bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Prebiotic and Synbiotic Supplementation on Glycaemia and Lipid Profile in Type 2 Diabetes: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Mahboobi Sepideh , Rahimi Fatemeh , Jafarnejad Sadegh
Published: January 2019

Purpose: Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) as a chronic disease, is on rise in parallel with other non-communicable diseases. Several studies have shown that probiotics and prebiotics might exert beneficial effects in chronic diseases including diabetes. Because of controversial results from different trials, the present study aims to assess the effects of prebiotic/synbiotic consumption on metabolic parameters in patients with type2 diabetes. Methods: A systematic literature search was performed on randomized controlled trial published in PubMed/Medline, SciVerse Scopus, Google scholar, SID and Magiran up to March 2018. Of a total number of 255 studies found in initial literature search, ten randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled mean net change were calculated in fasting blood-glucose [FBG], Hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c] and lipid markers (total cholesterol [TC], triglyceride [TG], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C], high density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C]). The meta-analyses was conducted using Revman Software (v5.3). Results: The pooled estimate indicated a significant difference for the mean change in FBG, HbA1c and HDL in treatment group in comparison with control group. Subgroup analysis by intervention showed a significant difference in TG, LDL and HDL (synbiotic group) and in TG, TC, FBG, HDL and HbA1c (prebiotic group) compared with placebo. In another subgroup analysis, high quality studies showed significant reductions in TG, TC, FBG and HbA1c in intervention group compared with placebo group. Conclusion: In summary, diets supplemented with either prebiotics or synbiotics can result in improvements in lipid metabolism and glucose homeostasis in type 2 diabetic patients.
Development and Characterization of Nanostructured Pharmacosomal Mesophases: An Innovative Delivery System for Bioactive Peptides
Authors: Rezvani Maryam , Hesari Javad , Peighambardoust Seyed Hadi , Manconi Maria , Hamishehkar Hamed
Published: January 2019

Purpose: To potentially enhance the bioavailability and extend the bioactivity effectiveness of Isoleucine-Proline-Proline (IPP, an antihypertensive bioactive peptide of dairy origin), a novel Lyotropic Liquid Crystalline Pharmacosomal Nanoparticle (LLCPNP) was synthesized, and its physicochemical and technological characteristics were studied. Methods: LLCPNPs precursors were developed using IPP and soy phosphatidylcholine via complex formation. Polarized light microscopy, small angle X-ray scattering, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic light scattering and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were employed to characterize the physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles. The in-vitro release and its related mechanisms were also studied. Results: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the complexation between the components of LLCPNPs. Phase behavior evaluation by polarized light microscope showed the characteristic birefringent texture. These findings along with those of small angle X-ray scattering and differential scanning calorimetry proved the formation of lamellar LLCPNPs. These particles represented nanometric size (<100 nm), high incorporation efficiency (93.72%) and proper physicochemical stability during long-term storage. In-vitro studies demonstrated a sustained release behavior fitted to non-Fickian diffusion and Higuchi kinetic models. Conclusion: The present study results emphasized that LLCPNPs could be proposed as an unrivaled carrier to promote the bioavailability, stability and shelf-life of nutraceutical and biopharmaceutical formulations containing bioactive peptides.
Analytical Investigation of the Possible Chemical Interaction of Methyldopa with Some Reducing Carbohydrates Used as Pharmaceutical Excipients
Authors: Siahi Mohammad Reaz , Rahimi Soma , Monajjemzadeh Farnaz
Published: January 2019

Purpose: Assessment of drug substance and excipients compatibility is an important issue during pre-formulation studies as well as the quality control of pharmaceutical dosage forms. In this study, potential incompatibility between methyldopa and reducing excipients was evaluated using physicochemical methods. Methods: Dextrose and lactose (anhydrous & monohydrate) were selected as reducing carbohydrates. The initial incompatibility was studied with DSC and FTIR on binary mixtures with 1:1 mass ratio. Results were confirmed using HPLC studies coupled with mass spectrometry. Results: The DSC curves indicated the elimination of the melting endotherm of methyldopa in the binary mixtures. A new peak at 1719 cm-1 was observed in the FTIR spectra that can be attributed to the loss of type one amine functionality. The m/z of the proposed compound was observed in the mass spectra. Conclusion: The potential incompatibility of Methyldopa with reducing carbohydrates was established using physicochemical methods.
Streptomyces Levis ABRIINW111 Inhibits SW480 Cells Growth by Apoptosis Induction
Authors: Faramarzian Azimi Maragheh Behnaz , Fatourachi Parisa , Mohammadi Seyede Momeneh , Valipour Behnaz , Behtari Meysam , Dehnad Alireza , Nozad Charoudeh Hojjatollah
Published: January 2019

Purpose: Streptomyces sp., a dominant genus in Actinomycetes, is the source of a wide variety of secondary metabolites. Microbial metabolites can be utilized as novel anticancer agents; with fewer side effects. The present article illustrated the anti-carcinogenic effect of the ether extracted organic metabolites derived from Streptomyces bacteria on SW480 colon cancer cell line. Methods: MTT assay was performed in order to investigate the cytotoxicity effect of metabolites on SW480 cells. Apoptosis and cell cycle arrests were measured by flowcytometry. Morphological changes were indicated by Propidium iodide staining andP53 gene expression was evaluated by real-time PCR. Results: Streptomyces Levis ABRIINW111 inhibited cell growth, increased Caspases 3 and reduced Ki67 expression in a concentration/time-dependent manner in SW40 cells. Metabolites increased subG1 phase (apoptosis) and also cell cycle arrest in G1, G­­­2/M and S phase. P53 gene expression followed Sw480 cells treatment significantly. Conclusion: Streptomyces sp. metabolites have anti-carcinogenic effect on colon cancer cells. Streptomyces Levis ABRIINW111 metabolites are a candidate for Colon cancer treatment.
Content Analysis of Media Coverage of Childhood Obesity Topics in UAE Newspapers and Popular Social Media Platforms, 2014-2017
Authors: Awofeso Niyi , Imam Sara Al , Ahmed Arwa
Published: January 2019

The 2017 prevalence of obesity among children (age 5–17 years) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is 13.68%. Childhood obesity is one of the 10 top health priorities in the UAE. This study examines the quality, frequency, sources, scope and framing of childhood obesity in popular social media and three leading UAE newspapers from 2014 to 2017. During the review period, 152 newspaper articles from three leading national newspapers – Gulf News, The National and Al Ittihad – met the eligibility criteria for this study. There were 57 Facebook posts, 50 Twitter posts, 14 posted YouTube videos, and 13 Media releases on related to childhood obesity between 2014 and 2017. Childhood obesity was consistently problematized, primarily in health terms, but was not strongly linked to socio-economic and geographical factors. Childhood obesity was framed as being predominantly influenced by individual and parental behaviours more frequently (n = 76) compared with structural or environmental factors such as the roles of the food and beverage industry (n = 22). Unlike findings from studies with adult obesity, articles advocating individual behavior changes to address childhood obesity were relatively few (n = 29). Social media may be an effective way to help children overcome obesity, in part through online interaction with health care providers and health conscious obese peers. Areas for improvement in social media use to reduce childhood obesity prevalence in UAE include enhancing public engagement with social media posts on childhood obesity, as reflected in the numbers of Likes and Retweets or Shares.
Impact of Hypericum Perforatum Ointment on Perineal Pain Intensity Following Episiotomy: a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Vakili Farzaneh , Mirmohammadaliei Mandana , Montazeri Ali , Farokhi Mina , Minaee Mohammad Bagher
Published: January 2019

Introduction: The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Hypericum Perforatum ointment on perineal pain intensity following episiotomy among primiparous women. Methods: This triple-blind clinical trial was performed on 98 eligible primiparous women referring to selected educational hospital of Tehran University of Medical Sciences for normal vaginal delivery. Block Randomization (in 1; 1 ratio) was used to categorize the participants continuously into two groups: intervention (using Hypericum Perforatum ointment) and control (using placebo ointment). Participants in each group used ointments (about 3 grams each time) on episiotomy site, twice a day and for a period of ten days. Our primary outcome was the pain intensity in different intervals following episiotomy. The data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 13) using student's t test, Mann-Whitney U test and chi-square test. Results: We missed 14 participants during the study and analyzed the data from 42 participants in each group. The mean of pain scores revealed no significant differences before (mean difference=-0.33; P=0.46) and four hours (mean difference=0.57; P=0.13) after ointments use, between the intervention and control groups, while these differences were significant after eight hours (mean difference=2.17; P<0.001), five days (mean difference=2.20; P<0.001) and ten days (mean difference=2.21; P<0.001) following the intervention. Conclusion: Using Hypericum Perforatum ointment as a noninvasive, simple and effective topical formulation, can significantly reduce pain intensity of episiotomy site.
Clinical and Pathological Features of Ulcerative Colitis in Patients with and without Clostridium Difficile Infection; An Observational Study
Authors: Aletaha Najmeh , Dadvar Zohreh , Salehi Babak , Ketabi Moghadam Pardis , Niksirat Ali , Jowkar Akram , Taslimi Reza , Allameh Seyed Farshad , Ebrahimi Daryani Naser
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND A dramatic rise in the rate of clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been reported in recent years. METHODS In this observational case control study, 65 patients were included and were divided into two groups of IBD + CDI as case group and IBD without CDI as control group. RESULTS 35 patients who had positive test for clostridium difficile were assigned to the case group. The control group consisted of 30 patients with negative test for clostridium difficile. Pancolitis was seen in the cases more statistically significant than the controls and proctitis was seen more among the controls than the cases (p = 0.001). The cases were on immunosuppressive (p = 0.001) and antibiotic (p = 0.02) therapy more than the controls. Colonoscopic findings revealed more severe and extensive inflammation among the cases versus milder inflammation among the controls, but these differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.2). Colectomy was seen in 10% of controls and none of the cases and this difference was statistically significant (p value = 0.05). More fecal calprotectin were seen among the cases than the controls and this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05) CONCLUSION This study showed more clostridium difficile infection among the patients on antibiotic or immunosuppressive therapy. Pathological investigation revealed more severe and extensive inflammation among the cases than the controls. Cases had clinically more severe signs and symptoms with higher mayo scores than the controls. ESR (Erythrocyte sedimentation rate) and fecal calprotectin were higher in patients with positive clostridium difficile infection and serum albumin was lower in such patients.
Nymphaea pubescens Induces Apoptosis, Suppresses Cellular Oxidants-Related Cell Invasion in B16 Melanoma Cells
Authors: Aimvijarn Parichaya , Rodboon Teerapat , Payuhakrit Witchuda , Suwannalert Prasit
Published: January 2019

Background: Nymphaea spp., Thai water lilies are aquatic plants. They contain phenolic pigments that play a major role in free radical scavenging. Melanoma is strong aggressive skin cancer-associated with oxidative stress. This study, to determine the effect of Nymphaea spp. extracts on cell apoptosis, cellular migration and invasion through the role of cellular oxidants in B16 melanoma cells. Methods: Free radical scavenging activity and total phenolic were investigated by 1, 1-diphenyl-2 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Ferric reducing anti-oxidant power (FRAP) methods and Folin-Denis test, respectively. Cytotoxic were assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method. Cell apoptosis was confirmed by flow cytometry. Cellular oxidants, cellular migration and invasion were determined with 2,7-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA), wound healing and Boyden chamber assay, respectively. Results: Nymphaea pubescens showed higher capacity of scavenging free radical activity than Nymphaea stellate and also related phenolic content. Nymphaea pubescens extract was toxic to B16 melanoma cells. High concentrations cell apoptosis was induced. Contrastingly, low concentrations showed a decrease in cellular oxidants associated with the suppression of cancer cell progression. In B16 melanoma cell, Nymphaea pubescens extract was able to inhibit B16 melanoma cell migration and invasion through the low doses. Interestingly, the high doses of extract showed a potential of cytotoxicity to induce melanoma cell death. At the low doses, Nymphaea pubescens extract might suppress melanoma cells progression by interfering with both cellular migration and invasion capacity. Conclusion: Hence, Nymphaea pubescens extract induced cellular apoptosis and it also suppressed cancer cell progression by reducing oxidative stress in B16 melanoma cells.
Nanoporous Silica-Polypyrrole/SBA-15 as Fiber Coated in the Solid-Phase Microextraction for Determination of Salvia hydrangea DC. Essential Oil
Authors: Hendi Roghayeh , Piriyaei Marzieh , Babashpour Asl Marzieh , Abolghasemi Mir Mahdi
Published: January 2019

Background: In the current study, simultaneous extraction and concentration of the analytes from the headspace on the solid phase microextraction (SPME) fiber were followed by transferring the essential oil components of Salvia hydrangea DC to the headspace with the help of a heating source. Methods: The essential oil components of the plant were extracted and concentrated in a single step. A one-at-the-time optimization procedure was applied to the microextraction conditions by using the nanocomposite fiber of polypyrrole/SBA-15. Results: The results of the essential oil extraction of Salvia hydrangea clearly demonstrated that polypyrrole/SBA-15 fibers were efficient with SPME technique. The acceptable SPME precision in our study was corroborated by the relative standard deviation (RSD) values of less than 15%. Conclusion: In comparison to the hydro-distillation (HD) method, the SPME technique could equally provide monitoring of almost all the constituents of the studied essential oil in an easier way and shorter time with much lower amounts of the plant sample. The results of the essential oil extraction of Salvia hydrangea clearly demonstrated that polypyrrole/SBA-15 fibers were efficient with SPME technique.
Benzylidene Barbituric Acid Derivatives Shown Anticonvulsant Activity on Pentylenetetrazole-Induced Seizures in Mice: Involvement of Nitric Oxide Pathway
Authors: Mahernia Shabnam , Sharifi Niusha , Hassanzadeh Malihe , Rahimi Nastaran , Pourshadi Nastaran , Amanlou Arash , Dehpour Ahmad Reza , Amanlou Massoud
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACT Background: Barbituric acid derivatives have long been used as central nervous system (CNS) suppressants, such as sedatives, hypnotics and anticonvulsants. In addition, previous studies have implicated the involvement of nitric oxide (NO) in the anticonvulsive effects of barbiturates in CNS. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to figure out the effects of a novel class of barbituric acid derivatives on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures in male mice. Methods: Thirteen synthesized barbituric acid derivatives (a-m) and phenobarbital were administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) 30 min before induction of seizures by PTZ administration. The mechanisms of PTZ-induced seizures in the mice was evaluated using a non-selective nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, selective inducible NOS (iNOS) inhibitor, a selective neuronal NOS (nNOS) inhibitor, and NO substrate. Results: Administration of most of the above mentioned derivatives significantly increased the seizures threshold (P<0.001). The most potent derivative (compound a), was chosen in order to investigate the mechanism of action involving in anticonvulsant activity. Administration of a non-selective NOS inhibitor, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and a selective nNOS inhibitor, 7-nitroindazole (7-NI) reversed anticonvulsant activity of compound a. However, injection of the nitric oxide precursor, L-arginine (L-Arg) and a selective iNOS inhibitor, aminoguanidine (AG), did not change anticonvulsant activity of the mentioned compound. Conclusion: These results indicated that the NO system, specifically nNOS may contribute to the anticonvulsant activity of benzylidene barbituric acid derivative a. Therefore, this compound is a good candidate in order to designing new anticonvulsant medications
Cytoprotective Properties of Carnosine against Isoniazid-Induced Toxicity in Primary Cultured Rat Hepatocytes
Authors: Eftekhari Aziz , Heidari Reza , Ahmadian Elham , Eghbal Mohammad Ali
Published: January 2019

Background: Drug-induced liver injury is a critical clinical complication. Hence, finding new and safe protective agents with potential clinical application is of value. Isoniazid (INH) is an antituberculosis agent widely used against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in human. On the other hand, hepatotoxicity is a clinical complication associated with isoniazid therapy. Oxidative stress and its associated events are major mechanisms identified for INH-induced liver injury. Carnosine is an endogenously found peptide widely investigated for its hepatoprotective effects. On the other hand, robust antioxidant and cytoprotective effects have been attributed to this peptide. Methods: The current study designed to evaluate the potential cytoprotective properties of carnosine against INH-induced cytotoxicity in drug-exposed primary cultured rat hepatocytes. Primary cultured rat hepatocytes were incubated with INH (1.2 mM). Results: INH treatment caused significant increase in cell death and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. On the other hand, it was found that markers of oxidative stress including reactive oxygen species were significantly increased in INH-treated cells. Cellular glutathione reservoirs were also depleted in INH-treated group. Carnosine treatment (50 and 100 µM) significantly diminished INH-induced oxidative stress and cytotoxicity. Conclusion: These data mention carnosine as a potential protective agent with therapeutic capability against INH hepatotoxicity.
Formulation, Characteristic Evaluation, Stress Test and Effectiveness Study of Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) Expression of Glutathione Loaded Alginate Microspheres and Gel
Authors: Hariyadi Dewi Melani , Rosita Noorma , Nugrahaeni Fitria
Published: January 2019

Background: The present study aimed to formulate and evaluate the stability, characteristics and effectiveness of glutathione-loaded alginate microspheres through increased lipophilicity using surfactant with a Hydrophylic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB) value equal to 7. The selection of glutathione as an antioxidant was based on its prominent role in maintaining intracellular redox balance. Alginate was used as the polymer, while calcium chloride constituted a cross-linking agent and Tween and Span were employed as surfactants. Methods: The study applied an ionotropic gelation-aerosolization method. Microspheres were characterized by their morphology, size, drug loading, entrapment efficiency and yield. Stress testing utilized a forced degradation method, while an effectiveness study of glutathione incorporated a Matrix Metalloproteinase I (MMP-1) parameter on mouse skin. Glutathione-microspheres, to which had been added surfactants with a HLB value equal to 7, were compared to those without surfactants. Results: Microspheres demonstrated both high yield and encapsulation efficiency. From the stability study conducted, it was evident that the glutathione-microspheres with additional surfactant were more stable than glutathione with surfactant, but without microspheres. Similarly, the glutathione-microspheres with additional surfactant were more stable than the glutathione without surfactant. The in vivo effectivity showed lipophilic glutathione microspheres were able to decrease MMP-1 expression in the dermis tissue of mice. Conclusion: The results of freeze-dried glutathione-loaded alginate microspheres with surfactant with a HLB value equal to 7 can be utilized as potential glutathione delivery systems.
Transdermal Delivery of Snakehead Fish (Ophiocephalus striatus) Nanoemulgel Containing Hydrophobic Powder for Burn Wound
Authors: Tungadi Robert , Susanty Widy , Wicita Prisca , Pido Elvira
Published: January 2019

Background: The aim of the present study was to characterize and evaluate the nanoemulgel (NEG) of snakehead fish powder (SFP), as a transdermal delivery system for poorly water soluble drug, in order to conquer the inconveniences related to its oral conveyance. Methods: Diverse nanoemulsion components (oil, surfactant, and co-surfactant) were chosen based on solvency and emulsification capacity. SFP loaded nanoemulsion which tested by stress-stability testing was carried out for all formulations and those that passed these tests were characterized for mean droplet size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, pH, viscosity, and transmittance. After that, this was continued by permeation studies using snake skin in vitro and rabbit skin in vivo studies i.e. skin irritation study and the effectiveness test. Results: Mean droplet size and zeta potential of the optimized nanoemulsion (NE4) were found to be 98.6 ± 0.93 nm (polydispersity index, PDI = 0.1 ± 0.20) and -57.5 ± 0.3 mV respectively. Optimized nanoemulsion was converted into nanoemulgel with 1.5% w/v of gelling agent (HPMC) and evaluated for pH, viscosity, spreadability, and extrudability measurement. Ex vivo transdermal permeation value for SFP through snake skin as membrane from NEG1, NEG2, NEG3 and marketed SFP cream showed results of 55.65 ± 0.93%, 56.14 ± 0.70%, 66.75 ± 1.03% and 49.80 ± 3.42% respectively in 3 hours. Moreover, all the treatment group did not show skin irritation of each group. The effect of burn wound healing of NEG3 showed a significant (P<0.05) on the measurement of wound area compared to marketed cream. Conclusion: The novel NEG of SFP was successfully formulated for transdermal application based on the results of evaluations and stability tests on accelerating burn wound healing.
Apparent Specific Volumes of Sucrose in Different Aqueous Cosolvent Mixtures at 298.2 K
Authors: Tinjaca Dario A , Muñoz Maria M , Martinez Fleming , Jouyban Abolghasem , Acree Jr William E
Published: January 2019

Background: Sucrose is the most widely used sweetener in foods and pharmaceuticals. Apparent specific volumes of this excipient in aqueous cosolvent mixtures are not available. Thus, the main objective of this research was to determine this property by measuring the density of several solutions of sucrose in {cosolvent + water} mixtures at 298.2 K. Methods: Sucrose dissolutions were prepared gravimetrically and a thermostatically controlled digital oscillatory method was used to measure the dissolutions density. Results: From density values of sucrose dissolutions and cosolvent mixtures the apparent specific volumes of sucrose were calculated and analyzed based on the sucrose and cosolvent proportions in the mixtures. Conclusion: Useful density values of sucrose solutions at different concentrations in several aqueous cosolvent mixtures are reported at 298.2 K. Finally, a mean apparent specific volume value of 0.632 cm3.g–1 for sucrose in different aqueous-cosolvent mixtures could be adequate for practical purposes in pharmaceutical industries.
Learning Style and Academic Achievement among Students at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran
Authors: Sarbazvatan Horyeh , Amini Abolghasem , Aminisani Nayyereh , Shamshirgaran SeyedMorteza , Ghaffarifar Saeideh
Published: January 2019

Background: Variations in learning styles among students could explain many differences in students’ acquisition of knowledge. This study examined the association between learning styles and academic achievement among students at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences in the northwest of Iran. Methods: This research is part of a longitudinal study entitled, "Health and Lifestyle of University Students" among undergraduate, medical, dentistry, and pharmacy students at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences who entered the university in October 2014. A self-administered questionnaire that consisted of general information and Kolb’s learning style was completed by these students during the first eight weeks of their first semester. Academic achievement was assessed using grade point average (GPA) in the following semesters (1 and 2) of the academic year. Results: A total of 452 students were included in this study with a mean age of 19.16 ±1.03. The most prevalent learning style was convergent and the second most common was accommodative.The average GPA of the students was 15.74 ± 1.57 out of a possible 20. The results of a multivariate regression showed that the effect of learning style on academic achievement, in the presence of other variables, was not statistically significant. Sex was able to predict academic progression (β = 0.188, P = 0.001). In addition, GPA was higher among dentistry students(β = 0.128, P = 0.012) and lower among nursing and medical students (β = =-0.211, P = 0.001;β = -0.127, P = 0.015 respectively). Conclusion: Although students’ academic achievement was correlated with their learning style, the popularity of convergent and accommodative styles should be considered in that acknowledging the prevailing learning styles of students could promote academic achievement.
The Impact of an Instructional Model with Assistive Technology on Achievement Satisfaction of People with Physical-Motor Impairments
Authors: Moradi Rahim , Zaraii Zavaraki Esmaeil , Sharifi-Daramadi Parviz , Nili- Ahmadabadi Mohammad Reza , Delavar Ali
Published: January 2019

Background: The use of new technologies in education is a topic that has attracted the attention of educational experts over the past two decades. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of an instructional model enriched with assistive technology on the achievement satisfaction of people with physical-motor impairments in learning English. Methods: The research method is semi-experimental, with a pre-test/post-test design using a control group. The statistical population consisted of male individuals with physical mobility impairments studying at Imam Ali Educational Center in Tehran. To determine the sample size,Cohen’s (1986) table was used. Based on the sample size table, 16 people were selected. In this method, after drawing up a student list with a random number table, the sample was selected after checking criteria for entry and exit. The experimental group was trained in six sessions using an instructional model enriched with online and offline assistive technologies, and the control group was trained in the usual way. Results: The mean ± standard deviation (SD) for pre- and post-test in the experimental group were 75.50 ± 5.90 and 82.25 ± 6.29, respectively, and was 75.38 ± 11 and 77.37 ± 11.91 in the control group. The results of the analysis of covariance between adjusted means of both groups for variable of academic satisfaction show a significant difference between the two groups (F =20.06, P < 0.01). The effect size was 0.60. Conclusion: Using an instructional model enriched with assistive technology can be useful in teaching English to individuals with physical-motor impairments.
Centrifuge Modeling of Axial Pipe-Soil Interaction of Deep-Water Pipelines
Authors: Satchithananthan U. , Ullah S. N. , Lee F. H. , Chen Z. , Gu H.
Published: January 2019

This article describes equipment primarily developed for modeling axial pipe-soil interaction of offshore pipelines in a beam centrifuge. The equipment can displace the pipe axially and simulate vertical forces or oscillations acting on the pipe while the pipe is instrumented to measure the contact stresses, pore pressure, and sliding resistance. Axial motion is actuated by a servomotor actuator coupled to a chain-drive system that moves the pipe in the axial direction relative to the soil bed. A closed-loop servo-driven vertical actuator simulates the vertical forces or oscillations acting on the pipe. The centrifuge model tests were conducted under 10-g model gravity. The pipe penetration response, axial pipe-soil resistance, and pore pressure behavior beneath the pipe were investigated. A higher axial pipe-soil resistance was measured for axial shearing of the pipe that was relatively slow compared to rapid axial shearing. For rapid pipe shearing, high excess pore pressure was generated at the pipe invert compared to relatively low pore water pressure for slower movement of the pipe. The results show that the developed equipment is capable of producing highly consistent results over the range of drained and undrained response, which also agree well with recently reported finite element studies and shear box tests conducted to explore long-term axial friction. This makes the equipment potentially useful for generating high-quality data under controlled conditions in the centrifuge for mechanistic and validation studies.
The Ventral Midline Thalamus Mediates Hippocampal Spatial Information Processes upon Spatial Cue Changes
Authors: Jung Dahee , Huh Yeowool , Cho Jeiwon
Published: January 2019

The ventral midline thalamus, consisting of the reuniens and rhomboid nuclei (RE/Rh), is a thalamic structure interconnected with the limbic systems including the hippocampus. Recently, many studies have revealed that this structure plays distinctive roles in spatial learning and memory in collaboration with hippocampal functions. However, what aspects of spatial information process are influenced by the RE/Rh is not clearly known. To elucidate the roles of RE/Rh in spatial information processing and its effects on hippocampal activity, specifically with the manipulation of spatial contents, we measured hippocampal-dependent spatial memory performance and hippocampal place cell activities after RE/Rh lesion using male C57BL/6J × 129/SvJae hybrid mice. We found that the lesion altered the behavioral aptitude in recognizing locational changes of an object. Furthermore, CA1 place cells in the lesion group showed different spatial representation patterns in recognizing the environment with cue locational changes compared with the control group. Interestingly, the patterns of CA1 place cells in recognizing the same environment previously visited were not disrupted in the lesion group compared with the control group. These findings demonstrate that the ventral midline thalamus (RE/Rh) is important in recognizing the spatial relationships, especially when spatial rearrangement of cue position was introduced.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe ventral midline thalamic nuclei (reuniens and rhomboid) interact with the hippocampus to influence various cognitive functions requiring spatial memories, yet what aspects of spatial information process are influenced by these nuclei is not clearly known. Here, we reveal that these nuclei play a crucial role in modulating hippocampal properties only with locational rearrangement of cues, not with the familiar arrangement. These nuclei are distinctively involved in cue-dependent spatial information processes of CA1 place cells. In particular, we suggest that these nuclei modulate spatial information processing on discrete components, especially when the spatial cue relationship is modified.
ORIENTASI MASA DEPAN DALAM PENGEMBANGAN PSIKO-ENTREPRENEURSHIP ANAK MELALUI LITERASI GENDER
Authors: Samiaji Mukhamad Hamid
Published: January 2019

Entrepreneurship merupakan langkah bijak dalam pembangunan ekonomi Indonesia. Dewasa ini, kurangnya jiwa entrepreneur menjadikan Indonesia tidak dapat lepas dari tingginya angka kemiskinan. Apabila itu dibiarkan maka negeri ini tidak akan pernah bisa maju. Untuk itu, mengembangkan jiwa entrepreneur sangatlah diperlukan. Salah satu alternatif yang dapat dilakukan orangtua dalam membantu membangun jiwa entrepreneur pada anak adalah memberikan stimulasi pada anak sejak dini, yaitu melalui literasi gender. Literasi gender mendasarkan pada pemahaman yang menciptakan wacana dalam konteks kebebasan dan keadilan (gender) untuk menentukan pengalaman hidupnya. Dengan seperti itu kesejahteraan hidup akan terwujud. Hasil tulisan ini akan memberikan gagasan tentang bagaimana pengembangan psiko-entrepreneurship
KEKERASAN DALAM PACARAN PADA REMAJA
Authors: Purnama Fenita
Published: January 2019

Menurut Legal Resources Center untuk Keadilan Jender dan Hak Asasi Manusia (LRC-KJHAM) Jawa Tengah, pada awal hingga pertengahan 2014 tercatat korban kasus kekerasan terhadap perempuan berjumlah 386 perempuan. Dari ratusan korban itu, terdapat enam orang meninggal dunia karena kasus kekerasan dalam pacaran (KDP).  LRC-KJHAM Jawa Tengah menyatakan kasus kekerasan terhadap perempuan di Jawa Tengah tersebar di 31 kabupaten dan kota. Kasus paling banyak terjadi di Kota Semarang dengan 117 kasus. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi kekerasan dalam pacaran pada remaja di Kota Semarang. Jenis Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian deskriptif analitik dengan tipe Explanatory Research dengan pendekatan kuantitatif. Jumlah sampel penelitian adalah 260 sampel. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat hubungan antara  variabel frekuensi pacaran (nilai p = 0,001), self esteem (nilai p = 0,041), self image (nilai p = 0,000), dan persepsi tentang peran gender (nilai p = 0,048) dengan kekerasan dalam pacaran . Pada analisis multivariat, secara bersama-sama ada pengaruh frekuensi pacaran, self image, self esteem, dan persepsi tentang peran gender terhadap kekerasan dalam pacaran pada remaja Kota Semarang. Variabel yang paling berpengaruh terhadap kekerasan dalam pacaran adalah self image (OR 3,330). Saran dalam penelitian ini adalah Bagi Instansi terkait baik Dinas Pendidikan maupun sekolah dapat memberikan pendidikan dan penyuluhan mengenai peningkatan self image, self esteem, dan persepsi tentang peran gender guna mencegah kekerasan dalam pacaran.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Parental Management of Childhood Asthma: An RCT
Authors: Chong Yuen-yu , Mak Yim-wah , Leung Sui-ping , Lam Shu-yan , Loke Alice Yuen
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND:

Few trials have been conducted to address the psychological difficulties of parents in managing their child’s asthma. Fostering parental psychological flexibility through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) may help parents to accept these psychological difficulties and improve their management of childhood asthma.

METHODS:

In this randomized controlled trial, a 4-session, group-based ACT plus asthma education (ACT group) was compared with an asthma education talk plus 3 telephone follow-ups (control group) to train parents of children diagnosed with asthma. The use of health care services due to asthma exacerbations in children and the psychological well-being of their parents were assessed before, immediately after, and at 6 months after the intervention.

RESULTS:

A total of 168 parents and their children aged 3 to 12 years with asthma were consecutively recruited in a public hospital in Hong Kong. When compared with the control group, children whose parents were in the ACT group made significantly fewer emergency department visits (adjusted 6-month incidence rate ratio = 0.20; confidence interval [CI] 0.08 to 0.53; P = .001) due to asthma exacerbations at 6 months postintervention. These parents also reported a decrease in psychological inflexibility (mean difference = −5.45; CI −7.71 to −3.30; P = .014), less anxiety (mean difference = −2.20; CI −3.66 to −0.73; P = .003), and stress (mean difference = −2.50; CI −4.54 to −0.47; P = .016).

CONCLUSIONS:

Integrating ACT into parental asthma education was effective at decreasing parental anxiety and stress and reducing the asthma-related emergency department visits of children at 6 months postintervention.
Addressing Racial Inequities in Breastfeeding in the Southern United States
Authors: Merewood Anne , Bugg Kimarie , Burnham Laura , Krane Kirsten , Nickel Nathan , Broom Sarah , Edwards Roger , Feldman-Winter Lori
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND:

Race is a predictor of breastfeeding rates in the United States, and rates are lowest among African American infants. Few studies have assessed changes in breastfeeding rates by race after implementing the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding (hereafter referred to as the Ten Steps), and none have assessed the association between implementation and changes in racial disparities in breastfeeding rates. Our goal was to determine if a hospital- and community-based initiative in the Southern United States could increase compliance with the Ten Steps, lead to Baby-Friendly designation, and decrease racial disparities in breastfeeding.

METHODS:

Hospitals in Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Texas were enrolled into the Communities and Hospitals Advancing Maternity Practices initiative from 2014 to 2017 and received an intensive quality improvement and technical assistance intervention to improve compliance with the Ten Steps. Community partners and statewide organizations provided parallel support. Hospitals submitted monthly aggregate data stratified by race on breastfeeding, skin-to-skin care, and rooming in practices.

RESULTS:

The disparity in breastfeeding initiation between African American and white infants decreased by 9.6 percentage points (95% confidence interval 1.6–19.5) over the course of 31 months. Breastfeeding initiation increased from 66% to 75% for all races combined, and exclusivity increased from 34% to 39%. Initiation and exclusive breastfeeding among African American infants increased from 46% to 63% (P < .05) and from 19% to 31% (P < .05), respectively. Skin-to-skin care after cesarean delivery was significantly associated with increased breastfeeding initiation and exclusivity in all races; rooming in was significantly associated with increased exclusive breastfeeding in African American infants only.

CONCLUSIONS:

Increased compliance with the Ten Steps was associated with a decrease in racial disparities in breastfeeding.
Portal Rede Mulheres Empreendedoras: empreendedorismo, cultura e imagens de si
Authors: Dos Santos Eliane Davila , Haubrich Gislene Feiten
Published: January 2019

O artigo trata da temática do empreendedorismo, em especial do ethos da mulher empreendedora. Tem como objetivo analisar a representação do empreendedorismo feminino e identificar os aspectos culturais que se manifestam nas cenas enunciativas e no ethos discursivo em materialidades discursivas divulgadas no Portal Rede Mulheres Empreendedoras. A análise discursiva está fundamentada na proposta de Maingueneau (1997, 2008a, b, 2011) e a construção do corpus tem como base a análise de conteúdo orientada por Bardin (2011)1. Como resultado principal, depreende-se que o ethos efetivo vincula-se à noção de empreendedorismo feminino mediante cenas estereotipadas, onde a mulher ainda se encontra em posição periférica.
Mundo ético e mídium: uma cenografia paulistana para a ciência brasileira
Authors: Salgado Luciana Salazar , Delege Marina
Published: January 2019

Considerando a noção de ethos proposta por Maingueneau desde seu texto seminal “A propósito do ethos”, de 2008, este artigo apresenta duas propostas articuladas: i) uma ênfase na noção de mundo ético, ainda pouco explorada como operador analítico; ii) um acréscimo teórico que põe a noção de mídium como constitutiva do mundo ético. O objeto editorial Pesquisa Fapesp é considerado, dessa perspectiva, como um vetor de sensibilidade ligado a uma matriz de sociabilidade, a Fundação Fapesp, e por isso funciona como um mídium que alimenta um mundo ético: por documentá-lo, legitimando-o, e por fazer parte dele, legitimando-se como documentador (DEBRAY, 2000a e b). Com vistas a esclarecer essa abordagem, analisamos três tipos de dado: 1. A publicidade da revista na revista; 2. Gráficos sobre a pesquisa no Brasil; 3. Um léxico especializado. Nesses dados, verifica-se que a cenografia opera uma circunscrição semântica peculiar do referente “ciência brasileira”.
Ethos e cenografia da Voice for Men – Brasil: uma exploraçao do discurso intimidatório na internet
Authors: López-Muñoz Juan Manuel , Gonçalves Tamiris Machado
Published: January 2019

Dando continuidade ao debate sobre os discursos intimidatórios na internet, este artigo analisa o ethos discursivo e a cenografia do endereço eletrônico A voice for Men Brasil – AVfM. A metodologia proposta, em que vários elementos verbais e não verbais foram levados em consideração, permite identificar um simulacro de ethos de contrapúblico subjugado que perpetua estereótipos, acentuando as diferenças de gênero, e pode incitar o ódio contra o sexo feminino, mais especificamente contra as mulheres feministas.
De encontro à nova razão neoliberal: Primavera árabe, Occupy e as jornadas de junho de 2013 no Brasil
Authors: Amaral Augusto Jobim do , Fiedler Cássia Zimmermann , Medina Roberta
Published: January 2019

O presente artigo tem como objetivo levantar elementos para uma análise dos chamados "novos movimentos sociais", cujas principais características são a ocupação do espaço urbano, a conexão feita através de redes e a organização feita de forma horizontal e autônoma. Para tanto, entrelaça-se as características de resistência a lógica neoliberal em três movimentos sociais – cada um alocado em uma das três partes que o trabalho é composto: Occupy, Primavera Árabe e as Jornadas de Junho de 2013 no Brasil. Com isso, ao travar uma relação entre as questões sociais, econômicas e políticas que tocam tais movimentos, parece se entrever, como resultado da pesquisa, formas de luta radicalmente diferentes daquelas que se conhecia até pouco tempo.
Editorial: v.5, n.2 (2018)
Authors: Bringhenti Taiane Fabiele Da Silva
Published: January 2019

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Az önkéntes gyermektelenség pszichológiája: Szakirodalmi áttekintés
Authors: Kis Andrea
Published: January 2019

Jelen elméleti fókuszú tanulmány az önkéntes gyermektelenség jelenségkörének pszichés és szociológiai vonatkozásairól szóló jelentősebb kutatások eredményeit foglalja össze mind nemzetközi, mind hazai kutatásokat alapul véve. Szisztematikus kulcsszókeresés módszerével elsősorban az angol nyelvű adatbázisokban elérhető tanulmányok kerültek áttekintésre, de a magyar szakirodalom is felhasználásra került.

A téma napjaink társadalmi változásainak egyik fontos és sokszínű eleme, mégis periférikus helyzetűnek nevezhető. Hazánkban szinte egyáltalán nem, míg a nemzetközi szakirodalomban igen mozaikosan jelenik meg – nagy időbeli és térbeli eltérések akadnak egy-egy vizsgálat vagy tanulmány megjelenése között. Emiatt jelen írás céljai közé tartozik az is, hogy ezen paraméterek figyelembevételével egységesebb képet alkothassunk nem csupán magáról a témáról, de a téma kutatási hátterének jelen helyzetéről is.

A szakirodalmi háttér figyelembevételével egyértelműnek tűnő következtetés az, hogy a gyermektelenség mellett határozók olyan speciális csoportot alkotnak a gyermektelenek között, mely közel sem homogén, mégis bizonyos specifikus pszichés és szociáldemográfiai jellemzők mentén jól differenciálható. Nehéz azonban ezen a csoporton belül kategóriákat felállítani és a pontos fogalmi háttér tekintetében is megoszlanak a vélemények. Elmondható az is, hogy gyerekcipőben jár a jelenség hazai vizsgálata – magyar szerzők eddig elsősorban szociológiai vagy demográfiai megközelítéssel vizsgálták a jelenségkört.

A pszichés ok-okozati mechanizmusokat feltárni hivatott vizsgálatok kicsiny száma és eredményeik fragmentáltsága szintén nehézzé teszi a téma személyiséglélektani és fejlődéslélektani vetületeiről való érdemi gondolkodást. Ami a szociálpszichológiai megközelítést illeti, a pronatalista társadalmak által devianciának interpretált gyermekmentesség társadalmi elfogadására és a stigmák eltörlésére irányuló lehetőségek vizsgálata kevéssé kutatott téma, de egyes tanulmányok felvetik ennek szükségességét. A magyarországi gyakorlatban mindez ma még nem magától értetődő.

Összességében a tanulmány célja a fentebb körvonalazott eredmények ismertetése, valamint a további, a témába vágó pszichológiai kutatások ösztönzése.
The “Slavic spirit” and the opera scene in Olomouc, 1830–1920
Authors: Kopecký Jiří , Křupková Lenka
Published: January 2019

In 1830, a new theater building was opened in the Olomouc Upper square. The stable theatrical life enriched enormously the cultural life of the city and encouraged the development of publishing activities in the field of music journalism and publishing. The public debates on the artistic value of theater performances, on abilities of particular artists and on other subjects gained new quality after the 1860 October diploma because Czechs living in and around the traditional German town put pressure on theater directors and demanded Czech plays on the stage. The fights for the national repertoire on the stage of the Olomouc Provincial Theater are demonstrated in this essay in two contrary ways: at first, the introduction of Czech dramas into the German scene during the 1860s is discussed, then the intensive promotion of German operas during the 1880s and 1890s when internationally played Slavonic operas were performed in all theaters. The director Carl König (1862–1868) offered a contract to many artists who were able to speak both German and Czech, so he could open an independent subscription for the Czech public. The relatively tolerant atmosphere allowed König’s company to give performances in both languages and connect the Olomouc theatrical life to the Prague Provisional Theater. However, Czech nationalism was getting stronger during the 1870s and provoked competitive and unfriendly reactions on German side. The arguments for refusal of Smetana’s and Tchaikovsky’s operas by the directors of the Olomouc theaters are discussed on the basis of archival sources as well as articles published in contemporary periodicals.