aunque de acuerdo a los resultados de la investigación, la gran mayoría desea visitarla.
La interpretación intercultural en el Estado constitucional
Authors: Villanueva Flores Rocío
Published: August 2015

El reconocimiento constitucional de los derechos a la identidad cultural y a la justicia indígena ha dado lugar a que se requiera que los tribunales realicen una interpretación intercultural en los casos que involucran a indígenas o a comunidades indígenas. En este artículo se realiza una propuesta sobre la interpretación intercultural de los principios y reglas, teniendo en cuenta que la eficacia de los principios constitucionales mencionados enfrenta grandes barreras como el racismo y la discriminación. De otra parte, se resalta la idea de que la interpretación del derecho en estos casos también plantea problemas morales pues hay que optar por una forma de entender los principios constitucionales en juego.
La economía política de la reforma tributaria progresiva en Chile
Authors: Fairfield Tasha
Published: August 2015

Este artículo describe el sistema tributario chileno y analiza el contexto político que impidió reformas que transformaran el regresivo sistema establecido durante el régimen dictatorial. Examina el proceso de formulación de políticas tributarias después de la democratización y las estrategias que emplearon los gobiernos de la coalición de centro izquierda para lograr la aprobación de reformas incrementales. Por último, muestra que el ambiente político cambió luego de las protestas estudiantes de 2011 y 2012, lo que hizo posible la aprobación de la reforma tributaria mucho más progresiva propuesta por la presidente Bachelet en 2014.
Las redes del narcotráfico y sus interacciones: un modelo teórico
Authors: Raffo López Leonardo , Segura José Luis
Published: August 2015

En este artículo se propone un modelo teórico que ayuda a entender el funcionamiento de las redes de defensa y corrupción del narcotráfico. Con base en las teorías de juegos y de redes se analizan las interacciones estratégicas entre los narcotraficantes y sus agentes. Se prueba que la densidad de las redes es un determinante fundamental de la probabilidad de supervivencia de los narcotraficantes y de los salarios que pagan a sus hombres; y que la eficacia de las políticas de represión de la oferta depende de la densidad de las redes.
La titularización en Colombia: veinte años de regulación, 1993-2013
Authors: Blanco Barón Constanza
Published: August 2015

Cuando se examinan procesos como la titularización cabe preguntar si el comportamiento de los agentes obedece a cambios institucionales o si las modificaciones del régimen normativo son una respuesta al comportamiento del mercado o a necesidades de la economía. Este artículo aplica la teoría del cambio institucional de North para examinar los principales hechos que incidieron en el comportamiento de la titularización en general y de la titularización hipotecaria en el mercado colombiano entre 1993 y 2013.
Las obras de las expresiones culturales tradicionales en México: marco normativo internacional y nacional
Authors: Oviedo Arbeláez Amparo Alicia , Gómez Madrigal Laura Sofía
Published: August 2015

El presente artículo hace un análisis de lo que en México se considera como expression cultural tradicional o del folklore, y de su importancia para los pueblos y comunidades indígenas, así como de la protección nacional e internacional jurídica que se ha brindado como forma de salvaguardar el patrimonio nacional y los derechos de las comunidades autóctonas.
Ampliando la protección a segundas indicaciones en Europa: swiss-type claim y european-type claim
Authors: Conde-Gutiérrez Carlos Augusto
Published: August 2015

La Oficina de Patentes Europea (EPO) protege las segundas indicaciones o usos sobre composiciones o sustancias ya existentes en el estado de la técnica con el ánimo de incentivar a la industria farmacéutica en Europa. Este artículo explora los aspectos legales y técnicos mediante los cuales la EPO ha otorgado patentes no solo a segundas indicaciones, sino también a terceras o sucesivas indicaciones. En particular, se analiza el alcance del Swiss-type Claim y el European-type Claim. De igual manera, se realiza un análisis comparativo entre el Convenio sobre Patentes Europeo y decisiones de la EPO, y la Decisión 486 de 2000 de la Comunidad Andina (Régimen Común sobre Propiedad Industrial) sobre segundas indicaciones.
Paridad democrática por fuera de las urnas. Una aproximación a la participación de las mujeres en la administración pública en Colombia
Authors: Jaramillo Felipe , Monroy Catalina
Published: August 2015

Los estudios sobre la participación de la mujer en el ámbito público tienden a centrarse en la representatividad. Sin embargo, la inclusión de la mujer en la esfera pública no se reduce a un tema electoral. La administración del Estado también requiere de cargos cuyo fundamento legal no recae en el sufragio, motivo por el cual el estudio de género de la composición administrativa del Estado adquiere relevancia. Con base en la discusión anterior, el artículo presenta los avances de Colombia en términos de participación de la mujer en el sector público. El objetivo consiste en brindar una aproximación teórica a la participación de la mujer en la administración del Estado y, de igual forma, evaluar los avances del país hacia la igualdad material entre los sexos. En especial, el artículo propone una aproximación teórica a la paridad democrática en Colombia, la cual se extiende a la consolidación de la democracia por fuera de las urnas.
¡En tierra de caciques! Liderazgos populistas y democracia en Ecuador
Authors: Freidenberg Flavia
Published: August 2015

El objetivo de este trabajo es explorar las características del populismo a partir de la experiencia de Ecuador, uno de los países de América Latina que ha tenido más procesos de este tipo. La idea es identificar semejanzas en el modo en que se ejerce el estilo de liderazgo populista a partir de cuatro casos: José María Velasco Ibarra, Abdalá Bucaram Ortiz, Álvaro Noboa Pontón y Rafael Correa, a pesar de las diferencias existentes entre esos líderes políticos. El argumento es que, a diferencia de las aproximaciones prevalecientes en la literatura ecuatoriana, el populismo debe entenderse como un estilo de liderazgo que se da entre líder-seguidor, el cual tiene una serie de características específicas que se mantienen en el tiempo, más allá de las diferencias contextuales y sistémicas.
La incorporación de agencias en la estructura administrativa colombiana del orden nacional. Una confrontación axiológica de dos modelos organizacionales de la administración pública
Authors: Montaña Plata Alberto
Published: August 2015

La incorporación de las agencias a la estructura de la administración del orden nacional en Colombia, generó serias dudas sobre la necesidad de crear una estructura administrativa diferente de las tradicionales. Esta incorporación resulta aún más cuestionable cuando se observa la introducción de esta categoría norteamericana sin un análisis profundo sobre la tradición y la realidad nacionales. La situación se agrava por el hecho constatable de que los valores y la filosofía de la estructura de la administración pública en Colombia difieren en mucho de los predominantes en Estados Unidos. Por lo anterior, se propone un análisis crítico de la institución y de su adopción acrítica e irreflexiva en nuestra realidad.
La Autoridad Nacional de Televisión, ¿una agencia estatal independiente?
Authors: Pacheco Ronald
Published: August 2015

Con el presente artículo se pretende identificar si la Autoridad Nacional de Televisión es o no una agencia estatal independiente del ejecutivo y si cuenta con las garantías institucionales de independencia para el ejercicio de sus funciones. Para lograr este cometido se revisó el diseño institucional que inspiró la reforma a la Constitución de 1991, que suprimió el carácter constitucional que ostentaban en Colombia tanto el servicio público de televisión como el órgano encargado de su regulación. Luego, se estudió el alcance de las normas legales que se expidieron en desarrollo de lo consagrado en la reforma constitucional de 2011, disposiciones que distribuyen las competencias de la extinta Comisión Nacional de Televisión en diferentes órganos, como es el caso de la recién creada Autoridad Nacional de Televisión (ANTV).
Administración pública y los principios del derecho administrativo en Perú
Authors: Rojas Piero
Published: August 2015

El proyecto de la Ley de Bases de la Administración Pública es el primer instrumento jurídico que desarrolla los estándares fundamentales de la organización y funcionamiento de la administración pública en Perú. En tal sentido, objeto del presente trabajo de investigación es reflexionar y hacer comentarios críticos sobre el tratamiento jurídico que le ha otorgado el proyecto de ley al concepto de administración pública y a los principios que rigen su funcionamiento.
Integrated Trauma Treatment in Drug Court: Combining EMDR Therapy and Seeking Safety
Authors: Brown Susan H. , Gilman Sara G. , Goodman Ellen G. , Adler-Tapia Robbie , Freng Steven
Published: August 2015

Trauma and co-occurring substance use disorders are disproportionately prevalent in individuals involved in the criminal justice system. The Thurston County Drug Court Program (TCDCP) in Washington State conducted a preliminary study with 220 participants arrested for nonviolent, felony drug-related crimes. All TCDCP participants were required to engage in a structured 12- to 18-month 3-phase program referred to as Program as Usual (PAU). Data was collected from 2004 to 2009 to investigate the efficacy of adding an “Integrated Trauma Treatment Program” (ITTP) component for those endorsing a Criterion A trauma history (68% of TCDCP). The ITTP combined 2 empirically supported trauma therapies in a phased, integrated approach: mandatory Seeking Safety groups followed by voluntary, individual eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. The investigators hypothesized that trauma-specific treatment might improve existing program outcomes, including higher graduation rates and lower postprogram recidivism. One hundred twelve of the initial 150 participants endorsing trauma completed the Seeking Safety groups and were offered individual EMDR therapy. Of those 112, those who selected EMDR therapy (n = 65) graduated at a rate of 91%; those who declined (n = 47) graduated at 57%. Recidivism rates also differed among TCDCP graduates: PAU, 10%; graduates selecting EMDR therapy, 12%; and graduates declining EMDR, 33%. This article summarizes the literature, describes the ITTP program, reports on graduation rates and recidivism outcomes, and discusses possible differences between those who selected and those who declined EMDR therapy. The authors discuss the benefits of including EMDR therapy in drug court programs with recommendations for future research.
Antioxidant Activities and the In Vitro Effects on K562 Cell Viability of
Flavonoids Obtained from Onion Skin by Different Extraction Methods
Authors: Guoqing Shi , Qisen Xiang , Wenen Zhao , Yichao Fan , Tiantian Ma , Ke Liu , Yanqi Liu
Published: August 2015

In order to effectively extract specific flavonoids with high biological activity from onionskin, NaNO2-
Al(NO3)3-NaOH coloration method, spectrophotometry and MTT method were adopted to study the yield rate and content
of flavonoids obtained from alcohol water and alkali water extraction processes, the antioxidant activities and the in vitro
effects on K562 cell viability. The results indicated that yield rates of flavonoids obtained by alcohol water and alkali water
extraction methods were 3.76% and 2.37%, and solid flavonoids contents were 42.20% and 76.21% respectively; under
the same concentration of total flavonoids, alkali water extract has weaker effect on removing superoxide anions and
DPPH • radicals, whereas they have similar effect on removing nitrite and hydroxyl free radicals; in the test concentration
range (40 ∼ 200 µg / mL), they have similar effect on inhibiting the proliferation activity of K562 cells; the maximum inhibition
rate of flavonoids obtained by alkali water extraction method is 77.71%, while maximum inhibition rate of flavonoid
obtained by alcohol water extraction method is 70.64%. Both the flavonoids obtained from onionskins by alcohol
water extraction method and alkali water extraction method have good biological activity. The alkali water extraction
method is simple and without any alcohol consumption, and the product purity is high. Although the yield rate and certain
biological activity of flavonoids obtained by alkali water extraction method are lower than those obtained by alcohol water
extraction method, it still has certain significance in industrial production.
Analysis of the mineral composition of hypomineralized first permanent molars
Authors: Martinovic Brankica , Ivanovic Mirjana , Milojkovic Zoraida , Mladenovic Rasa
Published: August 2015

Background/Aim. Hypomineralization of molars and incisors (molar-incisor
hypomineralization - MIH) is defined as enamel hypomineralization of
systemic origin of one or more of the four first permanent molars, which may
be associated with changes in the maxillary, and less frequently in the
permanent mandibular incisors. The aim of this study was to investigate the
mineral content in hypomineralized teeth as a contribution to under-standing
the origin of these changes, which will be important for effective
restorative approach. Methods. A total of 10 extracted first permanent
molars diagnosed with MIH were used in the study as the experimental group,
and intact first premolars extracted for orthodontic reasons were used as
the control group. A certain surface of hypomineralized ?nd healthy enamel
and dentin was analyzed using a scanning electron microscope equipped with
an energydispersive spectrometer (SEM/EDS). Results. By conducting
quantitative chemical analysis of the distribution of the basic chemical
elements, it was found that the concentration of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus
(P) was significantly higher in healthy enamel (Ca = 28.80 wt%, and P =
15.05 wt%) compared to hypomineralized enamel (Ca = 27.60 wt% and P = 14.32
wt%). Carbon (C) concentration was statistically significantly higher in
hypomineralized enamel (C = 11.70 wt%) compared to healthy enamel (C = 10.94
wt%). Hypomineralized and healthy enamel did not differ significantly
regarding the ratio of calcium and phosphorus concentrations whereas the
ratio of calcium and carbon concentrations was statistically significantly
higher in healthy enamel compared to hypomineralized enamel. Conclusion.
Concentration of the main chemical elements, primarily calcium and
phosphorus, is significantly reduced in hypomineralized enamel whereas
carbon concentration is increased compared to healthy enamel.
Intravitreal bevacizumab injection alone or combined with macular photocoagulation compared to macular photocoagulation as primary treatment of diabetic macular edema
Authors: Jovanovic Sandra , Canadanovic Vladimir , Sabo Ana , Grgic Zorka , Mitrovic Milena , Rakic Dusan
Published: August 2015

Background/Aim. Within diabetic retinopathy (DR), diabetic macular edema
(DME) is one of the leading causes of the loss of visual acuity. The aim of
this study was to determine the efficacy of the intravitreal vascular
endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor application alone or combined
with macular focal/grid lasephotocoagulation compared with laser treatment
alone. Methods. This prospective randomized clinical trial included 72
patients (120 treated eyes) with varying degrees of DR and DME. The DME
treatment included intravitreal VEGF inhibitor bevacizumab (Avastin?)
application, with and without laser treatment. Bevacizumab (1.25 mg/0.05 mL)
was administered intravitreally in 4-6-week intervals. Laser is applied 4-6
weeks after last dose of the drug as a part of combined treatment, or as the
primary treatment. Results. The mean reduction in central macular thickness
(CMT) for the eyes (n = 31) treated with bevacizumab alone was 162.23 ?m,
for the eyes (n = 53) treated with combined treatment the mean reduction in
CMT was 124.24 ?m, both statistically significant at p < 0.001. Laser
macular photocolagulation as a part of combined treatment (in 53 eyes)
significantly contributed to the CMT reduction, based on the paired t-test
results (366.28 vs 323.0 ?m at p < 0.05). In our study, the mean visual
acuity improvement of 0.161 logMAR was achieved in the group of eyes treated
with bevacizumab alone, and 0.093 logMAR in the group with combined
treatment, both statistically significant at p < 0.05. The effect of laser
photocolagulation alone on visual acuity and CMT was not statistically
significant. Conclusion. Treatment with bevacizumab alone or within combined
treatment is more effective in treating DME than conventional macular laser
treatment alone, both anatomically and functionally.
Density of leopards Panthera pardus on protected and non‐protected land in the Waterberg Biosphere, South Africa
Authors: Swanepoel Lourens H. , Somers Micheal J. , Dalerum Fredrik
Published: August 2015

Data on the population size and trends of large carnivores remains the cornerstone of effective management and conservation programs. However, such data are rarely available for the majority of large carnivore species. Furthermore, large carnivore research is often directed towards formally protected areas. There is therefore a need to improve our knowledge regarding the population ecology of large carnivores in non‐protected areas. In this study we use camera trapping in conjunction with spatially explicit mark—recapture models to estimate leopard Panthera pardus density across different land use types in the Waterberg Biosphere, South Africa. Estimated densities (mean ± SE) ranged from 6.59 (± 5.2/100 km2) on a matrix of commercial game and livestock farms to 5.35 (± 2.93/100 km2) and 4.56 (± 1.35/100 km2) on two protected areas (Lapalala and Welgevonden respectively). Although density estimates had large confidence intervals we suggest that these results indicate similar densities across the three sites. These results support other studies suggesting that non‐protected areas can harbour as dense leopard populations as protected areas, and can therefore not be neglected in the management of leopards.
Beyond health and well-being: transformation, memory and the virtual in older people’s music and dance
Authors: Wakeling Kate , Clark Jonathan
Published: August 2015

Research exploring older people and the participatory arts has tended to focus on notions of biomedical impact, often coupled with appeals to evasive notions of “well-being.” Rather than suggesting such approaches are invalid, this article proposes the need for their extension and proposes an alternative, critical approach to analysing older people’s experience of arts participation. Based on ethnographic participant observation and intensive consultation with a cohort of older people engaged in a programme of creative music and dance, we explore the complex processes and possibilities of transformation that the participatory arts can initiate, examining how performance can create intriguing linkages between past, present and future experiences. Taking a phenomenological approach to the study of memory, recollection, reminiscence and future anticipation, we discuss how arts participation can “actualise” potential memories in older participants, examining how and why this kind of expressive activity animates the idea of “virtual” selves (after Bergson).
βB2-Crystallin Promotes Axonal Regeneration in the Injured Optic Nerve in Adult Rats
Authors: Böhm Michael R. R. , Prokosch Verena , Brückner Matthias , Pfrommer Sarah , Melkonyan Harutyun , Thanos Solon
Published: August 2015

The purpose of the study was to further scrutinize the potential of βB2-crystallin in supporting regeneration of injured retinal ganglion cell axons both in vitro and in vivo. Retinal explants obtained from animals after treatment either with lens injury (LI) alone or with combined LI 5 days or 3 days before or simultaneously with an optic nerve crush (ONC) were cultured for 96 h under regenerative conditions, and the regenerating axons were quantified and compared with untreated controls. These measurements were then repeated with LI replaced by intravitreal injections of γ-crystallin and β-crystallin at 5 days before ONC. Finally, bB2-crystallin-overexpressing transfected neural progenitor cells (bB2-crystallin-NPCs) in the eye were studied after crushing the optic nerve in vivo. Regeneration was monitored with the aid of immunoblotting of the retina and optic nerve both distal and proximal to the lesion site, and this was compared with controls that received injections of phosphate buffer only. LI performed 5 days or 3 days before ONC significantly promoted axonal outgrowth in vitro ( p < 0.001), while LI performed alone before explantation did not. Intravitreal injections of β-crystallin and γ-crystallin mimicked the effects of LI and significantly increased axonal regeneration in culture at the same time intervals ( p < 0.001). Western blot analysis revealed that crystallins were present in the proximal optic nerve stump at the lesion site in ONC, but were neither expressed in the undamaged distal optic nerve nor in uninjured tissue. bB2-crystallin-NPCs supported the regeneration of cut optic nerve axons within the distal optic nerve stump in vivo. The reported data suggest that bB2-crystallin-producing “cell factories” could be used to provide novel therapeutic drugs for central nervous system injuries.
Ex Vivo Propagation of Human Corneal Stromal “Activated Keratocytes” for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Yam Gary Hin-Fai , Yusoff Nur Zahirah Binte M. , Kadaba Aishwarya , Tian Dechao , Myint Htoon Hla , Beuerman Roger W. , Zhou Lei , Mehta Jodhbir S.
Published: August 2015

Keratoconus is a corneal disorder characterized by a thinning of stromal tissue, and the affected patients have induced astigmatism and visual impairment. It is associated with a loss of corneal stromal keratocytes (CSKs). Hence, reconstructing stromal tissue with autologous CSK replacement can be a viable alternative to corneal transplantation, which is restricted by the global donor material shortage and graft rejection. Human CSKs are normally quiescent and express unique markers, like aldehyde dehydrogenases and keratocan. In serum culture, they proliferate, but lose their characteristic phenotype and become stromal fibroblasts. Here we report a novel culture cocktail to ex vivo propagate and maintain CSKs. Primary human CSKs were obtained from adult donors and cultured with soluble human amnion stromal extract (ASE), rho-associated coiled-coil-forming protein serine/threonine kinase inhibitor Y-27632, and insulin-like growth factor-1 (collectively named as ERI). Protein profiling using mass spectrometry followed by MetaCore” pathway analysis predicted that ASE proteins might participate in transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling and fibroblast development, cell adhesion, extracellular matrix remodeling, and immune response. In culture with 0.5% fetal bovine serum and ERI, the population of “activated keratocytes” was expanded. They had much lowered expression of both keratocyte and fibroblast markers, suppressed TGF-β-mediated Smad2/3 activation, and lacked fibroblast-mediated collagen contractibility. These “activated keratoctyes” could be propagated for six to eight passages ex vivo, and they regained CSK-specific dendritic morphology and gene marker expression, including aldehyde dehydrogenases, lumican, and keratocan biosynthesis, expression, and secretion when returned to serum-depleted ERI condition. This novel cocktail maintained human CSKs in both adherent and suspension cultures with proper keratocyte features and without the transformation to stromal fibroblasts. Thus, human CSKs can be ex vivo propagated as transient “activated keratocytes.” This could provide sufficient number of genuine CSKs for corneal tissue engineering.
Metal hydrides: an innovative and challenging conversion reaction anode for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Aymard Luc , Oumellal Yassine , Bonnet Jean-Pierre
Published: August 2015

The state of the art of conversion reactions of metal hydrides (MH) with lithium is presented and discussed in this review with regard to the use of these hydrides as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. A focus on the gravimetric and volumetric storage capacities for different examples from binary, ternary and complex hydrides is presented, with a comparison between thermodynamic prediction and experimental results. MgH2constitutes one of the most attractive metal hydrides with a reversible capacity of 1480 mA·h·g−1at a suitable potential (0.5 V vs Li+/Li0) and the lowest electrode polarization (<0.2 V) for conversion materials. Conversion process reaction mechanisms with lithium are subsequently detailed for MgH2, TiH2, complex hydrides Mg2MHxand other Mg-based hydrides. The reversible conversion reaction mechanism of MgH2, which is lithium-controlled, can be extended to others hydrides as: MHx+xLi++xe−in equilibrium with M +xLiH. Other reaction paths—involving solid solutions, metastable distorted phases, and phases with low hydrogen content—were recently reported for TiH2and Mg2FeH6, Mg2CoH5and Mg2NiH4. The importance of fundamental aspects to overcome technological difficulties is discussed with a focus on conversion reaction limitations in the case of MgH2. The influence of MgH2particle size, mechanical grinding, hydrogen sorption cycles, grinding with carbon, reactive milling under hydrogen, and metal and catalyst addition to the MgH2/carbon composite on kinetics improvement and reversibility is presented. Drastic technological improvement in order to the enhance conversion process efficiencies is needed for practical applications. The main goals are minimizing the impact of electrode volume variation during lithium extraction and overcoming the poor electronic conductivity of LiH. To use polymer binders to improve the cycle life of the hydride-based electrode and to synthesize nanoscale composite hydride can be helpful to address these drawbacks. The development of high-capacity hydride anodes should be inspired by the emergent nano-research prospects which share the knowledge of both hydrogen-storage and lithium-anode communities.
Design and synthesis of hybrid cyclophanes containing thiophene and indole units via Grignard reaction, Fischer indolization and ring-closing metathesis as key steps
Authors: Kotha Sambasivarao , Chinnam Ajay Kumar , Shirbhate Mukesh Eknathrao
Published: August 2015

We demonstrate a new synthetic strategy to cyclophanes containing thiophene and indole moieties via Grignard addition, Fischer indolization and ring-closing metathesis as key steps.
Seroprevalence of human cysticercosis and its associated risk factors among humans in areas of Kaduna metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Edia-Asuke Agnes Uregwu , Inabo Helen I , Mukaratirwa Samson , Umoh Veronica J , Whong Clement MZ , Asuke Sunday , Ella Elijah Ekah
Published: August 2015

Introduction: Taenia solium cysticercosis is considered an emerging parasitic zoonosis of global importance due to its impact on both agriculture and public health in developing countries. Epidemiological information on human cysticercosis is limited in Nigeria. This study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of human cysticercosis in areas of Kaduna metropolis, Nigeria, where small-holder pig farming is practiced. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Kaduna South and Chikun Local Government Areas of Kaduna metropolis, which are widely involved in small-holder pig farming and pork consumption. A total of 300 human sera were collected and tested for the presence of IgG antibodies to T. solium using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. A structured questionnaire was used to identify risk factors in the population and was administered to the study population. Results: A total of 43 of 300 sera tested positive to IgG antibodies, indicating a cysticercosis prevalence of 14.3%. Method of pork preparation and history of epilepsy were found to be strongly associated with seropositivity. Epileptics in this study were two times more likely to be seropositive than non-epileptics. A large proportion (74.0%) of the population had very poor knowledge of cysticercosis, and knowledge of cysticercosis was strongly associated with method of pork preparation and respondents’ occupations. Conclusions: A high seroprevalence of human cysticercosis was found in Kaduna South and Chikun Local Government Areas. The main risk and behavioral factors contributing to the high prevalence include poor knowledge of cysticercosis and lack of knowledge on proper pork preparation methods.
Dermatophytosis: a 16-year retrospective study in a metropolitan area in southern Brazil
Authors: Heidrich Daiane , Garcia Marcelo Rocha , Stopiglia Cheila Denise Ottonelli , Magagnin Cibele Massotti , Daboit Tatiane Caroline , Vetoratto Gerson , Schwartz Joel , Amaro Taís Guarienti , Scroferneker Maria Lúcia
Published: August 2015

Introduction: Dermatophytoses are considered a public health problem. The objectives of this study were to determine the evolution of their prevalence in the metropolitan area of Porto Alegre, Brazil, and to analyze the dermatophyte species distribution according to body site and demographic characteristics of the patients. Methodology: This work was a retrospective analysis of data from patients attending a tertiary care hospital during 1996–2011. Results: There were 9,048 cases with cultures positive for dermatophytes. Trichophyton rubrum occurred in 59.6% of the cases, followed by Trichophyton interdigitale (34%), Microsporum canis (2.6%), Epidermophyton floccosum (1.5%), Microsporum gypseum (1.3%), and Trichophyton tonsurans (0.9%). The angular coefficients for T. interdigitale, E. floccosum, T. rubrum, and M. canis were +1.119, +0.211, -0.826 and -0.324% per year, respectively. Males presented higher prevalence of infection (79.3% versus 53.9%). Tinea unguium occurred in 48.5% of the cases, followed by tinea pedis (33.1%). T. rubrum was the predominant species in all regions of the body except the scalp, where M. canis was responsible for 75% of the cases. Conclusion: Monitoring of the evolution of dermatophytosis tracks changes in prevalence over the years and may assist practical measures for the public health control of this disease.
Role of efflux pumps inhibitor in decreasing antibiotic resistance of Klebsiella pneumoniae in a tertiary hospital in North India
Authors: Filgona Joel , Banerjee Tuhina , Anupurba Shampa
Published: August 2015

Introduction: The contribution of efflux systems to drug resistance in Enterobacteriaceae is becoming increasingly appreciated. This study phenotypically analyzed the role of efflux mechanisms in resistance to ertapenem, doripenem, and tigecycline among clinical isolates of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP). Methodology: Multidrug-resistant and carbapenem non-susceptible K. pneumoniae isolates were determined by disk diffusion test. Further susceptibility of these isolates to carbapenems, ceftriaxone, cefoperazone, ceftazidime, tigecycline, and colistin was determined by agar dilution assay, and CRKP was identified. While modified Hodge test was used to confirm carbapenemase production, the contribution of efflux mechanisms was determined by a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) reduction assay, and typing was done by enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC) polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Of the 238 isolates of K. pneumoniae, 174 were multidrug resistant and 74 were CRKP. Forty of the CRKP were positive for carbapenemase production, while 43, 11, and 2 of the CRKP isolates had elevated MIC of ≥ 32 µg/mL for ertapenem, doripenem, and tigecycline, respectively. Twofold or higher MIC reduction to ertapenem, doripenem, and tigecycline was observed in 6, 28, and 27 isolates, respectively; however, non-susceptibility to ertapenem, doripenem and tigecycline was abolished in 2, 11, and 18 K. pneumoniae isolates, respectively. Nine clones of CRKP widely distributed within the hospital were obtained from ERIC PCR. Conclusions: Although colistin retained better activity against CRKP, efflux pumps contributed to increased MIC in ertapenem, doripenem, and tigecycline. Therefore, efflux systems are important aspects that should be explored in the fight against multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Survival of enteroaggregative Escherichia coli and Vibrio cholerae in frozen and chilled foods
Authors: Waturangi Diana Elizabeth , Amadeus Steven , Kelvianto Yustinus Ericko
Published: August 2015

Introduction: Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) and Vibrio cholerae are common bacteria that infect people in developing countries. Nowadays, food preservation by freezing and refrigeration are very common practices that extend the shelf life of food products. Unfortunately, EAEC and V. cholerae are suspected to survive at low temperatures. Methodology: Various foods and beverages used as samples were artificially inoculated with EAEC and V. cholerae pure colonies and incubated at room temperature (27°C), refrigeration temperature (4°C), and frozen temperature (-20°C) for one week, two weeks, one month, two months, and three months. The survival of these bacteria was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with specific primers to detect their virulence genes (aggR for EAEC and toxR for V. cholerae) that represent the presence of these bacteria. Results: This study showed that EAEC was able to survive in all food samples used in this study for at least three months under room temperature, refrigeration temperature, and frozen temperature. V. cholerae had poor survival in almost all food samples over two months under room temperature and over three months under refrigeration temperature. V. cholerae was able to survive in all food samples for at least three months under frozen temperature. Conclusions: The survival of EAEC and V. cholerae in this study should increase our awareness of how hazardous these bacteria are. Therefore, in order to improve food safety and hygiene, advanced preservation and sterilization methods should be discovered to prevent contamination with and survival of EAEC and V. cholerae.
Effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain UFMG A-905 in experimental model of inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Tiago F.C.P. , Porto B.A.A. , Ribeiro N.S. , Moreira L.M.C. , Arantes R.M.E. , Vieira A.T. , Teixeira M.M. , Generoso S.V. , Nascimento V.N. , Martins F.S. , Nicoli J.R.
Published: August 2015

In the present study, the protective potential of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain UFMG A-905 was evaluated in a murine model of acute ulcerative colitis (UC). Six groups of Balb/c mice were used: not treated with yeast and not challenged with dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) (control); treated with S. cerevisiae UFMG A-905 (905); treated with the non-probiotic S. cerevisiae W303 (W303); challenged with DSS (DSS); treated with S. cerevisiae UFMG A-905 and challenged with DSS (905 + DSS); and treated with S. cerevisiae W303 and challenged with DSS (W303 + DSS). Seven days after induction of UC, mice were euthanised to remove colon for enzymatic, immunological, and histopathological analysis. In vivo intestinal permeability was also evaluated. An improvement of clinical manifestations of experimental UC was observed only in mice of the 905 + DSS group when compared to animals from DSS and W303 + DSS groups. This observation was confirmed by histological and morphometrical data and determination of myeloperoxidase and eosinophil peroxidase activities, intestinal permeability and some pro-inflammatory cytokines. S. cerevisiae UFMG A-905 showed to be a potential alternative treatment for UC when used in an experimental animal model of the disease.
Lactococcus lactis V7 inhibits the cell invasion of bovine mammary epithelial cells by Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Assis B. Seridan , Germon P. , Silva A.M. , Even S. , Nicoli J.R. , Loir Y. Le
Published: August 2015

Bovine mastitis, an inflammatory disease of the mammary gland often associated to bacterial infection, is the first cause of antibiotic use in dairy cattle. Because of the risk of antibioresistance emergence, alternative non-antibiotic strategies are needed to prevent or to cure bovine mastitis and reduce the antibiotic use in veterinary medicine. In this work, we investigated Lactococcus lactis V7, a strain isolated from the mammary gland, as a probiotic option against bovine mastitis. Using bovine mammary epithelial cell (bMEC) culture, and two representative strains for Escherichia coli and for Staphylococcus aureus, two major mastitis pathogens, we investigated L. lactis V7 ability to inhibit cell invasion (i.e. adhesion and internalization) of these pathogens into bMEC. L. lactis V7 ability to modulate the production of CXCL8, a key chemokine IL-8 responsible for neutrophil influx, in bMEC upon challenge with E. coli was investigated by an ELISA dosage of CXCL8 in bMEC culture supernatants. We showed that L. lactis V7 inhibited the internalisation of both E. coli and S. aureus strains into bMEC, whereas it inhibited the adhesion of only one out of the two S. aureus strains and of none of the E. coli strains tested. Investigation of the bMEC immune response showed that L. lactis V7 alone induced a slight increase in CXCL8 production in bMEC and that it increased the inflammatory response in bMEC challenged with the E. coli strains. Altogether these features of L. lactis V7 make it a potential promising candidate for a probiotic prevention strategy against bovine mastitis.