bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Covering cops: Critical reporting of Indonesian police corruption
Authors: Davies Sharyn , Stone Louise , Buttle John
Published: March 2017

The following article analyses contemporary newspaper representations of police corruption in Indonesia’s premier English-language newspaper, The Jakarta Post. The article draws on primary data obtained from 114 articles published online between January and December 2013. The subsequent quantitative analysis found that The Jakarta Post reported on various forms of police corruption in both specific and general contexts with a majority of reports focusing on the investigation of corruption allegations where at least three people were involved. Information about suspects was also provided. Qualitative analysis indicated the following themes were frequently discussed: the extent of police corruption; causes of police corruption; fighting police corruption; the belief that police cannot be trusted to investigate internal police corruption; and that police corruption interferes with external investigations. Despite many obstacles involved in reporting police corruption, the authors argue that overall The Jakarta Post takes a critical view in its reporting of police corruption.
The Len Brown Affair: The roles of new and old media in a New Zealand political sex scandal
Authors: Hannis Grant
Published: March 2017

The power of online media to influence New Zealand local government politics was made clear in 2013 when a blogger revealed that Len Brown, the popular mayor of Auckland, had conducted a two-year, extramarital affair. The mainstream media picked up the story, Brown’s popularity collapsed and in late 2015 he announced he would not stand again for mayor. This media scandal was, in part, driven by the fact that Brown was a celebrity. Unlike several high-profile sex scandals involving politicians overseas, Brown’s career did not survive the controversy, perhaps because the public came to regard him as a practised liar. The media itself engaged in self-serving scandalous activity during the controversy. Today’s shock bloggers are similar to the proto-journalists of the 17th century. Members of new and old media researching the scandal treated their secret sources very differently. The existence of the internet means such scandals can now exist in perpetuity. If the Len Brown Affair was an example of the media fulfilling its watchdog role - by exposing a lying politician - it was also an example of journalists furthering their own ends - political and commercial - by appealing to their audiences’ purient interests.
Standoff in Papua New Guinea: Students take issue over corruption
Authors: Matasororo Emily
Published: March 2017

Commentary: A widespread student national boycott of classes and protests against the government of Peter O’Neill in Papua New Guinea during May and June 2016, supported by many civil society groups and activists. The epicentre of these protests was the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) in the nation's capital, Port Moresby. Demonstrations stirred by allegations of corruption against Prime Minister O'Neill grew in intensity until police opened fire on peaceful protesters on June 8. The protests were largely organised by the elected UPNG Student Representative Council, which entered into alliances with other tertiary student bodies, especially at the University of Technology in Lae, and civil society groups such as UPNG Focus and the Community Coalition Against Corruption. The essential argument of the students was that instead of thwarting investigations into allegations that $30 million of fraudulent legal bills were paid to the legal firm Paraka Lawyers, O’Neill should resign from office and present himself to the police investigators for questioning as they had demanded. This article focuses on the student leadership’s role and critiques the coverage of two major national press outlets, the PNG Post-Courier and The National, leading to the temporary shutdown of the university. It argues that there were issues of ethics and integrity at stake with both students and the news media.
A Social Relations Model for the Colonial Behavior of the Zebra Finch
Authors: Figueredo Aurelio José , Olderbak Sally Gayle , Moreno Vanya Alessandra
Published: March 2017

A social relations model was developed for 5 years of behavioral recordings from a captive colony of Zebrafinches (Taeniopygia guttata). A quantitative ethogram was applied, using one-zero focal animal sampling on an ethologically comprehensive checklist of 52 behavioral items (Figueredo, Petrinovich, & Ross, 1992). Of the 9 ethological factors previously identified, only 4 of the 6 social factors (Social Proximity, Social Contact, Social Submission, and Social Aggression) were used. Major results were as follows: (1) Individual finches showed systematically different response dispositions that were stable over a 5-year period as both subjects and objects of behavior; (2) Interactions between finches differed systematically by the sexes of both the subjects and the objects of behavior; (3) Behavioral interactions between finches and their mates differed systematically according to the subjects' sex, but also differed systematically from those with other members of the objects' sex; (4) Behavioral interactions between finches and their relatives differed systematically between different discrete categories of relatives, but did not vary as a systematic function of either graded genetic relatedness or familiarity due to common rearing; and (5) Behavioral interactions between finches and their relatives showed an overall bias towards preferential interactions with male relatives. DOI:10.2458/azu_jmmss_v1i1_figueredo
Lost and Found, Letters and Methods: Assessing Attitudes toward Chiropractic and Medical Care
Authors: Kern Hannah , Yeaton William H.
Published: March 2017

Attitudes toward traditional and chiropractic medicine were compared using Milgram's lost letter technique. A total of 192 letters were placed on the windshields of vehicles in parking lots at six restaurants and department stores in each of four quadrants of a medium-sized, Southeastern city. These letters were addressed to "Admissions" at either a fictitious Institute of Medicine or Institute of Chiropractic Care. Return addresses included either a male or a female name. Thus, those who found a lost letter were faced with the option of returning or not returning a letter from either a male or a female, addressed to an Institute of traditional or non-traditional medicine. After examining previous studies which had used the lost letter technique, numerous methodological improvements were implemented. For example, letters were randomly assigned to potential drop spots for each of 24 study locations (six study locations in each of four city quadrants), and a Latin square design was used to control for possible order effects in the four study conditions that were implemented. Nearly 65% of the letters (124 of 192) were returned. We found: 1) letters addressed to a fictitious Institute of Chiropractic Care were just as likely to be returned as those addressed to a fictitious Institute of Medicine; 2) letters with female return addresses were as likely to be returned as those with male return addresses; 3) there was no interaction between study conditions; 4) based on what was essentially a replication study, a comparison of the pattern of returns using the first and second cycle of lost letters (n = 96 for each cycle) revealed an equivalent pattern of no-difference findings. DOI:10.2458/azu_jmmss_v1i1_kern
Hypoglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effect of aqueous leaves extract of Ficus Religiosa in alloxan induced diabetic rats
Authors: Pochhi Mamata , Muddeshwar MG
Published: March 2017

Background: Medicinal plants provide valuable therapeutic agents,with less adverse effects. A number of indigenous plants were claimed to be useful in the treatment of diabetes mellitus based on folk medicine. The purpose of this study was to examine the hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic effect of aqueous leaves extract of F. religiosa in alloxan diabetes albino rats.Aims and Objectives: Therefore, the present thesis aim is in evaluating whether the hyperglycemic condition is related with hyperlipidemia and both these conditions could be controlled by indigenous preparations.Materials and Methods: The aqueous leaves extracts of Ficus religiosa (250 mg/kg) were administered orally for 21 days, in alloxan induced diabetic rats on Glucose, Lipid profile, Lipoproteins and Lipid metabolizing enzymes.Result: The aqueous leaves extract of F. religiosa induced signifi cant improvement in glucose, serum lipids, lipoproteins concentration and lipid metabolizing enzymes activity (Lipase, HMG CoA reductase and LCAT).Conclusion: The present study indicates that the extract of Ficus religiosa exhibits lipid lowering, maintaining lipoproteins concentration and improve the activities of lipid metabolizing enzymes in hyperglycemic rats, by initiating the release of insulin. This study confi rm the possible role of indigenous medicinal plants in the treatment of Diabetes.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(2) 2017 50-55
Serum enzymes markers in myocardial infarction: A study of rural area
Authors: Pochhi Mamata , Muddeshwar MG
Published: March 2017

Background: Acute Myocardial Infarction is the reduction of coronary flow to such an extent that supply of oxygen to the myocardium do not need the oxygen demand of myocardial tissues. The diagnosis of AMI cannot be fulfilled unless the elevated levels of serum cardiac enzymes particularly CK-MB iso-enzyme activity. The rate of release of cardiac enzymes is highly diagnostic.Aims and Objectives: Therefore, the present thesis aim is-in evaluating, whether the elevated levels of cardiac marker enzymes can be compared to the extent of the Myocardial infarction.Material and Methods: Therefore the present study was undertaken on 50 patients of MI and 50 patients of control. They were group according to the age and sex. The activity of different cardiac enzymes were studied.Result: The AMI patients had significantly elevated levels of 90% patients of high LDH values and 86% patients have elevated levels of AST. The significant elevation of serum enzymes as compared to the control.Conclusion: The magnitude of the elevated levels of enzymes can be compared to the extent of the myocardial infarction. Serum GGT can also be useful marker of oxidative stress in myocardial infarction.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(2) 2017 34-37
Laryngeal schwannoma presented as globus sensation
Authors: KC A. , Shakya Dipesh , Nepal A.
Published: March 2017

Laryngeal Schwannoma is an extremely rare with incidence of 0.1 – 1.5% in all benign laryngeal tumours making it difficult to diagnose. The most common anatomical site is the aryepiglottic fold, followed by the arytenoids, ventricular folds, and vocal cord. Most patients present with hoarseness, dysphagia or globus sensation.The present case report describes a 37 year old female patient with symptoms of globus sensation.
Poetry
Authors: Hatch Ronald B.
Published: March 2017

Reviews of French-Canadian poetry published in Canada in 1988.
Visual demonstration of transmission electron microscopy for intracellular observation of a single bacterial cell
Authors: Shukla Shruti , Bajpai Vivek K.
Published: March 2017

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has a profound impact on knowledge and understanding of bacteria and other microbial populations. The 1000-fold improvement in resolution provided by TEM has allowed visualization of bacterial cells. Of all the types of microscopy exploited to date, TEM is the one with the most advantageous resolution limit and therefore it is a very efficient technique for deciphering the cell architecture and relating it to function. This visual experiment aims to provide an overview of the most important technique, TEM that we can apply to a biological sample, tissue or cells, to observe it with an internal structure, from the most conventional to the latest generation. Processes and concepts are defined, and the advantages and disadvantages of the TEM technique are assessed along with the image and information that we can obtain by using each one of them.

Video Clips:

Sample preparation: coating, staining and critical drying: 4 min 36 sec

TEM instrumentation and image analysis: 4 min 37 sec
College News Vol.6(2)
Authors: Khan Md Osman Ghani
Published: March 2017

Abstract not availableUpdate Dent. Coll. j: 2016; 6 (2): 34
Developing and testing of a screening tool to predict people without IgE-mediated allergy: a quantitative analysis of the predictive value of a screening tool
Authors: Hammersley Victoria S , Harris Jessica , Sheikh Aziz , Davidson Emma , Walker Samantha
Published: March 2017

Background

Consultations in primary care for allergies are common. It can be difficult to differentiate between IgE-mediated (atopic) symptoms — which respond to allergen-specific interventions — and those that are non-atopic, without performing objective tests that are largely unavailable in UK general practice.

Aim

To develop and test a screening tool that can accurately discriminate between atopic and non-atopic individuals.

Design and setting

A validation study that took place in 2012 in adult volunteers aged >16 years in Scotland.

Method

A questionnaire screening tool was developed using questions from a large cohort study and through consultation with experts. Participants answered the questions and had skin prick tests for four aeroallergens (house dust mite, cat, dog, and mixed grasses). Participants were classified as atopic if any average wheal diameter was ≥3 mm bigger than the negative control. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of individual and combinations of questions were calculated.

Results

In all, 143 participants completed the questionnaire and underwent skin prick testing. Of these, 81 (56.6%) were atopic. Negative predictive values for the individual questions ranged from 48.2% (55 not atopic out of 114 negative answers) to 72.0% (18/25). An optimum combination of four questions was identified, in which a negative answer to all four questions was reported by 24 participants, 21 (87.5%) of whom were not atopic.

Conclusion

The authors have identified a set of questions that correctly predict negative skin prick tests to common aeroallergens 88% of the time. These may be useful to exclude patients who do not warrant further investigation and who can reliably be advised that allergen avoidance is neither necessary nor helpful.
Function of miR-152 as a Tumor Suppressor in Human Breast Cancer by Targeting PIK3CA
Authors: Ge Shuke , Wang Dan , Kong Qinglong , Gao Wei , Sun Jiayi
Published: March 2017

miR-152, as a tumor suppressor, has been reported to be downregulated in a number of cancer cell lines and tumor tissues, including breast cancer. This study aimed to investigate the role of miR-152 in human breast cancer and its underlying mechanisms. Human breast cancer cell line
HCC1806 was transfected with hsa-miR-152-3p mimic, inhibitor, or scrambled negative controls. The efficiency of miR-152-3p transfection was evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR, and the effects on cell viability and apoptosis as well as on the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway were investigated
by MTT assay, flow cytometry, and Western blot analysis, respectively. The binding effect of miR-152-3p on PIK3CA 3′-UTR was also investigated. The results suggested that miR-152-3p mimic transfection inhibited cell viability while inducing apoptosis of HCC1806 cells. Furthermore, miR-152-3p
negatively regulated PIK3CA expression via binding to the 3′-UTR of PIK3CA and decreased the phosphorylation levels of AKT (Ser473) and RPS6 (Ser235/236) in HCC1806 cells. miR-152-3p inhibitor transfection showed the opposite effects. In conclusion, miR-152-3p might serve as a tumor
suppressor in human breast cancer cells via negatively regulating PIK3CA expression to inhibit the activation of AKT and RPS6, leading to suppression of HCC1806 cell proliferation.
What Works in Early Grade Literacy Instruction
Authors: Bulat Jennae , Dubeck Margaret , Green Paula , Harden Karon , Henny Catherine , Mattos Mónika , Pflepsen Alison , Robledo Ana , Sitabkhan Yasmin
Published: March 2017

Over the past decade, RTI International has pursued the goal of quality, inclusive, differentiated early grade literacy instruction in nearly 30 early grade reading or early grade literacy programs in low- and middle-income (LMI) countries. Across our diverse portfolio, we have supported Ministries of Education (Ministries) in diverse contexts in their development and implementation of research-based early grade literacy programs and have learned important lessons based on our experience working with Ministries to design, develop, and implement early grade literacy programs. This paper describes the core elements that we have found to improve early grade literacy instruction and learner outcomes: the approach to teaching (Teach), the availability of quality, relevant learner materials (Text), the effective use of instructional time (Time), the use of formative assessment to guide instruction (Test), and provision of instruction in the most effective language (Tongue). This paper focuses on the acquisition of literacy in alphabetic and alphasyllabic languages in the early primary years (most typically, academic levels 1 through 3) and the kinds of exposures, instruction, and support learners need to become fully literate. These are the elements of a literacy program that can be taught, that should be present in teaching and learning materials and in teacher trainings, and that relate specifically to what happens in a classroom.
Many more factors contribute to literacy acquisition. However, we focus on the core elements in this paper to delve deeper and facilitate a richer discussion about these components. No one-size-fits-all approach to the development and implementation of literacy programs exists; the local context and constraints of any implementation can require adaptation and adjustments. In many cases, the fully diversified approach to early grade literacy instruction described in the classroom scenario has not yet been achieved. However, we hope that this compilation of lessons learned and best practices achieved through our experiences will help to further the efforts of all to provide high-quality, effective literacy instruction to all learners, particularly those in LMI countries.
Searching for Magnetar-powered Merger-novae from Short GRBS
Authors: Gao He , Zhang Bing , Lü Hou-Jun , Li Ye
Published: March 2017

The merger of a double neutron star (NS–NS) binary may result in a rapidly rotating massive NS with an extremely strong magnetic field (i.e., a millisecond magnetar). In this case, the magnetic spin-down of the NS remnant provides an additional source of sustained energy injection, which would continuously power the merger ejecta. The thermal emission from the merger ejecta would give rise to a bright optical “magnetar-powered merger-nova.” In this work, we carry out a complete search for magnetar-powered merger-nova from a Swift short gamma-ray burst sample. We focus on short GRBs with extended emission or internal plateau, which may signify the presence of magnetars as the central engine. We eventually find three candidates of magnetar-powered merger-nova from the late observations of GRB 050724, GRB 070714B, and GRB 061006. With standard parameter values, the magnetar remnant scenario could well interpret the multi-band data of all three bursts, including the extended emission and their late chromatic features in the optical and X-ray data. The peak luminosities of these merger-novae reach several times

, more than one order of magnitude brighter than the traditional “kilo-novae” with peak luminosity of

. Intense, multi-color, late-time observations of short GRBs are encouraged to identify more merger-novae in the future.
Seismic Measurement of the Locations of the Base of Convection Zone and Helium Ionization Zone for Stars in the Kepler Seismic LEGACY Sample
Authors: Verma Kuldeep , Raodeo Keyuri , Antia H. M. , Mazumdar Anwesh , Basu Sarbani , Lund Mikkel N. , Aguirre Víctor Silva
Published: March 2017

Acoustic glitches are regions inside a star where the sound speed or its derivatives change abruptly. These leave a small characteristic oscillatory signature in the stellar oscillation frequencies. With the precision achieved by Kepler seismic data, it is now possible to extract these small amplitude oscillatory signatures, and infer the locations of the glitches. We perform glitch analysis for all the 66 stars in the Kepler seismic LEGACY sample to derive the locations of the base of the envelope convection zone (CZ) and the helium ionization zone. The signature from helium ionization zone is found to be robust for all stars in the sample, whereas the CZ signature is found to be weak and problematic, particularly for relatively massive stars with large errorbars on the oscillation frequencies. We demonstrate that the helium glitch signature can be used to constrain the properties of the helium ionization layers and the helium abundance.
Variability and Period Analysis for BL Lac AO 0235+164
Authors: Fan J. H. , Kurtanidze O. , Liu Y. , Liu X. , Yang J. H. , Richter G. M. , Nikolashvili M. G. , Kurtanidze S. O. , Wang H. T. , Sasada M. , Zhou A. Y. , Lin C. , Yuan Y. H. , Zhang Y. T. , Costantin D.
Published: March 2017

Variability is one of the extreme observational properties of BL Lacertae objects. AO 0235+164 is a well-studied BL Lac throughout all electromagnetic wavebands. In the present work, we show its optical R-band photometric observations carried out during the period from 2006 November to 2012 December using the Ap6E CCD camera attached to the primary focus of the 70 cm meniscus telescope at Abastumani Observatory, Georgia. During our monitoring period, it showed a large variation of

(14.19–19.07 mag) and a short timescale of

. During the period of 2006 December to 2009 November, we made radio observations of the source using the 25 m radio telescope at Xinjiang Astronomical Observatory. By adopting a discrete correlation function to the optical and radio observations we found that the optical variation leads a radio variation of 23.2 ± 12.9 days.
Perpendicular Diffusion of Solar Energetic Particles: Model Results and Implications for Electrons
Authors: Strauss R. Du Toit , Dresing Nina , Engelbrecht N. Eugene
Published: March 2017

The processes responsible for the effective longitudinal transport of solar energetic particles (SEPs) are still not completely understood. We address this issue by simulating SEP electron propagation using a spatially 2D transport model that includes perpendicular diffusion. By implementing, as far as possible, the most reasonable estimates of the transport (diffusion) coefficients, we compare our results, in a qualitative manner, to recent observations at energies of 55–105 keV, focusing on the longitudinal distribution of the peak intensity, the maximum anisotropy, and the onset time. By using transport coefficients that are derived from first principles, we limit the number of free parameters in the model to (i) the probability of SEPs following diffusing magnetic field lines, quantified by

, and (ii) the broadness of the Gaussian injection function. It is found that the model solutions are extremely sensitive to the magnitude of the perpendicular diffusion coefficient and relatively insensitive to the form of the injection function as long as a reasonable value of a = 0.2 is used. We illustrate the effects of perpendicular diffusion on the model solutions and discuss the viability of this process as a dominant mechanism by which SEPs are transported in longitude. Lastly, we try to quantity the effectiveness of perpendicular diffusion as an interplay between the magnitude of the relevant diffusion coefficient and the SEP intensity gradient driving the diffusion process. It follows that perpendicular diffusion is extremely effective early in an SEP event when large intensity gradients are present, while the effectiveness quickly decreases with time thereafter.
Large-scale Environmental Dependence of the Abundance Ratio of Nitrogen to Oxygen in Blue, Star-forming Galaxies Fainter than L*
Authors: Douglass Kelly A. , Vogeley Michael S.
Published: March 2017

We examine how the cosmic environment affects the chemical evolution of galaxies in the universe by comparing the N/O ratio of dwarf galaxies in voids with that of dwarf galaxies in denser regions. Ratios of the forbidden [O iii] and [S ii] transitions provide estimates of a region’s electron temperature and number density. We estimate the abundances of oxygen and nitrogen using these temperature and density estimates and the emission-line fluxes [O ii]

, [O iii]

, and [N ii]

with the direct T

e
method. Using spectroscopic observations from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 7, we are able to estimate the N/O ratio in 42 void dwarf galaxies and 89 dwarf galaxies in denser regions. The N/O ratio for void dwarfs (

) is slightly lower (

) than for dwarf galaxies in denser regions. We also estimate the nitrogen and oxygen abundances of 2050 void galaxies and 3883 galaxies in denser regions with

. These somewhat brighter galaxies (but still fainter than L
*) also display similar minor shifts in the N/O ratio. The shifts in the average and median element abundance values in all absolute magnitude bins studied are in the same direction, suggesting that the large-scale environment may influence the chemical evolution of galaxies. We discuss possible causes of such a large-scale environmental dependence of the chemical evolution of galaxies, including retarded star formation and a higher ratio of dark matter halo mass to stellar mass in void galaxies.
Concurrent Application of ANC and THM to assess the 13C(α, n)16O Absolute Cross Section at Astrophysical Energies and Possible Consequences for Neutron Production in Low-mass AGB Stars
Authors: Trippella O. , Cognata M. La
Published: March 2017

The

reaction is considered to be the main neutron source responsible for the production of heavy nuclides (from

to

) through slow n-capture nucleosynthesis (s-process) at low temperatures during the asymptotic giant branch phase of low-mass stars (

, or LMSs). In recent years, several direct and indirect measurements have been carried out to determine the cross section at the energies of astrophysical interest (around

). However, they yield inconsistent results that cause a highly uncertain reaction rate and affect the neutron release in LMSs. In this work we have combined two indirect approaches, the asymptotic normalization coefficient and the Trojan horse method, to unambiguously determine the absolute value of the

astrophysical factor. With these, we have determined a very accurate reaction rate to be introduced into astrophysical models of s-process nucleosynthesis in LMSs. Calculations using this recommended rate have shown limited variations in the production of those neutron-rich nuclei (with

) that receive contribution only by slow neutron captures.
Cosmic-Ray Transport in Heliospheric Magnetic Structures. II. Modeling Particle Transport through Corotating Interaction Regions
Authors: Kopp Andreas , Wiengarten Tobias , Fichtner Horst , Effenberger Frederic , Kühl Patrick , Heber Bernd , Raath Jan-Louis , Potgieter Marius S.
Published: March 2017

The transport of cosmic rays (CRs) in the heliosphere is determined by the properties of the solar wind plasma. The heliospheric plasma environment has been probed by spacecraft for decades and provides a unique opportunity for testing transport theories. Of particular interest for the three-dimensional (3D) heliospheric CR transport are structures such as corotating interaction regions (CIRs), which, due to the enhancement of the magnetic field strength and magnetic fluctuations within and due to the associated shocks as well as stream interfaces, do influence the CR diffusion and drift. In a three-fold series of papers, we investigate these effects by modeling inner-heliospheric solar wind conditions with the numerical magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) framework Cronos (Wiengarten et al., referred as Paper I), and the results serve as input to a transport code employing a stochastic differential equation approach (this paper). While, in Paper I, we presented results from 3D simulations with Cronos, the MHD output is now taken as an input to the CR transport modeling. We discuss the diffusion and drift behavior of Galactic cosmic rays using the example of different theories, and study the effects of CIRs on these transport processes. In particular, we point out the wide range of possible particle fluxes at a given point in space resulting from these different theories. The restriction of this variety by fitting the numerical results to spacecraft data will be the subject of the third paper of this series.
HD 106906: A Case Study for External Perturbations of a Debris Disk
Authors: Nesvold Erika R. , Naoz Smadar , Fitzgerald Michael P.
Published: March 2017

Models of debris disk morphology are often focused on the effects of a planet orbiting interior to or within the disk. Nonetheless, an exterior planetary-mass perturber can also excite eccentricities in a debris disk, via Laplace–Lagrange secular perturbations in the coplanar case or Kozai–Lidov perturbations for mutually inclined companions and disks. HD 106906 is an ideal example of such a a system, as it harbors a confirmed exterior

companion at a projected separation of 650 au outside a resolved, asymmetric disk. We use collisional and dynamical simulations to investigate the interactions between the disk and the companion, and to use the disk’s observed morphology to place constraints on the companion’s orbit. We conclude that the disk’s observed morphology is consistent with perturbations from the observed exterior companion. Generalizing this result, we suggest that exterior perturbers, as well as interior planets, should be considered when investigating the cause of observed asymmetries in a debris disk.
Risk factors for infection development after transrectal prostate biopsy and the role of resistant bacteria in colonic flora
Authors: Eruz Emine Dilek , Yalci Aysun , Ozden Eriz , Aslaner Halide , Ogucu-Durgun Suna , Koseoglu-Taymur Deniz Derya , Memikoglu Kemal Osman , Erdem Hakan , Kurt Halil
Published: March 2017

Introduction: In this study, we aimed to identify risk factors for the development of infectious complications after prostate biopsy and to investigate the role of intestinal colonization of bacteria that are resistant to prophylactic antibiotics. Methodology: A total of 168 patients who had undergone transrectal prostate biopsy (TRPB) under ciprofloxacin and gentamycin prophylaxis were included in the study. Stool cultures and subsequent antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed in all patients before the start of antibiotic prophylaxis. Results: Of the 168 patients, 17 (10.1%) developed urinary tract infection (UTI), while 6 (3.57%) developed sepsis within seven days after biopsy. Ciprofloxacin-resistant bacterial colonization was detected in 81 (48.2%) of the patients. None of the patients with ciprofloxacin-sensitive bacteria in intestinal flora developed a UTI. The colonization of intestinal ciprofloxacin-resistant bacteria increased UTI risk significantly after TRPB (p < 0.0001). Urolithiasis history, presence of permanent urinary catheterization, hospitalization history for more than 48 hours in the last year, and recent antibiotic usage significantly increased UTI risk after TRPB. Conclusions: Development of an infection was more frequent in patients with resistant bacterial colonization. We hope to guide more comprehensive studies designed to find a standard prophylactic regimen for TRPB that can be used all over the world.
Causes of visual impairment in patients with ocular toxoplasmosis
Authors: Şahinoğlu Keşkek Nedime , Ünal Fikret , Cevher Selim , Keşkek Şakir Özgür
Published: March 2017

Introduction: The aim of this study was to report the causes of visual impairment in patients with the classic clinical presentation of ocular toxoplasmosis (OT). Methodology: Eight patients with OT underwent standardized ophthalmologic examination and fundus imaging. Macula and the lesions that could be visualized were evaluated by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SOCT) at presentation. The scan acquisition protocols for SOCT included a radial line scan through the retinochoroiditis lesion, radial line macular scan, and horizontal volume scans at the macula. Results: The mean age of the five (62.5%) women and three (37.5%) men was 25.7±7.6 years. The mean logMAR ETDRS best-corrected visual acuity was 0.45 (Snellen equivalent, 20/50). SOCT findings of macula were normal in seven patients, and one patient had decreased retinal thickness from a healed chorioretinitis at the fovea. Of eight patients, two had 3+ vitreous haze, four had 2+ vitreous haze, and two had 1+ vitreous haze at presentation. OCT scans revealed vitreous hyperreflective dots in all patients with different densities in different radial scans. Hyperreflective dots were denser in macular scans of eyes in which the active lesion was closer to the fovea. Conclusions: In this study, visual impairment in majority of the patients was found to be related to vitreous cells and flare. Dense vitritis on macula scans and visual impairment were seen in the patients who had an active lesion closer to the fovea. SOCT may provide objective data of the cellular load of the eyes with posterior segment inflammation.
Impact of different antiseptics on umbilical cord colonization and cord separation time
Authors: Ozdemir Hulya , Bilgen Hulya , Topuzoglu Ahmet , Coskun Senay , Soyletir Guner , Bakir Mustafa , Ozek Eren
Published: March 2017

Introduction: There is still some uncertainty on cord care practices all around the world, especially in developing countries. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of six different umbilical cord care practices on the rate of colonization and cord separation time. Methodology: A total of 516 newborns were randomly allocated to the following six umbilical cord care groups: group 1 received dry care; groups 2–4 received a single application of 70% alcohol, 4% chlorhexidine, or povidon-iodine in the delivery room, respectively, which were discontinued thereafter; groups 5 and 6 received a single application of 70% alcohol or 4% chlorhexidine, respectively, starting in the delivery room and continuing every six hours until discharge. Umbilical cords were examined on the second and third days and between the fifth and seventh day for signs of omphalitis. Swab cultures were taken on the second or third day from all cases. Results: Cord separation time (median [interquartile range]) was the shortest for group 1 (7 [6–7] days) and the longest for group 3 (10 [7–12] days) and group 6 (10 [8–12] days) (p < 0.001). The cord colonization in the swab cultures was significantly lower in groups 3 and 6 (p < 0.001). Omphalitis was detected in eight (1.5%) patients among the study population, and there was no significant difference between the groups. Conclusions: Our study showed that chlorhexidine application was the most effective agent in decreasing colonization, though it increased cord separation time significantly in both groups.
Evaluation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage in Malagasy pig and poultry non-industrial farmers
Authors: Rasamiravaka Tsiry , Andriatsitohanana Tojo Tiana , Rasamindrakotroka Andry
Published: March 2017

Introduction: The laboratory of Training and Research in Medical Biology of Madagascar conducted a cross-sectional study to estimate the rate of S. aureus nasal carriage of pig and poultry Malagasy farmers. Methodology: Pig and poultry farmers from capital town of Madagascar were selected for nasal swabs collection with information on potential risk factors for S. aureus colonization, including animal exposure. Results: Nasal swabs from 180 farmers (M/F sex ratio: 0.74), enabled isolation after culture and biochemical identification, 69 (38.33%) S. aureus strains among which 45 (25%) were methicillin-resistant (MRSA). Risk factors analysis revealed that farming duration, number of animals, direct contact with poultry, and frequent contact with manure increased risk of S. aureus and MRSA nasal carriage. Likewise, farm practices that imply close contact with pigs such as food distribution and pigsty washing increased risk of S. aureus and MRSA nasal carriage among pig farmers. Among MRSA isolates, resistance rate to other antibiotics was similar to that of MRSA isolates from the non-farmer Malagasy population. However, gentamycin resistance was noticeably higher (32.5% versus 4.44%). Conclusions: This study shows a high rate of S. aureus and MRSA nasal carriage with high rate of multidrug resistance among healthy people frequently in contact with animals. A strategic policy against the spread of multidrug-resistant strains is desirable in farms and veterinary areas.
Cryptosporidium species and subtypes in diarrheal children and HIV-infected persons in Ebonyi and Nsukka, Nigeria
Authors: Ukwah Boniface Nwofoke , Ezeonu Ifeoma Maureen , Ezeonu Chinonyelum Thecla , Roellig Dawn , Xiao Lihua
Published: March 2017

Introduction: Cryptosporidiosis is a common disease of children and immune-compromised persons. This study evaluated the diversity and distribution of Cryptosporidium species in diarrheal children and HIV-infected persons on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and those not on HAART. Methodology: A total of 394 fecal specimens were collected from patients attending clinics in Nsukka and Ebonyi, Nigeria. Detection and identification of Cryptosporidium species were conducted by PCR-RFLP of the small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene, whereas subtyping was done by sequence analysis of the 60 kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene. Results: Twenty-five (6.3%) specimens yielded four Cryptosporidium species, including C. hominis, C. parvum, C. felis, and C. viatorum. C. hominis was the most dominant species with 48.0% occurrence and three identified subtype families: Ia (six specimens), Ib (three specimens), Ie (two specimens), and one un-subtyped species. C. parvum had 44.0% occurrence and two subtype families: IIc (eight specimens) and IIe (three specimens), while C. felis and C. viatorum each had 4.0% occurrence. There were significant differences in Cryptosporidium species distribution between age groups in children and HIV-infected persons, between suburban and urban areas, and between low and high CD4+ cell counts in HIV-infected patients. There were no significant differences in infection rate and species distribution between HIV-infected patients on HAART and those not on HAART. Conclusions: The results from this study show that there is a high diversity of Cryptosporidium spp. in humans in Ebonyi and Nsukka, Nigeria, and that all the C. parvum subtypes identified are most likely anthroponotic in origin.
Occurence of hypodermosis in Pakistan, Iran and Turkey: comparative risk factor analysis and future perspectives
Authors: Ahmed Haroon , Afzal Muhammad Sohail , Ozyalin Ozge , Khan Mobushir Riaz , Simsek Sami
Published: March 2017

This item has no abstract. Follow the links below to access the full text.
Peptide nucleic acid antisense oligomers open an avenue for developing novel antibacterial molecules
Authors: Ghosal Anubrata
Published: March 2017

This item has no abstract. Follow the links below to access the full text.
Definition and Reliability Assessment of Elementary Ultrasonographic Findings in Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition Disease: A Study by the OMERACT Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition Disease Ultrasound Subtask Force
Authors: Filippou Georgios , Scirè Carlo A. , Damjanov Nemanja , Adinolfi Antonella , Carrara Greta , Picerno Valentina , Toscano Carmela , Bruyn George A. , D’Agostino Maria Antonietta , Delle Sedie Andrea , Filippucci Emilio , Gutierrez Marwin , Micu Mihaela , Möller Ingrid , Naredo Esperanza , Pineda Carlos , Porta Francesco , Schmidt Wolfgang A. , Terslev Lene , Vlad Violeta , Zufferey Pascal , Iagnocco Annamaria
Published: March 2017

Objective.

To define the ultrasonographic characteristics of calcium pyrophosphate crystal (CPP) deposits in joints and periarticular tissues and to evaluate the intra- and interobserver reliability of expert ultrasonographers in the assessment of CPP deposition disease (CPPD) according to the new definitions.

Methods.

After a systematic literature review, a Delphi survey was circulated among a group of expert ultrasonographers, who were members of the CPPD Ultrasound (US) Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) subtask force, to obtain definitions of the US characteristics of CPPD at the level of fibrocartilage (FC), hyaline cartilage (HC), tendon, and synovial fluid (SF). Subsequently, the reliability of US in assessing CPPD at knee and wrist levels according to the agreed definitions was tested in static images and in patients with CPPD. Cohen’s κ was used for statistical analysis.

Results.

HC and FC of the knee yielded the highest interobserver κ values among all the structures examined, in both the Web-based (0.73 for HC and 0.58 for FC) and patient-based exercises (0.55 for the HC and 0.64 for the FC). Kappa values for the other structures were lower, ranging from 0.28 in tendons to 0.50 in SF in the static exercise and from 0.09 (proximal patellar tendon) to 0.27 (triangular FC of the wrist) in the patient-based exercise.

Conclusion.

The new OMERACT definitions for the US identification of CPPD proved to be reliable at the level of the HC and FC of the knee. Further studies are needed to better define the US characteristics of CPPD and optimize the scanning technique in other anatomical sites.
Whole-spine Computed Tomography Findings in SAPHO Syndrome
Authors: Xu Wenrui , Li Chen , Zhao Xue , Lu Jie , Li Li , Wu Nan , Zuo Yuzhi , Jing Hongli , Dong Zhenhua , Zhang Wen , Zhang Weihong
Published: March 2017

Objective.

We evaluated the whole-spine computed tomography (CT) findings in patients with synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome to improve our understanding of this rare disease.

Methods.

Whole-spine CT images obtained in 69 patients with SAPHO were reviewed. For each individual, a total of 25 vertebrae were evaluated for the distribution of affected vertebrae, CT manifestations of vertebral lesions, symmetry and location of distribution of the lesions on vertebrae, involvement pattern, and narrowing of adjacent intervertebral disc space. Paravertebral ligamentous ossifications, apophyseal joint disorders, and costovertebral joint disorders were also evaluated.

Results.

All the 69 patients with SAPHO exhibited abnormalities on whole-spine CT. Sixty-four had vertebral lesions, 52 had paravertebral ossifications, and 47 had both. The vertebral lesions were observed in 441 vertebrae, with a predilection for thoracic spine. The lesions exhibited a mixture of cortical erosion, reactive osteosclerosis of surrounding cancellous bone, and syndesmophyte. They may be confined to the vertebral corner (65.1%) or be extensive, involving the endplate (34.9%). Corner lesions could start in any part of the epiphyseal ring. The lesions were asymmetrically distributed. The affected vertebrae were more consecutively involved in a “kissing” appearance (78.2%). Intervertebral disc spaces were usually normal or mildly narrowed. There were 320 foci of paravertebral ossifications observed, with a predilection for the supraspinous ligament. Paravertebral ossifications were delicate and segmental. Ossifications throughout annulus fibrosis and apophyseal joint were not observed.

Conclusion.

Our investigation of the distributional, morphological features and the involvement pattern of spinal lesions in patients with SAPHO demonstrated distinct CT characteristics.
Les deux temps de l’acte créateur
Authors: Cases-Jolinon Myriam
Published: March 2017

L’acte créateur en deux temps permet de penser l’espace psychique et en révèle la dynamique interne. Nous tenterons d’observer l’articulation de ces deux temps à travers plusieurs situations cliniques de cure par le rêve éveillé. La créativité primaire, comprise comme un processus autonome, au sens de la dynamique qu’elle engendre, implique ses propres lois de fonctionnement. Une sorte de champ psychique originaire, basé sur ces deux temps, rêvé en séance par l’analyste semble se dessiner lentement au fur et à mesure de notre réflexion…
L’analyste au risque de la dualité pulsionnelle
Authors: Dudaczyk Delphine , Hussmann Agnès
Published: March 2017

Face à la butée d’un mouvement répétitif qui s’opère dans une relation thérapeutique et face à une chute dépressive vertigineuse, deux psychologues viennent questionner leur pratique et certains enjeux transférentiels. L’intérêt de cet article écrit à deux voix réside dans la tentative de compréhension de ces temps au cours desquels l’activité symbolique semble s’être figée, en s’appuyant sur des théorisations psychanalytiques. Il considère en outre la pulsionnalité à l’œuvre, notamment dans la résurgence de la pulsion de vie sollicitée par le thérapeute, mais aussi dans son essence : celle-ci relèverait-elle de la créativité ?
L’art thérapie interroge la créativité
Authors: Grignoli Laura
Published: March 2017

Dans cet article, nous aborderons la créativité à travers une méthode de soins qui utilise l’art pour exprimer ce qui se cache dans l’inconscient. Le code linguistique privilégié de l’inconscient est sans aucun doute celui du rêve, mais aussi celui de l’art. L’art devient expression symbolique des sentiments humains. Il permet d’extérioriser des vécus non-verbalisables contenus dans la psyché, qui ont une origine très ancienne et profonde. La vie intérieure, qui ne peut pas être atteinte par la pensée discursive, comme les expériences corporelles de la phase pré-verbale, peut être contactée par la voie de l’art. Le patient qui se dévoile dans l’œuvre n’est pas conscient mais le processus amorce une transformation (trans-forme-action) personnelle. Substance et forme résident encore « dedans ». Nous évoquerons aussi un cas clinique, un homme soigné par l’art thérapie.
Je sais pas dessiner
Authors: de Wailly Florence
Published: March 2017

En parlant de créativité, Winnicott nous rappelle «  que le monde de nos perceptions est lettre morte tant qu’il n’est pas animé par un regard  ». Comment les enfants ayant vécu l’abandon et la carence de soins à un âge précoce et pendant une durée importante peuvent-ils accéder à l’illusion, préalable incontournable de l’accès à l’espace transitionnel ? Peuvent-ils faire preuve de créativité dans un espace de jeu situé entre la réalité et le fantasme et peut-on les y aider au cours d’une cure psychanalytique ?
Quand le rêve-éveillé devient processus créatif : de l’image aux mots
Authors: Fargues Isa
Published: March 2017

Des extraits de cures individuelles en rêve éveillé nous permettent de comprendre comment l’image fait irruption au cours du travail analytique, comment l’analysant se laisse éveiller par son imaginaire, comment le sujet est aux prises avec la mise en mots de ses images, et comment l’analyste accueille ce qui survient à lui-même. Des illustrations cliniques, paroles d’analysants, illustrent comment ces jeunes ont vécu de façon créative leur parcours, lui ont donné sens et vitalité.
Itinéraire d’une création
Authors: Lefret-Jario Marie , Masson Carole
Published: March 2017

La création est l’aboutissement d’un travail de mise en forme qui produit du nouveau. Même si elle n’est pas le propre des artistes, ces derniers choisissent de s’y consacrer et c’est l’objet de tout leur travail. Notre intention a été de rendre manifeste, ce temps de la recherche et le processus qui s’engage alors. C’est par la vidéo que nous avons approché des artistes, en dialogue avec des psychanalystes. Nous avons alors expérimenté ce qu’est le processus de création, qui oscille entre liberté et contrainte. Créer c’est donc pouvoir dire mais à certaines conditions. Nous abordons ici les spécificités de notre processus jusqu’à la réalisation de notre film.