bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arthroscopically assisted fixation of Hawkins type II talar neck fractures
Authors: Wagener J. , Schweizer C. , Zwicky L. , Horn Lang T. , Hintermann B.
Published: April 2018

Aims

Arthroscopically controlled fracture reduction in combination with percutaneous screw fixation may be an alternative approach to open surgery to treat talar neck fractures. The purpose of this study was thus to present preliminary results on arthroscopically reduced talar neck fractures.

Patients and Methods

A total of seven consecutive patients (four women and three men, mean age 39 years (19 to 61)) underwent attempted surgical treatment of a closed Hawkins type II talar neck fracture using arthroscopically assisted reduction and percutaneous screw fixation. Functional and radiological outcome were assessed using plain radiographs, as well as weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing CT scans as tolerated. Patient satisfaction and pain sensation were also recorded.

Results

Primary reduction was obtained arthroscopically in all but one patient, for whom an interposed fracture fragment had to be removed through a small arthrotomy to permit anatomical reduction. The quality of arthroscopic reduction and restoration of the talar geometry was excellent in the remaining six patients. There were no signs of talar avascular necrosis or subtalar degeneration in any of the patients. In the whole series, the functional outcome was excellent in five patients but restricted ankle movement was observed in two patients. All patients had a reduction in subtalar movement. At final follow-up, all patients were satisfied and all but one patient were pain free.

Conclusion

Arthroscopically assisted reduction and fixation of talar neck fractures was found to be a feasible treatment option and allowed early functional rehabilitation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:461–7.
Current concepts in the surgical management of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Tambe A. D. , Panikkar S. J. , Millner P. A. , Tsirikos A. I.
Published: April 2018

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a complex 3D deformity of the spine. Its prevalence is between 2% and 3% in the general population, with almost 10% of patients requiring some form of treatment and up to 0.1% undergoing surgery. The cosmetic aspect of the deformity is the biggest concern to the patient and is often accompanied by psychosocial distress. In addition, severe curves can cause cardiopulmonary distress. With proven benefits from surgery, the aims of treatment are to improve the cosmetic and functional outcomes. Obtaining correction in the coronal plane is not the only important endpoint anymore. With better understanding of spinal biomechanics and the long-term effects of multiplanar imbalance, we now know that sagittal balance is equally, if not more, important. Better correction of deformities has also been facilitated by an improvement in the design of implants and a better understanding of metallurgy. Understanding the unique character of each deformity is important. In addition, using the most appropriate implant and applying all the principles of correction in a bespoke manner is important to achieve optimum correction.

In this article, we review the current concepts in AIS surgery.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:415–24.
Improving quality and safety in paediatric spinal surgery
Authors: Miyanji F. , Greer B. , Desai S. , Choi J. , Mok J. , Nitikman M. , Morrison A.
Published: April 2018

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate improvements in the quality and safety of paediatric spinal surgery following the implementation of a specialist Paediatric Spinal Surgical Team (PSST) in the operating theatre.

Patients and Methods

A retrospective consecutive case study of paediatric spinal operations before (between January 2008 and December 2009), and after (between January 2012 and December 2013) the implementation of PSST, was performed. A comparative analysis of outcome variables including surgical site infection (SSI), operating time (ORT), blood loss (BL), length of stay (LOS), unplanned staged procedures (USP) and transfusion rates (allogenic and cell-saver) was performed between the two groups. The rate of complications during the first two postoperative years was also compared between the groups.

Results

There were 130 patients in the pre-PSST group and 277 in the post-PSST group. The age, gender, body mass index (BMI), preoperative Cobb angle of the major curve and the number of levels involved were similar between the groups. There were statistically significant differences in SSI, ORT, LOS, allogenic blood transfusion volume (ABTV), and USPs between the groups. There was a 94% decrease in the rate of SSI's in the post-PSST group. Patients in the post-PSST group had a mean reduction in ORT of 53 minutes (sd 7.7) (p = 0.013), LOS by 5.4 days (sd 1.8) (p = 0.019), and ABTV by 226.3 ml (sd 28.4) (p < 0.001). There were significantly more USPs in the pre-PSST group (6.2%) compared with the post-PSST group (2.9%) (p = 0.001). Multivariate regression showed that the effect of PSST remained significant for ORT, LOS, BL, ABVT and cell-saver amount transfused (p = 0.0001). The odds of having a SSI were tenfold higher and the odds of receiving a blood transfusion were 2.4 times higher, respectively, in the pre-PSST group (p = 0.004 and p = 0.011). The rate of complications within the first two postoperative years was significantly higher in the pre-PSST group (13.1%) compared with the post-PSST group (4.3%) (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The implementation of a PSST in the operating theatre significantly improves the outcomes in paediatric spinal surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:493–8.
Examining the Relationship between Regulatory Quality and Forest Product Exports to India: A Gravity Model Approach
Authors: Das Joy , Tanger Shaun M. , Kennedy P. Lynn , Vlosky Richard P.
Published: April 2018

The value of aggregate forest product exports to India has increased from about $1.5 billion in 2003 to about $5.4 billion in 2013. Although many of the forest product resources can be sourced from within India, the subcontinent must also source forest products from trading partners, in the form of wood product exports. This presents many economic challenges and opportunities for wood product markets and trade, as India is the second-largest importer of wood products in the world. In this study, we focus on the effect of regulatory quality on forest products exports by partner countries to India. Using a panel of trade flows during 2009 through 2013 of 143 partner countries exporting forest products to India, we estimate an augmented gravity trade model to capture the effect of relevant variables on the outflow of aggregate forest products and disaggregate paper and paperboard, wood pulp, fiberboard, veneers, sawn wood, industrial roundwood, and plywood products from partner countries to India. Results from the analysis are mixed; regulatory quality is found to have positive correlation with exports to India in some cases (paper and paperboard products and wood pulps) and no correlation in a few instances (fiberboard, veneer sheets, sawn wood, industrial roundwood, and plywood). Other explanatory variables such as the distance between the partner country and India, forest area of partner country relative to forest area of India, gross domestic product, population, and trade agreements are mostly found to have positive or negative significant effects on trade, varying across different sectors.
Successful Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation from A 5/10 Mismatched Unrelated Donor in A Patient with Donor-Specific Anti-HLA Antibodies.
Authors: M SuÃ¡rez-LledÃ³ , S Almeida , F FernÃ¡ndez-AvilÃ©s , C MartÃ­nez , L RosiÃ±ol , MT Solano , C Serra , J Cid , M Lozano , P MarÃ­n , E Carreras , A Urbano , M Rovira
Published: April 2018

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) from a mismatched unrelated donor, an haploidentical donor or a cord blood unit (CBU) has become a widely aviable approach if patient lacks a matched related or unrelated donor.

However, if the patient has anti-HLA antibodies against antigens present in the mismatched donor or CBU (donor-specific antibodies, DSAs) this option should be disregarded due to the high risk of graft failure.

Desensitization can be used to reduce levels of DSAs but this technique has limited results.

We report the case of a 62-year-old woman with DSAs against two haploidentical familiar donors who failed desensitization of DSAs. Finally she underwent a HSCT from a 5/10 mismatched unrelated donor which has been successful.
Erros ortográficos e competências metalinguísticas
Authors: Silva Ana Cristina , Ribeiro Véronique
Published: April 2018

A consciência e fonológica e morfológica têm sido associadas com o desempenho ortográfico. Pretende-se neste estudo analisar o modo como as duas competências metalinguísticas estão relacionadas com a natureza dos erros ortográficos cometidos por crianças do 2º e 4º anos e clarificara natureza da ligação entre a consciência morfológica e fonológica e os erros em palavras com regras contextuais, erros em palavras associadas a regras morfológicas e erros em palavras regulares. Os resultados apontam para correlações significativas negativas e moderadas entre a consciência fonológica e os três tipos de erros. As mesmas correlações foram encontradas entre a consciência morfológica e os erros associados às restrições contextuais e morfológicas, não tendo sido encontrado nenhuma relação com erros estritamente fonéticos.
Sobre o que se transporta: (Contra)Transferência(s)
Authors: Nascimento Ana Paula , Pinheiro Catarina Bray , Cunha Isabel Duarte , Rosa Maria Coelho , Machado Rita Pimenta
Published: April 2018

No presente trabalho, as autoras propõem-se pensar as noções de transferência e de contratransferência, pensando em malas (continentes de conteúdos) que imigrantes transportavam para um país estrangeiro, realçando o que cada um, terapeuta e paciente transportam na/para/da relação, tendo por base o modelo psicanalítico, pedra basilar na prática da Psicoterapia de Inspiração Psicanalítica.Inicialmente é apresentada uma perspectiva histórica da leitura destes fenómenos transferenciais. Posteriormente, são expostas algumas teorias e perspectivas que, no entender das autoras, descrevem de forma mais completa e mais próxima da realidade o modo como os fenómenos (contra)-transferenciais surgem no setting psicoterapêutico.A clarificação das noções de transferência e de contratransferência, explicitam a sua pertinência para a prática clínica, numa articulação directa com a psicopatologia tal como a podemos entender em termos clássicos, através das noções de Neurose, Patologia Limite e Psicose. Dada a necessidade de olhar para estes conceitos sob um outro prisma quando se trabalha em instituições, as autoras procuraram um (re)significar do encontro terapêutico, reflectindo-se sobre a pertinência da transferência e de contratransferência, quer para a Psicanálise, como para a Psicoterapia de Inspiração Psicanalítica.
ANAK MENDAMBAKAN ORANG TUA YANG UTUH
Authors: Lila Napsiah Satra
Published: April 2018

Judul Asli        : Memutus Rantai Ketidakadilan GLobal Care dalam               Pengasuhan   Anak Tenaga Kerja Indonesia Perempuan (TKIP)Pengarang      : Maria Ulfah AnsorPenerbit         : Yayasan Obor, 2017Tebal buku     : 289 Halaman.
MEKANISME PENGELOLAAN KARET RAKYAT TABIR ILIR JAMBI DALAM PERSPEKTIF TEORI PILIHAN RASIONAL
Authors: HM Pahrudin
Published: April 2018

Rubber is a cultivated plant and became the lifeline of many peoples since a long time ago, without exception farmers in Tabir Ilir which became one of the rubber centers in Jambi Province with 15.787 hektares and 8.050 family. To get the result, rubber farmers in Tabir Ilir applies the rubber management mechanism independently and handed it over to others. The application of these two mechanisms is done by the rubber farmers based on their rational choice perspective. Rubber farmers with enough resources will choose how to manage independently, whereas for those who do not have sufficient resources, will choose to hand over their rubber management to others. The management mechanism chosen by these rubber farmers has an impact on the income inequality they earns. On the one hand, there are those who earns more than the management of rubber they do, while on the other hand there are those who get little results.Karet merupakan tanaman yang dibudidayakan dan menjadi tumpuan kehidupan banyak orang sejak lama, tak terkecuali petani di Tabir Ilir yang menjadi salah satu sentra karet di Provinsi Jambi dengan 15.787 hektares dan 8.050 keluarga. Untuk mendapatkan hasilnya, petani karet di Tabir Ilir menerapkan mekanisme pengelolaan karet secara mandiri dan menye-rahkannya kepada pihak lain. Penerapan kedua mekanisme ini dilakukan oleh petani karet berdasarkan perspektif pilihan rasional mereka. Petani karet dengan sumberdaya yang cukup akan memilih cara mengelola secara mandiri, sedangkan bagi mereka yang tidak memiliki sumberdaya yang memadai, akan memilih menyerahkan pengelolaan karetnya kepada orang lain. Mekanisme pengelolaan yang dipilih oleh petani karet ini berdampak pada ketimpangan pendapatan yang mereka peroleh. Di satu sisi, ada orang yang menghasilkan lebih dari pengelolaan karet yang mereka lakukan, sementara di sisi lain ada mendapat hasil yang kurangKeywords: rubber farmer, management mechanism, rational choice, unequility.
STRATEGI PENGEMBANGAN LINGKUNGAN SEBAGAI KAWASAN DESA WISATA DI SENDANGSARI, PAJANGAN, BANTUL, DIY
Authors: Januarti Nur Endah
Published: April 2018

The article describes the strategy of environmental development as a tourist village area conducted in Sendangsari. Research background of the emergence of UU Desa and UU Keistimewaan DIY. That underlies various rural areas in developing the environment. In Sendangsari, the environmental management strategy is carried out as a form of tourism development. The data obtained through research conducted by qualitative descriptive method and data collection technique through observation, interview and documentation. The informants involved in the research process are the Village Head, the village management board ie LPMD, PKK, Karang Taruna and the Tourism Actors, the Head of the Sadar Wisata Group. It also involves the Office of Culture and Tourism of Bantul Regency as a government stakeholder. The result of the research shows that the strategy implemented by Sendangsari Village in the effort of environmental management as the implementation of UU Desa and UU Keistimewaan DIY are 1) Environmental mapping in the form of village potency; 2) Social empowerment to optimize tourism potential; 3) Utilization of environment as Tourism Village development area; 4) The carrying capacity of the government in the management of the Tourism Village.Artikel ini menjelaskan tentang strategi pengembangan lingkungan sebagai kawasan desa wisata yang dilakukan di Sendangsari. Penelitian dilatarbelakangi munculnya UU Desa dan UU Keistimewaan DIY sehingga mendasari berbagaikawasan perdesaan dalam mengembangkan lingkungan. Di Desa Sendangsari strategi pengelolaan lingkungan dilakukan sebagai bentuk pengembangan pariwisata. Data-data diperoleh melalui penelitian yang dilaksanakan dengan metode kualitatif deskriptif serta teknik pengumpulan data melalui observasi, wawancara dan dokumentasi. Informan yang terlibat dalam proses penelitian adalah Kepala Desa, pengurus lembaga desa yakni LPMD, PKK, Karang Taruna dan Pelaku Pariwisata yakni Ketua Kelompok Sadar Wisata. Selain itu juga melibatkan Dinas Kebudayaan dan Pariwisata Kabupaten Bantul sebagai stakeholder pemerintah. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan strategi yang dilaksanakan Desa Sendangsari dalam upaya pengelolaan lingkungan sebagai implementasi UU Desa dan UU Keistimewaan DIY adalah 1) Pemetaan lingkungan berupa potensi desa; 2) Pemberdayaan sosial untuk optimalisasi potensi wisata; 3) Pemanfaatan lingkungan sebagai kawasan pengembangan Desa Wisata; 4) Daya dukung pemerintah dalam pengelolaan Desa Wisata.Keywords: Environment, Sendangsari, Tourism Village
IMPLICATION OF CONFLICT OF OWNERSHIP REGIONAL ASSETS IN THE EXPANSION OF BAU-BAU CITY IN THE TERRITORY OF EX BUTON SULTANATE
Authors: Tuwu Darmin
Published: April 2018

The article entitled "The Conflict of Ownership Regional Asset Between  Government of Buton Regency and Government of Bau-Bau Municipal " is part of my thesis in the Department of Sociology Faculty of Political and Social Sciences Gadjah Mada University. The conflict of two regional governments began when Kotif Bau-Bau was upgraded to Bau Bau City, where almost all of district's assets Buton regency's (premier) are within in the Bau-Bau City as the New Autonomous Region. This research apply qualitative approach using case study aiming to elaborate the context of the conflicts regional asset and their implications on both local governments, Buton Regency and Bau-Bau City. The results showed that the context of the conflict of ownership of regional assets was triggered by the difference of opinion on the contents of Law Number 13 Year 2001 related to the control of regional asset that is in the area of Bau-Bau City as the New Autonomous Region. The is no conclusive solution to the conflict that began in 2001, The effects of such conflicts are apparent in public services, Local Original Income, and social segregation.Konflik antara dua pemerintahan daerah ini, berawal ketika Kotif Bau-Bau ditingkatkan statusnya menjadi Kota Bau Bau, di mana hampir seluruh aset daerah kabupaten Buton (kabupaten induk) berada dalam wilayah Kota Bau-Bau selaku Daerah Otonomi Baru. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan menggunakan studi kasus yang bertujuan untuk menguraikankonteks konflik aset daerah dan implikasinya terhadap kedua pemerintah daerah, Kabupaten Buton dan Kota Bau-Bau. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa konteks konflik kepemilikan aset daerah dipicu oleh perbedaan pendapat atas isi Undang-Undang Nomor 13 Tahun 2001 terkait penguasaan aset daerah yang berada di wilayah Kota Bau-Bau sebagai Kota Baru, Daerah Otonom Baru. Tidak ada solusi konklusif untuk konflik yang dimulai pada tahun 2001, Dampak dari konflik tersebut terlihat pada layanan publik, Pendapatan Asli Daerah, dan pemisahan sosial.Keywords: Conflict, Asset, Autonomy and Bau-Bau City
POSSÍVEIS INTERAÇÕES MEDICAMENTOSAS EM PACIENTES POLIMEDICADOS DE NOVO HAMBURGO, RS, BRASIL
Authors: Da Silva Denis Tasso , Miorelli Campos César Augusto , Vargas Tainara Gomes , Ziulkoski Ana Luiza , Andrighetti Letícia Hoerbe , Perassolo Magda Susana
Published: April 2018

A expectativa de vida da população mundial tem aumentado e consequentemente, tem ocorrido aumento no nível de doenças crônico degenerativas e acréscimo no uso concomitantemente de medicamentos, caracterizando a polifarmácia, o que aumenta o risco de interações medicamentosas (IM). Desta forma, este trabalho teve como objetivo identificar possíveis IM entre os medicamentos utilizados por um grupo de pacientes polimedicados de Novo Hamburgo, RS. Foi realizado um estudo transversal com voluntários de um projeto de pesquisa durante sua entrevista inicial. Foram avaliados dados sócio-demográficos, patologias, medicamentos utilizados e suas IM. As doenças de base foram  classificadas de acordo com o código internacional de doenças (CID-10) e os medicamentos utilizados classificados conforme os padrões Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC). As IM foram identificadas e classificadas conforme literatura e pelo sistema Micromedex®. Participaram do estudo 67 pacientes (62±9 anos, maioria do sexo feminino,74,6%), sendo que 76,1% dos pacientes apresentaram probabilidade de desenvolverem algum tipo de IM. Ao todo foram identificadas 157 possíveis IM, sendo 3,0±2,2 interações por paciente. Destas, 69,4% foram consideradas moderadas, 19,8% graves e 10,8% leves. 51,6% das interações ocorrem por mecanismo farmacodinâmico, 31,9% farmacocinético e 16,5% apresentam ambos mecanismos. A IM mais prevalente foi entre ácido acetilsalicílico e hidroclorotiazida. A maioria das IM identificadas foi do tipo grave ou moderada, com riscos consideráveis à saúde do paciente. Assim, as IM identificadas podem comprometer a segurança do paciente, evidenciando a relevância deste tema e a necessidade de avaliar e monitorar a terapêutica medicamentosa.
A CRIAÇÃO DO CONHECIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E O PAPEL DOS PERIÓDICOS NA DIFUSÃO DE RESULTADOS
Authors: Oliveira Anselmo Gomes de , Silveira Damaris
Published: April 2018

O conhecimento científico surgiu da necessidade do ser humano se relacionar mais intimamente com o meio onde vive e a querer conhecer melhor o funcionamento das coisas em seu redor. Esse interesse fez com que o homem pudesse entender os fenômenos naturais, a constituição e o funcionamento dos organismos vivos, a arquitetura dos materiais inertes, os  fenômenos físicos e químicos do meio ambiente, entre outros, e começasse a interferir na maioria dos processos que o rodeavam.
ALERGIA AO LEITE DE VACA: MECANISMO, DIAGNÓSTICO E PERSPECIVAS BIOTECNOLÓGICAS
Authors: Rocha Rodrigo de Lima
Published: April 2018

A frequência dos portadores de alergia ao leite de vaca tem-se tornado alarmante. Relatórios epidemiológicos recentes demonstraram que um dos motivos mais preocupantes para ocorrência desse tipo de alergia é a presença da beta-lactoglobulina no leite. Os agravos a saúde incluem hipersensibilização do sistema imunológico, problemas gastrointestinais, cutâneos, respiratórios, e quando mais graves, surgem os eventos anafiláticos. No presente trabalho estudamos a alergenicidade ao leite de vaca frente aos mecanismos envolvidos na sensibilização dos sistema imunológico, diagnósticos e perspectivas biotecnológicas, através da análise de 52 artigos associados a essa problematização. Os resultados da análise baseados na alergenicidade ao leite de vaca revelaram a existência de uma diversidade de sintomas inespecíficos que corroboram no retardamento do diagnóstico. Além disso, foi possível perceber que a maioria dos protocolos de diagnósticos baseam-se estritamente na restrição do leite e seus derivados. Apesar das dificuldades enfrentadas no diagnóstico correto e tratamento eficaz, muitos estudos seguem em desenvolvimento utilizando tecnologias visando a correção da hipersensibilização do sistema imunológico provocada pelos alergénos do leite, edição/interferência da transcrição gênica e, consequentemente, alterando a tradução. Nesse sentido, tais processos poderão contribuir para redução e/ou eliminação da alergenicidade ao leite de vaca no cotidiano dos portadores dessa condição.
Physiological and biochemical responses of durum wheat under mild terminal drought stress
Authors: Niari Khamssi Nahid , Najaphy Abdollah
Published: April 2018

The effects of mild terminal drought stress on physiological parameters and activities of peroxidase (POX), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were investigated in ten durum wheat genotypes using two field experiments under rain-fed (terminal drought stress) and irrigated (non-stress) conditions. Stress intensity was calculated to be 0.1 indicating mild water deficit stress. Based on combined analysis of variance, the mild terminal drought stress increased the activity of CAT while, POX and SOD content decreased significantly. Rain-fed durum wheat plants showed non-significant increases in photochemical efficiency of PS II (Fv/Fm) as compared to the irrigated plants. Chlorophyll concentration in the flag leaves of the plants under terminal drought decreased slightly than normal conditions. The interaction of cultivar and environment was significant for enzyme activities, indicating different biochemical reaction of durum wheat plants in the two conditions.
Anti-obesity effects of Laminaria japonica fermentation on 3T3-L1 adipocytes are mediated by the inhibition of C/EBP-Î±/Î² and PPAR-Î³
Authors: Kim Young-Min , Jang Mi-Soon
Published: April 2018

Obesity is global problem that contributes to disease, and is partly caused by fast-food, high-fat diets. Much attention has been focused on developing anti-obesity foods and chemical materials from natural sources. Seaweed has bioactive properties that influence immune activity and have anti-cancer and anti-obesity effects. Laminaria japonica is a widely consumed seaweed, and has been promoted as a health food in Korea. The bioactive properties of L. japonica include anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammation effects. Most Laminaria japonica are distributed in a simple processing form such as drying, and their availability is very low. Therefore, various types of functional products can be developed if they can be applied to foods through functionalization using fermentation techniques. It is a structural problem that is the most problematic in seaweed processing. In this study, we used fermented Laminaria japonica. To increase physiological activity, fermentation treatment was performed to loosen the structure, thereby increasing the activity of the glycoprotein. First, we screened the anti-obesity potential of an L. japonica fermentation extract (LJF) using 3T3-L1 adipocyte cells. We determined cytotoxicity using an MTS assay and measured LJF for its ability to affect adipogenesis through glucose uptake, triglyceride levels, and Oil Red O staining. We confirmed that LJF inhibited adipocyte differentiation. CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins Î±/Î² (C/EBP-Î±/Î²) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-Î³ (PPAR-Î³) are involved in the early and late stages of adipocyte differentiation. LJF significantly reduced the expression levels of C/EBP-Î±/Î² and PPAR-Î³ and decreased the concentration of adiponectin. Thus, our results suggest that LJF inhibits adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells, and may be valuable for its anti-obesity effects.
Silencing mutations in JAG1 gene may play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of Tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Safari-Arababadi Amin , Behjati-Ardakani Mostafa , Kalantar Seyed Mehdi , Jaafarinia Mojtaba
Published: April 2018

JAG1 gene through Notch signaling is implicated in cell fate decisions in early cardiac development, and mutations in several proteins in the pathway have been involved in various disorders. Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is the most frequent form of complicated congenital heart disease. The abnormality of TOF begins through the first eight weeks of fetal growth and is confused with ventricular septal defects, obstruction to right ventricular outflow tract, aortic dextroposition, and right ventricular hypertrophy. Hence the existence of mutations in JAG1 gene in Iranian patients with TOF is evaluated. The clinical data and peripheral blood samples were collected from 44 sporadic nonsyndromic patients with TOF and compared to 44 healthy individuals. DNA was extracted, and the exon 6 of the JAG1 gene was amplified by PCR then the PCR products were purified and sequenced. The age range in patients and the control group was 2-36 years, and the mean and standard deviation (SD) of the age in patients was (11.69 ± 7.85 years) and in control group (11.63 ± 7.99 years).  Finally, the samples were successfully sequenced, then analyzed and one synonymous variant (c.765C>T; p.Y255Y) was observed in 38 patients with frequency (86.4%) and three controls with frequency (6.8%). The c.765C>T variant is significantly associated with the pathogenesis of TOF in Iranian population.
Validation of expression stability of reference genes in response to herbicide stress in wild oat (Avena ludoviciana)
Authors: Akbarabadi Ali , Ismaili Ahmad , Kahrizi Danial , Nazarian Firouzabadi Farhad
Published: April 2018

Weeds are serious problem in crop production and wild oat is a grass weed of economic and agronomic significance. We need to extend our basic knowledge of weeds especially in molecular genetics and gene expression. For study of gene expression by semi-quantitative and quantitative PCR, it is recommended that normalization of reference genes be carried out in order to select the most stable reference gene for a precise gene expression study. The purpose of this research was evaluation of four reference genes in response to treated and untreated (control) by herbicide in two tissues (stem and leaf) of non-target site resistance wild oat (A. ludoviciana). Four candidate reference genes including Actin, Ef1Î± (elongation factor 1 alpha), GAPDH (glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase) and TBP (TATA-box-binding protein) were used to determine stable reference gene exposed to the herbicide using the statistical methods of NormFinder, BestKeeper and delta-Ct. NormFinder indicated that TBP and Actin genes are the best combination of two genes for normalizing calculations (with a combined gene stability value of 0.012) for qPCR analysis under herbicide stress in different tissues of non-target site resistance wild oat. Based on the statistical results, the Ef1Î± gene was identified as the unstable reference gene. Totally, according to results of this study, TBP gene is the most stable reference gene and therefore, this gene can be used as a reference gene for future studies of quantitative PCR analysis of herbicide stress-responsive gene expression in wild oat and potentially in other grass weed species.
Chemical characterization and biological activities of Simmondsia chinensis (Link) C. K. Schneid seeds oil
Authors: Baccouch Noura , Ben Salah Hichem , Belhadj Sahla , Hentati Olfa , Abdennabi Raed , Gharsallah Neji , Elfeki Abdelfattah , Ayedi Mohamed , Allouche Noureddine
Published: April 2018

The chemical composition, main physicochemical properties, and biological activities of Simmondsia chinensis (S. chinensis) seeds oil were studied. The results revealed that the physiochemical characteristics of S. chinensis seeds oil were as follows: acid values 1.15 mg KOH/g, peroxide values 8.00 meq O2 Kg-1, iodine values 80.00 g/100 g of oil and saponification values 92.00 mg KOH/g, phenolic content 50.91 mg gallic acid equivalents/g extract. Gas chromatography analysis indicated that eicosenoic (55.50 %), erucic (20.43 %) and oleic (19.01 %) acids were the most abundant, saturated and unsaturated, fatty acids in the oil. Moreover, the evaluation of their antioxidant (DPPH, TAC), antibacterial, antidiabetic and acetylcholinesterase evinced interesting results. Seeds of S. chinensis constitute a substitute source for stable vegetable oil and protein with regard to nutritional and industrial applications.
Modulation of S100 and smooth muscle actin-Î± immunoreactivity in the wall of aorta after vitamin D administration in rats with high fat diet
Authors: Wagih Heba Mohamed , Hashem Hala Elwy , Hassan Zienab Abdelrehem , Algaidi Sami Auda
Published: April 2018

High fat diet is a risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis. Hence, research studies are important to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms of atherosclerosis pathogenesis. The current study was conducted to evaluate the role of vitamin D in modulation of aortic histopathological, immunohistochemical alterations and biochemical changes induced by high fat diet in male albino rats. Forty adult rats were divided into three major groups; group I (control), group II (High fat diet) and group III (High fat diet with vitamin D). At the end of the experiment, blood cholesterol and triglycerides were determined. Aortic arches specimens were collected for histopathological study and immunohistochemical staining. Aorta of high fat diet group showed intimal thickening with vacuolated endothelial cells. The tunica media showed areas of fibrosis and irregular vacuolated smooth muscle cells.  Many inflammatory cells were detected in the tunica adventitia. Significant reduction in area percentage of smooth muscle actin-Î± (SMA-Î±) immunoreactivity and increase in number of S100 positive dendritic cells (DCs) with significant increase in serum cholesterol and triglycerides were also detected. Concomitant vitamin D supplementation, with high fat diet, showed amelioration in histopathological aortic changes with significant increase in SMA-Î± immunoreactivity and decrease in S100 positive (DCs). However, serum cholesterol and triglyceride showed non-significant decrease after vitamin D supplementation. In conclusion, vitamin D administration ameliorates aortic wall histoopathological changes induced by high fat diet most probably through local modulation of S100 and SMA-Î± immunoreactivity. Hence, vitamin D could be suggested as a protective agent against aortic atherosclerotic changes.
Status of lymphatic filariasis with progression of age and gender & eradication strategies: A survey among residents of Hardoi district of Uttar Pradesh, an endemic region of North India
Authors: Saeed Mohd , Faisal Syed Mohd , Ahmad Irfan , Kausar Mohd Adnan , Alam Md Jahoor , Khan Saif , Mustafa Huma
Published: April 2018

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a chronic and debilitating disease that affects people in tropical and sub-tropical areas of Asia, Africa, and Western Pacific. It is one of the leading community health problems in some of the endemic districts in India including Hardoi district of Uttar Pradesh. The disease is caused by the parasites Wuchereria bancrofti (W. bancrofti), Brugia malayi (B. malayi) and Brugia timori (B. timori), transmitted by the vector Culex, Anopheles and other mosquitoes. This cross-sectional survey study was carried out in rural areas, where its inhabitants vary in socio-economic status, from low to middle-income class. 12 villages of Hardoi district, Uttar Pradesh, India were included. The aim was to see the impact of age and gender on various clinical forms of LF and in estimating its economic and social implications. 260 LF affected people in different parts of Hardoi district were surveyed. The results revealed that the Mass Drug Administration (MDA) coverage reached more than 90%. The overall Microfilaria rate had been reduced, however the prevalence of elephantiasis increased with the progression of age and was found to be highest among people of >70 years of age, regardless of their gender.
C-reactive protein and other biomarkers—the sense and non-sense of using inflammation biomarkers for the diagnosis of severe bacterial infection
Authors: Niehues Tim
Published: April 2018

Severe bacterial infection (SBI) poses a significant clinical problem as its mortality and morbidity is still unacceptably high. A systematic literature analysis was performed with an emphasis on recent meta analyses examining the specificity and sensitivity of conventional inflammation biomarkers (C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, interleukin-6, interleukin-8) for diagnosing SBI. Most inflammation biomarkers do not show high sensitivity and are of limited value regarding SBI detection. To the practicing clinician, the sole use of inflammation markers is not useful for differentiating between viral or bacterial origin of infection in an individual patient. Thus, only in combination with clinical biometric markers, taken from patient history and physical examination, is the analysis of inflammation biomarkers to some degree helpful in clinical practice. To date, their sensitivity and specificity have been best captured in the field of neonatology, where levels of interleukin-6 have been measured in combination with relevant perinatal factors. The indiscriminate use of inflammation biomarkers for the diagnosis of SBI may lead to over diagnosis. Novel technologies for pathogen detection and more precise measurement of the host-response using microarrays, allowing for simultaneous detection of multiple genes or proteins, promise to improve the value of laboratory biomarkers for the diagnosis of SBI.

Statement of novelty: Presented here is an up-to-date systematic analysis of C-reactive protein and inflammation biomarkers with regard to their use in the diagnosis of SBI. I question whether a broad use of C-reactive protein is useful in patients presenting with infection. The results of the systematic analysis are put into context with recent concerns about over-diagnosing in medicine. This paper is adapted from a publication in the German journal Monatsschrift Kinderheilkunde.
BC RNA Mislocalization in the Fragile X Premutation
Authors: Muslimov Ilham A. , Eom Taesun , Iacoangeli Anna , Chuang Shih-Chieh , Hukema Renate K. , Willemsen Rob , Stefanov Dimitre G. , Wong Robert K. S. , Tiedge Henri
Published: April 2018

Fragile X premutation disorder is caused by CGG triplet repeat expansions in the 5′ untranslated region of FMR1 mRNA. The question of how expanded CGG repeats cause disease is a subject of continuing debate. Our work indicates that CGG-repeat structures compete with regulatory BC1 RNA for access to RNA transport factor hnRNP A2. As a result, BC1 RNA is mislocalized in vivo, as its synapto-dendritic presence is severely diminished in brains of CGG-repeat knock-in animals (a premutation mouse model). Lack of BC1 RNA is known to cause seizure activity and cognitive dysfunction. Our working hypothesis thus predicted that absence, or significantly reduced presence, of BC1 RNA in synapto-dendritic domains of premutation animal neurons would engender cognate phenotypic alterations. Testing this prediction, we established epileptogenic susceptibility and cognitive impairments as major phenotypic abnormalities of CGG premutation mice. In CA3 hippocampal neurons of such animals, synaptic release of glutamate elicits neuronal hyperexcitability in the form of group I metabotropic glutamate receptor–dependent prolonged epileptiform discharges. CGG-repeat knock-in animals are susceptible to sound-induced seizures and are cognitively impaired as revealed in the Attentional Set Shift Task. These phenotypic disturbances occur in young-adult premutation animals, indicating that a neurodevelopmental deficit is an early-initial manifestation of the disorder. The data are consistent with the notion that RNA mislocalization can contribute to pathogenesis.
China’s Afghanistan Policy since 9/11
Authors: Yongbiao Zhu
Published: April 2018

Since 9/11, the relationship between China and Afghanistan has experienced four stages, which reflect China’s changing roles in this area. China is likely to play a greater role as it seeks to press ahead, despite obstacles, with its new Silk Road projects. In the future, China will likely be involved in Afghanistan in greater depth and on a larger scale.
Electoral Handouts in Mumbai Elections
Authors: Chauchard Simon
Published: April 2018

Why do candidates give voters handouts during political campaigns? Drawing on qualitative data from Mumbai, this article argues that competitive elections prompt candidates to distribute handouts for strategic reasons. While they know handouts to be inefficient, candidates face a prisoner’s dilemma. Fearing that their opponents will distribute handouts, they distribute them themselves to counter, or neutralize, their opponents’ strategies.
Learning the Language of the River: Understanding Indigenous Water Governance withO-Pipon-Na-PiwinCree Nation, Northern Manitoba, Canada
Authors: Kamal Asfia Gulrukh , Dipple Joseph , Ducharme Steve , Dysart Leslie
Published: April 2018

Hydroelectric “development” in Canada has been criticized for the lack of meaningful consideration of community perspectives. This article shares the case of the O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation (OPCN) in northern Manitoba, Canada, and the impact of mainstream water resource management strategies over their culture and livelihood. Through consideration of Kistihtamahwin, OPCN’s concept of water governance, as well as the promises made in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), this article argues that the lack of meaningful consultation and engagement with local resource users as well as the concept of Kistihtamahwin has led to the destruction of a successful fishery, which resulted in severe socioeconomic loss, environmental degradation, and cultural loss in the community. We found that for meaningful application of UNDRIP in Indigenous water governance, local cultural strategies and traditional knowledge are essential.
Evaluating Risk After a Hazardous Waste Treatment Plant Released Persistent Organic Pollutants. Part 1. Background and Policy Issues
Authors: Guidotti Tee L.
Published: April 2018

On 16 October 1996, a malfunction at the Swan Hills Special Waste Treatment Center (SHSWTC) in Alberta, Canada, released an undetermined quantity of persistent organic pollutants to the atmosphere. An ecologically based, staged health risk assessment was conducted to evaluate the human health risk, the findings of which are presented in Part 2, on Ecotoxicology and Human Health Risk. The incident resulted in the largest fine for an environmental infraction in Alberta history up to that time. Despite the incident, the province of Alberta has continued to subsidize the facility and has kept it in operation, with changes in management. The policy rationale is that if the facility were not available, accumulation and possible diversion of hazardous waste into illegal disposal alternatives would threaten the environment much more than operation of the plant. This case study illustrates an ecological approach to risk assessment and an attempted culturally sensitive approach to risk management. Incidents in which people are exposed to toxic substances do not occur in a social vacuum. Risk management strategies must be adapted to groups with different cultural values and expectations. Community and individual responses to such incidents, and the development of health advisory messages, may depend on presenting information on exposure and risk in terms consistent with cultural patterns among subpopulations in the community.
The Blame Game
Authors: Lyon Andrea D.
Published: April 2018

Although in recent years it has become a bit easier to discuss mental health challenges in public, mental illness is still somehow viewed by many in the public as a moral failing. It is that underlying judgement, that unwillingness to look at the many sources that leads to profound misunderstandings by the public, particularly in the context of a criminal trial. In this article I examine these issues in that context in order to better identify, and come to a better understanding of where our shared biases get in the way of a reasoned view of such evidence. The article examines some broad policy questions regarding what we, as a society, do with our mentally ill, and then looks at public perceptions and their impact on criminal justice decision making.
Capital Punishment, Retribution, and Emotion
Authors: Walsh Anthony , Hatch Virginia L.
Published: April 2018

This article explores the emotions behind the retributive urge as it applies to the death penalty in the United States. It is argued that the retributive urge is so strong because it engages the most primitive of our emotions, and that these emotions served adaptive purposes over the course of human evolution. Many scholars offended by the retributive instinct insist that we must put emotions aside when discussing the death penalty, even as jurors in death penalty cases, and rely on our rationality. To ask this is to ask what almost all normal people find impossible because the emotions evoked in capital cases (disgust, anger, sympathy for the victim, desire for justice) evolved for the purpose of maintaining group stability and survival by punishing freeloaders. Modern neuroscience has destroyed the traditional notion that rationality and emotion are antagonists. Brain imaging techniques show that they are fully integrated in our brain wiring, and both are engaged in decision making, but when reason and emotion yield conflicting judgments, the latter almost always triumphs. The evolutionary rationales for why emotions conducive to punitive responses for wrongdoers exist are examined.
Model Evaluasi Kesuksesan dan Penerimaan Sistem Informasi E-Learning pada Lembaga Diklat Pemerintah
Authors: Pamugar Haris , Winarno Wing Wahyu , Najib Warsun
Published: April 2018

Sistem pembelajaran secara elektronik (e-learning) pada lembaga pendidikan dan pelatihan (diklat) pemerintah dibangun untuk memudahkan pegawainya dalam belajar secara on line melalui komputer di unit kerja masing- masing. Melalui sistem informasi e-learning pengguna dapat mengunduh materi diklat, mengambil dan mengumpulkan tugas-tugas, mengerjakan soal-soal ujian, melihat nilai tugas dan ujian, melihat peringkat diklat berdasarkan nilai yang diperoleh saat pelaksanaan diklat dan ikut serta dalam komunitas diskusi. Penggunaan sistem informasi e-learning di lingkup pemerintah memiliki karakteristik yang berbeda dengan lingkup perguruan tinggi. Hal ini berkaitan dengan karakteristik organisasi, proses bisnis organisasi, budaya organisasi dan karakteristik pelaku organisasi yang berbeda antara lingkup pemerintah dan lingkup perguruan tinggi. Perbedaan tersebut membutuhkan model evaluasi yang disesuaikan dengan karakteristik lembaga diklat pemerintah, sehingga dapat menggambarkan kesuksesan dan penerimaan pengguna terhadap sistem informasi e-learning. Untuk menentukan model evaluasi yang tepat dan sesuai dengan karakteristik lembaga diklat pemerintah, maka perlu dilakukan penelitian terkait model evaluasi sistem informasi. Penelitian ini mengusulkan model evaluasi integrasi dari model penerimaan UTAUT, model kesuksesan sistem informasi DeLone dan McLean dan model kesesuaian manusia-organisasi-teknologi HOT Fit dengan modifikasi yang disesuaikan dengan karakteristik lembaga diklat pemerintah dan dapat menggambarkan kesuksesan dan penerimaan sistem informasi e-learning-nya.
Implementasi Cloud Computing Menggunakan Metode Pengembangan Sistem Agile
Authors: Muslim Much Aziz , Retno Nur Astri
Published: April 2018

Cloud computing merupakan sebuah teknologi yang menyediakan layanan terhadap sumber daya komputasi melalui sebuah jaringan. Sumber daya yang di sediakan di dalam cloud computing meliputi mesin, media penyimpanan data, sistem operasi dan program aplikasi. Fitur dari cloud computing dipercaya akan jauh lebih hemat dan memuaskan. Masalah yang muncul adalah bagaimana mengimplementasi Cloud Computing dengan menggunakan Windows Azure Pack dan bagaimana provisioning Windows Azure Pack SQL Database. Fokus pada penelitian ini adalah pada proses deploying dan provisioning SQL Database Server. Pengimplementasian cloud computing menggunakan metode pengembangan sistem agile dengan langkah-langkah meliputi perencanaan, implementasi, pengujian (test), dokumentasi, deployment dan pemeliharaan. Untuk menjalankan proses tersebut kebutuhan perangkat yang dipersiapkan meliputi perangkat keras seperti PC Server Cisco UCS C240 M3S2, Hardisk 8753 GB, 256 GB RAM, bandwith minimal 1 Mbps dan kebutuhan perangkat lunak meliputi Windows Server 2012 R2, VMM, Windows Azure Pack, IIS, SQL Server 2012 dan Web Patform Installer. Hasil dari implementasi cloud computing menggunakan metode pengembangan sistem agile adalah terbentuknya sebuah sistem cloud hosting provider dengan menggunakan Windows Azure Pack dan SQL Server 2012 sebagai sistem utama dan pengelolaan database menggunakan Microsoft SQL Server Management