bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiplex Allele-Specific PCR for Simultaneous Detection of H63D and C282Y HFE Mutations in Hereditary Hemochromatosis
Authors: Arts Heleen H , Eng Barry , Waye John S
Published: July 2018

Background

Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is characterized by excessive iron absorption in the intestine, which can lead to failure of vital organs such as the heart, liver, and pancreas. Among northern Europeans, HH is most often associated with the C282Y and H63D mutations of the HFE gene. We developed a test that allows screening for both mutations in a single reaction.

Methods

A multiplex allele-specific PCR was developed for simultaneous genotyping of the H63D and C282Y HFE mutations. PCR fragments were designed such that the resulting PCR product can be analyzed in a single polyacrylamide gel lane.

Results

Test results from our multiplex assay were concordant with genotypes of 55 Canadian patients with suspected hemochromatosis, which had previously been established by allele-specific PCRs that targeted H63D and C282Y in separate reactions.

Conclusions

Molecular diagnostic detection of H63D and C282Y mutations can be achieved by a variety of methods, but these are not necessarily time-efficient or economical. Multiplex allele-specific PCR is an excellent tool for molecular diagnostic screening for H63D and C282Y mutations in patients with suspected hemochromatosis. This method is inexpensive, accurate, and highly efficient in terms of labor, throughput, and turnaround time.
CRP-Based Cardiovascular Risk Assessment: New Conventional CRP Assay Fit for Purpose?
Authors: Coelho Graça Didia , Golaz Olivier , Magnin Jean-Luc , Fleurkens Hans , Rossier Michel F , Lescuyer Pierre , Vuilleumier Nicolas
Published: July 2018

Background

Subclinical inflammation was shown to play a role in the context of cardiovascular disorder processes. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines on cardiovascular risk assessment in specific clinical contexts recommend the use of C-reactive protein (CRP) measurement with high sensitive (hs)-CRP assays that meet the precision requirements for values <2 mg/L. Until now, only hs-CRP assays reached the required limit of quantification. However, new regular CRP assays allow measuring CRP down to 0.6 mg/L.

Methods

A multisite comparative study between hs-CRP and a new conventional CRP assay (Tina-quant) was performed to evaluate the possibility of using regular CRP assays for cardiovascular risk assessment.

Results

A satisfactory concordance was observed between regular CRP assays and the hs-CRP assay. Both assays met the analytical precision requirements at the different cutpoints tested (1.00, 2.00, and 3.00 mg/L).

Conclusion

These results suggest that this new regular CRP assay can be used for cardiovascular risk assessment, which is expected to provide substantial operational and financial advantages when compared with hs-CRP assays.
Improving Intrusion Detection Systems Using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Jasim Yaser AbdulAali
Published: July 2018

In this paper, some of the methods used in the intrusion detection system were described using the neural network as a tool in intrusion detection system, which became very necessary in computer systems because it provides protection against attacks by hackers that are becoming increasingly destructive to computer systems.The Backpropagation Neural Network was chosen from among the neural networks due to its ability, speed and intelligence to recognize packet patterns captured from the network, providing the ability to detect intrusion of the system. The speed of the network in giving the diagnosis is one of the most important reasons for choosing the neural network. Therefore, many Attacks features have been analyzed of the standard packets that allow traffic through the network as well as the unusual packets, especially on these protocols (TCP, UDP).The results of these analyzes have been used to learn the neural network on the structure and pattern of standard and unusual packets. There are many algorithms for learning the neural network, but the researcher used the Standard Backpropagation Algorithm. Therefore, for increasing the intelligence and speed of the network and its ability to classify, the researcher used the Resilient Backpropagation Algorithm, provided by MATLAB programming language which is smarter and more accurate than the first algorithm.The output of this system can detect the standards packets from the unusual packets and classify them into five types with the efficiency up to 100% of the defined packets. However, the detection of the unknown attacks is not known, and rating score is zero.This paper contains a lot of tables and figures that illustrate the results and analysis of the results. It should be noted that any intrusion detection system must be up-to-date, as there is no effective and successful intrusion detection system without updating its database.
Notas sobre la génesis fenomenológica del concepto levinasiano de diacronía
Authors: Suazo Gisela
Published: July 2018

El presente trabajo se propone dar cuenta del sentido genérico de la noción levinasiana de diacronia y del influjo de la fenomenología del tiempo husserliana en la construcción de esa categoría. Inicialmente nos centramos en el texto de 1949, Le temps et l’Autre, en el que Lévinas presenta la figura de diacronia, centrándonos especialmente en su descripción como tiempo en el que se cumple la relación con la trascendencia. En segundo lugar, abordamos de manera más extensa el recorrido de la lectura levinasiana de las Lecciones de fenomenología de la conciencia del tiempo interno de Husserl, para sugerir ciertos nexos existentes entre la interpretación crítica de la noción de Urimpression y la de presente viviente husserlianas y su comprensión del tiempo diacrònico como un acontecimiento concreto anclado en la existencia sensible del sujeto, anárquica respecto del presente de la representación.
Mimesis poética y crítica al teatro en la Carta a d’Alembert
Authors: Domecq Gabriela
Published: July 2018

Este trabajo se propone analizar la crítica al teatro que encontramos en la Carta a d’Alembert para determinar qué concepción de la mimesis poética la sustenta. Quisiéramos mostrar que la crítica a la concepción clásica de la catarsis que encontramos en la Carta no supone por parte de Rousseau la adopción de la concepción platónica de la mimesis poética. Empezaremos por ubicar la referencia al teatro en la obra. En un segundo momento situaremos su crítica en el contexto de la disputa en torno a la moralidad del teatro que se dio en Francia a lo largo de los siglos XVII y XVIII. Esta disputa nos interesa porque los argumentos a favor o en contra de la moralidad del teatro se basan en el análisis de los efectos de la mimesis poética sobre las pasiones. Luego de analizar la posición de Rousseau sobre los límites de la catarsis poética nos preguntaremos en un tercer y último momento si su cuestionamiento a la moralidad del teatro supone la concepción platónica de la mimesis poética. Veremos que Rousseau, próximo a Platón en el análisis de las consecuencias morales del teatro, se aleja de él en tanto no concibe la mimesis como copia de la naturaleza.
Algunas observaciones acerca del significado lógico de las categorías puras
Authors: Arias Albisu Martín
Published: July 2018

El objetivo de nuestro artículo es efectuar algunas precisiones acerca del concepto de significado lógico de las categorías puras empleado por Kant en su Crítica de la razón pura. En algunos pasajes, Kant afirma que las categorías puras, a saber, consideradas con independencia de los esquemas trascendentales, conservan un significado puramente lógico. En otros pasajes, Kant da a entender que las categorías así consideradas carecen de todo tipo de significado. En primer lugar, mostraremos que, pese a esta vacilación en el texto kantiano, la doctrina del significado lógico de las categorías puras es parte integrante de la filosofía crítica. En segundo lugar, determinaremos qué es el significado lógico de las categorías puras. Afirmaremos que las categorías pueden referirse a intuiciones espacio-temporales de nuestra sensibilidad tan sólo gracias a los esquemas trascendentales. Sostendremos que, dado que en las categorías puras se hace abstracción de esta referencia a intuiciones determinadas, el significado lógico de esas categorías es enteramente indeterminado. El significado lógico de una categoría pura es el pensamiento de la referencia determinante de lo pensado en esa categoría a las indeterminadas intuiciones en general.
Heavy metals assessment of soils in and around Kama-Otto and Kwotto artisanal mining of mica, cassiterite and tantalite in Nasarawa state, Nigeria
Authors: Isa Osu Usman , Edith Bolanle Agbaji , Hadiza Omenesa
Published: July 2018

This study assesses the level of heavy metal in Soils within the vicinity of artisanal mining of Mica, Cassiterite and Tantalite in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Soil samples of Kama-otto and Kwotto artisanal mining were collected and analyzed using mass-plasma Atomic emission spectroscopy (MP-AES). Samples were also collected in Angwan-Mada, a non-artisanal mining environment, for comparison. Pollution assessment of soil samples using the following geochemical parameters such as contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI), and Enrichment factor (EF), Nemerow index method (IIN) and Geo-accumulating index (Igeo) were carried out. The results indicate an elevation in pollution status in the order of Kama-otto mining, Kwotto mining, Kama-otto, Kwotto and Angwan-mada. The concentrations of Cd, Cr and Mn were significant in the sampled areas (P < 0.05).Â Â
Synthesis, characterization, x-ray diffraction studies and biological activities of iron(III) and cobalt(II) complexes with alanine
Authors: Musa Shuaibu , O. Idris S , D. Onu A
Published: July 2018

The resulted complexes produced between Fe (III) and Co (II) with biological molecules like amino acids play an important role in human life. They can be used as bioactive compounds as well as in industries. Fe (III) and Co (II) complexes are synthesized with Alanine amino acid. The complexes were characterized by X-ray diffraction, magnetic suscetivility, elemental analysis (AAS), molar conductance, melting point, infrared and uv-visible spectrophotometry analyses. The elemental analyses were used to determine the chelation ratio, 1:3(metal: ligands) for iron (III) Alanine and 1:2 ratio for cobalt (II) Alanine. The molar conductivity of the complexes show that the complexes are not electrolytic in nature. The x-ray data suggest monoclinic crystal system for all the complexes with the exception of Co-alanine, which is hexagonal. The magnetic susceptivility and electronic spectra suggest the complexes are high spin with octahedral geometry.The complexes show enhance activity in comparable to the amino acid.Â Â
Calle14: un “media” de distribución social de conocimientos
Authors: Gómez Moreno Pedro Pablo
Published: July 2018

Hace varios años el teórico español José Luis Brea (La era postmedia: Acción comunicativa, prácticas (post)artísticas y dispositivos neomediales) se ocupó de aclarar la confusión existente entre los conceptos de multimedia y multisoporte. Esto debido a que suele llamarse multimedia a lo que simplemente es multisoporte. Se dice que una instalación es multimedia porque podría incluir fotografías, pinturas, videos, objetos, sonido, entre otros. Un lienzo es un soporte y también es un soporte el papel en el que se imprime una revista. Pero una revista es un “media” así esté hecha sobre papel, un soporte electrónico o en cualquier otro soporte. La revista es un “media” porque está concebida como un medio de distribución social de conocimientos. Y en esto consiste su importancia y su valor.Por tal razón, las revistas no pertenecen propiamente a las instituciones que las editan, ni a los editores, ni a los comités editoriales y ni siquiera a los autores; pertenecen a las comunidades académicas y no académicas que, en sentido amplio, se apropian de las revistas como un medio efectivo para su propia constitución como comunidades de sentido.
Masculinidades múltiples en el arte contemporáneo costarricense: espacios, subjetividades y museología
Authors: Villena Araya Sofía
Published: July 2018

¿Cómo se han relacionado estético-conceptualmente los espacios físicos —públicos, privados y fronterizos— con los espacios psicológicos dentro de la formación y vivencias de masculinidades múltiples desde el arte contemporáneo costarricense? Se atiende esta pregunta a través de un análisis detallado tanto de las fotografías como del montaje curatorial de la exhibición “Mil y un hombres. Tres fotógrafos: Timms/Alban/Tischler”, curada por Adriana Collado-Chaves y expuesta en el Museo de Arte y Diseño Contemporáneo de Costa Rica (MADC) en el 2017. Se propone una metodología con un enfoque interseccional, que indaga en cómo se juegan las sexualidades y el género dentro de los diversos espacios —públicos, privados, psicológicos, subjetivos, y otros— y dentro del propio espacio del museo, enfocando los desplazamientos de los cuerpos representados, de los fotógrafos, del público e inclusive de la propia curadora, como una forma creadora de subjetividad.
Joseph Beuys: una visión de las prácticas artísticas contemporáneas y sus posibilidades políticas
Authors: Quiroga Garza Marcela
Published: July 2018

Hay una relación entre las ideas del artista Joseph Beuys con algunas prácticas y teorías artísticas contemporáneas, mayormente las que se relacionan con acciones directas, cierto activismo y algunos proyectos de desarrollo cultural. Beuys, inserto en un movimiento mundial amplio en los años sesenta, hizo un diagnóstico de las prácticas e instituciones humanas tales como el trabajo, el arte, las relaciones interpersonales, entre otras, y propuso un proceso para restaurar valores perdidos por la racionalización del pensamiento y lo que devino de ello. Este proceso incluye lo que podría ser el remedio del malestar social, el cómo ejecutarlo y su posible resultado. Su legado más importante es constantemente olvidado o dejado de lado por analistas y críticos. Beuys dejó una gran cantidad de páginas de las conferencias que dictó, de las obras procesuales que incluían horas y días de diálogo con grupos de personas y un sinnúmero de entrevistas.
Transformaciones estéticas: la narcocultura, la producción de valores culturales y la validación del fenómeno narco
Authors: Pardo León Jesús Antonio
Published: July 2018

El contexto colombiano de las últimas tres décadas ha generado formas culturales y representaciones sociales emergidas de la crisis e inestabilidad social que ha caracterizado al país durante este período de tiempo. El siguiente trabajo tiene como objetivo realizar una contextualización e interpretación del fenómeno del narcotráfico a nivel local; paralelamente, definiremos herramientas conceptuales para acercarnos a un objeto específico, el caso de la producción de material estético identificado con las nuevas escalas de valor, producto de la cultura generada por el narcotráfico. Por medio de conceptos de tipo sociológico analizaremos estéticamente la configuración e instalación de los nuevos valores “narcos” a través de un estudio del caso Rodrigo D. No Futuro y la producción televisiva alrededor del fenómeno narco.
Páginas Preliminares
Authors: Gómez Moreno Pedro Pablo
Published: July 2018

Páginas Preliminares
Reflexiones sobre la guitarra clásica en Colombia: conversación con Irene Gómez
Authors: Gómez Irene , Gómez Moreno Pedro Pablo
Published: July 2018

En esta conversación se realiza un recorrido por varias de las dimensiones de la trayectoria artística de una de las guitarristas  colombianas más importantes: Irene Gómez. En su transcurso, se abordan temas que tienen que ver con la escena de la guitarra clásica, la formación musical, la ética de la artista y su particular perspectiva sobre la interpretación, la investigación y el acercamiento a los públicos que significa llevar la música al corazón de los oyentes, así como los proyectos en curso de la artista.
Development of The Stem of Jatropha multifida Linn as A New Antimalarial through Erythrocytes Test on Mus musculus Infected by Plasmodium berghei
Authors: Sundaryono Agus , Ruyani Aceng , Sari Rika Partika
Published: July 2018

Introduction : Jatropha multifida Linne is known as Betadin plant by the Bengkulunese. The stem extract of J. multifida has antibacterial activity. This study examined the potential of stem extract of J. multifida to be developed as an anti-malarial drugs through trials in M. musculus whose erythrocytes infected by Plasmodium berghei.Methods : Phytochemical test of the stem of J. multifida to test the flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids and steroids. The stem extract of J. multifida obtained by maceration with 96% ethanol. 30 M. musculus divided 6 groups, each consist of 5 animals. P0 is the negative control groups that were not infected by P berghei. P1 is the positive control groups that were only infected by P berghei, P2 is a comparison groups that were infected with P berghei and chloroquine, groups P3, P4, and P5 were infected by P berghei and treated with stem extract of J multifida with consecutive doses 0.028 g / kgbw, 0.056 g / kgbw and 0.084 g / kgbw. After 24 hours, the number of erythrocytes was observed with hemocytometer then was counted the number of uninfected erythrocytes by P berghei using a microscope at 1000x magnification.Results : The stem extract of J. multifida at doses of 0.028 g/kgbw, 0.056 g/kgbw and a dose of 0.084 g/kgbw were able to increase the number of uninfected erythrocytes by P berghei in M. musculus, respectively an average of 9.135million cell eritrosit/mm3, 7.618 millioncell eritrosit/mm3, and 9.856 millioncell eritrosit/mm3. The ability of stem extract of J. multifida in increasing the number of erythrocytes uninfected with P berghei was much higher than the malaria drug chloroquine diposphat. On one way ANOVA analysis of Fcount ( 13,2 ) > Ftable (2.76 ) , with (α = 0.05), there are noticeable differences in the provision of treatment. The increasing number of uninfected erythrocytes by P berghei was due to the content of flavanol glycosides in J multifida stem. Flavanol glycosides was expected to form Flvanolglycosides-heme complex that could inhibit the formation of P berghei parasites HemazoinConclusion : The stem extract of J. multifida could be developed as a potential anti-malarial drugs since it could increase the number of uninfected erythrocytes by P berghei in M. musculus. Its ability was much higher than the malaria drug chloroquine diposphat
Expression of TTF-1 And CK-7 in the Diagnosis of Pleural Effusion Cytology Suspected Lung Adencarcinoma
Authors: Prasetiyo Patricia Diana , Pawitra Ika , Wijaya Indra
Published: July 2018

Background : Lung cancer is the mayor disease that cause death worldwide including Indonesia especially Nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) consisting of adenocarcinoma, squamus carcinoma (SqCCA) and large cell carcinoma. Incidency of lung adenocarcinoma continues to rise recently about 40% of all NSCLC.Methods : Descriptive observational study design. The study population included the patients who were hospitalized at Kariadi central hospital in Semarang and had thorax X-ray or CT scan of thorax with a diagnosis of suspected lung malignancy, at the period of January 2012 – 2013. The variables assessed are expression of TTF-1 and CK-7.Result : A total of 20 samples subjected to Pearson correlation test with result of p value = < 0,001 and r = 0,867. Presentation of the highest expression TTF-1 in the all study sample is Adenocarcinoma 73,3% and highest expression CK-7 is also Adenocarcinoma 68,6%.Conclusion : Immunocytochemistry of TTF-1 and CK-7 can be used to determine Adenocarcinoma malignancy on cytological sample of suspected malignant pleural effusion
Frequency of MTHFR GENE C677T Polymorphism for Non-Syndromic Autism Spectrum Disorder Patients
Authors: Laksono Bremmy , Maskoen Ani Melani , Winarni Tri Indah , Taufik Syarief , Faradz Sultana MH
Published: July 2018

Background: The folate metabolism is a pathway that may involve in the non-syndromic Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase enzyme has a key role in folate metabolism. The C677T polymorphism of MTHFR gene could reduce the effectiveness of the enzyme.Objectives: To evaluate the frequency of MTHFR geneC677T polymorphism for non-syndromic ASD patients.Method: Thirty-four DNA samples were taken from each group. PCR mixture was consisted of 1µL DNA, 2.5µL PCR buffer, 0.5µL dNTP, 1.5µL MgCL2, 0.125µLTaqenzyme, 0.5µLofforwardandreverseprimerandaquabidesttoreach a volume of 25 µL. The PCR profiles were initiation 95ºC for 5 min, denaturation 94ºC for 1min, annealing 55ºCfor 45 seconds, and elongation 72ºC for30 seconds. The cycles were done in 35 times an dfinal elongation was at 72ºC for 5min. The PCR product was 198bp, and then digested by the Hinfl enzyme for 16hours at 37°C, and visualized using2%agarosegeland then electrophoresed for 30 minutes at 100 volts.Result: Non-syndromic ASD samples showed none had homozygote mutant type (677TT), 3 (8.8%) samples had heterozygote (677CT)and 31 (91.2%) samples had wild type (677CC). Meanwhile, normal control showed only 1 (2.9%)sample had homozygote mutant type(677TT), 9 (26.5%) samples had heterozygote (677CT)and 24 (70.6%) samples had  wild type (677CC).Conclusion: The frequency of MTHFR geneC677T polymorphism in patients with non-syndromic ASD and controls are not significantly different.
A Cohort Study of Intellectual Disability Focusing on Fragile X Syndrome in Indonesia
Authors: Winarni Tri Indah , Mundhofir Farmaditya EP , Faradz Sultana MH
Published: July 2018

Background: Intellectual disability (ID) is a major public health problem because the defect, treatment and rehabilitation require long life both medical and socio-economic assessment. Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common cause of inherited X-linked intellectual disabilities (ID) with reduced penetrance. With regards to behavioral and emotional phenotype, FXS commonly mixed up with idiopathic autism. The prevalence is found higher in males compared to females. In accordance with rapid development of diagnosis technique, the prevalence of FXS is defining worldwide including Indonesia using, currently, simple molecular method.Objectives: This study was aimed to diagnose genetic cause of ID and to establish the prevalence of FXS among ID population in Central Java, and Yogyakarta Province.Method: Screening has been performed since 1994 continuously in high risk population (special school with and without autism) using clinical, cytogenetic, and FMR1 gene PCR-based molecular approach. Cascade testing was subjected to the family members with positive result of FXS and many new cases were disclosed in our cohort study.Results: The prevalence of FXS among ID population was calculated to be 1.9% (5/262) in 1994 and 1.7% (9/527) in 2011. Among autism population it was determined to be 6.15% (4/65). Trisomy 21 was found in 14% (74/527) as a major cause of ID.Conclusion: The prevalence of FXS among screened ID population overtime is comparable.
Genetic Analysis for the Diagnosis of Disorders of Sexual Development in Indonesia
Authors: Faradz Sultana MH
Published: July 2018

Disorders of sex development (DSD) is defined by congenital conditions in which development of chromosomal, gonadal, or anatomical sex is atypical, while in clinical practice this term means any abnormality of the external genitalia. DSD patients have been managed by a multidisciplinary gender team in our center as collaboration between Dr. Kariadi province referral hospital and Faculty of Medicine Diponegoro University. Diagnosis should be established by specific physical examination hormonal, chromosomal and DNA studies; and imaging for most of the cases depending on indication.Since 2004 the involvement of molecular and cytogenetic analysis so far can diagnosed many of the DSD cases. Most of the genetically proven cases were Congenital Adrenal hyperplasia, Androgen Insensitivity syndrome and sex chromosomal DSD that lead abnormal gonadal development.  Many of them remain undiagnosed, further testing such as advanced DNA study should be carried out in collaboration with other center in overseas.The novel genes were found in some cases that contributed for the management of DSD.  Information for medical professionals, patients, family members and community about the availability and necessity of DSD diagnosis should be delivered to improve DSD management and patient quality of life.
Autobiographical Memory Impairment in Borderline Personality Disorder: A Quantitative Meta-Analysis Interpreted in Terms of the CaR-FA-X Model
Authors: Beran Eszter , Richman Mara J. , Unoka Zsolt
Published: July 2018

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterized by impaired functioning of autobiographical memory (AM). We use a quantitative meta-analysis to assess AM performance in adults diagnosed with BPD as compared to healthy controls (HC). Moderator variables included type of autobiographical memory as well as clinical and demographic variables. Large significant deficits were seen in the BPD group in comparison to the HC group. In the BPD group, effect sizes were large for overgenerality, omission, and specific memories, while not significant for recall. Age influenced the performance of the BPD group; in addition, there was a significant interaction between age and specificity of memory. Gender and IQ did not influence memory performance. Our results confirm that BPD patients show impairment in AM. We explain these impairments in terms of the CaR-FA-X model, based on mechanisms of capture and rumination, functional avoidance, and impaired executive control.
Physiological Starvation PromotesCaenorhabditis elegansVulval Induction
Authors: Grimbert Stéphanie , Vargas Velazquez Amhed Missael , Braendle Christian
Published: July 2018

Studying how molecular pathways respond to ecologically relevant environmental variation is fundamental to understand organismal development and its evolution. Here we characterize how starvation modulates Caenorhabditis elegans vulval cell fate patterning – an environmentally sensitive process, with a nevertheless robust output. Past research has shown many vulval mutants affecting EGF-Ras-MAPK, Delta-Notch and Wnt pathways to be suppressed by environmental factors, such as starvation. Here we aimed to resolve previous, seemingly contradictory, observations on how starvation modulates levels of vulval induction. Using the strong starvation suppression of the Vulvaless phenotype of lin-3/egf reduction-of-function mutations as an experimental paradigm, we first tested for a possible involvement of the sensory system in relaying starvation signals to affect vulval induction: mutation of various sensory inputs, DAF-2/Insulin or DAF-7/TGF-β signaling did not abolish lin-3(rf) starvation suppression. In contrast, nutrient deprivation induced by mutation of the intestinal peptide transporter gene pept-1 or the TOR pathway component rsks-1 (the ortholog of mammalian P70S6K) very strongly suppressed lin-3(rf) mutant phenotypes. Therefore, physiologically starved animals induced by these mutations tightly recapitulated the effects of external starvation on vulval induction. While both starvation and pept-1 RNAi were sufficient to increase Ras and Notch pathway activities in vulval cells, the highly penetrant Vulvaless phenotype of a tissue-specific null allele of lin-3 was not suppressed by either condition. This and additional results indicate that partial lin-3 expression is required for starvation to affect vulval induction. These results suggest a cross-talk between nutrient deprivation, TOR-S6K and EGF-Ras-MAPK signaling during C. elegans vulval induction.
Why Disability Studies Scholars Must Challenge Transmisogyny and Transphobia
Authors: Slater Jen , Liddiard Kirsty
Published: July 2018

We argue the need for coalition between trans and disability studies and activism, and that Disability Studies gives us the tools for this task. Our argument rests upon six facets. First and foremost, we explicitly acknowledge the existence of trans disabled people, arguing that Disability Studies must recognise the diversity of disabled people’s lives. Second, we consider how the homogenisation of womanhood, too often employed in transmisogonist arguments particularly when coming from those claiming to be feminists, harm both non-disabled trans women and cis disabled women. This leads to our third point, that Feminist Disability studies must be anti-reductive, exploring how gendered experiences rest upon other social positions (disability, queerness, race etc.) Fourth, we reflect upon the ways in which Disability Studies and feminism share a struggle for bodily autonomy, and that this should include trans people’s bodily autonomy. Finally, we argue that Trans and Disability Studies and activism share complex and critical relationships with medicine, making Disability and Trans Studies useful allies in the fight for better universal health care. We conclude by calling for our colleagues in Disability Studies to challenge transmisogony and transphobia and that transphobia is not compatible with Disability Studies perspectives.
Review of The Right Way To Be Crippled & Naked: The Fiction of Disability by Sheila Black, Michael Northen, and Annabelle Hayse, Eds. (2017)
Authors: Saul Denise
Published: July 2018

The Right Way To Be Crippled & Naked articulates the lived experiences of the disabled body.
Federal Parity and Spending for Mental Illness
Authors: Kennedy-Hendricks Alene , Epstein Andrew J. , Stuart Elizabeth A. , Haffajee Rebecca L. , McGinty Emma E. , Busch Alisa B. , Huskamp Haiden A. , Barry Colleen L.
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND:

Families of children with mental health conditions face heavy economic burdens. One of the objectives of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) is to reduce the financial burden for those with intensive mental health service needs. Few researchers to date have examined MHPAEA’s effects on children with mental health conditions and those with particularly high mental health expenditures.

METHODS:

A difference-in-differences approach was used to compare commercially insured children ages 3 to 18 years (in 2008) who were continuously enrolled in plans newly subject to parity under MHPAEA to children continuously enrolled in plans never subject to parity. Data included inpatient, outpatient, and pharmaceutical claims for 2008–2012 from 3 national commercial insurers. We examined annual mental health service use and spending outcomes.

RESULTS:

Among children with mental health conditions who were enrolled in plans subject to parity, parity was associated with $140 (95% confidence interval: −$196 to −$84) lower average annual out-of-pocket (OOP) mental health spending than expected given changes in the comparison group. Among children who were ≥85th percentile in total mental health spending, parity was associated with $234 (−$391 to −$76) lower average annual OOP mental health spending.

CONCLUSIONS:

MHPAEA was associated with increased financial protection on average for children with mental health conditions and among those at the higher end of the spending distribution. However, estimated reductions in OOP spending were likely too modest to have substantially reduced financial burden on families of children with particularly high mental health expenditures.
The Nutritional Quality of Gluten-Free Products for Children
Authors: Elliott Charlene
Published: July 2018

OBJECTIVES:

To examine the nutritional quality of gluten-free (GF) products specifically marketed for children.

METHODS:

All child-targeted food products were purchased from 2 major supermarket chains in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Using the Pan American Health Organization Nutrient Profile Model, the nutritional quality of products with a GF claim was compared with those without such a claim. A secondary analysis further compared the nutrient profile of child-targeted GF products to their product “equivalents.”

RESULTS:

Overall, child-targeted GF products had lower levels of sodium, total fat, and saturated fat but also had less protein and a similar percentage of calories from sugar compared with child-targeted products without a GF claim. According to the Pan American Health Organization criteria, both GF products and "regular" products designed for children can be classified as having poor nutritional quality (88% vs 97%; P < .001). When analyzed in light of their product equivalents without a GF claim, both had similarly high levels of sugar (79% vs 81%; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

GF supermarket foods that are targeted at children are not nutritionally superior to regular child-targeted foods and may be of greater potential concern because of their sugar content. The health halo often attributed to the GF label is not warranted, and parents who substitute GF products for their product equivalents (assuming GF products to be healthier) are mistaken. Parents of children with gluten intolerance and/or sensitivity, along with parents who purchase GF products for other health reasons, need to carefully assess product labels when making purchases.
Grygorіj Oleksіjovych Gruzintsev: the man, the mathematician, the philosopher
Authors: Vakarchuk M.B. , Tkachenko M.Ye.
Published: July 2018

The article describes the main milestones of the life of the professor of mathematics G. О. Gruzintsev and some aspects of his research work in mathematics and in the theory of science. The list of the main works of G. О. Gruzintsev is given.
On mean approximation of function and its derivatives
Authors: Motornyi V.P.
Published: July 2018

Some properties of the functions being integrable on the segment were considered in this article. Estimates for approximation are obtained.
On interpolation of operators of weak type $$$(\phi_0, \psi_0, \phi_1, \psi_1)$$$ in Lorentz spaces in borderline cases
Authors: Peleshenko B.I. , Semirenko T.N.
Published: July 2018

The quaslinear operators of weak type $$$(\phi_0, \psi_0, \phi_1, \psi_1)$$$, analogs of the Calderon, Bennett operators in the case of concave and convex functions $$$\phi_0(t)$$$, $$$\psi_0(t)$$$, $$$\phi_1(t)$$$, $$$\psi_1(t)$$$ are considered. The theorems of interpolation of these operators from the Lorentz space $$$\Lambda_{\psi, b}(\mathbb{R}^n)$$$ into the space $$$\Lambda_{\psi, a}(\mathbb{R}^n)$$$ in cases when $$$0 < b \leqslant a \leqslant 1$$$ and relation of function $$$\phi^{\frac{1}{b}}(t)$$$ to one of functions $$$\phi_1(t)$$$, $$$\phi_2(t)$$$ is slowly varying function are proved.
Interrogating the Constitutionality of Federal Character Principle in Nigeria
Authors: Olasunkanmi Aborisade , Agulanna Christopher
Published: July 2018

This work interrogates federal character principle (FCP) in Nigeria. The FCP was designed to fundamentally address the striking features of Nigeria politics of intense struggles for power among the different ethnic groups in the country between the elites from the North and their Southern counterparts and the various segments, but the practice of FCP in Nigeria so far raises curiosity and doubts. Given the outcome of the interrogation, this research work discovered and conclude that federal character has not indeed achieve its objective in the Nigeria, the study finds that Ethnocentrism, Elitism, Mediocrity, Mutual suspicion amongst others accounts for some inhibiting factors of the FCP in Nigeria. Like many other provisions of the Constitution, the Federal Character principle was meant to correct some imbalances experienced in the past, but it has created more problems than it has attempted to solve. Rather than promote national unity, it has disunited Nigerians. There is an urgent need to use more of professionals and result oriented Nigerians to carry out national tasks, than to use unprogressive people due to this "Federal character" issue. Nigeria should be a place where one's track records and qualifications are far greater than just "where they come from" or their lineage if Nigerian truly want to progress.
Trans-sphincteric anorectoplasty for rectovestibular fistula
Authors: Abdelmohsen Sarah Magdy , Abdelmohsen Sarah Magdy , Osman Mohammed Abdelkader
Published: July 2018

Abstract:

Introduction:

     Imperforate anus with rectovestibular fistula is the most common form of the imperforate anus in females and is an intermediate type of this disease, which is treated surgically(2). Generally, patients with vestibular fistulas have good functional results when treated by fistula transposition (8).

Materials and methods:

This was a prospective study did from January 2016 to January 2017. We included all female with age range from (25 days -12years old) diagnosed as a rectovestibular fistula (RVF) operated by single stage TSARP, at pediatric surgery units of Assiut and Aswan university hospitals. The functional results, cosmetic appearance and postoperative complication for each case after treatment were evaluated in patients for 3-6 months.

 

Results:

The total numbers of cases are 22 cases from rural areas of Upper Egypt, (36.36%) of patient's fathers and mothers are relatives and have associated anomalies. (50%) of cases are complaining of recurrent attack of constipation. (45.5%) of cases developed wound infection at the neoanal site. 7 cases are now more than 3years old, 6 of those 7 cases achieved voluntary bowel control and toilet trained and have good (4-5 points) wing spread score. One case less than 3 years old also achieved voluntary bowel control and toilet trained and has good (5 points) wing spread score.

Conclusion:

Trans-sphincter anorectoplasty (TSARP) is easy to perform with reasonable operative time, good cosmetic and functional outcome. Separation of the rectum from the posterior wall of the vagina is the most delicate step of the operation, takes place under direct vision. Constipation is an essential problem in patients that can be managed by laxatives. Meticulous post-operative wound care is essential.
Short-term neonatal outcome in routine use of painless delivery: a retrospective study
Authors: Clelia Tripaldi
Published: July 2018

The painless delivery, recently included among the essential levels of care, is an application of epidural analgesia to the last stage of labor which may greatly improve the quality of childbirth experience. This technique is poorly used in Italy, because of the lack of information in the population, disruption of services and scarcity of economic resources. There are not many retrospective studies quantifying the use of this technique in recent years, nor clinical indicators highlighting any adverse event from the neonatal point of view. We describe the ten-year experience of a birth point belonging to a peripheral hospital, comparing two populations of neonates born in the same center in two different periods, in order to determine whether the routine use of analgesia in labor can influence the short-term neonatal outcome. We examined the basic data regarding all neonates born in the years 2004 and 2014. In 2004 the painless delivery was not yet used in our center, while in 2014 it was used routinely in every spontaneous birth. We examined data obtained retrospectively from the paper files of the delivery room and neonatal ones. The two populations of infants examined were comparable for baseline characteristics, such as full-term pregnancy, absence of obstetric risk factors and similar operative protocols for emergency caesarean section indications. For every baby the type of delivery, the Apgar score, the transfer rate in the neonatal intensive care unit and eventual death were marked. The analyzed data confirm that there are no statistically significant differences in short-term neonatal outcome between the two groups of infants.
Faking and Counterfeiting of Drugs : Evaluation of Pharmacy Regulatory, Privatisation, Social Welfare Services and Its Alternatives of Sudan
Authors: Omer Abdeen Mustafa
Published: July 2018

The strategy of price liberalisation and privatisation had been implemented in Sudan over the last decade, and has had a positive result on government deficit. The investment law approved recently has good statements and rules on the above strategy in particular to pharmacy regulations. Under the pressure of the new privatisation policy, the government introduced radical changes in the pharmacy regulations. To improve the effectiveness of the public pharmacy, resources should be switched towards areas of need, reducing inequalities and promoting better health conditions. Medicines are financed either through cost sharing or full private. The role of the private services is significant. A review of reform of financing medicines in Sudan is given in this study. Also, it highlights the current drug supply system in the public sector, which is currently responsibility of the Central Medical Supplies Public Corporation (CMS). In Sudan, the researchers did not identify any rigorous evaluations or quantitative studies about the impact of drug regulations on the quality of medicines and how to protect public health against counterfeit or low quality medicines, although it is practically possible. However, the regulations must be continually evaluated to ensure the public health is protected against by marketing high quality medicines rather than commercial interests, and the drug companies are held accountable for their conduct.
Circadian variation of pain as a measure of the analgesia requirements during the first 24-postoperative hours in patients using an opioid Patient Controlled Analgesia delivery system
Authors: Sandoval Ricardo
Published: July 2018

Circadian rhythms have governed the everyday life of every single organism that has lived on Earth. The present study addresses the rhythms of cortisol and melatonin, their analgesic properties and the potential circadian rhythm of pain as a driver of the frequency of self-administered analgesia in postoperative patients with an opioid Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA) delivery system. It aims to determine if acute 24-hour post-operative pain displays a circadian variation by analysing the number of times that patients self-administered morphine for pain relief and incidentally to determine if gender has any association with the frequency of self-administered analgesia. For that purpose, the frequencies of self-administered analgesia were divided into four periods of six hours each (three of them approximately corresponded to the day, and 1 to the night). A Multi-level Poisson regression analysis compared frequencies during period 4 (night) to all others (1, 2 and 3). The results show that there was a statistically significant difference between the frequencies of self-administered opioids in the night period compared to any other day period (p-value of <0.001, for periods 1, 2 and 3 respectively compared to period 4). Differences in terms of gender were also statistically significant (p < 0.001) with men’s opioid consumption almost double that of women’s but with much steeper rate of decline (p<0.001). These results may be partly explained by the rhythms of melatonin, cortisol and ß-endorphine, morphine’s chronopharmacology and possibly by oestrogen and progesterone.
: Dysmenorrhea and impact on Quality of Life
Authors: Taiwo Ogunfowora Olumide
Published: July 2018

Background: Dysmenorrhea, painful menstruation, is a common chronic condition of pain that affects a wide range of young women capable of reducing their quality of life, decrease their ability to function at a 100 percent and ultimately causing a reduction in productively for the affected person for a period of time.

Many studies have shown that the level of knowledge about dysmenorrhea is unsatisfactory especially in young women and that it indeed has the ability to disrupt a peaceful flow in rhythm and pattern of women in executing daily activities, the aim of this study is therefore to determine the true extent at which dysmenorrhea interferes with daily activities.

Materials and Methods: Data collection was done using an 18-item self-administered questionnaire developed to capture the aim of this study between September and November, 2016. Data was entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences 11.5 (SPSS 11.5). Descriptive statistics of socio-demographic information, menstrual history and symptoms of participants regarding dysmenorrhea as well as impact on quality of life were determined and reported in the forms of mean, standard deviation, proportions and percentages.

 

Results: The average participant’s age was 20 years +/- 1.206 years (ranging from 17-30 years). 24% (76) were found to be less than 20 years of age whereas only 8% (25) were above 22 years of age. Most of the responders, 68% (216) fell within the age group of 20-24. The mean BMI of the participants was 22.03 +/- 2.27 kg/m2 (ranging from 16.8 kg/m2 to 33.04 kg/m2 ). Most of the participants had a normal BMI (18.5-25) which was around 69% of the total participants. Participants in the underweight and overweight categories had almost equal distribution with 17% were and 14% respectively

Conclusion: Dysmenorrhea is a common health problem and high gynecological referral rate due to its high prevalence rate. It exerts a significant effect on the daily activities and a detrimental effect on the quality of life among the female population
Effect of Rotary Instrument Mineral Oil Lubricant on Osseointegration: A Randomized, Blinded Study in Rabbits
Authors: Sánchez-Pérez Arturo , Cano-Tovar Ana Belén , Martín-de-Llano José Javier , Sarobe-Oyarzun Francisco Javier , Davis Scott , Carda-Batalla Carmen
Published: July 2018

The mechanisms of early failures in dental implant osseointegration are unclear. A possible cause of low levels of bone formation is lubricant contamination on implants during insertion. To explore the impact of lubricant contamination on dental implants, we used 5 New Zealand rabbits and inserted 2 implants per tibia in each animal for a total of 4 implants per animal (20 implants in total). In general, bicorticalization was achieved. The first implant was placed as suggested by the manufacturer with no lubricant used (control). The second implant was placed using a freshly lubricated contra-angle handpiece, which was used only for the test implants. Implant allocation was randomized, and the examining histologist was blinded to the results. All implants were placed by the same surgeon. The animals were maintained in accordance with animal experimentation guidelines. None of the implants failed to osseointegrate. Moreover, no significant difference was observed between the test and control groups. Based on the results of this study, the use of rotary instrument mineral oil lubricant did not jeopardize the osseointegration of dental implants in New Zealand rabbits.
Medical Educators: How we learn, how we teach and the symbiotic relationship between the two pursuits
Authors: Reid Lynne
Published: July 2018

This article was migrated. The article was not marked as recommended. As both a medical educator and a life long student, I can appreciate the complexity of adult learning. In this reflective essay I explore the characteristics of my own learning styles and how this influences my teaching.