bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary CT findings in relapsing polychondritis
Authors: Lin Zhi Qian , Xu Jian Rong , Chen Jie Jun , Hua Xiao Lan , Zhang Ke Bei , Guan Yong Jing
Published: March 2010

Background: Relapsing polychondritis (RPC) is a rare rheumatic disease characterized by recurrent inflammation of cartilaginous structures, with airway involvement a major cause of morbidity and mortality.

Purpose: To retrospectively evaluate airway and lung abnormalities in RPC with computed tomography (CT).

Material and Methods: From January 2004 to May 2009, 21 patients with RPC (12 men, 9 women; 13–65 years old) underwent chest CT examinations. Two chest radiologists evaluated the CT images retrospectively. Abnormal findings, including airway stenosis, airway malacia, air trapping, and airway wall thickening with or without calcifications, were observed and noted.

Results: Major abnormal CT findings were observed in eight patients (38.1%), which included airway wall thickening ( n=7), airway stenosis ( n=6), airway malacia ( n=6), airway wall calcification ( n=8), and air trapping ( n=3). Mediastinal lymph nodes were found in 12 patients. Lung infection was identified in four patients and interstitial lung disease in six patients.

Conclusion: The CT findings in patients with RPC consisted mainly of airway wall thickening, airway stenosis, airway malacia, airway wall calcification, and air trapping.
Geblendet vom Feuerwerk – der Beitrag von Coase über Umweltnutzungskonflikte | Dazzled by fireworks – the contribution made by Coase in the case of conflicts in environmental use
Authors: Hostettler Martin
Published: March 2010

The contributions of the economist Ronald Coase (1959, 1960) have radically changed the analysis and rectification of environmental problems. A subtly differentiated notion of property and the recognition of the double-sided nature of environmental conflicts enabled him to develop a new economic view on environmental problems. Property rights will be exchanged – provided that transaction costs make this possible. His insights led to several new fields of research, though misunderstandings about the Coase Theorem are still prevalent today. Forest economics research has followed more strongly the Coasean way of thinking in recent years; however, the potential is not yet exhausted by a long way.
McDeleuze: What's More Rhizomal than the Big Mac?
Authors: Faucher Kane X.
Published: March 2010

The popularity of Deleuze and Guattari is an undeniable precedent in current theoretical exchanges, and it could be stated without much contention that one's theoretical positioning must at some point deal with the salient conceptual offerings of Deleuze and Guattari, especially their double-opus, Anti-Oedipus and A Thousand Plateaus wherein a wealth of critique abounds. However, the significant trends concerning Deleuze and Guattari ‘scholarship’ may be jeopardised by the (ab)use of certain conceptual themes and methods in their work that are distorted and employed by big business looking to secure their legacies of power by means of a control mechanism that looks to subjugate an entire world by means of (to borrow a term from Mihai Spariosu) ‘globalitarianism’. Our aim here will be to use McDonald's Corporation as an example of how the theoretical offerings of Deleuze and Guattari have been indirectly and hastily deployed for corporate ends, how these attempts are counter-Deleuzian, and to answer at least one of Žižek's criticisms against Deleuze.
The Time of Drama in Nietzsche and Deleuze: A Life as Performative Interaction
Authors: Böhler Arno
Published: March 2010

Nietzsche's model of eternal return triggers a drama of affirmation, the overcoming of a simple miming of our ancestors in favour of an active participation in the counter-actualisation of hidden potentials in recurrent events. Based on a close study of Zarathustra's struggle to free himself from a suffocating nihilism, the paper focuses on the revelatory caesura that ushers in what Deleuze calls the third synthesis of time, a time of ‘doing’ rather than reflection.
Surgery Triggers Outgrowth of Latent Distant Disease in Breast Cancer: An Inconvenient Truth?
Authors: Retsky Michael , Demicheli Romano , Hrushesky William , Baum Michael , Gukas Isaac
Published: March 2010

We review our work over the past 14 years that began when we were first confronted with bimodal relapse patterns in two breast cancer databases from different countries. These data were unexplainable with the accepted continuous tumor growth paradigm. To explain these data, we proposed that metastatic breast cancer growth commonly includes periods of temporary dormancy at both the single cell phase and the avascular micrometastasis phase. We also suggested that surgery to remove the primary tumor often terminates dormancy resulting in accelerated relapses. These iatrogenic events are apparently very common in that over half of all metastatic relapses progress in that manner. Assuming this is true, there should be ample and clear evidence in clinical data. We review here the breast cancer paradigm from a variety of historical, clinical, and scientific perspectives and consider how dormancy and surgery-driven escape from dormancy would be observed and what this would mean. Dormancy can be identified in these diverse data but most conspicuous is the sudden synchronized escape from dormancy following primary surgery. On the basis of our findings, we suggest a new paradigm for early stage breast cancer. We also suggest a new treatment that is meant to stabilize and preserve dormancy rather than attempt to kill all cancer cells as is the present strategy.
The "Two-Faced" Effects of Reactive Oxygen Species and the Lipid Peroxidation Product 4-Hydroxynonenal in the Hallmarks of Cancer
Authors: Pizzimenti Stefania , Toaldo Cristina , Pettazzoni Piergiorgio , Dianzani Mario U. , Barrera Giuseppina
Published: March 2010

Reacytive Oxygen Species (ROS) have long been considered to be involved in the initiation, progression and metastasis of cancer. However, accumulating evidence points to the benefical role of ROS. Moreover, ROS production, leading to apoptosis, is the mechanism by which many chemotherapeutic agents can act. Beside direct actions, ROS elicit lipid peroxidation, leading to the production of 4-hydroxynoneal (HNE). Interestingly, HNE also seems to have a dual behaviour with respect to cancer. In this review we present recent literature data which outline the "two-faced" character of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in carcinogenesis and in the hallmarks of cancer.
Investigating “Egusi” (Citrullus Colocynthis L.) Seed Oil as Potential Biodiesel Feedstock
Authors: Giwa Solomon , Abdullah Luqman Chuah , Adam Nor Mariah
Published: March 2010

Biodiesel’s acceptance as a substitute for fossil-derived diesel has grown the world over. However, the food-fuel debate over conventional vegetable oils has rekindled research interest in exploring lesser known and minor oil crops. In this work, egusi melon seed oil was studied for the first time as a potential feedstock for biodiesel production. Crude egusi melon seed oil was transesterified using sodium methoxide as the catalyst at 60 °C and an oil/methanol ratio of 1:6 to produce its corresponding methyl esters. Egusi melon oil methyl ester (EMOME) yield was 82%. Gas chromatographic analysis of EMOME showed that it was composed mainly of palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic and linolenic esters, which is similar to the profile of sunflower, soybean and safflower oil. All the measured fuel properties of EMOME satisfied both the ASTM D6751 and the EN 14214 biodiesel standards. Fuel properties of EMOME were essentially identical with those of soybean, safflower and sunflower biodiesel. Remarkably, the kinematic viscosity of EMOME was measured to be 3.83 mm2/s, a value lower than most biodiesel fuels reported in the literature. The potential of egusi melon seed oil as a biodiesel feedstock is clearly presented in this study.
Chitosan in Plant Protection
Authors: El Hadrami Abdelbasset , Adam Lorne R. , El Hadrami Ismail , Daayf Fouad
Published: March 2010

Chitin and chitosan are naturally-occurring compounds that have potential in agriculture with regard to controlling plant diseases. These molecules were shown to display toxicity and inhibit fungal growth and development. They were reported to be active against viruses, bacteria and other pests. Fragments from chitin and chitosan are known to have eliciting activities leading to a variety of defense responses in host plants in response to microbial infections, including the accumulation of phytoalexins, pathogen-related (PR) proteins and proteinase inhibitors, lignin synthesis, and callose formation. Based on these and other proprieties that help strengthen host plant defenses, interest has been growing in using them in agricultural systems to reduce the negative impact of diseases on yield and quality of crops. This review recapitulates the properties and uses of chitin, chitosan, and their derivatives, and will focus on their applications and mechanisms of action during plant-pathogen interactions.
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of New 4-Heteroarylamino Coumarin Derivatives Containing Nitrogen and Sulfur as Heteroatoms
Authors: Dekić Biljana R. , Radulović Niko S. , Dekić Vidoslav S. , Vukićević Rastko D. , Palić Radosav M.
Published: March 2010

Synthesis, spectral analysis and bioactivity of new coumarin derivatives are described in this paper. Eight new coumarin derivatives were synthesized in moderate to good yields by condensation of 4-chloro-3-nitrocoumarin and the corresponding heteroarylamine. The synthesized compounds were tested for their in vitro antimicrobial activity, in a standard disk diffusion assay, against thirteen strains of bacteria and three fungal strains. They have shown a wide range of activity - from one completely inactive compound to medium active ones.
Controlled Release of 5-Aminosalicylic Acid (5-ASA) from New Biodegradable Polyurethanes
Authors: Kenawy El-Refaie , Al-Deyab Salem S. , El-Newehy Mohamed H.
Published: March 2010

Segmented polyurethanes containing azo aromatic groups in the main chain were synthesized by reaction of 3,3'-azobis(6-hydroxybenzoic acid) (ABHB), 5-[4-(hydroxyphenyl)azo] salicylic acid (HPAS), and 5-[1-hydroxynaphthyl)azo] salicylic acid (HNAS) with hexamethylenediisocyanate (HDI). All synthesized monomers and polymers were characterized by elemental analysis, FTIR, 1H-NMR spectra, TGA and DSC analysis. All the synthesized azo polymers showed good thermal stability and the onset decomposition temperature of all these polymers was found to be above 195 ºC under nitrogen atmosphere.The release of 5-ASA under physiological conditions (pH = 7.8 and pH = 1.5) was investigated at body temperature (37 ºC). The release rate of 5-ASA increased with increasing pH (i.e., 7.8 > 1.5).
Effect of Sugars on Artemisinin Production in Artemisia annua L.: Transcription and Metabolite Measurements
Authors: Arsenault Patrick R. , Vail Daniel R. , Wobbe Kristin K. , Weathers Pamela J.
Published: March 2010

The biosynthesis of the valuable sesquiterpene anti-malarial, artemisinin, is known to respond to exogenous sugar concentrations. Here young Artemisia annua L. seedlings (strain YU) were used to measure the transcripts of six key genes in artemisinin biosynthesis in response to growth on sucrose, glucose, or fructose. The measured genes are: from the cytosolic arm of terpene biosynthesis, 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR), farnesyl disphosphate (FPS); from the plastid arm of terpene biosynthesis, 1-deoxyxylulose-5-phosphate synthase (DXS), 1-deoxyxylulouse 5-phosphate reductoisomerase (DXR); from the dedicated artemisinin pathway amorpha-4,11-diene synthase (ADS), and the P450, CYP71AV1 (CYP). Changes in intracellular concentrations of artemisinin (AN) and its precursors, dihydroartemisinic acid (DHAA), artemisinic acid (AA), and arteannuin B (AB) were also measured in response to these three sugars. FPS, DXS, DXR, ADS and CYP transcript levels increased after growth in glucose, but not fructose. However, the kinetics of these transcripts over 14 days was very different. AN levels were significantly increased in glucose-fed seedlings, while levels in fructose-fed seedlings were inhibited; in both conditions this response was only observed for 2 days after which AN was undetectable until day 14. In contrast to AN, on day 1 AB levels doubled in seedlings grown in fructose compared to those grown in glucose. Results showed that transcript level was often negatively correlated with the observed metabolite concentrations. When seedlings were gown in increasing levels of AN, some evidence of a feedback mechanism emerged, but mainly in the inhibition of AA production. Together these results show the complex interplay of exogenous sugars on the biosynthesis of artemisinin in young A. annua seedlings.
Cell-Penetrating Peptides: A Comparative Study on Lipid Affinity and Cargo Delivery Properties
Authors: Ruzza Paolo , Biondi Barbara , Marchiani Anna , Antolini Nicola , Calderan Andrea
Published: March 2010

A growing number of natural and/or synthetic peptides with cell membrane penetrating capability have been identified and described in the past years. These molecules have been considered promising tools for delivering bioactive compounds into various cell types. Although the mechanism of uptake is still unclear, it is reasonable to assume that the relative contribute of each proposed mechanism could differ for the same peptide, depending on experimental protocol and cargo molecule composition. In this work we try to connect the capability to interact with model lipid membrane and structural and chemical characteristics of CPPs in order to obtain a biophysical classification that predicts the behavior of CPP-cargo molecules in cell systems. Indeed, the binding with cell membrane is one of the primary step in the interaction of CPPs with cells, and consequently the studies on model membrane could become important for understanding peptide-membrane interaction on a molecular level, explaining how CPPs may translocate a membrane without destroying it and how this interactions come into play in shuttling CPPs via different routes with different efficiency. We analyzed by CD and fluorescence spectroscopies the binding properties of six different CPPs (kFGF, Nle54-Antp and Tat derived peptides, and oligoarginine peptides containing 6, 8 or 10 residues) in absence or presence of the same cargo peptide (the 392-401pTyr396 fragment of HS1 protein). The phospholipid binding properties were correlated to the conformational and chemical characteristics of peptides, as well as to the cell penetrating properties of the CPP-cargo conjugates. Results show that even if certain physico-chemical properties (conformation, positive charge) govern CPP capability to interact with the model membrane, these cannot fully explain cell-permeability properties.
Non-Lambertian Corrected Albedo and Vegetation Index for Estimating Land Evapotranspiration in a Heterogeneous Semi-Arid Landscape
Authors: Mariotto Isabella , Gutschick Vincent P.
Published: March 2010

The application of energy balance algorithms to remotely sensed imagery often fails to account for surface roughness variation with diverse land cover, resulting in poor resolution of evapotranspiration (ET) variations. Furthermore, the assumption of a horizontally homogeneous Lambertian surface reflecting energy equally in all directions affects the calculations of albedo and vegetation index. The primary objective of this study is to improve the accuracy of the estimation and discrimination of ET among different land cover types in Southern New Mexico from ASTER datasets, by formulating the spatial variation of non-Lambertian reflectance using a wavelength-dependent Minnaert function.
Optical Flow in a Smart Sensor Based on Hybrid Analog-Digital Architecture
Authors: Guzmán Pablo , Díaz Javier , Agís Rodrigo , Ros Eduardo
Published: March 2010

The purpose of this study is to develop a motion sensor (delivering optical flow estimations) using a platform that includes the sensor itself, focal plane processing resources, and co-processing resources on a general purpose embedded processor. All this is implemented on a single device as a SoC (System-on-a-Chip). Optical flow is the 2-D projection into the camera plane of the 3-D motion information presented at the world scenario. This motion representation is widespread well-known and applied in the science community to solve a wide variety of problems. Most applications based on motion estimation require work in real-time; hence, this restriction must be taken into account. In this paper, we show an efficient approach to estimate the motion velocity vectors with an architecture based on a focal plane processor combined on-chip with a 32 bits NIOS II processor. Our approach relies on the simplification of the original optical flow model and its efficient implementation in a platform that combines an analog (focal-plane) and digital (NIOS II) processor. The system is fully functional and is organized in different stages where the early processing (focal plane) stage is mainly focus to pre-process the input image stream to reduce the computational cost in the post-processing (NIOS II) stage. We present the employed co-design techniques and analyze this novel architecture. We evaluate the system’s performance and accuracy with respect to the different proposed approaches described in the literature. We also discuss the advantages of the proposed approach as well as the degree of efficiency which can be obtained from the focal plane processing capabilities of the system. The final outcome is a low cost smart sensor for optical flow computation with real-time performance and reduced power consumption that can be used for very diverse application domains.
The Assessment for Sensitivity of a NO2 Gas Sensor with ZnGa2O4/ZnO Core-Shell Nanowires—a Novel Approach
Authors: Chen I-Cherng , Lin Shiu-Shiung , Lin Tsao-Jen , Hsu Cheng-Liang , Hsueh Ting Jen , Shieh Tien-Yu
Published: March 2010

The application of novel core-shell nanowires composed of ZnGa2O4/ZnO to improve the sensitivity of NO2 gas sensors is demonstrated in this study. The growth of ZnGa2O4/ZnO core-shell nanowires is performed by reactive evaporation on patterned ZnO:Ga/SiO2/Si templates at 600 °C. This is to form the homogeneous structure of the sensors investigated in this report to assess their sensitivity in terms of NO2 detection. These novel NO2 gas sensors were evaluated at working temperatures of 25 °C and at 250 °C, respectively. The result reveals the ZnGa2O4/ZnO core-shell nanowires present a good linear relationship (R2 > 0.99) between sensitivity and NO2 concentration at both working temperatures. These core-shell nanowire sensors also possess the highest response (
Venom Proteins of the Parasitoid Wasp Nasonia vitripennis: Recent Discovery of an Untapped Pharmacopee
Authors: Danneels Ellen L. , Rivers David B. , De Graaf Dirk C.
Published: March 2010

Adult females of Nasonia vitripennis inject a venomous mixture into its host flies prior to oviposition. Recently, the entire genome of this ectoparasitoid wasp was sequenced, enabling the identification of 79 venom proteins. The next challenge will be to unravel their specific functions, but based on homolog studies, some predictions already can be made. Parasitization has an enormous impact on hosts physiology of which five major effects are discussed in this review: the impact on immune responses, induction of developmental arrest, increases in lipid levels, apoptosis and nutrient releases. The value of deciphering this venom is also discussed.
https://journals.vgtu.lt/index.php/JCEM/article/view/5898
Authors: Zavadskas Edmundas Kazimieras , Turskis Zenonas , Tamošaitienė Jolanta
Published: March 2010

The paper presents risk assessment of construction projects. The assessment is based on the multi‐attribute decision‐making methods. The risk evaluation attributes are selected taking into consideration the interests and goals of the stakeholders as well as factors that have influence on the construction process efficiency and real estate value. Ranking of objects and determination of their optimality are determined by applying TOPSIS grey and COPRAS‐G methods with attributes values determined at intervals. A background and a description of the proposed model are provided and key findings of the analysis are presented. Santrauka Straipsnyje vertinama statybos projektu rizika. Vertinimas pagristas ivairiais daugiatikslio vertinimo metodais. Rizikos vertinimo rodikliai atrenkami, atsižvelgiant i suinteresuotu šaliu interesus, tikslus ir veiksnius, kurie turi itakos statybos proceso efektyvumui ir nekilnojamojo turto vertes didinimui. Projektai surikiuoti pagal naudinguma, nustatyti santykiniai ju optimalumo dydžiai. Uždavinio modeliui aprašyti ir jam išspresti taikomi TOPSIS grey ir COPRAS‐G metodai. Projektu savybes aprašomos efektyvumo rodikliu reikšmemis, apibrežiamomis intervaluose. Straipsnyje aprašomas taikomas modelis, atlikta uždavinio analize ir pateikiamos trumpos išvados.
CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR PREQUALIFICATION FROM POLISH CLIENTS’ PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Plebankiewicz Edyta
Published: March 2010

A competent construction contractor is one of the indispensable conditions of a proper process and completion of a construction project. The article presents analysis results of the main criteria considered by Polish public clients in contractor competence evaluation. Research was carried out on the basis of demands stated by clients in restricted tenders announced in 2007. The author also presents research results of the methods and criteria for construction contractor selection, used by Polish private clients. To carry out the research a questionnaire was sent to 27 private clients at the turn of 2006/2007. The results of the research show that public clients in most of the restricted tenders use just one of the criteria used to qualify a candidate to the second stage of tender procedure and it is usually the contractor's experience. Generally, it is characterised by the number of realised projects similar to the ordered one. For private clients, in contractor competence evaluation, technical possibilities of a contractor are especially valued. Experience in similar investments realisation, their quality, the equipment owned, and the staff are the top qualities in the rankings. Appreciated, although to a smaller extent, is also financial reliability of a contractor. Yet, criteria connected with project management are those which are the least valued ones. Santrauka Statybos rangovo kompetencija - viena iš privalomu salygu tinkamai vykdyti statybos projekta ir užtikrinti, kad jis bus užbaigtas. Straipsnyje pristatyta Lenkijos viešojo sektoriaus klientu nustatytu svarbiausiu rodikliu rangovo kompetencijos vertinimo analize. Tyrimo metu buvo remtasi klientu reikalavimais, nustatytais uždaru konkursu, vykusiu 2007 m., metu. Autore taip pat pristato Lenkijos viešojo sektoriaus taikomu metodu ir rodikliu statybos rangovu atrankai tyrimu rezultatus. Tyrimo metu klausimynas buvo išsiustas 27 klientams. Tyrimu rezultatai parode, kad viešojo sektoriaus užsakovai daugumoje uždaru konkursu pirmame etape kandidatui vertinti naudoja tik viena rodikli ir tai dažniausia yra rangovo patirtis. Bendruoju atveju vertinama pagal igyvendintu projektu, panašiu i konkursini, skaičiu. Privačiame sektoriuje vertinant rangovo kompetencija ypatingas demesys kreipiamas i technines rangovo galimybes. Panašiu investiciniu projektu vykdymo patirtis, darbu kokybe, turima iranga ir personalas yra pagrindiniai atrankos rodikliai. Finansinis rangovo patikimumas vertinamas, bet rečiau. Rodikliai, susije su projektu valdymu, vertinami labai retai.
Omental cyst presenting as tubercular ascites
Authors: Joshi Neha , Yadav Sangeeta , Singh Bijender , Gupta Aashima
Published: March 2010

Cystic lymphangiomas are uncommon congenital benign tumours of vascular origin with a lymphatic differentiation originating across various anatomical locations. Large intrabdominal cysts may mimic ascites. We report the case of a one-and-a-half-year-old male child with a giant cystic lymphangioma originating in the greater omentum presenting as tubercular ascites. This report aims to highlight the limitations of biochemical investigations such as ascitic adenosine deaminase (ADA) in differentiating the epidemiologically prevalent tubercular ascites from an intrabdominal cyst, especially in a resource-poor nation as ours, where invasive diagnostic procedures pose an economic burden.
Clinical and serological evaluation of Leptospirosis in Puducherry, India
Authors: Shekatkar Smita Benjamin , Harish Belgode Narasimha , Menezes Godfred Antony , Parija Subhash Chandra
Published: March 2010

Background: Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease with a worldwide distribution. There is a paucity of available data about prevalence of this disease in Pondicherry. Our aim was to investigate the seropositivity rate of leptospirosis in suspected cases and also to identify the predominant serogroups present by performing Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT). The other aim of this study was to compare the results of a commercially available IgM ELISA with that of MAT. Methodology: A total of 110 blood samples from patients suspected of leptospirosis were sent for diagnosis. These samples were subjected to IgM ELISA and the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). MAT was done using a panel of 12 Leptospira serovars. Results: MAT analysis of the 110 samples showed 40 (36%) to be positive. Antibodies were predominantly seen against serogroup Leptospira Icterohemorrhagiae (27%), followed by Pomona (17%), and Pyrogenes (12%). IgM ELISA done on these samples showed a positivity of 37% compared to MAT. Conclusion: This study reveals that the MAT test can be standardized in a diagnostic laboratory and used in conjunction with an IgM ELISA.
Antibiotic resistance in Mexico: a brief overview of the current status and its causes
Authors: Amabile-Cuevas Carlos
Published: March 2010

As in many other developing countries, conditions that may foster antibiotic resistance in Mexico differ from developed countries, and so resistance prevalence. Fecal pollution and other traits of overcrowded, poor cities, might create ideal settings for selecting, exchanging and maintaining resistance traits. Medical abuse of antibiotics, along with low-quality drugs, are also present as in many developing countries. Self-prescription, a common yet unmeasured practice among Mexican population, may also contribute to increased resistance rates. Pneumococcal resistance towards penicillin and macrolides are the highest in Latin American countries, as is resistance of Salmonella and uropathogenic Escherichia coli towards ampicillin and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim; about one tenth of isolates of these gram-negative pathogens seem to produce extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL). High rates of multiple-drug resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis are also found in Mexico, although there is no report of extensively drug-resistant strains. As to hospital-acquired pathogens, about a third of E. coli and Klebsiella isolates are ESBL-producers, and half of Staphylococcus aureus isolates are resistant to oxacillin (MRSA). Around 40% Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates are resistant to ceftazidime, imipenem or levofloxacin. Although community-acquired MRSA, vancomycin-resistant enterococci, and other resistance problems found in developed countries, are not as common in Mexico, local issues are no small concern, and are disturbingly moving towards outpatients.
In vitro antimicrobials activity against endemic Acinetobacter baumannii multiresistant clones
Authors: Rodriguez Carlos Hernan , De Ambrosio Alejandra , Bajuk Milena , Spinozzi Mariela , Nastro Marcela , Bombicino Karina , Radice Marcela , Gutkind Gabriel , Vay Carlos , Famiglietti Angela
Published: March 2010

Background: Multidrug-resistant strains of Acinetobacter baumannii have been reported increasingly around the world. The administration of an association of antibiotics has been proposed to create an active combination and to prevent the emergence of resistance. Methodology: The activity of colistin, rifampicin, gentamicin, imipenem and their associations was evaluated by means of killing curves in fourteen isolates belonging to three endemic PFGE types, in a university hospital of Buenos Aires city. The 14 isolates were selected on the basis of different mechanisms responsible for resistance to carbapenems and different susceptibility to colistin. Results: The mechanism responsible for the resistance to imipenem was the production of OXA-23 and OXA-58 carbapenemases. Heteroresistance to colistin was observed in six isolates. The associations colistin-rifampicin and colistin-imipenem were synergistic in heteroresistant isolates and prevented the development of colistin-resistant mutants. The association imipenem-gentamicin was bactericidal in gentamicin susceptible isolates, whereas the association imipenem-rifampicin was always indifferent. Conclusion: The antimicrobial activity and the presence of synergy are related to the antimicrobials' susceptibilities irrespective of the PFGE type or the OXA-carbapenemase produced.
Tungiasis infestation in Tanzania
Authors: Mazigo Humphrey D. , Behamana Emmanuel , Zinga Maria , Heukelbach Jorg
Published: March 2010

Tungiasis is caused by the jigger flea Tunga penetrans. We describe a case of severe infestation from Kigoma region, Western Tanzania. A 19-year-old male with epilepsy and mental disability presented with ulcerated and inflamed toes. Clinical examination revealed the presence of approximately 810 embedded jigger fleas on the feet, and another 60 lesions on the hands. The patient presented with fissures on the feet, hands and soles. He had difficulty walking and erythematous, oedematous, ulcerated and inflamed skin around the feet. Living conditions were precarious. The patient was assisted to extract the embedded fleas and his feet were washed with disinfectants. Oral antibiotics were given. The case shows that the disease may reach high parasite loads in Tanzanian individuals, with consequently severe pathology. There have been single reports of returning tourists from Tanzania with tungiasis, but the epidemiological situation and the geographic occurrence of the disease in this country are not known. Systematic studies are needed to increase knowledge on the epidemiological situation of tungasis in Tanzania and to identify endemic areas.
Education is in the hands of four actors: parents, teachers, children and TV
Authors: Sánchez-Igual Elvira , Benito-del-Olmo David
Published: March 2010

Education used to be in the hands of three actors: parents (and/or other family members or tutors), educators or teachers, who shared time inside the classroom with the children; and of course, the children who received the educational activity. But now we know that a lot of children spend a huge number of hours watching TV or playing video games in front of a screen. Keeping in mind that the programs they watch have a clear influence on their values and on their perception of the world and of their social reality, parents and educators must be careful with the use of mass media. A fourth actor called television has appeared on the stage and it is necessary to take it into consideration as a potential ally, rather than as an enemy.

El presente trabajo analiza por qué educar ya es cosa de cuatro. Educar era cosa de tres. De los padres, de los educadores y/o maestros, y por supuesto de los niños/as. Pero ahora sabemos que muchos niños y niñas invierten un increíble número de horas a la semana viendo la TV o jugando a los videojuegos. Teniendo en cuenta que los programas que ven influyen claramente en los valores del niño/a, en su percepción del mundo y de la realidad social, tenemos que tener cuidado con el uso de este medio de comunicación. Ha aparecido un actor más en escena que se llama «TV» y que es preciso tener en cuenta, no como un enemigo sino como un aliado potencial.
Teaching to watch family from the school and the family
Authors: Pavón-Rabasco Francisco
Published: March 2010

This paper presents some ideas about how the author sees the current television in Spain. It has been calculated that today in Spain one student of Primary or Secondary school spends about 900 hours in class and between 1500 and 2000 in front of the TV. The author develops some audiovisual, academic activities that teachers could do with students in order to improve their abilities to watch television from a critical point of view.

En España se calcula que un alumno de Primaria o Secundaria Obligatoria pasa en clase 900 horas y entre 1500 y 2000 frente al televisor. Si educar exige preparar a la ciudadanía para integrarse de una manera reflexiva y crítica en la sociedad, ¿cómo se integrarán unos ciudadanos que no están preparados para realizar de manera crítica aquella actividad a la que dedican más horas? El presente documento se estructura en dos partes: una primera donde se analizan los efectos de la TV que se tiene en la sociedad que vivimos, en la niñez y juventud y las posibles ideas que podrían servir para enseñar a ver TV. En una segunda, se describe algunas líneas de actuación en escuelas y familias que provoquen un aprendizaje en el visionado de la TV.
TV: responsibility in socialization
Authors: Peralta-Ferreyra Ilda
Published: March 2010

TV has an ever-increasing power to penetrate into our homes, into public spaces and into our schools. This reality issues a challenge to parents, families, public administrations and to television channels themselves. Socialization, that is, the fitting of individuals to a common culture, is everyone’s responsibility in order to make the future more tolerant, supportive and democratic-essential for the survival of the human species in the 21st century. That is the reason why socialization must be managed and cultivated by all the nation’s institutions, without exception. For this purpose it becomes necessary to join forces, to build a consensus where families, schools and the main television channels commit themselves to a common socializing function with agreements that would help lay the foundations of a society concerned with human development.

La TV posee un poder de penetración cada vez mayor en los hogares, en la calle y centros de enseñanza. Esta realidad implica un desafío para los padres, la familia, la administración pública y las cadenas de TV. La socialización, es decir, la adecuación de los individuos a una cultura común, es responsabilidad de todos, que el futuro sea más tolerante, solidario y democrático, imprescindible en el siglo XXI para la supervivencia de le especie humana, lo deben gestionar y labrar todas las instituciones del país, sin excepción. Sería necesario unir esfuerzos, un consenso en el que familia, escuela y las grandes empresas de TV se comprometieran en una función socializadora común, con compromisos que ayudaran a sentar las bases mínimas de una sociedad educadora.
TV and elderly people: educating or mis-educating?
Authors: Rodríguez-Vázquez Francisca María
Published: March 2010

Elderly people spend long hours in front of TV without any kind of planning. Thus, it is necessary to study TV consumption and offer guidelines to help them to watch TV from a critical point of view. This paper shows the results obtained immediately after a study carried out with people over 65 years who visit the centres for elderly people in Huelva in their free time. This paper shows with quantitative information the vision that elderly people from Huelva have about TV, and finally it proposes different progress actions that can reduce the time they spend in front of it.

Son muchas las horas que pasan los mayores delante de la televisión sin ninguna planificación previa de lo que van a ver. Por tanto, se hace necesario realizar un estudio sobre el consumo de la televisión en los mayores y plantearles una serie de pautas para orientarles a ver la televisión con una visión crítica. Y es en esta comunicación donde exponemos los resultados obtenidos a raíz de un estudio realizado a personas mayores de 65 años que acuden en su tiempo libre o de ocio a los Centros de Día para Mayores de Huelva. Esta comunicación recoge con datos cuantitativos la visión que tienen del medio televisivo los mayores de Huelva, para proponer finalmente distintas acciones de mejora que pueden incidir en la utilización de la televisión como una pequeña parte de su tiempo libre y ocio, y no, como la totalidad o gran parte de ella.
Learning identity: what kind of children do children perceive when they watch TV?
Authors: Perales-Albert Alejandro , Pérez-Chica Ángeles
Published: March 2010

This article shows some results of a present study about the main childhood stereotypes in TV programmes (soap operas, sitcoms), news and advertising. The application of content analysis makes it possible to describe the portrayal of children built by mass media, such as the «good wild» myth as a metaphorical image, at the same time that it shows punishment for the social transgression of rules.

Este artículo presenta algunos resultados de una investigación en curso sobre de los estereotipos infantiles dominantes en los programas televisivos, especialmente de ficción (series familiares en prime time, telenovelas, series infantiles y juveniles), informativos y publicidad. La aplicación de técnicas de análisis de contenido, que permite determinar la imagen dominante sobre niños y niñas construida en los medios, permite afirmar que dicha imagen recrea el mito del «buen salvaje» dotando a esa imagen de una función metafórica, al tiempo que mantiene los cánones morales de sanción ante la transgresión de las normas.
Social and educational features in children´s TV programming: «La Banda» at the Radio and Television of Andalucía
Authors: Cruz-Díaz María-del-Rocío , del-Valle-Suárez Juan Carlos
Published: March 2010

Being part of the Society of Knowledge implies to accept the importance of the mass media in the construction of the social structure. There is no doubt about the hegemony of the radio and television in the society and their effects on young population. The Forum offers the opportunity to integrate different perspectives and socio-educational and technical models to analyze real TV. From a sociological point of view, we can approach the directions that our society has taken and the impact of television contents on the children´s style of life. The educational model allows us to access to patterns, initiatives and structures that have been developed to confront the mass media, while the business dynamic forces the media to be concerned about the weakness of the young audience in their access to audiovisual media content. We hope this cocktail of perspectives might be useful to develop new and refreshing ideas concerning children´s TV programming.

Participar de la Sociedad del Conocimiento implica interiorizar la importancia de los medios de comunicación y los rasgos que les proporciona la estructura social. No dudamos de la hegemonía de medios como la Radio y la Televisión y sus efectos «casi críticos» en la población de menor edad. La oportunidad que nos ofrece el Foro se traduce en adoptar un enfoque integrador de perspectivas y modelos sociológicos, educativos y técnicos de la televisión real. El marco social nos posiciona ante la realidad, «por» donde y «hacia» donde camina nuestra sociedad y «como» asume la incorporación de la TV al estilo de vida de niños y jóvenes. La educación, por su parte, nos permite acceder a los modelos, estructuras e iniciativas puestas en marcha en los ámbitos formales y no formales ante y para los medios, y la dinámica empresarial de una cadena de radio y televisión real nos expone la implementación práctica de espacios infantiles en TV, con los condicionantes de ser y parecer correctos en el enfoque hacia la infancia, y la responsabilidad de tener acceso a la audiencia más joven y, por tanto, más vulnerable. Deseamos que este «cóctel» de perspectivas, adecuadamente «mezcladas» dé fruto a una seria «receta» especialmente refrescante, con nuevas ideas sobre la televisión real y los niños.
TV, contents and childhood: keys to teach TV watching
Authors: Roel-Vecino Marta
Published: March 2010

Television is the most important mass media. Spain and Europe are facing deep changes caused by the implantation of digital technology. In this context, it is very important to launch audiovisual literacy campaigns that help the main actors involved in the communication process to readjust their positions. Childhood, the most vulnerable sector, needs a special attention.

La televisión es el medio de comunicación por excelencia que en España -y en el conjunto de Europa- está afrontando una etapa de profundas transformaciones favorecidas por la implantación de la tecnología digital. En este contexto, es importante promover campañas de alfabetización audiovisual que ayuden a los principales actores implicados en el proceso comunicativo a reorientar sus posiciones. La infancia, por ser el colectivo más vulnerable, requiere especial atención.
TV and family: working together for the education?
Authors: Marín-Díaz Verónica
Published: March 2010

The family and mass media are the power of the society nowadays. The relationship established between them is necessary because they determine each other. This article develops the idea that television is the most influent one among mass media, so the families have the responsibility for creating a critical awareness towards it.

La familia y los medios de comunicación son hoy son el motor de nuestra sociedad. La relación que se establece entre ellos es necesaria dado que unos determinan a otros y viceversa. Desde este artículo presentamos una propuesta de trabajo conjunto a través del único medio que hoy llega a todo el mundo la televisión y las familias con el objetivo de crear una conciencia crítica.
Readings of TV from teenagers storyboards
Authors: Quintão-Carneiro Vânia Lúcia
Published: March 2010

This paper provides an analysis of 37 short audio-visual stories told in sketches (like a storyboard). These works were drawn by teenagers of two high-schools of Federal District - Brazil, within the framework of a project of investigation-action supported by the University of Brasilia. The aim of this analysis is to show the adjustment of the strategy of drawing sketches to the construction of proposals, which arise from the union joining of the creative capacities of the young people together with their position as viewers. It is necessary to mention that the groups of teenagers hadn´t attended any courses or audiovisual workshops which become the starting point for the development of a proposal of media literacy in schools.

El texto se concentra en el análisis de pequeñas narrativas audiovisuales (37), elaboradas en forma de guiones dibujados (tipo storyboard). Dichos trabajos fueron realizados por adolescentes de dos escuelas secundarías de Distrito Federal (Brasil), en el marco de un proyecto de investigación-acción apoyado por la Universidad de Brasilia. A través del análisis se pretende mostrar la adecuación de la estrategia de guiones dibujados en la construcción de proposiciones, las cuales surgen de la unión entre las capacidades creativas de los jóvenes y su posición como telespectadores, el análisis parte de la elaboración del marco teórico para el diagnóstico de sus competencias audiovisuales. Es necesario mencionar que los grupos de adolescentes no participaron anteriormente de ningún curso o taller audiovisual, hecho que se convirtió en el punto de partida para el desarrollo de una propuesta de educación audiovisual en escuelas.
Teaching to watch TV as part of «Education for the Citizenship»
Authors: Saavedra-Inaraja Ignacio
Published: March 2010

The Law in Education, recently passed by the Spanish Parliament, provides a good opportunity to promote a critical view of audiovisual media and television among the Primary and Secondary Spanish students. That law introduces a new subject which is called “Education for the Citizenship». The official documents developing the contents of this subject provides the teachers the opportunity of getting the mentioned aim.

La Ley Orgánica de Educación, aprobada recientemente por el Parlamento Español, ofrece una buena oportunidad para conseguir que los alumnos de Educación Primaria y Secundaria se formen como espectadores críticos de los medios audiovisuales en general y de la televisión en particular. Esta ley presenta como novedad importante la introducción de una nueva asignatura: «Educación para la Ciudadanía». El Real Decreto que especifica los contenidos de la asignatura da amplia cabida a la consecución de ese propósito.
Educative TV or TV-sitter?: attitudes towards the current TV
Authors: Ruiz-Trujillo Alejandro , Vázquez-Romero Rosa Ángela
Published: March 2010

Television is an important part of our daily life. TV has become «one of the family» and we cannot imagine our homes without one, two or even several TV sets. This situation of privilege in our families may turn into a double-edged sword: depending on the use given it may determine the people development and even manipulate the youngest ones if it is not used correctly. Making all the viewers –and especially the most vulnerable ones, the children- aware of the need for the use of TV from a critical and responsible point of view is a common task for all of us, family, school and society. And the fact is that we cannot only use the media passively, but in a dynamic and active way.

La televisión forma parte de nuestra vida diaria. Se ha convertido con el tiempo en «uno más de la familia» y no concebimos nuestros hogares sin una, dos o incluso varios aparatos de televisión. Esta situación de privilegio en nuestras familias puede llegar a convertirse en un arma de doble filo: dependiendo del uso que se le dé puede condicionar el desarrollo de las personas, pudiendo manipular los más pequeños si no se emplea de un modo correcto. Es tarea de todos -familia, escuela y sociedad en general- colaborar para poder concienciar sobre el uso de la televisión de una manera crítica y responsable a todos los espectadores y en especial al colectivo más vulnerables, los niños. Y es que no podemos limitarnos a utilizar este medio de comunicación de una manera pasiva, sino de manera dinámica y activa.
Learn to observe: «The Boarding School», a proposal for developing critical thinking
Authors: Azaústre-Serrano María del Carmen
Published: March 2010

How should we observe? How should we learn to observe, to be able to think critically about the images that surround and invade our interior? How should we perform so that the future professionals of education may also educate their way of observing? In this paper the author expresses his proposal about how to develop critical thinking, following the six intellectual skills that shape critical thinking which appear in the Delphi report, using the television series «The Boarding School».

¿Cómo mirar?, ¿Cómo aprender a mirar, para pensar críticamente las imágenes que envuelven e invaden nuestro interior?, ¿Cómo actuar para que los futuros profesionales de la educación eduquen también su mirada? En la presente comunicación se ofrece una propuesta de desarrollo del pensamiento crítico, siguiendo las seis destrezas intelectuales que configuran el pensamiento crítico, que aparecen en el Informe Delphi, a partir de la serie de televisión «El internado».