bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling Emission of Heavy Energetic Neutral Atoms from the Heliosphere
Authors: Swaczyna Paweł , Bzowski Maciej
Published: September 2017

Observations of energetic neutral atoms (ENAs) are a fruitful tool for remote diagnosis of the plasma in the heliosphere and its vicinity. So far, instruments detecting ENAs from the heliosphere were configured for observations of hydrogen atoms. Here, we estimate emissions of ENAs of the heavy chemical elements helium, oxygen, nitrogen, and neon. A large portion of the heliospheric ENAs is created in the inner heliosheath from neutralized interstellar pick-up ions (PUIs). We modeled this process and calculated full-sky intensities of ENAs for energies 0.2–130 keV/nuc. We found that the largest fluxes among considered species are expected for helium, smaller for oxygen and nitrogen, and smallest for neon. The obtained intensities are 50–106 times smaller than the hydrogen ENA intensities observed by IBEX. The detection of heavy ENAs will be possible if a future ENA detector is equipped with the capability to measure the masses of observed atoms. Because of different reaction cross-sections among the different species, observations of heavy ENAs can allow for a better understanding of global structure of the heliosphere as well as the transport and energization of PUIs in the heliosphere.
The Arrow of Time in the Collapse of Collisionless Self-gravitating Systems: Non-validity of the Vlasov–Poisson Equation during Violent Relaxation
Authors: Beraldo e Silva Leandro , Pedra Walter de Siqueira , Sodré Laerte , Perico Eder L. D. , Lima Marcos
Published: September 2017

The collapse of a collisionless self-gravitating system, with the fast achievement of a quasi-stationary state, is driven by violent relaxation, with a typical particle interacting with the time-changing collective potential. It is traditionally assumed that this evolution is governed by the Vlasov–Poisson equation, in which case entropy must be conserved. We run N-body simulations of isolated self-gravitating systems, using three simulation codes, NBODY-6 (direct summation without softening), NBODY-2 (direct summation with softening), and GADGET-2 (tree code with softening), for different numbers of particles and initial conditions. At each snapshot, we estimate the Shannon entropy of the distribution function with three different techniques: Kernel, Nearest Neighbor, and EnBiD. For all simulation codes and estimators, the entropy evolution converges to the same limit as N increases. During violent relaxation, the entropy has a fast increase followed by damping oscillations, indicating that violent relaxation must be described by a kinetic equation other than the Vlasov–Poisson equation, even for N as large as that of astronomical structures. This indicates that violent relaxation cannot be described by a time-reversible equation, shedding some light on the so-called “fundamental paradox of stellar dynamics.” The long-term evolution is well-described by the orbit-averaged Fokker–Planck model, with Coulomb logarithm values in the expected range

10
–
12

. By means of NBODY-2, we also study the dependence of the two-body relaxation timescale on the softening length. The approach presented in the current work can potentially provide a general method for testing any kinetic equation intended to describe the macroscopic evolution of N-body systems.
Russia's Influence on the Conflict Dynamics in Nagorno Karabakh
Authors: Bláhová Pavlína
Published: September 2017

Frozen conflict in Nagorno Karabakh has been representing a threat to the regional stability for the last two decades. Sudden escalation of violence in 2016, known as Four-Day War, spurred new discussions on factors influencing the territorial dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan. While adversaries explain the conflict as a reaction to military provocations or as a rally round the flag effect, this article explains the dynamics of the conflict through the influence of the third party - Russia. Russia considers the Caucasus to be its sphere of the influence and therefor aims to spread its control through strengthening strategic ties with both Armenia and Azerbaijan in order to prevent the West from projecting its power in the region. Russia's role of the superpower has therefor a vast influence on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict development.
Recent Objectives of Cyber Defence in the Department of Defence
Authors: Feix Miroslav , Procházka Salibor
Published: September 2017

The paper deals with cyber security, cyber defence and operations in cyber space focusing on the department of defence. Tasks implied from the Czech Republic's, NATO's and European Union strategic documents and roles of participating subjects have been analysed. Four scenarios as another source of identified tasks were created and used to describe possible situations requiring cyber defence capabilities. The presented analysis is a prerequisite for specifying required capabilities, and a proposal how to assign roles, responsibilities and required capabilities.
Transforming the Pediatric Experience: The Story of Child Life
Authors: Beickert Kia , Mora Kelsey
Published: September 2017

During the past century, child life programming has evolved into a standard of care for children experiencing life's most challenging events. From pediatric outpatient clinics and dentists' offices to funeral homes and courtrooms, children are now being provided access to professionals that relieve the anxiety and fear associated with emotional and physical pain. Recognized by the American Academy of Pediatrics, child life specialists focus on the “strengths and sense of well-being of children while promoting their optimal development and minimizing the adverse effects of children's experiences in health care or other potentially stressful settings.” Armed with a strong background in child development, child life specialists provide therapeutic play experiences and developmentally appropriate language to promote normalcy within an unknown and potentially stressful environment, procedural education and emotional support, coping and pain management techniques, and grief and bereavement support. Child life programming plays an integral role in addressing the psychosocial concerns across the health care continuum and should be included in all general pediatric provider settings as a standard of quality care for young patients.

[
Pediatr Ann
. 2017;46(9):e345–e351.]
Insomnia in Infants and Young Children
Authors: Owens Judith A. , Moore Maile
Published: September 2017

Sleep problems in infants and young children are common and often underdiagnosed. The potential negative outcomes that chronic disrupted sleep can have on a child's daytime functioning, as well as the adverse impact it can have on the family, are well known. There is considerable evidence to support the use of behavioral interventions to treat childhood insomnia. These strategies not only produce reliable and durable positive changes in sleep in most young children, but may also improve child and family well-being without negative effects on a child's social-emotional development. This article serves as a guide to help the pediatric provider identify, evaluate, and treat insomnia in infants and young children.

[
Pediatr Ann
. 2017;46(9):e321–e326.]
You Can Reduce Secondhand Smoke Exposure! Prescribing Nicotine Replacement in the Pediatrician's Office
Authors: Fernandez Sabrina
Published: September 2017

It is universally known that secondhand smoke is detrimental to children's health. There is emerging research about the negative effects of thirdhand smoke as well. Most pediatricians focus on the child's medical evaluation and treatment, without considering other family members as it impacts the child's health. Screening rates for secondhand smoke exposure are low to begin with, and when we find a family member who is smoking, most pediatricians feel comfortable counseling and referring, but many do not know how to prescribe nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). In offering a prescription for NRT, pediatricians can offer tangible, timely treatment to help the family get one step closer to being smoke-free. Additionally, families may see their pediatrician more frequently than their own adult physician, and pediatricians have a unique perspective on how smoking may affect the child's health, and can use this as a motivator for quitting. This article encourages pediatricians to screen for secondhand smoke exposure and prescribe NRT to their patient's family members.

[
Pediatr Ann
. 2017;46(9):e315–e318.]
Le développement comme champ de bataille
Authors: Bono Irene , Hibou Béatrice
Published: September 2017

Le développement et le conflit sont habituellement compris et présentés comme deux phénomènes antinomiques. Certaines auto-évidences causales – tels le fait que les lacunes de développement sont à l’origine de conflits, ou inversement que les conflits sociaux et politiques constituent un obstacle majeur au développement – ont connu un regain de faveur dans les débats sur les « Printemps arabes » et ont orienté les projets de développement dans la région MENA. Cette introduction explore une perspective radicalement différente. Nous appréhendons le développement comme une relation sociale complexe, impliquant une vaste constellation d’acteurs, d’intérêts, de logiques, d’espaces, de causalités et de temporalités, et le conflit dans sa pluralité de sens, comme l’expression de luttes, de formes de concurrences, de tensions, de résistances, d’oppositions et de critiques. Ainsi conçus, le conflit et le développement sont moins opposés que liés entre eux de multiples manières. Dans cette introduction, nous analysons trois configurations particulières qui caractérisent le développement comme « champ de bataille » : le conflit créateur de consensus ; le consensus comme expression du conflit ; la définition du conflit légitime. Une attention particulière est portée sur l’imbrication des temporalités qui caractérisent la formation de l’Etat et les transformations du capitalisme, et sur les conséquences du développement sur la société, sur l’affirmation de la souveraineté, sur la définition de l’ordre social et le façonnement des conduites de vie. L’étude des liens qui unissent le développement et le conflit renouvelle le regard posé sur l’injustice, les inégalités et les modes de gouvernement, mais aussi sur les façons de comprendre et d’être dans la société politique, bien au-delà de la seule région MENA.
Une exception néolibérale ? Le projet de turquification de l’armement
Authors: Côrte Réal-Pinto Anouck Gabriela
Published: September 2017

Présentée à la fois comme un exemple, une preuve, voire une condition du développement économique, technologique, politique et sécuritaire de la Turquie, la turquification de l’industrie de la défense se situe au cœur de la légitimité gouvernementale. En suivant une approche sociohistorique, ce chapitre vise à comprendre comment ce grand projet, indissociable de la formation continue de l’État et d’une bourgeoisie nationale qui lui est organiquement liée, s’est reconfiguré sous l’ère néolibérale non pas malgré la globalisation mais bien à partir d’elle, notamment à travers une marchandisation de la solidarité musulmane et de la protection militaire. Ce projet apparaît ainsi constituer un instrument d’extraversion « nationalibéral » participant à une recherche hégémonique instable, traversée par de nombreux conflits.
Reducing Radiation Exposure in an Electrophysiology Lab with Introduction of Newer Fluoroscopic Technology
Authors: Sharma Munish , Khalighi Koroush
Published: September 2017

The use of fluoroscopic devices exposes patients and operators to harmful effects of ionizing radiation in an electrophysiology (EP) lab. We sought to know if the newer fluoroscopic technology (Allura Clarity) installed in a hybrid EP helps to reduce prescribed radiation dose. We performed radiation dose analysis of 90 patients who underwent various procedures in the EP lab at a community teaching hospital after the introduction of newer fluoroscopic technology in June of 2016.Watchman device insertion, radiofrequency ablation procedures, permanent pacemaker (PPM)/implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) placement and battery changes were included in the study to compare radiation exposure during different procedures performed commonly in an EP lab. In all cases of watchman device placement, radiofrequency ablation procedures, PPM/ICD placement and battery changes, there was a statistically significant difference (<0.05) in radiation dose exposure. Significant reduction in radiation exposure during various procedures performed in an EP lab was achieved with aid of newer fluoroscopic technology and better image detection technology.
To what extent does salt (NaCl) affect Anopheles gambiae sensu lato mosquito larvae survival?
Authors: Lukwa N. , Mduluza T. , Nyoni C. , Zimba M.
Published: September 2017

The effect of salt (NaCl) on Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) mosquito larval breeding was ascertained under laboratory conditions. No larval mortality occurred when the Cl– concentrations were between 0.017 ppt (0.03 ppt salinity) and 7.371 ppt (13.25 ppt salinity). However, 9%, 24%, 73.5%, 91.5% and 99.5% larval mortality occurred at 10.828 ppt (19.49 ppt salinity), 16.069 ppt (28.95 ppt salinity), 18.739 ppt (33.77 ppt salinity), 32.587 ppt (58.82 ppt salinity) and 47.326 ppt (85.37 ppt salinity) NaCl concentrations respectively. The lower NaCl concentrations resulting in LC50, (lethal concentration for 50% larval mortality), LC90 (lethal concentration for 90% larval mortality), LC95 (lethal concentration for 95% larval mortality), and LC99 (lethal concentration for 99% larval mortality) were 23.12 ppt (41.19 ppt salinity), 24.91 ppt (44.42 ppt salinity), 27.76 ppt (49.56 ppt salinity) and 33.87 ppt (60.568 ppt salinity) respectively. The upper NaCl concentration resulting in LC50, LC90, LC95 and LC99 were 32.89 ppt (58.83 ppt salinity), 37.21 ppt (66.63 ppt salinity), 44.79 ppt (80.32 ppt salinity) and 63.76 ppt (114.55 ppt salinity) respectively. In conclusion, the level of water salinity may indicate the presence or absence of An. gambiae s.l. mosquito larvae and this information can be used for disease control purposes.
First case of traumatic myiasis caused by Calliphora vicina in a crested porcupine Hystrix cristata L. in Italy
Authors: Scaravelli D. , Senini C. , Bonacci T.
Published: September 2017

Calliphora vicina (Diptera: Calliphoridae) it is a facultative ectoparasite responsible for traumatic myiasis in humans and warmblooded vertebrates in the world. In this work one case of traumatic myasis caused by C. vicina (Diptera Calliphoirdae) is reported for the first time in a vulnerable crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata Linnaeus, 1758). A total of 30 larvae located in the posterior-dorsal area of the animal were removed from inside the lesion and either preserved in ethanol or reared to the adult stage. This report shows the great ability of C. vicina to use many organic matter for the food source’s offspring, including many live vertebrates.
The Expanded Public Works Programme: Perspectives of direct beneficiaries
Authors: Hlatshwayo Mondli S.
Published: September 2017

Scholarship on the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) in South Africa tends to focus on quantitative evaluation to measure the progress made in the implementation of EPWP projects. The number of employment opportunities created by EPWP, demographic profiling, skills acquired by beneficiaries and training opportunities related to the Programme form the basis of typical statistical evaluations of it, but exclude comment by the workers who participate in its projects. Based on primary sources, including in-depth interviews, newspaper reports and internet sources, this article seeks to provide a qualitative review of the EPWP from the perspective of the beneficiaries of municipal EPWP projects. Various South African government sectors hire EPWP workers to provide local services such as cleaning and maintaining infrastructure, but the employment of these workers can still be regarded as precarious, in the sense that they have no job security, earn low wages and have no benefits such as medical aid or pension fund. The interviewees indicated that, although they appreciate the temporary employment opportunities provided by the EPWP, they also experience health and safety risks and lack the advantages of organised labour groupings. Their main disadvantage, however, is that they cannot access permanent employment, which offers better wages and concomitant benefits.
Screening of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in healthcare workers and students and its susceptibility to mupirocin in a tertiary care teaching hospital in South India
Authors: Tiewsoh Jutang Babat Ain , Dias Meena
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND: Staphylococcus is the most common pathogen causing infection in hospitals. They also colonize the healthcare workers who serve as reservoir of infection. Emergence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a burning issue throughout the world contributing to significant morbidity and mortality. Use of mupirocin to eradicate the carrier state is the need of the hour.

OBJECTIVES: To screen healthcare workers (HCWs) and medical students for MRSA and to know the susceptibility of mupirocin in this group.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 432 students, nursing staff, doctors and house-keeping staff were screened for MRSA for 4 months. The MRSA and methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (MRCoNS) isolates were then tested for mupirocin resistance.

RESULTS: Out of 432 samples, 24 (5.55%) were MRSA and 104 (24.07%) were MRCoNS. Only 4.16% (n = 1) showed high-level resistance to mupirocin among the MRSA isolates, while resistance among MRCoNS was higher at 6.7% (n = 7) for low-level resistance and 17.30% (n = 18) for high-level resistance.

CONCLUSION: MRSA colonization of HCWs may serve as a source of infection and mupirocin resistance should be screened for all whether working in Intensive Care Units or not and if detected, alternative treatment should be used which will result in appropriate use of this antibiotic for decolonization.
Evaluation of different phenotypic tests for detection of metallo-β-lactamases in imipenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Sachdeva Rohit , Sharma Babita , Sharma Rajni
Published: September 2017

PURPOSE: Pseudomonas aeruginosa causes a wide spectrum of infections including bacteremia, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, etc., Metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) producing P. aeruginosa is an emerging threat and cause of concern as they have emerged as one of the most feared resistance mechanisms. This study was designed to know the prevalence of MBL production in P. aeruginosa and to evaluate the four phenotypic tests for detection of MBL production in imipenem-resistant clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa.

METHODS: Totally, 800 isolates of P. aeruginosa isolated from various clinical samples were evaluated for carbapenem resistance and MBL production. All imipenem-resistant strains were tested for carabapenemase production by modified Hodge test. Screening for MBL production was done by double-disc synergy test and combined disc test (CDT). Confirmation of MBL production was done by the E-test (Ab BioDisk, Solna, Sweden).

RESULTS: Out of the 800 isolates of P. aeruginosa, 250 isolates were found resistant to imipenem. Based on the results of E-test, 147 (18.37%) isolates of P. aeruginosa were positive for MBL production. The CDT has the highest sensitivity and specificity for the detection of MBL production as compared to other tests.

CONCLUSION: The results of this study are indicative that MBL production is an important mechanism of carbapenem resistance among P. aeruginosa. Use of simple screening test like CDT will be crucial step toward large-scale monitoring of these emerging resistant determinants. Phenotypic test for MBL production has to be standardized, and all the isolates should be routinely screened for MBL production.
Histopathological study with immunohistochemical expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in placentas of hyperglycemic and diabetic women
Authors: Bhattacharjee Debashish , Mondal Santosh Kumar , Garain Pratima , Mandal Palash , Ray Rudra Narayan , Dey Goutam
Published: September 2017

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Spectrum of hyperglycemia in pregnancy includes gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), mild hyperglycemia, and overt diabetes. Many authors have worked on morphological changes of the placenta in diabetes, but few studies have correlated histopathological changes with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) immunoexpression. The aim of this study was to detect different histopathological changes in various groups of diabetic placentas and to correlate with VEGF immunoexpression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pregnant women were screened for diabetes. They were subsequently divided into normoglycemic (12 cases), GDM (33 cases), mild hyperglycemic (13 cases), and overt diabetes (18 cases). Placentas collected were subjected to histopathological examination. VEGF expressions were studied by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS: Overt diabetic placenta displayed villous immaturity (44.4%), villous edema (38.9%), chorangiosis (61.1%), fibrinoid substance deposition (38.9%), and Hofbauer cell hyperplasia in 44.4% cases. GDM placentas displayed villous immaturity (45.5%), villous edema (45.5%), chorangiosis (42.4%), and fibrinoid substance deposition in 75.6% cases. Mild hyperglycemic placentas displayed villous immaturity (38.5%), chorangiosis (61.5%), and fibrinoid substance deposition in 61.5% cases. VEGF immunoexpression in GDM placentas was absent in all placental components except syncytiotrophoblast. VEGF expression in overt diabetic placentas was increased in syncytiotrophoblast and capillary endothelium compared to normoglycemic placentas. Mild hyperglycemic placentas expressed similar VEGF expression in all components when compared to normoglycemic controls. However, it displayed weak expression in vessel endothelium.

CONCLUSION: Histopathological changes in diabetic placentas might be a consequence of altered or abnormal VEGF expression in diabetic placentas. Pathogenesis and VEGF expression in GDM placentas are significantly different from overt diabetic placentas.
Spectrum of meningioma with special reference to prognostic utility of ER,PR and Ki67 expression
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Madhumita , Das Chhanda , Kumari Madhu , Sen Ankita , Mukhopadhyay Bedabrata , Mukhopadhyay Biswanath
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND: Meningiomas are the most common primary central nervous system neoplasms originating from the arachnoid cap cells and constitute between 13% and 26% of all intracranial tumors.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to analyze the age-, sex-, and site-wise distribution of different histological patterns of meningiomas seen in our center and to assess the status of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and proliferation marker Ki-67 in various grades of meningioma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was done in 90 cases. Patients presented with symptoms of headache and seizure and underwent subsequent excision surgery at Neurosurgery Department were taken. We have studied histological typing and grading of the tumors, and immunohistochemical staining was done for ER, PR, and Ki-67.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Two-group comparison was done using Mann–Whitney U-test and Fisher’s exact test. Comparison of Ki-67 expression between Grade 1 and Grade 2 meningiomas was determined using Mann–Whitney U-test. Comparison of ER and PR status between different histological grades was done by Fisher’s exact test. Two-tailed P < 0.001 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: According to histological type, meningothelial meningioma is most common (38.8%) followed by transitional (22.2%). PR positivity is seen in 96.34% of Grade 1 tumors, and all Grade 2 tumors were PR negative (Fisher’s exact test P < 0.001). About 3.66% of Grade 1 and all Grade 2 tumors were positive for ER (Fisher’s exact test two-tailed P < 0.001). Mean Ki-67 labeling index (LI) was 2.57 ± 1.674 among Grade I tumors, 7.11 ± 1.084 in Grade II meningiomas.

CONCLUSIONS: Most of Grade 1 meningiomas show PRs positivity and lack of ERs positivity. Meningiomas with higher proliferation index and negative PR are very likely to be Grade II or Grade III. Evaluation of ER, PR status, and Ki-67 labeling index (LI) with histological evaluation helps us in providing information about the biologic behavior of meningiomas.
Antimicrobial resistance profile of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonizing the anterior nares of health-care workers and outpatients attending the remotely located tertiary care hospital of North India
Authors: Singh Seema , Malhotra Rubina , Grover Pragati , Bansal Renu , Galhotra Shipra , Kaur Rupinderjit , Jindal Neerja
Published: September 2017

INTRODUCTION: Resistance to antimicrobial agents is a major concern worldwide and is exemplified by the global spread of the Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Health care workers (HCWs) and asymptomatically colonized patients are important sources of nosocomial MRSA infections.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of MRSA colonisation, two hundred HCWs and 200 consecutive outpatients attending our tertiary care hospital were studied.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two sterile pre-moistened cotton tipped swabs were used to collect specimens from their anterior nares. These were inoculated immediately on Blood agar with oxacillin, Mannitol salt agar with oxacillin and CHROM agar. Resistance to cefoxitin was confirmed by PCR by demonstration of mecA gene. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined by Kirby Bauer’s disc diffusion method and MIC of vancomycin by using broth dilution and Vitek-2 Compact system.

RESULTS: The nasal carriage of MRSA among HCWs was found to be 7.5% and in outpatients 3%. All strains of MRSA from HCWs and outpatients grew on three selective media and mecA gene amplified in all of them. All the isolated strains of MRSA showed high degree of resistance to co-trimoxazole (93.3%), ciprofloxacin (80%) and erythromycin (66.66%). However, there was 100% susceptiability to vancomycin, teicoplanin, linezolid and Rifampicin.

CONCLUSION: Although a direct casual relationship could not be established, it could be assumed that the transmission from colonised health care worker is responsible atleast in part for MRSA infection among patients. Therefore emphasis should be laid on strict implementation of standard infection control practices which would help in minimizing the carriage and transmission of MRSA in the hospital.
Is there a relationship between blood lipids and lumbar disc herniation in young Turkish adults?
Authors: Keser Nese , Celikoglu Erhan , İs Merih , İlgezdi Zeynep Demet , Sunar Bendigar , Aydin Yusuf Sinan , Kevenk Ahmet Ugur , Gurer Bora , Ramazanoglu Ali Fatih , Keser Nurgul
Published: September 2017

Introduction: Atherosclerosis might diminish the nutrient supply to intervertebral discs (IVD), leading to disc herniation. Therefore, there is interest in determining the possible association between the blood lipid profile and lumbar disc herniation (LDH). We aimed to evaluate the association between blood lipids and LDH in a homogeneous group of patients, controlling for age- and sex-specific effects.

Material and methods: This is a case-control study which consisted of 100 individuals (mean age: 41.25 ±9.09; 50 men and 50 women), classified into two groups, as follows. Group I (G-I) consisted of 50 patients who underwent surgery for symptomatic LDH, while group II (G-II) consisted of 50 patients with nonspecific complaints of a headache, but with no previous history of back and/or leg pain, recruited among patients admitted to the outpatient clinic at the time of the study, and whose age and sex were matched to the study group. Total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), fasting blood glucose, and hemoglobin A1c levels were measured. The TC/HDL-C ratio was calculated. Blood pressure, waist circumference, body mass index, and the history of smoking were included in the analysis.

Results: The mean values of the TC, TG, LDL-C, HDL-C levels and TC/HDL-C ratio were 198.38, 132.76, 131.9, 40.38 mg/dl and 5.09, respectively. No statistically significant relationship between the blood lipid profile and LDH was identified in this population.

Conclusions: Blood lipid levels in this young adult Turkish population did not predict LDH, and may not be a leading cause of IVD ischemia and IVD degeneration.
In vivo assessment of thickness of the psoas major muscle in adult male subjects: evaluating occupation-based activity-related differences
Authors: Egwu Ogugua Augustine , Eteudo Albert Nkereuwem , Akunna Gabriel Godson , Uchewa Obinna
Published: September 2017

Introduction: There is a notable scarcity of In vivo studies on the muscles of the posterior abdominal wall, and the psoas major muscle, which is important in occupation-related lumbopelvic mechanics, is not an exception. Hence, we determined the psoas major muscle thickness (PMMT) in an adult Nigerian population of different occupational groups with the aim of assessing the effect of unregulated occupation-related physical activity on the muscle while identifying its relationships with known anthropometric variables.

Material and methods:  Eighty apparently healthy males between the ages of 18 and 30 were recruited for the study and divided into two groups: a control group of 40 relatively inactive subjects who were students and an age-matched quasi-experimental group of 40 artisans (manual labourers). B-mode ultrasound was used to measure the thickness of the psoas major muscle at the point of maximum thickness.

Results:  The mean PMMT for the control group was 31.74 ±7.91 mm and did not significantly correlate with body mass index (r = –0.151, p < 0.05), body surface area (r = –0.255, p > 0.05), height (r = –0.186, p > 0.05), weight

(r = –0.244, p > 0.05), or age (r = 0.159, p > 0.05). However, PMMT was significantly greater in the artisan group (40.10 ±4.89 mm) than in the control group (31.74 ±7.91 mm) at p < 0.05.

Conclusions: This result is an obvious indication of the effect of unregulated occupation-related physical activity on the muscle, which may lead to a gradual alteration of normal lumbopelvic mechanics in these individuals.
Symptoms of psychiatric diseases in a pediatric neurology department
Authors: Kaczmarek Izabela , Kucharska Ewelina , Cioczek Katarzyna , Steinborn Barbara
Published: September 2017

Introduction: The present study investigated the comorbidity of psychiatric symptoms among patients with neurological diseases and the possibility of the symptoms of mental disorders being masking by the symptoms of somatic disorders.

Material and methods: Eight thousand two hundred and one epicrises of all patients hospitalized at the Department of Developmental Neurology from 1st January 2003 to 31st December 2013 were analyzed in order to select a group of patients referred for consultation with a child psychiatrist. The epicrises were analyzed in terms of diagnosis and the most common psychopathological symptoms on the basis of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children, Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-Revised, Beck Depression Inventory, and the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Aged Children – Present and Lifetime (K-SADS-PL).

Results: As a result of the analysis a group of 345 patients with serious symptoms requiring psychiatric consultation was selected. In the selected group, patients had the diagnosis of neurological as well as psychiatric diseases. The most frequently mentioned were: epilepsy (13.3%), emotional disorders (11.3%), tension-type headaches (11.3%) and conversion disorders (8.4%). Dominating psychopathological symptoms were: anxiety (64%), symptoms of mood disorders (31.6%) and signs of inattention (19.7%). Suicidal ideation was manifested by 21 (6.08%) persons.

Conclusions: There is a need for careful observation of the mental state of each patient of a pediatric neurology department by an interdisciplinary team of doctors, psychologists and support staff.
The microbiology and clinical characteristics of bacterial and fungal meningitis in a Chinese hospital
Authors: Chen Wei , Hu Qian , En Liu Wen
Published: September 2017

Introduction: The aim was to investigate the distribution, antibiotic resistance, initial clinical and laboratory characteristics of pathogens isolated from the cerebrospinal fluid samples (CSF).

Material and methods:  The CSF were subjected for identification. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of antimicrobial agents were tested. The initial clinical and laboratory characteristics were collected.

Results:  The rate of positive yield of pathogen meningitis in our study was 8.16% . Among the 1994 non-repetitive pathogens, Gram-positive pathogen was the most common (71.71%), followed by Gram-negative pathogen (20.36%), fungal (6.62%) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (1.30%). Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) was the most common Gram-positive pathogen and Acinetobacter baumannii (Ab) was the most common Gram-negative pathogen. As to fungal pathogen, Cryptococcus neoformans (CN) was the most common. The main CNS showed higher antimicrobial resistant rate for Penicillin G, oxacillin, clindamycin and erythromycin. Acinetobacter baumannii resistant to the most tested antibiotics and only showed considerable rate of resistance to cefoperazone/sulbactam, tigecycline and amikacin. All CN were susceptible to 5-fluorocytosine and only 3.6% CN were resistance to fluconazole. Long days of hospital stay, fever and meningeal irritation signs were common symptoms in the bacterial and fungal meningitis. Head injury, disturbance of consciousness, the pupil size of both eyes was not equal, pupillary reaction to light was slow or absent were more common in the Ab meningitis. The CSF protein concentration and white blood cells count as well as glucose concentration can be used in guiding initial treatment and further microbiological investigation.

Conclusions:  The main pathogens showed higher antimicrobial resistant rate and the selection of empiric antibiotics should take into consideration local epidemiology, antibiotic resistance patterns and the suspected causative microorganism.
Specific language impairment in the long-term perspective – the importance of assessment procedures, reading skills, and communicative competence
Authors: Richterová Eva , Málková Gabriela Seidlová
Published: September 2017

The purpose of this study is to provide a review of the literature regarding the treatment of specific language impairment (SLI) in the long-term perspective. We develop the paper along the three issues we consider to be of the most importance in relation to counseling practice with SLI children and young people: the importance of assessment procedures of SLI, the importance of reading skills in the lives of SLI children and adults, and the importance of the quality of communication competence of SLI people for their social life. The review draws on international research mainly; however, the paper also aims to show how the three target issues are represented in the Czech research related literature.
Effect of phenolic extracts of Algerian medicinal plants on the bacterial growth and adherence of Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus pathogens responsible of food poisoning.
Authors: Belkacem Imane , Ouafa Rebai , Rachid Djibaoui
Published: September 2017

Artemisia, one of the larger genera in the family Asteraceae, comprises from 200 to more than 500 taxa at the specific or subspecific level. Artemisia herba-alba Asso (Shih) is grown in North Africa and certain parts of Asia and Middle East. It is one of the most widely used plants in the Algerian folk medicine. The antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities of the methanolic extracted materials were tested together with their antibacterial effects against isolated bacterial strains causing food poisoning. In summary, A. herba-alba Asso represent a good phenolic and flavonoid content (161, 64 mg/g and 16,83mg/g, respectively) in comparison with T. capitatus L which represent a phenolic content of 131, 48 mg/g and 14, 96 of flavonoid content. The results shows also that the methanolic extracts of the two plants possess a strong antioxidant (DPPH, FRAP assays) and antibacterial activities, which supports their ethnopharmacological use and A. herba alba represent the highest values (IC 50: 2, 35 mg/ml and OD 1, 13 at 700nm). Our results show the interest of A. herba-alba Asso and T. capitatus L, among other medicinal plants, in search of new chemo-preventive agents against biofilm and planktonic growth of food spoilage pathogens. Further studies are envisaged to target the most interesting molecules responsible for these activities. It is concluded that organic extracts from Artemisia herba alba Asso, exert strong antioxidant activities which are related to their polyphenol contents. 
Analgesic and acute inflammation properties of the aqueous extract of dried leaves of Paullinia Pinnata (Sapindaceae) Linn
Authors: Patience Dingom Aurelie Taylor , Brice Keugni Armand , Julia Bendegue Emebe Alexandrie , Désiré Dzeufiet Djomeni Paul , Pierre Kamtchouing , Dimo Théophile
Published: September 2017

Inflammation is frequently associated with pain. Plants continue to be major resources for therapeutic compounds against various diseases including inflammation and pain. Paullinia Pinnata is used to treat several diseases, including rheumatism and abdominal pain. This study was undertaken to assess the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of Paullinia Pinnata. The analgesic activity was evaluated by using behaviour pain model in mice. The anti-inflammatory activity was carried out by using carrageenan, dextran, histamine and serotonin induced inflammation in rat. The extract was administered orally at a dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg. The results showed that the extract significantly (P< 0.001) reduced the number of writhing induced by the acid acetic. The aqueous extract reduced significantly (P< 0.001) the paw licking time in formalin model. The effect of the extract (200mg/kg) was significantly (P< 0.001) reduced in the presence of naloxone, during the inflammatory phase. In addition, the extract significantly (P< 0.05) increase latency time at all point time and all doses on nociception induced by hot plate. Concerning inflammation induced by carrageenan and dextran, the extract significantly (P< 0.001) inhibited oedema during the experimental time at the dose of 200 mg/kg. The results suggested that Paullinia pinnata aqueous extract possess analgesic activities which may interfere in both peripheral and central pathway. The anti-inflammatory activities may be mediated by either inhibiting or by blocking the release of vasoactive substances like histamine, serotonin, kinins and prostaglandins. These results justify the traditional use of the plant in the treatment of pain and inflammation.
Aloe-emodin triggers ROS and Ca 2+ production and decreases the levels of mitochondrial membrane potential of human brain capillary endothelial cells
Authors: Dimova Ivanka , Danova Svetla , Nikolova Ekaterina , Koprinarova Miglena
Published: September 2017

The aim of this work was to investigate the mechanisms of cytotoxicity of phyto-hydroxyanthraquinone aloe-emodin (AE) on human brain microvascular endothelial cell line hCMEC/D3 and to assess the cellular response in the early stage of treatment in order to extend the knowledge of AE’s anti-angiogenic properties. The immortalized human brain capillary endothelial cells hCMEC/D3 were treated with a series of AE concentrations (5 - 200 μM) for a period of 24 hours. The cell viability was determined by MTS assay. The cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels were evaluated by CellTiter-Glo® luminescent assay. The intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were determined by 2’,7’-dichlorofluorescein (CM- H2DCFDA) fluorescence assay. The mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was assessed using tetramethylrhodamine methyl ester (TMRM) staining, while Fluo-4 was used to measure 2 the intracellular free Ca 2+ concentrations inside living cells analysed by High Content Analysis using the Arrayscan VTI 740. Twenty-four- hour treatment of hCMEC/D3 cells with AE, in concentrations between 50 and 200 µM, decreased the cell viability as well as the intracellular ATP levels in a dose- dependent manner. Increased ROS production and disruption of the mitochondrial membrane potential have also been detected. Notably, AE at a concentration greater than 5 µM dramatically increased intracellular calcium levels. Our results collectively indicate that AE inhibits proliferation of human brain microvascular cells via a mechanism involving ROS generation, disruption of Ca 2+ homeostasis and mitochondrial damage.
Knowledge, Practice And Use Of Aegle Marmelos (L.) Correa Leaves Among Naturopathy And Ayurvedic Practitioners Of Vadodara City and Desk Review On Various Commercial Formulations available In Health And Disease Specially Diabetes
Authors: Nigam Vinita Gopalchandra , Nambiar Vanisha S.
Published: September 2017

The Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa (Bael), is  indigenous to India and its leaves, bark, roots and fruit have  been used for over 5000 years in the Indian traditional system of medicine like the Ayurveda, Naturopathy  and in various folk medicine to treat various diseases including diabetes. This study was conducted to assess Knowledge, Practice and Use (KPU)of Aegle Marmelos (L.) Correa leaves among 20 Ayurvedic (AP) and Naturopathic practitioners (NP) in Vadodara city as well as desk reviews on various commercial formulations of Aegle Marmelos (L.) Correa (Bael) used in health and disease specially diabetes using internet

Desk reviews were done using Pub Med and other web sources along with personal visits to various libraries across Gujarat state. For KPU, Purposive selection of AP (n=10) and NP (n=10) was done using snow ball sampling technique from Vadodara city in the form of key informant interviews based on their oral consent to share data among.

Desk reviews revealed that Aegle Marmelos (L.) Correa leaves were being recognized as a remedy for the treatment of diabetes in both Ayurveda and Naturopathy. Many Ayurvedic formulations were available commercially as poly herbal formulations (PHF) rather than single drug in the market of various reputed brands which contained Aegle Marmelos (L.) Correa leaves in the form of various powder, tablets, capsules, etc.  Naturopathy did not contain any commercial brands of Aegle Marmelos (L.) Correa  leaves as it believes in fresh doses of the plant.

KPU results revealed that AP used bael leaves for the treatment of diabetes and the dosage for the treatment ranged from 5-10g/day in various forms such as powder, decoction and dry extract in the form of capsules (1 capsule contains 0.5mg of extract which is equivalent to 5mg of leaf powder). NP also used bael leaves for the treatment of diabetes and the dosage ranged from 40-50 fresh leaves in the form of juice mixed with water to make a volume of around 100ml.

Bael leaves were reported to be used by these practitioners as anti-diabetic agent. This information extracted warrants further clinical trials to prove the efficacy of the anti-diabetic properties of these leaves.
Effects of storage temperature on physiological characteristics and vegetative propagation of desiccation-tolerant mosses
Authors: Guo Yuewei , Zhao Yunge
Published: September 2017

Abstract. Mosses, as major components of later successional biological soil crusts (biocrusts), play many critical roles in arid and semi-arid ecosystems. Recently, some species of desiccation-tolerant mosses have been artificially cultured to speed up the recovery of biocrusts. Revealing the influencing factors on the vegetative propagation of mosses will benefit the restoration of moss crusts, which is an important reproductive mode of mosses in arid and semi-arid region. In this study, three desiccation-tolerant mosses (Barbula unguiculata, Didymodon vinealis and Didymodon tectorum) were stored at five temperature gradients (0 °C, 4 °C, 17 °C, 25 °C and 30 °C) for 40 days. Then vegetative propagation and physiological characteristics of the three mosses were investigated to determine the influence of storage temperature on vegetative propagation of desiccation-tolerant mosses and its mechanism. The results showed that vegetative propagation of the three mosses varied with temperature, and the most significant change was observed in D. tectorum after storage at different temperatures. Conversely, no significant difference was found in D. vinealis. Only germination percentage of B. unguiculata was not significantly different at all storage temperatures. The enhancement in regenerative capacity of the three mosses was accompanied by an increased temperature from 0 °C to 17 °C and a decrease beyond that. Malondialdehyde (MDA) content of the three mosses was increased by more than 50 % at all of the investigated temperatures, meanwhile, soluble sugar content increased in the three mosses. However, a decrease trend was observed in MDA content from 0 to 17 °C. As the temperature increased, the contents of chlorophyll and soluble protein in B. unguiculata increased, while decreased in D. vinealis and D. tectorum. The integrity of cell and its membrane probably is the important influencing factor on the vegetative propagation of desiccation-tolerant mosses. Although a 40-day storage period caused cell injury, our results suggested that storage temperature could enhance or suppress such injury and change vegetative propagation capacity of the three mosses. It could be concluded that the suitable storage temperature of B. unguiculata was 4 °C and the optimal temperature was 17 °C for D. vinealis and D. tectorum.
Necessary storage as a signature of discharge variability: towards global maps
Authors: Takeuchi Kuniyoshi , Masood Muhammad
Published: September 2017

Abstract. This paper proposes the use of necessary storage to smooth out discharge variability to meet a discharge target as a signature of discharge variability in time. Such a signature has a distinct advantage over other statistical indicators such as standard deviation (SD) or coefficient of variation (CV) as it expresses hydrological variability in human terms, which directly indicates the difficulty and ease of managing discharge variation for water resource management. The signature is presented in the form of geographical distribution, in terms of both necessary storage (km3) and normalized necessary storage (months), and is related to the basin characteristics of hydrological heterogeneity. The signature is analyzed in different basins considering the Hurst equation of range as a reference. The slope of such a relation and the scatter of departures from the average relation are analyzed in terms of their relationship with basin characteristics. As a method of calculating necessary storage, the flood duration curve (FDC) and drought duration curve (DDC) methods are employed in view of their relative advantage over other methods to repeat the analysis over many grid points. The Ganges–Brahmaputra–Meghna (GBM) basin is selected as the case study and the BTOPMC hydrological model with Water and Global Change (WATCH) Forcing Data (WFD) is used for estimating FDC and DDC. It is concluded that the necessary storage serves as a useful signature of discharge variability, and its analysis could be extended to the entire globe and in this way seek new insights into hydrological variability in the storage domain at a larger range of scales.