bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diferenças genéticas e estimação de coeficientes de herdabilidade para características morfológicas em fêmeas zebus e F1 holandês x zebu
Authors: Mourão Gerson Barreto , Bergmann José Aurélio Garcia , Madalena Fernando Enrique , Ferreira Marcos Brandão Dias
Published: October 2013

O objetivo deste trabalho foi averiguar possíveis variações nas mensurações morfológicas entre reprodutrizes zebus dos grupos genéticos (GG) Indubrasil, Nelore e Tabapuã e entre os GG de suas filhas F1 Holandês x Indubrasil (HxI), Holandês x Nelore (HxN) e Holandês x Tabapuã (HxT), além de estimar coeficientes de herdabilidade (h²) para estas características. O método dos quadrados mínimos foi usado para verificação das diferenças nas características morfológicas entre os GG e para obtenção de estimativas de h² pela regressão filha-mãe (RFM). O método REML foi também usado para estimar h². Os dados foram coletados em 183 vacas zebus e 273 novilhas F1 Holandês x Zebu. O GG das fêmeas F1 foi importante para sua inscrição no livro de controle e registro genealógico da raça Girolando, pois os GG obtiveram diferentes pontuações nas características de classificação total para tipo, aparência geral e caracterização leiteira. Para estas três características, as mestiças HxI obtiveram melhor pontuação que as HxN e as novilhas HxT, pontuação intermediária. Entre as características morfológicas, as larguras entre as tuberosidades ilíacas e as isquiáticas, o comprimento da garupa, a profundidade torácica, a altura na cernelha e o peso corporal não apresentaram diferenças entre os três GG zebus e entre suas progênies F1 Holandês x Zebu. As estimativas de herdabilidade variaram de 0,09 (profundidade torácica) a 0,59 (comprimento da orelha) pela RFM e de 0,09 a 0,89 (mesmas características) pelo método REML. Os resultados indicam que, em sistema de cruzamento com a raça Holandesa, para a produção de novilhas F1 para venda, o GG Indubrasil produziu animais melhor caracterizados, como da raça Girolando, os quais, possivelmente, teriam maior apelo comercial que os dos GG Tabapuã e Nelore. Adicionalmente, as estimativas de herdabilidade indicaram que a seleção para características morfológicas levaria a ganhos genéticos diretos razoáveis.
Anticorpo monoclonal contra uma proteína macho-específica de 19 kDa em espermatozóides bovinos: uma metodologia promissora para imunosexagem
Authors: Souza Clóvis José Pascarelli , Matta Marcos Fernandes Resende da , Cruz Gilson Mendes , Alves Elias Walter , Kanashiro Milton Massaricho , Silva José Frederico Straggiotti
Published: October 2013

Neste trabalho, foi purificada uma proteína macho específica com peso molecular de 19 Kda, a partir de espermatozóides de bovinos, por intermédio de cromatografia de gel filtração. O anticorpo monoclonal (Mab) desenvolvido (C11F) contra esta proteína discriminou duas populações de espermatozóides, como revelado por imunofluorescência em microscopia e citometria de fluxo. O epitopo reconhecido pelo Mab C11F esteve presente em 49,7% da população de espermatozóides. Quando adicionado ao sêmen bovino fresco, o Mab C11F reduziu a motilidade e promoveu a aglutinação dos espermatozóides.
Efeito de níveis de cálcio da dieta de filhotes de ema (Rhea americana, Linnaeus, 1758), na prevenção do encurvamento de pernas, em cativeiro
Authors: Bastos Marisa E. Sanchez , Louvandini Helder , Nogueira Marcia , Carranza Cristian A. , Lavorenti Abel
Published: October 2013

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar dois níveis de cálcio (0,7 e 1,4%) na dieta de filhotes de ema (Rhea americana). Doze filhotes de ema com 30 dias de idade foram distribuídas, em pares, em seis piquetes com 100 m², em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado com três repetições. O consumo foi avaliado diariamente e o peso e as características de crescimento (medidas do comprimento do bico, do osso tibiotarso e metatarso) foram avaliadas semanalmente, durante 60 dias. Os filhotes de ema mantidos na área de 100 m²de capim e terra, que se deslocaram normalmente, não mostraram entortamento em nenhum dos níveis de cálcio fornecidos, mas as tratadas com dietas contendo 1,4% de cálcio apresentaram melhores pesos e características de crescimento em relação às que receberam dietas com 0,7% de cálcio.
Consumo e digestibilidade aparente em bezerros da raça holandesa alimentados com dietas contendo diferentes níveis de volumoso
Authors: Signoretti Ricardo Dias , Silva José Fernando Coelho da , Valadares Filho Sebastião de Campos , Pereira José Carlos , Cecon Paulo Roberto , Queiroz Augusto César de , Araújo Gherman Garcia Leal de , Assis Giselle Mariano Lessa de
Published: October 2013

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de diferentes níveis de volumoso nas dietas sobre os consumos e as digestibilidades aparentes de matéria seca (MS), matéria orgânica (MO), proteína bruta (PB), extrato etéreo (EE), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), carboidratos totais (CHOT) e energia bruta (EB) e sobre os consumos de nutrientes digestíveis totais (NDT). Trinta e cinco bezerros da raça Holandesa puros por cruzamento, não-castrados, com idade média de 60 dias e peso vivo inicial de 78 kg, foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com nove repetições por dieta, exceto para a dieta com 10% de volumoso, com oito repetições. Os animais foram alimentados à vontade com dietas contendo níveis de 10, 25, 40 e 55% de volumoso, na base da MS, usando-se feno de capim coast-cross (Cynodon dactylon), fubá de milho e farelo de soja, os quais constituíram dietas com aproximadamente 16% de PB. O óxido crômico foi usado para obtenção das estimativas dos fluxos de MS fecal. Os carboidratos totais foram obtidos por 100 - (%PB + %EE + %Cinzas). O consumo de NDT foi obtido por (cPB - PBf) + 2,25 (cEE - EEf) + (cCHOT - CHOTf), em que c significa consumo e f, excreção fecal. Não houve efeito dos níveis de volumoso nas dietas sobre os consumos de MS e MO (kg/dia, % PV e g/kg0,75) e de PB e CHOT (kg/dia e % PV). O consumo de FDN (kg/dia, %PV e g/kg0,75) aumentou, enquanto o consumo de EE e NDT (em kg/dia e %PV) reduziu linearmente em função dos níveis de volumoso na dieta. Houve efeito linear decrescente sobre as digestibilidades aparentes de MS, MO, PB, EE, CHOT e EB, em função do aumento dos níveis de volumoso nas dietas, enquanto a digestibilidade aparente da FDN não foi influenciada. Os consumos de EE, FDN e NDT e as digestibilidades aparentes de MS, MO, EE, PB, CHOT e EB foram influenciados pelos níveis de volumoso nas dietas.
Crescimento, conversão alimentar e rendimento de carcaça de bezerros da raça holandesa alimentados com dietas contendo diferentes níveis de volumoso
Authors: Signoretti Ricardo Dias , Silva José Fernando Coelho da , Valadares Filho Sebastião de Campos , Pereira José Carlos , Araújo Gherman Garcia Leal de , Cecon Paulo Roberto , Queiroz Augusto César de , Muniz Elaine B.
Published: October 2013

Este trabalho foi conduzido para avaliar o efeito dos diferentes níveis de volumoso nas dietas sobre o consumo médio diário de matéria seca total (CDMST), o ganho médio de peso, a conversão alimentar e o rendimento de carcaça. Trinta e seis bezerros da raça Holandesa puros por cruzamento, com idade média de 60 dias e peso vivo (PV) inicial de 78 kg, foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. Os animais foram alimentados à vontade com dietas contendo níveis de 10, 25, 40 e 55% de volumoso, na base da MS, usando-se feno de capim coast-cross (Cynodon dactylon), fubá de milho e farelo de soja, os quais constituíram dietas com aproximadamente 16% de PB. Os animais foram pesados a cada periodo de 28 dias, com pesagens mais freqüentes para os animais que se aproximavam dos pesos de abate pré-estabelecidos, de 190 ± 10 kg e 300 ± 10 kg, para os grupos 1 e 2, respectivamente. O consumo de matéria seca não foi influenciado pelos níveis de volumoso nas dietas para ambos os grupos. Houve efeito linear crescente para conversão alimentar expressa em PV e peso corporal vazio (PCVZ). Os ganhos médios de peso diários expressos em PV e PCVZ decresceram linearmente, em função dos níveis de volumoso nas dietas. O peso da carcaça quente e o rendimento de carcaça quente para os animais de grupo 2 não foram influenciados, enquanto o rendimento de carcaça quente dos animais do grupo 1 decresceu linearmente, com o aumento de volumoso nas dietas. Os ganhos médios de pesos diários aos 28 e 56 dias, para o grupo 1, e aos 28, 56, 84 e 112 dias, para o grupo 2, reduziram linearmente com a elevação dos níveis de volumoso nas dietas. O desempenho dos bezerros de ambos os grupos de abate foi maior com uso de menores níveis de volumoso na dieta, porém, acima de 5 meses de idade, o uso de maiores níveis de volumoso não acarretou prejuízos à performance dos animais.
The role of exercise for fall prevention in older age
Authors: Tiedemann Anne , Sherrington Catherine , Lord Stephen R.
Published: October 2013

Falls are a common, costly and preventable consequence of sensorimotor impairments that increase in prevalence with advancing age. A fall occurs when the physical ability of the individual is unable to match the immediate demands of the environment and/or of the activity being undertaken. Targeted exercise aimed at improving the physical ability of the individual, such as balance and strength training, is crucial for promoting functional independence and mobility and reducing the risk of falling in older age. Exercise programs that provide a high challenge to balance, have a high dose, include progression of intensity over time and are ongoing are most effective for preventing falls. This paper provides guidance to health professionals involved with the prescription of physical activity and exercise to older people regarding the safe and effective provision of programs aimed at improving strength and balance and preventing falls in older age.
Exercise motives in a sample of Brazilian university students
Authors: Guedes Dartagnan Pinto , Legnani Rosimeide Francisco Santos , Legnani Elto
Published: October 2013

The present study aimed to identify the exercise motives according to selected socio-demographic indicators in university students. The sample was comprised of 2,380 individuals (1,213 men and 1,167 women) aged between 18 and 35 years. The exercise motives were identified with the Portuguese-translated version of the Exercise Motivations Inventory (EMI-2). University students gave significantly greater importance to exercise for reasons identified as Disease Prevention. Factors that are less relevant in statistical language were identified in a context of motivation associated with Social Recognition and Competition. Sex, age, family economic class, experience with exercise and body weight had a significant effect on the level of importance of exercise among university students. In conclusion, the results found can contribute to the development of physical activity promotion programs and a possible reduction in the number of dropouts among university students.
Cycling above rather than below lactate threshold is more effective for nitric oxide release and post-exercise blood pressure reduction in individuals with type-2 diabetes
Authors: Asano Ricardo Yukio , Browne Rodrigo Alberto Vieira , Sotero Rafael da Costa , Sales Marcelo Magalhães , Moraes José Fernando Vila Nova de , Campbell Carmen Sílvia Grubert , Simões Herbert Gustavo
Published: October 2013

The purposes of this study were to analyze and compare the effects of exercise performed in different intensities, above and below lactate threshold (LT) on post-exercise blood pressure (BP) and nitric oxide (NO) responses in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D). For this, 11 T2D underwent the following sessions: 1) control session; 2) 20-min of moderate cycling (80% LT); and 3) 20-min of high intensity cycling (120%LT) on a cycle ergometer. Plasma NO and BP measurements were carried out at rest and at 15 and 45 min of post-sessions. When compared to rest, only the exercise session performed at 120%LT elicited an increase of NO (from 7.2 to 9.5 µM, p<0.05), as well as a decrease in systolic BP (from 126.6±7.9 to 118.7±3.9 mmHg, p<0.05) during the post-exercise period. In conclusion, the results suggest that NO release and post-exercise BP decrease are intensity-dependent for individuals with T2D.
La recepción de Rousseau en la formación inicial del magisterio primario (España, siglo 20)
Authors: Viñao Frago Antonio
Published: October 2013

Este artículo versa sobre la imagen e ideas de y sobre Rousseau transmitidas en España al magisterio primario durante el siglo 20, a través de los manuales de Historia de la Educación y otras fuentes similares. Tras analizar las fuentes utilizadas y sus destinatarios, se expone la imagen e idea de Rousseau como padre de la pedagogía moderna, predominante en los escritos pedagógicos de la época, para seguidamente, y a modo de contraste, examinar el lugar y el tratamiento dados a Rousseau en los mencionados manuales. Dicho examen se divide en dos épocas: la anterior a la guerra civil y la posterior, con el fin de mostrar el predominio, sobre todo durante el franquismo, de una visión católico-conservadora, moralizante y crítica de Rousseau.
Virtude e amor em Rousseau
Authors: Hermann Nadja
Published: October 2013

Rousseau rompe o vínculo considerado indissolúvel entre consciência moral e consciência cultural, para dar lugar à relação entre natureza e ética, bem como revoluciona o modo de compreender o homem e sua relação com o mundo. Desconfiado da razão que não é educada pelos sentimentos o filósofo propõe, em Emílio, uma educação que defenda o coração do homem do erro e do vício provenientes da sociedade. Em Júlia ou a Nova Heloísa, um romance por meio de cartas, o autor combina o discurso da paixão com o discurso moral para mostrar o conflito entre o amor e o dever e indicar que amor e virtude são inseparáveis. Dramatiza posições filosóficas e contribui com a criação de uma nova ética e uma nova estética, em que se reafirma a formação do homem virtuoso. O artigo conclui que as duas obras marcam a contribuição decisiva de Rousseau para a criação de uma nova mentalidade que aspira à interioridade e à espontaneidade provenientes da natureza e que desperta a sensibilidade romântica.
Anísio Teixeira e a psicologia: o diálogo com a psicanálise
Authors: Bortoloti Karen Fernanda da Silva , Cunha Marcus Vinicius da
Published: October 2013

Este trabalho analisa as ideias e a atuação de Anísio Teixeira nos primeiros anos da década de 1930, focalizando as suas concepções acerca do valor da Psicanálise para a renovação educacional no Brasil. Considerando que as ideias e as práticas de Teixeira devem ser compreendidas no contexto histórico em que se desenvolveram, o trabalho apresenta um histórico da inserção dos conhecimentos psicanalíticos no movimento educacional renovador brasileiro, destacando a relevância do higienismo na difusão das teses de Freud na educação. As conclusões indicam que Teixeira interagiu com os conceitos da Psicanálise por intermédio do movimento higienista e das ideias de Arthur Ramos, considerando o indivíduo como um ser vinculado ao ambiente social.
Habitat modeling in high‐gradient streams: the mesoscale approach and application
Authors: Vezza Paolo , Parasiewicz Piotr , Spairani Michele , Comoglio Claudio
Published: October 2013

This study aimed to set out a new methodology for habitat modeling in high‐gradient streams. The methodology is based on the mesoscale approach of the MesoHABSIM simulation system and can support the definition and assessment of environmental flow and habitat restoration measures. Data from 40 study sites located within the mountainous areas of the Valle d'Aosta, Piemonte and Liguria regions (Northwest Italy) were used in the analysis. To adapt MesoHABSIM to high‐gradient streams, we first modified the data collection strategy to address the challenging conditions of surveys by using GIS and mobile mapping techniques. Secondly, we built habitat suitability models at a regional scale to enable their transferability among different streams with different morphologies. Thirdly, due to the absence of stream gauges in headwaters, we proposed a possible way to simulate flow time series and, therefore, generate habitat time series. The resulting method was evaluated in terms of time expenditure for field data collection and habitat‐modeling potentials, and it represents a specific improvement of the MesoHABSIM system for habitat modeling in high‐gradient streams, where other commonly used methodologies can be unsuitable. Through its application at several study sites, the proposed methodology adapted well to high‐gradient streams and allowed the: (1) definition of fish habitat requirements for many streams simultaneously, (2) modeling of habitat variation over a range of discharges, and (3) determination of environmental standards for mountainous watercourses.
Effects of the Adequacy of Learning Strategies in Self-Regulated Learning Settings: A Video-Based Microanalytical Lab Study
Authors: Ludwig Peter H. , Finkbeiner Claudia , Knierim Markus
Published: October 2013

So far, the quality of learning strategies has been considered primarily within the framework of the “description paradigm” by investigating the relationship between the use frequency of macrostrategies and achievement. The ADEQUA study is approaching the quality of learning strategic actions in a more finely grained fashion by rating the adequacy of discrete learning strategies at the microanalytical level. Specifically, the study scrutinizes the strategies used by secondary-level students of English as a foreign language while reading an English text in a self-regulated, cooperative learning environment. The strategies they used in overcoming comprehension difficulties were identified and rated on the basis of the students’ videotaped task performance as well as a stimulated recall procedure. In regression models, the adequacy of strategic actions is of major predictive power with considerable effect sizes for students’ achievement. The hypothesis-testing approach adopted here (i.e., to assess the adequacy of every discrete strategy used by means of highly inferential ratings), appears to be promising.
Effect of Toothpastes with Different Abrasives on Eroded Human Enamel: An in situ/ex vivo Study
Authors: Ferreira Meire Coelho , Ramos-Jorge Maria Letícia , Delbem Alberto Carlos Botazzo , Vieirac Ricardo de Sousa
Published: October 2013

The aim of the present study was to investigate the abrasive effect of CaCO3 and SiO2-based fluoride-free experimental toothpastes on eroded human permanent dental enamel and evaluate the effectiveness of waiting periods between acid exposure and tooth brushing. Twelve volunteers wore palatal appliances containing human enamel blocks for two periods of five days each. The appliances were immersed in a soft drink for five minutes four times a day (9:00 am, 11:00 am, 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm). On two occasions, two blocks were not submitted to additional treatment; two blocks were brushed (30 s) either with a CaCO3 or SiO2 toothpaste immediately after erosion and two blocks were brushed 1 h after erosion. Thus, the sample was divided into six groups: erosion alone (CaCO3 and SiO2 control); brushing with fluoride-free toothpaste (CaCO3 immediate and 1 h after erosion; SiO2 immediate and 1 h after erosion). Significant differences in wear depth were found between the enamel blocks in the CaCO3 immediate and 1 h after erosion groups and the blocks in the CaCO3 control group (p=0.001; p=0.022). No significant differences were found regarding the change in roughness and wear depth between blocks submitted to immediate abrasion and 1 h after erosion (CaCO3 and SiO2). The data revealed that surface roughness and wear depth is increased when erosion is combined with dental abrasion, regardless of the abrasive used. Waiting for 1 h to brush the eroded blocks offered no protective effect.
Synthesis, characterisation, and antioxidant study of Cr(III)-rutin complex
Authors: Panhwar Qadeer , Memon Shahabuddin
Published: October 2013

The article describes the synthesis and characterisation of the Cr(III)-rutin complex along with an estimate of its antioxidant activity. The complex was characterised using elemental analysis, UV-VIS, IR, conductance data, thermal, and gravimetric analyses. In the UV-VIS study, a bathochromic shift of approximately 98 nm indicates the formation of a rutin complex by more than one chelating site. The FT-IR spectra clearly show the formation of the Cr—O bond between rutin and Cr(III) at 494 cm−1, while the thermal study shows the presence of eight coordinated water molecules in the complex. The gravimetric analysis quantitatively proves the presence of four chloride ions. From these data, the formula of the Cr(III)-rutin complex was deduced as [Cr2(C27H28O16)(H2O)8]Cl4. Moreover, the antioxidant study of the complex was evaluated by using 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free-radical, ferric-reducing, and phosphomolybdenum assays, which show that the complex has a higher antioxidant activity than rutin.
Reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium to formazan by folic acid
Authors: Achilli Cesare , Grandi Stefania , Ciana Annarita , Balduini Cesare , Minetti Giampaolo
Published: October 2013

The reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) to formazan by folic acid, N-(4-aminobenzoyl) glutamic acid, and other amino acids was studied in this paper. The reduction involves only one of the two tetrazolium rings of NBT. The reaction is considerably more rapid with folic acid and N-(4-aminobenzoyl) glutamic acid than with the other amino acids under study. The electron donor moiety appears to be the carboxylic acid in the alpha position. N-ethyl-N′(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide notably increases the rate of the reaction and promotes the reduction of both tetrazolium rings.
Recruitment of Discrete Regions of the Psoas Major and Quadratus Lumborum Muscles Is Changed in Specific Sitting Postures in Individuals With Recurrent Low Back Pain
Authors: Park Rachel J. , Tsao Henry , Claus Andrew , Cresswell Andrew G. , Hodges Paul W.
Published: October 2013

Study Design

Cross-sectional controlled laboratory study.

Objectives

To investigate potential changes in the function of discrete regions of the psoas major (PM) and quadratus lumborum (QL) with changes in spinal curvatures and hip positions in sitting, in people with recurrent low back pain (LBP).

Background

Although the PM and QL contribute to control of spinal curvature in sitting, whether activity of these muscles is changed in individuals with LBP is unknown.

Methods

Ten volunteers with recurrent LBP (pain free at the time of testing) and 9 pain-free individuals in a comparison group participated. Participants with LBP were grouped into those with high and low erector spinae (ES) electromyographic (EMG) signal amplitude, recorded when sitting with a lumbar lordosis. Data were recorded as participants assumed 3 sitting postures. Fine-wire electrodes were inserted with ultrasound guidance into fascicles of the PM arising from the transverse process and vertebral body, and the anterior and posterior layers of the QL.

Results

When data from those with recurrent LBP were analyzed as 1 group, PM and QL EMG signal amplitudes did not differ between groups in any of the sitting postures. However, when subgrouped, those with low ES EMG had greater EMG signal amplitude of the PM vertebral body and QL posterior layer in flat posture and greater EMG signal amplitude of the QL posterior layer in short lordotic posture, compared to those in the pain-free group. For the group with high ES EMG, the PM transverse process and PM vertebral body EMG was less than that of the other LBP group in short lordotic posture.

Conclusion

The findings suggest a redistribution of activity between muscles that have a potential extensor moment in individuals with LBP. The modification of EMG of discrete fascicles of the PM and QL was related to changes in ES EMG signal amplitude recorded in sitting. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2013;43(11):833–840. Epub 10 October 2013. doi:10.2519/jospt.2013.4840
Staffing for Success
Authors: Master Benjamin
Published: October 2013

Teacher evaluation is at the center of current education policy reform. Most evaluation systems rely at least in part on principals’ assessments of teachers, and their discretionary judgments carry substantial weight. However, we know relatively little about what they value when determining evaluations and high stakes personnel decisions. Using unique data from an independently managed public charter school district, I explore the extent to which autonomous school administrators’ formative evaluations of teachers predict a variety of future personnel decisions. I also assess the extent to which their evaluations predict alternative measures of teacher performance, including student and parent evaluations of individual teachers in the same and future school years. I find that formative midyear ratings—shared by administrators with teachers—clearly differentiate between teachers and are strongly associated with end-of-year dismissal and promotion decisions. I use an exploratory factor analysis to identify four distinct components of administrators’ feedback to teachers and show that different components predict different types of personnel decisions in schools. In addition, different components predict different teacher performance measures. The results suggest the importance of accounting for multiple aspects of teachers’ work in evaluation systems that are meant to inform multiple types of personnel decisions.
Risk factors for bad obstetric history in Kirkuk women, Iraq
Authors: Aljumaily ZKM , Alsamarai AM
Published: October 2013

INTRODUCTION: Microbial agents such as Toxoplasma, rubella, CMV and HSV are important cause of infections during pregnancy, which mainly are asymptomatic. However, the infection during pregnancy may result in serious foetal side effects. Objective was to determine the risk factors that enhance the development of bad obstetric history (BOH) due to TORCH infections in Iraqi women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 538 women were included in the study, of them 293 (54.5%) were with BOH, and 245 (45.5%) were with normal pregnancy history. In the BOH group, 144 (49.1%) women were pregnant, while in the normal pregnancy group, 117 (47.7%) were pregnant. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the risk factors that may play a role in development of BOH. RESULTS: Multifactorial analysis indicated that Toxoplasma gondi IgM, rubella IgM, rubella IgG, CMV IgM, HSV -2 IgG and animal exposure were risk factors that lead to BOH development. However, Toxoplasma IgG seropositivity had inverse correlation to BOH development. Mother education was a significant protective (OR=0.614, P=0.000) factor that reduce development of BOH. Residence, education, occupation and family size influenced the role of TORCH in induction of BOH. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated that Toxoplasma gondi IgM, rubella IgM, rubella IgG, CMV IgM, HSV-2 IgG and animal exposure were risk factors that lead to BOH development. Mother education was a significant protective factor that reduce development of BOH. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijim.v2i3.8121   Int J Infect Microbiol 2013;2(3):70-77
Prevalence of gastrointestinal zoonotic helminths in dogs of Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: Satyal RC , Manandhar S , Dhakal S , Mahato BR , Chaulagain S , Ghimire L , Pandeya YR
Published: October 2013

INTRODUCTION: Considering the close association of dog and human beings and increasing trend of pet rearing, it is important to know the status of zoonotic helminths of pet and stray dogs and awareness of owners about this in Kathmandu, Nepal. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal zoonotic helminth parasites in dogs and to assess the awareness about canine helminth zoonoses in pet owners. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted from September- 2012 to December- 2013. A total of 210 fecal samples (105 each from pet and stray dogs) were collected perrectally and examined by using Formalin-Ether Concentration method. Questionnaire survey was carried out among dog owners. RESULTS: The prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths was 46.7% (98/210). Out of 98 positive samples five different parasite species observed were Ancylostoma spp. 52.0% (51/98), Toxocara canis 41.8% (41/98), Taenia/Echinococcus spp. 15/98 (15.3%), Dipylidium caninum, 9.2% (9/98), and Trichuris vulpis, 5.1% (5/98). Prevalence was higher in stray dogs (56.2% vs. 37.1%) (p<0.05); in females (51.6% vs. 39.8%) (p>0.05); in younger dogs up to 2 years of age (56.3% vs. 35.7%) (p<0.05); in non-dewormed dogs (72.7% vs. 33.0%) (p<0.05) and in dogs sharing rooms with owner (46.1% vs. 13.8%) (p<0.05). Only 11.4% of the owners surveyed were aware about canine helminth zoonoses. CONCLUSIONS: Due to potential risk of zoonotic helminths to human beings and low level of zoonoses awareness in pet owners, there is need of generating awareness to pet owners regarding periodic anthelminthic treatment of pet dogs and other prevention and control measures. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijim.v2i3.8211 Int J Infect Microbiol 2013;2(3):91-94
Histomorphometry of Umbilical Cord and its Vessels in Pre- Eclampsia as Compared to Normal Pregnancies
Authors: Barnwal Manisha , Rathi SK , Chhabra S , Nanda S
Published: October 2013

Aims: To study and compare the morphometric alteration in the umbilical cord obtained from thirty normal pregnancies (Group-I) and thirty pre-eclamptic pregnancies (Group-II). Methods: Morphological changes in umbilical cords were examined on formalin fixed paraffin embedded section. Various parameters were measured by planimeter. Results: In pre-eclamptic group total vessel area, total vein area, total luminal area of vein, and wall thickness of arteries were increased, whereas jelly area and wall thickness of vein were decreased as compared to normal group. Conclusion: Increased umbilical arterial thickness, decreased umbilical vein wall thickness and increased luminal area of vein which could be a predictor of intrauterine growth retardation in term pre-eclamptic patients. Nepal Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology / Vol 7 / No. 1 / Issue 13 / Jan- June, 2012 / 28-32 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v7i1.8832
Human Papillomavirus: Mini-review and Collateral Expected Benefits of the Vaccine
Authors: Zeron Hugo Mendieta , Lopez H , Layton T , Santillan B , Colin F , Camarillo R , Dominguez G
Published: October 2013

Cervical neoplasia is the second leading cause of neoplastic death in Latin America. It is generally accepted that all cervical carcinomas have at least one high risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Due to the causal relationship of specific HPV types and cervical cancer and its role as precursor of skin lesions it is important to identify the involved genotype. HPV, as other tumor-viruses, induces oncogenesis by manipulating an array of different cellular pathways, which leads to immortalization and proliferation of the infected cells by disrupting the mitotic checkpoint upon infection of the host cell. Actually the role of the immune response in the development of cervical cancer is unknown as is the relationship between the type and level of expression of messenger RNA (mRNA) of interferon gamma (IFN-γ), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) and interleukin (IL)-4 in the cervical microenvironment within each of the stages of carcinogenesis with the HPV genotype causing the infection. An average annual cost to treat cervical cancer is U.S. $ 10,283 per patient. Taking into account the World Population Prospects: The 2010 Revision, in ten years the accumulated cases of cervical cancer might be 3,286,534, thus making a total budget of U.S. $ 33,795.4 million to treat all women. Universal vaccination against HPV might result in extended benefits as the decrease in mouth and oropharynx cancers as well as the reduction in health cost for the attendance of several neoplasias. Nepal Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology / Vol 8 / No. 1 / Issue 15 / Jan- June, 2013 / 4-9 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v8i1.8852
Effectiveness of Mifepristone in the Treatment of Uterine Leiomyomata
Authors: Sinha Mayurika , Kyal A , Mukhopadhay P
Published: October 2013

Aims: The goal of this study was to determine the effects of mifepristone in perimenopausal women with leiomyomas, thereby to see a decrease in severity of symptoms and a decrease in size of the leiomyomas. Methods: This was a prospective study conducted at Eden HospitalMedical College and Hospital, Kolkatafrom July 2010 to June 2011. Fifty patients received 20-25mg mifepristone daily and comparison was made between pre and post treatment symptoms and leiomyoma volume. Results: All patients became amenorrhoeic after treatment, relieving heavy menstrual flow most complained of. Lower abdominal pain improved by > 80% in most patients and volume of leiomyoma decreased appreciably. The drug did not have any major side effects. Endometrial hyperplasia detected by ultrasound in 42% patients was only of simple type on biopsy. Conclusions: Mifepristone can be useful in treating symptomatic women with uterine leiomyoma in perimenopausal age group, in those awaiting surgery to stop bleeding and improve anaemia and to reduce size of tumor to make surgery technically easier, making it a cheaper alternative to GnRH agonists and without any major side effects. Nepal Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology / Vol 8 / No. 1 / Issue 15 / Jan- June, 2013 / 22-25 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v8i1.8856
Abnormal Semen Parameters among Men in Infertile Couples
Authors: Pant Padam Raj
Published: October 2013

Aims: This study was done to analyze the semen parameters and possible contributing factors among the semen abnormality cases attending the Infertility clinic of Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH). Methods: Prospective study was conducted in infertility center of TUTH, from March2007 to July 2011. Detail history of the couple who attended the clinic was taken. Semen analysis after three days abstinence of 630 male partners of infertile couples was analyzed. Results: In this study, 20 percent of the partners had semen abnormality. Thirty-nine percent had azospermia 47 percent had oligospermia and 14 percent men had asthenormia. Majority of men with semen abnormality were Brahmin followed by Chhetri and Newar. Smoking, alcohol use and vericocele were possible causative factors for the semen abnormality. However, chromosomal abnormality could not be ruled out. Conclusions: The most common semen abnormality among the male infertility cases was oligospermia and smoking, alcohol intake and vericocele may be contributory factors. Nepal Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology / Vol 8 / No. 1 / Issue 15 / Jan- June, 2013 / 53-55 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v8i1.8867
Intramyometrial Endometriotic Cyst Presenting as Dysmenorrhea and Menorrhagia
Authors: Habib Humma , Naseer S
Published: October 2013

Nepal Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology / Vol 8 / No. 1 / Issue 15 / Jan- June, 2013 / 61-62 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v8i1.8869
“Highlights” of a Criminological Career: Anthony Doob and the State of Evaluation Research in Canada
Authors: Wortley Scot , Gartner Rosemary
Published: October 2013

Anthony Doob's career as a criminologist has been distinguished by his commitment to evidence-based policy development and to making criminological research relevant not just to other scholars but, perhaps more importantly, to policy makers, criminal justice practitioners, and the public. This paper provides an overview of the underdeveloped state of evaluation research on crime prevention and policy in Canada and discusses some of the obstacles to conducting rigorous evaluations. Fortunately, these obstacles – which include a tendency to rely on ideology and intuition as opposed to empirical evidence and a lack of sufficient resources for evaluation studies – have not discouraged Doob in his efforts to improve our criminal laws and justice system so that they reflect the fundamental Canadian values of justice, fairness, and humanity. Through his own research and his promotion of others' research – through, for example, Criminological Highlights – he has worked tirelessly to promote interventions by the criminal justice system that are informed by these values as well as by sound empirical evidence as to their effectiveness.
Diagnosing Transportation
Authors: Shah Yousaf , Manaugh Kevin , Badami Madhav , El-Geneidy Ahmed
Published: October 2013

Rapid urbanization is putting pressure on transportation agencies to respond to an increasing demand for transportation networks with greater effectiveness and efficiency. In response, policy makers, faced with limited budgets and time constraints, are looking for tools and processes to identify priority problems in a timely and cost-effective manner. Rapid assessments can be performed with diagnostic tools that identify cities’ transportation problems within the global context. Using a series of performance indicators that are based on a review of research and practice from around the world, this paper assesses cities’ transportation networks. The performance indicators rank cities according to an overall score as well as categories of transportation performance. Such an approach allows planners to identify priority problems in the transportation network to design targeted solutions. The final results benchmark the performance of transportation systems according to the performance of the systems in peer cities with relatively similar sizes. Such a process assists with the benchmarking of performance and accounts for context so that appropriate best practices can be shared between cities around the world.
Sustainability Trends Measured by the Greenroads Rating System
Authors: Anderson Jeralee L. , Muench Stephen T.
Published: October 2013

Greenroads, a system used to rate the sustainability of roadway projects, was used to evaluate 105 roadway and bridge projects in the United States for sustainable design and construction practices at various life cycle stages. A sustainability rating system can be a practical tool to help quantify and measure sustainability for a roadway project. The purpose of the investigation was to determine the state of the practice in sustainable roadway design and construction by application of Greenroads to a variety of actual projects. Forty projects identified as sustainable were compared with 65 typical projects representing conventional practice. The objectives of this study were to (a) identify trends in Greenroads project ratings, (b) benchmark the current state of the practice and identify potential areas for improved sustainability performance, (c) determine whether Greenroads can differentiate among projects on the basis of their sustainability efforts, and (d) identify the implications of these findings to practice. The results show that (a) some credits and categories are easily achieved, although achievement of others is more challenging and offers opportunities for improved environmental performance; (b) typical roadway projects tend to meet environmental regulatory standards but rarely do much more even when possible; therefore, they score fewer points for credits that focus on environmental benefits beyond the regulatory minimum; (c) contractors and materials suppliers appear to have unrealized opportunities to contribute; and (d) an early emphasis on the environment during project development appears to differentiate between typical and sustainable projects and manifest as higher Greenroads scores.
Addressing Sustainability and Strategic Planning Goals through Performance Measures
Authors: Ramani Tara Lakshmi , Zietsman Josias , Ibarra Kyle , Howell Marty
Published: October 2013

Increasing emphasis is being placed on sustainability in the transportation sector. The City of El Paso, Texas, has been proactive in its approach and commitment to sustainability. The city's 2011 strategic plan lists various transportation- and community-oriented goals that provide direction for sustainable transportation initiatives. The new bus rapid transit system projects in the city are an important part of these and are the focus of the project described in this paper. This paper summarizes a recent exercise conducted to conceptualize the relevance of sustainability to transit corridors in El Paso and to identify performance measures that El Paso can implement. A set of 25 potential sustainability performance measures for rapid transit system corridors was identified. Selected performance measures from this set can be used to support specific corridor-level applications and to develop initiatives that can support the city at a strategic level to identify, track, and implement performance measures for sustainability and measure and communicate the value of investment in transit systems. The findings from this research will allow the city to communicate the value and benefit of bus rapid transit systems and provide tracking and decision-making tools that may be used to evaluate sustainability by the use of appropriate performance measures. The performance measures developed as part of this work will also have broader applicability to other cities, planning organizations, and transit agencies and can function as a performance measurement toolkit for practitioners looking to study sustainability in the context of transit systems.
Evaluating Sustainability Approaches of Transportation Agencies through a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats Framework
Authors: Barrella Elise M. , Amekudzi Adjo A. , Meyer Michael D.
Published: October 2013

A national survey of state departments of transportation (DOTs) indicated that such agencies were engaged in a variety of activities to address sustainability issues associated with transportation planning, design, and operations. These activities ranged from piecemeal environmental practices such as roadside mowing policies to comprehensive planning frameworks. However, state DOTs in general did not have sufficient policies or practices in place to evaluate and prioritize investment options that would promote environmental sustainability and sustainable development. For this research, a mixed-methods design that used an expert panel and case studies of individual state DOTs was used to develop, test, and evaluate a strategic planning tool that could help DOTs evolve more sustainable practices. The self-assessment tool was designed to guide agencies through the identification of internal strengths and weaknesses in their planning frameworks and organizational structure and culture, characterization of features of the external environment as opportunities or threats, prioritization of areas for strategy development, and development of strategies that link the internal and external environments. Such a tool can also be used to monitor progress over time. The tool was tested by seven state DOTs. Three prominent themes were revealed: the importance of process in addition to content, integration between sustainability policies and implementation, and internal communication of the need and nature of change. The results of this study and of previous research suggest that the sustainability approaches of DOTs are at various levels of maturity and the compartmentalization of sustainability within the organizations is characteristic of earlier maturity levels.
Environmental Justice for Minority and Low-Income Populations Next to Goods Movement Corridors in Southern California
Authors: Seo Jung H. , Wen Frank , Minjares Javier , Choi Simon
Published: October 2013

Southern California is the largest international trade gateway in the United States. The region generates enormous activity involving the movement of local and domestic goods. Given the expected growth in international trade and movement of domestic goods, significant growth in truck volumes and rail traffic to facilitate the reliable movement of goods and to support economic growth is anticipated in the region. As the movement of goods is a major contributor to local and regional environmental issues such as air pollution and health risk, a regional priority is not only to mitigate the environmental impacts of the system involving the movement of goods but also to ensure that, pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, equity exists in the distribution of environmental benefits and burdens from federally funded programs involving the movement of goods and projects. Therefore, to prevent disproportionately high and adverse environmental effects and health risks from affecting minority and low-income populations as a result of the movement of goods, the Southern California Association of Governments analyzed the environmental justice implications of the system involving the movement of goods included in the regional transportation plan. The objective of this paper is to identify the minority and low-income populations affected, to analyze their spatial distributions along major truck corridors and freight rail corridors, and to address the environmental justice implications of the system involving the movement of goods in Southern California.
Accessibility and Housing Price Resilience
Authors: Concas Sisinnio
Published: October 2013

This paper investigates the hypothesis that houses located in proximity to limited-access roadways exhibit a resilience to price decline during and after exogenous market downturns. A quasi-experimental design was used to look for empirical evidence of price differentials before, during, and after construction and operation of network improvements. A spatial autoregressive difference-in-differences estimator with spatial disturbances was used to find evidence of price resilience in the aftermath of the real estate bubble affecting the local and state economy. Single-family homes exhibited a price premium ranging from 4.6% to 5.2% over their controls. These premium differentials were realized 4 to 5 years after the opening of the facilities and after the U.S. real estate market downturn. This paper contributes to the empirical literature by providing a quasi-experimental approach to the selection of comparable parcels for spatial hedonic regression.
Putting Schools on the Map
Authors: Bierbaum Ariel H. , Vincent Jeffrey M.
Published: October 2013

Transit-oriented development (TOD) remains a popular strategy to achieve environmentally sustainable infill development and auto use reduction. Typically, TOD in the United States offers retail amenities and housing catering to single individuals, childless couples, and empty nesters. Municipal and regional leaders increasingly hold a vision for managing expected growth that aims to increase equity, support households with children, and create mixed-income communities and that includes TOD as a core strategy. These explicitly equity-focused and family-oriented goals call for a different TOD model than has typically been developed. This new model requires an examination of the ways that TOD might attract households with children concerned with access to high-quality schools, even when schools are outside the domain of traditional transportation and land use public agencies. This paper first reviews the TOD and transportation literature and its attention to households with children and issues of public schools for students from kindergarten to Grade 12. Given the information from the literature, a conceptual framework of 10 core connections between TOD, households with children, and schools is hypothesized. Four exploratory case studies from the San Francisco, California, Bay Area offer insights into the opportunities and tensions that practitioners face in planning and implementing TOD that might attract families. A discussion of the 10 core connections in light of the case study evidence follows. The paper concludes with policy and research recommendations.