bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Religious experience in the current theological discussion and in the church pew
Authors: Biernot David , Lombaard Christoffel
Published: September 2017

Taking a new look at the language of ‘religious experience’, the authors in this contribution take into review this aspect in the current theological discussion, and in the church pew, asking the question: Does George Lindbeck’s criticism of the experiential-expressive model of religion still have something to say to us? Firstly, Lindbeck is reviewed and recouped. Then, religious experience and its commodification are discussed, at the hand also of the heritage from Schleiermacher onwards on experience. Taking a position within the post-modern, relativist, critical realist and pragmatist possibilities, a community-embedded sense of truth is concluded to without sacrificing the possibility of universalising claims. Is it possible, though, within the cultural reflex towards psychologised faith to retain a historically oriented depth?
From conciliar ecumenism to transformative receptive ecumenism
Authors: Plaatjies van  Huffel Mary-Anne
Published: September 2017

This article attends to ecumenicity as the second reformation. The ecumenical organisations and agencies hugely influenced the theological praxis and reflection of the church during the past century. The First World Council of Churches (WCC) Assembly in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, has been described as the most significant event in church history since the Reformation during the past decade. We saw the emergence of two initiatives that are going to influence ecumenical theology and practice in future, namely the Receptive Ecumenism and Catholic Learning research project, based in Durham, United Kingdom, and the International Theological Colloquium for Transformative Ecumenism of the WCC. Both initiatives constitute a fresh approach in methodology to ecumenical theology and practice. Attention will be given in this article to conciliar ecumenism, receptive ecumenism, transformative ecumenism and its implications for the development of an African transformative receptive ecumenism. In doing so, we should take cognisance of what Küng says about a confessionalist ghetto mentality: ‘We must avoid a confessionalistic ghetto mentality. Instead we should espouse an ecumenical vision that takes into consideration the world religions as well as contemporary ideologies: as much tolerance as possible toward those things outside the Church, toward the religious in general, and the human in general, and the development of that which is specifically Christian belong together!’
The views of key stakeholders in Zimbabwe on the introduction of postgraduate family medicine training: A qualitative study
Authors: Sururu Cherifa , Mash Robert
Published: September 2017

Background: Strengthening primary health care (PHC) is a priority for all effective health systems, and family physicians are seen as a key member of the PHC team. Zimbabwe has joined a number of African countries that are seriously considering the introduction of postgraduate family medicine training. Implementation of training, however, has not yet happened.Aim: To explore the views of key stakeholders on the introduction of postgraduate family medicine training.Setting: Key academic, governmental and professional stakeholders in Zimbabwean health and higher education systems.Method: Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted with purposively selected key stakeholders. Data were recorded, transcribed and analysed using the framework method.Results: Anticipated benefits: More effective functioning of PHC and district health services with reduced referrals, improved access to more comprehensive services and improved clinical outcomes. Opportunities: International trend towards family medicine training, government support, availability of a small group of local trainers, need to revise PHC policy. Anticipated barriers: Family medicine is unattractive as a career choice because it is largely unknown to newly qualified doctors and may not be recognised in private sector. There is concern that advocacy is mainly coming from the private sector. Threats: Economic conditions, poor remuneration, lack of funding for resources and new initiatives, resistance from other specialists in private sector.Conclusion: Stakeholders anticipated significant benefits from the introduction of family medicine training and identified a number of opportunities that support this, but also recognised the existence of major barriers and threats to successful implementation.
Seroprevalence of transfusion transmitted infections in healthy blood donors: A 5-year tertiary care hospital experience
Authors: Chandekar Sushama A. , Amonkar Gaythri P. , Desai Heena M. , Valvi Nitin , Puranik Gururaj V.
Published: September 2017

INTRODUCTION: Transfusion transmitted infections (TTIs) can cause threat to bloody safety as blood transfusion is an important mode of transmission of TTI to the recipient, hence, to prevent transmission of these diseases, screening tests on blood bags is an important step for blood safety.

AIM: This study was undertaken with the aim of determining the seroprevalence of TTI in healthy blood donors in a tertiary care blood bank.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out over a period of 5 years from January 2007 to December 2011. Serum samples were screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Type 1 and 2, hepatitis c virus (HCV) and syphilis using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays with the third generation kits and venereal disease research laboratory test, respectively.

RESULTS: A total of 76,653 healthy donors were included out of which majority of donors were male (91.79%). The overall seroprevalence of HIV, HBsAg, HCV, and syphilis were 0.26%, 1.30%, 0.25%, and 0.28%, respectively.

CONCLUSION: Methods to ensure a safety blood supply should be encouraged. For that, screening with a better selection of donors and use of sensitive screening tests including nucleic acid testing technology should be implemented.
Comparative evaluation of galactomannan test with bronchoalveolar lavage and serum for the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis in patients with hematological malignancies
Authors: Gupta Ankit , Capoor Malini R. , Shende Trupti , Sharma Bhawna , Mohindra Ritin , Suri Jagdish Chander , Gupta Dipender Kumar
Published: September 2017

INTRODUCTION: Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with hematological malignancies. In recent years, testing for values of galactomannan (GM) in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid has been investigated as a diagnostic test for IPA for such patients, but global experience and consensus on optical density (OD) cutoffs, especially for BAL galactomannan remains lacking.

METHODS: We performed a prospective case–control study to determine an optimal BAL GM OD cutoff for IPA in at-risk patients. Cases were subjects with hematological diagnoses who met established revised definitions for proven or probable IPA established by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Invasive Fungal Infections Cooperative Group (EORTC/MSG, 2008), without the use of BAL GM results. Exclusion criteria included the use of piperacillin/tazobactam and use of antifungals that were active against Aspergillus spp. before bronchoscopy. There were two control groups: patients with hematological diagnoses not meeting definitions for proven or probable IPA and patients with nonhematological diagnoses with no evidence of aspergillosis. Following bronchoscopy and BAL, GM testing was performed using the Platelia Aspergillus seroassay in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

RESULTS: There were 51 cases and 20 controls. Cases had higher BAL fluid GM OD indices (ODIs) (mean: 1.27 and range: 0.4–3.78) compared with controls (mean: 0.26 and range: 0.09–0.35). Receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated an optimum ODI cutoff of 1.0, with high specificity (100%) and sensitivity (87.5%) for diagnosing IPA.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results support BAL GM testing as a reasonably safe test with higher sensitivity compared to serum GM testing in at-risk patients with hematological diseases. A higher OD cutoff is necessary to avoid overdiagnosis of IPA.
Correlations between gingival crevicular blood glucose and capillary blood glucose: A preliminary report
Authors: Sibyl Siluvai , Bennadi Darshana , Kshetrimayum Nandita , Manjunath Maurya
Published: September 2017

INTRODUCTION: Oral health plays an important role for screening of many systemic diseases. Hence, dentists play an important role in screening for systemic diseases as well. Early diagnosis of any systemic diseases can prevent long‑term complications. Diabetic is one of the common chronic diseases. Hence, the study had been undertaken to evaluate whether gingival crevicular blood (GCB) can be used to screen for diabetes during routine oral health checkups.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: This analytical study included thirty participants who visited the Department of Periodontics, who fulfilled inclusion criteria and were willing to participate. Blood samples were collected by finger stick method and periodontal probing. The glucose levels of both the samples were estimated using glucometer and correlated the levels from both the methods.

RESULTS: Correlation between capillary finger stick blood glucose and GCB glucose was high (0.97) and was significant at 0.01 level.

CONCLUSION: Blood oozing during routine periodontal examination can be used for diabetes mellitus screening in dental office.
Rare presentation of mixed autoimmune hemolytic anemia in children: Report of 2 cases
Authors: Rai Preeti , Sharma Geetika , Singh Deeksha , Garg Jyoti
Published: September 2017

Immune hemolytic anemia is characterized by clinical and laboratory features of hemolytic anemia with direct antiglobulin test (DAT) positivity. It could be autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), alloimmune, or drug-induced hemolysis based on the antigenic stimulus. Furthermore, based on thermal amplitude of autoantibody, AIHA is classified as warm (65%), cold (30%), and mixed (5%) type. Mixed AIHA is extremely rare in children and must be differentiated from warm AIHA with clinically insignificant cold agglutinins and cold hemagglutinin disease as their treatment is different. It may present as blood group discrepancy or cross-match incompatibility leading to delay in arranging suitable blood unit for transfusion. Therefore, a thorough immunohematology workup including monospecific DAT, indirect antiglobulin test at 4°C and 37°C, determination of thermal amplitude and titer is essential. We hereby present two pediatric cases of mixed AIHA presenting as ABO forward and reverse blood group discrepancy and cross-match incompatibility.
Normalization of Closed Ekedahl—Oort Strata
Authors: Koskivirta Jean-Stefan
Published: September 2017

We apply our theory of partial flag spaces developed with W. Goldring to study a group-theoretical generalization of the canonical filtration of a truncated Barsotti–Tate group of level 1. As an application, we determine explicitly the normalization of the Zariski closures of Ekedahl–Oort strata of Shimura varieties of Hodge-type as certain closed coarse strata in the associated partial flag spaces.
The role of L-carnitine in acetyl salicylic acid-induced acute gastric mucosal injury in rats
Authors: Uz Burak , Turkay Cansel , Uyar Mehtap Erkmen , Yildirim Mehmet Erol , Sahin Semsettin , Haltas Hacer , Aydogan Timucin , Uz Efkan
Published: September 2017

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine the protective effects of L-carnitine on acetyl salicylic acid (ASA)-induced acute gastric mucosal injury through oxidant/antioxidant parameters and histopathological alterations in rat gastric tissues.

Material and methods:  Forty-two rats were randomly assigned to six groups: The control group received 1 mg/kg distilled water, while the other groups were pretreated with L-carnitine 50 mg/kg/day (LC), pantoprazole 40 mg/kg/day (PPI), ASA + LC (50 mg/kg/day), and ASA + PPI (40 mg/kg/day), for 21 days, respectively. On day 23, gastric mucosal injury was induced by a single intragastric administration of 600 mg/kg aspirin in ASA, ASA + LC, and ASA + PPI groups. The animals were killed 60 min after the administration of aspirin. The stomach of each animal was removed. Gastric mucosal injury was scored histopathologically (ulcer score). Tissue catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, and malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels were also measured.

Results: The ulcer score increased significantly in the ASA group, but this increase was not significantly inhibited by the administration of L-carnitine (2.71 ±1.0 vs. 2.57 ±0.5, p = 0.965). The CAT and GSH-Px activities were significantly reduced, whereas MDA and NO levels were significantly increased in the ASA group. Pretreatment with L-carnitine did not alter CAT or GSH-Px activities, but reduced MDA and NO levels insignificantly (p = 0.204 and p = 0.277, respectively).

Conclusions: Long-term administration of L-carnitine did not improve the oxidative and histological parameters of acute gastric mucosal injury induced by ASA.
Factors that may influence the score in the College Admission Test in China
Authors: Ling Ma , Yue Yang , Ning Lou
Published: September 2017

Introduction:  Many factors may influence the score of the College Admission Test. The purpose of this study was to assess the factors that may predict students’ scores in the College Admission Test in China.

Material and methods:  We sent out 1000 questionnaires which consisted of the following items: objective data on demographic factors, their scores of the test, the year they attended the test, whether they took a set of “art” subjects or a set of “science” subjects, the monthly salary of the whole family, the highest academic degree obtained by the father and mother, the history of past operations and the name and the times of operations undergone, as well as the type of anesthesia received by those who took the College Admission Test.

Results: Univariate analyses showed that age, gender, household income, parental education, and anesthesia history may influence College Admission Test scores. These variables were subsequently entered into the multivariate linear regression model. Students with a history of local anesthesia are predicted to have a score 8.1 points lower than the average (–8.1, 95% CI: –15, –1) and this effect is statistically significant (p = 0.025). Students with a history of general anesthesia are also predicted to have lower scores (–2.8, 95% CI: –16, 10.2) than the average, but the difference is not statistically significant.

Conclusions: The present findings suggest that the scores in the College Admission Test may be associated with age, gender, father’s education and the use of local anesthetics. Ever receiving local anesthesia had a negative impact on College Admission Test scores.
Assessment of the relationship between serum vitamin (A, B12, C, D, folate) and zinc levels and polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Kulhan Mehmet , Kulhan Nur Gozde , Nayki Umit Arslan , Nayki Cenk , Ata Nahit , Ulug Pasa , Mertoglu Cuma
Published: September 2017

Introduction There is increasing evidence that vitamin D affects insulin and glucose metabolism, and a low vitamin D status is suspected to be a risk factor for impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance and so polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but there is no evidence to suggest that there is a relationship between vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin C, folate, zinc (Zn) and PCOS in the literature. We aimed to investigate the levels of vitamins A, B12, C and D and zinc and the association between vitamins A, B12, C and D, folate and zinc level and hormonal-biochemical parameters in PCOS.

Material and methods:  We recruited 65 women with PCOS and 67 healthy individuals. Correlations between clinical and metabolic parameters and vitamins A, B12, C and D and zinc status were analyzed separately in patients and controls.

Results: Women with PCOS showed a decreased serum level of vitamin A compared with the control group (p < 0.05), but they showed no differences in the levels of vitamin D, vitamin B12, vitamin C, folate or Zn (p > 0.05).

Conclusions: Our study found no differences in the absolute levels of serum vitamins B12, C, D, folate or Zn between PCOS patients and matched controls, but the vitamin A level was lower in PCOS patients. Prevalence of vitamins A, B12, C and D and Zn insufficiency was equally common among both patients and controls.
Polymorphism of IL28B gene and response to pegylated interferon α2a in chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Pleśniak Robert , Wawrzynowicz-Syczewska Marta
Published: September 2017

Introduction: Because of its worldwide prevalence, chronic hepatitis B constitutes a significant global health issue. Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection affects about 350 million people, with 1 million deaths annually due to its sequelae. The unique way of replication makes HBV difficult to eradicate with the available treatment. Interferon is currently the only option offering a “curative treatment strategy”. Predictors of a sustained response to interferon are desired. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of chronic hepatitis B treatment with pegylated interferon 2a in relation to the polymorphisms of the interleukin 28B gene.

Material and methods: Eighty-six patients were included in the study. They were treated with PegIFN2a in the dose of 180 µg weekly for 48 weeks and were followed up for at least 1 year after the end of therapy (EOT). Treatment efficacy was defined as HBsAg clearance or HBV viral load ≤ 2000 IU/ml at the end of therapy and at the end of 12 consecutive months. Two polymorphisms of IL28B at loci rs12979860 and rs809997 were examined in every patient.

Results: No associations between any of the IL28B polymorphisms and HBsAg elimination were found. However, a weak but statistically significant association between persistent HBV-DNA decrease and a TT variant (C/T) of IL28B was found (Spearman’s correlation coefficient 0.236, p < 0.001). Patients having this polymorphism also had significantly lower HBV-DNA loads after EOT (Spearman’s correlation coefficient 0.27, p = 0.02). The weak associations and small number of patients do not allow us to draw firm conclusions.

Conclusions: We discovered no associations between any of the IL28B polymorphisms and HBsAg loss, IL28B polymorphisms do not seem to play an important role as predictors of treatment efficacy in the treatment of chronic B hepatitis with pegylated interferon.
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and fetal outcomes. Mini review
Authors: Kulhan Mehmet , Kulhan Nur Gozde , Nayki Umit , Nayki Cenk , Ata Nahit
Published: September 2017

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), a pregnancy-related liver disease, leads to complications for both mother and fetus. It is the most common liver disease in pregnant women. The incidence of ICP has varied widely in different reports (ranging from 0.1 to 15.6%), for reasons that are incompletely understood. Hormonal, immunologic, genetic, environmental and alimentary factors have been implicated in the etiology of ICP. Although a clear correlation between elevated levels of maternal serum bile acids and deficient fetal outcome has been established in clinical practice, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here we present a mini literature review about intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and fetal outcomes.
Partner support as a mediator of the relationship between prenatal concerns and psychological well-being in pregnant women
Authors: Ilska Michalina , Przybyła-Basista Hanna
Published: September 2017

Background

Pregnant women’s psychological well-being affects their emotional state, which in turn has a significant impact on fetal development, the course of labor, and the mother’s adaptation in the postpartum period. Social support, especially partner support, is proven to have a protective effect against stress, worries, and concerns that occur in pregnancy. The main objective of this study was to investigate whether support received from the partner mediates the relationship between pregnant women’s prenatal concerns and psychological well-being.

Participants and procedure

The study involved 137 pregnant women aged 18-40 years. Received partner support was measured with a subscale (Actually Received Social Support) of the Polish version of the Berlin Social Support Scales (BSSS). Furthermore, the Concerns of Pregnant Women Scale (POC) and Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Scales (PWB) were used. The demographic and pregnancy-related variables were controlled.

Results

The obtained results reveal prenatal concerns, received partner support and psychological well-being to be correlated. Partner support was the strongest predictor of psychological well-being in five domains: environmental mastery, purpose in life, personal growth, positive relations with others and self-acceptance. What is more, statistical analyses confirmed the significance of partner support in mediating relationships between prenatal concerns and two dimensions of pregnant women’s well-being: environmental mastery and purpose in life.

Conclusions

Our analyses confirm the results obtained so far in studies on the meaning of social support, particularly that received from a partner, for the health and well-being of pregnant women. We found that received partner support fully mediated the relationship between the concerns of pregnant women and some areas of their psychological well-being. Due to the received partner support, pregnant women’s prenatal concerns cease to affect their beliefs about the meaning of life, feeling of fulfillment of important life tasks, and beliefs about their ability to cope with the world.
Assessment of the antibacterial activity of four essential oils and the biobactericide Neco.
Authors: Yala Jean-Fabrice , Mabika Rolande Mabika , Camara Brahima , Tuo Seydou , Souza Alain , Lepengue Alexis Nicaise , Koné Daouda , M’batchi Bertrand
Published: September 2017

The purpose of this study was to assess in vitro the activity of four essential oils (Cymbopogon citratus, Eucalyptus citriodora, Lippia multiflora, Melaleuca quinquenervia) and the biobactericide Neco® on Gram-positive bacteria.

The aromatogram and antibiogram were assessed by the agar well diffusion method and the Muller Hinton disk-agar diffusion method, respectively. Also, the minimum inhibitory concentration and the minimum bactericidal concentration were determined by the microdilution method in liquid medium.

The aromatogram showed that the biobactericide Neco® induced the largest inhibition diameters (34.53 ± 11.82 - 43.92 ± 5.38 mm) of all strains combined, followed by the essential oils of Eucalyptus Citriodora (30.01 ± 3.02 - 41.89 ± 1.77 mm) and Lippia multiflora (20.72 ± 4.72 - 37.61 ± 2.80 mm). However, the essential oils of Melaleuca quinquenervia (19.99 ± 3.93 - 26.20 ± 13.27 mm) and Cymbopogon citratus (13.52 ± 3.59 - 29.08 ± 2.35 mm) had the smallest inhibition diameters. Moreover, the comparison of the activities of the aromatogram and antibiogram revealed generally that activities were higher with essential oils than with antibiotics.

At the end of this study, the essential oils of Cymbopogon citratus, Eucalyptus citriodora, Lippia multiflora, Melaleuca quinquenervia and the biobactericide Neco® had an antibacterial activity on Gram+ bacteria.
Intercomparison of open-path trace gas measurements with two dual-frequency-comb spectrometers
Authors: Waxman Eleanor M. , Cossel Kevin C. , Truong Gar-Wing , Giorgetta Fabrizio R. , Swann William C. , Coburn Sean , Wright Robert J. , Rieker Gregory B. , Coddington Ian , Newbury Nathan R.
Published: September 2017

Abstract. We present the first quantitative intercomparison between two open-path dual-comb spectroscopy (DCS) instruments which were operated across adjacent 2 km open-air paths over a 2-week period. We used DCS to measure the atmospheric absorption spectrum in the near infrared from 6023 to 6376 cm−1 (1568 to 1660 nm), corresponding to a 355 cm−1 bandwidth, at 0.0067 cm−1 sample spacing. The measured absorption spectra agree with each other to within 5 × 10−4 in absorbance without any external calibration of either instrument. The absorption spectra are fit to retrieve path-integrated concentrations for carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), water (H2O), and deuterated water (HDO). The retrieved dry mole fractions agree to 0.14 % (0.57 ppm) for CO2, 0.35 % (7 ppb) for CH4, and 0.40 % (36 ppm) for H2O at  ∼  30 s integration time over the 2-week measurement campaign, which included 24 °C outdoor temperature variations and periods of strong atmospheric turbulence. This agreement is at least an order of magnitude better than conventional active-source open-path instrument intercomparisons and is particularly relevant to future regional flux measurements as it allows accurate comparisons of open-path DCS data across locations and time. We additionally compare the open-path DCS retrievals to a World Meteorological Organization (WMO)-calibrated cavity ring-down point sensor located along the path with good agreement. Short-term and long-term differences between the open-path DCS and point sensor are attributed, respectively, to spatial sampling discrepancies and to inaccuracies in the current spectral database used to fit the DCS data. Finally, the 2-week measurement campaign yields diurnal cycles of CO2 and CH4 that are consistent with the presence of local sources of CO2 and absence of local sources of CH4.
The ACER pollen and charcoal database: a global resource to document vegetation and fire response to abrupt climate changes during the last glacial period
Authors: Sánchez Goñi María Fernanda , Desprat Stéphanie , Daniau Anne-Laure , Bassinot Frank C. , Polanco-Martínez Josué M. , Harrison Sandy P. , Allen Judy R. M. , Anderson R. Scott , Behling Hermann , Bonnefille Raymonde , Burjachs Francesc , Carrión José S. , Cheddadi Rachid , Clark James S. , Combourieu-Nebout Nathalie , Mustaphi Colin. J. Courtney , Debusk Georg H. , Dupont Lydie M. , Finch Jemma M. , Fletcher William J. , Giardini Marco , González Catalina , Gosling William D. , Grigg Laurie D. , Grimm Eric C. , Hayashi Ryoma , Helmens Karin , Heusser Linda E. , Hill Trevor , Hope Geoffrey , Huntley Brian , Igarashi Yaeko , Irino Tomohisa , Jacobs Bonnie , Jiménez-Moreno Gonzalo , Kawai Sayuri , Kershaw A. Peter , Kumon Fujio , Lawson Ian T. , Ledru Marie-Pierre , Lézine Anne-Marie , Liew Ping Mei , Magri Donatella , Marchant Robert , Margari Vasiliki , Mayle Francis E. , McKenzie G. Merna , Moss Patrick , Müller Stefanie , Müller Ulrich C. , Naughton Filipa , Newnham Rewi M. , Oba Tadamichi , Pérez-Obiol Ramón , Pini Roberta , Ravazzi Cesare , Roucoux Katy H. , Rucina Stephen M. , Scott Louis , Takahara Hikaru , Tzedakis Polichronis C. , Urrego Dunia H. , van Geel Bas , Valencia B. Guido , Vandergoes Marcus J. , Vincens Annie , Whitlock Cathy L. , Willard Debra A. , Yamamoto Masanobu
Published: September 2017

Abstract. Quaternary records provide an opportunity to examine the nature of the vegetation and fire responses to rapid past climate changes comparable in velocity and magnitude to those expected in the 21st-century. The best documented examples of rapid climate change in the past are the warming events associated with the Dansgaard–Oeschger (D–O) cycles during the last glacial period, which were sufficiently large to have had a potential feedback through changes in albedo and greenhouse gas emissions on climate. Previous reconstructions of vegetation and fire changes during the D–O cycles used independently constructed age models, making it difficult to compare the changes between different sites and regions. Here, we present the ACER (Abrupt Climate Changes and Environmental Responses) global database, which includes 93 pollen records from the last glacial period (73–15 ka) with a temporal resolution better than 1000 years, 32 of which also provide charcoal records. A harmonized and consistent chronology based on radiometric dating (14C, 234U∕230Th, optically stimulated luminescence (OSL), 40Ar∕39Ar-dated tephra layers) has been constructed for 86 of these records, although in some cases additional information was derived using common control points based on event stratigraphy. The ACER database compiles metadata including geospatial and dating information, pollen and charcoal counts, and pollen percentages of the characteristic biomes and is archived in Microsoft AccessTM at https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.870867.
Norwegian or Crusted Sarcoptic Mange in Two Leishmanial Dogs
Authors: Kaltsogianni Flora , Farmaki Rania , Koutinas Alexander F.
Published: September 2017

Norwegian or crusted scabies (N/CS) is a rare skin disease with very few cases reported in the dog or the cat. Two adult, stray dogs were admitted in our clinic with a generalized, multifocal to diffuse and nonpruritic dermatitis that was characterized by severe crusting, scaling, and ulceration. In both instances, leishmaniosis and N/CS were diagnosed by immunofluorescent antibody test serology, lymph node cytology, and skin scrapings in which high numbers of Sarcoptes mites were found. The combination of miticidal and antileishmanial treatment, supported by topical treatment and nutritional support, resulted in the complete resolution of the skin lesions and spectacular improvement of the body condition in both cases. Dog 1 eventually died from end-stage kidney disease attributed to leishmaniosis-associated glomerulonephritis, whereas the also proteinuric dog 2 remains clinically healthy. The manifestation of the rare type of N/CS in these dogs could be attributed to cell-mediated immunosuppression, which was most likely induced by leishmaniosis and malnutrition. The necessity of searching for leishmaniosis in those scabietic cases, especially in the endemic areas of leishmaniosis, is strongly recommended.
Adjuvant Doxorubicin with or without Metronomic Cyclophosphamide for Canine Splenic Hemangiosarcoma
Authors: Matsuyama Arata , Poirier Valerie J. , Mantovani Fernanda , Foster Robert A. , Mutsaers Anthony J.
Published: September 2017

This retrospective study investigated the outcome of 33 dogs with splenic hemangiosarcoma treated with surgery followed by adjuvant dose-intensified doxorubicin (DOX) with or without low-dose metronomic cyclophosphamide (LDM-C) maintenance therapy. Among the 33 dogs, 18 dogs received LDM-C. Clinical stage was available for all dogs (5 stage I, 18 stage II, and 10 stage III). Nine dogs had macroscopic, and 24 dogs had microscopic disease at the start of DOX treatment. Median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival were 125 and 133 days, respectively. Clinical stage and tumor burden (microscopic versus macroscopic) at the start of chemotherapy was prognostic for PFS. No significant difference was observed in PFS or overall survival for the addition of LDM-C after a completed DOX protocol (P = .563 and P = .148, respectively). Based on the results of this retrospective study, the addition of LDM-C therapy as a maintenance regimen following a completed protocol of DOX adjuvant treatment of canine hemangiosarcoma may not improve outcome.
Clinicopathologic and Microbiologic Findings Associated with Emphysematous Cystitis in 27 Dogs
Authors: Merkel Lindsay Kate , Lulich Jody , Polzin David , Ober Christopher , Westropp Jodi , Sykes Jane
Published: September 2017

This is a retrospective case series of 27 dogs with emphysematous cystitis. Medical records from two veterinary teaching hospitals from 1992 to 2014 were reviewed. The aims of the study were to determine imaging findings, common underlying disease processes, and prevalent bacterial species and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in dogs with emphysematous cystitis. The most common lower urinary tract sign was hematuria. Gas was detected in the wall and lumen of the urinary bladder in 14 of 27 dogs (51.9%), in only the wall of the bladder in 9 of 27 dogs (33%), and in only the lumen of the bladder in 4 of 27 dogs (14.8%). Comorbid diseases were identified in all but one case. The most common comorbid disease processes were diabetes mellitus in 33% of dogs, neurologic disease in 26% of dogs, and adrenal disease in 19% of dogs. Bacterial isolates included Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp., Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Streptococcus spp., and Actinomyces spp. Enterococcus spp. were always isolated in mixed infections with gas-producing bacterial species. During the period of study, most isolates were predicted to be susceptible to beta-lactam drugs, but updated veterinary breakpoints suggest that fluoroquinolones or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole would be more appropriate choices for empiric therapy.
Essay on the constitutional promises of democracy and republic
Authors: Salgado Eneida Desiree
Published: September 2017

This essay aims at explaining what the democratic and republican principles declared in the Brazilian Constitution represent – or could represent. First, the work considers the notion of a Constitution and its models, combined with the concept of rule of law. The author goes further and examines the idea of freedom, as it changes depending on the constitutional model followed, be it derived from the French or the American Revolution. Presenting the preoccupations of different experts regarding a constitutional system, the essay compares their arguments before considering the elements of the Brazilian Constitution and its preamble. In this context, it is made clear the influence of Brazilian History in the understanding of the meaning of democracy and republic in the country. Furthermore, concepts such as “individual”, “citizen”, “citizenship”, “government”, “equality”, “communitarianism”, “solidarity”, “common good”, “vote”, among others, are all presented and understood through the lenses of the Brazilian Constitution and constitutional doctrine to build a wide-ranging yet comprehensible notion of democracy and republic in Brazil.
The Relationship Between Accounting Information in the Financial Statements and the Stock Returns of Listed Firms in Vietnam Stock Exchange
Authors: Dang Ngoc Hung , Hoang Thi Viet Ha , Tran Manh Dung
Published: September 2017

This study is conducted to analyse the relationship between accounting information in the financial statements and the stock returns of listed firms in Vietnam Stock Market. Using OLS, FEM, REM, GLS, and GMM regression models, the study examines the relationship of earnings, volatility in the rate of return, size, levering ratios and growth rates to the stock returns of 274 firms in the period from 2012 to 2016. Findings from the study show that the rate of return, the change in the rate of return, gearing ratio and growth rate are positively correlated to the stock returns, while the size of firm by assets is negatively related to stock returns. Based on the research’s results, the authors also provide some recommendations for investors, firm management and policy makers.
Applicability of Fuzzy TOPSIS Method in Optimal Portfolio Selection and an Application in BIST
Authors: Ece Oguzhan , Uludag Ahmet Serhat
Published: September 2017

General structure of saving-investment cycle and the effectiveness of this structure are included in the most significant issues of the financial system. One of the points of intervention in providing an effective saving-investment cycle is possible through channeling the savings toward optimal investment fields. This study aims at detecting the existence of alternative methods in determining optimal selection combination in the risk and revenue perspective of individual and corporate investors who would like to evaluate their savings in capital markets. For this purpose, the applicability of Fuzzy TOPSIS method, one of the multi-criteria decision making techniques in optimal portfolio selection was researched. The applicability of the stock investment alternatives ranked according to Fuzzy TOPSIS method was examined by comparing them to the optimal selection results determined according to Markowitz, one of the modern portfolio management techniques. In the study where performance indexes were used as assessment criteria the results of both methods were discussed in terms of risk at a certain revenue level and revenue at a certain risk level through Johnson and Sharp Indexes. The results obtained determined that the Fuzzy TOPSIS portfolio alternatives created using Fuzzy TOPSIS method revealed quite positive results in terms of performance, revenue and risk and pointed at applicability of Fuzzy TOPSIS method in optimal portfolio selection as well.
Some More New Properties of Consecutive Odd Numbers
Authors: Wang Xingbo
Published: September 2017

The article proves several new properties of consecutive odd integers. The proved properties reveal divisors’ transition by subtracting two terms of an odd sequence, divisors’ stationary with adding or subtracting an item to the terms and pseudo-symmetric distribution of a divisor’s power in an odd sequence. The new properties are helpful for finding a divisor of an odd composite number in an odd sequence.
Eleição de dirigentes escolares em Jaguarão (RS): corporificando a palavra pelo exemplo
Authors: Martinez Lucas Da Silva , Da Silva Rodrigues Ana Cristina , Machado Juliana Brandão
Published: September 2017

Este trabalho de pesquisa surge atravs da atuao do Conselho Municipal de Educao (CME) de Jaguaro/RS no processo de eleio de dirigentes escolares. O objetivo contextualizar e discutir a eleio de diretores no municpio de Jaguaro, compreendendo o processo a partir dos conceitos de participao e de democratizao. O trabalho foi construdo a partir da experincia no CME e anlise documental no Livro de Atas do mesmo. Como resultados, apontamos que a eleio direta no pode ser o fim, mas sim, o incio da democracia na escola; mais do que o voto, preciso criar condies para efetivar a participao. Concordamos que a melhor forma de ensinar o que democracia aos alunos fazendo-a na prtica, corporificando nossa palavra pelo exemplo.
Memórias da avaliação da aprendizagem: o caderno de memórias como instrumento de reflexão e autoavaliação
Authors: Teixeira Célia Regina , Rodrigues Bulhões Danieli Almeida de Araújo , Poluceno da Silva Merian Aparecida
Published: September 2017

Este trabalho tem como objetivo ocasionar uma reflexo acerca da avaliao das aprendizagens, a partir dos registros nos cadernos de Memrias dos alunos do curso de pedagogia, para isto, destacamos as reflexes realizadas atravs das vivncias decorrentes da disciplina de Avaliao Educacional, ministrada no curso de Pedagogia, Centro de Cincias Aplicadas e Educao CCAE, da Universidade Federal da Paraba UFPB. A avaliao das aprendizagens vem sendo cada vez mais objeto de discusso entre estudiosos e profissionais da educao. E para demostrar esse interesse, foi proposto como avaliao da aprendizagem construo do caderno de memrias de aulas. O caderno de memrias de aulas contribuiu para a reflexo acerca das impresses e experincias sobre o processo de avaliao e, tambm nos serviu como instrumento de autoavaliao das aprendizagens construdas. Durante todo processo de construo houve um dilogo entre os aspectos da teoria e prtica, nos permitindo a todos compreender a avaliao e a sua importncia para o processo de aquisio de conhecimentos da rea avaliativa.
"Życzę Ci wszystkiego... najgorszego" - rola schadenfreude w kreowaniu destruktywnego środowiska pracy
Authors: Turek Dariusz
Published: September 2017

Pracownicy nie zawsze życzą swoim współpracownikom sukcesów i powodzenia w realizacji zadań zawodowych. W pewnych sytuacjach oczekują raczej ich niepowodzeń czy porażek i gdy stają się one faktem, pojawia się emocja określana mianem schadenfreude. Emocja ta, wyrażająca radość z cudzego nieszczęścia, jest jednym z kluczowych elementów (tzw. zmienną pośredniczącą) pozwalających zrozumieć mechanizmy pojawiania się destruktywnego klimatu organizacyjnego. Celem artykułu jest prezentacja tego, w jakich sytuacjach życia organizacyjnego pojawia się schadenfreude, a także w jaki sposób emocja ta może determinować patologiczne – dla środowiska zawodowego – zachowania pracowników.
Konstruktywne i kontrproduktywne oblicza przywiązania do organizacji
Authors: Macko Maciej , Sušanj Zoran , Jakopec Ana
Published: September 2017

Artykuł prezentuje wyniki dwu badań empirycznych dokumentujących złożone zależności pomiędzy zmiennymi ważnymi dla określenia stopnia dobroci dopasowania pomiędzy człowiekiem i organizacją, dla której pracuje. Pierwsze badanie ma na celu odnalezienie zmiennych pośredniczących pomiędzy preferowanym w organizacji stylem kierowania a siłą przywiązania do organizacji pracodawcy. Omówiono tu, jak istotną rolę w budowaniu przywiązania organizacyjnego pełni sprawiedliwość organizacyjna i zadowolenie z pracy. Drugie badanie koncentruje się na negatywnych zjawiskach wyjaśniających brak zaangażowania pracowników i ma na celu odnalezienie typowego wzoru przywiązania u pracowników cynicznych. Takich, którzy nie są zadowoleni z pracy i których cechuje poczucie niesprawiedliwości. Wspólnie, wyniki pokazują, jak korzystnie przyjęcie przez przełożonych aktywnego stylu kierowania zwiększa siłę przywiązania pracowników, lecz przede wszystkim, jak istotny udział w postrzeganiu zjawisk zachodzących w organizacji ma poczucie uczestniczenia w sprawiedliwym środowisku pracy. Analiza wyników badań, poza wartościami poznawczymi, może pomóc w tworzeniu strategii personalnych służących rozwijaniu kompetencji menedżerskich i budowaniu konstruktywnego zaangażowania w pracę.
Instrumentos de avaliação do sofrimento moral em trabalhadores de enfermagem: uma revisão integrativa
Authors: Fruet Isolina Maria Alberto , Dalmolin Graziele de Lima , Speroni Katiane Sefrin
Published: September 2017

Objetivo: descrever os instrumentos utilizados para avaliação do Sofrimento Moral na enfermagem identificados na literatura nacional e internacional. Método: revisão integrativa, com levantamento bibliográfico por meio das palavras-chave Sofrimento Moral, Enfermagem, Ética, Ética em Enfermagem e Moral, nas bases de dados LILACS, CINAHL e SCOPUS, no mês de janeiro de 2016. Selecionaram-se 30 artigos para análise classificados conforme níveis de evidência. Resultados: identificaram-se cinco instrumentos diferentes para avaliação do sofrimento moral, sendo que o mais utilizado na literatura nacional e internacional foi a Moral Distress Scale tanto na sua versão original, como na versão traduzida ou nas versões adaptadas. Conclusões: os instrumentos para avaliação do sofrimento moral constituem-se em ferramentas de identificação deste fenômeno nos diferentes ambientes de trabalho da enfermagem. A identificação do sofrimento moral pode favorecer a busca de estratégias para minimizá-lo nesses contextos. Não foi encontrado nenhum instrumento construído no Brasil.
Práticas de cuidado à saúde realizadas no período puerperal por agricultoras
Authors: Vargas Nivea Shayane Costa , Ceolin Teila , Casarin Sidnéia Tessmer , Mendieta Marjoriê da Costa , Lopes Caroline Vasconcellos , Piriz Manuelle Arias
Published: September 2017

Objetivo: conhecer as práticas de cuidado em saúde realizadas no período puerperal pelas famílias das agricultoras de um município do Sul do Rio Grande do Sul. Método: estudo qualitativo, realizado em um território rural de um município da região Sul do Rio Grande do Sul. A coleta de dados ocorreu entre maio e setembro de 2014, por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas gravadas. Os dados foram analisados segundo a proposta operativa de Minayo. Resultados: foram abordadas 25 participantes que praticam a agricultura familiar. A presente pesquisa evidenciou o quanto a herança cultural ainda influencia nos cuidados à saúde da puérpera e do recém-nascido. Sendo a alimentação, a amamentação, a higiene, as atividades laborais, os cuidados mais citados durante o período puerperal. Considerações Finais: compreende-se a importância do enfermeiro estar atento aos principais cuidados culturais realizados pelas famílias, procurando entendê-los, para assim realizar o cuidado integral à saúde.
Acesso a medidas de detecção precoce do câncer de mama por mulheres em tratamento oncológico
Authors: Cardoso Andreza Lima , Girardon-Perlini Nara Marilene Oliveira , Dalmolin Angélica , Timm Marcella Simões , Stamm Bruna , Couto Manuela da Silva
Published: September 2017

Objetivo: identificar medidas de detecção precoce e condutas pré-diagnósticas realizadas por mulheres em tratamento para câncer de mama em instituição pública e privada de saúde. Método: estudo quantitativo, exploratório e descritivo realizado com 110 mulheres em tratamento oncológico no município de Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Os dados foram coletados de julho a outubro de 2014 e analisados através da estatística descritiva. O estudo foi aprovado por Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa, parecer nº 718.978. Resultados: as participantes realizavam regularmente exame clínico das mamas (80,9%), auto-exame das mamas (77,3%) e mamografia (60%). O primeiro sinal clínico foi percebido pelo auto-exame (69,1%). No percurso para o diagnóstico 73,6% não encontraram dificuldades. O tempo médio decorrido entre a detecção do primeiro sinal e o início do tratamento foi de cinco meses. Conclusão: O autoexame das mamas foi o método de detecção precoce mais utilizado, sendo o exame clínico e a mamografia a conduta realizada anualmente.
Self-Reported Academic Performance and Lifestyle Habits of School Children in Japan
Authors: Kohyama Jun
Published: September 2017

Background and Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the lifestyle habits significantly associated with self-reported academic performance (AP) in children in grades 5 to 12 in Japan.
Methods: A total of 2,114 completed questionnaires were analyzed. Factors examined included habits related to sleeping, eating, defecation, physical activity, and screen time, in addition to body mass index (BMI). Social jet lag (SJL) was calculated from sleeping factors and categorized into five groups according to its value: minus 1 or less (SJL 1), more than minus 1 and 0 or less (SJL 2), more than 0 and 1 or less (SJL 3), more than 1 and 2 or less (SJL 4), and more than 2 (SJL 5). The association between self-reported AP and other factors except for SJL was assessed by means of multinomial logistic regression analysis.
Results: Factors significantly associated with good self-reported AP included female gender, lower grade, less sleepiness, lower BMI, intake of breakfast, less constipation, early wake-up time during the weekend, and short screen time during the weekend. The mean self-reported AP of SJL 3 was better than that of both SJL 5 and SJL 1.
Conclusions: Self-reported AP was associated with gender, grade, BMI, sleep, breakfast, defecation, and screen time in children in grades 5 to 12 in Japan. It must be ensured that children take enough time to perform the indispensable human behaviors of sleeping, eating, defecation, and physical activity.
Les mots des femmes [Women’s Words]
Authors: Monture Patricia A.
Published: September 2017

Dans la version anglaise de ce texte paru pour la première fois en 2008, l’auteure explique le sens que prend pour elle le travail d’écriture dans la lutte politique des femmes autochtones. À travers une considération du travail de différentes auteures et militantes autochtones, elle y théorise le rapport de nécessité entre la voix de l’écrivaine et l’indépendance politique. Son texte s’avère important pour comprendre l’épistémologie autochtone, la relation entre la vie et l’écriture, de même que la perspective indigène sur la critique littéraire. De plus, l’auteure synthétise bien la perspective qu’elle a développée et portée dans l’ensemble de son travail intellectuel et militant, perspective qui reste peu connue à ce jour auprès du public francophone.