bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential of Genetically- Modified Measles Virus as A Treatment Modality For Carcinoma: A Review
Authors: kabilan Anirudha , Lakshmi Lakshmi , Priyadarshoni S Pavithra
Published: June 2018

Malignancy is a disease in which cell division is uncontrolled and prognosis is often poor. Despite recent advances in the felid of medicine the life expectancy after the diagnosis of advanced stages of cancers has high mortality rates . The traditional methods of treatment have low curative effects and high risk of side effects. Further the possibility of re-occurrence is not completely eliminated by any of the conventional methods of treatment. Thus, a technique that affects only the tumour cells without leaving behind any cancer initiator cells must be deviced. Recently genetically modified variants of measles virus were used to cure multiple myeloma .The idea to use of measles virus dates back to 1950’s.Constant research has lead the advent of a branch known as oncolytic virotheraphy . Precise targeting of cancer cells is one of the dominant advantages of cancer therapy through virus and it can be achieved in multiple manners. A few viruses such as exclusively replicating mumps virus, moloney leukemia virus, parvoviruses, reovirus, newcastle disease virus have a natural preference for malignant cells, whereas vesicular stomatitis adenovirus, virus, measles, vaccinia and herpes simplex virus can be adapted or engineered to make them cancer-specific.
Comparative Assessment of Sensitivity and Specificity of Rose Bengal Test and Modified In-house ELISA by using IS711 TaqMan Real Time PCR Assay as a Gold Standard for the Diagnosis of Bovine Brucellosis
Authors: M. Zakaria Amira
Published: June 2018

Serological approaches such as Rose Bengal Test (RBT) and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) are common tests, however they are generally not sensitive or specific enough for diagnosis of Brucella because of cross-reactivity with different bacterial antigens. The work objected to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of rose Bengal and modified in-house ELISA using IS711 real time PCR as a gold test to detect Brucella in calves sera. Two hundred and thirty (n=230) blood samples were collected from (2-3) years asymptomatic male calves in two Egyptian abattoirs. Rose Bengal test (RBT) and modified in-house ELISA were applied to determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis in abattoirs animals while quantitative Taqman real-time PCRs (RT-PCR) were implemented for the identification of Brucella genus. The overall prevalence of brucellosis was (53.9 %), (75.2 %) and (79.1 %) as determined by ELISA,RBT and RT- PCR assays respectively. Regarding statistical analysis of the reported data and considering real time PCR the gold standard, the RBT recorded a sensitivity of (79.12%) and a specificity of (39.58 %) with an accuracy of (70.87%). While (83.24%) was reported as positive predictive value and (33.33 %) as a negative predictive value. The sensitivity and specificity of ELISA were (55.49%) and (52.08 %) respectively while the accuracy was (54.78%). Positive predictive value and negative predictive value for ELISA were determined as (81.45%) and (23.58 %) respectively. RBT can be routinely used for diagnosis of Brucella as cost effective , more sensitive and accurate test than ELISA However, real time PCR is highly recommend as gold test for identification and differentiation of bovine brucellosis.
Unripe Papaya Seed Ethanol Extract (Carica papaya, Linn.) Inhibits FSH and LH of Male Mice (Mus musculus)
Authors: Komang Satriyasa Bagus , Nova Mahendra Agung , Kamasan Arijana I. Gusti , Made Ruspawan Dewa
Published: June 2018

Family planning is a program designed to control the rate of population growth extensively in the country of Indonesia. In order to avoid of potential destructive effects of population explosion, a nation-wide Family Planning Program has been adopted long-standing in Indonesia. As to make it successful, family planning would have to involve with participation of both males and females. It was aimed to prove that the ethanol extracts of a local plant, Bali papaya, have antifertility function via inhibiting the secretion of FSH and LH. Randomized post-test only control group design was selected for this study. 38 male mice (strain Balb-C) were used and randomly divided into two equal groups. Only 0.5 ml double-distilled water was applicated orally for 36 days to controls; and 0.5 ml ethanol extract of unripe papaya seed with dose of 20 mg/20gr BW/day for 36 days to treatments. At the end of the experimental duration, blood samples of each individuals of both of the groups were collected for FSH and LH measurement. FSH and LH levels in controls were recorded as 3.379 and 15.718 mIU/ml, respectively. In experimental animals, the level of FSH was declined to 2.053 mIU/ml, while LH was measured as 8.626 mIU/ml. The reduction of both of the hormone was probably related to the active substances of extract. Administration of the ethanol extract of papaya seed reduces the average level of FSH and LH (p<0.05), significantly.
Clinical Outcomes of Hernia Nucleous Pulposus after Microendodiscectomy
Authors: Fauzi Ahmad , Rizky Gatham Asrafi , Al-Tobing S. Dohar , Gatham Luthfi
Published: June 2018

There are several options of surgical treatment of Hernia Nucleous Pulposus (HNP) such as discectomy and micro-endodiscectomy (MED). The fundamental differences between these procedures are the size of the incision, the discectomy procedure and the volume of disc taken. However, until now, there has not been any class 1 evidences explaining the efficacy of these procedures, and there is only a few studies about its safety and factors influencing its efficacy in treating HNP, especially in Indonesia. This study is aimed to assess clinical outcomes and safety of MED in HNP patients who underwent this procedure. Patient with HNP who underwent MED were followed prospectively in a period of January 2015 until December 2016. Clinical outcomes were evaluated by using Visual Analog Score (VAS) for assessing back pain and leg, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). The mean of pre-treatment score was compared with the mean of post-surgical treatment score by using paired t-test. Sampel were 78 HNP patients treated surgery. The average surgery duration (± SD) was 60 ± 17.1 minutes. The pretreatment score mean on VAS and ODI were 4.88 ± 1.10 and 35.21 ± 8.24. After surgical treatment, the VAS and ODI score obtained were significantly reduced to 1.53 ± 1.14 and 5.16 ± 5.52, respectively (p<0,001). A type of complication was observed, which was 5 (6.4%) cases of dural tear; no deficit in ankle dorsiflexion nor foot paresis were found. MED has been shown to be able to treat HNP with clinical outcomes similar to conventional open discectomy but with better levels of safety and effectiveness. However, this procedure still requires high quality randomized controlled trials studying about its efficacy and cost effectiveness in HNP treatment.
Pharmacotherapy of Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: A Upnitskiy Alexander
Published: June 2018

The aspects of chronic heart failure treatment in age-related risk group are described in the present article. It is established that the optimal treatment duration is 6-12 months. The authors focused on pharmacotherapeutic part only, excluding active application of invasive treatment and diagnostics methods. The analysis of long-term therapy in three parallel groups defined the role of both blood pressure control and pharmacodynamics specifics of the drugs in clinical positive dynamics of the disease development and reverse heart and vessels remodeling. Indication of spironolactone along with the basic blood pressure control therapy increased tolerance to physical loads, improved quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), accelerated recovery rate of the disturbed circadian rhythm of blood pressure, significantly reduced left ventricle dimensions and left atrium dilation reversion, decreased systolic blood pressure in pulmonary artery due to significant improvement of left ventricle diastolic function. Indication of trimetazidine in combination with spironolactone lowered functional class of the disease by New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification in 66.7% of cases and increased glomerular filtration rate. Nephroprotective activity of trimetazidine confirmed the fact that 80% of patients were rediagnosed with lower stage of chronic kidney disease after the therapy.
Effect of Cryotherapy on Proprioception and Throwing Accuracy In the Dominant Shoulder among Female Recreational Players
Authors: Monisha R. , Manikumar M. , A Pahinian , B Simulia Dhinju
Published: June 2018

Throwing is one of the most complex activities within all athletic activity. The integrity of the receptors responsible for movement and proprioception with neural pathways plays a important role in maximizing the shoulder mobility in throwing skill. After an acute shoulder injury in sport, an athlete may return to practice or competition following a cryotherapy treatment to the injured shoulder. To find the effect of Cryotherapy on proprioception and throwing efficiency of shoulder in recreational players. 10 female basketball players will be selected as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The procedures were explained and an informed consent statement was obtained from the participants. Crushed ice with terry towels were employed to all the players included to the study. Treatment duration was 15 minutes, immediately at the end of the treatment, the post-test documentation on throwing efficiency was documented. Throwing performance index was used to assess the Functional ability of the shoulder joint. Paired t-test was used to compare in mean values of pre-test and post-test. There was a statistically significant changes obtained in the throwing accuracy after 15 minutes of cryotherapy application.
Analysis of Densitometric Indices of Osteotropic Therapy by the Method of F* (Fisher) in Case Of Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Zh. Azizov Mirhakim , P. Alimov Aziz , M. Rustamova Umida , Kh. Shakirov Khurshid , V. Stupina Nadezhda
Published: June 2018

Clinical and densitometric researches in patients with the terminal stage of gonarthrosis and decrease in bone mineral density allow determining the condition of knee joint endoprosthesis. In the process of research women took part; their average age made up 57 years (max. 84 years old, min. 52 years old – menopausal age). X-ray densitometry (dual energy absorptiometry) before and after surgery (in 12 months). Patients were divided into two (main and control) groups depending on further treatment schedule. Studying the treatment results was carried out using the method of criteria calculation – f* (Fisher) by the method of mathematical treatment. Densitometric data analysis before and after operation showed after operation in the main group of women, who took osteotropic drugs as compared to the indicators of control group, significant bone density increase. The growth in bone mineral density of the main group by the year end made up on the average 60%, in control group – 18,75%.
Image Distortion of the Roots of Maxillary Deciduous Molars on IOPA’s Recorded with Bisecting Angle or a Modified Paralleling Technique
Authors: Sanghvi Shilpi , Rao Ashwin , YM Karuna , Shetty Karthik , Nayak Anupama
Published: June 2018

The maxillary deciduous molar periapical radiograph often presents a diagnostic challenge for the clinician due to the overlapping of their roots with the developing premolar tooth bud. Clear and distortion free images are necessary for decision making while planning the treatment. However, the practical anatomical difficulties discourage the clinician from using the paralleling technique in children. While looking for an alternative technique, it was hypothesized in the literature that the 20 degree paralleling compromise technique suggested by Van Aken (1969), could override the anatomic challenges in children and provide images that are superior compared to those recorded with the bisecting angle technique. To compare the image quality of maxillary deciduous molar IOPAR taken using the “20 degree paralleling compromise technique” with that taken using the “bisecting angle technique”. Parallel double blinded randomized clinical trial. Sixty children who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were randomly split into two groups. In group A, the bisecting angle technique was used and in Group B the 20 degree paralleling compromise technique was used. The radiographs were categorized into three groups according to the quality of the image (1: Foreshortened image of the roots, 2: Elongated Image of the roots, 3: Undistorted well-defined image) by two independent observers who were blinded to the study and then compared. The obtained data was analysed for inter and intra observer agreements using Kappa statistics and analyzed for significance using the Chi square test. The p values obtained for category 1 and 2 were 0.21 and 0.99 for observer 1 and 0.16 and 0.33 for observer 2 respectively. Under the conditions of the study, there was no difference in the image quality of maxillary deciduous molar roots on IOPAR recorded using either the “bisecting angle” or the “20 degree paralleling compromise” techniques.
Herbendodontics – Phytotherapy In Endodontics: A Review
Authors: S, Andamuthu Sivakumar Vishnuvardhini. , Ravi Vaiyapuri , Prasad A. S. , Sivakumar J.S.
Published: June 2018

Plants have been used for health disorders and to prevent diseases including epidemics since times immemorial. Many plants are used as Phytomedicines in dentistry because they possess varying degree of biological and antibacterial effects. In endodontics, plants and their extract can be used as irrigant and intracanal medicament to prevent the potential side effects caused by conventional chemical agents. Such herbal preparations are derived from the roots, leaves, seeds, stems and flowers of medicinal plants. This paper emphasize on the advantages of different herbal plants and their products when used as phytotherapy in endodontics.
Analysis of Protein-Protein Interaction Network of Laminopathy Based on Topological Properties
Authors: Singh Yadav Sapana , Chouhan Usha
Published: June 2018

Laminopathy is a group of rare genetic disorders, including EDMD, HGPS, Leukodystrophy and Lipodystrophy, caused by mutations in genes, encoding proteins of the nuclear lamina. Analysis of protein interaction network in the cell can be the key to understand; how complex processes, lead to diseases. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) in network analysis provides the possibility to quantify the hub proteins in large networks as well as their interacting partners. A comprehensive genes/proteins dataset related to Laminopathy is created by analysing public proteomic data and text mining of scientific literature. From this dataset the associated PPI network is acquired to understand the relationships between topology and functionality of the PPI network. The extended network of seed proteins including one giant network consisted of 381 nodes connected via 1594 edges (Fusion) and 390 nodes connected via 1645 edges (Coexpression), targeted for analysis. 20 proteins with high BC and large degree have been identified. LMNB1 and LMNA with highest BC and Closeness centrality located in the centre of the network. The backbone network derived from giant network with high BC proteins presents a clear and visual overview which shows all important proteins of Laminopathy and the crosstalk between them. Finally, the robustness of central proteins and accuracy of backbone are validated by 248 test networks. Based on the network topological parameters such as degree, closeness centrality, betweenness centrality we found out that integrated PPIN is centred on LMNB1 and LMNA. Although finding of other interacting partners strongly represented as novel drug targets for Laminopathy.
Ethanolic Extract of Caesalpinia bonducella f. Seed Ameliorates Diabetes Phenotype of Streptozotocin- Nicotinamide-Induced Type 2 Diabetes Rat
Authors: Widhiantara I. Gede , Arunngam Pakajiraporn , Milas Siswanto Ferbian
Published: June 2018

Caesalpinia bonducella F. (Leguminosae) is widely used medicinal plant which contains flavonoid, tannin, saponin, and a potent antioxidant activity. However, the antihyperglycemic effect of the seed of C. bonducella is remained to be evaluated. This study used 24 male Wistar albino rats that were induced for type 2 diabetes with streptozotocin (STZ) and nicotinamide (NA). The rats were divided into three groups: the distilled water-treated group (NC group), glibenclamide-treated group (10 mg/kg/d, oral; PC group), and C. bonducella seed extract-treated group (500 mg/kg/d, oral; T group). Blood glucose and plasma insulin measurements were done after 14 days of treatment. The results showed that the postprandial blood glucose (PPBG) level of both PC and T groups were decreased significantly (p < 0.01 for both), whereas in NC group, the PPBG level was rising (p < 0.01). Glibenclamide was found to be more effective to decrease the PPBG level than C. bonducella seed extract (p < 0.01). The post-test fasting insulin level of T group was higher than other groups (p < 0.05). In summary, our results suggest that ethanolic extract of C. bonducella seed possesses antidiabetic activity against experimentally-induced type 2 diabetes.
Association Between Metabolic Abnormalities and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver in Obese Premenopausal Women
Authors: Zaki Moushira , Yousef Walaa , Kamal Sanaa , Mohamed Ramy , Saleh Omnia , Ezzat Wafaa
Published: June 2018

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is frequently related to obesity and metabolic alterations. This study aimed to assess the relation between NAFLD and metabolic syndrome (MS) in obese premenopausal women and investigate the impact of NAFLD on occurrence of metabolic syndrome components. The study comprised 180 non-smoking premenopausal obese women. They were 90 with NAFLD and 90 with normal liver, aged 25 to 35 years. Abdominal ultrasonography was used to diagnose fatty liver disease. MS was diagnosed according to the Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Metabolic syndrome was found in 22.2% and in 83.3% of the normal and fatty liver cases, respectively, with significant difference. Cases with NAFLD had significantly higher levels of triglyceride, glucose, ALT, cholesterol, HOMA-IR and waist circumference than those than those with the normal fatty liver. In fatty liver group, the majority of cases had central obesity (88.8%), followed by hypertriglyceridemia (85.5%), hyperinsulinemia (84.4 %), hyperglycemia (83.3%) and hypertension (81.1%). All metabolic syndrome components were significantly elevated in the cases with fatty liver than those with in normal liver cases. The strongest associations of an individual component of meta­bolic syndrome with NAFLD were hypertriglyceridemia and low HDL-cholesterol. A higher percentage of NAFLD was observed in cases with three components followed by four components of the metabolic syndrome. NAFLD is correlated positively with metabolic risk components. It was associated with higher ratios of metabolic components; hypertriglyceridemia and low HDL-cholesterol level had the strongest positive association. This suggests the importance of these components in screening of NAFLD among obese premenopausal women.
Shooting up? Analysis of 182 gunshot injuries presenting to a London major trauma centre over a seven-year period
Authors: Norton J , Whittaker G , Kennedy DS , Jenkins JM , Bew D
Published: June 2018

Introduction

Metropolitan Police data, and those from the emergency department at a London major trauma centre show a resurgence in gun crime. The aim of this study was to collect data on all gunshot injuries over a seven-year period at South-East London’s trauma hub.

Materials and methods

This was a retrospective observational study of all gunshot injuries between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2016 at a London major trauma centre. Information regarding patient demographics, morbidity and mortality was collected. Data from the English indices of multiple deprivation were reviewed in relation to shooting locations and socioeconomic status in South-East London.

Results

A total of 182 patients from 939,331 emergency admissions presented with firearm injuries. Males comprised 178 (97.8%) victims and 124 (68.1%) were documented as being Black or Afro-Caribbean. The median age was 22 years. Some 124 (71.7%) victims were shot within a 4 km radius of the hospital. The mean indices of multiple deprivation decile ranking in shooting locations compared with non-shooting locations was 2.6 (± 0.1384) and 3.8 (± 0.1149), respectively. A total of 122 (67.0%) patients underwent specialist operative intervention and 111 (61.0%) suffered only superficial or musculoskeletal injuries. Six patients required emergency thoracotomies; three (50.0%) survived to discharge. The median length of stay was 4 days (interquartile range 2–9 days) and 35 (24.0%) were admitted to intensive care. Ten (5.5%) patients died.

Discussion and conclusion

Firearms injuries are increasing and place a significant burden on hospital resources. Care provided to gunshot victims has improved as a result of recent trauma management initiatives at South-East London’s major trauma centre.
National variation between clinical commissioning groups in referral criteria for primary total hip replacement surgery
Authors: Moorhouse A , Giddins G
Published: June 2018

The referral criteria used by the UK clinical commissioning groups for primary total hip replacement surgery appear inconsistent; the criteria rarely follow National Institute for Health and Care Excellence criteria. With established guidelines available, it is unclear why the clinical commissioning groups have referral criteia with less evidence base, without obviously addressing particular issues in their locality.
The effect of consultant outcome publication on surgeon behaviour: a systematic review and narrative synthesis
Authors: Williams MP , Modgil V , Drake MJ , Keeley F
Published: June 2018

Introduction

Surgeon-specific outcome data, or consultant outcome publication, refers to public access to named surgeon procedural outcomes. Consultant outcome publication originates from cardiothoracic surgery, having been introduced to US and UK surgery in 1991 and 2005, respectively. It has been associated with an improvement in patient outcomes. However, there is concern that it may also have led to changes in surgeon behaviour. This review assesses the literature for evidence of risk-averse behaviour, upgrading of patient risk factors and cessation of low-volume or poorly performing surgeons.

Materials and methods

A systematic literature review of Embase and Medline databases was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Original studies including data on consultant outcome publication and its potential effect on surgeon behaviour were included.

Results

Twenty-five studies were identified from the literature search. Studies suggesting the presence of risk-averse behaviour and upgrading of risk factors tended to be survey based, with studies contrary to these findings using recognised regional and national databases.

Discussion and conclusion

Our review includes instances of consultant outcome publication leading to risk-averse behaviour, upgrading of risk factors and cessation of low-volume or poorly performing surgeons. As UK data on consultant outcome publication matures, further research is essential to ensure that high-risk patients are not inappropriately turned down for surgery.
Urinary schistosomiasis presented as bladder malignancy with pulmonary metastases: a case report
Authors: Hosny K , Luk A
Published: June 2018

Schistosoma haematobium is the species primarily responsible for the manifestation of schistosomiasis in the genitourinary tract. It is a parasitic disease caused by flukes (trematodes) of the genus Schistosoma, which can result in acute and chronic manifestation. We report a case of urinary schistosomiasis that initially presented as advanced bladder cancer with pulmonary metastasis on initial computed tomography scan. Further investigations revealed no cancer and pulmonary changes resolved with treatment. The involvement of bladder is the hallmark of S. haematobium infection and it is unusual to have pulmonary manifestation without concurrent hepatosplenic disease. Within the lungs, deposition of Schistosoma eggs causes a granulomatous reaction, typically producing miliary nodules on chest radiographs. In our case, this was interpreted initially as lung metastases. However, given the cystoscopic findings and subsequent resolution with praziquantel, this was proved otherwise. This case highlights the importance of urinary cytology in the initial investigation of haematuria. Clinicians should be aware of such a potential differential diagnosis, especially in patients with prior travel history to endemic areas.
Current use of procedure specific consent forms for laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Courtney MJ , Royle TJ
Published: June 2018

Introduction

Procedure specific consent forms (PSCFs) have been shown to improve consenting practice for a standardised list of complications. The aim of this study was to assess the current usage and quality of PSCFs in the National Health Service (NHS) for cholecystectomy, specifically comparing the listed complications with those mentioned on the NHS website.

Methods

A freedom of information request was sent to all NHS trusts asking whether they perform laparoscopic cholecystectomy and whether they have a PSCF for this. A copy of the PSCF was also requested. Complications stated on these forms were compared with those on the NHS Choices website.

Results

Overall, 162 (88%) of the 185 trusts responded, with 121 of these performing cholecystectomies. Among these, 20 (17%) currently use PSCFs; all provided a copy. Five (25%) of the PSCFs contained all eight risks mentioned on the NHS website. The number of risks listed varied from 4 to 18 per form. Only bile duct injury was listed on every PSCF. The least frequently mentioned complication (45% of forms) was the risk from general anaesthetic.

Conclusions

This study suggests that too few trusts are using PSCFs and that those PSCFs that are in use contain too little detail on the risks of cholecystectomy. The listed risks and incidences on each PSCF were highly variable. More trusts should begin to use PSCFs during the informed consent process and each PSCF should include a nationally standardised list of potential complications to act as a prompt for discussion (and documentation) of risk.
Competing together
Authors: Sanders David
Published: June 2018

As a summer of football begins, it’s time for a reminder that surgery is every bit a team sport.
Surgical training in the independent sector
Authors: Alderson Derek
Published: June 2018

Is it the only way for trainees to get the experience they need?
Teaching ‘Foundation Skills in Surgery’: evaluating the Association of Surgeons in Training course
Authors: Humm G , Harries RL , Derbyshire LF , Sinclair P , McDermott F , Gokani V , Wild J , Shalhoub J , Marron CD , Fitzgerald JEF
Published: June 2018

Does it benefit those considering surgical careers?
Slop dreams of John Hunter and his legacy
Authors: Slop Mr
Published: June 2018

A missing statue prompts our scribe to lament his lack of experimentalism.
Specialist-led delivery of comprehensive dental care demonstrating low repeat paediatric dental general anaesthesia rates
Authors: Marshall Sophie , Kandiah Thayalan
Published: June 2018

How to avoid repeated GA episodes for elective procedures in children.
Oral cancer in Hong Kong: identifying and managing the ‘high-risk’ population
Authors: Thomson Peter , Su Richard , Choi Siu-Wai
Published: June 2018

How research can help identify those most at risk of oral carcinogenesis.
Are the Royal College of Surgeons guidelines for poor-prognosis first permanent molars in children being followed?
Authors: Gallacher Amy , Durman Kyle , Barry Siobhan , Waring David
Published: June 2018

An audit is undertaken at a Manchester hospital to compare current practice with the updated guidelines.
Post-linearity as a democratic style for protest theatre in Zimbabwe
Authors: Chikonzo Kelvin
Published: June 2018

This article investigates the efficacy of the neo-indigenous post-linear style in creating democracy in politically committed theatre in Zimbabwe. The article interrogates democracy in performance with regards to liberated spectatorship and avoidance of indoctrination, monolithic readings and excessive reliance on what Brecht (in Babbage 2004: 34) described as ‘emotional orgies’, which cripple the spectators’ ability to think and engage. Using Rooftop Promotions theatre company’s performance Rituals, the article examines how this production harmonizes the antagonistic relationship between style and democracy in contemporary protest theatre in Zimbabwe.
Forbes 30 under 30 in education: Manufacturing “edu-preneur” networks to promote and reinforce privatization/marketization in education
Authors: Brewer T. Jameson , Hartlep Nicholas D. , Scott Ian M.
Published: June 2018

Each year Forbes bestows a handful of “edu-preneurs” with the 30 Under 30 Award in Education (Under30), designating those individuals as the best hope for revolutionizing and reforming education. Boasting low recipient rates, Forbes elevates the manufactured expertise of awardees and the importance of their organizations and ventures. Further, Forbes employs the language and norms of neoliberalism to articulate a pro-market vision of education reform. This social network analytic (SNA) study seeks to untangle the edu-preneur network and critically examine the connections between awardees, their organizations, judges, and the larger education reform network. To this end, we utilized descriptive analyses and SNA. We find evidence that Under30 serves as a mechanism for promoting social closure and ideological homophily within education reform networks. Further, we consider the policy implications that such awards may have on public discourse and policy creation.
Contenidos en el aprendizaje de idiomas desde el enfoque intercultural: una perspectiva integral con orientación kantiana
Authors: Sáez Méndez Leonor
Published: June 2018

La cuestión de transmisión de una lengua, desde una perspectiva integral, requiere categorías más amplias que las meramente lingüísticas, ya que implica incorporar la lengua y su contexto como contempla la lingüística aplicada (Pragmática intercultural, comunicación intercultural y el aprendizaje intercultural) y la visión antropológica de la enseñanza como proceso socio-histórico. Esta orientación intercultural integradora de lengua y su contexto contrasta en los últimos años con una demanda más instrumentalista del aprendizaje de lenguas. En esta tensión, entre una demanda más instrumentalista y una dimensión humanista del proceso, centro mi investigación, desde una perspectiva interdisciplinar, en la enseñanza-aprendizaje desde un enfoque Intercultural. Las posibilidades que nos muestra dicho enfoque me ha llevado a reflexionar sobre el espacio que nos abre la incorporación de una lengua entendida como el contactar con otras identidades e incorporar múltiples identidades. Esto nos lleva a la necesidad de indagar y reflexionar los principios del método comunicativo, los principios interculturales y por ende los principios donde sustentamos un comportamiento ético. Dicha fuente filosófica que fundamentan principios metodológicos de transmisión de una lengua o de mediación entre culturas lo hemos trabajado desde varios textos del Kant crítico y poscrítico. Tales fundamentos teórico-empírico que sustentan dichos principios ayudan también a encontrar nuevas propuestas dentro del método comunicativo. La reflexión teórica va acompañada de diferentes ejemplos y propuestas prácticas.
Competing Bilingual Schools in La Mancha City: Teachers’ Responses to Neoliberal Language Policy and CLIL Practices
Authors: Relaño Pastor Ana María , Fernández Barrera Alicia
Published: June 2018

This article analyzes how neoliberalism as ideology and practice permeates CLIL-type bilingual education teachers’ narratives collected as part of the sociolinguistic ethnography conducted in four Spanish-English bilingual schools in La Mancha City (pseudonym). The rapid implementation of Spanish-English bilingual programs in Castilla-La Mancha schools in the last decade (e.g. «MEC/British» programs; «Linguistic Programs» regulated by the regional «Plan of Plurilingualism», last amended in 2018; «Bilingual Programs» in semi-private schools) invites to reflect on how neoliberalism plays a role in the commodification of English language teaching and learning in these programs. Particularly, the article discusses how teachers participating in these programs position themselves towards their personal experiences teaching CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) subjects in these bilingual programs. The analysis shows how these teachers are appropriating and resisting in some cases bilingualism as a neoliberal ideology and practice that reconfigures their professional identities as self-governing free subjects who must know English at all costs to compete in the highly commodified global market of English.
O papel do jornal e das memórias dos alunos na construção da identidade de uma escola diferente: A Torre
Authors: Pintassilgo Joaquim , Namora Alda
Published: June 2018

O presente artigo foi elaborado no âmbito do projeto INOVAR, o qual tem por finalidades traçar o percurso histórico e caracterizar o modelo pedagógico de um conjunto de escolas diferentes que se desenvolveram em Portugal ao longo do século XX. A Torre, aqui estudada, é uma dessas escolas. Trata-se de uma escola cooperativa, situada em Lisboa, que foi fundada em 1970 por Ana Maria Vieira de Almeida, nos anos finais do regime autoritário português, e que ainda se encontra hoje em funcionamento. A forma peculiar e criativa através da qual a fundadora e os educadores d’A Torre se apropriaram de vários elementos da tradição pedagógica «progressiva» dá a esta escola uma cultura e uma identidade únicas. O seu projeto educativo tem na pedagogia Freinet um dos seus mais sólidos pilares, com visíveis implicações em algumas das práticas educativas desenvolvidas, de entre as quais podemos destacar a realização de assembleias, o recurso ao jornal de parede ou a elaboração do jornal da escola com contributos dos alunos. A adoção de uma pedagogia cooperativa e a educação para a participação e para a democracia são elementos centrais do projeto educativo de A Torre. Este artigo procura refletir sobre o papel do jornal como experiência de self-government dos alunos e, em particular, sobre as memórias construídas por antigos alunos sobre a sua experiência de vida numa escola diferente a partir de um conjunto de testemunhos publicados no jornal comemorativo dos 40 anos da instituição. Procuraremos, em termos gerais, refletir sobre o papel das memórias na construção da identidade institucional.
Las Universidades católicas en Europa: Lovaina, Friburgo y Milán. Sus repercusiones en España a comienzos del siglo XX
Authors: García Farrero Jordi , Lafuente Nafría Begoña , Vilanou Torrano Conrad
Published: June 2018

Una de las novedades de la formación superior en la Europa reciente ha sido la irrupción de las universidades católicas que, en el marco de la historia del viejo continente, marcaron un punto de inflexión en el diálogo fe-cultura, con el trasfondo de la aparición de la ciencia moderna surgida del positivismo y del evolucionismo. En este artículo se pasa revista a la Universidad Católica de Lovaina que, a pesar de atesorar una larga tradición, se refundó en 1834. Además, este centro universitario experimentó un proceso de renovación gracias a los aportes del cardenal Désiré Mercier que, después de visitar Alemania, promovió seminarios y laboratorios con una idea de universidad que debe también mucho a la educación liberal del cardenal Newman. Sobre la base de las innovaciones introducidas por Mercier en Lovaina, se desarrolló un modelo de universidad católica que influyó sobre la Universidad de Friburgo (Suiza) inaugurada en 1889 y, más tarde, sobre la Universidad Católica de Milán (1921), erigidas con la intención de combinar las novedades científicas con el respeto a la tradición del magisterio de la Iglesia. De hecho, estos tres referentes –Lovaina, Friburgo, Milán– han perfilado un modelo europeo de universidad católica que ha dejado su impronta también en España.
Ikastetxea 1896: un proyecto de colegio euskérico dirigido a la burguesía de Bilbao
Authors: Kintana Goriena Jurgi , Artetxe Sánchez Karmele
Published: June 2018

En el artículo se investiga la experiencia escolar del colegio «Ikastetxea», centro fundado en el año 1896 en Bilbao (País Vasco), y pionero en el uso de la lengua vasca en el aula. Como tantos otros colegios privados que surgieron en la misma época y ciudad, Ikastetxea era un colegio-aula de educación primaria. Su característica más saliente era su currículum vasquista y su modelo de inmersión lingüística en euskera. En aquella época la mayoría de los bilbaínos hablaba castellano (los vascohablantes no suponían más que el 20-25% de la población de la ciudad). Además, la lengua vasca no era oficial y estaba prácticamente excluida del sistema escolar. En ese contexto, la creación de una escuela vascófona en Bilbao resulta llamativa y respondía más a motivaciones ideológicas que a necesidades utilitarias. Ikastetxea fue fundado por Resurrección María de Azkue (1864-1951), intelectual y estudioso de la lengua vasca, y contó con el patrocinio económico y político de Ramón de la Sota y Llano (1857-1936), próspero empresario y líder de la Sociedad Euskalerria. El fervor nacionalista del momento posibilitó que parte de la burguesía bilbaína, de lengua mayoritariamente castellana, apoyara el proyecto. El resultado, sin embargo, fue irregular, en parte por haberse marcado objetivos demasiado ambiciosos y no logró consolidarse.
La recepción de Natorp por los pensionados de la JAE (1906-1916): revisionismo republicano del socialismo, elitismo político y educativo, y escuela unificada
Authors: Martínez Valle Carlos
Published: June 2018

El artículo explora las condiciones de posibilidad y usos político y educativos de la recepción de Paul Gerhard Natorp entre 1906 y 1916 por los pensionados españoles en Marburgo. Para perfilar estas, analiza las ideas que rechazaron en posibles alternativas como John Dewey: naturalismo, moral definida socialmente y escuela comunitaria y participativa. El neoidealismo era un posicionamiento político contrario al conservatismo, individualismo, liberalismo y positivismo. Su gnoseología defendía un organicismo trascendente al individuo y la superioridad de la filosofía como ciencia normativa que reunía las leyes naturales y morales, lo que permitía reformular un ideario republicano-reformista, que denominan «liberalismo socialista», que concede un papel directivo a las élites filosóficas y les permite realizar una revisión republicana del socialismo. Natorp también les provee de la «religión de la humanidad» y la educación social, que permiten justificar la dirección de la regeneración del país por las élites reformistas burguesas y atacar a la Iglesia y su poder educativo, este si un elemento común a la escuela única. Natorp no fue recibido en este periodo fundamentalmente para apoyar ésta, pues su gnoseología y pedagogía respaldaban discursos tradicionales que justificaban el papel de una élite intelectual dirigente distinta del práctico, el maestro, y de una pedagogía academicista que reforzaba la reproducción social impidiendo la democracia educativa.
Integrating palliative care in heart failure: A review article
Authors: Çamcı Gülşah , Oğuz Sıdıka
Published: June 2018

Millions of people have heart failure around world. Despite the advances in the care, heart failure has a poor prognosis. Palliative care offers patients a care which achieves symptom control with good quality of life. Palliative care is usually identified with cancer patients but individuals with heart failure also need palliative care. According to the World Health Organization, palliative care is needed mostly by patients with cardiovascular conditions followed by cancer patients. Patients with heart failure suffer from several symptoms, they have poor quality of life and it is difficult to estimate the course of their disease. Patients with heart failure, however, do not receive enough palliative care. Patients with heart failure should have palliative care integrated to their care to ensure that they receive palliative care services. The present study investigated palliative care models offered to patients with heart failures, and examined their outcomes. Several studies have found that heart failure patients who receive palliative care had better symptom management and quality of life and reduced hospitalizations.
Cellular response of oxidative stress when sub1A QTL of rice receives water deficit stress
Authors: Saha Indraneel , De Arnab Kumar , Sarkar Bipul , Ghosh Arijit , Dey Narottam , Adak M K
Published: July 2018

In this experiment, sub1A quantitative trait loci (sub1A QTL) of rice were evaluated for dehydration responses through different aspects of cellular responses. Through variations of dehydration exposure, rice seedlings recorded a significant increase in superoxide (O2.-) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), the former by 1.80 fold and the latter by 2.10 fold. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase activity fairly correlated with lipid peroxidation (r = 1.96). Both 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) had similar IC50 values over the control at p ? 0.05. Reducing power of the extract had 1.31 fold increase. The antioxidant moieties like total phenolics and flavonoids were 1.04 and 1.23 fold upregulated under stress. On the other hand anthocyanin and glutathione (GSH) did not vary much under stress except at maximum duration of stress. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) was initially stable but maximized at 8 days by 1.30 fold increase. On the contrary, guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) was seen to be downregulated by 40.94% all through the days of stress. Catalase (CAT) activity followed a similar trend, but was not significant as compared to control.
Equilibrium of a production economy with non-compact attainable allocations set
Authors: Ounaies Senda , Bonnisseau Jean-Marc , Chebbi Souhail
Published: June 2018

In this paper, we consider a production economy with an unbounded attainable set where the consumers may have non-complete non-transitive preferences. To get the existence of an equilibrium, we provide an asymptotic property on preferences for the attainable consumptions and we use a combination of the nonlinear optimization and fixed point theorems on truncated economies together with an asymptotic argument. We show that this condition holds true if the set of attainable allocations is compact or, when the preferences are representable by utility functions, if the set of attainable individually rational utility levels is compact. This assumption generalizes the CPP condition of [N. Allouch, An equilibrium existence result with short selling,
J. Math. Econom. 37 2002, 2, 81–94] and covers the example of
[F. H. Page, Jr., M. H. Wooders and P. K. Monteiro, Inconsequential arbitrage,
J. Math. Econom. 34 2000, 4, 439–469] when the attainable utility levels set is not compact. So we extend the previous existence results with non-compact attainable sets in two ways by adding a production sector and considering general preferences.
Die repräsentative Demokratie und ihre Herausforderungen
Authors: Mielke Gerd
Published: June 2018

Der Mainzer Politikwissenschaftler Gerd Mielke analysiert den Zustand der repräsentativen Demokratie in Deutschland nach der Bundestagswahl 2017. Ein Befund ist dabei, dass es unübersehbare Repräsentationslücken im Hinblick auf bestimmte Regionen und soziale Gruppen gibt. So ist etwa die organisatorische Präsenz der beiden Groß- und Volksparteien in Ostdeutschland, „die regionale Durchdringung und Kultivierung, wie sie etwa in Mitgliederbeständen der Parteien oder – in Ergänzung zu diesen – in zivilgesellschaftlichen Gruppen und Zusammenschlüssen zum Ausdruck kommt“ seit 1989 „höchst prekär“, so der Autor. Diese Bedingungen seien strukturell günstig und für das Erstarken unter anderem auch der rechtspopulistischen AfD, so der Autor. Zudem hätten Union und SPD in den vergangenen Jahren und Jahrzehnten programmatisch und ideologische Umschwünge vollzogen, die wiederum vormalige Wählergruppierungen für andere Parteien attraktiv gemacht haben oder in Wahlenthaltung führten.
Falsch verbunden
Authors: Evers Adalbert , Leggewie Claus
Published: June 2018

Die demokratiepolitische Bedeutung der Zivilgesellschaft – diverser, auch „unkonventioneller“ Formen von Partizipation und das Engagement in Vereinen und innovativen Projekten – wird oft beschworen. Das hier in den Blick genommene Problem ist: wie beide Formen bürgerschaftlicher Aktivität zu den klassisch-konventionellen Beteiligungsformen der Parteiendemokratie stehen. Es geht also um mehr als die viel beklagte Kluft zwischen (Partei-)Politik und (Wahl-)Bürgern. Wir behaupten: Von der Qualität der Verbindungen zwischen in Parteien organisierter Politik und zivilgesellschaftlichen Organisationen hängt auch die Qualität der Beiträge beider Seiten und darüber hinaus die Fähigkeit der Gesellschaft ab, sich selbst zu regieren. Mit dem Signum „falsch verbunden“ wollen wir darauf hinweisen, dass vieles an der Art und Weise, wie die jeweiligen Seiten die Verbindung zur anderen suchen, in die falsche Richtung weist. Damit plädieren wir auch für eine andere Blickrichtung als die der üblichen, auf eine Stärkung der Zivilgesellschaft „an und für sich“ gerichteten Debatten.
Zivilgesellschaft, politischer Konflikt und soziale Bewegungen
Authors: Grande Edgar
Published: June 2018

Der Beitrag untersucht die Beziehungen zwischen Zivilgesellschaft, Demokratie und gesellschaftlichem Zusammenhalt. Er argumentiert, dass die Rolle der Zivilgesellschaft in diesem Beziehungsgeflecht ambivalent ist. Für den gesellschaftlichen Zusammenhalt und die Qualität demokratischen Regierens ist nicht nur die Stärke der Zivilgesellschaft entscheidend, wichtiger noch sind die normative Orientierung der Zivilgesellschaft, ihre innere Struktur und ihre Einbettung in die relevanten politischen Konfliktstrukturen.
Bewegungsparteien auf der Suche nach mehr Demokratie: La France insoumise, En marche, die Fünf-Sterne-Bewegung
Authors: Priester Karin
Published: June 2018

Die repräsentative Demokratie steht zunehmend unter Druck. Das Parteienspektrum fragmentiert sich und erschwert Regierungsbildungen. Unabhängig von ihrer politischen Ausrichtung treten neue, aus politischen Bewegungen hervorgegangene Akteure auf, die mehr Transparenz und Bürgerbeteiligung versprechen. Drei dieser teilweise sehr erfolgreichen Bewegungsparteien werden hier vorgestellt. Es wird die These vertreten, dass sie, trotz vermeintlich mehr Partizipation durch Losverfahren und extensive Nutzung der sozialen Medien einer Zentralisierung der Macht Vorschub leisten. Verglichen mit traditionellen Parteien, ist die Einflussnahme der Mitglieder eher geringer. Die Formierung des politischen Willens wird von oben, von starken Parteiführern, gesteuert und kontrolliert.
Zwischen Debatten-Allergie und Argumentations-Phobie
Authors: Leif Thomas
Published: June 2018

Von dem kürzlich verstorbenen Thomas Leif erscheint im Nachdruck ein flammendes Plädoyer für die politische Debatte. In seinem typischen provokanten Stil illustriert Leif die verbreitete Argumentationsarmut und die Verweigerung zum Diskurs. Aufseiten des Publikums beklagt er politisches Desinteresse vor allem unter jungen Menschen. Politiker scheinen Diskursbereitschaft als schädlich für die Karriere zu betrachten. Die Medien betreiben eine Selbstbeschneidung ohne Aufklärungsanspruch. Als Lösung schlägt der Autor einen Diskurs vor, der ernsthaft um präzise Argumente bemüht ist.