bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of using minimal incision in thyroidectomy operation
Authors: El Fol Hossam Abdelkader , Ammar Mohamed Sabry , Elbalshy Mohammed A. , Sobeeh Mohamed
Published: November 2019

Background: The conventional technique of thyroidectomy requires long skin incision, not satisfying patient and surgeon in terms of cosmesis and endoscopic thyroid surgery requires expertise. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing minimal-incision thyroidectomy with those undergoing conventional thyroidectomy for benign thyroid diseases.Methods: Prospective randomized study that was carried on 50 patients who were undergone thyroidectomy at the department of surgery-Menoufia University from June 2018 to June 2019. The patients were divided into two groups. Group A included 25 patients who were operated upon using minimal incision thyroidectomy technique and group B included 25 patients who were undergone traditional thyroidectomy incision.Results: The length of skin incision was significantly shorter in the minimal-incision thyroidectomy than that in the conventional thyroidectomy group. Operative time was shorter in minimal incision technique. The incidence of postoperative complications was higher in conventional thyroidectomy group but didn’t reach to significant level. Patients undergone minimal-incision thyroidectomy experienced significantly less postoperative pain and were more satisfied with the cosmetic result than patients who underwent conventional thyroidectomy.Conclusions: Thyroid surgery can safely be performed as a minimally invasive procedure. Minimal access thyroid surgery is therefore a feasible and safe option for selected patients with excellent cosmetic outcome, with minimal learning curve.
A comparative study of inguinal hernia using monofilament non-absorbable suture versus monofilament absorbable suture in Lichtenstein tension free hernia repair at tertiary care government hospital
Authors: R. Patel Karan , Jain Adeesh P. , Shah Sarav C. , Rathwa Rahul , Gosai Kirtan
Published: November 2019

Background: The surgical treatment of inguinal hernias has evolved through several stage, history of groin hernia is the history of surgery itself. But, chronic pain is still a major irritating post-operative complain of the patient. The objective of the present study was to compare post-operative outcomes of mesh fixation with monofilament non-absorbable v/s monofilament absorbable suture material in terms of postoperative pain, chronic groin pain, seroma formation, wound infection, scrotal oedema and recurrence in Lichtenstein hernioplasty.Methods: This is a single center, prospective randomized controlled study of 152 cases of inguinal hernia comparing post-operative outcomes of mesh fixation with monofilament non-absorbable v/s monofilament absorbable suture material in Lichtenstein hernioplasty at Baroda Medical College and S.S.G. Hospital, between 1st November 2017 to 30th November 2018.Results: Total 152 patients of unilateral or bilateral inguinal hernia were studied 76 in each group. Chronic groin pain mean visual analogue scale score at 3 months was higher in group with non-absorbable suture compared to monofilament absorbable group (1.3±0.9 v/s 0.95±0.8 p value <0.05).Conclusions: Monofilament absorbable suture is associated with less chronic groin pain and compared to monofilament non-absorbable sutures.
Immunohistochemistry profile and its relation with prognosis in locally advanced breast cancer
Authors: Kannanavil Naseef , Padinjarenalakath Nabeel Thommil , Vilayapoyilil Ahsan , Karatparambil Abidali
Published: November 2019

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancy and leading cause of cancer related deaths in women worldwide. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is done to characterize intracellular proteins or cell-surface antigens and is used to assess tumour subtypes, confirm diagnosis, predict prognosis and response to therapy. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship of IHC profile- ER, PR and HER2 neu and prognosis of patients who underwent modified radical mastectomy for locally advanced breast cancer.Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at MES Medical College Hospital from October 2015 to November 2017 in patients who underwent modified radical mastectomy for locally advanced breast carcinoma. A total of 65 women were enrolled in the study. 5 years survival was taken as the prognostic indicator.Results: Majority of the patients belong to the age group of 40-49 years with 40% patients followed by 33.84% patients in the age group of 50-59 years. Maximum number of patients was found in 2B stage of tumour. Maximum patients belonged to the ER/PR+, HER2- subgroup (27), followed by triple negative (ER/PR-, HER2) subgroup (16). There was no disease related mortality in ER/PR+, HER2+ and ER/PR+, HER2- subgroups. There were 1 and 2 disease related mortality in ER/PR-, HER2+ and triple negative subgroups respectively.Conclusions: In the present study the worst prognosis was observed in triple negative (ER/PR-,HER2-) IHC subgroup followed by the HER2 enriched (ER/PR-, HER2+) subgroup.
Sequence-specific Ni(II)-dependent peptide bond hydrolysis in a peptide containing threonine and histidine residues.
Authors: Krezel Artur , Mylonas Marios , Kopera Edyta , Bal Wojciech
Published: November 2019

Previously we demonstrated that Ni(II) complexes of Ac-Thr-Glu-Ser-His-His-Lys-NH2 hexapeptide, representing residues 120-125 of human histone H2A, and some of its analogs undergo E-S peptide bond hydrolysis. In this work we demonstrate a similar coordination and reactivity pattern in Ni(II) complexes of Ac-Thr-Glu-Thr-His-His-Lys-NH2, its threonine analogue, studied using potentiometry, electronic absorption spectroscopy and HPLC. For the first time we present the detailed temperature and pH dependence of such Ni(II)-dependent hydrolysis reactions. The temperature dependence of the rate of hydrolysis yielded activation energy E(a) = 92.0 kJ mol(-1) and activation entropy DeltaS# = 208 J mol(-1) K(-1). The pH profile of the reaction rate coincided with the formation of the four-nitrogen square-planar Ni(II) complex of Ac-Thr-Glu-Thr-His-His-Lys-NH2. These results expand the range of protein sequences susceptible to Ni(II) dependent cleavage by those containing threonine residues and permit predictions of the course of this reaction at various temperatures and pH values.
In vitro co-stimulation of anti-tumor activity by soluble B7 molecules.
Authors: He Wei , Hu Zhong-Bo , Liu Fang , Feng Xian-Qi , Zou Ping
Published: November 2019

In order to investigate the anti-tumor activity of a soluble B7-1/immunoglobulin G fusion protein and explore an effective method to eliminate immune escape of tumor cells, a recombinant vector encoding this fusion protein was constructed and constitutively expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells. After purification with protein G affinity chromatography, the soluble fusion protein was tested for bioactivity. Results showed that the fusion protein could significantly increase the density of B7-1 molecules on WEHI-3 cells, a mouse leukemia cell line. Through allogeneic mixed lymphocyte tumor cultures, it was demonstrated that, with the presence of the first signal, it could also significantly enhance T cell activation and killing activity against WEHI-3 cells and interleukin-2 secretion by activated mouse T lymphocytes. The conclusion can be drawn that the soluble B7-IgG fusion protein has a potent capacity to generate or enhance anti-tumor immune response in vitro, and its clinical value deserves further investigation.
Optimization of a retroviral vector for transduction of human CD34 positive cells.
Authors: Szyda Anna , Paprocka Maria , Krawczenko Agnieszka , Lenart Katarzyna , Heimrath Jerzy , Grabarczyk Piotr , Mackiewicz Andrzej , Duś Danuta
Published: November 2019

Human stem and progenitor cells have recently become objects of intensive studies as an important target for gene therapy and regenerative medicine. Retroviral vectors are among the most effective tools for genetic modification of these cells. However, their transduction efficiency strongly depends on the choice of the ex vivo transduction system. The aim of this study was to elaborate a system for retroviral vector transduction of human CD34 positive cells isolated from cord blood. The retroviral vector pMINV EGFP was chosen for transduction of two human erythroblastoid cell lines: KG-1a (CD34 positive) and K562 (CD34 negative). For vector construction, three promoters and two retroviral vector packaging cell lines were used. To optimize the physicochemical conditions of the transduction process, different temperatures of supernatant harvesting, the influence of centrifugation and the presence of transduction enhancing agents were tested. The conditions elaborated with KG-1a cells were further applied for transduction of CD34 positive cells isolated from cord blood. The optimal efficiency of transduction of CD34 positive cells with pMINV EGFP retroviral vector (26% of EGFP positive cells), was obtained using infective vector with LTR retroviral promoter, produced by TE FLY GA MINV EGFP packaging cell line. The transduction was performed in the presence of serum, at 37 degrees C, with co-centrifugation of cells with viral supernatants and the use of transduction enhancing agents. This study confirmed that for gene transfer into CD34 positive cells, the detailed optimization of each element of the transduction process is of great importance.
The structural and functional analysis of the human HSPA2 gene promoter region.
Authors: Pigłowski Wojciech , Nowak Radosława , Krawczyk Zdzisław , Scieglińska Dorota
Published: November 2019

HSPA2 is a human counterpart of the testis-specific rodent Hst70/Hsp70.2 gene. In contrast to the latter, the expression of the human HSPA2 gene is not limited to the testis, and recent data show that human tumor cells can express this gene at significant levels. The characteristics of HSPA2 expression suggests that it can influence the phenotype and survival of cancer cells similarly as overexpression of major members of the HSP70 gene family. Until now, neither the structure of the transcription unit of the human HSPA2 gene has been established nor a functional analysis of its promoter performed. In this study we established that the human HSPA2 gene, in contrast to its rodent counterparts, is intronless and has a single transcription start site. We also show that the same type of HSPA2 transcripts are synthesized in the testes and in cancer cell lines. In order to perform a functional study of the HSPA2 promoter, we used a transient transfection assay and found that the 392 bp fragment upstream of the ATG codon was a minimal region required for efficient transcription, while a 150 bp deletion from the 5' end of this region dramatically reduced the promoter activity. Delineation of the minimal promoter is a basic step toward identifying the cis and trans elements involved in the regulation of the HSPA2 gene expression in cancer cells.
The CDKN2a common variants: 148 Ala/Thr and 500 C/G in 3' UTR, and their association with clinical course of melanoma.
Authors: Lamperska Katarzyna Monika , Przybyła Anna , Kycler Witold , Mackiewicz Andrzej
Published: November 2019

Changes in CDKN2a gene are known to be linked with sporadic melanoma and hereditary predisposition to this cancer. In the Polish population mutations in the coding region of the CDKN2a gene are rather rare, therefore the attention has been focused on polymorphisms and alterations in uncoding regions such as 3' UTR. The aim of this study was to analyze two common polymorphisms, Ala148Thr and 500 C/G, and correlate them with the clinical course of melanoma. DNA from 285 patients was analyzed and found polymorphisms were correlated with the clinical parameters employing statistical methods. The obtained results allow us to conclude: (i) survival times of 500 C/G carriers vs. cumulating proportion surviving was not statistically significant; (ii) CDKN2a polymorphism 500 C/G correlated with Ala148Thr; (iii) no correlation was observed between the 500 C/G polymorphism and age of diagnosis, localization of primary melanoma and survival time; (iv) we did not find correlation between 500 C/G and type of cancer in the family; (v) changes in the CDKN2a gene were not found in patients with second cancer.
Combination of vasostatin and cyclophosphamide in the therapy of murine melanoma tumors.
Authors: Jazowiecka-Rakus Joanna , Jarosz Magdalena , Kozłowska Dorota , Sochanik Aleksander , Szala Stanisław
Published: November 2019

Growth of tumors is strongly dependent upon supply of nutrients and oxygen by de novo formed blood vessels. Inhibiting angiogenesis suppresses growth of primary tumors as well and affects development of metastases. We demonstrate that recombinant MBP/vasostatin fusion protein inhibits proliferation of endothelial cells in vitro. The therapeutic usefulness of such intratumorally delivered recombinant protein was then assessed by investigating its ability to inhibit growth of experimental murine melanomas. In the model of B16-F10 melanoma the MBP/vasostatin construct significantly delayed tumor growth and prolonged survival of treated mice. A combination therapy involving MBP/vasostatin construct and cyclophosphamide was even more effective and led to further inhibition of the tumor growth and extended survival. We show that such combination might be useful in the clinical setting, especially to treat tumors which have already formed microvessel networks.
A poly(ADP-ribose) synthetase inhibitor, benzamide protects smooth muscle cells but not endothelium against ischemia/reperfusion injury in isolated guinea-pig heart.
Authors: Jakubowski Andrzej , Lomnicka Magdalena
Published: November 2019

Activation of the nuclear enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) synthetase (PARS) is important in the cellular response to oxidative stress. During ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) increased free radical production leads to DNA breakage that stimulates PARS which in turn results in an energy-consuming metabolic cycle and initiation of the apoptotic process. Previous studies have reported that PARS inhibition confers protection in various models of I/R-induced cardiovascular damage. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of PARS inhibition in I/R-induced injury of smooth muscle cells and endothelium in the coronary circulation of the isolated guinea-pig heart. Control hearts and those treated with a PARS inhibitor--benzamide (100 micromol L(-1)), were subjected to 30 min of subglobal ischemia and subsequent reperfusion (90 min). To analyze the functional integrity of smooth muscle cells and endothelium, one-minute intracoronary infusions of endothelium-independent (sodium nitroprusside, NaNP; 3 micromol L(-1)) and endothelium-dependent (substance P, SP; 10 nmol L(-1)) vasodilators were used before ischemia and at the reperfusion time. The degree of the injury of coronary smooth muscle and endothelial cells induced by I/R was estimated in terms of diminished vasodilator responses to NaNP (at 55 min and 85 min of reperfusion) and to SP (at 70 min of reperfusion), respectively, and expressed as the percentage of preischemic response. I/R reduced vasorelaxant responses to both vasodilators by half (to 54.1 +/- 5.1% and to 53.6 +/- 4.9% of preischemic value for NaNP at 55 min and 85 min of reperfusion, respectively and to 45.9 +/- 6.5% for SP at 70 min of reperfusion). PARS inhibition provided complete restoration of vasorelaxation induced by NaNP (107.6 +/- 13.3% and 104 +/- 14.4% of preischemic response at the two time points of reperfusion, respectively). However, there was no effect on the SP-induced response (48+12.1% of preischemic response). We conclude that pharmacological PARS inhibition with benzamide protects coronary smooth muscle cells but not endothelium against I/R-induced reperfusion injury in the coronary circulation of the guinea-pig heart.
DETERMINANTS OF PARENTAL CHILD’S SCHOOL PREFERENCES IN QATAR
Authors: Charbaji El-Kassem Rima , Sellami Abdellatif , Al Qassass Haneen
Published: November 2019

Purpose: The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of “Quality Education”, “Developing Better Social Skills”, “Homework  Assignment”, “Using Private Tutors”, “Charging School Fees” and “Nationality” on “Parental School Preference” using primary data collected from preparatory and secondary school teachers in Qatar.

Methodology: The population for this study consists of all parents in Qatar. The current study used a very large stratified sample size n = 1462 that was determined by the Social and Economic Survey Research Institute (SESRI) using a 95% confidence interval estimate. The nine items used in this study are part of a huge questionnaire measuring attitude and parental child’s school preferences. Kaisers-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) test and the Bartless test of sphericity were used to determine the appropriateness of using factor analysis. What are more; principal axis factoring and oblique rotation extracted three factors?

Main findings: The representative sample Factor analysis extracted three dimensions (quality education, developing better social skills, homework assignment). The dependent variable (parental school choice) was regressed on the factor scores of these three extracted dimensions in addition to four independent variables (school fees, nationality, repeating a school grade, and parents’ disappointment if their child doesn’t go far in school). The results revealed that parental school choice is significantly determined by three explanatory variables: the quality of education, school fees, and nationality.

Implications: Raising standards for teachers should be a key element in educational quality. What’s more, in the spirit of findings the policymakers in Qatar should make funding part of school fees for expatriates a priority.

Novelty: This article empirically correlates two main fields of educational research:  Parental School Choice is given Quality of Education, Charging School Fees, and Nationality.
The Current Status of EMDR Therapy Involving the Treatment of Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: de Jongh Ad , Bicanic Iva , Matthijssen Suzy , Amann Benedikt L. , Hofmann Arne , Farrell Derek , Lee Christopher W. , Maxfield Louise
Published: November 2019

Complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) is a diagnostic entity that will be included in the forthcoming edition of the International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision (ICD-11). It denotes a severe form of PTSD, comprising not only the symptom clusters of PTSD (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition [DSM-IV-TR]), but also clusters reflecting difficulties in regulating emotions, disturbances in relational capacities, and adversely affected belief systems about oneself, others, or the world. Evidence is mounting suggesting that first-line trauma-focused treatments, including eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, are effective not only for the treatment of PTSD, but also for the treatment of patients with a history of early childhood interpersonal trauma who are suffering from symptoms characteristic of CPTSD. However, controversy exists as to when EMDR therapy should be offered to people with CPTSD. This article reviews the evidence in support of EMDR therapy as a first-line treatment for CPTSD and addresses the fact that there appears to be little empirical evidence supporting the view that there should be a stabilization phase prior to trauma processing in working with CPTSD.
A Brief Narrative Summary of Randomized Controlled Trials Investigating EMDR Treatment of Patients With Depression
Authors: Malandrone Francesca , Carletto Sara , Hase Michael , Hofmann Arne , Ostacoli Luca
Published: November 2019

Depression, one of the most common mental disorders, is characterized by enormous social costs and limited rates of treatment success, even though psychotherapeutic and pharmacological treatments currently contribute to an increase in the remission rate. In light of recent studies that have shown that traumas and adverse life experiences may represent risk factors for the onset of depression, the therapeutic approach of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has been seen as potentially effective in the treatment of depression. The purpose of the present brief narrative review is to summarize the current literature on the efficacy of EMDR in patients with depression, in particular by referring to randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) that examined depression as a primary outcome. The data examined are updated to March 2019 and count seven RCT studies covering the years from 2001 to 2019. They are heterogeneous by type of intervention and demographic characteristics of the sample. Although the selected studies are few and with different methodological critical issues, the findings reported by the different authors suggest in a preliminary way that EMDR can be a useful treatment for depression.
Efficacy of EMDR Therapy for Anxiety Disorders
Authors: Faretta Elisa , Dal Farra Mariella
Published: November 2019

Six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigated the efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for adults with anxiety disorders over a span of 20 years (1997–2017). Three RCTs focused on panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia (PDA); two studies targeted specific phobias, whereas the dependent variable of another RCT was “self-esteem,” considered as a mediator factor for anxiety disorders. In four RCTs, EMDR therapy demonstrated a positive effect on panic and phobic symptoms, whereas one RCT on PDA was partly negative and one study failed in improving self-esteem in patients with anxiety disorders. Considered as a whole, these preliminary data suggest EMDR therapy may be effective not only for PD but also for specific phobias. Further controlled studies are needed to corroborate these findings and also to systematically evaluate the efficacy of EMDR therapy for generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, and agoraphobia. Because cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is presently considered a first-line treatment for anxiety disorders, controlled comparisons between EMDR therapy and CBT would be especially useful in future investigations of EMDR treatment of anxiety disorders.
Litter and biomass traits of some dominant Moroccan understorey fuels in five fire-prone forest regions
Authors: Essaghi Salaheddine , Hachmi M'hamed , Yessef Mohammed , Dehhaoui Mohammed , Sesbou Abdessadek
Published: November 2019

In Morocco, efforts have been made to prevent wildfires, although with limited results because the pyric properties of forest fuels have not been adequately quantified. In order to remedy this gap, the bulk densities of litter and individual shrubs and biomass per size class were assessed in five fire-prone forest regions. The study covered a total of 35 sites, on both north and south-facing slopes in the Central Plateau, the Middle Atlas (Western and Eastern), the Western Rif and the Pre-Rif regions. Litter depths ranged from 1.1 (Ononis natrix L.) to 7.5 cm (Daphne laureola L.), and the bulk density of individual shrubs varied from 0.35 (D. laureola) to 4.64 mg/cm3 (Thymelaea tartonraira L.). The lowest fine fuel bulk density was found for D. laureola (0.22 kg/m3), and the highest for T. tartonraira (4.05 kg/m3). As for the bulk density of individual shrubs, no significant intra-species differences were found between the sampled regions, except for Arbutus unedo L., while the effect of the region on fine fuel biomass was not significant in all species. Linear functions were used to adjust the fine fuel biomass for the effect of individual shrub volume. Such adjustments will be very useful for forest managers, since they will make it possible to estimate the fine fuel biomass contained in a shrub using simple, independent measurements of the shrub size. Integrating data on the structural traits of fuels into fire behaviour prediction systems will facilitate estimations of fuel hazards in the regions studied and thus guide decision-makers in their task of protecting both humans and natural resources.
Dynamique des populations d'azobé, Lophira alata Banks ex C. F. Gaertn., et implications pour sa gestion durable au Cameroun
Authors: Biwolé Achille Bernard , Ouédraogo Dakis-Yaoba , Betti Jean Lagarde , Picard Nicolas , Rossi Vivien , Delion Sébastien , Lagoute Paul , Gourlet-Fleury Sylvie , Lejeune Philippe , Doucet Jean-Louis
Published: November 2019

L'impact de l'exploitation forestière sur le renouvellement du stock de bois d'œuvre reste largement méconnu en Afrique centrale du fait du manque de données sur la dynamique des populations d’arbres exploités. C’est en particulier le cas pour l’azobé, Lophira alata, un bois d’œuvre de grande valeur commerciale. L'objectif de cette étude était double : quantifier l'effet du type forestier et de l’exploitation sur la croissance de l’azobé et simuler l'évolution du stock exploitable et du taux de reconstitution après exploitation. Nous avons effectué pendant trois ans un suivi annuel de la croissance et de la mortalité dans trois types forestiers au Cameroun : en forêt sempervirente, en forêt mixte et en forêt semi-caducifoliée. Le recrutement a été étudié uniquement en forêt mixte, sous deux conditions : en milieu exploité et non exploité. Nous avons calibré, avec ces données, un modèle matriciel de Usher. Douze scénarios d’exploitation ont été simulés en faisant varier le diamètre minimum d’exploitation de 60, 70 et 80 cm, et l’intensité de prélèvement des arbres de 100, 80, 60 et 40 %. La croissance de l’azobé est influencée à la fois par le type forestier et l'exploitation. Les arbres de forêt sempervirente ont une croissance plus faible jusqu’à 50 cm de diamètre, alors que la croissance maximale prédite pour ce type forestier est la plus élevée. L'exploitation a par ailleurs stimulé la croissance. Enfin, l’exploitation de l'azobé ne respecte pas le principe du rendement soutenu : ses taux de croissance à long terme varient entre 0,54 et 0,83. Pour garantir la durabilité de son exploitation au Cameroun, une sylviculture dynamisant la croissance des futurs arbres exploitables, ainsi que leur régénération, s’avère indispensable.
Analyse spatio-temporelle des dynamiques d’anthropisation paysagère le long du gradient urbain-rural de la ville de Lubumbashi (Haut-Katanga, République démocratique du Congo)
Authors: Sikuzani Yannick Useni
Published: November 2019

Depuis le début des années 2000, la ville de Lubumbashi, au sud-est de la République démocratique du Congo, connaît une importante croissance démographique qui n'est malheureusement pas contrôlée. Il en résulte une expansion spatiale urbaine rapide et anarchique, tandis que les besoins alimentaires et énergétiques sont insuffisamment satisfaits. Comme corollaire, une importante détérioration de l’environnement est manifeste dans la région de Lubumbashi. À partir de la télédétection couplée aux outils d’analyse paysagère et de l’approche du gradient urbain-rural, la présente thèse a été initiée en vue de cerner la situation actuelle de la croissance spatiale urbaine à Lubumbashi et d’évaluer les impacts écologiques négatifs qui en résultent à multiples échelles spatiales. Les résultats ont révélé une nette progression du tissu urbain à toutes les échelles spatiales étudiées (plaine de Lubumbashi, ville et communes). Une périurbanisation importante de la ville a été relevée, mais aussi une densification du bâti entre 0 et 8 km du centre-ville. Dans la zone rurale, l’impact négatif de l’urbanisation s’est matérialisé par une importante diminution de l’aire de la forêt claire de miombo, dont l’ampleur augmente sur des courtes distances à la ville. Au sein de la zone (péri)urbaine, l’expansion du bâti a entraîné la dissection, la fragmentation et la suppression des espaces verts, entre autres les forêts (péri)urbaines. La création d’espaces verts boisés (péri)urbains n’a pas compensé l’ensemble de la perte enregistrée sur toute la période étudiée (1989-2014). Le long du gradient urbain-rural, l’aire des lambeaux d’espaces verts augmente de la zone urbaine vers la zone périurbaine, parallèlement à la diminution de leur nombre. Sur l’ensemble des espaces verts résiduels et créés, les espèces végétales exotiques – certaines étant invasives – demeurent dominantes, ce qui constituerait une menace pour la conservation de la flore indigène. Cependant, s’agissant des espaces verts boisés de la zone (péri)urbaine, ce sont les arbres et arbustes de la forêt claire du miombo qui restent dominants. La présence de ces arbres et arbustes est considérée comme une preuve d'un certain degré d’intégrité ou de régénération de certaines taches originelles de la forêt claire de miombo.
Effect of graphene oxide nanoparticle coatings on the strength of packaging paper and its barrier and antibacterial properties
Authors: Akhtari Maliheh , Dehghani-Firouzabadi Mohammadreza , Aliabadi Meysam , Arefkhani Mehdi
Published: November 2019

The aim of this study was to assess the performance of graphene oxide nanoparticles in paper coating formulations in order to improve the antibacterial, physical and mechanical properties of paperboard. The paper was coated with graphene oxide nanoparticles at concentrations of 100 and 200 ppm together with 5% cationic starch (dry weight) as a retention aid and for better coverage and more homogeneous positioning of nanographene oxide particles on the surface of the paper. The paper surface coated with nanographene oxide particles and starch was characterised using ATR-FTIR and SEM. The antibacterial assay was performed according to the Turbidity Method. For the antibacterial tests of paper sheets, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were used as Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria respectively. The results showed that UV adsorption was reduced, with the largest reduction obtained when using nanographene oxide particles at 200 ppm. Turbidity in the samples including S. aureus was also lower. The growth rates of S. aureus bacterium in the control and the paper specimens coated with 200 ppm nanographene oxide were 89% and 24%, respectively. The density and thickness of the paper sheets increased in the paper coated with cationic starch and nanoparticles in comparison with uncoated paper. The nanoparticles had no significant effect on the thickness of coated papers. The addition of nanographene oxide particles improved the resistance to air and barrier properties of paper sheets. The burst and tear indexes increased for the paper coated with starch and nanographene oxide particles.
Periodontal disease and associated factors in the adult and elderly population from Jundiaí City, Brazil
Authors: Barbosa Marcela Di Moura , Batista Marília Jesus , Morgan Evely Sartorti da Silva , Sallum Enilson Antonio , Casati Marcio Zaffalon , Silvério Karina Gonzales
Published: November 2019

Aim: This study assessed the prevalence of periodontal disease in the adult and elderly populations from Jundiaí City, and its association with individual social inequalities in a conceptual framework approach. Methods: The survey was conducted with a sample of 342 adults and 145 elderly, and periodontal disease was assessed based on the Community Periodontal Index (CPI) and Clinical Attachment Loss (CAL). A questionnaire addressing socio-demographic and behavioral variables, smoking and diabetes was included. Bivariate and multivariate analyses, using binary regression analyses, were carried out in a hierarchical approach with conceptual framework to reveal association among periodontal disease and social-demographic, smoking and diabetes variables. Results: One adult and fifty-six elderly who had lost all teeth were excluded from the sample. Mild periodontal disease (CAL ≤3 mm) was the condition more prevalent in the adult (74%) and elderly populations (60.6%). Adjusted analysis revealed that low educational level (OR 2.65, 95% CI 1.19-5.88), irregular use of tooth floss (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.06-3.40), and smoking (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.04-4.42) were independently associated with moderate/severe periodontal disease (CAL and Probing Depth ≥4 mm) in the adult group. For the elderly group, low educational levels (OR 0.16, 95% CI 0.04-0.58), use of public dental service (OR 5.32, 95% CI 1.23-23.03), and diabetes condition (OR 3.78, 95% CI 1.20-11.91) were significantly associated with periodontal disease. Conclusion: In conclusion, the data showed that education level, smoking habits, diabetes, use of dental floss and type of dental service are factors associated to moderate/severe periodontal disease among Brazilians from Jundiaí City.
Condylar positioning in orthognathic surgery
Authors: Tieghi Neto Victor , Gonçales Andréa Guedes Barreto , Nogueira Alexandre Simões , Ferreira Júnior Osny , Gonçales Eduardo Sanches
Published: November 2019

Aim: Orthognathic surgery aims to correct facial skeletal deformities and the correct condylar positioning is very important for stable results. The aim of the present study was to verify the occurrence of changes in the postoperative condylar positioning in artificial skulls with a skeletal Class II maxillomandibular relationship submitted to bilateral sagittal split osteotomy when the method of cephalometric data transfer was used. Methods: Ten skeletal Angle class II polyurethane skulls were used with metallic markers in the articular surfaces of the temporomandibular joint and mandibular condyles. The skulls were submitted to preoperative and postoperative cone beam computed tomography before and after the bilateral sagittal split osteotomy. To verify the condylar positioning, measurements between the distances of the markers at the temporal bones and mandibular condyles were taken in the coronal and sagittal views by the DISTANCE tool of the iCat Vision software. All measurements were obtained by one examiner in the preoperative and postoperative CBCTs, tabulated and submitted to statistical analysis by the Wilcoxon test with a level of significance of 5% (p<0,05). After 15 days of the completion of the first data collection, all measurements were redone to determine the random and systematic error by the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient. Results: With the exception of the average of the lateral-medial distance (from the measurements between the medium left markers only), the averages of the anterior-posterior distances (only in the left posterior and lateral right markers) and the vertical average (only in the central markers) showed no statistically significant differences between the preoperative and postoperative distances of the metallic markers. Conclusion: Even when using the method of cephalometric data transfer, variation of the condylar positioning occurred between the preoperative and postoperative periods. This variation occurred only in a few points of the mandibular condyles.
Effect of diphenyliodonium hexafluorphosphate in the yellowing and properties of experimental resin cements
Authors: Andrade Kamila Menezes Guedes de , Mathias Caroline , Vale Hugo Felipe do , Aguiar Flávio Henrique Baggio , Marchi Giselle Maria
Published: November 2019

Aim: The yellowing effect is undesirable and can occur in the dental restoration margins when light-cured resin cements containing camphorquinone as photoinitiator is used. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of diphenyliodonium hexafluorphosphate (DPI) in photoinitiator systems that contained different concentrations of camphorquinone (CQ) and dimethylamino ethyl benzoate (EDAB) on resin cements. Methods: A base (1:1) of bisphenol A diglycidyl methacrylate (BisGMA) and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) was obtained, and 60wt% of glass fillers was added. Eight formulations were obtained: RC1 (0.5mol% CQ / 1mol% EDAB), RC2 (0.5mol% CQ / 2mol% EDAB), RC3 (1mol% CQ / 1mol% EDAB), RC4 (1mol% CQ / 2mol% EDAB), and RC5 to RC8, which contained the same bases plus 0.5mol% DPI. Experimental resin cements were evaluated by the degree of conversion (DC), L*a*b* color analysis, water sorption (WS) and solubility (S), flexural strength, and Elastic Modulus. The data were analyzed by three-way ANOVA, Tukey’s and Mann-Whitney tests (α = 0.05). Results: The combination of DPI and 0.5mol% CQ increased DC in RC6 and L* in RC5 without increasing the WS and a* b* values. CQ at 1mol% showed higher values of b* and lower values of a*, except for RC3. Groups with 2mol% EDAB showed higher DC. Conclusion: The addition of DPI reduces CQ, generating a decreased yellowing effect, while maintaining adequate properties in the resin cements, especially with 2mol% EDAB.
Effect of sports drinks on the surface properties of composite resins after prolonged exposure
Authors: Santin Daniella Cristo , Naufel Fabiana Scarparo , Mondelli Rafael Francisco Lia , Piccolotto Adriano , Schmitt Vera Lúcia
Published: November 2019

Aim: Using dietary supplements may affect the properties of composite resins due to their acidic pH. The present in vitro study aimed to assess the surface roughness and color stability of two composite resins - nanohybrid (Empress Direct) and nanoparticulate (Filtek Z350) - after prolonged exposure to dietary supplements. Methods: We produced 30 specimens from each composite (8x2-mm discs) and divided them into six groups (n=10). After the initial measurement of the surface properties (roughness and color), we exposed the specimens to a degradation process in Maltodextrin and Whey Protein for 22.5 and 7.5 days, respectively, using deionized water as the control solution. At the end of 22.5 days, we reassessed the specimens. After verifying data normality with the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, we performed ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test at 5%. Results: We found significant differences for materials immersed in the Whey Protein solution (p<0.05). The roughness of Empress Direct was higher (0.45+0.07) than Filtek Z350 (0.22+0.05). The composites tested also showed color change (ΔE>3.3) after the immersion period (p<0.001). In Maltodextrin, the Empress Direct group presented (4.52+1.23) and Filtek Z350 (4.04+0.66), while after immersion in Whey Protein, they showed (5.34+1.68) and (4.26+1.02), respectively. Conclusion: Sports drinks changed the surface roughness and color stability of the composite resins studied. The Filtek Z350 group showed lower color variation than the Empress Direct composite in both solutions evaluated.
Resolution of a fluorosis case through the association of minimally invasive techniques
Authors: Souza Danielle Ferreira Sobral de , Pierote Josué Junior Araújo , Aguiar Flávio Henrique Baggio , Paulillo Luís Alexandre Maffei Sartini , Lima Débora Alves Nunes Leite
Published: November 2019

Color changes may interfere with smile balance and they represent a clinical challenge to dentists. Dental fluorosis originates from intrinsic factors and it is a disorder of enamel formation during the phase of teeth development, resulting in the change of enamel color. This clinical case report aimed to present the resolution of a case of dental fluorosis through the association of minimally invasive techniques, namely microabrasion and tooth bleaching. A 27-year-old male patient sought the dental clinic of the School of Dentistry of Piracicaba (FOP - UNICAMP, Brazil) presenting striped and symmetrical white stains and generalized chromogenic biofilm. After anamnesis and clinical examination, the patient was diagnosed with fluorosis stains. Initially, adequacy of the oral environment was performed with prophylaxis and supragingival scraping. Then, the enamel microabrasion technique was performed with 6% hydrochloric acid associated with silicon carbide (Whiteness RM - FGM) and supervised at-home bleaching was performed with 16% carbamide peroxide (Whiteness Simple 16% - FGM). In conclusion, the treatment performed reestablished the aesthetics and harmony of smile color with minimally invasive procedures without causing tooth sensitivity.
THE EFFECT OF PEER FEEDBACK TECHNIQUE IN TEACHING WRITING ON STUDENTS’ WRITING ACHIEVEMENT OF WRITING II COURSE AT ENGLISH DEPARTMENT FKIP LAMBUNG MANGKURAT UNIVERSITY
Authors: Furqoni Nadya Isnan
Published: November 2019

Providing student with clear feedback is one of the ways that can facilitate students to be able to write well. This study is aimed to find out the difference between students who are taught by using peer feedback and those who are taught by using teacher feedback.  This was an experimental research that used quantitative approach. The subjects of this research were students of Writing II of English Department of FKIP Lambung Mangkurat University. Writing II class A1 was the experiment group and Writing II class A2 was the control group. The data of this research were students’ writing achievement in both experiment and control class. The data analyzed by using SPSS (One-Way ANOVA). Ha was found 0.003 which meant that Ha was accepted. It showed that there was difference in students’ writing achievement between students in experiment and control class. It was proved that students who were taught by using peer feedback had higher achievement in writing than students who were taught by using teacher feedback. On the whole, it is suggested for students to improve their ability in proof reading and for the teachers, it is suggested to apply not only teacher feedback technique, but also peer feedback technique to their students in writing class.
Production and Nutrient Quality of Rice Straw of Local Rice Varieties From South Kalimantan
Authors: Sumantri Ika , Hadi Sholih Nugroho
Published: November 2019

A survey and laboratory study was conducted to estimate rice straw production of local rice varieties from South Kalimantan. Two local rice varieties (Siam Adil and Pandak) cultivated in a tidal swamp paddy field in Tanah Laut regency were harvested at the same time to estimate the dry matter production of rice straws and to obtain the rice straws samples. Rice straws samples were analysed to determine the percentage of botanical parts and nutrient contents, including the contents of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, and crude fiber.  Results showed Siam Adil rice straw had a lower percentage of leaf but had higher percentage of stem compare to Pandak. The botanical fraction of Pandak was similar to the improved rice variety (Ciherang). Siam Adil produced higher rice straw dry matter (7.95 tonnes/ha) compare to Pandak (5.83 tonnes/ha). There were no significant differences in the contents of dry matter, crude protein, and crude fibre of both local varieties. However, local rice straws had lower crude protein and higher crude fiber contents compared to the improved rice straw. In conclusion, local rice varieties potentially produced higher rice straw biomass but had lower nutrient quality. Thus, pretreatment is necessary to improve the utilization of local rice straw as a ruminant feed.
Fatigue Life Prediction Using Unified Mechanics Theory in Ti-6Al-4V Alloys
Authors: Bin Jamal M Noushad , Kumar Aman , Chebolu Lakshmana Rao , Basaran Cemal
Published: November 2019

Fatigue in any material is a result of continuous irreversible degradation process. Traditionally, fatigue life is predicted by extrapolating experimentally curve fitted empirical models. In the current study, unified mechanics theory is used to predict fatigue life of Ti-6Al-4V under monotonic tensile, compressive and cyclic load conditions. The unified mechanics theory is used to derive constitutive model for fatigue life prediction using a three-dimensional computational model. The proposed analytical and computational models have been used to predict the low cycle fatigue life of Ti-6Al-4V alloys. It is shown that the unified mechanics theory can be used to predict fatigue life of Ti-6Al-4V alloys by using simple predictive models that are based on fundamental equation of the material, which is based on thermodynamics associated with degradation of materials.
Beyond Ethylene: New Insights Regarding the Role of AOX in the Respiratory Climacteric
Authors: Hewitt Seanna , Dhingra Amit
Published: November 2019

Climacteric fruits are characterized by a dramatic increase in autocatalytic ethylene production, which is accompanied by a spike in respiration, at the onset of ripening. The change in the mode of ethylene production from autoinhibitory to auto-stimulatory is known as the system 1 (S1) to system 2 (S2) transition. Existing physiological models explain the basic and overarching genetic, hormonal, and transcriptional regulatory mechanisms governing the S1 to S2 transition of climacteric fruit. However, the links between ethylene and respiration, the two main factors that characterize the respiratory climacteric, have been largely understudied at the molecular level. Results of recent studies indicate that the AOX respiratory pathway may play an important role in mediating cross talk between ethylene response, carbon metabolism, ATP production, and ROS signaling during climacteric ripening. New genomic, metabolic, and epigenetic information sheds light on the interconnectedness of ripening-associated metabolic pathways, necessitating expanding the current, ethylene-centric physiological models. Understanding points at which ripening responses can be manipulated may reveal key, speciesand cultivar-specific targets for regulation of ripening enabling superior strategies for reducing postharvest wastage.
Alejandro Sawa y los sucesores de San Pedro: Pío IX y Pío X, dos pontífices admirables para un anticlerical
Authors: SANTIAGO NOGALES Rocío
Published: November 2019

Siempre se ha dicho que una de las facetas que caracteriza la producción de Alejandro Sawa es su anticlericalismo. Sin embargo, esto no significa un rechazo en su totalidad a los miembros del clero. Los investigadores no han dado demasiada importancia a un texto que escribió con dieciséis años alabando la institución del pontificado y a Pío IX, por considerarlo una simple influencia del seminario. Sin embargo, en sus crónicas de 1904 y 1907 simpatiza también con Pío X. Este estudio pretende justificar y encajar estas dos aportaciones dentro de la trayectoria sawiana para demostrar que no es una contradicción y que el objeto de crítica es un comportamiento igualmente rechazable en un seglar.
KEBERADAAN Salmonella sp. PADA DAGING AYAM SUWIR BUBUR AYAM YANG DIJUAL DI LINGKAR KAMPUS INSTITUT PERTANIAN BOGOR DRAMAGA BOGOR
Authors: Zelpina Engki , Purnawarman Trioso , Lukman Denny Widaya
Published: November 2019

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melakukan studi mengetahui keberadaan Salmonella sp. pada daging ayam suwir bubur serta rekomendasi agar aman dan layak untuk dikonsumsi. Penelitian ini merupakan kajian lapang cross sectional study. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah seluruh pedagang bubur ayam yang berada (radius 100 meter) di lingkar kampus Institut Pertanian Bogor, Dramaga, Bogor. Penelitian dilakukan melalui wawancara, observasi, dan pengujian laboratorium. Sampel pada penelitian ini diambil dari 15 pedagang bubur ayam, setiap pedagang diambil sampel sebanyak 3 kali ulangan, total sampel adalah 45. Analisis data dilakukan secara univariat dan bivariat (fisher exact test). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa ditemukan keberadaan Salmonella enteretica serovars Enteritidis dalam daging ayam suwir bubur ayam sebanyak 6,66% (3/45) dan terdapat hubungan antara asal daging ayam dan keberadaan Salmonella Enteritidis. (p value=0,022 dan CC=0,577).

 

This study was aims to conducted studies to determine the presence of Salmonella sp. in shredded chicken meat of chicken porridge and recommendations for safe for consumption. A cross sectional study approach was used in this study. The population in this study was all chicken porridge seller which located in radius of 100 m around of the campus area Bogor Agricultural University, Dramaga, Bogor. The research was done through interview, observation and laboratory examination. The samples in this study were 15 chicken porridge seller with repeated for three times and total number of samples were 45. The data were analyzed by univariat and bivariate (fisher exact test). The results of this study showed the presence of Salmonella Enteritidis in 6.66% (3/45) of shredded chicken meat chicken porridge and there was a relationship between the origin of chicken meat and the presence of Salmonella Enteritidis (p value = 0.022 and CC = 0.577).