bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structured Interview for Protocol Use v1
Authors: Gitomer Drew
Published: March 2019

This is a modification of Palinkas et al SIEU. Based on a lot of feelings and intuitions we thought that a 4 point scale would be super. This article describes the Standard Interview for Evidence Use (SIEU), a measure to assess the level of engagement in acquiring, evaluating, and applying research evidence in health and social service settings. Method: Three scales measuring input, process, and output of research evidence and eight subscales were identified using principal axis factor analysis and parallel analysis of data collected from 202 state and county child welfare, mental health, and juvenile justice systems leaders. Results: The SIEU scales and subscales demonstrate strong internal consistency as well as convergent and discriminant validity. Conclusions: The SIEU is easy to use and can be administered as a complete scale or as three smaller scales to separately examine evidence in acquisition, eva-luation, or application. The measure demonstrates potential in understanding the role of research evidence in service settings and in monitoring the process of evidence-based practice and application of scientific principles in social work practice.
Coding Manual for Criminal Justice Reform Policy Documents v1
Authors: Gitomer Drew
Published: March 2019

This is an adaptation - because we were interested adapting Yanovitzky and Weber's tool for criminal justice reform. All of the policymaking process stuff was kept in, but we modified the list of policy actors, and policy focus, and Appendix C. We also did our coding in NVIvo so removed Appendix D.
Infotainment as media communication neo-genre: functional and stylistic analysis
Authors: Chepornyuk Anastasiya
Published: March 2019

The article is devoted to the functional-stylistic analysis of the new genre of Ukrainian television news – infotainment. The author emphasizes that this genre is currently actively developing in the field of national television. In addition, it has a number of specific features inherent only to it. On the example of the TV program "Абзац!" on the New Channel and "M1 News" on the M1 channel the author provides an analysis of the broadcasting media specifics in the television programs of the infotainment genre. Infotainment – literally "infotainment = information + entertainment" – is a diffuse genre, which emerged as functional mix of two genres – informational and entertainment. The essence of the infotainment news is laying in the presentation of official news in an amusement way. The history of infotainment establishment is related not only to the globalization of television, but also to the change in information space paradigm in general. This genre emerged in the American mediaspace in the 80's of the 20th century and, with the help of the globalization process, gradually expanded its borders therefore it became popular outside the United States. In addition, the infotainment changed its format to the needs of the Ukrainian viewer that gave it the unique features that distinguish this genre not only among other types of news, but also among similar foreign prototypes. Among such features the author distinguish: conversational style of speech, the use of a large number of stylistic trails, the irony of discourse, emotional and expressive presentation of the material, versatility of the video and the free choice of thematic content. Due to these features, the Ukrainian infotainment as neo-genre is gaining popularity among recipients. As a result, it was proved that the infotainment exists on the Ukrainian television and has its own linguistic and stylistic features that require attention not only from journalists, but also by linguists, in particular medialinguists. The bright example of studied programs shows that such a genre enriches not only the content of the television media space, but also the language of the recipients by the innovative lexical units.
Communicative grammar in modern Ukrainian linguodidactics
Authors: Andreyeva Tetyana
Published: March 2019

This article examines the notion of communicative grammar in its relations with the Ukrainian linguodidactics. This problem is related to the language competence, which serves as a component of communicative competence. The present stage of studying the numerous problems of linguistics is characterized by the fact that they are considered in a cognitive-communicative perspective. The fact of the establishment of a cognitive-communicative paradigm in modern linguistics leads to the foreground of the study, which uses the functional description of the language system and its constructive units. Application of the communicative-activity approach corresponds most closely to modern educational goals and psycho-pedagogical ideas of the present, as it creates the preconditions for the active formation of communicative competences among students, serving as the main goal of standardized language education at all levels. The communicative approach to the study of the linguistic system demonstrates the applicable nature, because it involves mastering the linguistic material as an action: acquisition of the lexical and grammatical system of language based on their communicative importance. The specificity of modern research in the field of grammar was the emergence of various types of grammar (generative grammar, communicative grammar, functional grammar). Communicative grammar is one of the areas of language learning, which combines the systematic representation of grammar and text analysis (as part of this, there is a broad term in grammar, it also includes the lexical semantics). Significant linguistic units were in the focus of the study of communicative grammar in connection with the communicative activity of the speaker. The main object of this science is the text, and its purpose is the justification of the specific text and each of its components, the creation of an explanatory model of the grammatical system (that is the definition of functional and semantic specificity of grammatical units, the identification of functional and semantic principles that underpin the organization of the grammatical system). In our opinion, the linguo-didactic elaboration of a range of issues that lie in the sphere of interest in communicative grammar is still rather small. The development of the theory of communicative grammar itself in Ukrainian linguistics, and its linguistic and pedagogical elaboration, is, in large part, a matter of scientific and methodological perspectives.
Shaping of the axiological status of Tomos in Ukrainian religious media discourse in the light of cognitive linguistics and rhetoric
Authors: Levko Oleksandr
Published: March 2019

The paper is focused on the cognitive mechanisms underlying the construction of axiological status of Tomos and autocephaly of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Ukrainian religious media discourse of the last few months from the standpoint of cognitive linguistics and rhetoric. The data used for the study are interviews, announcements and other media texts of the UOC (MP) and UOC (KP) leaders and spokesmen, published on respective official websites of each jurisdiction in 2018. As a result of our study, it was found out that discussions around Tomos and autocephaly gave birth to new allusion-based phraseological units in Ukrainian media space, while also actualizing the use of religious terms which had been previously unknown to average citizens, such as "Tomos", "autocephaly", "canonicity", "Eucharistic communication", "Ecumenical Patriarch" etc. In the media context, these specific terms of the Church law have acquired axiological connotations, turning into axiologems and anti-axiologems. It was also revealed that the argumentation of the positive/negative axiological status of Tomos and autocephaly in Ukrainian religious mass media largely relies on cognitive metaphors and metonymies. In the media context, these cognitive mechanisms of knowledge categorization are of great importance in swaying the public opinion and affecting the value system of the audience. In the texts under study, the most common cognitive metaphors are "Church is body", "Church leaders are doctors", "Intra-Orthodox relations are war", "Intra-Orthodox relations are play", while the most prominent cognitive metonymy is geographical metonymy, whereby the agency is transferred to location. The most productive source domains for the metaphors, which serve to express the evaluation of current processes in the Church, turn out to be human body, medicine, war, play and crime. Decisions of Church leaders regarding Tomos are conceptualized as right or wrong diagnosis and treatment for an illness, expansionist policies or war for peace, raider attack or fair/unfair play. In the media texts produced by both sides, negative connotations are also conveyed via geographical metonymy, when the Constantinople Patriarchate is substituted for by Fanar or Istanbul, whereas the Moscow Patriarchate is referred to as Moscow or Kremlin. We have come to the conclusion that cognitive metaphors and metonymies in Ukrainian religious media discourse are used with the purpose of increasing the persuasive effect of the text and swaying the audience towards adopting the viewpoint of the addresser.
Comparison of the antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli of silver nanoparticle produced by chemical synthesis with biosynthesis
Authors: Quan 1,2 Nguyen Phuc , Vinh 1 Tran Quoc , Yen 1 Kieu Thi My , Trang 2 Le Vu Khanh , Ly 2 Nguyen Minh , Khanh 1 Tran Cong
Published: March 2019

The synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) has been carried out using different methods, mainly by biological and chemical methods; however, comparing antibacterial activity of Ag NPs synthesized by these methods has not been conducted before. In this study, silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were synthesized by methods using reducing agent NaBH4/carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and fungal strain Trichoderma asperellum (T.asperellum). The formation of silver nanoparticles was observed visually by color change and identified by Ultraviolet-visible (UV – vis) spectroscopy. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image illustrated almost nanoparticles with spherical shape and average diameter of 4.1 ± 0.2 nm and 2.1 ± 0.2 nm of samples produced from chemical reduction and biosynthesis respectively. Both samples after 180 days storing have been separated lightly, but the agglomeration and absorbance peak shifting were not observed which proved the high stability of synthesized Ag NPs. Antimicrobial activity against human bacterial pathogen Escherichia coli (E. coli) showed that the inhibition zone produced by “biosynthesis” and “chemical reduction” Ag NPs were 3.17 cm and 2.42 cm respectively. With nanoparticles size smaller than 2 mm, antibacterial activity of “biosynthesis” Ag NPs against E. coli was 31 % higher than “chemical reduction” Ag NPs, although the concentration of Ag NPs produced by biosynthesis was about 10-fold less.
Evaluation of antihistaminic activity of quercetin by using histamine induced bronchospasm and clonidine induced catalepsy models
Authors: H. Ramesh , Nadaf Reshma
Published: March 2019

Background: Histamine is an important mediator of allergic reactions. Even though presently available antihistaminics are effective in treatment of allergic reactions, still there is scope for better new drugs. Quercetin has been used as a nutritional supplement and may be beneficial against a variety of diseases. Some of the beneficial effects include anticancer, antitumor, anti-ulcer, anti-allergy and anti-inflammatory effects. As quercetin is used in traditional system of medicine for treatment of allergies, this study was undertaken to evaluate antihistaminic activity of quercetin.Methods: In histamine induced bronchospasm model, 18 guinea pigs were divided into 3 groups. Control group received normal saline, standard control group received Chlorpheniramine and test group received Quercetin. All drugs were given once daily for 5 days. Preconvulsive dyspnoea was calculated on day 0 and day 5 for all guinea pigs after administration of Histamine aerosol. In clonidine induced catalepsy model, 18 albino mice were divided into 3 groups. Control group, standard control group and test group received normal saline, Chlorpheniramine and Quercetin respectively. One hour after administration of drugs the mice were given clonidine and catalepsy was measured at 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 min.Results: In histamine induced bronchospasm model, both chlorpheniramine and quercetin produced significant protection as compared to control group. In clonidine induced catalepsy model the effect of quercetin was comparable to chlorpheniramine.Conclusions: Quercetin has significant antihistaminic activity. It appears to be due to H1 receptor blockade, contrary to the belief that it inhibits release of histamine from mast cells.
A comparative study between povidone iodine and metronidazole for peritoneal lavage in cases of peritonitis
Authors: Baig Asadulla , K. Mohan Kumar
Published: March 2019

Background: Peritonitis secondary to hollow viscous perforation is one of the commonest emergencies encountered in general surgical practice. This randomized study aimed to compare the efficiency of Povidone iodine and Metronidazole in these cases by quantitative analysis of bacterial colony count in patients who have received peritoneal lavage with either of them.Methods: A total of 100 consecutive patients who presented with peritonitis secondary to hollow viscous perforation were enrolled in this study (February 2010 to February 2011) and systematically divided into 2 groups: peritoneal lavage with povidone iodine group and lavage with metronidazole group. The post-operative progress was assessed by comparing the pre-wash and post wash colony counts in both the groups, development of surgical site infection and duration of hospital stay.Results: The median age of the patients was 33 years (range: 12-75 years), with a male: female ratio of 3.8:1. Perforation of duodenal ulcer (67%) was the commonest cause of peritonitis with E. coli (65%) being the commonest organism isolated from the peritoneal fluid. Reduction in bacterial colony count was seen in both the groups of patients, however, there was significantly greater reduction in the patients who received lavage with Metronidazole (p=0.06). Incidence of surgical site infection was less in the Povidone iodine group though it did not reach statistical significance.Conclusions: The use of povidone iodine in peritoneal lavage significantly reduce the bacterial colony and may also result in fewer surgical site infections.
Negligencia: modalidad subestimada del maltrato al infante
Authors: Rodríguez González Mónica , Loredo Abdalá Arturo
Published: March 2019

En las últimas dos a tres décadas, el maltrato infantil se ha aceptado mundialmente como una patología grave, que implica alta morbilidad y mortalidad en la víctima, así como su repercusión social y económica en la familia. Entre la tipología del maltrato infantil, la negligencia se reconoce como la forma más frecuente; por su complejidad clínica y social es la de mayor dificultad para establecer su diagnóstico, atención integral y, por ende, registro. Por esto es indispensable insistir y difundir los aspectos clínicos y los sociales básicos: el diagnóstico diferencial con abandono, desamparo, desidia, negligencia social, y otros. Vale la pena hacer hincapié en que las políticas de salud pública deben tener una orientación desde una perspectiva médica, psicológica, epidemiológica, sociológica, criminológica, educativa yeconómica con fines preventivos.
Dificuldades e desafios nos empreendimentos econômicos solidários ambientais na cidade de João Pessoa
Authors: Sousa Viviane Dos Santos , Andrade Tânia Maria de , Andrade Sousa Moisés Horus
Published: March 2019

Environmental solidarity ventures are those that work for environmental conservation or develop sustainable and natural economic practices. The objective of this study was to identify the difficulties and challenges of economic solidary environmental enterprises: Feira Agroecological Ecovárzea and Ecolanches , located in the city of João Pessoa. The methods and techniques used were: bibliographic review, field visits and interviews. For the analysis of the results, we used the Content Analysis (CA) technique. The main difficulties faced by the enterprises are the lack of structure, equipment, lack of social technologies and financial management. Whilst the challenges are: the insertion of social technologies, acceptance of the fair price of the product and expansion of the enterprise. We consider that the experiences reported in this study are consolidated as a solidary and environmental enterprise and present difficulties and possible challenges that need be overcome through the elaboration and implementation of specific public policies for solidarity economy, fundraising, specific training, socio-environmental feasibility studies for social technologies and strategies to promote solidarity economy practices
O ensino de Química na construção de um futuro sustentável: princípios da Química Verde e questões curriculares
Authors: De Sousa Alessandra Carvalho , Da Silva Cristina Emanuelly
Published: March 2019

This study presents the results of a scientific initiation research that provided greater theoretical and methodological development on the teaching of Chemistry to promote sustainability. This proposal is related to discussions that are taking place worldwide about the Sustainable Development Goals (2030 Agenda). The research aimed at analyzing the pedagogical adequacy of the Green Chemistry principles in the curriculum and curricular practices of the Chemistry Undergraduate Course of IFRN, at the Campus of Apodi (RN/Brazil). This is a qualitative study that fostered a holistic comprehension about the incorporation of the Green Chemistry principles in the curriculum and the appropriation of specific concepts about this theme. It was done through contents analysis of the main curricular documents of the course and through semi structured interviews that were carried out with the professors of the specific subjects of the course. The analysis of the data indicated the lack of a theoretical and methodological background on Chemistry teaching to promote sustainability on the Pedagogical Project of the Undergraduate Course in Chemistry; the incorporation of Green Chemistry on the course’s syllabuses was not present as well, nor in an explicit or implicit way. Thus, we hope this research can become a reference when thinking about teaching in different fields of study, through an interdisciplinary practice of the contents that each Green Chemistry principle discusses. 
Effects of low doses of gamma rays on the stability of normal and diabetic erythrocytes.
Authors: Kaczmarska Magdalena , Kopyściańska Zofia , Fornal Maria , Grodzicki Tomasz , Matlak Krzysztof , Korecki Józef , Burda Květoslava
Published: March 2019

We studied the influence of low doses of γ radiation (from 0.04 to 1.8 mGy) on the stability of human red blood cells (RBC) from healthy donors and diabetic patients using absorption spectroscopy. Because of the alteration of many enzymatic pathways in diabetic RBCs resulting in strong modification of the lipid and protein membrane components one could expect that the ionizing γ-radiation should influence the stability of the healthy and diabetic cells in a different way. Indeed, distinct discontinuities and monotonic changes of hemolysis detected in the healthy and diabetic RBCs suggest that various enzymatic and chemical processes are activated in these membranes by γ radiation. Mössbauer measurements showed that only the highest applied dose of γ radiation caused modification of hemoglobin in both types of RBCs.
Neuroprotective effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in rat model of Alzheimer's disease.
Authors: Aly Hanan F , Metwally Fateheya M , Ahmed Hanaa H
Published: March 2019

The current study was undertaken to elucidate a possible neuroprotective role of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) against the development of Alzheimer's disease in experimental rat model. Alzheimer's disease was produced in young female ovariectomized rats by intraperitoneal administration of AlCl(3) (4.2 mg/kg body weight) daily for 12 weeks. Half of these animals also received orally DHEA (250 mg/kg body weight, three times weekly) for 18 weeks. Control groups of animals received either DHAE alone, or no DHEA, or were not ovariectomized. After such treatment the animals were analyzed for oxidative stress biomarkers such as hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide and malondialdehyde, total antioxidant capacity, reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, antiapoptotic marker Bcl-2 and brain derived neurotrophic factor. Also brain cholinergic markers (acetylcholinesterase and acetylcholine) were determined. The results revealed significant increase in oxidative stress parameters associated with significant decrease in the antioxidant enzyme activities in Al-intoxicated ovariectomized rats. Significant depletion in brain Bcl-2 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels were also detected. Moreover, significant elevations in brain acetylcholinesterase activity accompanied with significant reduction in acetylcholine level were recorded. Significant amelioration in all investigated parameters was detected as a result of treatment of Al-intoxicated ovariectomized rats with DHEA. These results were confirmed by histological examination of brain sections. These results clearly indicate a neuroprotective effect of DHEA against Alzheimer's disease.
How the RNA isolation method can affect microRNA microarray results.
Authors: Podolska Agnieszka , Kaczkowski Bogumil , Litman Thomas , Fredholm Merete , Cirera Susanna
Published: March 2019

The quality of RNA is crucial in gene expression experiments. RNA degradation interferes in the measurement of gene expression, and in this context, microRNA quantification can lead to an incorrect estimation. In the present study, two different RNA isolation methods were used to perform microRNA microarray analysis on porcine brain tissue. One method is a phenol-guanidine isothiocyanate-based procedure that permits isolation of total RNA. The second method, miRVana™ microRNA isolation, is column based and recovers the small RNA fraction alone. We found that microarray analyses give different results that depend on the RNA fraction used, in particular because some microRNAs appear very sensitive to the RNA isolation method. We conclude that precautions need to be taken when comparing microarray studies based on RNA isolated with different methods.
A novel alkaline protease with antiproliferative activity from fresh fruiting bodies of the toxic wild mushroom Amanita farinosa.
Authors: Sun Jian , Zhao Yongchang , Chai Hongmei , Wang Hexiang , Ng Tzi Bun
Published: March 2019

A novel protease with a molecular mass of 15 kDa was purified from fresh fruiting bodies of the wild mushroom Amanita farinosa. The purification protocol entailed anion exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, affinity chromatography on Affi-gel blue gel, cation exchange chromatography on SP-Sepharose, and gel filtration by fast protein liquid chromatography on Superdex 75. The protease was unadsorbed on DEAE-cellulose but adsorbed on Affi-gel blue gel and SP-Sepharose. It demonstrated a single 15-kDa band in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS/PAGE) and a 15-kDa peak in gel filtration. The optimal pH and optimal temperature of the protease were pH 8.0 and 65 °C, respectively. Proliferation of human hepatoma HepG2 cells was inhibited by the protease with an IC(50) of 25 µM. The protease did not have antifungal or ribonuclease activity.
The origin and metabolism of a nascent pre-β high density lipoprotein involved in cellular cholesterol efflux.
Authors: Wróblewska Małgorzata
Published: March 2019

The pre-β HDL fraction constitutes a heterogeneous population of discoid nascent HDL particles. They transport from 1 to 25 % of total human plasma apo A-I. Pre-β HDL particles are generated de novo by interaction between ABCA1 transporters and monomolecular lipid-free apo A-I. Most probably, the binding of apo A-I to ABCA1 initiates the generation of the phospholipid-apo A-I complex which induces free cholesterol efflux. The lipid-poor nascent pre-β HDL particle associates with more lipids through exposure to the ABCG1 transporter and apo M. The maturation of pre-β HDL into the spherical α-HDL containing apo A-I is mediated by LCAT, which esterifies free cholesterol and thereby forms a hydrophobic core of the lipoprotein particle. LCAT is also a key factor in promoting the formation of the HDL particle containing apo A-I and apo A-II by fusion of the spherical α-HDL containing apo A-I and the nascent discoid HDL containing apo A-II. The plasma remodelling of mature HDL particles by lipid transfer proteins and hepatic lipase causes the dissociation of lipid-free/lipid-poor apo A-I, which can either interact with ABCA1 transporters and be incorporated back into pre-existing HDL particles, or eventually be catabolized in the kidney. The formation of pre-β HDL and the cycling of apo A-I between the pre-β and α-HDL particles are thought to be crucial mechanisms of reverse cholesterol transport and the expression of ABCA1 in macrophages may play a main role in the protection against atherosclerosis.
Conventional calpains and programmed cell death.
Authors: Łopatniuk Paulina , Witkowski Jacek M
Published: March 2019

The evidence on the crucial role of a family of calcium-dependent cysteine proteases called calpains in programmed cell death is rich and still growing. However, understanding of the mechanisms of their functions in apoptosis is not full yet. Calpains have been implicated in both physiological and pathological cell death control, especially in various malignancies, but also in the immune system development and function. There is also growing evidence on calpain involvement in apoptosis execution in certain pathological conditions of the central nervous system, in cardiovascular diseases, etc. Understanding of the clinical significance of calpain activation pathways, after intense studies of the influence of calpain activity on drug-induced apoptosis, seems especially important lately, as calpains have become noticed as potential therapeutic targets. To allow pharmacological targeting of these enzymes, thorough knowledge of their patterns of activation and further interactions with already known apoptotic pathways is necessary. A comprehensive summary of both well established and recently obtained information in the field is an important step that may lead to future advances in the use of calpain-targeted agents in the clinic.
On the mode of integration of the thylakoid membrane protein cytochrome b(6) into cytoplasmic membrane of Escherichia coli.
Authors: Króliczewski Jaroslaw , Gubernator Beata , Rögner Matthias , Szczepaniak Andrzej
Published: March 2019

In the stroma compartment, several pathways are used for integration/translocation of chloroplast proteins into or across the thylakoid membrane. In this study we investigated the mode of incorporation of the chloroplast-encoded cytochrome b(6) into the bacterial membrane. Cytochrome b(6) naturally comprises of four transmembrane helices (A,B,C,D) and contains two b-type hemes. In the present study, mature cytochrome b(6) or constructed deletion mutants of cytochrome were expressed in E. coli cells. The membrane insertion of cytochrome b(6) in this bacterial model system requires an artificially added presequence that directs the protein to use an E. coli membrane-insertion pathway. This could be accomplished by fusion to maltose-binding protein (MBP) or to the bacterial Sec-dependent signal peptide (SSpelB). The integration of mature cytochrome b(6) into the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane by the Sec pathway has been reported previously by our group (Kroliczewski et al., 2005, Biochemistry, 44: 7570). The results presented here show that cytochrome b(6) devoid of the first helix A can be inserted into the membrane, as can the entire ABCD. On the other hand, the construct devoid of helices A and B is translocated through the membrane into the periplasm without any effective insertion. This suggests the importance of the membrane-anchoring sequences that are likely to be present in only the A and B part, and it is consistent with the results of computational prediction which did not identify any membrane-anchoring sequences for the C or D helices. We also show that the incorporation of hemes into the truncated form of cytochrome b(6) is possible, as long as the B and D helices bearing axial ligands to heme are present.
A levels of endogenous gonadal hormones and their relationship with selected coronary artery disease risk factors among young women post myocardial infarction.
Authors: Ablewska Urszula , Jankowski Krzysztof , Rzewuska Ewa , Liszewska-Pfejfer Danuta , Hryniewiecki Tomasz
Published: March 2019

In recent decades a significant raise in the incidence of myocardial infarction among young women has been recorded. It is presumed that, apart from the classical risk factors, other reasons exist for premature atherosclerosis in young women, related to the homeostasis of gonadal hormones. The aim of the study was to analyze the levels of gonadal hormones (estradiol, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone) measured in the luteal phase, in 65 normally menstruating women post myocardial infarction (MI) and to investigate a possible relationship between the hormone profile and selected coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors. The levels of gonadal hormones: estradiol, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone were measured in the luteal phase. All examined women had normal mean levels of gonadal hormones. In the post MI patients leading a sedentary life style, a significantly lower mean progesterone concentration was observed (16.29 ± 9.11 versus 29.43 ± 21.14 nmol/l, p < 0.05) and significantly higher mean testosterone concentration (2.34 ± 0.98 versus 1.76 ± 1.09 nmol/l, p < 0.05) when compared to patients from the same group, but leading a more active life. In obese post MI women (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m(2)) a lower mean concentration of progesterone was detected (18.02 ± 8.12 versus 26.16 ± 14.72 nmol/l, p < 0.05), than in slimmer patients from the same group. In post MI women with a positive family history for CAD, a significantly higher mean concentration of testosterone was detected (2.31 ± 1.22 versus 1.67 ± 0.74 nmol/l, p < 0.05) than in patients with no family history. The results suggest a correlation between levels of gonadal hormones and classical CAD risk factors.
Cardiac endothelial cells isolated from mouse heart - a novel model for radiobiology.
Authors: Jelonek Karol , Walaszczyk Anna , Gabryś Dorota , Pietrowska Monika , Kanthou Chryso , Widłak Piotr
Published: March 2019

Cardiovascular disease is recognized as an important clinical problem in radiotherapy and radiation protection. However, only few radiobiological models relevant for assessment of cardiotoxic effects of ionizing radiation are available. Here we describe the isolation of mouse primary cardiac endothelial cells, a possible target for cardiotoxic effects of radiation. Cells isolated from hearts of juvenile mice were cultured and irradiated in vitro. In addition, cells isolated from hearts of locally irradiated adult animals (up to 6 days after irradiation) were tested. A dose-dependent formation of histone γH2A.X foci was observed after in vitro irradiation of cultured cells. However, such cells were resistant to radiation-induced apoptosis. Increased levels of actin stress fibres were observed in the cytoplasm of cardiac endothelial cells irradiated in vitro or isolated from irradiated animals. A high dose of 16 Gy did not increase permeability to Dextran in monolayers formed by endothelial cells. Up-regulated expression of Vcam1, Sele and Hsp70i genes was detected after irradiation in vitro and in cells isolated few days after irradiation in vivo. The increased level of actin stress fibres and enhanced expression of stress-response genes in irradiated endothelial cells are potentially involved in cardiotoxic effects of ionizing radiation.
Modulation of FAD-dependent monooxygenase activity from aromatic compounds-degrading Stenotrophomonas maltophilia strain KB2.
Authors: Wojcieszyńska Danuta , Greń Izabela , Hupert-Kocurek Katarzyna , Guzik Urszula
Published: March 2019

The purpose of this study was purification and characterization of phenol monooxygenase from Stenotrophomonas maltophilia strain KB2, enzyme that catabolises phenol and its derivatives through the initial hydroxylation to catechols. The enzyme requires NADH and FAD as a cofactors for activity, catalyses hydroxylation of a wide range of monocyclic phenols, aromatic acids and dihydroxylated derivatives of benzene except for catechol. High activity of this monooxygenase was observed in cell extract of strain KB2 grown on phenol, 2-methylphenol, 3-metylphenol or 4-methylphenol. Ionic surfactants as well as cytochrome P450 inhibitors or 1,4-dioxane, acetone and n-butyl acetate inhibited the enzyme activity, while non-ionic surfactants, chloroethane, ethylbenzene, ethyl acetate, cyclohexane, and benzene enhanced it. These results indicate that the phenol monooxygenase from Stenotrophomonas maltophilia strain KB2 holds great potential for bioremediation.
The efficacy of group counselling on perceived stress among infertile women undergoing in vitro fertilization treatment: An RCT
Authors: Hamzehgardeshi Zeinab , Yazdani Fereshteh , Elyasi Forouzan , Moosazadeh Mahmood , Peyvandi Sepideh , Samadaee Gelehkolaee Keshvar , Shahidi Maryam
Published: March 2019

Background: One of the stressful and critical experiences that threat the individual, family, marital, and social stability is infertility.
Objective: To identify the effects of midwifery-led counselling programs on the perceived stress of the women undergoing assisted reproductive treatment.
Materials and Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 50 infertile women who underwent in vitro fertilization treatment for the first time were enrolled in two groups. The intervention group received six sessions of group counselling by M.Sc. midwifery of counseling student and the control group received only the routine care. All participants filled Newton’s standard questionnaire before and at the time of puncture, embryo transfer and the pregnancy test.
Results: The mean ± SD scores for the perceived infertility stress before the intervention in the control and the intervention groups were 167.92 ± 12.14 and 166.75 ± 13.27, respectively. The mean of perceived stress after intervention at the time of oocyte puncture in the control and case group were 177.12 ± 19.37 and 115.75 ± 13.88, at the time of embryo transfer were 179.40 ± 18.34 and 118.08 ± 15.37, and at the time of pregnancy test was 183.76 ± 14.97 and 120.50 ± 16.24, respectively. The perceived stress of infertility after intervention were statistically significant in the two groups (p ≤ 0.001).
Conclusion: Group counselling is one of the effective methods for reducing the perceived stress in women undergoing assisted reproductive treatment.
Key words: Infertility, Group counselling, Perceived infertility stress.
Secondary school students’ knowledge on risk factors for
cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Mazanek Agnieszka , Dąbek Józefa , Głogowska-Ligus Joanna , Gąsior Zbigniew
Published: March 2019

Wstęp

Choroby układu krążenia stanowią najczęstszą przyczynę zgonów, częstszą nawet niż choroby nowotworowe. W ich rozwoju istotne znaczenie mają zarówno modyfikowalne, jak i niemodyfikowalne czynniki ryzyka.

Materiał i metody

Badaniem objęto 200 uczniów (137 dziewcząt i 63 chłopców) szkół licealnych w wieku 16–19 lat. Badanie przeprowadzono za pomocą autorskiego kwestionariusza ankiety.

Wyniki

Zdecydowana większość badanych (187; 93,5%) jako modyfikowalne czynniki ryzyka poprawnie wskazała otyłość, hipercholesterolemię i palenie tytoniu. Prawie połowa badanych (96; 48%) na podstawie obwodu pasa potrafiła rozpoznać otyłość brzuszną, a zdecydowana większość (157; 78,5%) poprawnie zaznaczyła zakres BMI (body mass index) dla prawidłowej masy ciała. Większość ankietowanych (136; 68%) wiedziała, czym jest miażdżyca, jakie są konsekwencje nadmiernego spożywania soli (158; 79%), posiłków typu fast food (184; 92%) oraz alkoholu (139; 69,5%). Zdecydowanie mniej ankietowanych (63; 31,5%) prawidłowo wskazało źródła cholesterolu w pokarmach oraz poprawnie zdefiniowało pojęcia HDL (72; 36%) i BMI (73; 36,5%).

Wnioski

Wiedza uczniów szkół licealnych na temat czynników ryzyka chorób układu krążenia jest niepełna. Konieczne jest prowadzenie działalności w zakresie oświaty zdrowotnej, mającej na celu zmniejszenie rozpowszechnienia czynników ryzyka już w młodym wieku i/lub ich eliminację, a w konsekwencji zapobieganie rozwojowi i progresji chorób układu krążenia.
An International Comparison of Midwifery Models of Care in the United Kingdom and New Zealand That Promote Relationship Building With Women and Its Influence on Women's Decision Making for Birth
Authors: Lewis Marie
Published: March 2019

Following a successful application for a Florence Nightingale Foundation travel scholarship, I completed an observation visit to New Zealand to explore its model of midwifery care. My focus consisted of three main elements: exploration at a clinical level and lessons we can learn to improve our clinical model of continuity; exploration at a strategic level to learn lessons about sustainability of continuity models, monitoring, and regulation; and exploration at the researcher level to explore research priorities and interests and to consider topics for further research and potential collaboration. The purpose of this article is to share my personal reflections on this experience.

The New Zealand model is based on a philosophy of trust in both women as consumers and midwives as skilled professionals. At all levels there is a commitment to the value of autonomy and a feeling of safety in people holding the responsibility for their decisions. In New Zealand, despite a full commitment to continuity and partnership when working with women, the decisions women were making were not necessarily reflective of an increase in normality. To maximize benefit from lessons learned in practice, it seems prudent to work together internationally on improvement, innovation, and research.
La animación a la lectura como estrategia pedagógica para la formación de la competencia literaria en la escuela secundaria
Authors: Rojas Camargo Derly Juliana
Published: March 2019

Alrededor de la didáctica de la literatura se ha formado una constante interrogante en los ámbitos literario y educativo: ¿es posible enseñar a leer literatura a los adolescentes? La pedagogía de la literatura es un campo que ha sido abordado por expertos que se han ocupado del proceso de lectura literaria en la población en cuestión. De acuerdo con lo anterior, este artículo pretende hacer una reflexión en torno a la educación literaria y, asimismo, intenta ofrecer posibles respuestas con respecto a un tema de gran importancia en la escuela por medio de la teoría de la recepción, la cual parece ser la más adecuada en la enseñanza de la literatura, al otorgarle prelación a la experiencia estética del lector con el texto literario.
Concordancia entre histeroscopía e histopatología en pacientes con sangrado uterino anormal
Authors: Suárez-Enríquez José , Pérez-López José Del-Carmen , Martínez-Hernández Clara-Magdalena
Published: March 2019

Objetivo: Determinar la concordancia entre la histeroscopia e histopatología en pacientes con sangrado uterino anormal (SUA).
Material y métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal de 36 pacientes con diagnóstico de SUA con realización de histeroscopia y biopsia endometrial en la clínica de mínima invasión.
Resultados: La edad media fue de 39.1 años con un IMC medio de 33.3 kg/m2, la menarca media fue de 12.1 años, reportando pacientes núbiles pero en su mayoría mujeres multíparas con una media de 2.67 gestas. El patrón menstrual se reportó como frecuente 63.9% (n=23), regular 75% (n=27), prolongado 61.1% (n=22) y aumentado en volumen 80.6% (n=29). Se obtuvo un valor de 0.709 con una p= 0.000, representando una fuerza de concordancia buena. Con alto porcentaje para identificar hiperplasia endometrial de bajo riesgo con 90% (n=9/10) y para descartar patología estructural al identificar tejido endometrial normal con 88.2% (n=15/17).
Conclusiones: Se observó de acuerdo con el coeficiente de kappa una fuerza de concordancia buena entre la histeroscopia e hiperplasia endometrial.
Barreras para el acceso y el uso del condón desde la perspectiva de género
Authors: Bolaños-Gutiérrez María Regla
Published: March 2019

Objetivo: Identificar las barreras para el acceso y el uso del condón desde la perspectiva de género.
Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, de corte transversal, en la provincia La Habana, Cuba, de junio de 2016 a junio de 2017. Se aplicaron técnicas tales como: revisión bibliográfica y documental, entrevistas semiestructuradas y grupos focales.
Resultados: Las barreras se clasificaron como socioculturales, infraestructurales, políticas, religiosas, psicológicas y económicas. Las barreras socioculturales identificadas fueron: persistencia de tabúes, pobre percepción de riesgo, actitudes machistas en los hombres, la inequidad de género y barreras en los mensajes educativos. Las infraestructurales: no existencia de puntos de ventas no tradicionales, la inestabilidad del abastecimiento de condones en las farmacias, poca variedad del producto y no hay disposiciones que permitan la venta en los locales no estatales o privados, entre otras.
Conclusiones: La identificación de las barreras para el acceso y uso del condón, aporta claridad sobre los elementos que reproducen brechas en la estrategia de Mercadeo Social del Condón y en las acciones de prevención de las Infecciones de Transmisión Sexual/ Virus Inmunodeficiencia Humana/sida. Para avanzar en la respuesta nacional, se hace necesario derribar barreras, principalmente socioculturales y estructurales que frenan los esfuerzos de prevención.
La promoción de salud en la escuela como estrategia para el abordaje de la cronicidad en España
Authors: Ayuso-Margañón Raquel , Molina-Garuz M.Cruz , Medina-Moya José-Luis
Published: March 2019

Objetivo: Este artículo aborda los temas que sirvieron de referencia teórica de una disertación de tesis doctoral. Se pretende analizar las principales conductas y factores de patologías crónicas que avalan la necesidad del enfoque promocional de salud en la escuela y a lo del todo el curso de vida, así como su impacto en la mejora de la salud global de la población y la reducción del gasto público en España.
Material y métodos: Se ha utilizado una perspectiva crítica desde la que se hace una revisión reflexiva sobre dichos factores en el contexto español, estudiando la necesidad de abordaje temprano. Los factores analizados han estado relacionados con la alimentación y actividad física, salud bucodental, consumo de sustancias tóxicas, seguridad vial, sexualidad y bienestar emocional.
Resultados: Se observa un descenso de actividad física en la etapa escolar. Tres de cada diez niños/as tienen sobrepeso u obesidad. La prevalencia de afecciones bucodentales ronda el 40% a los 6 años. El cannabis es la tercera droga más consumidas por los escolares de 14-18 años, después del tabaco y el alcohol. Más de la mitad de los fallecimientos por accidente de tráfico entre los jóvenes (18-24 años) fue durante la noche y fin de semana. España se consolida como tercer país de la Unión Europea con mayor número de abortos. Las infecciones de transmisión sexual afectan de forma desproporcionada a las adolescentes. Los trastornos de salud mental están entre los cuatro problemas más prevalentes de los niños/as menores de 15 años
Conclusiones: Se concluye que las acciones educativas realizadas en la escuela desde las edades más tempranas sobre los factores y conductas pueden reducir considerablemente los costes individuales, económicos y sociales que acarrean las enfermedades crónicas, convirtiéndose en una necesidad estratégica para el abordaje de la cronicidad, que es uno de los mayores retos a los que se enfrenta el sistema sanitario español.
Atención psicológica en situaciones de emergencias y desastres
Authors: Barrales-Díaz Claudio
Published: March 2019

Latinoamérica y Centroamérica son un escenario frecuente de fenómenos naturales y antrópicos que se transforman en situaciones de emergencias y desastres (como erupciones volcánicas, terremotos, tsunamis, avalanchas, deslizamientos, inundaciones, secuestros, asesinatos, accidentes automovilísticos, entre otros)1.
Estos desastres no solo provocan pérdidas económicas, de infraestructura, pérdidas humanas y heridos. Sino además desatan efectos psicosociales en las comunidades afectadas
Potential of Sentinel-2 satellite images to monitor vine fields grown at a territorial scale
Authors: Devaux Nicolas , Crestey Thomas , Leroux Corentin , Tisseyre Bruno
Published: March 2019

Aim: The aim of this short note is to provide first insights into the ability of Sentinel-2 images to monitor vine growth across a whole season. It focuses on verifying the practical temporal resolution that can be reached with Sentinel-2 images, the main stages of Mediterranean vineyard development as well as potential relevant agronomic information that can be seen on the temporal vegetation curves arising from Sentinel-2 images.Methods and results: The study was carried out in 2017 in a production vineyard located in southern France, 2 km from the Mediterranean seashore. Sentinel-2 images acquired during the whole vine growing cycle were considered, i.e. between the 3rd of March 2017 and the 10th of October 2017. The images were used to compute the classical normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Time series of NDVI values were analyzed on four blocks chosen for exhibiting different features, e.g. age, missing plants, weeding practices. The practical time lag between two usable images was closer to 16 days than to the 10 theoretical days (with only one satellite available at the date of the experiment), i.e. near 60% of the theoretical one. Results show that it might be possible to identify i) the main steps of vine development (e.g. budburst, growth, trimming, growth stop and senescence), ii) weed management and inter-row management practices, and iii) possible reasons for significant inter-block differences in vegetative expression (e.g. young vines that have recently been planted, low-productive blocks affected by many missing vines).Conclusions: Although this experiment was conducted at a time when Sentinel-2b was not fully operational, results showed that a sufficient number of usable images was available to monitor vine development. The availability of two Sentinel satellites (2a and 2b) in upcoming seasons should increase the number of usable images and the temporal resolution of the time series. This study also showed the limitations of the Sentinel-2 images’ resolution to provide within-block information in the case of small blocks or blocks with complex borders or both.Significance and impact of the study: This technical note demonstrated the potential of Sentinel-2 images to characterize vineyard blocks’ vigor and to monitor winegrowers’ practices at a territorial (regional) scale. The impact of management operations such as weeding and trimming, along with their incidence on canopy size, were observed on the NDVI time series. Some relevant parameters (slope, maximum values) may be derived from the NDVI time series, providing new insights into the monitoring of vineyards at a large scale. These results provided areas for further investigation, especially regarding the development of new indicators to characterize block-climate relationships.