bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aged Lewis rats exposed to low and moderate doses of rotenone are a good model for studying the process of protein aggregation and its effects upon central nervous system cell physiology
Authors: Almeida Michael F. , Silva Carolliny M. , D’Unhao Aline M. , Ferrari Merari F. R.
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT Cell physiology is impaired before protein aggregation and this may be more relevant than inclusions themselves for neurodegeneration. The present study aimed to characterize an animal model to enable the analysis of the cell biology before and after protein aggregation. Ten-month-old Lewis rats were exposed either to 1 or 2 mg/kg/day of rotenone, delivered subcutaneously through mini-pumps, for one month. Hyperphosphorylated TAU, alpha-synuclein, amyloid-beta peptide and protein carbonylation (indicative of oxidative stress) were evaluated in the hippocampus, substantia nigra and locus coeruleus through immunohistochemistry or western blot. It was found that 2 mg/kg/day rotenone increased amyloid-beta peptide, hyperphosphorylation of TAU and alpha-synuclein. Rotenone at 1mg/kg/day did not alter protein levels. Protein carbonylation remained unchanged. This study demonstrated that aged Lewis rats exposed to a low dose of rotenone is a useful model to study cellular processes before protein aggregation, while the higher dose makes a good model to study the effects of protein inclusions.
Neuromodulation in refractory epilepsy: Brazilian specialists consensus
Authors: Terra Vera Cristina , D’Andrea-Meira Isabella , Amorim Ricardo , Arruda Francisco , Oliveira Andrea Julião de , Paola Luciano De , Henriques-Souza Adélia Maria de Miranda
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT Epilepsy is a potentially devastating brain disorder characterized by a predisposition to spontaneous epileptic seizures. In patients with medically refractory epilepsy, new non-pharmacological therapeutic approaches may be considered. In this scenario, palliative surgery such as vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) or deep brain stimulation (DBS) may be indicated in a subset of patients. In this paper we make recommendations for the use of VNS and DBS in patients in Brazil with refractory epilepsy.
¿Por qué la Gente Vota a la Izquierda? Clivajes, Ideología y Voto Retrospectivo en Bolivia y Uruguay en Perspectiva Comparada
Authors: Došek Tomáš
Published: March 2017

El objetivo de este artículo es explicar las razones del voto de los ciudadanos hacia Evo Morales y José Mujica en las elecciones presidenciales de 2009 y evaluar en qué medida los determinantes del voto permiten distinguir las supuestas "dos izquierdas" en América Latina. Utilizando datos de encuestas de opinión pública para los dos casos representativos este trabajo muestra cómo las razones son diferentes, ya que en Uruguay pesa relativamente más la ideología y los elementos programáticos y en Bolivia más el voto retrospectivo, cruzado cada uno por distintos clivajes estructurales. Discutiendo los resultados con la literatura secundaria sobre los demás casos sudamericanos, se argumenta que la clásica clasificación en dos izquierdas no se sostiene a partir del análisis de los determinantes del voto. Metodológicamente, se recurre al análisis de regresión logística binomial y a la comparación de una serie de modelos estadísticos.
Pope Francis and the challenges of inter-civilization diplomacy
Authors: VUKIĆEVIĆ BORIS
Published: March 2017

Abstract This article addresses the role of Pope Francis in the interfaith and inter-civilization dialogue of the Holy See. Specifically, it analyses the main aspects of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and Russia, China, Islamic countries and Israel, and provides perspectives on the inter-civilization diplomacy of the Holy See during the current pontificate.
Surface Complexation Modeling in Variable Charge Soils: Charge Characterization by Potentiometric Titration
Authors: Marchi Giuliano , Vilar Cesar Crispim , O’Connor George , Silva Marx Leandro Naves
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT Intrinsic equilibrium constants of 17 representative Brazilian Oxisols were estimated from potentiometric titration measuring the adsorption of H+ and OH− on amphoteric surfaces in suspensions of varying ionic strength. Equilibrium constants were fitted to two surface complexation models: diffuse layer and constant capacitance. The former was fitted by calculating total site concentration from curve fitting estimates and pH-extrapolation of the intrinsic equilibrium constants to the PZNPC (hand calculation), considering one and two reactive sites, and by the FITEQL software. The latter was fitted only by FITEQL, with one reactive site. Soil chemical and physical properties were correlated to the intrinsic equilibrium constants. Both surface complexation models satisfactorily fit our experimental data, but for results at low ionic strength, optimization did not converge in FITEQL. Data were incorporated in Visual MINTEQ and they provide a modeling system that can predict protonation-dissociation reactions in the soil surface under changing environmental conditions.
Microencapsulação do pesticida cipermetrina em blendas de P(3HB/PCL): caracterização e ensaio de liberação in vitro
Authors: Dall’Agnol Evana Cássia , Suave Jaqueline , Meier Marcia Margarete , Soldi Valdir , Silva Denise Abatti Kasper , Pezzin Ana Paula Testa
Published: March 2017

Resumo A aplicação de polímeros biodegradáveis para encapsular pesticidas é uma estratégia que permite, a partir de diferentes proporções entre os polímeros, modificar o perfil de liberação do agente. Este trabalho avaliou a liberação controlada do pesticida cipermetrina encapsulado em microesferas de blendas de P(3HB)/PCL (100/0, 0/100, 97/03, 95/05, 90/10, 80/20 e 70/30) obtidas pelo método de emulsificação-evaporação do solvente. As imagens de microscopia eletrônica de varredura revelam a forte influência da PCL na porosidade das microesferas. As análises de infravermelho mostraram a presença do pesticida em todas as composições de polímeros avaliadas. O ensaio de liberação de cipermetrina sugere que, no intervalo de 4 horas, o teor de cipermetrina liberada é dependente da composição das blendas utilizadas. As microesferas de PHB e blendas com menores teores de PCL, 97/03 e 95/05 liberaram 75% a 85% enquanto a composição 70/30 liberou 100% de cipermetrina.
Malnutrition risk and hospitalization in elderly assisted in Primary Care
Authors: Rosa Carolina Böettge ,   Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, Garces Solange Beatriz Billig , Hansen Dinara , Brunelli Ângela Vieira , Bianchi Patrícia Dall’Agnol , Coser Janaina , Krug Marília de Rosso , Schwanke Carla Helena Augustin ,   Universidade de Cruz Alta, Brasil
Published: March 2017

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the association of malnutrition risk and single items of the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA®) with hospitalization in the last 12 months in the elderly assisted in primary care. A cross-sectional study was conducted with the evaluation of 1229 elderly persons assisted in Family Health Strategies in seven cities of South Brazil. Malnutrition risk was evaluated using the MNA®, and hospitalization was determined by one question of the Probability of Repeated Admission (PRA) instrument. Most of the elderly were women (61.7%), with a mean age of 71.7 ± 7.7 years. The malnutrition risk rate was 23.3% and hospitalization was 32.9%. The frequency of malnutrition and risk of malnutrition was two times greater among the elderly who were hospitalized (36.8 versus 18.6% - P < 0.001). There was a significant association between hospitalization and 11 (64.7%) of the 17 items on the MNA® evaluated (P < 0.05). Of these, seven items were independently associated with hospitalization by multivariate analysis. We observed an association of malnutrition risk and most of the single MNA® items as well, with hospitalization in the elderly assisted in primary care.
Characterization of the relations between morphology and physiological status of the pineal gland in connection with the somatic development level in turkeys reared in Romania
Authors: Lazăr R. , Solcan C. , Creţu C. , Lazăr M. , Muntean C. , Boişteanu P.C.
Published: March 2017

This research started from the premises of the existence of some possible relationships between indole and pineal peptide hormones and the somatic development, with participation of hypothalamic-pituitary complex. Experimental factors, which were the subject of the present paper, influenced the dynamics of corporal mass and fodder consumption, leading to the occurrence of some important structural modifications at the level of pineal gland. The exposure of the individuals to continuous light (photic pinealectomy) produces increases in corporal mass, showing the involvement of the pineal gland in neuro-endocrine-metabolic reactions, which contributes to the maintenance of homeostatic balance, including somatic ones. Biological material was represented by a number of 50 individuals belonging to B.U.T. Big 6 hybrid, reared on soil, on a permanent litter, which could assure the expanding of knowledge area regarding the relation between rearing technology, modulation of some microclimate parameters and growing performances. Were also realised cytometric and hystometric muscular determinations.
The diagnosis of acute appendicitis in pregnant versus non-pregnant women: A comparative study
Authors: Aras Abbas , Karaman Erbil , Pekşen Çağhan , Kızıltan Remzi , Kotan Mehmet Çetin
Published: March 2017

Summary Objective: To investigate whether the diagnosis of acute appendicitis is affected by pregnancy or not. Method: A retrospective study with the analysis of the medical records of all women suspected of having appendicitis who underwent appendectomy at our hospital between June 2010 and March 2015 were reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether they were pregnant or not during the surgery: group I, pregnant women, and group II, non-pregnant women. Results: During the study period, 38 pregnant women and 169 non-pregnant women underwent appendectomy. The time from admission to the operation was not statistically different (2.17±1.47 days in group I vs. 1.98±1.66 day in group II; p=0.288). The pregnant group had longer hospital stay than the non-pregnant group (p=0.04). Ultrasonography (USG) was used as the first diagnostic modality in 36/38 patients in group I and 161/169 in group II. The non-visualized appendix on ultrasound was seen in 17 patients in group I and 51 patients in group II, which was not statistically different. Sensitivity and specificity of USG in diagnosis of acute appendicitis were 61.29 and 80.00% in group I, and 93.0 and 31.6% in group II, respectively. Conclusion: Although the diagnosis of appendicitis in pregnant women is not delayed, careful assessment of these patients suspected of having appendicitis should be encouraged when USG examination is normal or nondiagnostic.
Estudo do óleo essencial do puxuri por cromatografia de gás /espectrometria de massa (CG/EM) .
Authors: Maia J. G. Soares , Ramos L. Scott , Luz Α. I. Reis
Published: March 2017

Utilizando cromatografia gás-espectrometria de massa (CG/EM) com computador, descreve-se os constituintes voláteis do óleo essencial das sementes de puxuri (Licaria puchury-major). Identificaram-se nove monoterpenos na mistura, além de safrol, eugenol, metileugenol e ácido dodecanóico, citados previamente.
Parâmetros endócrinos em ratos tratados cronicamente com extrato concentrado de Stevia rebaudiana (Bert.) Bertoni
Authors: Oliveira Filho Ricardo M. , Uehara Olívia A. , Valle Luiz Β. S. , Minetti Conceição A. S. A. , Boeckh Eva Μ. A.
Published: March 2017

Os efeitos de princípios ativos de S.revaudiana sobre parâmetros endócrinos de ratos foram estudados após administração crônica (60 dias) de extrato aquaso bruto(decocto) concentrado nas folhas desse planeta, começando em idade pré-púbere (25 a 30 dias de idade). Foram feitas as seguintes determinações: glicemia, níveis séricos de T3, T4 e T3R, união de [3H] R1881 à fração citosólica de próstata, teor de zinco em próstata, testículo, glândula salivar submandibular e pâncreas, e conteúdo hídrico em testículo e próstata. Estudou-se também a curva de ganho de peso corporal e os pesos terminais de testículo, próstata, vesícula seminal, glândula submandibular e adrenal. Os resultados deixaram potente que o grupo experimental não diferiu do controle significativamente em nenhum dos parâmetros analisados, exceto quanto ao peso de vesícula seminal, que diminuiu em 608, tanto em termos absolutos como em relação ao peso corporal. Conclui-se que os parâmetros endócrinos estudados no rato não são fundamentalmente alterados por doses farmacológicas de princípios ativos de S.rebaudiana.
PALEOENVIRONMENTAL MODEL FOR THE LATE CENOZOIC OF SOUTHWESTERN AMAZONIA: PALEONTOLOGY AND GEOLOGY
Authors: LATRUBESSE Edgardo Μ. , BOCQUENTIN Jean , SANTOS José Carlos R. , RAMONELL Carlos G.
Published: March 2017

Our study provides paleontological and geological data substantiating a paleoenvironmental model for the upper Miocene-Pliocene of Southwestern Amazonia. The extensive Late Tertiary sediments of The Solimões Formation, outcropping in Southwestern Amazonia, were deposited by a complex megafan system, originating in the high Peruvian Andes. The megafan system was the sedimentological response to the Andean Quechua tectonic phase of Tertiary age, producing sediments that fdled the foreland basin of Southwestern Amazonia. Occurrences of varied vertebrate fossil assemblages of the Huayquerian-Montehermosan Mammal age collected in these sediments support this interpretation. The fauna includes several genera and species of fishes, reptiles, birds, mammals and appears to be one that could have lived in or near a riverine habitat. In the Late Pliocene, the megafan system became inactive as a result of the influence of the Diaguita Tectonical Phase.
Composição química e adequação da alimentação oferecida aos pré-escolares de uma instituição beneficente de Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil
Authors: YUYAMA Lúcia K. O. , VASQUEZ Alba L. V. , AGUIAR Jaime P. L. , MACEDO Sonja H. M. , YONEKURA Lina , ΝAGAHAMA Dionísia , FONSECA Cyntia W.
Published: March 2017

Determinou-se os constituintes nutricionais da alimentação de pré-escolares de uma creche de Manaus, AM, seguida da adequação da mesma. Foi realizada a coleta da alimentação (desjejum, almoço e lanches), por meio da porção em duplicata, e analisada quimicamente. Os alimentos frequentemente consumidos foram feijão (25,1%), leite com café (19.9%), chá/sucos/refrigerantes (13,9%) e arroz (10,3%). A adequação protéica e energética foram de 126,1% e 32,42%, considerando as necessidades para as faixas etárias de 1 a 3 anos e 84% e 23,4% para o intervalo de 4 a 6. A quantidade de fibra total encontrada na dieta analisada foi baixa (5,6 g/dia). A adequação de consumo de Cu (431.8% c 293.6%) c Na (512% e 384%), considerando as faixas de 1 a 3 anos e 4 a 6 anos, respectivamente. Ca, Zn e Fe foram limitantes, com adequação inferior a 50%.
Fenologia e produtividade do Abacate (Persea americana Mill.) na Amazônia Central1
Authors: FALCÃO Martha de Aguiar , PARALUPPI Norival D. , CLEMENT Charles R. , KERR Warwick Ε. , SILVA Marlene F.
Published: March 2017

O abacateiro (Persea americana Mill., Lauraceae) é nativo da Mesoamérica e chegou à Amazônia antes dos europeus. Acredita-se que a raça aqui introduzida foi a antilhana, similar a da maioria dos abacateiros pé-franco da Amazônia de hoje. Estudos de sua fenologia podem ajudar o planejamento de seu manejo e comercialização. A floração iniciou-se na segunda metade da estação chuvosa (março/abril) e durou até meados da estação de estiagem (agosto/setembro). As árvores produziram 25±15 mil flores em 1980 e 38±28 mil flores em 1981. A frutificação iniciou-se no final da estação chuvosa (maio/junho) e a safra ocorreu em plena estação de estiagem (agosto/outubro). As árvores produziram 634±299 frutos em 1980 e 1.054±456 frutos em 1981. O vingamento foi de 2,6±1,8%, menor que os valores na literatura. Os frutos pesaram 177,7±41,2 g na safra de 1980, com 51,1±4,5% de polpa. A produtividade, estimado em 112 kg/árvore em 1980 e 187 kg/árvore em 1981, foi abaixo da média de uma árvore bem manejada no sul do Brasil. As flores foram visitadas por oito espécies de abelhas, destacando-se Trigona branneri Ckll, Frieseomelitta sp. e Partamona pseudomusarum Camargo.
Características, uso agrícola atual e potencial das Várzeas no estado do Amazonas, Brasil1
Authors: CRAVO Manoel da Silva , XAVIER José Jackson Β. Ν. , DIAS Miguel Costa , BARRETO João Ferdinando
Published: March 2017

Neste trabalho procura-se destacar as principais características das várzeas que ocorrem no Estado do Amazonas e suas influências sobre as atividades agrícolas, tomando-se como base trabalhos desenvolvidos nesse ecossistema. No Amazonas são diferenciados dois grandes ecossistemas: "terra firme" e "várzeas". Terra firme é um termo genérico, usado na Amazônia, para designar locais que não sofrem inundações provocadas pelos rios. O termo "Várzea" é utilizado para designar áreas situadas às margens dos rios de água "barrenta" ou "branca", sujeitas a inundações periódicas causadas pelos rios. Essas enchentes contribuem anualmente com novos depósitos de sedimentos, oferecendo uma camada de solo novo e fértil, às margens do rio Solimões e afluentes. Nas margens dos rios de água clara ou preta, não há formação de várzeas. As que se formam às margens desses rios são por influência dos rios de água barrenta e são menos férteis do que aquelas que ocorrem às margens desses rios. As várzeas, por apresentarem solos de fertilidade mais elevada, são intensivamente utilizados para fins agrícolas, no período em que não estão inundadas. As produtividades das culturas nesse ecossistema são mais elevadas do que nas terras firmes mas, o cultivo contínuo, sem inundação dos rios, leva a decair essa produtividade. Um dos principais fatores limitantes para o uso contínuo da várzea é a infestação por ervas daninhas. A distância dos mercados consumidores é um fator que deve ser considerado, quando da definição da utilização das várzeas, para fins agrícolas.
Wet bulbs from the subsurface drip irrigation with water supply and treated sewage effluent
Authors: ELAIUY MARCELO L. C. , SANTOS LEONARDO N. S. DOS , SOUSA ALLAN C. M. DE , SOUZA CLAUDINEI F. , MATSURA EDSON E.
Published: March 2017

The use of treated sewage effluent (TSE) combined with the subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) method in agriculture can decrease the costs of agricultural production, in attempts to fertigate crops more efficiently. In this study it was compared the dimensions of the wet bulb formed by the application of TSE and municipal water supply (MWS) in an Oxisoil. We have evaluated the effect of water quality and discharge between drippers used in sugarcane crop. Three trenches were opened and 21 three-rod TDR probes were setup in a mesh and a dripper was buried at 0.30 m, for each constant discharge of 1.0 L h-1and 1.6 L h-1. Comparing results from different wetted soil profiles it was observed that the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the wet bulb are similar for both MWS and TSE, being peculiars according to the discharges used and volume applied. Regardless the water quality, an increase of 60% in discharge decreased the deepest infiltration.
Comparação de mapas temáticos de diferentes grades amostrais para a produtividade da soja
Authors: Kestring Franciele B. F. , Guedes Luciana P. C. , Bastiani Fernanda de , Uribe-Opazo Miguel A.
Published: March 2017

RESUMO Este trabalho teve como objetivo comparar mapas temáticos construídos a partir de conjuntos de dados referentes à produtividade da soja, com diferentes grades amostrais regulares de 25x25 m; 50x50 m; 75x75 m e 100x100 m, utilizando técnicas de krigagem. No ajuste dos modelos teóricos a semivariâncias experimentais, utilizou-se para a estimação dos parâmetros o método de máxima verossimilhança. A comparação dos mapas temáticos foi realizada por meio dos índices de acurácia, obtidos a partir da matriz de erros. Foi verificado que fatores tais, como o tamanho amostral e a densidade amostral entre pontos, interferem na escolha do modelo teórico espacial, nas estimativas dos parâmetros e na construção dos mapas temáticos.
Do pre-service elementary school teachers still have mathematics anxiety? Some factors and correlates
Authors: Çatlıoğlu Hakan , Gürbüz Ramazan , Birgin Osman
Published: March 2017

This study aims to provide new evidence from Turkish pre-service elementary school (PES) teachers and to identify some correlations and factors associated with mathematics anxiety (MA). 480 Turkish PES teachers participated in this study. Data was collected using a Personal Information Form, Mathematics Anxiety Scale, and Mathematics Attitude Scale. Data was analyzed using the SPSS 17.0 statistics program. It was revealed that the MA level of the participants was low, and the difference based on gender was not significant. Cross-sectional comparison indicated that freshmen were more inclined to have MA than the seniors. Based on self-reported perceptions, we found that there were significant differences related to mathematics. There was a tendency for participants with negative attitudes towards mathematics and low achievers to possess higher levels of MA. It was also found that there was a significant correlation among mathematics anxiety, mathematics achievement, and mathematics attitudes. This study will provide some guidance for the revision of course requirements and teaching strategies, and promotes collaboration between mathematics educators and counselors.
Extratos aquosos de inhame (Dioscorea rotundataPoirr.) e de mastruz (Chenopodium ambrosioides L.) no desenvolvimento da lagarta-do-cartucho-do-milho Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith, 1797)
Authors: TRINDADE R.C.P , FERREIRA E.S. , GOMES I.B. , SILVA L. , SANT’ANA A.E.G. , BROGLIO S.M.F. , SILVA M.S.
Published: March 2017

RESUMO:Estudou-se o efeito de extratos aquosos de inhame (0; 5; 10; e 20% p/p) e de mastruz (0; 2; 4; 6; 8 e 10% p/p) na biologia da lagarta-do-cartucho. Secções de folhas de milho foram mergulhadas por 30 segundos em soluções de cada concentração; após a secagem, colocou-se em cada secção uma lagarta recém-eclodida. Foram avaliadas a viabilidade e a duração das fases larval e pupal, peso e comprimento das lagartas e pupas. Em relação ao extrato de inhame, a concentração de 20% causou maior influência na fase larval, sendo a viabilidade reduzida para 12%, com duração de 7 dias, diferindo da testemunha com 17 dias. O extrato da mesma planta a 10% causou 48% de mortalidade. Em todas as concentrações esse extrato também afetou a fase de pupa; na testemunha, 85% das pupas foram viáveis, enquanto nos demais tratamentos a viabilidade não excedeu a 25%. Para o peso e comprimento das lagartas, os resultados não foram significativos. Para o mastruz, o extrato a 20% causou influência na fase larval com baixa viabilidade e mortalidade logo nos primeiros seis dias de avaliação. Outras concentrações de mastruz não deferiram entre si nas fases larval e pupal. Verificou-se que a alimentação das lagartas com folhas tratadas com mastruz diminuiu o peso das pupas.
Diversidade e equitabilidade de Plantas Alimentícias Não Convencionais na zona rural de Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brasil
Authors: BARREIRA T.F. , PAULA FILHO G.X. , RODRIGUES V.C.C. , ANDRADE F.M.C. , SANTOS R.H.S. , PRIORE S.E. , PINHEIRO-SANT’ANA H.M.
Published: March 2017

RESUMO O presente estudo analisou a diversidade e equitabilidade de plantas alimentícias não convencionais (PANCs) na zona rural de Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brasil. A pesquisa foi conduzida utilizando a amostragem Bola de Neve com entrevistas semiestruturadas aplicadas à 20 moradores de nove comunidades rurais. Avaliou-se a frequência relativa de citação das espécies (Fr); a diversidade e equitabilidade das mesmas, utilizando os índices de Shannon-Wiener (H’) e de Pielou (J’), respectivamente. As espécies foram listadas pela família, nome científico, nomes populares, ambiente de propagação, hábito de crescimento, formas de consumo, estado de domesticação, ciclo de produção e registro por meio de consultas em herbários do bioma Mata Atlântica. Foram encontradas 59 espécies de PANCs, distribuídas em 30 famílias botânicas e 48 gêneros. As famílias asteraceae e myrtaceae se destacaram pela riqueza florística, contribuindo com 11 e 7 espécies, respectivamente. Espécies da família asteraceae obtiveram as maiores frequências relativas (32,2). Obteve-se índice de diversidade Shannon-Wiener de 1,65 (Base 10), e de equitabilidade de Pielou de 0,93. Os resultados encontrados estão similares à de outros estudos desenvolvidos no bioma Mata Atlântica, observou-se ampla diversidade de PANCs na área de estudo, e o conhecimento sobre estas encontra-se distribuído uniformemente entre os moradores.
INCREASED TISSUE TRANSGLUTAMINASE LEVELS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH INCREASED EPILEPTIFORM ACTIVITY IN ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHY AMONG PATIENTS WITH CELIAC DISEASE
Authors: IŞIKAY Sedat , HIZLI Şamil , ÇOŞKUN Serkan , YILMAZ Kutluhan
Published: March 2017

Background - Celiac disease is an autoimmune systemic disorder in genetically predisposed individuals precipitated by gluten ingestion. Objective - In this study, we aimed to determine asymptomatic spike-and-wave findings on electroencephalography in children with celiac disease. Methods - A total of 175 children with the diagnosis of celiac disease (study group) and 99 age- and sex-matched healthy children as controls (control group) were included in the study. In order to determine the effects of gluten free diet on laboratory and electroencephalography findings, the celiac group is further subdivided into two as newly-diagnosed and formerly-diagnosed patients. Medical histories of all children and laboratory findings were all recorded and neurologic statuses were evaluated. All patients underwent a sleep and awake electroencephalography. Results - Among 175 celiac disease patients included in the study, 43 were newly diagnosed while 132 were formerly-diagnosed patients. In electroencephalography evaluation of patients the epileptiform activity was determined in 4 (9.3%) of newly diagnosed and in 2 (1.5%) of formerly diagnosed patients; on the other hand the epileptiform activity was present in only 1 (1.0%) of control cases. There was a statistically significant difference between groups in regards to the presence of epileptiform activity in electroencephalography. Pearson correlation analysis revealed that epileptiform activity in both sleep and awake electroencephalography were positively correlated with tissue transglutaminase levels (P=0.014 and P=0.019, respectively). Conclusion - We have determined an increased epileptiform activity frequency among newly-diagnosed celiac disease patients compared with formerly-diagnosed celiac disease patients and control cases. Moreover the tissue transglutaminase levels were also correlated with the presence of epileptiform activity in electroencephalography. Among newly diagnosed celiac disease patients, clinicians should be aware of this association and be alert about any neurological symptoms.
Tempo de clampeamento e fatores associados à reserva de ferro de neonatos a termo
Authors: Oliveira Fabiana de Cássia Carvalho , Assis Karine Franklin , Martins Mariana Campos , Prado Mara Rúbia Maciel Cardoso do , Ribeiro Andréia Queiroz , Sant’Ana Luciana Ferreira da Rocha , Priore Silvia Eloiza , Franceschini Sylvia do Carmo Castro
Published: March 2017

OBJETIVO : Analisar o impacto do tempo de clampeamento e parâmetros obstétricos, biológicos e socioeconômicos sobre a reserva de ferro de neonatos nascidos a termo. MÉTODOS : Estudo transversal pelo qual foram avaliados os parâmetros hematológicos de neonatos de Viçosa, MG, de outubro de 2011 a julho de 2012. Foram coletados 7 mL de sangue do cordão umbilical de 144 neonatos a termo e sem baixo peso. Os parâmetros investigados foram: hemograma completo, ferro sérico, ferritina e proteína C-reativa. O tempo de clampeamento do cordão umbilical foi mensurado utilizando cronômetro digital sem interferir nos procedimentos do parto. Os dados de nascimento foram coletados nas Declarações de Nascidos Vivos e as demais informações foram obtidas com a mãe do neonato por aplicação de questionário no primeiro mês pós-parto. Realizou-se análise de regressão linear múltipla visando a estimar a influência de variáveis obstétricas, biológicas e socioeconômicas nos níveis de ferritina ao nascer. RESULTADOS : A mediana de ferritina foi 130,3 µg/L (n = 129, mínimo de 16,4 e máximo 420,5 µg/L), a média de ferro sérico foi 137,9 μg/dL (n = 144, dp = 39,29) e de hemoglobina, 14,7 g/dL (n = 144, dp = 1,47). O tempo mediano de clampeamento do cordão foi 36 segundos, variando entre sete e 100. A análise bivariada detectou associação entre os níveis de ferritina e a cor da criança, tempo de clampeamento de 60 segundos, tipo de parto, a presença de diabetes gestacional e a renda per capita da família. Renda per capita, número de consultas pré-natais e o comprimento ao nascer contribuíram com 22,0% da variação dos níveis de ferritina na análise múltipla. CONCLUSÕES : A reserva de ferro ao nascer sofreu influência de características biológicas, obstétricas e sociais. O combate à anemia deve envolver a implementação de um critério de clampeamento tardio do cordão umbilical para as diretrizes de trabalho de parto, bem como a criação de políticas voltadas para a redução das desigualdades sociais e melhoria da qualidade do atendimento pré-natal.
Obstructive sleep apnea related to rapid-eye-movement or non-rapid-eye-movement sleep: comparison of demographic, anthropometric, and polysomnographic features
Authors: Sunnetcioglu Aysel , Sertogullarından Bunyamin , Ozbay Bulent , Gunbatar Hulya , Ekin Selami
Published: March 2017

Objective : To determine whether there are significant differences between rapid-eye-movement (REM)-related obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and non-REM (NREM)-related OSA, in terms of the demographic, anthropometric, and polysomnographic characteristics of the subjects. Methods : This was a retrospective study of 110 patients (75 males) with either REM-related OSA (n = 58) or NREM-related OSA (n = 52). To define REM-related and NREM-related OSA, we used a previously established criterion, based on the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI): AHI-REM/AHI-NREM ratio > 2 and ≤ 2, respectively. Results : The mean age of the patients with REM-related OSA was 49.5 ± 11.9 years, whereas that of the patients with NREM-related OSA was 49.2 ± 12.6 years. The overall mean AHI (all sleep stages combined) was significantly higher in the NREM-related OSA group than in the REM-related OSA group (38.6 ± 28.2 vs. 14.8 ± 9.2; p < 0.05). The mean AHI in the supine position (s-AHI) was also significantly higher in the NREM-related OSA group than in the REM-related OSA group (49.0 ± 34.3 vs. 18.8 ± 14.9; p < 0.0001). In the NREM-related OSA group, the s-AHI was higher among the men. In both groups, oxygen desaturation was more severe among the women. We found that REM-related OSA was more common among the patients with mild-to-moderate OSA, whereas NREM-related OSA was more common among those with severe OSA. Conclusions : We found that the severity of NREM-related OSA was associated mainly with s-AHI. Our findings suggest that the s-AHI has a more significant effect on the severity of OSA than does the AHI-REM. When interpreting OSA severity and choosing among treatment modalities, physicians should take into consideration the sleep stage and the sleep posture.
EXAMINATION METHOD OF THE EFFECT OF THE INCIDENCE ANGLE OF LASER BEAM ON DISTANCE MEASUREMENT ACCURACY TO SURFACES WITH DIFFERENT COLOUR AND ROUGHNESS
Authors: Daliga Karol , Kurałowicz Zygmunt
Published: March 2017

Interest in the influence of the incidence angle of a laser beam to distance measurements can be seen in many areas of science and technology: geodesy, glaciology, archaeology, machine automation, and others. This paper presents results of measurements of the effect of the incidence angle of a laser beam to distance measurements to the surfaces of different colour and roughness by Topcon's electro-optical total station with an accuracy of 3 mm. Measurement method and the method of elimination of test stand errors are presented. The results of measurements have been analysed and the influence of selected factors (surface colour and roughness, lack of instrument rectification) on the distance measurement have been discussed. It is also shown the critical incidence angle above which it can be impossible to measure distances to reflective foil with tested total station
Occurrence of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in dogs from rural properties surrounding a biological reserve, Espirito Santo, Brasil
Authors: Acosta Igor da Cunha Lima , Centoducatte Luana D’Avila , Soares Herbert Sousa , Marcili Arlei , Gondim Maria Fernanda Naegeli , Rossi Junior João Luiz , Gennari Solange Maria
Published: March 2017

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the presence of antibodies to Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in serum samples of 187 dogs from 30 rural properties surrounding Córrego do Veado Biological Reserve, Espírito Santo State, Brazil. The Reserve is one of the last lowland Atlantic Forest remnants of the region, surrounded by agriculture farms and cattle pastures. The presence of IgG antibodies was determined by the Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test for T. gondii (cut-off 1:16) and N. caninum (cut-off 1:50). Positive samples were diluted 2-fold until the last positive dilution. Antibodies to T. gondii were found in 77 (47.05%) dogs and antibodies to N. caninum in 22 dogs (11.76%) and one only dog was positive for both infections. No association between T. gondii and N. caninum infection and sex was observed (p>0.05). Control measures to prevent those infections in dogs that living surrounding the reserve and that had contact with wild animals are important to avoid the introduction of N. caninum in wild animals. This was the first study of frequency of occurrence of T. gondii and N. caninum in dogs from Espírito Santo, Brazil.
Gastric-resistant isoniazid pellets reduced degradation of rifampicin in acidic medium
Authors: Freire Fátima Duarte , Câmara Manuela Bernardo , Dantas Monique Gomes , Aragão Cícero Flávio Soares , Lima e Moura Túlio Flávio Accioly de , Rafﬁn Fernanda Nervo
Published: March 2017

Isoniazid and rifampicin are considered the first-line medication for preventing and treating tuberculosis. Rifampicin is degraded in the stomach acidic environment, especially when combined with isoniazid, factor contributing to treatment failure. In this study, gastric-resistant isoniazid pellets were obtained to physical contact of this drug with rifampicin and to bypass the stomach´s acidic environment. The pellets were fabricated using the extrusion-spheronization technique. The coating process was conducted in a fluid spray coater using Acrycoat L 100(r) solution as the coating agent. The pellets obtained were submitted to a dissolution test in HCl 0.1 N and phosphate buffer media. The results indicated that optimum gastric-resistance was only attained with the highest amount of coating material, with isoniazid almost fully released in phosphate buffer. The amount of rifampicin released from its mixture with non-coated isoniazid pellets in HCl 0.1 N was less than that released from its mixture with the enteric-coated pellets. Acrycoat L 100(r) was shown to be an effective enteric/gastric-resistant coating since the stability of rifampicin appeared to be enhanced when physical contact of this drug with isoniazid was prevented at low pH.
Simultaneous determination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid in pharmaceutical preparations by capillary zone electrophoresis
Authors: Hancu Gabriel , Neacşu Anamaria , Papp Lajos Attila , Ciurba Adriana
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT Clavulanic acid enhances the antibacterial spectrum of amoxicillin by rendering most β-lactamase producing isolates susceptible to the drug. A fast, simple and efficient capillary electrophoresis method was developed for the simultaneous determination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid from complex mixtures. Using a 25 mM sodium tetraborate as background electrolyte at a pH of 9.30, + 25 kV applied voltage, 25 °C system temperature, UV determination at 230 nm; we succeeded in simultaneous separation of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid in approximately 2 minutes. The analytical performance of the method was evaluated in terms of reproducibility, precision, accuracy, and linearity. The optimized analytical method was applied for the determination of the two analytes from combined commercial pharmaceutical preparations. This CE method is fast, inexpensive, efficient, and environmentally friendly when compared with the more frequently used high performance liquid chromatography methods described in the literature.
Housekeeping Protein (HKP) Validation Protocol v1
Authors: Biosciences LI-COR
Published: March 2017

Housekeeping proteins (HKPs) are routinely used for Western blot normalization. For common HKPs (such as actin, tubulin, or GAPDH), stable protein expression is generally assumed. However, expression of several HKPs is now known to vary in response to certain experimental conditions, including cell confluence, disease state, drug treatment, and cell or tissue type. Because HKP normalization uses a single indicator of sample loading, changes in HKP expression will introduce error and may alter data analysis and interpretation. Before using a housekeeping protein for Western blot normalization, it is critical to validate that its expression is constant across all samples and unaffected by the specific experimental context and conditions. This protocol explains how to validate an HKP for use as an internal loading control, by demonstrating that HKP expression is stable in the relevant experimental samples. Note: This protocol is intended for use with near-infrared fluorescent Western blots.
Patterns of Legitimation in Hybrid Transnational Regimes: The Controversy Surrounding the Lex Sportiva
Authors: Wolf Klaus Dieter
Published: March 2017

This article addresses concerns that the growth in global governance may be bringing with it a decline in the significance of democratic sources of political legitimacy. One approach in evaluating such concerns is to ask whether the respective patterns of legitimation for private and public authority differ or whether they refer to a similar set of normative standards. Private transnational governance regimes provide useful contexts in which to assess the presumed democratic erosion. They seem, almost of themselves, to make the case for such a decline: in them regulatory authority is exercised by non-state actors who, by their very nature, lack the kind of authorization afforded by the democratic procedures that legitimize state-based regulation; in addition, they are intrinsically linked to the notion of politics as a form of problem-solving rather than as the exercise of power. Given these characteristics, when governance arrangements of this kind are subjected to criticism, one would expect justificatory responses to relate primarily to performance, with normative criteria such as fundamental individual rights and the imperative for democratic procedure playing only a minor role. On the basis of a qualitative content analysis, the study tests three ideal-type patterns of legitimation for plausibility. The case selected for examination is the recent controversy surrounding the hybrid governance regime that operates to prevent the use of performance-enhancing drugs in sport. The debate offers the possibility of a ‘nutshell’ comparison of the respective patterns of legitimation used in criticizing and justifying state and non-state regulatory authority. This comparison yields two findings. The first is that the values used to appraise the state-based components of the sporting world’s hybrid regulatory regime do not differ systematically from those used to appraise the private elements: contestation and justification in both cases are founded on normative criteria relating to fundamental individual rights and democratic procedure and not just on performance-related considerations. The second finding is that justificatory grounds of the first type do not appear to be diminishing in importance vis-à-vis those of the second.
Complex Sentences: Searching for the Purpose of Education Inside a Massachusetts State Prison
Authors: Smith Clint
Published: March 2017

While policy makers and scholars often measure the success of prison education programs by quantitative outcomes such as recidivism and post-release employment, there is a gap in the literature with regard to how these programs facilitate community building, identity development, and agency. For the 159,000 people serving life sentences in the United States, and perhaps for all of those who are incarcerated, we need a new way of conceptualizing the purpose of education in prison. In this essay, Clint Smith reflects on his experience teaching creative writing in a Massachusetts state prison and questions how we might be able to create more holistic and humane educational infrastructures in incarcerated spaces, programs that move beyond instrumentalism and vocational preparation and instead toward cognitive liberation and a reclamation of human dignity.
Hyponatremia: a diagnostic marker for the diagnosis of Rickettsial diseases
Authors: Hullatti Channabasavaraj , G. S. Latha , B. V. Veeresh Babu
Published: March 2017

Background: Rickettsial infections are re-emerging in Indian subcontinent, it is difficult to diagnose among children’s in seasonal conditions, an early recognition with clinical and laboratory findings give good response to treatment and avoid unnecessary investigations in limited resources.Methods: The case sheets of all 60 children’s aged <18 years were retrieved and reviewed retrospectively, who are both clinically and serologically confirmed as Rickettsial disease cases were included in this study.Results: Fever for more than 1week was the most common manifestation, followed by splenomegaly (40%), rash (33%), cough (30%), altered sensorium (16%), and seizures (10%). In laboratory investigation Hyponatremia (56%), elevated liver enzymes without significant rise of bilirubin (28%), hypoalbuminemia (28%), and thrombocytopenia (38%). Patients were treated with Doxycycline, Azithromycin. There was no mortality.Conclusions: Rickettsial infections are notoriously difficult to diagnose in seasonal condition, untreated cases can have fatality as high as 30-35%, when diagnosed, it is easily treated. Majority of case showed Hyponatremia, may be used as marker in limited diagnostic laboratory facilities.
Arranging the Pieces: A Survey of Library Practices Related to a Tabletop Game Collection
Authors: Slobuski Teresa , Robson Diane , Bentley PJ
Published: March 2017

Abstract

Objective – The purpose of this study is to explore collection development, cataloguing, processing, and circulation practices for tabletop game collections in libraries. This study used the term “tabletop games” to refer to the array of game styles that are played in real-world, social settings, such as board games, dice and card games, collectible card games, and role-playing games.

Methods – An online survey regarding tabletop games in libraries was developed with input from academic, public, and school librarians. Participants were recruited utilizing a snowball sampling technique involving electronic outlets and discussion lists used by librarians in school, public, and academic libraries.

Results – One hundred nineteen libraries answered the survey. The results show that tabletop games have a presence in libraries, but practices vary in regard to collection development, cataloguing, processing, and circulation.

Conclusion – Results indicate that libraries are somewhat fragmented in their procedures for tabletop collections. Libraries can benefit from better understanding how others acquire, process, and use these collections. Although they are different to other library collections, tabletop games do not suffer from extensive loss and bibliographic records are becoming more available. Best practices and guidance are still needed to fully integrate games into libraries and to help librarians feel comfortable piloting their own tabletop collections.
Without Library Resources and Services, the Scholarly Activity of Medical Faculty and Residents Would Register a Code Blue
Authors: Reed Kathleen
Published: March 2017

A Review of:
Quesenberry, A. C., Oelschlegel, S., Earl, M., Leonard, K., & Vaughn, C. J. (2016). The impact of library resources and services on the scholarly activity of medical faculty and residents. Medical Reference Services Quarterly, 35(3), 259-265. http://dx.doi:org/10.1080/02763869.2016.1189778

Abstract

Objective – This study aimed to determine the use of three library services – literature search service, article delivery service, and library resources – among medical faculty and residents with regard to scholarly activity.

Design – Survey.

Setting – Medical Library and Health Information Centre at a large university in the United States of America.

Subjects – 65 medical faculty and residents.

Methods – The authors sent out 433 invitations to participate in a 23-question survey via an email distribution list. A total of 65 individuals participated, for a response rate of 15%. Questions related to the use of library services for scholarly activity, patterns of information-seeking behaviour, and instructional needs. Comments were allowed on several questions, and a final open-ended question was included.

Main Results – All respondents used PubMed at least a few times a year, with 71% selecting it as their first choice to search for articles. Only 20% prioritized Google or Google Scholar above PubMed as the first place to begin a search. The most popular reasons for using library resources were “lectures, papers, research, and patient care” (p.262). The first three of these activities are types of scholarly activity.

Of the 65 respondents, 46% published article(s) or book chapter(s). Within this group of authors, 67% of residents undertaking scholarly activity requested a literature review, 100% accessed online material themselves, and 67% requested articles. Faculty placed similar importance on these services, with 71% having requested a literature review, 87% having accessed materials themselves, and 75% having requested articles. Among those respondents who presented posters or papers, there was high use of library services, ranging from 59% of faculty requesting a literature review to 98% of faculty accessing online material themselves.

Conclusion – The library is a key resource for faculty and residents undertaking scholarly activity. However, faculty members use the library’s services and resources for publishing articles and book chapters more than residents do. This may be because of “publish or perish” pressure, or because faculty have less time to locate research by themselves. Surveys are useful to ensure the library’s resources and services align with the needs of the user community. Inclusion of free-text comment boxes in the survey allowed users to put a “personal face” (p. 264) to their comments that would have otherwise not been captured.