bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MR Parametric Mapping as a Biomarker of Early Joint Degeneration
Authors: Chang Eric Y. , Ma Yajun , Du Jiang
Published: August 2016

Context:

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common, worldwide disorder. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging can directly and noninvasively evaluate articular cartilage and has emerged as an essential tool in the study of OA.

Evidence Acquisition:

A PubMed search was performed using the keywords quantitative MRI and cartilage. No limits were set on the range of years searched. Articles were reviewed for relevance with an emphasis on in vivo studies performed at 3 tesla.

Study Design:

Clinical review.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Results:

T2, T2*, T1 (particularly when measured after exogenous contrast administration, such as with the delayed gadolinium-enhanced MR imaging of cartilage [dGEMRIC] technique), and T1ρ are among the most widely utilized quantitative MR imaging techniques to evaluate cartilage and have been implemented in various patient cohorts. Existing challenges include reproducibility of results, insufficient consensus regarding optimal sequences and parameters, and interpretation of values.

Conclusion:

Quantitative assessment of cartilage using MR imaging techniques likely represents the best opportunity to identify early cartilage degeneration and to follow patients after treatment. Despite existing challenges, ongoing work and unique approaches have shown exciting and promising results.
MedLink: A mobile intervention to improve medication adherence and processes of care for treatment of depression in general medicine
Authors: Corden Marya E , Koucky Ellen M , Brenner Christopher , Palac Hannah L , Soren Adisa , Begale Mark , Ruo Bernice , Kaiser Susan M , Duffecy Jenna , Mohr David C
Published: August 2016

Background

Major depressive disorder is a common psychological problem affecting up to 20% of adults in their lifetime. The majority of people treated for depression receive antidepressant medication through their primary care physician. This commonly results in low rates of recovery. Failure points in the process of care contributing to poor outcomes include patient non-adherence to medications, failure of physicians to optimize dose and absence of communication between patients and physicians.

Objective

This pilot study evaluated the feasibility of a systemic digital intervention (MedLink) designed to address failure points and improve treatment of depression in primary care among patients during the first eight weeks of initiating a new course of antidepressant therapy.

Methods

Participants were provided with the MedLink mobile app that provided dose reminders, information and surveys of symptoms and side effects. A cellularly enabled pillbox monitored antidepressant medication adherence. Reports were provided to physicians and participants to prompt changes in medication regimen. Study outcomes were assessed via self-report and interview measures at baseline, week 4 and week 8.

Results

Medication adherence detected by the MedLink system was 82%. Participants demonstrated significant decreases in depressive symptoms on the patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) ( p = 0.0005) and the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology ( p = 0.0008) over the eight-week trial. Usability was generally rated favorably.

Conclusions

The MedLink system demonstrated promise as an intervention to address failure points in the primary care treatment of major depressive disorder. Current findings support the further development of MedLink through a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of improving processes of care, patient adherence and symptoms of depression.
Athenian University Students on Facebook and Privacy: A Fair “Trade-Off ”?
Authors: Papathanassopoulos Stylianos , Athanasiadis Elias , Xenofontos Maria
Published: August 2016

This article explores how Athenian university students “manage” their privacy on Facebook while socially interacting with other users. Survey data of undergraduate students in Athens reveal that the social network site use “validates” and enhances the pre-existing social context and that the relationship level has an impact on the way users contact other users on it. We find that Facebook users feel that they are able to use most of the privacy settings to protect their personal data. Yet, they are concerned about the disclosure of their personal information which is perceived to be their primary responsibility. Despite these concerns, they appear to feel in control of their privacy through the abilities they are offered by the social networking site (SNS). We also argue that even if they realize that they are disclosing their personal information, this doesn’t cause a great deal of insecurity.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction as a Stress Management Intervention for Cancer Care
Authors: Rush Sarah E. , Sharma Manoj
Published: August 2016

Cancer is acknowledged as a source of stress for many individuals, often leading to suffering, which can be long-lasting. Mindfulness-based stress reduction offers an effective way of reducing stress among cancer patients by combining mindfulness meditation and yoga in an 8-week training program. The purpose of this study was to inspect studies from October 2009 to November 2015 and examine whether mindfulness-based stress reduction can be utilized as a viable method for managing stress among cancer patients. A systematic search from Medline, CINAHL, and Alt HealthWatch databases was conducted for quantitative articles involving mindfulness-based stress reduction interventions targeting cancer patients. A total of 13 articles met the inclusion criteria. Of these 13 studies, 9 demonstrated positive changes in either psychological or physiological outcomes related to anxiety and/or stress, with 4 describing mixed results. Despite the limitations, mindfulness-based stress reduction appears to be promising for stress management among cancer patients.
Community-Acquired Methicillin-Resistant Pyogenic Liver Abscess
Authors: Cherian Joel , Singh Rahul , Varma Muralidhar , Vidyasagar Sudha , Mukhopadhyay Chiranjay
Published: August 2016

Pyogenic liver abscesses are rare with an incidence of 0.5% to 0.8% and are mostly due to hepatobiliary causes (40% to 60%). Most are polymicrobial with less than 10% being caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Of these, few are caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and fewer still by a community-acquired strain. Here we present a case study of a patient with a community-acquired MRSA liver abscess. The patient presented with fever since 1 month and tender hepatomegaly. Blood tests revealed elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and neutrophilic leukocytosis. Blood cultures were sterile. Ultrasound of the abdomen showed multiple abscesses, from which pus was drained and MRSA isolated. Computed tomography of the abdomen did not show any source of infection, and an amebic serology was negative. The patient was started on vancomycin for 2 weeks, following which he became afebrile and was discharged on oral linezolid for 4 more weeks. Normally a liver abscess is treated empirically with ceftriaxone for pyogenic liver abscess and metronidazole for amebic liver abscess. However, if the patient has risk factors for a Staphylococcal infection, it is imperative that antibiotics covering gram-positive organisms be added while waiting for culture reports.
Smoking, longer disease duration and absence of rhinosinusitis are related to fixed airway obstruction in Koreans with severe asthma: findings from the COREA study
Authors: Lee Taehoon , Lee Yoon Su , Bae Yun-Jeong , Kim Tae-Bum , Kim Seon Ok , Cho Sang-Heon , Moon Hee-Bom ,   COhort for Reality and Evolution of adult Asthma in Korea study group (COREA study group), Cho You Sook
Published: August 2016

Background

The clinical manifestations of severe asthma are heterogeneous. Some individuals with severe asthma develop irreversible fixed airway obstruction, which is associated with poor outcomes. We therefore investigated the factors associated with fixed airway obstruction in Korean patients with severe asthma.

Methods

Severe asthma patients from a Korean adult asthma cohort were divided into two groups according to the results of serial pulmonary function tests. One group had fixed airway obstruction (FAO) [forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio < 0.7, n = 119] and the other had reversible airway obstruction (RAO) [FEV1/FVC ratio ≥ 0.7, n = 116]. Clinical and demographic parameters were compared between the two groups.

Results

Multivariate analysis showed that longer duration of disease, greater amount of cigarette smoking and absence of rhinosinusitis were significantly related to the development of FAO in severe asthmatics. Other parameters, including atopic status, pattern of airway inflammatory cells in induced sputum, and frequency of asthma exacerbations did not differ between the FAO and RAO groups.

Conclusion

Severe asthma patients with longer disease duration and the absence of rhinosinusitis are more likely to develop FAO. This study also demonstrates the importance of quitting smoking in order to prevent irreversible airway obstruction. Further investigation is required to determine the mechanism by which these factors can modify the disease course in Korean patients with severe asthma.
Differentiating tidal and groundwater dynamics from barrier island framework geology: Testing the utility of portable multifrequency electromagnetic induction profilers
Authors: Weymer Bradley A. , Everett Mark E. , Houser Chris , Wernette Phil , Barrineau Patrick
Published: August 2016

Electromagnetic induction (EMI) techniques are becoming increasingly popular for near-surface coastal geophysical applications. However, few studies have explored the capabilities and limitations of portable multifrequency EMI profilers for mapping large-scale ([Formula: see text]) barrier island hydrogeology. The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of groundwater dynamics on apparent conductivity [Formula: see text] to separate the effects of hydrology and geology from the [Formula: see text] signal. Shore-normal and alongshore surveys were performed within a highly conductive barrier island/wind-tidal flat system at Padre Island National Seashore, Texas, USA. Assessments of instrument calibration and signal drift suggest that [Formula: see text] measurements are stable, but vary with height and location across the beach. Repeatability tests confirm [Formula: see text] values using different boom orientations collected during the same day are reproducible. Measurements over a 12 h tidal cycle suggest that there is a tide-dependent step response in [Formula: see text], complicating data processing and interpretation. Shore-normal surveys across the barrier/wind-tidal flats show that [Formula: see text] is roughly negatively correlated with topography and these relationships can be used for characterizing different coastal habitats. For all surveys, [Formula: see text] increases with decreasing frequency. Alongshore surveys performed during different seasons and beach states reveal a high degree of variability in [Formula: see text]. Here, it is argued that surveys collected during dry conditions characterize the underlying framework geology, whereas these features are somewhat masked during wet conditions. Differences in EMI signals should be viewed in a relative sense rather than as absolute magnitudes. Small-scale heterogeneities are related to changing hydrology, whereas low-frequency signals at the broadest scales reveal variations in framework geology. Multiple surveys should be done at different times of the year and tidal states before geologic interpretations can confidently be made from EMI surveys in coastal environments. This strategy enables the geophysicist to separate the effects of hydrology and geology from the [Formula: see text] signal.
Improvement of Supplying Activity of Integrated Industrial Group
Authors: Моргунова  , Morgunova Yelyena , Моргунова  , Morgunova M.
Published: August 2016

In the article there are results of research, which is devoted to the improvement of supplying activity of the integrated industrial structure, for example, the group of the company, which is named «Mechel». This company is one of the leading world companies in mining and metallurgical branches. Effective ways of improvement of supplying activity, which purpose is increase in competitiveness of the company in the conditions of modern Russian economy, are revealed. The complex and complete mechanism of understanding of the problems connected with improvement of supplying activity is created. The use of this mechanism allows the enterprise to achieve effective results of their activity. It also gives the enterprise an opportunity to use effective methods in practice.
Dynamic Stochastic Inventory Management with Reference Price Effects
Authors: Chen Xin , Hu Peng , Shum Stephen , Zhang Yuhan
Published: August 2016

We analyze the joint inventory and pricing decisions of a firm when demand depends on not only the current selling price but also a memory-based reference price and customers are loss averse. The presence of reference price effect leads to a nonconcave one-period expected revenue in price and reference price. We introduce a transformation technique that allows us to prove under some mild assumptions the optimality of a reference-price-dependent base-stock list-price policy, which is characterized by a base-stock level and a target reference price. In addition, we show that the target reference price is increasing in the reference price, but except in the loss-neutral case, the base-stock level is not monotone in the reference price. We also show that in the steady state of the model with the reference price effect, the optimal price is lower while the optimal base-stock level is higher than their counterparts in the model without the reference price effect.
Giving birth but fearing death: Perceptions and precautions in Scotland in the early modern period
Authors: Mander Rosemary , Marshall Rosalind Kay
Published: August 2016

It may often be assumed that, historically, women's awareness of the possibility of maternal or ‘childbed’ death made them fearful of childbirth. This paper considers, in historical terms, the perceptions of the childbearing woman in relation to maternal death, especially when approaching labour. It addresses and counters the view that has been advanced suggesting that the possibility of maternal death was not significant to the childbearing woman in the early modern period. To address the neglect of this topic in the literature on Scotland, the argument will be supported by documentary evidence from Scottish sources. This evidence shows that childbearing women responded to these anxieties by making appropriate preparations for labour, birth and the postnatal period.
Choosing native tree species for establishing man-made forest: A new perspective for sustainable forest management in changing world
Authors: SUBIAKTO ATOK , RACHMAT HENTI HENDALASTUTI , SAKAI CHIKAYA
Published: August 2016

Subiakto A, Rachmat HH, Sakai C. 2016. Choosing native tree species for establishing man-made forest: A new perspective for sustainable forest management in changing world. Biodiversitas 17: 620-625. Establishment of tree plantation on degraded lands and forest clearly favored some exotic species such as Gmelina arborea, Acacia, and Eucalyptus. High productivity, less harvesting time, and deeper silvicultural knowledge are the beneficial factor for choosing those exotics species. However, the use of a wide variety of native tree species becomes more significantly important in reforestation projects due to the greater biodiversity benefits and widerenvironmental services. This research was carried out as a multiyear observation and continuous experiment to value how native tree species can be prospective alternatives in providing and supporting human need. The performances of two native Indonesian Shorea species, Shorea leprosula and Shorea selanica, were evaluated at a dipterocarp planting trial in two different sites in Indonesia. Growth data was obtained from 15 and 17 years old plots, twelve 100 m X 100 m square plots on mineral soils (Gunung Dahu Experimental Forest/GDEF, Bogor) and eight resembled plots on frequently flooded peat land (PT. Arara Abadi/PT. AA, Riau). Survival rates were varied, ranged from 36-77%, diameter at breast height from 13.7-24.9 cm, tree height from 10.8-16.9 m, mean volume from 0.119m3/tree-0.567 m3/tree, and total volume from 79.420 m3/ha-215.412 m3/ha. Growth rates of planted saplings were affected by species, site and spacing distance. The development of man-made dipterocarps forest in the tropic, especially in South East Asia can be as prospective as developing an exotic fast growing plantation. Eventhough in situ conservation would give the most benefit in conserving genetic resources of native tree species, establishing man-made dipterocarp forest still have higher environmental value than using exotic tree species such as acacia. Moreover, establishing man-made dipterocarp forest is considered more environmental friendly and possess lower to no risk of species invasion compare to those of developing exotic trees plantation.
Correlation of Ki-67 indices from biopsy and resection specimens of neuroendocrine tumours
Authors: Barnes J , Johnson SJ , French JJ
Published: August 2016

INTRODUCTION

Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are a heterogeneous group of tumours with a highly variable presentation and prognosis. Management decisions are complex. Ki-67 levels in tissue samples are a key indicator used to grade tumours and guide treatment. This study assessed whether the Ki-67 index and tumour grade generated from tissue samples correlated with that assessed in resection specimens.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort analysis of all patients who had both a tissue sample and a resection specimen analysed in our trust, a tertiary referral centre, during 2012 and 2013.

RESULTS

Data from 36 patients were reviewed. Ki-67 indices from tissue samples and resection specimens showed strong correlation (r=0.95, p<0.001). Tumour grading was the same in the tissue sample and resection specimens for 22 patients (61.1%). In four patients (11.1%), the tissue sample overestimated the grade while in ten (27.8%), the sample underestimated the grade.

CONCLUSIONS

In most cases, the Ki-67 index and tumour grade from the tissue sample matched that of the resection specimen. However, in nearly 40% of cases, the tissue sample grading did not match the resection tumour grading. In the majority of these, the tissue sample underestimated disease activity. A low Ki-67 index in a tissue sample should therefore be taken as provisional and should not, in isolation, persuade clinicians to choose a more conservative treatment approach if there is clinical, biochemical or radiological evidence suggestive of a more aggressive disease pathology.
Congenital obstructive posterior urethral membranes and recurrent urinary tract infection: a rare case of congenital hypertrophy of the verumontanum
Authors: Bancin Diana , Herini Elisabeth S. , Kusuma Pungky Ardani , Nurani Neti
Published: August 2016

Congenital obstructive posterior urethral membranes (COPUM) is a complex disease closely related to several pathological changes in kidney development and function, as a result of urinary reflux since in utero. This congenital anomaly of urinary tract potentially causes hydroureteronephrosis that is often associated with recurrent urinary tract infections and, ultimately, one of the most common causes of end-stage renal disease in children.1,2 Congenital hypertrophy of the verumontanum as part of COPUM is very rare. Only a few reports have been written on congenital hypertrophy of the vermontanum causing congenital obstructive uropathy.3-6
Bacterial pneumonia score to identify bacterial pneumonia
Authors: Imilda Ied , Yani Finny Fitry , Hariyanto Didik , Basir Darfioes
Published: August 2016

Background Pneumonia is caused by either bacterial or viraletiologies, with similar symptoms in children. The bacterialpneumonia score (BPS) is a clinical assessment comprised ofseveral investigations: age, assessment of axillary temperature,absolute neutrophil count, band neutrophil percentage, andinterpretation of radiological examination. The score will use todifferentiate the etiology of pneumonia.Objective To determine the sensitivity, specificity, positivepredictive value, and negative predictive value of BPS inidentifying bacterial pneumonia in children.Methods This diagnostic study was performed at Dr. M. DjamilHospital, Padang, West Sumatera where subjects were selected byconsecutive sampling. Fifty-seven patients were diagnosed withpneumonia. Three patients suffered from ventricular septal defects,8 patients refused to provide blood specimens and 3 patients’chest X-rays could not be interpreted, hence, 43 subjects wereincluded in the study. Chest X-rays were interpreted by a pediatricpulmonology consultant. Leukocyte and differential counts wereperformed by a clinical pathology consultant. Subjects’ BPS scoreswere compared to multiplex PCR examinations of blood specimens,as the gold standard.Result Of 43 subjects, 27 (62.79%) were male. Subjects’ mean age was 29.3 (SD 21.5) months. Twenty (46.51%) subjects had good nutritional status, 4 (9.31%) subjects had axillary temperature ≥39°C, and 22 (51.16%) subjects had absolute neutrophil counts ≥8.000/mm3. Bacterial pneumonia score (BPS) had 69% sensitivity, 60% specificity, 42% positive predictive value, and 81% negative predictive value.Conclusion In this study, BPS has low sensitivity and specificityfor identifying bacterial pneumonia.
Ferric sodium edetate therapy in children with iron deficiency anemia
Authors: Moningkey Christie , Mantik Max F.J. , Pateda Vivekenanda
Published: August 2016

Background Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is frequentlyfound in school-aged children. The main treatments for IDAare overcoming the causal factors and iron supplementation.Noncompliance in taking iron tablets and the possibility of ironabsorbtion or transport difficulties, can reduce efficacy of daily oraliron supplementation. Because excess iron storage in the intestinalcells can lead to mucosal blockage, twice weekly oral iron therapymay be considered instead of daily dosage.Objective To compare the effects of daily vs. twice weekly ferricsodium edetate (NaFeEDTA) on hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit(Ht), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscularhemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobinconcentration (MCHC) levels on children with IDA.MethodsWe conducted an open-label, randomized, prospectivestudy in 36 children with IDA aged 5-11 years. Subjects weredivided into two groups. For a one-month period, group I receiveddaily iron therapy (NaFeEDTA) and group II received twiceweekly iron therapy. Examinations of Hb, Ht, MCV, MCH, MCHCwere performed before and after iron therapy.Results There were no significant differences in Hb, Ht, MCV,MCH or MCHC levels after therapy between the daily and twiceweekly NaFeEDTA groups (P > 0.05).Conclusion Twice weekly NaFeEDTA therapy is as effective asdaily NaFeEDTA administration in children with IDA.
Melatonin level and sleep disorders in adolescents
Authors: Inigo Andre , Lestari Hesti , Masloman Nurhayati , Lolombulan Julius
Published: August 2016

and time of sleep. Decreased melatonin levels have been noted in people with sleep disorders. Melatonin is a neurohormone, produced mainly by the pineal gland, as well as a small part of the retina. Its function is to maintain normal circadian rhythms and it is related to sleep regulation in humans.Objective To assess for a relationship between melatonin levels and sleep disorders in adolescents.Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study on students of two secondary schools in Tuminting, Manado, North Sulawesi, from May to June 2013. Subjects were obtained by consecutive sampling for a total of 44 adolescents aged 12-15 years. Subjects filled questionnaires, underwent wrist actigraphy, and provided blood specimens for examination of melatonin levels. We used descriptive and logistic regression analyses to assess for relationships between variables.Results Thirty (68.2%) subjects experienced sleep disorders. There was a significant association between decreased melatonin levels and the higher incidence of sleep disturbances (P = 0.02).Conclusion There is a correlation between melatonin levels in adolescents with sleep disorders. Decreased melatonin levels are associated with sleep disorders.
Immunization competence retention in medical students: a comparation between conventional lectures and lectures with simulations method
Authors: Gunadi Hartono , Sekartini Rini , Werdhani Retno Asti , Findyartini Ardi , Kurnia Muhammad Arvianda Kevin
Published: August 2016

Background Immunization is recognized as one of the strategiesto reduce vaccine preventable diseases. Competency related toimmunization are consequently important for medical students andthe medical school needs to assure the competence acquisition.Objective To assess competence related to immunization andits retention following lectures with simulations compared tolectures only.Methods A quasi-experimental study was conducted to the 5th yearstudents of University of Indonesia Medical School during the ChildAdolescent Health Module in 2012-2013. The intervention grouphad lectures with simulations and the control group had lecturesonly. Immunization knowledge was assessed with a 30 multiplechoice question (MCA) items performed before and after themodule. Competence retention was assessed by MCQ (knowledge)and OSCE (skills) 2-6 months afterwards.Results Sixty eight subjects for each group with similarcharacteristics were analyzed. There was significant differenceafter module MCQ score between two groups. Competenceretention in 2-6 months after module completion was betterin intervention group, both for the knowledge (median MCQscore of 70.00 (range 37-93) vs. mean score of 58.01 (SD 12.22),respectively; P<0.001) and skill (OSCE mean scores of 75.21 (SD10.74) vs. 62.62 (SD 11.89), respectively; P < 0.001). Proportionof subjects in the intervention group who passed both the MCQand OSCE were also significantly greater.Conclusion Lectures with simulations are proved to bemore effective in improving medical students’ immunizationcompetence as well as its retention compared to lectures onlyapproach.
Blood pH and urinary uric acid-creatinine ratio in newborns with asphyxia
Authors: Palit Sally , Wilar Rocky , Runtunuwu Ari , Lolombulan Julius
Published: August 2016

Background Asphyxia is one of the leading causes of death inthe world. Prematurity (28%), sepsis (26%), and asphyxia (23%)are the most common causes of death in newborns. In Indonesia,the newborn mortality incidence is 82 per 1,000 live births. BloodpH is a routine laboratory examination to diagnose newbornasphyxia, but it is preferrable to avoid such invasive procedures innewborns. An examination of urinary uric acid-creatinine (UA/Cr) ratio may be useful as an alternative method for diagnosisof asphyxia. Hypoxia causes anaerobic metabolism which willincrease the blood acidity, while creatinine will decline as a resultof incomplete renal function in newborns.Objective To assess for a possible correlation between blood pHand urinary UA/Cr ratio in newborn asphyxia.MethodsWe conducted an observational, cross-sectional study inProf. Dr. R. D. Kandou Hospital, Manado, North Sulawesi, fromNovember 2013 to April 2014. Subjects were full term newbornswith asphyxia. Blood pH and urinary UA/Cr ratio were comparedwith Pearson’s correlation test. Data was analyzed with SPSSversion 22 software and P values <0.05 were considered to bestatistically significant.Results Forty subjects met the inclusion criteria. Theirpredominant risk factor for asphyxia was fetal distress. Subjects’mean blood pH was 7.1 (SD 0.1) and mean urinary UA/Cr ratio was3.7 (SD 1.9). There was a moderate negative correlation betweenblood pH and urinary UA/Cr ratio (r= -0.55; P<0.001).Conclusion In newborns with asphyxia, lower blood pH iscorrelated with higher urinary UA/Cr ratio.
El retorno del Estado. Valoraciones sociales en torno a las empresas estatales
Authors: PÉREZ VERÓNICA , REBÓN JULIÁN
Published: August 2016

Desde los albores del siglo XXI en Argentina,comenzó a desenvolverse una fuerte crítica socialhacia muchos de los postulados que nutrieronlas denominadas reformas neoliberalesimplementadas en la década precedente. Enparticular, el cuestionamiento hacia el corazónde las reformas –la privatización de empresasde bienes y servicios públicos– acompañó la reversióndel proceso en un conjunto de experienciasfallidas, donde el Estado pasó a asumir elcontrol de las actividades. En este contexto nosinterrogamos: ¿cuál fue la lógica que guió lasprincipales re-estatizaciones del período?; ¿quélegitimidad social reciben las mismas?; ¿cuálesson las representaciones dominantes sobre lafunción empresarial del Estado? Para la realizaciónde este trabajo analizamos los resultadosde una encuesta de opinión representativa de lapoblación del área metropolitana de Buenos Aires,en articulación con información de prensa ybibliografía especializada sobre la temática.
Koncepce liberalismu a demokracie v edukačním procesu: dekonstrukce neoliberální dominance v RVP
Authors: Květina Jan
Published: August 2016

Abstrakt: Tato studie si klade za cíl posoudit, do jaké míry je současný vzdělávací program českého gymnaziálního školství determinován základními principy liberálně-demokratické ideologie, a v jakém rozsahu je schopen formovat v postojové rovině žáků pluralistické paradigma. Pro realizaci tohoto výzkumného cíle práce využívá diskurzivní analýzy klíčových kompetencí definovaných v RVP, jejímž prostřednictvím identifikuje hlavní hodnotové inkoherence tohoto materiálu a zároveň dokazuje, že ve vzdělávacím systému dominuje jednostranná interpretace liberálních a demokratických hodnot založená na principech neoliberálních dogmat. Klíčová slova: vzdělání, pluralismus, neoliberalismus, demokracie, RVP, diskurzivní analýza.
Current Progress of Capacitive Deionization for Removal of Pollutant Ions
Authors: Gaikwad Mahendra S. , Balomajumder Chandrajit
Published: August 2016

A mini review of a recently developing water purification technology capacitive deionization (CDI) applied for removal of pollutant ions is provided. The current progress of CDI for removal of different pollutant ions such as arsenic, fluoride, boron, phosphate, lithium, copper, cadmium, ferric, and nitrate ions is presented. This paper aims at motivating new research opportunities in capacitive deionization technology for removal of pollutant ions from polluted water.
Stable isotope geochemistry of sulfides from intrusion in Monchegorsk, northern part of Baltic Shield
Authors: Huber Miłosz A. , Hałas Stanisław , Neradovsky Yuri N. , Bayanova Tamara B. , Mokrushin Artem W. , Lata Lesia
Published: August 2016

The sulfide minerals from old mafic intrusion rocks from the Kola Peninsula were analyzed on stable sulfur isotopes. These samples were already dated by the Sm-Nd method. These sulfide samples were evaluated upon a geochemical composition by ICP-MS. The sulfide mineral samples were selected from the main ore-bearing rocks of the Monchetundra layered intrusion. The analyzed sulfides formed several generations of mineralization associated with primary and hydrothermal stage of formation of the deposits. Isotopic studies confirm a few consecutive stages of mineralization. These data were compared with the results of Sm-Nd dating of sulfide mineralization. The results of geochemical and geochronological studies indicate a complementarity in the context of determining the mineralization stages.
Dendrochronology and extreme pointer years in the tree-ring record (AD 1951–2011) of polar willow from southwestern Spitsbergen (Svalbard, Norway)
Authors: Owczarek Piotr , Opała Magdalena
Published: August 2016

Greater warmth and precipitation over the past several decades in the High Arctic, as recorded in meteorological data, have caused shrub expansion and affected growth ring widths. The main aim of the study was to develop a tree-ring chronology of polar willow (Salix polaris Wahlenb.) from southwest Spitsbergen, attempt to explain its extreme pointer years (extremely low value of growth-ring widths) and to demonstrate the dendrochronological potential of this species. This plant is a deciduous, prostrate, creeping dwarf shrub that produces anatomically distinct annual growth rings with the consistent ring width variation. After using serial sectioning we developed rigorously cross-dated ring width chronology covering the period 1951–2011. Since the beginning of the 1980s an increase of the mean and maximum growth ring width has been observed which is consistent with the increase of both temperature and precipitation in the Arctic reported from meteorological sources. Nine negative extreme years were distinguished and explained by complex hydroclimatic drivers, which highlight the importance of availability of moisture from snowpack and spring precipitation. An additional negative factor present in the years with very low dwarf shrubs growth is rapid thawing and fast freezing during winter as well as low sunshine duration. Our results contradict the prior assumption that inter-annual tree growth variability of dwarf shrubs from polar regions is controlled simply by temperature.
Chances, risks and limitations of neoadjuvant therapy in surgical oncology
Authors: Lordick Florian , Gockel Ines
Published: August 2016

Over the last decades, neoadjuvant treatment has been established as a standard of care for a variety of tumor types in visceral oncology. Neoadjuvant treatment is recommended in locally advanced esophageal and gastric cancer as well as in rectal cancer. In borderline resectable pancreatic cancer, neoadjuvant therapy is an emerging treatment concept, whereas in resectable colorectal liver metastases, neoadjuvant treatment is often used, although the evidence for improvement of survival outcomes is rather weak. What makes neoadjuvant treatment attractive from a surgical oncology viewpoint is its ability to shrink tumors to a smaller size and to increase the chances for complete resection with clear surgical margins, which is a prerequisite for cure. Studies suggest that local tumor control is increased in some visceral tumor types, especially with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. In some other studies, a better control of systemic disease has contributed to significantly improved survival rates. Additionally, delaying surgery offers the chance to bring the patient into a better general condition for major surgery, but it also confers the risk of progression. Although it is a relatively rare event, cancers may progress locally during neoadjuvant treatment or distant metastases may occur, jeopardizing a curative surgical treatment approach. Although this is seen as risk of neoadjuvant treatment, it can also be seen as a chance to select only those patients for surgery who have a better control of systemic disease. Some studies showed increased perioperative morbidity in patients who underwent neoadjuvant treatment, which is another potential disadvantage. Optimal multidisciplinary teamwork is key to controlling that risk. Meanwhile, the neoadjuvant treatment period is also used as a “window of opportunity” for studying the activity of novel drugs and for investigating predictive and prognostic biomarkers of chemoradiotherapy and radiochemotherapy. Although the benefits of neoadjuvant treatment have been clearly established, the risk of overtreatment of cancers with an unfavorable prognosis remains an issue. All indications for neoadjuvant treatment are based on clinical staging. Even if staging is done meticulously, making use of all recommended diagnostic modalities, the risk of overstaging and understaging remains considerable and may lead to false indications for neoadjuvant treatment. Finally, despite all developments and emerging concepts in medical oncology, many cancers remain resistant to the currently available drugs and radiation. This may in part be due to specific molecular resistance mechanisms that are marginally understood thus far. Neoadjuvant treatment has been one of the major advances in multidisciplinary oncology in the last decades, requiring a dedicated treatment team and an optimal infrastructure for complex oncology care. This article discusses the goals and novel directions as well as limitations in neoadjuvant treatment of visceral cancers.
The role of partial androgen deficiency in aging men in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer
Authors: Pechersky Alexander V.
Published: August 2016

Once people reach 35-40 years, they have a decrease in their pool of pluripotent stem cells, and show a violation of tissue renewal, a decrease in the number of cell-producers of testosterone (Leidig cells) and a reduction in testosterone circulating in the blood. Partial androgen deficiency in aging men violates division and differentiation of androgen-dependent cells and increases the risk for development of benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer. The recovery of testosterone production and regeneration helps make a decrease in proliferative activity, and the rehabilitation of regulation of androgen-dependent cells of the prostate and other tissues and organs, as well as reduce insulin resistance among older men.
Maternity and Absence in Shakespearean Romance
Authors: Hopkins Helen
Published: August 2016

The equivocation of the private life of Elizabethan and Jacobean subjects with the public life of monarchy and state endowed mothers with an import, and therefore a power, not previously acknowledged. These changes provoked a fear of female disruption to patriarchal structures which found its way onto Shakespeare’s stage by the representation of mothers as ‘unnatural’ agents of chaos, associated with witchcraft, murder, dangerous ambition, and infidelity; if not by complete absence, which “posits the sacrifice of the mother’s desire as the basis of the ideal society” (Rose, 1991: 313). I suggest that in the late romances, specifically The Winter's Tale and The Tempest, Shakespeare found a form that could demonstrate the complexity of the mother’s position, while still resolving the action with a satisfactory ending that presented a stable continuation of patriarchal lineage. The fathers rely on a fantasy of parthenogenesis to relocate the role of the mother in themselves, ensuring the children are free from her corruptive influence and the bloodlines are safe. However, as all themes return to maternity - chastity, fertility, lineage for example - the fantasy of eradicating the mother is shown to be limited even in the artificial realm of the romance.
The New Romanian Shakespeare Series on the Move: From Page to Stage and Screen
Authors: Volceanov George
Published: August 2016

This article aims at presenting the impact that the New Romanian Shakespeare edition launched in 2010 by George Volceanov has had on the literati and theatres so far. It is, therefore, a stocktaking exercise and its main goal is to provide Shakespeare scholars with an initial data base for further investigation of theatrical productions which use the new translation as significant moments in the history of Shakespeare’s reception in Romania and, on the other hand, to occasion some reflective remarks on the six years of the series now at its tenth volume and 26 plays plus the Sonnets.
Metagenomic Analysis of Slovak Bryndza Cheese Using Next-Generation 16S rDNA Amplicon Sequencing
Authors: Planý Matej , Kuchta Tomáš , Šoltýs Katarína , Szemes Tomáš , Pangallo Domenico , Siekel Peter
Published: August 2016

Knowledge about diversity and taxonomic structure of the microbial population present in traditional fermented foods plays a key role in starter culture selection, safety improvement and quality enhancement of the end product. Aim of this study was to investigate microbial consortia composition in Slovak bryndza cheese. For this purpose, we used culture-independent approach based on 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing using next generation sequencing platform. Results obtained by the analysis of three commercial (produced on industrial scale in winter season) and one traditional (artisanal, most valued, produced in May) Slovak bryndza cheese sample were compared. A diverse prokaryotic microflora composed mostly of the genera Lactococcus, Streptococcus, Lactobacillus, and Enterococcus was identified. Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis and Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris were the dominant taxons in all tested samples. Second most abundant species, detected in all bryndza cheeses, were Lactococcus fujiensis and Lactococcus taiwanensis, independently by two different approaches, using different reference 16S rRNA genes databases (Greengenes and NCBI respectively). They have been detected in bryndza cheese samples in substantial amount for the first time. The narrowest microbial diversity was observed in a sample made with a starter culture from pasteurised milk. Metagenomic analysis by high-throughput sequencing using 16S rRNA genes seems to be a powerful tool for studying the structure of the microbial population in cheeses.
Degradation of Synthetic Dyes by Laccases – A Mini-Review
Authors: Legerská Barbora , Chmelová Daniela , Ondrejovič Miroslav
Published: August 2016

Laccases provide a promising future as a tool to be used in the field of biodegradation of synthetic dyes with different chemical structures. These enzymes are able to oxidize a wide range of phenolic substrates without the presence of additional co-factors. Laccases have been confirmed for their potential of synthetic dye degradation from wastewater and degradation products of these enzymatic reactions become less toxic than selected dyes. This study discusses the potential of laccase enzymes as agents for laccase-catalyzed degradation in terms of biodegradation efficiency of synthetic dyes, specifically: azo dyes, triphenylmethane, indigo and anthraquinone dyes. Review also summarizes the laccase-catalyzed degradation mechanisms of the selected synthetic dyes, as well as the degradation products and the toxicity of the dyes and their degradation products.
The awareness of testicular cancer among young males in the Lubelskie Region / Świadomość nowotworu jądra wśród młodych mężczyzn na Lubelszczyźnie
Authors: Piróg Marta , Padała Olga , Podgórniak Marta , Putowski Maciej , Sadowska Monika , Artur Wdowiak
Published: August 2016

Aim. The aim of the study was to analyze the awareness of testicular cancer and prevention behaviors among male residents of the Lubelskie Province.

Material and methods. The study was conducted in 2015 and involved 131 men aged 17 to 38. A questionnaire designed by the authors was used as a research tool. The obtained results were analyzed statistically and the Chi2 test was used.

Results. Using a 0-5 scale, every fourth participant assessed their knowledge as 0, while only 7% assessed it as 5. The average level was 3.1 among students of medicine, while among students of other faculties it was 1.6. The Internet was cited as the most popular source of information about testicular cancer, while the healthcare staff was ranked as the last one. As much as 83.2% of men from the study group had never learnt how to perform testicular self-examination properly. Medical students were more likely to carry out this procedure regularly - 32%, compared to non-medical students - 12%.

Conclusions. The awareness of testicular cancer among the population of young men from the Lubelskie Province is insufficient, which is the main cause of their failure to perform regular self-examinations. The role of general practitioners is too little, despite the fact that most males consider them as the most reliable source of the information. Implementation of education and training programs for prevention of testicular cancer is required.
Zastosowanie elektroterapii TENS w łagodzeniu bólu porodowego / Application of TENS electrotherapy in alleviating labour pain
Authors: Sowa Magdalena , Ciechanowska Katarzyna , Głowacka Iwona
Published: August 2016

Introduction. Easing labour pain is an extremely important issue in obstetric practice. Various physiotherapy methods are increasingly often applied in obstetric practice. Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) aiming at central and peripheral modulation of pain sensation is one of them.

Aim. The aim of the study was to analyse the impact of transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS) on easing labour pain.

Summary. The TENS method is regarded as effective since it increases both the pain threshold and secretion of endogenous opioids. Non-pharmacological methods of pain management during labour, including electrotherapy TENS methods are safe and can be used in most patients.
Peripheral cross-linguistic interference in the acquisition of accusative clitics by Romanian–Hungarian simultaneous bilinguals
Authors: Tomescu Veronica , Avram Larisa
Published: August 2016

This paper presents the results of the first study of the acquisition of Accusative clitics in Romanian by Romanian–Hungarian bilingual children. Our data show that the acquisition route is similar to the one in a monolingual setting. An interesting observation which arises from this study is that two structures which are superficially similar in the two languages favour the occurrence of non-target constructions, unavailable in either of the two languages. They occur under bilingual conditions via non-language-specific mechanisms, such as comparison and analogy. This is why their use, age of onset, and end of influence are subject to individual variation. Their analysis reveals that even structures which are the result of non-language-specific mechanisms, when drawing on morpho-syntactic knowledge, can fall within the range of constructions made available by Universal Grammar. The same superficial similarity seems to boost the acquisition of clitics by Romanian–Hungarian bilinguals.
Role of Interferon-Gamma (Ifn-γ) in Immune Response Regulation in Hiv-1 and Hiv-1 + Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (Tb) Infected Patients / Interferona-gamma (Ifn-γ) Loma Imūnās Atbildes Regulēšanā Pacientiem Ar HIV-1 un HIV-1 + mycobacterium Tuberculosis
Authors: Januškevica Inga , Rozentāle Baiba , Hagina Elvīra , Eglīte Jeīena , Kolupajeva Tatjana , Storozenko Jeīena , Guseva Ludmila , Lejnieks Aivars
Published: August 2016

The aim of this research was to investigate the role of IFN-γ in interaction between IL-10, IL-18, IL-1b, CD4 cell counts and HIV-1 RNA viral load in the development of HIV-1 in patients co-infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB). The study was conducted by Rīga East Clinical University Hospital with data from the HIV-1 register, in collaboration with the RSU Joint Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Immunogenetics. 200 HIV-1 infected patients and 184 HIV-1 with TB co-infection patients divided in four groups were included in the study. IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-18, IL-1b levels were measured in serum with commercially enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA Vector-Best Corporation, Novosibirsk, Russia). CD4 cell counts were measured by flow Partec IVD cytometry (USA). HIV-1 RNA quantification was performed using the COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS Taqman HIV-1 Test (Germany). All groups were compared with each another. IFN-γ production was significantly lower, and IL-10 and CD4 cell counts were significantly higher, in HIV-1 patients without TB compared with the other groups. The group with HIV-1 and TB had significantly elevated IL-18 production. HIV patients with primary TB had significantly elevated IFN-γ production and HIV-1 RNA viral load and significantly lower IL-10 production.