bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
30 YEARS OF THE MINERALOCORTICOID RECEPTOR: Mineralocorticoid receptor mutations
Authors: Zennaro Maria-Christina , Fernandes-Rosa Fabio
Published: March 2017

Aldosterone and the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) are key elements for maintaining fluid and electrolyte homeostasis as well as regulation of blood pressure. Loss-of-function mutations of the MR are responsible for renal pseudohypoaldosteronism type 1 (PHA1), a rare disease of mineralocorticoid resistance presenting in the newborn with weight loss, failure to thrive, vomiting and dehydration, associated with hyperkalemia and metabolic acidosis, despite extremely elevated levels of plasma renin and aldosterone. In contrast, a MR gain-of-function mutation has been associated with a familial form of inherited mineralocorticoid hypertension exacerbated by pregnancy. In addition to rare variants, frequent functional single nucleotide polymorphisms of the MR are associated with salt sensitivity, blood pressure, stress response and depression in the general population. This review will summarize our knowledge on MR mutations in PHA1, reporting our experience on the genetic diagnosis in a large number of patients performed in the last 10 years at a national reference center for the disease. We will also discuss the influence of rare MR variants on blood pressure and salt sensitivity as well as on stress and cognitive functions in the general population.
Alternative Polyadenylation Directs Tissue-Specific miRNA Targeting in Caenorhabditis elegans Somatic Tissues
Authors: Blazie Stephen M , Geissel Heather C , Wilky Henry , Joshi Rajan , Newbern Jason , Mangone Marco
Published: March 2017

Alternative polyadenylation (APA) is observed in virtually all metazoans and results in mRNA isoforms with different 3’ends. It is routinely...

mRNA expression dynamics promote and maintain the identity of somatic tissues in living organisms; however, their impact in post-transcriptional gene regulation in these processes is not fully understood. Here, we applied the PAT-Seq approach to systematically isolate, sequence, and map tissue-specific mRNA from five highly studied Caenorhabditis elegans somatic tissues: GABAergic and NMDA neurons, arcade and intestinal valve cells, seam cells, and hypodermal tissues, and studied their mRNA expression dynamics. The integration of these datasets with previously profiled transcriptomes of intestine, pharynx, and body muscle tissues, precisely assigns tissue-specific expression dynamics for 60% of all annotated C. elegans protein-coding genes, providing an important resource for the scientific community. The mapping of 15,956 unique high-quality tissue-specific polyA sites in all eight somatic tissues reveals extensive tissue-specific 3′untranslated region (3′UTR) isoform switching through alternative polyadenylation (APA) . Almost all ubiquitously transcribed genes use APA and harbor miRNA targets in their 3′UTRs, which are commonly lost in a tissue-specific manner, suggesting widespread usage of post-transcriptional gene regulation modulated through APA to fine tune tissue-specific protein expression. Within this pool, the human disease gene C. elegans orthologs rack-1 and tct-1 use APA to switch to shorter 3′UTR isoforms in order to evade miRNA regulation in the body muscle tissue, resulting in increased protein expression needed for proper body muscle function. Our results highlight a major positive regulatory role for APA, allowing genes to counteract miRNA regulation on a tissue-specific basis.
Regulation of Hyphal Growth and N-Acetylglucosamine Catabolism by Two Transcription Factors in Candida albicans
Authors: Naseem Shamoon , Min Kyunghun , Spitzer Daniel , Gardin Justin , Konopka James B
Published: March 2017

The amino sugar N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) is increasingly recognized as an important signaling molecule in addition to its well-known structural roles at the cell surface. In the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans, GlcNAc stimulates several responses including the induction of the genes needed for its catabolism and a switch from budding to filamentous hyphal growth. We identified two genes needed for growth on GlcNAc (RON1 and NGS1) and found that mutants lacking these genes fail to induce the genes needed for GlcNAc catabolism. NGS1 was also important for growth on other sugars, such as maltose, but RON1 appeared to be specific for GlcNAc. Both mutants could grow on nonfermentable carbon sources indicating that they do not affect mitochondrial function, which we show is important for growth on GlcNAc but not for GlcNAc induction of hyphal morphogenesis. Interestingly, both the ron1Δ and ngs1Δ mutants were defective in forming hyphae in response to GlcNAc, even though GlcNAc catabolism is not required for induction of hyphal morphogenesis. The ron1Δ mutant showed a partial defect in forming hyphae, which was surprising since it displayed an elevated level of filamentous cells under noninducing conditions. The ron1Δ mutant also displayed an elevated basal level of expression of genes that are normally upregulated during hyphal growth. Consistent with this, Ron1 contains an Ndt80-like DNA-binding domain, indicating that it regulates gene expression. Thus, Ron1 is a key new component of the GlcNAc response pathway that acts as both an activator and a repressor of hyphal morphogenesis.
O Seminário de Cinema do MASP e a produção documental de Ozualdo Candeias (1955-66)
Authors: Uchôa Fábio Raddi
Published: March 2017

A partir do trabalho com documentação de arquivo, busca-se debater o Seminário de Cinema do MASP enquanto espaço de formação no contexto das indústrias cinematográficas dos anos 1950, esclarecendo a passagem de Ozualdo Candeias pelo mesmo. Após a contextualização de tal experiência educacional, a proposta é a análise da produção documental do cineasta entre os anos 1950-60, pensando-a a partir dos ruídos ante ao modo documental expositivo, bem como pelas presenças de um futuro estilo marcado pela liminaridade. Entre os resultados, verificaram-se três linhas de tensão para a construção da liminaridade: a) as ironias; b) os ruídos propiciados por zooms, movimentos de câmera e enquadramentos não usuais; c) o gosto pelo grotesco e pela experiência visual dos deslocamentos espaciais.
Cuatro discusiones sobre Antropología, Historia y sus muchos indígenas en América Latina: entrevistas a Guillermo de la Peña, Joanne Rappaport, Núria Sala y Víctor Bretón
Authors: Martín-Sánchez Juan
Published: March 2017

Entrevista: Guillermo de la Peña, Joanne Rappaport, Núria Sala e Víctor Bretón
POPULATION IMMUNITY TO INFLUENZA VIRUS A(H1N1)pdm09, A(H3N2) AND B IN THE ADULT POPULATION OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION LONG-TERM RESEARCH RESULTS
Authors: Konshina O. S. , Sominina A. A. , Smorodintseva E. A. , Stolyarov K. A. , Nikonorov I. Yu.
Published: March 2017

Analysis of changes in the population immunity level in adults for more than 20 Russian cities, collaborating with the Federal Center for Influenza, to circulating influenza viruses A(H1N1)pdm09, A(H3N2) and B in the period from 2009 to 2015 performed. By the beginning of the pandemic (October 2009) the population of Russia was almost seronegative to influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus. After the pandemia first wave mean geometric titers (GMT)s of antibodies to the pandemic virus increased by 2.6 times, after the second one by 4.9 times in comparison with initial GMT (1:5.5). A consistent increase in GMTs antibody after each of the subsequent seasons of active circulation of pandemic virus was observed reaching the maximum (1:41) by April 2013, after the next epidemic caused by this virus. The proportion of people with protective antibody titers in October 2009 to already started circulating influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus was 8.2%, to influenza A(H3N2) virus — 58.3%, and influenza B virus — 59.7%. Level of population immunity in adults to seasonal influenza A(H3N2) and B viruses throughout the observed period was significantly higher than to influenza virus A(H1N1)pdm09. The percentage of persons with protective antibody titers during the observed period varied for virus A(H3N2) in the range from 58.3 to 75.5%, for influenza B virus — from 59.7 to 82.3%. Accordingly, incidence rate for ILI and ARI in adult groups the population during influenza epidemic caused by these pathogens was lower than in the epidemics, associated with active circulation of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus. The data obtained can be used in influenza forecasting for the upcoming season regarding the etiology and the expected epidemic intensity need for the relevant preventing measures development to decrease the burden from influenza.
Previsão da produção bovina na rodovia Transamazônica do Brasil
Authors: Fearnside Philip M.
Published: March 2017

Resumo O governo brasileiro está atualmente promovendo o desenvolvimento de pastagens para gado em vastas áreas da Bacia Amazônica, por meio de um programa de incentivos fiscais e tributários. Este fato tem sido encorajado por declarações recentes, de que as pastagens melhoram a qualidade dos solos, possivelmente podendo propiciar uma produção bovina por tempo indeterminado. Cálculos da produtividade bovina prevista para áreas, como as adjacentes à rodovia Transamazônica. feitas por vários métodos, levam à conclusão que as expectativas são demasiadamente otimísticas. O presente trabalho desenvolve equações para a previsão de produção de gado, numa área de estudo ao longo da Transamazônica, levando em consideração os efeitos dos nutrientes do solo e a competição com plantas invasoras. Níveis baixos de fósforo no solo e a invasão de ervas não comestíveis reduzem a produção de gramíneas e. conseqüentemente, de gado. a níveis muito baixos. Apresenta-se os resultados de uma simulação por computador acerca da produção de gado baseada tanto nas relações desenvolvidas ligando as produções a nutrientes do solo e a invasoras, quanto nas informações sobre solos colhidas na área de estudo na Transamazônica. A simulação das pastagens é parte de uma simulação maior do agro-ecossistema dos colonos da Transamazônica. cujo objetivo é estimar a importância de vários fatores na capacidade de suporte dessa área, para populações humanas. Embora o estudo da capacidade de suporte mostre que a agricultura baseada principalmente em culturas anuais apresente grandes riscos, coloca também em dúvida a pressuposição de rendimentos seguros e contínuos, pelos projetos de desenvolvimento de pastagens promovidos atualmente na Amazônia brasileira.
A hierarchical model for biodiesel plant location in Brazil
Authors: Cosenza Carlos Alberto Nunes , das Neves Cesar , Lima Fernando Rodrigues
Published: March 2017

This paper presents a location study for biodiesel industrial plants in Brazil, considering the existing infrastructure, oleaginous plantation potential and socio-economic data. The output was a hierarchical classification of suitable municipalities for industrial plants and production cycle placements. The methodology consisted of defining the location factors, territorial supply and industrial demand typology as input values. The location model collated the supply and demand variables using a fuzzy operator, normalised the outputs and produced hierarchic indicators. The input and output data were processed in a geographic information systems environment using digital maps. The results were analysed for six sites pre-indicated by the Brazilian state Oil and Gas Enterprise, which has confirmed and implemented at three of the proposed locations and has chosen two new placements based on the regions achieving good indicators in the study. Relevance and originality can be evaluated from the effective decision support provided for stakeholders and by association of industrial location, geoprocessing and fuzzy set knowledge.
Persuasive Gaming: Identifying the different types of persuasion through games
Authors: De la Hera Conde-Pumpido Teresa
Published: March 2017

The academic study of persuasion through digital games started from a game-centric approach by trying to understand how persuasiveness can be structured within digital games. However, players' performances and the context in which games are played also have an important role in the process of persuasion. The role of these two factors has been the focus of attention in recent research on persuasive games through studies that try to find a balance between players’ preferences and needs and persuasive goals. The objective of this paper is to broaden the understanding of the potential of persuasive gaming practices by providing a theoretical framework that serves to structure previous theoretical approaches on how digital games can be used to persuade players. This theoretical framework serves to explain the different types of persuasion that can be established through digital games, which contributes to better understand how serious games should be designed to respond to different types of serious goals. The three types of persuasion proposed here are: exocentric persuasion, as a game-centric approach for persuasion; endocentric persuasion, as a player-centric approach for persuasion; and game-mediated persuasion, as a context-centric approach for persuasion.
UTILIZAÇÃO DO SISTEMA PIEZOELÉTRICO EM CIRURGIAS BUCAIS: INDICAÇÕES, VANTAGENS E DESVANTAGENS
Authors: De Carvalho Marcos Antônio Lima , Marques Gabriel , Trento Guilherme Dos Santos , Padovan Luis Eduardo Marques , Klüppel Leandro Eduardo
Published: March 2017

A ostectomia é uma manobra cirúrgica fundamental que pode afetar a reparação tecidual de modo a aumentar ou reduzir a morbidade do procedimento. O tipo de equipamento e/ou instrumental utilizado para a ostectomia pode influenciar diretamente no reparo ósseo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar uma revisão bibliográfica a respeito da utilização do sistema piezoelétrico em cirurgias orais e maxilofaciais, avaliando as suas indicações, vantagens e desvantagens. Para a elaboração desta revisão crítica da literatura foi realizada uma busca de artigos científicos no PUBMED até o ano de 2012. Segundo os critérios de inclusão e exclusão propostos pelos autores, foi encontrado um total de 28 artigos compatíveis com o objetivo do trabalho. Como conclusão, pode-se afirmar que o sistema piezelétrico tem demonstrado ser uma técnica cirúrgica muito promissora indicada para cirurgias orais, proporcionando osteotomias precisas, limpas e com mínimo de trauma para os tecidos moles. No entanto, há o desgaste acentuado das pontas ultrassônicas elevando o custo da utilização do sistema e aumentando o tempo em alguns procedimentos.
AGREEMENT OF NHP AND SF-36 SOCIAL DOMAINS: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY
Authors: Alencar Bianca Macêdo de , Souza Israel , Sá Katia Nunes
Published: March 2017

Introduction: Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) is an important outcome measure to investigate and monitor patients with chronic diseases. In order to achieve such goal, it is essential to choose an appropriate tool to evaluate the peculiarities of each population. Instruments to investigate HRQoL, NHP and SF-36 are alike in several aspects and are considered by the scientific community as replaceable each other. However, there are doubts regarding the agreement of their social domains. Objective: The present study aim to assess whether the social domains of the NHP and SF-36 correspond when applied in a population with chronic disease. Methods: The present research was made by applying the two instruments to a population with chronic disease. The social domains agreement was evaluated by Pearson correlation, ROC curve, AUC, Youdex Index, and Bland-Altman plot. Results: It was achieve a weak correlation between the two social domais (r = 0.3), confirmed by ROC curve with small AUC (0.416) and Youdex Index around 0.0. The Bland-Altman plot reaffirmed the no agreement between the two subscale by achieving mean difference equal to 29.37 (± 38.51), which made the concordance Interval vary from 106.39 to -47.65. Conclusion: it was concluded that social domains of NHP and SF-36 do not agree to each other. However, reasons for that are not explained and need to be investigated in futures studies. The current research was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Bahiana School of Medicine and Public Health under the protocol CAAE 516.42315.5.0000.5544.
Who We Are Is What We Believe? Religion and Collective Identity in Austrian and German Immigrant Integration Policies
Authors: Mattes Astrid
Published: March 2017

Immigrant integration is a contested policy field in which boundaries of membership are drawn and re-negotiated whereby groups of immigrants are partially included and excluded. Building on the concept of collective identity and theories of boundary making, this paper illustrates how religion functions as a category to mark and fill notions of self and otherness. As several studies have shown, immigrants in Europe are increasingly addressed as Muslims, a development that also serves the promotion of a Christian ‘us’. Focusing on Austria and Germany, two countries where this is especially observable, the paper outlines the functioning of religion as symbolic boundary. The empirical study on national integration policies demonstrates how—within the relational process of boundary drawing against Muslims—a Christian identity narrative is established, how it functions as a marker of unity and how it relates to liberal and secular notions. Results from the qualitative content analysis of governmental policy programs from 2005 onwards show different patterns of boundary drawing on religion and the way they shape and limit the possibilities of inclusion. To understand this development, we have to look at Christian-democratic policy-makers, who currently dominate the political struggle for the power to define features of collective identity in immigrant integration policies.
Diverse Outcomes: Social Citizenship and the Inclusion of Skilled Migrants in Australia
Authors: Pietsch Juliet
Published: March 2017

The sociology of citizenship is concerned with the social and economic conditions of citizens of a national community. Drawing on T. H. Marshall’s contribution to the theory of social citizenship this article argues that some groups of migrants and ethnic minorities in Australia, particularly those from non-British and European Backgrounds, face a number of social and institutional barriers which prevent them from reaching their full potential as members of Australia’s multicultural community. Evidence from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data shows different socioeconomic outcomes for migrants from British and European backgrounds compared with migrants from Asian backgrounds, despite having similar educational qualifications and length of time living in Australia. As such, it is argued that achieving social membership and inclusion continues to be a struggle for particular groups of migrants. A deeper commitment to the core principles of citizenship that is beyond mere notions of formal equality is needed if Australia is to address this important social issue.
Academic Integration of Mainland Chinese Students in Germany
Authors: Li Hanwei
Published: March 2017

This article presents an analysis of the academic integration experiences of mainland Chinese tertiary-level students in Germany. Using Tinto’s model, the article explores the challenges that Chinese students face during their academic integration, the strategies they employ, and the relationship between academic and social integration. The data were collected in spring 2016 by interviewing 26 mainland Chinese students studying either in German universities or universities of applied sciences. Four major challenges were identified and analyzed: language barrier, knowledge gap, pedagogical differences, and cultural differences. An important outcome of the study presented is that social integration serves as a facilitator for enhancing academic integration, but is not a prerequisite for academic success. Group learning with peers was found to enhance learning outcomes. Overall, Chinese students have exploited their own advantages in academic integration by exploring feasible strategies and benefiting from their past learning experiences. It is suggested that academic integration as a long and challenging process for international students should be acknowledged by the German HEIs, and that more institutional support and guidance are needed.
‘Our Changes’? Visions of the Future in Nairobi
Authors: Smith Constance
Published: March 2017

In Kenya, the Vision 2030 masterplan is radically reimagining Nairobi as a ‘world class’ city of the future. This has generated dramatic digital imagery of satellite cities, skyscrapers and shopping malls. For tenants in rundown public housing, these glossy yet speculative visions are enticing, but also provoke anxieties of exclusion. Yet so far, little has materially manifested. This article explores the effects these future vistas produce in the present, in the gap between the urban plan and its implementation. It argues that the spectacle of official planning has generated anticipatory actions, as Nairobians’ engage with the future promised by such schemes. These actions are characterised by dissonant temporal experiences, in which local residents experience the future city as both near at hand and forever out of reach.
A study on correlation between depression, fear of fall and quality of life in elderly individuals
Authors: Mishra Neeti , Mishra Anil Kumar , Bidija Mansi
Published: March 2017

Background: Fear of falling in elderly is a major cause of loss of independence, which has an effect on the physical function in elderly individuals. Depression is another important public health problem for older adults, because late life depression might have devastating consequences, such as an increase in mortality. QOL of older adults has become an important issue, because of demographic changes resulting from the ageing of the population. The goal of the study was to assess the depression and fear of fall which will provide further insights into the relationship between QOL, depression and fear of fall among elderly individuals in India.Methods: The sample consisted of 62 elderly people of age between 65 years to 75 years (mean=71.96, SD±5.92) were taken in the study. Depression was assessed using the 30-item geriatric depression scale (GDS), fear of falling was measured using falls efficacy scale (FES), QOL was assessed using the 26-item, World Health Organization Quality of Life, brief version (WHOQOL-BREF).Results: The data was analysed using Pearson co-efficient of correlation to examine the relationship between GDS, FES, and WHOQOL-BREF. The correlation co-efficient between GDS and FES was 0.5257 (p<0.05) and correlation coefficient between GDS and WHOQOL was 0.4372 (p<0.05).Conclusions: This study concluded that there was a significant association between the depression, fall efficacy, and QOL in the elderly people. This relationship has an important implication for the development of the rehabilitation programs that aim to improve the balance confidence and motivation will diminish its impact on QOL in elderly people.
Prevalence of hepatitis B and C among patients admitted in respiratory medicine ward of a tertiary care hospital in Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, India
Authors: Sharma Ankit , Singhal Sameer , Mehta Dinesh , Dagar Abinav
Published: March 2017

Background: Viral Hepatitis B and C have become a major public health problem. Hepatitis B affects approximately 30% of world population or about 2 billion people have serological evidence of either current or past infection. Hepatitis C virus infects approximately 3% of world population placing about 170 million people at risk of liver disease. In India, HBsAg prevalence rates among general population ranges from 0.1% to 11.7%, being 2% to 8% in most studies and seroprevalence for Hepatitis C ranges from 0.1% to 8% among general population.Methods: The study was conducted in the respiratory medicine Ward, MMIMSR in the month of August 2016. 200 patients were taken up for the study after clinical examination, necessary investigation and proper consent. Patients were tested for HBsAg antigen and HCV Tridot. Patients were put through a carefully designed questionnaire to look for possible cause of infection. Patients who came out to be positive for either Hepatitis B or C were counselled about further investigations and treatment options.Results: The prevalence rate for Hepatitis B came out to be 9% and for Hepatitis C was 5.5%. Hepatitis has become a major public health issue in India particularly in the rural areas. High prevalence rates among patients with respiratory diseases can be attributed to unsafe therapeutic injections and use of shared needles.Conclusions: There is a need to carry out larger studies to better elucidate the epidemiology of Hepatitis B and C and to identify high prevalence areas and simultaneously focus on improving public health measures to prevent disease transmission and decrease the burden of disease.
Study of antioxidant status in malaria patients
Authors: Tyagi Amit G. , Tyagi Rupal A. , Choudhary Prema Ram , Shekhawat Jaidev Singh
Published: March 2017

Background: Oxidative stress plays an important role in the development of metabolic changes in malaria patients. During infection RBCs are exposed to continual oxidative stress. The univalent reduction of oxygen results in a series of cytotoxic oxygen species such as O2-, H2O2, OH•. Objective was to determine the level of oxidative stress in patients suffering from malaria.Methods: The present study was conducted on 551 malaria patients and 211 age-sex matched controls, in department of Biochemistry, C U Shah Medical College, Surendranagar, Gujarat from April 2012 to May 2013.  In stage-I, day-1 malaria patient’s v/s control group, In stage-II, day-3 v/s day-1 after anti-malarial treatment and in Stage-III day-3 v/s day-1 after anti-malarial + antioxidant treatment.Results: The mean erythrocytic activity of SOD, CAT, GST were decreased (0.71±0.25EU, 9.9±2.4μmol/sec, and 11.7±3.9 U/gmHb% respectively), mean level of GSH and MDA were increased (42.1±6.06gm/Hb%, 10.9±2.83 respectively) significantly (P<0.001) as compared to control group. In the follow up study with anti-malarial treatment the mean levels of erythrocytic GSH and MDA (28.7±7.54gm/Hb% and 8.08±1.95nM/L) decreased significantly (P<0.001 and P<0.01 respectively), whereas mean activity of erythrocytic enzymes like SOD, CAT and GST (0.99±0.15 EU, 15.8±2.68μmol/sec and 22.5±5U/gmHb%) were increased significantly (P<0.001) as compared to day-1.Conclusions: Erythrocytic antioxidant enzymes, GSH and MDA may be considered to be reliable biochemical markers for diagnostic and therapeutic potential in malaria.
Gaucher's disease: a case report
Authors: Singla Sanjay , Ninama Rameshwar , Jain Bhupesh , Goyal Suresh
Published: March 2017

Gaucher's disease (GD) is an autosomal recessive disorder, characterized by lack of acid β-glucosidase (glucocerebrosidase) enzyme resulting in accumulation of glucosylceramide in different organs. This enzyme is encoded by a gene on chromosome 1. Accumulation of glucosylceramide in tissues leads to multisystem organ involvement viz. liver, spleen, bone marrow, lungs and central nervous system. It is common in Ashkenazi Jews but rare in India. Around five hundred cases are identified and diagnosed in India. Serum β-glucosidase levels <15% of mean normal activity confirms the diagnosis, enzyme replacement being the only definitive treatment. Here we report a case of Gaucher’s disease.
Prevalence of occupational skin diseases among rice field workers in Haryana
Authors: . Shiva , Singh Sumitra , Singh Shailendra Kumar
Published: March 2017

Background: The objective of the study was to estimate the risk of occupational skin diseases among workers who were exposed to animal manure during rice cultivation in India. Methods: Questionnaire based six month follow up study with weekly assessment of skin diseases in rice field workers from village Dabra, in Haryana state of India who were exposed to animal manure was carried out among the agricultural workers working in rice field along with dermatological examination of exposed parts. Results: Out of total 574, workers, 90 were excluded as per exclusion criteria. 71 workers out of 370 workers who were free from diseases at baseline survey data develop a new disease with cumulative incidence of 19.1%. There was higher prevalence of dermatitis among all of reported skin diseases. Conclusions: Exposure to animal manure mixed with standing water is a major risk factor among the workers working in rice field and attempt should be made to identify the type of dermatitis and relate its causative agent with any specific biological or chemical agents present in animal manure mixed with standing water of rice field.
A study to assess factors affecting the performance of undergraduate medical students in academic examination in community medicine
Authors: B Venkatashiva Reddy , Gupta Arti , Singh Amit Kumar
Published: March 2017

Background: Undergraduate medical education is facing many basic problems in India today. This study aimed to identify and analyze factors that affect the students’ academic performance in Community Medicine. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted at the Department of Community Medicine, VCSGGMS & RI, Uttarakhand, India among the third and sixth semester medical students from February to July 2016. The questionnaire was used to interview 182 students. The questionnaire covered demographic factors, physical fitness in terms of refractive error, use of technology in the form of smart phones and internet, stress level in the form of sleeping hours before examination, pattern of meals before examination and material used for study and others. The student was scaled based on an achievement marks percentile. Results: The research population included 182 students (85 male and 97 female). The mean age of the studied students was 21.62 ± 1.61 years. About 48.9% of the students were using spectacles. Over 90% of the students reported using smart phones, computer, and access to the internet. The mean hours of sleep day before the examination were 5.14± 1.94 hours. About three fourth of the students, reported consuming meals before the examination. Demographic factors, i.e. age and gender were significantly associated with students’ overall academic achievement in multiple linear regression analysis (p<0.05). Conclusions: Various factors determine the academic performance of students. To understand better about the factors that contribute in the academic performance of students there is need for a qualitative study.
Medication adherence and health belief model among hypertensive patients attending rural health centres of a tertiary care hospital in South India
Authors: A. U. Shameena , Badiger Sanjeev , Kumar S. Nanjesh
Published: March 2017

Background: Medication adherence is a growing concern to healthcare systems as non-adherence to pharmacotherapy has been associated with adverse outcomes and higher costs of care. Objective: To assess the determinants of Patient’s adherence to Hypertensive medication and to evaluate the levels of adherence based on Health belief Model.Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted in the OPDs of Rural Health Centres of a tertiary care hospital  over a period of 4 months(April’16 –July’16) using a semi-structured and validated questionnaire which contain information on demographic characteristics, medication and health related facility and Health Belief Model. All hypertensives taking medication for more than 6 months were included in this study. Medication Adherence was assessed using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8(MMAS-8).Statistical Analysis: Data was analysed using SPSS and P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Out of 300 patients, 114 were males and 186 were females. The level of Adherence was 23% in our study subjects. Gender (0.05), Religion (0.02), Marital status (0.035), Socioeconomic status (p=0.000) and Frequency of medication (p=0.000) had association with adherence. Based on health belief model, perceived severity (p=0.000), perceived susceptibility (p=0.000), perceived benefit (p=0.000), perceived barrier (p=0.000), Cue to action (p=0.025) and self-efficacy (p=0.00) had association with adherence.Conclusions: Patients Knowledge, understanding and perception can improve the adherence to medication. The results of our study can be used for better treatment of Hypertension.
Impact of parental care on depression and academic performance of adolescent girls from selected schools in a city in South India
Authors: Gopakumar Soumya , Johns Sandra
Published: March 2017

Background: Adolescence is a transitional period where the relationship between them and their parents are vital. Mental health status of girls staying in poor homes without parental care may influence their academic performance and since need special attention. So a study was undertaken to assess the depression status of adolescent girl students (13-15yaers) in selected schools using Kutcher Adolescent Depression Assessment Scale (KADS) given by Kutcher and to compare the depression scores, academic and other socio-demographic factors of adolescent girls with and without parental care. Methods: Cross sectional study involving 130 girl students from selected schools of which 40 students were from poor homes. Chi -square test and Mann Whitney U test was used as test of significance for qualitative and quantitative variables respectively. Binary logistic regression was also used. Results: Analysis of KADS score indicated that both type of students with and without parental care had similar cumulative scores varying from 1- 19. Among the study subjects 10 (7.7% with 95 % confidence interval 3.12% - 12.28%) had scores above 15. Academic performances and participation in arts and sports were significantly different between students staying with parents than those from poor homes. Conclusions: Percentage of students from poor homes with collective KAD scores above 15 is almost double the percentage of students with parental care. Parental support is positively related to better academic and extracurricular activities of students.
Determinants and impact of early marriage on mother and her newborn in an urban area of Davangere: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Sandhu Navneet Kaur , R. G. Geethalakshmi
Published: March 2017

Background: Early marriage is a long established custom in India. In spite of the legislations prohibiting early marriages, the prevalence of child marriages in our country is 30.2%, with the highest prevalence in Rajasthan (35.4%) and lowest in Himachal Pradesh (0.5%).Thus, this study was undertaken to study the prevalence, determinants and impact of early marriage on the mother and her newborn in an urban area of Davangere. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of 6 months in the Urban Family Welfare Centre, Doddapete. A total of 900 mothers were interviewed with the help of pre- designed and semi-structured questionnaire after taking informed consent. Results: The prevalence of child marriage in the present study was found to be 13% with 81% mothers belonging to lower socio- economic status and 77% belonging to Muslim religion. Most (62%) mothers married before the age of 18 years due to economic reasons. 54% of the mothers who married before the age of 18 years faced complications during delivery. 6% of the mothers married before the age of 18 years gave birth to low birth weight babies. Conclusions: The literacy and socio-economic status of the mother and her parents was observed as a major determinant in deciding the age at marriage. In spite of the prevailing religious traditions and socio-cultural influences that promote child marriage, an attempt should be made to educate the community regarding the medical and legal aspects of early marriage.
The role of 18F-FDG PET/CT before and after the treatment of multiple myeloma: Our clinical experience
Authors: Kajary Kornelia , Molnár Zsuzsa
Published: March 2017

To evaluate the role of FDG PET/CT before and after the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) in our clinical practice, data from 32 patients (before therapy: 10 patients; after therapy: 22 patients) and from 46 examinations (before therapy: 10; after: 36) with a median time of follow-up of 24 months (before the therapy) and 26 months (after the therapy) were evaluated. FDG PET/CT positivity was characterized by SUVmax >2.5, SUVmax >4.2, focal lesions (FLs) >3, and presence of extramedullary disease (EMD). The median progression-free survival (PFS) and the median overall survival (OS) for FDG PET/CT positive patients were shorter than for negative patients, according to all parameters. Before the therapy, significant correlation was found only between PFS and the number of FLs (p = 0.033). After the treatment, significant correlation was found between PFS and SUVmax (cut-off value 2.5: p < 0.001; cut off value 4.2: p < 0.001), between PFS and the number of FLs (p = 0.009), and between PFS and the presence of EMD (p < 0.001). Significant correlation was found between OS and SUVmax (cut-off value = 2.5, p < 0.001 and 4.2, p = 0.009), between OS and the number of FLs (p = 0.007), and between OS and the presence of EMD (p = 0.022). Our results confirmed the reliability and good prognostic value of FDG PET/CT in MM.
An integrated approach for identifying genes associated with chemotherapy resistance in high-grade serous epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Hossain Ahmed , Ahsan Gias Uddin , Nabi Hayatun
Published: March 2017

Treatment with chemotherapy is important in limiting the intensity of serous epithelial ovarian cancer. However, not all patients are sensitive to platinum chemotherapy corresponding to longer progression-free survival (PFS >8 months). Koti et al.[1] revealed a set of 204 discriminating genes possessing expression levels, which could influence differential chemotherapy response between the platinum-resistant and platinum-sensitive group of patients. They considered Welch two-sample t-test and non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test to identify the differentially expressed genes. However, both the statistical methods turned out to be unsuitable for microarray data. In this paper, we used three alternative statistical methods to select a combined list of genes and compared the genes that were proposed by Koti et al.[1]. Subsequently, we recommended using sparse principal component analysis (sparse PCA) to identify a final list of genes. Sparse PCA incorporates correlation into account among the genes and helps to draw a biologically important gene discovery. We identified 77 differentially expressed genes, which include 11 new genes that can separate the groups of patients who are platinum-resistant and platinum-sensitive to the chemotherapy. The integrative approach can also be effective in another high dimensional dataset to compare between two groups.
Środki masowego przekazu w archidiecezji lwowskiej obrządku łacińskiego w 20-leciu międzywojennym
Authors: Leszczyński Mariusz
Published: March 2017

W ruchu wydawniczym i medialnym w Kościele w Polsce, w 20-leciu międzywojennym, czynnie uczestniczyła archidiecezja lwowska obrządku łacińskiego. Szczególne zasługi na tym polu miało Towarzystwo Wydawnicze „Biblioteka Religijna", założone we Lwowie w 1921 r. przez księży: Teofila Długosza i Ignacego Chwiruta. Wydawało ono dzieła naukowe i popularne, literaturę religijną oraz czasopisma kościelne o zasięgu diecezjalnym i krajowym, a wśród nich „Przegląd Teologiczny" „Collectanea Thcologica". Katolicki ruch wydawniczy w archidiecezji rozwijała także Akcja Katolicka, która widziała w nim skuteczne narzędzie w dziele formacji i apostolstwa swoich członków, a także Instytut Wyższej Kultury Religijnej we Lwowie. W latach 1918-1939 ukazywało się w archidiecezji ok. 40 czasopism katolickich: urzędowe, teologiczno-naukowe, organizacji i stowarzyszeń kościelnych, parafialne, dewocyjne, ascetyczne i kalendarze. Kościół w swej misji ewangelizacyjnej wykorzystywał także radio. Ten środek medialny wykorzystywał na szeroką skalp, w archidiecezji i w kraju, Sekretariat Apostolstwa Chorych, kierowany przez ks. Michała Rękasa, prowadząc audycje dla chorych i cierpiących. Coraz bardziej popularny stawał się także film, a duże zasługi w jego upowszechnianiu miała Akcja Katolicka i franciszkanie konwentualni, którzy we Lwowie prowadzili kino „PAX".
Rozpracowywanie operacyjne jezuitów uczestniczących w Misji Wschodniej w latach 50. XX w. w Polsce Ludowej
Authors: Ihnatowicz Mateusz
Published: March 2017

We wstępie autor naświetla sytuację polityczną odrodzonej Rzeczpospolitej. Następnie omawia dzieje Misji Wschodniej jezuitów w Albertynie (1924-1942).
W drugiej części artykułu autor wymienia, na podstawie dokumentów zebranych przez funkcjonariuszy Komitetu ds. Bezpieczeństwa Publicznego, jakie informacje dotyczące zakonników uczestniczących w misji ich interesowały. Stara się sprawdzić na ile wiadomości uzyskane przez funkcjonariuszy zgadzają się z wiedzą, którą dziś można uzyskać zajmując się tą tematyką. Posługuje się cytatami, które starają się oddać ducha czasu. Cezurą dla dokumentacji w omawianej części są lata 1950-1956.
W konkluzji autor streszcza formy pracy operacyjnej funkcjonariuszy Komitetu ds. Bezpieczeństwa Publicznego oraz podjęty przez nich trud w zdobywaniu interesujących ich wiadomości. Na zakończenie informuje, jakie były dalsze losy neounii w Polsce po 1945 roku.
Are Non-Catholics Worthy to Be Named in Texts of Catholic Anaphora? Some Remarks on No. 121 of Directory for the Application of Principles and Norms on Ecumenism
Authors: Bugel Walerian
Published: March 2017

The current Directory for the application of principles and norms on ecumenism from 1993 stipulates an exclusion from the anaphora prayers for other than Catholic communities, their representatives and needs, arguing with an “ancient liturgical and ecclesiological tradition.” The paper verifies such convictions on the basis of analysis of liturgical texts of both Roman and Eastern traditions, praxis on the local level and theological arguments. Finally it gives some propositions concerning models for prayers for unity with other Christian Churches within anaphora.
“...There Will Be Only One Fold, One Shepherd”. Relecture of John 10,16 in an Ecumenical Perspective
Authors: Siemieniec Tomasz
Published: March 2017

The presented article makes a proposal of the relecture of John 10,16 in an ecumenical perspective. The text of John 10,16 says about “other sheep,” which Jesus have to lead so that may arise one flock. The point of departure is an exegetical analysis of John 10,16 in the context of the whole discourse about good Shepherd. The new fold will be composed of two groups, which have been presented figuratively as two groups of sheep. The first group – sheep from the flock (Gr. αὐλή [aulē]) embodies Jesus’ disciples of Jewish origin. The second group – “other sheep” are Christians originate from Gentiles. Both groups will make the one fold. Considering the whole Johannine Gospel, we may say that the beginning of the unification of the fold is the exaltation of Jesus (i.e. His passion, death and resurrection). Since then the incorporation of Christians of pagan origin have begun. The force unifying the new fold will be hearing of the Shepherd’s voice, i.e. acceptance the Revelation brought by Jesus, which will lead to faith in Him. Looking at the text John 10,16 from the ecumenical perspective we may constate: firstly, making the one fold will be a process stretched over time. The way to the unity is long. It has been expressed by the verb γίνομαι [ginomai], which points out the process of making the one fold. Secondly, lots and lots is dependent on how the sheep hear the Shepherd’s voice. Therefore all Christians have to make a permanent reflection about ability to hear the voice of Jesus, i.e. the reflection about ability to understand revelation brought by Jesus. Right cognition and understanding of this revelation is related to serious treatment of biblical research. Since the Bible contains it, what once the voice of the Shepherd annunciated. Right understanding of the Bible makes it, that the Shepherd’s voice is reviving anew in a sense and it draws the next sheep to the one fold.
Metabolomics approach for multibiomarkers determination to investigate dengue virus infection in human patients
Authors: Shahfiza Nurul , Osman Hasnah , Hock Tang Thean , Abdel-Hamid Abdel-Hamid Zaki
Published: March 2017

Background: Dengue is one of the major public health problems in the world, affecting more than fifty million cases in tropical and subtropical region every year. The metabolome, as pathophysiological end-points, provide significant understanding of the mechanism and progression of dengue pathogenesis via changes in the metabolite profile of infected patients. Recent developments in diagnostic technologies provide metabolomics for the early detection of infectious diseases. Methods: The mid-stream urine was collected from 96 patients diagnosed with dengue fever at Penang General Hospital (PGH) and 50 healthy volunteers. Urine samples were analyzed with proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy, followed by chemometric multivariate analysis. NMR signals highlighted in the orthogonal partial least square-discriminant analysis (OPLSDA) S-plots were selected and identified using Human Metabolome Database (HMDB) and Chenomx Profiler. A highly predictive model was constructed from urine profile of dengue infected patients versus healthy individuals with the total R2Y (cum) value 0.935, and the total Q2Y (cum) value 0.832. Results: Data showed that dengue infection is related to amino acid metabolism, tricarboxylic acid intermediates cycle and β-oxidation of fatty acids. Distinct variations in certain metabolites were recorded in infected patients including amino acids, various organic acids, betaine, valerylglycine, myoinositol and glycine. Conclusion: Metabolomics approach provides essential insight into host metabolic disturbances following dengue infection.
A pesquisa no ensino superior: um ensaio sobre metodologia científica
Authors: Amoras Fernando Castro , Vilhena Amoras Aluana
Published: March 2017

Este artigo objetiva debater o processo de pesquisa científica alinhavada ao processo de educação no ensino superior. Desta forma, procura explanar sobre a atividade de iniciação científica que ocorre nas universidades, dentro da perspectiva constitucional do tripé acadêmico de ensino, pesquisa e extensão. Será discutida a utilidade da história da ciência como forma de apresentar os feitos científicos aos alunos. A caracterização dos tipos de conhecimentos e as categorias de pesquisa e de procedimentos científicos são outros itens apresentados, didaticamente por meio de exemplos reforçadores, para favorecer a compreensão dos conceitos envolvidos na realização dos processos de pesquisa
A cultura surda e os intérpretes de língua de sinais (ILS)
Authors: Perlin Gladis
Published: March 2017

Enfatizando algumas posições e enunciações sobre a cultura surda o artigo pretende discorrer sobre a identidade e o território do interprete de língua de sinais/português. Aborda certas situações, porém não tanto a globalidade da questão. Salienta que o interprete não se realiza no simples ato da tradução, mas que envolve uma gama dimensional de significantes e significados que denunciam a complexidade de seu papel, as dimensões e a profundidade de sua atuação. Os intérpretes são para a tradução da cultura, da língua, da história, dos movimentos, das políticas da identidade e da subjetividade surda, e apresentam suas próprias particularidades, identidade e orbitalidade.