bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reference values for selected ophthalmic tests of the blue-and-yellow macaw (Ara ararauna)
Authors: Falcão Mário Sérgio A. , Monteiro Rafael V. , Carvalho Clarissa M. , Andrade Hudson H. de , Galera Paula D.
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to establish reference values for selected ophthalmic diagnostic tests in healthy blue-and-yellow macaws. We investigated a total of 35 adult macaws (70 eyes) of undetermined sex and with an average weight of 1 kg, who were living in captivity in the Federal District, Brazil. Tear production using the Schirmer tear test (STT), normal conjunctival flora, intraocular pressure (IOP) using a rebound tonometer and horizontal palpebral fissure length (HPFL) were evaluated. In this study, 84.1% of samples were positive for microbial growth. Bacteria, fungi and yeasts were isolated, and Staphylococcus spp. (21.9%) and Bacillus spp. (26.8%) were the most frequently isolated microorganisms. The mean value for STT was 7.6±4.6mm/min in the right eye (OD) and 6.6±4.4mm/min in the left eye (OS) (median = 7,11±0,76mm/min). Mean IOP was 11.4±2.5mm Hg OD and 11.6±1.8mm Hg OS (median = 11.49±0.22mm Hg), prior to anesthesia, and 7.6±2.4mm Hg OD and 7.8±1.8mm Hg OS (median 7.71±0.08mmHg) after anesthesia. The IOP was significantly lower when the animals were under anesthesia as compared to when they were conscious (p≤0.05). Horizontal palpebral fissure length was 11.7±0.1mm OD and 11.8±0.1mm OS (median = 11.72±0.07mm). The STT showed a positive correlation with palpebral fissure measurement for this species. These selected ophthalmic reference values will be particularly useful in diagnosing pathological changes in the eyes of blue-and-yellow macaws.
Lipid content and cryotolerance of in vitro-produced bovine embryos treated with forskolin before vitrification
Authors: Meneghel Melissa , Dall’Acqua Priscila Chediek , Ambrogi Marcela , Leão Beatriz C.S. , Rocha-Frigoni Nathália A.S. , Mingoti Gisele Z.
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACT: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the intracytoplasmic lipid content, development and cryotolerance of in vitro-produced bovine embryos treated with different concentrations of forskolin before vitrification. Embryos were produced from abattoir-derived ovaries and allocated into four groups. In the treatment groups, forskolin was added to the in vitro culture medium on Day 6 and incubated for 24 hours in one of the following concentrations: 2.5μM (Forsk 2.5 group), 5.0μM (Forsk 5.0 group) or 10.0μM (Forsk 10.0 group). Embryos from the control group were cultured without forskolin. On Day 7 of culture, the expanded blastocysts were stained with the lipophilic dye Sudan Black B for determination of the intracytoplasmic lipid content or were cryopreserved via the Vitri-Ingá® procedure. Although there were no significant differences (P>0.05) in the blastocyst rates between the Control group (44.9%) and the other treatments, the embryo production was lower (P<0.05) in Forsk 10.0 group (38.8%) compared to Forsk 2.5 (50.5%) and Forsk 5.0 (54.7%) groups. The intracytoplasmic lipid content (expressed in arbitrary units of pixels) in blastocysts from the Control group (1.00±0.03) was similar (P>0.05) to that found in Forsk 2.5 (0.92±0.03) and Forsk 10.0 groups (1.06±0.03) groups; however the lipid accumulation in blastocysts from Forsk 5.0 group (0.82±0.04) was lower than in the Control group (P<0.05). Based on these results, Forsk 5.0 treatment was tested for cryotolerance and it was observed that the blastocoel re-expansion rate evaluated 24 hours after warming was greater (P<0.05) in Forsk 5.0 group (72.2%) compared to the Control group (46.2%). In conclusion, pre-treatment with forskolin at a concentration of 5.0 μM for 24 hours before vitrification is effective in reducing the intracytoplasmic lipid content and, consequently, improves cryotolerance of IVP bovine embryos.
Comparative hematological analysis of Morada Nova and Santa Inês ewes in all reproductive stages
Authors: Bezerra Leílson R. , Oliveira Wagner D.C. , Silva Tairon P.D. , Torreão Jacira N.C. , Marques Carlo A.T. , Araújo Marcos J. , Oliveira Ronaldo L.
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACT: Hematologic analysis provides reliable information on the health status of animals. It is an important variable in the assessment of adaptive and productive capacity of breeds under unfavorable environmental conditions. It is an assessment that combined with other genetic and environmental factors and management can become useful for the future sustainability of mainstream agriculture in a hot environment. Adaptive capacity is affected by some factors such as breed, pregnancy and lactation. Therefore, hematological profile is an important indicator of animal health and production. The objective of this study was to perform the comparative hematological analysis of Santa Inês and Morada Nova breeds (native ewes from Brazil) in all different reproductive stages. Twenty Santa Ines and 20 Morada Nova sheep distributed in a completely randomized design in a split-plot arrangement over time were used. To obtain blood counts, blood samples were collected by jugular venipuncture every 14 days, always in the morning, before the animals were released into the pasture. The Morada Nova breed had higher hemoglobin and total leukocyte count than Santa Inês breed. Regarding the influence of pregnancy and puerperium on the eritrogram, there was an increment in red blood cell, hemoglobin and packed cell volume of both breeds in middle pregnancy. However, had a reduction in late pregnancy. There were a reestablishment of the blood cell counts during the puerperium period. It was verified an increase on neutrophil: lymphocyte ratio indicated that ewes in the late pregnancy, postpartum and puerperium were under stress conditions compared to others reproductive stages. The total plasma proteins also increased during this period to compensate for the high nutritional requirements of the fetus, and these levels remained high until the end of the puerperal phase, when the lambs were weaned. The pregnancy and puerperium influenced all erythrocyte indices and changed the total leukocyte count.
Características ultrassonográficas de fígado, vesícula biliar, rins, vesícula urinária e jejuno em coelhos jovens e adultos
Authors: Silva Kassy G. da , Nascimento Lígia V. , Tasqueti Ubirajara I. , Andrade Carla de , Froes Tilde R. , Sotomaior Cristina S.
Published: August 2017

RESUMO: O presente trabalho descreveu características e comparou mensurações do fígado, vesícula biliar, rins, vesícula urinária e jejuno de coelhos da raça Nova Zelândia Branco (NZB) jovens e adultos. O grupo dos jovens foi composto por 39 coelhos de ambos os sexos (20 machos e 19 fêmeas), desmamados aos 30-31 dias de idade, sendo as avaliações realizadas aos 35, 56 e 77 dias de idade. O grupo dos adultos foi composto por 23 fêmeas e 15 machos, com idade superior a 6 meses, sendo realizada uma avaliação ultrassonográfica por animal. O exame consistiu na avaliação do fígado, vesícula biliar, rins direito e esquerdo, jejuno e vesícula urinária. Todos os animais foram pesados antes dos exames. O peso médio dos animais aumentou (p<0,05) dos 35 dias até a idade adulta. Tanto nos adultos quanto nos jovens, o fígado apresentou-se predominantemente isoecogênico ao rim direito e com textura homogênea. A vesícula biliar apresentou-se em formato ovoide alongado, variando de piriforme à amendoado, com conteúdo anecogênico, não sendo visível em 2,6% dos coelhos jovens e em 26,3% dos adultos. O comprimento e a largura da vesícula biliar nas idades de 35, 56, 77 dias e adultos foram: 1,06 e 0,39; 1,44 e 0,53; 1,41 e 0,58; 1,57 e 0,67cm, respectivamente. Considerando jovens e adultos, as mensurações da vesícula biliar e dos rins esquerdo e direito apresentaram correlação positiva (p<0,05) com o peso. Os rins apresentaram-se no formato de elipse e com superfície regular, com aumento (p<0,05) dos 35 dias à idade adulta. Houve correlação positiva (p<0,05) entre os volumes renais direito e esquerdo. A descrição da vesícula urinária mais encontrada (86%) foi a com conteúdo anecogênico, com pequenas estruturas ecogênicas livres no lúmen, tanto em jovens quanto em adultos. Não houve diferença (p>0,05) da espessura das camadas do jejuno entre as idades, apresentando média de 0,23 cm para todos os animais. Estes são os primeiros dados brasileiros de características ultrassonográficas de fígado, vesícula biliar, rins, jejuno e vesícula urinária para coelhos NZB de 35, 56 e 77 dias de vida e adultos.
PHYTOSOCIOLOGICAL SURVEY OF WEED PLANTS IN INTERCROPS OF COMMON BEANS AND CASTOR BEANS
Authors: SANTOS F.L.S. , TEIXEIRA I.R. , TIMOSSI P.C. , SILVÉRIO J.G.D. , BENETT C.G.S.
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACT The aim of this paper was to conduct the phytosociological survey of weeds in cultivated areas with common beans and castor beans in the municipality of Ipameri, in the Southeast region of the State of Goiás, considering intercropping and monoculture. The survey was conducted 20 days after emergence of the crop using the square inventory method. We evaluated the green and dry biomass of weeds, their leaf area, frequencies, density and absolute and relative dominance, relative importance and similarity index, expressed as a percentage. Sixteen weed species were identified, distributed into 10 botanical families. The most important weed species in the Southeast region of Goiás for the cultivation of common beans and castor beans were: Cenchrus echinatus, Euphorbia heterophylla, Alternanthera tenella, Eleusine indica and Urochloa decumbens. The weed community shows a high level of similarity between intercropping and monoculture for castor bean and common bean crops.
ESTIMATING YIELD LOSSES AND ECONOMIC THRESHOLD LEVEL OF Parthenium hysterophorus IN FORAGE SORGHUM
Authors: ASIF M. , AYUB M. , TANVEER A. , AKHTAR J.
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACT A field trial was conducted for two consecutive years to evaluate the effect of different parthenium densities (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 plants m-2) on the yield and yield components of forage sorghum along with parthenium economic threshold level. The experiment was laid out during the summer in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Different parthenium densities reduced yield and yield components of forage sorghum, as the parthenium density increased significant decline in yield and yield components. The highest parthenium density (16 plants m-2) reduced plant height by 17.19% and 15.32%, stem diameter by 31.79% and 28.10%, leaf area per plant by 18.88% and 10.16%, leaf to stem ratio by 51.01% and 45.03% and fresh fodder yield by 24.97% and 26.49% throughout 2013 and 2014, respectively. Parthenium relative competitive index (RCI), dry weight and nutrient uptake (NPK) also increased as parthenium density increased. The suggested economic threshold level of parthenium was 2.2 and 1.6 plants m-2 in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Thus, control the parthenium at this density level is suggested for achieving high yield of good quality sorghum fodder.
EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ON SEED GERMINATION AND EMERGENCE OF GLYPHOSATE RESISTANT AND SUSCEPTIBLE SOURGRASS
Authors: MARTINS J.F. , BARROSO A.A.M. , ALVES P.L.C.A.
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACT Sourgrass is one of the most problematic weeds of Brazil. It is an aggressive species in the allocation of resources from the environment and reported to be glyphosate resistant in several states of the country. This work has aimed to verify environmental effects on seed germination and seedling emergence of sourgrass. Laboratory and field trials were conducted to determine the effects of temperature, light, photoperiod, water availability and depth of burial in germination and emergence of seeds. The maximum germination was greater than 80% for seed originated from resistant plants between 15 and 30 oC. For the susceptible ones, the maximum germination occurred only at 30 oC. Germination occurred for both biotypes independent of the presence of light. The best photoperiod for germination of both biotypes was between 8 and 14 hours. Seeds originated from resistant plants showed higher germination levels at low temperatures in the presence of light and in less water availability. There was no germination from -0,8 MPa for both biotypes. The emergence for both biotypes was low, indicating that seed burial could be used in the management of the species. Seeds from resistant plants showed higher and larger germination in temperatures, water content and depth of burial ranges than from originated from susceptible plants.
BIOEFFICACY OF A COMMON WEED Datura metel AGAINST Colletotrichum gloeosporioides
Authors: KARIM M. , JABEEN K. , IQBAL S. , JAVAID A.
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACT Mango (Mangifera indica) is one of the most important trees grown mainly in the tropical and subtropical countries. Anthracnose disease caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, is the most damaging disease causing reduction of flower set and yield losses in mango. The present study was designed to evaluate antifungal activity of Datura metel extracts against C. gloeosporioides. Extracts (1% to 3%) of different parts of D. metel viz. leaves, seeds and roots were assessed for their antifungal potential. Methanolic seed extract of D. metel depicted the highest antifungal potential against the test fungus. All the applied concentrations effectively reduced growth of the test fungus. However, 1.5% conc. of methanolic seeds extract showed maximum reduction (80%) in comparison with control. This extract was further subjected to fractionation using various organic solvents viz. n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol. Chloroform fraction was proved to be the best for the inhibition of the target fungus that was analyzed by GC-MS and various bioactive constituents like n-hexadecanoic acid, phytol, octadecanoic acid, oleic acid, o-xylene and cyclohexanol were identified.
STRUCTURAL EVALUATION OF DAMAGE CAUSED BY HERBICIDE CLOMAZONE IN LEAVES OF ARBORESCENT SPECIES NATIVE TO BRAZIL
Authors: CABRAL C.M. , SANTOS J.B. , FERREIRA E.A. , COSTA S.S.D. , DALVI V.C. , FRANCINO D.M.T.
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACT Herbicide clomazone is highly soluble in water, which increases the risk of leaching, resulting in contamination of sources of groundwater and waterways, affecting non-target organisms, with possible degradation of riparian areas. The objective of this work was to investigate the possible anatomical modifications of the leaf tissue of twelve arborescent species native to Brazil grown in soil contaminated by clomazone, in order to microscopically characterize leaf damage caused by the herbicide, and investigate whether the structural damage precedes visible damage. Through micro morphometrics, the thickness and the area occupied by the tissues were measured in a cross section of the leaves of the forest species: adaxial and abaxial epidermis, palisade and spongy parenchyma. It has been found that the species evaluated were affected by the presence of the pesticide in the soil, and the variable with the largest negative changes was the spongy parenchyma. Among the species, Inga marginata, Schizolobium parahyba and Handroantus. serratifolius had higher tolerance to the herbicide, demonstrating potential for studies on the mechanism by which these plants exert such tolerance. Overall, the results revealed that the forest species studied demonstrate significant alterations in leaf anatomy in response to the presence of residues of herbicide clomazone in the soil, even in leaves with no visible lesions.
GC-MS ANALYSIS AND ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY OF METHANOLIC ROOT EXTRACT OF Chenopodium album AGAINST Sclerotium rolfsii
Authors: ALI A. , JAVAID A. , SHOAIB A.
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACT Sclerotium rolfsii is a soil-borne fungal plant pathogen that causes diseases in more than 500 plant species. Chemical fungicides used to control this disease cause environmental pollution, therefore, plant derived compounds can be used as alternative to synthetic fungicides to reduce environmental pollution. Chenopodium album is a weed of family Chenopodiaceae that is used as food and also has medicinal importance. In the present study, antifungal activity of methanolic root extract of C. album was evaluated against S. rolfsii using six concentrations viz. 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 g 100 mL-1 amended in malt extract as growth medium. All the root extract concentrations significantly reduced fungal biomass by 15-58% over control. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of the methanolic root extract of C. album was performed. Six compounds were identified in methanolic root extract through GC-MS analysis. The most abundant compound was 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, mono(2-ethylhexyl) ester (58.56%) followed by 9-octadecenoic acid (Z)-, methyl ester (12.75%) and 9-octadecenoic acid (Z)-, methyl ester (10.27%), which might be responsible for antifungal activity of methanolic root extract of C. album.
Tests on composite beams using new connections by adherence
Authors: Diógenes Hidelbrando J. F. , El Debs Ana Lúcia H. C. , Valente Isabel B.
Published: August 2017

Cast-in-place concrete is often the cheapest solution in the context of conventional construction. However, prefabrication presents advantages in terms of execution time, quality of the structural elements and cost. The association of precast concrete elements and steel sections in a composite element can thus result in a high-quality structure that is executed with greater speed and economical in both financial and material resources. Currently, steel to concrete composite connections are not completely adapted to prefabricated slabs and the use of connections by adhesion, interlocking and friction seem quite promising. To improve knowledge in this field, this paper presents the development of full–scale flexural tests of composite beams using new interfaces for these connections, and the results of these are interpreted and discussed. For comparison purposes, two beams with cast-in-place slabs were tested. Satisfactory behaviour in terms of strength was observed in both cases investigated (cast-in-place and precast slab), justifying further studies on the subject.
Serum Iron Protects from Renal Postischemic Injury
Authors: Vaugier Céline , Amano Mariane T. , Chemouny Jonathan M. , Dussiot Michael , Berrou Claire , Matignon Marie , Ben Mkaddem Sanae , Wang Pamella H.M. , Fricot Aurélie , Maciel Thiago T. , Grapton Damien , Mathieu Jacques R.R. , Beaumont Carole , Peraldi Marie-Noëlle , Peyssonnaux Carole , Mesnard Laurent , Daugas Eric , Vrtovsnik François , Monteiro Renato C. , Hermine Olivier , Ginzburg Yelena Z. , Benhamou Marc , Camara Niels O.S. , Flamant Martin , Moura Ivan C.
Published: August 2017

Renal transplants remain a medical challenge, because the parameters governing allograft outcome are incompletely identified. Here, we investigated the role of serum iron in the sterile inflammation that follows kidney ischemia-reperfusion injury. In a retrospective cohort study of renal allograft recipients (n=169), increased baseline levels of serum ferritin reliably predicted a positive outcome for allografts, particularly in elderly patients. In mice, systemic iron overload protected against renal ischemia-reperfusion injury–associated sterile inflammation. Furthermore, chronic iron injection in mice prevented macrophage recruitment after inflammatory stimuli. Macrophages cultured in high-iron conditions had reduced responses to Toll-like receptor-2, -3, and -4 agonists, which associated with decreased reactive oxygen species production, increased nuclear localization of the NRF2 transcription factor, increased expression of the NRF2-related antioxidant response genes, and limited NF-κB and proinflammatory signaling. In macrophage-depleted animals, the infusion of macrophages cultured in high-iron conditions did not reconstitute AKI after ischemia-reperfusion, whereas macrophages cultured in physiologic iron conditions did. These findings identify serum iron as a critical protective factor in renal allograft outcome. Increasing serum iron levels in patients may thus improve prognosis of renal transplants.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Fibrotic Kidney
Authors: Morrell Glen R. , Zhang Jeff L. , Lee Vivian S.
Published: August 2017

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been used for many years for anatomic evaluation of the kidney. Recently developed methods attempt to go beyond anatomy to give information about the health and function of the kidneys. Several methods, including diffusion-weighted MRI, renal blood oxygen level–dependent MRI, renal MR elastography, and renal susceptibility imaging, show promise for providing unique insight into kidney function and severity of fibrosis. However, substantial limitations in accuracy and practicality limit the immediate clinical application of each method. Further development and improvement are necessary to achieve the ideal of a noninvasive image-based measure of renal fibrosis. Our brief review provides a short explanation of these emerging MRI methods and outlines the promising initial results obtained with each as well as current limitations and barriers to clinical implementation.
Kidney Disease in HIV: Moving beyond HIV-Associated Nephropathy
Authors: Jotwani Vasantha , Atta Mohamed G. , Estrella Michelle M.
Published: August 2017

In developed countries, remarkable advances in antiretroviral therapy have transformed HIV infection into a chronic condition. As a result, HIV-associated nephropathy, the classic HIV-driven kidney lesion among individuals of African descent, has largely disappeared in these regions. However, HIV-positive blacks continue to have much higher rates of ESRD than HIV-positive whites, which could be attributed to the APOL1 renal risk variants. Additionally, HIV-positive individuals face adverse consequences beyond HIV itself, including traditional risk factors for CKD and nephrotoxic effects of antiretroviral therapy. Concerns for nephrotoxicity also extend to HIV-negative individuals using tenofovir disoproxil fumarate–based pre-exposure prophylaxis for the prevention of HIV infection. Therefore, CKD remains an important comorbid condition in the HIV-positive population and an emerging concern among HIV-negative persons receiving pre-exposure prophylaxis. With the improved longevity of HIV-positive individuals, a kidney transplant has become a viable option for many who have progressed to ESRD. Herein, we review the growing knowledge regarding the APOL1 renal risk variants in the context of HIV infection, antiretroviral therapy–related nephrotoxicity, and developments in kidney transplantation among HIV-positive individuals.
Doping in Sport and the Law, edited by Ulrich Haas and Deborah Healey. Oxford: Hart Publishing Ltd, 2016, 344 pp (£80.00 hardback). ISBN: 9781509905881
Authors: Rees Jonathan H. L.
Published: August 2017

A review of the recently published book: Doping in Sport and the Law, edited by Ulrich Haas and Deborah Healey. Oxford: Hart Publishing Ltd. In the context of sports law and sports governance and of scholarly work on doping in sport in general the author assesses the book’s contribution to the understanding of legal issues relevant to anti-doping in general notably the WADA Code.
Trust in the West or «West-Pakete» from the GDR?!Consumption of East German Clothing by Soviet Women in the Brezhnev Era
Authors: Tikhomirova Anna
Published: August 2017

Trust in the West or «West-Pakete» from the GDR?! Consumption of East German Clothing by Soviet Women in the Brezhnev Era

The article aims to challenge the widespread assumption in the historiography that, in the Brezhnev era, the «trickle-down» of Western fashion into the USSR undermined not only consumers’ trust in Soviet goods, but also trust in the «Soviet» itself. However, the overwhelming majority of studies explicitly consider only capitalist countries the «West». These studies fail to take into account the mediated «trickling down» of the West into the Soviet Union through consumer goods imported from socialist states such as the GDR. In my article, I argue that this phenomenon can be seen as one of the stabilising mechanisms that allowed Soviet civilisation to function. Drawing primarily on oral history interviews that I conducted and memoirs written by Soviet women of the «last Soviet generation» (A. Yurchak), I identify channels, dimensions, levels and functions of trust-building in the everyday practices of both imaginary and actual consumption of East German goods. One of the key symbolic connotations of Soviet consumers’ trust in fashion made in the GDR was «trust in the West». This trust also comprised «trust in the typical German virtues» and «trust in proper socialism». The latter type of trust indicates that the political dimension of trust in commodities made in the GDR cannot be reduced to distrust in the actual Soviet state; instead, this distrust coexisted with trust in the ideal-theoretical version of a socialist society.
The State as a Family: Speaking Kinship, Being Soviet and Reinventing Tradition in the USSR
Authors: Tikhomirov Alexey
Published: August 2017

Only by striving to understand the alien behavior of a remote time and place can one hope to understand whence we have come and how much of the past still lives unrecognized within us. Edward Muir 2
Sustainable development and the nature of environmental legal principles
Authors: Verschuuren J
Published: August 2017

In this article, “things” lawyers call “principles” of environmental law will be discussed from a theoretical perspective. Three fundamental questions are answered: 1. Where does the high moral value that is usually attributed principles come from? 2. What is the exact difference between a principle and a legal rule, and between a principle and a policy? 3. What is the relationship between a principle and more concrete legal rules and policies?  

 

It is argued that principles of environmental law receive their high moral value from the ideal of sustainable development. An ideal is a value that is explicit, implicit or latent in the law, or the public and moral culture of a society or group that usually cannot be fully realised, and that partly transcends contingent, historical formulations, and implementations in terms of rules and principles. Principles form a necessary link between directly applicable and enforceable environmental legal rules and the underlying ideal. They are a necessary medium for ideals to find their way into concrete rules and can be used to bridge the gap between the morality of duty and the morality of aspiration.  

 

Because of their basis in (written or unwritten) law and their possible direct and intense influence on legal rules concerning activities that may harm the environment, they must be placed within the morality of duty: a bridgehead within the morality of duty reaching out for the morality of aspiration. From the general function of principles of forming a beachhead in the morality of duty, nine more concrete functions can be derived. These functions principles, both of a substantive and of a procedural nature, have, make it possible to distinguish them from legal rules.
Study of clinical effects of aspartame in sickle cell disease and sickle cell crisis
Authors: Gosavi Rajesh V. , Aher Mahesh U.
Published: August 2017

Background: Sickle cell disease is the commonest heritable hematologic abnormality affecting humans and is highly prevalent in central India. Aspartame is the only agent that can prevent sickling tested in-vitro and in-vivo so far. With the available data being relatively scarce, this study aims to study the efficacy of aspartame in sickle cell crisis and sickle cell disease.Methods: Forty cases and controls each were selected as per predefined criteria. Controls were treated with standard therapy of analgesics, IV fluids, antibiotics and oxygen, if needed. Cases were treated with oral aspartame in addition to standard therapy. Clinical grading was done before respective treatment in both cases and controls and comparisons were drawn.Results: 78.9% cases and 66% controls were pain free at the end of 72 hours; with p-value of 0.093, which is statistically insignificant. 78.7% cases (n=33) and 64.4% controls (n=33) with SS pattern had grade 0 pain at the end of 72 hours, results being statistically insignificant. 81% cases (n=7) and 75% controls (n=7) with AS pattern had grade 0 pain at the end of 72 hours, which was similar in both groups with statistically insignificant p-value of 0.753.Conclusions: Oral Aspartame as an add-on therapy to standard therapy for vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell disease appears to have better response than standard therapy alone.
Study of thyroid dysfunction in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Gosavi Rajesh V. , Mishal Bhushan R.
Published: August 2017

Background: The association of autoimmune thyroid disease with type 1 diabetes mellitus has been well documented across populations, with it being most prevalent immunological disease in patients with type 1 diabetes. The aim of this study was to ascertain the association between type 1 diabetes and thyroid dysfunction clinically, biochemically and immunologically.Methods: Serum TSH, free T3 and free T4 values were compared between cases of type 1 diabetes mellitus and non-diabetic age and sex matched controls. Cases of type 1 diabetes mellitus were further divided in two groups, depending upon the presence or absence of antibodies against thyroid peroxidase (Anti-TPO antibodies). Mean serum TSH, free T3, free T4 levels were compared between these two groups to find or refute any association.Results: Abnormal thyroid function was reported in total 6 (14.63%) cases. Comparison of TSH, T3 and T4 levels showed statistically insignificant differences (p<0.05) in TSH levels (µIU/ml) (Cases- 3.44±2.41, controls- 3.34±0.78); T3 levels (pg/ml) (cases- 3.31±1.06, controls- 3.36±0.52) and T4 levels (ng/dl) (cases- 0.92±0.31, controls- 0.95±0.23). Total of 6 cases (14.63%) cases of type 1 diabetes mellitus were positive for anti-TPO antibodies (4- females, 2- males).Conclusions: Thyroid dysfunction is more common amongst type 1 diabetics, especially females. Estimation of anti-TPO antibodies is valuable in detecting thyroid dysfunction in type 1 diabetics.
Clinical benefits of surgical management of concha bullosa
Authors: Mehta Kulwinder Singh , Yousuf Aamir , Wazir Iftikhar Ali , Sideeq Kouser
Published: August 2017

Background: Concha bullosa is a common anatomical variation in nasal cavity, responsible for headache, Rhinogenic origin is an important cause for headache wrongly managed now a day, which may be treated by medical or surgical intervention, proper diagnosis and patient’s selection is very important to achieve good results with surgery of CB. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and assess the clinical benefits outcome results of our endoscopic turbinoplasty technique for CB.

Methods: This study was done in SMHS GMC Srinagar for a period of one year and about 30 patients with mild/moderate DNS and associated CB with symptoms of facial pain, head ache, nasal obstruction, anosmia, recurrent rhinitis were selected for surgical management and symptoms assessment was done using VAS.  

Results: The 30 patient group with 1: 1 male: female ratio predominatly in 3rd decade of life presented with nasal obstruction more on concha bullosa side, 26 with facial pain and 27 patients with head ache and nasal obstruction, anosmia/hyposmia in 20 and recurrent rhinitis in 26. There was statistical significant benefit on symptoms score in patients managed with endoscopic chonchoplasty.

Conclusions: The endoscopic turbinoplasty is safe and efficacious procedure for concha bullosa and is causuative factor for rhinogenic origin of headache and facial pain.
Results of management of spinal tuberculosis according to middle path regime and short course chemotheraphy
Authors: Jagiasi Jairam D. , Patel Mihir R.
Published: August 2017

Background: Vertebral tuberculosis is the most common form of skeletal tuberculosis and it contributes about 50 percent of all cases of skeletal tuberculosis. The purpose of this study is to delineate the importance of middle path regime and short course chemotheraphy in the management of spine tuberculosis.

Methods: A prospective study was conducted which included 44 patients diagnosed as tuberculous spondylitis. Management was started as per middle path regime and drugs were given as per the revised national tuberculosis control program (RNTCP) regime category I under directly observed treatment, short-course (DOTS) therapy. Specimen was collected and studied for smear, culture, antibiotic sensitivity and histopathology. ATT was stopped at the end of 6 months as per DOTS schedule and MRI was done at the end of therapy.

Results: Dorsal spine lesions were found in 33 patients. 8 patients were smear positive and 38 patients were culture positive of whom 26 patients were sensitive to first line ATT drugs. 12 patients had MDR tuberculosis and were sensitive to 2nd line ATT drugs. 6 patients having negative culture were diagnosed from histopathology. All patients on 1st line ATT had satisfactory result. Only 8 patients with MDR tuberculosis recovered neurologically.

Conclusions: It is mandatory to do obtain tissue biopsy and examine culture, sensitivity and histopathology. Recently there is an increasing tendency in multidrug resistance cases and total drug resistant cases. By doing culture and sensitivity of the specimen we can find out the number of MDR cases and initiate proper drug regimen to avoid further complication and mortality.
Proton therapy – An evolving technology
Authors: Pellizzon Antonio Cassio Assis
Published: August 2017

In the last 25 years, more effective chemotherapy, better surgical and radiotherapy techniques have contributed, at least in part, to improvement in control for most cancers, also increasing the number of patients referred for a second course of radiation.
Cultura nacional-popular e circulação transnacional. Brasil e Angola no Projeto Kalunga
Authors: Leão Andréa Borges , Lima Mariana Mont’Alverne Barreto
Published: August 2017

Este artigo organiza uma discussão sobre a experiência de contato entre dois campos nacionais de produção musical, o brasileiro e o angolano. Sob o enfoque do Projeto Kalunga, que desloca uma caravana de músicos e produtores para o país africano, em 1980, o artigo estuda o modo como se organiza um espaço transnacional de circulação entre culturas nacionais-populares. Com este propósito, lança um olhar retrospectivo sobre os caminhos das medições técnicas estrangeiras no longo processo de consolidação do mercado de bens simbólicos. Uma das conclusões é a de que a experiência do Projeto Kalunga reposiciona os artistas brasileiros no cenário internacional como produtores e transmissores culturais.
Industrie musicale et (en)jeux d’échelles : les passages du local au global dans la « latin music » produite à Miami
Authors: Bénistant Alix
Published: August 2017

Cet article interroge les processus qui interviennent dans le passage du local au global des contenus latino produits par l’industrie musicale de Miami. Comment un artiste dit « latino » intègre la culture populaire mainstream et quels sont les dispositifs (économiques, esthétiques) mis en place pour y parvenir ? En partant de certaines des études pionnières sur l’industrie musicale internationale, nous cherchons à mettre en lumière la stratégie multiscalaire élaborée par les labels dominants de Miami, investis dans le marché latino depuis la fin des années 1970, pour implanter des artistes successivement dans le marché national, régional et international.
O gosto pelo mundo: a globalização da cultura apreendida pelo cosmopolitismo estético-cultural dos jovens na França
Authors: Cicchelli Vincenzo , Octobre Sylvie
Published: August 2017

Alguns produtos culturais globais contribuem para a construção de uma representação de um mundo, por vezes, plural - em virtude da diversidade de produtos que circulam internacionalmente - e unificado por certas referências culturais. Oriundas de composições geracionais multiculturais, e sensíveis às injunções de mobilidade (turística, estudantil e/ou profissional), os jovens são atores ativos neste processo de globalização dos produtos culturais. Neste artigo nos interrogaremos sobre os papéis do consumo e dos imaginários culturais na emergência de uma relação cosmopolita com o mundo. Aqui, o conceito de cosmopolitismo estético-cultural é mobilizado para analisar, além dos fenômenos de internacionalização dos repertórios de consumo, as mutações provenientes dos consumos culturais, que têm um impacto na apreensão da alteridade etno-nacional. Assim, distinguimos cinco configurações para o cosmopolitismo estético-cultural entre os jovens. Este último, portanto, constitui um continuum antes de ser um tipo-ideal, que serviria de padrão para mensurar o cosmopolitismo: em graus, combinações, ordenações diversas, formas “impuras” observadas, alimentadas tanto pelas experiências estéticas e culturais, quanto pelas relações simbólicas com o mundo, seus objetos e representações.
“Representações” de gênero em imagens: contribuições metodológicas de uma sociologia do cinema
Authors: Rossi Túlio Cunha
Published: August 2017

Este é um artigo de caráter teórico-metodológico, no que se discutem os usos do termo “representação” na literatura de estudos de gêneros, problematizando de forma mais específica o uso do termo em trabalhos que tratam de imagens convencionadas e reconhecidas como “femininas” especialmente no cinema e na publicidade. Argumenta-se que o termo representação nesses estudos de imagens seria analiticamente problemático, especialmente quando emaranhado em significações políticas e sociais. Sem desconsiderar a importância de se estudar criticamente os usos e a construção de imagens de gêneros, propõe-se abordagens alternativas que não reproduzam o antagonismo entre imagem – tipicamente tratada como representação – e “realidade”, sugerindo, ao contrário, explorar relações sociais entre imagens e seus desdobramentos na construção social de diferenças de gêneros.
Conversão e reconversão de padres no Maranhão
Authors: Neris Wheriston Silva
Published: August 2017

O texto tem como questão central o problema das mediações concretas por meio das quais certos membros do corpo clerical foram conduzidos a transgredir os limites tradicionais da ação religiosa católica, tendo como referencial de análise uma unidade representada pelo Maranhão a partir da segunda metade do século XX. A partir da exploração das transformações na composição do clero atuante na região, das mutações na configuração eclesiástica e da narrativa biográfica de um sacerdote de origem local, o texto delimita uma matriz importante das reconversões militantes de padres ligada a trajetórias de mobilidade social ascendente em uma conjuntura institucional crítica. A análise contextualizada do trabalho de incorporação e reconversão de disposições desses religiosos permite apreender então as ambivalências, as experiências dolorosas e o longo processo de reconstrução identitária, necessários para que esses agentes adquirissem um lugar próprio no mundo eclesial.
UNITED NATION CONVENTION AND ISLAMIC APPROACH ON THE RIGHT OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES: A Comparison
Authors: Mokhtar Khairil Azmin , Md Tah Ikmal Hisham
Published: August 2017

Persons with disabilities, either acquired or developed at some stages of his life due to factors such as injury and disease, are still a person with the same legal status and rights as individuals who do not have any disability. This paper, through conceptual and doctrinal analysis, explores the similarities and differences between human rights based’s approach and Shariah’s approach towards people with disability. People with disability have equal right to live and to have a noble livelihood. The Convention on Rights of People with Disabilities of the United Nations has adopted the concept of human rights-based approach which requires people with disability tobe treated in a proper way. The convention believes that this group should not be treated differently and given similar opportunity to be developed and progressed as any other human being. On the same note, Islam sees disability as morally neutral. It is seen neither as a blessing nor as a curse. Accordingly, disability is accepted as being an inevitable part of the human condition. It is simply a fact of life which has to be addressed appropriately by the society of the day. In Islam people with disabilities are not being arbitrarily segregated and being discriminated unjustly. They should be given equal opportunity to progress and develop their potential just like any other human being. The final analysis shows that there is harmonious interpretation between Western human right and Islamic jurisprudence to protect this minority.
WACANA SYARIAT KONTEMPORER DI BARAT: Studi Pemikiran Wael B. Hallaq dan M. Barry Hooker
Authors: Nasir Mohamad Abdun
Published: August 2017

Contemporary popular discourses about Islam, shari’a and Islamic law in the West is often filled with the issues of terrorism, anti-democracy, human rights violation and women’s minor status in Islam, which all lead into negative perception. Unlike such popular views, Western scholars perceive shari’a from various perspectives. They are quite critical to shari’a in a positive sense. This article discusses Western scholarly discourses on shari’a by comparing the thoughts and works of two most prominent figures, Wael B. Hallaq and M. Barry Hooker, who always concern with shari’a, Islamic law and related social issues, such modernity, colonialism and legal system. Based on the model of the study of public figure and grounded its main data on Hallaq’s and Hooker’s main work, this study shows that these two scholars promote idealistic and contextual perception on shari’a. From the ideal point of view, shari’a is seen a product of scholarly independent work by Muslim jurists, whose authority now is unfortunately taken over by the state. The contextual view regards shari’a as flexible Islamic religious or legal norms that are adaptable to the changing social and political environments so they are easily transferrable into the educational, legal and political system in a country like Indonesia, entailing what is called “national mazhab”.
JUAL BELI COHUNG OLEH PENGRAJIN DADAK MERAK REOG PONOROGO: BOLEHKAH MENURUT ISLAM?
Authors: Fadlila Isna Nur
Published: August 2017

The focus of this study is to identify cohung (peacock carcass) sale by dadak merak reog craftsman in Ponorogo and to analyse the view of Indonesian Council of Ulama (Majelis Ulama Indonesia) at Ponorogo Regency on cohung transaction. This empirical study used qualitative method. Data sources cover interview with dadak merak craftsman and MUI at Ponorogo Regency as well as documentation and literature to answer the research problem. It results in two findings. First, cohung transaction by the craftsman is done to create the fierce of dadak merak and got on agreed price. Secondly, cohung sale according to MUI at Ponorogo regency has different reasons. It is permitted because the sale practice depends on the context that is to be used not for consumption, and assumed that it is not only as transaction but also as wage. It is forbidden to buy the carcass since peacock is preserved animal.
JUAL BELI HEWAN TONAK LOPEH KAJIAN HUKUM ISLAM: Studi di Desa Gema Kampar-Kiri Hulu
Authors: Nasyiah Iffaty
Published: August 2017

The background of this study is the habit of Gema Kampar Kiri villagers at Hulu district in terms of buying and selling cattle. They call it,“tonak lopeh” transaction. Its practice is different from the common transaction practice i.e the purchased livestock does not directly switch to the buyer and it is purchased only partially, ranging from one sixteenth to a half. Another uniqueness is that these cattle are not kept in the cage, but are released in the meadow. Based on this background, the researchers formulate a problem that is how the view of Islamic law about the practice of this transaction. This research is an empirical law research with sociological juridical approach. The result of this research is the sale of “partial” livestock in the opinion of Imam Nawawi in his book Minhaj al Thalibin is in accordance with Islamic law because the object of sale and purchase should not be in part, unless the value and benefit from the goods is not reduced.
Development, Testing, and Psychometric Qualities of the Nash Duty to Care Scale for Disaster Response
Authors: Nash Tracy Jeanne
Published: August 2017

Background and Purpose: Although nurses struggle with the decision to report for work during disaster events, there are no instruments to measure nurses’ duty to care for disaster situations. The purpose of this study was to describe the development, testing, and psychometric qualities of the Nash Duty to Care Scale. Methods: A convenience sample of 409 registered nurses were recruited from 3 universities in the United States. Results: Exploratory factor analysis resulted in a 19-item, 4-factor model explaining 67.34% of the variance. Internal consistency reliability was supported by Cronbach’s alpha ranging from .81 to .91 for the 4-factor subscales and .92 for the total scale. Conclusions: The psychometrically sound instrument for measuring nurses’ perceived duty to care for disasters is applicable to contemporary nursing practice, institutional disaster management plans, and patient health outcomes worldwide.
Management of Wound Infection and Acute Bacterial Rhinosinusitis After Sinus Elevation Surgery: A Case Report
Authors: Johnson Thomas M. , Lincicum Adam R.
Published: August 2017

Introduction

Sinus graft infection with consequent acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS) is a complication that can occur during the postoperative period following sinus augmentation surgery. A small group of bacteria appear to predominate in ABRS, and these bacteria are empirically susceptible to tetracycline antibiotics, barring the presence of resistant strains. Historically, clinicians have mixed tetracycline with various biomaterials or hydrated biomaterials in a dilute tetracycline solution in the treatment of periodontal disease and for ridge preservation/augmentation indications.

Case Presentation

In the present case, a 39‐year‐old African‐American male with sinus graft infection and signs and symptoms consistent with ABRS was successfully treated by removing the initial graft material, thoroughly debriding and irrigating the antrum, and placing a freeze‐dried bone allograft hydrated in an aqueous tetracycline solution.

Conclusion

Given the typical bacteria present in ABRS, locally applied tetracycline may be useful prophylactically in sinus elevation surgery or as an adjunct in managing postoperative sinus graft infection.