bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MORPHO-FUNCTIONAL EVALUATION OF THE CAUSES OF STILLED PREGNANCY IN THE FIRST TRIMESTER
Authors: Tral Tatyana Georgievna , Tolibova Gulrukhsor Khaybulloevna , Serdiukov Svyatoslav Vladimirovich , Polyakova Victoria Olegovna
Published: April 2016

The paper is devoted to the results of histological examination of abortion material with immunohistochemical study of estrogen and progesterone expression during the early period of stilled pregnancy. It has been shown, that endogenous hormonal disorders in addition to chromosomal pathology, play an important role in the mechanisms of perinatal losses in the early stages, despite the powerful pharmacological hormonal support. Obviously, that not only the level of hormones in blood of women, but also the receptive ability of the endometrium for their realization has implications for succesful pregnancy.
The role of dietotherapy in prevention of a diabetic fetopathy at women with gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Arbatskaya Natalia Yuryevna , Ignatova Nadezhda Gennadjevna , Moldovanova Marina Vladislavovna , Melnikova Elena Petrovna , Kandalina Violetta Vladimirovna
Published: April 2016

The Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is the disease, being characterized a hyperglycemia for the first time revealed during pregnancy. The main method of GDM treatment is diet. During our research we compared efficiency of different recommendations about a diet therapy in prevention of macrosomia, the birth with large gestation age (LGA) and other diabetic fetopathy (DF) manifestations. Our results showed that a diet with a low and medium glycemic index of products, a fractional food taking into account physiological secretion of insulin and insulinoresistance during pregnancy allows to achieve a target values of glucose from pregnant women with GDM, decrease the frequency of purpose of insulin therapy because of pre-natal manifestations of DF, decrease the risk of macrosomia development and frequency of cesarean section in connection with the LGA a fetus.
Debatable Issues of Myomectomy in Case of Caesarean Operation
Authors: Marinkin Igor Olegovich , Piven Lyudmila Anatolyevna , Pushkarev Gennadiy Anatolyevich
Published: April 2016

The delivery of 128 women with uterine fibroid of various locations and sizes in case of Caesarean operation was analyzed. The analysis of indications for the Caesarean operation in patients with hysteromyoma was made. The technique of performing myomectomy in case of surgical delivery was lightened. The issues of advisability for the use of myomectomy, pre-surgical preparation and length of the operation, the blood loss and the course of the post-surgical period were discussed. The procedure for the organizational arrangements in the delivery of pregnant women with uterine fibroid was developed.
Comparative analysis of viral load in blood, vaginal and cervical specimens among HIV women using family planning methods
Authors: Samarina Anna Valentinovna , Lisitsina Zoya Nikolayevna , Martirosyan Margarita Mekhakovna , Dementyeva Natalya Yevgenyevna , Krutitskaya Lyudmila Ivanovna , Rakhmanova Aza Gasanovna , Belyakov Nikolay Alekseyevich
Published: April 2016

Study devoted to HIV viral load assessment (blood versus cervical and vaginal specimen) among HIV infected women using effective hormonal, intrauterine and barrier contraceptive methods in short-term prospective. Based on lab data and contraceptive methods authors formulate assumptions of HIV sexual transmission.
Endocrinology of women sexual health
Authors: Fedorova Anna Igorevna
Published: April 2016

The role of endocrine factors in general maintenance of female sexuality in different ages, sexual dysfunctions associated with endocrine disorders, their treatment and preventive measures are considered in the article. The attention was also concentrated to the effects of oral contraception and therapy with oestrogen and testosteron for women sexuality.
Group B streptococci in pregnant women: current situation
Authors: Hvan Vladislav Olegovich
Published: April 2016

This article presents current data of international and Russian literature in respect of Group B streptococcus as one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality of newborns. The review summarizes Cochrane’s database, recommendations of the American society of obstetricians and gynecologists (АСОG,2002), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP,2001), the centers for disease control (CDC,2010) on terminology, epidemiology, basic concepts of pathogenesis and methods of prevention of the infection in newborn infants.
Advantages of intraperitoneal chemotherapy in treatment of ovarian cancer peritoneal carcinomatosis
Authors: Vyshinskaya Yekaterina Aleksandrovna , Bespalov Vladimir Grigoryevich , Vasilyeva Irina Nikolayevna , Semenov Aleksandr Leonidovich , Stukov Aleksandr Nikolayevich , Belyayeva Olesya Aleksandrovna , Kireyeva Galina Sergeyevna , Gershfeld Eduard Dmitriyevich , Belyayev Aleksey Mikhaylovich
Published: April 2016

The purpose of the study is to compare antitumor activity of different drugs at their Intraperitoneal (i. p.) and intravenous (i.v.) administration in rats with ovarian cancer peritoneal carcinomatosis. The study was carried out in 124 Wistar female rats with ovarian cancer which was inoculated i. p. After ovarian cancer inoculation rats were randomized in 12 groups, 10 rats in each group. There were six groups where saline (2 ml, i.p. control group) or the drugs (dioxadet 1.5 mg/kg, cisplatin 4mg/kg, mitomycin C 1.5 mg/kg, melphalan 2 mg/kg, paclitaxel 5 mg/kg) were administered i. p. In other six groups saline (2 ml, i. v. control group) and the named above drugs at the same doses were administered i. v. Antitumor effects of the treatment were estimated by increase in survival time (IST) comparing median survival time of rats in different groups. IST for i.p. administration of dioxadet, cisplatin, melphalan, mitomycin C and paclitaxel were 79 % (p < 0.001), 88 % (p < 0.001), 114 % (p < 0.001), 35 % (p < 0.002) and 45 % (p < 0.001) correspondingly compared to i.p. control group while for i.v. administration of these drugs IST were 5 % (p = 0.796), 14 % (p = 0.315), 19 % (p = 0.631), 152 % (p < 0.001) and 81 % (p = 0.023) correspondingly compared to i. v. control group. Thus, i. p. chemotherapy with alkylating agents dioxadet, cisplatin and melphalan is much more effective then their i. v. administration, while antitumor effects of i. p. and i. v. administration of paclitaxel were similar and only mitomycin C is more active at i. v. administration.
Laws of changes of immune status of mother and child at pregnancy prolongation, complicated by premature rupture of amniotic membranes
Authors: Dyatlova Larisa Ivanovna , Mikhaylov Aleksandr Viktorovich , Chesnokova Nina Pavlovna , Ponukalina Yelena Vyacheslavovna , Glukhova Tatyana Nikolayevna
Published: April 2016

Purpose and tasks: to establish new prognostic criteria of date of prolongation of pregnancy with premature discharge of amniotic fluid on the basis of performance monitoring of cell immunity of mother in the dynamics of observation and the child at the time of completion childbirth. Material and methods. A clinical and laboratory examination of 50 pregnant women, the pregnancy of women was complicated by premature rupture of membranes at 22-34 weeks of gestation. The control group consisted of 40 women with normal pregnancy with the same time of gestation. The traditional methods of clinical and laboratory examination were used to assess the status of pregnant women. The study of peripheral blood was performed with hematological analyzer BC- 3000+. Subpopulations of peripheral blood lymphocytes was studied by cytometry using monoclonal antibodies (apparatus «FAC SCalibur» company «BectonDickinson», USA). Results. The development of leukocytosis with absolute and relative lymphopenia, reduction of CD16+56+lymphocytes and CD19 B lymphocytes were revealed in pregnant women with premature rupture of membranes. The failure of proliferative activity CD3+4+ T-helper cells, the increase of level of CD3+8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes were revealed at the time of onset of labor after the prolongation of pregnancy. Prolongation of pregnancy at patients with premature rupture of membranes combined with the development of leukocytosis in the fetus, as well as the mother in the same period of observation. At the same time, unlike the parent organism, activation of B-lymphocyte proliferation and humoral immunity at fetus were occurred.
Atypical clinical cases of the chronic pelvic pain syndrome in gynecologic practice
Authors: Bezhenar Vitaliy Fedorovich , Tsypurdeyeva Anna Alekseyevna , Molotkov Arseniy Sergeyevich , Vartanova Irina Vladimirovna , Komlichenko Eduard Vladimirovich , Danilin Valeriy Nikolayevich , Pobedintseva Yuliya Anatolyevna
Published: April 2016

Three case reports of patients with chronic pelvic pain caused rare pathology described in this article. Diagnostic algorithm, results of examination, laparoscopic findings were shown. These case reports may be interesting for gynecologists, pathologists, anesthesiologists.
Agonists of gonadotropin-releasing hormone: their role in the complex therapy of hyperplastic processes in reproductive organs
Authors: Tkachenko Lyudmila Vladimirona , Sviridova Nataliya Ivanovna
Published: April 2016

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an agonist of gonadotropin-releasing hormone Buserilin in the treatment of patients with endometriosis in combination with endometrial hyperplasia. We conducted a clinical and laboratory examination and treatment of 108 patients aged 41 to 52 years old suffering from endometriosis varying degrees of prevalence in conjunction with endometrial hyperplasia. The results obtained suggest a scientifically sound complex treatment of patients with endometriosis on the background of endometrial hyperplasia with a GnRH agonist Buserilin-depo in the postoperative period, followed by the appointment of progestogens or combiened oral contraceptives as a long-term program management of patients to prevent relapse and re-operative treatment.
Frequency and weight of complications of pregnancy and childbirth at women with tuberculosis of various localization in Krasnoyarskiy kraY
Authors: Vetushenko Svetlana Anatolyevna , Zakharova Tatyana Grigoryevna
Published: April 2016

The purpose of researches - to reveal clinical manifestations of obstetric complications at pregnant women with tuberculosis of various localization on the basis of results of medical monitoring, and also to establish the complications of fetoplatsentarny insufficiency taking place in the studied period, at pregnant women with tuberculosis according to localizations of tubercular process. During medical monitoring stories of families of 210 women with tuberculosis of various localization and a condition of their newborns during 2006-2013 on the basis of interdistrict maternity hospital N 4 of Krasnoyarsk, profiled on this pathology are analysed. As a result of the analysis of structure of obstetric complications at women with tuberculosis in the territory of Krasnoyarsk Kray it is established: from 210 pregnant women at 76 there were no complications; at 133 pregnant women with FPN clinical manifestations are noted it are 43 cases of a hypoxia of a fruit, 31 cases of SZRP, 14 cases of SZRP with a hypoxia, thus clinical manifestations were accompanied by lack of water and abundance of water at the level of 22 and 4 cases respectively; in the same group the increase in number of complications of pregnancy by a preeklampsiya, anomalies of patrimonial activity, premature birth at the level of 51, 16 and 28 cases respectively is looked through. From only 133 pregnant women with placentary insufficiency 11 cases of childbirth without clinical manifestations of FPN are noted. The revealed number of clinical manifestations of placentary insufficiency and other complications of pregnancy says that at pregnant women with a disease of tuberculosis these indicators many times is more, than at pregnant women without disease of tuberculosis. The established structure of obstetric complications at pregnant women with tuberculosis of various localization highlighted prevalence of FPN proceeding with heavy clinical manifestations, such as SZRP, the fruit hypoxia, and also revealed most often meeting complications of pregnancy, such as a preeklampsiya, abnormal patrimonial activity, premature birth. It is the indication for development of effective measures of prevention and treatment of these complications, their forecasting from early terms of pregnancy for improvement of perinatal outcomes.
Diagnostics and laboratory monitoring of gestational diabetes mellitus in Russia. The authors' view of the problem and controversial issues
Authors: Dorofeykov Vladimir Vladimirovich , Androsova Natalia Evgenyevna
Published: April 2016

Despite the existence of the Russian Consensus on gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) since 2012 in the Russian Federation, its implementation into clinical practice has been slow, partially because its creation took place without the participation of laboratory services. In this review issues of preanalytical and analytical considerations of such laboratory tests as the blood glucose test, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), glycosylated hemoglobin test are discussed. If the presence of prandial hyperglycemia from 5.1 to 5.6 mmol/l is identified, testing should be repeated to confirm the diagnosis of GDM. OGTT must be performed using venous blood samples with fluoride in a specialized laboratory with fast transportation of samples.
Clinical and morphological characteristics of chronic endometritis in women with hysteromyoma
Authors: Dolgushina Valentina Fiodorovna , Troshina Nadezhda Aanatolyevna , Nadvikova TatianaVladimirovna Vladimirovna
Published: April 2016

The aim of our research was to identify clinical, morphological features of chronic endometritis among women of reproductive age with a hysteromyoma. 150 patients of reproductive age were surveyed. After which women were divided into three groups. The first group consisted of women at whom the hysteromyoma was combined with a chronic endometritis. The second group - chronic endometritis without hysteromyoma. The third group consisted of apparently healthy women who have addressed to the doctor with questions of contraception and pregnancy planning. It is established that the clinical and morphological picture of a chronic endometritis doesn’t depend on existence at such women of a hysteromyoma. At the women surveyed in both the first and second group almost equally often found inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs, the bottom department of the genitals, hyperplastic process of endometrium, abnormal uterine bleeding. Special difference in activity of inflammatory process in an endometriya depending on the availability at these women hysteromyoma is not revealed. The combination of chronic endometritis with hysteromyoma is more common for women of late reproductive age, in the anamnesis whicht had childbirth, induced abortion.
Prevention of neonatal group B streptococcal infections
Authors: Shipitsyna Elena Vasilyevna , Savicheva Alevtina Mikhailovna
Published: April 2016

Group B streptococcal infections (GBS) are the leading cause of sepsis, pneumonia and meningitis in infants during the first three months of life. GBS infections presenting within the ﬁrst week of life are designated early-onset diseases, and those affecting infants between one week and three months - late-onset diseases. Intrapartum intravenous administration of antibiotics to women at high risk of transmitting the microorganism to the infants is currently considered the most effective method of prevention of early-onset GBS infections, and universal screening for GBS in late pregnancy - as the most effective method to detect women to whom antibiotic prophylaxis is indicated. Vaccination of pregnant women appears to be a promising approach to prevent both early- and late-onset GBS infections in infants, as well as GBS-associated diseases in women.
Assessment Criteria of Future Managers' Preparation for Cross-Cultural Communication
Authors: Oleksenko Olena
Published: April 2016

The research is based on a set of scientific approaches, incorporating generative features of communicative and activity-oriented, dialogue, personality-oriented, culture-oriented, technological ones.The communication structure presented by the coherent aspects such as perceptive, communicating and interactive ones, along with the peculiarities of the process of cross-cultural communication (CCC) give grounds for defining the main components of the content of training future managers of foreign economic activity for CCC. They are motivating and orientating, conceptual and cognitive, communicating and activity-oriented. Within each component the basic criteria of evaluation of preparation of future managers of foreign economic activity for CCC are elaborated. Their availability is proved with the help of the definite indices.The conceptual and cognitive component is defined by the cognitive criterion according to which the efficiency and quality of mastered by students knowledge are assessed. The indices worked out within the cognitive criterion are knowledge quality (i.e. fullness and flexibility) and ways of acquiring new knowledge in CCC. On the base of the motivating and orientating component a subjective criterion is elaborated to evaluate the necessary professional and personal qualities of future specialists. It is represented by the indices of motivation for CCC preparation and reflexivity of communicating activity. Within the communicative and activity-oriented component an operational criterion is developed with the index of communicative skills and the index of skills to manage cross-cultural conflicts. On the base of the assessment criteria and indices the levels of future managers' preparation for CCC are differentiated into low, satisfactory, sufficient, high. The level characteristics are worked out and generalized in descriptions.
A Symbolic Reading of Adrienne Rich’s An Unsaid Word
Authors: Hassan Mohamad Fleih , Kaur Hardev , Mani Manimangai
Published: April 2016

An imitation of the literary styles and modes of expression of the great writers in the post-World War II was the criterion of success for any male or female writer. The conventions of T.S. Eliot and W.H. Auden influenced the poetics and thought of the younger generation poets. For example, Adrienne Rich (1929-2012) was an ardent disciple of these conventions in her early career. She was influenced by the phallogocentric discourse of subject formation. She followed this man-made discourse to be accepted within the literary circle as a successful woman writer, but she realized that this discourse didn’t help women in the expression of their female voices. This study explores the failure of the phallogocentric techniques and modes of writing in the expression of Rich’s female voice inAn Unsaid Word(1951). The study is conducted in the light of Lacanian Symbolic system of identification. The study concludes that Lacanian system of identification was behind the distortions of meanings associated with women and the failure of the symbolic order in the self-expression of Rich’s female character in her poemAn Unsaid Word.
Sri Lanka’s General Election 2015
Authors: Aliff S.M.
Published: April 2016

Sri Lanka emerges from this latest election with a hung Parliament in 2015. A coalition called the United National Front for Good Governance (UNFGG) won 106 seats and secured ten out of 22 electoral districts, including Colombo to obtain the largest block of seats at the parliamentary polls, though it couldn’t secure a simple majority in 225-member parliament. It also has the backing of smaller parties that support its agenda of electoral. In the August parliamentary election, the former president Rajapaksa forces upped the nationalist ante and campaigned to win a majority of parliamentary seats with the votes of the Sinhala Buddhists only, but extreme appeals to nationalism failed to get traction in the elections among the Sinhalese. It is fair to say that the double blow against nationalism in the south was occasioned by the politics of good governance promoted by the UNP and its alliance in the election. In Sri Lanka’s eighth General elections, none of the two major political alliances- the (UNF), nor the (UPFA)- gained a clear majority in the election. More important, for the fourth time the fragmentation of seats among the major parties and regional level party has inaugurated a period of unstable coalition governments, creating an air of political and economic ambiguity in the nation as it enters a post- Mahinda Rajapakse era. This study is based on an interpretive approach. The data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. The study examines distinguishes the 2015 election from previous ones and what extent? What are the major factors leads to defeat the ruling party? However, this study argues that the election results are indicative not only of the decline of Mahinda Rajapakse era but also of a gradual transition toward good governance.
Estimation of genetic parameters and combining ability analysis in blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper]
Authors: Thamodharan G. , Ramalingam A. , Geetha S.
Published: April 2016

An experiment was carried out in blackgram using line x tester mating design to estimate the gca effect of parents (six lines and five testers) and sca effect of 30 hybrids for yield and its traits. Estimates of gca and sca variances, degree of dominance, predictability ratio and narrow sense heritability revealed that only three trais viz., pods per plant, seeds per pod and single plant yield were controlled by additive gene action and hence showed high narrow sense heritability. Magnitude of non-additive gene action was higher than the additive gene action for traits like plant height, days to 50% flowering, cluster per plant, 100 seed weight, days to maturity, branches per plant and pod length. Three parents ‘MDU1, ADT3 and LBG-752 were the best combiners and three crosses ‘MDU1 x VBN (Bg) 6, LBG-752 x VBN (Bg) 6, LBG-752 x Mash-114 showed high per se performance and significant positive sca for yield. For exploiting both additive and non-additive gene action recurrent selection to be followed to improve yield in blackgram.
Psychometric Properties of an Instrument to Measure Mother–Infant Togetherness After Childbirth
Authors: Lawrence Carol L. , Norris Anne E.
Published: April 2016

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this research was to evaluate the psychometric properties of a new instrument to measure mother–infant togetherness,Mother–Infant Togetherness Survey(MITS). Methods: Stage 1 examined content validity. Stage 2 pretested the readability and understandability and further examined content validity. Stage 3 examined women’s ability to accurately self-report on the Delivery Events subscale. Stages 4 and 5 examined construct validity. Results: Good content validity was obtained at the scale/subscale level (CVI = .91–1.00). Internal consistency reliability was evaluated at the scale/subscale level (α = .62–.89). Construct validity was supported with known groups testing and factor analysis. Conclusion: Study findings provide support for the reliability and validity of the MITS. Future research should be done to improve the internal consistency reliability of the Postpartum Events subscale.
Sistema casa-lote: discursos acerca da propriedade da terra em um assentamento rural
Authors: Cordeiro Manuela Souza Siqueira
Published: April 2016

O objetivo do artigo é analisar de que forma convivem dois discursos que organizam a permanência na terra da família assentada, tendo como chave analítica o que denomino sistema casa-lote. O primeiro deles é ligado à construção abstrata da família assentada presentes nas leis, inclusive no título de domínio definitivo, o que denomino “discurso legal”. O segundo está ligado ao gerenciamento dos bens da família (terra da reforma  agrária,  casas,  outras  terras,  pequenos comércios) que conformam a realidade daquelas que foram assentadas e já possuem um tempo de trabalho na terra, chamado de “discurso moral”. A pesquisa foi realizada no assentamento Novo Horizonte, localizado no município de Campos dos Goytacazes, no Rio de Janeiro.
Etnicidade e quilombolas: uma reflexão teórica
Authors: Marinho Thais Alves
Published: April 2016

A diversidade cultural sempre foi objeto de reflexão por parte dos cientistas sociais preocupados com a interpretação dos fenômenos étnicos. Atualmente, em um contexto de emergência de grupos diversos reivindicando seu lugar na sociedade, como a comunidade Kalunga, novas teorias da etnicidade surgiram, deixando de lado a raça e a cultura como elementos explicativos. Esse trabalho objetiva fazer uma reflexão sobre tais teorias identificando seus limites e possibilidades, por meio de um estudo de caso, com o intuito de gerar uma leitura crítica sobre a organização social e a estrutura social do grupo étnico-quilombola Kalunga. A hipótese é que as lacunas não conseguem dar conta do sistema completo de relações nas quais e pelas quais as ações se realizam a partir das posições ocupadas pelos agentes dentro do campo étnico-quilombola, o que requer o diálogo com teorias que se ocupam dessas dimensões.
Developing Students' Interpretive Repertoires
Authors: Serafini Frank
Published: April 2016

As readers encounter visual images, design elements in addition to the written language incorporated into contemporary picturebooks, the repertoire of strategies students need to draw upon must expand to deal with the aspects of these texts beyond decoding of written language. The study reported here was designed to investigate how students interpreted contemporary picturebooks, the meanings they constructed during their readings and discussions, and the instructional approaches used to support the development of students’ interpretive strategies for comprehending the visual and design features of multimodal texts, in particular contemporary picturebooks.
Processing Factors, Academic Discourse, and Local and Global Comprehension
Authors: Kucer Stephen B
Published: April 2016

The relationship among processing factors and the comprehension of literary and scientific discourses of fourth grade readers was examined. With one exception, a different matrix of processing behaviors were associated with the recall within the two disciplinary discourses.  However, clauses read in a manner than maintained the author’s meaning, regardless of the existence of miscues, were positively correlated with local and global levels of comprehension on both discourse types.  Interestingly, words read per minute, accuracy, reading levels as determined by the Qualitative Reading Inventory, and oral reading fluency as determined by DIBELS were unrelated to strong retellings.
Who Am I? Who Are You? – Negotiating a Researcher Identity
Authors: Scheffel Tara-Lynn
Published: April 2016

This article examines the process of negotiating a researcher identity with teachers and students during an ethnographic case study that explored literacy engagement in a grade two classroom. I consider the tensions presented and the negotiations undertaken during the study and conclude that the rhythm of negotiation is of critical importance to establishing trust in qualitative research.
Book Review: Video games: A waste of time?
Authors: McPherson Keith
Published: April 2016

An exploration of learning principles underlying successful video games reveals insights into the primacy of traditional texts over newly emerging visual texts and the implications such constructions have in precluding students from meaningful participation in school.
Characters with Disabilities in Contemporary Novels for Children: A Portrait of Three Authors in a Framework of Canadian Texts
Authors: Brenna Beverley A.
Published: April 2016

A study of 50 contemporary Canadian novels for children and young adults explores patterns and trends regarding the construction of characters with disabilities, becoming a frame for the portraits of three Canadian authors, including a self-portrait. An adaptation of the Bakhtinian notion of the chronotope, applied to literary theory, provides a lens within which aspects of time and space are identified in relation to the internal chronotope of these characterizations, as well as in relation to the external chronotope of particular authors’ iterations, within their work, of actual space and time. A conceptual framework of critical literacy is used to highlight implications for including as classroom resources, texts about characters with disabilities.
LLRC and L&L: Just Married!
Authors: Hibbert Kathy
Published: April 2016

The membership of the Language and Literacy Researchers of Canada voted to enter into a partnership with Language and Literacy: A Canadian Educational e Journal.  The partnership reflected a mutual desire to strengthen and promote scholarship in the Canadian language and literacy community. As we begin this new chapter in our organizational life, it is interesting to reflect back to its beginning.
Poetry and New Media: In Conversation with Four Poets
Authors: Hughes Janette Michelle
Published: April 2016

Through an examination of digital poetry explorations created by the researcher based on conversations with four Canadian poets, this paper explores the convergence of poetry and new media and attempts to address what happens when the pedagogical ideals outlined by the poets are represented digitally.   The poets and researcher discuss the affordances the digital poetry explorations might offer a potential reader or aspiring writer.
Recess as a Site for Language Play
Authors: Countryman June , Gabriel Martha A
Published: April 2016

Researchers in this study adopted an ethnomusicology perspective to explore the playground language and music-making practices of children at nine Canadian school playgrounds over a two-year period.  Using non-participant observation the researchers found that school children (ages 5-12) engaged in multimodal and multi-vocal play as they manipulated language, chanted or sang with rhythmic speech, and combined language play with gestures and kinetic movements.  The authors suggest a link between children’s out-of-school literacies (‘languaging’ and ‘musicking’ on the playground)—where children are active agents of their own learning—and children’s potential in-school literacies.
I Do Not Own Gossip Girl”: Examining the Relationship between Teens, Fan Fiction, and Gossip Girl
Authors: Land Caroline
Published: April 2016

After reading Gossip Girl, I explored several pieces of fan fiction related to the series that were created by teen authors. From these pieces, I observed how teens can use fan fiction to exercise their own creative ideas, align a fictional world with their own, connect with other fans and writers, and receive instant feedback on their work. From these findings, I suggest how teachers and librarians can use this knowledge to support teens that are engaged or interested in the practices of writing fan fiction and writing for pleasure.
Enhancing and Displacing Literacy Practices: Examining Student Publishing in a Fifth Grade Writer’s Workshop
Authors: Lenters Kimberly
Published: April 2016

Publication of student work has been considered a mainstay of the writer’s workshop since the early days of the ‘children as authors’ movement (Graves, 1983). However, this philosophy, which stipulates students should share their work with peers, may not be one that always benefits students.  This case study utilizes the concept of literacy-in-action (Brandt & Clinton, 2002), to look at the manner in which one local rendition of writer’s workshop both enhanced and displaced student literacy practices.  The guiding question asks: How are focal students, Sara, Ally and Nigel, engaging in the practice of publication of their writing and how are those publications, as literacy objects, mediating their practice of literacy in the writer’s workshop? The examination of writer’s workshop first presents the way publication of student writing found its way into Sara and Nigel’s classroom and the kinds of investments accumulated in it as it made its way into their practice of classroom writing.  It then presents the agentful activity engaged in by these students in their classroom literacy practice of writing for publication.  Through the analysis, the ways an assessment-focused writer’s workshop worked to enhance and displace individual student’s literacy practices are brought out.
Nuptse & Lhotse Go to the Rockies by J. Asnong
Authors: Wheeler Lauren
Published: April 2016

Asnong, Jocey. Nuptse & Lhotse Go to the Rockies. Victoria, BC: Rocky Mountain Books, 2014. Print.Nuptse & Lhotse are sibling cats with a sense of adventure.  Finding inspiration in the Canadian Rockies, author and illustrator Jocey Asnong sends the cats on an adventure through the Canadian Rockies to help Mrs. Jasper find her missing cubs, Yoho and Kootenay.  The cats along with Mrs. Jasper travel through the scenic highlights of Mountain Parks, from the Valley of the Ten Peaks to Lake Louise, along the Canadian Pacific Railway tracks to the Spiral Tunnels and up to the Columbia Icefields, with a stop to ski along the way.The story is straightforward, with simple language that works for beginner readers or reading aloud. A map at the beginning situates the events of the story, a comparison of a teddy bear to a grizzly bear is lighthearted and informative, and a maze illustration works with the plot of finding the lost cubs and is a fun activity while reading. It is the illustrations that bring the story to life by combining pencil crayon drawings with collage to create a layered visual experience leaving something new to be discovered with each read. Seamlessly incorporated into the text and illustrations are aspects of mountain geography and culture.  This includes an explanation of the blue-green colour of the mountain lakes that is part of the cats’ stop in Lake Louise and homage to legendary mountain photographer Byron Harmon. These details make good entry points for further classroom learning and connect to a number of curriculum areas.The publisher, Rocky Mountain Books, is known for publications that celebrate mountain culture and Nuptse & Lhotse Go to the Rockies is an excellent addition to their growing catalogue for young readers. Highly recommended: 4 out of 4 starsReviewer: Lauren WheelerLauren Wheeler is a Program Lead at the Alberta Museums Association. When not assisting museums across Alberta, Lauren likes to explore and relax in her hometown of Canmore.
Skink on the Brink by L. Dalrymple
Authors: Deakin Andrea
Published: April 2016

Dalrymple, Lisa. Skink on the Brink. Illus. Suzanne del Rizzo. Markham: Fitzhenry and Whiteside, 2013. Print.Stewie is a little skink, a member of an endangered species, and therefore very much “on the brink”. We meet young Stewie and his very blue tail as he enjoys life by a pond. Here in the forest he engages with other creatures, including a hungry weasel who pounces on him. The skink is safe, but his tail has popped off, leaving him free to escape the weasel’s clutches. Back grows the tail as beautiful as ever.However as Stewie grows he changes, and the beautiful blue tail is now a dull grey. Nothing feels right. Trying to escape the changes that are happening to him and mourning the loss of his blue tail, Stewie makes for a new pond. Here he meets a wise woodpecker who helps him to accept the changes in his colour as part of “growing up “. He sends Stewie back to his home pond, now more sure of himself and happy to be home.This gentle story of accepting the changes that growing up brings, and therefore accepting and loving yourself, is illustrated in lively pictures sculpted in modelling clay. The fine sense of texture and lively presentation complement the story well.Skink on the Brink won the SCBWI Crystal Kite Award (Canada) for 2014.Recommended: 3 out of 4 starsReviewer: Andrea DeakinAndrea has been involved with books since she was class librarian in Primary School, Student Librarian in Grammar School, student librarian for the Education Faculty when she was a student, and school librarian in schools both in England and in Canada, except for the first two years in Canada where she arrived in 1959. When she retired from teaching ( English and History) she was invited to review in February 1971, and continued to review for press, radio, and finally on the Internet (Deakin Newsletter from Okanagan College) until she retired in 2011. Forty years seemed sufficient- although she still cannot keep her nose out of good children's and YA fare.
The Highway Rat by J. Donaldson
Authors: Feisst Debbie
Published: April 2016

Donaldson, Julia. The Highway Rat. Illus. Axel Scheffler. New York: Arthur A. Levine Books, 2013. Print.The children’s literature dream team of author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler are at it again with this delightful take on Alfred Noyes’ classic narrative poem, “The Highwayman.” Donaldson and Scheffler, best known for their popular Gruffalo series as well as Room on the Broom, have created a lush narrative replete with repetitive phrases and rich illustrations that will captivate children while engaging the adult reader in an intelligent manner.“The Highway Rat was a baddie; the Highway Rat was a beast. He took what he wanted and ate what he took…” Indeed!  The Highway Rat holds up fellow travelers and those he meets along the way with a voracious attitude and pointy sword.  Though he prefers sweets, he takes anything –even a bunch of clover deemed tasteless and dull –to satisfy his greed and without a morsel of regret. As the other creatures along the road grew thinner and thinner, the Highway Rat grows plump until one plucky duck delivers poetic justice and some just ‘desserts’ to this nasty rat. Children will be pleased with the appropriate comeuppance for the Highway Rat that arrives with a healthy message of kindness and sharing.Fans of Donaldson and Scheffler’s previous work will not be disappointed, in particular those who have encountered “The Highwayman” as younger readers.  This rollicking book will make a nice addition to any elementary school library collection and is best suited for students in K-3. Highly recommended: 4 out of 4 stars Reviewer: Debbie FeisstDebbie is a Public Services Librarian at the H.T. Coutts Education Library at the University of Alberta.  When not renovating, she enjoys travel, fitness and young adult fiction.
The Money Pit Mystery by E. Walters
Authors: Polkinghorne Sarah
Published: April 2016

Walters, Eric. The Money Pit Mystery. Markham, ON: Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2011. Print. [Originally published by HarperCollins in 1999]. You may recall that in 1986, Tom Hanks and Shelly Long starred in a romantic home-repair comedy called The Money Pit. Today, that film has generally been forgotten, and the nickname “The Money Pit” once again evokes only the legend of Oak Island, Nova Scotia. Ahoy! There be Captain Kidd’s treasure in that there pit. (…or is there?) You may also recall that in 1999, the much-awarded Eric Walters saw the publication of a page-turner called The Money Pit Mystery. This new paperback edition is a straightforward reissue. However, the novel has aged well, and today’s upper elementary readers can escape to summertime adventures with a new copy of this made-in-Canada thriller. The Money Pit Mystery effectively conveys the scale, menace, and irresistibility of the Money Pit, which so far is an immense but fruitless excavation. The Money Pit is dangerous for another reason, too, which is that it is under strict corporate control, fenced and guarded, a true-to-life detail. Protagonists Sam and Beth are inspired by their grandfather’s longtime passion for the mystery when they arrive to stay with him for the summer. Emboldened by their friend Buzz, Sam and Beth succumb to their curiosity, eventually enlisting Grandpa in their quest to find the treasure. More detailed information is available in this Lego®-animated student book report (*spoiler alert*). While The Money Pit Mystery is a successful adventure tale, it’s also a nuanced portrayal of sibling angst, early adolescent crushes, and, most significantly, Alzheimer’s disease. The question of Grandpa’s fitness for independent living is what brings Beth, Sam, and their mother to Oak Island for the summer. The issue threads its way through the book, reminding us that the Pit is deep metaphorically as well as physically. Recommended: 3 out of 4 starsReviewer: Sarah PolkinghorneSarah is a Public Services Librarian at the University of Alberta. She enjoys all sorts of books.
Getting hooked on stories this summer...
Authors: Desmarais Robert
Published: April 2016

Dear Deakin Readers,In this issue you will find reviews of many new books to enjoy during the summer months, but I know this is also the season of family vacations, festivals, community pools, amusement parks, and beautiful weekend weather. With so much to see and do, I realize how difficult it can be to squeeze in some time for kids (and parents!) to curl up with a good book. If you are about to head off for a family vacation with toddlers, tweens, and teens—whether it’s a trip to a nearby city or a faraway country—I would encourage you to consider a visit to a museum, art exhibition, book fair, or gallery. Many of these venues are child-friendly and their displays encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and an interest in reading.On a recent trip to Winnipeg, Manitoba, I was reminded that many galleries and museums do a great job making their exhibitions accessible to children, offering activities and workshops designed to engage children to get the most out of their visit. Many galleries are free, such as the Pooh Gallery that I discovered in Winnipeg’s Assiniboine Park on the second floor of the Pavillion Gallery Museum, where visitors are introduced to an impressive collection of Winnie-the-Pooh books, print ephemera, toys, and art.One of the posters in the exhibition explains that Winnie, the famous bear in A.A. Milne’s stories, was named after a real bear in the London Zoo, where it was noticed and loved by Milne’s son, Christopher Robin. Of course, many adults know that the fictional adventures of a young boy named Christopher Robin and his animal playmates were chronicled in books that became favourites with children of all ages, but I presume far fewer people know the interesting story of how the real bear named Winnie ended up at the London Zoo (hint: there’s a Winnipeg connection). Visiting an exhibition like this one presents a special opportunity for us to introduce children to a variety of enchanting stories (with lots of visual aids!). Indeed, if there is one important thing we can all do for the children in our lives this summer, it would be to get them hooked on stories.Enjoy your summer!Robert Desmarais, Managing Editor
The Gypsy King by M. Fergus
Authors: Smith Jorden
Published: April 2016

Fergus, Maureen. The Gypsy King. Toronto: RazorBill Penguin Canada, 2013. Print.Described by the publisher, Penguin Canada, as “The Princess Bride meets A Game of Thrones with a hint of Ever After,” this book holds great promise. As a fan of all three, my expectations were high and I was a little disappointed. The book is enjoyable, the writing is engaging, the plot has a few interesting twists, the main characters are interesting, but the abrupt ending felt like a marketing ploy. At least it is an effective ploy. I am already watching the shelf for the next book in the series to arrive.Fergus depicts a rigid caste system, a ruthless and vindictive regent, a selfish quest for eternal life, and a society fighting for survival. The Gypsy King tells the story of Persephone, a strong-willed slave, who longs for freedom but does not take action. When she encounters Azriel, a charming gypsy and resourceful thief, her situation takes a dramatic turn. Azriel believes Persephone may be part of a 15-year old prophecy shared by the last gypsy seer following the slaughter of innocent gypsies. The primary villain, Mordecai, is exceptionally evil; he is ruthless, maniacal, and makes puppy-murdering Cruella look like a normal human being. His actions are more gruesomely depicted than expected and this book is not for those with a weak stomach. The novel contains scenes of violence and sexuality that may not appeal to all readers.The fiercely independent female protagonist, Persephone, is the best part of this book. I was frustrated with her at times for her reticence to escape her situation, but ultimately I found myself appreciating her loyalty and commitment to those in need of her assistance—both humans and animals. She has moments in distress, but never plays the maiden in need of a hero. Although she clearly has feelings for Azriel, and vice versa, their relationship does not progress much beyond palpable sexual tension. Showing her resourcefulness, our protagonist seizes opportunities and works to extricate herself and others from the grasp of Mordecai and his merciless men. Facing an oppressive society that scorns her social class and her gender, Persephone is fighting her way up two bitterly steep hills. However, she finds the strength, the courage, and the resolve to survive. That being said, she is not a saint. She experiences jealousy, hatred, and selfishness yet she is a vibrant and passionate character. Fergus has developed a perfectly human protagonist and it is a refreshing change. Because I am so looking forward to the next installment and I love a strong female lead, I will give the book four stars.Recommended: Four out of Four StarsReviewer: Jorden SmithJorden is a Public Services Librarian in Rutherford Humanities and Social Sciences Library at the University of Alberta.  She is an avid fiction reader and subscribes to Hemingway’s belief that “there is no friend as loyal as a book.”
The Promise by N. Davies
Authors: Wilson McCune Michele
Published: April 2016

Davies, Nicola. The Promise. Illus. Laura Carlin. Somerville: Candlewick Press, 2014. Print.This is a picture book that may be read again and again.  Its meaning and message has several layers and needs to be peeled like an onion.  Davies and Carlin work together seamlessly to create and build tone and mood throughout the book while the reader is taken on a journey.The Promise is the story of a young girl living and growing up in a “mean and hard and ugly” city who has a chance encounter with an old lady.  A promise is made that will change everything.Davies, a zoologist, is an award winning author and has written several other children’s books about nature and animals.  In The Promise she develops a story that emphasizes the importance of our relationship with nature, particularly in the urban setting. The illustrations by Laura Carlin, are beautifully crafted from mixed media.  For a children’s book, they are at first shockingly gloomy and depressing. This however, perfectly matches Davies descriptive and figurative language of an ugly city where, the “streets were dry as dust… never blessed with rain” and “a gritty yellow wind blew constantly, scratching around the buildings like a hungry dog.”  The pages are initially dark, moody and mysterious, playing with various shades of gray and sepia. As the story line becomes more uplifting and lively, so do the pictures with pops of colour. Bright reds, greens, oranges and yellows, show bright displays of life and activity as “Green spread through the city like a song”. Carlin’s illustrations not only enhance the messages portrayed in the words of the book, but also build mood and evoke emotion.The Promise is a story of hope and how one person can be the change in this world.  This book is appropriate for all ages, but the depth of the messages and multiple layers make it well suited for upper elementary.  Teachers and librarians will want this book in their library.Recommended: 3 out of 4 starsReviewer: Michele Wilson McCuneAs an elementary school teacher for Edmonton Catholic School Division and a mother of four, Michele loves reading and sharing literature with the important children in her life.  She is currently working on completing her master’s degree in Elementary Education with a focus in Language and Literacy.