bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Substance Use and Mental Health Outcomes During Emerging Adulthood Among Individuals With Different Patterns of Child Maltreatment
Authors: Guastaferro Kate , Bray Bethany C.
Published: February 2019

The aim of the current study was to identify patterns of child maltreatment experienced prior to age 18 and examine the relationship between those patterns and substance use and mental health disorders among emerging adults. Data were from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III. The analytic sample consisted of 5,194 adults between 18 and 25 years old. Latent class analysis revealed a three-class model: Rare Maltreatment (59%); Occasional Maltreatment, Rare Sexual Abuse (37%); and Frequent Maltreatment, Some Sexual Abuse (4%). Risk of substance use disorders and poor mental health was higher for the two classes who experienced maltreatment; however, those with Frequent Maltreatment had higher risk of poor mental health, but not substance use disorders compared to those with Occasional Maltreatment. Patterns of child maltreatment are important predictors of substance use and mental health disorders in emerging adulthood, but different patterns may necessitate specific intervention efforts.
MRI-Negative Myelitis Associated With Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody Spectrum Demyelinating Disease
Authors: Pérez Carlos A. , Garcia-Tarodo Stephanie , Troxell Regina
Published: February 2019

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein is expressed in the central nervous system on the surface of oligodendrocytes and is associated with a broad range of adult and pediatric demyelinating phenotypes. The entire spectrum of clinical and radiologic features of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody spectrum disorder remains to be fully elucidated. We describe the case of a 9-year-old boy with immune-mediated myelitis undetectable by conventional magnetic resonance imaging in the context of relapsing anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein spectrum disorder. Despite the severe clinical presentation, his symptoms improved significantly following treatment with corticosteroids. Because timely diagnosis and treatment is imperative to prevent disease recurrence and reduce long-term morbidity, serum anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody testing should be considered in all children with acute demyelinating syndromes and unusual clinical presentations—including seizures—both at presentation and at follow-up.
Development of a Community-Engaged Classroom for Teaching Health Communications: Lessons Learned From Nine Semesters of Implementation
Authors: Felter Elizabeth M. , Baumann Sara E.
Published: February 2019

Community-engaged classrooms (CECs) offer many advantages to both students and community-based organizations by creating an environment that enriches student learning and contributes to meeting needs identified by the community. Students who are engaged with communities during their studies report that they learned to apply skills, develop networks, and increase their decision-making skills, confidence, professional portfolio, and ownership of projects. In this article, we report on a CEC model for a graduate-level course called “Overview of Health Communications” at the University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Public Health, which has been sustained for nine semesters. This article outlines the approach for developing the CEC model, steps for implementing the course, course evaluation design, and results. We also present lessons learned from both the community organizations’ and students’ perspectives and recommendations to inform future CEC projects.
Least-squares migration with primary- and multiple-guided weighting matrices
Authors: Li Chuang , Huang Jianping , Li Zhenchun , Yu Han , Wang Rongrong
Published: February 2019

Least-squares migration (LSM) of seismic data is supposed to produce images of subsurface structures with better quality than standard migration if we have an accurate migration velocity model. However, LSM suffers from data mismatch problems and migration artifacts when noise pollutes the recorded profiles. This study has developed a reweighted least-squares reverse time migration (RWLSRTM) method to overcome the problems caused by such noise. We first verify that spiky noise and free-surface multiples lead to the mismatch problems and should be eliminated from the data residual. The primary- and multiple-guided weighting matrices are then derived for RWLSRTM to reduce the noise in the data residual. The weighting matrices impose constraints on the data residual such that spiky noise and free-surface multiple reflections are reduced whereas primary reflections are preserved. The weights for spiky noise and multiple reflections are controlled by a dynamic threshold parameter decreasing with iterations for better results. Finally, we use an iteratively reweighted least-squares algorithm to minimize the weighted data residual. We conduct numerical tests using the synthetic data and compared the results of this method with the results of standard LSRTM. The results suggest that RWLSRTM is more robust than standard LSRTM when the seismic data contain spiky noise and multiple reflections. Moreover, our method not only suppresses the migration artifacts, but it also accelerates the convergence.
Comorbidities in Primary vs Secondary School Children With Obesity and Responsiveness to Lifestyle Intervention
Authors: Karnebeek Kylie , Thapar Supriya , Willeboordse Maartje , van Schayck Onno C P , Vreugdenhil Anita C E
Published: February 2019

Context

Childhood obesity increases the risk of diseases as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Objective

To evaluate the prevalence of comorbidities in school-age children with obesity and to compare its prevalence and the effect of a lifestyle intervention between children in primary and secondary school and between boys and girls.

Design

Cross-sectional analysis and lifestyle intervention.

Setting

Centre for Overweight Adolescent and Children’s Healthcare.

Patients

Comorbidities were evaluated in 149 primary and 150 secondary school children with (morbid) obesity (162 girls). The effect of lifestyle intervention was studied in 82 primary and 75 secondary school children.

Intervention

One-year interdisciplinary lifestyle intervention.

Results

Insulin resistance (37%), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) (3%), dyslipidemia (48%), hypertension (7%), and elevated liver transaminase levels (54%) were already common in primary school children. Glomerular hyperfiltration and insulin resistance were more prevalent in secondary school children. IGT was more prevalent in girls. The change in body mass index z score after intervention was greater in primary school children (primary vs secondary: −0.25 ± 0.32 vs −0.11 ± 0.47), even as the change in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations [primary vs secondary: −0.30 (interquartile range, −0.70 to 0.10) vs −0.10 (interquartile range, −0.40 to 0.30)] and systolic blood pressure z score (primary vs secondary: −0.32 ± 1.27 vs 0.24 ± 1.3). The change in body mass index z score, but not in comorbidities, was greater in boys (boys vs girls: −0.33 ± 0.45 vs −0.05 ± 0.31).

Conclusions

The presence of comorbidities is already evident in primary school children with obesity. The effect of a lifestyle intervention on these comorbidities is greater in primary compared with secondary school children, stressing the need for early interventions.
Gcn5 histone acetyltransferase is present in the mitoplasts
Authors: Montanari Arianna , Leo Manuela , De Luca Veronica , Filetici Patrizia , Francisci Silvia
Published: February 2019

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae the Lysine-acetyltransferase Gcn5 (KAT2) is part of the SAGA complex and is responsible for histone acetylation widely or at specific lysines. In this paper we report that GCN5 deletion differently affects the growth of two strains. The defective mitochondrial phenotype is related to a marked decrease in mtDNA content, which also involves the deletion of specific regions of the molecule. We also show that in wild-type mitochondria the Gcn5 protein is present in the mitoplasts, suggesting a new mitochondrial function independent from the SAGA complex and possibly a new function for this protein connecting epigenetics and metabolism.
Non-immunological complications following kidney transplantation
Authors: Cohen-Bucay Abraham , Gordon Craig E. , Francis Jean M.
Published: February 2019

Kidney transplantation (KT) is the most effective way to decrease the high morbidity and mortality of patients with end-stage renal disease. However, KT does not completely reverse the damage done by years of decreased kidney function and dialysis. Furthermore, new offending agents (in particular, immunosuppression) added in the post-transplant period increase the risk of complications. Cardiovascular (CV) disease, the leading cause of death in KT recipients, warrants pre-transplant screening based on risk factors. Nevertheless, the screening methods currently used have many shortcomings and a perfect screening modality does not exist. Risk factor modification in the pre- and post-transplant periods is of paramount importance to decrease the rate of CV complications post-transplant, either by lifestyle modification (for example, diet, exercise, and smoking cessation) or by pharmacological means (for example, statins, anti-hyperglycemics, and so on). Post-transplantation diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is a major contributor to mortality in this patient population. Although tacrolimus is a major contributor to PTDM development, changes in immunosuppression are limited by the higher risk of rejection with other agents. Immunosuppression has also been implicated in higher risk of malignancy; therefore, proper cancer screening is needed. Cancer immunotherapy is drastically changing the way certain types of cancer are treated in the general population; however, its use post-transplant is limited by the risk of allograft rejection. As expected, higher risk of infections is also encountered in transplant recipients. When caring for KT recipients, special attention is needed in screening methods, preventive measures, and treatment of infection with BK virus and cytomegalovirus. Hepatitis C virus infection is common in transplant candidates and in the deceased donor pool; however, newly developed direct-acting antivirals have been proven safe and effective in the pre- and post-transplant periods. The most important and recent developments on complications following KT are reviewed in this article.
Agreement between ELISA and plaque reduction neutralisation assay in Detection of respiratory syncytial virus specific antibodies in a birth Cohort from Kilifi, coastal Kenya.
Authors: Nyiro Joyce U. , Kiyuka Patience K. , Mutunga Martin N. , Sande Charles J. , Munywoki Patrick K. , Scott J. Anthony G. , Nokes D. James
Published: February 2019

Background: Severe disease associated with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection occurs predominantly among infants under 6 months of age. Vaccines for prevention are in clinical development. Assessment of the vaccine effectiveness in large epidemiological studies requires serological assays which are rapid, economical and standardised between laboratories. The objective of this study was to assess the agreement between two enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and the plaque reduction neutralisation test (PRNT) in quantifying RSV specific antibodies.

Methods: Archived sera from 99 participants of the Kilifi Birth Cohort (KBC) study (conducted 2002-2007) were screened for RSV antibodies using 3 methods: ELISA using crude RSV lysate as antigen, a commercial RSV immunoglobulin G (IgG) ELISA kit from IBL International GmbH, and PRNT. Pearson correlation, Bland-Altman plots and regression methods were used in analysis.

Results: There was high positive correlation between the IBL RSV IgG ELISA and PRNT antibodies (Pearson r=0.75), and moderate positive correlation between the crude RSV lysate IgG ELISA and PRNT antibodies (r= 0.61). Crude RSV lysate IgG ELISA showed a wider 95% limit of agreement (-1.866, 6.157) with PRNT compared to the IBL RSV IgG ELISA (1.392, 7.595). Mean PRNT titres were estimated within a width of 4.8 log2PRNT and 5.6 log2PRNT at 95% prediction interval by IBL RSV IgG and crude RSV lysate IgG ELISA, respectively.

Conclusion: Although, the IBL RSV IgG ELISA is observed to provide a reasonable correlate for PRNT assay in detecting RSV specific antibodies, it does not provide an accurate prediction for neutralizing antibody levels. An RSV neutralising antibody level is likely to fall within 2.4 fold higher and 2.4 fold lower than the true value if IBL RSV IgG ELISA is used to replace PRNT assay. The utility of an ELISA assay in vaccine studies should be assessed independent of the PRNT method.
Diálogos interculturais e as potencialidades da lei 11.645-08: outros espaços de aprendizagens, outras leituras de mundo
Authors: Da Silva Maria de Fátima Barbosa
Published: February 2019

Este artigo objetiva externar alguns horizontes da lei 11.645-08, compreendendo-a por meio de princípios interculturais. Intenciona refletir sobre as bases conceituais da interculturalidade, as quais sugerem novos paradigmas para o ensino. Isto proporcionou a elaboração de metodologias para efetivação desta lei, experimentadas em turmas de oitavo e nono ano do Ensino Fundamental da Escola Municipal Altivo César, em Niterói (RJ), com caráter replicável. Defende-se que a perspectiva da pedagogia intercultural, é a de intervir na AÇÃO, em nossas práticas cotidianas em favor de diálogos entre as culturas, deslocando concepções etnocêntricas para narrativas plurais. Uma proposta democrática, em sentido amplo.
O periódico Teias como espaço de produção no campo da educação, currículo e formação docente
Authors: Schuchter Terezinha Maria , Paoliello Juliana , Moreira Nilcea Elias Rodrigues
Published: February 2019

Analisa práticas discursivas do periódico Teias, organizado em forma de dossiê pela Associação Brasileira de Currículo, entre 2013 e 2016. Identifica as temáticas dos artigos, autores e filiação institucional, conceitos, abordagem teórico-epistemológica, metodológica e autores referenciados. Utiliza, como metodologia, a análise da discursividade a partir do mapeamento cartográfico-discursivo.  Aponta o eixo de produção na Região Sudeste e a predominância de trabalhos fundamentados nas Teorias Crítica e Pós-Crítica, discutindo as relações entre a abordagem metodológica e a epistemológica.  Destaca Freire e Foucault como os autores mais referenciados. Ressalta a necessidade da emergência de outros possíveis eixos temáticos, para que as diferenças que caracterizam as práticas discursivas no campo curricular sejam contempladas.
EDUCAÇÃO ESCOLAR E INTERCULTURALIDADE: A INSERÇÃO DO ALUNO INDÍGENA NO CONTEXTO URBANO EM BOA VISTA – RR
Authors: Silva Claudina Miranda , Cunha Portela Selma Maria , De Matos Maristela Bortolon
Published: February 2019

RESUMO O trabalho em questão é resultado de um estudo de caso realizado em uma Escola Municipal situada na capital de Boa Vista, fruto do projeto de pesquisa intitulado: “A educação escolar para ao aluno indígena no contexto urbano em Boa Vista – Roraima”. A inserção do aluno indígena dentro do processo de escolarização urbano consiste em um verdadeiro desafio, pois abre uma discussão envolvendo as políticas públicas que regulamentam a educação numa perspectiva ótica da inclusão, a valorização da cultura indígena nos diversos contextos de interação social, o papel da escola enquanto instituição seja na recepção, no atendimento, sobretudo na oferta do ensino de forma igualitária. O objetivo da pesquisa foi conhecer como ocorre o processo de inserção do aluno indígena na educação escolar no contexto urbano de Boa Vista – RR. Com uma abordagem qualitativa, a investigação constituiu de pesquisa bibliográfica, análise documental e a utilização da técnica de entrevista, esta realizada com três coordenadores pedagógicos e três professores do Ensino Fundamental I. A referida escola apresenta o maior número de alunos regularmente matriculados segundo dados da Secretaria Municipal de Educação e tem a maior concentração alunos indígenas em uma escola urbana do município. Dentro desta perspectiva o trabalho trará uma compreensão do papel da escola no processo de inserção do aluno indígena, da participação e da interação deste no que diz respeito às diferenças culturais e o reconhecimento da interculturalidade enquanto objeto de aproximação entre as culturas e os seus produtores.
ARTICULAÇÕES ENTRE O BANCO MUNDIAL E A REFORMA DO ENSINO MÉDIO (LEI Nº 13.415 DE 2017)
Authors: Junior Gilberto Nogara
Published: February 2019

Este artigo é o resultado de análise do documento Aprendizagem para Todos: Investir nos Conhecimentos e Competências das Pessoas para Promover o Desenvolvimento. Estratégia 2020 para a Educação do Grupo Banco Mundial (BANCO MUNDIAL, 2011) e da Lei nº 13.415 de 2017 (BRASIL, 2017). Defendemos que a reforma do ensino médio é uma política de Estado coadunada as prescrições dos organismos multilaterais e alinhada as transformações no mundo do trabalho no atual estágio do capitalismo. Deste modo, nosso esforço é demonstrar neste artigo estes dois movimentos: as articulações entre o Banco Mundial e o Estado brasileiro na reforma do ensino médio e a relação trabalho e educação subjacente a este processo.
A importância do pensamento e dos fazimentos do intelectual Darcy Ribeiro.
Authors: Souza Silvio Claudio , Souza Carla Zottolo
Published: February 2019

Este artigo analisa o pensamento-ação de Darcy Ribeiro, ressaltando a importância de seu pensamento e sinalizando como seus fazimentos e sua intensa participação política no campo governamental influenciaram a educação brasileira, destacadamente a universidade. Pretende-se demonstrar como se naturalizam os fatos históricos, relativizando as pretensões teóricas do liberalismo e assinalando as tendências culturais e econômicas predatórias do processo de globalização econômica, estabelecendo um contraponto ao ideário de Darcy, inspirado na diversificação dos povos e no reconhecimento do que chamou de “processo civilizatório”. Palavras-chaves: Darcy Ribeiro. Educação. Emancipação.
De volta ao “terceiro milênio”: círculos sociais na construção da UENF em Campos dos Goytacazes
Authors: Matias Glauber
Published: February 2019

Analiso o processo de construção da Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro (UENF) em Campos dos Goytacazes/RJ, em 1993, observando, a partir da dinâmica das interações e do entrecruzamento de diversos “círculos sociais” segundo Georg Simmel, os conflitos e controvérsias impressas nas relações entre os grupos intelectuais e políticos envolvidos com o movimento singular de fundação de uma universidade pública a apostar na Ciência e na Tecnologia para promover o desenvolvimento regional e nacional.
RESENHA: Darcy Ribeiro: Educação como prioridade. Lúcia Velloso Maurício (Org.). São Paulo: Global, 2018.
Authors: Fernandes Estevao Rafael
Published: February 2019

Esta resenha busca apresentar ao leitor algumas das inquietações por trás do pensamento de Darcy Ribeiro, a partir dos textos organizados no livro de Lúcia Velloso. Em que pese haver passado mais de duas décadas desde o falecimento daquele autor (educador, antropólogo e, acima de tudo, brasileiro), seus escritos seguem mais atuais e necessários que nunca, a fim de se compreender o papel crítico a ser desempenhado por uma educação de qualidade, voltada para a formação da cidadania.
The laparoscopic approach for epiphrenic diverticula with achalasia
Authors: Mandovra P , Kalikar V , Patel A , Patankar RV
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Epiphrenic diverticulum (ED) is an uncommon disease that is invariably associated with an underlying oesophageal motility disorder such as achalasia. Management of ED should always be accompanied by treatment of the underlying motility disorder to prevent recurrence of symptoms. Traditionally, ED were approached via a left thoracotomy but as laparoscopy offers better access to the distal oesophagus, its use is becoming more widespread.

Methods

A total of 72 patients with oesophageal achalasia underwent laparoscopic surgery at our centre over a period of 7 years. Five (6.9%) of these had associated symptomatic ED. These patients were treated with a laparoscopic transhiatal epiphrenic diverticulectomy using intraoperative oesophagoscopy guidance, combined with a Heller myotomy and Dor fundoplication. Patients were followed up regularly and symptoms were assessed at 12 months.

Results

The median age of the five patients with associated symptomatic ED was 56 years (range: 38–69 years). Three were male. The mean duration of surgery was 150 minutes (range: 120–180 minutes). One patient (20%) developed a postoperative oesophageal leak. The mean follow-up duration was 25 months (range: 12–36 months). At 12 months, the mean Eckardt score reduced from 6.8 to 1.6. Three patients (60%) reported an excellent outcome, one (20%) reported a good outcome and one (20%) reported a fair outcome.

Conclusions

Along with diverticulectomy, treating the underlying motility disorder with an adequate Heller myotomy and partial fundoplication is of prime importance for a good surgical outcome without symptom recurrence. Laparoscopy offers better access to the distal oesophagus than the conventional thoracic approach for ED.
Le tourisme culturel-patrimonial, une contribution à la valorisation des villages kabyles du Djurdjura
Authors: Frendi Karima , Ait-lhadj Zoulikha
Published: February 2019

La préoccupation liée à la préservation, la sauvegarde et la valorisation du village kabyle traditionnel en Algérie, comme témoignage de notre histoire et symbole de notre identité, se chevauche inévitablement avec celle du développement local des régions de la zone de montagne, notamment du Djurdjura. Actuellement, ses villages se dépeuplent vue l’absence d’alternative de développement, ce qui les faits sombrer dans l’oubli et la désuétude, « cas du village traditionnel d’Ath El Kaid, situé au coeur de la montagne du Djurdjura, malgré qu’il soit érigé en secteurs sauvegardés après son classement comme patrimoine culturel national année 2009». En vue d’une valorisation du village traditionnel, il est crucial d’opter pour sa redynamisation, et d’en faire un élément actif dans son territoire. Ainsi, l’intégration d’une activité touristique mobilisant ses potentialités naturelles et culturelles s’imposent, pour un développement local certain. Le tourisme culturel-patrimonial est une forme de tourisme qui a pour but de découvrir le patrimoine culturel et architectural d’une région. Il doit être réfléchi comme un agent de développement durable, et s’appliquer aux valeurs fondamentales à savoir l’authenticité des projets et la protection du patrimoine. Le tourisme culturel-patrimonial, peut contribuer de façon significative à la prospérité économique de la région de la Kabylie du Djurdjura, comme il peut générer des retombées sociales à savoir la reconnaissance de son patrimoine culturel et architectural comme composante du territoire. Et par conséquent la promotion de sa culture locale vivante, la découverte des différentes activités et traditions de la population locale. Ainsi les apports de ce type de tourisme, contribuent à améliorer la qualité de vie des habitants et leur procurent un sentiment de fierté renouvelé à l’égard de leur culture et leur patrimoine et deviennent soucieux de leur préservation à travers le temps.
Le savoir faire local et la connaissance des plantes médicinales spontanées dans la région de Tata: Etude Eco-patrimoniale
Authors: Mouhiddine Dr. Mohammed , Belkamel Dr. Abdeljalil , Bammi Dr. Jamal
Published: February 2019

Une étude ethnobotanique a été réalisée dans les oasis de la Province de Tata afin d’identifier les différents modes d’utilisation et d’exploitation des plantes médicinales spontanées. Des enquêtes réalisées durant l’année 2008/2009 ont permis d’inventorier 45 espèces médicinales et aromatiques. Cette étude se veut une contribution à la connaissance du savoir faire local dans des écosystèmes oasiens en matière de soins naturels tout en mettant l’accent sur l’importance de ce capital, de point de vue scientifique et social, et la nécessité de le sauvegarder pour une potentielle mise en valeur.
Pengembangan klon Sukun (Artocarpus altilis (Park.) Fosberg.) unggulan untuk mendukung ketahanan pangan
Authors: Adinugraha Hamdan Adma , Setiadi Dedi
Published: February 2019

Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) is one of multipurpose tree species that their  wood, bark, fruit and leaves can be utilized for human life. The main product of breadfruit is its fruit as one of the potential food sources that has a fairly high nutrient content and is widely consumed as an additional food and even traditional staple foods such as in some countries the Pacific region. The challenge in developing breadfruit as an alternative food source for the community is to prepare the plant material of superior breadfruit clones which have high fruit production and have enough nutrients and chemicals as a source of food and medicinal ingredients. Based on the clones selection at the clonal test plantation in Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta obtained 5 excellent breadfruit populations representing breadfruit cultivars in Indonesia, namely Cilacap, Yogyakarta, Bali island, Bone  and Manokwari. To ensure the availability of seedlings of superior breadfruit clones, the development of planting stocks production techniques is carried out by root cuttings, shoot cuttings and stem cuttings in the nursery that showed better growth succeess (70-100%). Furthermore, information dissemination is carried out to increase efforts to develop breadfruit by the community / user. Breadfruit planting activities are carried out to increase the availability of food reserve forests in the future, both independently and collaboratively with stakeholders  who interested in  developing of breadfruit plantations.
Indonesian red chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) capsaicin and its correlation with their responses to pathogenic Fusarium oxysporum
Authors: Ferniah Rejeki Siti , Pujiyanto Sri , Kusumaningrum Hermin Pancasakti
Published: February 2019

Red chili is a commercial crop for the food industry in Indonesia. There are some categories of red chili based on their pungency. The hot chili usually has more capsaicin than the sweet chili. Some cultivars may have more resistance to pathogen infection than the others. This research aimed to analyze the disease resistance of red chili cultivars from Indonesia against pathogenic Fusariumoxysporum and the correlation with capsaicin contents. Disease resistance was examined by determination of the Disease Severity Index (DSI) 15 dpi (days post inoculation). The correlation was analyzed by the regression coefficient. The result showed that the most resistance cultivar against F. oxysporum was Branang, while Lembang-1displayed the contrary. There was not a correlation of capsaicin content with the chili resistance to F. oxysporum.
Radioprotective Effects of Amifostine (WR-2721) or Cystamine on Radiation Damage and Its Repair in Rats Whole Body Exposed to Fission Neutrons
Authors: Kuna Pavel , Dostál Milan , Neruda Otakar , Volenec Karel , Vodička Ivan , Navrátil Leoš , Petýrek Pavel , Svoboda Václav , Šimša Jan , Vávrová Jiřina , Heřmanská Jindřiška , Prouza Zdeněk , Pitterman Pavel , Listík Evžen , Spurný František , Knajfl Josef , Podzimek František , Špelda Stanislav , Österreicher Jan , Konrád František , Havránková Renata
Published: February 2019

Sulphur containing radioprotective drugs amifostine (gammaphos, WR-2721) or cystamine (disulfide of meracaptoethylamine) of Czechoslovak production were examined in whole body fission neutrons irradiated rats in the thermal column of reactor VVR-S. Using the split-dose technic the first sublethal neutron dose in the range 1–2 Gy was followed by second lethal exposures in the two time intervals (3 or 6 days) using whole body fission neutrons irradiations (3 days interval) or whole body γ-irradiations (6 days interval) for LD50/30 evaluation within next 30 days survival observation. In other experiments the mean survival time (MST) in days was estimated in different rats group, when animals were whole body fission neutrons irradiated twice with 3-days interval using the total lethal doses of 4 or 5 Gy. Protected rats received amifostine (160 mg.kg-1 i.p. and 200 mg.kg-1 i.m.) or cystamine (40 mg.kg-1 i.p. and 50 mg.kg-1 i.m.), control rats obtained saline 20 min before beginning of irradiation in the amount of 0.5 ml.100 g-1 of the rat,s body weight. Nonsignificant DRF value 1.13 for WR-2721 i.p. was calculated in survival studies in rats twice neutron irradiated with 3 days interval (DRF 1.04 for cystamine). Chemical protectors were administered before each neutron exposure. MST of twice neutron lethal iradiated rats was prolonged not regularly by radioprotectors tested. WR-2721 and cystamine i.m. were not able to increase 6 days reparation processes after sublethal 2 Gy fission neutrons whole body irradiated rats.
Adenosine Deaminase Activity in the Serum of Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Kurtul Naciye , Pençe Sadrettin , Akarsu Ersin , Koçoğlu Hasan , Aksoy Yemliha , Aksoy Hülya
Published: February 2019

Adenosine deaminase (ADA) is suggested to be an important enzyme for modulating the bioactivity of insulin, but its clinical significance in diabetes mellitus (DM) is not yet characterized. We measured the serum level of ADA in healthy controls (C, n=29) and type 2 diabetic patients (n=42). The mean serum level of ADA in C, and type 2 diabetic patients were 29.81±9.15 and. 20.73±8.42 U/L, respectively (P<0.006 vs. C). ADA levels of patients were significantly correlated with HbA1c (r=0.45, p<0.01). Our findings suggest that ADA may play a role in insulin effect and glycamic control. On the other hand, increased activity of ADA in type 2 DM might be a marker for insulin indication. However, further studies are required for the pathogenic role of elevated ADA activity in type 2 DM.
Influence of Discoplasty and Discectomy of the Temporomandibular Joint on Elimination of Pain and Restricted Mouth Opening
Authors: Krug Jiří , Jirousek Zdeněk , Šuchmová Helena , Čermáková Eva
Published: February 2019

The retrospective study was based on 36 open joint surgeries done in 33 consecutive patients with anterior disc dislocation without reduction with severe signs and symptoms and unsuccessful nonsurgical treatment lasting at least 6 months. The patients underwent either discoplasty or discectomy followed by auricular cartilage graft implantation and were evaluated for amount of interincisal mouth opening, severity of pain on VAS scores preoperatively and as well as 12 months postsurgically. The minimum pain levels were preoperatively 50 on VAS for the discoplasty group and 60 on VAS for the discectomy group. After the surgery, the VAS values lower than 20 were reported on 69.4 % of 25 sides (72.7 % in the discoplasty group, 68.0 % in the discectomy group). Using the cutoff point for maximal interincisal opening of more than 35 mm, only 6 patients (16.6 %) fulfilled the criterion at the baseline. Interincisal distance measured vertically 12 months after the operation increased in all but five patients. In three of the five subjects, the opening was at the same level as before the surgery. Almost ninety-one percent of the patients (90.9 %) in discoplasty group and 81.8 % in discectomy group, respectively reached 35 mm or more of vertical opening after the operation. Applying the 1984 Criteria for classification of postoperative results (AAOMS), 12 months after surgery, 24 patients (72.7 %) displayed good results, 6 patients (18.2 %) were evaluated with acceptable results, and in 3 cases (9.1 %) we observed bad results. Although only short-term evaluation is presented, our findings show that both discoplasty and discectomy are effective methods for surgical treatment of patients suffering from severe temporomandibular pain and limited mouth opening. Discoplasty should be reserved only for patients without severe changes of the disc.
User acceptance model of computer-based assessment: moderating effect and intention-behavior effect
Authors: Lin Jian-Wei , Lai Yung-Cheng
Published: February 2019

Computer-based assessment (CBA) is an important area of e-learning research. Most studies of CBA technology add new constructs to existing user acceptance models and rarely consider the moderating effects and intention-behavior effects. Notably, within an e-learning environment, the self-regulation (SR) levels (i.e. high or low) substantially influence individual learning behavior and performance while intention-behavior effects are not guaranteed. This study investigates the moderating effects of SR levels on the relationships between the factors (including the intention-behavior relationship) of CBA acceptance model, which was based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model. The main findings are that, firstly, both the perceived performance expectancy and social influence significantly affect CBA behavioral intention in all students regardless of their SR level. Secondly, compared to effort expectancy in high-SR students, effort expectancy in low-SR students has a significantly larger effect on CBA behavioral intention. Finally, the behavioral intention significantly predicts CBA use behavior for the high-SR students but not for the low-SR students.
Albania w procesie integracji z UE – stan i perspektywy akcesji
Authors: Podgórzańska Renata
Published: February 2019

Bałkany Zachodnie od lat zajmują istotne miejsce w polityce Unii Europejskiej, która postrzega ten region jako istotny z punktu widzenia bezpieczeństwa europejskiego. Jednym ze sposobów stabilizacji i umacniania pokoju w regionie jest jego zbliżenie ze strukturami unijnej współpracy. Proces ten jest determinowany różnorodnymi czynnikami natury politycznej, społecznej, gospodarczej, kulturowej. W artykule uwaga została skoncentrowana na analizie determinantów procesu zbliżenia Albanii z UE, określeniu perspektyw jej akcesji do Unii, oraz wyartykułowaniu korzyści płynących z poszerzenia UE o państwa Bałkanów Zachodnich. Dodatkowo zwraca się uwagę na możliwe implikacje akcesji Albanii z perspektywy bezpieczeństwa UE.
Unijne uwarunkowania normatywne świadczenia Oficjalnej Pomocy Rozwojowej: perspektywa europejskich wschodzących donatorów
Authors: Smolaga Mateusz
Published: February 2019

Tekst przybliża regulacje unijne dotyczące współpracy rozwojowej i wskazuje mechanizm wpływu, jaki wywierają one na wypełnianie roli donatora przez wstępujące do Unii Europejskiej (UE) państwa. Analiza nie ogranicza się tylko do norm prawnych, płynących choćby z traktatów, ale rozpatruje również dokumenty tworzące zobowiązania o charakterze politycznym, które notabene dominują w sferze unijnej kooperacji rozwojowej. Najbardziej aktualnym zbiorem zasad drugiego typu jest Nowy Europejski Konsensus w sprawie Rozwoju z 2017 r. W tekście weryfikowana jest hipoteza głosząca, że regulacje unijne są czynnikiem bezpośrednio wymuszającym podjęcie roli donatora pomocy rozwojowej przez kraj wstępujący do UE, a następnie determinującym kształt i wielkość jego współpracy rozwojowej.
Sankcje Unii Europejskiej wobec Rosji: proces decyzyjny, trwałość i rola państw członkowskich
Authors: Pospieszna Paulina
Published: February 2019

Celem przedstawionych badań jest analiza procesu decyzyjnego w UE w odniesieniu do nakładania i rozszerzania sankcji wobec Rosji oraz ocena przyczyny trwałości decyzji i porozumienia między państwami członkowskimi UE, pomimo odmiennego stanowiska. W szczególności artykuł analizuje proces decyzyjny, dynamikę oraz zmiany zachodzące w ramach grup roboczych Rady, takich jak COEST (Grupa Robocza ds. Europy Wschodniej i Azji Środkowej) dla Ukrainy, Białorusi oraz Rosji. Badania pokazują, że czynniki geopolityczne oraz ekonomiczne mają bardzo duże znaczenie w tworzeniu dynamiki, jaka zachodziła w grupach doradczych Rady Europejskiej, niemniej jednak pomimo tych różnic jednomyślność jest w dużej mierze wynikiem działań Francji i Niemiec.
Consumer policy in Poland’s process of accession to the European Union
Authors: Malczyńska-Biały Mira
Published: February 2019

Artykuł oparty jest na analizie międzynarodowych oraz krajowych aktów prawnych, dokumentów oraz literatury przedmiotu. Ma on na celu przedstawienie procesu dostosowania polskiej polityki konsumenckiej do standardów unijnych. W artykule omówione zostały podstawy prawne harmonizacji konsumenckich praw krajowych z prawem UE, jak również tożsamość krajowych strategii polityki konsumenckiej do unijnych. W kolejnej części artykułu analizie poddano proces dostosowania polskiego prawodawstwa do unijnego. Ostatnia część opracowania pełni rolę konkluzji, zawiera rozważania na temat faktycznych problemów Unii Europejskiej związanych z obowiązkiem implementacji regulacji dotyczących ochrony konsumenta do narodowych standardów prawnych oraz faktycznej funkcji i zasadności prowadzenia przez państwo odpowiedniej polityki konsumenckiej.
Donald Trump and Difficult Relations with Europe
Authors: Kiwerska Jadwiga
Published: February 2019

W artykule poddano analizie relacje amerykańsko-europejskie w okresie urzędowania Donalda Trumpa. Zwrócono uwagę na problemy, jakie pojawiły się na linii Ameryka-Europa w efekcie działań nowej administracji, a dotyczące kwestii zasadniczych, takich jak: bezpieczeństwo, stosunki gospodarcze, wzajemne zaufanie, wiarygodność. Zachwianiu uległy także relacje amerykańsko-niemieckie, jeszcze niedawno określane „partnerstwem w przywództwie” i   stanowiące ważny komponent układu transatlantyckiego. Brak uznania dla wysiłku integracyjnego Europy także nie służy dobrze wspólnocie euroatlantyckiej.
Indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase inhibitors in immunochemotherapy of breast cancer: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Hashemzadeh Nastran , Adibkia Khosro , Barar Jaleh
Published: February 2019

Trafficking of macromolecular immunotherapy agent into the tumor microenvironment (TME) is a challenging issue. In the TME, cancer cells exploit indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO), as a cytosolic enzyme that catalyzes the L-tryptophan (Trp) through the kynurenine (Kyn) pathway, which could negatively regulate the activity of T cells. Thus, Trp/Kyn pathway, can be targeted with novel treatment modalities such as IDO1 inhibitor to benefit patients with aggressive solid tumors.
Correction: A cancer vaccine with dendritic cells differentiated with GM-CSF and IFNα and pulsed with a squaric acid treated cell lysate improves T cell priming and tumor growth control in a mouse model
Authors: Mookerjee Ananda , Graciotti Michele , Kandalaft Lana E.
Published: February 2019

This corrects the article "A cancer vaccine with dendritic cells differentiated with GM-CSF and IFNα and pulsed with a squaric acid treated cell lysate improves T cell priming and tumor growth control in a mouse model" published on 2018: Volume 08, Issue 03, Pages 211-221. Correction to: BioImpacts 10.15171/bi.2018.24, published on 2018: Volume 08, Issue 03 The original version of this article contained a typographical error in the spelling of the author Lana E. Kandalaft, which was incorrectly given as Lana Kandalaft. This has now been corrected in the PDF and HTML versions of the article.
Readiness, Availability and Utilization of Rural Vietnamese Health Facilities for Community Based Primary Care of Non-communicable Diseases: A CrossSectional Survey of 3 Provinces in Northern Vietnam
Authors: Duong David B. , Minh Hoang Van , Ngo Long H. , Ellner Andrew L.
Published: February 2019

Background: Vietnam’s network of commune health centers (CHCs) have historically managed acute infectious diseases and implemented national disease-specific vertical programs. Vietnam has undergone an epidemiological transition towards non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Limited data exist on Vietnamese CHC capacity to prevent, diagnose, and treat NCDs. In this paper, we assess NCD service readiness, availability, and utilization at rural CHCs in 3 provinces in northern Vietnam. Methods: Between January 2014 and April 2014, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of a representative sample of 89 rural CHCs from 3 provinces. Our study outcomes included service readiness, availability of equipment and medications, and utilization for five NCD conditions: hypertension, diabetes, chronic pulmonary diseases, cancer, and mental illnesses. Results: NCD service availability was limited, except for mental health. Only 25% of CHCs indicated that they conducted activities focused on NCD prevention. Patient utilization of CHCs was approximately 223 visits per month or 8 visits per day. We found a statistically significant difference (P<.05) for NCD service availability, medication availability and CHC utilization among the 3 provinces studied. Conclusion: This is the first multi-site study on NCD service availability in Vietnam and the first study in a mountainous region consisting predominately of ethnic minorities. Despite strong government support for NCD prevention and control, Vietnam’s current network of CHCs has limited NCD service capacity.
Associations Between Acute Conflict and Maternal Care Usage in Egypt: An Uncontrolled Before-and-After Study Using Demographic and Health Survey Data
Authors: Gopalan Saji S. , Silverwood Richard J. , Salman Omar , Howard Natasha
Published: February 2019

Background: United Nations’ (UN) data indicate that conflict-affected low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) contribute considerably to global maternal deaths. Maternal care usage patterns during conflict have not been rigorously quantitatively examined for policy insights. This study analysed associations between acute conflict and maternal services usage and quality in Egypt using reliable secondary data (as conflict-affected settings generally lack reliable primary data). Methods: An uncontrolled before-and-after study used data from the 2014 Egypt Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS). The ‘pre-conflict sample’ included births occurring from January 2009 to January 2011. The ‘peri-conflict sample’ included births from February 2011 to December 2012. The hierarchical nature of demographic and household survey (DHS) data was addressed using multi-level modelling (MLM). Results: In total, 2569 pre-conflict and 4641 peri-conflict births were reported. After adjusting for socioeconomic variables, conflict did not significantly affect antenatal service usage. Compared to the pre-conflict period, periconflict births had slightly lower odds of delivery in public institutions (odds ratio [OR]: 0.987; 95% CI: 0.975-0.998; P<.05), institutional postnatal care (OR: 0.995; 95% CI: 0.98-1.00; P=.05), and at least 24 hours post-delivery stay (OR: 0.921; 95% CI: 0.906-0.935; P<.01). Peri-conflict births had relatively higher odds of doctor-assisted deliveries (OR: 1.021; 95% CI: 1.004-1.035; P<.05), institutional deliveries (OR: 1.022; 95% CI: 1.00-1.04; P<.05), private institutional deliveries (OR: 1.035; 95% CI: 1.017-1.05; P<.001), and doctor-assisted postnatal care (OR: 1.015; 95% CI: 1.003-1.027; P<.05). Sensitivity analysis did not change results significantly. Conclusion: Maternal care showed limited associations with the acute conflict, generally reflecting pre-conflict usage patterns. Further qualitative and quantitative research could identify the effects of larger conflicts on maternal careseeking and usage, and inform approaches to building health system resilience
Has the Public Health System Provided Adequate Financial Risk Protection for Child Birth Conditions – Evidences From an Eastern Indian State
Authors: Rout Sarit Kumar , Mahapatra Sandeep
Published: February 2019

Over the years, national and sub-national governments have introduced several initiatives to improve access to maternal and child health services in India. However, financial barriers have posed major constraints. Based upon the data of National Family Health Survey (NFHS) round 4 for Odisha state, our paper examines the out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) borne by households for accessing maternal and child healthcare services in a low resource setting of India. We have interpreted results of NFHS-4 by drawing inferences from literature for understanding the rising OOPE in the public health system. Findings suggests that OOPE is considerably high for maternal and child health conditions in Odisha and ranks fifth, despite the coverage of 72% women under Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), a condition cash transfer scheme with majority utilizing the public health system. The high OOPE on child delivery raises numerous pertinent questions about the effectiveness of the public health delivery system, and thus requires financial protection in the interest of the population that accesses public health systems in the state.
The "Hot Potato" of Mental Health App Regulation: A Critical Case Study of the Australian Policy Arena
Authors: Parker Lisa , Bero Lisa , Gillies Donna , Raven Melissa , Grundy Quinn
Published: February 2019

Background: Health apps are a booming, yet under-regulated market, with potential consumer harms in privacy and health safety. Regulation of the health app market tends to be siloed, with no single sector holding comprehensive oversight. We sought to explore this phenomenon by critically analysing how the problem of health app regulation is being presented and addressed in the policy arena. Methods: We conducted a critical, qualitative case study of regulation of the Australian mental health app market. We purposively sampled influential policies from government, industry and non-profit organisations that provided oversight of app development, distribution or selection for use. We used Bacchi’s critical, theoretical approach to policy analysis, analysing policy solutions in relation to the ways the underlying problem was presented and discussed. We analysed the ways that policies characterised key stakeholder groups and the rationale policy authors provided for various mechanisms of health app oversight. Results: We identified and analysed 29 policies from Australia and beyond, spanning 5 sectors: medical device, privacy, advertising, finance, and digital content. Policy authors predominantly framed the problem as potential loss of commercial reputations and profits, rather than consumer protection. Policy solutions assigned main responsibility for app oversight to the public, with a heavy onus on consumers to select safe and high-quality apps. Commercial actors, including powerful app distributors and commercial third parties were rarely subjects of policy initiatives, despite having considerable power to affect app user outcomes. Conclusion: A stronger regulatory focus on app distributors and commercial partners may improve consumer privacy and safety. Policy-makers in different sectors should work together to develop an overarching regulatory framework for health apps, with a focus on consumer protection.
‘Meet the Vikings’—or meet halfway? The new Viking display at the National Museum of Denmark in Copenhagen
Authors: Sindbæk Søren M.
Published: February 2019

How does a major European museum maintain its high profile as a cultural institution when faced with dwindling public funds? The decision of the National Museum of Denmark in Copenhagen to refurbish its Viking gallery under the direction of a celebrity designer has caused a stir far beyond Denmark. Appointed in 2017, the Museum's director, Rane Willerslev, has vowed to set this venerable institution on a more contemporary and commercially viable track. As one of his first major initiatives, he contracted the fashion designer and reality television star Jim Lyngvild to brush up the Viking Age gallery—one of the museum's most prominent international attractions, but strangely a hitherto somewhat neglected part of the display.