Identifying Essential Fisheries Competencies to Link to School Curriculum: Supporting Nez Perce Students’ STEM Identity

This study examined the process to identify required competencies for an entry-level position in the Nez Perce Tribe Department of Fisheries Resource Management located in the Pacific Northwest. The overall goal was to provide content for a pedagogical framework to support Nez Perce students in the development of their STEM identity and to consider careers in natural resources and fisheries. The DACUM process was used to analyze the job, Fisheries Technician. The process involved a focus group of six expert workers in the Department of Fisheries Resource Management and was led by a facilitator. The experts identified 48 competencies categorized as technical and professional for fisheries technician. Seven cultural competencies were also identified as important for the successful accomplishment of work and the quality of work life. Competencies will provide content for the middle and high school culture, science, and technology curriculums, and there is the potential to connect technical and professional competencies to a career and technical education microcredentialing system

Effects of Propolis on Selected Blood Indicators and Antioxidant Enzyme Activities in Broilers under Heat Stress

In this study, we investigated the antioxidant activity of ethanol extracts of propolis (EEP) and vitamin C on biochemical indicators and antioxidant enzyme activities of broilers exposed to heat stress (at 34 °C). The experimental groups were as follows: group I (positive control) and group II (control) were fed a basal diet, group III (vitamin C) was fed a basal diet supplemented with 250 mg vitamin C as ascorbic acid/kg, group IV (EEP-0.5) was fed a basal diet supplemented with 0.5 g EEP/kg, group V (EEP-1) was fed a basal diet supplemented with 1 g EEP/kg, group VI (EEP-3) was fed a basal diet supplemented with 3 g EEP/kg. Plasma superoxide dismutase levels of positive control, control, vitamin C, EEP-0.5, EEP-1 and EEP-3 groups were found as 0.34, 1.23, 0.50, 0.90, 0.30 and 0.41 μkat/ml, respectively (p p p < 0.05), whereas those of muscle and heart were similar in all groups. The results of the present study suggest that EEP and specially EEP at the supplemented dose of 3 mg/kg diet might be considered to prevent oxidative stress in the broilers exposed to heat stress

Performance evaluation of a rapid molecular diagnostic, MultiCode based, sample-to-answer assay for the simultaneous detection of Influenza A, B and respiratory syncytial viruses

AbstractBackgroundClinical signs and symptoms of different airway pathogens are generally indistinguishable, making laboratory tests essential for clinical decisions regarding isolation and antiviral therapy. Immunochromatographic tests (ICT) and direct immunofluorescence assays (DFA) have lower sensitivities and specificities than molecular assays, but have the advantage of quick turnaround times and ease-of-use.ObjectiveTo evaluate the performance of a rapid molecular assay, ARIES FluA/B & RSV, using laboratory developed RT-PCR assays (LDA), ICT (BinaxNOW) and DFA.MethodsAnalytical and clinical performance were evaluated in a retrospective study arm (stored respiratory samples obtained between 2006–2015) and a prospective study arm (unselected fresh clinical samples obtained between December 2015 and March 2016 tested in parallel with LDAs).ResultsGenotype inclusivity and analytical specificity was 100%. However, ARIES was 0.5 log, 1–2logs and 2.5logs less sensitive for fluA, RSV and fluB respectively, compared to LDA. In total, 447 clinical samples were included, of which 15.4% tested positive for fluA, 9.2% for fluB and 26.0% for RSV, in both LDA and ARIES. ARIES clinical sensitivity compared to LDA was 98.6% (fluA), 93.3% (fluB) and 95.1% (RSV). Clinical specificity was 100% for all targets. ARIES detected 10.6% (4 fluA, 8 fluB, 11 RSV) and 26.9% (7 fluA, 3 fluB, 22 RSV) more samples compared to DFA and ICT, all confirmed by LDA.ConclusionAlthough analytically ARIES is less sensitive than LDA, the clinical performance of the assay in our tertiary care setting was comparable, and significantly better than that of the established rapid assays

Identifying Essential Fisheries Competencies to Link to School Curriculum: Supporting Nez Perce Students’ STEM Identity

This study examined the process to identify required competencies for an entry-level position in the Nez Perce Tribe Department of Fisheries Resource Management located in the Pacific Northwest. The overall goal was to provide content for a pedagogical framework to support Nez Perce students in the development of their STEM identity and to consider careers in natural resources and fisheries. The DACUM process was used to analyze the job, Fisheries Technician. The process involved a focus group of six expert workers in the Department of Fisheries Resource Management and was led by a facilitator. The experts identified 48 competencies categorized as technical and professional for fisheries technician. Seven cultural competencies were also identified as important for the successful accomplishment of work and the quality of work life. Competencies will provide content for the middle and high school culture, science, and technology curriculums, and there is the potential to connect technical and professional competencies to a career and technical education microcredentialing system

Giant hepatic hydatid cyst with sub-fascial extension treated by open minimally invasive surgery: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Hepatic hydatid disease can be successfully treated by a variety of modalities.</p> <p>Case Presentation</p> <p>We report a case of a 60 year old male with giant hepatic hydatid disease who presented with a huge cystic mass in the upper abdomen. Diagnosis was confirmed by serology, ultrasonography and CT scan. The patient was treated successfully by open minimally invasive surgery with minimum breaching of the peritoneal cavity using a laparoscopic trocar to evacuate the cyst.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The use of a laparoscopic trocar through a small abdominal incision in selected patients with hepatic hydatid disease with subfascial extension can be a safe, minimally-invasive option of treatment</p

Thyroid papillary carcinoma arising in ectopic thyroid tissue within a neck branchial cyst

BACKGROUND: Thyroid gland derives from one median anlage at the base of the tongue, and from the two fourth branchial pouches. A number of anomalies may occur during their migration. These can be in form of ectopic tissues, which are frequently found along the course of thyroglossal duct and rarely in other sites, many of these may develop same diseases as the thyroid gland. CASE PRESENTATION: A 36-years-old female presented with a 3 month history of left side neck mass. The mass disappeared following aspiration of brown colored fluid, which on cytological examination showed cells with nuclear irregularities that warranted the resection of the lesion. The histology demonstrated a thyroid papillary carcinoma arising within the branchial cyst. Thereafter, the patient underwent a total thyroidectomy with central lymph nodes dissection. Histology showed a multifocal papillary carcinoma with central lymph nodes metastases. Only four cases of primary thyroid carcinomas in neck branchial cyst have been described so far. CONCLUSION: In a lateral cystic neck mass, although rare, occurrence of ectopic thyroid tissue and presence of a papillary thyroid carcinoma should be kept in mind

Suplementacija s antioksidansima i serumski lipidi kod bolesnika s Graves-ovom bolesti: Učinak na LDL-kolesterol

The effect of supplementation with a fixed combination of antioxidants (beta-carotene, selenium, vitamins C and E) on serum lipids was monitored in patients with newly detected Graves\u27 disease. Measurements were made prior to the commencement of therapy and after 30 and 60 days. Patients were randomized into two groups. Test group comprised patients who received antioxidant supplementation in addition to methimazole, while patients treated with methimazole only were in the control group. The concentration of total and HDL-cholesterol increased significantly in test and control groups (p < 0.05) but these groups did not differ significantly. Concentration of LDL-cholesterol increased significantly in the test group only (p < 0.005) and was significantly different from the control group 60 days after the commencing the therapy (p < 0.005). Significant increase in the LDL-cholesterol concentration in the test group requires further investigations.U ovom istraživanju promatran je učinak suplementacije fiksnom kombinacijom antioksidansa (beta-karoten, selen, vitamin C i E) na koncentracije serumskih lipida, u odnosu na brzinu postizanja eutiroze. Mjerenja su obavljena u bolesnika s novo otkrivenom Graves-ovom bolešću liječenih metimazolom (tiamazolom) prije početka terapije, te nakon 30 i 60 dana. Bolesnici su bili randomizirani u dvije skupine. Test skupinu sačinjavali su bolesnici koji su dodatno uzimali antioksidanse, a kontrolnu skupinu bolesnici koji su uzimali samo metimazol (tiamazol). Koncentracije ukupnog i HDL-kolesterola u serumu rasle su tijekom terapije kod bolesnika iz obje skupine (p < 0,05) no, nisu se međusobno značajno razlikovale 60 dana nakon početka terapije. Kod bolesnika test skupine, koncentracija LDL-kolesterola se značajno povećala (p < 0,005) i bila je značajno različita od one u kontrolnoj skupini (p < 0,005), 60 dana nakon početka liječenja. Rezultati ovog istraživanja ukazuju da suplementacija s ovom kombinacijom antioksidansa nema značajnog utjecaja na promjene koncentracije serumskih lipida kod bolesnika s Graves-ovom bolešću 60 dana nakon početka terapije, s izuzetkom LDL-kolesterola. Zbog značajnog porasta koncentracije LDL-kolesterola kod bolesnika s Graves-ovom bolešću, koji su dodatno uzimali antioksidanse, potrebna su daljnja istraživanja u cilju pojašnjenja opisanih promjena

The Finnish Think Tank Landscape : A Mixture of Consensualism and Adversity?

As a common feature of Nordic countries, the Finnish landscape of thinks tanks has been populated by large corporatist interest organisations and government-funded research organisations. In addition to this, since 2005, party-affiliated think tanks form a notable part of the picture. Recently, several small think tanks that are oriented towards specific themes, such as international relations, the environment and feminism, have been founded. This article examines Finnish developments in the field of think tanks with two objectives. First, it gives a general overview of the Finnish think tank landscape. Second, by using interview data and public mission statements of the most prominent think tanks, it explores how these organisations see their role in Finnish society. What is their relationship with media and the political machinery, and how does this relate to their position and activities as either consensual or adversarial actors? It is concluded that redeeming the place of think tanks in the Finnish polity is a continuing challenge, and resorting to adversarial tactics is not a favourable way to do so. This approach has mostly been attempted by neoliberal think tanks that, in the past, have also profited from corporatist structures to enhance their objectives.Peer reviewe

Discovery of new depigmenting compounds and their efficacy to treat hyperpigmentation: evidence from in vitro study

Human skin pigmentation is a result of constitutive and facultative pigmentation. Facultative pigmentation is frequently stimulated by UV radiation, pharmacologic drugs, and hormones whereby leads to the development of abnormal skin hyperpigmentation. To date, many state-of-art depigmenting compounds have been studied using in vitro model to treat hyperpigmentation problems for cosmetic dermatological applications; little attention has been made to compare the effectiveness of these depigmenting compounds and their mode of actions. In this present article, new and recent depigmenting compounds, their melanogenic pathway targets, and modes of action are reviewed. This article compares the effectiveness of these new depigmenting compounds to modulate several melanogenesis-regulatory enzymes and proteins such as tyrosinase (TYR), TYR-related protein-1 (TRP1), TYR-related protein-2 (TRP2), microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and N-terminal kinases (JNK) and mitogen-activated protein kinase p38 (p38 MAPK). Other evidences from in vitro assays such as inhibition on melanosomal transfer, proteasomes, nitric oxide, and inflammation-induced melanogenesis are also highlighted. This article also reviews analytical techniques in different assays performed using in vitro model as well as their advantages and limitations. This article also provides an insight on recent finding and re-examination of some protocols as well as their effectiveness and reliability in the evaluation of depigmenting compounds. Evidence and support from related patents are also incorporated in this present article to give an overview on current patented technology, latest trends, and intellectual values of some depigmenting compounds and protocols, which are rarely highlighted in the literatures

Lifestyle and metabolic factors in relation to shoulder pain and rotator cuff tendinitis: A population-based study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Shoulder pain is a common health problem. The purpose of this study was to assess the associations of lifestyle factors, metabolic factors and carotid intima-media thickness with shoulder pain and chronic (> 3 months) rotator cuff tendinitis.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>In this cross-sectional study, the target population consisted of subjects aged 30 years or older participating in a national Finnish Health Survey during 2000-2001. Of the 7,977 eligible subjects, 6,237 (78.2%) participated in a structured interview and clinical examination. Chronic rotator cuff tendinitis was diagnosed clinically. Weight-related factors, C-reactive protein and carotid intima-media thickness were measured.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The prevalence of shoulder joint pain during the preceding 30 days was 16% and that of chronic rotator cuff tendinitis 2.8%. Smoking, waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio were related to an increased prevalence of shoulder pain in both genders. Metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus and carotid intima-media thickness were associated with shoulder pain in men, whereas high level of C-reactive protein was associated with shoulder pain in women. Increased waist circumference and type 1 diabetes mellitus were associated with chronic rotator cuff tendinitis in men.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Our findings showed associations of abdominal obesity, some other metabolic factors and carotid intima-media thickness with shoulder pain. Disturbed glucose metabolism and atherosclerosis may be underlying mechanisms, although not fully supported by the findings of this study. Prospective studies are needed to further investigate the role of lifestyle and metabolic factors in shoulder disorders.</p