bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TEACHING INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATIVE COMPETENCE: THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
Authors: Morska Liliya
Published: January 2019

Background. The goal of teaching a foreign language has always been the issue of debates in language teaching methodology. With emergence of Competence-based Approach the idea of teaching communicative competence became quite persuasive in this respect. Though, it can often be heard in teaching circles that language is culture and we should teach the language as part of culture. Therefore, witnessing the shifts in the goal of learning English as to enable learners to communicate their ideas and culture with not only native English speakers but also those of other cultures, the question of intercultural communication is inevitably indispensable in English language learning as far as students’ communicative competence development is of primary concern. Purpose. The purpose of the paper is to analyze the essential issues of the intercultural communicative competence structure and to define theoretical background for developing the didactic model of teaching this competence. Discussion. The article discusses theoretical background of pragmatic aspects of teaching intercultural com­municative competence to Ukrainian speaking students in ESP educational surrounding. The author presumes that the learners of English will be more likely to use the language for interaction with non-natives rather than the native speakers. A noteworthy fact is that intercultural communication training promotes expansion of worldviews, strengthens motivation for language learning, enhances intercultural communication skills, improves content of foreign language education etc. To enhance the potential of foreign language classes in terms of developing inter­cultural communicative competence, it is significant to encourage students into participation in the network-based international language learning projects aimed at developing collaboration with the students from a variety of cultures using the same foreign language. Results. It has been found out that the most effective activities for teaching intercultural communication are cultural assimilations, cultural capsules, mini-dramas, role-plays, social and cultural tasks, use of media, training, comparative and project technology. The assessment tools include tests, portfolios, observation, interviews, dia­ries, reports etc. They will help objectively identify the level of knowledge and skills as well as readiness for the intercultural interaction. Perspective for further studies is seen in the development of the model of teaching this competence to ESP students. The system of exercises to correlate with the model is to be developed as well.
Pedestrians’habits while crossing the road at a former zebra crossing
Authors: Sucha M.
Published: January 2019

This paper presents research results focused on pedestrians’ crossing behaviour, the role of habit and routine route choice, pedestrians’ perceived safety and comfort, preferences, and waiting times. Data was collected and analysed using rapid on-site interviews with pedestrians, on-site observations and video recordings. The results indicate that vulnerable pedestrians choose different crossing strategies: waiting for a driver to give way to them rather than waiting for a safe gap to pass, and require a much more cooperative approach from drivers than other pedestrians. The results of the study lead to the conclusion that the removal of the crossings reduced pedestrians’ perceived safety and comfort, on the other hand, their awareness has been raised. While adult pedestrians can cope with the new situation relatively well and cross the road without major difficulties, the same does not apply to vulnerable road users.
Modification of S. Rosenzweig test to study driver’s frustration reactions
Authors: Velikanov L.V. , Tolstykh N.N.
Published: January 2019

The authors present own modification of S. Rosenzweig picture association test, designed to study the specifics of frustration reactions of drivers in various traffic situations. In this version the classic set of 24 drawings is combined with an additional one, designed by the authors and containing similar psychological content where the frustrated character is always the driver in difficult — from a psychosocial point of view — traffic situations. Since in the original test set there are already six drawings with “on the road” situations, they have been included in both sets. As a result the participants get 42 pictures each. Additionally, the design of all the drawings — clothes, hairstyles, vehicles (cars, motorcycles) — has been changed and unified in accordance with modern style. The new modified version has been tested on a sample of 40 drivers, half — men and half — women. Each group was divided by age and driving experience accordingly. Thus, the frustration reactions of the four subgroups were compared: women aged 20 to 30 years with driving experience up to 10 years, women aged 30 to 40 years with driving experience more than 10 years, men aged 20 to 30 years with driving experience up to 10 years; men aged 30 to 40 years with driving experience of over 10 years. The differences were checked with Student’s t-test. The specific frustration reactions in traffic situations identified in all subgroups mentioned above as well as comparisons between male and female drivers, ages and driving experience, are presented in the article. These data allow the conclusion about the productivity of the proposed modification.
On Song, Logos, and the Movement of the Soul: After Plato and Aristotle
Authors: Wiskus Jessica
Published: January 2019

In the Phaedo – a dialogue investigating the immortality of the soul – Socrates compares himself to the swans of Apollo who sing “most beautifully” before they die. Working principally from the Phaedo (but also Timaeus, Parmenides, and Philebus), the aim of this article is to determine the relation between the song of the swan and the song of the philosopher. First, we examine the use of language in human song as a way to consider the other side of logos: logos not only as word but logos as ratio – i.e., as a relation between temporally-ordered terms. This ratio we then examine as the sense of before-and-afterness that Aristotle explores, in Physics IV, as the “number of movement” that is time; for, through the counting of this “number of movement” (accomplished by the soul), we begin to understand how swans (through song) and philosophers (through dialogue) share a temporal orientation toward what transcends the present moment. This temporal orientation, I argue, pertains to sempiternity, an ageless or undying [ἀθάνατος] movement of the soul. Thus, I conclude that philosophy as “the highest kind of music” (Phaedo) – like the song of the swans of Apollo – concerns itself with the undying state of the soul and, hence, with ethos.
Expression and Silence: Music and Language in Merleau-Ponty’s Existential Phenomenology
Authors: Siu Rhonda
Published: January 2019

Despite increasing application of Merleau-Ponty’s phenomenology of the body in areas like music education, there remains little philosophical scholarship on music’s role in his philosophy. This is partly because Merleau-Ponty does not write about music in an explicit manner. However, he does open the possibility for such an account via his unconventional yet highly suggestive claim that language and music are both equally “creative” forms of expression. This paper draws out that link between musical and linguistic expression by expounding what Merleau-Ponty views as their shared basis – the corporeal, affective, and transformative dimension of all expression. It locates the core of this expressivity in his rich conception of “silence.” More generally, the analysis reveals how, despite the lack of explicit discussion of music in Merleau-Ponty’s philosophy, when viewed in light of his insights into language and expression, music does feature implicitly in his early and more mature works, being intertwined with his notions of “style,” “gesture” and “flesh” as well as his general critiques of intellectualism and empiricism.
La Invisibilidad Sonora: Sobre la Narración del Pathos Vital en las Fenomenologías de la Música de Michel Henry y Jean-Luc Marion
Authors: Llorente Cardo Jaime
Published: January 2019

The present study tries to expound the contributions that the recent French Phenomenology can provide concerning a possible philosophical approach to the phenomenon of music. We will focus particularly on Michel Henry´s aesthetic reflection which considers the musical event as an immaterial art, extraneous to the objective world and that seeks basically to make visible the invisible par excellence: the inwardness of the auto-affected subjective life. We will also attend to the examination of the categories that are characteristic of Jean-Luc Marion´s “phenomenology of the gift” in order to justify the affiliation of the musical phenomenon to that kind of phenomena so-called “saturated phenomena” or “paradoxes” by Marion. A type of phenomenon that is alien to the power of the concept and that infringes (as the music itself does) the laws of empirical perception themselves. Therefore, it is about showing the relevance of a “phenomenology of music as such” understood as a way of receive that singular resounding phenomenon as it gives itself, but also – according to Husserl´s suggestion – “within the limits in which it is presented there”.
Ideas in Music
Authors: Shand John
Published: January 2019

It is often taken for granted that music, whatever else it is able to do, cannot articulate ideas. This paper aims to refute that formalist claim and present an anti-formalist one showing why thinking formalism true is based on a fallacy and involves a misunderstanding of ordinary language. By ‘idea’ is meant a view, and reflection on that view, which in the limiting case may be a worldview, a Weltanschauung. That in this sense ideas are articulated in music is to say that they are, among other things, presented, conveyed and considered. This goes well beyond the usual anti-formalist claim that music may express emotions. The paper goes on to show how ideas may be articulated in music. This follows from properly understanding how it is that any idea may be articulated. Without music being able to include articulating ideas, the high artistic and cultural value we place upon music, as well as the way people actually talk about music, while being compatible with music having other features that we value, is inexplicable. In this sense the question is raised as to how it is possible to articulate ideas in music.
Beyond Musical Metaphysics: A Philosophical Account of Listening to Music
Authors: Bourbon Paskalina
Published: January 2019

Music’s original philosophical problem is ontological: what is it? In this paper, I argue that music has a better philosophical beginning; philosophical accounts of music should begin as philosophical accounts of listening to music. What distinguishes listening to music from hearing sound? My aim is to give a philosophical account of music by means of a description of a particular kind of interactive relationship we sometimes have to sound. Music, I shall argue, is not distinguished from sound because it has a special metaphysical status or because of the psychological reactions it produces in us; musical sound is distinctive because we listen to it in a certain way. I explore some of the ontological implications of my account, both for music broadly speaking and for the ontology of musical works.
Evaluation of FMR1 gene mutations in Turkish women newly diagnosed with primary ovarian failure
Authors: Sarıkaya Esma , Tokmak Aytekin , Çakar Esra Şükran , Güney Gürhan , Düzkale Neslihan , Özakşit Müzeyyen Gülnur
Published: January 2019

Background: One of the known causes of ovarian dysfunction is fragile X mental retardation gene 1 (FMR1) premutation. The prevalence of FMR1 premutation in primary ovarian failure (POF) cases may differ between the studies due to some reasons including POF definition, definition of premutation, and determination of study population, ethnicity, genetic and environmental factors. In this study authors aimed to determine the prevalence of FMR1 mutations in patients who applied to present clinic and diagnosed as POF.Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted on 200 women who had been newly diagnosed with POF in present clinic between 2013 and 2014. The presence of cytogenetic fragility was firstly investigated in all patients by using the lymphocyte culture method, and molecular analysis of the FMR1 gene was then performed. Genomic DNA’s of cases were isolated using standard protocols, followed by polymerase chain reaction amplification with an appropriate program. Fragment analysis of the amplification products were performed by agarose gel electrophoresis.Results: Cytogenetic analysis results in 200 cases were numerically and structurally normal in all patients, and as a result of molecular genetic analysis of FMR1 gene; 1 (0.5%) patient had complete mutation and 9 (4.5%) patients had premutation carriage.Conclusions: FMR1 gene mutations are common in women with POF. These mutations should be investigated in all patients presenting with POF, particularly in cases with early onset and family history of POF, and also genetic counseling should be given to those patients.
Maternofetal outcomes in early versus late onset pre-eclampsia: a comparative study
Authors: Shankar Poornima , Karthikeyan Kavitha , Nalini Amrita Priscilla , M. Sindhura , Kim Gowtham
Published: January 2019

Background: Preeclampsia is being increasingly recognized as two different entities: early-onset preeclampsia occurring at less than 34 weeks of gestation, and late-onset disease occurring at 34 or more weeks of gestation. Early-onset and late-onset pre-eclampsia are found to have different implications for the mother and neonate. The aim of this study is to compare the risk factors, maternal and fetal outcomes in early (<34 weeks) versus late (≥34weeks) onset preeclampsia.Methods: 208 patients diagnosed with pre-eclampsia in Chettinad Academy of Research and Education over a period of three years (From January 2014 to December 2016) were retrospectively studied. Patients were classified as early onset and late onset pre-eclampsia based on the gestational age of onset. Data on risk factors, maternal and fetal outcomes were collected and analyzed using Chi Square and Fisher’s test and compared.Results: The overall preeclampsia rate was 6.3%. Early onset and late onset were 34.6% and 65.3% respectively and the rate increased with increasing gestational age.35.3% of patients with late onset preeclampsia and 55.6% patients of early onset type required more than one drug which is a statistically significant difference. Proteinuria more than 3gm/l/day was significantly more in late onset preeclampsia than in early onset preeclampsia. 55.5% of patients with early onset pre-eclampsia required MgSO4 when compared to 17.4%. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of caesarean section (61.1% vs 73.5%). Altered coagulation profile was significantly more in early onset preeclampsia (11.1%). The incidence of oligohydramnios, SGA and low APGAR at 5 minutes of birth were significantly high in early onset pre-eclampsia when compared to late onset type.Conclusions: Patients with early onset pre-eclampsia are found to have significantly higher rates of specific maternal and fetal morbidity when compared to the late onset type.
Early stage cervical cancer with negative pelvic lymph nodes: morbidity and survival patterns following radical hysterectomy and postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy
Authors: Arora Ruchi S. , Patel Shilpa M. , Desai Ava D. , Makand Meeta M.
Published: January 2019

Background: The objective of the present study was to optimize the role of adjuvant radiotherapy in lymph node negative cervical cancer treated with radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection, and to analyse patterns of failure and complication following surgery and radiotherapy in same patients.Methods: This is retrospective analysis of 98 patients of cancer cervix FIGO Stage IB; IIA treated with radical hysterectomy with bilateral lymphadenectomy and adjuvant radiotherapy between the years 2000 and 2007at our hospital. Among all node negative patients who were operated during this period 97 patients were high risk. [High risk-Two or more of following risk factors: primary tumor size >4 cm, cervical stromal invasion ≥1/2, lymph-vascular space invasion, Unfavorable histology,>].Results: Median follow up: 79 months [6 months to 109 months], Recurrence rate: 13.26% [2 Pelvic and 11 distant recurrence] Pelvic control rate: 98 %Radiotherapy Complications: 4 % [Grade 3-4].Conclusions: Adjuvant radiotherapy following radical hysterectomy in high risk node negative early cervical cancer is effective treatment. It reduces pelvic recurrence with acceptable morbidity.
Broad ligament ectopic pregnancy: a dilemma to diagnose
Authors: Saxena Namrata , Bansal Neeta , Singhal Pradeep , Ramola Monika
Published: January 2019

Broad ligament ectopic pregnancy is a rare and serious form of extrauterine pregnancy with a high risk of maternal mortality. There are no specific clinical features. Ultrasonography may help in diagnosis, but definitive diagnosis is made only during surgery. Authors are reporting a case of 30 years female G3P1L1A1 seven weeks pregnancy with previous lower segment cesarean section and previous history of right sided salpingectomy with no complaints. Ultrasound was advised to know the location of sac this time, in which, she was diagnosed as a case right sided unruptured live ovarian ectopic pregnancy. On examination, signs and symptoms of ectopic pregnancy were absent. On laparoscopy, she was diagnosed as a case of right sided live unruptured broad ligament ectopic pregnancy as her right ovary was absent because of previous surgery.  With advances in sonography and laparoscopic skills, more cases can be diagnosed in the first trimester and can be safely managed laparoscopically.
Para vaginal dermoid cyst: a rare occurrence
Authors: Bhatia Ruby , Mohi Manjit Kaur , Gupta Anju , Goyal Sonia
Published: January 2019

Dermoid cyst (cystic teratoma) showing well differentiated derivatives of all three germs cell layers is a benign germ cell tumour. Ovaries remain the commonest site. Paravaginal dermoid cyst is a rare occurrence. Pre-operative diagnosis is usually difficult in majority of cases. They constitute less than 4% of all extragonadal teratomas. A 28-year old, P2L2 female presented with paravaginal cyst, 10×10cms, non-tender, soft swelling, cystic in consistency occupying posterior and left part of rectovaginal septum. Trans vaginal excision of cyst under regional anaesthesia done. Cyst was ruptured while excision showing putty material with tuft of hairs. A retrospective diagnosis of mature teratoma/paravaginal dermoid cyst was made on histopathological examination. Paravaginal dermoid cyst, a benign cystic teratoma is a very rare occurrence. Transvaginal excision of dermoid cyst under anaesthesia remains treatment of choice. Retrospective diagnosis on histopathological examination remains confirmatory as it may be missed on sonography if teeth are not present in dermoid cyst.
Assessment of socio-clinical profile of paediatric TB cases admitted to tertiary health care centre, Odisha, India
Authors: Jena Parsuram , Jena Dhaneswari , Mahapatra Dillip Kumar , Dandapat Uttar Kumar , Jena Pravati
Published: January 2019

Background: Tuberculosis is continued to be a major killer of mankind. Childhood tuberculosis contributes to high mortality due to diagnostic difficulty. Different social factors are responsible for its causation. The objective of the study was to assess the socio clinical factors prevalent among paediatric TB cases admitted to MKCG Medical College.Methods: It was a cross sectional study carried out in the indoor paediatric ward of MKCG medical college. Duration of the study was from August 2016 to July 2017. Study participants were all admitted paediatric cases of age group less than 14 years. Data collected through scientifically designed pretested questionnaires.Results: Total 103 patients were admitted during study period of whom, 54% were male. Their median age was 8 years. They were mostly Hindu by religion (98%) and from lower socioeconomic classes (77%). Majority (60%) were from nuclear family (59%) and families of BPL card holder. Most of their parents had low educational status. Physical overcrowding, inadequate ventilation in the house and smoking were main epidemiological factors observed.Conclusions: It was concluded from the above study group, socioeconomic and environmental risk factors were widely prevalent among them. So, control of these factors are the priority issues to be addressed and improvement of these conditions are recommended for effectiveness of the curative measures.
Red cell distribution width may help to discriminate synthetic cannabinoid users in the emergency department
Authors: Kalafat Utku Murat , Dogan Serkan
Published: January 2019

Background: Differentiating bonsai users from the suspected users is problematic. The aim was to determine whether bonsai using men and the others can be distinguished via the hemogram parameters such as mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean platelet volume (MPV), red cell distribution width (RDW) and Plateletcrit (PCT).Methods: In this retrospective case-control study, a total of 138 men admitted to ED were investigated in Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey in 2014. The patients were divided into 2 groups which were the first group had included bonsai users whereas the second group was consist of men not using bonsai. Complete blood count tests were performed on all patients.Results: Among the suspected bonsai users, 68 were diagnosed to use bonsai. It was found that MCV, RDW and PCT levels were significantly higher in bonsai users compared to controls while MPV levels were lower in the users. Author put all these parameters to logistic regression analysis model using enter method. RDW (OR: 3.98, 95%CI:2.180-7.266, p<0.0001), MPV (OR:0.526, 95%CI:0.373-0.742, p<0.0001) and PCT (OR:<0.0001, 95%CI:0.000-0.058, p=0.007) were independent variables to discriminate bonsai users from that of suspected users. The most promising parameter to differentiate bonsai users from suspected users was RDW (AUC: 0.748, 95%CI: 0.668-0.828, p:<0.0001). The optimal cut-off value was found as 10.8 for RDW with a sensitivity, specificity, +LR and -LR as 66.2%, 64.3%, 1.85, 0.53, respectively.Conclusions: RDW marker can be a reliable parameter to discriminate bonsai users from that of suspected users with moderate sensitivity and specificity.
Diabetes control, dyslipidemia, hsCRP and mild cognitive impairment in non-elderly people with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Kumar Naveen , Singh Veer Bahadur , Meena Babu Lal , Kumar Deepak , Kumar Harish , Tiwari Arun
Published: January 2019

Background: Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) a transitional stage between normal aging and dementia has been observed more in people with diabetes when compared with general population. The risk factors for MCI in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have been defined in elderly patients and aging may itself contribute to declining in cognitive functions. As the large number people with T2DM are under 60years, the prevalence of MCI and factors contributing to it are not much studied. So, this study aimed to find out the factors contributing to MCI in non-elderly T2DM patients.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 257 patients with T2DM underwent cognitive assessment by Montreal cognitive assessment test and the cognitive levels were correlated with their glycosylated hemoglobin, lipid profile, and highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP).Results: The prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) was 64.2%.  MCI significantly correlated with duration of diabetes, socioeconomic status, HbA1c, serum triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein and hsCRP levels. The factors that were statistically insignificant were body mass index and high-density lipoprotein levels.Conclusions: Cognitive impairment is seen even in non-elderly T2DM patients. It should be considered along with the other complications of diabetes and individuals with T2DM should be screened for cognitive impairment to prevent progression to dementia.
Correlation between saturated fatty acid intake and superoxide dismutase activities with telomere length in Minangkabau ethnic men
Authors: Minerva Prima , Sulastri Delmi , Lestari Yuniar
Published: January 2019

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCD) are the leading cause of death globally today. In West Sumatra there has been an increase in NCD which exceeds the national average percentage. Telomere shortening is associated with occurrence of NCD. Shortening of telomeres is influenced by diet. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between Saturated Fatty Acid (SAFA) intake and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) activity with the telomere length of Minangkabau ethnic men.Methods: This study was a cross sectional study. The sample of this study were 69 civil servants of Minangkabau male at district office in the Padang City, aged 40-50 years and according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data on SAFA intake was obtained using Semi Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQFFQ), SOD activity was measured using the Calorimetric method and telomere length was measured using Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) by O’Challaghan and Fennech method. Data analysis was performed using Pearson correlation test with significance level p <0.05.Results: The results showed an average SAFA intake 10.47+3.46% calories, SOD activity 5.93+0.81units/ml and telomere length 468.94+199.25bp. Correlation test between telomere length with SAFA intake showed (p=0.338), and the correlation test between SOD activity and telomere length showed (p=0.01).Conclusions: From this study it was concluded that there was no correlation between SAFA intake and telomere length and there was a significant positive correlation between SOD activity and the telomere length of Minangkabau ethnic men.
What do non-ophthalmic health professionals know about retinoblastoma: a survey in Saudi Arabia
Authors: AlHarkan Dora H. , Almuzneef Malak A. , Alhammad Norah M , Alyousif Nora A. , Alyousif Lina A. , Alotaibi Waad A. , Almayouf Furat A.
Published: January 2019

Background: The aim of the study is to estimate the level of knowledge about retinoblastoma (Rb) and its determinants among non-ophthalmic health professionals of Qassim region of Saudi Arabia.Methods: This cross-sectional survey was held in 2016 in primary health centres (PHC) and general hospitals in the study area. In addition to demography like age, gender, education, place of work, participants replied to five questions related to Rb with close-ended questions to respond. They were matched to the expert group's answers to estimate the level of knowledge.Results: One hundred and fifty-two non-ophthalmic doctors participated in the survey. The excellent grade of knowledge of Rb was in 66 [43.3% (95% confidence interval 35.5-51.3)] of participants. Very poor level of knowledge was noted in 13 [8.6% (95% CI 4.1-13.0)] participants. Male gender (P = 0.02) and physician category (P = 0.02) were significantly associated with the excellent grade of Rb related knowledge. The participant’s response by type of questions varied significantly (P<0.001).Conclusions: More than half of the non-ophthalmic health professionals had less than desired knowledge about Rb. Health education about Rb to health professionals could be gender sensitive and based on the type of profession. Increasing the awareness about retinoblastoma among non-ophthalmic health professional is important.
Comparison of clinical profile of urban vs. rural Indian youth with premature coronary artery disease (PCAD): a sub-study of the PCAD registry
Authors: Patil Rahul , R. Raghu T. , N. Manjunath C. , Vijan Vikrant , Ghosh Santu
Published: January 2019

Background: We aimed to compare clinical profile of premature coronary artery disease (PCAD) in urban vs. rural Indian populations.Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional observational multi-centre study. This study is a sub-study of the ongoing PCAD registry. Between the period April 2017 and April 2018, a total of 1061 patients <40 years with PCAD were studied. Urban (n=583) and rural (n=478) populations were statistically compared.Results: Mean age of the urban and rural populations were 34.50±4.15 years and 33.99±4.46 years, respectively. All cardiovascular risk factors (smoking, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, diet and family history), except for alcoholism were more prevalent in urban subjects compared to rural subjects. However, higher prevalence of only hypertension (p=0.05) was statistically significant. Religion was significant between the two populations (p<0.001). Window period was also significant between the two populations (p<0.001). Very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL) (p=0.037) was significantly different between both populations.Conclusions: All conventional risk factors were more prevalent among urban populations than rural populations, however none of these differences except for hypertension was statistically significant.
Study of histopathological spectrum of gallbladder in cholecystectomy specimens
Authors: Srinivasan Gomathi , Sekar A. Sagaya Inba
Published: January 2019

Background: Cholecystitis is one of the most common indications for abdominal surgery. Routine examination of gallbladder grossly and microscopically shows lot of interesting findings. This study aims to quantify the various outcomes of routine gallbladder examination following cholecystectomy procedure.Methods: All clinical details and data from case sheet and patient history are collected and analysed for all the patients who underwent cholecystectomy surgery in the Department of General Surgery, Govt. Omandurar Medical College, Chennai, from August 2017 to August 2018. The Study period of this study was from August 2017 to August 2018. Three sections each from neck, body and fundus taken. Tissues were processed in automated tissue processor and paraffin blocks made. Statistical analysis of the data was done.Results: Total number of specimens received were 36. And among the cases the number of females were 33 and the number of males were 3. The number of cases of calculous cholecystitis were 31 and the number of cases with pigment stones were 26, number of cases with cholesterol stone were 2 and the number of cases with mixed stones were 3. The number of cases of acalculous cholecystitis were 5. The number of cases of cholecystectomy by laproscopy were 30 whereas the number of cases of cholecystectomy by open procedure were 6. Chronic cholecystitis was seen in 34 cases and chronic cholecystitis with stones was seen in 29 cases and chronic cholecystitis without stones was seen in 5 cases and Acute on chronic cholecystitis with pigment stone was seen in 1 case and xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis with pigment stone was seen in 1 case.Conclusions: The risk factors for developing chronic cholecystitis was seen in female gender. The predominant histomorphological pattern seen in this study group is chronic calculous cholecystitis. And the predominant type of stone found in this study is pigment stone compared to mixed and cholesterol stone.
Tools and processes for tracking IRB approvals as a coordinating center for large multicenter clinical research networks
Authors: Gabrio Jenna H. , Auman Jeanette , Parlberg Lindsay , Crawford Margaret , Zaterka-Baxter Kristin
Published: January 2019

Background: Data coordinating centers (DCCs) for multicenter research networks are often responsible for tracking clinical center (CC) IRB approvals. In networks with multiple studies the volume of documentation can be challenging to manage. DCC informatics specialists and coordinators developed simple electronic tools and processes to fulfill this responsibility.

Methods: Informatics specialists created a Microsoft Access database to track receipt of IRB approvals from CCs. The database monitors approval expiration dates for an unlimited number of studies and CCs and generates automated reports displaying information on all documented approvals. Coordinators formalized communication procedures for collecting approvals and disseminating information on file. The DCC established a central e-mail account to which CCs submit documentation. The DCC sends monthly e-mails notifying CCs that updated IRB reports have been posted. CCs determine what documentation must be sent to the DCC, and the DCC verifies that all submitted documentation is valid.

Results: The database increased DCC efficiencies with a semiautomated mechanism and standardized procedures. New communication processes strengthened compliance with regulatory guidance and client requirements to monitor data collection with appropriate human subjects protections in place. The IRB approval-related e-mail volume sent to CCs was reduced. Automated highlighting of approvals expiring soon reduced DCC coordinator efforts and minimized potential for noncompliance.

Conclusions: Although initial investment is needed, formalization of the database and processes result in resource savings throughout the organization’s tenure as a DCC. The flexible nature of access databases makes them an efficient solution for tracking IRB approvals in networks with fluid center compositions.
Accelerometer-based facilitated walking program in addition to usual care for the management of patients with low back pain at medium or high risk of chronicity: a randomised controlled trial protocol
Authors: Alzahrani Hosam , Mackey Martin , Stamatakis Emmanuel , Pinheiro Marina B. , Shirley Debra
Published: January 2019

 

Background: The lifetime prevalence of low back pain (LBP) has been reported to be as high as 84% worldwide. Around 23% of the population has chronic non-specific LBP. Despite the potential health benefits of walking, few studies have investigated its effectiveness in people with non-specific LBP. The primary objective is to examine the efficacy of a Fitbit facilitated walking intervention in people with LBP with medium or high risk of chronicity in reducing disability and pain. The secondary objective is to investigate the efficacy of a Fitbit facilitated walking intervention in increasing physical activity levels in people with LBP.

Methods: This prospective, randomised controlled trial will involve 68 participants. This study will recruit participants who are aged 18 years or over, have been diagnosed with non-specific LBP with medium or high risk of chronicity and classified as physically inactive. Participants will be randomised into two groups: usual physiotherapy care (n=34) and usual physiotherapy care plus Fitbit facilitated walking intervention program (n=34). The treatment duration will be 8 weeks. Primary outcomes for this study are disability and pain. Secondary outcomes include physical activity level and walking steps, depression, fear of movement and pain catastrophising. The outcomes will be assessed at baseline, post-intervention and 26 weeks post-randomisation follow-up.

Conclusions: The results of this study will provide empirical evidence on the efficacy of a Fitbit facilitated walking intervention program, when added to usual care, in a clinical setting for improving disability and pain, and other clinical outcomes in people with LBP.

Trial Registration: Australian New Zealand clinical trials registry (Number ACTRN12617001404314).
Prevalence of hypomagnesemia in children admitted to pediatric intensive care unit and its correlation with patient outcome
Authors: Dandinavar Siddappa F. , D. Suma , Ratageri Vinod H. , Wari Prakash K.
Published: January 2019

Background: Magnesium deficiency is common in critical illness and is said to be associated with increased need for mechanical ventilation, mortality and prolonged ICU stay. The knowledge of hypomagnesemia is essential as available data is scarce and it could have prognostic and therapeutic implications. This study was undertaken to estimate the prevalence of hypomagnesemia at the time of admission in PICU and its correlation with length of PICU stay, duration on mechanical ventilator and outcome at the end of hospital stay-death or discharge.Methods: This is a prospective observational study including 343 children aged 1month to 12years admitted to PICU. Detailed history taking and clinical examination was done for all enrolled children. At admission, blood was collected for estimation of serum magnesium. Patients were categorized into three groups i.e., hypomagnesemia, normomagnesemia and hypermagnesemia and data was analysed.Results: Out of 343 children, 28% had hypomagnesemia, 7.3% had hypermagnesemia and 64.7% had normomagnesemia. Hypomagnesemia was more common in neurological disorders. No association was found between magnesium and length of mechanical ventilation. PICU stay was significantly longer in hypomagnesemia group (p=0.031). 37.5% patients with hypomagnesemia also had hypocalcemia and 35.4% had hypokalemia. Mortality rate was higher in those with hypomagnesemia (30.2%) compared to those with normomagnesemia (22.1%).Conclusions: Patients with hypomagnesemia had increased duration of PICU stay, other associated electrolyte abnormalities and higher mortality. Hence monitoring of magnesium levels in critically ill patients is indicated.
Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Neisseria gonorrhea among the Symptomatic Patients attending Outpatient Department in Lyatonde District Hospital Southwestern Uganda
Authors: Peace Nakiwala , Elliot Ahabwe , Lawrence Nseera , Felix Twiine , Apecu Richard Onyuthi
Published: January 2019

Background: Neisseria gonorrhea is one of the neglected diseases of public health importance causing symptomatic, suppurative discharge in males and being asymptomatic in females. This cross-sectional study was aimed at determining the prevalence and susceptibility pattern of Neisseria gonorrhea to the commonly used antibiotics among symptomatic patients attending outpatient department in Lyatonde district hospital.

Methods: Urethral and endocervical swabs were collected by the attending medical laboratory technologists. The presence of gonorrhea was confirmed by culture, Gram staining and biochemical tests. Antimicrobial sensitivity test was performed using the disc diffusion method and the result was interpreted using the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards guidelines.  

Results: Overall prevalence of N. gonorrhea was 4.9% with high prevalence rates of 7.7% among the young age group of 15-25 years. Low level of antimicrobial susceptibility to cefuroxime (50%) followed by erythromycin and gentamycin both at 25% was observed. An alarming resistance to ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin at 100% followed by penicillin 75% was exhibited by the colonies.

Conclusions: The high resistant rate to ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin obviates their use as the first line of syndromic treatment of gonorrhea in Southwestern Uganda. The use of laboratory culture for diagnosis and management of N. gonorrhea, especially with cefuroxime therapy is highly recommended.
HPV infection: in need of timely intervention
Authors: Chaudhary Ankit , Barwal Vijay K. , Chamotra Shaina , Mahajan Anjali
Published: January 2019

Persistent infection with human papilloma virus (HPV) has been proved beyond doubt to be associated with the development of cervical cancer. One woman dies of cervical cancer every 8 minutes in India. As per estimations for the year 2018, about 96922 new cervical cancer cases are diagnosed annually in India and it ranks as the second most common female cancer in all age groups. But being an infectious cause it is possible to contain its development and transmission. Coupled with this, we have a potent vaccine to fight this infection. A well documented account of positive impact of HPV vaccination has been published in numerous studies around the globe. By 2013, its vaccination had been introduced in about fifty countries around the globe. In India also, recently, two HPV vaccination projects for operational feasibility were launched in Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat. In November 2016, Punjab became the first state in the country to include the vaccine in its universal immunization program. This era belongs to women empowerment and we cannot deny them the opportunity of good health. Hence it’s high time India introduces an effective HPV vaccination program.
A clinico etiological study of balanoposthitisin male patients attending the sexual transmitted diseases outpatient department
Authors: Deepa K. , Chitra C. L. , Manipriya R.
Published: January 2019

Background: The term balanoposthitis refers to inflammation of the glans and the prepuce. It is a widespread condition in male patients attending the genitor-urinary clinic. It may be acute or chronic, occurring most commonly in the uncircumcised men. The aim of the study was to study the incidence of balanoposthitis in all male, to identify the etiological agents by microbiological investigations and the risk factors and the complications associated with balanoposthitis.

Methods: Study group consists of 100 male patients presenting with the complaints of pain, pruritus, fissuring of the prepuce and subpreputial discharge attending the STD department were chosen. The detailed history was taken, and clinical examination was done. The subpreputial discharge was collected, and wet mounts, cultures, and subcultures were done.

Results: All the patients in the study group with balanoposthitis were uncircumcised. 55% of the patients had some associated systemic disease. Out of the 55 patients, diabetes was present in 45 patients. Of the 51 patients of diabetics, 77.77% were in the recently diagnosed group within the past 5 years. Phimosis and preputial adhesions were the most common complications. The Sensitivity of the KOH wet mount in detecting yeast cells was around 93%. Candida albicans was grown by 56%. In our study, S. aureus (24%) was the most common bacterium isolated.

Conclusions: The most common systemic association and the predisposing factor was diabetes mellitus. The infective etiological agents were associated with the majority of balanoposthitis. The most common complication associated with balanoposthitis was phimosis.
Cutaneous manifestations of diabetes mellius: a clinico epidemiological study
Authors: Venkatesh S. , Thamizhselvi S. , . Tharini
Published: January 2019

Background: Diabetes mellitus is one of the commonest non communicable diseases seen all over the world, constituting 49% from India, i.e., 72 million patients according to the Indian Council of Medical Research. The aim of the study was to study the various skin manifestations in diabetic patients and to correlate them with glycemic levels.

Methods: Patients for the study were chosen among those who were on treatment for diabetes mellitus and presented to the skin department with various cutaneous manifestations.

Results: Infections were commonest cutaneous manifestations in both type 1 and type 2. Among infections, fungal infections were commoner followed by bacterial infections. Among house wives, the commoner was candidal dermatosis intertrigo-toe/finger cleft followed by chronic paronychia. Among bacterial infections, erythrasma was commonly followed by pyoderma. Among pyodermas, furunculosis was common. Most common associated dermatoses were acanthosis nigricans and acrochordons. Treatment-related manifestations were not found.

Conclusions: In type 2 diabetic patients, infections were commonly followed by acanthosis nigricans, acrochordons, and generalized pruritus. Glycemic levels were higher in those with candidiasis and also with pyodermas. 
Invenciones institucionales: el sistema de patentes en las colonias españolas durante el siglo XIX
Authors: Pretel David
Published: January 2019

Este trabajo ofrece un estudio de los sistemas coloniales de patentes durante el siglo xix. En primer lugar, se muestra la heterogeneidad en la regulación y práctica administrativa de las instituciones de patentes coloniales en los distintos imperios atlánticos, con especial atención al caso de América Latina. En segundo lugar, se estudia en detalle el funcionamiento y la evolución institucional del sistema de patentes colonial en Puerto Rico, Cuba y Filipinas. Se sostiene que entre 1820 y 1860 este sistema fue una institución imperfecta, de corte neomercantilista, controlada por las corporaciones coloniales y que servía de espacio colectivo de intercambio de información tecnológica. En tercer lugar, se muestra la reconfiguración del sistema de patentes en las colonias españolas durante las dos últimas décadas del siglo xix, en un contexto de acuerdos multilaterales y creciente influencia estadunidense.
TÜRK YÖNETİCİ ve ÇALIŞANLARINI NİTELEMEK İÇİN KULLANILAN SIFATLARIN DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİNE YÖNELİK BİR ÇALIŞMA
Authors: AYDINAY Murat , YETİM Ünsal
Published: January 2019

Araştırmanın amacı; Türk yönetici ve çalışanlarına dair geliştirilecek
olan sıfatların neler olacağını ortaya koymak ve bu sıfatlar ile alanyazını
taraması sonucunda ulaşılan sıfatlar arasındaki benzerlik ve farklılıkları irdelemektir.
Bu doğrultuda araştırmaya Mersin, Adana ve İstanbul’da faaliyet gösteren
işletmelerde yer alan 65 yönetici ve 143 çalışan dâhil edilmiştir. Katılımcılara
demografik bilgi formuyla birlikte, geliştirecekleri sıfatları yazacakları
sıfat formu sunulmuştur. Verilerin analizinde frekans değerlerinden
yararlanılmış ve 5 ile üstü frekans değerini alması koşuluyla; yöneticilere
yönelik 58 olumlu ve 43 olumsuz sıfata, çalışanlara yönelik ise 46 olumlu ve 36
olumsuz sıfata ulaşılmıştır.
Perspektywy wykorzystania inżynierii genetycznej do zwiększenia wydajności fotosyntezy
Authors: Nowicka Beatrycze , Kruk Jerzy
Published: January 2019

The significant increase in crop productivity occurred in the second half o the 20th century. However, it is thought that nowadays yield of main crop species reached its maximum. As we expect that the demand for plant products is going to increase during next century, it is necessary to develop new methods for yield improvement, other than traditional breeding. The redesign of photosynthesis using genetic engineering is one of the approaches postulated. The present article covers the main directions of research aimed to increase photosynthetic efficiency. The research covered by this review are: improvement of light capture, improvement of Rubisco and the regeneration phase of Calvin cycle, introducing carbon concentrating mechanisms to main crop species and reducing loss caused by photorespiration.
Czym jest i czym nie jest starzenie komórki?
Authors: Sikora Ewa , Bielak-Ĺťmijewska Anna , Mosieniak Grażyna
Published: January 2019

Cell senescence is a process that occurs due to telomere erosion or can be induced by various  stresses. Senescent cells cease to divide but remain alive, metabolically active and able to secrete many molecules. They also show many hallmarks of senescence, such as enlarged size, increased granularity, increased activity of SA-Î˛-galactosidase, increased level of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, p16 and p21, and DNA damage foci. Originally, cell senescence was attributed to proliferating normal cells, in contrast to cancer cells, which were considered as those endowed with indefinite growth ability. Recently, it has become evident that anticancertreatment induces senescence in cancer cells. Moreover, certain hallmarks of senescence were detected in non-proliferating post-mitotic cells. There are many signalling pathways involved in cell senescence, but the most prevalent is the DNA damage response pathway. In this review we have summarized our long lasting input in the global study of the mechanisms of senescence of normal and cancer cells and discussed the diversity of the concept of cell senescence.