El «Nou Diccionari Normatiu de la Llengua Catalana»

This article describes the process by which the Nou Diccionari Normatiu de la Llengua Catalana (NDNLC) has been made; this dictionary brings up to date and regularizes Pompeu Fabra’s Diccionari General de la Llengua Catalana (DGLC), which implies, on the one hand, adding to the dictionary new words brought about by different social habits and by the progress of Science and technology, and, on the other hand, bringing the contents of the dictionary up to date. This project has been carried out in three different phases. The first consisted in creating a general Computer data base (BDOL) which contains, besides the DGLC, words belonging both to the common language and to specific fields; in this first phase a study of the DGLC was also carried out, with two aims: a) to analyse the text itself and in doing so select whatever Information might be considered obsolete today, and b) to find out the criteria which Fabra used to make the dictionary, which are implicit in the text. In the second phase the lexicographic criteria by which the dictionary was to be made were established, its entries (both words and phrases) were selected, the old articles were revised and new ones were created. Finally, in the third phase the data base specifically for the NDNLC was created; this contains all the Information of the Nou Diccionari Normatiu de la Llengua Catalana, organised into articles

Lung Morphometry, Collagen and Elastin Content: Changes after Hyperoxic Exposure in Preterm Rabbits

INTRODUCTION: Elastic and collagen fiber deposition increases throughout normal lung development, and this fiber network significantly changes when development of the lung is disturbed. In preterm rats and lambs, prolonged hyperoxic exposure is associated with impaired alveolization and causes significant changes in the deposition and structure of elastic fibers. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of hyperoxic exposure on elastic and collagen fiber deposition in the lung interstitial matrix and in alveolarization in preterm rabbits. METHODS: After c-section, 28-day preterm New-Zealand-White rabbits were randomized into 2 study groups, according to the oxygen exposure, namely: Room air (oxygen = 21%) or Oxygen (oxygen > 95%). The animals were killed on day 11 and their lungs were analyzed for the alveolar size (Lm), the internal surface area (ISA), the alveoli number, and the density and distribution of collagen and elastic fibers. RESULTS: An increase in the Lm and a decrease in the alveoli number were observed among rabbits that were exposed to hyperoxia with no differences regarding the ISA. No difference in the density of elastic fibers was observed after oxygen exposure, however there were fewer collagen fibers and an evident disorganization of fiber deposition. DISCUSSION: This model reproduces anatomo-pathological injuries representing the arrest of normal alveolar development and lung architecture disorganization by just a prolonged exposition to oxygen. CONCLUSIONS: In the preterm rabbit, prolonged oxygen exposure impaired alveolization and also lowered the proportion of collagen fibers, with an evident fiber network disorganization

Hidronefrose na síndrome de Schinzel-Giedion: um achado importante para o diagnóstico

A síndrome de Schinzel-Giedion é uma patologia genética rara de etiologia desconhecida e herança autossômica recessiva. Caracteriza-se pela presença de um fácies grotesco, hipoplasia da porção média da face, hipertricose, múltiplas anomalias esqueléticas, malformações cardíacas e renais.As anomalias craniofaciais desta síndrome podem lembrar o fácies de uma doença metabólica de depósito. O objetivo deste relato foi enfatizar a importância da hidronefrose congênita bilateral no diagnóstico da síndrome de Schinzel-Giedion . Descrevemos o primeiro caso brasileiro de um recém-nascido com fácies típico, hipertricose generalizada, anomalias esqueléticas, cardíacas e hidronefrose bilateral, detectada pela ultrassonografia fetal e, posteriormente, confirmada pelo mesmo método. O estudo cromosômico foi normal. Na literatura, de 35 casos descritos, 31 apresentavam hidronefrose, o que constitui um achado fundamental para o diagnóstico da patologia. Dessa forma, acreditamos que se a síndrome de Schinzel-Giedion fosse indexada como uma das causas de hidronefrose congênita, seu diagnóstico seria facilitado, uma vez que a maioria dos outros achados desta síndrome, com exceção da hidronefrose, é inespecífica e comum a diversas outras síndromes genéticas.Schinzel-Giedion syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by coarse facies, midface retraction, hypertrichosis, multiple skeletal anomalies, and cardiac and renal malformations. Craniofacial abnormalities of this syndrome sometimes resemble a storage or metabolic disease. The pathogenesis of the disease remains unknown. The objective of this report was to emphasize the importance of congenital bilateral hydronephrosis for the diagnosis of Schinzel-Giedion syndrome. We describe the first Brazilian case of a newborn with typical facies, generalized hypertrichosis, cardiac and skeletal anomalies, and bilateral hydronephrosis detected during pregnancy and confirmed later by abdominal ultrasonography. Chromosomal constitution was normal. Of the 35 cases already reported in the literature, 31 presented hydronephrosis, which is considered an important clue in diagnosis. If Schinzel-Giedion syndrome were indexed as a cause of congenital hydronephrosis, its identification would be greatly facilitated, since the majority of the other findings in Schinzel-Giedion syndrome are nonspecific and common to many genetic syndromes

Asociación de control parental y consumo de combinación de bebidas energizantes con alcohol (AmED) en estudiantes universitarios de Perú 2016, análisis del III estudio epidemiológico andino sobre consumo de drogas

Antecedentes: El consumo de alcohol mezclado con bebidas energizantes (AmED) ha adquirido una gran popularidad entre los jóvenes. Se han encontrado efectos secundarios asociados a este consumo, tales como palpitaciones, insomnio, inquietud, temblores, agitación y tensión muscular, entre otras manifestaciones. Por otro lado, se sabe que el control parental influye en las decisiones que tomarán los jóvenes en el futuro. Si bien existen estudios sobre el consumo de AmED, no se ha analizado su relación con el control parental. Por esta razón, la presente investigación proporciona datos sobre el consumo de AmED en una muestra de universitarios mayores de 18 años de Perú y cómo el control parental podría influir en dicho consumo. Objetivo: Identificar en una muestra de universitarios peruanos mayores de 18 años si existe asociación entre el consumo de AmED y el control parental severo. Métodos: Es un estudio transversal analítico secundario del III Estudio epidemiológico andino sobre consumo de drogas en la población universitaria de Perú, 2016. Se consideraron como variables principales el consumo de AmED en los últimos 12 meses y el control parental, teniendo como objeto de estudio a universitarios peruanos mayores de 18 años que respondieron las preguntas de selección. Se utilizó un modelo lineal generalizado y los resultados se expresaron en razón de prevalencia (PR). Resultados: Un total de 3737 universitarios cumplieron con el criterio de selección. El análisis multivariado no mostró asociación entre el control parental severo y el consumo de AmED en comparación con aquellos que no lo tuvieron (PRa 1.26 IC 95%:0.78;2.02, p=0.298). Además, fueron identificados otros factores asociados al consumo de AmED tales como trabajar aparte de estudiar, el nivel socioeconómico y el consumo de sustancias en los últimos 12 meses (tabaco, marihuana y sustancias psicoactivas). La prevalencia de consumo de AmED fue de 12% mientras que el porcentaje de universitarios con control parental severo fue de 41.11%. Conclusiones: Nuestro estudio no encontró asociación entre el control parental severo y el consumo de AmED en los universitarios. Se pudo identificar como factores asociados al consumo de AmED, el nivel socioeconómico muy bueno y bueno, el trabajar aparte de estudiar y el consumo en los últimos 12 meses de tabaco, marihuana y sustancias psicoactivas diferentes a la marihuana.Introduction: The consumption of alcohol mixed with energy drinks (AmED) has become very popular among young people. Side effects associated with this consumption have been found, such as palpitations, insomnia, restlessness, tremors, agitation and muscle tension, among other manifestations. On the other hand, it is known that parental control influences the decisions that young people will make in the future. Although there are studies on AmED consumption, its relationship with parental control has not been analyzed. For this reason, the present research provides data on AmED consumption in a sample of university students over 18 years of age in Peru and how parental control could influence such consumption. Objectives: To identify in a sample of Peruvian university students over 18 years of age whether there is an association between AmED consumption and severe parental control. Methods: This is a secondary analytical cross-sectional study of the III Andean Epidemiological Study on drug use in the Peruvian university population, 2016. AmED consumption in the last 12 months and parental control were considered as main variables, having as object of study Peruvian university students over 18 years of age who answered the screening questions. A generalized linear model was used and the results were expressed as prevalence ratio (PR). Results: A total of 3737 university students met the selection criteria. Multivariate analysis showed no association between severe parental control and AmED use compared to those who did not (PRa 1.26 CI 95%:0.78;2.02, p=0.298). In addition, other factors associated with AmED use were identified, such as working outside of school, socioeconomic status, and substance use in the last 12 months (tobacco, marijuana, and psychoactive substances). The prevalence of AmED use was 12% while the percentage of university students with severe parental control was 41.11%. Conclusions: Our study found no association between severe parental control and AmED use among university students. Factors associated with AmED use were very good and good socioeconomic status, working outside of school, and use of tobacco, marijuana, and psychoactive substances other than marijuana in the last 12 months.Tesi

Definition of an indicator assessing the impact of a dam on the downstream river landscape

Abstract The increasing number of water withdrawals in Alpine regions represents a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems and river landscape (riverscape). To assess their sustainability, the impacts on river ecological status and landscape features need to be quantified with appropriate indicators. However, assessment of landscape attributes is a complex challenge, due to the lack of standardized methods. Moreover, few metrics quantifying the impacts of water withdrawal on downstream riverscape perception are available in the scientific literature. In this paper, a new indicator, named Landscape Protection Level (LPL), aimed at assessing the effects of water withdrawals on the river landscape, is presented. The indicator has been developed in Aosta Valley (NW Italian Alps), where the river network is heavily exploited by hundreds of withdrawals for hydropower production and irrigation, and it has been included in a multi-criteria analysis (MCA) procedure to assess the sustainability of water withdrawal licenses in relation to different flow release scenarios. The LPL indicator is based on three parameters, Constraint Factor, Release Factor, and Visual Elements Factor, quantifying the presence of landscape protection constraints, the ratio of flow released downstream of the dam to the available river discharge, and the impact on the visual perception of the bypassed stretch, respectively. Its application in four real case studies of existing hydropower plants is presented and discussed in the paper, demonstrating the indicator applicability to assess both specific release values and flow release scenarios varying over the year. Results are analyzed by highlighting the main strengths and weaknesses of the indicator and proposing some suggestions for future improvements. In particular, the reactiveness of the indicator, the representativeness of the stakeholders' interests, the transparency of the indicator calculation procedure, and the time required for data collection and processing are discussed. Finally, future activities aimed at further improving the indicator applicability and transferability to different river contexts are proposed

Spectrophotometric technology for the early detection of cutaneous melanoma

This paper presents the design and experimental outcomes of an ongoing research project aimed at the early detection of melanoma by means of a new diagnostic device. This device, based on the principles of spectrophotometry, is expected to improve upon the current diagnostic methods, which are known to carry a margin of error quantified as 10-20%. This article presents the implemented technology, in the form of two scanning prototypes, the current experimental work, and the analysis procedures leading to the development of a diagnostic model based upon the spectral representation of pigmented lesions

Determination of Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis in Placentas of Chronically Stressed Rats

Chronic stress during gestation can alter several mechanisms that maintain homeostasis in the placenta. The aim of this study was to determine both effects of chronic stress on the apoptotic and cell proliferation processes in placentas of rats, during the second half of pregnancy and the immunolocalization of apoptotic and proliferating marked nuclei in the different placental zones. Stress by immobilization was applied to rats from the 4th day of pregnancy until their sacrifice on days 12, 17 or 21. Placental sections were immunolabeled with anti-BrdU and TUNEL. The apoptotic index did not present significant differences between control and stress groups. The gestational day influenced significantly on the apoptotic index, which showed a significant decrease on day 17 of gestation and significant increase on day 21. The proliferating index presented significant differences between gestational stages studied, which showed a significant increase at day 17 and then a significant decrease at day 21. Moreover, the stress treatment applied highly influenced on the proliferation index. In conclusion, chronic stress by immobilization did not produce effects on apoptotic process. However it produces an increase in cellular proliferation index in the three gestation days analyzed, which could generate a deleterious environment for the fetus developmentFil: Cots, Debora Soledad. Universidad Nacional de Rio Cuarto. Facultad de Agronomia y Veterinaria. Departamento de Anatomia Animal. Laboratorio de Biología Cecular y Embriologia; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Rolando, Alicia Nelida. Universidad Nacional de Rio Cuarto. Facultad de Agronomia y Veterinaria. Departamento de Anatomia Animal. Laboratorio de Biología Cecular y Embriologia; ArgentinaFil: Mugnaini, Maria Teresa. Universidad Nacional de Rio Cuarto. Facultad de Agronomia y Veterinaria. Departamento de Anatomia Animal. Laboratorio de Biología Cecular y Embriologia; ArgentinaFil: Soñez, Carlos Alberto. Universidad Nacional de Rio Cuarto. Facultad de Agronomia y Veterinaria. Departamento de Anatomia Animal. Laboratorio de Biología Cecular y Embriologia; ArgentinaFil: Bozzo, Aida Andrea. Universidad Nacional de Rio Cuarto. Facultad de Agronomia y Veterinaria. Departamento de Anatomia Animal. Laboratorio de Biología Cecular y Embriologia; ArgentinaFil: Borghi, Damiana. Universidad Nacional de Rio Cuarto. Facultad de Agronomia y Veterinaria. Departamento de Anatomia Animal. Laboratorio de Biología Cecular y Embriologia; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Gauana, Hector Fernando. Universidad Nacional de Rio Cuarto. Facultad de Agronomia y Veterinaria. Departamento de Anatomia Animal. Laboratorio de Biología Cecular y Embriologia; ArgentinaFil: Romanini, María Cristina. Universidad Nacional de Rio Cuarto. Facultad de Agronomia y Veterinaria. Departamento de Anatomia Animal. Laboratorio de Biología Cecular y Embriologia; Argentin