bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intervention programmes for HIV and AIDS prevention: a study of in- school adolescents in Orlu Senatorial Zone of Imo State, Nigeria
Authors: C. Ezeama M. , E. Enwereji E. , A. Onyekwere I.
Published: September 2017

Background: Helpful strategies to prevent human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) among adolescents remain the greatest challenge in developing countries including Nigeria. In Nigeria, interventions for preventing HIV and AIDS for in-school adolescents are limited. This study used class-room instruction (CI) and drama (DR) for HIV and AIDS prevention among in-school adolescents in Orlu Senatorial Zone.Methods: A quasi-experimental design using 165 students from three randomly selected co-educational secondary schools was adopted. Two experimental groups (CI and DR) and a control group were used for the study. Baseline data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire with 29-point knowledge and 9-point attitudinal scales. Knowledge was analysed using the scores <15 and ≥15 for low and high knowledge respectively. For attitude, scores of <5 and ≥5 were categorised as negative and positive respectively. The results for baseline studies were used to design interventions that were implemented for 8 weeks. Also, mid-term and follow-up evaluations were conducted during the study. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, t-test and ANOVA at p=0.05.Results: The mean ages of the respondents in CI, DR and control groups were 13.4±1.2, 13.9±1.5 and 13.8±1.2 years respectively. Knowledge scores on HIV and AIDS at baseline were 20.5±2.7, 20.4±2.6 and 21.1±2.7 for CI, DR and Control groups respectively. These scores increased to 22.7±2.7, 22.6±1.8 and 21.2±0.3 at mid-term for CI, DR and control, respectively. At follow-up, scores for CI and DR increased to 23.9±1.8 and 24.5±1.4 respectively while the score for the control dropped to 20.0±2.8. Scores for attitude for CI, DR and control groups during baseline study were 5.3±1.4, 4.9±1.5 and 5.3±1.0 respectively. For mid-term, attitude scores were 5.1±1.2, 5.0±0.9 and 4.7±1.5 for CI, DR and control respectively while scores for follow-up were 5.3±1.2, 5.6±0.7 and 4.5±1.2, indicating greater increase among the intervention groups than that of control.Conclusions: Based on the results of the study, drama yielded more positive outcomes in both knowledge gained and in attitudinal change among in-school adolescents than classroom instruction. Drama intervention is therefore, an important HIV and AIDS prevention strategy for in- school adolescents.
Triple ligation technique of clipless laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a spanner especially for complicated cholecystitis
Authors: Mukesh K. Sangwan , Vijayata Sangwan , Mohinder K. Garg , Deepak Singla
Published: September 2017

Background: Although in the era of laparoscopic cholecystectomy cystic duct occlusion has been tried by clips, harmonic and plasma kinetic quite effectively but cost, availability and inadvertent injury to biliary duct are concerning factors. Intra-corporeal ligation has evolved to address these issues effectively as a boon especially for the peripheral centres where availability and cost of energy sources weighs heavier than their associated ease. Triple ligation technique is a time preserving modification without any compromise in safety and quality of surgery. The aim of our study is not only to elucidate the importance of intra-corporeal ligation in safety and cost of surgery but also to enlighten its role in safe management of even difficult cases of cholecystitis.Methods: A retrospective observational study. All cases of symptomatic gallstones operated by laparoscopic triple ligation technique were included in the study.Results: More than half (63.4%) of the cases in our study were having chronic cholecystitis was reported in 63.4% of the cases while 36.4 % cases have acute cholecystitis. Mean duration of surgery was 46.4 and 71.2 minutes in chronic and acute cases respectively. No case of bile duct or vascular injury has been reported in our study. Only 3.8% of the cases were converted to open. Gallbladder perforation was most common complication noted in 12.8% of the cases.Conclusions: Triple ligation technique of laparoscopic cholecystectomy is not only a time sparing modification but is also a veritable, safe and frugal tool with excellent results even in complicated cholecystitis without compromising its outcome and prime.
A prospective study of clinical, biochemical and radiological features in pancreatitis
Authors: Kumar Bhimwal Raj , Makwana Mohan , Ram Panwar Rewat , Lal Kanwar
Published: September 2017

Background: Pancreatitis is quite common problem, it may present either as abdominal emergency with fulminant course or as an indolent process leading to long-term medical as well as surgical complications often leading to poor prognosis if not intervened timely.Methods: The present study conducted in the department of medicine, Dr. S. N. medical college, Jodhpur. Participants after understanding the study protocol and procedure, asked to give their written consent for the study. A cross sectional hospital based study in patients admitted in various medical wards of Dr. S. N. medical college, Jodhpur. 50 patients with acute and chronic pancreatitis were studied.Results: In the present study, most common cause of acute pancreatitis is biliary disease (50%) followed by alcoholism (37.5%) and in chronic pancreatitis is alcoholism (80%). Acute pancreatitis was more common in males (62.5%, 25 males) whereas chronic pancreatitis in males (80%, 8 male). Abdominal pain is the most common symptom (97.5%) followed by nausea-vomiting (92.5%) in acute pancreatitis. The history of previous abdominal pain in 100% of cases followed by epigastria pain in 90% of cases, in chronic pancreatitis. The amylase and lipase were elevated in 90% of cases. The amylase and lipase levels did not correlate with the severity. 66.6% of patients had severe pancreatitis with a positive predictive value of 66.6%. The ultrasonography imaging of pancreas was helpful in 70% and 100% in acute and chronic pancreatitis respectively. The CT scan was a better imaging modality as compared to ultrasonography in acute pancreatitis, where as it scored over ultrasonography imaging in chronic pancreatitis with complications.Conclusions: Relevant clinical history, ultrasonography and computed tomography scan of pancreas are helpful in diagnosis of pancreatitis. The computed tomography scan was a better imaging modality as compared to ultrasonography.
Profile of eye lid lesions over a decade: a histopathological study from a tertiary care center in South India
Authors: Mohan Bhavya P. , V. Letha
Published: September 2017

Background: Eyelid lesions are commonly encountered in histopathology practice and encompass a wide variety of non-neoplastic and neoplastic lesions. Here we report the histopathological features of eyelid lesions in patients presenting to a tertiary care center in Kerala, South India.Methods: In this retrospective study, a total of 414 eyelid lesions were identified over a period of 10 years (January 2006 - December 2015). In each case, details including age, gender and final histopathological diagnosis were recorded from histopathology registers.Results: Non-neoplastic lesions (52.4%) were more common than neoplastic lesions (47.6%). In the neoplastic lesions, benign tumors outnumbered (37.7%) malignant tumors (9.9%). Age of patients ranged from 1 to 90 years with a mean age of 43.4 years. M: F ratio was 1:1.3. The most common non-neoplastic lesion was epidermal cyst (14.3%) followed by parasitic granuloma (9.2%), chalazion and dermoid cyst (5.6% each). Nevus was the commonest benign eyelid tumor (13.7%) followed by squamous papilloma (9.2%), seborrhoeic keratosis and capillary hemangioma (3.9% each). Sebaceous carcinoma was the most frequent malignant tumor (2.4%) followed by squamous cell carcinoma (2.2%) and basal cell carcinoma (1.5%). Uncommon lesions encountered were actinomycosis, tuberculous granuloma, amyloid deposit, calcinosis cutis, molluscum, angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia, xanthelasma, granular cell tumor, benign fibrous histiocytoma, mucinous eccrine adenocarcinoma etc.Conclusions: Eyelid lesions were commoner in females and in 5th and 6th decades. Epidermal cyst and nevus were the commonest benign lesions and sebaceous carcinoma was the most common malignant tumor. The results are comparable with available data from South India.
Long-Term Trends of Air Temperature Changes in Industrial and Economic Centres of North-Western and Central Federal Districts of Russia and Their Causes
Authors: Drozdov V.V. , Kosenko A.V.
Published: September 2017

Carried out the review and analysis of long-term variability of mean annual and mean during winter temperature in 13 major administrative and industrial centers of the North-West and Central federal district – Murmansk, Arkhangelsk, Petrozavodsk, St. Petersburg, Pskov, Novgorod, Kaliningrad, Moscow, Smolensk, Tambov, Kostroma, Kursk and Voronezh. On the basis of the method of cluster analysis identified the major regional characteristics variability in air temperature. An assessment of the correlation between the dynamics of the 4 values of climatic indices of atmospheric circulation over the North Atlantic – NAO (North Atlantic Oscillation) and long-term changes in air temperature. Identified and analyzed interannual trends cooling trend over the winter period. Presented a preliminary assessment of the intensity of the impact of changes in temperature conditions on industry and the economy of the North-West and central federal districts in relation to a possible cooling.
Electroconvulsive Therapy and Brain Damage: Survey of the Evidence From a Philosophical Promontory
Authors: Dubey Christopher James
Published: September 2017

In a combination of literature review and theoretical article, the author analyzes a broad variety of scientific and real-world evidence that iatrogenic brain damage results from electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). The author critically reevaluates the evidence using knowledge of basic biology and logic, and, to a lesser extent, the author makes ethical observations and legal implications. Despite many scientific and governmental authorities having concluded that ECT does not cause brain damage, there is significant evidence that ECT has indeed caused brain damage in some patients, both historically and recently, and evidence that it always causes some form or degree of brain damage.
Is Electroconvulsive Therapy for Depression More Effective Than Placebo? A Systematic Review of Studies Since 2009
Authors: Read John , Arnold Chelsea
Published: September 2017

Background:A 2010 review of studies, previous reviews and meta-analyses found minimal evidence that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for depression was more effective than placebo during the treatment period and no evidence at all of efficacy beyond the end of treatment. The current review explored whether any contradictory evidence has since been generated.Method:MEDLINE and PsycINFO were searched to identify all post-2009 studies that had compared ECT and simulated ECT for depression, or had in any other way generated valid depression data for ECT recipients at two or more points in time.Results:Ninety-one studies met inclusion criteria. There were no new placebo-controlled trials. There have now been no such studies since 1985. Only 4 placebo-controlled studies have ever produced data beyond the end of treatment, none of which have found any advantage for ECT over placebo. Of the 91 studies, only 2 aimed to evaluate the efficacy of ECT. Both were severely flawed. None of the other 89 produced robust evidence that ECT is effective for depression, primarily because at least 60% maintained ECT participants on medication and 89% produced no meaningful follow-up data beyond the end of treatment. No studies investigated whether ECT prevents suicide.Conclusions:There is still no evidence that ECT is more effective than placebo for depression reduction or suicide prevention. Given the well-documented high risk of persistent memory dysfunction, the cost-benefit analysis for ECT remains so poor that its use cannot be scientifically, or ethically, justified.
Editorial
Authors: Whelan Darius , Cave Emma
Published: September 2017

Darius Whelan and Emma Cave introduce the first part of the 2017 volume of the journal.
Severe and Enduring Anorexia Nervosa in the Court of Protection in England and Wales
Authors: Cave Emma , Tan Jacinta OA
Published: September 2017

This article explores legal issues relating to the continuation of in-patient treatment for people with severe and enduring Anorexia Nervosa in circumstances where there are doubts as to treatment efficacy. In five recent cases, the Court of Protection in England and Wales has been asked to consider the capacity and best interests of patients with severe and enduring Anorexia Nervosa. Drawing upon international comparisons, this article outlines the clinical uncertainties associated with prognosis and treatment and evaluates legal assertions surrounding capacity and best interests. It is suggested that to ensure palliative management is based on need rather than diagnosis, and that capacity is decision- and not disease-specific, a closer alignment is required between the focus of any capacity and best interests assessments.

Three specific recommendations are put forward: Firstly the courts should adopt a patient-centred rather than clinician-centred approach to framing the decision that is subject to a capacity assessment. Secondly where a patient with Anorexia Nervosa lacks capacity, reliance on their stated treatment preferences must be balanced with their views and hopes regarding prognosis. The value of different treatment options should be assessed in this light. Thirdly given the clinical and ethical uncertainties regarding prognosis and appropriateness of treatment, there are dangers in relying on the same court-appointed expert in all cases.
Some Continental European Perspectives on Safeguards in the Case of Deprivation of Liberty in Health and Social Care Settings
Authors: Boente Walter
Published: September 2017

This article highlights perspectives and regulations on safeguards in the case of deprivation of liberty of some continental European countries – namely Germany, Switzerland, France, Austria, and Spain. It illustrates the continent’s disparate approaches to the subject, both those founded in history and in the different legal traditions.Continental legislation struggles to cope with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The most recent observations of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Germany, in May 2015, recommend for example, that Germany “amend legislation to prohibit involuntary placement and promote alternative measures”. Nevertheless, legislation and practice in these countries might provide some different points of view on deprivation of liberty safeguards.
Foucault-arqueólogo: um experimentalista do saber
Authors: Ribeiro Carlos Eduardo
Published: September 2017

Este trabalho tem a finalidade de explicitar o caráter experimental da história arqueológica de Foucault a partir da leitura que esse filósofo faz da noção nietzschiana de origem. Tratamos de analisar como o filósofo francês, ao abordar, em alguns momentos, a genealogia nietzschiana, acaba por conferir à arqueologia um sentido experimental, associado ao uso foucaultiano do conceito de vontade de verdade. Indicamos, por fim, como esta perspectiva da noção origem pode ser útil na compreensão do discurso sobre a socioeducação no Brasil.
Construção fílmica e educação: um olhar para o filme Santo Forte de Eduardo Coutinho
Authors: Scareli Giovana
Published: September 2017

O presente trabalho apresenta um recorte sobre o filme Santo Forte do diretor Eduardo Coutinho, procurando desenvolver principalmente dois temas: a construção fílmica, trabalhando com a linguagem cinematográfica e o que isto implica nas escolhas que são feitas pelo diretor do filme, e algumas possibilidades de pensar a educação a partir de filmes ou com os filmes. Dessa forma, apresentamos a personagem D. Tereza, escolhida por ter mais tempo de filme e também por a considerarmos como um dos melhores exemplos para pensar na evolução de uma personagem, da sua capacidade de fabulação e transformação no filme, auxiliada pelo diretor em vários aspectos: tempo, forma de fazer as perguntas, movimento de câmera etc.. Após a exposição sobre a construção fílmica da personagem, podemos fazer várias considerações sobre educação, ao pensar nesta possibilidade de reflexão e transformação que os espectadores também podem sofrer diante de um filme, no encontro com uma outra cultura ou no momento que consegue se ver no outro.
Michel Foucault e o “cuidado de si”: a invenção de formas de vida resistentes na educação
Authors: Freitas Alexandre Simao
Published: September 2017

O objetivo principal da reflexão aqui proposta é explorar uma face ainda pouco abordada, pelo campo educacional, da experiência intelectual do pensador francês Michel Foucault: o cuidado de si e a criação de novas formas de vida. A questão problematizada corresponde aos processos de subjetivação por meio das chamadas “práticas de si”, contribuindo para elucidar alguns aspectos das condições de formação do ser humano na contemporaneidade. A analítica do cuidado de si, no âmbito da leitura foucaultiana do texto “Alcibíades”, no curso Hermenêutica do Sujeito, é apontada como uma potência instituinte imanente à vida, evidenciando como a experiência ética que o sujeito faz de si mesmo é inseparável do processo político de sua formação.
Foucault-Kant e a questão da Aufklärung como maioridade pedagógica
Authors: Dalbosco Claudio
Published: September 2017

O ensaio reconstrói, em largos traços, a interpretação que Foucault faz da Aufklärung kantiana. Procura mostrar, por um lado, que tal interpretação serve-lhe de auto-esclarecimento filosófico, isto é, como certificação da noção de filosofia como pensamento da atualidade. Por outro, que esta noção de filosofia torna-nos produtiva a própria idéia de uma filosofia da educação baseada na Aufklärung como maioridade pedagógica.
Do sedentarismo ao nomadismo: intervenções para se pensar e agir de outros modos na educação
Authors: Carvalho Alexandre Filordi de , Gallo Sílvio
Published: September 2017

Com o intuito de diagnosticar o que se denomina de representação sedentária na educação, por intermédio do pensamento de Foucault, o artigo analisa a pastoral cristã como diagnóstico da presença da arte de conduzir no campo da educação. Destaca a herança do controle nas condições de constituição de subjetividades, na fixação de significações dominantes e na regulação de ações independentes como estratégias responsáveis por condicionar o “fazer pensar” na educação a um conjunto de estruturas fixas. A partir daí, tendo por base o pensamento de Deleuze e Guattari, busca-se pensar a educação como experiência, espaço e movimento para além das estruturas sedentárias de representação, visando um tipo de nomadismo como intervenção para se pensar e agir de outros modos na educação.
Resenha do livro: Mezaros, Istvan. Educação para além do capital. São Paulo: Boitempo, 2005, 77p.
Authors: Calefo Daniela
Published: September 2017

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Referenciais teóricos sobre a temática “gestão de bibliotecas”
Authors: Santa Anna Jorge
Published: September 2017

As unidades e os serviços de informação situam-se em um contexto de intensa redefinição. Os reflexos provocados com a adesão às novas tecnologias permitem um fluxo contínuo de alterações em que, ao passo que surgem novos produtos e serviços, provoca-se obsolescência de outros. As tecnologias contemporâneas têm o potencial, em grande parte, de realizar os procedimentos técnicos anteriormente realizados por humanos. Contudo, enquanto os fazeres técnicos são substituídos por máquinas, outros problemas surgem, o que requer a intervenção humana, no sentido de gerenciar atividades e processos de trabalho, tecnologias e relações humanas. Assim, este artigo analisa o que vem sendo publicado a respeito do assunto “Gestão de Bibliotecas”, por decorrência, analisando o papel do bibliotecário gestor. Reflete acerca dos processos de trabalho que orientam as atividades em uma biblioteca. Descreve o papel do bibliotecário ao deixar o perfil técnico para habilitar-se como gestor. Realiza levantamento bibliográfico na Base de Periódicos em Ciência da Informação, através dos descritores “Gestão de Bibliotecas” e “Gestão de Unidade de Informação”. Conclui-se que, embora a produção científica a respeito dessa temática tem aparecido na literatura, a maioria dos trabalhos analisados ainda está focada nos procedimentos técnico-operacionais. Constatou-se que os estudos analisados abordam com maior intensidade a gestão das atividades e processos de trabalho e gestão com foco nas tecnologias utilizadas na unidade, sendo bastante escassas as discussões acerca da gestão do fator humano nos ambientes e serviços de informação.
Arquivamento da web
Authors: Rockembach Moisés
Published: September 2017

O objetivo deste estudo foi delimitar conceitualmente e teoricamente o tema arquivamento da web, além de verificar estudos de caso internacionais e a situação brasileira sobre este tema. Pesquisa de natureza exploratória-descritiva, utiliza abordagem qualitativa, com a aplicação de metodologia de seleção e análise de estudos de caso internacionais para exemplificar o funcionamento do arquivamento da web em vários países, além da análise do contexto brasileiro. São abordados os modelos de processo e ciclo de vida do arquivamento da web, bem como aspectos legais. Dos exemplos encontrados, foram selecionados seis estudos de caso internacionais, contemplando uma variedade de contextos (organizações sem fins lucrativos, arquivos nacionais, bibliotecas regionais, bibliotecas nacionais, universidades, provedores de serviços), não encontrando nenhum sistema específico de arquivamento da web brasileira documentado na literatura, com somente alguns assuntos arquivados de forma esparsa. A investigação diferencia-se por trazer um tópico de pesquisa ainda incipiente no país, mas com muitas possibilidades de estudo. Conclui que é preciso fomentar a discussão no panorama nacional e sugere que iniciativas sejam desenvolvidas para o arquivamento da web brasileira.
Vegetation index cartography as a methodology complement to the terroir zoning for its use in precision viticulture
Authors: Martínez Alvaro , Gomez-Miguel Vicente D
Published: September 2017

Aim: Precision Viticulture (PV) is a form of vineyard management based on tools that offer winegrowers georeferenced information of each vineyard, mainly sector mapping (sub-areas) differentiated by characteristics capable of influencing vineyard usage. This provides knowledge of the variations in these sectors and PV treats each one of them in an independent and optimised manner. This allows, amongst many other possibilities, to monitor fruit ripening with the objective of performing site-specific harvest based on the characteristics of each given sector. Local variations in soil features and natural environmental factors, such as climate, lithology, geomorphology and soil, determine the units that drive or limit PV.

Methods and results: In this paper, multispectral images are used. These have been obtained between veraison and harvest in three different years in order to calculate four vegetation indexes (VI) that have been used since the end of the last century to delimit homogenous sectors in vineyards: the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), the Improved Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (MSAVI), the Simple Ratio Index (SR) and the Modified Simple Ratio Index (MSR). Mapping of these VI has allowed to relate their distribution with natural environmental factors with the objective of valuing their use in the discrimination of homogenous sectors as a complement and/or alternative to traditional methodologies to terroir zoning. Results show that, in the area studied, the vineyards planted in alluvial soil and conglomerated zones, over dominant fine-loamy, mixed, mesic, Calcixerollic Xerochrept soil series, at elevations between 519 and 604 m, oriented east and on slopes less than 5º present higher values for all four indexes throughout the three years of study.

Conclusions: It is precisely these environmental elements (lithology, soil, elevation, orientation and slope) and many soil features that must be relatively uniform in order to make an efficient use of the studied VI.

Significance and impact of the study: The study addresses the use of VI as a companion tool to viticultural zoning, which has not been much explored at such scale level. In addition, the results obtained may lead to changes in the use of VI, which are usually used without taking into account soil and/or terrain features.
The Cue-Approach Task as a General Mechanism for Long-Term Non-Reinforced Behavioral Change
Authors: Salomon Tom , Botvinik-Nezer rotem , Gutentag Tony , Gera Rani , Iwanir Roni , Tamir Maya , Schonberg Tom
Published: September 2017

Recent findings show that preferences for food items can be modified without external-reinforcements using the cue-approach task. In the task, the mere association of food item images with a neutral auditory cue and a speeded button press, resulted in enhanced preferences for the associated stimuli. Here, in a series of 10 independent samples with a total of 255 participants, we show we can enhance preferences using this non-reinforced method for faces, fractals and affective images as well as snack foods, using auditory, visual and even aversive cues. This change was highly durable in follow-up sessions performed one to six months after training. Preferences were successfully enhanced for all conditions, except for negative valence items. These findings promote our understanding of non-reinforced change, suggest a boundary condition for the effect and lay the foundation for development of novel applications.
Three-Dimensional Physical Model Test Study on Mining-Induced Strata Movement of Open-Pit Final Slope
Authors: Gao Kunpeng , Yang Guoxiang , Xu Nengxiong
Published: September 2017

Strata and surface movement induced by mining under open-pit final slope is a huge threat to mine safety. Physical model test is an important method to study mining-induced strata and surface movement laws. Because of rock joints predominantly control rock mass deformation and failure, thus physical model test leaving out of consideration of rock joints is difficult to reflect the influence of rock joints on rock mass deformation. Therefore, this paper presents a three-dimensional physical model test considering simplified dominant rock joints. This test process includes the design of testing equipment, the construction of physical model with dominant rock joint sets, conduction of mining and deformation monitoring. And mining under eastern final slope of Yanqianshan iron mine was selected as a case to study the behavior of mining-induced strata and surface movement.
Acute rhabdomyolysis in a dog: Case report
Authors: Lechowski Roman , Sapierzyński Rafał , Bonecka Joanna , Ostrzeszewicz Magdalena
Published: September 2017

In a 9-years-old Labrador retriever, signs of severe weakness and a dark brown colour of urine were observed. During clinical examination, pain of the abdominal cavity and muscles was noted. Abdominal x-ray and ultrasound examination revealed signs of intestinal obstruction. The activity of creatine kinase was 187380 U/l. The diagnosis of acute muscle damage was made. Treatment included antibiotic and analgesic therapy, as well as aggressive fluid infusion. No additional treatments were required, and the dog made a speedy recovery. The rapid and intensive treatment prevented acute renal failure, which is a life-threatening complication of acute rhabdomyolisis. This is the first case of acute idiopathic rhabdomyolysis in a dog in Poland. An early intensive fluid therapy and a critical interpretation of radiological signs of intestinal obstruction are crucial for successful therapy.
Histological and morphometric study of the uterus of the lowland bison
Authors: Olbrych Katarzyna , Barszcz Karolina , Bartyzel Bartłomiej , Szara Tomasz , Kupczyńska Marta
Published: September 2017

Summary The European bison belongs to endangered species. Its restitution requires a complete knowledge of the structure and function of its genital organs. The aim of this study was a histological and morphometric examination of the uterus of immature and adult females. Material for the study came from 55 females living in the Białowieża Forest. According to the Polish law, the post mortem use of tissues does not require an approval from an ethics committee. The animals were divided into 2 groups: group I included 36 prepubertal females aged from 2 months to 1.5 years, while group II consisted of 19 sexually mature females aged 2 to 20 years. The samples were stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E). Histological and morphometric examinations included measurements of the height of the epithelium, thickness of the endometrium, thickness of the myometrium, thickness of the inner and outer muscular layers, and thickness of the perimetrium. The results were analyzed using the STATISTICA 12.0™ software. Statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in all morphometric parameters examined. The results revealed a high degree of similarity of the histological structure of the uterus between European bison and domestic cattle.
Wide band-gap oxide nanoparticles as potential drug carriers
Authors: Lipiński Waldemar , Kaszewski Jarosław , Gajewski Zdzisław , Godlewski Marek , Godlewski Michał M.
Published: September 2017

Recent decades have brought rapid development in the field of nanotechnology, which has led to applications of nanoparticles in many industries. Unique properties of nanoparticles and their biocompatibility increase their potential as drug carriers in drug-delivery systems. Prof. Marek Godlewski’s team from the Institute of Physics PAS has developed wide band-gap metal oxide nanoparticles doped with rare-earth metals for applications as fluorescent markers. The potential of those nanoparticles to cross the closed gut barrier after alimentary application has prompted their use in drug delivery systems. In this study, we show that after conjugation with a model bioactive substance, lectin (Phaseolus vulgaris), these nanoparticles retained their advantageous properties and, following oral administration (10 mg/ml in RO, 0.3 ml/mouse), entered a variety of organs in the mouse model. Internal organs collected at key time points were analysed under a scanning cytometer and a confocal microscope. The results show that the conjugation reduced, but did not completely abolish, the capacity of nanoparticles to penetrate physiological barriers (intestinal, blood-brain barrier) in the organism.
Congenital heart defects in dogs: A retrospective study of 301 dogs
Authors: Garncarz Magdalena , Parzeniecka-Jaworska Marta , Szaluś-Jordanow Olga
Published: September 2017

The aim of the study was to assess the frequency of congenital heart defects in a population of dogs in Poland and to determine which breeds were affected by particular defects. A retrospective study of the medical records of cardiologically examined dogs revealed 301 cases of echocardiographically confirmed congenital heart defects. Dogs with congenital heart defects made up 2.7% of the dogs that underwent a cardiologic examination. The age at diagnosis ranged from 2 weeks to 190 months. Mixed breeds (33 dogs, 11%), Bull Terriers (31, 10%), Boxers (28, 9%), German Shepherds (17, 6%), Yorkshire Terriers (17, 6%), and French Bulldogs (16, 5%) were the most frequently affected breeds. Subaortic stenosis (120 cases, 33.9%), pulmonic stenosis (64, 18.1%), patent ductus arteriosus (59, 16.7%), mitral valve dysplasia (56, 15.8%), ventricular septal defect (24, 6.8%) and tricuspid valve dysplasia (17, 4.8%) were the most frequent congenital heart defects recognized in this study. Isolated congenital heart disease occurred in 258 dogs (86%), while multiple heart defects were noted in 43 dogs (14%). Most (60%) congenital heart defects were recognized in dogs older than 1 year. Early recognition of congenital heart defects is important for better patient care. Collecting information on the frequency of congenital heart defects in particular breeds will be useful in educating breeders and thus in improving the overall health of the breed.
Acyclovir and trichostatin A modulate EHV-1 replication in murine neurons in vitro
Authors: Golke Anna , Cymerys Joanna , Tucholska Anna , Chmielewska Anna , Słońska Anna , Chodkowski Marcin , Serafińska Izabela , Brzezicka Joanna , Bańbura Marcin W.
Published: September 2017

Equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) is a major viral pathogen of horses, causing respiratory disease, abortions, and equine herpes myeloencephalopathy (EHM). Like other alphaherpesviruses, EHV-1 establishes latency in neurons, but mechanisms involved in this process are still elusive. In the present study, we used antiviral drug acyclovir (ACV) to completely suppress EHV-1 replication in primary murine neuron culture. Trichostatin A (TSA), a known chemical reactivator of other herpesviruses, was used to stimulate productive EHV-1 infection. Moreover, gene expression of some cytokines was simultaneously evaluated, in order to check, whether the maintenance conditions of such a model may influence host cell response. Changes observed in IFN-α, IFN-β, and IL-10 mRNA gene expression depended on the EHV-1 strain. Although infection with either of the two EHV-1 strains investigated led to in an increase in type I IFNs gene expression, only the neuropathogenic strain caused a decrease in anti-inflammatory IL-10 gene expression. Unlike EHV-1 infection, the addition of neither ACV nor TSA caused significant changes in the expression of the above genes.. We may therefore conclude that the in vitro model presented in the study is suitable for detailed investigation of the host cell-virus relationship on the molecular level.
Staphylococci isolated from animals as a source of genes that confer multidrug resistance to antimicrobial agents of critical importance to public health
Authors: Kizerwetter-Świda Magdalena , Pławińska-Czarnak Joanna
Published: September 2017

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health issue. Multidrug resistance (MDR) genes that confer resistance to antimicrobials from different classes are of particular importance in the spread of AMR. Moreover, some of these MDR genes are involved in resistance to critically important antimicrobial agents used in human and veterinary medicine. Staphylococci isolated from animals and humans harbor a wide range of resistance genes, including MDR genes. Location of MDR genes on mobile genetic elements facilitate the exchange of these genes between staphylococci of animal and human origin. The emergence of resistant Staphylococcus spp. is probably linked to therapeutic or prophylactic antimicrobial use through not only direct selection of the corresponding resistance, but also indirect selections via cross-resistance and co-resistance. Judicious use of antibiotics and the knowledge of the genetics of MRD genes and other resistance genes is indispensable to counteract further dissemination of staphylococcal MDR genes.
Dermatophytes: New taxonomy and differentiation methods. Review of current state of knowledge about mechanisms of pathogenesis and pathogen-host interaction
Authors: Dworecka-Kaszak Bożena , Dąbrowska Iwona
Published: September 2017

Dermatophytes are a highly specialized group of keratinophilic and keratinolytic filamentous fungi causing a disease called dermatophytosis or ringworm. Although dermatophyte infections do not threaten the host’s life, they lower its quality in humans by causing discomfort related to cosmetic problems, whereas in farm animals they often cause economic losses. In this work we have summarized the latest knowledge about taxonomy, differentiation methods, mechanisms of pathogenesis and pathogen-host interaction
Over 20 years of research on canine babesiosis at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of WULS-SGGW in Warsaw
Authors: Zygner Wojciech , Gójska-Zygner Olga , Górski Paweł , Bartosik Justyna
Published: September 2017

Canine babesiosis is a tick-borne disease caused by infection with protozoa of the genus Babesia. During over 20 years of studies on canine babesiosis at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the Warsaw University of Life Sciences, the researchers have identified the species of the parasite and its vector in Poland, determined the cause of azotemia and observed other pathological changes, such as endocrine disorders, changes in the de Ritis quotient, as well as biochemical and hematological changes. It was shown that the tick Dermacentor reticulatus is the only vector of canine babesiosis in Poland and the disease is caused by Babesia canis (formerly known as Babesia canis canis). The first studies of pathological changes confirmed the results of previous research in other countries, in which the most prevalent changes in canine babesiosis were thrombocytopenia, anemia leucopenia, increased activity of liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP), azotemia, hypoalbuminemia, hypoglycemia, hyponatremia and hypokalemia. Research on azotemia in dogs infected with B. canis showed the contribution of TNF-α overproduction to hypotension and its influence on renal ischemia, hypoxia and the development of azotemia. Moreover, in research on endocrine disorders in canine babesiosis, it was shown that IL-6 overproduction leads to the suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis resulting in euthyroid sick syndrome, and that secondary hyperaldosteronism results from decreased renal blood flow and leads to hypokalemia. The results of the research were published in 27 original papers, 6 case reports and many review articles in veterinary journals. These studies provided veterinary surgeons in Poland with improved procedures for diagnosing canine babesiosis, as well as allowed them to better understand some pathogenic mechanisms of the disease and to develop more efficacious therapies..
A calibration-free, robust estimation of monthly land surface evapotranspiration rates for continental-scale hydrology
Authors: Szilagyi Jozsef
Published: September 2017

Continuous simulation of monthly evapotranspiration rates for 1979–2015 was performed by the latest, calibration-free version of the complementary relationship of evaporation over the conterminous United States. The results were compared to similar estimates of the WREVAP program and the North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) project. Validation of the three methods was performed by the Parameter-Elevation Regressions on Independent Slopes Model precipitation and Hydrologic Unit Code level-6 runoff data. The present method outperforms the WREVAP and NARR estimates with a root-mean-square error (RMSE) of 89 mm yr−1, an R2 value of 0.87, an absolute bias (σ) of −5 mm yr−1, and slope (m) and intercept (c) values of 0.97 and 22 mm yr−1, respectively, for the best-fit line, in comparison to similar values (RMSE = 161 mm yr−1, R2 = 0.8, σ = 124 yr–1 mm yr−1, m = 0.88, c = 191 mm yr−1; and RMSE = 195 mm yr−1, R2 = 0.81, σ = 146 mm yr−1, m = 1.05, c = 120 mm yr−1) of the latter two methods. The value of the Priestley–Taylor (PT) coefficient was determined by inversion of the PT-equation via a model-independent identification of wet cells and their estimated surface temperatures.
Development and evaluation of ArcGIS based watershed-scale L-THIA ACN-WQ system for watershed management
Authors: Ryu Jichul , Jang Won Seok , Kim Jonggun , Lee Gwanjae , Yoon Kwangsik , Kim Yong Seok , Lim Kyoung Jae
Published: September 2017

The Long-term Hydrologic Impact Assessment Model with Asymptotic Curve Number Regression Equation and Water Quality model (L-THIA ACN-WQ) has been developed to simulate streamflow as well as instream water quality using fewer parameters, compared to other watershed models. However, since model input parameters (i.e. hydraulic response unit (HRU) map, stream network, database (DB), etc.) should be built by user manually, it is difficult to use the model for a nonprofessional or environmental policy decision-maker. In addition, it is difficult to analyze model outputs in time and space because the model does not provide geographic information system (GIS) information for the simulation results. To overcome the limitations, an advanced version of L-THIA ACN-WQ system which is based on ArcGIS interface was developed in this study. To evaluate the applicability of the developed system, it was applied to the Banbyeon A watershed in which total maximum daily load (TMDL) has been implemented. The required model input datasets were automatically collected in the system, and stream flow, T-N and T-P pollutant loads were simulated for the watershed. Furthermore, flow duration curve (FDC) and load duration curve (LDC) were generated to analyze hot spot areas in the system through automatic processes included in the system. The system can establish the model input data easily, automatically provide the graphs of FDC and LDC, and provide hot spot areas which indicate high pollutant loads. Therefore, this system can be useful in establishing various watershed management plans.
Study on the ecological compensation standard for river basin based on a coupling model of TPC-WRV
Authors: Guan Xin-jian , Liu Wen-kang , Wang Hui-liang
Published: September 2017

The calculation of ecological compensation standard is the key to establishing ecological compensation mechanism. In the process of establishing the model, we follow the metastatic pattern of water resources' ecological economic value. The model considered the discharge of pollutant between administrative area, pollutant absorbing capacity of river basin, ability of pollutant treatment and other factors, so as to closely combine ecological compensation standard with the total pollutants and water resource value (WRV). On this basis, total pollutant control model (TPC) and WRV model were constructed, the former model complied with properties of regional socio-economic, environmental resources and water environmental carrying capacity while the latter reflected the situation of resources, environment and socio-economic. And further, the ecological compensation standard coupling model of TPC-WRV was constructed by these two models, and the dilution water was introduced as a coupling pathway. Applying this coupling model to Xiao Honghe of China, the ecological compensation standard of four counties from 2008 to 2012 was calculated. The results show that the compensation value of Xiao Honghe basically presented increasing trend from upstream to downstream during 2008 to 2012. This study develops new ideas to comprehensively quantify the ecological compensation standard of river basin.
History of reconstructive surgery of aorta and aortic valve
Authors: Komarov R. , Karavaykin P. , Murylev V.
Published: September 2017

Surgery of the aorta remains the most difficult and most dynamic part of cardiovascular surgery. Aortic aneurysm surgery had passed through several stages: from non-reconstructive, when the improvised tools were used to decrease the risk of aorta-related complications, to endovascular one. Aortic valve surgery being the essential part of aortic surgery developed dramatically as well. However, open procedures still remain the gold standard for aortic surgery. Visceral protection methods and devices develop.The review follows main achievements for reconstructive surgery of aortic diseases and aortic valve lesions. It elucidates only vital and successful procedures performed by outstanding specialists for the first time. Moreover, the contribution of Soviet and Russian surgeons is shown.Received 11 July 2017. Accepted 21 July 2017.Funding: The study did not have sponsorship.Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interests.
20-year history of thoracic surgery in Russian Federation
Authors: Porkhanov V.
Published: September 2017

The article demonstrates thoracic surgery advances in Russia for the last 20 years. The main patterns of thoracic diagnosis for chest pathologies are described. The directions of open thoracic surgery development over the above period are defined, with focus on the challenges waiting to be met. The state-of-the art and perspectives for videothoracoscopic surgery are overviewed. Possible directions for new scientific and clinical avenues of Russian thoracic surgery are outlined: reconstructive surgery, transplantology and bioengineering technologies. Also analyzed are the changes in continuous training of thoracic surgeons.Received 5 August 2017. Accepted 21 August 2017.
Discriminative Sparse Features for Alzheimer's Disease Diagnosis Using Multimodal Image Data
Authors: Ortiz Andres , Lozano F. , Górriz Juan M. , Ramírez Javier , Martínez Murcia Francisco J. , Neuroimaging Initiative for the Alzheimer’s Disease
Published: September 2017

Background:

Feature extraction in medical image processing still remains a challenge, especially
in high-dimensionality datasets, where the expected number of available samples is considerably
lower than the dimension of the feature space. This is a common problem in real-world data, and, specifically,
in medical image pro- cessing as, while images are composed of hundreds of thousands voxels,
only a reduced number of patients are available.

Objective:

Extracting descriptive and discriminative features to represent each sample (image) by a small
number of features, which is particularly important in classification task, due to the curse of dimensionality
problem.

Methods:

In this paper we solve this recognition problem by means of sparse representations of the data,
which also provides an arena to multimodal image (PET and MRI) data classification by combining specialized
classifiers. Thus, a novel method to effectively combine SVC classifiers is presented here, which
uses the distance to the hyperplane computed for each class in each classifier allowing to select the most
discriminative image modality in each case. The discriminative power of each modality also provides
information about the illness evolution; while functional changes are clearly found in Alzheimer’s diagnosed
patients (AD) when compared to control subjects (CN), structural changes seem to be more relevant
at the early stages of the illness, affecting Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) patients.

Results:

Classification experiments using 68 CN, 70 AD and 111 MCI images from the Alzheimer's Disease
Neuroimaging Initiative database have been performed and assessed by cross-validation to show the
effectiveness of the proposed method. Accuracy values of up to 92% and 84% for CN/AD and CN/MCI
classification are achieved.

Conclusions:

The method presented in this work shows that sparse representations of brain images are of
importance for codifying and transferring relevant image features, as they may capture the salient features
while maintaining lightweight data transactions. In fact, the method proposed in this work outperforms
the classification results obtained using projection methods such as Principal Component Analysis for
extracting representative features of the images.