bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MORGAGNI HERNIA AS A DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS IN AN ADULT: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Nóbrega Edgley Almeida , Araújo Cicera Yolanda dos Santos , Araújo Moisés Ederlânio Tavares de , Costa Lineker Velozo , Gomes Ana Karolynne De Souza , Torres Larissa Moreira , Batista Hermes Melo Teixeira
Published: May 2019

Abstract: Morgagni Hernia (MH) is a defect between the transverse septum and the sternum, failing the fusion of the sternal and costal parts of the muscle, representing 3 to 4% of the hernia’s diaphragmatic lesions of congenital origin. It is present in 90% of the cases on the right side, 8% on the left side and 2% on the bilateral side. The aim of this article is to report a case on late presentation of MH and to emphasize the importance of this pathology to be analyzed with differential diagnosis in patients with respiratory symptoms. The subject is a patient, male, 62 years old, truck driver, married, with history of dyspnea on medium exertion and mild chest discomfort from 2 years. After 1 year of these symptoms, he evolved with major dyspnea on minor exertion, intense chest pain, without improvement with analgesics or with body positions, making it difficult to perform his usual activities as work and leisure. Multislice Computed Tomography of the Thorax, which showed: diaphragmatic hernia in the left hemithorax, with a ring/diaphragmatic fault located in the anterior and medial pericardial third, and an intrathoracic hernia, notably in the base and middle third in the anterior, lateral and posterior regions, with contents mesenteric and intestinal. The patient underwent thoracotomy in the sixth left intercostal space. A large amount of omentum, transverse colon, stomach, pulmonary atelectasis and small pleural effusion were found. The omentum resection was performed, located hernial ring in the antero-medial portion of the diaphragm, reduction of the hernia, placement of the Malex mesh and apposition of two anterior and posterior thoracic drains. Reports of patients initially diagnosed with pneumonia or treated as chronic dyspeptic, who progressed to intestinal necrosis, respiratory failure or other complications due to late diagnosis, emphasize the relevance of the knowledge of MH as a differential diagnosis of respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms.
The effect of different surface treatments on color and translucency of bilayered translucent nano-crystalline zirconia before and after accelerated aging
Authors: Wahba Mennatallah Mohie , Sherif Ashraf Hussien , El-Etreby Amr S , Morsi Tarek Salah
Published: May 2019

Objective: Despite the higher translucency of nano-crystalline Y-TZP than the conventional Y-TZP, it couldn’t be used in the anterior region of the mouth in its fully anatomical form without veneering for better esthetics. This study evaluated the color change (?E) and translucency parameter (TP) of the bilayered nano-crystalline zirconia restorations after different treatments of the zirconia surface before and after accelerated aging. Material and Methods: Forty samples of inCoris TZI were cut in the form of discs 15 mm (diameter) and 1mm (thickness) so that after sintering each disc dimensions’ would be 12 mm (diameter) and 0.8 mm (thickness). All discs were colored by dipping in aqueous zirconia coloring solution of shade A2, then divided into four groups  according to the type of surface treatment received before sintering; being tribochemical silica coating, zirconia powder deposition, glass grading, and a control untreated group. After sintering, all discs were veneered with a layer of porcelain 0.7 mm (thickness) and 12 mm (diameter). (?E) and TP were measured using VITA Easyshade Compact spectrophotometer before and after accelerated autoclave aging. Results: Different surface treatments applied had significant effect (P<0.05) over ?E and TP. Glass graded group showed the highest ?E value and the least TP value among both un-aged and aged sub-groups. Conclusion: Different surface treatments applied affected the color and translucency negatively where the control untreated group showed the highest TP and the least color deviation from the A2 color parameters. On the other hand, accelerated autoclave aging had no effect over translucency or color.KeywordsAging; Ceramic restoration; Color; Translucent.
Effect of age-related alterations on the biomechanics of teeth affected by non-carious cervical lesions
Authors: Augusto Marina Gullo , Sato Tabata do Prado , De Castro Maria José Domingues , Valera Marcia Carneiro , Borges Alexandre Luis Souto , Bresciani Eduardo
Published: May 2019

Objective: The prevalence of non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) has increased in the recent years, especially in the elderly population. The successful prevention and treatment of those lesions requires an understanding of the biomechanics of aged teeth. Considering the importance of such aspect, the impact of the age-related dentin deposition on the stress distribution of NCCLs was evaluated by means of finite element analysis. Material and Methods: A 2-dimensional model of a sound maxillary first premolar was created using CAD software. Two tooth geometries (sound, aged) and two lesion shapes (wedge, saucer) were simulated to the model. The mesh was built with 35,000 triangle and square elements of 0.1 mm in length. All tissues were considered isotropic, homogeneous and linear. Occlusal surfaces were loaded with 300 N for simulating normal chewing forces. The stress distribution was analyzed by a color scale and by the maximum principal stress at the cavosurface line angle. Results: The aged models presented lower stress concentration in the overall system in comparison to sound models. The sharp angle of wedge shaped lesions promoted higher stress concentration at the center of cavosurface angle, favoring the lesions progression. Conclusion: Considering the limitations of the current methodology, it is possible to conclude that aged tooth is a more compact structure that can better respond to stress loadings. This protective intrinsic mechanism should be considered when adopting preventive and restorative measures for NCCLs for the elderly.KeywordsAging; Finite element analysis; Non-carious; Cervical lesions.
Correlation Between Dental Caries And Salivary Albumin In Adult Population In Chennai: An In Vivo Study
Authors: Khandelwal Akshay , Palanivelu Ajitha
Published: May 2019

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between dental caries and levels of salivary albumin in unstimulated saliva of adults between the age group of 18 and 40 years from Chennai with varying caries experience as determined by their Decayed Missing Filled Teeth (DMFT) scores. Material and Methods: The study was conducted on 60 healthy adult subjects with age group between 18 and 40 years. The healthy subjects without any chronic diseases, gingival or periodontal problems were selected. The patients were divided into four groups according to DMFT status as Group 1, DMFT 0; Group2, DMFT 1?5; Group 3, DMFT 6?10; and Group 4, as DMFT above 10. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected from each subjects and the salivary albumin levels were estimated using the bromocresol green method (albumin colorimetric test). The obtained data was statistically analysed using one?way ANOVA and Tukey`s Honestly Significant Difference test. Results: The mean salivary albumin levels for the groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 were .086 ± .009 mg/ml, .083 ±.006 mg/ml, .070 ± .008 mg/ml and .056 ±.009 mg/ml respectively. There was an increase in incidence of caries with decrease in salivary albumin level. There was a statistically significant difference among the groups except group 1 and 2. Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between the salivary albumin level and the incidence of dental caries. An increase in incidence of caries with decrease in salivary albumin levels was seen suggestive of its importance in maintenance of tooth integrity.KeywordsCaries; Caries incidence; Dental caries; Salivary albumin; Salivary protein. KeywordsCaries; Caries incidence; Dental caries; Salivary albumin; Salivary protein.
Effects of Bacillus subtilis on Candida albicans: biofilm formation, filamentation and gene expression
Authors: Silva Michelle Peneluppi , De Barros Patrícia Pimentel , Jorjão Adeline Lacerda , Rossoni Rodnei Dennis , Junqueira Juliana Campos , Jorge Antonio Olavo Cardoso
Published: May 2019

Objective: The aim of this study was evaluate the effect of Bacillus subtilis on Candida albicans biofilm formation and filamentation by evaluating the gene expression of ALS3, HWP1, BCR1, EFG1 and TEC1. Material and Methods: Mixed (C. albicans / B.subtilis) and monotypic biofilms were cultured in plates at 37°C for 48 h under shaking for counting viable cells (CFU / mL) and analysis of gene expression by real-time PCR. The C. albicans filamentation assay was performed in medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum at 37°C for 6 hours. Data was analysed by t-Student and Mann– Whitney tests. Results: B. subtilis reduced the biofilm formation of C. albicans in 1 log when cultured in the same environment (p<0.0001). In addition, it significantly reduced the yeast -hypha transition affecting the morphology of C. albicans. Among all of the analyzed genes, the ALS3 and HWP1 genes were the most affected, achieving 111.1- and 333.3- fold decreases in the C. albicans biofilms associated with B. subtilis, respectively. Conclusion: B. subtilis reduced the biofilm formation and filamentation of C. albicans by negatively regulating the ALS3, HWP1, BCR1, EFG1 and TEC1 genes that are essential for the production of biofilm and hyphae.KeywordsBacillus subtilis; Candida albicans; Biofilm; Filamentation; Gene expression.
Oral conditions of pediatric patients with Williams-Beuren syndrome: two case reports
Authors: Pires Flávia Silva , Paula Viviane Andrade Cancio , Faker Khawana , Di Lanaro Natalia , Carvalho Raissa Christiane O de , Tostes Mônica Almeida
Published: May 2019

Objective: The objective of this paper was to describe the oral conditions of two children accompanied by their mothers who reported to the Department of Pediatric Dentistry of Fluminense Federal University with Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS). Case report: The 9-year-old female patient had a family and medical history significant for placental abruption, caesarean section, delayed psychomotor development, learning disabilities, tendency to selfdistract and congenital heart disease. In contrast, the 7-year-old male patient had a normal birth and no gestational intercurrences. Discussion: Clinically, the female presented with mixed dentition, crowding in the maxillary and mandibular arches, prolonged retention of deciduous teeth, anterior and posterior cross-bite and Angle Class I malocclusion, while the male had mixed dentition and retarded psychomotor development. Due to the patients having congenital heart disease, a prophylactic antibiotic regimen was prescribed prior to the dental procedures in both of them. Conclusion: These patients had been followed up for 2 years and this case report underscores the importance of early dental evaluation and counselling for parents of WBS patients.KeywordsWilliams Beuren syndrome; Oral manifestations; Child.
Microorganisms related to early childhood caries in a sample of an oral preventive-educative program: a longitudinal study
Authors: Takahashi Karine , Araujo Heitor Ceolin , Pessan Juliano , Munhoz Felipe Camargo , Jardim Junior Elerson Gaetti , Cunha Robson Frederico
Published: May 2019

Objetivo: Premature acquisition of cariogenic microorganisms seems to be related to higher prevalence and activity of caries lesions. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus in infants enrolled in a dental preventive program and in their mothers, as well as to assess the influence of bacterial prevalence, diet and oral hygiene in dental caries prevalence. Material and Methods: After clinical examinations (n = 50), saliva and oral biofilms were collected and stored prior to real-time PCR at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months of age. Results: No correlation was observed between the presence of cariogenic pathogens and diet or hygiene habits at all ages; however, association increased with number of erupted teeth. Salivary levels of bacteria were lower in children than in their mothers at all ages, and children with carious lesions had high ingestion of sugared food. Conclusion: As the levels of cariogenic pathogens were low in the patients that were enrolled in a preventive program, we can conclude that control of oral biofilm as eruption of infants’ teeth occurs and sugar ingestion should be considered of great importance in preventive dentistry, because the association between them was highly positive.KeywordsSaliva; Dental caries; Oral hygiene; Cariogenic; Streptococcus mutans.
Impact of Previous Exposure to Macrolide Antibiotics on Helicobacter pylori Infection Treatment Outcomes
Authors: Boltin Doron , Levi Zohar , Gingold-Belfer Rachel , Gabay Hagit , Shochat Tzippy , Niv Yaron , Dickman Ram , Dotan Iris , Birkenfeld Shlomo
Published: May 2019

OBJECTIVES:

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) guidelines, including the recent ACG clinical guideline, recommend avoiding clarithromycin-based triple therapy (TT-C) among patients with past macrolide exposure. Data to support this recommendation are scarce, and the impact of macrolide exposure on quadruple therapies is unclear. We aimed to determine the impact of macrolide exposure on the efficacy of H. pylori treatment in our region.

Methods:

We searched the Clalit Health Services database to identify subjects aged 25–60 years who underwent the first-ever 13C-urea breath test between 2010 and 2015. Patients who underwent a previous H. pylori stool antigen test or gastroscopy were excluded. Pharmacy dispensation data were retrieved.

Results:

We identified 7,842 subjects (36.1% male individuals, age: 40.3 ± 10.5 years), including 3,062 (39.0%) with previous macrolide exposure. The efficacy of TT-C was 74.3% and 82.4% among subjects with and without macrolide exposure, respectively (odds ratio (OR), 0.62; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.55–0.70; P < 0.0001). TT success was adversely affected by exposure to clarithromycin (55.5%; OR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.24–0.39; P < 0.0001), roxythromycin (74.4%; OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.58–0.74; P < 0.0001), and erythromycin (73.9%; OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.57–0.89; P < 0.01) but not by exposure to azithromycin. A greater time elapsed because exposure to clarithromycin and roxythromycin was associated with higher eradication (OR, 1.007; 95% CI, 1.002–1.012; P < 0.01 and OR, 1.004; 95% CI, 1.002–1.006; P < 0.0001). A higher dose of clarithromycin and roxythromycin was associated with a lower likelihood of successful eradication (OR, 0.99988; 95% CI, 0.99982–0.99996; P < 0.01 and OR, 0.99981; 95% CI, 0.99971–0.99992; P < 0.001). The efficacies of sequential and concomitant therapies were 82.7% and 81.3%, respectively, and were not significantly affected by macrolide exposure.

Conclusions:

TT-C is adversely affected by previous exposure to macrolide antibiotics. Sequential, concomitant, and bismuth-based treatment may be preferred in this setting.
Mucosa-Associated Microbiota in Ileoanal Pouches May Contribute to Clinical Symptoms, Particularly Stool Frequency, Independent of Endoscopic Disease Activity
Authors: Turpin Williams , Kelly Orlaith , Borowski Krzysztof , Boland Karen , Tyler Andrea , Cohen Zane , Croitoru Kenneth , Silverberg Mark S.
Published: May 2019

INTRODUCTION:

Pouchitis is a common complication after ileal pouch–anal anastomosis (IPAA). However, there is a poor correlation between symptoms and endoscopic appearance of the pouch, and many patients can have debilitating symptoms in the absence of overt inflammation. It is unknown whether these clinical symptoms are independently associated with the microbiota. The objective of this work was to examine whether the individual clinical components of the pouch activity scoring systems are associated with specific microbiota.

METHODS:

Pouch biopsies from 233 patients (50% male, 100% IPAA/ulcerative colitis) post-IPAA were included. Clinical phenotyping was performed, and patients were classified using both clinical and endoscopic components of the Pouch Activity Scale. Scoring for symptoms examined 24-hour stool frequency, urgency, incontinence, and rectal bleeding as described by the Pouchitis Disease Activity Index Score.

RESULTS:

In the absence of inflammation, an increase in stool frequency reported over 24 hours was associated with a decrease in Bacteroidetes relative abundance, and this was the strongest association found. Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States (PICRUSt) analysis in inflamed groups showed that an increase in 24-hour stool frequency was associated with an increase in biofilm formation.

DISCUSSION:

These findings indicate that in patients with IPAA, the composition of mucosa-associated microbiota of the pouch may contribute to clinical symptoms, particularly stool frequency, independent of endoscopic disease activity.
Tendencias, cambios y continuidades en las prescripciones curriculares de la educación inicial en la provincia de Entre Ríos en el período 1984–2010
Authors: Gabás Lucía Soledad
Published: May 2019

Esta investigación es un aporte que seenmarca en el crecimiento que la educación inicialha experimentado en los últimos años como parte delsistema formal de enseñanza. El tema central refiere alas tendencias, cambios y continuidades explicitados enlas prescripciones curriculares de la educación inicialen la provincia de Entre Ríos en el período 1984–2010.El estudio se realiza a través del análisis de los cuatrodiseños curriculares que tuvieron vigencia en dichoperíodo y los relatos, opiniones y valoraciones quemaestras jardineras entrerrianas han construido a partirdel desarrollo de sus trayectorias profesionales. Laausencia de trabajos específicos en esta temática parael nivel en Entre Ríos invita a abordar este problemapara visibilizarlo, construirlo y analizarlo. Como objetivosse buscó describir contextualmente las prescripcionescurriculares para la educación inicial en la provinciade Entre Ríos en dicho período histórico, identificarlas diferencias y similitudes, permanencias y cambiosque se observan en las prescripciones analizadas, yconocer las opiniones y valoraciones tanto de sujetos deestructuración como de desarrollo curricular relativas alas transformaciones generadas a raíz de los cambioscurriculares producidos.
La interdisciplinariedad en la enseñanza, un desafío para la escuela secundaria
Authors: Carlachiani Camila
Published: May 2019

El presente artículo constituye un avancede la tesis de maestría en curso titulada «Dispositivoscurriculares en la escuela secundaria. Un análisis desdeperspectivas poscríticas». Se estudia el desarrollo institucionaldel curriculum en la escuela secundaria endiálogo con los distintos niveles de decisión de políticascurriculares en clave de traducción (Casimiro Lopes et.al., 2013). Para ello, se propone como objetivo generalanalizar cómo se diseñan y desarrollan los dispositivoscurriculares institucionales en las escuelas secundariasa partir de procesos de traducción de políticas curriculares.Con relación a los objetivos específicos: 1) Indagarde qué modo dialogan los dispositivos curriculares institucionalescon las políticas curriculares de los nivelesmacro y meso en torno a la inclusión para la educaciónsecundaria. 2) Identificar qué dispositivos curricularesdiseñan y desarrollan las escuelas secundarias paragarantizar la obligatoriedad y la inclusión. A partir deun primer acercamiento al campo, es posible vislumbrarque la interdisciplinariedad en la enseñanza y su vinculacióncon problemáticas sociales locales constituyeun modo de abordaje institucional para promover lainclusión y la obligatoriedad en la educación secundariafavoreciendo aprendizajes socialmente significativos(Orozco Fuentes, 2006).
La búsqueda de sentido en las clases de Matemática como una vía de democratización de saberes
Authors: Sgreccia Natalia , Ciccioli Virginia , Dominguez Eliana , Grossi Sabrina
Published: May 2019

Este trabajo repasa diferentes proyectos desarrolladosa partir del año 2011 desde el Profesorado enMatemática de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Ingenieríay Agrimensura de la Universidad Nacional de Rosario(FCEIA–UNR), en el marco de proyectos de voluntariado,de comunicación de las ciencias y de extensiónuniversitaria. Todos abocados a la resignificación de laMatemática escolar, a partir de la interacción concretay directa con diferentes instituciones escolares y actoressociales vinculados a ellas, mediada por el uso derecursos didácticos y juegos educativos. Los proyectosatraviesan diferentes niveles educativos (desde iniciala superior), vinculando docentes, estudiantes y directivosde las instituciones escolares, como así tambiénestudiantes, docentes y egresados del Profesorado enMatemática. Desde estos proyectos se intenta promoverun cambio de visión sobre los modos de enseñar yaprender Matemática, atendiendo a la realidad actual ylas particularidades de los estudiantes, incentivando lademocratización de saberes y promulgando la valoracióny apropiación de estos modos de trabajo por parte delos diferentes actores.
Effect of dolomite amendment of acid Andosols on the performance of two green beans varieties in the Cameroon Western Highlands
Authors: Tamfuh P Azinwi , Pangop CR Kamga , Tapindje DG Douanla , A Boukong , FO Tabi , F Cho-Ngwa , D Bitom
Published: May 2019

Soil acidity is a major factor limiting green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production in the Cameroon western Highland. A field experiment (split-plot layout) was conducted with seven dolomite treatments (tons ha-1): control or T0 (0), T1 (0.5), T2 (1), T3 (1.5), T4 (2), T5 (2.5) and T6 (3). Soil physico-chemical properties were determined meanwhile growth and yield parameters were collected weekly for a month and analyzed statistically. Results revealed that control soils were texturally silty sandy. The exchangeable bases (except Na), cation exchange capacity (CEC), base saturation and available phosphorus were very high. They acidity was moderate to high (5.2 to 5.6) while organic matter was very high (% dry mass) and of moderate to good quality (11<C/N ratio<13). Crop variety showed a highly significant difference (P<0.001) for all growth and yield parameters, with Cogito producing the longest (13.88 cm), most numerous (40.94 pods per plant) and highest (16.96 tons ha-1) extrafine pods. Dolomite doses revealed no significant effects (P>0.05) on crop parameters, although highest yield (13.61 tons ha-1) of extrafine pods came from 2 tons ha-1. The dolomite dose versus variety interaction showed no significant difference (P>0.05). Farmers ought to improve soils with compost and cover crops to check nutrient leaching and erosion.
Application of groundwater transport modelling in groundwater development and management: a review
Authors: Kumar Sahu Suvendu , Mondal Kamalesh , M Gobinath , C.Jhariya D.
Published: May 2019

Groundwater is one of the very sensible natural resource and to protect its quality there is need of proper management system. Groundwater modelling is very advance method for the simulation, forecasting and set remediation strategy to protect the ground-water system, it is an emerging field in groundwater study. So many scientists and researchers are working on this to prepare a groundwater management strategy and to improve the efficiency of the model. For solving the different groundwater related issues, it is important to select proper model. For the accuracy of the model result, it needs to have proper idea about the model, procedure of model run and selection of model basing on the problems. There are a smaller number of modelling software like SWAT, MODFLOW, MT3DMS, RT3D, MT3D, FLUXOS, CXTFIT, FEFLOW, Retraso-Code-Bright etc. Sometimes coupled models are also preferable as per the problem. This paper based on review of the general characteristics of different transport modelling software, methodology of the model development and its application in the different issues related to groundwater development and management.
What teachers express as professional development needs of beginning teachers: Voices from the profession
Authors: Thomas Jeff , Hicks Jennifer , Vannatter Deb
Published: May 2019

In an effort to retain beginning teachers, the [Blind State] Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (X-STEM) Resource Network coordinated a statewide effort to identify and cultivate 59 mentor and 90 mentee (beginning) teachers. Two summer professional development workshops (summer 2016 and summer 2017) buttressed the school year (2016-17) aimed to mentor beginning teachers in teaching science and mathematics. New teachers (mentees) video recorded lessons and mentors provided feedback through a secure online platform. The area of focus for recorded videos were determined by the mentee and represent areas for desired feedback for future practice. Voices of mentor teachers were captured about the specifics of the observations and are offered as the types of professional development experiences needed by new teachers. These findings are presented based on this successful model where 89 out of 90 mentees remained in the profession.
Almacenamiento de energía usando ultracondensadores en sistemas fotovoltaicos autónomos
Authors: Angulo Aneider , Martínez Fernando , López Germán
Published: May 2019

El presente artículo describe la investigación que condujo al diseño y construcción de un banco de ultracondensadores (BUC) puesto en funcionamiento con un controlador electrónico. Estos módulos son alimentados por energía solar fotovoltaica —responsable del suministro y abastecimiento de corriente eléctrica— para aumentar la autonomía en un sistema de iluminación. Se describe el desempeño de los ultracondensadores en serie y paralelo para determinar la energía almacenada en el banco e integrarla al controlador electrónico encargado de la carga, provisión, visualización y ajuste del paso de corriente de la energía solar fotovoltaica al BUC y a la carga conformada por bombillas ledes. Al cumplirse el diagrama de Ragone, el BUC es capaz de suministrar, a corto tiempo, gran densidad de energía, de manera que se explote en el funcionamiento de las luminarias led, contrario a lo que sucede con la batería recargable que, aunque entrega por mayor tiempo carga, lo hace a menor densidad de energía eléctrica
Evaluación de un sistema solar fotovoltaico de 160 Wp
Authors: Jiménez Castellanos Itzel Alejandra , Jiménez Cruz Mario Ernesto , López Martínez German
Published: May 2019

Los sistemas solares fotovoltaicos (SSFV) son una alternativa sostenible en la obtención de energía a partir de la radiación solar [1]. El presente trabajo se desarrolló en la Escuela Tecnológica Instituto Técnico Central (ET-ITC), en la ciudad de Bogotá D.C., donde existe un SSFV, por lo que se pretendió validar la información de la eficiencia suministrada por el fabricante y compararla con datos recolectados experimentalmente. Se requirió tener en cuenta la ubicación geográfica del sistema solar, el índice de transparencia atmosférico, los datos de radiación solar suministrados por la estación meteorológica y la energía eléctrica producida por el sistema; de igual manera, se depuraron datos no confiables usando el criterio de Chauvenet. Los datos se recolectaron durante ocho días de evaluación y se obtuvieron valores de eficiencias que oscilaron entre 16.33% y 20.51%, con los que se valida la información suministrada por el fabricante, que es 16.50 %.
Aproximación al fracaso escolar de alumnado en desventaja desde el análisis crítico del discurso
Authors: Calderón Almendros Ignacio , Cruz Moya Olga , Rascón Gómez María Teresa
Published: May 2019

Este artículo nace de una investigación biográfica con alumnos en situación de desventaja sociocultural que sufren fracaso escolar. Su objetivo es explorar el lenguaje que utilizan estos chicos desde la perspectiva del análisis crítico del discurso, así como analizar las estrategias lingüísticas empleadas en la representación de los actores sociales y sus acciones, y los exponentes lingüístico-discursivos. Los protagonistas construyen un relato de su endogrupo desde el punto de vista semiótico, en contraste con la despersonalización y jerarquía con que se narran los hechos que tienen que ver con sus relaciones con la institución escolar. La distancia entre el lenguaje de las demandas académicas y el que utilizan con sus grupos primarios favorece el fracaso y la incomunicación.
Rare birds in Slovenia in 2017 –Slovenian Rarities Committee's Report
Authors: Hanžel Jurij , Denac Mitja
Published: May 2019

This report by the Slovenian Rarities Committee presents records of rare bird species in Slovenia in 2017, with some addenda for previous years. The numbers in brackets refer to the number of records (first number) and individuals (second number) recorded between 1 Jan 1950 and 31 Dec 2016. Since 1 Jan 2013, submission to the Committee has been required for 37 additional species, 17 of which are regional rarities. Records of these species are not numbered, since records from previous years were not collected by the Committee. The Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis was first recorded in Category A, in addition to previous Category D and E records. Other notable observations were the third record of Red-breasted Goose Branta ruficollis, fifth records of Lammergeier Gypaetus barbatus and Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus, and seventh records of Greater Blackbacked Gull Larus marinus and Red Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius. The list of birds recorded in Slovenia (as of 31 Dec 2017) contains 390 species (375 in Category A, 6 in Category B, 9 exclusively in Category C; 4 species are both in Categories A and C). Category D contains 7 species, while Category E contains 39, two of which are classified into Subcategory E*. These two categories are not part of the list.
Accounting for Market Equilibrium – Comparing the Revenue-Expense to the Balance-Sheet Approach
Authors: Braun Eduard
Published: May 2019

This paper combines the market process approach developed by the Austrian School of Economics with the theory of capital as worked out by the Historical School in order to provide a suitable framework for discussing the two competing approaches to financial accounting. Within this framework, it becomes clear that the revenue-expense approach with its emphasis on actually realized, historical transactions plays an important role in creating a tendency towards market equilibrium. Net income determined according to this approach provides information to the market on where there are gaps in the price structure. The balance-sheet approach, on the other hand, and particularly fair value measurement take market equilibrium for granted. Based on fair value accounting, an equilibrium could never be accomplished in the first place. Ironically, in order to be applicable, the balance-sheet approach presupposes the perfect working of the market process, including financial reporting based on the revenue-expense approach.
No-Fault Versus Strict Liability Compensation Systems in Medical Malpractice Law in Vietnam in Comparision with Belgium, France, and England
Authors: Nguyen Thi Bao Anh
Published: May 2019

Medical malpractice is a form of professional negligence and such a negligence forms part of the law of tort. As an alternative to the tort or fault-based system in medical malpractice, a no-fault compensation system has been viewed as having the potential to overcome problems inherent in the tort system. This is through the provision of fair, speedy and adequate compensation for medically injured victims. A no-fault compensation system allows patients to be compensated without proof of provider’s fault or negligence. Similar to no-fault schemes, the strict liability system is not fault-based although it belongs to tort law. Successful claims are paid in a uniform manner using a fixed benefits schedule and include compensation for both economic and non-economic (pain and suffering losses) without the necessity of proving negligence through a tort claim. This study focuses on the comparison of no-fault compensation systems versus strict liability systems between Vietnam to Belgium, France, and England. The distinctions in Belgium, France, and England can be the lessons for the development of a no-fault compensation system as well as strict liability system in Vietnam.
Quality assessment of interpretative commenting and competency comparison of comment providers in China
Authors: Huang Yuzhu , Wang Wei , Zhao Haijian , Du Yuxuan , Liu Jiali , He Falin , Zhong Kun , Yuan Shuai , Wang Zhiguo
Published: May 2019

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the ability of comment providers who were responsible for interpreting results in clinical laboratories in China and to improve the quality of interpretative comments.

Methods

Basic information and interpretative comments for five cases of 1912 routine chemistry External Quality Assessment (EQA) participant laboratories were collected by web-based EQA system in May 2018. EQA organizers assigned scores to each key phrase of comments based on predetermined marking scale and calculated total scores for each participant’s answer. Final scores and ranking were calculated according to scores of cases. Finally, we comprehensively analyzed the type of hospital and the professional title of participants.

Results

In total, 772 clinical laboratories, 1472 participants, from different Chinese provinces submitted interpretative comments. Median scores, interquartile ranges and score ranges of the five cases were 13 (11–15, 1–20), 13 (10–16, 0–20), 15 (12–17, 0–21), 7 (5–9, −2 to 14) and 12 (10–13, −2 to 18). The final scores and ranking of participants that came from tertiary hospitals were higher than those from secondary and other hospitals; however, there were no significant differences (0.774). When grouped by professional title, we found that although no significant variability existed among senior, intermediate, junior and others (0.699), it existed between laboratory physicians and technicians, as the median final scores of the former were higher than the latter.

Conclusions

Practice and quality of interpretative comments are indeed different among different laboratories and participants in China. Laboratories should train and assess the interpretative ability of personnel. EQA organizers should also improve the scoring method and establish peer assessors team through this survey.
Can citrate plasma be used in exceptional circumstances for some clinical chemistry and immunochemistry tests?
Authors: Demonte Davide , Pucci Mairi , Salvagno Gian Luca , Lippi Giuseppe
Published: May 2019

Background

The use of alternative sample matrices may be an advantageous perspective when the laboratory falls short of serum or lithium-heparin plasma for performing clinical chemistry and/or immunochemistry testing. This study was aimed at exploring whether some tests may be performed in citrate plasma as an alternative to lithium-heparin plasma.

Methods

Paired lithium-heparin and citrate plasma samples collected from 55 inpatients were analyzed on Roche Cobas 8000 for 28 different clinical chemistry and immunochemistry parameters. Data obtained in citrate plasma were adjusted for either the dilution factor or using an equation corresponding to the linear regression calculated by comparing unadjusted lithium-heparin and citrate plasma values.

Results

Except for magnesium (+17%) and sodium (+11%), unadjusted values of all remaining analytes were significantly lower in citrate than in lithium-heparin plasma, with bias ranging between −6.4% and −25.9%. The correlation between lithium-heparin and citrate plasma values was generally excellent (i.e. >0.90). The adjustment of citrate plasma values for the dilution factor (i.e. 1.1) was only effective in harmonizing the results of albumin and lipase, whilst the concentration of all other analytes remained significantly different between the two sample matrices. The adjustment of plasma citrate values using corrective formulas was instead effective in harmonizing all parameters, with no results remaining statistically different between the two sample matrices.

Conclusions

Citrate plasma may be used in exceptional circumstances for clinical chemistry and immunochemistry testing as a replacement for lithium-heparin plasma, provided that citrate plasma values are adjusted by using validated corrective equations.
Novels – A Missing Piece in Electronic Literature? Johannes Heldén’s Astroecology Read as a Possible Bit
Authors: Mose Gitte
Published: May 2019

Computers, smart-phones, tablets etc. expose most people to new cultural and artistic practices made possible through digital technologies. Among these practices and objects for scholarly research and analyses is literature – electronic literature. The article addresses the increasingly interactive and performative role of the reader and the need for transaesthetic, analytical and methodological approaches to multimodal literature. A brief historical background, the “current” terminology of electronic literature and a short outline of Scandinavian electronic literature are included, before Johannes Heldén’s Astroecology is discussed.
The Great Complement Shift and the role of understood subjects: The case of fearful
Authors: Gentens Caroline , Rudanko Juhani
Published: May 2019

This article reports on a corpus-based study of diachronic change and constructional competition in the system of English complementation, with a focus on variation in non-finite complements of the adjective fearful. Fearful occurs with prepositional (of -ing) subject-controlled gerunds and with to-infinitives, which can further be distinguished into subject extraposition, subject control, and tough-constructions. Recent decades show a drastic decline of the to-infinitival patterns, concomitant to the loss of one of the senses of fearful. We examine the diachronic distribution and competition of the two construction pairs that show functional overlap, i.e. tough-constructions and extraposition constructions on the one hand, and infinitival and gerundial subject-control patterns on the other. This allows us to show the import of the ‘Great Complement Shift’ in the face of constructional attrition and to investigate new principles motivating the choice for either the to-infinitival or the gerundial subject-control construction. More specifically, the study provides further evidence for the ‘Choice Principle’, which involves the (lack of) agentivity of the understood subject in the event described by the lower clause. In this way, the study adds new explanatory factors and descriptive insights to our knowledge of the broader diachronic change known as the Great Complement Shift.
Biographizing migrant experience
Authors: Keating Clara
Published: May 2019

Drawing on data generated in collaborative biographical story-telling groups with migrant women in rounds of stories, this article deals with the dynamics of power and knowledge displayed by migrant speakers in a situation of diaspora. I focus on a sexual harassment episode shared by one female Brazilian migrant speaker, Flavia, in relating a crucial moment of change in her life history. The study was structured to gain a perspective on this biographical rupture from three angles, namely successive rounds of stories, the story-telling interaction, as well as the circulation of knowledge displayed by speakers and textual objects they produced across situated interactions. The various perspectives bring to light a language biographical juncture, or muda, i.e. a meaningful, internalized, enduring and embodied re-socialisation into a new linguistic environment. An analysis of the moment by moment subjectivation process revealed this participant subalternally positioned as a woman, a Brazilian migrant and a speaker, hence, as a new citizen in Portugal framed by a set of different varieties of Portuguese permeated by (gendered) coloniality. I illustrate how a combined focus on the socio-material dispositions, on the production of discursive selves and on intersubjectivity in the rounds of stories helped to disclose the material and discursive workings of power and knowledge. Participants biographized themselves as migrants and speakers, with embodied, emotional and enduring biopolitical implications. Finally, the article discusses the extent to which the dispositions and affordances of biographical research, as acts of biographization, contribute to capturing the biopolitical nature of a language muda.
Unvoicing practices in classroom interaction in Galicia (Spain): The (de)legitimization of linguistic mudes through scaling
Authors: Vázquez Gabriela Prego , Varela Luz Zas
Published: May 2019

This article explores how the concept that we have chosen to callunvoicing practices, namely veiled discursive micro processes of social exclusion and silencing that social actors manage in byplay; in other words, subordinated forms of communication among a subset of unaddressed members of ratified listeners. These practices constitute efficient resources aimed at the (de)legitimization of linguisticmudeprocesses within new “spaces of multilingualism” associated with migration in Galicia. The research was carried out in the second-year class of a Curricular Diversification Programme at a secondary school in Arteixo (A Coruña, Galicia, Spain), a community that has experienced an increase in its allochthonous population in recent years. The corpus of this study comprises the pupils’ linguistic biography, classroom interactions and a fieldwork log. The analysis shows the complex network of scales in which languages are legitimized or delegitimized – specifically, translinguistic practices of listeners’ participation in which local varieties of Spanish and Galician, youth slang and parodic double of Moroccan Arabic are crossed and make themselves heard through byplay in order to silence the principal speaker. This interactional distribution results in the latent discursive reconstruction of new translocal spaces in which migration-associated multilingualism remains peripheral and practically invisible.
Surgical leadership in Poland: ideas and challenges
Authors: Wallner Grzegorz , Solecki Michał
Published: May 2019

The Polish system of undergraduate and postgraduate medical education, including specialization courses in surgery, provided only general guidelines concerning the issue of creating a leader or preparing for leadership. The process of building the position of a leader has had a rather spontaneous character thus far; it has been based on the individual, natural predispositions of a candidate for the position of a leader. There are no formal guidelines for this in Poland. It is required that graduates of medical studies or residents should acquire the so-called professional and social skills before they complete their specialization training. In the light of the ongoing debate, it seems worthwhile to give a thought on the role of a leader and to undertake harmonized actions to work out a common stance on understanding the issue of leadership and teach leadership skills as a part of a harmonized, methodologically correct system of education, so that the best ways of preparing residents to perform the role of a leader in surgical and other medical surroundings could be realized.
The protective effect of aqueous extract of Typha capensis rhizomes on cadmium-induced infertility in rats
Authors: Gondwe Mavuto Masopera , Mpungose Andile , Kamadyaapa Davie Rexon , Shauli Mathulo , Ndebia Eugene , Sewani-Rusike Constance , Iputo Jehu , Oyedeji Adebola
Published: May 2019

Background

Typha capensis is one of the medicinal plants commonly used to manage male fertility problems. The objective of the present study was to assess its fertility-promoting effects in a rat model of cadmium-induced infertility.

Methods

A total of 30 male Wister rats were randomly divided into five groups of six animals each. Animals of group I, which served as control, were administered with cadmium chloride (CdCl2; 2.5 mg/kg) and normal saline (2 mL/kg). Group II was served with 0.5 mL normal saline only. Animals of groups III–V were treated with CdCl2 (2.5 mg/kg) plus T. capensis extract at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, respectively. Animals were sacrificed under sedation. Testes and epididymal weights and sperm count were determined. Histological assessment of the testes was conducted.

Results

T. capensis at any dose did not improve (p > 0.05) testicular and epididymal weights compared with those of the CdCl2-exposed control group. Histology revealed moderate necrosis in the same group. T. capensis modestly increased the sperm count by 14%, 31%, and 35%, for groups treated with the extract at doses 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, respectively, when compared with the CdCl2 control group, although the differences were not significant statistically (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Results of our study demonstrated that T. capensis can neither offer protective effects against oxidative stress nor promote fertility in an animal model of cadmium-induced infertility.
Ambiguity in Japanese relative clause processing
Authors: Mansbridge Michael P. , Tamaoka Katsuo
Published: May 2019

In Japanese, relative clauses have initial clause-type ambiguity. Because there are no overt RC markers, the structure is realized at a locus of disambiguation, typically the head noun. While previous studies have attenuated this ambiguity, these studies have not effectively investigated the processing asymmetry between subject/object-relatives during reading. The current study investigated RC processing within different ambiguity contexts using eye-tracking on native Japanese speakers. For ambiguous RCs, ORC difficulties were primarily observed during late-processing measures after disambiguation at the head noun and RC verb. This was possibly due to the inherent difficulty of assigning thematic roles when the object appears outside the clause as the object-before-subject-bias predicts or due to factors such as expectation, structural-integration and similarity interference. Because all predict ORC difficulties in ambiguous RCs, the exact nature of the processing remains uncertain. For unambiguous RCs, ORC difficulties were instead observed during early-processing measures at the head noun. We attribute this to expectation-based processing because the clause no longer requires a structural reconfiguration. Specifically, with increased cues for the RC interpretation, expectation-based processing effects became more observable at the head. In conclusion, clause type ambiguity is an integral factor for Japanese relative clause processing.
Identification of growth patterns of preterm and small-for-gestational age children from birth to 4 years – do they catch up?
Authors: Olbertz Dirk Manfred , Mumm Rebekka , Wittwer-Backofen Ursula , Fricke-Otto Susanne , Pyper Anke , Otte Johannes , Wabitsch Martin , Gottmann Petra , Schwab Karl Otfried , Scholten Martin , Gerstmann Kathrin , Voigt Manfred
Published: May 2019

Background

A legitimate indication for growth hormone (GH) therapy in children born too light or short at birth [small-for-gestational age (SGA)] exists in Germany and the European Union only if special criteria are met.

Methods

We conducted a longitudinal, multi-centered study on full-term appropriate-for-gestational age (AGA, n=1496) and pre-term born SGA (n=173) and full-term SGA children (n=891) in Germany from 2006 to 2010. We analyzed height, weight, body mass index (BMI) and head circumference.

Results

Pre-term or full-term born SGA children were shorter, lighter and had a lower BMI from birth until 3 years of age than full-term AGA children. The growth velocity of the analyzed anthropometric measurements was significantly higher in pre-term and full-term SGA children exclusively in the first 2 years of life than in AGA children. The criteria for GH treatment were fulfilled by 12.1% of pre-term SGA children compared to only 1.3% of full-term SGA children.

Conclusion

For children that do not catch up growth within the first 2 years of life, an earlier start of GH treatment should be considered, because a catch-up growth later than 2 years of life does not exist. Pre-term SGA-born children more frequently fulfill the criteria for GH treatment than full-term SGA children.