bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation du fonctionnement familial : proposition d’un modèle intégratif pour soutenir la pratique clinique et la recherche
Authors: Pauzé Robert , Cook-Darzens Solange , Villeneuve Marie-Pierre , Chateauneuf Doris , Petitpas Judith , Côté Jeffrey
Published: October 2017

Le présent article porte sur la question de l’évaluation du fonctionnement des familles. Il vise à proposer un lexique des principales composantes du fonctionnement des familles et à présenter un modèle explicatif multidimensionnel et intégratif du fonctionnement familial afin de soutenir la pratique d’évaluation des thérapeutes familiaux et des chercheurs. Les buts visés par cet exercice sont, d’une part, de renforcer l’évaluation systématique de la famille par les thérapeutes familiaux afin de garantir la plus forte adéquation possible entre les caractéristiques du fonctionnement des familles et les interventions proposées et, d’autre part, de soutenir les thérapeutes qui veulent contribuer au développement des connaissances dans le domaine de la thérapie familiale ( Practice-Based-Evidence ). Nous espérons également que ce modèle puisse soutenir les chercheurs intéressés par le développement des pratiques probantes en thérapie familiale ( Evidence-Based-Practice ).
Anxiolytic-like effect of Bifidobacterium adolescentis IM38 in mice with or without immobilisation stress
Authors: Jang H.M. , Jang S.-E. , Han M.J. , Kim D.-H.
Published: October 2017

To better understand the role of gut microbiota in the anxiety, we isolated bifidobacteria and lactobacilli from the human faecal microbiota, investigated their inhibitory effects on the expression of interleukin (IL)-6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages, and examined the anxiolytic-like effect of Bifidobacterium adolescentis IM38 in mice treated with or without immobilisation stress using the elevated plus maze (EPM) task. Oral administration of IM38 at a dose of 1×109 cfu/mouse showed a significant anxiolytic-like effect both in mice exposed to immobilisation stress and in control mice using the EPM test (P<0.05). Moreover, IM38 treatment significantly increased the amount of time spent on open arms and open arm entries. The anxiolytic-like effect of IM38 was comparable to that of buspirone (1 mg/kg). Moreover, this anxiolytic-like effect was blocked by treatment with flumazenil (3 mg/kg, i.p.), a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist, but was not affected by treatment with bicuculine or WAY-100635. IM38 treatment also reduced the blood levels of corticosterone and IL-6 in mice with or without immobilisation stress, whereas this effect was abolished by treatment with flumazenil. IM38 treatment also reduced the blood TNF-α level in mice subjected to immobilisation stress but not in normal control mice. Treatment with flumazenil also significantly increased TNF-α and IL-6 levels in immobilisation stress-free mice treated with IM38. These findings suggest that IM38 may attenuate anxiety through modulation of the benzodiazepine site on the GABAA receptor and modulate stress-related cytokine expression.
Protective effects of indigenous Escherichia coli against a pathogenic E. coli challenge strain in pigs
Authors: Vahjen W. , Cuisiniere T. , Zentek J.
Published: October 2017

To investigate the inhibitory effect of indigenous enterobacteria on pathogenic Escherichia coli, a challenge trial with postweaning pigs was conducted. A pathogenic E. coli strain was administered to all animals and their health was closely monitored thereafter. Faecal samples were taken from three healthy and three diarrhoeic animals. Samples were cultivated on MacConkey agar and isolates were subcultured. A soft agar overlay assay was used to determine the inhibitory activity of the isolates. A total of 1,173 enterobacterial isolates were screened for their ability to inhibit the E. coli challenge strain. Colony forming units of enterobacteria on MacConkey agar were not different between healthy and diarrhoeic animals in the original samples. Furthermore, numbers of isolates per animal were also not significantly different between healthy (482 isolates) and diarrhoeic animals (691 isolates). A total of 43 isolates (3.7%) with inhibitory activity against the pathogenic E. coli challenge strain were detected. All inhibitory isolates were identified as E. coli via MALDI-TOF. The isolates belonged to the phylotypes A, C and E. Many isolates (67.4%) were commensal E. coli without relevant porcine pathogenic factors, but toxin- and fimbrial genes (stx2e, fae, estIb, elt1a, fas, fan) were detected in 14 inhibitory isolates. Healthy animals showed significantly (P=0.003) more inhibitory isolates (36 of 482 isolates; 7.5%) than diseased animals (7 of 691 isolates; 1.0%). There were no significant correlations regarding phylotype or pathogenic factors between healthy and diseased animals. This study has shown that a small proportion of indigenous E. coli is able to inhibit in vitro growth of a pathogenic E. coli strain in pigs. Furthermore, healthy animals possess significantly more inhibitory E. coli strains than diarrhoeic animals. The inhibition of pathogenic E. coli by specific indigenous E. coli strains may be an underlying principle for the containment of pathogenic E. coli in pigs.
Exploring Nursing Students' Experiences of Learning Using Phenomenography: A Literature Review
Authors: Barry Sinead , Ward Louise , Walter Ruby
Published: October 2017

Background:

The purpose of this extensive international and national literature review was to explore how phenomenography identifies nursing students' experiences of learning within preregistration (or prelicensure) nursing education.

Method:

Data were collected utilizing a comprehensive search of electronic databases. Full text, peer-reviewed, and scholarly articles published in English using the search terms
phenomengraph*
,
nurs*
,
student
,
education
, and
learning
were reviewed.

Results:

Two discreet themes emerged exploring students' experiences of learning within preregistration nursing education: (a) Phenomenography was a beneficial method to expose variation in students' understandings of a challenging concept or topic and (b) phenomenography was beneficial to evaluate teaching methods in attempt to improve student learning of challenging and complex concepts.

Conclusion:

On the basis of these findings, future research utilizing phenomenography within nursing education has potential to uncover variation in students' understandings of mental health, with future consideration of implications to nursing curriculum design and development. [
J Nurs Educ.
2017;56(10):591–598.]
Mindfulness Meditation Versus Physical Exercise in the Management of Depression Among Nursing Students
Authors: Alsaraireh Faris Abdelkarim , Aloush Sami Mohammad
Published: October 2017

Background:

Depression among nursing students is an ongoing problem. Several psychotherapies have been suggested as alternatives to antidepressants in the management of depression. The aim of this randomized controlled study was to compare the effectiveness of mindfulness meditation versus physical exercise in the management of depression among nursing students.

Method:

A sample of 181 soon-to-graduate nursing students participated in the study and were assigned at random to one of two therapies: physical exercise (
n
= 90) or mindfulness meditation (
n
= 91). The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale was completed by the participants in both groups prior to the therapies and after completion.

Results:

The findings indicated that both therapies were effective in the management of depression. However, mindfulness meditation is more effective than physical exercise.

Conclusion:

Mindfulness meditation is recommended over physical exercise in the management of depression among undergraduate nursing students. [
J Nurs Educ.
2017;56(10):599–604.]
Evaluation of an Asynchronous Online Interprofessional Clinical Experience for DNP Students
Authors: Manning Mary Lou , Pogorzelska-Maziarz Monika
Published: October 2017

Background:

Little evidence exists guiding interprofessional experiences in Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs, especially in online learning environments. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate a DNP program interprofessional clinical experience.

Method:

Students enrolled in an online asynchronous DNP 15-week course used direct observation and individual and group reflection to evaluate team interprofessional collaboration. Observations were measured using the Jefferson Teamwork Observation Guide (JTOG).

Results:

Eleven students conducted 84 interprofessional observations. The overall mean score across all JTOG observations was 3.44 (
SD
± .48). No statistically significant differences exist in the overall or domain-specific scores by observer participation in the team or by type of setting. Corresponding reflections tended to support JTOG scores.

Conclusion:

Findings suggest that this experience increased students' own personal awareness of interprofessional practice and helped them connect new learning to existing knowledge. How this translates into actual clinical or leadership practice is unknown and provides an important area for future investigation. [
J Nurs Educ.
2017;56(10):618–622.]
Effect of oral dietary supplement for chicks subjected to thermal oscillation on performance and intestinal morphometry
Authors: Fernandes Jovanir Inês Müller , Gonçalves Daianna Rosse Martins , Riffel Eliana Thais , Vanroo Elisângela , Lima Fernanda Kaiser de , Broch Jomara
Published: October 2017

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of a nutritional formulation based on amino acids and vitamins supplemented in the drinking water for chicks in the first week of life subjected to thermal oscillation on performance, organ development and intestinal morphometry from 1 to 21 days. 640-male broiler chicks were distributed in a 2x2 factorial completely randomized design (with or without dietary supplementation and at comfort temperature or thermal oscillation). Chicks subjected to thermal oscillation presented worse performance (p < 0.05) than those under thermal comfort of 1 to 7, 1 to 14 and 1 to 21 days. Nutritional supplementation did not alter the performance (p < 0.05) of the birds, but resulted in a higher body weight (p < 0.05) regardless of the environmental thermal condition. At 7 days, chicks under thermal comfort had better intestinal morphometric parameters (p < 0.05), in relation to birds under thermal oscillation. In conclusion, the temperature oscillations caused negative consequences to the productive performance and the intestinal morphology of chicks for which dietary supplementation was not enough to mitigate the effects of the environmental challenge during the first week of life of the birds.
Evolution and factors influencing somatic cell count in raw milk from farms in Viçosa, state of Minas Gerais
Authors: Quintão Leonardo Cotta , Cunha Adriano França da , Bragança Lindomar José , Coelho Kamila Soares , Nunes Mariana Fonseca , Saraiva Luís Henrique Gouvêa
Published: October 2017

The somatic cell count (SCC) of refrigerated raw milk reflects the occurrence of mastitis in the herd and the management of rural property. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the SCC of the refrigerated raw milk and its determinant factors in dairy properties of Viçosa, State of Minas Gerais. Monthly, milk samples were taken from 44 cooling tanks during 2012. A structured questionnaire was applied to evaluate the production and management characteristics of the herds. There was a significant variation (p < 0.05) in the mean SCC of the milk, which was lower from June to August. Higher mean SCC and percentages of samples above the limit set by the legislation were observed in months of higher rainfall and ambient temperature (p < 0.05). Mechanical milking, lower milk yield, productivity, inadequate milking procedures, equipment hygiene, and water quality were all factors that influenced (p < 0.05) the SCC of raw refrigerated milk. Milker training is required for production of low SCC milk.
Performance of Holstein-Gyr crossbred heifers on pasture of Brachiaria decumbens supplemented with multiple supplement or proteined salt
Authors: Santos Ronald Matos dos , Lana Rogério De Paula , Teixeira César Roberto Viana
Published: October 2017

This study aimed to evaluate the performance, efficiency and economic viability of different supplements for dairy heifers on Brachiaria decumbens pasture. Twelve heifers with 186 ± 30.5 kg average weight were divided in three groups of four animals. The treatments were mineral salt ad libitum; 0.4 kg animal-1 day-1 proteined salt and 1.0 kg animal-1 day-1 multiple supplement. The experimental design was randomized blocks, with the contrasts considered significant at 5% probability. There was greater (p < 0.05) body weight and higher daily weight gain in animals supplemented with proteined salt or multiple supplement, compared to supplemented with mineral salt. There was no difference (p > 0.05) in any of the performance parameters between proteined salt and multiple supplement. The use efficiency was 1.31 and 0.61 for proteined salt and multiple supplement, respectively. The cost per kg weight gain in treatments with mineral salt, proteined salt and multiple supplement was R$ 0.67, R$ 0.68 and R$ 1.25, respectively. The use of proteined salt or multiple supplement provides superior performance than mineral salt in crossbred heifers. However, the proteined salt has higher utilization efficiency and economic advantage.
Pressure Injuries in Critical Care: A Survey of Critical Care Nurses
Authors: Cox Jill , Schallom Marilyn
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

Critical care nurses must be able to skillfully balance the prevention of adverse events such as pressure injuries in an environment with multiple competing and lifesaving technologies that often take precedent. Despite strategies to prevent them, pressure injuries do occur in intensive care unit patients, and consensus is building that some pressure injuries are unavoidable.

OBJECTIVES

To determine critical care nurses’ attitudes toward prevention of pressure injury and the perceptions of frontline critical care nurses of specific risk factors associated with unavoidable pressure injuries.

METHODS

A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used. An online survey was posted on the newsletter website of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses in January 2016.

RESULTS

An invitation to participate in the study was emailed to more than 3000 members of the association; 333 nurses responded, for a response rate of approximately 11%. Among the responders, 73% were employed as bedside critical care nurses. More than half (67%) thought that pressure injuries are avoidable, and 66% disagreed that pressure injury prevention was of less interest than other aspects of critical care. The top 2 risk factors for unavoidable pressure injuries were impaired tissue perfusion and impaired tissue oxygenation.

CONCLUSION

Critical care nurses are steadfast stewards of safe patient care and think that pressure injury prevention is a crucial aspect of the care they deliver every day. The findings on risk factors for unavoidable pressure injuries mirrored those of experts and provide a layer of support for these factors.
The transmutation of bogwera in Luke 2:21 in the 1857 English-Setswana Bible
Authors: Mothoagae Itumeleng D.
Published: October 2017

In her article on ‘translating ngaka’ (diviner-healer), Musa Dube argues that in the writings of Robert Moffat and subsequently in his translation of the Bible into Setswana, the person of the ngaka, rather than being portrayed as occupying a central and positive role in Setswana culture, is relegated to a marginal position and is even depicted as evil and an imposter. The article seeks to argue that firstly, there is a fundamental connection between ngaka and bogwera in Setswana tradition. This is because ngaka performed the rite of initiation and was a central figure in the circumcision (rupa) of those undergoing the rite of imitation. Secondly, in his 1857 English–Setswana Bible Moffat alters the word bogwera in Luke 2:21. In representing and translating bogwera as circumcision in Luke 2:21 Moffat rewrites and reorders the political, economic and religious beliefs of Batswana. It is in the transmogrification of bogwera in Luke 2:21 that an act of hybridisation and creolisation takes place through the ordering of the Batswana cosmology and culture. I would further argue that not only did this marginalisation colour the perceptions of the Batswana regarding bogwera, but also that the translated text was used as a tool to disrupt, marginalise, replace, subvert and colonise the spiritual spaces of the Batswana. Furthermore, the article attempts to critically engage with the translated text from an ideological criticism within postcolonial theory, engaging with the fundamental question: why did Moffat translate and alter bogwera as circumcision rather than using the proper word which is rupa (circumcision)? Selected letters published in the newspaper Mahoko a Becwana (Words of Batswana) are quoted and discussed, as it is in these letters that we are confronted with an act of hybridisation and creolisation. The letters also point to the effects of such a translation and transmogrification as a discursive tool to reorder and to pervert the Batswana cosmology and culture. In translating and altering circumcision as bogwera Moffat performs an act of mutation of meaning. It is in this morphing of bogwera into something that is charged with negativity in order to reorder and rewrite through an exercise of transmutation that Moffat attempts to subvert and to indoctrinate, resulting in the subversion of the spiritual spaces of Batswana.
The disappearing Mammy Water myth and the crisis of values in Oguta, South Eastern Nigeria
Authors: Okwuosa Lawrence N. , Onah Nkechi G. , Nwaoga Chichi T. , Uroko Favour C.
Published: October 2017

Igbo value system is in crisis with an increase in crime rate, kidnapping, stealing, sexual immorality and divorce. Though several reasons have been given for this malaise, the influence of myths on value system has not been explored. To do this, we chose Oguta town in South-Eastern Nigeria, known for its belief and worship of Mammy Water. The intent is to verify if the disappearing myth has any adverse socio-cultural implications on the town. As the disappearing myth deals principally with the people’s life, the research methodology used historical as well as the descriptive phenomenological methods. These methods explain the phenomenon as it appeared in Oguta objectively from the historical point of view. One-on-one interviews and focus group discussion with the natives were carried out, thus making oral literature an important element of this research. It comprises three groups: the first group has the age bracket of 70 years and above; the second group has 40–69 years as age bracket and the last group has 20–39 years as age bracket. Efforts were made to distinguish meaningful facts from fictitious or emotional ideas expressed by the participants. Information was also gathered from published works. The research was able to identify the myth’s disappearance as a major contributing factor to the town’s crisis of values.
The unusual practices within some Neo-Pentecostal churches in South Africa: Reflections and recommendations
Authors: Kgatle Mookgo S.
Published: October 2017

This article reflects and makes recommendations on the recent unusual practices within some Neo-Pentecostal churches in South Africa. Neo-Pentecostal churches in South Africa refer to churches that have crossed denominational boundaries. These churches idolise the miraculous, healing, deliverance and enactment of bizarre church performances often performed by charismatic and highly influential spiritual leaders. There have been unusual practices within some Neo-Pentecostal churches that include, among others, the eating of grass, eating of snakes, drinking of petrol, spraying of Doom on the congregants and other experiences. There are many possible theological, psychological and socio-economic explanations for these unusual practices. Given the facts that many South Africans experience various socio-economic challenges, it is argued here that the socio-economic factor is the main explanation for the support of these unusual practices. The unusual practices within some Neo-Pentecostal churches in South Africa are critically unpacked by looking at various churches where the incidents happened. The possible theological, psychological and socio-economic explanations for such practices are outlined in detail. Recommendations are made based on the scientific findings on the unusual practices.
Maxwell Anderson’s song lyric ‘Lost in the Stars’ and his Ulyssean adaptation of Alan Paton’s Cry, the Beloved Country
Authors: Viviers Etienne
Published: October 2017

This article inspects selected thematic and adaptive links between Alan Paton’s classic South African novel, Cry, the Beloved Country, and its stage adaptation for Broadway by Maxwell Anderson and Kurt Weill, the musical tragedy Lost in the Stars. Particular focus is given to the latter work’s title song ‘Lost in the Stars’, in order to examine a Ulyssean-inspired message contained in its lyrics, which concerns God’s purported abandoning of humankind. To understand this message more fully, an earlier and unrealised collaboration of Anderson’s and Weill’s called Ulysses Africanus is investigated, dormant material of which resurfaced in their eventual adaptation of Paton’s novel. After a discussion of certain intricacies of adapting Cry, the Beloved Country into Lost in the Stars, it is demonstrated that Anderson’s religious worldview was incompatible with that which permeates Cry, the Beloved Country, with the result that Paton was greatly unhappy with Lost in the Stars.
A roadmap for smart city services to address challenges faced by small businesses in South Africa
Authors: Du Plessis Haydn , Marnewick Annlize L.
Published: October 2017

Background: Small businesses are an important part of the South African economy, yet they have high rates of failure. Several contributing factors have previously been identified through literature, including regulatory compliance, skills shortages and lack of government support. Globally, there has been an increased interest in smart cities and the variety of services they offer. These technologies were investigated to establish what role, if any, they could play in alleviating the challenges that small businesses face.Aim: Identify the relative impact of each of these challenges on the small-business and the relative value of each of the smart city services in order to determine which services would have the largest impact in addressing the challenges.Method: This research used these factors and identified which challenges had the largest time and financial impact on small businesses and investigated ways in which a variety of smart city services could be leveraged to address these challenges. Using a multi-criteria decision analysis technique, 44 small-business owners participated in the research. Weighted results for the impact of each of the challenges and the value of each of the services were obtained.Results: Through the subsequent analysis of the results, it was found that small businesses face many challenges because of lack of government and entrepreneurial support, as well as widespread corruption. Similarly, the small-business owners identified that educational material, small-business support portals and eGovernment systems would be the most valuable services that a smart city could offer them. Various sources of literature were used to identify these smart city services and link them to the business challenges that they may be able to mitigate. The infrastructural prerequisites for each of the services were also investigated to identify dependencies and potential problems in their deployment.Conclusion: The various aspects of this study were integrated, and a smart city roadmap for small-business support was subsequently developed. This roadmap will assist cities in planning their smart city deployment, so that they may better support small businesses in the role that they play in the country’s economy.
Job applicants’ attitudes towards cognitive ability and personality testing
Authors: Visser Rachelle , Schaap Pieter
Published: October 2017

Orientation: Growing research has shown that not only test validity considerations but also the test-taking attitudes of job applicants are important in the choice of selection instruments as these can contribute to test performance and the perceived fairness of the selection process.Research purpose: The main purpose of this study was to determine the test-taking attitudes of a diverse group of job applicants towards personality and cognitive ability tests administered conjointly online as part of employee selection in a financial services company in South Africa.Motivation for the study: If users understand how job applicants view specific test types, they will know which assessments are perceived more negatively and how this situation can potentially be rectified.Research design, approach and method: A non-experimental and cross-sectional survey design was used. An adapted version of the Test Attitude Survey was used to determine job applicants’ attitudes towards tests administered online as part of an employee selection process. The sample consisted of a group of job applicants (N = 160) who were diverse in terms of ethnicity and age and the educational level applicable for sales and supervisory positions.Main findings: On average, the job applicants responded equally positively to the cognitive ability and personality tests. The African job applicants had a statistically significantly more positive attitude towards the tests than the other groups, and candidates applying for the sales position viewed the cognitive ability tests significantly less positively than the personality test.Practical and managerial implications: The choice of selection tests used in combination as well as the testing conditions that are applicable should be considered carefully as they are the factors that can potentially influence the test-taking motivation and general test-taking attitudes of job applicants.Contribution: This study consolidated the research findings on the determinants of attitudinal responses to cognitive ability and personality testing and produced valuable empirical findings on job applicants’ attitudes towards both test types when administered conjointly
Vertex extradural hematoma: A diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Kumar Jayendra , Prakash Anand , Harsh Viraat , Kumar Anil
Published: October 2017

Extradural hematomas (EDHs) of vertex are rarely seen and form a small percentage of all EDH. Usual cause of an EDH located at the vertex is tearing of the superior sagittal sinus. A 35-year-old male patient was admitted to our department, with history of fall and lucid interval. Imaging studies showed contusion in the right frontal region with midline shift and bilateral EDH located at vertex which was misinterpreted as artifact or subdural hematoma. We present this rare case and briefly review the literature regarding its etiopathology and associated clinico-radiological findings. The principles of management of this rare entity are also discussed.
Unruptured internal carotid artery aneurysm associated with functional pituitary adenoma: A true association
Authors: Satyarthee Guru , Raheja Amol
Published: October 2017

Detection of incidental intracranial aneurysm on neuroimaging can be associated with pituitary adenoma; however, such association is extremely rare. However, aneurysm with extension into the sella is extremely rare, and increases the risk of inadvertent intraoperative rupture, if trans-sphenoidal decompression is attempted either using endoscopic or microscopic surgical approach. Hanak et al. in a literature review of intrasellar noniatrogenic aneurysms over PubMed search in 2012 could only collect 31 studies, of which only eight cases had pituitary adenoma associated with aneurysm extending into sella. Authors report an interesting case of 52-year-old male diagnosed as case of acromegaly, was put on dopamine agonist, bromocriptine and responding well to therapy, however the magnetic resonance imaging raised suspicion of vascular pathology, and underwent digital subtraction angiography at our center revealed presence of right supracliniod internal carotid aneurysm, which was coiled using endovascular technique with resultant good outcome.
Contrecoup extradural hematoma with coronal suture diastasis
Authors: Nath Pratap , Mishra Sudhansu , Dhir Manmath , Deo Rama , Behera Bikash , Rout Sitansu
Published: October 2017

Extradural hematoma (EDH) generally occurs in the site of impact, that is, coup injury site. EDH is associated with fracture of skull in many a times due to direct impact. However, EDH in counter coup site is a rare occurrence. Hardly, yet, 12 cases have been reported including this case. Here, we reported a case of a 22-year-old male of contrecoup acute EDH who had sustained head injury due to fall from bike. Physical examination revealed direct impact at the left occipito-parietal region with laceration of scalp and bruise with transient loss of consciousness at the time of injury. There was no evidence of impact on the right side of his head. Computed tomography scan revealed an EDH in the right fronto-temporal region without any bone fracture on bone windows. On intraoperative exploration, it is found that there was coronal suture diastasis with small subgaleal hematoma and right fronto-temporal extradural hematoma. The evacuation of EDH was done. The patient discharged on 3rd postoperative day. It can be concluded that direct impact on head causes exactly opposite hit of brain, and compensatory rebound causes a negative pressure in between the layers causing disruption of vessels and potential accumulation of blood. This mechanism mostly favors for acute subdural hematoma due to compact attachment of dura with cranium. However, in this case, diastasis of coronal suture due to transmitted force is the cause of accumulation of blood extradurally in relatively loosely adhered dura in fronto-temporal region where a potential negative pressure space is created by contrecoup injury.
An adult with atrial septal defect presenting with a brain abscess
Authors: Nair Bijesh , Jonathan Edmond , Moorthy Ranjith , Rajshekhar Vedantam , George Oommen
Published: October 2017

The common heart diseases resulting in a brain abscess are associated with a right to left shunt and include tetralogy of Fallot and transposition of great vessels. Atrial septal defect (ASD) is almost always associated with the left to right shunt and therefore is not a commonly considered risk factor for brain abscess. We report the case of a 29-year-old male, with no symptoms of cardiac disease, who presented with the left posterior frontal pyogenic abscess which led to the detection of a silent ASD. Our case emphasizes the need for a careful evaluation of the source of infection in patients with a brain abscess.
Formulation and characterization of nanomedicine (solid lipid nanoparticle) associate with the extract of Pterospermum acerifolium for the screening of neurochemicals and neuroendocrine effects
Authors: Choubey Ankur , Gilhotra Ritu , Singh Santosh , Garg Gopal
Published: October 2017

Background: Nanotechnology has given the likelihood of conveying medications to particular cells utilizing nanoparticles. Nanosystems can convey the dynamic constituent at an adequate fixation amid the whole treatment time frame, guiding it to the fancied site of activity. Traditional medications do not meet these necessities. The fundamental motivation behind creating elective medication conveyance advancements is to expand effectiveness of medication conveyance and security during the time spent medication conveyance and give more accommodation to the patient. Objectives: Pterospermum acerifolium, basic plant in India, is viewed as carminative, stimulant, and emmenagogue. The improvement of control discharge conveyance systems could prompt huge preferences in the clinical employments of these medications to diminish the toxicities. The point of this study was to figure another conveyance framework for impacts of neurochemicals by the joining of concentrate of P. acerifolium into strong lipid nanoparticles (SLNs). Methods: SLN formulations were prepared by Ethanolic extract, lipid layer was liquefied by warming at 5°C above liquefying purpose of the lipid. After that, SLNs were separated and dried. Shape and surface morphology of the SLNs were pictured by checking scanning electron microscopy. Particle size and size distribution were dictated by photon connection spectroscopy. Results and Discussion: The change of molecule charge was contemplated by zeta potential estimations. Treatment with SLN with concentrate was found to altogether diminish the serum levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticosterone and-endorphin and in addition the cerebrum and serum level of norepinephrine. Moreover, SLN with concentrate could essentially turn around the constant anxiety by diminishing the cerebrum and serum levels of the monoamine neurotransmitters dopamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine. Conclusion: The outcomes got from this study recommended that the memory-improving impact of SLN with concentrate was interceded through directions of neurochemical and neuroendocrine frameworks.
Redo microvascular decompression in a patient of resistant cochleovestibular nerve compression syndrome
Authors: Bishnoi Ishu , Mewada Tushit , Singh Daljit , Singh Hukum
Published: October 2017

Cochlea-vestibular nerve compression syndrome (CVCS) may present as recurrent attacks of vertigo, dizziness, imbalance, etc. Those patients who do not respond to medical management, are usually managed by “microvascular decompression (MVD) of cochlea-vestibular nerve.” The success rate of MVD is not 100% and few patients present with the recurrence of symptoms. We are reporting management of one such resistant case of CVCS. A 40-year-old female patient who was a known case of CVCS, was managed by medical and surgical (MVD) management. She had no relief of symptoms. We did redo MVD of cochlea-vestibular nerve after full evaluation of symptomatology. Patient had complete relief in her symptoms. In failed MVD cases, redo MVD can be performed if patient is still having e/o nerve compression, adhesions on magnetic resonance imaging.
Endoscopic third ventriculostomy in normal pressure hydrocephalus and symptomatic long-standing overt ventriculomegaly
Authors: Balevi Mustafa
Published: October 2017

Objectives: The aim of this study is to define the role and effectiveness for an endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) in patients with seconder normal pressure hydrocephalus(SNPH), idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (INPH) and symptomatic longstanding overt ventriculomegaly (SLOVA). Materials and Methods: 3 patients with SLOVA, 3 patients with INPH and 3 patients with SNPH underwent ETV were studied retrospectively. The patients had a follow-up of 1-6 years. Preoperative CT or/and MRI of the brain was done in all cases.Tap test was done in all cases. Clinical examination finding were classified according to the by Japanese Committee for Scientific Research (JCSS) on intractable Hydrocephalus. Patients were studied to evaluate of the patency of ventriculosthomy and aqueduclus slyvius by a Cine PC MR and CSF_DRİVE T2 Sequence MRI after 1-6 years. Results: Headache, gait disturbance and pollakiuria improved in three patients with SNPH underwent ETV, but dementia didn't improve in one patient. Pollakiuria and headache improved in three patients with INPH underwent ETV but preoperative gait disturbance grade three remained unchanged in one patient. Headache improved in three patients with SLOVA underwent ETV. Preoperative gait disturbance grade 3 remained unchanged in one patient, but improved pollakiuria. We confirmed the patency of a third ventriculostomy and decreasing degrees of CSF flow into the aquaductus sylvius. Conclusions: In properly selected patients with SNPH, SLOVA and INPH who had headache ,slight gait disturbance and pollakiuria , mainly those with a short duration of symptoms, ETV may provide good results.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Appearance of Schwannomas from Head to Toe: A Pictorial Review
Authors: Crist Jamie , Hodge Jacob R , Frick Matthew , Leung Fiona P , Hsu Eugene , Gi Ming Tye , Venkatesh Sudhakar K
Published: October 2017

Schwannomas are benign soft-tissue tumors that arise from peripheral nerve sheaths throughout the body and are commonly encountered in patients with neurofibromatosis Type 2. The vast majority of schwannomas are benign, with rare cases of malignant transformation reported. In this pictorial review, we discuss the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearance of schwannomas by demonstrating a collection of tumors from different parts of the body that exhibit similar MRI characteristics. We review strategies to distinguish schwannomas from malignant soft-tissue tumors while exploring the anatomic and histologic origins of these tumors to discuss how this correlates with their imaging findings. Familiarity with the MRI appearance of schwannomas can help aid in the differential diagnosis of soft-tissue masses, especially in unexpected locations.
McMullen polynomials and Lipschitz flows for free-by-cyclic groups
Authors: Dowdall Spencer , Kapovich Ilya , Leininger Christopher J.
Published: October 2017

Consider a group

G

and an epimorphism

u_0\colon G\to \mathbb Z

inducing a splitting of

G

as a semidirect product ker

(u_0)\rtimes_\varphi \mathbb Z

with ker

(u_0)

a finitely generated free group and

\varphi\in

Out (ker

(u_0)

) representable by an expanding irreducible train track map. Building on our earlier work [DKL], in which we realized

G

as

\pi_1(X)

for an Eilenberg–Maclane 2-complex

X

equipped with a semiflow

\psi

, and inspired by McMullen's Teichmüller polynomial for fibered hyperbolic 3-manifolds, we construct a polynomial invariant

\mathfrak m \in \mathbb Z[H_1(G;\mathbb Z)/

torsion] for

(X,\psi)

and investigate its properties.

Specifically,

\mathfrak m

determines a convex polyhedral cone

\mathcal C_X\subset H^1(G;\mathbb R)

, a convex, real-analytic function

\mathfrak H\colon \mathcal C_X\to \mathbb R

, and
specializes
to give an integral Laurent polynomial

\mathfrak m_u(\zeta)

for each integral

u\in \mathcal C_X

. We show that

\mathcal C_X

is equal to the "cone of sections" of

(X,\psi)

(the convex hull of all cohomology classes dual to sections of of

\psi

), and that for each (compatible) cross section

\Theta_u\subset X

with first return map

f_u\colon \Theta_u\to \Theta_u

, the specialization

\mathfrak m_u(\zeta)

encodes the characteristic polynomial of the transition matrix of

f_u

. More generally, for
every
class

u\in \mathcal C_X

there exists a geodesic metric

d_u

and a codimension-1 foliation

\Omega_u

of

X

defined by a "closed 1-form" representing

u

transverse to

\psi

so that after reparametrizing the flow

\psi^u_{s}

maps leaves of

\Omega_u

to leaves via a local

e^{s\mathfrak H(u)}

-homothety.

Among other things, we additionally prove that

\mathcal C_X

is equal to (the cone over) the component of the BNS-invariant

\Sigma(G)

containing

u_0

and, consequently, that each primitive integral

u\in \mathcal C_X

induces a splitting of

G

as an ascending HNN-extension

G = Q_u\ast_{\phi_u}

with

Q_u

a finite-rank free group and

\phi_u\colon Q_u\to Q_u

injective. For any such splitting, we show that the stretch factor of

\phi_u

is exactly given by

e^{\mathfrak H(u)}

. In particular, we see that

\mathcal C_X

and

\mathfrak H

depend only on the group

G

and epimorphism

u_0

.
Классификация локально вращательно-симметричных пространств-времен типа Бианки-I с использованием конформных коллинеаций Риччи
Authors: Hussain Tahir , Akhtar Sumaira Saleem , Khan Fawad
Published: October 2017

Приведена исчерпывающая классификация локально вращательно-симметричных пространств-времен типа Бианки-I в соответствии с их конформными коллинеациями Риччи. В случае, когда тензор Риччи невырожден, найден общий вид векторного поля, порождающего конформные коллинеации Риччи, удовлетворяющие некоторым условиям интегрируемости. После нахождения решений условий интегрируемости оказалось, что локально вращательно-симметричные пространства-времена типа Бианки-I допускают семи-, десяти-, одиннадцати- или пятнадцатимерную алгебру Ли конформных коллинеаций Риччи в случае невырожденного тензора Риччи. Более того, оказалось, что эти пространства-времена допускают бесконечное количество конформных коллинеаций Риччи, если тензор Риччи вырожден. Приведены несколько примеров локально вращательно-симметричного пространства-времени типа Бианки-I, допускающего нетривиальные конформные коллинеации Риччи и являющегося моделью идеальной жидкости.
О формировании соотношения нелокальностей в модели аномальной диффузии
Authors: Arkashov Nikolay Sergeevich , Seleznev Vadim Aleksandrovich
Published: October 2017

Построена модель случайного блуждания, в которой соотношение пространственно-временных нелокальностей определяется структурой потока памяти и стохастической моделью сил. Предлагаемая модель позволяет вычислять параметры, характеризующие нелокальность воздействия среды и памяти частицы.
Benznidazole Nanoformulates: A Chance to Improve Therapeutics for Chagas Disease
Authors: Vinuesa Teresa , Herráez Rocio , Oliver Laura , Elizondo Elisa , Acarregui Argia , Esquisabel Amaia , Pedraz Jose Luis , Ventosa Nora , Veciana Jaume , Viñas Miguel
Published: October 2017

This article describes the characterization of various encapsulated formulations of benznidazole, the current first-line drug for the treatment of Chagas disease. Given the adverse effects of benznidazole, safer formulations of this drug have a great interest. In fact, treatment of Chagas disease with benznidazole has to be discontinued in as much as 20% of cases due to side effects. Furthermore, modification of delivery and formulations could have potential effects on the emergence of drug resistance. The trypanocidal activity of new nanostructured formulations of benznidazole to eliminate Trypanosoma cruzi was studied in vitro as well as their toxicity in two cultured mammalian cell lines (HepG2 and Fibroblasts). Nanoparticles tested included nanostructured lipid carriers, solid lipid nanoparticles, liposomes, quatsomes, and cyclodextrins. The in vitro cytotoxicity of cyclodextrins–benznidazole complexes was significantly lower than that of free benznidazole, whereas their trypanocidal activity was not hampered. These results suggest that nanostructured particles may offer improved therapeutics for Chagas disease.
SAE Instrumented Arm User’s Manual
Authors:   Dummy Testing and  Equipment Committee
Published: October 2017

This user’s manual covers the instrumented arm for the Hybrid III 5th Percentile Small Female dummy as well as the SID –IIs dummy. It is intended for technicians and engineers who have an interest in assessing arm injury from the use of frontal and side impact airbags. It covers the construction, disassembly and reassembly, available instrumentation, and segment masses.
Graphene Oxide Film as Passive Q-switcher in Erbium-doped Fiber Laser Cavity
Authors: Che Mat Fauziah , Yasin Moh , Abdul Latiff Anas , Harun Sulaiman Wadi
Published: October 2017

All-fiber passively Q-switched fiber lasers have been demonstrated by using graphene oxide (GO) Q-switcher for possible applications in telecommunication, laser processing, fiber sensing and medical community. The GO material was obtained through a modified Hummers method from expanded acid washed graphite flakes and it was embedded into a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film to form a saturable absorber (SA) device. The Q-switched pulse operates at 1563.3 nm with a repetition rate that can be tuned from 44.33 kHz to 61.77 kHz as the pump power changes from 39 mW to 96 mW. The highest repetition rate of 61.77 kHz is achieved at a pump power of 96 mW and it is observed that the Q-switched pulse produced maximum pulse energy of 0.054 nJ and pulse width of 5.57 ?s at 96 mW pump power. Full Text: PDF ReferencesJ. Zayhowski and C. Dill, "Coupled-cavity electro-optically Q-switched Nd:YVO4 microchip lasers", Optics letters 20, 716 (1995). CrossRef C.-x. Gao, W. Zhao, Y.-s. Wang, S.-l. Zhu, G.-f. Chen, and Y.-g. Wang, "Passive Q-switched fiber laser with SESAM in ytterbium-doped double-clad fiber", 27th International congress on High-Speed Photography and Photonics, 62794G (2007). CrossRef M. Ahmed, N. Ali, Z. Salleh, A. Rahman, S. Harun, M. Manaf, "Q-switched erbium doped fiber laser based on single and multiple walled carbon nanotubes embedded in polyethylene oxide film as saturable absorber", Optics & Laser Technology 65, 25 (2015). CrossRef S. Harun, M. Ismail, F. Ahmad, M. Ismail, R. Nor, N. Zulkepely, et al., "A Q-switched erbium-doped fiber laser with a carbon nanotube based saturable absorber", Chinese Physics Letters 29, 114202 (2012). CrossRef A. Martinez and Z. Sun, "Nanotube and graphene saturable absorbers for fibre lasers", Nat Photon 7, 842 (2013). CrossRef J. Boguslawski, J. Sotor, G. Sobon, R. Kozinski, K. Librant, M. Aksienionek, et al., "Graphene oxide paper as a saturable absorber for Er- and Tm-doped fiber lasers", Photonics Research 3, 119 (2015). CrossRef H. Ahmad, F. D. Muhammad, M. Z. Zulkifli, and S. W. Harun, "Q-switched pulse generation from an all-f iber distributed Bragg reflector laser using graphene as saturable absorber", Chinese Optics Letters 11, 071401 (2013). CrossRef
Electromagnetic wave polarization state evolution in weakly anisotropic and nonuniform media with dissipation
Authors: Bieg Bohdan , Chrzanowski Janusz
Published: October 2017

The change of the polarization state of electromagnetic beam propagating in weakly anisotropic and smoothly inhomogeneous media with dissipation is analysed. On the basis of a quasi-isotropic approximation, which provides the consequent asymptotic solution of Maxwell's equation, the differential equation for the evolution of four component Stokes vector is derived. Obtained equation generalizes previous results for the nonadsorbing media and is written in terms of the dielectric tensor of birefringent media with dissipation. The formalism is illustrated by an example of magnetised plasma with dissipation due to the electron collisions. Full Text: PDF ReferencesK.G.Budden, Radio Waves in the Ionosphere (Cambridge U. Press 1961).V.I.Ginzburg, Propagation of Electromagnetic Waves in Plasma (Gordon & Breach 1970).Yu.A.Kravtsov, ""Quasiisotropic" Approximation to Geometrical Optics", Sov. Phys. Dokl. 13, 1125 (1969).A.A. Fuki, Yu.A. Kravtsov, and O.N. Naida, Geometrical Optics of Weakly Anisotropic Media (Gordon & Breach, Lond., N.Y. 1997).Yu.A. Kravtsov and Yu.I. Orlov, Geometrical optics of inhomogeneous media (Springer Verlag, Berlin, Heidelberg 1990). CrossRef Yu.A. Kravtsov et al., "Waves in weakly anisotropic 3D inhomogeneous media: quasi-isotropic approximation of geometrical optics", Physics-Uspekhi 39, 129(1996). CrossRef F.De Marco, S.E.Segre, "The polarization of an e.m. wave propagating in a plasma with magnetic shear. The measurement of poloidal magnetic field in a Tokamak", Plasma Phys. 14, 245 (1972). DirectLink S.E.Segre, "A review of plasma polarimetry - theory and methods", Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion 41, R57 (1999). CrossRef M. Born and E. Wolf, Principles of Optics (Pergamon, Oxford 1980). CrossRef B.Bieg et al., "Quasi-Isotropic Approximation of Geometrical Optics Method as Adequate Electrodynamical Basis for Tokamak Plasma Polarimetry", Physics Procedia 62, 102 (2015). CrossRef B.Bieg et al., "Two approaches to plasma polarimetry: Angular variables technique and Stokes vector formalism", Nucl. Instr. Meth. Phys. Res. Sect. A 720, 157 (2013). CrossRef S.E.Segre, "New formalism for the analysis of polarization evolution for radiation in a weakly nonuniform, fully anisotropic medium: a magnetized plasma", J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 18, 2601 (2001). CrossRef