bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Depression in children with thalassemia major: prevalence and contributing factors
Authors: Venty Venty , Rismarini Rismarini , Puspitasari Dian , Kesuma Yudianita , Indra Raden Muhammad
Published: February 2019

Background Thalassemia major is a chronic disease requiring lifetime treatment. A recent study showed that 11-62% of thalassemia patients developed depression, which is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Understanding the extent of the problem related to depression and its contributing factors is important for early management.

Objective To determine the prevalence and contributing factors for depression in children with thalassemia major.

Methods This cross-sectional observational analytic study included thalassemia major patients aged 7 to <18 years in the Department of Child Health, Dr. Moh. Hoesin General Hospital (RSMH) in Palembang from June to July 2018 and had received blood transfusions at least 3 times. Subjects completed the Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI) questionnaire. Depression was defined as a total score > 13. Data were analyzed using SPSS for Windows ver. 22.0.

Results There were 64 patients included in this study, with mean age 12 (SD 3) years and 82.8% female. Most subjects came from families with low socio-economic status and low parental education. Deferiprone was the most commonly used type of iron-chelating agent. Depression was detected in 34.4% of respondents. Multivariate analysis revealed that factors affecting depression in children with thalassemia major were low maternal education (OR 4.014; 95%CI 1.066 to 15.112) and use of deferasirox (OR 4.129; 95%CI 1.168 to 14.601).

Conclusion Prevalence of depression in children with thalassemia major is 34.4%. Low maternal education and deferasirox use as an iron-chelating agent are associated with depression in children with thalassemia major.
Immunotherapy and probiotic treatment for allergic rhinitis in children
Authors: Sumadiono Sumadiono , Satria Cahya Dewi , Mardhiah Nurul , Susanti Grace Iva
Published: February 2019

Background Allergic rhinitis is a global health problem that is increasing in prevalence. Many kinds of therapy have been tried, such as antihistamines, probiotics, and immunotherapy. Immunotherapy may restore the patient’s normal immunity against the specific allergen, while probiotics may modify the natural course of allergy.

Objective To evaluate probiotics and immunotherapy for improving clinical symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

Methods This randomized controlled trial (RCT) involved 64 patients, aged 3-18 years, and diagnosed with persistent allergic rhinitis in the Department of Child Health, Sardjito General Hospital from April 2016 until May 2017. Patients were randomly allocated into three therapy groups: group A (standard therapy/cetirizine only), group B (standard and probiotic therapy), and group C (standard therapy and immunotherapy). Clinical symptoms of allergic rhinitis including sneezing, rhinorrhea, and itchy nose, were evaluated for 7 weeks and classified as improved or not improved. The significance of the data was analyzed using proportion test.

Results Sixty-four patients completed 7 weeks of therapy, 15 subjects in group A, 26 in group B, and 23 in group C. Group C showed significantly more improvement of sneezing and rhinorrhea compared to both group A (Z=5.71; Z=7.57, respectively) and group B (Z=2.82; Z=6.90, respectively). However, itchy nose was not significantly improved in group C compared to group B (Z=0.50), but was significantly improved in group C compared to group A (Z=10.91). Group B had significant improvement of sneezing, rhinorrhea, and itchy nose compared to group A (Z=3.81, Z=2.86, and Z=10.91, respectively).

Conclusion The combined standard-immunotherapy group has significantly superior improvement compared to the combined standard-probiotic group and the standard therapy group, in terms of sneezing and rhinorrhea in children with persistent allergic rhinitis.
The Effect of Sensory Innervation on the Inorganic Component of Bones and Teeth; Experimental Denervation – Review
Authors: Němec Ivo , Smrčka Václav , Pokorný Jaroslav
Published: February 2019

The effect of the nervous system on bone remodelling has been described by many studies. Sensory and autonomic nerves are present in the bone. Immunohistochemical analysis of the bone have indicated the presence of neuropeptides and neurotransmitters that act on bone cells through receptors. Besides carrying sensory information, sensory neurons produce various neuropeptides playing an important role in maintaining bone and tooth pulp homeostasis, and dentin formation. Bone tissue and teeth contain organic and inorganic components. Bone cells enable bone mineralization and ensure its formation and resorption. Studies focused on the effects of the nervous system on the bone are proceeded using various ways. Sensory denervation itself can be achieved using capsaicin causing chemical lesion to the nerve. Surgical ways of causing only sensory lesion to nerves are substantially limited because many peripheral nerves are mixed and contain a motor component as well. From this point of view, the experimental model with transection of inferior alveolar nerve is appropriate. This nerve provides sensory innervation of the bone and teeth of the mandible. The purpose of our paper is to provide an overview of the effects exerted by the nervous system on the inorganic component of the bone and teeth, and also to present an overview of the used experimental models. As we assume, the transection of inferior alveolar nerve could be reflected in changed contents and distribution of chemical elements in the bone and teeth of rat mandible. This issue has not been studied so far.
Comparison of Three Surgical Techniques in Pilonidal Sinus Surgery
Authors: Kartal Abdulcabbar , Aydın Hüseyin Onur , Oduncu Mehmet , Ferhatoğlu Murat Ferhat , Kıvılcım Taner , Filiz Ali İlker
Published: February 2019

Our study aims to compare the surgical outcome of Limberg transposition flap, Karydakis flap, and primary closure after excision to treat sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus disease. A total of 634 patients with pilonidal sinus who underwent surgery were evaluated retrospectively from January 2014 to January 2016. The patients were divided into three groups. Limberg transposition flap (LTF) was performed in 131 patients (group 1), Karydakis flap (KF) was performed in 232 patients (group 2) and primary closure (PC) after excision was performed in 271 patients (group 3). Patient demographics, operative and postoperative outcomes were recorded and analyzed retrospectively. The mean age (p=0.98), sex ratio (p=0.74) and removed sinus volume (p=0.67) were not statistically different between groups. Mean operative time was 54.3 ± 6.4 min for group 1, 46.8 ± 10.5 min for group 2, and 26.9 ± 5.8 min for group 3 respectively (p=0.01). When the length of hospital stay was compared, there was a significant difference in favor of primary closure (p=0.01). Regarding early surgical complication, Karydakis flap technique was superior to other groups (p<0.001). The recurrent rate was higher in the primary closure group (p<0.001). In our study, the primary closure method regarding the duration of surgery and hospitalization; Karydakis method regarding postoperative complications (seroma, hematoma, wound dissociation, infection, recurrence) were superior to the other two methods.
The Age Dependent Progression of Hajdu-Cheney Syndrome in Two Families
Authors: Jirečková Jitka , Magner Martin , Lambert Lukáš , Baxová Alice , Leiská Alena , Kopečková Lenka , Fajkusová Lenka , Zeman Jiří
Published: February 2019

Hajdu-Cheney syndrome (HCS) is a rare multi-system disease with autosomal dominant inheritance and skeletal involvement, resulting mostly in craniofacial dysmorphy with mid-face hypoplasia, dental anomalies, short stature, scoliosis, shortening of the digits and nail beds, acro-osteolysis and osteoporosis. We report the progression of clinical and radiographic findings in five patients with Hajdu-Cheney syndrome from two families. A custom capture array designed to capture exons and adjacent intron sequences of 230 selected genes were used for molecular analyses, and the pathogenic variants identified were confirmed by PCR and Sanger sequencing. In both families we observed age-dependent changes in the disease, with a progression of pain in older patients, a shortening of digits and nail beds on both the hands and feet, kyphoscoliosis and the persistence of Wormian bones in lambdoid sutures. Molecular analyses performed in two patients revealed that they are heterozygotes for a c.6255T>A (p.Cys2085*) variant in the NOTCH2 gene, resulting in a premature stop-codon. Bone mineral density (Z-score < –2) did not improved in a girl treated with calcium and vitamin D supplementation during childhood and bisphosphonate during adolescence. Hajdu-Cheney syndrome is a slowly progressive disease with a frequently unfavourable prognosis in elderly patients, especially for the development of dental anomalies, osteoporosis and the progression of skeletal complications requiring orthopedic surgeries.
Generalized special functions in the description of fractional diffusive equations
Authors: Cesarano Clemente
Published: February 2019

Starting from the heat equation, we discuss some fractional generalizations of various forms. We propose a method useful for analytic or numerical solutions. By using Hermite polynomials of higher and fractional order, we present some operational techniques to find general solutions of extended form to d'Alembert and Fourier equations. We also show that the solutions of the generalized equations discussed here can be expressed in terms of Hermite-based functions.
On the Ramanujan–Petersson conjecture for modular forms of half-integral weight
Authors: Gun Sanoli , Kohnen Winfried
Published: February 2019

We investigate the (still unknown) Ramanujan–Petersson conjecture about the growth of the Fourier coefficients of cusp forms of half-integral weight and prove that it is optimal, at least for newforms in the plus space.
Iterative rational least squares fitting
Authors: Amato Umberto , Della Vecchia Biancamaria
Published: February 2019

A progressive iterative approximation technique for rational least squares fitting curves is developed. The format is interesting in CAGD (Computer Aided Geometric Design) and improves the recent algorithms. An improved chord method for the root finding based on rational operators is also presented.
Performance Analysis of Relay Assisted Multihop Coherant OFDM System over Malaga Distribution with Pointing Errors
Authors: Balaji K. A. , Praveen Bagadi Kala
Published: February 2019

This paper presents a multi-hop coherent orthogonal frequency division multiplexing free space optical communication system (OFDM-FSO) model which includes a relay transmission mode of decode and forward (DF) over Malaga disrubution (M) and we analyse the results by deriving mathematical expressions for average bit error rate (BER) and outage probability. And the FSO link is characterized by path loss, pointing errors and atmospheric turbulence and also weather conditions like clear air, haze, light fog have been considered in the channel model. The BER and outage probability of the proposed system are examined including the effects of pointing errors and weather conditions. From this work, we can justify that with multi-hop configuration coverage area and signal power improves which bolsters the usage of relay in FSO communication for efficient and reliable system design.
The Impact of Ronald Coase’s “Nature of the Firm” on my Research Agenda on Overseas Chinese Merchants in Southeast Asia
Authors: Landa Janet Tai
Published: February 2019

Ronald Coase (1937), in his article “Nature of the Firm,” argued that if the price mechanism is used, a factor of production (owner of the firm) would need to negotiate a series of contracts separately with each of the factors with whom he is co-operating; these contract negotiation costs could be reduced by organizing a firm because the owner-entrepreneur of the firm is able to direct resources within the firm, hence saving some transaction costs. Furthermore, Coase used a von Thünen concentric circles diagram to depict a single-product firm, as it expands, grows into a multi-product firm. My theory of the ethnically homogeneous [Chinese] middleman group/EHMG (Landa 1981), argued that the EHMG is an organization which reduces the transaction costs of contract enforcement. Using a von Thünen concentric circles diagram, I showed how a rational trader chooses his trading partners, moving from the innermost circle (most trusted partners) outwards to the ethnic boundary as he expands the size of this trading network. The aggregative result of all rational traders’ choice of trading partners is the spontaneous emergence of the EHMG. My 1981 papers together with subsequent published papers on the EHMG have been reprinted in my book, Economic Success of Chinese Merchants in Southeast Asia (Landa 2016); these papers created the “Economics of Identity,” a new subfield, while carrying on the Coasian transaction costs tradition.
Switching off PAE wet strength
Authors: Yang Dong , Sotra Alexander , Pelton Robert H.
Published: February 2019

The wet strength of cellulose-cellulose joints, reinforced with PAE-loaded microgels, was decreased by nearly a factor of two when the labile disulfide crosslinks on the supporting microgels were exposed to a reducing agent. The supporting microgels were temperature and pH sensitive poly(N-isopropylmethacrylamide-co-acrylic acid) microgels, prepared with a disulfide crosslinker. The level of PAE loading increased with the microgel carboxyl content. This work illustrates a new approach to increasing the recyclability and compostability of wet-strength papers made with PAE wet-strength resin.
Role of Human Ventromedial Prefrontal Cortex in Learning and Recall of Enhanced Extinction
Authors: Dunsmoor Joseph E. , Kroes Marijn C.W. , Li Jian , Daw Nathaniel D. , Simpson Helen B. , Phelps Elizabeth A.
Published: February 2019

Standard fear extinction relies on the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) to form a new memory given the omission of threat. Using fMRI in humans, we investigated whether replacing threat with novel neutral outcomes (instead of just omitting threat) facilitates extinction by engaging the vmPFC more effectively than standard extinction. Computational modeling of associability (indexing surprise strength and dynamically modulating learning rates) characterized skin conductance responses and vmPFC activity during novelty-facilitated but not standard extinction. Subjects who showed faster within-session updating of associability during novelty-facilitated extinction also expressed better extinction retention the next day, as expressed through skin conductance responses. Finally, separable patterns of connectivity between the amygdala and ventral versus dorsal mPFC characterized retrieval of novelty-facilitated versus standard extinction memories, respectively. These results indicate that replacing threat with novel outcomes stimulates vmPFC involvement on extinction trials, leading to a more durable long-term extinction memory.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTPsychiatric disorders characterized be excessive fear are a major public health concern. Popular clinical treatments, such as exposure therapy, are informed by principles of Pavlovian extinction. Thus, there is motivation to optimize extinction strategies in the laboratory so as to ultimately develop more effective clinical treatments. Here, we used functional neuroimaging in humans and found that replacing (rather than just omitting) expected aversive events with novel and neutral outcomes engages the ventromedial prefrontal cortex during extinction learning. Enhanced extinction also diminished activity in threat-related networks (e.g., the insula, thalamus) during immediate extinction and a 24 h extinction retention test. This is new evidence for how behavioral protocols designed to enhance extinction affects neurocircuitry underlying the learning and retention of extinction memories.
THERMAL PROPERTIES AND ESTIMATED GLYCEMIC INDEX OF DIFFERENT COMPOSITE FLOURS AND THEIR GLUTEN-FREE BREAD MAKING PERFORMANCES
Authors: YILDIRIM Aslı , ŞAHİN NADEEM Hilal
Published: February 2019

This study aimed to investigate
thermal properties and estimated glycemic index of various gluten-free flours
(rice, chestnut, chickpea and bean). Gluten-free bread was prepared by mixing
chestnut, chickpea and bean flours with rice flour at different ratio (0:100,
25:75, 50:50) using straight dough bread making process. Bean flour reflected
the lower estimated glycemic index as compared to the other gluten-free flours.
The chestnut-rice flour (50:50) bread exhibited
the highest texture firmness after 8 days of storage, followed by the rice
flour bread. Chestnut-rice flour (25:75) bread was the swellest
comparatively. Future studies may be focused on developing the sensorial
characteristics of gluten-free breads prepared from chickpea and bean flours.
YAZILI, GÖRSEL VE SOSYAL MEDYADA GIDA İLE İLGİLİ BİLGİ KİRLİLİĞİNİN HALKIN GIDA TERCİHİ ÜZERİNE ETKİLERİ
Authors: SAĞLAM KÜBRA , GÜMÜŞ Tuncay
Published: February 2019

Teknolojinin gelişmesi, sanayileşme, eğitim düzeyinin,
ekonomik ve sosyal refahın artması insanların gıdalara ve sağlıklı beslenmeye
olan ilgisini arttırmıştır. Ancak doğru ve yeterli bilgi sahibi olmayan
kişilerce yapılan yanlış açıklamalar tüketicide kafa karışıklığına neden
olabilmektedir. Bu çalışma, beslenme ile ilgili halkın bilinç düzeyini ölçmek,
günümüzün en büyük sorunlarından biri haline gelen bilgi kirliğinin ortadan
kaldırılması ve doğru bilginin doğru uzman kaynağından elde edilebilmesi
konusunda halkın bilinçlendirilmesi amacıyla yapılmıştır. Bu amaçla, sosyal
medya üzerinden toplumun farklı kesimlerinden, farklı bölge ve eğitim düzeyinden
toplam 616 kişi ile anket yapılmış ve sonuçlar SPSS.20 programı ile
değerlendirilmiştir. Araştırma sonuçlarına göre, tüketici doğru bilgi kaynağını
bilemediğinden özellikle medyadaki bilgi kirliliğinin, onların beslenme
konusunda çok daha büyük yanlışlar yapmasına yol açtığı tespit edilmiştir.
Yazılı, görsel ve sosyal medyada gıda ile ilgili yorumların alanında uzman olan
kişiler tarafından yapılması dolayısıyla halkın doğru bilgi kaynaklarına
yönlendirilmesi çok önemlidir.
Weight gain decreases elevated plasma ghrelin concentrations of patients with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Otto B , Cuntz U , Fruehauf E , Wawarta R , Folwaczny C , Riepl RL , Heiman ML , Lehnert P , Fichter M , Tschop M
Published: February 2019

OBJECTIVE: Ghrelin is a new gastric hormone that has been identified as an endogenous ligand for the growth hormone (GH) secretagogue receptor subtype 1a (GHS-R1a). Ghrelin administration however not only stimulates GH secretion but also induces adiposity in rodents by increasing food intake and decreasing fat utilization. We hypothesized that impaired ghrelin secretion in anorexia nervosa may be involved in the pathogenesis of this eating disorder. To examine this hypothesis and to further investigate the role for ghrelin in regulating energy homeostasis, we analyzed circulating ghrelin levels in patients with anorexia nervosa and examined possible correlations with clinical parameters before and after weight gain. METHODS: Plasma ghrelin levels were measured in overnight fasting plasma samples from 36 female patients with anorexia nervosa (age: 25.0+/-1.2 years, BMI: 15.2+/-0.2 kg/m(2)) before and after weight gain following psychotherapeutic treatment intervention in a psychosomatic institution. Plasma ghrelin levels were also measured in fasting plasma samples from 24 age-matched female controls (31+/-1.4 years, BMI: 22.9+/-0.45 kg/m(2)). For quantification of ghrelin levels a commercially available radioimmunoassay (Phoenix Pharmaceuticals, USA) was used. RESULTS: Fasting plasma ghrelin levels in anorectic patients were significantly higher (1057+/-95 pg/ml) than in normal age-matched female controls (514+/-63 pg/ml n=24, P=0.02). Therapeutic intervention in a psychosomatic institution caused an BMI increase of 14% (P<0.001) leading to a significant decrease in circulating ghrelin levels of 25%, (P=0.001). A significant negative correlation between Deltaghrelin and DeltaBMI was observed (correlation coefficient: -0.47, P=0.005, n=36). CONCLUSION: We show for the first time that fasting plasma levels of the novel appetite-modulating hormone ghrelin are elevated in anorexia nervosa and return to normal levels after partial weight recovery. These observations suggest the possible existence of ghrelin resistance in cachectic states such as caused by eating disorders. Future studies are necessary to investigate putative mechanisms of ghrelin resistance such as a possible impairment of intracellular ghrelin receptor signaling in pathophysiological states presenting with cachexia.
Comparison by Real-Time Hemodynamic and Cardiac Efficiency Monitoring of Sufentanil-Midazolam and Sevoflurane for Anesthesia Induction in Children Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Study
Authors: Han Ding , Liu Ya-Guang , Pan Shou-Dong , Luo Yi , Li Jia , Ou-Yang Chuan
Published: February 2019

Background: Intravenous sufentanil-midazolam and inhalational sevoflurane are widely used for anesthetic induction in children undergoing cardiac surgery. However, knowledge about their effects on hemodynamics and cardiac efficiency remains limited due largely to the lack of direct monitoring method. We used a minimally invasive technique, the pressure recording analytical method (PRAM), to directly monitor hemodynamics and cardiac efficiency, and compared the effects of the two anesthetic regimens in children undergoing ventricular septal defect repair.
Methods: Forty-four children (2.3 ± 0.9 years) were randomized into two groups to receive either intravenous sufentanil (1 µg/kg) and midazolam (0.2 mg/kg) (Group SM) or 2.0 MAC sevoflurane (Group S) to complete induction after sedation was obtained with 2.0 MAC sevoflurane. Systemic hemodynamic data recorded by PRAM included heart rate (HR), systolic (SBP) and mean (MBP) blood pressure, stroke volume index (SVI), cardiac index (CI), systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI), the maximal slope of systolic upstroke (dp/dtmax) and cardiac cycle efficiency (CCE) after sedation obtained; 1, 2, and 5 minutes after induction achieved; 1, 2, 5, and 10 minutes after intubation.
Results: HR and SVRI showed a decrease in Group SM but an increase in Group S (Ptime*group < 0.0001) in the study period. SVI and CCE showed an increase in Group SM but a decrease in Group S (Ptime*group < 0.0001). SBP, MBP, and CI were related to time after polynomial transformation, showing an increase after intubation in Group SM but a decrease in Group S (Ptime2*group < 0.0001).
Conclusion: PRAM provides meaningful and direct monitoring of hemodynamic parameters as well as cardiac efficiency during the dynamic period of anesthetic induction in children undergoing cardiac surgery. As compared to inhalational sevoflurane, intravenous sufentanil-midazolam exerts more favorable effects on systemic hemodynamics and cardiac efficiency during anesthetic induction in this group of patients.
El devenir inhumano en El desván, de Ramón H. Jurado
Authors: Burgos Pérez Fernando
Published: February 2019

En este análisis de la novela El desván, de Ramón Jurado, se discute el concepto de devenir inhumano en cuanto crítica del positivismo. Apuntando a sus diferencias, se explica que la obra de Francisco Clarck, A través del tormento es el referente de El desván. Se comenta el efecto en la novela de Jurado de referentes como La náusea de Sartre, El pozo de Onetti, y El extranjero de Camus, novelas que constituyeron un trasfondo significativo para la plasmación existencialista de la obra de Jurado. Finalmente, se estudia el invasivo elemento de lo libidinal en la novela.
Erotismo indio en «Las mareas vuelven de noche», de Yolanda Oreamuno
Authors: Camacho Arias Ariadne , Solano Moraga Sigrid
Published: February 2019

Este estudio se refiere al tema del erotismo oriental (el de India), en «Las mareas vuelven de noche», de la escritora costarricense Yolanda Oreamuno. El cuento relata el encuentro entre una mujer oriental y un hombre occidental, que trata la experiencia de erotismo ligado al contexto indio. Se analiza la fusión entre los amantes en un solo ser que intenta la trascendencia; en el relato, el erotismo está constituido por escenarios palpables a través de los sentidos que refuerzan el carácter espiritual, etéreo y divinizante de la unión amorosa.
Landau effective Hamiltonian and its application to magnetic systems
Authors: Haponenko K. M. , Sokolovsky A. I.
Published: February 2019

The Landau definition of the effective Hamiltonian (of the nonequilibrium free energy) is realized in a microscopic theory. According to Landau remark, the consideration is based on classical statistical mechanics. In his approach nonequilibrium states coinciding with equilibrium fluctuations are taken into account (the Onsager principle). The definition leads to the exact fulfillment of the Boltzmann principle written in the form with the complete free energy. The considered system is assumed to consist of two subsystems. The first subsystem is an equilibrium one. The second subsystem is a nonequilibrium one and its state is described by quantities that are considered as order parameters. The effective Hamiltonian is calculated near equilibrium in the form of a series in powers of deviations of the order parameters from their equilibrium values. The coefficients of the series are expressed through equilibrium correlation functions of the order parameters. In the final approximation correlations of six and more order parameters are neglected and correlations of four parameters are assumed to be small that leads to the corresponding perturbation theory. The developed theory is compared with the phenomenological Landau theory of phase transitions of the second kind. The obtained results are concretized for paramagnetic-ferromagnetic system. The consideration is restricted by paramagnetic phase.
Electrophysical characteristics of the near-surface layer of semiconductor ceramics for ZnO varistors
Authors: Lavrov R. I. , Kolbunov V. R. , Bashev V. F.
Published: February 2019

Electrophysical properties of near-surface layer of ZnO varistor ceramics forming during high-temperature annealing in oxidizing gaseous atmosphere are studied. Microstructure of near-surface layer and its electrical properties have features which are determined by an increased concentration of oxygen at surface of pressed ceramic billets in comparison with bulk during annealing. From the data of electron raster microscopy of cross-chipping of varistors, it is defined that the average value of thickness of near-surface layer is 40 μm. It is found that the specific resistivity value of near-surface layer is 5.3·1012 Ω·cm. The electrical capacitance of near-surface layer is calculated from capacitance measurement data for varistors  containing such layer under two electrodes and without layers. It is shown that the electrical capacitance of near-surface layer exceeds that of varistor by more than an order. Conclusion is made that the near-surface layer gives a weak contribution to dielectric properties of ZnO varistor ceramics. However contribution of this layer to electrical conductivity of ceramics in pre-breakdown region is significant.
Mark Stoll, Inherit the Holy Mountain: Religion and the Rise of American Environmentalism
Authors: LeVasseur Todd
Published: February 2019

Mark Stoll, Inherit the Holy Mountain: Religion and the Rise of American Environmentalism, (New York: Oxford University Press, 2015), 406 pp., $39.95 (hbk), ISBN: 978-0-19-023086-9.
From Pilgrim Landscape to ‘Pilgrim Road’
Authors: Nath Nivedita
Published: February 2019

The pan-Indian pilgrimages to the char dhams (four holy abodes) of the Garhwal Himalayas were deeply ecological and sensorial experiences in the pre-colonial era. Drawing on archival research, I trace how colonial schemes, together with the enterprises of modern Hindu institutions, engendered significant changes to the ethos of this yatra (pilgrimage). Colonial administrators imagined the thinking, acting, and sensate personae of the pilgrims as simply suffering bodies. Officials implemented road works, forestry, and conservancy arrangements in ways that exacerbated inequalities of class and caste in the pilgrimage. State gazetteers and neo-Hindu guidebooks alike privileged a high-Hindu, upper-caste narration of the significance of the yatra. I argue that the locus of the sacred increasingly shifted away from pilgrims' ephemeral encounters with the natural world toward the precincts of temples. I contend that in the postcolonial context, this historical trajectory helps explain ongoing government plans to build 'all-weather highways' to link the char dhams.
Ritual Matters
Authors: Davy Barbara Jane , Quilley Stephen
Published: February 2019

Karl Polanyi (1944, 1968) argued that the 'disembedding' of the economy from society entailed a curtailment of social constraints on economic transactions. This disembedding coincided with what Max Weber (1946) called disenchantment, and the erosion of cognitive-experiential reciprocity between humans and nature. Following Lynn White Jr. (1967), many scholars of religion and ecology have argued that losing the sense of divinity immanent in the world caused the modern devaluation of nature. But the loss of ritual practices is key to this. Integrating Roy Rappaport's (1968, 1979, 1999) understanding of the regulative ecological functions of ritual with a processual understanding of ontology following Norbert Elias (1939, 1978, 1989) suggests that reviving ritual gifting practices may be a vehicle for ecological conscience formation and the social-ecological transformation of modern society. Removing the rituals surrounding the giving of gifts removed crucial informal governance structures from pre-modern cultures, resulting in a general collapse of meaning structures in modern market societies, producing a pervasive individualized ontology and what Elias (1991) called 'the society of individuals'. A revival of ritual gifting practices that re-enchant human relations with other than human persons, such as found in what Graham Harvey (2006, 2016) has called 'the new animism', may revive relational ontology and shift modern society toward a more sustainable path by re-embedding the economy in society.
CATALYTIC CONDITIONS OF FUCOIDAN DEGRADING ENZYMES FROM VASTICARDIUM FLAVUM
Authors: Khanh Huynh Hoang Nhu , Trang Vo Thi Dieu , Thinh Pham Duc , San Pham Trung
Published: February 2019

The fucoidanase from the digestive glands of the marine shell Vasticardium flavum was studied. The fucoidanase catalysed the hydrolysis of 1→3-L-fucan from sea cucumbers Stichopus variegatus, Holothuria spinifera, did not catalyze the hydrolysis of fucoidan from F. evanescens and F. vesiculosus containing alternating α-1→4 and α-1→3 glycoside bonds. This enzyme also did not catalyze the hydrolysis of fucoidan from U. pinnatifida, S. mcclurei, which belong to the galactofucan group. Optima of pH and time incubation were at 3-4 and 24 hours, respectively. The enzyme activity was significantly increased in the presence of the Ca2+, Ba2+, Co2+ and Mg2+ cations, but the Cu2+, Sn2+, Fe2+ and Al3+ cations partially inactivated the enzyme. The enzyme was completely inactivated after 5 min of incubation at 65° C.
ACUTE AND SUBACUTE TOXIC STUDY ON MICE OF GLIPIZIDE SYNTHESIZED IN VIET NAM
Authors: Bui Thi Thoi , Ngo Dai Quang , Tran Van Loc , Tran Van Chien , Nguyen Thi Nga , Do Thi Thao
Published: February 2019

Glipizide is a second generation of sulfonylurea with promising hypoglycemic activity. It acts by stimulating the release of insulin from β-cells of pancreas. Glipizide is absorbed rapidly, uniformly with good mean oral bioavailability. It offers several advantages such as swift and short action, high potency and also does not accumulate in plasma on repeated oral administration. In this paper we report the acute and subacute toxicity of glipizide on BALB/c albino mice. The results showed the safety of our synthesized products.
A METHOD TO DESIGN VIBRATORY BOWL FEEDER BY USING FEM MODAL ANALYSIS
Authors: Nam Le Giang , Mui Nguyen Van , Tu Dang Anh
Published: February 2019

This paper presented a digital simulation study, using the finite element method with modal analysis on the ANSYS Workbench platform, to determine the fundamental frequencies of the mechanical system and to affirm the design and manufacture parameters of the vibratory bowl feeders. Then an experiment was conducted to verify the results. The results suggest that the simulation model can be used to identify parameters of the bowl’s structure before the device is manufactured.
Evaluation of the genetic diversity of  Huperzia serrate  by rapd markers
Authors: Huong Ho Thi , Linh Ngo Thi Thuy , Anh Le Thi Lan , Thuy Le Thi Bich
Published: February 2019

Huperzia serrata, a valuable pharmaceutical plant distributed in Lao Cai (Northwest Vietnam) and Lam Dong (Central Highlands of Vietnam), is known as pharmaceutical materials for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. As a result of over-exploitation and habitat fragmentation, H. serrata has become a threatened plant in Vietnam, China and other countries around the world. For the understanding of population dynamics, adaptation, evolution and conservation of plant species in general and H. serrata in particular, the evaluation of genetic diversity is very important. In this study, a total of sixteen RAPD primers were used for evaluation of the genetic diversity of eight  H. serrata samples collected from different locations of Sa Pa and Da Lat. Overall, sixteen markers generated a total of 70 fragments in 8 collected samples of H. serrata. Of seventy generated fragments, 44 were found to be polymorphic. The number of fragments of each primer ranged from 1 to 8 with an average of 4,4 fragments per primer. The OPB20 primer revealed the highest polymorphism, while the OPB15, OPB17 and OPC12 primers gave the lowest. Polymorphism information content (PIC) values varied from 0.5266 to 0.8624 with an average of 0.7182, in which the highest value belonged to OPB11 primer while the OPC10 primer showed the lowest PIC value. The dendrogram created based on RAPD data sheet divided the investigated strain into two major groups corresponding to their habitat: Group I included three Da Lat samples (DL1, DL2, DL3) and Group II consisted of five samples from Sa Pa (SP1, Sp2, SP3, Sp4, and SP5). The results of our study could be useful for the conservation and development of H. serrata.
Effects of phosphorus in the wastewater from intensive catfish farming ponds on the growth and phosphorus uptake of  Hymenachne acutigluma  (Stued.)
Authors: Kieu Le Diem , Nguyen Pham Quoc , Nguyen Pham Quoc , Tuoi Tran Thi , Tuoi Tran Thi , Trang Ngo Thuy Diem , Trang Ngo Thuy Diem
Published: February 2019

Hymenachne aquatic grass, Hymenachne acutigluma was planted in the wastewater from intensive striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) cultivating ponds containing 2.1 mg N/L, which was enriched with a serious of inorganic phosphorus concentrations. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with three replications in the net house for 42 days. The results showed that P concentrations did not significantly affect the growth of Hymenachne. The presence of high P concentrations resulted in the increase of P content in plant tissues leading to higher phosphorus absorption at the P levels of 8 and 10 mg P/L. H. acutigluma removed 12.1–27.6% P from 88.3–95.9% P in the wastewater of striped catfish pond. This result indicated the low concentrations of N (2.1 mg N/L) and of 1–10 mg P/L were not optimal for the growth of H. acutigluma.Hymenachne acutigluma, intensive striped catfish, wastewater, phosphorus, biomass, nutrient uptake.
New records of bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) from Cu Lao Cham and Ly Son archipelagos, central Vietnam
Authors: Thong Vu Dinh , Loi Dao Nhan , Luong Nguyen Thanh , Huy Hoang Quoc , Thanh Hoang Trung
Published: February 2019

Cu Lao Cham and Ly Son are two well-known archipelagos of Vietnam for their specular landscapes and varied ecosystems including forest, cave, and agriculture. However, their bat fauna has received little attention. Between July 2017 and August 2018, we conducted a series of mammal surveys with emphasis on bats of the two archipelagos. Bats were captured by mist nets and harp traps. Echolocation calls of microchiropteran species were recorded using the PCTape system then analysed by Selena software. With reference to all available literatures and specimens from the recent surveys, we obtained confirmed records of 9 bat species from Cu Lao Cham and 3 species from Ly Son. Of these, Megaderma spasma and Taphozous melanopogon are new to Cu Lao Cham while Rhinolophus macrotis is new to Ly Son. These three species were rarely recorded from other islands of Vietnam and also uncommon within Cu Lao Cham and Ly Son. These new records not only expand the known distributional range, but also provide worthwhile notes on a narrow geographical variation in morphology and echolocation of each species.
Short communication: A survey on parasitoids of rice pest insects in Sisophon, Northwest Cambodia
Authors: Long Khuat Dang , Try Yorn
Published: February 2019

Of the total nine hymenopteran parasitic wasps revealed from rice paddy in Sisophon, Northwest Cambodia, there are six larval braconid parasitoids: Apanteles cypris Nixon, Bracon onukii Watanabe, Dolochogenidea agilis Ashmead, Pentatermus striatus (Szepligeti), Taiwanhormius sp., Tropobracon luteus Cameron (Braconidae); two pupal ichneumonid species: Casinaria colacae Sonan, Xanthopimla flavolineata Cameron (Ichneumonidae), and one egg scelionid parasitoid: Telenomus rowani Gahan (Scelionidae). Additionally, all the species were recorded for the first time for Cambodia’s fauna.
Visualization and simulation of structural dynamics of natural broad-leaved evergreen forest at Xuan Son national park
Authors: Dung Nguyen Tien
Published: February 2019

This research was conducted at Xuan Son National Park, the data was collected on 03 permanent plots, the area of each permanent plot is 1 ha. The data collection has been conducted in the period from 2012 to 2018. The trees are classified into diameter categories of 5 cm starting from 10 cm. The structural simulation model consists of two groups of system elements including: state elements (number of trees categorized by diameter size), intermediate elements (tree density, entering and outgoing tree number of diameter categories, number of died trees of different diameter categories, number of regenerating trees). The processes of forest dynamics (regeneration of trees, change of tree number and natural death of diameter categories) were simulated through an simulation scheme in MM&S Software. The interaction is defined through regression equations: Correlation between the number of regenerating trees and the number of existing trees (R-N0), correlation between the number of diameter-category-changing trees and the number of trees at particular diameter category (Ok-Nk), correlation between the number of died trees and the number of trees at particular diameter category (Mk-Nk). The suitable regression equations (that are selected based on the results of statistic analysis) were input into the model in the simulation diagram in MM&S Software. The model in the simulation diagram has been ran, the graph was created from the results of model running to show the tendencies of the change of the tree diameter categories in time and to see the correlation between the changes of the tree diameter categories of the system. The model was exported from the simulation diagram into text file for illustration.
Identification of nutrient composition of some isolated microalgae from mangroves of Xuan Thuy national park
Authors: Tuan Le Xuan , Hang Tran Thi Minh
Published: February 2019

Microalgae species, such as Amphiprora alata, Chaetoceros muelleri, Nannochloropsis oculata, Navicula tuscula and Chlorella vulgaris from mangrove area of Xuan Thuy National Park are usually used as food sources for fishes, shrimps and bivalves and very environment friendly. The samples of these microalgae were enriched, isolated and purified in F/2 medium with salinity of 20%. The purifed colonies were cultured in media with different salinity in 14 days to find out the most optimal medium for the best growth as well as the stage yielding maximum living mass. These microalgae were then cultured in their optimal media at salinity of 25% until they reached their maximum living mass stage. They were cultivated and analyzed of their fatty acid, protein carbonhydrate components and percentages. The research has identified 24 fatty acids in 5 phytoplankton species. Unsaturated fatty acids components of Chaetoceros muelleri, Nannochloropsis oculata are the highest (76,35% and 71,17%), and fatty acid components of are medium Chlorella vulgaris and Amphiprora alata (59,24% and 52,21%), meanwhile, Navicula tuscula has 29.56% of unsaturated fatty acids.  Amphiprora alata and Chlorella vulgaris have protein content of 8.1g per 100g dry weight and 4.44g per 100g dry weight accordingly. Carbohydrate content of Nannochloropsis oculata and Navicula tuscula are 11.8g per 100g dry weight and 5.47g per 100g dry weight, respectively.
Factores de riesgo de caídas e índice de masa corporal en el adulto mayor hospitalizado
Authors: Santiago Mijangos Alma Delia , González de la Cruz Patricia , Solís Alfaro Laura Ivette , Santiago Ribón Trinidad
Published: February 2019

Introducción: La obesidad predispone a que los ancianos puedan sufrir una caída. El objetivo de este estudio fue contrastar las diferencias entre los factores de riesgo de caídas y el Índice de Masa Corporal en el adulto mayor hospitalizado. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo y comparativo realizado en un Hospital de Especialidades de Veracruz, México. El muestreo fue no probabilístico por conveniencia con una muestra constituida por 122 adultos mayores hospitalizados en las áreas de urgencias, ginecología y medicina interna. Los factores de riesgo de caídas se midieron con la escala de caída de Morse. Además de datos sociodemográficos, antropométricos y de salud. Se usó estadística descriptiva e inferencial como Kruskal-Wallis, Chi Cuadrada y V de Cramer. Resultados: La media de edad fue 70.94±7.50 años e Índice de Masa Corporal de 28.66±3.80; antecedente de caídas, tener catéteres intravenosos y la falta de actividad física fueron factores de riesgo predominantes. Se encontró una diferencia estadística significativa entre la marcha y el Índice de Masa Corporal (p<0.05 y V de Cramer=0.204). Discusión: El Índice de Masa Corporal es un dato importante porque se asocia con problemas en la marcha. Conclusiones: La marcha es un factor de riesgo de caída que tiene diferencias significativas con el Índice de Masa Corporal, debido a que los ancianos con sobrepeso tuvieron una marcha alterada, que puede impedir mantener el equilibrio y como consecuencia una posible caída.Como citar este artículo: Santiago ADM, González PC, Solís LIA, Santiago TR. Factores de riesgo de caídas e índice de masa corporal en el adulto mayor hospitalizado. Rev Cuid. 2019; 10(1): e621. http://dx.doi.org/10.15649/cuidarte.v10i1.621
Rates of Nicosulfuron Applied in Glyphosate-Tolerant and Sulfonylurea-Tolerant Soybean
Authors: SILVA A.F.M. , ALBRECHT A.J.P. , SILVA G.S. , KASHIVAQUI E.S.F. , ALBRECHT L.P. , VICTORIA FILHO R.
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACT: STS cultivars tolerate up to four times higher rates of chlorimuron than those recommended for non-tolerant cultivars, without significant damage. However, few studies position the selectivity of nicosulfuron in STS cultivars. The aim of this study was to assess the selectivity of rates of the herbicide nicosulfuron applied in the post-emergence (V4) of RR/STS soybean. The experiments were conducted in the 2015/16 and 2016/17 seasons in Piracicaba, SP. In the 2016/17 season, the experiment was also conducted in Palotina, PR. Treatments consisted of six rates of the herbicide nicosulfuron (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 g a.i. ha-1). The experimental design was a randomized block design with four replications. The symptoms of injury were assessed at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after application, as well as the assessment of variables related to the agronomic performance (plant height, number of pods per plant, yield, and one thousand-grain weight). The data were submitted to regression analysis (p<0.05). The estimated rates reduced yield by 5% in relation to the rate 0 and were between 57.79 and 68.37 g a.i. ha-1. In general, the RR/STS soybean is tolerant to the application of nicosulfuron up to 57.79 g a.i. ha-1 when considering the estimated rates. Therefore, the RR/STS soybean is tolerant to the application of nicosulfuron up to 50 g a.i. ha-1, according to the applied rates.
To the Roots of Carex: Unexpected Anatomical and Functional Diversity
Authors: Hoffmann Matthias H.
Published: February 2019

Abstract—The anatomy of Carex roots was generally considered to be rather uniform. The aim of this work was to provide an overview of the root anatomy of Carex in a phylogenetic context with an even sampling across the different clades. It was tested,
if the observed anatomical characters show a relation to the habitat of the species, i.e. the soil moisture conditions. Further, it was asked if the anatomical data may provide useful characters for the comprehension and circumscription of clades. Root sections of 145 species were studied
for 8 characters. Relations of root anatomical characters were inferred by linear regressions of phylogenetic independent contrasts. Phylogenetic ANOVAs were calculated to reveal anatomical characters that may have a relation to growth conditions. The anatomical data were mapped on the phylogeny
to infer if they may provide useful characters for systematics. The root anatomy of Carex revealed a considerable diversity. Size differences of the roots were in orders of magnitude; particularly apparent were differences in the development of the aerenchyma and the sclerenchymatic
tissues of the cortex. Most measures of the anatomy were positively related, only the sclerenchyma shows no significant correlation to other anatomical characters. The size of the sclerenchyma is significantly related to soil moisture, whereas the size of aerenchyma shows only a weak correlation.
The development of the sclerenchyma was revealed to be a possible functional trait, whose development is related to dry soils. Unexpectedly, the size of the aerenchyma shows only a weak relation to soil moisture; considerable aerenchyma may be observed in species of all growth conditions.
The development of the sclerenchyma and the arrangement of vessels in the central cylinder of the root may be useful characters for the systematics of Carex.
Molecular and Morphological Analyses Support the Transfer of Gleadovia kwangtungensis to Christisonia (Orobanchaceae)
Authors: Tang Guang-Da , Liu Jun-Fang , Huang Lin , Zhu Chu-Meng , Liu Li-Hua , Randle Christopher P. , Yu Wen-Bin
Published: February 2019

Abstract—Christisonia kwangtungensis is a new combination proposed in this study on the basis of both molecular and morphological evidence. The basionym, Gleadovia kwangtungensis, was subsumed into Christisonia hookeri by Zhang in 1986. Because
the type material of C. hookeri lacks important diagnostic characters and no fresh materials from Sikkim were available, Chinese plants with white flowers were conservatively treated as C. sinensis. Phylogenetic analyses showed that samples of G. kwangtungensis from the
type locality on Danxia Mountain were monophyletic and sister to a clade including the reciprocally monophyletic C. sinensis and C. siamensis. Moreover, morphological comparisons showed that C. kwangtungensis differs from C. sinensis by having a conspicuously
inflated (vs. scarcely inflated) corolla and clustered hairs in the throat of the corolla (vs. hairs scattered throughout the interior of the corolla). Further, C. kwangtungensis differs from both C. sinensis and C. siamensis by the length and color of the corolla.