bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Medium of instruction in school: The indigenous language, the national language or the official language? A case study from multilingual deep rural Kenya
Authors: Spernes Kari Iren , Ruto-Korir Rose
Published: May 2018

The connection between multilingualism and the school curriculum continues to engender debates on language preferences because of the potential to influence the amount of learning among learners. To understand language preferences among multilingual learners and their implications for the selection of the medium of instruction (MoI) in a multilingual country, data were collected through questionnaires and interviews among learners, teachers and head teachers in deep, rural Kenyan primary schools. These schools are located away from urban centres, with little or no basic infrastructure, hence the concept of “deep ruralness”. The participants were purposively sampled from among learners, teachers and head teachers to examine how learners’ affiliations with multilingualism could explain the preferred MoI, and the ways through which schools implement the use of an MoI in the curriculum. The findings show that Kiswahili and English were used as the MoI, even when the curriculum recommended indigenous languages and English. Moreover, learners’ multilingual affiliations and their spontaneous languages were their indigenous languages and Kiswahili. Based on these findings, we claim that the indigenous language, Kiswahili and English should be used as the languages of instruction in Kenyan schools.
Bisphenol A decreases the spontaneous contractions of rat uterus in vitro through a nitrergic mechanism
Authors: Gupta Hemlata , Deshpande Shripad B.
Published: May 2018

Background:

Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical used in the manufacture of plastics, has toxic effects on various systems of the human body including the reproductive system. BPA possesses estrogenic activity and is implicated in altering oogenesis, ovulation, and fertility. In addition to ovulatory changes, uterine contractility is an important factor for fertility. However, the effects of BPA on myometrial contractions are not known. Therefore, we examined the effect of BPA on rat uterine contractions.

Methods:

The uterus was isolated from adult rats showing estrous phase, and spontaneous in vitro contractions were recorded (35±1 °C). The effect of cumulative concentrations of BPA was determined. Further, the involvement of nitric oxide (NO) and guanylyl cyclase (GC) for the BPA-induced changes on uterine contractility was evaluated using the NO synthase inhibitor (L-NAME) or GC inhibitor (methylene blue).

Results:

BPA decreased the amplitude and frequency of spontaneous uterine contractions in a concentration-dependent manner. A decrease of 50% occurred at 1 and 3 μM for amplitude and frequency, respectively. L-NAME (N-ω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester) blocked the BPA-induced decrease in amplitude at all concentrations but antagonized the frequency only at the maximum concentration (10 μM). Methylene blue (a GC inhibitor) did not block the BPA-induced responses but for the frequency at 10 μM of BPA.

Conclusions:

The results indicate that BPA decreased the amplitude and frequency of spontaneous uterine contractions by involving the nitrergic mechanism; however, the GC mechanism is not involved in the depression.
Comparison of Evolution of Pop-Out Damage by Mixed in Burnt Lime Nodules in Precast Concrete in Outside and Inside Exposure Conditions
Authors: Van Gemert Dionys A. , Taerwe Luc R. , Verreydt Kristof P.
Published: May 2018

In 2010 burnt lime blocks were accidentally mixed with limestone concrete aggregates at a Belgian limestone and lime production plant. The contaminated limestone aggregates were used in precast concrete factories. The concrete elements used in several constructions quickly showed pop-outs, caused by swelling of lime nodules. The appearance of pop-outs in suspected constructions was recorded. An extensive experimental program as well as on site observations have been made, to monitor the evolution of the pop-out phenomenon with time. The pop-out evolution in outside exposure conditions is compared to the evolution of pop-outs under inside climatic conditions. Outside, the phenomenon becomes marginal after about 2 years. In inside exposure conditions, the phenomenon still continues after 7 years, be it at a low rate.
Behaviour of Pigeon Excreta on Masonry Surfaces
Authors: Spennemann Dirk HR , Pike Melissa , Watson Maggie J
Published: May 2018

Pigeon droppings are implicated in spoiling and decay of buildings. Several studies have examined the effects and chemistry of accumulations of pigeon droppings under highly localised pigeon roosts. Scant information exists on the impact caused by individual pigeon droppings at perch sites, even though these constitute the majority of bird use in urban areas. This study experimentally examined the processes that affect masonry immediately after pigeon excreta have been voided from the body and what effects discrete, fresh pigeon droppings have on different kinds of sandstone. The experiments demonstrated the susceptibility of freshly deposited excreta to environmental conditions (relative humidity and precipitation). In real-life situations, with pigeon excreta deposited on window ledges, cornices and parapets, the majority of damage would occur within the first two weeks of deposition. After that, the majority of individual droppings would have either dissolved or desiccated to such a degree that they would have rolled off. Much of the observed staining is superficial. While individual bird droppings make a building look dirty, even for months at a time, the effect on the building material is not substantial unless other factors come into play such as colonisation of the excreta by mould or leaching of salts from the excreta.
Repetition Enhances the Musicality of Speech and Tone Stimuli to Similar Degrees
Authors: Tierney Adam , Patel Aniruddh D. , Breen Mara
Published: May 2018

Certain spoken phrases, when removed from context and repeated, begin to sound as if they were sung. Prior work has uncovered several acoustic factors that determine whether a phrase sounds sung after repetition. However, the reason why repetition is necessary for song to be perceived in speech is unclear. One possibility is that by default pitch is not a salient attribute of speech in non-tonal languages, as spectral information is more vital for determining meaning. However, repetition may satiate lexical processing, increasing pitch salience. A second possibility is that it takes time to establish the precise pitch perception necessary for assigning each syllable a musical scale degree. Here we tested these hypotheses by asking participants to rate the musicality of spoken phrases and complex tones with matching pitch contours after each of eight repetitions. Although musicality ratings were overall higher for the tone stimuli, both the speech and complex tone stimuli increased in musicality to a similar degree with repetition. Thus, although the rapid spectral variation of speech may inhibit pitch salience, this inhibition does not decrease with repetition. Instead, repetition may be necessary for the perception of song in speech because the perception of exact pitch intervals takes time.
Early Childhood Music Training and Associated Improvements in Music and Language Abilities
Authors: Hutchins Sean
Published: May 2018

Adult musicians tend to outperform nonmusicians in a variety of language and language-relevant tasks. Moreover, children who take music lessons will show an increased ability in several types of language skills. However, it is still unclear what the time course of these developmental effects might be, and the degree to which young children improve in their musical abilities. Here, we present the first year of data from an ongoing longitudinal study, aimed at finding if measurable improvements in musical and linguistic abilities can be seen among children taking music classes. We studied 90 children (age 3–6) who were enrolled to take group classes in a conservatory setting. We measured their musical, language, and perceptual abilities both at the beginning and the ending of the school year. Pre vs. post comparisons showed an increase in vocabulary size, pre-reading skills, and singing ability; these increases were beyond what could be attributed to normal development during the time. We also found that singing ability was correlated with language skills. Taken together, these results show that early childhood music training can lead to associated improvements in both musical skills and language skills, strengthening the evidence for a developmental link between these two abilities.
Right ventricular dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension: a neglected presentation of thyrotoxicosis
Authors: Singarayar Carolina Shalini , Siew Hui Foo , Cheong Nicholas , Swee En Goay
Published: May 2018

Thyrotoxicosis is associated with cardiac dysfunction; more commonly, left ventricular dysfunction. However, in recent years, there have been more cases reported on right ventricular dysfunction, often associated with pulmonary hypertension in patients with thyrotoxicosis. Three cases of thyrotoxicosis associated with right ventricular dysfunction were presented. A total of 25 other cases of thyrotoxicosis associated with right ventricular dysfunction published from 1994 to 2017 were reviewed along with the present 3 cases. The mean age was 45 years. Most (82%) of the cases were newly diagnosed thyrotoxicosis. There was a preponderance of female gender (71%) and Graves’ disease (86%) as the underlying aetiology. Common presenting features included dyspnoea, fatigue and ankle oedema. Atrial fibrillation was reported in 50% of the cases. The echocardiography for almost all cases revealed dilated right atrial and or ventricular chambers with elevated pulmonary artery pressure. The abnormal echocardiographic parameters were resolved in most cases after rendering the patients euthyroid. Right ventricular dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension are not well-recognized complications of thyrotoxicosis. They are life-threatening conditions that can be reversed with early recognition and treatment of thyrotoxicosis. Signs and symptoms of right ventricular dysfunction should be sought in all patients with newly diagnosed thyrotoxicosis, and prompt restoration of euthyroidism is warranted in affected patients before the development of overt right heart failure.

Learning points:

Thyrotoxicosis is associated with right ventricular dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension apart from left ventricular dysfunction described in typical thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy.

Symptoms and signs of right ventricular dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension should be sought in all patients with newly diagnosed thyrotoxicosis.

Thyrotoxicosis should be considered in all cases of right ventricular dysfunction or pulmonary hypertension not readily explained by other causes.

Prompt restoration of euthyroidism is warranted in patients with thyrotoxicosis complicated by right ventricular dysfunction with or without pulmonary hypertension to allow timely resolution of the abnormal cardiac parameters before development of overt right heart failure.
Distant lung metastases caused by a histologically benign phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor
Authors: Yavropoulou Maria P , Poulios Christos , Foroulis Christoforos , Tournis Symeon , Hytiroglou Prodromos , Kotsa Kalliopi , Kessisoglou Isaak , Zebekakis Pantelis
Published: May 2018

Tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) is a rare form of hypophosphatemia usually caused by phosphaturic mesenchymal tumors (PMTs); the biologic behavior of PMTs is under investigation. Herein we present a case of TIO with a protracted course over 12 years leading to a fatal outcome. A 39-year-old man presented with weakness in 2004 and was found to have decreased serum phosphorus, phosphaturia and low levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. Four years later he developed a painful left calf mass. The lesion was resected, but recurred causing extreme pain and dysfunction. Radiological examination showed a large cluster of soft tissue tumors affecting all the muscle compartments of the calf and a smaller lesion inside the metaphysis of the tibia. Above-knee amputation was performed. Histological examination of all lesions showed a cellular spindle cell neoplasm with variously sized vessels, wide vessel-like spaces and scattered deposits of calcified extracellular material. The tumor infiltrated skeletal muscles, subcutaneous fat and the proximal end of the fibula. The tibial lesion had identical histology. Three years after the amputation the patient presented with cough and dyspnea. Radiological examination, followed by an open biopsy, showed that there were multiple metastatic nodules of PMTs in both lungs. Shortly after the diagnosis the patient died. This case illustrates that even benign cases of PMTs may lead to a fatal outcome and the classification of PMTs into benign and malignant should be reassessed in order to correspond to its biological behavior.

Learning points:

PMTs, aside from having locally aggressive behavior, may metastasize and cause death

PMTs may behave aggressively despite ‘benign’ histological findings

Accurate diagnosis of tumor-induced osteomalacia and patient management require a multidisciplinary approach
Dynamic Copy Number Evolution of X- and Y-Linked Ampliconic Genes in Human Populations
Authors: Lucotte Elise A , Skov Laurits , Jensen Jacob Malte , Macià Moisès Coll , Munch Kasper , Schierup Mikkel H
Published: May 2018

Ampliconic genes are multicopy genes often located on sex chromosomes and enriched for testis-expressed genes. Here, Lucotte et al. developed new bioinformatic approaches to investigate the ampliconic gene copy number and their coding...

Ampliconic genes are multicopy, with the majority found on sex chromosomes and enriched for testis-expressed genes. While ampliconic genes have been associated with the emergence of hybrid incompatibilities, we know little about their copy number distribution and their turnover in human populations. Here, we explore the evolution of human X- and Y-linked ampliconic genes by investigating copy number variation (CNV) and coding variation between populations using the Simons Genome Diversity Project. We develop a method to assess CNVs using the read depth on modified X and Y chromosome targets containing only one repetition of each ampliconic gene. Our results reveal extensive standing variation in copy number both within and between human populations for several ampliconic genes. For the Y chromosome, we can infer multiple independent amplifications and losses of these gene copies even within closely related Y haplogroups, that diversified < 50,000 years ago. Moreover, X- and Y-linked ampliconic genes seem to have a faster amplification dynamic than autosomal multicopy genes. Looking at expression data from another study, we also find that X- and Y-linked ampliconic genes with extensive CNV are significantly more expressed than genes with no CNV during meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (for both X and Y) and postmeiotic sex chromosome repression (for the Y chromosome only). While we cannot rule out that the XY-linked ampliconic genes are evolving neutrally, this study gives insights into the distribution of copy number within human populations and demonstrates an extremely fast turnover in copy number of these regions.
The pattern of antibiotic resistance of pathogens isolated from urine cultures of patients referred to Yazd Central Laboratory in 2012-2013
Authors: Vakili Mahmood , Khazaei Zaher , Ayatollahi Jamshid , Khazaei Salman , Poorrahim Hamed , Goodarzi Elham , Sohrabivafa Malihe , Dehghani Seyedeh Leila , Pordanjani Sajjad Rahimi
Published: May 2018

Introduction: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the second leading cause of infection in communities. Determination of antibiotic resistance in common pathogenic bacteria is important to choose an effective treatment against a particular microbe. The aim of this study was to evaluate antibiotic resistance of pathogens isolated from urine cultures of patients referred to Yazd Central Laboratory (located in Yazd, Iran).

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted on subjects who were referred to the Central Laboratory in Yazd for urine culture testing. The data was collected from all positive urine cultures. A frequency distribution table was used for descriptive statistics; Chi-square test was used to compare subgroups. Data were analyzed using Stata software version 12 (Stata Corp LP, College Station, Texas).

Results: A total of 2014 samples of positive urine cultures were obtained during 2012-2013. Of these, 1875 (88.6%) samples were from females and 229 (11.4%) samples were from males. The prevalence of infection was most common in the age group of 50 years or older, with 594 (29.5%) cases. E. coli and Klebsiella represented 68% and 10.2% of the cases, respectively; these bacterial strains were the most prevalent in patients. The strongest antibiotic resistance in patients was towards the antibiotic ampicillin. For most of the antibiotics, the antibiotic resistance was significantly greater in males compared to females (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Resistance to antibiotics in all investigated bacteria strains was common. For both sexes, the highest antibiotic resistance occurred in patients less than 50 years of age; the resistance was towards ampicillin. For the group over 50 years of age, the greatest antibiotic resistance was towards ceftizoxime. The subject of antibiotic resistance, therefore, should be studied in further detail since antibiotic resistance has great impact on health issues, such as UTIs.
Hospitalization for Suicide Ideation or Attempt: 2008–2015
Authors: Plemmons Gregory , Hall Matthew , Doupnik Stephanie , Gay James , Brown Charlotte , Browning Whitney , Casey Robert , Freundlich Katherine , Johnson David P. , Lind Carrie , Rehm Kris , Thomas Susan , Williams Derek
Published: May 2018

OBJECTIVES:

Suicide ideation (SI) and suicide attempts (SAs) have been reported as increasing among US children over the last decade. We examined trends in emergency and inpatient encounters for SI and SA at US children’s hospitals from 2008 to 2015.

METHODS:

We used retrospective analysis of administrative billing data from the Pediatric Health Information System database.

RESULTS:

There were 115 856 SI and SA encounters during the study period. Annual percentage of all visits for SI and SA almost doubled, increasing from 0.66% in 2008 to 1.82% in 2015 (average annual increase 0.16 percentage points [95% confidence intervals (CIs) 0.15 to 0.17]). Significant increases were noted in all age groups but were higher in adolescents 15 to 17 years old (average annual increase 0.27 percentage points [95% CI 0.23 to 0.30]) and adolescents 12 to 14 years old (average annual increase 0.25 percentage points [95% CI 0.21 to 0.27]). Increases were noted in girls (average annual increase 0.14 percentage points [95% CI 0.13 to 0.15]) and boys (average annual increase 0.10 percentage points [95% CI 0.09 to 0.11]), but were higher for girls. Seasonal variation was also observed, with the lowest percentage of cases occurring during the summer and the highest during spring and fall.

CONCLUSIONS:

Encounters for SI and SA at US children’s hospitals increased steadily from 2008 to 2015 and accounted for an increasing percentage of all hospital encounters. Increases were noted across all age groups, with consistent seasonal patterns that persisted over the study period. The growing impact of pediatric mental health disorders has important implications for children’s hospitals and health care delivery systems.
Alfabetización sanitaria y factores relacionados en pacientes que acuden a consulta externa de Medicina Interna en un Hospital Nacional en Lima,Perú
Authors: Macha Quillama Luis Felipe , Samanamu Leandro Angel Eduardo , Rodriguez Hurtado Diana
Published: May 2018

Objetivo Determinar el nivel de alfabetización sanitaria en pacientes de consultorio externo de Medicina Interna de un Hospital Nacional de Lima-Perú en marzo del 2014, determinando factores asociados para una inadecuada alfabetización sanitaria.Materiales y Métodos Estudio descriptivo. Se utilizó el Short Assessment of Health Literacy for Spanish Adults (SAHLSA-50) previa validación cultural parcial: Opinión de expertos y medición del coeficiente de correlación. Posteriormente se aplicó en una muestra de 363 pacientes seleccionados mediante muestreo aleatorio simple sistematizado.Resultados Para la validación cultural parcial se modificaron 17 ítems del test original y se obtuvo el coeficiente de Pearson r=0,81. Luego de la validación cultural se aplicó el test, obteniéndose: 73,3 % mujeres, el 14,0% adultos mayores. El 52,6 % tuvo grado de instrucción secundaria. El 35,3 % están afiliados al Seguro Integral de Salud. El 15,20 % no acudió a un establecimiento de salud durante el último año. Las variables: adulto mayor, menor grado de instrucción, tener cobertura de Seguro Integral de Salud (SIS) y menor número de visitas a un establecimiento de salud en el último año tienen asociación significativa respecto a un inadecuado nivel de alfabetización sanitaria (p<0.05).Conclusiones El 34,4 % de pacientes que acudieron a consultorio externo de Medicina Interna del Hospital Nacional Arzobispo Loayza tuvieron una inadecuada alfabetización sanitaria. Variables como: adulto mayor, menor grado de instrucción, tener cobertura de SIS y no acudir a un establecimiento de salud en el último año tienen asociación significativa respecto a una inadecuada alfabetización sanitaria.
Frecuencia del síndrome metabólico y factores de riesgo en adultos con y sin diabetes mellitus e hipertensión arterial
Authors: Trujillo-Hernández Benjamín , Trujillo-Magallón Erick , Trujillo-Magallón Mariana , Brizuela-Araujo Carlos Alberto , García-Medina Miguel Adrián , González-Jiménez Mario Alberto , López-Peña Gladys Alicia , Minakata-Nieto Jorge , Rincón-Gutiérrez Luis Alberto , Tintos-Rueda Talina , Torres-Velasco Raúl , Vásquez Clemente , Guzmán-Esquivel José
Published: May 2018

Objetivo Determinar la frecuencia y factores de riesgo para Síndrome Metabólico (SM) en adultos con Diabetes mellitus, hipertensión arterial y sin diabetes-hipertensión.Material y Métodos Se realizó un estudio transversal analítico en derechohabientes de ambos sexos y mayores de 20 años de los servicios de consulta externa del HGZ No. 1 IMSS Colima, México. Las variables estudiadas fueron edad, IMC, diámetro de la cintura, grado de escolaridad, estado socioeconómico, grado de actividad física, tabaquismo, antecedentes familiares para diabetes e hipertensión arterial (HTA) y parámetros bioquímicos como glucosa, colesterol HDL, triglicéridos.Resultados Se estudiaron 417 pacientes (170 hombres y 247 mujeres), con un promedio de edad 53,2 ± 13,4 años (intervalo 20 a 86 años). La frecuencia global del SM fue del 52,3 % (56 % mujeres y 46,4 % hombres). Mientras que la frecuencia del SM fue de 50 % en DM2, 42% en HTA, 80 % DM2 + HTA y 28,2 % sin DM o HTA. La frecuencia del tabaquismo fue del 27,8 % y fue un factor de riesgo importante para la totalidad de pacientes con SM, en DM2 y en DM2+HAT.Conclusiones La frecuencia del SM en adultos fue del 52,3 %, las mujeres fueron más afectadas y el tabaquismo fue el factor de riesgo más importante.
Study of encapsulation parameters to improve content of lycopene in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) powders
Authors: Montiel-Ventura J. , Luna-Guevara J.J. , Tornero-Campante M.A. , Delgado-Alvarado A. , Luna-Guevara M.L.
Published: May 2018

The aim was to examine conditions of convective drying and spray-drying to improve preservation of lycopene content in tomatoes. The weight, size, colour, pH and °Brix values were evaluated in fresh fruit (FF) and colour (L, a, b), hue, and chrome indices were analysed from dried tomatoes, too. Tomato paste was dried (40, 50, 60, and 80 °C with times of 540, 390, 270, and 240 min) under convection conditions and pulverized. In the encapsulation treatments core material with tomato powders of 50, 60, and 70%, shell solution of maltodextrin/gum arabic 1:1, flow rate of 4, 6, 9, and 12 ml min–1, and inlet air T of 160, 170, and 180 °C were used. The physicochemical properties of FF corresponded to a degree of ripeness for consumption. The a, a/b, and hue values of dried tomatoes at 50 °C significantly correlated to red colouring and higher lycopene content (47.98±1.49 mg/100 g). The encapsulation with 50% and 60% of tomato powders, 170 °C and 9 ml min–1 treatments increased lycopene contents to 10.41 mg/100 g, 10.20 mg/100 g, and 11.51 mg/100 g, respectively. The results demonstrated that the physicochemical and functional properties were influenced by drying conditions, providing useful information for increasing the stability of lycopene in dried tomatoes.
Effects of some potassium preservatives on physiological activities of selected food borne bacteria
Authors: Mladenović K.G. , Muruzović M.Ž. , Stefanović O.D. , Žugić Petrović T.D. , Čomić Lj.R.
Published: May 2018

The antibacterial activity of potassium metabisulphite, potassium benzoate, potassium propionate, and potassium nitrate were evaluated against 15 species of bacteria using diffusion and microdilution methods. Potassium metabisulphite showed the greatest activity (MIC varied in the range of 0.78 mg ml–1 to 3.12 mg ml–1), then potassium benzoate (6.25 mg ml–1 to 12.5 mg ml–1) followed by potassium propionate and potassium nitrate (6.25 mg ml–1 to 100 mg ml–1). Effects of potassium benzoate, potassium propionate, and potassium nitrate on the sugar fermentation, the effect of potassium benzoate on cell membrane permeability and on amylolytic activity of bacteria were tested. The results indicated inhibition of fermentation, loss of intracellular macromolecules (proteins) from treated cells, and inhibition of amylolytic activity.
Ochratoxin a levels in food and beverage samples from Turkey
Authors: Gazioglu I. , Kolak U.
Published: May 2018

The current work reports the ochratoxin A (OTA) levels in 23 food (bread, dried fruit, pulse) and beverage (black tea, coffee) products commonly consumed in Turkey determined with ELISA. OTA levels in kidney bean, haricot bean, and red lentil samples from Turkey were investigated for the first time in this study. The highest OTA levels were detected in instant coffee (158.9 μg kg–1), black tea (139.5 μg kg–1), and filter coffee (118.4 μg kg–1) samples. Of the tested samples, 78.27% exceeded legal limits of OTA. These results support the existing knowledge that food and beverages should be regularly and effectively controlled to protect human health.
In vitro testing of estragole in HepG2 cells: Cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay and cell-cycle analysis
Authors: Vannini S. , Pagiotti R. , Acito M. , Levorato S. , Dominici L. , Fatigoni C. , Gianfredi V. , Moretti M. , Villarini M.
Published: May 2018

The alkenylbenzene estragole (systematic name, 1-allyl-4-methoxybenzene) is a natural component of essential oils from various spices and herbs, including fennel, and it is used as a food and beverage flavouring agent. Estragole has been reported to be hepatocarcinogenic at high doses in rodents. However, in a previous in vitro study, we found that estragole did not exhibit cytotoxic effects after 4 hours of exposure, nor did it induce DNA damage or apoptosis in human HepG2 hepatoblastoma cells. As fennel tea is widely used for symptomatic treatment of spasmodic gastrointestinal conditions in infants, we aimed at further assessing its safety in a different experimental setting. We thus searched for possible cytogenetic effects and interference with cell-cycle progression in the same human hepatoblastoma cell line. Estragole did not show any clastogenic/aneugenic activities in the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay, and no effects on cell-cycle checkpoints were observed.
The Problem with Too Much Fidelity to the Modern Synthesis When Explaining the Origins and Evolution of the Social Universe
Authors: Turner Jonathan H.
Published: May 2018

Religion emerged as a cognitive capacity and behavioral propensity by virtue of Darwinian natural selection on hominins and then humans to become more social and group oriented. The capacity to be religious is only a modest extension of the Darwinian selection on cognitive, emotional, and interpersonal propensities of all great apes and, hence, early hominins. However, other forms of natural selection need to be added to the explanation of why religion became institutionalized in early human societies, why religious organizations arise and die from competition, and why violence is so often a part of religious revolution. These additional types of natural selection do not obviate Darwinian selection on the human brain, but they become a necessary supplement to Darwinian analysis if the early institutionalization and subsequent evolution of religion are to be more fully explained.
TO THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NN BURDENKO VORONEZH STATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY. THE HISTORY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF THE PROPAEDEUTIC OF INTERNAL DISEASES
Authors: Esaulenko I. E. , Nikitin A. V. , Vasilieva L. V. , Gosteva E. V. , Starodubtseva I. A. , Karpuhina E. P. , Malukov D. А.
Published: May 2018

The article concerns the 100th anniversary of the Department of Propaedeutics of Internal Diseases at the NN Burdenko Voronezh State Medical University. There are several important stages in the formation of the department. The history of the development of the department of propaedeutics of internal diseases is inextricably linked with the formation of the Voronezh Medical University from the day of its foundation. During the last century, the department was headed by famous scientists-clinicians: Philosophov P.I., Kurshakov N.A., Gerke A.A., Ravich-Shcherbo V.A., and others. The national medicine owes to their work in the field of diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis diseases of the lungs and pleura, the clinical course of adhesive pericarditis. During the postwar periods, the department was headed by professors Tumanovsky M.N., Kobyzev A.S., Safonov Yu.D. Their contribution to the development of medical science is difficult to overestimate. The doctrine of Professor Safonov Yu.D. on the bio-hydraulic mechanism of origin of heart sounds found resonance all over the world. Since 1987 to the present time the department of propaedeutics of internal diseases is headed by Professor Nikitin A.V. known as the founder of a new scientific direction in the field of non-drug treatment methods for diseases of internal organs. For his scientific contribution, Anatoly Vladimirovich was awarded the USSR Council of Ministers Prize, and was given an Honorary title «Honored Worker of the Higher School of the Russian Federation». Professor Nikitin A.V. is a famous scientist, a clinician, and a teacher who advised on 50 candidate and 5 doctoral dissertations defended afterward.
Hand-held ultrasonography: An opportunity for “hands-on” teaching of medicine
Authors: Galusko Victor , Bodger Owen , Rees Emma , Ionescu Adrian
Published: May 2018

This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. Background: As ultrasound offers students an opportunity to study anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology actively, we used hand-held ultrasound (HHU) devices to augment current teaching of cardiac murmurs and pathology. Methods: Three types of teaching sessions (of different duration) were explored: 1) compulsory teaching on cardiac murmurs (n=40); 2) extra-curricular teaching of cardiac murmurs (n=8); 3) extra-curricular ultrasound course (n=6). We assessed students' ability to identify valvular lesions on auscultation, and anatomy and pathology on echocardiography, and sought qualitative feedback. Results: Using echocardiography to teach murmurs improved murmur recognition by auscultation alone from 23% pre-test to 93% post-test (p=0.017). Students were able to identify major cardiac anatomical landmarks on echo images (57% vs 98% (p=0.027) in the voluntary teaching session lasting 90 minutes, and 40% vs 82% (p=0.027) after the 3 week cardiac ultrasound course. The mean accuracy for diagnosing cardiac pathology on a printed image alone after the 3 week ultrasound course was 71%. Students unanimously found the sessions useful and engaging, and reported they would like further teaching about using ultrasound. Conclusion: Medical students found the sessions engaging, enjoyed this novel way of teaching and would like further teaching using ultrasound. Using hand-held ultrasound scanners to augment the teaching of cardiac murmurs to medical students is feasible and effective.
Development, production, and quality of ‘Chonto’ type tomato grafted on cherry tomato introductions
Authors: Franco Didier Alexander , Arango Juan Felipe , Hurtado-Salazar Alejandro , Ceballos-Aguirre Nelson
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACT Currently, tomato is one of the most cultivated crops worldwide, with the highest economic value, increasing its demand and, thus, its expansion, production, and trade. The tomato crop is susceptible to attack of pathogens with devastating consequences on the decline in yields from 50 to 100%. For this reason, new production methods are proposed such as grafting in wild rootstocks, which have high genetic variability and genes responsible for resistance to fungi, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of grafting commercial tomato cultivars onto cherry tomato genotypes on yield and fruit quality. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with four replications. The experimental unit consisted of four plants. spaced at 0.9 m between rows (channels), 0.30 m between double rows, and 0.4 m between plants. The treatments consisted of the combination of the following factors: three promising rootstocks (IAC391, IAC426, and LA2076), two commercial scions (Calima and Torrano), two grafting methods (cleft and splice), and two ungrafted commercial controls. Yield components, soluble solids content, percentage of fruit quality, and average fruit weight were evaluated. IAC391 was the most promising rootstock, reaching productions similar to those of the controls. The cleft grafting method, reached a success rate of 98.3%. The commercial scion Torrano stood out for achieving the highest yields.
Forage production in mixed grazing systems of elephant grass with arrowleaf clover or forage peanut
Authors: Seibt Daiane Cristine , Olivo Clair Jorge , Alessio Vinicius , Silva Aline Rodrigues , Quatrin Maurício Pase , Anjos Amanda Nunes Assis dos
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACT Most dairy production systems are pasture-based, usually consisting of sole grass species. This system facilitates pasture management, but results in high production costs, mainly because of nitrogen fertilizers. An alternative to making forage systems more sustainable is to introduce legumes into the pasture. Mixed pastures allow better forage distribution over time and reduce fertilization costs. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate, throughout the year, three forage systems (FS): FS1 (control) - elephant grass (EG), ryegrass (RG), and spontaneous species (SS); FS2 - EG + RG + SS + arrowleaf clover; and FS3 - EG + RG + SS + forage peanut. Elephant grass was planted in rows spaced 4 m apart. Ryegrass was sown between the EG lines, in the winter. Arrowleaf clover was sown according to the respective treatments and forage peanut was preserved. Evaluation was carried out using Holstein cows. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design, with three treatments (FS), and three repetitions (paddocks) with repeated measurements (grazing cycles). Forage mass achieved 3.46, 3.80, and 3.91 t ha-1 for the treatments FS1, FS2 and FS3, respectively. The forage systems intercropped with legumes produced the best results.
Adubação fosfatada no feijoeiro cultivado sob palhada de Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu
Authors: Silva João Vitor de Souza , Cruz Simério Carlos Silva , Alovisi Alessandra Mayumi Tokura , Kurihara Carlos Hissao , Xavier Warless Domingos , Martinez Matheus Andrade
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACT The application of phosphate fertilizer is indispensable for the achievement of sustainable bean production, and P is necessary practically in the entire cycle. Thus, cultural management alternatives have been used in the best use of this nutrient, among them the use of Brachiaria as cover crop. The objective of this research was to evaluate the dynamics of phosphorus in the soil with and without the presence of Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandú as cover crop, and the bean response to phosphorus fertilization. We used a randomized block design with a split plot arrangement; the plots were composed of P2O5 doses (0, 50, 100, 200, and 400 kg ha-1) via triple superphosphate; and the subplots were composed of the presence and absence of Brachiaria as previous cover crop cultivation of beans. Soil samples were taken at 15 and 30 days after sowing (DAS) bean. In the samples, phosphorus fractionation in soil was carried out by the Hedley technique. Phosphorus content was evaluated in the leaf and grain yield of bean plants. The phosphorus fertilization and cultivation of Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandú as cover crop provided changes in the levels of labile P of soil at 15 and 30 DAS bean, and labile P of soil only at 15 DAS bean. The presence of B. brizantha cv. Marandú as cover crop increases the P content in the bean leaf with consequent grain yield gain of 18%.
Phosphorus adsorption after drainage in two soil classes
Authors: Teixeira Juliana Brito da Silva , Sousa Rogério Oliveira de , Vale Marcos Lima Campos do
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACT Lowland soils, seasonally flooded for rice cultivation, feature alternate oxidation and reduction conditions, which determine intense modifications in the soil mineral solid phase and in the dynamics of highly reactive elements, such as phosphorus. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of drainage of two lowland soils (Albaqualf and Argiaquoll) after a flooding period on the maximum phosphorus adsorption capacity (MPAC). The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, and the system factor was composed of two levels: 1) flooded soil for 63 days, followed by drainage, and then humidity remained at 16% for 184 days; 2) soil moisture maintained at 16% throughout the trial period. After drainage, soil samples were collected at 0, 36, 96 and, 184 days for MPAC determination, which was performed by the adjustment of adsorption isotherms according to the Langmuir model. The behavior of MPAC after soil drainage was different for both soil classes evaluated. An immediate reduction of maximum phosphorus adsorption capacity was seen after drainage in the case of Albaqualf, while for Argiaquoll, there was a tendency to maintain higher values of MPAC after drainage, with subsequent reduction. Soil drainage after a flooding period increases de maximum phosphorus adsorption capacity, and this effect remains for approximately 163 days in Argiaquoll and 121 days in Albaqualf soils.
Digestibility and net energy prediction of rice by products determined with piglets
Authors: Schirmann Graciele Dalise , Rocha Leonardo Tombesi da , Muniz Henrique da Costa Mendes , Kunzler Josué Sebastiany , Kuhn Micheli Faccin , Oliveira Vladimir de
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to determine the chemical composition, digestibility, and net energy (NE) of broken rice (BRR), stabilized rice bran (SRB), and parboiled rice bran (PRB) for piglets. Two digestibility trials were performed with 12 and 18 male pigs with initial weights of 8 and 16kg, respectively. We performed total fecal collection using ferric oxide as fecal marker. The digestibility coefficients of organic matter, crude protein, and gross energy were higher (P<0.001) for the BRR compared to the SRB and PRB. The PRB presented a digestible energy 2% lower than that of BR and 5% higher than that of SRB. For BRR, average NE value was 3,228kcal/kg dry matter (DM), and the difference between the lower and higher value was 311kcal/kg DM. Average NE values of SRB and PRB were 2,896 and 3,293kcal/kgDM, respectively. The difference between the energy predicted by each equation reached 190kcal/kgDM for SRB and 285kcal/kgDM for PRB. In conclusion, BRR showed higher nutrient digestibility coefficients, except for EE and GE, which can be attributed to differences in the production processes. Regardless of the type of feedstuff tested, equations to predict NE values should be used carefully due to considerable differences in energy content.
Mandala de avaliação: oferta de um instrumento para realização de processos avaliativos no Apoio Institucional
Authors: Barros Rebeca Silva de , Pereira Maria José Bistafa , Santos Claudia Benedita dos
Published: May 2018

O Apoio Institucional (AI), estratégia metodológica para a cogestão, surge como inovação para ampliação da democracia institucional no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), sendo experimentada nos níveis municipal, estadual e federal. A revisão de literatura identificou lacunas na publicação científica relacionada a: formação, acompanhamento, supervisão e avaliação do processo de trabalho de apoiadores institucionais. Este artigo apresenta a Mandala de Avaliação como instrumento para realização de processos avaliativos no AI com vistas à produção de diálogo entre os trabalhadores e a gestão. Este instrumento alicerçado na Educação Permanente em Saúde, na Avaliação Apreciativa e na gestão participativa, propõe pistas para o processo avaliativo, orientação e Educação Permanente de apoiadores institucionais. A construção deste instrumento permitiu definir os atributos para avaliar a função Apoio: observação e escuta; porosidade; capacidade de negociação; proposição de ofertas; ativação de espaços coletivos e trabalho em equipe.
ALTERAÇÕES CLÍNICAS E LABORATORIAIS COMO INDICADORES PARA O TRATAMENTO ANTI-HELMÍNTICO EM OVINOS EXPERIMENTALMENTE INFECTADOS COM Haemonchus contortus
Authors: Hupp Bárbara Nascimento Lemos , Novaes Marcelle Temporim , Martins Marcela Santos Sena , Hupp Adriano Conti , Trivilin Leonardo Oliveira , Martins Isabella Vilhena Freire
Published: May 2018

Resumo A intensidade da anemia e hipoproteinemia são indicadores da gravidade da hemoncose. Este estudo objetivou verificar as alterações de peso, hematócrito e proteína plasmática, bem como a carga parasitária que indiquem a necessidade de intervenção anti-helmíntica em ovinos experimentalmente infectados com Haemonchus contortus. Foram utilizados 14 ovinos machos mestiços Santa Inês, 42,5 (±7,5) Kg, livres de nematoides, divididos em dois grupos contendo sete animais cada. Os animais do grupo infectado receberam 10.000 larvas de H. contortus cada. Todos os animais foram acompanhados aos 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56, 63 e 70 dias pós-infecção e avaliados segundo os parâmetros: OPG, Famacha©, peso, proteínas plasmáticas totais e hematócrito. No grupo infectado, o OPG variou e atingiu seu ápice aos 42 dias de acompanhamento, o hematócrito foi significativamente menor a partir da infecção experimental, o escore Famacha© variou de 1 a 2 e significativamente maior aos 21, 28, 35 e 42 dias, não houve alteração no nível de proteína plasmática nem no peso corpóreo em relação ao grupo controle. A infecção com até 10.000 larvas de H. contortus e OPG até 2500 não afeta significativamente o peso, hematócrito e proteína plasmática de ovinos mestiços Santa Inês, não havendo necessidade de intervenção anti-helmíntica.
Phytochemical analysis and botanical origin of Apis mellifera bee pollen from the municipality of Canavieiras, Bahia State, Brazil
Authors: Negri Giuseppina , Barreto Lidia Maria Ruv Carelli , Sper Fábia Lugli , Carvalho Claudemir de , Campos Maria das Graças Ribeiro
Published: May 2018

Abstract An Apis mellifera bee pollen sample from Bahia state in Brazil was studied to evaluate its botanical origin and phytochemical composition. The bee pollen sample was collected in the municipality of Canavieiras, in an area with a very high predominance of Cocos nucifera L (Aracaceae), which was identified as the major taxon (99%), thus being the possible botanical origin of this pollen. The main constituents found in the non-polar extract analysed by GC-EI-MS were saturated fatty acids and long chain esters, together with phytosterols such as ergosta-5,24(28)-dien-3-ol, campesterol and sitosterol, detected in smaller quantities. Flavonoid glycosides, as well as hydroxycinnamic acid amide derivatives were detected in the polar extract analysed by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. The presence of flavonoid glycosides, hydroxycinnamic acid amide derivatives, fatty acids and phytosterols have been reported in many bee pollen taxa. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study of the chemical composition of bee pollen from C. nucifera , which is cultivated for its coconut fruit.
Letramento em saúde e autopercepção de saúde em adultos usuários da atenção primária
Authors: Marques Suzana Raquel Lopes , Escarce Andrezza Gonzalez , Lemos Stela Maris Aguiar
Published: May 2018

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar a associação entre o letramento em saúde, determinantes sociais e autopercepção da saúde em adultos usuários da Atenção Primária à Saúde. Método Estudo observacional analítico transversal no qual foram entrevistados 380 usuários do Sistema Único de Saúde no contexto da Atenção Primária à Saúde. A amostra foi probabilística, estratificada por gênero, faixa etária e Unidade Básica de Saúde. O letramento em saúde foi avaliado por meio de instrumento de análise da percepção de adultos sobre o entendimento de orientações em saúde e possíveis dificuldades nesse processo (Escala de Letramento em Saúde). Foram realizadas análises descritivas e de associação (teste Qui quadrado de Pearson, p≤0,05). Resultados Verificou-se que a maioria dos entrevistados pertence às classes C1 e C2 e cursou o ensino médio. Quanto à autopercepção da saúde, considerar-se saudável e com boa saúde foram as percepções predominantes. Na Escala de Letramento em Saúde, verificou-se que a maior parte dos usuários relatou nunca apresentar dificuldades nas situações desse instrumento, exceto compreensão de orientações por escrito. Observou-se associação com significância estatística da melhor percepção de letramento em saúde com maior escolaridade e classificação econômica, bem como com a autopercepção da saúde boa. Conclusão Houve associação estatística entre letramento em saúde, determinantes sociais e autopercepção da saúde nos adultos avaliados. Ressalta-se a contribuição da Escala de letramento em saúde por enfatizar a percepção de dificuldades nas situações cotidianas da saúde. Faz-se necessário desenvolver relações dialógicas que construam processos comunicativos robustos entre equipe e usuário para favorecer as habilidades de letramento em saúde.
Fertilization of high-yield corn with poultry litter based on nitrogen doses
Authors: Corrêa Juliano Corulli , Grohskopf Marco André , Rebellatto Agostinho , Rigo Amanda Zolet , Coldebella Arlei
Published: May 2018

Abstract: The objective of this work was to recommend nitrogen doses from poultry litter-based organic fertilizers in powder and pellet forms, compared with mineral fertilizer, in a high-yield corn crop under no-tillage. The treatments consisted of a 3×3+1 factorial arrangement, with: three fertilizers, two organic derived from poultry litter in powder (OPo) and pelletized (OPe) forms and one mineral fertilizer (M); three N doses of 65, 100, and 135% of the recommended N requirement for corn; and an unfertilized control. After five corn crops farmed under no-tillage in a Rhodic Kandiudox, the recommended doses for fertilization with poultry litter organic fertilizers, with an expected yield equal to or greater than 8,000 kg ha-1, could be achieved from doses of 100 kg ha-1 N in OPe and M and of 121 kg ha-1 N in OPo. Increasing doses of the OPe, OPo, and M fertilizers raise the contents of organic carbon, N, and available P in the surface soil layer (0.0-0.1 m) and of exchangeable K up to a depth of 0.2 m, allowing to obtain N, P, and K contents in the plant tissue within the sufficiency range of the corn crop.