bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
L’évaluation du patrimoine urbain : le cas libanais
Authors: Pietrostefani Elisabetta
Published: December 2017

Pour les politiques de développement, le patrimoine culturel représente un actif de par son importance historique, culturelle et socio-économique dans la société contemporaine, en particulier pour l’identité des villes et de leurs économies. La Banque mondiale, l’Agence française de développement et l’Union européenne ont élaboré des projets d’aide intégrant le patrimoine urbain à leurs stratégies de développement. Dans les pays du Sud, cependant, le patrimoine urbain est souvent un actif sous-employé et sous-protégé. Le Liban en est un exemple : le patrimoine urbain est particulièrement en danger en dépit de projets antérieurs de développement le ciblant, tel le Projet Patrimoine Culturel et Développement (CHUD) de la Banque mondiale. Cet article montre, avec le cas du Liban, que l’évaluation du patrimoine urbain est une première étape essentielle de la conception de politiques du patrimoine urbain efficaces. Cette étude a adopté la grille d’évaluation de Vernières et al. (2012) en raison de son approche unifiée et globale du patrimoine urbain pour illustrer l’importance du contexte, non seulement pour le succès du développement de projets liés au patrimoine urbain, mais aussi pour l’obtention d’une évaluation efficace de ce dernier.
Le capital risque solidaire, un outil au service des petites et moyennes entreprises africaines : le cas du Fonds Afrique Développement (FADEV)
Authors: de Beaumont Hubert , Béville Gilles , Fleury Martin
Published: December 2017

Les petites et moyennes entreprises en Afrique font face à un déficit d’outils financiers pouvant répondre à leurs besoins. Leur difficulté à être compétitives provient notamment d’un défaut d’accès à de l’information technologique adaptée. Le Fonds Afrique Développement (FADEV) vient combler ces déficits en mobilisant de l’épargne solidaire afin d’investir en capital risque dans des petites entreprises notamment en Afrique francophone. A ces prises de participation minoritaires et temporaires, s’ajoute un accompagnement technique de l’entreprise via un réseau d’experts bénévoles et de partenaires africains spécialisés dans le soutien aux petites entreprises.
Note de lecture sur la microfinance : d’autres méthodes d’analyse et d’autres perspectives ; des enjeux qui perdurent
Authors: Coquart Philippe
Published: December 2017

Cette note de lecture se fonde sur deux types de travaux : des études de cas d’institutions de microfinance (IMF) africaines présentées lors des Journées internationales de la microfinance de Brazzaville en 2011 et publiées en 2013 ; des réflexions sur l’évolution d’ensemble de la microfinance, sur les crises d’impayés de la fin des années 2000 et sur ses perspectives d’avenir qui font l’objet des derniers ouvrages de Jean-Michel Servet (2015) et d’Isabelle Guérin (2014), d’un article de Fouad Abdelmoumni sur le Maroc, des enquêtes Microfinance Banana Skins et des Baromètres de la microfinance. Deux visions assez nettement différentes du secteur ressortent de ces lectures. La première estime que la croissance du secteur, après le ralentissement du début des années 2010 et des problèmes d’impayés très localisés, est repartie de l’avant. Ces perspectives s’inscrivent dans le cadre d’une révolution technologique qui permettra d’abaisser encore les coûts d’accès à des services financiers plus diversifiés et d’accélérer l’inclusion financière, nouvelle finalité qui remplace en l’incluant la lutte contre la pauvreté. En outre, la différenciation entre un secteur rentable, lié aux financements internationaux et le reste du secteur devrait se poursuivre. Enfin, une application toujours plus stricte des règles de gouvernance devrait permettre d’éviter les défaillances qu’a pu connaître le secteur. La seconde voit dans la crise des impayés de la fin des années 2000 le symptôme d’un déséquilibre structurel du secteur. Le surendettement reste la préoccupation majeure des professionnels en 2014. La recherche par les investisseurs internationaux devenus prédominants du rendement maximal de leurs placements a imposé une croissance forte du secteur, un niveau de rentabilité élevé des IMF et l’uniformisation de l’organisation et des produits proposés. Une offre commerciale agressive et concurrentielle a couvert des besoins, pour une part importante à court terme, peu générateurs de revenus. La microfinance à elle seule, sous contrainte de rentabilité commerciale, n’est pas en mesure de vaincre la pauvreté. L’allocation d’un capital de départ et l’imposition d’une discipline drastique ne constituent pas les sésames qui transforment la masse des pauvres en auto-entrepreneurs libérés des liens traditionnels de réciprocité et ne leur permettent pas non plus d’entrer dans le marché et la concurrence individuelle. Ces auteurs prônent un retour de la microfinance à l’économie solidaire, articulée à des subventions nécessaires ainsi qu’à des programmes locaux de développement faisant intervenir d’autres types d’action et de financements.
La contribution nationale de la Chine en vue de la COP21 : état des lieux des engagements chinois à l’horizon 2030
Authors: Wang Zhan , Wang Zeyu
Published: December 2017

Cet article synthétise la contribution nationale de la Chine pour la COP21 en rappelant les efforts déjà entrepris par la Chine sur le climat, les objectifs fixés à l’horizon 2030, et le principe de la coopération internationale.
Les financements climat : résoudre la crise financière via un mécanisme de solidarité efficace au sommet de Paris ?
Authors: Maiga Farka Mouhamadou , Mazounie Alix
Published: December 2017

Fin novembre 2015, à Paris, 195 pays se rencontreront dans le cadre de la 21 e Conférence onusienne sur le climat (COP21) pour négocier et adopter un nouveau régime de coopération multilatérale en matière de lutte contre les causes et les effets des changements climatiques. Les négociations ne se limiteront pas seulement à construire un cadre pour l’avenir mais également à accélérer la mise en œuvre des décisions déjà prises et concernant les années 2015-2020. La question des financements est transversale : elle concerne à la fois les engagements futurs et les engagements existants ; et elle permettra la mise en œuvre et le renforcement des efforts des pays en développement. Elle est également au cœur de l’action de tous les pays car les décisions d’investissements publics et privés seront déterminantes dans le niveau de réchauffement de la planète. Ce texte vise à expliquer pourquoi les financements climat sont essentiels, l’état des lieux des engagements et de leur mise en œuvre, les enjeux pour le Sommet de Paris et les recommandations de la société civile francophone rassemblée au sein du Réseau Action Climat et du Réseau Climat & Développement, tous les deux fortement impliqués dans les négociations internationales depuis de nombreuses années et fortement implantés en Afrique francophone.
La nouvelle mesure du financement du développement durable : le « TOSSD »
Authors: Coudert Benjamin
Published: December 2017

Pour faire face aux défis du développement durable, le Programme d’action d’Addis-Abeba a réaffirmé le besoin de mobiliser toutes les sources de financement disponibles. Afin de mesurer cette notion élargie du financement du développement, le Comité d’aide au développement de l’OCDE propose une nouvelle mesure : le « Soutien public total au développement durable » ou Total Official Support for Sustainable Development (TOSSD) en anglais.
L’évolution du système bancaire en Zone franc
Authors: Diop Samuel
Published: December 2017

Le paysage bancaire en Zone franc a été profondément remanié ces 30 dernières années avec l’apparition des grands groupes bancaires panafricains au détriment des banques françaises et des banques étatiques. Les systèmes bancaires en Afrique et en Zone franc affichent un fort dynamisme mais se caractérisent également par un manque de soutien à l’activité économique et plus généralement au financement du développement. En outre, ils sont confrontés à un risque de crédit élevé. Toutefois, la rentabilité des banques en Afrique et en Zone franc est l’une des plus élevées au monde. Le développement de la classe moyenne africaine davantage solvable s’accompagnera d’une bancarisation accrue et de nouveaux besoins en termes de consommation ou de services à financer. Par ailleurs, il n’est pas à exclure que les fortes rentabilités des banques en Afrique constituent une source d’attraction pour d’autres groupes bancaires ou investisseurs étrangers. L’activité bancaire pourrait poursuivre voire accélérer son expansion initiée depuis une trentaine d’années à condition, toutefois, que certaines mesures indispensables émanant tant des pouvoirs publics que des établissements de crédit soient réalisées.
Les émissions de titres de dette souveraine en zone Franc : évolutions, enjeux et principaux défis en UEMOA et dans la CEMAC
Authors: Magnan-Marionnet Françoise
Published: December 2017

Les émissions de titres de dette souveraine en monnaie locale se sont largement développées en Zone franc. Au sein de l’Union économique et monétaire ouest africaine (UEMOA), leur encours représentait 12,2 % du produit intérieur brut (PIB) de la sous-région au 31 décembre 2015 (contre 1,4 % fin 2001). En raison d’un développement des marchés plus récent et plus timide dans la Communauté économique et monétaire de l’Afrique centrale (CEMAC), cet encours s’est établi à seulement 2,3 % du PIB à la même date. Parallèlement, les marchés internationaux de capitaux ont été sollicités, dans l’ensemble avec succès, malgré la dégradation récente des conditions d’émission. Le développement des émissions de titres de dette souveraine a pour objectifs principaux de diversifier les sources de financement et de faciliter l’accès à des ressources de long terme destinées aux projets d’infrastructures. Le recours aux marchés génère également des gains en matière de gouvernance. Néanmoins, de nombreuses contraintes opérationnelles (capacités de prévision et de gestion de la trésorerie publique, préparation et coordination des émissions notamment) continuent d’affecter le développement des marchés de titres de dette souveraine dont l’absence de profondeur pèse sur l’efficacité des politiques monétaires.
Réductions de dette, aléa moral et ré-endettement des pays à faible revenu
Authors: Ferry Marin , Raffinot Marc
Published: December 2017

Au cours des trente dernières années, une quarantaine de pays à faible revenu ont bénéficié d’une série de réductions de dette culminant en 2005 avec l’annulation de la dette multilatérale. Depuis, beaucoup de ces pays se sont ré-endettés, ce qui pose le problème de savoir si un nouveau cycle de surendettement est engagé. Cet article examine dans quelle mesure l’existence d’un aléa moral dû aux réductions de dette (anticipation de nouvelles réductions de dette à venir) accélère la dynamique d’endettement. La récente vague de prêts contractés sur les marchés financiers internationaux peut le laisser craindre. Notre analyse porte aussi bien sur le changement institutionnel et budgétaire du côté des emprunteurs que du côté des prêteurs multilatéraux, dont le comportement peut aussi être modifié par le sauvetage partiel dont ils ont bénéficié de la part des bilatéraux.
¿Quién mantiene la memoria biocultural y la agrobiodiversidad en la isla de Mallorca? Algunos aprendizajes desde las variedades locales de tomate
Authors: Socies Fiol Aina , Cuéllar Padilla Mamen
Published: December 2017

La memoria ligada a las semillas, y concretamente los saberes asociados a las variedades locales de tomate de Mallorca, se han preservado gracias a la transmisión oral a lo largo de generaciones. Sin embargo, desde 1950, el envejecimiento de la población rural, los procesos de modernización agraria y el éxodo hacia áreas urbanas ha comportado la pérdida progresiva de la cultura agrícola y la erosión genética de las variedades locales. Este artículo tiene como objetivo conocer las personas que están manteniendo en el campo las variedades locales de tomate de Mallorca, además de los saberes asociados a las mismas. Mediante las técnicas cualitativas de observación participante y entrevista semiestructurada, se explora el conocimiento local que aún pervive de esta especie. Se concluye que una parte importante de este conocimiento está a punto de desaparecer, debido al envejecimiento de los campesinos y la falta de relevo generacional. Pero, también, que existe una agricultura a tiempo parcial, así como algunos agricultores profesionales orientados hacia sellos de calidad, que están contribuyendo a la recuperación y el mantenimiento de la memoria biocultural de las variedades locales de tomate en la isla.
Etnografías de las relaciones humano-animales. II Seminario Red de Antropología Ambiental
Authors: Cruzada Santiago M. , Campanera Reig Mireia , Escalera Reyes Javier
Published: December 2017

Para dar cabida a reflexiones y debates contemporáneos que se producen en la disciplina, la Red de Antropología Ambiental viene organizando una serie de Seminarios temáticos orientados a la discusión epistemológica, metodológica y práctica de cuestiones que atraviesan el ámbito socioambiental. El 6 y 7 de abril de 2017 se celebró en la Universidad Pablo de Olavide, de Sevilla, el II Seminario de la Red de Antropología Ambiental, llevando por título «Etnografías alter humanas: encuentros en la fase animal». El seminario acogió a más de treinta participantes procedentes de diversas universidades nacionales e internacionales, debatiéndose diez etnografías centradas en la investigación de las relaciones humano-animales.
IL-4–Induced Gene 1: A Negative Immune Checkpoint Controlling B Cell Differentiation and Activation
Authors: Bod Lloyd , Douguet Laetitia , Auffray Cédric , Lengagne Renée , Bekkat Fériel , Rondeau Elena , Molinier-Frenkel Valérie , Castellano Flavia , Richard Yolande , Prévost-Blondel Armelle
Published: December 2017

Emerging data highlight the crucial role of enzymes involved in amino acid metabolism in immune cell biology. IL-4–induced gene-1 (IL4I1), a secreted l-phenylalanine oxidase expressed by APCs, has been detected in B cells, yet its immunoregulatory role has only been explored on T cells. In this study, we show that IL4I1 regulates multiple steps in B cell physiology. Indeed, IL4I1 knockout mice exhibit an accelerated B cell egress from the bone marrow, resulting in the accumulation of peripheral follicular B cells. They also present a higher serum level of natural Igs and self-reactive Abs. We also demonstrate that IL4I1 produced by B cells themselves controls the germinal center reaction, plasma cell differentiation, and specific Ab production in response to T dependent Ags, SRBC, and NP-KLH. In vitro, IL4I1-deficient B cells proliferate more efficiently than their wild-type counterparts in response to BCR cross-linking. Moreover, the absence of IL4I1 increases activation of the Syk-Akt-S6kinase signaling pathway and calcium mobilization, and inhibits SHP-1 activity upon BCR engagement, thus supporting that IL4I1 negatively controls BCR-dependent activation. Overall, our study reveals a new perspective on IL4I1 as a key regulator of B cell biology.
Comparison of T Cell Activities Mediated by Human TCRs and CARs That Use the Same Recognition Domains
Authors: Harris Daniel T. , Hager Marlies V. , Smith Sheena N. , Cai Qi , Stone Jennifer D. , Kruger Philipp , Lever Melissa , Dushek Omer , Schmitt Thomas M. , Greenberg Philip D. , Kranz David M.
Published: December 2017

Adoptive T cell therapies have achieved significant clinical responses, especially in hematopoietic cancers. Two types of receptor systems have been used to redirect the activity of T cells, normal heterodimeric TCRs or synthetic chimeric Ag receptors (CARs). TCRs recognize peptide-HLA complexes whereas CARs typically use an Ab-derived single-chain fragments variable that recognizes cancer-associated cell-surface Ags. Although both receptors mediate diverse effector functions, a quantitative comparison of the sensitivity and signaling capacity of TCRs and CARs has been limited due to their differences in affinities and ligands. In this study we describe their direct comparison by using TCRs that could be formatted either as conventional αβ heterodimers, or as single-chain fragments variable constructs linked to CD3ζ and CD28 signaling domains or to CD3ζ alone. Two high-affinity TCRs (KD values of ∼50 and 250 nM) against MART1/HLA-A2 or WT1/HLA-A2 were used, allowing MART1 or WT1 peptide titrations to easily assess the impact of Ag density. Although CARs were expressed at higher surface levels than TCRs, they were 10–100-fold less sensitive, even in the absence of the CD8 coreceptor. Mathematical modeling demonstrated that lower CAR sensitivity could be attributed to less efficient signaling kinetics. Furthermore, reduced cytokine secretion observed at high Ag density for both TCRs and CARs suggested a role for negative regulators in both systems. Interestingly, at high Ag density, CARs also mediated greater maximal release of some cytokines, such as IL-2 and IL-6. These results have implications for the next-generation design of receptors used in adoptive T cell therapies.
Newly Generated CD4+ T Cells Acquire Metabolic Quiescence after Thymic Egress
Authors: Zhang Shusong , Zhang Xinwei , Wang Ke , Xu Xi , Li Mingyang , Zhang Jun , Zhang Yan , Hao Jie , Sun Xiuyuan , Chen Yingyu , Liu Xiaohui , Chang Yingjun , Jin Rong , Wu Hounan , Ge Qing
Published: December 2017

Mature naive T cells circulate through the secondary lymphoid organs in an actively enforced quiescent state. Impaired cell survival and cell functions could be found when T cells have defects in quiescence. One of the key features of T cell quiescence is low basal metabolic activity. It remains unclear at which developmental stage T cells acquire this metabolic quiescence. We compared mitochondria among CD4 single-positive (SP) T cells in the thymus, CD4+ recent thymic emigrants (RTEs), and mature naive T cells in the periphery. The results demonstrate that RTEs and naive T cells had reduced mitochondrial content and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species when compared with SP thymocytes. This downregulation of mitochondria requires T cell egress from the thymus and occurs early after young T cells enter the circulation. Autophagic clearance of mitochondria, but not mitochondria biogenesis or fission/fusion, contributes to mitochondrial downregulation in RTEs. The enhanced apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1/MAPKs and reduced mechanistic target of rapamycin activities in RTEs relative to SP thymocytes may be involved in this mitochondrial reduction. These results indicate that the gain of metabolic quiescence is one of the important maturation processes during SP–RTE transition. Together with functional maturation, it promotes the survival and full responsiveness to activating stimuli in young T cells.
The p38-MK2/3 Module Is Critical for IL-33–Induced Signaling and Cytokine Production in Dendritic Cells
Authors: Göpfert Christiane , Andreas Nico , Weber Franziska , Häfner Norman , Yakovleva Tatiana , Gaestel Matthias , Kamradt Thomas , Drube Sebastian
Published: December 2017

IL-33 is an IL-1 cytokine superfamily member. Binding of IL-33 to the IL-33R induces activation of the canonical NF-κB signaling and activation of MAPKs. In bone marrow–derived dendritic cells, IL-33 induces the production of IL-6, IL-13, and TNF-α. However, the signaling pathways resulting in IL-33–induced effector functions of dendritic cells are unknown. In this article, we show that the IL-33–induced cytokine production is only partly dependent on p65. Thereby, p65 mediates the production of IL-6, but not of IL-13, whereas the p38–Mapk-activated protein kinases 2/3 (MK2/3) signaling module mediates the IL-13, but not the IL-6, production. In addition, GM-CSF, which is critical for the differentiation and proliferation of bone marrow–derived dendritic cells, potentiates the p65-dependent IL-6 and the p38-MK2/3–dependent IL-13 production. Furthermore, we found that effective TNF-α production is only induced in the presence of GM-CSF and IL-33 via the p38-MK2/3 signaling module. Taken together, we found that the p38-MK2/3 signaling module is essential to mediate IL-33–induced cytokine production in dendritic cells.
Extracellular Lactate: A Novel Measure of T Cell Proliferation
Authors: Grist James T. , Jarvis Lorna B. , Georgieva Zoya , Thompson Sara , Kaur Sandhu Harpreet , Burling Keith , Clarke Ashley , Jackson Sarah , Wills Mark , Gallagher Ferdia A. , Jones Joanne L.
Published: December 2017

Following activation, T cells rapidly divide and acquire effector functions. This energetically demanding process depends upon the ability of T cells to undergo metabolic remodeling from oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis, during which glucose is converted into lactate and released extracellularly. In this article, we demonstrate that extracellular lactate can be used to dynamically assess human T cell responses in vitro. Extracellular lactate levels strongly correlated with T cell proliferation, and measuring lactate compared favorably with traditional methods for determining T cell responses (i.e., [3H]thymidine incorporation and the use of cell proliferation dyes). Furthermore, we demonstrate the usefulness of measuring lactate as a read-out in conventional suppression assays and high-throughput peptide-screening assays. Extracellular lactate was stably produced over 7 d, and results were reproducibly performed over several freeze–thaw cycles. We conclude that the use of extracellular lactate measurements can be a sensitive, safe, stable, and easy-to-implement research tool for measuring T cell responses and cellular metabolic changes in vitro.
EZH2 Represses the B Cell Transcriptional Program and Regulates Antibody-Secreting Cell Metabolism and Antibody Production
Authors: Guo Muyao , Price Madeline J. , Patterson Dillon G. , Barwick Benjamin G. , Haines Robert R. , Kania Anna K. , Bradley John E. , Randall Troy D. , Boss Jeremy M. , Scharer Christopher D.
Published: December 2017

Epigenetic remodeling is required during B cell differentiation. However, little is known about the direct functions of epigenetic enzymes in Ab-secreting cells (ASC) in vivo. In this study, we examined ASC differentiation independent of T cell help and germinal center reactions using mice with inducible or B cell–specific deletions of Ezh2. Following stimulation with influenza virus or LPS, Ezh2-deficient ASC poorly proliferated and inappropriately maintained expression of inflammatory pathways, B cell–lineage transcription factors, and Blimp-1–repressed genes, leading to fewer and less functional ASC. In the absence of EZH2, genes that normally gained histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation were dysregulated and exhibited increased chromatin accessibility. Furthermore, EZH2 was also required for maximal Ab secretion by ASC, in part due to reduced mitochondrial respiration, impaired glucose metabolism, and poor expression of the unfolded-protein response pathway. Together, these data demonstrate that EZH2 is essential in facilitating epigenetic changes that regulate ASC fate, function, and metabolism.
OCCULT HEPATITIS B VIRUS INFECTION AND ASSOCIATED GENOTYPES AMONG HBSAG-NEGATIVE SUBJECTS IN BURKINA FASO
Authors: DIARRA Birama , YONLI Albert Théophane , SORGHO Pegdwendé Abel , COMPAORE Tegwinde Rebecca , Obiri -Yeboah Dorcas , OUATTARA Abdoul Karim , Lassina Traore , ZONGO Wendpagnangdé Arsène , Soubeiga Serge Théophile , Pietra Virginio , Nagalo Bolni-Marius , Djigma Wendkuuni Florencia , Tao Issoufou , Sanogo Rokia , SIMPORE Jacques
Published: December 2017

Background: Occult Hepatitis B virus infection (OBI), is characterized by the absence of detectable HBsAg in the blood of a person assumed to be healthy. It remains a potential transmission threat and risk to HBV chronic infection. The purpose of this study was to determine the OBI prevalence among HBsAg negative subjects and to characterize associated genotypes.Methods: Blood samples of 219 HBsAg-negative subjects tested by ELISA were collected. HBV DNA was investigated in all samples. Viral loads were determined using quantitative real-time PCR. All samples were screened for HBV markers (anti-HBc, anti-HBe, HBsAg). The Pre-S/S region of the HBV genome was sequenced. The database was analyzed using the SPSS and Epi info softwares. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using the BioEdit and MEGA softwares.Results: Of the 219 samples, 20.1 % were anti-HBc positive, 1.8 % HBeAg and 22.8 % were anti-HBe positive. Fifty-six 56 (25.6 %) of the samples had a detectable HBV DNA and viral loads ranging from 4 IU/mL to 13.6 106 IU/mL. Sixteen of them (16/56) had a viral load < 200 IU/mL, resulting in an OBI prevalence of 7.3 % (16/219) in our study. The remaining 40 subjects had viral loads ˃ 200 IU/mL, resulting in a “false OBI” prevalence of 18.3% (40/219). HBV genotype E was predominant followed by the quasi-sub-genotype A3. A single "false OBI" strain had the characteristic mutation G145R. Other mutations were observed and all located in the major hydrophilic region (MHR) of the S gene.Conclusion: The study reported a prevalence of 7.3% of occult hepatitis B infection. It confirms the predominance of genotype E and the existence of a subgroup of quasi-sub-genotype A3 of HBV in Burkina Faso. It further provides information on the existence of “false OBI “. This study has found mutations in the major hydrophilic region (MHR) of the pre-S/S gene of HBV. Key words: HBV, OBI, Genotypes, Real-time PCR, Sequencing
Insulin Syringe: A Gimmick in Pediatric Dentistry
Authors: Singh Chanchal , Kour Gurpreet , Masih Updesh , Srivastava Manvi , Yadav Priti
Published: December 2017

Aim

The management of pain and anxiety in dentistry encompasses a number of procedural issues, including the delivery of anesthetic solution. One of the most important ways to manage the behavior of children is pain control. Trypanophobia is very common among dental patients and the most important goal of guidelines on behavior guidance for pediatric dental patient is to ease fear and anxiety in dental procedures in children. For the stated reasons, the purpose of the present study was to record child's pain sensation both objectively and subjectively while receiving dental local anesthesia using conventional syringes and diabetic needles.

Materials and methods

Twenty children of age group 6 to 12 years undergoing routine dental procedures participated in the study. Every child acted as one's own control, while receiving treatment on the opposite side of the same arch. Each patient was randomly assigned to receive the injection either with conventional syringe or diabetic needle for the first visit, while the injection with the other needle was administered during the second visit. Rating scales were used for objective and subjective evaluations.

Results

Statistical analysis of the measurements were made using Wilcoxon signed U test and Mann—Whitney U test which showed the mean sound, eye, motor (SEM) score difference using insulin syringe. The outcome was statistically significant when compared using the mean ranks between male and female patients with that of control group.

Conclusion

It can be concluded that diabetic syringes exhibit clinical advantage and its use in pediatric dentistry for local anesthetics (LA) infiltration can prove beneficial.

How to cite this article

Kour G, Masih U, Singh C, Srivastava M, Yadav P, Kushwah J. Insulin Syringe: A Gimmick in Pediatric Dentistry. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2017;10(4):319-323.
Comparative Study on Two Variants of Laghupanchamula (A Compound Ayurvedic Formulation) for Important Groups of Phytochemicals and Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Ghildiyal Shivani , Joshi Apurva , Joshi Vinod K
Published: December 2017

Introduction

Laghupanchamula is a compound formulation prepared by combinations of roots of five herbs. Two variants of Laghupanchamula have been described in Ayurvedic classics where beside four common herbs fifth one is either Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris L.) or Eranda (Ricinus communis L.). The objective of the study is to make comparison between two variants of Laghupanchmula with respect to important group of phytochemicals and antioxidant activity to corroborate the science behind their therapeutic utility.

Materials and methods

Standard methods have been followed for quantitative determination of total quantity of phenols, tannins, flavonoids, and flavonols, and in vitro antioxidant activity in variants of Laghupanchmula formulations. Qualitative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis has also been performed to establish presence/absence of important chemical constituents in formulations.

Results

Additional quantity of phenols, tannins, flavonoids, and flavonols has been observed in Laghupanchamula variant containing Eranda than the variant containing Gokshura. Greater antioxidant activity has also been found in formulation containing Eranda. The HPLC analysis revealed the presence of shikimic acid, gallic acid, catechin in both formulations, but rutin has been found only in formulation containing Eranda.

Conclusion

From the results of experiments it has been observed that the formulation containing Eranda has more antioxidant activity as it contains more quantities of phenol, tannins, flavonoids, and flavonols than the formulation containing Gokshura.

How to cite this article

Ghildiyal S, Joshi A, Joshi VK. Comparative Study on Two Variants of Laghupanchamula (A Compound Ayurvedic Formulation) for Important Groups of Phytochemicals and Antioxidant Activity. J Drug Res Ayurvedic Sci 2017;2(3):157-163.
Pharmacological Profile of Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A.Gray: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Upadhyay Sachchida N , Kawlni Lalrinpuia
Published: December 2017

Aim

This review aims to provide an up-to-date overview of pharmacological studies of Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A.Gray. Moreover, the focus of this review is the possible exploitation of this species to treat different diseases and to suggest future investigations.

Background

Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A.Gray is an important medicinal plant whose leaf is the major organ used alone or in combination with other plants for the treatment of a wide variety of ailments. This plant has been a subject of research interest because of its various indigenous medicinal uses in many countries.

Results

Different pharmacological studies on T. deversifolia show that it possesses antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antinociception, analgesic, antidiarrheal, antimalarial, antihyperglycemic, and cancer chemopreventive activities due to the presence of different active constituents.

Conclusion

Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A.Gray extracts and their active constituents should be subjected to detailed mechanistic studies to fully understand the mode of action of the active constituents.

Clinical significance

Till date, there is no scientific literature/data regarding clinical trials of this plant except preclinical studies on different laboratory animals.

How to cite this article

Kawlni L, Bora M, Upadhyay SN, Hazra J. Pharmacological Profile of Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A.Gray: A Comprehensive Review. J Drug Res Ayurvedic Sci 2017;2(3):183-187.
The Effect of Classroom Environment on Achievement in English as a Foreign Language (EFL): A Case Study of Secondary School Students in Gezira State: Sudan
Authors: Attayib Umar Abdul-Majeed
Published: December 2017

Classroom environment plays a significant role in determining students’ level of academic achievement and enhancingtheir holistic growth. For students, the classroom is not just an intellectual space, but also a social, emotional andphysical environment. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of classroom environment on learningEnglish as a foreign language by a group of first grade students at Secondary Schools in Gezira State in the Sudan. Thisstudy indorses the experimental approach to realize its objective. Two groups of students are classified as theExperimental and the Control group and assigned to study under two different classroom environments. TheExperimental group consists of (122) students. These are accommodated in three well renovated classrooms; while theControl group which includes (135) students are assigned to study in non-renovated schools under relatively poorclassroom environments. The two groups are taught the same English language material by teachers with similarqualifications and experiences during the first term of the academic 2016. Scores in the English Final Examination forthe two groups are compared to check the classroom environment effect on the students’ achievement. These scores aretabulated and analysed using descriptive statistics. The results reveal that there are significant differences between theachievements of the Experimental and the Control group in English in favour of the Experimental group who havestudied under favourable classroom conditions. The researcher has also explored the administrators’ and teachers’viewpoints regarding the learning environment in the study zone and its possible impact on students’ achievement inEnglish. The study ends up with some recommendations including conducting further studies on the environmentaleffect on other school subjects and on female students’ achievement.
Identity, Motivation and English Learning in a Japanese Context
Authors: Goharimehr Nooshin
Published: December 2017

Founded upon motivation, identity and self theories, this qualitative case study explored the motivational self systemand identities of Japanese EFL learners and their influence on motivation and English language learning. Data wascollected through online surveys among 22 graduate and undergraduate university students. The survey resultsindicated high motivation, international orientation and positive attitudes toward English language learning. Thethematic analysis of students’ detailed responses to the open-ended questions showed a stronger instrumentalmotivation and lack of desire to join and identify with the English communities and culture. International orientationappeared to be a better measure of motivation as opposed to integrative motivation. Moreover, the learners hadinhibitory factors operating against English learning motivation and speaking practices such as anxiety and lowlinguistic self-confidence. Resistance to new cultural identities or identity conflicts resulted from different culturalcontexts show to be an influencing factor in L2 learning. In sum, combining Gardner’s views on motivation,Norton’s conceptions of identity and Dörnyei's L2 Motivational Self System together with qualitative approachesmight render a deeper understanding of motivational barriers of Japanese EFL learners.
IPF and CPFE—The Two Different Entities or Two Different Presentations of the Same Disease?
Authors: Kwiatkowska Sylwia
Published: December 2017

In this article the co-existence of pulmonary emphysema with lung fibrosis of typical pattern and distribution for usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) was compared with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) alone. Author discusses the etiopathogenesis of these diseases, differences in signaling pathways and the role of senescent cells. Moreover, clinical course, pulmonary function tests as well as main complications are reviewed. However, the lack of well-established diagnostic criteria for CPFE along with mainly retrospective character of the studies make current knowledge about this entity rather deficient.
Runlines distribution in hydromagnetic surveys - case studies
Authors: Kubacka Maria
Published: December 2017

The aim of the paper is to present an appropriate runlines distribution according to the character of the research area. The report contains an overview of the results of hydromagnetic studies carried out by the Maritime Institute in Gdańsk in 2010 – 2017. Hydromagnetic surveys are implemented mainly in the framework of pre-investment studies in order to inventory objects in the bottom of the sea, which can hinder the construction of the subsea installation or affect the technological process of construction. The orientation and distribution of the measurement profiles are determined by the topography of the seabed. Runlines spacing depends on the expected target size which has to be detected during the survey.
Potential protective effect of ovocystatin on aging-related cognitive impairment in rats
Authors: Stańczykiewicz Bartłomiej , Rutkowska Maria , Lemieszewska Marta , Jakubik-Witkowska Marta , Gburek Jakub , Gołąb Krzysztof , Juszczyńska Katarzyna , Trziszka Tadeusz , Rymaszewska Joanna
Published: December 2017

Introduction: Increased occurrence of cognitive deficits in mild cognitive impairment is related with the phenomenon of aging within the population. Cystatin C has been associated with cysteine protease inhibiting properties as well as an induction of autophagy and proliferation that can potentially be used as an adjuvant in the treatment of cognitive decline. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of ovocystatin, which is structurally and biologically similar to cystatin C, on cognitive functions in experimental young and aging rat models.
Material/Methods: The young (four-month-old) and aging (ten-month-old) Wistar Crl: Wi (Han) rats received ovocystatin (i.p.) for 12 days at a dose of 200 and 20 μg/rat, respectively. Cognitive functions were determined using the Morris water maze.
Results: Ovocystatin treatment at a dose of 200 μg/rat improved the performance of old rats in the Morris water maze test via increasing the spent time and the distance traveled in the target zone but the differences were not statistically significant (p>0.05). The results of the study highlight the important role cystatins play in neurodegenerative processes as well as the influence they have on cognitive functions. Furthermore, the obtained findings suggest ovocystatin may be used in the treatment of mild cognitive impairment or cognitive decline in dementia, but further morphological, biochemical and immunohistochemical studies are needed.
Therapeutic processes and personalised care in body oriented psychological therapy for patients with Medically Unexplained Symptoms (MUS)
Authors: Papadopoulos Nina , Burrell Claire , Smith Layla , Röhricht Frank
Published: December 2017

Background: Body oriented psychological therapy (BOPT) for patients with MUS is a new and innovative intervention offering patients an alternative way to engage with and manage their MUS symptoms as well as their emotional responses. Methods: This paper is a qualitative report on a pilot study which took place in a primary care setting. Patients were offered 10 weekly sessions of BOPT in small groups.Results: The qualitative findings suggest that (i) patients responded well to this treatment approach, (ii) they experienced their bodily realities in a more positive way and not just as a source of negativity or pain, (iii) they learnt to manage their symptoms more effectively and (iv) they began to understand the relationship between their bodily symptoms and their emotional state as well as the impact of the one on the other including very poignant themes such as loss and dislocation.Conclusion: BOPT is a useful therapeutic approach in the person-centered care of MUS.
Humanities in Health Editorial
Authors: Soudi Abdesalam , Gooden Shelome , Chang Judy , Kiesling Scott , South-Paul Jeannette
Published: December 2017

No abstract
George Fitchett & Steve Nolan, (eds.). (2015). Spiritual Care in Practice. Case Studies in Healthcare Chaplaincy. An Analysis, Commentary and the Implications for Person-Centered Healthcare. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishing. ISBN 978-84905-976-3
Authors: Miles Andrew
Published: December 2017

No abstract
Trait-based patterns of microbial dynamics in dormancy potential and heterotrophic strategy: case studies of resource-based and post-press succession
Authors: Kearns Patrick J , Shade Ashley
Published: December 2017

Understanding the relationship between microbial community structure and function is a major challenge in microbial ecology. Recent work has shown that community weighted mean 16S rRNA gene copies, as a proxy for heterotrophic growth strategy, is a microbial community trait that decreases predictably over successional trajectories that are underpinned by changes in resource availability. However, it has been challenging to identify other microbial traits that are predictive of community functions and have consistent patterns with succession. Trait-based patterns of secondary succession (e.g., after a disturbance) are less often considered, and these responses may be underpinned by abiotic drivers other than changes in resources. In this perspectives piece, we present hypotheses about microbial traits important for microbial succession in resource-based and post-press disturbance scenarios, as synthesized from previous works and extended within this work. Using four case studies, we compare two traits, heterotrophic strategy and dormancy potential, and two different types of succession, resource-based (endogenous heterotrophic) and post-press. There were decreases in weighted ribosomal operon counts and in dormancy genes over resource-based succession. Both traits also were lower in post-press succession as compared to reference conditions, but increased with time from disturbance. Thus, dormancy potential may be an additional trait that changes predictably with succession. Finally, considering changes in microbial community traits over post-press succession is as important as over resource-based succession. These patterns need be interpreted carefully and reference and recovering samples can be collected to improve interpretation of changes in community traits over post-press succession.
Suspended Sediment Dynamics in the Macrotidal Seine Estuary (France): 2. Numerical Modeling of Sediment Fluxes and Budgets Under Typical Hydrological and Meteorological Conditions
Authors: Schulz E. , Grasso F. , Le Hir P. , Verney R. , Thouvenin B.
Published: December 2017

Understanding the sediment dynamics in an estuary is important for its morphodynamic and ecological assessment as well as, in case of an anthropogenically controlled system, for its maintenance. However, the quantification of sediment fluxes and budgets is extremely difficult from in‐situ data and requires thoroughly validated numerical models. In the study presented here, sediment fluxes and budgets in the lower Seine Estuary were quantified and investigated from seasonal to annual time scales with respect to realistic hydro‐ and meteorological conditions. A realistic three‐dimensional process‐based hydro‐ and sediment‐dynamic model was used to quantify mud and sand fluxes through characteristic estuarine cross‐sections. In addition to a reference experiment with typical forcing, three experiments were carried out and analyzed, each differing from the reference experiment in either river discharge or wind and waves so that the effects of these forcings could be separated. Hydro‐ and meteorological conditions affect the sediment fluxes and budgets in different ways and at different locations. Single storm events induce strong erosion in the lower estuary and can have a significant effect on the sediment fluxes offshore of the Seine Estuary mouth, with the flux direction depending on the wind direction. Spring tides cause significant up‐estuary fluxes at the mouth. A high river discharge drives barotropic down‐estuary fluxes at the upper cross‐sections, but baroclinic up‐estuary fluxes at the mouth and offshore so that the lower estuary gains sediment during wet years. This behavior is likely to be observed worldwide in estuaries affected by density gradients and turbidity maximum dynamics.
Regime‐Dependent Differences in Surface Freshwater Exchange Estimates Over the Ocean
Authors: Wong Sun , Behrangi Ali
Published: December 2017

Differences in gridded precipitation (P), surface evaporation (E), and the resultant surface freshwater exchange (P − E) among different products over the ocean are diagnosed as functions of moisture advection (Qadvt) and moisture tendency by dynamical convergence (Qcnvg). Compared to the GPCP product, the TRMM3B42 product captures higher frequency of precipitation with larger extreme precipitation rates in regimes of deep convection and more light rain detections in regimes of frequent occurrence of boundary layer clouds. Discrepancies in E depend on moisture flux divergence, with the OAFlux product having the largest E in regimes of divergence. Discrepancies in mean P − E in deep convective regimes are highly influenced by differences in precipitation, with the TRMM3B42 product yielding P − E histograms closer to those inferred from the reanalysis moisture flux convergence. In nonconvergent regimes, observation‐based P − E histograms skew toward positive values while the inferred reanalysis histograms are symmetric about the means.
Magnetospheric Multiscale Observations of Electron Scale Magnetic Peak
Authors: Yao S. T. , Shi Q. Q. , Guo R. L. , Yao Z. H. , Tian A. M. , Degeling A. W. , Sun W. J. , Liu J. , Wang X. G. , Zong Q. G. , Zhang H. , Pu Z. Y. , Wang L. H. , Fu S. Y. , Xiao C. J. , Russell C. T. , Giles B. L. , Feng Y. Y. , Xiao T. , Bai S. C. , Shen X. C. , Zhao L. L. , Liu H.
Published: December 2017

The sudden enhancements of magnetic strength, named magnetic peaks (MPs), are often observed in the magnetosheath of magnetized planets. They are usually identified as flux ropes (FRs) or magnetic mirror mode structures. Previous studies of MPs are mostly on the magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) scale. In this study, an electron scale MP is reported in the Earth magnetosheath. We present a typical case with a scale of ~7 electron gyroradii and a duration of ~0.18 s. A strong magnetic disturbance and associated electrical current are detected. Electron vortex is found perpendicular to the magnetic field line and is self‐consist with the peak. We use multipoint spacecraft techniques to determine the propagation velocity of the MP structure and find that the magnetic peak does propagate relative to the plasma (ion) flow. This is very different from the magnetic mirror mode that does not propagate relative to the plasma flow. Furthermore, we developed an efficient method that can effectively distinguish “magnetic bottle like” and “FRs like” structures. The MP presented in this study is identified as magnetic bottle like type. The mechanism to generate the electron scale magnetic bottle like structure is still unclear, suggesting that new theory needs to be developed to understand such small‐scale phenomena.
Variation of Jupiter's Aurora Observed by Hisaki/EXCEED: 3. Volcanic Control of Jupiter's Aurora
Authors: Tao Chihiro , Kimura Tomoki , Tsuchiya Fuminori , Muirakami Go , Yoshioka Kazuo , Yamazaki Atsushi , Badman Sarah V. , Misawa Hiroaki , Kita Hajime , Kasaba Yasumasa , Yoshikawa Ichiro , Fujimoto Masaki
Published: December 2017

Temporal variation of Jupiter's northern aurora during enhanced Io volcanic activity was detected using the EXCEED spectrometer on board the Hisaki Earth‐orbiting planetary space telescope. It was found that in association with reported Io volcanic events in early 2015, auroral power and estimated field‐aligned currents were enhanced during day of year 40–120. Furthermore, the far ultraviolet color ratio decreased during the event, indicating a decrease of auroral electron mean energy and total acceleration by <30%. During the episode of enhanced Io volcanic activity, Jupiter's magnetosphere contains more source current via increased suprathermal plasma density by up to 42%; therefore, it would have required correspondingly less electron acceleration to maintain the enhanced field‐aligned current and corotation enforcement current. Sporadic large enhancements in auroral emission detected more frequently during the active period could have been contributed by nonadiabatic magnetospheric energization.