bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Práticas docentes criativas e histórias de formação: um estudo de caso
Authors: Oliveira Débora Pereira , Silva Dener Luiz da , Cavalcante Rita Laura Avelino
Published: June 2015

O presente estudo investiga o desenvolvimento criativo de uma professora cujas práticas foram consideradas estimuladoras da criatividade, segundo indicação de pares e alunos de uma escola pública de São João del Rei - MG. A pesquisa, caracterizada como um estudo de caso, reúne reflexões sobre elementos identificados na atividade docente do sujeito e sua relação com experiências de formação pessoal, educacional e profissional no tocante a barreiras ao desenvolvimento criativo e a fatores que facilitam esse desenvolvimento. Entrevistas semiestruturadas e a aplicação do teste Pensando Criativamente com Figuras (Wechsler, 2004) revelaram traços criativos que encontram origem em arranjos particulares nos quais experiências tanto favoráveis quanto inibidoras do desenvolvimento da criatividade contribuíram para a construção de uma prática estimuladora, no caso do presente estudo. Os resultados apontam a pertinência de uma discussão acerca da inclusão de elementos da criatividade e subjetividade nos cursos de formação, com o propósito de estimular a motivação do aluno para a aprendizagem.
Expectativas de educadores sobre a atuação do psicólogo escolar: relato de pesquisa
Authors: Prudêncio Luísa Evangelista Vieira , Gesser Marivete , Oltramari Leandro Castro , Cord Denise
Published: June 2015

O presente estudo teve como objetivo identificar as necessidades de intervenção profissional em Psicologia em escolas de uma capital do sul do país. Para a obtenção das informações, foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com 40 profissionais de 16 instituições de ensino, sendo essas escolas, creches e núcleos de educação infantil. A partir da análise das informações, identificaram-se três diferentes expectativas de atuação do psicólogo: a) o psicólogo como um profissional que atua na resolução de conflitos entre a família e a escola; b) o psicólogo como um profissional que atua no diagnóstico e no atendimento individual dos "alunos-problema", e c) o psicólogo como um profissional da prevenção e da promoção de saúde. O estudo mostrou que urgeinvestir em uma formação de professores atenta à complexidade de elementos constituintes dos processos educativos e na formação de psicólogos preparados para se posicionarem na contracorrente das demandas medicalizantes.
Um mergulho discursivo sobre A terceira margem do rio, de Guimarães Rosa
Authors: Andrade Carlos Augusto Baptista de , Cardoso Diogo Souza
Published: June 2015

RESUMOPropõe-se, neste artigo, uma reflexão sobre o conto "A terceira margem do rio", de Guimarães Rosa. Há na obra uma riqueza de vozes, marcada pela imagem do próprio rio que ela descreve. O leitor é sequestrado para a terceira margem, já que sua memória discursiva o remete apenas a duas. Em qual tempo e espaço estaria a chamada terceira margem? Na busca de tal resposta, ele permanece prisioneiro de suas próprias indagações, transportando-se para a terceira margem, incapaz de reconhecê-la. Pretende-se com este trabalho demostrar como a língua pode chamar a atenção do leitor para seus diversos cenários, promovendo estudos indissociáveis na articulação língua-literatura, e apresentar alguns caminhos para desvendar a terceira margem apontada por Rosa, observando a riqueza dialógica do texto. Para fundamentar a análise realizada, recorreu-se aos estudos de Bakhtin e seu Círculo, à Estilística e a um viés filosófico.
Cronotopo e metáfora como modos de combinação contextual espaço-temporal: o princípio da relatividade na literatura
Authors: Tarvi Ljuba
Published: June 2015

RESUMOEste artigo consiste de uma tentativa de aplicar a noção holística de cronotopo sugerida por Bakhtin à investigação do estilo literário como um fenômeno gestáltico. Estilo é um padrão complexo de elementos mutualmente recíprocos, e o cronotopo de Bakhtin foi o primeiro na análise literária a ligar, pelo menos, dois elementos – tempo e espaço – como complementares, isto é, como combinados para melhorar e enfatizar as qualidades um do outro. A análise sugerida é um instrumento para aprofundamento de nossa compreensão das ações dos protagonistas de Vladimir Nabokov pelas matrizes espaço-temporais nas quais eles atuam. Os instrumentos cognitivos de análise são as noções intimamente relacionadas de cronotopo e metáfora conceptual.
O ensino de literatura em língua inglesa no curso de Letras: uma abordagem dialógico-pragmática
Authors: Melo Júnior Orison Marden Bandeira de
Published: June 2015

RESUMOEste artigo objetiva participar das discussões sobre o ensino de literatura em língua inglesa (LLI) no cotidiano da sala de aula do Curso de Letras. Para tal, discute os desafios propostos pelas DCN de Letras, bem como a realidade do professor que trabalha com um número pequeno de horas de LLI na matriz curricular e um número alto de alunos com conhecimento limitado dessa língua estrangeira. A partir da concepção dialógica de linguagem e da possibilidade de cooperação entre áreas de conhecimento, apresentamos uma proposta de trabalho entre a ADD e a Pragmática, mostrando as consonâncias e as dissonâncias entre as duas áreas. Além disso, apresentamos parte da análise do conto Her Sweet Jerome, de Alice Walker, feita por alunos que apontaram para a possibilidade de a Pragmática, nesse contexto de trabalho de LLI com alunos com conhecimento limitado dessa língua estrangeira, ser um passo inicial para uma análise dialógica dos textos literários.
A poética de Christophe Tarkos: a pasta-palavra
Authors: Malufe Annita Costa
Published: June 2015

RESUMOO artigo apresenta a produção de Christophe Tarkos (1963-2004), um dos principais nomes da poesia francesa contemporânea, com foco em suas formulações acerca da linguagem. O objetivo é explicitar a teoria linguística que se pode depreender de sua obra, tanto nos escritos mais ensaísticos e entrevistas, quanto em sua realização menos conceitual nos poemas propriamente ditos. Nossa hipótese é que a poética de Tarkos cria um conceito próprio, o de "pasta-palavra" (pâte-mot), trazendo com ele um modo singular e poético de se entender o sentido linguístico.
A prosificação da cultura e o ensaio criativo do século XX: questões sobre um gênero literário
Authors: Iozzi-Klein Adriana , Cavallari Doris Nátia
Published: June 2015

RESUMO:Este artigo propõe um diálogo entre as teorias sobre o ensaio, gênero híbrido e proteiforme que suscita variadas discussões e tentativas de sistematização, com a teoria de Mikhail Bakhtin, que em seus estudos sobre a prosificação da cultura nos auxilia a compreender as significativas mudanças do gênero ensaístico ocorridas ao longo do século XX.
O caminhar discursivo do feminino em Mãos vazias, de Lúcio Cardoso
Authors: Cardoso Elizabeth da Penha
Published: June 2015

RESUMOO artigo analisa a primeira novela de Lúcio Cardoso, Mãos vazias, lançada em 1938. Durante o percurso interpretativo a psicanálise de Freud e Lacan auxiliará a aproximação com o literário, de modo a ampliar as possibilidades da leitura. O enfoque recai sobre a personagem principal, Ida, e sua tentativa em tornar-se sujeito de seu desejo. Marcada pelo desejo de fuga, ela usa os parcos significantes que tem para tornar visível sua história de insatisfação e transgressões: seu nome e o percurso espacial de algumas quadras. Ida cumpre o anunciado por seu nome, na repetição do ato de chegar e sair, inscrevendo seu desejo por toda a cidade, compondo a novela no movimento de ir.
Ação dos desinfetantes sobre a adesão e biofilme consolidado de Staphylococcus spp.
Authors: Peixoto Maria M.R. , Gressler Letícia T. , Sutili Fernando Jonas , Costa Mateus M. , Vargas Agueda C.
Published: June 2015

Staphylococcus spp. são reconhecidos como importantes causadores de mastites em rebanhos leiteiros. Esses micro-organismos têm a capacidade de produzir uma estrutura denominada biofilme, que é responsável pela sobrevivência e muitas vezes pela resistência a ação de produtos desinfetantes e as demais condições adversas. Neste trabalho avaliou-se a ação de dois produtos pós-dipping a base de iodo (0,7%) e clorexidine (2,0%) sobre a adesão de Staphylococcus coagulase positiva (SCP) e Staphy-lococcus coagulase negativa (SCN) isolados de casos de mastite subclínica, e também sobre biofilmes pré formados a partir destes isolados. Os produtos testados apresentaram uma alta redução na taxa de adesão de todos os isolados. No entanto, a ação sobre os biofilmes consolidados só foi estatisticamente significativa sobre os SCN. Assim, ressalta-se a importância dos programas sanitários a fim de prevenir a formação de biofilmes e diminuir as fontes de contaminação da glândula mamaria em sistemas de produção leiteira.
Intoxicação experimental pelos frutos de uva-Japão, Hovenia dulcis (Rhamnaceae), em bovinos
Authors: Cardoso Thalita C. , Emmerich Tiffany , Wicpolt Nathalia S. , Ogliari Daiane , Traverso Sandra D. , Gava Aldo
Published: June 2015

Hovenia dulcis Thunberg (uva-Japão) é uma árvore caducifolia nativa da China e de alguns lugares do Japão. Nos últimos anos essa planta foi utilizada como forma de sombreamento para aviários no Oeste e Meio-Oeste de Santa Catarina e passou a disseminar-se por toda a região. Os bovinos comem avidamente seus frutos maduros quando caem ao chão. Suspeitas de intoxicação ocorreram no outono e início de inverno e coincidiam com a maturação dos frutos. A doença foi reproduzida em 2004 por outros autores através da administração dos frutos a bovinos, em dose única de 24,5g/kg. Nos anos subsequentes não ocorreram reclamações sobre a intoxicação pelos frutos dessa planta, embora, muitos criadores afirmavam que os bovinos, na temporada de maturação, continuavam a ingerir os frutos. Experimentalmente, nove bovinos que receberam frutos da planta em doses únicas entre 30 e 50g/kg, apenas dois bovinos adoeceram gravemente e um morreu. O quadro clínico e as lesões foram semelhantes à intoxicação reproduzida em 2004; porém, a dose necessária para reproduzirmos a doença foi 100% superior à dose tóxica preconizada como letal em 2004.
Cytoskeletal proteins in the follicular wall of normal andcystic ovaries of sows
Authors: Sant'Ana Fabiano J.F. de , Reis Junior Janildo L. , Araújo Rosélia L.S. , J.Gimeno Eduardo , Ortega Hugo H.
Published: June 2015

The expression of cytoskeletal proteins was evaluated immunohistochemically in 36 normal ovaries sampled from 18 sows and 44 cystic ovaries sampled from of 22 sows, was evaluated. All sows had history of reproductive problems, such as infertility or subfertility. The immunohistochemically stained area (IHCSA) was quantified through image analysis to evaluate the expression of these proteins in the follicular wall of secondary, tertiary, and cystic follicles. Cytokeratins (CK) immunoreactivity was strong in the granulosa cell layer (GC) and mild in the theca interna (TI) and externa (TE) of the normal follicles. There was severe reduction of the reaction to CK in the GC in the cystic follicles, mainly in the luteinized cysts. The immunoreactivity for vimentin was higher in the GC from normal and cystic follicles in contrast with the other follicular structures. In the luteinized cysts, the IHCSA for vimentin was significantly higher in TI and in both observed cysts, the labeling was more accentuated in TE. Immunohistochemical detection of desmin and α-SMA was restricted to the TE, without differences between the normal and cystic follicles. The results of the current study show that the development of ovarian cysts in sows is associated to changes in the expression of the cytoskeletal proteins CK and vimentin.
Classification of antimicrobial resistance using artificial neural networks and the relationship of 38 genes associated with the virulence of Escherichia coli isolates from broilers
Authors: Rocha Daniela T. , Salle Felipe O. , Perdoncini Gustavo , Rocha Silvio L.S. , Fortes Flávia B.B. , Moraes Hamilton L.S. , Nascimento Vladimir P. , Salle Carlos T.P.
Published: June 2015

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) is responsible for various pathological processes in birds and is considered as one of the principal causes of morbidity and mortality, associated with economic losses to the poultry industry. The objective of this study was to demonstrate that it is possible to predict antimicrobial resistance of 256 samples (APEC) using 38 different genes responsible for virulence factors, through a computer program of artificial neural networks (ANNs). A second target was to find the relationship between (PI) pathogenicity index and resistance to 14 antibiotics by statistical analysis. The results showed that the RNAs were able to make the correct classification of the behavior of APEC samples with a range from 74.22 to 98.44%, and make it possible to predict antimicrobial resistance. The statistical analysis to assess the relationship between the pathogenic index (PI) and resistance against 14 antibiotics showed that these variables are independent, i.e. peaks in PI can happen without changing the antimicrobial resistance, or the opposite, changing the antimicrobial resistance without a change in PI.
Aspectos da tomografia de coerência óptica em cães com retinopatia
Authors: Safatle Angélica M.V. , Braga-Sá Michelle B.P. , Barros Paulo S.M.
Published: June 2015

A tomografia de coerência óptica (OCT) é um exame não invasivo e de não contato que permite avaliar a retina e o nervo óptico. As imagens da OCT fornecem informações da constituição da retina e sua integridade estrutural in vivo, gerando imagens de alta resolução, que se assemelham à microscopia óptica. Objetivou-se descrever a técnica de tomografia de coerência óptica (OCT) e sua utilização em cães. Foi possível diferenciar claramente as camadas retinianas de cães hígidos e compará-las com as de cães portadores de atrofia progressiva de retina, que apresentaram perda da estratificação e diminuição significativa das camadas. No descolamento de retina (DR) foi possível observar a separação entre a retina neurossensorial e o epitélio pigmentário da retina (EPR), além da presença de exsudatos intrarretinianos. Assim, a OCT mostrou-se eficaz no diagnóstico de retinopatias.
Systemic acanthamoebiasis associated with canine distemper in dogs in the semiarid region of Paraíba, Brazil
Authors: Frade Maria T.S. , Melo Luiza F. de , Pessoa Clarice R.M. , Araújo Jeann L. de , Fighera Rafael A. , Souza Almir P. , Uzal Francisco , Dantas Antonio F.M.
Published: June 2015

Infections by free-living amoebae can cause systemic disease in animals and humans. We describe the epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects of disseminated acanthamoebiasis associated with canine distemper in three dogs of the semiarid region of Paraíba, Northeastern Brazil. Affected dogs developed progressive neurological and respiratory signs that progressed to death within in two to 20 days. Gross lesions were irregular and with yellow-reddish nodules randomly distributed in the lungs, heart, kidneys, spleen, lymph nodes, adrenals, and intestine. One dog had foci of malacia in the parietal cortex and another one in nucleus of brain basis. Histologically, pyogranulomas with areas of necrosis and hemorrhage in all organs affected were observed, associated with myriads of intralesional amoebic trophozoites. All three cases were concomitant canine distemper, that possibly triggered immunosuppression in the dogs. The diagnosis was performed through microscopic findings of infection by free-living amoebae and confirmed Acanthamoeba sp. by immunohistochemistry
Morfologia das glândulas salivares de Glironia venusta Thomas, 1912 (Didelphimorphia)
Authors: Vieira Bruna S. , Schuingues Cristiano O. , Lima Mendelson G. de , Martins Daniele S. , Costa Gerlane M.
Published: June 2015

O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever a morfologia das glândulas salivares de Glironia venusta. Foi utilizado um exemplar coletado no resgate de fauna da Usina Hidroeletrica Teles Pires. Este foi fixado com solução de formaldeído a 10%. Para a análise macroscópica, as glândulas foram dissecadas e fotografadas in situ e para a microscopia foram retirados fragmentos das glândulas. Estes foram desidratados em concentrações crescentes de álcool, diafanizados em xilol, inclusos em parafina e corados com HE. G. venusta apresentou as glândulas mandibulares, parótidas, sublinguais, labiais e zigomáticas. As mandibulares se mostraram como estruturas alongadas, constituídas por lobos não septados e localizadas na porção anterior da região cervical. De formato triangular, a parótida estava localizada na depressão do masseter, ventral à cartilagem auricular. As sublinguais encontravam-se ventrais ao ramo da mandíbula, caudais ao digástrico. Foi observado na porção dorsoposterior à comissura labial, dorsal ao músculo orbicular da boca, as glândulas labiais, que apresentaram formato de "U". Já as glândulas zigomáticas acompanhavam a forma da porção anterior do arco zigomático, na margem infraorbital. As glândulas mandibulares e sublinguais apresentaram ácinos do tipo mucosos, com alguns ácinos serosos. A parótida era constituída por ácinos puramente serosos. Na glândula labial foi observado ácinos do tipo mistos ou seromucosos. Para a glândula zigomática não foi possível a realização da análise microscópica devido problemas de procedimento histológico. As características das glândulas salivares observadas em G. venusta se assemelham a de outros mamíferos onívoros, entretanto, apresentaram pequenas diferenças no que se refere à sua localização e forma.
Protocolo de Observação do Desempenho de Crianças com Deficiência Física: Construção, Aplicação e Análise de Dados
Authors: ZAFANI Mariana Dutra , OMOTE Sadao , BALEOTTI Luciana Ramos
Published: June 2015

o artigo descreve os procedimentos para a construção, aplicação e análise de dados de um instrumento de avaliação denominado Protocolo de Observação do Desempenho de Crianças com Deficiência Física na Realização de Atividades de Pintura e Colagem.Este protocolo visa a identificar a percepção dos pais e a dos professores acerca de dois aspectos do desempenho de crianças com deficiência física, a saber, capacidade ou incapacidade e independência ou dependência com que é executada uma atividade habitualmente realizada no contexto escolar. Participaram do estudo 11 professoras, sendo três da Educação Infantil e oito do Ensino Fundamental, e três juízes com experiência em Educação Especial. Foram utilizados dois questionários, um visava a avaliar, segundo a percepção das professoras, a adequação das atividades de pintura e colagem elaboradas para as crianças de quatro a nove anos de idade, e o outro, verificar a opinião dos juízes quanto à adequação do instrumento proposto, para o fim a que se destina. Uma série de procedimentos foi realizada até alcançar a versão final do instrumento. Finalizada a sua construção, foram sistematizados os procedimentos para a sua aplicação e análise de dados. As aplicações iniciais do instrumento têm revelado que este está cumprindo com o seu objetivo principal, que é o de mensurar a percepção que pais e professores têm do desempenho de crianças com deficiência física em uma atividade habitualmente realizada no contexto escolar. Os resultados sugerem também a sua adequação quanto à linguagem e formato para a população que faz o seu uso.
Estratégias de Ensino e Recursos Pedagógicos para o Ensino de Alunos com TDAH em Aulas de Educação Física
Authors: COSTA Camila Rodrigues , MOREIRA Jaqueline Costa Castilho , SEABRA JÚNIOR Manoel Osmar
Published: June 2015

o Transtorno do Déficit de Atenção com Hiperatividade (TDAH) é um transtorno neurocomportamental, multifatorial, comum na população de crianças em idade escolar, cuja característica principal é um padrão persistente de desatenção e ou hiperatividade/impulsividade, que frequentemente resulta em prejuízos emocionais, sociais e sobretudo, funcionais. Nesta perspectiva, a pesquisa teve como objetivo planejar, aplicar e analisar um programa de intervenção, composto por atividades psicomotoras, lúdicas e jogos de estratégias, a partir da adaptação de recursos pedagógicos e estratégias de ensino utilizadas em aulas de Educação Física com intuito de estimular a memória, atenção e concentração de crianças com TDAH. Participaram do estudo quatro estudantes com diagnóstico, com idades entre seis e dez anos, de ambos os sexos, regularmente matriculados em uma escola de ensino regular. Para a coleta de dados inicialmente foi aplicada a EDM, com a finalidade de identificar a condição motora dos alunos. De posse dos dados obtidos e após uma análise documental, foram selecionados e aplicados três eixos temáticos de atividades: psicomotoras, lúdicas e jogos de estratégia. Os instrumentos utilizados foram: observação participante com registro de diário de campo e filmagem. Para análise dos dados foi utilizada a análise de conteúdo e, por conseguinte, obtidas seis categorias: 1. Vínculo professor/aluno e aluno/aluno; 2. Trabalho cooperativo; 3. Mediação; 4. Rotina; 5. Seleção do Recurso e 6. Ambiente. Estas categorias puderam nortear discussões representativas de uma proposta de programa de Educação Física Inclusiva para estudantes com TDAH, em consonância com a possibilidade de instituir rotinas que possam integrar os estímulos de memória, atenção e concentração destes sujeitos.
A Dimensão da Deficiência e o Olhar a Respeito das Pessoas com Deficiência a Partir dos Recenseamentos no Brasil
Authors: CANTORANI José Roberto Herrera , VARGAS Leandro Martinez , REDKVA Paulo Eduardo , PILATTI Luiz Alberto , GUTIERREZ Gustavo Luis
Published: June 2015

o olhar a respeito das pessoas com deficiência tem se alterado ao longo dos anos. O mesmo tem ocorrido com os números e percepções que retratam a dimensão da deficiência. O objetivo deste estudo é identificar essas mudanças a partir dos instrumentos de levantamento populacional. Para isso, acompanhou-se a evolução da abordagem dada à deficiência, tanto em relação ao foco, quanto à base conceitual dos referidos instrumentos. Para esta análise foram estudados os Recenciamentos realizados no período de 1872 à 2010, e as Pesquisas Nacionais por Amostra de Domicílios realizadas entre 1981 e 2003. Verificou-se que as mudanças operacionalizadas nos recenseamentos acompanharam a evolução conceitual da deficiência. Essa mudança de olhar também acabou mostrando que o universo das deficiências é bem mais amplo que anteriormente se enxergava. E mostra também que a sociedade é responsável, ao não se adequar às desigualdades, pela criação social da deficiência, em torno de 45.606.048 milhões de pessoas, o que corresponde a 23,9% da população brasileira.
Diabetes and Tuberculosis – Old Associates Posing a Renewed Public Health Challenge
Authors: Kapur Anil , Harries Anthony D , Lönnroth Knut , Bygbjerg Ib C , Lefèbvre Pierre ,   Managing Director, World Diabetes Foundation,   Senior Advisor, International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases,   Medical Officer, Stop TB Department, World Health Organization,   Professor, Department of International Health, Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Copenhagen,   Emeritus Professor of Medicine, University of Liège
Published: June 2015

Diabetes and tuberculosis (TB) have existed for thousands of years. Today, the global burden of disease from diabetes and TB is huge and, in the case of diabetes, rapidly increasing. Recent systematic reviews show that diabetes is associated with an increased risk of TB, yet the potential public health and clinical importance of the association seems to be largely ignored. Irrespective of whether the association is causal or a result of co-morbid factors, in low-resource societies with a dual disease burden, can a common health system approach for diabetes and TB be adapted to address prevention and care? How and to what extent can this be done? Good-quality implementation research is urgently needed to create robust action plans to address this double burden.
Screening for Type 2 Diabetes – The ADDITION Netherlands Study
Authors: Rutten Guy EHM , Janssen Paul GH ,   Professor of Diabetology,   General Practitioner, Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht
Published: June 2015

To investigate whether early treatment of screening-detected diabetic patients is beneficial, the Anglo–Danish–Dutch Study of Intensive Treatment in People with Screen-Detected Diabetes in Primary Care (ADDITION) has been initiated. A total of 56,978 subjects 50–70 years of age without diabetes from 79 general practices in The Netherlands were invited to participate in a stepwise screening programme. Five hundred and eighty-six participants (1.0%) were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The score on the initial risk questionnaire was higher if glucose metabolism was more disturbed. The yield of screening varied widely between practices. A lower yield was not associated with an appropriate practice organisation regarding diabetes care, nor with a speciality of the GP in diabetes. Opportunistic screening in general practice seems preferable to population-based screening. Intensified multifactorial treatment of patients with screening-detected type 2 diabetes in general practice reduced the cardiovascular risk factor levels significantly after just one year without worsening healthrelated quality of life. After three years of follow-up, screened participants without diabetes but with an elevated risk score had comparable cardiovascular event rates to patients with diabetes. Screened individuals without diabetes are at risk of lacking optimal control of cardiovascular risk factors.
Guideline-orientated Diagnosis of Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Paschke Ralf , Papini Enrico , Gharib Hossein ,   Professor of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, III Medical Department, University of Leipzig,   Professor of Endocrinology, University of Rome ‘La Sapienza’ Medical School,   Professor of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
Published: June 2015

Thyroid nodules are very common. Their aetiology is due to the interaction between genetic and environmental factors. In 2006, two major society-sponsored guidelines and one major consensus statement for thyroid diagnosis and management were published by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists/Associazione Medici Endocrinologi (AACE/AME), the American Thyroid Association (ATA) and the European Thyroid Association (ETA). A careful review of these guidelines reveals that despite many similarities, significant differences are also present, likely reflecting differences in practice patterns, interpretation of existing data and availability of resources in different regions. The methodology of the guidelines is similar, but a few differences in the rating scales make a rapid comparison of the strength of both evidence and recommendations difficult for use in current clinical practice. Some recommendations are based mostly on expert opinion. The same recommendation may be based on different evidence; on the other hand, sometimes the same evidence may induce a different recommendation. A survey performed during an interactive symposium at the 32nd annual meeting of the ETA in Leipzig, Germany, was carried out to investigate whether these guidelines were able to affect the divergent management strategies for thyroid nodules that have previously been documented. The thyroid nodule guidelines obviously provide useful information and recommendations for practice and have a positive impact on patient care; however, guidelines should be considered as suggestions rather than a rigid formula for practice. With further accumulating evidence, these guidelines will need revision and updating.
Consequences of the Use of Low Blood-spot Thyroid-stimulating Hormone Cut-offs for the Neonatal Screening of Congenital Hypothyroidism
Authors: Persani Luca , Calebiro Davide ,   Associate Professor of Endocrinology,   Post-doctoral Research Fellow, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Milan, and Laboratory of Experimental Endocrinology, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano
Published: June 2015

The consequences of using low blood-spot thyroid-stimulating hormone (b-TSH) cut-off values for newborn screening of congenital hypothyroidism (CH) are largely unknown. Therefore, the impact on CH epidemiology and classification generated by the introduction in our Italian region of a low b-TSH cut-off during 1999–2005 was retrospectively examined. This work was recently performed in collaboration with the Laboratory for Neonatal Screening and the Principal Follow-up Centre of the Lombardy region. The incidence of CH in this Italian population was 1:1,446 live births, with a predominance of functional over morphogenetic defects. The use of low b-TSH cut-offs allowed the detection of an unsuspected number of children with neonatal hypothyroidism, evolving to mild permanent thyroid dysfunction later in life. Premature birth was associated with a three- to five-fold increased risk of CH with glandin situ.
‘Too Much Sitting’ and Metabolic Risk – Has Modern Technology Caught Up with Us?
Authors: Dunstan David W , Healy Genevieve N , Sugiyama Takemi , Owen Neville ,   Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne,   Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne,   Cancer Prevention Research Centre, School of Population Health, The University of Queensland,   School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne,   Vario Health Institute, Edith Cowan University, Perth,   Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne,   Cancer Prevention Research Centre, School of Population Health, The University of Queensland,   Cancer Prevention Research Centre, School of Population Health, The University of Queensland,   Cancer Prevention Research Centre, School of Population Health, The University of Queensland
Published: June 2015

Recent epidemiological evidence suggests that prolonged sitting (sedentary behaviour: time spent in behaviours that have very low energy expenditure, such as television viewing and desk-bound work) has deleterious cardiovascular and metabolic correlates, which are present even among adults who meet physical activity and health guidelines. Further advances in communication technology and other labour-saving innovations make it likely that the ubiquitous opportunities for sedentary behaviour that currently exist will become even more prevalent in the future. We present evidence that sedentary behaviour (too much sitting) is an important stand-alone component of the physical activity and health equation, particularly in relation to cardio-metabolic risk, and discuss whether it is now time to consider public health and clinical guidelines on reducing prolonged sitting time that are in addition to those promoting regular participation in physical activity.
Metabolic Control in Children with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Dost Axel , Rosenbauer Joachim , Rohrer Tilman , Knerr Ina , Gerstl Eva M , Holl Reinhard W ,   Department of Paediatrics, Friedrich Schiller University of Jena,   German Diabetes Centre, Heinrich Heine University of Düsseldorf,   University of Saarland, Homburg,   University of Erlangen-Nuremberg,   Children’s Hospital of the 3rd Order, Passau,   Department of Epidemiology, University of Ulm, for the Diabetes Prospective Documentation (DPV)-Initiative Science and the German Diabetes Competence Network
Published: June 2015

Since 1993, diabetes therapy has been intensified in several ways: insulin analogues have been introduced and insulin pump therapy has been established as a standard therapy in paediatric diabetology, improved devices for self-control have been developed and continuous glucose measurement has been introduced in diabetes monitoring. These technical improvements have been accompanied by new training programmes for children and adolescents with diabetes and their relatives. These programmes aim to empower the patient and his or her family to self-manage diabetes and not to depend on professional advice, as was previously the case. Interdisciplinary teams have been established to train and support families in the management of diabetes. There was a big hope that these improvements would result in a significantly better metabolic situation. This article reviews the changes in diabetes treatment and the outcomes over the last few years: the average glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels fell only marginally, although insulin therapy was intensified considerably; the insulin dose increased and resulted in weight gain. However, the proportion of patients with good metabolic control increased and the proportion of patients with bad metabolic control dropped. Intensifying therapy also resulted in fewer hypoglycaemic episodes, particularly if insulin pumps were used. As well as technical improvements, it is important to address the patient’s situation, problems and needs, and it is necessary to individually tailor diabetes therapy. The new devices and training programmes will help us to reach this goal and eventually reduce the rate of diabetic complications.
Advances in Understanding Glucose Variability and the Role of Continuous Glucose Monitoring
Authors: Kohnert Klaus-Dieter , Vogt Lutz ,   Associate Professor of Medicine,   Associate Professor of Medical Informatics, Institute of Diabetes ‘Gerhardt Katsch’, Karlsburg
Published: June 2015

Recent data have suggested that glucose variability may add to or modify the risk of diabetes complications. Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), an integrated measure of sustained chronic hyperglycaemia, fails to reflect glucose variability and the risks associated with extreme glucose swings. Thus, whether glucose variability should become an integral part of assessing glucose control in clinical practice remains unknown. Since the establishment of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems, various indices of glucose variability and quality of glycaemic control such as the mean amplitude of glycaemic excursions (MAGE) and the Glycaemic Risk Assessment Diabetes Equation (GRADE) can now be precisely computed from CGM data sets. Analysis of CGM data, including the impact of glucose variability and its temporal aspects, has clinical importance and should be incorporated into use in clinical trials and the design of optimal antidiabetes therapies.
Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Children
Authors: Manco Melania ,   Endocrinologist, Scientific Directorate, ‘Bambino Gesù’ Children’s Hospital and Research Institute, Rome
Published: June 2015

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of paediatric liver disease. It is the hepatic component of the metabolic syndrome (MetS), being almost always associated with obesity and insulin resistance, and frequently with abnormal triglyceride and/or cholesterol levels, abnormal blood pressure and impaired glucose tolerance. Its increasing prevalence among children and adolescents has been attributed to the obesity epidemic and the modern western lifestyle, with excessive consumption of refined carbohydrates and saturated fats in combination with low levels of physical activity. Key questions need to be answered concerning the potential progression of NAFLD towards more severe forms of liver derangement, the worth of performing biopsies in children with suspected NAFLD and the role played by the disease in promoting and anticipating the onset of cardiovascular disease (CVD) at an unexpectedly early age. The clinical relevance of these questions is undoubted, as NAFLD may cause significantly increased morbidity and mortality in adulthood.
Medical Consequences of Long-term Treatment of Acromegaly
Authors: Pivonello Rosario , Auriemma Renata S , Galdiero Mariano , Grasso Ludovica FS , Colao Annamaria , Lombardi Gaetano ,   Researcher,   Researcher,   Fellow,   Fellow,   Full Professor, Department of Molecular and Clinical Endocrinology and Oncology, ‘Federico II’ University of Naples,   Full Professor, Department of Molecular and Clinical Endocrinology and Oncology, ‘Federico II’ University of Naples
Published: June 2015

This article discusses the impact of long-term treatment of acromegaly on cardiovascular, metabolic, respiratory and articular complications as well as on malignancies. The main goals of treatment of acromegaly include normalisation of biochemical markers of disease activity, improvement in signs and symptoms of the disease, removal or reduction of tumour mass and preservation of pituitary function, together with prevention of complications. Cardiovascular and respiratory complications are the main causes of morbidity and mortality, whereas neoplasms are a minor cause of increased risk of death. Other associated diseases are arthropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome and reproductive disorders. The prolonged elevation of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I levels results in premature death, whereas strong biochemical control improves wellbeing and restores life expectancy to normal.
Study on dam risk classification in China
Authors: Zhou Xingbo , Zhou Jianping , Du Xiaohu , Li Shouyi
Published: June 2015

With the increasing number of dams and the age of older dams, the issues of dam safety are becoming more prominent. The potential dam safety problem is not only a security issue but also a an issue of risk for areas downstream of dams. Therefore, risk management is the core of dam safety administration. Dam risk classification is an important part of risk management that should consider the probability of dam failure and the risk of loss (potential damage). This paper summarizes research on dam risk classification and finds that ‘three degrees’ and ‘four degrees’ of dam risk classification are used widely in developed countries or districts. It proposes that four degrees of risk could be adopted by the risk matrix approach for the current situation and relevant regulations of China. It might make the dam safety management more efficient and have a certain guiding significance in establishing the standard of dam risk classification in China.
Customization of the OSSEM model for application to annual data from the Talar aquifer, Northern Iran
Authors: Sedaei Nazila , Akbari Abolghasem , Sedaei Leila , Peter Cox Jonathan
Published: June 2015

There are several principal driving forces behind the damaging coastal water resources depletion in many countries, including: high population growth, degrading water resources due to overexploitation and contamination, lack of awareness among local beneficiaries regarding sustainable management, and deficient government support and enforcement of conservation programs. To ensure a water resource system is productive in coastal areas, holistic and comprehensive management approaches are required. To address the aforementioned issues, a combined methodology which considers anthropogenic activities, together with environmental problems defined as the Overall Susceptibility Socio-Ecological System Environmental Management (OSSEM) has been investigated. The OSSEM model has been applied successfully in Spain based upon daily time series data. This research is ground breaking in that it integrates the OSSEM model in a geographic information system (GIS) environment to assess the groundwater contamination based on annual time series data and the assessment of system management by means of an overall susceptibility index (OSI). Centered on OSI indicators, the renewal, salinization and water deficit potentials in the Talar aquifer were estimated to be 4.89%, 4.61%, and 3.99%, respectively. This data demonstrates a high susceptibility in terms of environmental pollution, salinization, and water deficit.
Isolation and Characterization of Bioemulgent from the fruit pulp of Prunus insititia
Authors: Bansal Abhishek , Madhav NV Satheesh , Sharma AK
Published: June 2015

The aim of the research work was to isolate biopolymer and to evaluate its emulsifying ability by formulating o/w type of emulsion. The biopolymer was isolated from the fruit pulp of Prunus insititia by treating with water. The aqueous extract was treated with an optimized ratio of dimethyl ketone and kept in refrigeration for 6 hours. The biopolymer was collected by centrifugation, dried and subjected to physicochemical analysis like solubility, pH, colour, viscosity. Eight different emulsions of o/w type were prepared by using liquid paraffin oil and biopolymer in various concentrations ranging from 50 mg to 1 gm. The formulated emulsions were subjected for various evaluation parameters like globule size, pH, the effect of freezing and thawing cycle, effect of centrifugation, etc. The results were compared with the standard emulsion which was prepared by using acacia as an emulsifier. The emulsions were not showing any significant stability due to increase in the globule size. The final conclusion can be drawn that the biopolymer as an emulsifier in lower concentration (50 and 100 mg) showed its potential emulsifying property in the formulation FE1 and FE2 with uniform globule size ranging from 12 to 30 ?m and stable for 3 freezing and thawing cycles.Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 14(1): 1-9, 2015 (June)
Covenant and Covenants in the Qur'an
Authors: Lumbard Joseph E.B.
Published: June 2015

The question of the covenant in the Old and New Testaments was among the most fertile topics for critically engaged Jewish-Christian dialogue in the twentieth century and has given rise to more pluralistic readings of both the Old and New Testaments. But such developments have not occurred in the field of Qur'anic Studies. Nonetheless, the idea of the covenant is central to the Qur'anic conception of humanity and of religious history. Discussions of the covenant are prevalent in the text itself and in the commentary tradition, in which many issues and concepts central to Islam are linked to it. This paper examines the various ways in which the covenant has been treated in the Qur'an and examines how the commentary tradition treats the idea of the covenant (ʿahd or mīthāq), with particular focus on Q. 7:172 and Q. 30:30. It demonstrates how the Qur'anic presentation of the covenant is central to the Qur'anic understanding of human history, the human condition, and the relationships among different religious traditions.
Through the Lens of the Adam Narrative: A Re-consideration of Sūrat al-Baqara
Authors: Klar M.O.
Published: June 2015

The thesis of a single pillar or axis around which the longer Medinan suras are structured has been highly influential in the field of sura unity, and scholarship on the structure and coherence of Sūrat al-Baqara has tended to work towards charting the progress of a dominant theme throughout the textual blocks that make up the sura. In order to achieve this, scholars have divided the sura into discrete blocks; many have posited a chain of lexical and thematic links from one block to the next; some have concentrated solely on the hinges and borders between these suggested textual blocks. The present article argues that such methods, while often in themselves illuminating, are by their very nature reductive. As such they can result in the oversight of important elements of the sura. From a starting point of the Adam pericope provided in Q. 2:30–9, this study will focus on the recurrence of a number of its lexical items throughout Sūrat al-Baqara. By methodically tracing the passage of repeated, loosely Fall-related, vocabulary, it will attempt to widen the contextual lens through which the sura's textual blocks are viewed, and establish a broader perspective on its coherence. Via a discussion of the themes of ‘gardens’, ‘parable’, ‘prostration’, ‘covenant’, ‘wrongdoing’ and finally ‘blindness’, this article will posit ‘garments’, not as a structural pillar, but as a pivot around which many of the repeated lexical items of the sura rotate.
Development of Functional Fluorescent Molecular Probes for the Detection of Biological Substances
Authors: Suzuki Yoshio , Yokoyama Kenji
Published: June 2015

This review is confined to sensors that use fluorescence to transmit biochemical information. Fluorescence is, by far, the most frequently exploited phenomenon for chemical sensors and biosensors. Parameters that define the application of such sensors include intensity, decay time, anisotropy, quenching efficiency, and luminescence energy transfer. To achieve selective (bio)molecular recognition based on these fluorescence phenomena, various fluorescent elements such as small organic molecules, enzymes, antibodies, and oligonucleotides have been designed and synthesized over the past decades. This review describes the immense variety of fluorescent probes that have been designed for the recognitions of ions, small and large molecules, and their biological applications in terms of intracellular fluorescent imaging techniques.
Influence of Lighting Loads upon Thermal Comfort under CBAD and UFAD Systems
Authors: Yu Ki-Hyung , Yoon Seong-Hoon , Jung Hae-Kwon , Kim Kee , Song Kyoo-Dong
Published: June 2015

Under-floor air distribution (UFAD) systems are occupied-area-based air conditioning systems that generally offer advantages over ceiling-based air distribution (CBAD) systems in terms of energy efficiency and thermal comfort; accordingly, UFAD systems have become more popular lately. The purpose of this study is to provide reasonable UFAD application conditions by comparing and analyzing the influences of cooling loads when UFAD and CBAD are applied to thermally control indoor environments. A chamber experiment was conducted to allow comparisons of the indoor thermal environment under CBAD and UFAD, with the experimental variables of the thermal load of the occupied area and the supply airflow rate. In conclusion, the lower the supply airflow and the higher the lighting power density, the more the thermal comfort of the indoor environment could be improved by using UFAD instead of CBAD. In the lighting power density range of 0–30 W/m2, correlations were calculated whereby the lighting power density levels could be predicted that would ensure thermal comfort at a desired level.
Structures agraires et érosion des sols (Rural structures and soil erosion)
Authors: Bonnamour Jacqueline
Published: June 2015

Abstract. - This paper is a discussion about the meaning of the two elements of the tittle, and their relationships, according to the present trends in agricultural changes in the world.
Changements des structures agraires et érosion des sols sur la Costa del Sol au cours des temps historiques (Rural changes and soil erosion in historical times along the Costa del Sol)
Authors: May Thomas
Published: June 2015

Résumé. - Ce travail souligne l'importance de l'érosion dans la région côtière de la Costa del Sol (Andalousie), et l'arrière-pays montagneux. Grâce à l'étude des deltas, aux apports de l'archéologie et de l'histoire, plusieurs périodes marquées par une vigoureuse érosion sont mises en évidence. En fonction du mode de production et des types de cultures, l'action des processus d'érosion sur des pentes souvent fortes a été plus ou moins efficace. L'auteur souligne l'importance de la Reconquête, caractérisée par la diminution des terroirs irrigués et des cultures en terrasses.
L'aggravation de l'érosion des terres arables et les transformations foncières en Tchécoslovaquie. Une étude de cas (Increase in soil erosion in Czechoslovakia)
Authors: Kundrata Miroslav , Ungerman Jaroslav
Published: June 2015

Abstract. - In Czechoslovakia, the recent changes in rural structures and land use has led to increasing soil erosion in cultivated lands. The aims of this paper are to discuss the impact of this changes, and to present a case study (in the Koziovsky potok catchment).
Soil erosion and soil salinization in Australia (Érosion et salinisation du sol en Australie)
Authors: Löffler Ernst
Published: June 2015

Résumé. - Les changements dans l'utilisation du sol causés par les Européens y sont sans égal dans le monde. Pendant 50 ans la plus grande partie de la surface agricole a été déforestée, et les pâturages naturels ont été dégradés. Ce changement a provoqué une dégradation générale du sol dont les formes les plus marquées sont l'érosion par l'eau et le vent ainsi que la salinisation. L'érosion du sol est beaucoup plus grande que sa régénération naturelle et une grande partie des sols australiens est devenue improductive. La salinisation du sol se trouve sous deux formes : salinisation de terres irriguées et salinisation de terres non irriguées, dont les causes principales sont le relèvement de la nappe phréatique et la mobilisation des sels.